In his first public speech since signing a peace deal with the Afghan government, one of Afghanistan's most notorious warlords on Saturday called for the Taliban to stop fighting and begin negotiations.





"I invite you to join the peace caravan and stop the pointless, meaningless and unholy war," Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said to a gathering of his followers and Afghan politicians in Laghman province, east of the capital, Kabul.





"I want a free, proud, independent and Islamic Afghanistan," he said.





In February the United Nations Security Council agreed to drop sanctions against Hekmatyar, paving the way for him to return openly to Afghanistan.





The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September.





Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed Hekmatyar's public return, saying the former strongman would cooperate with the government.





Hekmatyar's return "will compound the culture of impunity", Human Rights Watch researcher Patricia Gossman said of the deal, calling it an "affront" to victims of abuses.





A controversial figure from the insurgency against the Soviets in the 1980s and the civil wars of the 1990s, Hekmatyar is accused of ordering his fighters to bombard Kabul, leading to many casualties, besides other abuses.





In hiding for nearly a decade and a half, Hekmatyar had been designated a "global terrorist" by the United States, which has been leading an international military mission in Afghanistan for the past 15 years.




News / National

by Staff reporter

The African Union endorsed candidate for the post of Secretary General of the UNWTO, Dr Walter Mzembi has commended Africa and political players from across the divide for believing in him and supporting his candidature as he finishes the last leg of his campaign trail.Dr Mzembi has managed to visit 31 of the 33 voting nations ahead of the elections for the post of UNWTO Secretary General slated for the 12th of May in Madrid, Spain.On Saturday, his South African counterpart, Dr Tokozile Xasa hosted a dinner for Dr Mzembi rallied Africa to demonstrate unity of purpose by voting for him.She said Dr Mzembi is committed to address the challenges affecting the growth of the sector particularly for Africa.Dr Mzembi addressed local journalists this Sunday, commending the government and local political parties for setting aside their ideological differences and uniting for a national cause in supporting him.He expressed optimism that he will clinch the post given the support he enjoys from most states he visited.33 states will vote and Africa has 10 votes, while the Americas and Europe have 10 votes apiece.The AU endorsed candidate also called on the civil society to avoid spending a lot of negative energy peddling falsehoods on social media on the campaign but instead to build up on the positives in the race for Africa to land the coveted post for the first time.
A hard hiring freeze of almost all state agencies goes into effect today, and at least one department head is asking lawmakers for permission to pare back programs and services.

Wyoming Health Department Director Tom Forslund told lawmakers Thursday in Casper its difficult for his staff to provide the same level of services to the public, considering there are fewer people working for him.

Its easy to say, Attack the administration, attack the upper levels of government, Forslund told members of the Joint Labor Health and Social Services Committee. But I contend that part of the responsibilities of policymakers is to not only run efficiently But also to look at your core services. Are they still appropriate in todays world?

Rejecting tax increases, lawmakers have addressed the slide in oil, gas and coal revenue solely by cutting government.

The latest round of cuts came in the 2017 session, when lawmakers adopted a budget bill that implemented a hard hiring freeze, effective Monday, for all agencies except for the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Department of Corrections.

Anyone who quits or retires cannot be replaced, Forslund said.

Previous hiring freezes allowed some exceptions. For instance, if an agency head felt a particular vacant position was essential, he or she could seek permission from Gov. Matt Mead to fill it. The hiring freeze that begins Monday is rigid, he said.

Compounding the problem is that the Legislature instructed Mead to find an additional 90 positions across the state to cut in coming months, although lawmakers included a provision saying the savings could be found in other ways and not necessarily by touching jobs.

From July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2018, 319 positions will have been lost from the executive branch of state government, which includes agencies such as the Health Department, said David Bush, the governors spokesman.

About 7,500 people currently work in executive branch agencies, he said.

Mead was unavailable to comment on reducing services.

Some government services can be reduced by agency directors, in consultation with the governor, such as cuts that occurred July 1, when Mead reduced state government by $249 million to balance the budget.

An example of a program that went away was the End Stage Renal Disease Program, which covered medical payments for uninsured Wyomgingites with kidney disease, assisted with their insurance co-pays, covered prescription drug costs and subsidized travel to and from dialysis centers.

Cuts to other programs and services, however, need the Legislatures authorization, Forslund said.

About a decade ago, energy prices were high. Wyoming coffers received a boost in revenue, and with the new money, lawmakers created new state programs, Forslund said.

Were beating up the department for this huge increase, starting in 2006 through 2009, he said in regard to the number of programs the Health Department oversees. But these are all legislative actions that directed it. Ill show you the employee count, and the employee count is not up.

Rep. Scott Clem, a Gillette Republican, asked Forslund for a list of programs that have been added or enhanced. Forslund said he would be happy to prepare one and send it to lawmakers soon.

Casper Republican Rep. Pat Sweeney later said that no one likes tax increases but that a discussion needs to occur. Lawmakers need to be honest with their constituents about revenues and government services, he said, and get feedback on whether the public is OK with continuous reductions.

Wyoming has a history of implementing taxes when revenue is sorely needed and later repealing them. An example is the grocery tax, which the state eliminated about a decade ago, he said.

I would rather be proactive, he said. We can always reverse these taxes.
MANILA, Philippines  U.S. President Trump has called Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte and expressed Washingtons commitment to their treaty alliance and his interest in developing a warm, working relationship, a Filipino official said Sunday.

Presidential spokesman Ernie Abella said Trump mentioned he was looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November to attend an East Asia summit that Duterte will host with several world leaders and that Trump invited Duterte to visit the White House.

The discussion that transpired between the presidents was warm, with President Trump expressing his understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippine president, especially on the matter of dangerous drugs, Abella said in a statement.

A White House statement described late Saturdays call as very friendly and said the U.S.-Philippine alliance is now heading in a very positive direction.

Trumps chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said the friendlier ties are needed even with concerns about Dutertes human rights record, which includes extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users as part of the governments drug war. Priebus cited the military threat of North Korea.

The purpose of this call is all about North Korea, Priebus told ABCs This Week on Sunday. It doesnt mean that human rights dont matter.

Abellas remarks reflect the friendlier attitude Duterte has taken with Trump versus the antagonistic stance he had toward President Barack Obama, who he once asked to go to hell for criticizing the Philippine leaders bloody anti-drug crackdown.

During Obamas final months in office, the Philippine president moved to end his nations longstanding military alliance with the U.S.

Dutertes apparent dislike for Obama began when the U.S. State Department expressed concern over his drug war  which has left thousands of suspects dead.
WASHINGTON  President Trump is warning North Korea not to conduct another nuclear test, saying well see if such a step would trigger a U.S. military response.

Trump, in an interview aired Sunday on CBS Face the Nation, also said he believes Chinas President Xi Jinping, with whom he met weeks ago in Florida, has been using Beijings leverage to restrain North Koreas mercurial leader, Kim Jong Un.

In the interview, Trump said neither he nor Xi would be happy if Kim were to conduct a nuclear test, which would be North Koreas sixth. There were some expectations earlier this month that the hermit kingdom might conduct such a test in connection with patriotic holiday observances.

The test did not take place, but North Korea has continued with other actions the U.S. and its regional allies regard as provocations, including a failed test Saturday of a midrange ballistic missile. Kims government is known to be working to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking the United States.

Asked on CBS if a North Korea nuclear test would prompt U.S. military action, Trump replied: I dont know. I mean, well see.

Trump appeared to offer grudging praise for Kim, noting that he took over North Korea when he was 26 or 27 after his father died and has consolidated power despite challenges from the military and members of his family.

A lot of people, Im sure, tried to take that power away, whether it was his uncle or anybody else, he said. And he was able to do it. So obviously, hes a pretty smart cookie.

In 2013, North Koreas official news service reported that Jang Song Taek, Kims uncle by marriage, was executed for attempting to seize power. The report called Jang worse than a dog.

In a separate interview on CNNs State of the Union, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was asked if Trump was considering a pre-emptive strike against North Korea, especially if there were indications that it had developed a delivery system capable of carrying a nuclear weapon. I dont think so, he said.

I think we have to consider that option as the very last option, said McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee. He cited an array of dangers associated with any outbreak of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula, including North Koreas ability to strike Seoul with conventional artillery.

The major lever on North Korea, maybe the only lever, is China, he said.

Amid rising tensions with North Korea, the Trump administration has been sending mixed signals about its dealings with South Korea, long a bedrock regional ally.

Trump rattled many in South Korea last week when he said that Seoul should pay $1 billion for a sophisticated missile defense system that the U.S. and South Korea have begun installing. The Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, is intended to become operational within a matter of days.
Tucson ties

Here are a few of the bands that put Tucson on the map over the years:

 The Bled, a metalcore band that was active from 2001 to 2012.

 Giant Sand, Howe Gelb's band that's been active off and on since 1985.

 The Sidewinders, which had a major label record deal and later changed its name to Sand Rubies after a North Carolina band sued over naming rights. Interesting fact according to AllMusic: Pearl Jam once opened for them.

 Cumbia band Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta, which started in 2009.

 Mostly Bears, the launching pad for Brian Lopez, started in 2006. Lopez has gone on to carve out a desert rock/indie career that includes extended tours of Europe.

 Linda Ronstadt, the Tucson native who went on to superstardom in pop, rock, country and Latin music. Ronstadt retired from performing a couple years before she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2013; her last big Tucson show was in 2007 at the AVA at Casino del Sol.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some April 30 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages.
Citing Arizonas dismal rates of dental problems in children and adults, advocates are pushing for a type of provider called a dental therapist to be allowed here.

Dental therapists are mid-level providers, similar to the role that physician assistants and nurse practitioners play in the medical world. They are allowed in Minnesota, Maine and Vermont, on tribal land in Washington, Oregon and Alaska, and in some other countries including Australia and New Zealand.

An attempt to add dental therapists as licensed professionals in Arizona failed to pass muster with a legislative subcommittee in December, but advocates say they will try again. Paperwork required for the Arizona Legislature to consider legalizing dental therapists as providers is due Sept. 1.

The momentum behind dental therapy is so strong, not just in Arizona, that its no longer a question of whether dental therapists will be licensed here or in other states, said Kristen Mizzi Angelone, a dental policy officer with the Pew Charitable Trusts, which is working with proponents in the Dental Care for AZ coalition. Its really just a matter of when.

Proponents of dental therapists in Arizona, which include the conservative leaning Goldwater Institute, the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, argue that they could provide a limited scope of dental procedures such as fillings, extractions and crowns at a lower cost.

But theyve run into an obstacle in organized dentistry, which says adding a new category of health provider is the wrong strategy. The American Dental Association says there is a critical need to connect underserved people seeking care with dentists. The group says that can be achieved through increased awareness, outreach and improved funding for dental services under Medicaid.

There are other ways, the dentists say, to improve oral health in Arizona, such as adding more teledentistry, removing administrative barriers within the managed care system for Medicaid, and attracting more dentists to rural areas.

As for the dental therapists push, The problem that we have with the advocates for this model is that it operates from the wrong diagnosis, said Kevin Earle, executive director of the Arizona Dental Association.

It presumes that the problem we have here in Arizona is due to a workforce problem, or a workforce shortage. We strongly dispute that premise.

Goldwater finds

services lacking

Both sides of the dental therapist debate agree that Arizona could do much better when it comes to oral health.

Annual dental charity events in Phoenix and Tucson show the need.

Tucsons HopeFest event, which offers free medical and other services to populations in need, every year issues no camping rules to the crowds of people who want one of the limited free dental care spots. Attendees, some with painful infections, often take long crosstown bus trips to get to HopeFest and arrive the night before it starts, so desperate to get dental care that they will sleep outside on a sidewalk and wait for hours in line.

A report released this month by the Goldwater Institute and the Texas Public Policy Foundation found that of Arizonas 7 million residents, 2.4 million as of Jan. 1 lived in areas designated as dental-health-professional shortage areas, which means one or fewer dentists per 5,000 people.

Too often, oral health services in Arizona are unattainable, unaffordable, or delayed, says the report, titled The Reform That Can Increase Dental Access And Affordability in Arizona.

More than half of Arizona kindergarten children  52 percent  have a history of tooth decay, which is higher than the national average of 36 percent for 5-year-old children, a 2015 Arizona Department of Health Services report found.

But the problem is much worse for American Indian children.

A 2014 study by University of Colorado researchers found that 69 percent of Navajo preschool children in 52 Head Start classrooms had untreated tooth decay  more than three times the rate for 2- to 4-year-old children in other race and ethnic groups.

Goldwater, citing research by Arizonas First Things First, says 75 percent of American Indian third-graders in Arizona have a history of tooth decay.

Left untreated, cavities can cause pain and problems speaking, eating, learning and worse. People without dental care are vulnerable to heart and kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even premature death.

The solution, the Goldwater authors say, is dental therapists. One need not be an oral surgeon to perform the many procedures and services that licensed dentists perform, they note. On the flip side, they say, one need not be a dentist to perform a limited scope of common restorative and preventative procedures and services.

A dental therapy career is also a way for people to get into the profession without taking on the debt level of going to dental school, said report author Naomi Lopez Bauman, the Goldwater Institutes director of health-care policy.

There are Indian reservations that are desperate to hire providers. We believe there is a very, very big market in Arizona right now for this type of medical provider.

Dentists respond

To Earle of the Arizona Dental Association, one key to improving oral health in Arizona is ensuring more people have dental insurance through Medicaid, a government insurance program for low-income people. Arizonas Medicaid program does not offer any dental coverage to nondisabled adults, and an effort to extend coverage to pregnant women failed in this legislative session.

While children on Medicaid in Arizona have comprehensive dental coverage, Earle says research shows about half dont make use of it.

We should be looking at what are the real problems, and workforce is not a problem, he said. We have had our dental workforce grow by 7 percent over the last 10 years. We have two dental schools here in Arizona and we are graduating over 200 dentists from our two dental schools here.

Arizonas Medicaid program is the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). A proposal to add an emergency dental benefit of $1,000 per year for nondisabled adults on AHCCCS could be added during the states ongoing budget process this year. That could help somewhat, though oral health advocates say preventive care is the optimal coverage.

Earle also says that dental therapy in the U.S. is not well-established.

Essentially it is an experiment on a state-by-state basis, he said. Theres no consistency on the training, the scope of practice.

He also questions whether dental therapists would cost consumers less than dentists.

Dental practices are very capital intensive. Its very equipment oriented. The overhead is almost 70 percent of the cost of a procedure, Earle said. We dispute the fact that they say by using a dental therapist you can lower the cost of care. Theres no strong evidence to support that.

Dentist shortage

The rate of practicing dentists in Arizona is 53.89 per 100,000 population  below the national average of 60.79, the American Dental Associations 2016 data shows.

And that rate, while it has improved in the last 15 years, doesnt reflect the way the dentists are clustered, with big gaps in some areas, including Santa Cruz, Pinal, Greenlee and Yuma counties.

It is particularly acute in rural and low-income areas, Goldwaters Lopez Bauman said. Arizona is definitely faring worse than most of our neighboring states. Its one thing to wait two months for an appointment, but if there is no provider in your area, you may have to either wait longer or rely on emergency rooms for your care.

Waits to see a dentist on the Tohono Oodham Reservation are about three months, and the only available dentists are in the tribal capital of Sells, said Chester Antone, a tribal council member who represents the Pisinemo district. Drives to see a dentist from his district are 55 miles each way, he said.

We really need to get a handle on the oral health disparities in Arizona, said Antone, who is supportive of dental therapists. Its the remoteness we have a lot of problems with.

Antone said tribal members would like to see a career route for dental therapy offered through Tohono Oodham Community College.

Earle of the Arizona Dental Association acknowledges that a provider need exists in some rural areas. But there are solutions, such as improving funding for loan forgiveness programs, he said.

The question we need to think about in terms of public policy is what can we do as a state to attract providers into areas where there may be more of an access problem, Earle said.

Dentists are coming out $262,000 on average in debt. If there is an opportunity to reduce that debt by serving in an underserved area we should be looking at initiatives that try to address that.

Earle also suggests more robust use of teledentistry and technology to reach patients, and sending dental hygienists and assistants to remote areas like the Tohono Oodham reservation for initial patient assessments.

Affordability

Lopez Bauman and report co-author John Davidson of the Texas Public Policy Foundation noted the number of Arizonans who seek dental care in Mexico. Care across the border can be good, but its less consistent, less regulated, and not governed by Arizona standards, Lopez Bauman said.

A lot of individuals go to Mexico for their dental care because they dont have accessible and affordable dental care on this side of the border, Lopez Bauman said. If someone is truly concerned with patient safety and the quality of dental care they are getting, they really should be making this a more hospitable environment in Arizona for mid-level providers.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation in 2015 adopted a set of educational standards for dental therapists, which advocates cite as a nod toward the future of the profession.

Dental health aide therapists (DHATs) were introduced to Alaska Native communities in 2004, a move that survived a court challenge from dental groups. Now, Alaskan dental health aide therapists drill and fill teeth in villages that have gone without routine dental care for generations, journalist Mary Otto writes in her 2016 book, Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America.

Minnesota began allowing dental therapists in 2009. A 2014 report from the Minnesota Health Department found that dental therapists may reduce emergency room use; that clinics with dental therapists reported higher patient satisfaction; and that dental therapists made it possible for clinics to decrease travel time and wait times for some patients.

Arizona application

In order for unregulated health professions to request regulation or expansion in scope of practice, they must apply to the Arizona Legislature.

In December, a legislative subcommittee rejected the application submitted by the Dental Care for AZ coalition, which proposed licensing dental therapists to perform about 80 procedures, versus the 434 that dentists are allowed to perform. Sen. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix cast the only yes vote.

The advocates simply did not make their case very well, said Sen. David Bradley, a Tucson Democrat who voted against the application. The advocates failed to show that access was a serious issue in Arizona as a function of the number of providers available. Secondly, they really did not address the issue of safety adequately.

If the advocates make a better case, they will eventually get formal hearings in the regular legislative session, Bradley predicted.
A couple of months after Christel Wallace bought her new purse at Walmart she opened a small zipper pocket deep inside.

In March, she unzipped it for the first time to put a key there. Way down inside, she found a two-inch-by-two-inch piece of folded up paper  and promptly threw it in the garbage. Then she thought better of it, picked the paper out of the waste basket, opened it, and found a note written in the characters of an East Asian language.

Wallace showed it to her daughter-in-law, Laura Wallace, who found out the language was Chinese. Laura Wallace posted a photo of the note on Facebook April 23, as first reported by KVOA TV, and Chinese-speaking friends translated what turned out to be a sort of cry for help from a prison laborer on the far end of the global supply chain.

The writer said he was in prison in Guanxi, China. He (were presuming the writer is male) said inmates are forced to work 14 hours per day, until midnight. Those who dont finish their work are beaten or dont get food. They are paid just a little bit and if they get sick the cost of medicine is deducted.

He said they are treated worse than animals.

My heart went into my stomach, Christel Wallace said.

She had received a message from the underbelly of global trade, the place were not supposed to think about when we casually browse the aisles looking for the cheapest price.

We cant know, of course, that the note is authentic. Somebody could have slipped it in the purse anyplace along the path from producer to retailer. A competitor, a prankster, an activist seeking to prove a point. Its possible its a fake.

But the note has the ring of authenticity. It is written on coarse, cheap paper, about 5-by-7 inches, and those who translated the note found it to be poorly worded as if by someone without much writing experience.

Also, it is just the latest of these notes to appear in consumer products made in the overpopulated and poor parts of the world for those of us in the wealthy parts. Theyre found maybe once or twice a year. In 2011, a woman in Oregon found a note from a Chinese prison camp in a package of Halloween decorations called Totally Ghoul.

Two years later, CNN tracked down the man who claimed to have written the note, one of 20 he said he hid in products made at his camp. He had since been released. He was a member of the Falun Gong religious group and said he and others were subject to beatings, torture and sleep deprivation, but he would stay up late, after the other inmates were asleep, to write the notes to the outside world.

Just as important in evaluating the notes authenticity: What it describes is not surprising.

China has for decades used prison labor as it built up its position as a supplier of cheap goods to the world. The laogai were, or are, a network of prison labor camps similar to the Soviet Gulag. They were formally abolished in 2013 but have persisted in different forms, Amnesty International reported.

Regularly, the United Nations, various world trading partners and retailers in developed countries have put pressure on suppliers in China to treat their workers humanely.

A law professor at the University of Hawaii who specializes in international labor law pointed out to me there are treaties, laws and international standards intended to protect workers. A legal framework exists that theoretically protects Chinese prisoners and others from being forced to work to provide us cheap products, Professor Ronald Brown told me.

Thats even true of companies like Walmart. In response to my request for comment on the Sierra Vista note, a Walmart spokesman wrote: I can tell you that one of our requirements for the suppliers who supply products for sale at Walmart is all work should be voluntary as indicated in our Standards for Suppliers. He pointed me to those detailed standards.

And yet, obviously, our hunger for cheap products, and the retailers need to keep their prices down, means people cut corners. Suppliers may hide the true source of their products. Retailers may look askance. The bottom line is the bottom line.

The director of a New York-based organization called China Labor Watch told me Walmart, despite its standards, is particularly problematic.

Walmart are bad actors in the situation, Quiang Li said through a translator. They set a very bad example for the other companies.

Li said such notes making it out of prison camps in China are relatively rare. If his group can specify where human rights abuses are occurring, they try to send in undercover workers or reporters to document the problems, then expose them and get them corrected.

The note pierced the consciences of Laura Wallace and her mother-in-law Christel, who still carries that maroon bag with her. It cost her around $25, she said. Now she knows why.

You go into a store, buy it, use it, Laura told me as we sat at a cafe in Sierra Vista Friday. You dont take a second thought about how it was created, who created it.

Maybe we should.
Opinion / Columnist

IN the past week, the buzzword was "coalition", as MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai signed memoranda of understanding with his MDC and National People's Party (NPP) counterparts, Welshman Ncube and Joice Mujuru, respectively.Tsvangirai has said he is going to sign more such agreements with civil society actors and war veterans.While war veterans  or at least their executive  are seen as key players, it is important to take a step back and evaluate what they bring to the democratic table or there is a risk that the envisaged coalition will suffer stillbirth.Since the war veterans' leaders were expelled from Zanu-PF, they have made the right noises about democracy and how President Robert Mugabe is a tyrant that the country needs to get rid of.This has come as sweet music to the ears of all that want Mugabe out, but there has been a serious dearth of analysis of what the war veterans stand for because of this desperation to get Mugabe out that the so-called democracy activists are willing to turn a blind eye to what could cause a coalition to wobble and this could be fatal.Because of the desperate desire to see the President's back, anyone who says "Mugabe must go", is immediately seen as a friend and there is little interrogation of what that person proposes in the post-Mugabe era.The war veterans have made it abundantly clear that their preferred candidate in a post-Mugabe era is Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa and they are not willing to budge on that.They have evoked the Mgagao Declaration, which they say paved the way for Mugabe to take over the leadership of Zanu in 1975 and they say they are doing the same now to revoke their support for him and pave the way for Mnangagwa.In all their pronouncements, there is also a scary sense of entitlement, that because they fought in the liberation war, they should be the principal kingmakers and the rest of the country should dance to their tune.Every right-minded Zimbabwean is grateful to those that fought for the country, but this should not give them the right to hold the country to ransom by inferring they are more equal than other citizens.These are hardly the goals of the coalition that Tsvangirai is trying to put in place and this already sets the stage for future conflict.Just recently, the war veterans' leaders were quoted saying, in the fight against Zanu-PF political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, they were willing to forget their differences with First Lady Grace Mugabe and fight in the same corner with her.What comes to the fore is that war veterans are angry at a faction of Zanu-PF for ostensibly pushing them further away from the feeding trough and cannot be genuinely calling for change in the country's political terrain.If Mugabe, for example, were to fire Kasukuwere and the G40 faction and pronounce Mnangagwa as his preferred successor, it is not unimaginable that the war veterans will troop back to Zanu-PF hat in hand to apologise for the breakdown in their relationship.The war veterans' leaders, in spite of their being axed from Zanu-PF, continue to make pronouncements about that party as if they still belong to it and this should be a red flag for any so-called pro-democracy activist.By all intents and purposes, war veterans' leaders have remained part of Zanu-PF and the only reform they want in that party is for Mugabe to make way for Mnangagwa and they may not be bothered by the rest.If Tsvangirai manages to get war veterans on his side, which will be a huge coup, then that sets the stage for conflict with another arm of the planned coalition  that is Mujuru.Mujuru's aides have in the past said they were not too keen on joining hands with the war veterans' executive, as the former fighters had made it clear that they were doing Mnangagwa's bidding  and as the world knows, there is no love lost between Mujuru and her successor in Zanu-PF and government.In this regard, Tsvangirai has a decision to make to either go with Mujuru or the war veterans' leaders.In the desperation to see out Mugabe, the opposition needs to be very careful of who they go to bed with because if they go into coalitions blindly, they might be set back decades and with that their only chance of ousting the veteran ruler would have gone begging.The war veterans' leaders could be well-meaning, but their fixation with Zanu-PF, its internal contradictions and succession is toe curling and should be enough for anyone to think long and hard before calling on them to join a pro-democracy coalition.The war veterans have been part of Zanu-PF machinery for eons and it would be folly to expect them to get over their connections with the party that hastily, but if they are out of Zanu-PF they ought to behave like it.For example, Dumiso Dabengwa turned his back on Zanu-PF and hardly pronounces himself on its succession or factionalism and neither does Mujuru, so if these two former senior party members can do that, why can't war veterans do the same?Tsvangirai, in his wisdom, can decide that the war veterans' executive is a key cog in any coalition, but he should also prepare for heartache, as the fights in Zanu-PF now point to the former freedom fighters' man having the upper hand and that makes their return into the ruling party's fold likelier.
Leman Academy of Excellence continues its expansion across Southern Arizona with the launch of an online charter school for grades K-8.

Leman Virtual Academy, which will begin enrolling students on June 1, was created with the home-school community in mind.

The more comprehensive and well-planned the partnership between school and home, the higher the scholars achievement, the the academys board wrote in the online school application. Leman Academy of Excellence and Leman Virtual Academy believes in partnering with the home knowing the significant role parents play for their child to reach their full potential in life.

The charter school opened its first brick-and-mortar campus in Marana in 2015, followed by a Sierra Vista location last year. An Oro Valley campus will open its doors in August and the first day of classes for the virtual academy is July 1.

Leman Academy follows the model of classical education, which teaches children in three phases rooted in the age of the Greeks. Joseph Higgins, CEO of the academy, said that many home-school parents were attracted to the model and wanted to be able to implement it at home.

Over the nine-month process of getting the online school approved, the board held focus groups with home-school parents and built the online program around what they learned.

The online curriculum will mirror what is taught in classrooms, but it will be up to parents to decide if their child will take advantage of resources, like computers and tutors, available on site.

Some things we heard: some want a lot of autonomy, some want to plug in a lot to the campus and talk to the teacher to see how theyre doing, how their kid is doing, Higgins said. My vision is, as we build out a new campus, we take three or four classrooms and create a lecture area, a lab, some break rooms, and maybe like a Starbucks gathering area so the kids can be in tutoring, and the moms and dads can have their coffee, talking to each other, bonding and creating community.

Higgins predicts that the online school will have between 35 to 50 students its inaugural year, although it is budgeting for 100. The idea is that in the future, each Leman Academy campus will have 100 additional online students, he said.

Teachers at the permanent campuses can supplement their incomes and teach an online class along with an in-person one. As the program grows, Higgins said he hopes to hire more teachers dedicated to online instruction.

So far, Leman Virtual Academy has a principal and two permanent staff members dedicated to building up the curriculum and creating the training that parents and their children will need to go through.

Higgins said that while the parents will be responsible for helping their childs education, the staff will be responsible for tracking instructional minutes and for administering end-of-year tests. The staff will check in on students, providing support and enrichment when needed.

Were excited, Higgins said. It was a really complex process to get through, and that was because I think theres been so many folks that have gone in and not had a good model. Youve got to have results, so were very committed.
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.
President Trump marked 100 days in office vowing to keep his campaign promise to build a wall along the border with Mexico.

Despite widespread skepticism and Mexicos refusal to pay for the wall, as Trump has demanded, the U.S. government has been soliciting bids and test sections could be built as soon as this summer.

Physical barriers are as old as humanity and have proven to be effective over the centuries at protecting borders. But fences can also have unwanted consequences, like destroying city neighborhoods, harming the environment and preventing innocent victims from reaching safety.

Here is a look at some of the worlds barriers. Some are rather simple, while others are massive enterprises that cost billions. Generally they have been paid for through standard budgeting procedures, with none sparking a funding dispute of the kind that has emerged with Mexico.

For more video, images and detail on each, visit tucne.ws/lbc.

UNITED STATES AND MEXICO

A third of the U.S.-Mexico border is already studded with an assortment of fences, and closing off the rest will be no easy task.

Much of the border in Texas is blocked by the Rio Grande or other natural barriers, or runs along land owned by private citizens, many of whom oppose the wall.

There also is much skepticism over whether the fence would stem drug trafficking, illegal immigration or gang violence.

ISRAEL AND THE WEST BANK

Israel began construction of its 150-mile separation barrier in 2002 in response to Palestinian suicide bombings that killed more than 1,500 people.

Israel says the structure is a crucial defense measure. But because it frequently juts into the occupied West Bank, the Palestinians see it as a land grab that impedes their dream of establishing an independent state.

KASHMIR

India needed just two years to build a 340-mile fence along the disputed border area with Pakistan a decade ago. Now a high-tech barrier, it is laced with thermal imaging devices, motion sensors and lighting systems along a mined strip of land between two rows of coiled razor wire.

The Indian military calls it an anti-infiltration obstacle system, designed to keep Pakistan-based rebels from crossing over in their fight for Kashmirs independence or merger with Pakistan.

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers are deployed on both sides, sometimes standing eye to eye, making it one of the worlds most militarized areas.

CYPRUS

A U.N.-controlled buffer zone and frontier stretches 120 miles from coast to coast across the tiny island, separating the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from the internationally recognized south. The division dates to 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece.

The frontier is rarely marked by a physical wall, with the notable exception of the capital, Nicosia, where one runs through the heart of the Old City. At its narrowest point, just a few meters separate Greek Cypriot national guardsmen from Turkish and Turkish Cypriot troops.

Decrepit, crumbling buildings inhabiting this no-mans land stand in stark contrast to the trendy bars and coffee shops that have sprouted up nearby.

THE KOREAN PENINSULA

The Demilitarized Zone, a Cold War vestige, was created in 1953 after the Korean War ended with an armistice. Running from coast to coast, the 2-mile-wide, 154-mile-long DMZ bisects the peninsula and forms the de-facto border between the Koreas.

Mined on both sides, with a razor-wire fence, tank traps and hundreds of thousands of troops, the DMZ is the worlds most heavily fortified border. More than a million mines are believed to be buried within it. Some 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggression from North Korea.

The DMZ also includes the truce village of Panmunjom, which despite animosities is a popular tourist spot drawing visitors on both sides.

KENYA AND SOMALIA

Kenya decided to erect a wall along its Somalia border after an April 2015 attack by Islamic extremists killed 148 people, most students, at a university.

Initially the Kenyan government announced a 435-mile wall, but officials say just 18 miles of fencing have been completed.

Some doubt whether the wall will be effective given the busy cross-border smuggling trade, which benefits powerful officials on both sides.

HUNGARY

Hungary built fences along its southern borders with Serbia and Croatia in 2015, when thousands of migrants were passing through each day headed to Germany and other destinations in western Europe.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a staunch opponent of migration, and Hungary has been accepting only a few hundred asylum-seekers a year.

Human rights groups and U.N. agencies have been critical of the fences and the countrys restrictive asylum policies. There are increasing reports from aid groups about police brutality against migrants being pushed back to Serbia, allegations Hungary denies.

FRANCE

A concrete wall, a -mile long and 13-feet high, is the finishing touch on an already elaborate defense system against migrants in the northern French port city of Calais.

Britain doled out the $2.9 million to pay for the edifice along the highway leading to the Calais port, much used by truckers crossing the English Channel.

Migrants flocked to Calais for years, hoping to sneak into Britain, often in freight trucks. A huge makeshift camp was dismantled in October, with thousands of migrants bused to special centers.

SPAIN

Spain has built 20-foot layered border fences around its two North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, to dissuade migrants, now mostly from sub-Saharan countries, from entering them via Morocco.
OPINION: "Let's keep our heads for the next few weeks. It could be chaotic, but we'll get through it. When the dust settles, we'll get to work figuring out if we still have a functioning democracy in Arizona," writes Curt Prendergast, the Star's opinion editor.
Many of the more than 600 personnel fighting the Sawmill Fire southeast of Tucson are being sent home, fire officials said, as containment increased to 94 percent Sunday afternoon.

Incident commander Bea Day said in a community update Sunday that her team will be demobilizing its resources  the engines, crews and logistical support  as the fire winds down. A small contingent of firefighters will stay on to monitor the perimeter over the next week.

The Sawmill Fire has burned more than 46,000 acres since it started on Sunday, April 23.

A Border Patrol agent who was engaged in recreational shooting near Box Canyon, about 10 miles southeast of Green Valley, is being investigated as the fires cause, authorities said Friday. The agent, whose name hasnt been released, reported the fire immediately after it began.
Opinion / Columnist

The leadership of President Robert Mugabe is generally viewed as a dictatorship. Political history informs us that dictators have a propensity to hand over power within their family circles. The obtaining scenario in Zimbabwe shows that President Mugabe is making preparations for a member of his family, his wife Grace Mugabe to take over the honour of a dictatorship when he dies. In North Korea power was passed on for three generations of the Kim family, with Kim Jong-Un taking over for father Kim Jong-Il, who in turn succeeded his father, Kim Il-Sung. In Syria, Bashar el-Assad inherited the mantle of power from his father, Hafez el-Assad, and in Cuba, with Raul Castro taking over for brother, Fidel Castro. Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-hye impeached on bribery charges took over power after the death her father. It will appear that the easier way of taking over of an existing dictatorship is to inherit it by consensus from the incumbent dictator to a family member to create another dictator. The transition and transfer of power by the president to his wife is on course. President Mugabe is not under pressure to choose a successor he is under pressure to sell his chosen successor to his party.President Mugabe is convinced that his chosen successor possesses the requisite skills and attitude for as successful dictator. Grace Mugabe qualifies to walk the footsteps of President Robert Mugabe because she craves for absolute power.Power has been implanted in her mind set. Her desire of absolute power is leading to the development of setting strategies to get into power by all costs and this propels her to want more of it. Dr Grace Mugabe's desire for power is driven by the constant fear and a sense of insecurity in the event of loss and separation with the significant others such her husband President Mugabe. This fear is also based on her fallacies about what will become of her without the protection of the president. Power, money and wealthy is used to compensate for her insecurities and it is used as a decoy for status symbol, protection and control over others. Given the perceived fear factor Dr Grace Mugabe is adopting maladaptive coping strategies by attempting to acquire, possess and hoard power, material resources and money as much as possible to overcome her fear factor. The more she gets these concreate power sources of money, businesses, internal and external properties, farms, off shore accounts and control over the once feared Mnangagwa, Sekeramayi, Chombo, Chinamasa, Chiwenga and the rest, the more she wants these power sources almost driving her to a point of compulsion and obsession. The desire for power is making Dr Grace Mugabe egocentric and self-centred.Joseph Stalin and Saddam Hussein were notable of their narcissistic behaviour including execution of their perceived detractors as a means to hold on to power. President Mugabe ordered the killing of Ndebele people in 1980s due to paranoia, egoism and narcissistic penchants associated with fear of loss of power. Grace Mugabe is a product of President Mugabe and she has now earned the name "Stop it!" There is an inclination to believe that Dr Grace Mugabe is narcissistic and self-serving, this being attributed to her brutal verbal attacks and purging of Joice Mujuru and Ray Kaonde; illegal diamond deals sometimes going wrong, displacement of poor villagers to acquire more land illegally, staging fake attempts to bomb the Gushungu dairy business, stealing goods confiscated at ZIMRA to donate to the unsuspecting poor as if they were hers and donating government tractors to farmers in her name. It appears the taste of power is making Dr Grace Mugabe detach herself emotionally from the basic rules of ethics and the needs of others. She has in essence become less able to see things from the point of view of those she is causing distress.Her approach is about criticising her perceived competitors for failing to provide services, accuse them of treasonous crimes of attempting to topple the President, undermining the first family, undermining the authority of the president, insulting the president while portraying herself as coming in to fix the national problems of the people by of course providing superficial remedies that do not go far in resolving deeper national crisis. Dr Grace Mugabe does not trust anyone more than she has to. Although Grace needs supporters beyond President Mugabe to consolidate her power take over, she engages them with ambivalence and she is conscious that her supporters support her because of what she promises and gives them. While Grace engages her supporters to implement strategic missions she is positioning her supporters to taste power too that can make them crave for more power like her. They may in turn attempt to overthrow her. Dr Grace Mugabe is coping with this anxiety and fear by using intimidating tactics of both her friends and supporters. Her ambivalence relationship with her G40 counterparts defines the fear factor running down her nerves. The following incidents are not very far from being shot from the door steps of the first family.Saviour Kusakuwere is accused of creating parallel structures to topple the president and the same time acting as his rescuer simple to make him more obedient to her. Jonathan Moyo is accused of creating a support base in Tsholotsho when he donated hundreds of bicycles to the Tsholotsho community from STEM money. Sarah Mahoka and Sandi Moyo are accused of aspiring to be future vice presidents. Dr Grace Mugabe is coping with her feelings of paranoia by carefully intimidating friends and foes alike. It worked for Joseph Stalin (1920 -1953) during his leadership of the Soviet Union. The general rule is that Grace is providing her supporters with just enough rewards but not enough to allow them to build up their own resources and structures to turn on her.The evidence is that Grace constantly reviews and renews her cadre of supporters at every stage of her overall strategy. She builds a new core support group at every stage of her strategies and dismantles it once her strategy is achieved. Grace appears to know when her key activists have stopped to be an asset for her or when they have become a liability or when she suspects them to be threat to her chances of assuming power. She will then plot to get rid of them using other people, groups, individuals or ZANU PF structures projecting a false belief that the people have spoken not her in getting rid of certain individuals she no longer needs within her ranks. Sarah Mahoka and Sandi Moyo from women league, former youth leader, Tsenengamu, Gomwe and Emmerson Mnangagwa too were used in the un-ceremonial purge of Joice Mujuru and her counterparts. When that mission was accomplished they had to be discarded. The attempted cyanide attack on Emmerson Mnangagwa was not an ordinary and isolated incident and little has been done in the way of investigations into the crime.The controversial doctorate was meant to be a symbol of charisma, intuition and intellect despite the outcry from the mainstream but the longer it has gone society has comes to accept the title of "doctorate" conferred by the one and only President RG Mugabe. Benito Mussolini earned notice of the people for his charm and ability to persuade others. Dr Grace Mugabe with the distinguished doctorate has yet to convince people on whether she is a persuasive speaker.
Bum Steer fire

Tucson Fire Department firefighters try to get their ladder maneuvered into position above the flames breaking through the eastern roof while battling a fire at the former Bum Steer, 1910 N. Stone, Saturday, April 29, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. It took almost three hours for more than 40 firefighters, including three ladder trucks, to get the blaze under control. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Representation matters.

That's what the local women behind Girls Can! Crate, a monthly subscription box that introduces girls to awesome historical women, believe.

Each crate comes with a booklet about an historical woman and activities based on her accomplishments. For example, if this month's lady was a scientist, the crate would include all of the supplies needed to do a couple experiments.

The business was founded by three Tucson women  Kristen Snyder, Alison Shores and Megan Goodman  who want to empower girls and inspire them to go for their goals, despite obstacles they may face.

"One of the things is that most of the women we feature in our boxes have overcome huge obstacles," Shores said. "I think that's a big piece of our boxes, is showing girls that even if it looks like there's no way, it's still possible."

As a young girl, Goodman says she remembers doing reports on scientists or artists and they'd all be men.

"That changes your perception," Goodman said. "So we want to elevate the stories of women."

Girls Can! believes that if little girls see women who look like them, think like them and are passionate about the same things as they are, they'll see they can be whatever they want and have the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Do you know these ladies?

Have you heard of Nellie Bly? She was an American journalist who had herself checked into a New York City asylum to expose the conditions of patients there in 1887. She also took a solo trip around the world in 1889  by donkey, steamboat, train, you name it. Women didn't do things like that back then.

Or, how about Patsy Mink? She was the first woman of color and the first Asian American woman elected to Congress. Her mission was to change laws that denied women entry into medical colleges after she was denied by 20 of them. So, she became a lawyer instead, wrote Title IX of the Higher Education Act, which prohibited gender discrimination in all federally funded educational institutions.

Nancy Roman? She's an American astronomer who was one of the first women executives at NASA. Many know her as the "Mother of the Hubble" for her efforts in planning the Hubble Space Telescope.

No? Us either.

But subscribers of Girls Can! Crate have heard of these amazing women, since they've been featured by the business.

It is intentional that the women featured in the crates are racially diverse, Shores said. And, not just women from the United States, though many of them are.

Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up

"We want to make sure we have women from all over the world because women all over are pretty amazing," Goodman said.

How it works

Customers have the option to purchase one box, or sign up for a monthly subscription. Prices range from $25.95 per crate to $29.95, depending on the plan you choose.

Previous crates are also sold at Mildred & Dildred, in the La Encantada Shopping Center.

Ten percent of the proceeds are donated to a non-profit organization that benefits girls  GEMS, Days for Girls or SheHeroes. Customers get to choose which of the three organizations, their dollars will go to.

Each box is put together by the three business owners, from start to finish.

They decide who to feature, do the research, write the books, create and test activities, design and illustrate activity guides, have them printed and package them up.

Eventually, the trio hopes to grow enough to employ other women, but for now it's just the three of them and an occasional intern.

Girls Can! Crate has subscribers all over North America from Arizona to Florida to Canada.

"We've had numerous moms write that they'd never heard about these women," Snyder said. "For that reason alone it excites me every month. We just wanted to do something with meaning and this has meaning."
Question: Im hoping you can help me. Last November, my husband and I purchased round-trip tickets on Air Canada from Washington, D.C., to Tel Aviv, Israel, to visit our family for this Passover holiday.

Unfortunately, my daughter  who lives in Israel  was hit by a car, and I have to fly there immediately to take care of her when she gets out of the hospital. After spending more than two hours on hold with Air Canada, the airline told me that it would cost me over $2,000 to change my ticket, so I hung up and purchased a one-way ticket to leave the next week. It happens to be on Air Canada, since that was the best ticket I could find.

Now friends and colleagues are telling me that if I dont show up for my originally scheduled flight, I wont be able to return from Tel Aviv. Im asking for your help in trying to find the best way to make sure I have a smooth flight over without having to worry about returning. Needless to say, Im tremendously stressed about my daughter and her injuries, and would rather not have to worry about the greedy airlines.  Reena Roshgadol, Pikesville, Maryland

Answer: Your friends are right. If you dont show up for your flight to Tel Aviv, Air Canada will cancel your entire itinerary.

Air Canada is both right and wrong to do this. Its right in the sense that this is a standard airline practice and that it makes sense on one level. If you miss your outbound flight, canceling the rest of your itinerary frees up a seat for another passenger.

But its wrong to charge a $2,000 change fee, given your circumstances. Why does Air Canada do this? Because it figures that ticket changes such as this are likely to be made by business travelers, who are on an expense account. And also, because it can.

You were trying to get around Air Canadas change fee by buying a new ticket, which makes sense until you understand how the system works. The airline really wants you to pay a change fee.

When you explained your circumstances to Air Canada, it should have waived some or all of its fees as a goodwill gesture. The airline shouldnt want to collect a hefty change fee from someone who is just trying to take care of an injured daughter. You even sent pictures of your child in the emergency room, which were pretty compelling. I have no idea why the airline didnt help you.

You also could have contacted one of the airlines executives. I list the names, numbers and emails of Air Canadas customer-service managers on my consumer-advocacy site: http://elliott.org/company-contacts/air-canada/.
On Tuesday Foreign Correspondent takes a spectacular journey into the wilds of Mongolia in search of an ancient, imperilled tradition  the Kazakh golden eagle hunters.

A stunning collection of images and a preview link are available to media on request.

When a 13-year-old girl called Aisholpan shot to fame in the documentary The Eagle Huntress, her raw Mongolian homeland entranced audiences as well.

Its desolate, otherworldly steppes, valleys and snowy peaks provide the dramatic backdrop for Kazakh tribespeople who cling proudly to their practice of hunting with tamed golden eagles.

As correspondent Matthew Carney soon discovers, its a universe away from Hollywood.

In a quest to meet the surviving eagle hunters, Carney and cameraman Steve Wang take an old Russian jeep forging through mostly roadless terrain in one of the most inhospitable parts of the planet, where the mercury can plunge as low as minus 40.

Winter is the time to hunt  and the Foreign Correspondent team encounters veteran hunter Beken, his son and their golden eagles. After hours of searching, they spot a fox. Then, as the camera rolls, they unleash their powerful birds.

When I see the eagle fly, I feel free. When she catches a fox I feel great its like magic!  Bekens son Bakhbergen

The men are custodians of a thousand-year Kazakh tradition thats threatened on several fronts  climate change, the introduction of guns for hunting and the allure of distant cities.

If my son says Im going to school far away and Im not going to become an eagle hunter, I cannot tell him otherwise  Beken

Oddly enough, what might help sustain the old tradition is a breath of modern feminism. The Eagle Huntress makes some men bristle  but the exploits of its heroine Aisholpan are inspiring young girls.

Of course girls can do anything boys can do. We are resilient  Akbota, a 14-year-old who trains to be an eagle hunter

Orken, Akbotas eagle hunter dad, is backing her all the way.

My daughter is very brave. I want to encourage girls like Akbota and Aisholpan  Orken

Older hunters worry that the practice is dying. But as Matthew Carney reports, there is a youthful optimism among the kids who are learning it.

This is a Kazakh national treasure and I want to do my part to keep it alive  Akbota

9.30pm on Tuesday May 2 on ABC.
- T. S. Eliot

Thoughts After Lambeth

"The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide."
Next week is an anniversary that no parent would ever want to live through, however, for Madeleine Mccanns parents, it will mark 10 Years since the 3-year old went missing from an apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Madeleine McCanns parents have told the BBC that they would do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to find their missing daughter. Her father Gerry has said that they "tried everything in our power to not have a long, protracted, missing person case like this".

Even after such a long period of time they both hold hope they can find her with Kate confirming "There is still hope that we can find Madeleine.

Stating that real progress had been made the last five years by Metropolitan police.

A 10-year battle

The anniversary of Madeleines disappearance is something no parent should have to face and Kate McCann stated that she was more hopeful than in 2007 of finding Madeleine but it was "horrible marker of time, stolen time. Originally the investigation had 30 officers searching for her but has since been scaled back to 4, with approximately 11 million having been spent so far on the search. An extra 85,000 has been granted to the search to extend from April to September. With the Met Police chief leading the investigation has stated that there is no evidence to suggest Madeleine is dead.

It has come under a lot of criticism that a significant chunk of money has been spent on one child however, there have been several other crimes involving British tourists that have been uncovered due to the investigations.

The former Portuguese detective, Goncalo Amaral, wrote a book about the disappearance and suggested that it was the parents Kate and Gerry Mccann who faked the abductions, the McCanns have stated that they are going to continue the legal battle with Amaral. The book was initially banned by a Portuguese court, but the ruling was overturned by the countrys highest court.

A new normality

Since Madeleines disappearance they have had to adapt, from their little perfect nuclear family of five to a family of four, they also have twins. Within the last 5 years they have been able to devote more time to their family and work, adapting to their new normality. It is a situation that no-one should ever have to adapt to but despite the constant media attention because of the amount of time and money spent on the case.

They still buy birthday and Christmas presents for Madeleine. Mrs McCann has stated that it is different from the early days because at that time they did everything they could to find her, but now they must get on and live life.

Much of the criticism they have face has been due to the amount of publicity they have been getting and they have said that they have stopped going on social media because of the amount of abuse aimed at them. Stating that it was a side to human nature that they hadnt encountered before. The 10-year anniversary is a painful reminder for the family who have had to endure on and they have always held out hope that their daughter can still be found.

The reality of missing children

Whilst public reaction is generally negative, who can blame them for not wanting the case to be closed and wanting to find out what happened to Madeleine all those years ago. Often embarrassed by the amount of money spent on the case Kate was shocked to find out how much other big cases have cost and states that the case of Madeleine will have brought to light the reality of child abductions, with approximately 140,000 missing children a year in the UK. Perhaps solving the case of Madeleine McCann will help authorities in the future?
Donald Trump: Celebrates his first 100 days at the White House this Saturday

The military offensives in Syria and Afghanistan and the appointment of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme, rank among the successes of the US president. However, the stumbling blocks with Obamacare, the migratory veto and the Mexican wall, rank among the blunders. trump's unexpected demonstrations of military force in Syria and Afghanistan and the appointment of Conservative magistrate Neil Gorsuch in the Supreme Court are among the successes, while the stumbling blocks in some of the issues he flagged during the election campaign, such as the veto of the citizens of Muslim countries, add to the list of Donald Trump's most sonic failures until now.

Donald Trump: Main achievements in 100 days

Military power, The attack on Syrian Shayrat's Military base, in response to Al Assad's use of chemical weapons, has left the dictator and his main support, Russia, in bad shape. To this was added shortly after the coup of the launching of "the mother of all bombs" in Afghanistan, which killed a hundred jihadists.

Majority in the Supreme, The appointment of Neil Gorsuch as magistrate guarantees the conservative majority in the Supreme Court.

Tax rebate, The tax reduction plan is the most ambitious since the Reagan era, with the aim of triggering growth.

NAFTA Review, The renegotiation of the agreement with Canada and Mexico can improve the US trading position.

...subject to the fact that if we do not reach a fair deal for all, we will then terminate NAFTA. Relationships are good-deal very possible!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2017

Donald Trump: Failures in first 100 days

End of Obamacare, The suppression and replacement of Obama's health care system had to be postponed by stagnating in Congress, with no short-term solutions.

The wall with Mexico, Trump, forced to delay the work for lack of economic departure. Donald Trump's intentions to build a wall with Mexican border had a great controversy and was badly criticised by the American citizens.

Democrats used to support border security  now they want illegals to pour through our borders.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2017

Judicial overhangs, The judges vetoed citizens of Muslim countries with terrorism.

Seven countries of Muslim majority were banned by the Trump administration to enter the US.

The Russian Connection, The shadow of the connection with Vladimir Putin in the election campaign does not disappear. The investigation is moving forward with the FBI and Congress.

Conflicts of interest, The possible incompatibilities are a constant, more so with the president's daughter, Ivanka Trump, in the white House.
The scandal surrounding Donald Trump and Russia increases on an almost daily basis, and even some Republicans are not pleased with it. While the administration continues to deny any wrongdoing, Arizona Sen. John McCain has decided to voice his opinion.

McCain on Trump

Not long after Donald Trump announced his campaign for president, rumors circulated that he had ties back to Russia. Trump has denied the allegations, despite evidence being released that links himself, and past and current associates, back to the Kremlin. Around the same time the earlier Trump-Russia rumors started, Trump delivered his first criticism of John McCain, mocking the senator for being captured and becoming a POW during the Vietnam War.

Since that time, Trump's relationship with the senator of Arizona has been rocky at best, with a clear difference of opinion on the topic of Russia. During a March 31 interview with CNN, McCain elaborated further on his thoughts about the issue at hand.

(McCain's comments on Trump and Russia start at 3:20 in the above video.)

Sitting down with CNN contributor David Axelrod was John McCain, and the 2008 Republican presidential nominee didn't hold back his views on Donald Trump's recent comments about Russia and Vladimir Putin. McCain spoke about a remark that was made by Trump during a recent Fox News interview where the former host of "The Apprentice" brushed off the claim that Putin was a "killer." "We've got a lot of killers," Trump said, before adding, "What, do you think our country's so innocent?"

McCain: Trump Suggesting Moral Equivalence Between U.S. and Russia Was Appalling https://t.co/BRWc60gDkq (VIDEO) pic.twitter.com/uKmnZcwY5K  Mediaite (@Mediaite) March 31, 2017

In response, John McCain fired back.

"To state that there is some moral equivalency between an imperfect nation, that's the United States of America, and Vladimir Putin is appalling," McCain said of Trump.

Next up

This isn't the first time that John McCain has been critical of Donald Trump or Russia. McCain has routinely referred to Vladimir Putin as a "murder" and a "thug," and whose criticism doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon.

In addition, not long after Trump was elected, McCain threatened to sue the president if he moved forward with his plan to reinstate the use of waterboarding to extract information from suspected terrorists.
Over the last week, another curve ball has been thrown into the growing scandal at the White House. As the issue heats up, White House Press secretary Sean Spicer is showing clear signs of frustration.

Spicer clash

Ever since Donald Trump was elected president, the headlines news has been dominated by allegations and reports linking the president to Russia. Whether it's his past and current associates having ties to the Kremlin, or additional information adding to the scandal, the former host of "The Apprentice" has been forced to deflect the topic of conversation into other areas.

Earlier this month, Trump took to Twitter and accused former President Barack Obama of wiretapping his office in Trump Tower, though he's failed to provide any credible evidence to back up his claim. Since then, two stories have intertwined with the allegation. House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes broke protocol by bypassing his committee members during an investigation over Russia to reveal information to the president, while former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn offered his testimony on the issue in exchange for immunity. These topics were discussed with Sean Spicer during the March 31 press briefing at the White House.

"What he did, what he saw and who he met with was 100 percent proper," @PressSec says of Rep. Devin Nunes' WH visit: https://t.co/H9n7JKbYS7 pic.twitter.com/nOMJbPlrRI  CBS News (@CBSNews) March 31, 2017

As Sean Spicer was taking questions from the press on Friday afternoon, he quickly became irritated over so much focus being put on the aforementioned issues involving Michael Flynn and Devin Nunes.

When one reporter asked how Nunes was able to find his way into the White House during a late-night meeting with high-ranking officials last week, Spicer was not pleased. "What he did, what he saw and who he met with was 100 percent proper," Spicer claimed. As the reporter continued to push the issue, asking Spicer is Chief of Staff Reince Priebus knew about the meeting, the press secretary showed signs of being triggered into anger.

"No one knew he was coming to speak to the president," @PressSec says of Rep. Devin Nunes' WH visit: https://t.co/H9n7JKbYS7 pic.twitter.com/PU8iZgl4F2  CBS News (@CBSNews) March 31, 2017

"OK...OK. You are playing cute there! You are doing two things," Sean Spicer said. "One is you are talking about the Oval Office, and the other is the campus," he continued, before adding, "No, the chief of staff does not know every single person that is on the 18 acres at any given time!" Not stopping there, Spicer continued to lash out at the press.

"I don't know!" he said of the meeting, while noting, "Again. You asked two questions and you melded them together. No one knew he was going to speak to the president."

On Flynn

Later on during the press briefing, Sean Spicer was asked about Michael Flynn's willingness to testify. Spicer claimed that Donald Trump was being supportive and encouraging of the retired general's decision, saying "do what you have to do." At this point, the press secretary quickly deflected from the issue, and attempted to tie Hillary Clinton and her old campaign back to Russia, while accusing the media of ignoring the alleged link between both sides.
Morgan Joyce Varn, 24, was arrested recently along with another suspect in Lancaster County, S.C. on charges of armed robbery, kidnapping and property damage. She is currently sitting in Lancaster County Jail without bond. While this isnt normally a story that would capture nationwide attention, her Mug Shot went viral on social media, basically because it looks so incredibly scary. In the mug shot, Varn can be seen to have bleached blond, streaky hair, tattoos all over her forehead, darkened lips and the most ominous-looking black eyes.

As noted in a report by the Charlotte Observer, social media went wild with speculation over her strange appearance, with several wondering if the mug shot was faked, after the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office posted her mug shot on Facebook  along with that of her partner in crime.

Social media rife with speculation over woman with black eyes

Several people on Facebook and Twitter launched a debate over her black eyes, wondering if her strange appearance was due to eye tattooing, a procedure where a dye is applied directly to the eyeball. But most simply found her appearance to be alarming, with several social media commenters suggesting a priest should maybe be called in. FOX5 Las Vegas apparently took note of Varns image and posted it on their Facebook page with a note reading Heres a Mugshot to Haunt Your Nightmare.

Woman with black eyes arrested in Indian Land, S.C.

Varn was arrested with 23-year-old Johathan Mikael Robinson and two other adult males near Indian Land, S.C.

after a SWAT team launched an operation. Robinson is charged with armed robbery, kidnapping and weapons charges after the pair held up a man at gunpoint, demanding his money and his cellphone. KTLA reports Varn was arrested after the SWAT team found her with a stolen weapon in her home on Monday night, along with ammunition and a fair amount of cash.

Not her first brush with the police

This wasnt Varns first brush with police, however, although it was a completely different scenario this time. According to a report by the York Herald, deputies in South Carolina helped Varn to give birth to a baby girl back in 2015. Apparently Varns water broke and she went into labor before she was able to get to the hospital.

The deputies reportedly helped deliver her baby girl Nala in an ambulance. As can be seen from a video about the story, her appearance was somewhat different back then, leading people to wonder what happened between then and now.
Mariah Petrea, 19, of Stanley, N.C. told the Gaston Gazette that she bought the baby Raccoon from a local breeder. However, she added that she cried a lot when she was forced to surrender her pet to Mecklenburg County animal care and Control. She told the newspaper that the baby raccoon was affectionate and would sit on her and cuddle up. After he had eaten, he would always climb on her shoulder and nestle into her neck.

Baby raccoon bought as fifth pet for the North Carolina woman

According to a report by the Charlotte Observer, Petrea bought the baby raccoon  which she named Riker  as a fifth pet, as she already has a cat and three dogs in her home.

However, things went wrong for her when she and her boyfriend went to a pet shop in Charlotte to buy some milk for the tiny raccoon. Petrea said it was chilly, so she took the raccoon into the shop to keep him warm.

Stanley woman forced to surrender her animal after bringing him inside Charlotte pet store.https://t.co/DR5cNn7BtE  Adam Lawson (@GazetteLawson) April 28, 2017

Baby raccoons owner mentioned rabies in the pet shop

Her big mistake was to tell customers in the shop not to mess with her pet, as she knows raccoons have a reputation for carrying rabies. Having done this, someone immediately alerted the Mecklenburg County Animal Care and Control. Officials then asked for the identification of the couple in question, as it is illegal to own a raccoon without a permit in North Carolina.

Petrea was then forced to surrender her pet on Tuesday, knowing what would happen to poor Riker. Reportedly a rabies test would require the baby animal to be euthanized and beheaded before testing.

Reportedly the Health Department had warned previously that raccoons are major reservoirs for rabies and that anyone who came into contact with the animals may need shots.

They now say shots are not necessary in Petreas case.

Petrea says she cried a lot on Thursday, when Animal Care reported the test for rabies had come back negative. However, now that its over, Petrea says knows exactly what she will not do next time, adding that this will not stop her from getting another baby raccoon.

Just a comfy baby raccoon taking a nap... pic.twitter.com/vISqBULXw4  Life on Earth (@planetepics) April 22, 2017

Petrea went on to say that Riker was a friendly animal during the short time she owned him, always cuddling up to her and climbing on her shoulder.

She went on to add that she hasnt yet been able to explain the tiny animals death to her three-year-old son, who has noticed that something has changed. Petrea went on to say that her son doesnt really understand what has happened yet, but that he knew Riker wasnt where it normally was.
After his first 100 Days in the White House, Donald Trump decided to celebrate by holding a rally. During the event, Trump noticed an African-American supporter in the crowd and gave him a shout-out during his speech, while also dealing with protesters who attempted to crash the event.

Trump's rally

The 2016 presidential election produced one of the most controversial campaigns in history. Donald Trump was never seen as a serious candidate, and surprised many when he was able to gain momentum and become the Republican nominee last summer. After the former host of "The Apprentice" pulled off the upset and defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton last November to become the 45th President of the United States, the reaction was of shock and awe from the American people.

Since then, Trump has struggled in his job as commander in chief, as he's dealing with a wide-range of problems that have plagued his administration. From the growing Russian scandal, fighting within his own administration, and controversial executive orders that have failed in the court, Trump has pushed back and blamed the mainstream media for much of his troubles. Trump's feud with the press has continued to present day, as he decided to skip the annual White House Correspondence Dinner and hold a rally for himself instead. As reported by Fox News on April 29, Trump gave his speech which didn't go over with many.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday night, Donald Trump gave himself credit for his alleged accomplishments during his short time in office.

"We are eradicating the criminal gangs and cartels that have infiltrated our country," he said, before citing his policies regarding trade, immigration, foreign policy, and others. Not long after, protesters made trouble in the crowd, prompting Trump to call for them to be kicked out of the event.

As expected, Trump then went on to bash the media, notably CNN and MSNBC, labeling them "fake news" to the delight of the crowd.

While speaking, the president noticed an African-American in the crowd holding a "Blacks for Trump" sign. "Thank you for that sign: 'Blacks for Trump,'" Trump said, before adding, "I love that guy."

Twitter reacts

In response to Donald Trump's rally, social media users were quick to fire back. "I need a shirt that says 'White Not For Trump,'" one tweet read.

"Obviously he was paid to be there. Maybe all attendees were," a follow-up post read in regards to the "Blacks for Trump" incident. "How much you want to bet it's a white guy holding the sign?" one social media user wondered.

Trump is proof that democracy does not work. #TrumpRally  Colin James (@colinmjames) April 30, 2017

@FoxNews @POTUS How much you want to bet it's a white guy holding the sign?  SpoCane (@jdizzle954) April 30, 2017

@FoxNews @POTUS Obviously he was paid to be there. Maybe all attendees were.   tiffany thorne (@ThorneTiffany) April 30, 2017

"This is the worst episode of Reading Rainbow I've ever seen," another Twitter user wrote in reference to the president reading a poem during his rally. "TrumpRally because even idiots need a hero," a tweet read. The reactions kept pouring in as "Trump Rally" quickly started to trend on Twitter.
In the past, former presidents such as #Barack Obama have enjoyed the company of the press and also Hollywood at the ritzy White House correspondents dinner. First ladies have hung out with major news editors, presidents have told jokes and even sung on the stage, and actors have taken it all in with a degree of awe, since they are not usually comfortable around the press.

But this year it was a more #solemn affair as a ballroom full of press and the media got together to quietly mourn their loss of respect and freedom from the new administration.

They also were given a chance to do so without the glare of Famous actors and actresses from Hollywood in attendance. And without Trump, who wasn't there.

As the guests headed off to after-parties, they told reporters that the night was a 'needed tonic', to the Hollywood centric atmosphere of Correspondents Dinners in the past. It may have lost it glitz, said Politico Magazine's Blake Hounshell, but it "recovered its self-respect.

The most famous actors in the room were Matthew Modine and Alan Ruck, who appeared in Ferris Buellers Day Off. Missing were the loved pros such as Rachel Maddow, Olivia Wilde (who hails from a family of journalists) and Will Smith.
One of this year's most highly anticipated superhero films comes in the form of DC's "Wonder Woman," the Gal Gadot film that was promised by the end of last year's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." The first DC superhero film with a female lead is set to debut June 2, and director Patty Jenkins hints at some ideas that she already has for a sequel.

Diana Prince heading to America?

"Wonder Woman" has long been known as an American superhero, but in the upcoming film, viewers will get to see her beginnings in Themyscira, surrounded by heroines of her kind.

It is there where she will meet Chris Pine's Steve Trevor, who warns her of a deadly war that's been brewing in the west. She then travels with him to London, but it is assumed that that's how far the film will go, which is why director Patty Jenkins is already thinking about Diana Prince's journey beyond the first film and into America.

"Im excited for her to come to America and become the Wonder Woman we are all familiar with from having grown up around her as an American superhero," Jenkins told the Toronto Sun. With "Wonder Woman," the upcoming Gal Gadot film will tell the character's origins story, which Jenkins admittedly believes is "a treasure trove of potential" because "no one had done her story" just yet.

This will be the first time the character will take the lead on the big screen, despite her popularity in the 1970s with Lynda Carter's live-action TV series.

Two new TV spots released, hints at the origin of 'Diana'

As June 2 is now fast approaching, Warner Bros has released another TV spot for the upcoming Gal Gadot film. In it, "Wonder Woman" fans can see just how awkward it was for Chris Pine's Steve Trevor to explain what Diana was to his colleagues.

He also cuts her off when she tries to explain that she is "Diana, Princess of Themyscira," thereby acquiring the name of "Diana Prince" instead.

Another "Wonder Woman" promo was debuted by director Patty Jenkins via Twitter, Movieweb reported. In it, Diana explained, "When war ravaged the Earth, the gods created us. I will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves." This, along with several exciting fight scenes, is featured in the 30-second clip that also features Danny Huston as Erich Ludendorff.

"Wonder Woman" will arrive June 2, and stars Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta, Robin Wright as General Antiope, David Thewlis as Ares, and Elena Anaya as Maru/Doctor Poison.
Apple Watch is popular with consumers as it helps track their health and fitness levels. Apart from these, the smartwatch is equipped with an SOS feature that can aid one in an emergency as a 22-year-old college student from Maryland discovered recently. For Casey Bennett, his Apple Watch was literally a life savior when the student met with an unfortunate accident.

What happened to Bennett?

The incident happened on April 6 when Casey was hanging out with his friends. They went to Target and got a bag full of jelly beans before heading toward the campus.

After dropping one of his female friends, Casey was driving home when his Jeep was hit by another car.

Caseys vehicle flipped over badly, resulting in the airbags getting deployed. He found himself dangling from the front seat with the seat belt holding him. His iPhone fell from the center console of the jeep, directly on his nose. While he was trying to figure out how to get out from the mangled car, he pressed the side buttons of his Apple Watch for around six seconds. The incident happened near one of the busy intersection in Catonsville.

Apple Watch the savior

What happened when Casey did this was that the SOS feature on the device activated. It automatically called 911 and the smartwatch also sent a text to all the emergency contacts on his list.

Apple Watch informed the recipients about the emergency and his location.

According to him, someone else had called 911 and informed them about the accident. After six minutes, the team came to the spot. The firefighters helped him to climb through the sunroof of the tilted jeep and he was taken to the ambulance.

The emergency message which was sent from his smartwatch had already alerted his father who was near his home.

He rushed to the location to meet him and accompanied Casey to the hospital. Due to the accident, which kept him restrained to the front seat, Casey suffered a bruise on his chest. He also hurt his knees after getting hit by the side door.

Emergency feature

The emergency SOS feature was introduced for the smartwatch in 2016, with the watchOS 3 update.

By holding the side button on the wearable for a few seconds  like Casey did  one can alert 911. One need not go via several apps to alert ones emergency contact that they are in a concerning situation. After the incident Casey sent a message to Apples CEO Tim Cook, thanking him for including the emergency option in the Apple Watch. Apple responded that they were glad he was safe.
On Saturday morning, Turkish residents who tried to access Wikipedia were met with a loading icon and a server time-out message. The block is one of many which Turkey has imposed on anti-government and social media sites. The Turkish Communications Ministry said in an email statement on Saturday that the block of Wikipedia was due to the site being part of a "coordinated smear campaign."

Monitoring group Turkey Blocks said that the block is affecting all language editions of Wikipedia. They determined that the block is similar to the Turkish government's use of internet filters to censor other online content.

Articles linked Turkey to terror groups

The statement from the ministry said that the Turkish government blocked Wikipedia after the online site did not respond to requests to remove content and articles by writers, saying that they spread lies linking Turkey with militant terrorist groups. The Turkish Communications ministry said in the email statement, Instead of coordinating against terrorism, it has become part of an information source which is running a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena.

Wikipedia's Founder, Jimmy Wales stated on Twitter that "access to information is a fundamental human right." The tweet further stated that he stood by the Turkish people to fight for this right.

Access to information is a fundamental human right. Turkish people, I will always stand with you and fight for this right. #turkey https://t.co/5ZAsc9coVX  Jimmy Wales (@jimmy_wales) April 29, 2017

Turkey blocking websites not a new thing

According to BBC Turkey correspondent Mark Lowen, Turkish authorities frequently block websites, especially social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and anti-government websites.

He further stated that critics say that the blocking of access is consistent with Turkey's repression of free speech, claiming that over 50% of all requests to Twitter to remove content were from the Turkish communications ministry. Turkey currently ranks 155 of 180 in the watchdog Reporters without Borders press freedom index.

The higher the ranking, the higher the country's repression of journalistic freedom.

Wikipedia writes article about Turkish block

Ironically, not long after the Turkish block, a post on Wikipedia called "2017 block of Wikipedia in Turkey" appeared on their site. The article details the incident and cites the Turkish Communication Ministry statement, along with content from news agencies. A note at the top of the page was added, saying that the page is marked to be deleted in accordance with Wikipedia's policy.
It was a sweltering Saturday afternoon when the mercury hit 90 degrees around 3 pm; Nikki White was one of the many sitting on the edge of the sidewalk across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.

She was one of tens of thousands of protesters in Washington participating in the People's Climate March on Saturday.

The protesters started from Capitol Hill around 12:30 pm and marched on Pennsylvania Avenue toward the White House, ending at the Washington Monument.

White said she was quite disappointed in US President Donald Trump for doubting climate change.

"So he won't fund it; he takes away funds from it," she told China Daily, referring Trump's plan to cut funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

White noted that climate change affects every country. "A decision made in the US affects Canada," said White, who is originally from the US but moved to Canada. She was visiting her family in Washington.

"Anything he stands for has nothing to do with what I stand for. It's the opposite," White said.

During his presidential campaign, Trump called climate change a "hoax" created by the Chinese and said he will pull the US out of the Paris climate agreement. Since taking office, his administration has rolled back some Obama-era regulations on fossil fuels.

On Friday, the EPA removed some climate change information from its website. In a press release, the EPA said the website is undergoing changes to reflect the agency's new direction under Trump and administrator Scott Pruitt.

In a rally on Saturday evening in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Trump said he will make a big decision regarding the Paris accord next week, but did not provide details.

An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people took part in the rally in Washington on Saturday, according to The Washington Post, quoting the number given to the National Park Service by march organizers. Saturday was Trump's 100th day in office.

The same People's Climate March, which originated in New York in September 2014, also took place on the same day in many other US cities as well as some cities outside the US.

Robert Labaree came from Boston to join the rally in Washington. He said his wife participated in the Boston rally.

"The administration is just too deep in the pocket of large corporations, especially the fossil fuel industry. It seems quite clear," he told China Daily. He also took part in the tax rally on April 15 and science march on April 22, both in Boston.

Marching in the procession included a brass band. Some were dancing while holding their signs. The signs were mostly colorful. One blue sign read "Protect Water" while a red one said "Planet on Fire".

One man, with a white beard and wearing a green cap, held a sign that proclaimed "Oceans Are Rising, So Are We."

An elderly woman sitting in a wheelchair held a sign that reads: "I am 91, Mother Earth is even older than me, Respect your elders."

Another woman, her body wrapped with a US national flag, held a sign stating "Climate Patriot."

A Gallup poll released on March 14 shows that a record percentage of Americans are concerned about global warming, believe it is occurring, consider it a serious threat and say it is caused by human activity.

The perceptions are up significantly from a 2015 poll. Some 45 percent of Americans now say they worry "a great deal" about global warming, up from 37 percent a year ago and significantly higher than the low point of 25 percent in 2011.

Another 21 percent say they worry "a fair amount" about global warming, while only 18 percent say they worry "only a little"; 16 percent said they worry "not at all".

Randy Orwig, from North Carolina, told China Daily that he went to the protest to make sure the environment is taken seriously.

Orwig said he doesn't believe Trump represents the long-term interests of the United States and the world.

"We are going to resist. We are going to find ways to work around him. We are going to be working in the local governments, municipal governments and continue to make climate important," he told China Daily.

China and the US are the two largest carbon emitters in the world, but per capital carbon emission in the US is more than twice that in China.

Contact the writer at chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page.

Loading...

Checking your browser before accessing the website.

This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly.

Please wait a few seconds.
Supreme Court of Nevada. PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF NEVADA, A PUBLIC AGENCY, A PUBLIC ENTITY AND COMPONENT OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, Appellant, v. SHAE E. GITTER, AN INDIVIDUAL; AND JARED SHAFER, AS SPECIAL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF KRISTINE JO FRESHMAN, Respondents. PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF NEVADA, A PUBLIC ENTITY AND COMPONENT UNIT OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, Appellant, v. SHAE E. GITTER, AN INDIVIDUAL; AND JARED SHAFER, AS SPECIAL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF KRISTINE JO FRESHMAN, Respondents. W. CHRIS WICKER; AND WOODBURN AND WEDGE, Petitioners, v. THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF CLARK; AND THE HONORABLE JAMES CROCKETT, DISTRICT JUDGE, Respondents, SHAE E. GITTER; AND JARED SHAFER, Real Parties in Interest. No. 69208, No. 69939, No. 69961 Decided: April 27, 2017

BEFORE THE COURT EN BANC. Woodburn & Wedge and W. Chris Wicker and Joshua M. Woodbury, Reno, for Public Employees' Retirement System of Nevada, W. Chris Wicker, and Woodburn and Wedge. Christopher G. Nielsen, Carson City, for Public Employees' Retirement System of Nevada. Bailey Kennedy and Dennis L. Kennedy, Kelly B. Stout, and Amanda L. Stevens, Las Vegas, for Shae E. Gitter and Jared Shafer, as Special Administrator of the Estate of Kristine Jo Freshman.

OPINION

By the Court, GIBBONS, J.:

In this consolidated matter, we are asked to determine whether (1) Nevada's general slayer statutes apply to the Public Employees' Retirement Act (PERS Act) for the purposes of determining payment of survivor benefits, (2) the Public Employees' Retirement System of Nevada (PERS) is exempted from paying prejudgment or post-judgment interest out of the PERS trust fund, (3) an expert consultant must testify to recover $1,500 or less in costs for that expert under NRS 18.005(5), and (4) attorney fees were appropriate under NRS 7.085 and 18.010. We hold that Nevada's general slayer statutes are applicable to the PERS Act so that any person who kills their PERS-member spouse must be treated as if they predeceased the PERS-member spouse for the purposes of determining payment of survivor benefits. In such a case, the PERS member shall be treated as unmarried at the time of his or her death so that benefits may be paid to a survivor beneficiary. We also hold that PERS is not exempt from paying prejudgment or post-judgment interest, though interest should have been awarded in this case under NRS 17.130. We further hold it is within the district court's discretion to award up to $1,500 in reasonable costs for a nontestifying expert consultant under NRS 18.005(5). Finally, we reverse the award of attorney fees, which we conclude should not have been awarded under NRS 7.085 and 18.010.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Kristine Jo Freshman was employed by the Clark County School District and a member of PERS for 24 years. In 2009, Kristine was killed by her husband, Walter Freshman. Walter pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was adjudicated a killer as defined by NRS 41B.130 the following year. Before her death, Kristine designated her daughter, Shae E. Gitter, as her survivor beneficiary.

PERS survivor benefits

In 2011, Gitter applied to PERS for survivor benefits. PERS denied Gitter's request, indicating the following in its denial letter:

NRS 286.671 [et seq.] governs [PERS] regarding benefits for survivors. In the case of a member who was married at the time of death, the member's spouse and minor children are the persons eligible to receive benefits.

NRS 286.669 provides that if the spouse is convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a member of [PERS], the spouse is ineligible to receive any benefit conferred by any provision of the [PERS Act] by reason of death of that member. Neither this provision, nor any other provision in the [PERS Act], makes any other person eligible to receive such benefit. Based upon the previously mentioned statutes, [PERS] is unable to pay benefits pursuant to your application.

After retaining legal representation, Gitter and respondent Jared Shafer, as special administrator of the Estate of Kristine Jo Freshman (Kristine's Estate or, collectively, Gitter), requested copies of Kristine's PERS records. PERS indicated it was unable to release records to Gitter or Kristine's Estate because neither was entitled to survivor benefits. Ultimately, Gitter petitioned the probate court and obtained a court order instructing PERS to provide copies of Kristine's records.

After PERS produced Kristine's records, Gitter and Kristine's Estate filed suit seeking to collect Gitter's survivor benefits. On Gitter's motion for partial summary judgment, the district court granted Gitter's claim for declaratory relief establishing that NRS Chapter 41B (Nevada's slayer statutes) is applicable to NRS Chapter 286 (the PERS Act). Specifically, the district court found as follows:

NRS Chapter 41B applies to PERS benefits for survivors of a deceased PERS member, including, but not limited to Spousal Benefits and benefits for a survivor beneficiary pursuant to NRS 286.6767.

 Pursuant to NRS 41B.310(3), [Walter] is deemed to have predeceased [Kristine] for the purposes of determining entitlement to PERS benefits for survivors as set forth in NRS 286.671-286.679, inclusive.

 Pursuant to NRS 41B.310(3), PERS shall treat [Kristine] as being unmarried at the time of her death for the purpose of determining entitlement to PERS benefits for survivors.



 Gitter is entitled to survivor benefits as set forth in NRS 286.6767-286.6769, inclusive.

In light of the district court's summary judgment order, the parties stipulated to the amount of back payments that PERS owed to Gitter: $203,231.76. However, Gitter filed a motion seeking prejudgment and post-judgment interest after PERS asserted it was not permitted to pay interest under the PERS Act. Gitter argued PERS owed prejudgment and post-judgment interest under NRS 99.040(1)(a), NRS 99.040(1)(c), or NRS 17.130. PERS argued it was not obligated to pay interest because interest is not identified as an expense that may be paid from the PERS trust fund pursuant to NRS 286.220(4).

The district court granted Gitter's motion and, in its judgment on the amounts due, ordered PERS to pay interest under NRS 99.040(1)(a). The district court found that in 1986, Kristine and her qualified employer entered into a contract, which includes eligibility for PERS benefits (including survivor benefits) as part of its compensation package and does not fix a rate of interest for any portion of the compensation due thereunder.

Expert witness fees

Gitter later filed a memorandum of costs and disbursements, which included $5,000 in expert witness fees as costs for a financial consultant. Gitter provided the district court with the financial consultant's invoice and curriculum vitae. PERS moved to retax costs, challenging the $5,000 in fees paid to a nontestifying expert. The district court found [i]t was reasonable for Gitter to retain a financial consultant to review amounts calculated by PERS and calculate interest amounts, and that the financial consultant was qualified to do so, even though the consultant was not disclosed as an expert witness. Additionally, the district court found that Nevada law was unclear as to whether fees could be recovered in excess of $1,500 for nontestifying experts. Because the consultant was not deposed and did not present any testimony, reports, or affidavits, the district court could not evaluate whether excess costs were appropriate. Thus, the district court granted PERS's motion in part, limiting the expert costs to $1,500 pursuant to NRS 18.005(5).

Attorney fees

Gitter also filed a motion for attorney fees pursuant to NRS 7.085 and 18.010, seeking $96,272.50 and arguing that PERS and its counsel repeatedly took unreasonable positions that were unsupported by Nevada law. At a hearing on the motion, PERS and its counsel maintained that its defense was well grounded and based on a reasonable interpretation of the PERS Act. Nonetheless, the district court granted Gitter's motion and ordered PERS and its counsel to pay attorney fees pursuant to NRS 7.085(1)(a) and 18.010(2)(b).

In its order, the district court found that Gitter was entitled to attorney fees because PERS and its counsel acted unreasonably and vexatiously, and maintained a defense without reasonable grounds and not warranted by existing law. The district court also found that in contesting Gitter's entitlement to benefits and interest, PERS raised numerous arguments that were unsupported by any legal authority, violated established canons of statutory interpretation, and/or were completely devoid of merit. With respect to the reasonableness of the fees, the district court found that the hourly rates charged by the attorneys and paralegals working on Gitter's case were reasonable; the invoices' billing descriptions were of sufficient detail to assess the difficulty, intricacy, importance, and skill required to perform each task; and the number of hours billed was reasonable.

After the district court ordered attorney fees against PERS and its counsel, PERS filed the instant consolidated appeals, and its counsel filed the instant writ petition.

DISCUSSION

Nevada's slayer statutes are applicable to the PERS Act

The parties dispute the applicability of Nevada's general slayer statutes, NRS Chapter 41B, to the PERS Act, NRS Chapter 286. The PERS Act allows a survivor beneficiary to receive payments only if the member is unmarried on the date of the member's death. NRS 286.6767(1). Otherwise, the payments go to the member's spouse and any minor children. See NRS 286.673, 286.674-.67665. Pursuant to the PERS Act slayer statute, however, [a]ny person convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a member of [PERS] is ineligible to receive any benefit conferred by any provision of this chapter by reason of the death of that member. NRS 286.669.

Similarly, NRS 41B.200(1) mandates that a killer cannot profit or benefit from his or her wrong. Pursuant to NRS 41B.310(1), a killer of a decedent forfeits any appointment, nomination, power, right, property, interest or benefit that, pursuant to the provisions of a governing instrument executed by the decedent or any other person, accrues or devolves to the killer based upon the death of the decedent. Unlike the PERS Act slayer statute, however, NRS 41B.310(3) further provides that [i]f a killer of a decedent forfeits any appointment, nomination, power, right, property, interest or benefit pursuant to this section, the provisions of each governing instrument affected by the forfeiture must be treated as if the killer had predeceased the decedent.

PERS argues there are no eligible beneficiaries to receive payments of Kristine's contributions. PERS maintains that (1) under NRS 286.6767 it is prohibited by law from making payments to [Gitter] because [Kristine] was married at the time of her death, and (2) under NRS 286.669, it is prohibited by law from making payments to [Walter] who was convicted of the murder of [Kristine]. In reaching its conclusion, PERS argues that Nevada's general slayer statutes are incompatible with and cannot be applied to the PERS Act, and that its interpretation of the PERS Act is entitled to deference.

Standard of review

PERS challenges the district court's order granting partial summary judgment on Gitter's declaratory relief claim, which ordered that NRS Chapter 41B applies to NRS Chapter 286 so that Walter is treated as predeceasing Kristine, such that Gitter is entitled to survivor benefits. This court reviews a district court's order granting summary judgment de novo. Wood v. Safeway, Inc., 121 Nev. 724, 729, 121 P.3d 1026, 1029 (2005). Additionally, [q]uestions of statutory construction, including the meaning and scope of a statute, are questions of law, which this court reviews de novo. Davis v. Beling, 128 Nev. 301, 314, 278 P.3d 501, 510 (2012) (quotation marks omitted).

Gitter is entitled to PERS survivor benefits because Nevada's slayer statutes are applicable to the PERS Act

PERS argues that applying Nevada's slayer statutes to the PERS Act would render the provisions of NRS 286.669 meaningless and superfluous. We disagree.

[W]hen a statute's language is plain and its meaning clear, the courts will apply that plain language. Leven v. Frey, 123 Nev. 399, 403, 168 P.3d 712, 715 (2007). Only when a statute is ambiguous will this court resolve that ambiguity by looking to the statute's legislative history and construing the statute in a manner that conforms to reason and public policy. Las Vegas Dev. Assocs., LLC v. Eighth Judicial Dist. Court, 130 Nev., Adv. Op. 37, 325 P.3d 1259, 1262 (2014) (internal quotation marks omitted). While statutory interpretation should not render any part of a statute meaningless, a statute should not be read to produce absurd or unreasonable results. Leven, 123 Nev. at 405, 168 P.3d at 716 (internal quotation marks omitted). Accordingly, whenever possible, a court will interpret a rule or statute in harmony with other rules or statutes. Watson Rounds, P.C. v. Eighth Judicial Dist. Court, 131 Nev., Adv. Op. 79, 358 P.3d 228, 232 (2015) (quoting Nev. Power Co. v. Haggerty, 115 Nev. 353, 364, 989 P.2d 870, 877 (1999)).

NRS Chapter 41B applies to governing instruments, see NRS 41B.310, [n]otwithstanding any other provision of law, NRS 41B.200(1). Governing instrument is defined to include [a]ny public or private plan or system that entitles a person to the payment or transfer of any property, interest or benefit, including, without limitation, a plan or system that involves  [p]ension benefits, retirement benefits or other similar benefits. NRS 41B.090(9)(a).

Accordingly, we hold that Nevada's slayer statutes are applicable to the PERS Act. PERS is a governing instrument, and the statutory language of NRS 41B.090(9)(a) clearly indicates NRS Chapter 41B applies to the instant matter notwithstanding NRS 286.669. Additionally, reading the statutes together does not render NRS 286.669 meaningless. Rather, we read the statutes in harmony so that Walter receives no benefits under NRS 286.669, but is also treated as if he predeceased Kristine, under NRS 41B.310, for the purpose of determining that Gitter is entitled to survivor beneficiary benefits.

Additionally, PERS argues that the application of NRS 41B.310(3) is directed at the spousal benefit and, thus, provides no basis to award Gitter survivor beneficiary benefits under NRS 286.6767. We disagree.

The provisions of NRS Chapter 41B do not abrogate or limit the application of  [a]ny provision of a governing instrument that designates  [a]ny other beneficiary who is not a killer of the decedent. NRS 41B.200(2)(b)(2). Because nothing in NRS Chapter 41B abrogates the rights of a nonkiller, we conclude that Gitter, as an innocent party, has her own rights to claim benefits under the PERS Act.

Deference to PERS

PERS argues that its interpretation of the PERS Act is entitled to deferencenamely, that NRS 286.6767 allows for benefits to be paid only if the member dies unmarried. We disagree.

While PERS may be granted deference in interpreting the PERS Act, it is not entitled to deference in interpreting other statutes of general applicability like those organized within NRS Chapter 41B. See, e.g., Meridian Gold Co. v. State ex rel. Dep't of Taxation, 119 Nev. 630, 635, 81 P.3d 516, 519 (2003) (noting courts generally give great deference to an agency's interpretation of a statute that the agency is charged with enforcing  (emphasis added) (internal quotation marks omitted)). Therefore, we do not defer to PERS in concluding that NRS Chapter 41B applies to the PERS Act.

Interest should have been awarded under NRS 17.130

Standard of review

The parties next dispute whether and under which statute PERS must pay prejudgment and post-judgment interest. Whether the statutes allowing for prejudgment and post-judgment interest are applicable here is a question of law that this court reviews de novo. See Kerala Props., Inc. v. Familian, 122 Nev. 601, 604, 137 P.3d 1146, 1148 (2006) (We review an award of prejudgment interest for error.). Cf. In re Estate & Living Tr. of Miller, 125 Nev. 550, 553, 216 P.3d 239, 241 (2009) (applying de novo review when a party's eligibility for a fee award is a matter of statutory interpretation).

PERS is not exempted from paying interest

PERS argues the payment of prejudgment and post-judgment interest is neither anticipated by nor permitted under NRS Chapter 286. PERS argues that it has a duty not to pay interest because interest is not identified as an expense that may be paid from the PERS trust fund pursuant to NRS 286.220(4). Additionally, PERS argues that the payment of interest would diminish the fund and adversely affect all PERS members. We disagree with PERS's contention that it does not have to pay interest.

Interest may be awarded where allowed by statute. Gibellini v. Klindt, 110 Nev. 1201, 1208, 885 P.2d 540, 544 (1994). Prejudgment and post-judgment interest awards are allowed by the statutes at issue here, NRS 99.040 and 17.130, and PERS points to no statute that prohibits the district court from awarding interest under the circumstances of this case. Therefore, if either of these statutes applies, PERS is obligated to pay prejudgment and post-judgment interest even though the PERS Act does not expressly provide for the payment of interest.

PERS must pay interest pursuant to NRS 17.130

PERS argues that NRS 99.040(1)(a) does not apply because Gitter was not a party to any contract, and Gitter's right to benefits can only be based on statutes. Rather, PERS argues, if interest is appropriate, it should have been awarded under NRS 17.130. We agree.

When there is no express contract in writing fixing a different rate of interest, NRS 99.040(1)(a) provides for interest in cases [u]pon contracts, express or implied, other than book accounts. NRS 17.130(2) provides for interest on any judgment [w]hen no rate of interest is provided by contract or otherwise by law, or specified in the judgment.

The district court erred in concluding that Gitter's survivor benefits constituted money due in a case upon a contract. Pensions are part of an employment contract, see Pub. Emps.' Ret. Bd. v. Washoe Cty., 96 Nev. 718, 722, 615 P.2d 972, 974 (1980), but Gitter has not produced a contract to which she is the intended beneficiaryPERS's obligation to pay survivor benefits is statutory, not contractual, and a designation form identifying a member's intended beneficiaries is not a contract. Thus, we reverse the district court's award of interest under NRS 99.040(1)(a) and remand with instructions for the district court to award interest under NRS 17.130.

Gitter is entitled to $1,500 in costs for expert fees under NRS 18.005(5)

Standard of review

The parties next dispute the availability of costs for a nontestifying expert consultant under NRS 18.005(5). This court review[s] an award of costs for an abuse of discretion. Logan v. Abe, 131 Nev., Adv. Op. 31, 350 P.3d 1139, 1144 (2015).

The district court did not abuse its discretion in awarding costs to Gitter for expert fees under NRS 18.005(5)

PERS argues that the district court abused its discretion in awarding costs under NRS 18.005(5) because Gitter's expert consultant was never disclosed, never filed a report and never testified. We disagree.

NRS 18.020(3) provides that [c]osts must be allowed of course to the prevailing party against any adverse party against whom judgment is rendered  [i]n an action for the recovery of money or damages, where the plaintiff seeks to recover more than $2,500. Under NRS 18.005(5), costs include [r]easonable fees of not more than five expert witnesses in an amount of not more than $1,500 for each witness, unless the court allows a larger fee after determining that the circumstances surrounding the expert's testimony were of such necessity as to require the larger fee.

The district court did not abuse its discretion in awarding $1,500 in costs for Gitter's expert consultant. Nevada law establishes that an expert must testify to recover more than $1,500 in expert fees. See NRS 18.005(5); Khoury v. Seastrand, 132 Nev., Adv. Op. 52, 377 P.3d 81, 95 (2016). However, NRS 18.005 does not require an expert witness to testify in order to recover fees less than $1,500. Logan, 131 Nev., Adv. Op. 31, 350 P.3d at 1144. Additionally, the district court found the fees to be reasonable. Accordingly, the district court's findings are sufficient for this court to affirm its award of costs under NRS 18.005(5).

Nonetheless, we take this opportunity to clarify the law with respect to expert witness fees under NRS 18.005(5). See Frazier v. Drake, 131 Nev., Adv. Op. 64, 357 P.3d 365, 374 n.12 (Ct. App. 2015) (noting the seemingly inconsistent caselaw on this issue); see also Bergmann v. Boyce, 109 Nev. 670, 680, 856 P.2d 560, 566 (1993) (affirming an award of expert fees below the statutory cap and holding an expert need not be called as a witness as a predicate for such an award); Mays v. Todaro, 97 Nev. 195, 199, 626 Nev. 260, 263 (1981) (allowing witness fees if the witness had been sworn and testified). Under NRS 18.005(5), an expert witness who does not testify may recover costs equal to or under $1,500, and consistent with Khoury, [w]hen a district court awards expert fees in excess of $1,500 per expert, it must state the basis for its decision. 132 Nev., Adv. Op. 52, 377 P.3d at 95. With respect to cases in which the expert acts only as a consultant and does not testify, however, district courts may award $1,500 or less, so long as the district court finds such costs constitute [r]easonable fees. NRS 18.005(5) (emphasis added).

No attorney fees are warranted under NRS 7.085 or 18.010

Lastly, PERS appeals the district court's order awarding attorney fees against it under NRS 18.010. Additionally, W. Chris Wicker and Woodburn and Wedge (collectively, petitioners), counsel for PERS, petition this court for a writ of mandamus directing the district court to vacate its order finding PERS's counsel jointly and severally liable for attorney fees under NRS 7.085.

A writ of mandamus is available to compel the performance of an act that the law requires  or to control an arbitrary or capricious exercise of discretion. Int'l Game Tech., Inc. v. Second Judicial Dist. Court, 124 Nev. 193, 197, 179 P.3d 556, 558 (2008). Extraordinary relief may be available where there is no plain, speedy and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law. NRS 34.170. As petitioners have no other means by which to challenge the district court's order making them jointly and severally liable for more than $95,000 in attorney fees and costs, and as they raise issues warranting our attention, we exercise our discretion to consider their petition. See Watson Rounds, 131 Nev., Adv. Op. 79, 358 P.3d at 231 (Sanctioned attorneys do not have standing to appeal because they are not parties in the underlying action; therefore, extraordinary writs are a proper avenue for attorneys to seek review of sanctions.).

Based on the following, we hold that the district court abused its discretion in awarding attorney fees and costs under NRS 7.085 and 18.010.

Standard of review

This court reviews a district court's order awarding attorney fees for an abuse of discretion. Gunderson v. D.R. Norton, Inc., 130 Nev. 67, 80, 319 P.3d 606, 615 (2014).

The district court abused its discretion by awarding attorney fees under NRS 7.085 and 18.010

PERS and petitioners argue that the district court improperly awarded attorney fees under NRS 7.085(1) and 18.010(2)(b) because PERS's defense was not frivolous and was based on reasonable interpretations of the PERS Act and NRS Chapter 41B, a novel issue of law. We agree.

NRS 18.010(2)(b) permits a district court to award attorney fees to a prevailing party when the district court determines that a claim or defense of the opposing party was brought or maintained without reasonable grounds or to harass the prevailing party. Under NRS 7.085(1), the district court can hold an attorney personally liable for the attorney fees and costs an opponent incurs when the attorney [u]nreasonably and vexatiously extend[s] a civil action or proceeding or [f]ile[s], maintain[s] or defend[s] a civil action  [that] is not well-grounded in fact or is not warranted by existing law or by an argument for changing the existing law that is made in good faith. In the context of an attorney fees award, this court has previously held that a district court abuses its discretion by making such an award without including in its order sufficient reasoning and findings in support of its ultimate determination. Watson Rounds, 131 Nev., Adv. Op. 79, 358 P.3d at 233 (internal quotation marks omitted).

Here, PERS and petitioners should not be subject to attorney fees under NRS 7.085(1) or 18.010(2)(b). From a review of the record and the district court's order, it is not clear that PERS maintained a defense that was not well-grounded in fact or [was] not warranted by existing law, that petitioners acted [u]nreasonably and vexatiously, or that the defense imposed was without reasonable ground. NRS 7.085(1), 18.010(2)(b). Indeed, because PERS's defenses were based upon novel and arguable, if not ultimately successful, issues of lawi.e., whether NRS Chapter 41B applies to the PERS Act and whether PERS can be ordered to pay interestwe conclude that the district court abused its discretion in finding that PERS's arguments were unsupported by any legal authority, violated established canons of statutory interpretation, and/or were completely devoid of merit such that its defenses were unreasonable. Accordingly, we grant the petition and reverse the attorney fees awards under NRS 7.085(1) and 18.010(2)(b).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that NRS Chapter 41B applies to the PERS Act; consequently, Gitter is entitled to survivor benefits. Accordingly, we affirm the district court's judgment for Gitter. Because we conclude that Gitter is entitled to prejudgment and post-judgment interest under NRS 17.130, however, we vacate the portion of the district court's judgment awarding interest under NRS 99.040(1)(a), and remand with instructions to award interest under NRS 17.130. In concluding that up to $1,500 in fees is permitted for expert consultants who do not testify, we also affirm the district court's award of costs under NRS 18.005(5). Finally, we conclude that the attorney fee awards were unwarranted under NRS 7.085(1) and 18.010(2)(b). Therefore, we reverse the order awarding fees against PERS, and we grant the petition and direct the clerk of this court to issue a writ of mandamus instructing the district court to vacate its order awarding attorney fees against petitioners.

FOOTNOTES

. Because we reverse the attorney fees award, we need not address whether certain fees were supported by the factors in Brunzell v. Golden Gate National Bank, 85 Nev. 345, 455 P.2d 31 (1969), or were appropriately awarded against petitioners for the time PERS was represented only by the Office of the Attorney General.

Gibbons, J.

We concur: Cherry, C.J. Douglas, J. Pickering, J. Hardesty, J. Parraguirre, J. Stiglich, J.
LONG AN  Although Long An Province has taken the lead in foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction in Mekong Delta, it is still undertaking different measures to improve its competitiveness and investment climate.

The provinces aim it to become a modern and sustainable industrialised province by 2020.

Nearly 800 FDI projects worth almost US$6 billion are registered in Long An. Some 500, or 62.5 per cent, of the projects are operational, with about $3 billion already disbursed.

The projects are concentrated in industrial parks and clusters in key economic districts such as uc Hoa, Ben Luc, Can uoc, Can Giuoc and Tan An City.

The United Kingdom, Chinas Taiwan, Japan and Singapore, as well as the Republic of Korea, and the United States provide the most funds of the 37 countries and territories investing in the province.

FDI projects are said to have been making breakthroughs in local industrialisation and modernisation, promoting economic restructuring, job creation and settlement of social issues.

From now until 2020, Long An will give top priority to FDI projects in urban residential area construction, transport, industrial infrastructure, hi-tech agriculture and support industry, according to provincial authorities.

Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Tran Van Can said more effective solutions are being used to create a favourable investment environment.

The administration will strictly deal with sluggish projects by cancelling them, resizing the project area to suit investors actual capacity or extending the deadline for project implementation.

It will also restrict permission for projects that may cause serious environmental pollution, reclaim rice farming land or do not match local planning, Can said.

Long An, 15th on the Provincial Competitiveness Index rankings last year, will step up administrative reforms and put its public administrative centre into use soon to save time and cost for people, businesses and civil servants, the Peoples Committee said.

The province will develop vocational training establishments to improve the local workforces capacity, thus meeting enterprises employment demand.

Some 5,000ha of land will be ready soon to accommodate investment projects through 2020. Areas in the districts of ong Thap Muoi, Can uoc and Can Giuoc will be zoned for hi-tech agricultural activities, according to the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment.  VNS
On March 7, 2017, Viet Nam News published an article titled Mekong water diplomacy vital. The article quoted several statements by Dr Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Research Institute for Climate Change at Can Tho University.

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat takes this opportunity to respond to some of the statements in the article and highlight where water diplomacy is influencing outcomes.

The construction of many hydro-electric power plants on the river has resulted in scarcity of fresh water in the lower Mekong Delta

The above statement was made in response to the drought in 2016, which was considered a meteorological drought year.

Construction of hydropower plants on the river does not necessarily result in the scarcity of fresh water in the lower Mekong Delta, particularly during the dry season. Conversely, hydropower plants can contribute to increased flow during the dry season as they discharge water for energy production, contributing to increased flow in the river channel. However, the flow may reduce during the wet season as the dams store surplus water.

Two information sources indicate increases in dry-season flows due to operation of dams.

1.1 Lancang emergency release flows ease drought conditions

In the upper Mekong basin, known as the Lancang in China, the 2016 drought event resulted in 16 per cent less flows compared to the long term average. As such, this would ordinarily translate to lower flows in the lower Mekong basin in 2016. However, because of the water stored in dams in China, emergency water releases from these dams increased dry season flows to mitigate the effects of the drought.

For instance, despite the drought conditions during the months of March  April 2016, flows in the Mekong were higher than average flows over the period 1960  2015. This is directly because of emergency water supplements from cascade dams from China.

A total of 12.65 billion cubic meters of water was discharged from Jinghong hydropower reservoir over the period March to May 2016. These releases amounted to between 40  89 per cent of flows along various sections of the Mekong river. The emergency water supplement increased water levels or discharge along the Mekong mainstream to an overall extent of 0.18-1.53m or 602-1,010m3/s.

If these emergency releases would not have happened, flows would have been 47per cent lower at Jinghong, 44 per cent lower at Chiang Saen, 38 per cent lower at Nong Khai and 22% lower at Stung Treng. This additional flow has also alleviated salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta.

A more detailed description of the emergency operations is provided in the Joint Observation and Evaluation Technical Report produced between the Mekong River Commission and the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources. The report is available at: https://www.mrcmekong.org/assets/Publications/Final-Report-of-JOE.pdf.

1.2 Trends on flow over period 1960 - 2013

At present, storage dams on the mainstream are only in the Lancang portion of the Basin. None of the Laos mainstream dams are fully constructed so are not impeding flows, and are not true storage dams (they are classified as run-of-river dams).

Since 1995, with dam development including the more recent construction of the Lancang dams, there has been an upward trend in dry-season flows. This is shown in the figure below which shows flows monitored in the northern part of the Basin at Chiang Saen gauge in Laos near the Chinese / Myanmar border, and also at Kratie gauge in Southern Cambodia in the Southern part of the Basin.

Flows at Chiang Saen show a moderate upward trend in dry season flows. This is attributable to increased dry season releases directly from Lancang dams. We see an even greater upward trend in dry-season flows at Kratie which is presumed to be primarily a result of dam releases from tributary dams in the Lower Mekong.

Figure: Trends of annual dry season flows at (a) Chiang Saen and (b) at Kratie for 1960-2013

Conversely, in the figure below, we see a clear downward trend in wet season flows at Chiang Saen, and less pronounced at Kratie, which is likely to be a result of dam operators storing water in wet seasons and possibly an increase in extractions of wet season flows for productive purposes.

Figure: Trends of annual wet season flows at (a) Chiang Saen and (b) at Kratie for 1960-2013

The reduction of alluvial soil at hydro dams has also had negative impacts on the quality of the fresh water at the lower end.

Hydropower dams may have the potential to trap sediment in the reservoir and thereby may cause some adverse effects. However, through the MRC PNPCA (Procedure for Notification, Prior Consultation, and Agreement) process, a thorough review of dam design and functionality is considered.

Through this process, we have seen, for example, developers of the Xayaburi dam modify the design to improve movement of silt and facilitate the migration of fish.

Viet Nam must also pursue diplomatic measures with countries in the upper regions of the Mekong Delta in order to ensure the equal sharing of water benefits

Viet Nam is a signatory to the 1995 Mekong River Agreement and has ministerial level representation on the Council and head of department level representation on the Joint Committee. Further representation is also provided through government officials within various committees and expert groups that work with the MRC Secretariat.

The MRC website provides further information on the governance and organisational structure of the Mekong River Commission showing where representation occurs.

In addition, it is imperative to develop different scenarios or projects on climate change with neighbouring countries.

Over the last five years, Mekong partner countries have participated in the MRC Climate Change and Adaptation initiative (CCAI) which was a direct response to the member states call for a collaborative regional adaptation initiative to climate change and its challenges.

Climate change adaptation is one of the priority areas of work in the Basin Development Strategy 2016-2020, and the Strategic Plan 2016-2020.

The MRC is currently developing a Mekong Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan (MASAP), expected to be finalised later this year. The MASAP is a transboundary climate change adaptation strategy that will offer strategic directions in climate change adaptation work in the Lower Mekong Basin countries and support relevant national strategies and processes.

In the preparation of the MASAP, a series of basin-wide assessments of climate change impacts on water and water resources and related sectors in the Lower Mekong Basin has been conducted. The climate change assessments contain seven themes and sectors. They assess impacts of climate change on hydrology, flood behaviour, drought behaviour, hydropower production, ecosystem services and biodiversity, food security, and socio-economic and vulnerability.

With these assessments, the MRC CCAI defines a wide range of potential future changes projected to occur over the next 20 to 50 years according to the GCM-based regional climate change scenarios.

Nine future climate change scenarios for the LMB were considered. They represent a combination of three levels of changes (low, medium and high) and three patterns of changes (drier overall, wetter overall, and high seasonal variation).  VNS
Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas. ARTHUR FRANKLIN MILLER, JR., Appellant v. THE STATE OF TEXAS NO. PD-0891-15 Decided: April 26, 2017

RICHARDSON and WALKER, JJ., joined.

DISSENTING OPINION

Appellant claims that his attorney's bad advice about probation eligibility caused him to waive his right to a jury trial. The plurality's analysis of this claim errs in three ways. First, instead of recognizing that the jury waiver itself is prejudice, the plurality speculatively compares the result of the bench trial Appellant had with the reasonably likely result of the jury trial that he did not have. Second, the plurality misapplies the different-outcome test that it purports to embrace by requiring not merely a reasonable likelihood of a better outcome, but a specifically better outcome from the hypothetical jury, i.e., probation. Third, the plurality indulges implicit fact findings to support the trial court's denial of the motion for new trial even though the trial court made explicit fact findings. I dissent.

Evaluating Prejudice

Meritorious claims of ineffective assistance of counsel meet a two-part test: deficient performance and prejudice. Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52, 59 (1985); Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 (1984). With certain exceptions not applicable here, proof of prejudice is required because the prosecution and the trial court are unable to prevent an attorney's deficient performance, Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693, and judicial proceedings enjoy a presumption of reliability. Smith v. Robbins, 528 U.S. 259, 286 (2000).

The prejudice inquiry must focus on the fundamental fairness of the proceeding whose result is being challenged. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 696. For example, if the deficient performance is the failure to present mitigating evidence in a punishment hearing, the prejudice inquiry looks to the result of the punishment hearing. See, e.g., Strickland, 466 U.S. at 699-700 (prejudice from allegedly deficient performance in failing to present evidence at punishment hearing was analyzed in terms of its effect on the punishment hearing).

But if an attorney's deficient performance causes the waiver of a judicial proceeding to which the defendant has a right, that is ineffective assistance of counsel. Roe v. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. 470, 484 (2000) (waiver of appeal); Hill, 474 U.S. at 59 (waiver of jury). The defendant does not have to show a likelihood of victory on appeal, acquittal or lower punishment; the waiver is the prejudice. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. at 484; Hill, 474 at 59. That's because a judicial proceeding that never happened enjoys no presumption of reliability. Put simply, we cannot accord any presumption of reliability to judicial proceedings that never took place. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. at 483 (citation omitted) (citing Robbins, 528 U.S. at 286).

Hill involved allegedly bad advice about parole eligibility given in the course of plea negotiations. Hill, 474 U.S. at 56. The appropriate prejudice inquiry was whether there was a reasonable likelihood that the defendant would not have plead guilty but for his attorney's bad advice. Id. at 59. The different-outcome question was relevant only to the extent that it impacted the decision to plead guilty.

For example, where the alleged error of counsel is a failure to investigate or discover potentially exculpatory evidence, the determination whether the error prejudiced the defendant by causing him to plead guilty rather than go to trial will depend on the likelihood that discovery of the evidence would have led counsel to change his recommendation as to the plea.

Hill, 474 U.S. at 59. The different-outcome question was not a stand-alone issue. See id.

In Flores-Ortega, the Supreme Court considered whether the defendant's attorney failed to properly advise him about his right to appeal. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. at 478. The appropriate prejudice inquiry was whether the appeal waiver was an informed decision. Id. at 484. Echoing Hill, the Supreme Court held that the possible merits of the forfeited appeal may give weight to the contention that the defendant would have appealed, but the failure to raise those points will not foreclose the possibility that he could satisfy the prejudice requirement where there are other substantial reasons to believe that he would have appealed. Flores-Ortega, 528 U.S. at 486 (citing Rodriquez v. U.S., 395 U.S. 327, 330 (1969)).

In Lafler v. Cooper, 566 U.S. 156 (2012), the deficient performance was the attorney's erroneous advice to reject a plea offer on grounds that the defendant could not be convicted at trial. Id. at 163. The prejudice inquiry focused on whether the loss of the plea opportunity led to a trial resulting in a conviction on more serious charges or the imposition of a more severe sentence. Id. at 168. It did not matter that the defendant had a fair trial. [T]he question is not the fairness or reliability of the trial but the fairness and regularity of the processes that preceded it, which caused the defendant to lose benefits he would have received in the ordinary course but for counsel's ineffective assistance. Id. at 169.

The plurality offers unpersuasive reasons for evaluating prejudice in terms of the trial's outcome instead of Appellant's decision to waive a jury. For example, the plurality suggests that Strickland applies to trials, and Hill applies to guilty pleas. Slip op. at 11. But Strickland and Hill were both guilty pleas. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 671; Hill, 474 U.S. at 54. The plurality asserts that, because Appellant had a bench trial, we can discern whether the probable outcome of the proceedings would have been different with a jury trial that did not occur as compared to the bench trial that did occur. Slip op. at 13-14. This misses Strickland's point that the ultimate focus of inquiry must be on the fundamental fairness of the proceeding whose result is being challenged. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 696 (emphasis added). In this case, as in Hill, the jury waiver is the proceeding whose result is challenged.

Recer vs. Riley

As the plurality points out, we have issued conflicting opinions about evaluating prejudice where the deficient performance was bad advice about probation eligibility. The plurality rejects Recer in favor of Riley. I think that is a mistake.

The attorney in State v. Recer, 815 S.W.2d 730 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991), erroneously advised his client that she was eligible for probation from the court, and she waived her right to elect the jury for punishment. Id. at 731. In accord with Hill, though without citing it, we required the defendant to prove, among other things, that she would have elected the jury for punishment but for her attorney's error. Recer, 815 S.W.2d at 731-32. We did not require a likelihood of a different outcome from a jury. Id. But Riley v. State, 378 S.W.3d 453 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012), nevertheless cited Recer as authority to also require proof that the results of the proceeding would have been different had [the defendant's] attorney correctly informed him of the law. Riley, 378 S.W.3d at 458 (citing Recer, 815 S.W.2d at 731-32). Riley imposed that additional requirement without any supporting authority or rationale, so the plurality errs in relying on it.

Furthermore, this Court has held that if an attorney's deficient performance causes structural error, like the waiver of a jury, the Hill analysis applies. Johnson v. State, 169 S.W.3d 223, 231 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). Thus, it applies to this case.

The Plurality's Flaw ed Prejudice Analysis

Even if Riley supports the application of a different-outcome test comparing the bench trial verdict with the hypothetical jury verdict, the plurality incorrectly applies it by requiring a reasonable likelihood of probation. Slip op. at 16. Even Riley did not go that far. Riley, 378 S.W.3d at 460.

In support of this more exacting burden, the plurality relies on Ex parte Cash, 178 S.W.3d 816 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005). Cash claimed that Strickland's central issue of prejudice was whether there is a reasonable probability that applicant's sentencing jury would have recommended probation had the issue been submitted to it[,] and cited Woodford v. Visciotti, 537 U.S. 19, 22-23 (2002), for that proposition. But Strickland and Woodford were death penalty cases and did not mention probation. Plus, Cash is distinguishable because the defendant there had a jury trial and jury punishment. Cash, 178 S.W.3d 816.

Even if the plurality is correct, and Appellant's prejudice burden is to show a reasonable likelihood that his hypothetical jury would have awarded him probation, its evaluation of the record does not support its conclusion that there is no such likelihood.

For one thing, the plurality waves off the likelihood of prejudice by referencing objectionable evidence that the defense attorney either failed to challenge or elicited himself. Slip op. at 18 (noting that the complainant's testimony was supported by the testimony of police investigators.). Sgt. Bill Lanier, the only police investigator to testify in the guilt phase of trial, testified about extraneous matters that should have been excluded on grounds of irrelevance, prejudice, hearsay and/or lack of confrontation. Competent defense counsel would have objected to a jury's consideration of such evidence, so the plurality should not consider it in its prejudice evaluation.

The plurality also ignores the challenges that a probation-qualified jury presents the prosecution. Such juries are relatively reluctant to convict, especially in cases that lack corroboration, as this one did, and they are susceptible to the downward pressure that the possibility of probation exerts on punishment deliberations. Considering Appellant's advanced age, 78 years at the time of trial, and his lack of criminal history, one could argue that there is a reasonable likelihood that a jury would have assessed a lower punishment than did the trial court.

Ultimately, however, such arguments highlight a fundamental weakness in the plurality's approach to prejudice in this case: It is impossible to say what a jury that was never seated likely would have done in a jury trial that was never had. Even Cash would not countenance that. See Cash, 178 S.W.3d at 818 (a finding that Cash's jury likely would have recommended probation would be based on pure conjecture and speculation.).

The correct prejudice inquiry in this case is whether Appellant waived his jury because of his attorney's bad advice, so I turn now to the jury waiver.

The Jury Waiver

One justification for requiring proof of prejudice to support IAC claims is that [t]he government is not responsible for, and hence not able to prevent, attorney errors that will result in reversal of a conviction or sentence. Strickland, 466 U.S. at 693. Another justification is the presumption of reliability that attends judicial proceedings. Robbins, 528 U.S. at 286. Neither of those justifications applies to this jury waiver.

Jury waivers must be made in writing and in open court with the approval of the trial court and the prosecution. TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC. art. 1.13. This gives the State the opportunity and the judge the responsibility to ensure that the waiver is made intelligently, that is, without any misunderstanding about, for example, who can consider probation in the event of a conviction. Defense counsel's deficient performance could have been prevented or cured by the trial judge or the prosecutor when the jury waiver was executed. But instead of clarifying the punishment ramifications of the jury waiver, they confused the issue.

The record of the colloquy leading to the jury waiver memorializes the following: After the judge called the case, he advised Appellant of the charges against him and their ranges of punishment. Then, relying on the prosecutor's representation about the offense date, the judge told the defendant that he would not be eligible for probation. Moments later, the prosecutor corrected the offense date and said, so he's eligible for parole  I mean probation. The judge noted, You heard all of that and told Appellant that a jury could give you probation. After Appellant turned down the State's plea offer, the judge introduced the idea of a court trial, but neither he nor anyone else mentioned probation again.

Applying the correct prejudice standard in cases like this one would encourage trial courts and the State to educate themselves about the defendant's probation eligibility and apply that knowledge to ensuring that defendants make informed punishment elections and jury waivers. The plurality's approach, however, encourages ongoing confusion about these crucial decisions.

Findings on Motion for New Trial Ruling

Our rules used to prohibit trial judges from summarizing or commenting on the evidence in hearings on motions for new trial. Effective January 1, 2007, however, Tex. R. App. P. 21.8 was amended to allow trial courts to make findings when ruling on motions for new trial. The reason for the change was so that appellate courts will not need to speculate as to the possible factual findings supporting a trial judge's ruling if the trial judge will articulate them. Landers v. State, 256 S.W.3d 295, 301 n. 4 (Tex. Crim. App. 2008). Under the new rule, [i]n the absence of express findings  we presume that the trial court made all findings, express and implied, in favor of the prevailing party. Okwonko v. State, 398 S.W.3d 689, 694 (Tex. Crim. App. 2013) (citing Riley, 378 S.W.3d at 459) (emphasis added).

In this case, the trial judge explicitly found that the prosecutors and the defense attorney believed that Appellant was eligible for probation from the trial court and that the defense attorney told him so. The judge made no findings about the impact of the bad advice on Appellant's jury waiver, and he concluded that counsel's representation was not so deficient to be a miscarriage of justice. However, the record from the hearing on the motion for new trial indicates that both the State and the defense argued the incorrect standard to the trial court. As a result, the judge's decision and findings were based on the incorrect standard. The plurality and the court of appeals compound this error by using the trial judge's explicit findings to indulge implicit fact findings. Slip op. at 17; Miller v. State, No. 05-14-01065-CR, 2015 Tex. App. LEXIS 5520, at *12-13 (Tex. App.  Dallas June 1, 2015, pet. granted) (mem. op., not designated for publication).

I would remand this case to the court of appeals with instructions to abate the appeal and order findings from the trial court that apply the proper standard and answer the only pertinent question in this case: whether Appellant waived his right to a jury because of his attorney's bad advice about probation eligibility. See Davis v. State, 278 S.W.3d 346, 350 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) (evaluating ineffective assistance claim following abatement by lower court for findings by the trial court). I would further order the court of appeals, once it received the trial court's response, to evaluate the prejudice prong of Appellant's ineffective assistance claim in accord with this opinion, that is, in terms of the effect of the attorney's bad advice on Appellant's jury waiver. Since the plurality does not do so, I dissent.

FOOTNOTES

. The plurality quotes the same passage from Hill at greater length, slip op. at 12-13, and claims that with this passage, Hill signaled that a court may properly consider whether the outcome of the proceeding would not have been different. Slip op. at 13. But the only point of that passage from Hill was that an evaluation of the likely outcome of the forfeited trial might sometimes shed light on whether the deficient performance really did cause the waiver. Hill, 474 U.S. at 59.

. The plurality mischaracterizes Cash as analogous because Cash claimed that his counsel's error had prevented the jury from considering probation. Slip op. at 16. That was not Cash's claim. The trial court in Cash refused to instruct the jury on probation, but the court of appeals did not review the merits of that ruling because Cash's attorney had filed an unsworn motion for probation. Cash, 178 S.W.3d at 817. On habeas, the defendant claimed ineffective assistance of counsel because the unsworn motion for probation prevented appellate review of the trial court's refusal to submit probation to the jury. Id. at 817-18. This Court denied relief given the jury's punishment verdict of 40 years imprisonment. Id. at 818.

. In the punishment phase, the only law enforcement officer to testify was the district attorney's investigator, whom the defense called to prove Appellant's lack of criminal history.

. For example, defense counsel did not object to Lanier's testimony that:-Lanier left the investigation pending for two years in order to wait for additional witnesses and victims to come forward.-The defendant's son, Arthur Miller, III, in prison for molesting the complaining witness, corroborated the complainant's statements given in her forensic interview.-The second complainant's mother was adamant that there were other victims.-Lanier reached out to additional victims multiple times.On cross examination, defense counsel implicitly conceded his client's guilt with the predicate to one question (In your report you give some details of your investigation some of which are the year and approximate date when these assaults first began.) and elicited more testimony about extraneous offenses:-Some extraneous victims contacted Lanier and some would not come forward.-Multiple other victims were reported to Lanier by two sources.-The statute of limitations had expired for the case of one victim who did come forward.

. It became clear in the punishment phase that the prosecution did not know the trial court could not consider probation. Unfortunately, such confusion on the part of the State is not unique to this case. See, e.g., Ex parte Moussazadeh, 361 S.W.3d 684, 688 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012) (prosecutor, trial judge and defense attorney misunderstood parole eligibility in murder case); Burch v. State, No. 09-14-00361-CR, 2016 Tex. App. LEXIS 9218 at *14 (Tex. App.  Beaumont Aug. 24, 2016, pet. granted) (mem. op., not designated for publication) (defense attorney, prosecution and trial court mistakenly believed defendant was eligible for probation from the jury).

. The State said, The defense has to show that the results of the proceeding would have been different should the mistake not have been made. In this case, I don't think it would have been different. And there's no evidence before you that the result would have been different. The defense argued that there is a reasonable probability or likelihood of some other outcome and submitted to the court a copy of Riley.

KEEL, J.
NEW YORK  Actress and lifestyle maven Gwyneth Paltrow announced Friday she is launching a print magazine based on her style website Goop with publishing group Conde Nast.

A statement from the US publishing group said Goop would launch as a quarterly magazine in September as part of a "multi-platform content experience that will include print, digital and social initiatives."

The partnership will include "a steady stream of co-produced, co-branded digital content that will be distributed across select Conde Nast titles websites, goop.com and the brands social channels," the statement said.

Paltrow, an Oscar-winner in 1999 for her role in "Shakespeare in Love," launched goop.com in 2008 focusing on fashion, wellness, travel, recipes, parenting, and cultural issues.

Anna Wintour, Conde Nast artistic director and editor-in-chief of Vogue, said in the statement that "Goop and Conde Nast are natural partners and Im excited (Paltrow) is bringing her point of view to the company. We all look forward to working with her and her team."

Paltrow said in the statement the tie-up is "an opportunity for us to push our boundaries visually and deliver Goops point of view to consumers in new, dynamic ways." AFP
MILAN  An exhibition in Milan is offering through the lens of 65 photographers an original look at the topic of immigration and the migrant crisis.

The Restless Earth, organised by the Nicola Trussardi foundation, is being presented by the Visual Arts Program of Milans Triennale (www.triennale.org), the title alluding to works by Caribbean poet Edouard Glissant on how different cultures can live together.

The exhibition with works from photographers from some 40 countries, including Syria and Turkey, is an "exercise in empathy, understanding, inter-cultural dialogue" to facilitate "a future together", Trussardi says.

Their works are designed to show migrants experiences but also hint at perceptions of new arrivals amid the worst refugee crisis Europe has known since World War II.

Italy has been in the front line of the crisis, receiving tens of thousands of migrants attempting the dangerous sea crossing from Libya in vessels that often are barely seaworthy.

Included in the exhibition, which runs through August 20, are 26 powerful images taken by AFP photographer Aris Messinis depicting their hazardous journeys.

Another powerful exhibit is Syrian Manaf Halbounis "Nowhere is Home," comprising a car crammed full of objects to symbolise the transient existence of refugees with nowhere to call their own.

Also throwing into stark relief the human cost of the migrant crisis is an exhibit of passports, damaged mobile phones and other personal items from refugees who drowned off Lampedusa, an island near Sicily where hundreds of Africans drowned when their vessels capsized in 2013.

Milan itself is an industrial economic hub in the north of Italy where the anti-immigrant Northern League has sought to extract political capital from the migrant crisis, a divisive issue across the country.

In January, tensions boiled over as residents at a migrant reception centre near Venice set the facility ablaze after the death of a female refugee which residents blamed on a long delay in getting her medical treatment.

Over 1,000 migrants are thought to have died making the dangerous voyage from Libya to Italy so far this year, according to the UNs refugee agency, with nearly 37,000 rescued and brought to camps around the country.  AFP
HA NOI  President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte issued a Chairmans statement on Sunday, one day after the 30th ASEAN Summit closed.

The 25-page statement mentioned concerns expressed by several ASEAN leaders pertaining to recent happenings in the region and concurrently reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, stability and maritime and overflight security and freedom in the East Sea.

It also reiterated the importance of exercising self-restraint when conducting activities, avoiding actions that could complicate the situation, and pursuing peaceful measures in disputes without threatening or using forces.

The statement, however, had no mention of the ruling of the arbitral tribunal in The Hague, the Netherlands in July 2016. The ruling rejected Chinas claims over almost all the East Sea.

The 30th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held in Manila, the Philippines on Saturday with the attendance of leaders of 10 ASEAN member nations.

At the opening session, 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, co-operating 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.

At the summit, 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 that ASEAN needs 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.

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.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.  VNS
Located in the centre of the capital, Quan An Ngon seeks to dispel any doubts over Viet Nams seafood with a sumptuous platter of the freshest fish in traditional surroundings. Peter Cowan reports.

The seafood comes from all across the country, including central Viet Nam, said Thu (not her real name), my host at the Quan An Ngon restaurant on Ha Nois Phan Boi Chau Street.

My eyebrows shot skywards as my heart leapt into my mouth.

This was a sentence that could strike terror into the heart of anyone with even a basic knowledge of Vietnamese news over the past year. Luckily for me, the only thing the seafood at Quan An Ngon was polluted with was flavour and freshness, with Thu explaining that the seafood is brought to the restaurant alive and swimming via plane.

Of course I neednt have worried, as theres nothing fishy going on with the food at Quan An Ngon. The chain of restaurants opened in 2005 and has gone from strength to strength since, becoming a favourite of both travellers and locals.

Popular spot: Most dinners are interested in seafood at Quan An Ngon restaurant. Photo courtesy of Quan An Ngon

The brands popularity was easy to see looking around the spacious, traditionally-decorated restaurant, with bustling tables full of foreigners and Vietnamese alike sampling the vast menu.

Now it was Thus turn to raise her eyebrows, wondering why I had come alone to eat such a mountain of food. A mountain it certainly was, the grilled seafood set at her restaurant includes snout otter clams, shrimp, oysters, cuttlefish and sweet snails.

Priced at VN550,000 the set is ideal for 2-4 people to share and is available as a special throughout the month of May, the chains attempt to greet the summer with seafood.

After explaining to Thu I was alone because most of my friends would be busy screaming at children, otherwise known as teaching, I tucked in.

My first port of call was an oyster, a beautifully presented part of the meal, with each individual morsel garnished with flecks of greenery and garlic.

The mollusc was a deliciously light start to the meal, with a hint of garlic combining with the melt-in-your-mouth quality that the best oysters should have. More than a promising start, the oysters were the stars of this show.

Palate cleanser: A side banana blossom salad, offering a sweet alternative to the salty fare on offer. Photo courtesy of Peter Cowan

Before I could dig into the cuttlefish, seasoned with chilli and salt, Thu insisted I try the radioactive green sauce. As a Brit more used to sausage rolls than scotch bonnets, something that looks so spicy tends to conjure up images of me and my unborn childrens mouth, nose, eyes and ears watering.

However, Thu said it was a must-try and ever the people pleaser, I dunked a piece of cuttlefish and prayed. As Del Boy says, he who dares wins, and I certainly felt like a winner after trying the sot ot xiem xanh (green chilli sauce). While having a bit of a kick, the heat didnt overwhelm the palate and was a delightful complement to the meaty fish.

Next up was maybe the only disappointment of the meal, the clams, and I say disappointment with the caveat that Im no fan of clams at the best of times. They were also presented in a pleasing manner, but I found them a touch chewy, though the green chilli sauce was again a welcome companion, as was the side banana salad Thu had ordered, offering a sweet respite from the salty fish.

One of the most pleasant culinary surprises for a European in Asia is the size of the shrimp on offer, and I wasnt disappointed at Quan An Ngon. Size matters, of course, but flavour is also key and the full, lightly seasoned shrimp were decent, but dipping them in the green sauce took the flavour to another level, the spicy jolt playing delicately with the light crunch of the shrimp.

My final dip into the ocean of seafood on the table involved the sweet snails. After digging the critter out of its shell I got stuck into a somewhat bitter and underwhelming snack. However, the green chilli sauce again showed its class, with a bit of spice from the sauce bringing the snails sweetness out of their, metaphorical, shells.

Having made a decent dent in the platter, with Thus help, I was ready to relax and undo a few shirt buttons, but my host had other ideas. She gently insisted I try the che suong sa hat luu (a Vietnamese jelly-based desert). Thu had yet to steer me wrong, so I happily agreed to give it a go.

The jelly, water chestnut, tapioca and pear dessert came in a tall glass filled with coconut milk and ice, and after a quick mix I was ready to wade in. The light, fresh and sweet dish was a perfect palate cleanser after the mass of seafood I had just gorged on, ensuring I finished my meal with the flavour of summer in my mouth.

With such a variety of seafood on offer in this grilled set coupled with the delightful green chilli dipping sauce, this is one mass fish death we can celebrate instead of mourn.  VNS

Quan An Ngon

Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau Street, Hoan Kiem district Tel: 0903 246 963 Tel: Delivery: 7:00-10:00am and 3:00-5:00pm weekdays

Comment: Delicious Vietnamese in a fine setting
By TranThanhCanh

Yes, my mother was a peasant and I was born in a village. Yet, when I was among people in higher society, I tried to hide it.

A peasants life was miserable; rural areas were in abject poverty. There was no splendor to take pride in. I was always hungry as we had nothing worth a penny, except a few ducks and chickens. My memory of days living in my village was of hungry days. However, I learnt well, because I wanted to bury myself in books to forget my hunger.

I graduated from the senior secondary school and entered university. Then I got a job, married and had children. I lived in a city in a pretty nice property. I could be called middle-class now. Nowadays, with society having developed, middle-class people are considered harmless, not extremist or ultra-right. Many middle-class people were satisfied with their lives.

I was thriving in the city; I bought a house and a car. I moved my mother in with me to give her an easy life, while many old women in my village were still tilling the field. I thought that I was performing my filial duty. She brought my two young children home from school every day when they were small. But they soon grew up. So she helped us with the cooking and cleaning. We wanted a maid, but she argued that she didnt want a stranger in the house.

My wife, a teacher, was free after school hours because she didnt worry about household chores. She went shopping or for dinner with her friends and posted pictures all over Facebook. I looked at her Facebook once and saw a bunch of her photos. I messaged her anonymously, telling her she looked ugly, fat and old in some the pictures. Eventually, she found out it was me and was angry for a while.

One day, my mother said:

I hardly see you two these days. Can we set a day for us all to eat together?

I knew my wife these days was hardly ever home. One day I even saw her speeding past me in her car with her friends. She did not care about housework. But I was no better. I more often than not came home after dark.

Our life was now much better with stable income, so we thought about going on holiday. One day, at dinner, I blurted out:

We have to go somewhere or else we are going to get old soon and will be in our second childhood. Our memory will get worse.

My mother was hurt by what I said and didnt eat for a few days. My wife took her to the Nanh market to treat her. She bought a lot of things for my mother at dirt cheap prices.

One evening, I was drinking with my friend, when my wife phoned me:

When are you coming home?

About 10 oclock

Wait for me there. Im coming to take you home because I forgot my house key

At about 10 oclock, the car arrived at the bar I was at. She got out, said Hello to my friend and drove me home. When we were near the house, she pulled up, leaving the engine running.

Why dont you drive it into the garage?  I asked in surprise.

Sit still! I want you to see this.

I was still having half cut, so I kept quiet. I looked around. All the shops were closed. Nearby was a dump for the residential area and some people were rummaging through it.

Life was so tough, I thought! These things discarded by some people were a livelihood for others. There were even some disgusting items that were like treasure to those less fortunate. In my inebriated state, it was difficult to follow what was happening outside.

Suddenly, my wife pinched my arm, pointing to the direction of my house. My mother opened the gate, carrying a pack of things. A man was approaching her. She gave the pack to him and talked with him for a moment. So this was why my wife wanted to take me home. My wife wanted to switch on the headlight, but I stopped her:

Hold on! Let me handle it!

My mother was a peasant. She tried to save everything. I was born in the country, but I had lost my peasant ways. I made money plenty of money. So sometimes, I squandered things and my mother got angry and scolded me.

I loved my mother because she had saved her whole life, working her fingers to the bone to support my education. My mother had everything she wanted. I also gave her some pocket money. But she did not buy anything. She saved it until she could buy one tenth of a teal of gold. Then she asked my wife to keep it for her.

Yet, tonight, I saw my mother give my things to a stranger.

I could not get a wink of sleep that night, thinking about how to talk with my mother. I turned and found my wife was in a deep sleep. I felt hurt and hated her. And I felt I could not talk with my mother about money. My mother had spent her whole life nurturing and bringing me up without any complaint. So how could I chastise her, I thought? When the day was about to break, I heard my mothers footsteps in the kitchen.She was preparing breakfast for us. I took a bath and went into the kitchen with her.

My mother said to me:

You know, the girl Huy in our village was so ugly that nobody wanted to marry her. She adopted a child. I heard Huy and her child have to forage for things at dumps to survive! I collected empty cans and discarded food for her.

I was startled by this. I stopped short at what I was going to say to her, because now I knew why she had given those things to the stranger. What was the point of my sleepless night, I asked myself?

My mother continued:

You and your wife are also talking about giving scholarships to poor students. Could you help Huy and sort out a scholarship for her daughter?

I walked to the slum where Huy and her daughter were living. Through the crack of the door, I saw a skinny woman with a fifteen-year-old girl having dinner.

Eat more to have energy to learn, daughter!  The mother said.

You should eat this food to get stronger, mother. You look thin!

I walked home. I was stunned, wondering if my mother was fat or thin.

Translated by ManhChuong
Ruan to hold

job open house

CEDAR FALLS  Ruan Transportation Management Systems will host an open house-style career fair in Cedar Falls to recruit professional drivers. The Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber will perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating Ruans recent membership.

The event is 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Ruans Cedar Falls location, 3016 Venture Way. The open house also will feature a driver safety awards presentation. Ruan representatives will be available to talk to drivers. Attendees can tour the facility, meet local management and current drivers, enjoy free food and beverages and participate in prize drawings.

LSB chosen for

champion award

REINBECK  Americas SBDC, an outreach program of Iowa State Universitys College of Business and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations in Ames, has chosen Lincoln Savings Bank as the 2017 SBDC Champion.

Awarded for the first time, the honor was created to recognize business partners who go above and beyond in support of small businesses in Iowa.

Founded in 1902, LSB, headquartered in Reinbeck, now has 16 locations.

The award will be presented to LSB on Thursday during Small Business Week.

Cell phone repair

business opens

CEDAR FALLS  Quick Phix, a cell phone, tablet and computer repair business, has opened at 226 Brandilyn Blvd. in front of Blains Farm and Fleet.

The owner is Adam Haynes, who said he has been repairing phones since he was age 15.

Quick Phix will provide same-day service on most devices and offer a lifetime warranty on all repairs, with a few restrictions.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/quickphixcedarfalls.

U.S. Cellular

donates to clubs

WATERLOO  U.S. Cellular made a $15,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley to provide K-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational opportunities to youth.

U.S. Cellular funds Boys & Girls Clubs and 4-H Clubs throughout the companys markets to deliver STEM, academic and after school enrichment programs. This is part of a $1.3 million donation to clubs across the country. It is the third year U.S. Cellular and the youth organizations have collaborated to prepare youth to explore career opportunities and be ready to join the workforce.

In 2016, U.S. Cellular associates volunteered at more than 225 Boys & Girls Clubs and 4-H Clubs events.

VGM to sponsor

JA classes

WATERLOO  Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa said VGM has agreed to sponsor five Junior Achievement classes at the organizations partner in education school, Lincoln Elementary in Waterloo.

About 130 students in kindergarten through fifth-grade can participate in hands-on learning experiences by showing them how money, careers and business ownership work with the help of volunteer role models from the community.Throughout the course of five activities, students participating in Junior Achievements programs will learn the basic concepts of business and economics and how education is relevant to the workplace.
DES MOINES  Corn Belt weather and field progress held the markets attention early last week after a slow start for planting and with forecasts for a week of cool, wet weather.

Previous concerns about South America faded.

For the most part, the trade feels they have Brazil dialed in, said Rich Nelson, chief strategist at Allendale Inc., which studies agricultural and financial markets.

Argentina was early in harvest, but even there the trade seemed confident, he said.

According to Chad Hart, Iowa State Extension economist, Over the past couple of years, prices have followed a traditional spring rally, driven by strong crop demand and some planting/weather concerns.

Writing in the Iowa Farm Outlook newsletter earlier this month, he said, Farmers are hoping for the same type of rally later this spring.

Export sales have stayed ahead of last years pace. Feed demand is rising with record-large meat production projected for 2017, Hart wrote, and biofuel production has churned through sizable amounts of corn and soybeans.

Allendales Nelson said corn buyers have been competing, and prices have been getting help from the rebound to positive ethanol producer margins.

There is a direct mathematical link between ethanol margins and how aggressively they bid against corn for feed or export, Nelson said.

As for planting, he expected the May 1 USDA Crop Progress report to show corn progress still behind average.

However, Steve Wagner, market analyst at CHS Hedging near St. Paul, Minn., said he expected planting to get closer to average progress. And, he added, We have plenty of time.

Nelson, based in northern Illinois, said many farmers were trying to move some of their grain with warmer weather.

Wagner said, Most producers are focused on working around planting corn and are not interested in selling corn. Theyre not interested in selling beans or wheat, for that matter.

Without farmers in the market, funds are getting tired of trading with themselves. Wagner saw prospects for higher corn and soybean prices in the coming weeks.

I think were going to see some opportunities to make sales in the next two to four weeks as the market tries to find ways to entice producers into making sales, he said.
PATRICIA THOMA, mortgage officer at Deere Employees Credit Union, which serves the Waterloo area, received the Presidents Club Award in 2016 from the Iowa Mortgage Association. The award is given to originators in Iowa for achieving at least $20 million in loan production or 130 loans.

MARY BROWN, associate professor emerita, was inducted into the Allen College Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame as part of its 2017 class. Brown pioneered service learning at Allen College and served as the director of the Center for Engagement, Learning and Leadership from 2010 to 2013. She retired in December 2015 after more than 40 years of service as a registered nurse.

CHRIS HOFELDT, GREG BARTZ and AMY CAMARATA joined Cedar Valley Hospice. Hofeldt, of Waterloo, joined the marketing team as an outreach and communications specialist. He has more than five years of experience in the field and received a bachelors degree in public relations and communication from the University of Northern Iowa. Bartz, of Oelwein, joined the clinical staff as a nurse in the Independence office. He has more than 14 years of hospice experience and earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Upper Iowa University. Camarata, of Cedar Falls, joined the Waterloo office as a nurse. She has more than two decades of experience in the health care field and earned her degree from Hamilton College in Cedar Falls.

MICHAEL BAXLEY was named president of Best Cob LLC, working out of the companys production plant in Independence as well as the business office in Rock Falls, Ill. His experience includes serving in the Navy and working in public and private companies.

KRISTIE KREMER joined Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls as administrator.

MARK HEMSATH joined the Advanced Heat Treat Corp. executive team as director of sales and marketing. Hemsath has a bachelor of science business degree from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Toledo. He has 30 years of experience in heat treat furnace sales, most recently with Seco/Warwick as its Thermal Group general manager.

DENISE URICH is a business reporting analyst for VGM Insurance Services. She has a masters degree from Capella University and was with TekSystems Inc. WANDA OHRT joined VGM Homelink as financial review business analyst. Ohrt is a UNI graduate and was with Cedar Valley Community Healthcare. MIKE LARSEN joined VGMs IT department. He graduated from Hawkeye Community College and was with CBE Companies. JOSHUA WHEELOCK joined VGMs facility services department.
WATERLOO  Jurors have sided with an Evansdale man in his lawsuit against a Waterloo casino where he was attacked by another patron in January 2021.
CEDAR FALLS  The City Council on Monday night is scheduled to approve a partial property tax exemption for a German company relocating and expanding its North American headquarters within the Cedar Falls Industrial Park.

In September, the council approved a development agreement with a property subsidiary of D. La Porte North America, located in the industrial park since 2009, to build a $1.2 million, 11,200-square-foot industrial warehouse and office facility on about 1.5 acres at the southeast corner of Technology Parkway and Development Drive in an addition south of West Viking Road.

The council is being asked to approve a partial property tax exemption for that project now that it is under way, city staff said. The project is anticipated to be completed this spring.

The building would have a minimum valuation of $1.2 million. The city would provide a five-year partial property tax abatement, with 75 percent of the property valuation exempt from taxation the first year, declining in increments of 15 percent each year until the full valuation comes on the tax rolls.

Over the five years, the company would have $85,000 in taxes abated due to the exemption, pay $104,500, and pay about $38,000 in property tax a year once the propertys full valuation comes on the tax rolls.

The building will be owned by D. La Porte Properties and leased to D. La Porte North America, which will relocate from its existing leased space at 6122 Nordic Drive in the Industrial Park.

The company manufactures handles, latches and related components for the construction and agricultural equipment markets in North America, Cedar Falls community services manager Bob Seymour wrote in a September staff report to Mayor Jim Brown and council members.

Customers include Deere, Case New Holland, AGCO, Bobcat, Volvo, Caterpillar and more than 60 other companies throughout the U.S. The firm is headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany.

The city provided the land to D. La Porte at no cost, consistent with the citys general industrial economic incentive guidelines.

The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall.
Sartori May breakfast set

CEDAR FALLS  The Sartori Memorial Hospital Annual May Breakfast will be 6 to 10 a.m. May 9 at First United Methodist Church, Eighth and Washington Streets.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Sartori May Breakfast or sponsoring the event, please contact Christy Stolz with the Sartori Memorial Hospital Foundation at 319-268-3161 or email Christy.Stolz@wfhc.org.

Tickets may be purchased from any Friends of Sartori member or at the Sartori Gift Shop for $7 and can be purchased at the door. Preschool tickets will also be available at the door for $1. Enter through the east or northwest doors. Handicap parking is available near the Clay Street entrance. Please use the main entrance at 718 Clay St. for elevator access.

Proceeds from this years event will be used to fund scholarships for area students entering a health-related field and to support the Sartori Health Care Foundations annual campaign.

Spay-neuter

day offered

WATERLOO  The Cedar Bend Humane Society is partnering with Iowa Humane Alliance Regional Spay and Neuter Clinic in Cedar Rapids to offer the public reduced cost spay and neuter surgeries.

Surgery prices include: dog spay$80, dog neuter$65, cat spay or neuter$40, and feral or barn cat spay or neuter$35.

This offer is by appointment only. Free transportation is available from Cedar Bend Humane Society in Waterloo to Iowa Humane Alliance Regional Spay and Neuter Clinic in Cedar Rapids.

The trip to Cedar Rapids will be May 8, and pets will be transported back to the Cedar Bend Humane Society the following day.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, call Caitlyn at 232-6887.
"I could not possibly be more thrilled," said Trump, "than to be more than 100 miles away from Washington's swamp, spending my evening with ... much better people."

Thus are the battle lines drawn: the press vs. the president, liberal vs. conservative, Washington vs. the rest of the country.

It sounds compelling, but it's actually absurd. The press is not the white knight of democracy. The president is not the people's champion.

Let's start with the press. Trump is right: The correspondents' dinner is awful. It's an evening of self-congratulation, bad jokes and political bias, where Democrats go to get praised and Republicans to be lampooned. It was at this dinner where President Obama and "SNL's" Seth Myers famously roasted Trump in 2011. A few years later, the joke turned out to be on them.

What is the press? It's conservative, moderate, liberal; as objective as possible but sometimes not; struggling to survive in the age of the Internet.

Hard to define, in other words -- and yet in recent years it has developed a sense of itself, as if it had some unifying political purpose. Choosing Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the men who exposed the Watergate scandal that toppled Richard Nixon, to address the correspondents' dinner sent a clear message: the press is not only here to hold presidents to account but to bring them down.

Were that goal pursued without bias, it would be less controversial. But let's get real: The press is staffed by human beings, and those human beings have prejudices conditioned by race, class, gender and region.

Politico has crunched the data and claims that the number of Republicans employed in the press is remarkably small. It also notes that as the industry has shrunk it has retreated to New York, Washington and the coastal bastions of the Democratic Party. In 2016, more than half of publishing employees worked in counties that went for Hillary Clinton by over 30%.

Are the values of their geographic and political environments reflected in their reporting? Trump makes it harder to tell. Trump is so outrageous a politician that it's impossible to judge if the negative press he gets is because he generates it or because journalists go out of their way to dig for it.

But there's no escaping that Woodward and Bernstein were talking to a largely Democrat audience -- an audience that believes the necessity of its profession has been sharpened by Trump. They have gone from being the journalists reporting on a war to soldiers fighting in it.

The "enemy," aka the President, has a big army behind him, and 96% of Trump supporters say they don't regret their vote last fall. It has only been 100 days, and disappointment takes longer than that to set in -- but Trump's level of support among his base is still surprising given that he has U-turned on many of the policies that won him states like Pennsylvania.

Labeling China a currency manipulator is gone. Scrapping NAFTA is gone. Funding for a border wall has been delayed. Reform of Obamacare has been stymied. Far from putting America first in foreign affairs, the President has projected US force into Yemen, Syria and the Korean peninsula.

In fact, after 100 days in office Trump looks less like the populist nationalist that parts of the press paint him as and more and more like a standard Republican -- albeit an incompetent one.

What one policy survives as definitional to his presidency? Plans for a massive tax cut that, critics say, will largely benefit the rich and corporations. It will hopefully bring corporate wealth back from overseas and spur job growth in Pennsylvania, but it's far from the radical overhaul of the economic structure that Trump promised.

Trump retains support, however, because he enjoys the same tribal passions that you'll find within the press. Consider this fascinating statistic: Last year, under Obama, only 39% of Republicans said tax levels were fair. Today the figure is 56%. It could be that simply by having a Republican in the White House, Republicans feel richer already.

So this is American politics, trapped between partisan identities.

Where does the middle lie? It's harder and harder to find -- not because it doesn't exist but because it is invisible.

If the press won't speak to it and the parties won't represent it, there's a risk that the true world beyond Washington -- the world uninterested in both correspondents' dinners and Make America Great Again rallies -- becomes a country apart.
Serious writers understand yes and no voices. They may call them other names, such as creative and critical phases, or inventing and editing. Both voices must be part of any successful creative venture.

The yes voice amounts to an optimistic, positive outlook, a glass-half-full can-do model. The no voice comes from pessimists half-empty glass attitude that reminds us to do more.

Solutions that work for the long haul require both voices working together. Too much yes and you get half-baked junk, too much no and you get writers block.

Thats how good solutions arise in the real world  a give-and-take balance of optimists working productively with pessimists, who ground them. Incidentally, writers carry both voices internally, which explains why writers like their whiskey.

Unfortunately, were living in a time when balanced solutions from both voices are rare to nonexistent. Thats because our national no voice  the party of pessimists and naysayers  now have full power.

On the national level, that would be the Trump administration and its far-right base, the House Freedom Caucus  who hate all things that smack of governmental solutions. In fact, conservative pessimists and their no voice didnt create anything positive  they only interfered with what others created. For eight years, no less.

Thats why the Trump administrations first 100 days was an abject failure, as anyone who isnt blind to facts can see. Pessimists dont govern very wellalone.

The border wall, repealing health care with no real replacement, attempts to gut the EPA, are all versions of no and are easier in the short run than finding and implementing real solutions for the long run. Diplomacy requires more effort than lobbing missiles and MOABs.

Exactly the same has occurred in Iowa on the state level. Republicans have no balance among themselves. Their solutions arise from pessimism. So theyre implementing all the no policies that hurt us all eventually, if not sooner.

One example will suffice: Iowas new stand your ground law. Basically it says Iowans have a right to use deadly force whenever they perceive a threat anywhere in public or private spaces, and they have no obligation to retreat first, as the old law required.

This solution creates more problems than it solves. Homicides have gone up, sometimes dramatically, in states that have implemented such laws. Whites shooting African-American males becomes a real problem  think George Zimmerman.

The law arises from a lack of balance in the state Legislature, where Republicans refused to listen to common sense and forged ahead without listening to fact-based critics. They did it because they could, not because it was right.

Heres a reference to an extensive study that concludes:

There is significant evidence that Stand Your Ground laws undermine public safety and increase overall homicide rates. (https://everytownresearch.org/documents/2015/04/shoot-first.pdf)

Read it, then explain how Iowas new gun law is a not a disaster. It bodes ill, along with other no-voice bills that arose from legislative imbalance.
When is an immigrant no longer an immigrant? This question was raised by a retired professor friend who immigrated to this country from Iran in the 1960s. He had taught at a university for nearly 40 years until retirement. He married an American-born wife, has one child who is now in her 40s and has her own family with children.

As he is approaching his 80th birthday, he has spent over half a century in this country, which is more than one-fifth of the age of America. He was distraught over an incident in Washington State when a young white male had fired a shot at an Indian immigrant of the Sikh religion who was working on his car in his own driveway. The shooter had yelled at him to go home.

The professor was obsessing over the absurdity of the action. He said he himself was born in a country that is today considered an enemy. But when he immigrated, Iran was an ally of the U.S. led by the friendly Shah of Iran. America had more than 50,000 advisers in Iran, and traveling to and from Iran was as easy as traveling to another state in the United States. Then in 1979, the regime changed, there was a revolution, and the country took a completely different path.

The shooting incident, albeit despicable, was rather isolated, and the reason for its notoriety was rightly to show its absurdity. It is no different than publishing on a string of robberies. The person who committed the act likely lacked an understanding of geography or world religions. Anti-Muslim sentiment has resulted in a disproportionate number of hate crimes committed against the Sikhs that shows the depth of ignorance on behalf of the perpetrators.

Male practitioners of Sikhism cover their hair, typically by wearing a turban. As a result, their attire resembles that of some Muslims in some Islamic countries. The Sikh religion has nothing to do with the Islamic religion. It started in the early 16th century and is one of the newest religions. Of the 10 consecutive Sikh gurus, two were killed by the Mughal rulers when they refused to convert to Islam, and there were other periods of persecution. The irony is tragic, to say the least.

In Japan, for example, a second- or third-generation Korean born in Japan who only knows Japanese and who does everything as the Japanese do is still considered an immigrant by some Japanese who are race conscious. In Europe, it is varied. Most Europeans consider the second and later generations of immigrants as European, although there are invisible walls that prevent some immigrants to Europe from certain countries to fully assimilate. Understandably, some immigrants to Europe may have shown inability to assimilate.

In America, the land of immigrants, the answer to the professors question is an immigrant is no longer an immigrant on the day he pledges allegiance to the United States and becomes a U.S. citizen  an American. A U.S. citizen, regardless of when he or she earned the citizenship, is bound by the laws of this country and has all the privileges and responsibilities of a citizen whether they were born here or immigrated from another country.

We do not take the citizenship of an American away and send him back to Italy because his grandfather immigrated from Italy, nor do we do such a thing to an American of Chinese or African heritage. Our appreciation of this principle has been the reason for more assimilated Americans of different heritage.

The best we can do is to continue to educate our citizens about the basic principles this country was founded upon so they learn we are Americans because we have pledged allegiance to the same principles and the same constitution.
Monday will mark another Day Without Immigrants event across the nation. It seems to have been flying a little more under the radar than the February event in which many people stayed home from work or school.

However, the organization DREAM Iowa has encouraged immigrant Iowans and allies to participate in a rally at their local county courthouses between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to demonstrate the value of immigrants in Iowa.

Their correspondence began with the salutation, Hello #UndocuIowans and allies.

Of course, the value of immigrants in Iowa and across the nation is undeniable. So is the diminishing distinction between illegal immigration and legal immigration.

In an interesting confluence of immigration irony, and in what has become a regular event, 90 immigrants were sworn in as United States citizens in a naturalization proceeding at the University of Northern Iowa on April 19.

U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge C.J. Williams, Northern District of Iowa, presided over the ceremony, with assistance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. He reminded the new citizens of their obligations as Americans  to pay taxes, to vote, to serve their community and obey the laws  but also the benefits.

He quoted former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, who remarked the only title in this country superior to president is citizen.

Fourteen came from Mexico, the most of any single country. All continents except Australia were represented. The youngest, at 23, was from China, and the oldest, at 82, was from Vietnam.

UNI has held a naturalization ceremony six of the last seven years. The ceremony is the same type that plays out several times a year in cities across the country. The events reaffirm our ideals as a nation, which were intensified in the late 19th century when waves of European immigrants arrived through places like Ellis Island in New York Harbor.

Its a reminder our citizenship is something to treasure. And we applaud these recently naturalized citizens for their patience and persistence that is often required in the process of obtaining legal citizenship.

In Iowa, the Cedar Valley has a unique perspective on the issue of immigration.

Residents of the Cedar Valley welcomed Bosnian and Burmese refugees over the years.

Weve seen the influx of a Hispanic population. We also witnessed the large scale ICE raid in which nearly 400 immigrant workers were detained at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville in 2008.

Were keenly aware of an immigration crisis  one our countrys leadership has been unable to address for decades. Continuing to allow people to pour across borders relatively unimpeded is no more of an answer than deporting all undocumented immigrants. And were certain our nation will struggle with this hard-to-solve problem for many years to come.

In the meantime, we continue to be proud of the relatively rich diversity of the Cedar Valley in relation to the rest of the state.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Black Hawk County has the largest percentage of African-American residents in any county in Iowa. The city of Waterloo had the largest percentage of African-American residents of any city in Iowa.

Recent immigrants have blended in and added to the richness of our local diversity.

That said, its time we start looking at immigration and illegal immigration as the two separate issues that they are, and quit lumping them into one politicized issue.
Linda Ballew and her daughter Christy Peden were presented supplemental certificates on April 15 by UDC #900 Jefferson Davis Chapter President Marilyn Kinne and Registrar Anita Green.

The Chapter also added member Andrea Akers. She was presented a new member certificate from President Marilyn Kinne and Registrar Anita Green.
Burden skepticism

BARBARA GREGERSEN

WATERLOO  The article concerning the burden waiting periods for an abortion (Critics say bill creates burden, April 17) would cause raises several question/concerns. Planned Parenthood states the bill lacks scientific foundation. Requiring an ultrasound, offering the woman a chance to listen to the heartbeat and receiving a description of the baby are scientific facts.

Women often choose not to abort after receiving this information. Elizabeth Nash, Guttmacher Institute, (closely affiliated with Planned Parenthood) talks about concerns about waiting periods and the logistical factors involved. Before even minor medical procedures it is often necessary to make several appointments with different physicians. Women considering an abortion need all the facts and time to consider the decision.

It is often alleged these burdens fall more on younger and poorer women. Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, intended birth control to be readily available to poor women so they wouldnt have children. They admitted abortion kills a living person. When birth control actually increased the number of unplanned pregnancies, Planned Parenthood pushed for legalized abortion. As in all issues, statements made by organizations that financially benefit from one side of the issue should be taken with skepticism.

Subject of laws

JANICE NOLTING

CEDAR FALLS  Bob Kaiser (letter April 23) seems to have it all together when he writes on the subject of laws. If what he says is so, that these laws are a formula for instant order and success, how come the majority of the U.S. population is so darn miserable? The minimum wage law in our state  hardly adequate for a man to feed his dog, let alone his family. Theres a seat belt law, sometimes saves lives, sometimes the actual cause of death if one is unable to free themselves from a burning car. And the notion of a mother holding one of her babies in the seat of the car on a long, tedious trip is strictly forbidden these days.

If you are unfortunate to be an immigrant, you will be arrested in seconds, be cut away from your family, leaving them to starve in the process. The problem with laws is they are created by a bunch of dummies, in or out of the Capitol. Not all, but many, are nearly as unproductive and inhumane as the laws Hitler put in place before the start of World War II.

Country View

MARCIA BUTTGEN

WATERLOO  I have a close friend living at Country View who has been there a few years now. The employees treat everyone there with respect and caring attitudes. My concern is the financial needs there are not sufficiently being met. Most of the residents are on Medicaid and Medicare and some on Social Security.

Our illustrious governor has seen fit to have some of those funds cut for those in greatest need. These people have nowhere else to go, and most could not function in regular social settings.

The solution is not to close Country View but to find the money in the county budget to keep it open. These people are very vulnerable and need us to step up and continue to care for them. Visit sometime, and you will see what I am talking about. Would you be willing to pay a little more in taxes? I would.

We are helping veterans locally, as we should. The residents of Country View should be a priority in our county as well.

Trumps travels

WARREN LEDTJE SR.

WATERLOO  Where are all the little people who continually criticized President Obamas travel expenses?

Just wondering.

Islamic attacks

MARCELLA GRUVER

WATERLOO  To all of you Trump opposers: Whats all the fuss? In four years you can change the outcome by your vote.

The Immigration and Nationality Act Section 212F gives the president broad authority to implement immigration restrictions by proclamation. The statute allows the president to suspend the entry of any aliens or class of aliens or place restrictions on the entry of a class of aliens temporarily if he or she determines the entry of such aliens would be detrimental to the U.S. interest. What is there about this law that you refuse to understand?

U.S. history has recorded similar bans (seven in total) starting with the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Thanks to Aaron Bendler, we have a list of radical Islamic attacks on U.S. soil under Obama during the years 2009-2016. He lists 14 radical Muslim attacks killing 82 U.S. citizens and others and injuring 387 U.S. citizens plus others.

Just how many more of these radical Islamic attacks does the United States have to endure before you change your mind that the U.S. has the right to stop people from terrorist countries entering America?

Political power

GARY DUNEMAN

WAVERLY  Karl Rove, one of the most unscrupulous political operatives in the United States, has very effectively organized the Republican Party to attract millions of one-issue voters. Those main issues are family, abortion, gay rights and gun rights. He also has deceptively worked to suppress the votes of those who tend to vote for Democrats. In fact, had he not been protected by high-ranking elected officials he might have been imprisoned for caging, a process of purging certain demographics from the voting roles.

One of the results of Republican control has been the corporate agenda is being legislated and not the agenda of average citizens. That corporate agenda is lower taxes for the rich and fewer regulations, permitting them to harm people and the environment. Supreme Court justices nominated by Republican presidents have given the rich the ability to give unlimited, anonymous money to those who will do their bidding. Through all this I suspect the Karl Roves of the world could care less about family, abortion, gay rights or gun rights. They are doing this so more economic and political control ends up with the rich at the expense all others.
Dear Mr. Berko: Last summer, I chose between buying 600 shares of AT&T at $38 and buying 500 shares of Verizon at $54. I bought Verizon, and its been straight down since, though the dividend was raised by 6 cents. Tell me why Verizon has collapsed and when you think it will come back to my purchase price, because I want to invest $25,000 in an electric utility my stockbroker recommended, FirstEnergy.

 FA, Cleveland

Dear FA: Verizon Communications (VZ-$47) provides wireless, broadband, fiber-optic and other services to consumers around the world. VZ is still the clear leader in the wireless industry, with more than 113 million retail customers. VZ has a strong reputation and an enviable, high-quality network, and its Fios service enables unparalleled data speeds across nearly 80 percent of the companys service area.VZ was firing cleanly on all cylinders last year. 2016 revenues came in at $127 billion. Earnings were $3.21 a share. And the dividend was raised again to $2.27 a share, giving shareholders a swell 4.7 percent yield. Then, in July, while VZ was trading at $56, management announced it would buy Yahoo (YHOO-$48) for $4.83 billion, and the midden hit the windmill, as VZ shares fell to $46. VZ was after YHOOs 1 billion active users (600 million mobile) and its attractive brand and assets. But YHOOs attractive brand and assets turned out not to be so attractive after all, and its usership also was declining. The assets included content (e.g., finance, news, sports), digital advertising technology and a polluted pool of dubious people  including CEO Marissa Mayer, whose management style was in a frequent state of desynchronosis.Of the 25 brokerages covering Verizon, seven  including Argus Research and OShaughnessy Asset Management  have strong buy recommendations. Two, Morningstar and Value Line, have buy recs. Fourteen say to hold, and two say to sell. The consensus says VZ should rise to $54 in the coming dozen months. But I dont think thats going to happen unless VZ merges with Disney or Amazon.

Do you remember such old names as Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Co. and Toledo Edison? They are now part of FirstEnergy (FE-$30.60), a holding company that pays a $1.44 dividend yielding 4.7 percent. FE also is a holding company for Potomac Edison, which almost every utility investor owned because most of its revenues derived from federal government offices in Washington.

FE has been in turbulence (operational problems/cost controls) since 2012, when the shares traded at more than $50 and earnings and revenues bounced around like kangaroos in a pigpen. Management couldnt run FEs nonregulated 1,572 megawatts of gas-fired and hydro businesses or other competitive energy assets that have pounded earnings and hurt dividend growth. FE has a contract to sell this generating capacity (subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval) for $925 million. Meanwhile, management has been having unusual difficulties getting rate increases in Ohio and New Jersey, and FE is taking a fourth-quarter mark-to-market accounting charge because of frequent problems with its pension plan assumptions.

Though the present doesnt look good, FE has some promise for the future, and buying 800 shares might be a timely long-term investment.

Please address your financial questions to Malcolm Berko, P.O. Box 8303, Largo, FL 33775, or email him at mjberko@yahoo.com.
Q: Where is the nearest Lone Star Restaurant?

A: The company doesnt list any in Iowa  it looks as if the closest are in Joliet, Ill., or Branson, Mo.

Q: What does the Americans with Disabilities Act exactly say?

A: The text of the ADA is 51 pages long. You can read it at www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08.htm.

Q: Has any health department ever proved beyond a reasonable doubt the amount of radon here in Iowa has ever hurt anyones health?

A: According to the American Lung Association, Iowa does have a high potential for elevated levels of radon gas. An estimated 400 deaths per year in Iowa are caused by radon-induced lung cancer, which is about the same number of deaths seen in Iowa for traffic fatalities.

Q: Are you required to pay state taxes out of Social Security retirement checks?

A: According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, while Social Security benefits are excluded from income when computing tax, some Social Security benefits are included as income in determining whether a taxpayer has sufficient income to file an Iowa return.

Q: Who do I contact to report someone for scamming the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program for turning a house into them that was substantially less than the mortgage?

A: You may report fraud to the Department of Housing and Urban Developments secretary at (800) 347-3735 or hotline@hudoig.gov.

Q: Are psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis the same thing?

A: No. Although both are autoimmune diseases, psoriatic arthritis occurs when the bodys immune system attacks healthy joint and skin tissue. Those with psoriatic arthritis often have skin symptoms before joint symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the bodys immune system attacks the joints, creating inflammation in the tissues that line the joints.

Q: Why arent the Raymond council minutes put in The Courier anymore?

A: Due to a clerical error, the February minutes were not submitted for publication. The February minutes along with March minutes later were submitted together for publication.

Q: Did Jeff Probst of Survivor get a nose job?

A: Not as far as we could find. He told People magazine a few years ago after seeing what a plastic surgeon proposed to do to his nose, Thats when I decided to stick with what God gave me.

Q: It was listed in an article that Eleven Madison Park was named the best restaurant in the world. Where is this restaurant located?

A: Its at 11 Madison Ave. in New York.

Q: What is the determining factor whether a bill or law passed by the Iowa Legislature goes into effect immediately or not until July 1?

A: The determining factor on most bills is whether lawmakers who wrote the legislation choose for it to be effective upon enactment or at the start of the new fiscal year.
past daily news Sep 13 (1) Sep 09 (15) Sep 06 (12) Sep 04 (10) Sep 03 (10) Aug 31 (17) Aug 29 (14) Aug 26 (13) Aug 22 (11) Aug 21 (12) Aug 19 (21) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (10) Aug 10 (10) Aug 08 (9) Aug 07 (10) Aug 06 (10) Aug 05 (8) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (14) Jul 29 (1) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (5) Jul 24 (10) Jul 22 (11) Jul 19 (16) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (10) Jul 15 (13) Jul 12 (7) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (8) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (5) Jul 05 (8) Jul 04 (11) Jul 03 (8) Jul 02 (7) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (8) Jun 28 (7) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (7) Jun 25 (8) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (6) Jun 22 (9) Jun 20 (5) Jun 19 (9) Jun 18 (8) Jun 15 (9) Jun 13 (13) Jun 11 (11) Jun 09 (19) Jun 06 (10) Jun 04 (10) Jun 03 (8) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (5) May 30 (5) May 29 (6) May 28 (7) May 27 (7) May 26 (6) May 25 (4) May 23 (6) May 22 (6) May 21 (4) May 20 (7) May 19 (9) May 18 (4) May 17 (6) May 16 (5) May 15 (7) May 14 (3) May 13 (3) May 12 (9) May 10 (3) May 09 (7) May 08 (4) May 07 (3) May 06 (5) May 05 (8) May 03 (9) May 02 (1) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (8) Apr 29 (5) Apr 28 (4) Apr 27 (7) Apr 26 (12) Apr 25 (4) Apr 24 (8) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (5) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (1) Apr 19 (5) Apr 18 (3) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (6) Apr 15 (5) Apr 14 (2) Apr 13 (4) Apr 12 (2) Apr 11 (4) Apr 10 (3) Apr 09 (3) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (5) Apr 06 (3) Apr 05 (10) Apr 04 (2) Apr 03 (3) Apr 02 (9) Apr 01 (7) Mar 31 (10) Mar 30 (6) Mar 29 (7) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (10) Mar 25 (4) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (10) Mar 22 (6) Mar 21 (5) Mar 20 (11) Mar 19 (8) Mar 18 (5) Mar 17 (4) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (7) Mar 13 (7) Mar 12 (5) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (5) Mar 08 (6) Mar 07 (8) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (12) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (8) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (8) Feb 28 (7) Feb 27 (5) Feb 26 (6) Feb 25 (7) Feb 24 (3) Feb 23 (6) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (3) Feb 20 (1) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (4) Feb 16 (2) Feb 15 (5) Feb 14 (3) Feb 13 (6) Feb 12 (6) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (6) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (6) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (2) Feb 04 (3) Feb 03 (5) Feb 02 (1) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (8) Jan 30 (2) Jan 29 (4) Jan 28 (1) Jan 27 (4) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (4) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (2) Jan 20 (2) Jan 19 (3) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (2) Jan 16 (7) Jan 15 (6) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (5) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 05 (5) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (2) Jan 01 (1) Dec 31 (5) Dec 29 (4) Dec 28 (5) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (2) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (4) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (3) Dec 18 (2) Dec 17 (1) Dec 16 (4) Dec 15 (2) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (7) Dec 12 (5) Dec 11 (4) Dec 10 (3) Dec 09 (2) Dec 08 (2) Dec 07 (4) Dec 06 (4) Dec 05 (1) Dec 04 (5) Dec 03 (3) Dec 02 (5) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (5) Nov 29 (10) Nov 28 (6) Nov 27 (2) Nov 26 (3) Nov 24 (2) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (3) Nov 20 (6) Nov 19 (2) Nov 18 (5) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (3) Nov 15 (2) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (2) Nov 11 (4) Nov 10 (5) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (5) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (5) Nov 05 (4) Nov 04 (5) Nov 02 (4) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (9) Oct 30 (9) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (2) Oct 27 (6) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (6) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (6) Oct 22 (4) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (5) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (4) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (2) Oct 13 (4) Oct 12 (7) Oct 11 (5) Oct 10 (4) Oct 09 (5) Oct 08 (10) Oct 07 (1) Oct 06 (10) Oct 05 (6) Oct 04 (8) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (1) Sep 28 (6) Sep 27 (6) Sep 26 (5) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (6) Sep 23 (5) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (6) Sep 20 (6) Sep 19 (5) Sep 18 (3) Sep 17 (5) Sep 16 (5) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (6) Sep 13 (4) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (4) Sep 06 (8) Sep 05 (6) Sep 04 (7) Sep 03 (3) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (5) Aug 31 (8) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (6) Aug 28 (6) Aug 27 (1) Aug 26 (4) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (7) Aug 23 (4) Aug 22 (4) Aug 21 (4) Aug 20 (7) Aug 18 (5) Aug 17 (8) Aug 16 (8) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (2) Aug 10 (5) Aug 09 (4) Aug 08 (8) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (3) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (4) Aug 03 (10) Aug 02 (9) Aug 01 (8) Jul 31 (1) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (2) Jul 28 (11) Jul 27 (10) Jul 26 (10) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (5) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (2) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (8) Jul 18 (7) Jul 17 (1) Jul 16 (10) Jul 14 (7) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (11) Jul 11 (7) Jul 10 (5) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (8) Jul 06 (4) Jul 05 (6) Jul 04 (6) Jul 03 (7) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (2) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (7) Jun 28 (5) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (6) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (8) Jun 18 (2) Jun 17 (3) Jun 16 (4) Jun 15 (3) Jun 14 (7) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (7) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (2) Jun 09 (8) Jun 08 (8) Jun 07 (8) Jun 06 (10) Jun 05 (14) Jun 04 (6) Jun 03 (6) Jun 02 (8) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (7) May 30 (2) May 29 (7) May 28 (7) May 27 (2) May 26 (4) May 25 (5) May 24 (4) May 23 (5) May 22 (5) May 21 (5) May 20 (3) May 19 (10) May 18 (6) May 17 (3) May 16 (6) May 15 (2) May 14 (3) May 13 (5) May 11 (1) May 10 (5) May 09 (3) May 08 (4) May 07 (2) May 06 (4) May 05 (6) May 04 (5) May 03 (5) May 02 (1) May 01 (6) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (7) Apr 28 (8) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (14) Apr 25 (6) Apr 24 (6) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (1) Apr 21 (8) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (4) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (1) Apr 15 (8) Apr 14 (1) Apr 13 (7) Apr 12 (10) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (2) Apr 09 (2) Apr 08 (4) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (6) Apr 05 (6) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (2) Mar 31 (5) Mar 30 (4) Mar 29 (8) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (9) Mar 26 (4) Mar 25 (5) Mar 24 (11) Mar 23 (10) Mar 22 (9) Mar 21 (10) Mar 20 (11) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (3) Mar 16 (7) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (6) Mar 13 (9) Mar 12 (6) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (5) Mar 08 (6) Mar 07 (13) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (7) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (6) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (4) Feb 26 (5) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (6) Feb 23 (9) Feb 22 (6) Feb 21 (7) Feb 20 (8) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (3) Feb 17 (4) Feb 16 (6) Feb 15 (5) Feb 14 (7) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (3) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (5) Feb 09 (9) Feb 08 (8) Feb 07 (7) Feb 06 (10) Feb 05 (7) Feb 04 (2) Feb 03 (8) Feb 02 (7) Feb 01 (5) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (7) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (7) Jan 26 (8) Jan 25 (6) Jan 24 (6) Jan 23 (5) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (6) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (8) Jan 17 (12) Jan 16 (5) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (8) Jan 12 (6) Jan 11 (6) Jan 10 (7) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (6) Jan 05 (9) Jan 04 (9) Jan 03 (4) Jan 02 (6) Jan 01 (8) Dec 31 (2) Dec 30 (1) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (4) Dec 27 (8) Dec 26 (4) Dec 24 (5) Dec 23 (7) Dec 22 (12) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (7) Dec 19 (3) Dec 18 (5) Dec 17 (3) Dec 16 (1) Dec 15 (7) Dec 14 (10) Dec 13 (7) Dec 12 (12) Dec 10 (3) Dec 09 (6) Dec 08 (7) Dec 07 (12) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (13) Dec 04 (6) Dec 02 (8) Dec 01 (8) Nov 30 (6) Nov 29 (7) Nov 28 (7) Nov 27 (4) Nov 26 (8) Nov 24 (2) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (11) Nov 21 (7) Nov 20 (3) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (7) Nov 17 (6) Nov 16 (11) Nov 15 (10) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (5) Nov 11 (12) Nov 10 (4) Nov 09 (14) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (11) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (5) Nov 04 (11) Nov 03 (9) Nov 02 (10) Nov 01 (8) Oct 31 (12) Oct 30 (5) Oct 29 (5) Oct 28 (5) Oct 27 (11) Oct 26 (13) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (10) Oct 23 (8) Oct 22 (5) Oct 21 (11) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (5) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (6) Oct 15 (4) Oct 14 (9) Oct 13 (10) Oct 12 (11) Oct 11 (9) Oct 10 (10) Oct 09 (7) Oct 08 (5) Oct 07 (10) Oct 06 (9) Oct 05 (14) Oct 04 (9) Oct 03 (12) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (9) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (7) Sep 28 (13) Sep 27 (10) Sep 26 (11) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (7) Sep 22 (10) Sep 21 (12) Sep 20 (12) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (7) Sep 16 (11) Sep 15 (8) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (8) Sep 12 (8) Sep 11 (6) Sep 10 (10) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (9) Sep 07 (8) Sep 06 (11) Sep 05 (2) Sep 04 (8) Sep 03 (2) Sep 02 (6) Sep 01 (9) Aug 31 (9) Aug 30 (7) Aug 29 (9) Aug 28 (4) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (5) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (4) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (2) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (6) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (4) Aug 16 (6) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (4) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (6) Aug 11 (3) Aug 10 (5) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (9) Aug 07 (7) Aug 06 (7) Aug 05 (7) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (11) Aug 02 (6) Aug 01 (9) Jul 31 (11) Jul 28 (7) Jul 27 (11) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (5) Jul 24 (1) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (2) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (8) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (7) Jul 15 (4) Jul 14 (2) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (10) Jul 11 (11) Jul 10 (2) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (5) Jul 06 (6) Jul 05 (3) Jul 04 (6) Jul 03 (5) Jul 02 (3) Jun 30 (8) Jun 29 (5) Jun 28 (6) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (4) Jun 25 (1) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (11) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (5) Jun 19 (7) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (4) Jun 14 (6) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (6) Jun 09 (8) Jun 08 (6) Jun 07 (8) Jun 06 (7) Jun 05 (5) Jun 04 (7) Jun 03 (1) Jun 02 (9) Jun 01 (5) May 31 (8) May 30 (7) May 29 (5) May 28 (5) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (4) May 24 (3) May 23 (5) May 22 (2) May 21 (3) May 20 (7) May 19 (11) May 18 (1) May 17 (7) May 16 (3) May 15 (4) May 14 (3) May 13 (4) May 12 (4) May 11 (11) May 10 (2) May 09 (6) May 08 (6) May 07 (2) May 06 (3) May 05 (4) May 04 (5) May 03 (8) May 02 (4) May 01 (4) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (13) Apr 28 (5) Apr 27 (7) Apr 26 (5) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (2) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (9) Apr 21 (11) Apr 20 (2) Apr 19 (2) Apr 18 (5) Apr 17 (5) Apr 16 (6) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (2) Apr 12 (9) Apr 11 (10) Apr 10 (6) Apr 09 (5) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (10) Apr 06 (7) Apr 05 (7) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (9) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (7) Mar 28 (4) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (6) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (8) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (4) Mar 21 (10) Mar 20 (6) Mar 19 (6) Mar 17 (7) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (4) Mar 12 (6) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (9) Mar 08 (10) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (5) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (2) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (5) Feb 28 (3) Feb 27 (8) Feb 26 (9) Feb 24 (11) Feb 23 (8) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (8) Feb 20 (7) Feb 19 (4) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (6) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (7) Feb 14 (11) Feb 13 (2) Feb 12 (5) Feb 11 (5) Feb 10 (3) Feb 09 (10) Feb 08 (9) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (2) Feb 05 (9) Feb 03 (7) Feb 02 (5) Feb 01 (7) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (5) Jan 29 (6) Jan 28 (5) Jan 27 (2) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (7) Jan 24 (8) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (14) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (10) Jan 18 (11) Jan 17 (9) Jan 16 (5) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (7) Jan 10 (2) Jan 09 (7) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (10) Jan 06 (8) Jan 05 (7) Jan 04 (9) Jan 03 (8) Jan 02 (5) Jan 01 (14) Dec 30 (13) Dec 29 (13) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (5) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (7) Dec 24 (4) Dec 23 (5) Dec 22 (4) Dec 21 (8) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (8) Dec 18 (9) Dec 16 (8) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (5) Dec 13 (8) Dec 12 (4) Dec 11 (17) Dec 09 (8) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (10) Dec 06 (12) Dec 05 (6) Dec 04 (8) Dec 02 (6) Dec 01 (7) Nov 30 (9) Nov 29 (6) Nov 28 (11) Nov 27 (6) Nov 26 (15) Nov 24 (7) Nov 23 (15) Nov 22 (9) Nov 21 (6) Nov 20 (11) Nov 18 (11) Nov 17 (13) Nov 16 (8) Nov 15 (13) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (7) Nov 12 (3) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (13) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (6) Nov 06 (4) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (8) Nov 03 (9) Nov 02 (8) Nov 01 (6) Oct 31 (10) Oct 30 (8) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (8) Oct 27 (15) Oct 26 (10) Oct 25 (10) Oct 24 (13) Oct 23 (9) Oct 21 (8) Oct 20 (13) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (8) Oct 16 (14) Oct 14 (9) Oct 13 (11) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (13) Oct 10 (7) Oct 09 (15) Oct 07 (7) Oct 06 (11) Oct 05 (18) Oct 04 (14) Oct 03 (1) Oct 02 (10) Sep 30 (11) Sep 29 (11) Sep 28 (11) Sep 27 (15) Sep 26 (7) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (11) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (17) Sep 20 (20) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (11) Sep 16 (10) Sep 15 (12) Sep 14 (9) Sep 13 (12) Sep 12 (14) Sep 11 (4) Sep 10 (8) Sep 09 (9) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (13) Sep 06 (15) Sep 05 (8) Sep 04 (11) Sep 03 (10) Sep 02 (12) Sep 01 (12) Aug 31 (14) Aug 30 (14) Aug 29 (8) Aug 28 (8) Aug 27 (9) Aug 26 (12) Aug 25 (6) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (12) Aug 22 (6) Aug 21 (5) Aug 20 (6) Aug 19 (9) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (7) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (2) Aug 14 (12) Aug 12 (15) Aug 11 (11) Aug 10 (6) Aug 09 (7) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (5) Aug 05 (7) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (4) Aug 02 (5) Aug 01 (5) Jul 31 (7) Jul 30 (5) Jul 29 (9) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (8) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (6) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (6) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (5) Jul 18 (15) Jul 15 (14) Jul 14 (5) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (12) Jul 11 (8) Jul 10 (3) Jul 09 (11) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (7) Jul 06 (10) Jul 05 (4) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (5) Jul 02 (7) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (10) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (2) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (5) Jun 21 (7) Jun 20 (3) Jun 19 (7) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (11) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (7) Jun 13 (14) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (8) Jun 09 (9) Jun 08 (11) Jun 07 (14) Jun 06 (16) Jun 03 (8) Jun 02 (12) Jun 01 (5) May 31 (7) May 30 (15) May 28 (7) May 27 (5) May 26 (21) May 25 (14) May 24 (10) May 23 (7) May 22 (8) May 21 (11) May 20 (5) May 19 (4) May 18 (10) May 17 (11) May 16 (5) May 15 (6) May 14 (7) May 13 (12) May 12 (10) May 11 (7) May 10 (13) May 09 (4) May 08 (7) May 07 (3) May 06 (6) May 05 (9) May 04 (14) May 03 (7) May 02 (10) May 01 (10) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (9) Apr 28 (5) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (8) Apr 24 (6) Apr 23 (14) Apr 22 (16) Apr 21 (11) Apr 20 (7) Apr 19 (16) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (10) Apr 15 (8) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (11) Apr 12 (10) Apr 11 (8) Apr 10 (12) Apr 09 (5) Apr 08 (13) Apr 07 (9) Apr 06 (11) Apr 05 (15) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (15) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (11) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (10) Mar 29 (8) Mar 28 (7) Mar 27 (12) Mar 26 (8) Mar 25 (8) Mar 24 (7) Mar 23 (15) Mar 22 (17) Mar 21 (9) Mar 20 (8) Mar 19 (4) Mar 18 (16) Mar 17 (8) Mar 16 (19) Mar 15 (13) Mar 14 (7) Mar 13 (20) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (11) Mar 09 (13) Mar 08 (13) Mar 07 (7) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (9) Mar 04 (10) Mar 03 (16) Mar 02 (16) Mar 01 (13) Feb 29 (8) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (16) Feb 26 (10) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (12) Feb 23 (14) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (11) Feb 20 (8) Feb 19 (12) Feb 18 (12) Feb 17 (11) Feb 16 (8) Feb 15 (9) Feb 14 (7) Feb 13 (10) Feb 12 (11) Feb 11 (13) Feb 10 (5) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (13) Feb 05 (10) Feb 04 (11) Feb 03 (7) Feb 02 (19) Jan 31 (21) Jan 29 (11) Jan 28 (10) Jan 27 (13) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (2) Jan 23 (8) Jan 22 (13) Jan 21 (11) Jan 20 (9) Jan 19 (13) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (11) Jan 15 (7) Jan 14 (13) Jan 13 (9) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (5) Jan 10 (8) Jan 09 (7) Jan 08 (7) Jan 07 (6) Jan 06 (11) Jan 05 (7) Jan 04 (7) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (8) Jan 01 (5) Dec 31 (10) Dec 30 (9) Dec 29 (7) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (1) Dec 25 (5) Dec 24 (6) Dec 23 (6) Dec 22 (7) Dec 21 (6) Dec 20 (7) Dec 19 (13) Dec 18 (16) Dec 17 (10) Dec 16 (13) Dec 15 (11) Dec 14 (8) Dec 13 (4) Dec 12 (9) Dec 11 (10) Dec 10 (12) Dec 09 (10) Dec 08 (13) Dec 07 (7) Dec 06 (12) Dec 05 (8) Dec 04 (11) Dec 03 (12) Dec 02 (16) Dec 01 (14) Nov 30 (10) Nov 29 (11) Nov 28 (15) Nov 27 (16) Nov 26 (11) Nov 25 (9) Nov 24 (13) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (1) Nov 21 (7) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (11) Nov 17 (11) Nov 16 (10) Nov 15 (3) Nov 14 (10) Nov 13 (14) Nov 12 (8) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (10) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (11) Nov 06 (12) Nov 05 (17) Nov 04 (12) Nov 03 (11) Nov 02 (5) Nov 01 (12) Oct 31 (11) Oct 30 (11) Oct 29 (10) Oct 28 (18) Oct 27 (16) Oct 26 (11) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (12) Oct 23 (11) Oct 22 (14) Oct 21 (12) Oct 20 (17) Oct 19 (12) Oct 18 (13) Oct 17 (15) Oct 16 (14) Oct 15 (10) Oct 14 (16) Oct 13 (12) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (8) Oct 10 (12) Oct 09 (21) Oct 08 (22) Oct 07 (19) Oct 06 (18) Oct 05 (6) Oct 04 (17) Oct 03 (13) Oct 02 (14) Oct 01 (13) Sep 30 (14) Sep 29 (15) Sep 28 (12) Sep 27 (11) Sep 26 (15) Sep 25 (13) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (10) Sep 22 (12) Sep 21 (8) Sep 20 (4) Sep 19 (12) Sep 18 (12) Sep 17 (16) Sep 16 (21) Sep 15 (14) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (5) Sep 12 (10) Sep 11 (16) Sep 10 (7) Sep 09 (8) Sep 08 (10) Sep 07 (7) Sep 06 (5) Sep 05 (8) Sep 04 (9) Sep 03 (8) Sep 02 (11) Sep 01 (10) Aug 31 (4) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (1) Aug 28 (10) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (8) Aug 25 (14) Aug 24 (4) Aug 23 (3) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (13) Aug 20 (9) Aug 19 (13) Aug 18 (3) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (6) Aug 14 (8) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (12) Aug 11 (9) Aug 10 (8) Aug 09 (14) Aug 08 (6) Aug 07 (1) Aug 06 (4) Aug 05 (8) Aug 04 (6) Aug 03 (6) Aug 02 (2) Aug 01 (6) Jul 31 (6) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (6) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (6) Jul 23 (5) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (5) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (5) Jul 16 (4) Jul 15 (9) Jul 14 (2) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (1) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (8) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (3) Jul 07 (13) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (7) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (1) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (7) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (9) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (3) Jun 19 (4) Jun 18 (7) Jun 17 (7) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (11) Jun 12 (6) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (10) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (2) Jun 05 (9) Jun 04 (8) Jun 03 (9) Jun 02 (6) Jun 01 (4) May 30 (7) May 29 (9) May 28 (13) May 26 (8) May 25 (5) May 24 (2) May 23 (8) May 22 (9) May 21 (7) May 20 (4) May 19 (6) May 18 (7) May 17 (8) May 15 (9) May 14 (5) May 13 (8) May 12 (6) May 11 (6) May 09 (7) May 08 (6) May 07 (11) May 06 (7) May 05 (4) May 04 (11) May 03 (5) May 02 (4) May 01 (9) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (4) Apr 28 (9) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (3) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (10) Apr 22 (8) Apr 21 (9) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (4) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (4) Apr 15 (6) Apr 14 (8) Apr 13 (3) Apr 12 (6) Apr 10 (2) Apr 09 (4) Apr 08 (5) Apr 07 (5) Apr 06 (2) Apr 05 (2) Apr 04 (5) Apr 03 (7) Apr 02 (7) Apr 01 (12) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (3) Mar 29 (1) Mar 28 (2) Mar 27 (6) Mar 26 (2) Mar 25 (5) Mar 24 (4) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (4) Mar 21 (6) Mar 20 (9) Mar 19 (9) Mar 18 (8) Mar 17 (9) Mar 16 (7) Mar 15 (11) Mar 13 (5) Mar 12 (12) Mar 11 (9) Mar 10 (12) Mar 09 (4) Mar 08 (5) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (5) Mar 05 (5) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (11) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (8) Feb 27 (9) Feb 26 (9) Feb 25 (8) Feb 24 (6) Feb 23 (4) Feb 22 (3) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (3) Feb 19 (10) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (7) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (2) Feb 14 (8) Feb 13 (12) Feb 12 (8) Feb 11 (10) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (2) Feb 06 (7) Feb 05 (4) Feb 04 (11) Feb 03 (5) Feb 02 (7) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (5) Jan 30 (8) Jan 29 (12) Jan 28 (6) Jan 27 (8) Jan 26 (13) Jan 24 (8) Jan 23 (12) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (10) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (9) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (11) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (6) Jan 10 (2) Jan 09 (6) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (6) Jan 06 (4) Jan 05 (4) Jan 04 (3) Jan 03 (6) Jan 02 (2) Jan 01 (3) Dec 31 (6) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (4) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (3) Dec 24 (5) Dec 23 (7) Dec 22 (5) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (4) Dec 19 (5) Dec 18 (8) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (9) Dec 15 (7) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (10) Dec 12 (10) Dec 11 (9) Dec 10 (10) Dec 09 (11) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (9) Dec 04 (3) Dec 03 (8) Dec 02 (10) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (1) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (9) Nov 27 (3) Nov 26 (7) Nov 25 (12) Nov 24 (3) Nov 23 (8) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (3) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (6) Nov 18 (10) Nov 17 (12) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (5) Nov 14 (12) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (7) Nov 11 (8) Nov 10 (7) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (5) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (6) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (9) Nov 03 (6) Nov 02 (14) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (6) Oct 30 (7) Oct 29 (9) Oct 28 (9) Oct 27 (3) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (8) Oct 23 (4) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (4) Oct 20 (2) Oct 19 (11) Oct 17 (6) Oct 16 (7) Oct 15 (7) Oct 14 (8) Oct 13 (5) Oct 12 (8) Oct 11 (6) Oct 10 (5) Oct 09 (11) Oct 08 (10) Oct 07 (8) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (8) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (10) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (7) Sep 29 (6) Sep 28 (5) Sep 27 (8) Sep 26 (11) Sep 25 (11) Sep 24 (15) Sep 23 (8) Sep 22 (9) Sep 21 (4) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (9) Sep 18 (10) Sep 17 (10) Sep 16 (5) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (5) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (8) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (7) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (2) Sep 06 (4) Sep 05 (7) Sep 04 (11) Sep 03 (7) Sep 02 (7) Sep 01 (2) Aug 31 (3) Aug 30 (1) Aug 29 (10) Aug 28 (5) Aug 27 (4) Aug 26 (10) Aug 25 (6) Aug 24 (9) Aug 22 (11) Aug 21 (8) Aug 20 (12) Aug 19 (8) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (4) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (6) Aug 14 (4) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (8) Aug 11 (7) Aug 10 (12) Aug 08 (5) Aug 07 (6) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (8) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (4) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (6) Jul 30 (12) Jul 29 (4) Jul 28 (5) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (8) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (8) Jul 20 (6) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (8) Jul 17 (2) Jul 16 (7) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (9) Jul 13 (10) Jul 11 (9) Jul 10 (8) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (7) Jul 07 (7) Jul 06 (7) Jul 05 (10) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (5) Jun 29 (6) Jun 28 (1) Jun 27 (15) Jun 26 (10) Jun 25 (9) Jun 24 (16) Jun 23 (6) Jun 22 (12) Jun 20 (6) Jun 19 (8) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (6) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (5) Jun 13 (13) Jun 12 (7) Jun 11 (14) Jun 10 (3) Jun 09 (2) Jun 08 (2) Jun 07 (7) Jun 06 (16) Jun 05 (7) Jun 04 (18) Jun 03 (12) Jun 02 (8) May 31 (3) May 30 (6) May 29 (6) May 28 (7) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (6) May 23 (4) May 22 (8) May 21 (5) May 20 (6) May 19 (2) May 18 (9) May 17 (1) May 16 (5) May 15 (5) May 14 (7) May 13 (7) May 12 (7) May 11 (4) May 10 (4) May 09 (5) May 08 (10) May 07 (4) May 06 (13) May 05 (4) May 04 (10) May 02 (2) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (9) Apr 29 (6) Apr 28 (3) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (9) Apr 25 (9) Apr 24 (7) Apr 23 (11) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (10) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (5) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (6) Apr 15 (7) Apr 14 (11) Apr 13 (4) Apr 12 (5) Apr 11 (9) Apr 10 (4) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (6) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (6) Apr 05 (10) Apr 03 (9) Apr 02 (9) Apr 01 (12) Mar 31 (4) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (10) Mar 28 (7) Mar 27 (8) Mar 26 (8) Mar 25 (15) Mar 24 (11) Mar 23 (8) Mar 22 (7) Mar 21 (14) Mar 20 (6) Mar 19 (11) Mar 18 (11) Mar 17 (12) Mar 16 (8) Mar 15 (8) Mar 14 (13) Mar 13 (8) Mar 12 (10) Mar 11 (8) Mar 10 (7) Mar 09 (3) Mar 08 (12) Mar 07 (15) Mar 06 (16) Mar 05 (9) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (12) Mar 02 (20) Feb 28 (11) Feb 27 (8) Feb 26 (11) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (14) Feb 23 (5) Feb 22 (6) Feb 21 (8) Feb 20 (11) Feb 19 (7) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (8) Feb 16 (11) Feb 15 (3) Feb 14 (10) Feb 13 (4) Feb 12 (10) Feb 11 (7) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (4) Feb 08 (6) Feb 07 (5) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (10) Feb 04 (5) Feb 03 (4) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (5) Jan 29 (2) Jan 28 (6) Jan 27 (3) Jan 26 (2) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (7) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (5) Jan 20 (5) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (7) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (5) Jan 13 (4) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (3) Jan 10 (5) Jan 09 (6) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (3) Jan 06 (1) Jan 05 (4) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (6) Jan 01 (2) Dec 31 (6) Dec 30 (1) Dec 29 (5) Dec 27 (1) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (4) Dec 24 (8) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (1) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (8) Dec 18 (3) Dec 17 (4) Dec 16 (3) Dec 15 (3) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (4) Dec 11 (4) Dec 10 (7) Dec 09 (5) Dec 08 (2) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (10) Dec 04 (9) Dec 03 (4) Dec 02 (2) Dec 01 (8) Nov 29 (5) Nov 28 (7) Nov 27 (5) Nov 26 (9) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (5) Nov 23 (6) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (12) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (4) Nov 17 (3) Nov 16 (8) Nov 15 (7) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (6) Nov 12 (12) Nov 11 (6) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (5) Nov 05 (9) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (4) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (10) Oct 30 (4) Oct 29 (11) Oct 28 (3) Oct 27 (7) Oct 26 (7) Oct 25 (6) Oct 24 (7) Oct 23 (11) Oct 22 (2) Oct 21 (7) Oct 20 (4) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (7) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (8) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (5) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (7) Oct 11 (20) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (4) Oct 08 (21) Oct 07 (20) Oct 06 (34) Oct 04 (24) Oct 03 (21) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (7) Sep 30 (3) Sep 29 (5) Sep 28 (6) Sep 27 (5) Sep 26 (6) Sep 25 (5) Sep 24 (2) Sep 23 (8) Sep 22 (4) Sep 21 (3) Sep 20 (9) Sep 19 (11) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (7) Sep 16 (6) Sep 15 (3) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (8) Sep 12 (11) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (6) Sep 06 (10) Sep 05 (7) Sep 04 (7) Sep 03 (5) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (8) Aug 31 (5) Aug 30 (7) Aug 29 (10) Aug 28 (7) Aug 27 (6) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (6) Aug 22 (6) Aug 21 (8) Aug 20 (8) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (2) Aug 17 (5) Aug 16 (7) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (4) Aug 12 (6) Aug 11 (6) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (6) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (12) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (4) Aug 01 (10) Jul 31 (3) Jul 30 (7) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (6) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (7) Jul 23 (10) Jul 22 (8) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (7) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (10) Jul 16 (11) Jul 15 (5) Jul 13 (5) Jul 12 (9) Jul 11 (11) Jul 10 (12) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (8) Jul 06 (9) Jul 05 (10) Jul 04 (8) Jul 03 (10) Jul 02 (12) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (5) Jun 29 (6) Jun 28 (23) Jun 27 (18) Jun 26 (12) Jun 25 (14) Jun 24 (15) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (11) Jun 21 (15) Jun 20 (9) Jun 19 (8) Jun 18 (11) Jun 17 (7) Jun 16 (6) Jun 15 (6) Jun 14 (6) Jun 13 (5) Jun 12 (6) Jun 11 (9) Jun 10 (10) Jun 09 (9) Jun 08 (6) Jun 07 (2) Jun 06 (6) Jun 05 (4) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (4) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (3) May 30 (5) May 29 (8) May 28 (7) May 27 (2) May 26 (2) May 25 (8) May 24 (7) May 23 (6) May 22 (9) May 21 (6) May 20 (5) May 19 (6) May 18 (9) May 17 (10) May 16 (11) May 15 (5) May 14 (11) May 13 (6) May 12 (7) May 11 (7) May 10 (5) May 09 (3) May 08 (10) May 07 (8) May 06 (11) May 05 (5) May 04 (9) May 03 (3) May 02 (2) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (5) Apr 29 (8) Apr 28 (6) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (9) Apr 25 (11) Apr 24 (4) Apr 23 (11) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (5) Apr 20 (7) Apr 19 (10) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (10) Apr 16 (8) Apr 15 (4) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (7) Apr 12 (11) Apr 11 (6) Apr 10 (7) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (9) Apr 05 (10) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (2) Apr 02 (6) Apr 01 (4) Mar 31 (3) Mar 30 (4) Mar 29 (3) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (10) Mar 26 (5) Mar 25 (4) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (6) Mar 21 (9) Mar 20 (5) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (9) Mar 17 (2) Mar 16 (8) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (10) Mar 12 (10) Mar 11 (2) Mar 10 (1) Mar 09 (6) Mar 08 (4) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (3) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (7) Mar 03 (6) Mar 02 (8) Mar 01 (9) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (8) Feb 25 (7) Feb 24 (3) Feb 23 (4) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (7) Feb 20 (4) Feb 19 (4) Feb 18 (2) Feb 17 (1) Feb 16 (6) Feb 15 (6) Feb 14 (5) Feb 13 (4) Feb 12 (7) Feb 11 (2) Feb 10 (2) Feb 09 (5) Feb 08 (5) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (9) Feb 04 (3) Feb 03 (3) Feb 02 (10) Feb 01 (9) Jan 31 (5) Jan 30 (8) Jan 29 (5) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (4) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (6) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (3) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (7) Jan 18 (3) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (8) Jan 15 (7) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (1) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (1) Jan 10 (3) Jan 09 (3) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (2) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (4) Jan 02 (4) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (3) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (8) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (2) Dec 24 (4) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (7) Dec 21 (5) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (6) Dec 17 (4) Dec 16 (5) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (8) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (6) Dec 11 (8) Dec 10 (5) Dec 09 (4) Dec 08 (4) Dec 07 (7) Dec 06 (7) Dec 05 (6) Dec 04 (6) Dec 03 (7) Dec 02 (1) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (2) Nov 29 (8) Nov 28 (16) Nov 27 (7) Nov 26 (5) Nov 25 (2) Nov 24 (6) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (5) Nov 20 (15) Nov 19 (8) Nov 18 (2) Nov 17 (3) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (7) Nov 14 (6) Nov 13 (9) Nov 12 (7) Nov 11 (8) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (5) Nov 08 (8) Nov 07 (9) Nov 06 (9) Nov 05 (1) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (8) Nov 02 (6) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (6) Oct 30 (7) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (3) Oct 27 (4) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (8) Oct 24 (4) Oct 23 (1) Oct 22 (6) Oct 21 (1) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (10) Oct 17 (6) Oct 16 (15) Oct 15 (4) Oct 14 (5) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (7) Oct 10 (1) Oct 09 (5) Oct 08 (7) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (8) Oct 05 (5) Oct 04 (3) Oct 03 (7) Oct 02 (6) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (8) Sep 29 (6) Sep 28 (13) Sep 27 (10) Sep 26 (8) Sep 25 (8) Sep 24 (8) Sep 23 (3) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (9) Sep 20 (7) Sep 19 (8) Sep 18 (4) Sep 17 (3) Sep 16 (4) Sep 15 (8) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (7) Sep 12 (7) Sep 11 (9) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (10) Sep 08 (4) Sep 07 (12) Sep 06 (13) Sep 05 (15) Sep 04 (5) Sep 03 (4) Sep 02 (6) Sep 01 (9) Aug 31 (7) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (8) Aug 28 (11) Aug 27 (2) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (15) Aug 24 (6) Aug 23 (8) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (6) Aug 20 (7) Aug 19 (2) Aug 18 (5) Aug 17 (5) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (9) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (6) Aug 09 (5) Aug 08 (7) Aug 07 (9) Aug 06 (4) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (4) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (9) Aug 01 (10) Jul 31 (11) Jul 30 (4) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (11) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (5) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (6) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (7) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (7) Jul 12 (8) Jul 11 (6) Jul 10 (14) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (4) Jul 06 (9) Jul 05 (8) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (8) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (6) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (3) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (8) Jun 25 (3) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (14) Jun 22 (11) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (8) Jun 19 (7) Jun 18 (4) Jun 17 (3) Jun 16 (12) Jun 15 (12) Jun 14 (10) Jun 13 (10) Jun 12 (9) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (12) Jun 09 (4) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (12) Jun 06 (6) Jun 05 (7) Jun 04 (6) Jun 03 (3) Jun 02 (4) Jun 01 (8) May 31 (4) May 30 (3) May 29 (8) May 28 (7) May 27 (4) May 26 (3) May 25 (5) May 24 (9) May 23 (16) May 22 (12) May 21 (11) May 20 (7) May 19 (10) May 18 (8) May 17 (8) May 16 (10) May 15 (8) May 14 (5) May 13 (1) May 12 (6) May 11 (9) May 10 (9) May 09 (10) May 08 (9) May 07 (6) May 06 (5) May 05 (7) May 04 (10) May 03 (7) May 02 (9) May 01 (10) Apr 30 (4) Apr 29 (9) Apr 28 (12) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (4) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (9) Apr 23 (4) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (8) Apr 20 (9) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (4) Apr 17 (2) Apr 16 (4) Apr 15 (10) Apr 14 (7) Apr 13 (5) Apr 12 (7) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (7) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (7) Apr 07 (10) Apr 06 (8) Apr 05 (8) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (6) Apr 02 (4) Apr 01 (4) Mar 31 (11) Mar 30 (12) Mar 29 (16) Mar 28 (8) Mar 27 (10) Mar 26 (12) Mar 25 (6) Mar 24 (9) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (12) Mar 20 (14) Mar 19 (8) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (8) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (9) Mar 12 (6) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (13) Mar 09 (8) Mar 08 (10) Mar 07 (12) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (2) Mar 03 (3) Mar 02 (12) Mar 01 (8) Feb 29 (11) Feb 28 (5) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (13) Feb 25 (10) Feb 24 (13) Feb 23 (10) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (18) Feb 20 (6) Feb 19 (7) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (5) Feb 16 (9) Feb 15 (7) Feb 14 (6) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (6) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (8) Feb 09 (5) Feb 08 (8) Feb 07 (10) Feb 06 (7) Feb 05 (7) Feb 04 (5) Feb 03 (11) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (12) Jan 30 (7) Jan 29 (7) Jan 28 (7) Jan 27 (12) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (11) Jan 24 (4) Jan 23 (6) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (12) Jan 20 (11) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (6) Jan 17 (11) Jan 16 (9) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (3) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (9) Jan 10 (10) Jan 09 (5) Jan 08 (10) Jan 07 (5) Jan 06 (6) Jan 05 (8) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (8) Jan 02 (7) Jan 01 (7) Dec 31 (10) Dec 30 (11) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (5) Dec 27 (10) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (5) Dec 24 (7) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (9) Dec 21 (8) Dec 20 (8) Dec 19 (5) Dec 18 (1) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (6) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (13) Dec 13 (8) Dec 12 (7) Dec 11 (9) Dec 10 (12) Dec 09 (7) Dec 08 (11) Dec 07 (9) Dec 06 (11) Dec 05 (10) Dec 04 (6) Dec 03 (8) Dec 02 (6) Dec 01 (14) Nov 30 (7) Nov 29 (8) Nov 28 (8) Nov 27 (6) Nov 26 (9) Nov 25 (10) Nov 24 (12) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (10) Nov 20 (4) Nov 19 (4) Nov 18 (8) Nov 17 (9) Nov 16 (9) Nov 15 (12) Nov 14 (6) Nov 13 (9) Nov 12 (3) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (10) Nov 09 (10) Nov 08 (7) Nov 07 (8) Nov 06 (10) Nov 05 (8) Nov 04 (7) Nov 03 (10) Nov 02 (11) Nov 01 (10) Oct 31 (5) Oct 30 (8) Oct 29 (8) Oct 28 (8) Oct 27 (11) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (10) Oct 23 (5) Oct 22 (14) Oct 21 (10) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (11) Oct 18 (13) Oct 17 (7) Oct 16 (6) Oct 15 (9) Oct 14 (7) Oct 13 (12) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (9) Oct 10 (8) Oct 09 (9) Oct 08 (7) Oct 07 (12) Oct 06 (8) Oct 05 (13) Oct 04 (11) Oct 03 (7) Oct 02 (5) Oct 01 (14) Sep 30 (12) Sep 29 (12) Sep 28 (11) Sep 27 (11) Sep 26 (7) Sep 25 (10) Sep 24 (3) Sep 23 (7) Sep 22 (8) Sep 21 (8) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (7) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (14) Sep 16 (7) Sep 15 (11) Sep 14 (13) Sep 13 (11) Sep 12 (9) Sep 11 (5) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (13) Sep 08 (11) Sep 07 (11) Sep 06 (16) Sep 05 (1) Sep 04 (10) Sep 03 (8) Sep 02 (8) Sep 01 (7) Aug 31 (1) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (2) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (6) Aug 26 (8) Aug 25 (5) Aug 24 (5) Aug 23 (6) Aug 22 (7) Aug 21 (6) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (9) Aug 18 (7) Aug 17 (7) Aug 16 (10) Aug 15 (2) Aug 14 (5) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (10) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (5) Aug 06 (12) Aug 05 (5) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (6) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (14) Jul 31 (7) Jul 30 (7) Jul 29 (13) Jul 28 (10) Jul 27 (6) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (12) Jul 22 (14) Jul 21 (6) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (12) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (6) Jul 15 (8) Jul 14 (15) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (10) Jul 11 (6) Jul 10 (6) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (6) Jul 07 (9) Jul 06 (15) Jul 05 (6) Jul 04 (10) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (11) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (11) Jun 24 (9) Jun 23 (10) Jun 22 (8) Jun 21 (8) Jun 20 (6) Jun 19 (5) Jun 18 (15) Jun 17 (8) Jun 16 (13) Jun 15 (15) Jun 14 (11) Jun 13 (6) Jun 12 (15) Jun 11 (7) Jun 10 (7) Jun 09 (18) Jun 08 (20) Jun 07 (17) Jun 06 (9) Jun 05 (9) Jun 04 (12) Jun 03 (13) Jun 02 (14) Jun 01 (8) May 31 (13) May 30 (8) May 29 (6) May 28 (8) May 27 (17) May 26 (8) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (9) May 22 (4) May 21 (4) May 20 (11) May 19 (14) May 18 (6) May 17 (10) May 16 (4) May 15 (5) May 14 (28) May 12 (9) May 11 (17) May 10 (15) May 09 (12) May 08 (5) May 07 (4) May 06 (10) May 05 (8) May 04 (10) May 03 (5) May 02 (6) May 01 (8) Apr 30 (8) Apr 29 (12) Apr 28 (6) Apr 27 (11) Apr 26 (12) Apr 25 (6) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (5) Apr 22 (10) Apr 21 (19) Apr 20 (13) Apr 19 (11) Apr 18 (11) Apr 17 (5) Apr 16 (12) Apr 15 (11) Apr 14 (17) Apr 13 (6) Apr 12 (16) Apr 11 (10) Apr 10 (1) Apr 09 (18) Apr 08 (14) Apr 07 (6) Apr 06 (10) Apr 05 (21) Apr 04 (12) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (13) Apr 01 (8) Mar 31 (10) Mar 30 (11) Mar 29 (10) Mar 28 (8) Mar 27 (6) Mar 26 (12) Mar 25 (15) Mar 24 (10) Mar 23 (12) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (8) Mar 20 (4) Mar 19 (11) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (7) Mar 16 (9) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (4) Mar 13 (2) Mar 12 (14) Mar 11 (13) Mar 10 (7) Mar 09 (9) Mar 08 (17) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (7) Mar 05 (13) Mar 04 (10) Mar 03 (14) Mar 02 (12) Mar 01 (18) Feb 28 (8) Feb 27 (2) Feb 26 (9) Feb 25 (13) Feb 24 (17) Feb 23 (13) Feb 22 (12) Feb 21 (11) Feb 20 (11) Feb 19 (16) Feb 18 (17) Feb 17 (15) Feb 16 (15) Feb 15 (15) Feb 14 (10) Feb 13 (8) Feb 12 (10) Feb 11 (15) Feb 10 (11) Feb 09 (13) Feb 08 (10) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (6) Feb 05 (15) Feb 04 (15) Feb 03 (11) Feb 02 (14) Feb 01 (15) Jan 31 (11) Jan 30 (9) Jan 29 (19) Jan 28 (9) Jan 27 (9) Jan 26 (16) Jan 25 (19) Jan 24 (17) Jan 23 (8) Jan 22 (15) Jan 21 (9) Jan 20 (11) Jan 19 (7) Jan 18 (9) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (7) Jan 15 (12) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (14) Jan 12 (11) Jan 11 (13) Jan 10 (8) Jan 09 (8) Jan 08 (20) Jan 07 (11) Jan 06 (11) Jan 05 (8) Jan 04 (14) Jan 03 (6) Jan 02 (7) Jan 01 (7) Dec 31 (14) Dec 30 (15) Dec 29 (7) Dec 28 (10) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (11) Dec 24 (9) Dec 23 (9) Dec 22 (15) Dec 21 (12) Dec 20 (11) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (16) Dec 17 (6) Dec 16 (12) Dec 15 (14) Dec 14 (11) Dec 13 (10) Dec 12 (6) Dec 11 (10) Dec 10 (17) Dec 09 (11) Dec 08 (12) Dec 07 (16) Dec 06 (11) Dec 05 (5) Dec 04 (12) Dec 03 (15) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (12) Nov 30 (16) Nov 29 (7) Nov 28 (11) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (13) Nov 25 (16) Nov 24 (15) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (8) Nov 19 (9) Nov 18 (16) Nov 17 (11) Nov 16 (11) Nov 15 (10) Nov 14 (9) Nov 13 (6) Nov 12 (10) Nov 11 (12) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (6) Nov 06 (7) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (14) Nov 03 (10) Nov 02 (13) Nov 01 (9) Oct 31 (9) Oct 30 (11) Oct 29 (18) Oct 28 (13) Oct 27 (23) Oct 26 (12) Oct 25 (14) Oct 24 (20) Oct 22 (18) Oct 21 (18) Oct 20 (19) Oct 19 (12) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (18) Oct 15 (8) Oct 14 (11) Oct 13 (9) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (6) Oct 10 (7) Oct 09 (27) Oct 08 (14) Oct 07 (10) Oct 06 (9) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (10) Oct 03 (6) Oct 02 (9) Oct 01 (13) Sep 30 (12) Sep 29 (13) Sep 28 (8) Sep 27 (9) Sep 26 (8) Sep 25 (14) Sep 24 (4) Sep 23 (14) Sep 22 (20) Sep 21 (11) Sep 20 (6) Sep 19 (9) Sep 18 (14) Sep 17 (8) Sep 16 (17) Sep 15 (6) Sep 14 (11) Sep 13 (9) Sep 12 (4) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (14) Sep 09 (12) Sep 08 (17) Sep 07 (12) Sep 06 (13) Sep 05 (9) Sep 04 (20) Sep 03 (16) Sep 02 (16) Sep 01 (10) Aug 31 (13) Aug 30 (4) Aug 29 (9) Aug 28 (6) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (11) Aug 25 (10) Aug 24 (14) Aug 23 (12) Aug 22 (13) Aug 21 (10) Aug 20 (13) Aug 19 (15) Aug 18 (8) Aug 17 (10) Aug 16 (8) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (11) Aug 13 (12) Aug 12 (15) Aug 11 (10) Aug 10 (17) Aug 09 (6) Aug 08 (13) Aug 07 (11) Aug 06 (13) Aug 05 (11) Aug 04 (11) Aug 03 (10) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (6) Jul 31 (10) Jul 30 (21) Jul 29 (14) Jul 28 (13) Jul 27 (16) Jul 26 (10) Jul 25 (15) Jul 24 (17) Jul 23 (15) Jul 22 (15) Jul 21 (19) Jul 20 (17) Jul 19 (9) Jul 18 (7) Jul 17 (26) Jul 16 (18) Jul 15 (20) Jul 14 (16) Jul 13 (19) Jul 12 (11) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (13) Jul 09 (11) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (12) Jul 06 (16) Jul 05 (9) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (15) Jul 02 (11) Jul 01 (14) Jun 30 (13) Jun 29 (19) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (9) Jun 26 (16) Jun 25 (22) Jun 24 (17) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (15) Jun 21 (14) Jun 20 (8) Jun 19 (17) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (10) Jun 16 (17) Jun 15 (13) Jun 14 (14) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (13) Jun 11 (15) Jun 10 (25) Jun 09 (10) Jun 08 (23) Jun 07 (14) Jun 06 (20) Jun 05 (10) Jun 04 (11) Jun 03 (12) Jun 02 (21) Jun 01 (14) May 31 (10) May 30 (14) May 29 (8) May 28 (23) May 27 (20) May 26 (16) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (10) May 22 (18) May 21 (14) May 20 (12) May 19 (18) May 18 (14) May 17 (13) May 16 (4) May 15 (7) May 14 (16) May 13 (13) May 12 (8) May 11 (18) May 10 (8) May 09 (7) May 08 (13) May 07 (11) May 06 (15) May 05 (18) May 04 (17) May 03 (7) May 02 (5) May 01 (11) Apr 30 (19) Apr 29 (21) Apr 28 (18) Apr 27 (16) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (11) Apr 24 (9) Apr 23 (20) Apr 22 (23) Apr 21 (5) Apr 20 (16) Apr 19 (13) Apr 18 (6) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (16) Apr 15 (18) Apr 14 (13) Apr 13 (14) Apr 12 (9) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (16) Apr 09 (14) Apr 08 (12) Apr 07 (18) Apr 06 (7) Apr 05 (11) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (19) Apr 02 (17) Apr 01 (16) Mar 31 (16) Mar 30 (22) Mar 29 (16) Mar 28 (16) Mar 27 (19) Mar 26 (31) Mar 25 (25) Mar 24 (26) Mar 23 (27) Mar 22 (22) Mar 21 (22) Mar 20 (13) Mar 19 (21) Mar 18 (20) Mar 17 (24) Mar 16 (18) Mar 15 (9) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (29) Mar 12 (15) Mar 11 (11) Mar 10 (11) Mar 09 (20) Mar 08 (12) Mar 07 (6) Mar 06 (21) Mar 05 (22) Mar 04 (19) Mar 03 (9) Mar 02 (20) Mar 01 (11) Feb 28 (11) Feb 27 (27) Feb 26 (15) Feb 25 (18) Feb 24 (17) Feb 23 (19) Feb 22 (24) Feb 21 (10) Feb 20 (14) Feb 19 (25) Feb 18 (16) Feb 17 (19) Feb 16 (23) Feb 15 (8) Feb 14 (11) Feb 13 (25) Feb 12 (16) Feb 11 (12) Feb 10 (18) Feb 09 (12) Feb 08 (14) Feb 07 (8) Feb 06 (27) Feb 05 (28) Feb 04 (24) Feb 03 (17) Feb 02 (20) Feb 01 (23) Jan 31 (16) Jan 30 (20) Jan 29 (26) Jan 28 (17) Jan 27 (21) Jan 26 (24) Jan 25 (16) Jan 24 (14) Jan 23 (16) Jan 22 (17) Jan 21 (19) Jan 20 (21) Jan 19 (17) Jan 18 (13) Jan 17 (14) Jan 16 (10) Jan 15 (21) Jan 14 (16) Jan 13 (19) Jan 12 (30) Jan 11 (14) Jan 10 (11) Jan 09 (8) Jan 08 (23) Jan 07 (13) Jan 06 (21) Jan 05 (15) Jan 04 (18) Jan 03 (9) Jan 02 (12) Jan 01 (15) Dec 31 (18) Dec 30 (7) Dec 29 (13) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (8) Dec 26 (6) Dec 25 (8) Dec 24 (28) Dec 23 (12) Dec 22 (12) Dec 21 (17) Dec 20 (19) Dec 19 (19) Dec 18 (22) Dec 17 (24) Dec 16 (17) Dec 15 (29) Dec 14 (22) Dec 13 (12) Dec 12 (22) Dec 11 (24) Dec 10 (25) Dec 09 (18) Dec 08 (15) Dec 07 (21) Dec 06 (24) Dec 05 (30) Dec 04 (28) Dec 03 (26) Dec 02 (22) Dec 01 (33) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (9) Nov 28 (18) Nov 27 (25) Nov 26 (17) Nov 25 (23) Nov 24 (27) Nov 23 (12) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (15) Nov 20 (23) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (24) Nov 17 (21) Nov 16 (20) Nov 15 (13) Nov 14 (15) Nov 13 (27) Nov 12 (23) Nov 11 (19) Nov 10 (21) Nov 09 (13) Nov 08 (16) Nov 07 (16) Nov 06 (32) Nov 05 (24) Nov 04 (20) Nov 03 (29) Nov 02 (12) Nov 01 (15) Oct 31 (20) Oct 30 (22) Oct 29 (27) Oct 28 (20) Oct 27 (23) Oct 26 (21) Oct 25 (15) Oct 24 (23) Oct 23 (26) Oct 22 (27) Oct 21 (28) Oct 20 (24) Oct 19 (13) Oct 18 (9) Oct 17 (30) Oct 16 (8) Oct 15 (20) Oct 14 (14) Oct 13 (17) Oct 12 (16) Oct 11 (8) Oct 10 (19) Oct 09 (22) Oct 08 (16) Oct 07 (18) Oct 06 (23) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (15) Oct 03 (21) Oct 02 (17) Oct 01 (22) Sep 30 (25) Sep 29 (20) Sep 28 (17) Sep 27 (13) Sep 26 (20) Sep 25 (15) Sep 24 (24) Sep 23 (23) Sep 22 (18) Sep 21 (20) Sep 20 (11) Sep 19 (24) Sep 18 (25) Sep 17 (25) Sep 16 (19) Sep 15 (21) Sep 14 (15) Sep 13 (10) Sep 12 (23) Sep 11 (23) Sep 10 (25) Sep 09 (25) Sep 08 (17) Sep 07 (3) Sep 06 (17) Sep 05 (14) Sep 04 (24) Sep 03 (16) Sep 02 (11) Sep 01 (19) Aug 31 (20) Aug 30 (11) Aug 29 (24) Aug 28 (24) Aug 27 (16) Aug 26 (26) Aug 25 (21) Aug 24 (15) Aug 23 (19) Aug 22 (15) Aug 21 (25) Aug 20 (27) Aug 19 (19) Aug 18 (24) Aug 17 (14) Aug 16 (10) Aug 15 (15) Aug 14 (16) Aug 13 (21) Aug 12 (30) Aug 11 (19) Aug 10 (8) Aug 09 (12) Aug 08 (17) Aug 07 (21) Aug 06 (26) Aug 05 (23) Aug 04 (21) Aug 03 (12) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (19) Jul 31 (21) Jul 30 (25) Jul 29 (29) Jul 28 (23) Jul 27 (17) Jul 26 (11) Jul 25 (21) Jul 24 (14) Jul 23 (15) Jul 22 (19) Jul 21 (15) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (10) Jul 18 (15) Jul 17 (22) Jul 16 (18) Jul 15 (21) Jul 14 (20) Jul 13 (7) Jul 12 (9) Jul 11 (29) Jul 10 (19) Jul 09 (17) Jul 08 (26) Jul 07 (21) Jul 06 (18) Jul 05 (14) Jul 04 (20) Jul 03 (17) Jul 02 (24) Jul 01 (23) Jun 30 (23) Jun 29 (18) Jun 28 (16) Jun 27 (16) Jun 26 (17) Jun 25 (23) Jun 24 (32) Jun 23 (29) Jun 22 (8) Jun 21 (17) Jun 20 (25) Jun 19 (28) Jun 18 (19) Jun 17 (25) Jun 16 (23) Jun 15 (9) Jun 14 (11) Jun 13 (14) Jun 12 (22) Jun 11 (19) Jun 10 (17) Jun 09 (15) Jun 08 (16) Jun 07 (7) Jun 06 (29) Jun 05 (27) Jun 04 (24) Jun 03 (22) Jun 02 (22) Jun 01 (13) May 31 (9) May 30 (26) May 29 (19) May 28 (15) May 27 (15) May 26 (23) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (24) May 22 (13) May 21 (21) May 20 (18) May 19 (16) May 18 (7) May 17 (12) May 16 (25) May 15 (24) May 14 (23) May 13 (19) May 12 (17) May 11 (8) May 10 (6) May 09 (14) May 08 (21) May 07 (26) May 06 (14) May 05 (14) May 04 (3) May 03 (3) May 02 (24) May 01 (13) Apr 30 (15) Apr 29 (24) Apr 28 (24) Apr 27 (11) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (13) Apr 24 (27) Apr 23 (15) Apr 22 (21) Apr 21 (19) Apr 20 (17) Apr 19 (8) Apr 18 (20) Apr 17 (27) Apr 16 (27) Apr 15 (21) Apr 14 (8) Apr 13 (8) Apr 12 (7) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (22) Apr 09 (15) Apr 08 (15) Apr 07 (17) Apr 06 (14) Apr 05 (5) Apr 04 (12) Apr 03 (19) Apr 02 (17) Apr 01 (19) Mar 31 (25) Mar 30 (13) Mar 29 (9) Mar 28 (16) Mar 27 (23) Mar 26 (22) Mar 25 (17) Mar 24 (25) Mar 23 (16) Mar 22 (13) Mar 21 (24) Mar 20 (27) Mar 19 (20) Mar 18 (24) Mar 17 (17) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (20) Mar 13 (28) Mar 12 (30) Mar 11 (20) Mar 10 (21) Mar 09 (12) Mar 08 (8) Mar 07 (17) Mar 06 (20) Mar 05 (19) Mar 04 (15) Mar 03 (17) Mar 02 (8) Mar 01 (12) Feb 28 (16) Feb 27 (17) Feb 26 (8) Feb 25 (23) Feb 24 (15) Feb 23 (8) Feb 22 (10) Feb 21 (24) Feb 20 (14) Feb 19 (24) Feb 18 (19) Feb 17 (27) Feb 16 (13) Feb 15 (11) Feb 14 (15) Feb 13 (13) Feb 12 (13) Feb 11 (21) Feb 10 (16) Feb 09 (15) Feb 08 (10) Feb 07 (17) Feb 06 (21) Feb 05 (17) Feb 04 (14) Feb 03 (23) Feb 02 (5) Feb 01 (8) Jan 31 (17) Jan 30 (22) Jan 29 (23) Jan 28 (10) Jan 27 (24) Jan 26 (12) Jan 25 (9) Jan 24 (12) Jan 23 (19) Jan 22 (19) Jan 21 (14) Jan 20 (21) Jan 19 (12) Jan 18 (8) Jan 17 (20) Jan 16 (14) Jan 15 (23) Jan 14 (8) Jan 13 (20) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (7) Jan 10 (18) Jan 09 (11) Jan 08 (18) Jan 07 (13) Jan 06 (12) Jan 05 (12) Jan 04 (11) Jan 03 (10) Jan 02 (9) Jan 01 (9) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (11) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (13) Dec 26 (15) Dec 25 (8) Dec 24 (6) Dec 23 (8) Dec 22 (5) Dec 21 (6) Dec 20 (14) Dec 19 (17) Dec 18 (14) Dec 17 (14) Dec 16 (13) Dec 15 (9) Dec 14 (9) Dec 13 (11) Dec 12 (16) Dec 11 (18) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (24) Dec 08 (11) Dec 07 (19) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (26) Dec 04 (15) Dec 03 (20) Dec 02 (17) Dec 01 (11) Nov 30 (10) Nov 29 (18) Nov 28 (21) Nov 27 (10) Nov 26 (22) Nov 25 (16) Nov 24 (12) Nov 23 (8) Nov 22 (18) Nov 21 (9) Nov 20 (17) Nov 19 (16) Nov 18 (16) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (9) Nov 15 (21) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (20) Nov 12 (16) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (9) Nov 09 (10) Nov 08 (16) Nov 07 (15) Nov 06 (18) Nov 05 (19) Nov 04 (16) Nov 03 (11) Nov 02 (5) Nov 01 (17) Oct 31 (17) Oct 30 (21) Oct 29 (9) Oct 28 (16) Oct 27 (6) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (16) Oct 24 (18) Oct 23 (14) Oct 22 (17) Oct 21 (10) Oct 20 (6) Oct 19 (8) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (12) Oct 16 (14) Oct 15 (19) Oct 14 (15) Oct 13 (11) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (10) Oct 10 (23) Oct 09 (13) Oct 08 (15) Oct 07 (20) Oct 06 (13) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (16) Oct 03 (17) Oct 02 (17) Oct 01 (20) Sep 30 (17) Sep 29 (9) Sep 28 (8) Sep 27 (14) Sep 26 (20) Sep 25 (19) Sep 24 (13) Sep 23 (11) Sep 22 (9) Sep 21 (5) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (21) Sep 18 (12) Sep 17 (20) Sep 16 (16) Sep 15 (10) Sep 14 (6) Sep 13 (18) Sep 12 (14) Sep 11 (24) Sep 10 (17) Sep 09 (16) Sep 08 (16) Sep 07 (10) Sep 06 (20) Sep 05 (13) Sep 04 (23) Sep 03 (14) Sep 02 (12) Sep 01 (11) Aug 31 (11) Aug 30 (13) Aug 29 (18) Aug 28 (14) Aug 27 (21) Aug 26 (10) Aug 25 (8) Aug 24 (10) Aug 23 (17) Aug 22 (15) Aug 21 (14) Aug 20 (20) Aug 19 (20) Aug 18 (7) Aug 17 (9) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (12) Aug 14 (14) Aug 13 (19) Aug 12 (14) Aug 11 (6) Aug 10 (12) Aug 09 (7) Aug 08 (18) Aug 07 (16) Aug 06 (16) Aug 05 (20) Aug 04 (12) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (12) Aug 01 (14) Jul 31 (16) Jul 30 (16) Jul 29 (11) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (9) Jul 26 (17) Jul 25 (20) Jul 24 (17) Jul 23 (11) Jul 22 (18) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (14) Jul 18 (11) Jul 17 (15) Jul 16 (12) Jul 15 (10) Jul 14 (8) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (17) Jul 11 (18) Jul 10 (16) Jul 09 (13) Jul 08 (10) Jul 07 (12) Jul 06 (8) Jul 05 (16) Jul 04 (14) Jul 03 (17) Jul 02 (13) Jul 01 (16) Jun 30 (19) Jun 29 (7) Jun 28 (19) Jun 27 (21) Jun 26 (27) Jun 25 (23) Jun 24 (23) Jun 23 (12) Jun 22 (9) Jun 21 (18) Jun 20 (15) Jun 19 (24) Jun 18 (21) Jun 17 (13) Jun 16 (9) Jun 15 (9) Jun 14 (18) Jun 13 (24) Jun 12 (18) Jun 11 (23) Jun 10 (25) Jun 09 (24) Jun 08 (27) Jun 07 (5) Jun 06 (25) Jun 05 (30) Jun 04 (23) Jun 03 (22) Jun 02 (16) Jun 01 (17) May 31 (18) May 30 (19) May 29 (17) May 28 (23) May 27 (15) May 26 (10) May 25 (19) May 24 (16) May 23 (16) May 22 (27) May 21 (20) May 20 (26) May 19 (6) May 18 (8) May 17 (20) May 16 (8) May 15 (18) May 14 (5) May 13 (21) May 12 (9) May 11 (8) May 10 (12) May 09 (18) May 08 (11) May 07 (27) May 06 (12) May 05 (16) May 04 (19) May 03 (14) May 02 (18) May 01 (18) Apr 30 (25) Apr 29 (27) Apr 28 (11) Apr 27 (10) Apr 26 (18) Apr 25 (10) Apr 24 (29) Apr 23 (29) Apr 22 (14) Apr 21 (15) Apr 20 (20) Apr 19 (22) Apr 18 (16) Apr 17 (32) Apr 16 (12) Apr 15 (21) Apr 14 (21) Apr 13 (15) Apr 12 (13) Apr 11 (14) Apr 10 (16) Apr 09 (20) Apr 08 (36) Apr 07 (22) Apr 06 (11) Apr 05 (28) Apr 04 (20) Apr 03 (29) Apr 02 (32) Apr 01 (18) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (15) Mar 28 (22) Mar 27 (24) Mar 26 (17) Mar 25 (17) Mar 24 (13) Mar 23 (5) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (15) Mar 20 (18) Mar 19 (19) Mar 18 (16) Mar 17 (10) Mar 16 (6) Mar 15 (18) Mar 14 (24) Mar 13 (18) Mar 12 (18) Mar 11 (17) Mar 10 (13) Mar 09 (12) Mar 08 (18) Mar 07 (25) Mar 06 (16) Mar 05 (16) Mar 04 (22) Mar 03 (17) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (23) Feb 29 (19) Feb 28 (25) Feb 27 (26) Feb 26 (23) Feb 25 (12) Feb 24 (13) Feb 23 (15) Feb 22 (26) Feb 21 (31) Feb 20 (12) Feb 19 (21) Feb 18 (15) Feb 17 (10) Feb 16 (15) Feb 15 (19) Feb 14 (15) Feb 13 (25) Feb 12 (20) Feb 11 (9) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (28) Feb 08 (20) Feb 07 (22) Feb 06 (20) Feb 05 (19) Feb 04 (14) Feb 03 (16) Feb 02 (28) Feb 01 (37) Jan 31 (27) Jan 30 (31) Jan 29 (18) Jan 28 (14) Jan 27 (10) Jan 26 (18) Jan 25 (26) Jan 24 (34) Jan 23 (21) Jan 22 (21) Jan 21 (18) Jan 20 (18) Jan 19 (18) Jan 18 (26) Jan 17 (24) Jan 16 (23) Jan 15 (30) Jan 14 (20) Jan 13 (18) Jan 12 (24) Jan 11 (11) Jan 10 (23) Jan 09 (22) Jan 08 (17) Jan 07 (17) Jan 06 (9) Jan 05 (18) Jan 04 (15) Jan 03 (19) Jan 02 (14) Jan 01 (6) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (15) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (7) Dec 26 (10) Dec 25 (16) Dec 24 (13) Dec 23 (16) Dec 22 (11) Dec 21 (26) Dec 20 (28) Dec 19 (14) Dec 18 (25) Dec 17 (23) Dec 16 (19) Dec 15 (22) Dec 14 (38) Dec 13 (26) Dec 12 (25) Dec 11 (27) Dec 10 (31) Dec 09 (15) Dec 08 (30) Dec 07 (31) Dec 06 (27) Dec 05 (38) Dec 04 (25) Dec 03 (27) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (36) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (17) Nov 28 (23) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (16) Nov 25 (14) Nov 24 (18) Nov 23 (21) Nov 22 (21) Nov 21 (24) Nov 20 (20) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (17) Nov 17 (17) Nov 16 (34) Nov 15 (25) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (21) Nov 12 (18) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (12) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (4) Oct 29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1)
Marie Channer is showcased now at Shuptrine's Gallery.

Review for Marie Channer:

Fine American artist Marie Channer is known for her excellence and quality in portraiture.

Inspired by her southern heritage, the tradition of fine portrait is important to this artist.

To see more of Ms. Channer's work, visit Marie's Gallery at Shuptrine's.

For more information call 266-4453 or visit www.shuptrines.com.












INDIANAPOLIS, IN, April 30, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The executives of Indiana-based Tactical Systems, LLC announced the company has become an official IBM Business Partner involved in providing electronic security systems to middle- and large-sized organizations worldwide.



Jim Byrne, the company spokesman, commented that "This new relationship with a major supplier such as IBM Corporation gives us the credibility and capability to conduct business with such organizations". Tactical Systems will provide electronic security systems using IBM software and hardware to private and public organizations that need to implement new or upgrade old systems to meet the hypercompetitive demands of the 21st century.



The IBM Partnerworld program is a selective effort that provides its partners with PartnerWorld University (PWU) which is a Web-based learning management system delivering Web lectures to IBM Business Partners worldwide. PWU provides self-study education and training on IBM products and services to build sales and technical skills. This education helps Business Partners improve product knowledge and sales skills to be more effective with end customers and prepare for certifications. The courses are available on demand and at no charge to all approved Business Partners such as Tactical Systems.



Tactical Systems, LLC services middle- or large-sized organizations with a variety of security systems requirements ranging from the electronic to the physical. Major areas include video surveillance, remote monitoring, access control, RFID, intrusion detection, under vehicle inspection, biometric systems, and parking management. Data security and management are key components of these systems. The company has applied for membership in (ISC)2 which is an international association best known for its acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.



Tactical Systems seeks additional cybersecurity and physical security experts as independent contractors for current and future projects. US military veterans are especially encouraged to apply.



For more information on the company and its activities, contact the company's spokesperson Jim Byrne on (317) 258-4957. The company's website is located at https://tacticalsystems1.wixsite.com/indiana.



Tactical Systems, LLC is a strategic security systems company based in Indiana, USA. Satellite offices will be opened in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Russia during 2017-2018.



# # #
Fawzia Afzal Khan in The Friday Times:

From the Hamra section of Beirut, one of those must-see areas for tourists, full of cafes and honking cars and far less appealing to me than the beautiful Corniche, after a lunch of grape leaves, tabouleh, spicy potatoes (batataharra)  a favorite of my guide Karim  we set out in his black Toyota Corolla 2016 for Marjayoun. Im again on one of my obsessive literary journeys, this time to visit the House of Stone built by Anthony Shadid on his ancestral land in the south of Lebanon, an area which used to be largely Christian, but has since become a Shiite stronghold of the Hezbollah party. Shadid, a Lebanese American of Christian background, was a foreign correspondent for the New York Times who won the Pulitzer prize twice for international reporting, having written empathetically about the effects of the Iraqi war on its people, and was attempting to leave Syria in 2012 while covering the contemporary crisis, when he died tragically, supposedly of an asthma attack.

Ever since I read his beautiful, lyrical, haunting memoir about his quest to find his roots in the country his great grandfather migrated to the USA from, I became obsessed with wanting to see this symbol of one mans determination to recover his past, and the past of his ancestral homeland, in a present riven by war. His memoir intertwines his intimate journey with the challenge of rebuilding his great grandfathers abandoned home, which in 2006 was hit and partially destroyed by a half-exploded Israeli rocket. The book becomes a chronicle of the chaotic history of one of the oldest inhabited regions of the world which, because of its geographic location has seen war throughout its centuries old history, and part of Shadids goal in the book is an attempt to better understand the rise and fall of the Ottoman empire and the ensuing consequences which have embroiled Lebanon and the region of the Levant in an imperial game involving Britain, France, the US and their watchdog in the region Israel, ever since the beginning of the last century and lasting into our present time. Even as I pen this, US warplanes under President Trumps directives, have started a bombing campaign in neighbouring Syria, which was once part of Greater Lebanon  or was Lebanon part of Greater Syria? Borders remain porous, reminders of the careless carving up of once autonomous regions into spurious nation states modeled on those of the Western powers who became imperial masters after they defeated the Ottomans who had ruled the Levantine region for centuries.

More here.
The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which will be held in Beijing on May 14 and 15, will "explore ways to address problems facing the global and regional economies."[Zhang Xueshi/China.org.cn]

The Belt and Road Forum being organized by China next month is a unique opportunity to build transnational support for a mega initiative. Since it was announced back in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative has emerged as the biggest effort to build linkages across regions for win-win cooperation.

The two-day event, officially known as the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, will be held in Beijing on May 14-15. So far, 28 heads of state and government leaders have confirmed participation, while delegates from 110 countries as well as representatives of 61 international organizations will attend.

The purpose is to establish a platform for mutual cooperation in a global development program benefiting everyone without discrimination. It calls for a pooling of knowledge and resources for collective progress.

The Chinese-initiated effort to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road focuses on trade and infrastructure networks along ancient trade routes reaching back many centuries. Simply, it is a well-planned endeavor to revive and rejuvenate the ancient Silk Road on a much larger scale.

However, it is not just a restoration of old trade ties, but it also seeks a prescription for global economic progress, which is currently susceptible to political upheavals, shrinking investment and increasing volatility due to many factors. The initiative provides a ray of hope in times of diminishing self-confidence and waning trust in the world economy and the concept of globalization.

The Belt and Road is a transnational network to connect Asia with Europe and Africa. Hence, no single nation can hope to completely translate it into reality. It can only really realize its full potential by cooperation among many nations. That is why the forum in Beijing creates such a great opportunity for closer consultation to prepare plans to fast-track its implementation.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the media on April 18 that China was upbeat about the Initiative in boosting mutual development and is willing to channel even greater energy into its achievement. China is also taking the lead in providing space for mutual consultations and funding various projects under the Belt and Road program.

According to Chinese sources, it has so far invested more than US$50 billion in Belt and Road countries since 2013. A total of 56 economic and trade cooperation zones have already been built, generating nearly $1.1 billion in tax revenue and creating an estimated 180,000 local jobs.

Pakistan's former ambassador to China Masood Khan has written that, under the project, China is helping to finance and build an infrastructure to develop the Eurasian land bridge and promote the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean into a highly-connective route. Once completed, it is estimated the massive project would bring together as many as 4.4 billion people in 65 different countries to share common benefits.

Though the primary purpose is to speed up connectivity by expanding trade, investment, banking, insurance and other economic activities, it also provides leverage for peace gains. Once more people and countries are dependent on one another, the chances of conflicts decrease. Living standards will improve due to economic opportunities and more people can escape poverty and destitution.

The project provides an alternative model to develop a peaceful and stable international political and economic order governed by predictability and immune to occasional shocks, which can easily reverse the gain of decades in just weeks. The model is based on the principle of "economic development equals security" and it uses progress to balance security and strategic issues.

Thus, China, through the Belt and Road Initiative, is giving the world a new approach to economic and social change. It is based on more trade and commercial relations, that seek to include different regions and people. It means no one is being excluded from the fruits of common development. That is why Foreign Minister Wang Yi likened the Road and Belt to a "close circle of friends."

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 67F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy. Low 58F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph.
You are here: Home

 Flash

Nine members of Haqqani militant group were killed in two separate airstrikes within the last 24 hours, the Afghan Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

In one attack, four militants were killed after warplanes of Afghan air forces struck their position in Baraspari village, Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province, the ministry said in a statement.

Five Haqqani fighters lost their lives in an air raid in Chak district of neighboring Wardak province, according to the statement.

As a Taliban-linked group of militants, the Haqqani network, mainly operating in eastern provinces and capital Kabul, has been responsible for many high-profile attacks on security forces.

The group, which was designated as terrorist group by the United States in 2012, has yet to make comments.
My heartfelt tribute to the dedicated and brave soldiers who defend our people.

I wish I could thank each one of you individually because every single of one of you has given more to our people in a few years of army service than many of us do in a lifetime. Since I cant, I would like to give you a heartfelt tribute by sharing the inspiring story of one of our many Israeli heroes, Izzy Ezagui, the one-armed Israeli combat soldier who now speaks all over the world for the Friends of the Israeli Defense Force.

Izzy grew up in Florida and visited Israel for the first time on a Birthright trip in 2006. He began thinking of serving in the IDF and said: As a young Jewish person growing up in the States, you learn Jewish history and honestly, I looked at it as a privilege to do something for the Jewish people.

Izzy moved to Israel with his family in August 2007 at the age of 19 and enlisted right away. A few weeks after Operation Cast Led broke out in 2008, he was guarding the Israeli-Gaza border when a mortar shell hit him and ripped his left arm off. But Izzy refused to allow his injury to stop him from returning to the IDF: If it was up to the doctors, I would still be on those drugs. But I decided from day one I wanted to go back to the army and back to combat.

But the army thought Izzys idea of returning to combat was insane. The army told me I couldn't come back. They didnt want any part in my crazy dream.

Fortunately, General Yoav Galant, who became IDF Chief of Staff, was the head of Israels Southern Command when Izzy was injured and the general visited Izzy in the hospital. The first thing I told him was that I wanted to go back to the army and to combat. It was the same thing I told all the generals and politicians who came to visit, but he was the only one who said okay.

Izzy stayed in touch with the general during the six months that he spent in New York for rehab. He taught himself how to shoot with one arm, climb ropes and do pushups. Galant then helped him return to the IDF where Izzy served in the Givati Brigade. Today Izzy speaks for the Friends of the IDF and spends time with Birthright groups, hoping to pass on his own passion for the Jewish people to the next generation.

On Yom Hazikaron, I think of the immense power of Izzys passion and courage. Through tears, I pray for the soldiers who have fallen and for those of you who are still fighting. I see flashes of young faces and surreal funerals. I remember hearing your laughter as you talked to your friends on the bus and hearing your heart-rending cries as you sobbed at your brothers funeral.

Maybe that is why our nation is silent when the siren echoes across the land. There are no words that could possibly hold the heartbreak and gratitude of a nation all in one breath. So instead we stand together in silence and let the siren hold us for a moment that seems so long yet somehow not long enough. Not long enough to say thank you.

So thank you for the sleepless nights you spend guarding us. For the early mornings you spend training to defend us. Thank you for running through shadows and across endless deserts. Thank you for flying our fighter jets and for driving our tanks. For standing on the front lines of countless battles and for guarding lonely outposts in the middle of the night.

Thank you for being a model of goodness for the rest of the world. For being a light unto the nations and showing others what a true Jewish army looks like. For your kindness and your menstchlekeit. For reaching your hand out to the weak and helping up the fallen. For sacrificing for each other in ways big and small. For staying true to what you believe in despite horrific challenges. For all this and so much more: Thank you.

Extend your thanks to Israeli soldiers in the comment section below.
April 30, 2017

Will US rethink plans for Raqqa?

In May 2016, we asked how long the United States and Turkey could keep up appearances of alliance and partnership in Syria, given differences over US backing for the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).

Following Turkeys airstrikes April 25 against the YPG in northern Syria and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the Sinjar region of Iraq, reality may be outpacing appearances.

A Pentagon spokesman said that the Combined Air Operations Center received less than one-hour notice of the strikes, certainly not coordination as you would expect from a partner and an ally in the fight against [the Islamic State]. The Turkish strikes killed 20 YPG fighters in Syria and, inadvertently, five or six Iraqi peshmerga fighters in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Iraqi peshmerga are linked to the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, which has close ties to Ankara.

Metin Gurcan writes, 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.

Amberin Zaman suggests that Erdogan may have been emboldened by his April 17 call with Trump. Many administration officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who was in the room with Trump during the exchange, are said to have been opposed to giving the Turkish leader carte blanche, especially since international monitors said it was riddled with irregularities, Zaman writes. The consensus among administration officials was that Erdogans burning desire for a US stamp of approval legitimizing this contested outcome could have been leveraged for pledges of greater cooperation, notably in Syria. The opportunity was squandered and Erdogan is due to be received by Trump in Washington on May 16. After todays [April 25] strikes the mood is even darker and there is strong pressure on the White House from the administration and Syrian Kurdish officials for a public denunciation of Turkeys actions.

Syrian Kurds are proposing a no-fly zone, although this would likely further complicate US operations in Syria, and US-Turkey relations more broadly. Zaman continues, In a show of solidarity, US forces based in northern Syria inspected the fallout in Karachok. But it will not be enough to appease Kurdish worries over further Turkish attacks.  The United States has tried to maintain a precarious juggling act of humoring Turkey, a critical NATO ally and home to the Incirlik Air Base vital to US operations throughout the region, while maintaining its military partnership with the Syrian Kurds. Washington justifies its position on the grounds that although the PKK is on its list of terrorist organizations, the YPG is not. The United States is thus able to continue to arm and train YPG fighters while providing Turkey with real-time intelligence on the PKK. Turkey says its had enough of US duplicity as it sees it and has been threatening to take matters into its own hands.

The United States is now out on a limb as Turkey, a NATO ally, is almost daring the United States to continue its reliance on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whose most effective fighters are drawn primarily from the YPG, in the long-anticipated military campaign to expel IS from Raqqa.

In partnering with the YPG, the Pentagon is not intentionally picking sides in Turkeys seemingly endless conflict with the PKK, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist organization. Barbara Slavin reports that despite Turkish opposition to the YPG, Lt. Gen. Terry Wolff, the deputy special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, made clear that no other force has emerged on a timeline commensurate with the US desire to retake Raqqa and end its role as a hub for plotting terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States.

By contrast, the Turkish proxy forces, which Fehim Tastekin memorably assessed as an armed hordes that open fire haphazardly and are ill-disciplined, untrained and inexperienced, most prominently include the extreme Salafi Ahrar al-Sham group, an on-again, off-again ally of Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaedas Syria affiliate.

The least worst scenario may ultimately depend on Moscows good offices with Damascus. As Zaman wrote last month, While the United States would never want to cooperate directly with the regime, any help it can get on Raqqa would clearly not be unwelcome. And as recent developments in Manbij have shown, with Russia pulling the strings, the SDF and the regime are capable of working together when need be. It may not be all that bad an outcome for Turkey, either, for the alternative, a deeper US footprint in alliance with the Kurds, is viewed by Ankara as the biggest threat of all.

Russia expands military presence in Syria

Anton Mardasov explains that Russias military presence in Syria goes beyond Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval base.

Mardasov provides details of an expansive, and growing, military presence. He writes, 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.

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, Mardasov explains. 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.
April 30, 2017

On April 28, Iranians tuned into state televisions Channel 1 to watch the first round of presidential debates  a forum that greatly shapes voter sentiments.

Incumbent President Hassan Rouhani, First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and Mostafa Hashemi-Taba, a former minister of industries and mines, are the candidates of the Reformist-moderate camp. On the other side of the political spectrum, the conservatives are represented by Ebrahim Raisi, the custodian of the holy shrine of the eighth Shiite imam, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Mostafa Mirsalim, a former minister of culture and Islamic guidance.

The first televised debate was supposed to be about social issues, but quickly turned into a highly political battle over the economy. The clash began when Rouhani was to make his address, and Ghalibaf  who was defeated by Rouhani in the 2013 presidential elections  claimed that the incumbent had previously promised that he would create 4 million jobs. Rouhani quickly denied this and interrupted Ghalibaf by saying, I do not want this lie to continue and do not want Mr. Ghalibafs sins to increase.

During the debate, Iranian news sites and channels on the popular smartphone app Telegram were highly active, and engaging in real-time fact-checking. As such, the moment Ghalibaf spoke of Rouhanis alleged promise, the statement in question was quickly circulated, showing that Rouhani had before the 2013 elections said that 4 million jobs could be created  if the countrys tourism industry boomed and 10 million tourists could be attracted to Iran.

This wasnt the only time in which Rouhani and Ghalibaf tensely traded barbs during the debate. Another important showdown was when Ghalibaf accused Rouhani of deceiving people through the candidacy of Jahangiri, who is widely assumed to have signed up to run to aid Rouhani during the debates and then withdraw in favor of the incumbent.

Ghalibaf seemingly did not expect Jahangiri to counter him seriously. Instead, the Tehran mayor found himself coming under fire by the vice president, with Jahangiri saying that the man behind the attack on the Saudi Embassy in January 2016, which led to the severing of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, is seemingly working for Ghalibaf.

Which people were behind the attack on Saudi Arabias Embassy?  We [Rouhani administration] did not attack the embassy and put peoples interests at risk. For which candidate are those who attacked the embassy working for? Who gave the money [for the embassy attack] and supported them? Jahangiri unexpectedly thundered during the debate.

Jahangiris charge did not stop Ghalibaf from launching further attacks on the Rouhani administration. In the last minutes of the debate, the Tehran mayor curiously appeared to both imitate former hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-13) and the latters Reformist rival in the 2009 elections, Mir Hossein Mousavi, who has been under house arrest since 2011.

During the controversial presidential debates in 2009, Ahmadinejad famously brought up a document on the air, claiming that Mousavis wife, academic Zahra Rahnavard, held two illegal degrees  a claim that was later denied by the Inspection Organization. In direct response to Ahmadinejad, Mousavi minutes later addressed the Iranian people on TV, saying, We are facing a phenomenon who stares in your eyes and lies.

Eight years later, in the April 28 presidential debate, Ghalibaf seemingly imitated Ahmadinejads tactic to discredit Rouhani by showing a printed screenshot of the presidents remarks published on his website about creating 4 million jobs, and seemingly repeated Mousavis aforementioned famous statement to attract some of the Reformists supporters. However, this does not appear to have worked out very well as many slammed Ghalibaf for repeating Ahmadinejads behavior. Indeed, soon after the end of the debate, many users on social media uploaded pictures of Ghalibaf and Ahmadinejad next to each other, each holding up a printed document at respective debates, and accusing the Tehran mayor of hypocrisy for stealing Mousavis statement.

Following the debate, four of the candidates  Rouhani, Ghalibaf, Mirsalim and Raisi  lodged protests with the Election Campaign Monitoring Committee. Rouhani's cultural adviser, Hesamoddin Ashna, said the president filed a complaint with the committee over Ghalibafs accusations and because state TV did not give him the opportunity to respond the Tehran mayors claims.

Another significant aspect of the debate was Raisis apparent decision not to get entangled in Ghalibafs clash with Rouhani and Jahangiri. Some hinted that Raisi feared a direct clash with Rouhani, who is a skilled speaker.

The big highlight seemed to be that Jahangiri's allegations about the embassy attack helped him gain traction with voters, according to online surveys after the debate.

Ghalibafs harsh attacks had not been expected. Some believe the Tehran mayors real aim was to portray himself as the only conservative candidate. Indeed, following the debate, his supporters slammed Raisi for his inabilities, lack of courage and inaction in the face of the heated battle between Ghalibaf and Rouhani and Jahangiri.

On the other hand, Ghalibafs actions were criticized by Raisis supporters, who surmised that the Tehran mayors direct clash with Rouhani was planned in order to portray Ghalibaf as effective and get him the upper hand vis-a-vis Raisi in opinion polls.

By accusing Rouhani and the people behind him as belonging to the 4%  an apparent adaptation of the Occupy Wall Street movements reference to the 1%  who are violating the rights of the 96%, Ghalibaf apparently imitated US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and was seeking to attract the votes of the middle class.

Saeed Leylaz, a prominent Reformist analyst, said April 29, Mr. Ghalibaf definitely cannot portray himself as the representative of the poor classes, or as he himself said, the 96%. Leylaz added, This gesture doesnt match with Ghalibafs background, referring to the various corruption scandals rocking the Tehran municipality in recent years.

Candidates are scheduled to take part in two more televised debates ahead of the May 19 vote.
April 28, 2017

BAGHDAD  Iraq is trying to revive the Trebil border crossing between Iraq and Jordan, which was closed in 2014 after the Islamic State (IS) took control of Anbar province. But the highway from Baghdad toward the crossing is not safe and has been the stage of terrorist attacks for a while, most recently the IS attack on an Iraqi security forces convoy April 22 in the Al-Sakkar area east of Rutba on the highway near the Jordanian border. As a result, 10 security officers were killed and 20 others were injured. Following the incident, soldiers of the Eighth Brigade deployed in Rutba appealed to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi for equipment and weapons to secure the international highway between Ramadi and Rutba to avoid surprise attacks by IS sleeper cells.

Due to the imminent threats to the road, which is one of Iraqs vital economic lines as it connects Basra in the south to Jordan in the west, Iraq commissioned an American company to secure and rebuild the road. The contract also included reconstructing bridges, 36 of which are destroyed.

A government source close to Abadi told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, In his recent visit to Baghdad, Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trumps adviser and son-in-law, discussed with Iraqi officials the issue of securing the Baghdad-Terbil and the Safwan-Terbil crossings.

The source added, There is US and Iraqi governmental interest in securing the two roads leading to the Terbil border crossing between Baghdad and Basra. Jordan shares the same interest because it wants to revive trade exchange between the two countries. Abadi had voiced his intention to commission this task to American companies during his office meeting with the representatives of parliamentary blocs in the Iraqi parliament in March.

Anbar spokesman Eid Ammash told Al-Monitor, Olive [which merged with the US Constellis Group in 2015], will secure the road between Baghdad and Anbar, reaching the Terbil border crossing that leads to Jordan. The company has already signed a contract with the Iraqi federal government in this regard.

He added, The company will work independently, and there wont be any meddling in its work. But it will coordinate with the federal and local governments and will submit monthly reports about its work to the local Anbar government.

Fahed Rashed, the head of the Border Crossings Committee in Anbar, said April 6, 5,000 volunteers hailing from tribes will participate alongside Olive company to secure the highway in Anbar.

Although Abadi talked about securing the road between Safwan in south Iraq and Terbil in the west, Jabar al-Saidi, the head of the security committee in the Basra provincial council, and council member Ahmad al-Saliti claimed they did not know about such an agreement.

Apparently, local officials in Iraq do not know about the Safwan-Terbil road plan so far and that the understandings are restricted to the company and federal government.

A security source from the Iraqi intelligence service told Al-Monitor, The American company will only secure the two roads reaching Terbil from Basra and Baghdad and will build gas stations and rest areas, in addition to building bridges and cordoning off the roads with barbed wires, as per distances that would be determined later.

The source added, The company will appropriate helicopters and will work on providing air protection for the road in case of emergency, in cooperation with the Iraqi government.

Leaders of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) Karim al-Nouri and Rayan al-Kaldani, in a joint statement about the American companies, told Al-Monitor, These companies signed contracts with Abadis government. The PMU is affiliated with him since he is the general chief of staff of armed forces, and we cannot but agree with him.

Nouri added, The PMU cannot have a different stance than that of the Iraqi government vis-a-vis the security companies, although they are affiliated with a state that occupied Iraq and so their presence in Iraq is not justifiable.

Although the stances of Nouri and Kaldani reassured the companies that they will not be targets of the PMU and its factions, the danger persists, especially since there are armed Shiite factions not under the umbrella of the state-affiliated PMU.

Armed men affiliated with political parties or tribes that are geographically close to the companies locations might target these companies to get jobs or might attempt to impose royalties on them. This has happened before with oil companies operating in Iraq.

Iraqs Hezbollah Brigades said in a statement released March 31, The road connecting Iraq and Jordan is a strategic gateway allowing the US and forces seeking to control it to tighten their grip on Anbar and the potential Sunni region as per a US-Gulf plan.

In the same vein, Asaib Ahl al-Haq said, The US security companies are spies for the US intelligence, according to a March 30 statement by the group's military spokesman Jawad al-Tibawi. The movement headed by Qais al-Khazali called for resorting to alternative companies from Russia and Europe.

On April 9, Khazali said during a speech at Al-Qasim Green University in Babil, When the Iraqi government commissions the security of the road connecting Baghdad, Anbar and the Jordanian borders to a US security company, this must not be taken lightly.

He added, threateningly, Iraq has a replenished army of 300,000 soldiers, a Ministry of Interior with 600,000 employees and two mobilization units  a popular and a tribal one. Does it really need a US security company to secure the road connecting its center to its west side?
April 27, 2017

A senior Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs official in the know on Israeli-US relations told Al-Monitor that in recent days Israel has been approached by senior officials in the Trump administration about a possible US policy initiative related to the region and to Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. Trumps staff is currently preparing his first official visit to Israel (apparently on May 22), yet these preliminary contacts were exploratory in nature. The US officials emphasized to their Israeli counterparts that no decision has been made yet by Trumps Middle Eastern team and his associates, including secretaries of the State and Defense departments, head of the National Security Council, and advisers Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt.

According to the Israeli source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the US officials did say expressively that in any case Israeli security interests will be taken care of as never before. What concerned the senior Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs official was a request to know Israels position on a possible qualified acceptance of parts of the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002. In the Israeli sources view, this request indicates that the Trump administration has been influenced by Arab interlocutors such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who all expressed in similar terms that the Arab Peace Initiative is the only possible basis for regional progress on the Palestinian issue.

A seasoned Middle Eastern expert, who advises Trumps Middle East team, told Al-Monitor that the Trump administration has three priorities in the Middle East region: the defeat of the Islamic State (IS), a cease-fire arrangement in Syria that sidelines Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and a regional agreement on Israeli-Palestinian peace.

According to this adviser, the administration wants to work with the pragmatic Arab coalition of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia on all three efforts. He emphasized that linking President Donald Trumps interest for a deal on the Israeli-Palestinian issue to other regional issues, such as fighting IS, would be a mistake. These are three distinct goals. Trump has genuine ambitions to outshine all previous US presidents on a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, regardless of his ambitions on the other regional problems.

The adviser argued that Trump is concerned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus willingness/unwillingness and political ability to make reasonable progress on the issue and about Abbas political weakness. Yet he intends to move forward on the matter with the leaders of the pragmatic Arab coalition and plans to dispatch Greenblatt to the region again in the near future. The Arab Peace Initiative is, in Trumps eyes, a vehicle for progress. He does not endorse it verbatim, but believes its value lies in the possible normalization of relations between Israel and the Arab countries.

A senior PLO official close to Abbas told Al-Monitor that Abbas, in his talks in the weeks to come with Trump, will lay out his interpretation of the Arab Peace Initiative, emphasizing three main aspects. For Abbas it is absolutely necessary to define a border on the 1967 lines with only minor and parallel land swaps, that East Jerusalem serves as the Palestinian capital and that the issue of refugees be resolved in a just and agreed manner.

Abbas is willing to push toward the normalization of relations between Israel and the Arab countries.

The adviser to the Trump team in Washington told Al-Monitor how the administration may use parts of the Arab Peace Initiative in a future regional process. The idea is to have two parallel tracks to be guided and monitored by the administration: bilateral Israeli-Palestinian negotiations without any US impositions on a joint peace settlement between the parties, and a regional track with Israel, the Palestinians, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Morocco on gradual progress toward normalization with Israel beginning immediately. According to the adviser, it will take several weeks for this plan to be finalized.

As for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, he is confident that Netanyahu will have the last word with Trump, and that the talks about the Arab Peace Initiative are only background noise for the Arab anti-IS coalition.
williamlumpkinarrested.jpg

Walter Lumpkin, 71, is charged with two counts of first-degree robbery. He spent 34 years in law enforcement, including as an investigator for the Alabama Public Service Commission.

(Walker County Sheriff's Office/FBI )

A 71-year-old Cullman man has been indicted on federal charges involving two bank robberies.

Walter Larry Lumpkin was indicted Friday on two counts of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a bank robbery, Acting U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Roger C. Stanton announced.

According to the indictment, Lumpkin robbed the Curry Branch of First Bank of Jasper on June 17, 2016 and took $32,600. Records show he robbed the same bank on Jan. 20, 2017, when he took $61,135. In the two robberies, $93,735 was stolen.

The 71-year-old is charged with brandishing a Heritage Arms .22-caliber revolver during the robbery this year.

Lumpkin was charged with the crimes in Feb., Walker County sheriff's deputies said. In the 2016 robbery, deputies said Lumpkin entered the bank wearing a black suit jacket and a fedora, with a brace on his left arm. He claimed to have explosives strapped to his body, but employees said they didn't actually see any. In the latest robbery, police said Lumpkin was again wearing his fedora, was armed with a handgun, and claimed he had a bomb.

Authorities said Lumpkin had worked for 34 years in law enforcement. While Lumpkin was an enforcement officer with the Alabama Public Service Commission, he was charged and indicted on nine counts of violation of state laws. According to court records, Lumpkin had a private consulting business and carried out much of that business while on duty for the state.

In 1996, he pleaded guilty to five of the nine misdemeanors.

The maximum penalty for bank robbery is 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The penalty for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence is a minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Simpson is prosecuting.
A 22-year-old Birmingham man was killed Friday night in an apparent domestic-related shooting, police said.

Birmingham police said Cartez Bolden was found dead of a gunshot wound on the bedroom floor of an apartment located in the 100 block of 5th Avenue SW in southwest Birmingham.

"Once again, we have a situation where someone was killed possibly by someone he knew," Birmingham police Sgt. Bryan Shelton said. "What is unfortunate is children were exposed to this violence. Saddening to say the least."

Two adults, who were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, were detained by police as persons of interest, he said. Three children, who were also in the apartment, were placed in the custody of the Department of Human Resources.

Officers from the South Precinct first responded to the report of a shooting at the apartment at 9:55 p.m. Police were initially told that Bolden was the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

During the investigation, Birmingham police learned that foul play could be involved in the shooting, and the shooting was domestic-related.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Birmingham Police Department Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers 205-254-7777.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has been in office less than three weeks and she will soon face a life and death decision.

As governor, Ivey has the power to commute the death sentence of an inmate to life or grant a reprieve to delay an execution. The next execution one is the execution of Tommy Arthur, which is set for May 25. Fourteen days later the state also plans to execute Robert Melson, the man convicted in the 1994 slayings of three Popeye's restaurant employees in Gadsden.

What will Ivey do?

"The Governor is aware of the scheduled execution," Ivey's press secretary, Eileen Jones, stated in an email to AL.com regarding Arthur's execution. "She realized the serious responsibility she has as Governor regarding an execution. She plans to meet with the appropriate authorities to thoroughly review before making a final decision," she stated.

Only once since executions were reinstated in Alabama in the early 1980s, after a nationwide pause over the constitutionality of the death penalty, has an Alabama governor commuted the sentence of a death row inmate. Former Gov. Fob James did it with Judith Ann Neelley.

Former Gov. Bob Riley in 2007 stayed one of Arthur's executions for 45 days so the state could put in place a new lethal injection protocol. Arthur also had stays of executions six other times by courts. Next month's execution is the eighth one set.

On Wednesday Ivey, after consulting with her legal counsel, denied a request by Arthur's attorney to have DNA testing performed on a wig that prosecutors say was worn by the person who killed Troy Wicker, the man Arthur was convicted of shooting to death in a 1982 murder for hire plot.

A forensic expert had testified at a hearing in 2009 that he couldn't find any genetic material to test for DNA comparison. Arthur has been convicted by three different juries.

Denial of the DNA testing wasn't the first time Ivey has faced a decision about Alabama's death penalty in the short time she has had in office.

In one of her first acts Ivey also signed a bill into law that does away with judicial override - the process that had allowed judges to ignore jury recommendations for life without parole sentences and instead impose death. Alabama had been the only state that still allowed judicial override after Florida and Delaware did away with it last year.
The last time Jim Zeigler was on a winning streak like this, Gerald Ford was president and Bear Bryant was walking the sidelines at the University of Alabama.

It was in 1974, when a 24-year-old Zeigler was elected as a Democrat to the Public Service Commission. He was fresh off a rare upending of the "Machine" at the University of Alabama, when he took on the semi-secret alignment of fraternities and sororities and won to become the president of the Student Government Association.

Soon, though, it was the defeats that were piling up. Zeigler, a Mobile resident, lost six statewide races between 1976 and 1998. Some of those races were tight, earning Zeigler the moniker "Mr. 49 Percent."

"That's ancient history," Zeigler said this week. "Mr. 49 Percent doesn't exist anymore. I'm now Mr. 60-plus Percent."

And so a question arises: Could this new Zeigler propel himself into the governor's job in 2018? Political watchers consider the sometimes odd Zeigler to be a longshot prospect who'd be badly underfunded. But he'd likely find strong backing from tea party supporters.

"He's smart politically," said Steve Flowers, a political commentator, historian and author. "He knows what he's doing. He's crazy like a fox."

Reversing fortunes

Zeigler's fortunes began a turn for the better when he ran for the relatively obscure and non-controversial office of state auditor in 2014. In fact, the office had so few constitutional duties that some government officials in Montgomery had once suggested eliminating it.

That year's race featured two maverick candidates in Zeigler and Dale Peterson, the tough-talking, cowboy-hat-wearing rancher whose 2009 campaign advertisement for Alabama agriculture commissioner became a YouTube hit.

Zeigler, though, handily won with 65 percent of the vote. His wife, Jackie, then emerged last year to win a crowded raced for a seat on the state Board of Education.

All along, Zeigler's support among grass-roots activists has grown. He enjoys a reputation as a conservative fire-brand, and tea-party enthusiasts have embraced his unconventional approaches in battling so-called establishment Republicans.

Robert Bentley was chief among his political targets. Zeigler filed an ethics complaint against Bentley in March 2016, right after details emerged about the then-governor's romantic relationship with former aide Rebekah Mason.

Of course, irritating the higher-ups was nothing new for Zeigler.

In the early 1980s, while working as a private lawyer, Zeigler pushed to have $200,000 in salary overpayments to judges and other public officials returned to the taxpayers. He was able to win that case.

In 2002, he filed two ethics complaints against Gov. Don Siegelman, four years before Siegelman was convicted of corruption while in office.

"There is nothing fake at all on his approaches to the problems we are experiencing as a state," said Cody Phillips, the head of the Eastern Shore Common Sense Campaign in Baldwin County.

Media darling

State Auditor Jim Zeigler speaks to reporters outside the gubernatorial beach house on the Fort Morgan peninsula. (Brian Kelly/bkelly@al.com)

For Zeigler, the once-unremarkable auditor's office has become a prominent pulpit, although critics declare that he's engaging in blatant self-promotion.

Zeigler, who minored in journalism while in college, has given himself the nickname "Waste Cutter" and it's emblazoned on the many news releases that his office has sent out in the past two years. These colorful missives link to an online biography and bear the script: "Story of how one person with a mission can make a difference."

"His job is to count the inventory," said Flowers about Zeigler's job as state auditor. "It's totally bland and has been talked about being done away with over the years as not being necessary. It's sort of a benign job. But he's flamboyant. He's, quite frankly, demagoguing. But he knows he's demagoguing and that he gets publicity."

Flowers said Zeigler's brand of self-promotion draws inspiration from possibly Alabama's most famous politician ever.

"He sees himself as a George Wallace-type of person who unashamedly jumps on an issue and knows when it's popular," he said.

Zeigler seeks out the television media, and knows how to hold a camera's attention. Hours before Bentley resigned on April 10, Zeigler was holding court before the TV crews, a jaunty U.S.-flag-pattern tie around his neck, offering his insights into the ongoing scandal while other politicians were nowhere to be found.

"He was in his element," said Flowers. "He's a real character and people like characters."

Phillips offers a somewhat different view: It's Zeigler's genuineness that's the attraction, he said. "He is so open in everything he has done and is very outspoken on a lot of different subjects," Phillips said.

"Sometimes people may characterize him as being a little eccentric. But he's highly intelligent and does a lot of research and reading and so forth. He doesn't go half-cocked on things. He does the fact-checking."

Self-promoter

Zeigler himself became a subject of barbs on social media for what some labeled grandstanding in the immediate aftermath of Bentley's exit. That sniping has continued during Zeigler's recent property inventories at the three gubernatorial residences and the governor's office in the State Capitol.

Alabama Auditor Jim Zeigler's book predicts his own victory in the 2018 gubernatorial election.

"This is part of my duties," said Zeigler about the inventory work, which generated plenty of media coverage. Zeigler, himself, made sure to keep reporters abreast of the inventory process, even firing off a news release to announce his discovery of "Wanda's Desk," which was the most high-profile pieces of state property in the Bentley investigation.

"What has happened, because of the early exit of Governor Bentley, is the public and the media are interested in these audits for the first time," said Zeigler. "I didn't cook up this situation. I am just carrying it out and it's getting the natural media interest."

Zeigler admits that he's weighing a run for governor. On his Facebook page, he's posted articles from AL.com and other media speculating about the field of gubernatorial candidates in 2018. In March, he self-published a 284-page book that he'd written foretelling his victory as governor and his subsequent inauguration.

Still, he isn't ready to officially announce his candidacy. He said he'll wait to make up his mind after Sept. 26, the date of an expected Republican runoff in the U.S. Senate race. Any earlier date would be "foolish" on his part, he said.

Gubernatorial pause

Flowers and others, though, are skeptical that Zeigler will try for governor. They believe he knows that he's too much of a dark horse.

Zeigler, for example, isn't likely to win many endorsements from GOP-backed groups like local chambers of commerce or the Business Council of Alabama.

Jess Brown, a retired political science professor at Athens State University, said he believes that Gov. Kay Ivey could be a formidable candidate who scares away prospective challengers.

Flowers said he could see Zeigler running for attorney general if he aspires for higher office in 2018.

William Stewart, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Alabama, said of Zeigler: "I don't think he could raise the big bucks." He said that Zeigler -- "if he's smart" - will stay put as auditor and "easily win another term." Zeigler is allowed to serve two terms in the office.
Despite a rise in killings, the Mexican city has taken on a daunting task  to reinvent itself as a tourist destination.

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico  In the early 1970s, Richard Wright, a native of El Paso, Texas, began crossing the then porous US-Mexico border into the northern Mexican community of Ciudad Juarez  a place once deeply connected to his home city and yet simultaneously worlds apart.

I was 15 when I first started coming over, says Wright, while walking along the elevated Santa Fe international bridge that crosses from El Paso over the Rio Grande  a shallow trickle of water, marking the boundary between the two countries  and into Juarez.

Juarez had a reputation for being the town where you could do anything and anything could happen. by Richard Wright, resident of El Paso

We [high school friends] used to come over at night with our Ray-Bans because we knew the sun would be up when we crossed back over, says the 60-year-old, who spent decades visiting Juarez before passports or security checks were required. Wright has witnessed the citys evolution.

Back then, it was like Vegas, says Wright, standing just across the border at the head of Avenida Juarez. In the 1970s and 1980s, the street was bathed in neon lights from the numerous 24-hour bars, nightclubs, cabarets and restaurants that first arose during 1920s prohibition era and continued to service the throngs of people who came across the border to partake in the vibrant nightlife.

Juarez had a reputation for being the town where you could do anything and anything could happen, says Wright, a tall man with a loud, boisterous laugh who wears a big straw hat.

Wright describes a city that was filled with life until the 1990s, with music on every street corner  like walking through a mall at Christmas time, as thousands of people from El Paso would flock to the sister city of Juarez to shop, eat lunch and return home with ease.

People used to say Juarez was the better half of El Paso, he says.

REWIND: Deadliest beat: Reporting on Mexicos war on drugs (25:57)

Hard hit by violence

Today, that version of Juarez has faded. Cross-border tourism was stifled by the ever-increasing militarisation of the US-Mexico border after the September 11, 2001, attacks, and then all but erased by the violence that occurred between 2008 to 2012.

During that period, Juarez became a place defined by images of burned-out buildings, publicly displayed bodies of people who had been executed, and eerily empty streets  it was a city under siege.

After 9/11 nobody would cross over, says Sergio Pena Jr, owner of the famous Kentucky Club lying just across the bridge on Juarez Avenue.

Then, when we were hit with the cartel violence, that is when the majority of businesses shut down, adds Pena, who has owned the bar for 23 years.

The drug violence, while increasing throughout the 1990s, intensified in 2008 as fighting between the rival Sinaloa and Juarez cartels increased as each group attempted to gain control of the lucrative border city.

According to some, this violence was exacerbated when in 2008 the then-president, Felipe Calderon, sent in 7,000 troops and 3,000 federal police, a national force that operated in Juarez during the citys most violent years.

Every person in Juarez that I have interviewed says unequivocally that the violence was linked to the entrance of the army, says Alice Driver, author of More Or Less Dead: Feminicide, Haunting, and the Ethics of Representation in Mexico (2015), a book about the murder of women in Juarez.

The dates they came and left coincide directly with  [the] beginning and the ends of violence, says Driver, explaining that the army and federal police were at times found complicit in collusion with cartels and also implicated in widespread human rights abuses .

READ MORE: Meet the man cleaning up after Mexicos murders

Violence was the everyday reality

Others doubt whether the army was the sole party to blame.

Theyre supposed to take the fight to drug trafficking groups, says Steven Dudley, co-director of InSight Crime, a non-profit foundation reporting on organised crime.

I think that causality is problematic, says Dudley, explaining that the increase in federal troops necessarily set the stage for violent confrontations between the two.

As Ricardo Chavez Aldama, a journalist from Juarez, notes: There were murders, executions, and evidence of torture everywhere.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from his home in El Paso, the city he and his family fled to in 2008 after receiving death threats for his work covering the drug war, he adds: Violence was the everyday reality in Juarez.

Those were the darkest days in the history of our town, says Antonio Rojas, owner of the El Recreo, the second oldest bar in Juarez. Back then the city was empty at six [pm]. It was like a ghost town.

According to the Articulo  Journal of Urban Research, between 2007 and 2011 more than 10,000 businesses closed in Juarez and between 2007 and 2009 alone some 230,000 residents fled the city.

In recent years, however, things have begun to change. On a recent Saturday in March, the streets of downtown Juarez were packed with people. Plaza De Armas was filled with families and dozens of older couples danced in the street to a live street band playing Selena covers.

In 2008, these streets were empty, says Wright, speaking to Al Jazeera outside Kentucky Club the previous day. The bar was filled with patrons: wealthy Juarenses [residents of Juarez], Mexican Americans from El Paso and a university student named Nick who brought his visiting parents from Atlanta over for a drink.

We were a bit worried  or sceptical, says Nicks parents on the patio of Kentucky Club. We hear a lot of stories about Juarez from the media. So far, I think our worries were unfounded.

READ MORE: The race to save Mexicos vaquita from extinction

Juarez seeks an image makeover

In the years since 2010  that year, murders in Juarez topped 3,000  violence has decreased dramatically.

In 2014, Wright, one of the few outsiders who continued to come to Juarez throughout the violence, began offering guided walking tours of the city.

I wanted to show people that its not all that dangerous, says Wright, who promotes the tours on his website El Chuqueno featuring news and commentary on El Paso and Juarez. I wanted to show them they were afraid of nothing.

The easing of the violence has clearly led to the return of life to downtown Juarez, if not the return of cross-border tourism.

I used to come over every week, says El Paso resident Angelica Ramirez, one of the thousands of casual tourists who would come to shop, visit the dentist or eat an inexpensive burrito  a dish locals claim was invented in Juarez. Since the violence, it isnt worth the risk, she says.

In the hopes of increasing tourism, city officials in Juarez have embarked on a campaign to redefine the citys image and spur investment in the once thriving downtown area. In 2015, the Juarez is waiting for You campaign was launched.

The purpose of this campaign is to vindicate the citys image abroad and demonstrate the levels of security and peace that we have reached, said Mayor Enrique Serrano, during the campaign kick-off in early April of 2015, as reported by Mexico News Daily.

THE LISTENING POST: Silencing journalists in Mexico (8:45)

Questioning the narrative that peace has returned

The campaign follows an ongoing development project  the Historic Downtown Urban Development Master Plan  to improve the citys image, restore historic buildings and revitalise the tourist and business district that were decimated by the violence.

Juarez has gained a great achievement in the area of security, Chihuahua Attorney General Jorge Gonzalez Nicolas told reporters during the presentation of the citys crime statistics in 2015. Juarez made it, despite having complex violence problems.

While many welcome attempts to bring tourism and business back to Juarez, others question the celebratory narrative.

We [are] having a hard time right now with all the violence and killing, says Rojas, noting an increase in violence in 2016  90 murders in October made it the deadliest month since 2012  that led some to fear a return to the earlier years when the murder rate was at its highest. It was getting better and then the killing started again, he says.

Some attribute the rise in violence to the recent arrival in Juarez of the rapidly growing Jalisco New Generation cartel which is competing with the established Juarez and Sinolan cartels. The entrance of the Mexican military in 2016 and again this year in response to escalating violence is, to some, an ominous sign that another cartel fight may be in the future. This month, the border city newspaper El Norte de Juarez closed, citing the ongoing violence against journalists including the recent murder of Miroslava Breach, 54, who wrote about organised crime for Norte as reasons for its closure. According to the Knight Centre for Journalism in the Americas, Mexico is the third deadliest country for journalists.

Juarezs missing women

For many, the perception of Juarez as a violent city really began in the 1990s when hundreds of women were killed over the course of the decade.

Just a few blocks from the downtown area, the walls of a former guesthouse are covered with the faces of 50 or more missing young women and dozens of black painted crosses set onto a pink background with the words Donde Estan?  meaning Where are they?  written in large bold letters.

The pink crosses originally marked the spot where someone disappeared or was killed, says Driver, who in 1998 interviewed Guillermina Gonzalez, the creator of the symbol and founder of Voces Sin Eco (Voices without echo), a former support and advocacy group composed of family members of murdered women who mobilised against the attacks on women in the 1990s, a time when violence in Juarez began to steadily escalate along with the growth of cross-border drug trafficking.

From 1993 onwards, Amado Carrillo Fuentes [of the Juarez Cartel], substantially increased the volume of cross-border drug trafficking. Homicides, including a substantial number of killings of women that were labelled femicides, increased correspondingly, Howard Campbell, a professor of anthropology at the University of Texas at El Paso and author of the Drug War Zone: Frontline Dispatches From the Streets of El Paso and Juarez (2009), wrote in Nacla.

The crosses are both a remembrance of the victims but also a warning to other women, says Driver, referring to the wall, which is a visual reminder of the violence that persists throughout Juarez today.

While many have celebrated the improved security situation in Juarez, others say that there is a long way to go.

We need it to get better, truly better, Rojas says. When the violence stops, the drug violence, the violence against women, all of it, then, naturally, the tourism will follow.
You rarely get to hear about Macedonia, but in the Balkans, it is something of a bellwether. A decade ago, it set an example of a multiethnic democracy  fragile and dysfunctional, to be sure, yet somehow keeping afloat and gravitating towards the European Union and NATO. More recently, however, it morphed into a one-party state, a replica of Viktor Orbans Hungary with a Balkan twist  a combination of old-fashioned clientelism and kitsch nationalism.





A stroll around downtown Skopje reveals a city transformed into a one-of-a-kind historical theme park adorned with the monumental statues of Philip and Alexander the Great standing alongside medieval monarchs and anti-Ottoman revolutionaries.

Sadly, these days it is not the overblown cult to imagined forefathers which draws world media to the tiny Balkan republic. Rather, it is its volatile politics.

Last Thursday, a nationalist mob stormed parliament and beat up Zoran Zaev, the leader of the Social Democratic Union (SDSM) which has been in opposition since 2006, along with several of his fellow party members and a prominent Albanian politician. The reason: SDSM and the Albanian parties had the audacity to elect as speaker Talat Xhaferi, an ethnic Albanian from the Albanian Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) who once served as deputy defence minister. The protesters, calling themselves For a Shared Macedonia movement claimed SDSM staged a coup with Albanian backing.

They see a plot to transform Macedonia into a binational state abetted by the West and sinister backroom operators such as philanthropist George Soros, the bete noire of the nationalists. Lately, there have been even calls for a wholesale de-Sorosisation of the country. They have become the staple of Macedonias principal centre-right party, VMRO-Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), which is the driving force behind the civic protest escalating into mob rule.

Western commentators have succumbed to the temptation to read the periodic outbursts in this chronic crisis as driven by the ethnic divide between Macedonians and Albanians. Some have even seen Russias hand in it  a default explanation when anything goes wrong in this part of Europe.

But what is at play, really, are the pathologies of Macedonias party politics. Here is how it goes.

Gruevski fears jail

Led by Nikola Gruevski, a one-time technocrat who turned into a populist in the mould of Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Viktor Orban, VMRO-DPMNE has been in charge for more than a decade. Marred by high-level and pervasive state capture, their rule came under attack in 2015 when Zaev produced incriminating tapes implicating Gruevski and his close entourage, including family members, of abuse of power on a grand scale. After a wave of protests, Macedonian parties agreed under EU mediation to hold early elections and set up a special prosecutor to investigate the tapes.

What we see in Macedonia is the norm across the post-Yugoslav space: Governments pay lip service to the EU precepts but care little about the substance of democratic and rule-of-law reforms. by

Postponed twice, the vote was held in December 2016. VMRO-DPMNE had a narrow lead but could not form a coalition because it would not accept the conditions put forward by the DUI, its former partner, and the rest of the Albanian bloc. Under the constitution, it is the turn of SDSM.

But the Macedonian President George Ivanov, elected on a VMRO-DPMNE ticket, refuses to hand the mandate to the Social Democrats. The justification for breaking the constitution is the threat of SDSM Albanianising Macedonia. The real reason: Gruevski does not want to be in opposition.

Being indicted by the special prosecutor and ending up behind the bars as Croatias erstwhile Prime Minister Ivo Sanader is not a welcome prospect. So, it is not the love of the motherland that is at stake, much less Putin stirring trouble in a far-off corner of southeast Europe. It is the crude realities of Balkan politics.

The EUs poster child

The ongoing drama in Skopje illustrates the dire straits of Western policy in the region. In the early 2000s, Macedonia was the poster child of the EUs transformative power. Emerging from a brief conflict with ethnic Albanian militants in 2001, it was the second post-Yugoslav country (after Slovenia) to sign an association agreement with Brussels.





The diminutive republic muddled through, against all odds  through political turbulence, conflicts ripping apart Bosnia and neighbouring Kosovo, and a trade embargo imposed by Greece due to a dispute over the countrys name. (Greece claims that the countrys name implies territorial claims on its own region of Macedonia.

But the West was on its side and prospects still seemed bright.

Unfortunately for Macedonia, the whole Europeanisation project ground to a halt after Greece imposed a veto on its NATO and EU accession in 2008-2009, once again citing the name issue. But one should not get carried away faulting Athens. The fact remains that Macedonias politicians made use of the deadlock.

The party leadership maintains that joining the EU and NATO are important long-term goals, but in reality, they have punted on fulfilling Brussels pesky conditionalities. The dual impasses have furnished Gruevski and his partisans an excellent opportunity to grab power at home while wearing the mantle of the nations protector from internal and external adversaries.

Clientelistic networks

However, the opposition is not innocent either. It was SDSM, heir to the Yugoslav-period communists, that fathered the clientelistic system and used it in its favour while it was in charge in the 1990s and between 2002-2006.

All Gruevski did was take over and upgrade the machinery he inherited  assume control over public sector jobs, budgetary resources, and the police and you run the show in Macedonia (or any country in its neighbourhood).

Albanian parties are implicated as well  as coalition partners they have also had a piece of the pie. And now they have upped the ante by promulgating, together with the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, the so-called Tirana Platform which seeks to upgrade their communitys status and make Albanian an official language. They have handed Gruevski a pretext to enact his spoiler tactics.

What we see in Macedonia is the norm across the post-Yugoslav space: Governments pay lip service to the EU precepts but care little about the substance of democratic and rule-of-law reforms.

International democratisation watchdogs, such as Freedom House, register a multi-year trend of stagnation or, in some cases, backsliding to authoritarianism. Nowhere is this more visible than in the area of media: Freedom of expression has been in steady decline while economic hardship has heightened vulnerability to political pressure and given political elites the means to coopt or silence critics.

Back in December, optimists hoped for a change of government and a rollback of Gruevskis power networks. In principle, that would have been a good thing. The orderly passage of power from a governing party to the opposition and back is the hallmark of a democratic regime. In theory, it would have been a healthy development for VMRO-DPMNE as a party to return to opposition and disentangle itself from the state. Gruevskis retirement would give room for a new generation to step up.

However, recent events have cast a shadow over such expectations. The incumbent elites unwillingness to surrender power confirms that Macedonia fails even the minimalist definition of democracy. The ethnicisation of the crisis is a harbinger of more trouble. There will be more bad news from Skopje.

Dimitar Bechev is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and Research Fellow at the University of North Carolina  Chapel Hill. He was formerly Senior Policy Fellow and Head of Sofia Office at the European Council on Foreign Relations and lecturer at the University of Oxford.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.








Rescue group says volunteers centre targeted in Hama as Assad blames fighters for destroying countrys infrastructure.

Air strikes have killed at least eight first responders from the Syria Civil Defence in Hama province, according to the group also known as The White Helmets.

Saturdays air strikes hit the rescuers centre in Kafr Zita, located in northwestern Syria. Civilians who rushed to the scene to help were also struck, according to the Syria Civil Defences Twitter posts.

The air strike was one of the deadliest against the rescuers who operate in opposition-held areas and who have grabbed world attention for operating in extreme conditions, pulling survivors out of recently struck areas.

The volunteers have often been targeted by government air strikes, in what are known as double tap attacks, as they work to rescue others.

The Syrian Civil Defence operates in much of Syrias rebel-controlled territory.

Civilians who raced to rescue buried @SyriaCivilDef also targeted and killed. They too are #everydayheroes. 3/3  The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) April 29, 2017

The group said five bodies were lifted from the rubble and the rescuers continue to look for the others

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a Britain-based monitoring group, said the number of those killed is likely to rise as the search mission continues.

It was not clear who carried out the air strikes, but Syrian government and Russian aircraft have targeted opposition-held areas.

Hama has been the scene of intense violence in recent weeks as the government attempts to push back a rebel offensive.

In an interview with Venezuela-based TeleSUR news network, President Bashar al-Assad blamed opposition groups for destroying the countrys infrastructure and reiterated past claims that there were no moderate fighters among the opposition.

Fighting in Khanaser

In Saturdays other developments in Syria, the military said its troops and allied fighters repelled an attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group on a strategic area held by the government in the southern Aleppo province.

The attack took place in Khanaser in 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 ISIL.

The military media arm said ISIL attacked Um Mayyal village near a mountain range in Khanaser and other areas.





Elsewhere, hundreds of Syrians from the rebel-held suburbs of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus protested against infighting that began on Friday and left dozens dead in the area.

The clashes come 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, criticising the heads of the opposition groups for diverting their weapons from the front line with the government.





The SOHR said ISIL fighters launched the attack on military posts in the area, prompting intense clashes and leaving many casualties.

ISIL-affiliated Aamaq agency claimed the groups fighters killed 30 government soldiers in the attack.

OPINION: Europe needs to step up its game in Syria

The infighting is pitting the powerful Jaish al-Islam group against al-Rahman Corps and the al-Qaeda-linked Levant Liberation Committee, or Hayet Tahrir al-Sham.

Each side blames the other for touching off the fighting, seen as a struggle over control of eastern Ghouta.

Some activists have called on Jaish al-Islam to rid Eastern Ghouta of the powerful al-Qaeda-linked group.

The SOHR said shots were fired at the protesters in one area, leaving five injured.

In 24 hours of fighting, the SOHR said at least 38 fighters from rival 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 neighbourhood.

Syrias conflict started as a largely unarmed uprising against Assad in March 2011, but it has since devolved into a full-scale civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands.
US official says President Trumps invitation to Rodrigo Duterte to the White House is mostly about North Korea.

A top aide on Sunday defended President Donald Trumps invitation to his Philippine counterpart to visit Washington, saying the need to rally Asian allies over North Korea overshadowed concerns about President Rodrigo Dutertes brutal war on drugs.

Duterte had in the past regularly hit out at the United States, the Philippines one-time colonial ruler, for perceived hypocrisy over human rights. Last year he branded then-US President Barack Obama a son of a whore for criticising his war on drugs.

On Saturday, the White House said in a statement that Trump had invited Duterte during a friendly call in which the leaders discussed the Philippine presidents fight against drugs and the two countries alliance.

READ MORE: Philippines: Duterte tells Obama to go to hell

The statement touched only lightly on Dutertes controversial crackdown on crime, which has claimed thousands of lives and drawn international condemnation.





But when White House chief of staff Reince Priebus was asked on Sunday why Trump was honouring Duterte with the White House invitation, he told ABC News network, Im not so sure its a matter of honouring this president.

The issues facing us, developing out of North Korea, are so serious that we need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get, Priebus said.

That way, he added, if something does happen in North Korea, we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area.

Later on Sunday, Trump also invited the prime ministers of Thailand and Singapore for official visits.

Deadly drug war

Duterte has spoken of loosening the long-standing alliance with the US as he looked to court China, whose push to control most of the disputed South China Sea has alarmed neighbours.

At one point Duterte suggested he may even move to abrogate a 2014 defence agreement that allows US access to five Philippine military camps.

He has walked back most of those threats but has proceeded with his efforts to align more closely with China.

The White House said Saturday the two leaders, both elected to office last year, had helped orient the US-Philippine relationship in a very positive direction.

The White House said Trump enjoyed the conversation with Duterte, and looked forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November.

READ MORE: Philippines: Duterte wants end to war games with US

Dutertes spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed Trumps invitation, although he gave no indication of when the visit would take place.

The discussion that transpired between the presidents was warm, with President Trump expressing his understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippine president, especially on the matter of dangerous drugs, Abella said in a statement.

Duterte has not been shy about his brutal campaign against drugs.

Philippines police have reported killing 2,724 people as part of the anti-drug campaign; authorities insist the shootings have been in self-defence.

Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups.

A Philippine lawyer last week filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court accusing Duterte of mass murder, alleging his war on drugs had led to about 8,000 deaths.
US President Donald Trump has described his first 100 days in office as an incredible journey during a speech at a rally in the state of Pennsylvania.

He used the same speech on Saturday to attack the news media and praise his own accomplishments.

Delivering the speech to supporters at the Harrisburg rally, which he had chosen to attend over the black-tie gala White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, DC, Trump began by launching a fresh attack on the news media.

A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling themselves in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now, he said.

Media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are fake news  and they would love to be with us here tonight, but theyre trapped at the [White House Correspondents] dinner which will be very very boring.





Trump is the first president in 36 years to not attend the annual tradition at which White House officials mingle with members of the press corps and Hollywood celebrities.

Trump, however, said he was thrilled to be more than 100 miles from Washington to discuss the great journey of his first 100 days in office.

Pennsylvania was critical to Trumps victory. He won the state with 48 percent of the vote, the first time the state had voted for a Republican presidential candidate since George HW Bush in 1988.

Trump said some of his achievements during this phase of his term were the appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, the decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal and ending offshoring to bring back American jobs.

The TPP would have been a tremendous disaster for our country, he said.

READ MORE: 100 days in  Is the Middle East Trumps new playground?

Trump also used the speech to hint that the US was planning to withdraw from the Paris climate change agreement.

Ill be making a big decision on the Paris accord over the next two weeks, and well see what happens, he said.

Meanwhile, several thousand people marched from the Capitol to the White House in Washington, DC in protest against the Trump administrations energy policy.





According to the organisers, similar protests were taking place in 300 towns and cities across the country.

At the 100-day mark, opinion polls show that Trumps supporters during the campaign remain largely loyal.

Though the White House created a website lauding its accomplishments of the first 100 days, Trump has tried to play down the importance of the marker.

Its a false standard, 100 days, Trump said while signing an executive order on Friday, but I have to tell you, I dont think anybody has done what weve been able to do in 100 days, so were very happy.

Trump is turning to what he is describing as the nations biggest tax cut. It apparently falls short of Reagans in 1981, and tax experts are sceptical that the plan would pay for itself.

The economy, so far, has been Trumps ally. Polls show that Americans feel slightly better about his job performance on that subject than his job performance overall.





The Correspondents Dinner this year had fewer Hollywood celebrities in attendance. Television networks even invited behind-the-scenes employees.

White House reporters noted seeing more colleagues in the room than in recent years.

Organisers said they were focusing on the main purpose of the dinner, honouring journalists for their work and awarding scholarships to students.

Bob Woodward, the veteran Washington Post journalist who with Carl Bernstein broke the Watergate scandal in 1972, addressed Trumps criticism of the media.

INFOGRAPHIC: Trump 100 days: Who has he met and when?

Mr President: The media is not fake news, Woodward said.

Addressing fellow journalists, he said: Whatever the climate, we should and must persist and I believe we will.

Traditionally the US president holds a humorous speech at the event in which he pokes fun at the media, politicians and even himself, and a hired comedian also mocks the president.

We are here to celebrate the press, not the presidency, Jeff Mason, the White House Correspondents Association president, said.
The group of 36 Yazidi survivors was saved by Iraqi forces fighting to retake Mosul from ISIL.

A group of 36 Yazidi survivors has been rescued in Iraq after three years of slavery under ISILs rule in northern Iraq, the United Nations said on Sunday.

The group of men, women, and children from the persecuted religious sect was freed by Iraqi forces fighting to retake Mosul from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, according to local media.

The women and girls have received lodging, clothing and medical and psychological assistance in Duhok  a Kurdish city north of Mosul, since Friday, Lise Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, said.

What these women and girls have endured is unimaginable, Grande said in a statement.

ISIL systematically killed, captured, and enslaved thousands of Yazidis in the summer of 2014 as they overran the Sinjar area, where many of the minority group lived. UN investigators have said that constitutes genocide.

The Yazidis, whose beliefs combine elements from several Middle Eastern religions, were the most persecuted community under ISIL, which considers them devil-worshippers. As many as 1,500 Yazidi women and girls remain in captivity, the UN estimates.

READ MORE: Kurdish-Arab force makes gains against ISIL in Tabqa

After months of fighting to retake western Mosul, a senior Iraqi commander said on Sunday that he expects to dislodge ISIL from its de facto capital in the country some time next month.





The battle should be completed in a maximum of three weeks, the armys chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Othman al-Ghanimi, was quoted as saying by state-run newspaper al-Sabah on Sunday.

A US-led international coalition is providing air-and-ground support for the offensive in Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, which fell to the hardcore fighters in June 2014.

ISIL has lost most of the citys districts since the offensive began in October and is now surrounded in the northwestern districts.

Civilians have paid a heavy price, however.

The Pentagon said on Sunday that investigations conducted during the month of March revealed coalition air strikes killed 45 civilians, mostly in and around Mosul.

In a statement, the Pentagon called the deaths unintentional.

At least 362 civilians have been killed by coalition raids in Iraq and Syria since the start of the air campaign in 2014, according to the US defence department.

Activists and monitor groups put the number much higher, saying coalition air strikes have killed more than 3,000 civilians in Iraq and Syria since then.

The number of people displaced from Mosul since October is close to 400,000, about a fifth of Mosuls population before its capture by ISIL.

The UN estimates that as many as 500,000 people remain in the area controlled by the fighters, 400,000 of whom are in the historic Old City centre with little food and water and no access to hospitals.

Fighters have dug in among the civilians, often launching deadly counterattacks to repel forces closing in on the Old Citys Grand al-Nuri Mosque, from where ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014.

Iraqi forces estimate the number of ISIL members still in Mosul at 200 to 300, mostly foreigners, down from nearly 6,000 when the offensive started.

The number of fighters aligned against ISIL in Mosul exceeds 100,000.

Even if defeated in Mosul, ISIL will remain in control of vast swaths of land in the border area with Syria, where Baghdadi is believed to be hiding, according to Iraqi military sources.
Missiles hit a car reportedly carrying five AQAP fighters and weapons to Marib province, local media reports say.

A US drone strike has killed five suspected members of al-Qaeda in central Yemen, according to local news media and a government security official.

Yemen Ajel, a local news website, reported that the drone fired three consecutive missiles at 12:30am local time on Sunday, or 22:30 GMT on Saturday, at a car reportedly transporting weapons to Marib province.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a military official told AFP news agency that the car belonged to a local leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).





The strike comes 24 hours after a similar raid killed three suspected AQAP operatives in the southern Shabwa province, which has been a central target of the US military.

The US has stepped up its use of drone strikes under President Donald Trump, with the Pentagon confirming more than 70 strikes since February 28.

The increased bombing comes after a botched American raid against AQAP killed a number of civilians on January 29.

The raid on Yakla, an impoverished and desolate town, resulted in the deaths of at least 16 civilians, including women and children.

The January raid attracted widespread media attention because one Navy SEAL was also killed in what marked the first operation of its kind authorised by Trump.

However, local sources told Al Jazeera that the tribal leader, who was the target of the raid, had repeatedly denied being a member of AQAP.

READ MORE: A cry for help  Millions facing famine in Yemen

Yemen has been torn apart by conflict since 2014, when Houthi fighters allied with troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh captured large expanses of the Arabian Peninsula country, including the capital Sanaa.

AQAP and a local affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group have exploited Yemens war to carry out assassinations and bombings, mostly in lawless areas in the south.

According to the UN, more than 10,000 people have died  nearly half of them civilians  since an Arab coalition began a campaign of air strikes in March 2015 to drive out the Houthis and their allies.
Supreme leader denounces Rouhanis comments suggesting risk of war with the West has disappeared since he took office.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has criticised President Hassan Rouhani for saying his policy of detente with the West had reduced the threat of Iran becoming involved in a war.

Sundays statement came as tensions intensify in Tehran before the presidential election on May 19.





Rouhani  a pragmatist whose election in 2013 led to a diplomatic thaw between Iran and the West  championed a landmark deal in 2015, in which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of international sanctions.

A standoff between Rouhani, who is seeking a second term, and Khameneis allies, who opposed the nuclear deal, has intensified in recent months in the run-up to the vote.

Some say since we took office the shadow of war has been faded away. This is not correct, Khamenei was quoted as saying by state media on Sunday.

Its been peoples presence in the political scene that has removed the shadow of war from the country, he added.

Criticism on economy

Rouhani faces competition from hardliners who have criticised his economic record, saying rapprochement with the West and nuclear concessions had yet to yield economic benefits.

The nuclear deal was a national achievement. We should make use of its advantages. But some have started a fight over it, Rouhani said on Sunday.

Opening a refinery in the southern city of Bandar Abbas, Rouhani said the project  which makes Iran self-sufficient in petroleum production  was a result of the nuclear deal and interaction with the world.

Rouhani urged voters on Saturday to prevent extremism from returning to Iran, saying the country could face greater authoritarianism if he was replaced by a hardline rival.

FEATURE: What matters most to Iranians in presidential vote?

Among Rouhanis challengers are Ebrahim Raisi, an influential religious leader with decades of experience in the hardline judiciary, and conservative Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guards commander.





Wary of US President Donald Trumps tough talk on Iran, the European Union is courting Tehran to show Iranians preparing to vote that the EU is committed to the nuclear deal and they stand to benefit, diplomats said on Sunday.

Europes energy commissioner is leading more than 50 European firms in a business forum in Tehran over the weekend  the latest bid to foster new ties in the 16 months since Iran curbed its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Of the six major powers who engineered the deal  the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia  EU nations bore the brunt of the oil embargo on Iran and stand to gain the most from a thaw they view as a victory for European diplomacy.

Meeting with Irans atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi, Commissioner Miguel Arias-Canete echoed the EUs mantra that it is fully committed to the 2015 deal and expects the same from all other parties.

But the blocs leverage remains limited  particularly if it is not able to shield European firms from the risk of remaining US sanctions and encourage big banks to reverse more than a decade of Irans exclusion from the international financial system.

FEATURE: Iranians still waiting for dramatic economic change

Some Western companies have returned  aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing and car-makers Peugeot-Citroen and Renault  but many more have hung back, fearing Trump will tighten the screws on an already complex set of rules for engaging with Iran.

The Trump administration said on April 18 that it was launching an inter-agency review of whether the lifting of sanctions against Iran was in the US national security interests, while acknowledging that Tehran was complying with the deal to rein in its nuclear programme.

There is a lot of enthusiasm about working with Iran now and  I hope that the American administration wakes up to these realities, Irans Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar told Reuters news agency.
This domain was recently registered at Namecheap.com. Please check back later!
Fighting rages on, with US-backed SDF controlling about 40 percent of strategic town near ISILs stronghold of Raqqa.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have advanced against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) near the armed groups stronghold in Raqqa in northern Syria, according to a monitor.

The SDF, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters, now controls at least 40 percent of the town of Tabqa, and more than half of its heart, the Old City, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Sunday.

Rami Abdel Rahman, SOHR director, said fighting was continuing in the town on Sunday morning.

The SDF entered Tabqa on Monday as part of their offensive against Raqqa, ISILs de-facto Syrian capital.

Supported by US-led coalition air strikes and special forces advisers, the SDF surrounded Tabqa in early April.

The town sits on a strategic supply route about 55km west of Raqqa, and served as an important ISIL command base, housing the groups main prison.

It is also adjacent to the Tabqa dam, another important strategic prize which remains under ISIL control.

We gain more ground as we move towards the centre of the city, said SDF commander Mahdy Ayoob.

We now control many neighbourhoods, and it is just a matter of time before Tabqa comes under our control.

Reporting from Gaziantep in neighbouring Turkey, Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra said the fighting in Tabqa could be the most decisive moment in the US-led military campaign against ISIL in Syria.

The US-led coalition is intensifying its air strikes to break the groups defence, he said. The Americans, who have expanded their presence in the area, hope the capture of Tabqa will speed up the defeat of ISIL.

Fierce resistance

The assault on Tabqa began in late March when SDF forces and their US-led coalition allies were airlifted behind ISIL lines.

Tabqa was home to around 240,000 residents before 2011, and more than 80,000 people have fled to the city from other parts of the country.

ISIL has put up fierce resistance, including using weaponised drones, a tactic the group honed in neighbouring Iraq.

READ MORE: Air strikes kill White Helmets rescuers in Syrias Hama

The group is also fighting street-to-street and using suicide attackers and car bombs to slow the SDFs advance, according to the SOHR.

The assault on Raqqa, dubbed Wrath of the Euphrates, was launched in November and has seen SDF fighters capture large expanses of countryside around the city.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the countrys war began with anti-government protests in March 2011.
Libyas coastguard has seized two foreign flagged tankers and detained their crews for allegedly smuggling oil after an hours-long gun battle off the coast.





The coastguard spotted the vessels on Thursday night about 2km off Sidi Said near Zuwara, a town on the coast west of Tripoli, authorities said.

The Libyan coastguard boarded the two tankers, one flying the Ukrainian flag, the Ruta, and the other, the Stark, flying the Congolese flag, said General Ayoub Qassem.

The coastguards had monitored them from afar and waited until Friday morning to act, he told AFP news agency on Sunday.

Qassem said the oil traffickers were heavily armed and were supported by small boats.

They put up fierce resistance, but the tankers were eventually seized by Libyan authorities after more than three hours of exchange of fire.

On several occasions, boats with armed men returned and opened fire with Kalashnikovs and heavy machineguns, he said.

READ MORE: Libya  Who controls what?

After they were overpowered, the two tankers and their crews were taken back to the capital, Tripoli, where they will face prosecution.

Among them were 14 Ukrainians from the Ruta and four Turks and two Georgians who were on the Stark, said Qassem.

Another three crew members from the Stark were in Zuwara, he said, without giving their nationalities.

At the time of the seizure, the Ruta had about 3,330 tonnes of oil in its tanks, while the Stark  which can carry 1,236 tonnes  was about to be loaded when the coastguard arrived.

READ MORE: The battle of Libyas key moments

Oil is Libyas main natural resource with reserves estimated at 48 billion barrels, the largest in Africa.

Libya had an output capacity of about 1.6 million barrels per day before the 2011 armed uprising, but production has since slumped as rival forces battle for control of its oil facilities.

Libya has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, with dozens of armed factions emerging.

That uprising, which was initially unarmed, turned into a full-scale civil war, and NATO intervened on the side of anti-Gaddafi rebels.

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) was able to capitalise on the countrys instability and establish a foothold.
South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills on Sunday but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered the threat of nuclear war from North Korea.

The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived in waters near the Korean Peninsula and began exercises with the South Korean navy late on Saturday. The South Korean navy declined to say when the exercises would be completed.

North Korea has threatened to sink the US armada.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been running sky-high for weeks, with signs the North might be preparing a sixth nuclear weapon test  and with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response.

READ MORE: Philippines leader says N Korea wants to end world

The massive Foal Eagle military exercises  which the defence ministry in Seoul said ended as scheduled on Sunday  involved about 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops. Another annual joint manoeuvre known as Key Resolve ended last month.

Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature. Pyongyang says the drills are provocative plans for an invasion or a decapitation strike against the North Korean leadership.





A North Korean state-run newspaper on Sunday warned of catastrophic consequences, accusing the USS Carl Vinson strike force of rehearsing a pre-emptive attack on the North in a special operation.

This has pushed the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula to an unpredictable dangerous phase, said the state-run North Korean newspaper Minju Choson in a commentary.

The enemies have to know that military threat and blackmail with the mobilisation of nuclear carriers and nuclear submarines cannot work on the DPRK, it said, using the acronym for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The US and the puppet group of traitors have to ponder over the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by their foolish military provocation  and stop running wild.

US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible major conflict after Pyongyang carried out a series of failed missile tests, including one on Saturday.

READ MORE: North Korea  US has now gone seriously mad

North Korean ballistic missile tests are banned by the United Nations because they are seen as part of Pyongyangs push for a nuclear-tipped weapon that can hit the US mainland.

Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will eventually develop better missiles, and we cant allow it to happen.





In a taped interview broadcast on Sunday on the US network CBS, the president would not discuss the possibility of military action, saying: It is a chess game. I just dont want people to know what my thinking is.

Trump will speak with the leaders of Singapore and Thailand on Sunday over the potential for nuclear and massive destruction in Asia, because of the situation with North Korea, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said.

There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea, he said.

The US and South Korea started installing a missile defence system that is supposed to be partially operational within days.

The Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence system, or THAAD, is controversial in South Korea. Residents in the county of Seongju, where the missile system is being deployed, scuffled with police on Sunday.

Trump raised eyebrows in South Korea last week when he said would make Seoul pay $1bn for the missile system. His national security adviser, HR McMaster, said on Sunday the matter is subject to negotiation.
Attacks took place in July during final days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, killing four security officers.

Saudi Arabia has arrested 46 people suspected of belonging to a cell responsible for an attack in Medina outside of one of Islams holiest sites last year.

Investigations revealed they were directly involved in the crime of targeting worshippers in the Prophets sacred mosque, Interior Ministry spokesman Major-General Mansour al-Turki told reporters on Sunday.

Turki said the group was also behind a suicide bombing near the US consulate in Jeddah in 2016. Both attacks took place in July during the final days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The bombing outside Prophet Muhammads mosque in the western Saudi city of Medina killed four security officers, while two policemen were wounded in the attack in Jeddah.

READ MORE: Saudi Arabia attacks  King Salman vows iron fist

Turki said 32 of those arrested were Saudis, while the 14 others were from Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Sudan and Jordan.

The ministry previously identified the Medina bomber as a Saudi national and the Jeddah bomber as a Pakistani.

There was no claim of responsibility for the attacks, nor did the Interior Ministry blame a specific group.

In recent months, Saudi authorities have stepped up a nationwide clampdown on suspected attackers.

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), based in Iraq and Syria, has carried out a series of bombings and shootings in Saudi Arabia since mid-2014 killing scores of people, mostly members of the Shia-Muslim minority and security services.
Two men in an ISIL and al-Qaeda-linked group killed during a security sweep in Sidi Bouzid.

A senior commander in an armed group blew himself up and another was shot dead during a raid by Tunisian security forces on Sunday.

The men  suspected of having links with Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) and al-Qaedas North Africa branch (AQIM)  were planning attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, according to a spokesman for Tunisias national guard.

The raid took place in Sidi Bouzid, a town 200km southwest of the capital, Tunis.

Another three people were arrested and security forces were hunting for other suspects.

The group had been under surveillance for weeks after communications about a possible attack were intercepted, National Guard spokesman Colonel-Major Khelifa Chibani said.

READ MORE: Tunisian PM Chahed booed off stage in Tataouine

National Guard special forces killed two terrorists, he said. They had been in the Sammama mountains and planned attacks during Ramadan.





One was a commander with the ISIL and AQIM-linked group Okba Ibn Nafaa, he said.

The commander was hit and blew himself up, according to Chibani.

The other man killed was also wearing an explosives belt, but was shot dead before he could detonate it.

Chibani did not give any details on the site of the alleged attack, but Tunisia has been on alert since gunmen hit the Sousse beach resort in 2015, killing more than 30 foreigners and badly damaging the vital tourist industry.

ISIL has claimed most of the major attacks in Tunisia.

Authorities say more than 3,000 Tunisians have left over the past few years to fight for ISIL and other armed groups in Iraq, Syria and Libya, and Tunisian authorities are trying to prepare for potential security threats upon their return.

Tunisia been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when a suicide bombing in Tunis claimed by ISIL killed 12 presidential guards.
Erdogan says more action possible against YPG fighters in Syria, insisting US support for Kurdish group must end.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said Ankara was seriously saddened by footage showing US military vehicles operating close to the border with Syrian Kurdish fighters, threatening further military action against a group Turkey sees as terrorists.

His comments came amid rising tensions over the weekend along the border, with both Ankara and Washington moving armoured vehicles to the area.





Turkish forces last week carried out deadly air strikes on military positions belonging to the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), angering the US and sparking days of border clashes with the Kurdish fighters.

The US sent military vehicles with American flags to the Syrian side of the frontier accompanied by YPG fighters to carry out patrols, in an apparent bid to prevent further fighting.

Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organisation and an extension of the Kurdish PKK group that has waged a three-decade insurgency against Turkey for greater independence.

But Washington views YPG as its most effective ground partner in the fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria.

Pictures posted by pro-Kurdish activists on Twitter show military convoys flying US and YPG flags passing through the mostly Kurdish-controlled city of Qamishli.

US troops passing through Qamislo today. pic.twitter.com/a36JOIdzw6  Dr Partizan (@Dr_Partizan) April 29, 2017

Turkeys president was unimpressed by the images.

Unfortunately  the presence of an American flag along with the [insignia] of a terror organisation called YPG in a convoy has seriously saddened us, Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul, before embarking on a trip to India.

Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Gaziantep along the Turkey-Syria border, said US troops have patrolled the area in what appears to be an attempt to de-escalate the situation between the Turkish military and YPG.

Now the Americans face the delicate task of trying to answer some of the concerns of the Turkish government, while at the same time maintaining the YPG as a key component in the fight against ISIL, Ahelbarra said.

The difference of opinion over YPG has cast a shadow over US-Turkish relations for some time, and Erdogan is hoping for a drastic change in American policy when he meets President Donald Trump next month.

We will bring this up when we meet Mr President on May 16, said Erdogan.

He expressed regret that the US-YPG alliance  which began under President Barack Obama  was being continued under the new US administration.

This needs to be stopped right now, said Erdogan. Otherwise it will continue to be a bother in the region and for us.

READ MORE: Kurdish YPG fighters dominate Turkey-US talks

It will also bother us as two NATO countries and strategic partners, he said.





Erdogan reaffirmed that Turkey could again bomb YPG positions any time it wanted.

I said yesterday: We can come unexpectedly in the night. I really meant that. We are not going to tip off the terror groups and the Turkish Armed Forces could come at any moment.

Better they live in fear than we have worries, he said.

The private Ihlas news agency reported on Saturday that Turkish military convoys were heading to southeastern Sanliurfa province from Kilis in the west. The base is 50km from Syrias Tal Abyad, a town controlled by YPG.

The agency said the relocation comes after Turkish officials announced the completion of a phase of Turkeys cross-border operation Euphrates Shield in Syria, adding the force may be used against Syrian Kurdish fighters if needed.

READ MORE: Syrias civil war explained from the beginning

Ankara sent its troops into Syria last August in a military operation triggered in large part by the Kurdish groups expansion along its borders.

Redur Khalil, YPGs spokesman in Syria, said Turkey is reinforcing its border posts opposite Tal Abyad as well as other areas.

We hope that this military mobilisation is not meant to provoke our forces or for another purpose linked to entering Syrian territories. We dont want any military confrontation between us, since our priority is to fight Daesh [ISIL] in Raqqa and Tabqa, Khalil told The Associated Press in text messages.
Students at the University of Manchester demand it drop disciplinary action against activists for protest in March.

A group of students in the UK have launched a hunger strike in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Activists at the University of Manchester said the strike, which began on Thursday, would last for at least one week.

More than 1,500 Palestinian political prisoners, led by senior Fatah figure Marwan Barghouti, are refusing food to raise awareness of alleged abuses by Israeli authorities.

Talking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Mohammed Ezzeldin, one of the five UK students on hunger strike, explained his reasons for participating.

Political prisoners in Palestine are being held for up to six months without charge or fair trial, he said.

They are facing abhorrent conditions in jail, with no access to medical treatment or visitation rights.

READ MORE: Are British universities silencing critics of Israel?

While the main target of the protest is the Israeli government, it comes amid deteriorating relations between pro-Palestinian activists and the University of Manchester.

Ezzeldin said he hoped the hunger strike would also pressure the university into dropping disciplinary action against two students involved in an anti-Israel protest in March.

While weve gone on hunger strike purely in solidarity with the Palestinian political prisoners, we hope it increases pressure on the university to comply with our demands.

Those are to drop all charges from the disciplinary hearing of the two BDS [Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions] campaign activists.

Disciplinary action

The pair are accused by the university of trespassing and damage to property after unfurling a banner expressing support for the BDS movement.

Palestinian activists accuse the university of censoring criticism of Israel and are demanding that it drop the case.

On the hunger strikers and their demands, a university spokesman said: We became aware of this situation through social media, but not any direct contact with this group in relation to this particular protest.

We are aware of their [the activists] demands, and will respond in line with our obligations.

Previous allegations of censorship levelled against the university include the charge that it vetoed speakers due to speak at events organised by BDS activists, and cancelled events.

The university rejects the accusation of censorship and said the events were cancelled because it was informed of them at short notice.

Another demand centres on the universitys ties to engineering firm Caterpillar, which makes bulldozers used by the Israelis to destroy homes of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Students at the university have the backing of dozens of academics in Manchester, including the president of the local chapter of the university and college union, Adel Nasser.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, he praised the actions of the students as courageous and criticised the university for using intimidation tactics against the students being disciplined for the March protest.

I think they [students] are doing it with the best intentions, but their success will depend on how much they can shame the university into dropping their stance, Nasser said.

The university is not alone in having a tense relationship with pro-Palestinian activists.

The University of Central Lancashire, the School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS), De Montfort University, and others are also accused of censoring critics of Israel.

On Thursday, hundreds of students at SOAS protested against a visit by the Israeli ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev.










English News Graceless defeat of J&K-BA in SCI can be reversed by Review

Alwihda Info | Par Hem Raj Jain - 30 Avril 2017



Bangaluru, India

----On Friday reportedly the Supreme Court of India (SCI) practically dismissed the petition of J&K Bar Association (J&K-BA) by putting impossible condition that it can order dialogue with Kashmiris to resolve Kashmir conflict if there was a halt to stone-pelting and bloodshed. Like any other Bar Association the J&K-BA is also a body of law-knowers hence such ignominious defeat of J&K-BA in SCI is disgraceful especially given the fact that J&K-BA prepared the case so clumsily. Even now J&K-BA can win the case in SCI if it files review-petition as given below:-



(1)- In the interest of getting succor to the people of J&K (especially of Kashmir) instead of unnecessarily raising irrelevant issues the J&K-BA should concentrate only on one issue that security forces, AFSPA, SPA etc should be removed from J&K.



(2)- The J&K-BA should tell SCI that J&K acceded to India in 1947 as per instrument of accession where military matters are the responsibility of India but India has not discharged its responsibility in this regard with the result the large part of J&K the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is still with Pakistan hence J&K has every right to question the accession of J&K to India



(3)- The J&K-BA should tell SCI that territory is a martial matter and not a civilian matter and is decided by blood and not water (howsoever sacred it may be like ink in Constitution or in Unanimous resolution of Parliament). Without military back-up mere mention in Constitution or in Unanimous resolution of Parliament that entire J&K (including PoK) as integral part of India is not worth the paper it is written on.



(4)- The J&K-BA should tell SCI that much smaller Pakistan tried to take Indian side of J&K militarily in 1947, 1948, 1965, 1971, during Kargil etc because Pakistan considers Indian side of J&K as part of Pakistan. But India never tried to retrieve PoK militarily (not even once) because India does not consider PoK as part of India. This is due to Communal mindset of so-called secular India where Hindu majority India (unlike Goa) does not want to shed blood for Muslim PoK.



(5)- In view of non-retrieve of PoK for the last 70 years as mentioned above the J&K-BA should tell SCI that as per adverse-possession Pakistan is increasingly acquiring better title on entire J&K, therefore SCI should make this legal position clear to Government of India (GOI)



(6)- The J&K-BA should tell SCI that there may be one more reason for non-retrieve of PoK. During last 70 years Indian military may be afraid of taking-on Pakistan military for retrieve of PoK and instead is showing its bravery by training guns (including pellet guns) on civilians of J&K under protection of AFSPA, SPA etc.



(7)- The J&K-BA should tell SCI that the behavior of GOI is like Ulta Chor Kotwal Ko Dante (thief scolding policeman) because guilty is GOI which has not retrieved PoK but GOI is putting entire blame on the people of J&K for whatever (violence etc) is happening in J&K



(8)- Therefore in this review petition the SCI should be prayed by J&K-BA that:-



(i)- Security forces along with AFSPA, SPA etc should be immediacy removed from J&K



(ii)- GOI should be asked that approximately by what time it will retrieve PoK by dialogue with Pakistan or by military action (if dialogue does not succeed).



It is hoped that by filing said review-petition the J&K-BA will show that when it comes to law & constitution it is different from and superior to ordinary person of J&K.



Regards



Hem Raj Jain



(Author of Betrayal of Americanism)



Bengaluru, India



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Yunnan dispatches sci-tech experts to South Asia, Southeast Asia, builds bridge of int'l technological cooperation China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Located in the Manhattans East Village, the anti-Trump resistance now has a chic protest-themed place to seek adult libation. A small, intimate venue done up in brown and blue, Coup is an up-to-the-minute watering hole owned and operated by liberals who claim everyone is welcome, but whose sole purpose is to appeal to progressives who have a strong aversion to President Trump and his policies.

A coup, or more formally, a coup detat, is generally defined as a seizure of a state by members of the military, or other figures high-up in a national government, which makes one wonder how the name applies to pickled progressives on bar stools crying in their beer because they lost an election.

Nevertheless, until the 45th President of the United States is back in Trump Towers for good, if thirsty members of the resistance need a place to vent their frustration they can #drinkwithpurpose @coupnyc.

This particular protest pub is a creation of Ravi DeRossi who, besides claiming to be uninvolved in politics until Trump was elected, runs 15 New York City bars and well-known eating establishments such as Death & Co., Amor y Amargo, and Mother of Pearl.

When not opening bars, Ravi spends time contemplating environmental waste and factory farming. In 2015, to cope with the stress of a terminally ill rescue cat, the saloon mogul started a journal that turned into a manifesto on life and determined how his businesses would henceforth be run.

And so, it was journaling about Simon that convinced the all-in vegan animal rights activist to evict meat from all his eateries.

Then, just like he did when his cat passed away, in 2016, after Donald Trump won the election, DeRossi became depressed and traumatized. In response, once again, Ravis moral conscience kicked in.

Looking for a way to effect change, the bar owner said, I couldn't sit at home and sulk. I wanted to do something more positive." So, after brainstorming night-after-night with two colleagues at Amor y Amargo the idea was born to protest the new president by selling drinks in support of killing the babies and saving the whales.

Ravi partnered with mixologist Sother Teague, whose handle on Twitter is @Creativedrunk, and head Coup bartender Max Green. To alleviate post-election trauma, the trio decided to use the money raised from selling cocktails made with charitable spirits to fund progressive/left wing organizations that liberals fear will be defunded by a certain teetotaler named Trump.

To encourage drink donations, at Coup, resistance-themed posters written on butcher paper decorate the walls. Having no meat to wrap in the butcher paper, the wall hangings are fitting for an establishment whose beverage profits support abortion.

Coup signs say things like: The power of the people is stronger than the people in power, No, you cannot take my rights, Im still using them and The pilgrims were undocumented.

The problem with this sort of liberal opinion is that the strong power of the people is the very thing that elected the powerful person Coup patrons are buying drinks to protest. Moreover, the rights in jeopardy are not the rights of those buying charity cocktails at Coup, nor is it valid to justify modern day illegal immigration by citing undocumented pilgrims who arrived in America as pioneers when this land was an unsettled wilderness void of laws or need for documentation.

Either way, despite the inexactitudes of cool wall posters, with every drink purchased patrons are given a wooden token. Non-drinkers can also purchase a round of tokens for $5 each. Activists are encouraged to drop whats left of the tree that lost its life into six recyclable jars that are designated for an assortment of supposedly nonprofit groups.

In other words, Coup approves of killing trees to make tokens that make a statement about saving trees.

There are jars for left-wing outfits like the legal arm of political correctness the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a conservation group called Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) who defend planetary wildlife, but not planetary human life, and of course the puppy kindness police, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Also in the lineup is Human Rights Watch. HRW is the ombudsman group that has done nothing for the humans denied the right to life by baby body part chop shop Planned Parenthood which also has its name emblazoned on one of the glass receptacles.

According to Ravi, after labor, liquor, and other expenses are covered and based on the number of tokens dropped into each, the bars profits will then be divvied among the jars.

So, in other words, what goes on at Coup appeals and makes sense mostly to politically intoxicated liberals.

One inscription even reads: "They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds.

Dont liberals know that the seed sentiment completely negates and undermines the purpose of having abortion rights jars to collect tokens? How can Coup fund raise to kill seeds of life growing within the womb while simultaneously identifying with the political power of political seed growing and developing into a living movement?

In the end, thanks to the Coup, irate extremists in support progressive causes neednt fly to Berkeley to oppose the likes of Ann Coulter exercising her First Amendment rights, nor bloody their knuckles at a Trump rally. Instead, members of the bitter resistance can come to an activist bar in NYC where cocktails with a conscience mix-it-up with the already confused.

Jeannie hosts a blog at www.jeannie-ology.com
While Russian political tampering concerns dominate news headlines, one area of concern that has been overlooked for many decades is Germanys mounting influential power over media, academia, and/or book publishing, something which Dr. Robert E. Kaplan of Jerusalem calls soft power in his illuminating book titled The Soros Connection, where he demonstrates the very real possibility that George Soros is a political and economic wrecking ball working as a foreign agent for the German state. Dr. Kaplan received his Ph.D. in history from Cornell University. He was heavily influenced by historian Edward Whiting Fox.

Around 2000, Kaplan began noticing that Germany and German based trusts, foundations, and publishers, etc. seemed to have developed a habit of sending grants to Holocaust research projects. While some of this was most certainly done to help ease the problem of Holocaust guilt, there was too much altruism to be credible. The more Kaplan investigated, the more skeptical he became of Germanys philanthropy -- all with a seemingly limitless supply of money. Kaplan then noticed that similar German funding and/or gifting had been a longstanding practice for well over 100 years, including strong ties to yellow journalism together with the meteoric rise of both the Hearst and Newhouse media empires in New York. Further, Kaplan submits evidence of strong German financial connections to the Rockefellers, Carnegies, J.P. Morgan, and the Ford Foundation. All this strongly suggested to Kaplan a coordinated effort of German government policy. Worse, German media has a very poor historical record relative to the freedom of the press precisely because of its close ties to the state going all the way back to the beginning of the Second Reich in 1871, when Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) exerted authoritarian control over what was printed. While the interwar years was concerned with whitewashing German war guilt from World War I, the aftermath of World War II was preoccupied with saving face following the terrors of the Holocaust.

In an article titled, The German Problem, the late syndicated columnist William Safire wrote, I bridle at German book publishing hegemony. Few Americans realize that two German Gesellschaften are gaining stranglehold on US books. Thus, the German media influences Kaplan writes about is also tied up with book publishing as well. Holtzbrinck Publishers and Bertelsmann control most of the big name publishing houses and a sizable market share of all the books produced in the United States. Bertelsmann is a media colossus that has been described as a state within a state. Bertelsmann played no small role in the dramatic rise of both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Kaplan writes that in the past 20-25 years, both Bertelsmann and Holztzbrinck have done an admirable job of publishing any number of different books that share Holocaustic blame and guilt with other players and participants in different countries in order to help launder Germanys history. Both Bertelsmann and Holtzbrinck also have substantial Nazi pedigrees in their past. Bertelsmann is controlled by the Mohn family, who had a strong pro-Nazi history in the 1930s and 40s. Today the Mohns are active environmentalists who belong to the ultra-green Club of Rome. Scientific American and Nature magazines are owned by Holtzbrinck.

Kaplan then goes on to show how George Soros parrots virtually the same agenda that Germany and its media allies have been peddling for years. In particular, Soros mimicked Germanys desire to break up Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Initially, only Germany wanted to break up the Balkans. President Clinton followed suit. The U.S. and Europe thus sided with the Albanian Muslims in both Bosnia and Kosovo. While Milosevich was no saint, the Bosnian/Albanian Muslims were/are not much better. During World War II, they fought on the same side as the SS and were Nazi collaborators. Kaplan is also convinced that the Balkanization of Yugoslavia was the first salvo of what is today called the Arab Spring, in order to help resurrect some form of the old Ottoman Empire. Germany and Turkey were allies in World War I. After Serbia was bombed in the Bosnian War, the USA then lost Russia, which is at the very heart of the crisis now fomenting in Ukraine. Is it not possible that much of the vitriol over Russia right now in the media is being largely promoted by German concerns?

Soros was infamously known for being the man who broke the bank of England in the early 1990s. According to Kaplan, Soros had inside information from the German government as he used the mark to make a killing involvong deliberate currency manipulation that hit England particularly hard. Soros has since used that incredible haul to make even more money, usually at the hefty expense of other nations. He then uses his profits to heavily influence and manipulate politics worldwide, particularly in America.

The first time we hear of Soros was in 1944 Budapest, Hungary. Thanks to the protective efforts of his father, Tivadar, Soros worked with a Nazi godfather to help locate and shake down fellow Jews of their belongings before they were shipped off to Auschwitz. Soros alleges his father put him in that position to shield him from the Nazis, but it becomes very difficult not to presume that Tivadar had strong connections with the Judenrat in Budapest. The Judenrat were Jewish councils that the Nazis set up all over Europe to force them to do their dirty work for them. The Judenrat were placed in charge of the ghettos that housed the Jews in horrific conditions. While many of the Judenrat tried to serve the best they could with what was forced upon them, some actually enjoyed the virtual godlike powers that were granted. How Soross father related to all this is unknown. What is known is that Soros himself, though a Jew and a free man, constantly works against Zionism and pro-Jewish policies today.

According to Pamela Geller, there is a dossier on Soros that alleges previous strong connections between Soros and Francois Genoud (1915-1996), the Swiss Nazi banker who helped bankroll the Third Reich and was later flush with Holocaust cash after the war. Genoud used Nazi money to lay the foundation stones for Islamic terrorism during the early 1970s. Many also believe Genoud was the very founder of the international Al Taqwa Bank in Switzerland that was directed by a neo-Nazi Islamicist by the name of Ahmad Huber, originally Albert Huber, who was a Swiss convert to Islam. This bank supposedly helped sponsor Osama bin Laden and was shut down after the 9/11 terrorist attacks for aiding and abetting both Al Qaeda and Hamas. Italian security dubbed it, The Bank of the Muslim Brotherhood. Many today complain of the infiltration of the Muslim Brotherhood into various branches of the U.S. government.

While more than a few will look at Dr. Robert Kaplans assessment of Soros with incredulity, it is highly unlikely that even a rich, powerful man like Soros could have such a dominating influence over world affairs without state sponsorship of his activities. Even Bill OReilly once called Soros, Blofeld. In the original Ian Fleming James Bond series, Blofeld was in charge of an underground, but very rich and powerful semi-fascist terrorist organization of sorts called Spectre.

Mark Musser is a part-time pastor, author, missionary, and a farmer who lives in Olympia, Washington. He is a contributing writer for the Cornwall Alliance. His book Nazi Oaks provides a sobering history lesson on the philosophical foundations of the early German green movement, which was absorbed by National Socialism in the 1930s that proved to be a powerful undercurrent during the holocaust. Mark is also the author of Wrath or Rest which is a commentary on the warning passages found in the epistle to the Hebrews.
The Handmaidens Tale: The Theocratic Patriarchy is Here

Deep inside the bowels of the Democratic Party there must be what an online friend Miss Marple calls the Department of Scary Stories. This mysterious department regularly turns out tales designed to frighten (often successfully) the more credulous. When Mitt Romney ran for president the most ludicrous of these was that he would ban tampons, a bit of nonsense that I saw was credited as the truth by many. These are the same people who cannot identify the photograph of a single political figure and would never pass a basic civics test, but they vote.

The current fabrication is that Margaret Atwoods The Handmaidens Tale, now playing on Hulu, describes the U.S. under the Trump Administration. In Atwoods Tale fundamentalist Christians force fallen women, forbidden to read or own property, to bear their children for the righteous infertile women and homosexuality is considered gender treachery.

To most of us its a weird tale perhaps appealing to that not small body of women who wish to avoid responsibility for their life choices, but to the left-wing press its a timely warning. Sarah Jones piece in the New Republic is typical.

(Its illustrated, by the way with a drawing of Kellyanne Conway in Handmaiden garb just in case the connection was too subtle for readers or their too lazy to read the text, where the author compares her to the female collaborators in the Tale because she defends Trump as a great boss.)

Jones was hardly unique in drawing parallels from The Tale to the present.

As Heather Wilhelm at National Review observes:

According to a rash of earnest think pieces from dozens of news outlets, The Handmaids Tale is timely (the Washington Post), feels chillingly real (the San Francisco Chronicle), and has an unexpected relevance in Trumps America (the New York Times). Atwoods dystopia, writes Rebecca Nicholson in the Guardian, has reignited the interest of readers, who have been drawing fresh parallels between Gilead and Trumps America, and the novel topped the Amazon bestsellers list around the same time that signs at the global Womens Marches asked to Make Margaret Atwood fiction again. Never one to miss a good marketing opportunity, Atwood affirmed our apparent unfolding national horror show on April 19, speaking to the Los Angeles Times about the Hulu series: The election happened, and the cast woke up in the morning and thought, were no longer making fiction -- were making a documentary. According to a recent article in The New Republic, lo, have mercy, for great woes have apparently befallen me, a wide-eyed, unsuspecting resident of the Lone Star State: Texas is Gilead and Indiana is Gilead and now that Mike Pence is our vice president, the entire country will look more like Gilead, too.

The Racism of Asian Salad

The scary story/victimology parade goes on without missing a beat. Even food is targeted for racism. The New York Times -- whose last remaining readable features involve food -- got into the act. This week the paper ran a story about the casual racism of -- get this -- Asian salad.

Readers, some of whom might believe that President Trump is in the process of turning the country into some bizarre theocratic state with armies of dispossessed women breeders, thought this might be carrying the concept of racism too far:

Based on the reader revolt in the comments section I would say the consensus answer is "this world and get over it". My fave is from David in Australia: Funny how it is OK to rail against the phrase 'Asian salad' as being overbroad and disrespectful but in the same piece multiple references to a 'Jewish deli' seems OK. Jews, like Asians, reflect a great diversity of cultural backgrounds so numerous that they wouldn't easily fit on a menu; painting them into one group with a single broad brush, it could be argued, also fosters the same kind of bland, disembodied generalisation the author condemns.



Perhaps we simply have to accept that American cuisine in general is rife with culinary appropriation due to marketing convenience, rather than reflecting any sort of underlying political agenda or institutionalised disrespect for cultural nuances. Anti-Semitism on the march amongst progressives! Left unexplored -- why did we tag the French with those fries? BONUS QUESTION: Has the Times decided to supplement their All-Trump Outrage du Jour coverage by trolling their readership? Bold! I CAN QUIT ANYTIME: Chris Bray from LA reminds us that the struggle is real: Bonnie Tsui has spoken to an issue of deep importance, and I feel that we must put a stop to the cultural genocide that we so casually call "lunch." Recently, I was served a "hamburger" at a restaurant with counter service, and I inquired of the staff to determine which person in the kitchen was deeply immersed in the native culture of Hamburg. Upon learning that no one in the kitchen even reflected the presence of any German culture at all, I simply wept at the cultural assault I had witnessed. And then they had the audacity to ask if I still wanted the so-called "French" fries, which, I assure you, were in no true sense Gallic. We must not surrender in this fight. Nothing has ever been more important.

The Not Starving Hunger Strikers

Food and television critics are hardly the only sectors of the country that merit our scorn and defy parodying.

There are always the madcap denizens of our universities. At Yale, for example, graduate teaching assistants are on a non-hunger hunger strike.

A group of Yale University graduate students announced Tuesday evening that they would be undertaking a hunger strike to pressure the administration into granting them better union benefits. The strike is taking place in front of University President Peter Saloveys home. "Yale wants to make us wait and wait and wait until we give up and go away," the eight members of the graduate student union Local 33 announced. "We have committed ourselves to waiting without eating." Yale doctoral students currently earn a stipend $30,000 a year, receive free health care, and have their $40,000 tuition paid in full, according to Yale News. The university administration said in a statement that they understood the students concerns, but "strongly [urge] that students not put their health at risk or encourage others to do so." As it turns out, the hunger strike might not put anyone's health in peril. According to a pamphlet posted on Twitter by a former Yale student, the hunger strike is "symbolic" and protesters can leave and get food when they can no longer go on.

Their manifesto rings with revolutionary fervor: Our fast honors those who came before us and believed this moment would come, Our fast expresses love for those who will come after us so that may have what they need, We want our fast to inspire joy the joy that comes from taking action for what is just

Apparently, the joy that comes from not eating until you are hungry.

The symbolic fasting students were joined at the symbolic barricades by some: In a video detailing the eight graduate students fast, Moe said he hopes the fast will convey the urgency of the situation to the University. The video included statements of support from James Lawson, strategy committee chair of the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike and Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association. It reminds me of Eisensteins Battleship Potemkin with workers, peasants, and students joined together on the Odessa steps.

Some people, however, remain mildly skeptical of the its-just-like-Selma rhetoric employed by the strikers:

Over the last two days, in an op-ed by Greenberg that ran in the New Haven Independent and a promotional video posted on Facebook, Local 33 has compared the hunger strike to the long history of nonviolent protest in the United States, from the civil rights movement to past labor disputes. At Woolsey, the students blocking the entryway quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and accused Salovey of hiding behind Yales institutional power and prestige to deny us our basic right. But those comparisons have been greeted with skepticism from graduate students. James Dunn GRD 19, a union supporter in the Religious Studies Department, called the civil rights movement analogy distasteful even as he criticized the University for refusing to come to the table. Were talking about an extremely privileged set of people who are fairly well-remunerated by the University, Dunn said. On the other hand, this has resulted from some pretty despicable behavior on the part of the University. And theyve pushed the union into a corner where there are very few tactical options left for them.

The State Withers Away

In the meantime, while the impending theocracy Atwood is spooked about and the oppression of the teaching assistant workers at Yale seems far away, the Marx-Engels dream of the state withering away, which never seems to happen in socialist countries, seems to be happening here. Secretary Rex Tillerson is working on reducing the State Departments work force by over 9%.

One hopes that this will not be confined to State. Not only is the federal work force bloated but its seriously overpaid:

To get a clear picture of public-private pay gap, the Congressional Budget Office looked at pay scales from 2011 through 2015, controlling for things like location, occupation, veteran status, demographics, as well as education. It found that among those with a high school diploma, federal civilian workers earned 34% more, on average, than similar workers in the private sector. But government workers also get benefits that are 93% more generous than the private sector. When you combine the two, these federal workers get 52% more than their private sector counterparts. Those with a bachelor's degree made 21% more in government, the CBO found, and those with a master's degree made 5% more in wages and benefits. The only group that did worse in government were those with a doctorate, who earned an average 18% less, on average, in the federal government than in the private sector. The CBO also found that this pay gap has sharply widened for most federal workers -- thanks to the fact that the government kept passing out raises throughout the Obama years while private sector wages flatlined. The report shows that federal workers got raises averaging more than 3% from 2009 through 2015. As a result, the pay gap for high school educated workers went from 36% in 2010 to 53% in 2015. The gap for workers with a bachelor's degree climbed from 15% to 21%,

Maybe the soon to be riffed government employees and now swelling crowd of out-of-office Democrats can join the symbolic hunger strike.
My black brother called me from Baltimore feeling frustrated and alone. He is surrounded by blacks, including his own household, who believe everything they are told by fake news media. No amount of data, logic, or truth seems to penetrate their wall of brain-dead loyalty to the Democrat party and worship of Obama. My brother said that even at his all-black church every sermon includes digs against Trump.

In his black circles, spouting the truth about Obama is not tolerated. They angrily reject data confirming that blacks moved backwards culturally and economically after eight years of Obama.

As a strong Christian, my brother is saddened that many of his black peers abandoned Christ's agenda to worship at the feet of their black-golden-idol Obama. Many black Christians ignore the truth that Obama was the most biblically-hostile president in U.S. history. Remarkably, even some black preachers threw their Bibles under the bus to support Obama's anti-biblical mandates.

My brother said he cannot understand why so many blacks eagerly accept Leftists' obvious lie that all problems plaguing blacks are the fault of white racist America and their new Nemesis, Donald Trump.

I praised my brother for being an independent thinker. He reminds me of Joe, an old black college buddy back in the 1970s.

Around a dozen of us black art students were attending the Maryland Institute College of Art. The Black Panthers and black power protests were the rage. Our small group of black students ranted constantly about how a black man does not have an f****** chance in this f****** racist country.

Joe stayed focused on working part-time jobs and his classes. Joe was a no-excuses no-nonsense kind of guy. While working on a college art project together, my job was to find special paper. I told Joe I looked everywhere and simply could not find the paper. Joe questioned me. "Did you look here?" I replied no. Did you look there? My reply was the same. Joe said, "Well Lloyd, don't tell me you looked everywhere." Though he annoyed me, I knew Joe was right.

After graduating college, Joe worked his way through grad school and became the first black art director at a prestigious Baltimore Advertising Agency. Joe was an independent thinker.

Frustrated, my brother asked how can he get through to blacks who automatically dismiss him as an Uncle Tom without researching his reasons why blacks should stop voting Democrat? I told him experience has taught me no amount of truth will penetrate willful ignorance.

Matthews 10:14 "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet." In other words, forget them and move on.

My brother said that when you are on a different page than everyone around you, you tend to question yourself. I assured my brother that he was on the right side of the issues. Also, I wonder if self-reliant (conservative) people are born that way. As far back as I can remember, the only thing my brother ever wanted from the government was for it to stay out of his way. Some people are willing to surrender control of every aspect of their lives to government for the promise of a few crumbs of security.

I explained to my brother that the vast majority of black Americans are engaged in groupthink when it comes to politics.

However, I have seen signs of more blacks beginning to see the light. Praise God. A group of Chicago blacks produced a video expressing their displeasure with Obama and Democrats. One black person said, "Everything in my community is controlled by Democrats so they can't blame the Tea Party."

Another good sign of cracks in the Democrats' wall of deception is an ad I heard while campaigning in Georgia against Democrat far-left radical Jon Ossoff. A black group's radio ad told blacks that voting for Ossoff equaled voting for more Democrat broken dreams and broken promises. Thrilled, I said, "Right on bros!"

I told my brother to keep spreading the truth. While many will reject his message, you never know who will truly hear and receive it. As for those blacks who insist on being stuck-on-stupid, wipe their dust from your shoes and move on bro; move on.

Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American

Author: Confessions of a Black Conservative: How the Left has shattered the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black America.

Singer/Songwriter and Conservative Activist
Elements in the Catholic Church apparently have entered a new era of flexibility on doctrines that once stood as seemingly permanent protections for the sanctity of life. Michael Cook reports in Bioedge:

One of the last substantial barriers to increasing the number of euthanasia cases for non-terminally-ill psychiatric patients in Belgium seems to have crumbled.

A religious order in the Catholic Church, the Brothers of Charity, is responsible for a large proportion of beds for psychiatric patients in Belgium  about 5,000 of them. The international head of the order, Brother Rene Stockman, is a Belgian who has been one of the leading opponents of euthanasia in recent years.

Nonetheless, in a surprise move this week, the board controlling the institutions of the Brothers of Charity announced that from now on, it will allow euthanasia to take place in their psychiatric hospitals.

In a statement posted on their website the Brothers of Charity explain the policy shift. We take seriously unbearable and hopeless suffering and patients request for euthanasia. On the other hand, we do want to protect lives and ensure that euthanasia is performed only if there is no more possibility to provide a reasonable perspective to treat the patient.

Euthanasia for psychiatric patients has already happened dozens of times in Belgium. But from now on it will probably be easier for people suffering from schizophrenia, personality

disorders, depression, autism, or loneliness to access it. In fact, it will be hard to find an institution in Belgium where euthanasia is not being offered as an option.

Brother Stockman was stunned. We deplore this new vision, he told the media.

Nursing homes and hospitals opposing euthanasia have been under even more pressure after a court fined a Catholic nursing home a total of 6,000 last year for blocking a resident from accessing euthanasia.
Donald Trump put together a list of promises he would keep when elected president, not merely by the end of his first term but specifically by the end of his first 100 days in office in his "100 day action plan". How many of these promises has he kept? I have rated the results below on a scale from 1-5 Bannons (more Bannons are good) to 1-5 Kushners (more Kushners are bad).

Appointing Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court: When running for President Trump produced a list of conservative judges and promised to pick the next justice from that list. Neil Gorsuch was on that list. Trump did exactly as he promised in a very timely fashion, and keeping this promise was extremely important because the balance of the Supreme Court was at stake.

Rating: 5 Bannons.

Tax reform. Trump promised to introduce legislation to reduce taxes within his first 100 days. He has failed to do that, instead producing a vague outline of goals, which would reduce corporate tax rates drastically but personal tax rates only marginally (from 39% to 35%). It is still an improvement over the current system, however.

Rating: 3 Bannons.

Lifting restrictions on energy production. Here Trump has done what no President since Ronald Reagan has done, challenging much of the land that Obama and even George W. Bush and Clinton have set aside for "monuments" and opening up oceans for oil drilling. When it comes to easing land restrictions and economic regulations, Trump has certainly kept his word.

Rating: 5 Bannons.

Pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. He's done it. Whatever you think of the merits of it, Trump kept his word.

Rating: 5 Bannons.

Repealing Obamacare. Trump promised to introduce legislation repealing Obamacare within his first 100 days. Note he did not promise to repeal Obamacare by himself; that requires the Congress to approve. But at the least he promised to introduce a full repeal and to fight for it.

Trump never introduced any Obamacare legislation. The legislation that was talked about in the Congress was only a partial repeal, keeping the worst elements of Obamacare (the costly mandates, the redistribution of income) in place. Trump threatened members of Congress to vote for it. They refused. Now a new compromise may be taking shape that will allow states to "waive" some Obamacare requirements, but leave Obamacare in place, so a future president can restore it again at any time. Trump has clearly reneged on his promise to submit legislation and fight for a total repeal.

Rating: 4 Kushners.

Ending funding to Sanctuary Cities. Trump promised to end all federal funding to Sanctuary Cities within his first 100 days. He instead proposed ending all funding from a single, small Justice Department grant program totaling less than 30 million dollars (and even that proposal has been put on hold by a federal judge). Trump has never even attempted to cut the flow of billions of federal dollars that flow in grants to Sanctuary Cities. Obviously, this was never meant to be more than a token effort.

Rating: 4 Kushners.

Removing criminal aliens and canceling visas from countries who refuse to take them back. Trump is indeed removing criminal aliens at a faster rate, but has made no move to cancel visas from countries which refuse to take their illegals back.

Rating: 3 Bannons.

Suspending Immigration from Syria. A federal judge blocked Trump's efforts to formally suspend entry from Syria per se; but Trump still commands the ability to grant refugee status or not to grant refugees status to individual Syrians, and no federal judge can force him to do that. Given the choice, Trump has admitted Syrians at a faster rate than Obama did, and even is taking 1200 Syrians that Australia doesn't want. Obviously, Trump was not being truthful when he promised to stop the entry of Syrian refugees.

Rating: 5 Kushners.

Terminating the "DREAMer"program. Trump promised to terminate the "DREAMer" program in his first 100 days. Instead, he has continued it, saying he felt sympathy for children of illegal aliens. Trump not only lied on the campaign trail when he said he would end this program immediately, but he is committing an unconstitutional act by continuing to grant blanket amnesty without authorizing legislation from Congress.

Rating: 5 Kushners.

Funding the border wall. Trump pledged to introduce legislation calling for funding the border wall (before Mexico reimburses us, ha ha), within his first 100 days. Trump has not introduced any such legislation. He has made it clear that he will sign a spending bill this week that funds Obamacare and Planned Parenthood, but not his wall. Trump blames Democrats but he never even fought for the funding. He has a veto pen. This was his main campaign promise. If he is not willing to fight for it now, when will he? Trump has put Chuck Schumer in charge of his wall policy. It is also clear the "wall" was just a gimmick to get himself elected. If Trump really cared about it, he would veto spending bills without such funding and fight for it now.

Rating: 5 Kushners.

Label China a "currency manipulator." Trump refused to, saying China is not a currency manipulator. He says he's delaying because he wants China's help with North Korea. So far, China has done little to help with North Korea.

Rating: 5 Kushners.

Overall rating for Trump's first 100 days: 2 and a half Kushners.

It's important to note two things about these promises:

1) Trump explicitly promised to get them done in his first 100 days,

and

2) He had the power to do so. He could have ended the "DREAMer" program without Congress's involvement. He could have introduced legislation to fund his wall or threatened to veto spending bills without it. He could have stopped granting refugee status to individual Syrians; no federal judge could make him do that.

But he didn't. Clearly, Trump is better than Hillary Clinton would have been. But equally clearly, he flat out lied about many of his promises. Trump supporters always say that there is a "long game" going on and we can never know about Trump's top secret 10 year plans; but when he fails to do what he easily can do, the principles of Occam's razor applies -- the simpler explanation is almost certainly the correct one.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com
With 24 remaining before Iran's presidential elections, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei prohibited Iran's six presidential candidates from looking outside Iran's borders for economic development, in a public speech on April 25, 2017.

But that was exactly what was being discussed in Iran's debates. None of the candidates are openly willing to turn toward the West. However, they expressed concern for the economic problems of the nation in a way that suggested engagement with the West would be inevitable.

Vice president Eshagh Jahangiri, one of the banned candidates, recently said: Unemployment is a challenge cloud in Iran. The unemployment rate in some regions is up to 30 percent. He added: this rate for women sometimes is doubled.

Despite his constant effort to show economic development records, President Hassan Rouhani made a strange comment this week: I never promised to solve economic problems in 100 days, because Irans economic problems will not be fixed in another 100 years.

Rouhanis rival candidates during the elections are in favor of demolition of the current government.

Ebrahim Raisi, Khamenei's informal candidate, repeatedly complained of corruption in the administrative system. If the government officials put their feet out of their rooms it becomes clear to them that only four percent of the society are satisfied with the status quo.

Said the current mayor of Tehran, Hammad Bagher Ghalibaf, another candidate, voiced similar sentiment.

If elected, any of the candidates would be facing a Gordian knot in Iranian economics:

The bankruptcy of the banking system that many consider the most important economic challenge.

The bankruptcy of the government itself, which according to the minister of economy Ali Taiebnia, is indebted by more than $230 billion.

The long stagnation of the economy, with a 40 percent unemployment rate and ten million unemployed.

A close decision of the international body that oversees anti-money laundering (FATF) activities that is likely to include restrictions on financial transactions on banks exchanging with Iran.

Irans failure to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in last four years, foreign investment in Iran in each of these years was only about three billion dollars.

A heavy load of cash donations each month is paid to more than 70 million Iranians in subsidies.

The environmental crisis, especially the catastrophic water shortages.

To contain these crises, all of the factions are eager to have relations with the West: One faction thinks clear engagement with the West is necessary for the survival of the regime. Another thinks having relations with the West should be along with showing the teeth and nails, and taking strong positions.

Mohammad is an analyst in Iranian affairs and fellow at the Paris-based Middle East Research Foundation. He tweets at @economieIran
Are Republicans ever going to get tired of winning? The special election in Montana to replace the state's only House member, Ryan Zinke, who was sworn in as President Trunp's Interior Secretary, is turning into another Republican laugher.

The leading Democratic candidate, Rob Quist is running against a Republican tech millionaire Greg Gianforte. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez offered his services as surrogate campaigner to Quist who promptly turned him down. It seems the less that Montana voters will be reminded that Quist is a Democrat, the better.

Huffington Post:

The national Democratic Party has endured criticism from progressive activists for failing to provide support to Quist and other long-shot special election candidates. But some Democratic operatives argue that their involvement can nationalize a race in a way that is sometimes unhelpful to candidates running in Republican-leaning districts. On its face, Quists decision to reject the DNCs offer of in-person assistance affirms this theory. Montana has lately trended Republican in national elections, and a visible presence from the chair of Democratic Party could prove a liability among independents and Republican swing voters. However, Quist has welcomed the support of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who the Montana Democrat backed in the 2016 presidential primary. Sanders announced this month that he would campaign for Quist some time before the May 25 special election. It cant hurt that Quist is running a populist campaign in the Sanders mold. He emphasizes his support for protecting Montanas federally owned public lands and a single-payer health care system. In a not-so-subtle dig at GOP opponent Greg Gianforte, a tech millionaire who moved to Montana from New Jersey, Quist ran an ad criticizing the disproportionate number of millionaires in Congress. With less than a month to go, Quist needs all the help he can get. He announced a $1.3-million fundraising haul earlier this month, but a new poll shows him trailing Gianforte by 15 points.

I think it interesting that Quist would criticize millionaire Senators while embracing the millionaire socialist Senator Bernie Sanders. Oh well. No one ever said Democrats had to be consistent.

Quist is toast. Not only is he an inexperienced gadfly, it was revealed last week that he was a member of a nudist group and performed at several nudist functions. Whether or not Montana voters care about such things is irrelevant. It certainly can't be a plus for the Quist campaign.

The recent "unity tour" featuring Perez and Sanders didn't quite work out the way that Democrats hoped. Sanders criticized the national party several times, most surprisingly over their shunning of pro-choice Democrats. He also said that the party was "falling apart." Meanwhile, Perez embarrassed himself by letting loose with a rash of obscenities at speeches touting his claim that Democrats "give a s**t about people."

Not surprisingly, the party has decided not to give Quist any national funds to run what appears to be a doomed campaign. The folk-singing, nudist cowboy is on his own.

The special election will be held May 25.
The "People's Climate March" in Washington, D.C. featured tens of thousands of demonstrators, drawn to another opportunity to show their opposition to President Trump.

There were no less than 55 groups who helped organize the march. According to the Media Research Center, 18 of those groups received $36 million from George Soros over the last decade, proving once again the billionaire Democratic donor's influence on liberal activists.

Washington Times:

The Peoples Climate March scheduled for Saturday has a powerful billionaire behind it: Democratic Party donor George Soros. Mr. Soros, who heads the Open Society Foundations, contributed over $36 million between 2000 and 2014 to 18 of the 55 organizations on the marchs steering committee, according to an analysis released Friday by the conservative Media Research Center. Six of the groups received during that time more than $1 million each: the Center for Community Change, the NAACP, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Peoples Action, Public Citizen and the Union of Concerned Scientists. The Peoples Climate March, which comes a week after another climate-themed anti-Trump event, the March for Science, is scheduled to run along Pennsylvania Avenue and end by surrounding the White House in order to drown out all of the climate-denying nonsense that has been coming out of this Administration. While some of its partners are climate-change organizations like NextGen Climate, founded by top Democratic donor Tom Steyer, the march is also heavily backed by labor unions and social-justice groups such as Color of Change, which is also backed by Mr. Soros. Only three of the six organizations on the steering committee  NRDC, Public Citizen and UCS  actually have anything climate-related in their individual missions, the MRC reported. The presence of many non-climate related organizations leading the march indicated that this climate march (just like the March for Science and the Womens March) is not about a single issue, but about attacking the new administration, MRCs Aly Nielsen said. She pointed to the marchs usual checklist of liberal policy priorities, such as labor-union rights, a minimum-wage increase, and a halt to attacks on immigrants. Peoples Climate March organizers have made no secret of their antipathy for President Trump, calling for climate, jobs and justice as an alternative to Trumps disastrous agenda.

In the most recent Gallup poll, just 4% of Americans identified environmental problems as the "Most Important" issue facing the country. While the turnout for the march was impressive, it is a legitimate question whether this sort of astroturfing by liberal donors has any effect on the ordinary voter.

The marchers are largely people who never met an EPA regulation they didn't think needed defending. This is especially true of climate change regulations that have needlessly cost thousands of jobs and made energy more expensive. The ignorance about the EPA demonstrated by the marchers was appalling. The bureaucrats and managers are not "protecting" anything. They have adopted bullying tactics while seeking to expand the agency's reach into the lives of American citizens. There is little sanity in the EPA's actions over the last 8 years and bringing back a reasonable approach to protecting our environment is long overdue.

Soros sees climate change as an opprotunity for increasing his influence and power internationally. That's why he funds so many of these groups. They are ignorantly playing into his hands as he and a very small cadre of billionaires gin up support for their agenda by artificially creating what appears to be a groundswell of grassroots politics.

But their efforts rarely, if ever, pay off at the polls. Far left liberal groups represented in the March yesterday are, after all, far left liberal groups with a radical agenda that is mostly rejected by ordinary Americans. In that sense, Soros is wasting his time and money. But it won't discourage him from continuing his assault on reason and commonsense environmental policies.
This month, Israel not only commemorated not only the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, but also recalled the untold stories of the many acts of Jewish resistance that occurred during this period throughout Europe  the Holocaust being the darkest period of Jewish history.

In recent months, as the Holocaust has been cynically used as a backdrop for Jewish liberals in America to attack President Trump, it's not surprising that in response to this partisan use of the Holocaust, more and more voices can be heard stating that it's time for Jews to get over the Holocaust and suggesting that now is the time for Jews to move on and stop making the Holocaust the most pivotal event in Jewish history.

With mass killings going on in recent years during Obama's watch, many of his Democrat and liberal supporters have been suggesting that the Holocaust is unnecessarily singled out, as if it's more special than other historical events. They claim that although the Holocaust was on a much greater scale and horrifically well organized, it was far from the first incident of a dominant power killing those deemed "inferior" on trumped up charges, and essentially not very different from what's going on in the Middle East over the past five years, while the Obama admiration did nothing to stop the killing.

For many of these liberal "Tikkun Olam" Democrats, mankind has been perpetrating horrible atrocities on other human beings for centuries. They seem genuinely puzzled as to why Holocaust denial is even considered a crime in over a dozen countries. Surely, as far as they are concerned, this is an overreaction. Do we arrest those who believe and express the opinion that the world is flat? Why should denial of a historical event even be considered a crime, something detrimental to society?

Historical events, as earth-shattering and history-ending as they seem at the time, eventually fade from the forefront of public consciousness and become memory. When Holocaust survivors are no longer around, and when there is no more opportunity to let children and educators hear firsthand testimony of the Holocaust, will the Holocaust be just another event studied in world history classes? Will all of the effort that has gone into recording testimonies of the Holocaust be enough to preserve historical memory in terms of the magnitude and uniqueness of the Holocaust?

Sadly, yet not surprisingly, many Jews are not immune from the politically correct trivialization of the Holocaust and acceptance of universalism as the intellectual context of interpreting world events. Yet Jewish identity that ignores or belittles or "moves beyond" the systematic attempt to exterminate the Jewish race seventy-five years ago cannot possibly fathom the significance and importance of the establishment of the State of Israel. The Jewish people made a conscious effort to rebuild out of the ashes of the Holocaust. Those who regard the Holocaust as just another unfortunate event cannot be depended on to understand that in order to deal with existential threats, Israel must do whatever is necessary so that "never again" will not become an empty slogan.

Those who depict the Holocaust as just another historical event should be reminded of what the Holocaust was all about. In The Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million, Daniel Mendelsohn describes in detail the core horror of Nazi action in collaboration with locals in Bolechow, Poland, September 1942:

The story of Mrs. Grynberg was a horrible episode. The Ukrainians and Germans, who had broken into her house, found her giving birth. The weeping entreaties of bystanders didn't help and she was taken from her home in a nightshirt and dragged into the square in front of the town hall. There, she was dragged onto a dumpster in the yard of the town hall with a crowd of Ukrainians present, who cracked jokes and jeered and watched the pain of childbirth as she gave birth to a child. The child was immediately torn from her arms along with its umbilical cord and thrown - It was trampled by the crowd and she was stood on her feet as blood poured out of her. She stood that way for a few hours by the wall of the town hall, afterwards she went with all the others to the train station where they loaded her into a carriage in a train to Belzec.

In every generation, the Jewish nation has had to deal with the threat of annihilation. In ancient Egypt, it seemed that the Jews would be gone. In ancient Persia, it looked as though Haman would have his way and annihilate the Jewish nation. All of these so-called great empires have disappeared, and against all odds, we, the Jewish nation, are still around  not just surviving, but thriving.

In retrospect, the Holocaust compels Jews to confront their own Jewishness. After such unspeakable events such as the one described above, every Jew must look inside himself and consider: Hitler tried to exterminate my people, and the world stood by in silence. Will I, through apathy and indifference, become a partner to Hitler? Or will my life convey a testimony to the glory of the Jewish people and its resurrection from the ashes?

That is the real reason that it's not the time for Jews to "get over and move beyond" the Holocaust, nor agree to rebrand the Holocaust as just another sad episode in world history.

The writer, a 25-year veteran of the IDF, served as a field mental health officer. Prior to retiring in 2005, he served as the commander of the Central Psychiatric Military Clinic for Reserve Soldiers at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he provides consultancy services to NGOs implementing psycho-trauma and psycho-education programs to communities in the North and South of Israel. Today, Ron is a strategic adviser at the Office of the Chief Foreign Envoy of Judea and Samaria. To contact: medconf@netvision.net.il.
Most counterterrorism operations take place below the radar. Across the western world, terror cells are busted up and networks disrupted as raids lead to arrests. They are rarely publicized beyond terse statements to the media giving the bare bones outline of the operation.

But on Friday, British counterterrorism units broke up two terrorist plots on the same day, highlighting the constant struggle of officials to keep their citizens safe.

And one UK official made the extraordinary statement that raids were being conducted "almost daily" and that authorities believed there were between 6-10,000 potential terrorists in the country.

Breitbart:

"I wanted to reassure the public that our increased activity to combat terrorism over the last two years continues, he said. The statement came following an extraordinary day in which police apprehended a migrant carrying a rucksack filled with knives in Whitehall and, in a separate incident, shot a woman in a niqab in a raid to foil an active plot in Willesden. Activity continues around the clock to identify and stop these threats, said Basu, before his shocking admission that we are making arrests on a near daily basis. Mr. Basu added a tribute to the bravery of my uniform and detective colleagues, having previously alluded to the horrors in London on 22 March, when a radicalised Muslim ran down several people in Westminster before stabbing Police Constable Keith Palmer to death. There are constant acts of immense bravery by officers  armed and unarmed  those that the public see when our officers run towards danger, just like yesterday, but a huge amount of unseen work that the public will never know about from us and our brilliant security services. Meanwhile, the director of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, Anthony Glees, has estimated there may be between 6,000 and 10,000 extremists in Britain. About 1,000 young British Muslims have left the freedom of the UK to travel to the Middle East and become murderous foot soldiers of Islamic State, Gleeson wrote in the Daily Mail. Of that large group, 400 are believed to have returned. Only a tiny fraction  fewer than ten  have ever been brought to justice for their treachery. To tackle the threat, Gleeson recommended the number of officers in the security services be expanded from 3,800 to 10,000, and that the useless Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs), which Theresa May introduced as home secretary, be dropped to make way for the return of Control Orders in even tougher form.

Every time I read an article like this I am reminded of Dick Cheney's warning after 9/11: To prevent terrorism, we have to be successful 100% of the time in stopping it, while the terrorists only have to be successful once.

Those are daunting odds, indeed. But as good as our intelligence is regarding who the potential terrorists are - and by most reports, it's very good - questions need to be asked why these so called "known wolf" terrorists who are on law enforcement's radar continue to succeed.

There is extreme sensitivity toward targeting religious or ethnic minorities in most western countries - to the detriment of counterterrorism actions. But I think we are going to reach a point where that attitude will finally be seen as self-defeating and stronger measures will be taken in surveillance of terror suspects and preventing them from carrying out their violent attacks.

I believe that because eventually, the people are going to demand it. No one likes to be a sitting duck for the next random attack. As terrorist acts become more violent by lone attackers, the calls for authorities to do more will become more powerful than those who question the need for stronger measures.
Richard Nixons famous claim, I am not a crook, now has fitting company in the realm of immortal, unconvincing denials. At last nights White House Correspondents Association Dinner, the president of that body, Jeff Mason, the White House correspondent for Reuters, adopted a somber tone, the sort of sad seriousness found when a family member reveals that she has been diagnosed with cancer. The UKDM:

'It would be wrong not to address the criticisms leveled at us by President Trump,' he began - to applause and cheers from a room which was stripped of the celebrities and politicians who had in recent years been a feature of the dinner.

'We are not fake news. We are not failing news organizations and we are not the enemy of the American people.'

The phrase 'enemy of the people' had been one of the most trenchant attacks launched by the President towards the media.

Mason went on to say that all reporters in Washington share the common interest of protecting and sharing the core values of the democracy, of those being the First Amendment and freedom of press.

Mason went on to say that all reporters in Washington share the common interest of protecting and sharing the core values of the democracy, of those being the First Amendment and freedom of press.

'An attack on one of us is an attack on any of us,' he said.

'At previous dinners we have rightly talked about the threats to freedom of press abroad.

'It is now right that we talk about threats at home. The world is watching.'
To mark the 70th anniversary of jazz publishers Blue Note Records, the label animated Reid Miles fabulous era-defining album covers.

And The Bella Vista Social Pub, looking to promote its own summer jazz concerts in Siena, Tuscany, came up with a smart idea. Why not pay tribute to Blue Note (and promote the Italian concert series) by animating the cool cover designs that graced Blue Note albums during its heyday.
Antisemitism and homophobia is better aired than buried

When David Ward was removed as a Liberal Demorcrat candidate in the upcoming General Election because his partys leader Tim Farron operates a no tolerance  zero tolerance  of anti-Semitic remarks, Ward told BBC News.

I am a liberal through and through. How on earth could I be racist or be anti-Semitic?

Steady. Thats a rhetorical question as illustrated by Ward continuing:

I would defy anybody to find one single derogatory comment Ive made against a Jew which was not related to something being done in Israel.

Looking aside from Farrons apparent ignorance of Wards words before Theresa May and the Tories pointed them out to him in the Commons, and marvel at the mans defence.

Brendan ONeill:

Wow. There it is. The modern problem with the Jews summed up: it is okay to hate the Jews, or at least to be derogatory against the Jews, if youre attacking Israel, if your apparently loftier target is the Jewish State and its militarism. This speaks to the way in which attacking Israel has become a means of being derogatory about Jews, who are seen as bearing responsibility for various military crimes, and, among the more far-out left, for economic malaise and global instability, too. This is the anti-imperialism of fools.

Back to Farron, and why he thought it right to condemn Ward as soon as the media glare was shone on his opinions. Mind, this was in the same week that Farron discovered that he was ok with gay sex. It was, he said, not a sin. The odd thing is that Tims an Evangelical Christian, and they believe that homosexuality is wrong. Where does that leave Tim, then? Does the man have the courage of his convictions?

Rod Liddle:

As a Christian, then, Tim was a few burning embers short of the full Cranmer when it came to loyalty and conviction  but it saved his political skin. By way of explanation he mumbled something about specks of sawdust and removing the plank of wood from his own eye. Id remove the large block of wood from inside your cranium, mate, before you start wittering on in that wet George Formby accent about bloody sawdust. Drop your beliefs just so the gibbering Twitter monkeys dont get you? Sell out your god for an extra five seats in the Commons? Anyone ever tell you at Bible class about Judas?

In a free country you should be able to say what you like, however stupid or bigoted. Farrons banning and flimflammery befuddles his message. What does he believe in? What does he think?

Its not progressive to find Jews guilty of collective guilt because of your weird obsession with Israel over, say, China, France, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Pakistan, Russian, Thailand or anywhere else with problems. And its just as weird to spend your time wondering about men having consensual sex because you read a book and believed everything in it to be factually true. But it is a triumph of free speech in a free society to give full throat to your prejudices and let others offend you with theirs.

Rather than this banning and revisionism being an oddity, Tim Farrons illiberal liberalism is very much in keeping with the age of no-platforming people with whom you dont agree and banning things that upset you. If you cant say what you think, its not just the bastards and bigots who miss out. We all lose.

Anorak

Posted: 30th, April 2017 | In: Politicians Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
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.
Turn to a 19th-century cookbook by a princess, of course: Princess Barbare Jorjadzes book, Georgian Cuisine and Tried Housekeeping Notes, has long been a prized household possession.  Georgian chefs now increasingly consult Jorjadzes book for forgotten flavors, many of them obliterated by the Soviet Unions homogenizing influence.
Sushant says that his reputation is being deliberately damaged.

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, he adds ruefully.
Only time will tell if Sunny will dare to clash with Salman with the consent of the producers or push his film for a solo release.

Is Sunny Deol planning to shift the release date of Bhaiyaji Superhit? Recently we informed you that Sunny Deols delayed project Bhaiyaji Superhit will be clashing with Salman Khans highly anticipated Tubelight.

However, it looks like Sunny is in no mood to have a face-off with his old friend Salman Khan at the box ofice. Sunny apparently, has been fighting over it with the producers for the longest time, but to no avail.

A close source reveals, Sunny Deol is thinking of shifting the release date of his film but apparently the producers are not so keen on the actors suggestion. They have discussed this and are yet to arrive at a conclusion.

Only time will tell if Sunny will dare to clash with Salman with the consent of the producers or push his film for a solo release.
Anastasiades said Cyprus will offer various incentive and conducive atmosphere to promote these sectors to the investors.

Former Union minister and chairman of Mumbais World Trade Centre Kamal Morarka (left) presents a memento to Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in New Delhi recently. Union minister Arjun Mehgwal (right) is also seen. (Photo: Asian Age)

New Delhi: Cyprus is keen to seek investments from Indian industry in creative industries, tourism and technology sectors.

There is great opportunity for promoting creative industries in various sectors from tourism, medical healthcare, Bollywood and technology sectors besides financial services and innovation and technology in Cyprus, said Mr Nicos Anastasiades, President of the Republic of Cyprus while addressing the banquet organised in his honour by the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and the World Trade Centre Mumbai last week.

Mr Anastasiades said Cyprus will offer various incentive and conducive atmosphere to promote these sectors to the investors who are looking forward to establish bilateral trade relations with Cyprus in these sectors.

He emphasised that Cyprus is a hub for financial services and added that his government is looking to expand this to various other sector and are keen to create opportunities of investments.

World Trade Centre Mumbai chairman Kamal Morarka in his welcome address said that historical and economic legacy of India-Cyprus relationship remains strong.

The statistics of the economic ties is impressive and is likely to grow exponentially in future. In India, an avenue in New Delhi is named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios, and in Cyprus, the government installed a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the Nicosia Municipal Park near the Parliament House, which is the only bust of a foreign leader in the park, which shows Indias strong ties with Cyprus, said Mr Morarka.

Mr Morarka further said that the reforms in fiscal and investment facilitation policies are transforming investment scenario in India and it is an opportune time to invest in this liberalised investment scenario. He expressed optimism that exchange of culture and business delegations will enhance bilateral relations and will enable India and Cyprus to explore areas of co-operation.

During this occasion, AIAI and WTC Mumbai signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen economic and trade relations between both the countries.

While proposing the Vote of Thanks, Mr Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries said: The bilateral trade between India and Cyprus stands at $ 80 million annually. We could further explore opportunities specifically in exchange of high-technology along with creative and film industry. It offers scenic beauties and is a premier location after Switzerland.

Mr Kalantri further added that Cyprus is an ideal gateway to Europe and with its tax friendly policies and investment incentives. He said that AIAI and WTC Mumbai would play pivotal role in promoting Cyprus as the business destination to Indian businesses vis-a-vis from Cyprus to India.
PM also stressed the relevance of the teachings of Lord Buddha in the present-day world.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the ban on the use of red beacons, which comes into force Monday, was aimed at removing VIP culture from the minds of certain people, and replace it with the concept of Every Person is Important. Addressing the nation through his 31st Mann Ki Baat monthly radio address, the PM also pushed for more digital transactions and announced the South Asia Satellites launch on May 5.

Referring to the April 19 Cabinet decision to ban the use of red beacons from May 1, he said all 125 crore people in the country had equal value and importance for the government, adding: Generally, there is an atmosphere of hatred for VIP culture in the country. How deep it is I realised only recently when the government decided that howsoever big a person may be, he cant move around in a vehicle using a red beacon.

The PM said that the South Asia Satellite, that India will launch on May 5, will be the nations priceless gift to its neighbours as part of the sabka saath, sabka vikas concept. Seven out of eight Saarc countries are a part of this project, while Pakistan refused to join as it did not want a gift from India. The nations participating in the project are India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Aghanistan. Mr Modi said the satellite will go a long way in meeting the development needs of these countries.

Under the April 19 Cabinet decision, all VIP vehicles, including those used by the President, Prime Minister, governors, chief ministers, Central and state ministers and judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, are barred from using red beacons.

Although the lal batti is gone now, nobody can claim that because of this the VIP culture, which has gone into mindsets, will also have gone, Mr Modi said. He said that with concerted effort, this VIP culture can also be removed from peoples mindsets.

The Prime Minister sought the support of young people for pushing digital payments to capitalise on a scheme that entails cash rewards for those encouraging others to use the governments Bharat Interface for Money (Bhim) app for transactions. He said the scheme was valid till October 14, and youngsters can benefit monetarily. If you make 20 people do it in a day, you can earn Rs 200 that day, the Prime Minister said.

In his radio speech, the PM also stressed the relevance of the teachings of Lord Buddha in the present-day world, which was going through problems like violence, wars, destruction and the arms race. He also referred to the problem of climate change and the increasing duration of summer. Mr Modi stressed the need to save birds and animals from the heat by adopting a humane approach.
Court orders probe against judge, who is about to retire on April 30.

Lucknow: The Allahabad high court has suspended Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Misra for granting bail to rape accused and former SP minister Gayatri Prajapati.

The court has also ordered a departmental inquiry against the judge, which will be headed by Justice Sudhir Agarwal.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Friday stayed the bail given to the former minister.

Putting the bail on hold until further orders on Friday, Chief Justice Dilip B. Bhosale had said, I may, however, observe 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 April 30, 2017.

The former minister, accused of raping a woman and attempting to rape her minor daughter, was granted bail by a special judge of Pocso court, Om Prakash Misra, on Tuesday. The bail was challenged by the Yogi-Adityanath-led state government in the high court.

Two associates of Prajapati were also given bail in the same case. Gayatri Prajapati was arrested on March 14 from Lucknow after the Supreme Court directed that a FIR be registered against him in the case.

The Uttar Pradesh Police had also issued a non-bailable warrant against the former minister and six others in the same case.

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.

According to the notifications issued by high court registrar general Dinesh Kumar Singh, the transferred judicial officers include 199 ADJs posted in regular courts and another eight of the same rank posted at fast track courts in various districts.
This gang was operating since many years and had supplied more than 300-400 illegal weapons to various gangsters, criminals of Delhi, NCR.

The Delhi Crime Branch on Sunday busted an interstate gang involved in supplying illegal arms and ammunition of different caliber from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh in Delhi and NCR. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

New Delhi : The Delhi Crime Branch on Sunday busted an interstate gang involved in supplying illegal arms and ammunition of different caliber from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh in Delhi and NCR.

Forty semi-automatic pistols of different caliber have been recovered. The recovered weapons were manufactured with high proficiency skills and hardly anyone could detect the imitation.

This gang was operating since several years and had supplied more than 300-400 illegal weapons to various gangsters/criminals of Delhi/NCR.

An FIR has been registered at Crime Branch police station.

The Police have arrested two in this regard. As per police one accused is receiver another is the supplier.

Further investigation is in progress.
The gangster, who enjoys full support of the Pak govt, is being treated at the Army hospital.

New Delhi: Intelligence and security agencies are closely tacking all developments related to underworld don Dawood Ibrahims health condition with reports suggesting that he suffered a massive heart attack a few days ago.

Sources claimed they had credible information that Dawood is facing major health issues over the last few weeks and is undergoing treatment at an Army hospital in Karachi under tight security.

Indias most wanted gangster, sources added, is enjoying full support from government agencies in Pakistan as he was being attended to by Army doctors. He is under heavy security of the Pak Army and ISI operatives.

We have information that he has health complications, and is receiving treatment in Pakistan. The agencies are monitoring developments as the issues remains important for Indias internal security. His health could well be the reason that Dawood has restricted his movement over the past few months and is mostly based in Karachi now, a senior intelligence official said.

Dawood, the mastermind behind the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, has been declared a designated global terrorist by the United Nations. Sources said both Pak security agencies and members of the Dawood gang are trying to down play reports about his health.

It is believed that Dawoods activities were now being handled by his younger brother, Anees Ibrahim, and aide Chhota Shakeel, who is said to be operating from Pakistan, Middle East and South Africa. With Anees taking charge of the gang, it is a clear that Dawoods health is deteriorating, the official added. There is no let up in the Dawood gangs anti-India activities, particularly on account of pumping in fake currency into the country. After Batik, his close associate, with ISI is said to be managing the fake currency racket.
Vincent, Merrin alias Mariam and 19 others had last year fled to Khorasan province of Afghanistan, which is controlled by ISIS.

Thiruvananthapuram: A youth from Kerala, who had allegedly joined the Islamic State group in 2016, has been killed in a battle with the American forces in Afghanistan.

According to a report in The Hindu, BC Rehman, a close relative of Mohammad Hafeezuddin who was killed in a drone attack earlier this year, received a message on WhatsApp about the death of Bestin Vincent. The message was sent by Ashfak Majeed, who is also absconding.

Yahya (Bestin), whom you all consider a Jew have become martyr Inshaallah. It was in frontline of war against American Kufrs (Infidels), the message read.

Vincent, a Christian boy from Palakkad, assumed the name Yahya after converting to Islam along with his wife Merrin. Vincent, Merrin alias Mariam and 19 others had last year fled to Khorasan province of Afghanistan, which is controlled by ISIS.

A senior National Investigation Agency (NIA) official told The Hindu that the message was sent in Malayalam. The NIA has contacted other agencies in Afghanistan to confirm the claims, the official said.

The Kochi city police had last year registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Vincent. This was after Ebin Jacob, brother of Merrin, gave a statement before the police that the duo forced him to get converted to Islam and join the terrorist organisation.
Amit Shah told BJP leaders, workers all issues in J&K would be settled.

Srinagar: BJP national president Amit Shah held wide-ranging talks with the party 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 Mr Shah, who is on a two-day visit to 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 Lok Sabha seats the party had lost in 2014.

The BJP president 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 had a meeting with the five-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 against 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 to apply 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.
Basically, the satellite is meant for providing communication and disaster support, connectivity among the countries of South Asia region.

New Delhi: The South Asia Satellite will be launched on May 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday, describing it as Indias pricelss gift to its neighbours as part of the sabka sath, sabka vikas concept.

Seven out of eight SAARC countries are a part of the project which Pakistan refused to join as it did not want the gift from India.

We have always attempted to move ahead with the concept of sabka sath, sabka vikas (cooperation of all, development for all), Modi said in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

The concept of sabka sath, sabka vikas is not confined to India but is relevant globally too, especially in the context of the neighbourhood, he said.

There should be cooperation of our neighbours and there should be development of our neighbours too, he said.

On May 5, India will launch the South Asia Satellite. The benefits of this satellite will go a long way in meeting the developmental needs of the countries participating in this project, the Prime Minister said.

Describing it as a priceless gift from India, he said the project is a significant step towards promoting cooperation with the entire South Asia.

This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia...The satellite of South Asia will help in the overall development of the entire region, Modi said.

The benefits will be in the areas of mapping of natural resources, tele-medicine, education, IT connectivity and people-to-people links, he said.

He thanked the countries which became part of this project. These countries, besides India, are Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan.

Soon after taking over as the Prime Minister in 2014, Modi had made a unilateral proposal of India launching the satellite whose data would be shared with the eight SAARC countries for their development.

Initially, it was to be named as SAARC Satellite but its name was changed to South Asia Satellite after Pakistan refused to join the project.

Basically, the satellite is meant for providing communication and disaster support, connectivity among the countries of South Asia region.

It will provide a significant capability to each of the participating countries in terms of DTH, certain VSAT capacity plus linking among the states for both disaster information transfer and also in terms of library type of things.

The satellite was initially proposed to be launched in December last year but it got delayed.
Speaking in the 31st edition of Mann Ki Baat, he also said that people have developed a negative mindset for the VIP culture in the nation.

New Delhi: Endorsing the ban on red beacon and an end of the VIP culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that new India is not about VIP but about EPI- Every Person is Important.

"New India is not about VIP. It is about EPI- every person is important," the Prime Minister said while addressing the nation through Mann ki Baat.

Speaking in the 31st edition of his monthly radio programme, he further said that people have developed a negative mindset for the VIP culture in the nation.

"In our country people don't like the VIP culture. I recently came to know that how intense it is. So the government banned the use of red beacon atop the vehicle of ministers no matter how prominent leaders they are," the Prime Minister said.

Backing the ban on red beacon, Prime Minister Modi earlier said that every Indian is special and a VIP.

Replying to the people's tweets, Prime Minister Modi said he is glad that a strong beginning has been made.

Politicos also supported the government's move saying that it wound end the VIP culture prevalent in the nation and maintain equality.

"I have always stood in support of abolishing the red beacon system. This VIP culture should go and even ministers should feel like commoners sometimes. It's nice to see that most of the ministers have removed the red beacon and have stood in support of this cause," Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan said.

However, the ban did not go down well with some of the leaders who said that it would not end the VIP culture.

"I don't think the decision was taken after careful consideration because in an emergency situation, important functionaries of the government should have some privileges. Prohibiting it completely is not the correct thing according to me personally and this not my party's opinion. VVIP culture is not going to be over with the ban," Congress leader PC Chacko said.

The Union Cabinet, in its meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Modi decided banned the use of red beacon on vehicles attached to dignitaries, including the central and state ministers and other VVIPs.

As per sources, the decision taken by the Union Cabinet will be implemented from May 1.

It is reported that five categories would be exempted from the ban including President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and the Lok Sabha Speaker.

The ban applies to union ministers, chief ministers, state cabinet ministers, bureaucrats and judges of the High Court and Supreme Court.
COLUMBUS  A new fiscal year brings new goals for the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.

Some of the strategic priorities the chamber will focus on over the next 12 months have been on the list for years, and a couple are new additions.

In March, the chamber board got together and outlined seven strategic priorities that will govern the core initiatives going forward, new board Chairman Steve Line said during the chambers annual celebration held earlier this month.

The priorities the chamber will zero in on include the quality of life centers, branding, immigrant engagement, streetscaping, housing and the newest additions of mentoring and wellness.

Now the work begins to address those topics.

The goals this year, we agreed, were infrastructure for the new initiatives, further the momentum on the activities we already set forth and ultimately produce results out of these initiatives that are going to enhance the economic well-being and the quality of life for the greater Columbus area, Line said.

Some of those pathways have already been established.

The quality of life centers have been a focus for the chamber for the past decade.

A collaborative effort among local leaders and donors and outside grant money led to the construction of three of the four centers  Columbus Wellness Center, a new East Central District Health Department building and a STEM Academy located inside the recently opened Columbus High School.

The final project is a new library/cultural arts center. Voters turned down a plan April 11 that would have allowed the city to issue up to $8.5 million in bonds to design and build that facility. Grant money and private donations were expected to pay for the rest of the $16 million project.

After the vote, the project is now being re-evaluated.

The scope of the new chamber priorities  mentoring and wellness  will be determined in the coming weeks and months.

With mentoring, there is a lot of defining that needs to be done. There are a lot of different kinds of mentoring, said K.C. Belitz, chamber president.

The chambers focus could be on a business-to-business style of mentoring or community-level mentoring that allows Columbus to mentor smaller towns.

Wellness is an uncommon topic for a chamber, Belitz said, but it could fall under the theme of quality of life in the community.

This priority must also be further defined, but will have a connection to local businesses, according to Belitz.

One priority that carried over is branding.

During the chamber celebration, the new Something Good Columbus brand was officially revealed. It was created by a team of eight designers and artists over a period of two years. The group went through about 100 ideas before choosing the brand.

A push will be made over the next several months to get the brand out in the community and encourage its use and promotion among businesses, organizations and individuals. The public can check out a branding guide and sign up for usage rights by going to www.somethinggoodcolumbus.com.

Work continues to engage immigrants through educational opportunities and a partnership with Centro Hispano Comunitario De Nebraska, an organization that offers legal services for immigrants.

The streetscaping priority focuses on the reconstruction of 23rd Street, a Nebraska Department of Roads project that is probably four to eight years away, Bill Flint, past president of the chamber board, said during the annual celebration.

That project could include adding new light poles, colored concrete and native grasses along U.S. Highway 30 in town.

Housing remains an important priority for the chamber.

We had a lot of movement on this initiative to increase critical housing in Columbus, said Flint, who added that a housing study will be released soon.

A task force was created by the chamber to address the lack of affordable housing in Columbus. That group, along with the city, Columbus Housing Authority and NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska, has been gathering information on how to address the issue. Task force members visited other communities to see how those places have addressed housing needs.

Flint said he thinks the task force's efforts will go a long way in providing affordable housing in Columbus.

We have a lot of ammunition and a lot of ideas on how to make this happen, he said.
Recently, the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants were announced, wherein, New Yorks Eleven Madison Park topped the list.

Hear it from chef Daniel Humm, the chef at New Yorks Eleven Madison Park, that recently topped the worlds best restaurants list, on the secrets to running a top-notch restaurant

One cant deny the significance of food when it comes to bringing the world together. With foods status as a key cultural carrier growing constantly, the standing that restaurants have been holding in the society has also increased manifold. And, to be recognised as the best of the existing restaurants is certainly no piece of cake. Recently, the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants were announced, wherein, New Yorks Eleven Madison Park topped the list. Swiss-born chef Daniel Humm, the co-owner and chef, reveals to us the secrets to standing as the worlds best, his love for Indian food and his culinary journey.

What was the journey like to getting where you stand now?

When my business partner, Will Guidara, and I bought Eleven Madison Park in 2011, our goal was to create a fine dining experience that was youthful and modern while acknowledging the past and respecting tradition. Ive been cooking for 25 years and although that may seem like a long journey, I feel like that journey is just beginning. To be recognised as having the #1 restaurant in the world by the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants is a dream come true.

Tomato lobster

Why do you think your restaurant made it to the top spot?

The food must be delicious and the hospitality, gracious. It doesnt matter if youre running a casual spot or a fine dining restaurant. For us, those two things come together as equals, the kitchen and the dining room work together and that is what I think makes us so successful.

How did you develop an interest in food?

My interest in food started at a young age and I credit my mother with that. It was common for us to visit local markets, to buy produce from farms nearby our home, and that became a part of my routine. We cooked together, and it gave me an appreciation for ingredients and teamwork at an early age. Eventually, I began to work in professional kitchens.

How would you describe your food?

As a chef, I believe I am a passionate perfectionist who believes in constant evolution personally and professionally. Today, I believe the more simple the plate, the more confident the chef.

What does your favourite meal consist of?

It changes, but now, a bowl of great pasta with a simple tomato sauce hits the spot.

We hear that theres been an explosion of Indian restaurants and Indian food in New York over the past few years?

Absolutely. Every street you turn down in New York, wonderful ethnic cuisine is represented and Indian cuisine has always stood out. My personal favorites are dosas. Paneer and chutney are my go-to.

Ricotta gnocchi with violet artichokes and smoked pork

How important is it for chefs to speak about sustainability through food?

We need to think about this and make conscious decisions when we source food, when we create menus, and when we price out menus. For us, part of this means working with local farmers, artisans and vendors whenever we can.

What are your plans ahead for the restaurant and for yourself?

Were opening our counter service restaurant, Made Nice, at the end of April. Were also moving Eleven Madison Park out to the Hamptons for the summer while we renovate the restaurant here in New York City.
The beast can be seen running amok in a souther Nepal town.

The locals later can be seen chasing after it (Photo: YouTube)

Rhinos are terrifying beasts that no one would want to come across especially when they are running amok. But what if one of these fierce creatures is on a rampage in the streets and people are caught off guard?

A man from Nepal found himself at the receiving end of a rhinos wrath when the animal went on a rampage in the town of Hetauda in southern Nepal. The beast can be seen chasing a vehicle down the street as terrified people watch from their house.

Motorcyclists and locals can be seen chasing after it later in the video.

Click below to watch
The school was started in a remote village and South Korean researchers visited and studied then for two years.

Right handed people are a majority in the world where only 10 percent work and write with their left hand. This list also includes famous personalities like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey. Besides that, theres another small group of people who have a unique skill of writing with both hands simultaneously.

While the number of people who could write with both hands constitutes only one percent of human population, a school in Madhya Pradesh has 300 students, all of whom can write with both hands. Some of these children who are ambidextrous are also able to write with both hands in different languages at the same time.

The school situated in a village has 45 minute lessons with 15 minutes devoted to handwriting practice to nurture this skill in every child. It also helps children learn new languages as they practice by writing same languages in different languages at the same time.

Being able to write isnt just a skill to show off or get things done quickly, it also adds to concentration and increases ability for children to retain knowledge. The school was founded by former soldier VP Sharma who started it in honour of Indias first president Dr Rajendra Prasad who was also ambidextrous.

The school was founded in a remote village in the Singrauli district back in 1999, but the extraordinary ability of children led a group of South Korean researchers to visit and observe the students for two years.

Click below to watch
Delhi Police sources confirmed that a non-cognisable report has been registered in connection with the matter.

An assistant professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Sunday alleged some persons vandalised his car and threw stones at his house. (Photo: Twitter)

New Delhi: An assistant professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Sunday alleged some persons vandalised his car and threw stones at his house for organising an event on the varsity campus to condole the death of jawans in Sukma and Kupwara.

"My car vandalized and stone-pelted at home at midnight as a reward for organizing condolence meet at JNU and mass gathered for Sukma and Kupwara Martyrs (sic)," Buddha Singh tweeted.

Along with the tweet he posted two pictures of the damaged windshield of his car. "I had parked my car near Periyar hostel, which is opposite to the students' union office. I do not suspect anyone, but I have filed a case at Vasant Kunj police station," Singh said.

Professor Buddha Singh tweeted photos of his vandalised car. (Photo: Twitter)

JNUSU in a statement said Singh was trying to gain "cheap publicity".

"Buddha Singh made a diversionary statement for cheap publicity that his car has been vandalised because he organised a programme on Sukma.The RSS always resorts to such tactics to divert attention, so that tough questions are not put to Home Minister Rajnath Singh," JNUSU president Mohit Kumar Pandey said in the statement.

The students' union demanded that the matter be inquired properly by the police or the administration.

Delhi Police sources confirmed that a non-cognisable report has been registered in connection with the matter, which means that the complainant can claim insurance for the damage caused.
The accused kept her in his home and allegedly made obscene videos of her and threatened to upload those on the social media.

New Delhi: A man has been arrested in Govindpuri area in New Delhi, for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman for three years and forcing her into prostitution after promising her a job as a domestic help, police said today.

The accused kept her in his home and allegedly made obscene videos of her and threatened to upload those on the social media.

The woman told police that she had met the accused three years back on a train while travelling from West Bengal to Delhi.

The accused had posed as a recruitment agent and told her that he will get her a job with a good pay. He took the woman to his home, where he raped her and forced her into prostitution. Whenever she resisted, the accused would threaten her and force himself on her, the woman alleged.

On Saturday, when she was alone she escaped and met a man, who told her that he is from an NGO. She narrated her ordeal to him, who in turn informed the police.

The accused was arrested on Saturday evening. The woman's statement was recorded and a case registered at Govindpuri Police Sation, a police official said.
After a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday, President Erdogan will also lay wreath at the Rajghat, MEA sources said.

This will be Erdogan's first visit to India as the Turkish President.(Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday arrived in New Delhi to kickstart his two-day visit.

This will be his first visit to India as the Turkish President. He had won a referendum on April 16 which gave him more executive powers as the President.

He will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Monday.

Economic ties, cooperation in the fight against terrorism and talk on Turkey's support to India in its bid to become a member in the coveted Nuclear Supplier's Group are expected to dominate the bilateral talks.

After a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday, President Erdogan will also lay wreath at the Rajghat, MEA sources said in Delhi.

His official engagements also include a call on by Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj. He will also attend a Business Event and interact with industry captains.

During his stay, there will be also a conferment of the Honorary Degree on President Erdogan by the Jamia Milia Islamia University.

Erdogan had visited India in 2008, when he was the prime minister. After eleven years as the Prime Minister, he was elected President in 2014.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has directed security agencies to ensure that he be provided the highest security cover in the wake of threats from the ISIS.

The IB has even demanded that his aircraft be guarded at all times during his stay in the capital.

A special request to allow officers deployed for his personal security to carry weapons has also been placed.
The film, helmed by Kabir Khan, also stars Sohail Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in a highly anticipated cameo.

Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's much awaited film Tubelight might not hit the screens on Eid in Pakistan as some local filmmakers have started a movement to stall the release of the film.

The filmmakers along with the Film Distributors Association and the Film Producers Association want to ensure better business for Pakistani films during the Eid holidays.

The distributors, producers and filmmakers say they want to protect the interest of Pakistani movies as two big films, Yalghaar and Shor Sharaba, along with others in the pipeline, are slated for an Eid release.

"If 'Tubelight' also releases on Eid, it will certainly hit the business of these Pakistani films and that will not help our industry," actor Mustafa Qureshi said.

Those trying to stall the release of the Salman KhaN- starrer are citing a law passed by the Federal Ministry of Information in 2010 which forbids the release of any Indian film on a Muslim holiday.

"If required we can even go to the court," producer Altaf Hussain said.

Sohail Khan, the producer of Shor Sharaba, said, "My film is supposed to release on Eid-ul-Fitr and if the government doesn't stall 'Tubelight', I will not release it as a mark of protest."

Hussain said the associations are planning to send an official letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well.

He confirmed a meeting was held in Lahore at which it was decided that the entire Pakistani film industry will join the planned protest to stop the release of Tubelight on Eid.

"It has been decided that all those related to the

Pakistani film industry will support the Pakistani films that are supposed to release on Eid-ul-Fitr," Hussain added.

Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran, the chairman of the Pakistan Film Distributors Association has also supported the move.

"It is not fair asking our films to compete with big Bollywood projects on Eid and it is cruel to our industry", he said.

As per the sources, the Ministry had given directives to stop the release of Tubelight and Vidya Balan's Begum Jaan well in adv
Trump skipped the White House correspondents' dinner and opted to hold a rally to mark the completion of his first 100 days.

New York: Speaking at the correspondents dinner, from which Donald Trump was missing, the White House Correspondents' Association hit back at the United States President for his steady and consistent attack on the media and sent him a clear message- 'we are not fake news'.

Trump became the first US President in decades to skip out on the annual event between the White House and the reporters who cover the presidency.

"We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do. We are not fake news. We are not failing news organisations. And we are not the enemy of the American people." association president Jeff Mason told a ballroom of journalists who gave a standing ovation at his last sentence.

Present at the event, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward of Watergate fame asserted that good journalism is more crucial to a free society than ever in a climate of increasing hostility between the White House and the press.

The speeches from the venerated journalists came on the occasion of the first White House correspondents' dinner since 1981 in which the sitting president did not attend.

Bernstein stated that Nixon had targeted the media in an attempt to divert attention from his own misdemeanours.

"Richard Nixon tried to make the conduct of the press more the issue in Watergate instead of the conduct of the President and his men. We tried to avoid the noise and let the reporting speak," he said.

Woodward directed his message directly to the absent Trump and said, "Mr. President, the media is not fake news. Let's take that off the table as we proceed. Whatever the climate, whether the media is revered or reviled, we should and must persist, and I believe we will. Any relaxation by the press will be extremely costly to democracy."

Trump became the first US President to skip the event, as he addressed a crowd in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and mocked the White House Correspondents' Dinner saying, "there's another big gathering taking place tonight in Washington DC. Did you hear about it? A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's capital right now."

Former US president Barack Obama was a popular choice at previous dinners as he managed to have a healthy relation with the press, graciously accepting their barbs and quips and giving it back in equal measure with his trademark witty manner.

However, Trump broke from tradition and opted to hold a rally instead to mark the completion of his first 100 days.

"I could not be possibly more thrilled than to be a thousand miles away from [the] Washington swamp, spending my evening with you - a much much larger crowd and better people." Trump added.
According to reports, the missile was likely a medium- range KN-17 ballistic missile.

London: 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 & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad! Trump wrote on Twitter 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 (militarys) 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.
Report of committee formed to probe information leak opens military-govt divide.

Islamabad: Beleaguered Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today faced a crisis when Pakistans 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 its unfortunate that they are being dealt with through tweets. State institutions dont 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.
COLUMBUS  Bob Wolles considers himself to be among the lucky ones.

He never had to trudge through the rice paddies and sweltering jungle or sleep in a waterlogged uniform during his year in Vietnam.

I really had it easy compared to some, the 70-year-old Columbus man said.

Still, his service in the U.S. Armys 71st Assault Helicopter Company was far from a smooth ride.

Wolles joined the Army shortly after his graduation from Columbus High School in 1964. The voluntary enlistment allowed him to sign up for aviation mechanic training, instead of letting the draft determine his fate.

I knew if I got drafted I wouldnt really have a choice of what field I was going to go into, and I wanted to go into the aviation field, said Wolles, who spent summers working for a local crop duster and the Columbus airport manager.

In addition to fitting his love for flying, the airplane mechanic job ensured he wouldnt be lugging heavy equipment through the mug and Viet Cong-filled forests.

But there was no avoiding the dangers in Vietnam. Wolles had plenty of close calls while serving as a crew chief and gunner aboard a UH-1D Huey helicopter.

He attended aviation mechanic school in Fort Rucker, Alabama, and spent about a year at Fort Ord, California, before getting shipped to Vietnam. Although Wolles was trained on fixed-wing aircraft, working on helicopters would allow him to reach the rank of E5 instead of E4, so he made the switch.

That was a no-brainer, said Wolles, who took a two-week crash course in helicopter mechanics following his deployment to southeast Asia in March 1966.

When Wolles returned to Bien Hoa Air Base, located about 20 miles north of Saigon in south-central Vietnam, he was named crew chief for a Huey primarily tasked with transporting supplies and troops in an area from the Cambodian border to Saigon to about 100 miles north of the major city.

Every time that aircraft flew, I flew with it, said Wolles, who was joined by a pilot, co-pilot and another gunner who manned the M60 machine gun on the choppers right side.

The transport helicopters frequently came under enemy fire, but that was just part of the job for Wolles and his crew members.

When youre 18 years old you dont really think about the dangers of it, he said. You just look at it like an adventure.

Now that I look back on it, if I would have worried about going out and getting shot every time I went on a mission I would have probably wound up in an insane asylum somewhere, Wolles added.

Among the close calls, one is particularly vivid in the former crew chiefs mind.

It was 40 days before he was set to return to the U.S. and his helicopter was part of a convoy extracting troops near the northern edge of Saigon.

On the third trip in, something didnt feel right, Wolles said. The choppers started taking enemy fire.

Two infantrymen and a gunner inside Wolles Huey were struck by bullets, including one soldier who was hit in the head.

Wolles secured his machine gun then reacted with a maneuver he still cant fully explain.

He swung himself outside the moving helicopter before being pulled back into the crowded cabin by an infantryman. It was the only way to reach the soldier with the most-severe injury and provide immediate medical treatment.

To this day I dont know how I did it, he said.

Then the helicopters engine blew, forcing a crash landing into a rice field. Wolles credits the pilots for avoiding the wooden dikes that surround the paddies and likely saving the lives of everyone aboard.

Our pilots did a hell of a job, he said.

An inspection of the bullet-riddled helicopter revealed it was hit about 15 times, including twice in the engine, once in the oil tank and a couple of times along the tail rotor drive shaft.

That was memorable there, Wolles said. I dont think Ill ever forget that one.

Wolles left Vietnam in March 1967 and spent about a decade away from the military until the day a helicopter flew overhead while he was riding a horse at his rural Columbus home.

That kind of got the bug going in me again, he said.

The professional firefighter joined the National Guards 24th Medical Company, an air ambulance unit based in Lincoln, and served another 17 years, including six months in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield in the early 1990s.

The Gulf War, he said, wasnt anywhere close to the experience from Vietnam.

Really, it was boring, to tell you the truth, he said.

Wolles, who was among the 650 veterans on board Mondays Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Flight to Washington, D.C., also knows his time in Vietnam could have ended much differently.

The 71st Assault Helicopter Company relocated to Chu Lai Air Base in 1967 and suffered significant casualties after the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong launched the Tet Offensive in early 1968.

I was just lucky, plain and simple, Wolles said.
Glausiusz, a well-known member of Salford's Orthodox Jewish Community, would assault victims, vulnerable because of their young age.

London: The Manchester Crown Court has sentenced a 47-year-old man to 22 years in prison for raping and sexually abusing children as young as seven years. The accused also beat up the children and threatened them against complaining about him.

In one instance, the accused, David Glausiusz, raped a child and also beat him with a piece of wood and stood on the childs stomach, according to a report in Daily Mirror. He would silence them, saying that they would not be believed if they tried to complain about him.

Glausiusz, a well-known member of Salford's Orthodox Jewish Community, would assault victims who were vulnerable because of their young age. Because of their youth and lack of understanding of sexual matters all children had some difficulty describing what had happened to them, Judge Martin Rudland said.

After months of enquiries, police were able to identify a number of victims, locally and internationally. We are determined to continue working with a range of partners to safeguard victims and prosecute offenders and Id like to recognise the valiant steps his victims have taken to put him behind bars, said DCI Alan Clitherow, of Greater Manchester Polices Salford Borough.

Police were first alerted in April 2014, when someone informed Salford Childrens Social Care about a young boy being abused.

Glausiusz has been convicted of three counts of rape of a boy under the age of 13, six counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 13, three counts of assault, and three counts of child cruelty.

He will spend half of his sentence in jail and the remaining half on temporary release. He will have to sign the sex offenders register for rest of his life. He was convicted following a seven-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Glausiuszs victims will be awarded compensation at another hearing scheduled within 28 days in the same court.
McCann had received a life sentence in 2006 for a similar attack on a stranger.

Derry McCann, 28, dragged his victim into the undergrowth in a park in east London on January 13. (Photo: Facebook)

London: A man was awarded three life sentences for a minimum of nine years on Friday for raping a stranger and humiliating her.

After raping his victim, he took pictures of her, mocked her that he had not filmed her and then fled after stealing her bra and mobile phone, according to a report in the Daily Mirror. The incident took place hours before he got married to his pregnant fiancee.

Derry McCann, 28, dragged his victim into the undergrowth in a park in east London on January 13. Before raping her, he played mind games with her and repeatedly asked her if she thought he was going to rape her. He had even demanded cash from her before dragging her away.

On March 2, he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, one count of sexual assault by penetration and robbery for the crime he committed on January 13.

At the Snaresbrook Crown Court court, Judge Martyn Zeidman QC, the honorary recorder of Redbridge told McCann that the manner in which the crime was committed was shocking.

In addition to the physical pain, you set out to degrade and humiliate her in ways that are so cruel and gross that I will not identify them any further, Zeidman said.

Zeidman said he was astonished that he raped his victim just hours before getting married to his partner.

According to prosecutor Kate Bex QC, McCann carried out "a sustained and systematic attack", and played "mind games in an attempt to control the victim".

The defence, Edmund Vickers QC, said that his client had been diagnosed with a personality disorder, but it was not enough to warrant a hospital order.

McCann had received a life sentence in 2006 for a similar attack on a stranger. He was required to serve a minimum of nine years before he could be released on parole. He was released in December 2015.

Back then, as a teenager, McCann, along with a friend forcibly took his victim to a secluded area of Mile End Park. His friend left after McCann told him that he was going to have fun with her and then kill her.

He raped the victim under the threat that his friend would come back and kill her if she resisted. He went on to tell her that he wanted her to have his baby and that hed lock her up in his basement where he kept other women.
At the Regina Caeli, Pope Francis recalls and prays also for the difficult and violent situation in Venezuela. To members of Catholic Action (CA): "" Put yourself in politics, but please in the big politics, in politics with a capital P! ". To young CA members: "Go out to all of the peripheries! Go, and be Church there, with the power of the Holy Ghost."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "We turn to Mary our Mother, with special thanks for the apostolic journey to Egypt that we have just completed. I ask the Lord to bless all the Egyptian people, so welcoming, the Christian and Muslim faithful and authorities; And that peace be granted to that country, said Pope Francis before leading the recitation of the Regina Caeli prayer from St Peter's Square.

The square was crowded by members of the Catholic Action (CA) in Rome to celebrate their 150th anniversary. Prior to the Marian prayer, he also recalled the violence in Venezuela and Macedonia. In particular, in Venezuela there has long been a clash between leader Nicolas Maduro and a large part of the population demanding more democracy and better economic conditions. In protests over the past week recent, 32 people died and there have been many arrests.

"As I join the pain of the victims' families, who I assure of my suffrage and prayers, I appeal to the Government and all the members of Venezuelan society to avoid any further form of violence, to respect for human rights and seek negotiated solutions to the serious humanitarian, social, political and economic crisis that is sweeping the population. We entrust the intention of peace, reconciliation and democracy in that dear country to the Blessed Virgin Mary. "

Beforehand, Franciso held an audience with Catholic Action, praising its contribution to the mission of the Church in these 150 years of "beautiful and important history, for which you have many reasons to be thankful to the Lord and for which the Church is grateful to you".

The pontiff summarized the quality of the CA experience: "It is the story of a people formed by men and women of all ages and states who have bet on the desire to live together with the Lord: great and small , laity and shepherds, together, regardless of their social position, cultural preparation, and place of origin. Faithful lay people who at all times share the search for the ways in which to proclaim the beauty of God's love with their own lives and to contribute, with their commitment and competence, to the construction of a more just, more fraternal, more supportive society ".

"As you have over these 150 years, - the Pope urged those present  continue to feel strongly within you the responsibility to caste the good seed of the Gospel into the life of the world through the service of charity, political commitment, educational passion and participation in cultural confrontation ". And he added, "Put yourself in politics, but please in great politics, in politics with a capital P!".

"Dear children  he concluded - young and adult Catholic Action: go out to all the peripheries! Go, and be Church there, with the power of the Holy Spirit.
KERN ROYALTY

Its kind of amazing when you scratch the surface, how many royalty owners there are in Kern County.

A lot of people dont even know they own mineral rights until an oil landman knocks on their door, said Ed Hazard, president of the California Chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO).

Hazard, who lives in Bakersfield, didnt start learning about his familys royalties until his mom was in a convalescent home with early stage dementia.

I looked around and realized everyone in the family who know anything about it was gone.

He began educating himself and became part Californias NARO group in 2013.

He said theres an estimated 600,000 royalty owners in California, though, again, some people dont know it.

Bakersfield resident Chris Vanderlei, who owns an art and antique shop downtown, is one of those 600,000.

The royalties were passed down to him and his brothers through one of his grandfathers.

When it was really going good, wed get maybe $300 or $400 a month, he said. Its never been much, but no one wants to lose even a little paycheck.

For Leona Lachenmaier, the money was never something she thought about while her husband, Ralph, was alive.

After he died 12 years ago, Lachenmaier, now 95, started educating herself.

At one point it was up to $2,000 a month, she said. But since oil dropped its down around $200.

But its a lot to me, now that Im alone.

The rights originated with her father-in-law who farmed a vineyard in Arvin for an oil man who would give him tips on where to buy little plots of land.

Ive learned a few things over the years, she said. Like you can negotiate for more money. You dont just have to take what the oil company first offers.

Hazard, who volunteers his time with NARO, said he got involved for people like Lachenmaier and the many other families who dont have the kind of political clout of a Chevron or Mobile, or even the large environmental groups.

Plus I think its important that we produce the oil here, in California, where we have the strictest environmental regulations and we have control over our own energy source, he said.

Think about it, he added:

Would you rather do business with someone like Leona? Or Putin?
THE LETTER

The following column, Pipefuls, by Jim Day, was published Dec. 17, 1951, in The Californian. The column almost entirely consists of a letter sent from U.S. Army Sgt. Wiley Jones. It has been lightly edited. Jones assertion that Thomas received two Silver Stars is mistaken. While Thomas was recommended for a Silver Star, he was awarded a Bronze Star.

We are publishing this letter just as received, from a soldier in Korea. It has not been edited or changed. It tells an eloquent story of heroism, of men doing their duty. I doubt if any writer could improve upon its substance and impact:

Me and the boys in the platoon have decided to write to you to give you some news we think the folks around Bakersfield will be interested in.

On November 10, 1951, the third platoon of Charlie Company of the Eighth Cavalry regiment were on patrol. We were making our way up the river when someone spotted (derogatory term for Chinese people) all around us.

We had walked into an ambush. Doc Pfc. Earl Leon Thomas was behind me. We all hit the dirt or rocks. Some of the men were across the river and some went into the river at the crossing.

There was a squad of (derogatory term) come up behind us. Doc was about 10 or 15 yards behind me. He was armed, with a .45 pistol. He raised up and opened up with his .45 and three of them dropped.

THROW GRENADES

While this was going on, one or two of the (derogatory term) opened up on Doc with a Thompson sub-machine gun and another threw a grenade at him which landed at his feet.

He turned the (derogatory term) back and when the call for medic came, he went to the wounded, paying no attention to a (derogatory term) machine gun up on the cliff chattering away at him and several snipers.

When we finally got out of the pin down, Doc had a slightly wounded hand from grenade fragments.

SILVER STAR

Our hats are off to our Doc. We think we have the best one in Korea. He got a silver star for his bravery this particular time and that makes two silver stars for him.

But we know thats not reward enough for him. When we ask him how he does it he says, God gives me the strength to help the wounded  thats why I came over here so I intend to do my job.

He is as good with a .45 as he is with a morphine syrette so watch out for him.

Assistant Platoon Sergeant, Wiley Jones, Company C, Eighth Cavalry Regiment, APO 201, PM, San Francisco, Calif.

The subject of this letter is the son of Jessie Miles of Lamont. She can be very proud of her son who was graduated from Bakersfield High School in June of 1950. He was employed by a sheet metal shop in this city.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A number of bus services in Bath are changing from today (April 30).

First West of England is introducing a number of service changes designed to improve punctuality and respond to customer demand.

The services that will be changed are 1, 5, 6, 6A and 7, 8, 171, 179, 265, 267, 271/272, U1, U2 and U5.

Here's everything you need to know:

On service 1 from Bath to Southdown, First is introducing additional buses to improve reliability on evening journeys.

As many students leave Bath for the summer months, the Monday to Friday daytime frequency on service 5 from the Bus Station to Whiteway will be reduced from every 10 minutes to every 12 minutes. This change will apply between Sunday, April 30 and Sunday, September 3, after which the service will return to normal. The Saturday daytime frequency will increase from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes from Sunday, September 3, which will provide additional capacity when students return to Bath. First will also revise a number of early morning and late evening journeys.

Services 6, 6A and 7 from Bath Bus Station to Larkhall will have a greater evening peak time frequency, with buses available at least every 15 minutes from Monday to Friday. The operator is also introducing two morning and one afternoon peak journeys to the timetable.

Service 8 will now operate every 30 minutes throughout the day between the Bus Station and Kingsway only. It will no longer serve the section of route between the Bus Station and Upper Weston. This part of the route will now be served by the new Service 9.

Passengers making cross-city journeys on Service 8 will be able to change on to Service 9 at Bath Bus Station. Service 9 will operate every 60 minutes between the Bus Station and Upper Weston.

Speaking about Service 8 and 9, Andrew Sherrington, General Manager of First Bath, Wells & Weston-super-Mare , said: "For Service 8, it was important for us to find a solution that better matched the customer demand, but didn't compromise the entire route.

"We've taken the decision to split it into two sections. The original Service 8 had lower patronage when we operated the section from the Bus Station to Upper Weston every 30 minutes. So by making this stretch of the journey hourly ensures it is sustainable and reliable."

There will be route and timetable changes to Service 171 between Bath and Peasedown St John. It will operate a one-way circular route around Peasedown St John, which will reduce the overall round journey time and allow for the hourly frequency to be maintained. One early morning journey has been removed and some departure times are being amended to work with Service 172, 173 and 174 departures.

Service 179 is changing significantly. The service will continue to link Bath and Writhlington, but will no longer serve Cranmore Place, Greenvale Drive and Farrington Gurney because of low usage. Cranmore Place and Greenvale Drive passengers will still be able to access Service 179 from nearby bus stops.

Commenting on Service 179, Mr Sherrington said: "As this service will no longer be supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council, it was essential that parts of the journey that are not used frequently are removed. One of the main reasons that we've stopped serving these particular areas is because passengers from these locations have good alternative bus stops nearby that they can access Service 179.

"We hope that these changes will not inconvenience our passengers too much. We advise that they check the new timetables before travelling because the frequency on this service also been improved from every two hours to 90 minutes."

Adjustments have been made to the frequency and route on Service 265 between Warminster and Salisbury. From Monday to Saturday during the daytime this service will be reduced from hourly to approximately two hourly. As there is a very limited passenger usage through the West Wilts Trading Estate and The Ham, these areas will no longer be served. Service 265 will operate a direct route via Hawkeridge Road.

In Trowbridge , journeys towards Bath will be more direct and will not serve the Town Hall bus stop. Passengers will need to use the nearby Fore Street bus stop. A new Sunday and Public Holiday timetable hourly timetable will be also introduced for passengers travelling between Bath and Trowbridge only.

Service 267 from Frome to Bath will add a 5.39pm journey on Monday to Friday and a 5.32pm Saturday journey. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, there are a number of changes to the timetable, which will result in a regular two hourly buses. An additional journey in each direction is also being introduced to Service 267 on Sunday and Bank Holidays.

For Service 271 and 272, the Sunday and Bank Holiday timetable is being revised to operate between Bath and Melksham (Bowerhill) only. There will be no service to or from Devizes or Urchfont on Sundays and Bank Holidays. This stretch of the service was previously supported by Wiltshire Council and will now be operated by another company, Salisbury Reds.

With the academic year ending soon, First West of England will revise their university bus timetables for the U1, U2 and U5 in line with student demand. On Service U1, the Monday to Friday term time evening frequency will be reduced to every 12 minutes and all journeys will operate the full route. The Saturday term time evening frequency will be reduced to every 15 minutes and on Sunday evenings, the frequency will drop to every 40 minutes after approximately 8pm.

The U2 timetable will be reduced to every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at off-peak times. The frequency of buses will be reduced from every 10 minutes to every 15 minutes.

From Monday, June 26 until the start of the academic year in September, the Monday to Friday frequency on the U5 will be reduced from every 30 minutes to every 60 minutes. On Saturdays and Sundays during the summer holidays, Service U5 will continue to operate every 60 minutes, however, there will no longer be a Sunday evening timetable, with last departure around 6.30pm.

Passengers are advised to check the new timetables before travelling. These can be accessed by visiting www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west .
The first Cuba-born cruise ship to call Port Tampa Bay home set sail Sunday night.

Royal Caribbean's ship, Empress of the Seas, embarked around 9 p.m. on Sunday night from Tampa's channelside district. Throughout the 7-night cruise, the ship is scheduled to make stops in Cozumel, Belize, and finally Havana, Cuba.

Empress of the Seas set sail at 9 p.m. Sunday

First Cuba cruise to call Port Tampa Bay home

More than 40,000 people are expected to travel to Cuba via cruises



The new endeavor, not only a plus for the travelers who secured tickets, but the surrounding businesses and hotels.

"Because it's including on the cruise itinerary a stop in Cuba, we will get people flying in from all over the country and even internationally to take a cruise and visit Tampa," said Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson.

Two of the people making the trip, Mauro Gusman and Sebastian Defreitas, flew in from Salt Lake City to explore the city before boarding the ship.

"I've always wanted to go to Cuba but obviously the restrictions are there, and then I saw that Royal Caribbean was going to go, and as soon as I saw it, we booked it," Gusman said.

The two say they're intrigued by Cuban culture, and how things such as the cars they drive and the type of music they listen to, hasn't changed much over time.

"We want to see if some of the things we've heard are actually true. We want to experience some of the amazing things we maybe haven't heard before, and experience the stereotypes about their lives... somethings that are great and that are not so great," Defreitas explained.

Over the next two years, officials say there are about 40,000 travelers are expected to make the trip to Cuba on a total of 22 cruises from the port.

The next trip is scheduled for the end of May.

This is the ship's second time taking passengers to Cuba. The inaugural trip was held last week in Miami, but now the Empress of the Seas will be calling Port Tampa Bay home.

Carnival's Paradise ship will also start offering trips to Cuba beginning in June.
Firefighters are battling a fire at a St. Petersburg condominium complex

The fire broke out Saturday at the Peppertree Village Condominiums located at 116 Avenue North, near Martin Luther King Jr Street.

Several crews were called to the scene, including the St. Petersburg Police Department.

No other information has been released.
Rear Adm. Sylvia Trent-Adams, PhD, RN, was installed as acting surgeon general Friday after the Trump administration asked Vivek Murthy, MD, to resign, according to The New York Times.

Dr. Trent-Adams is one of the first nurses to be appointed surgeon general and is the first non-physician to be appointed. During the Bush administration, the surgeon general  Richard Carmona  was both a physician and a nurse, according to the report.

Dr. Murthy was asked to resign after assisting with the transition between the Obama and Trump administrations, an HHS spokeswoman told The New York Times in an emailed statement. However, Alice Chen, MD, Dr. Murthy's wife, told the newspaper he was asked to resign, refused and was fired. On Facebook, Dr. Murthy said, "Many have asked why I chose not to resign as Surgeon General when I was asked to do so. My reason was simple: because I would never willfully abandon my commitment to my Commissioned Corps officers, to the American people, and to all who have stood with me to build a healthier and more compassionate America."

Dr. Trent-Adams "is the right person to step into this role," he added. Dr. Trent-Adams was serving as Dr. Murthy's deputy prior to her appointment as acting surgeon general. "She has dedicated the past 30 years to our nation serving in the Army and in the U.S. Public Health Service. Her deep wealth of experience is matched only by the immense size of her heart," Dr. Murthy wrote on Facebook.

Prior to her role as deputy surgeon general, Dr. Trent-Adams served as CNO of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, according to her profile on the HHS website. Before that, she was deputy associate administrator for the HIV/AIDS bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration. She served as a nurse officer in the U.S. Army and a research nurse at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, where she earned her PhD.

Read the full story in The New York Times here.

More articles on leadership and management:

Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson among Time's 100 Most Influential People

Huntsman Cancer Institute CEO fired via email with no explanation: 8 things to know

Raising the nation's 'guts quotient'  5 thoughts on the future of healthcare from Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Toby Cosgrove
Crittenton Hospital Medical Center in Rochester, Mich., agreed Monday to pay $791,047 to settle false claims allegations, according to The Detroit News.

The settlement resolves claims that the hospital and its cancer center violated the False Claims Act by billing payers for unnecessary laboratory tests performed on patients of Frank Fata, MD.

In September 2014, Dr. Fata admitted he prescribed and administered unnecessary chemotherapy, cancer treatments, intravenous iron and other infusion therapies to patients to increase his billings to Medicare and private payers. Through the scheme, Dr. Fata submitted approximately $225 million in claims to Medicare from August 2007 to July 2013. In July 2015, Dr. Fata was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

According to the Department of Justice, Dr. Fata and other physicians in his office referred patients to Crittenton for lab tests between 2011 and 2013. A former administrator of Dr. Fata's office notified the DOJ of the fraudulent billing. Subsequently, the hospital and its parent, St. Louis-based Ascension Health, voluntarily disclosed to the DOJ that lab tests were not medically necessary.

"We remain committed to cooperating with the Department of Justice on these matters that occurred prior to Crittenton becoming part of our health system," Ascension Michigan spokesman Brian Taylor told The Detroit News. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the patients and their families."

More articles on legal and regulatory issues:

Ex-hospital CEO and SVP get prison time for failing to pay taxes

8 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements

Walgreens pays $9.8M to resolve false claims allegations
To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below
Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, has been put under an extended house arrest for 90 more days by the Pakistan Government on Sunday. Saeed along with his four aides were ordered to follow the order after the previous detention period was due to expire on Sunday night. The five were put under custody in Lahore, on January 30, for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security.
Northern Ireland's three MEPs personify the complexities of the Brexit debate in a region that is arguably set to be impacted most by the UK's European exit.

Democratic Unionist Diane Dodds is a committed Brexiteer, Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson a vocal Remainer who famously told Theresa May to "stick her border where the sun don't shine", while Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson voted Remain but now insists the democratic will of the UK electorate must prevail.

As the Irish element of the Brexit process gained greater prominence at the EU summit in Brussels at the weekend, the opinions they represent will all have to be factored in in the protracted negotiations that lie ahead.

Solving the conundrum of maintaining a free-flowing border on an EU frontier has been ranked as one of the Union's three key priorities in the first phase of separation talks with the UK.

The special European Council meeting in Brussels also accepted a declaration, tabled by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, that in the event of Irish reunification Northern Ireland could automatically adopt the EU membership held by the Irish Republic.

Some have interpreted that as a necessarily technical statement for an event that might never happen, but others, including Mrs Dodds and Mr Nicholson, are critical.

"Maybe Enda Kenny wants to see a legacy, but quite frankly he should concentrate on his own affairs," said Mrs Dodds, wife of DUP deputy leader and MP Nigel.

She dismisses suggestions that Brexit has pushed the unification debate into the political mainstream as "Sinn Fein propaganda".

"The vast and overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland, from all persuasions, actually believe that the union that matters is the union with the United Kingdom," she said.

"It is only Sinn Fein who wants to unsettle and disrupt."

Mr Nicholson accused EU leaders of trying make life difficult for the UK.

"Quite clearly I can smell the deft hand of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the government of the Republic of Ireland trying to play politics with Northern Ireland," he said.

"But the truth is at the end of the day the people of Northern Ireland will decide what their future is - not Dublin and certainly not Brussels."

Mrs Anderson said the real significance of Saturday's summit was the three words added to the paragraph on the Irish border and the EU's support of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.

The final negotiating framework added that its support of the accord extended to "all its parts".

"That is crucially important because what does the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts mean - conformity with EU law, citizens' rights, free movement," she said.

The EU's stance reinforces her belief that the only solution is to offer special designated status to Northern Ireland.

"If we don't get special designated status we will have partition reinforced and we will have a hard border and we cannot be a generation that brings the next generation into that kind of conflict with an EU frontier or anything else that they would see as an obstacle to the lifestyle they want," she said.

Mrs Anderson insists the campaign for a united Ireland had been developing regardless of the Brexit vote, but says the process had now been hastened.

"Brexit is going to make matters worse for all of us - no matter what your constitutional preference is," she said.

"What it has done is it has brought people to realise that there cannot be a situation that we have part of Ireland in the EU and part of Ireland out of the EU.

"So people who may have been comfortable with the status quo are no longer comfortable with the prospects of what's coming down the tracks and the natural corollary of that has been the reunification of Ireland and the debate around that definitely has been accelerated."

It is an argument Mrs Dodds rejects.

She welcomed that the EU recognises the need to deal "sensitively and swiftly" with the border issue, but made clear that did not required special status.

Some have suggested the solution to maintain a free border is having customs and immigration checks between the island of Ireland and Great Britain, rather than between north and south.

Mrs Dodds said that is a "red line" that cannot be crossed, making clear unionists would not accept Northern Ireland being treated differently than the rest of the UK.

"I do not believe it is on the table, I do not believe it is even a possibility," she said.

She noted the trade implications of Brexit but stressed the majority of trade in Northern Ireland was with the rest of the UK, not the EU.

That fact, she insisted, torpedoes the argument that Brexit made the case for a united Ireland more compelling.

"All surveys show there is no appetite for a United Ireland," she said.

"People value their place in the only union that matters, the union with the United Kingdom, and value and protect their place in the fifth largest economy in the world.

"Why would we want to join economies in Europe that are essentially stagnating."

Mr Nicholson urged Europe not to "take sides" in the constitutional debate.

"It would be a monumental mistake by Europe if they go down this road," he said.

"Europe has been good, they have never taken any sides in the Northern Ireland position and they have always supported Northern Ireland through the peace programme ... and that should not be forgotten and we should thank Europe for that.

"But if they want to get involved in Northern Ireland's internal affairs that would be a different matter and that would be a very serious mistake for them to make."

He said he still had concerns how Mrs May's promised "frictionless border" could be delivered.

"If she is not going to be part of the Single Market and Customs Union how is she going to achieve that?" he asked.

"That's the challenge I have put to them and I have made it very clear I don't want to see a hard border because I think no one in their right senses in Northern Ireland ever wants to see a hard border ever again in any way, shape, size or form.

"The last one was brought in by the IRA and terrorism."

Mr Nicholson has been a member of the European Parliament for almost three decades.

He thinks the EU still has a future, despite the unrest caused by the UK's exit.

"I have seen the EU come through many crises in my 28 years as member of the European Parliament," he said.

"No one can predict in this modern world that we live in with all its uncertainties and tensions what is going to happen in the future, but no one should underestimate the will of the people of the rest of Europe."

Mrs Anderson's speech in the European Parliament in March, when she made the forthright comments about the Prime Minister and border, certainly made headlines.

"I don't think anybody should be surprised that an Irish republican would tell the British prime minister who is going to reinforce partition what she can do with it," she said.

"It certainly did bring attention to the disaster that is going to come down the track unless we all get together and stop it."
Enniskillen Royal Grammar School has been rocked by the allegations.

Police were called to a top Northern Ireland grammar school after claims a teenage boy took "inappropriate upskirt" pictures of women teachers, the Sunday World has reported.

It happened at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School in Fermanagh last year and police concluded their investigation recently. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said the evidence did not pass the test for a prosecution to be taken.

The paper reported that photographs were discovered on a computer memory stick.

Those teachers concerned were said to be suffering stress and trauma and "deeply concerned and disappointed" at the decision not to prosecute.

The pupil at the centre of the allegations is said to be in his late teens and still at the school. The school told the paper it would "not be appropriate to comment".

However, the PPS said having considered the pictures the decision to prosecute was taken as the evidence did not meet its test for a prosecution.

"The activities reported to PPS by police as having been committed do not constitute an offence in criminal law." a spokesperson said.

"The complainants who were photographed were not observed doing a private act and therefore the evidential test in respect of the offence of voyeurism is not met.

"Offences which might apply if the actions of the suspect had occurred in a public place cannot be persecuted as there is insufficient proof that any of the photographs were taken in a public place."

A PSNI spokesman added: "Police conducted a number of enquiries after a memory stick containing inappropriate images was found in the Enniskillen area in November 2016.

"A file was forwarded to the PPS in relation to the matter at the beginning of April 2017. There are no further details."
Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill attends a vigil in Clonoe in February for IRA men who were killed by the SAS in 1992. She will be the keynote speaker at an event on Sunday night for another IRA commemoration.

Michelle O'Neill has defended her decision to give a keynote speech at an event to remember eight IRA killed as they attacked a police station 30 years ago.

The shootings on May 8, 1987 saw the IRA suffer its greatest loss of life in a single Troubles incident after its East Tyrone Brigade unit was shot by the SAS as they attacked an RUC police station in the Co Armagh village of Loughgall.

An innocent civilian caught up in the crossfire was also killed by the SAS. A Sinn Fein poster for the 'Loughgall Martyrs' event on Sunday evening announced Mrs O'Neill as the main speaker.

There has been anger at the Sinn Fein leader's decision to participate in the event with some describing it as disrespectful to victims.

We are a society coming out of conflict and we need to heal the wounds of the past. Michelle O'Neill

Read more:

Read More

Speaking to the BBC, Mrs O'Neill said everyone had the right to remember their dead.

"The Good Friday Agreement affirmed that," she said.

"I will attend the commemoration and join with the family of the eight Irish patriots who lost their lives and the one civilian and we will remember them in a respectful and dignified manner.

"And that's everyone's right to do that.

"We are a society coming out of conflict and we need to heal the wounds of the past."

The IRA men shot were: Jim Lynagh, Padraig McKearney, Gerard O'Callaghan, Tony Gormley, Eugene Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Seamus Donnelly and Declan Arthurs. Civilian, Anthony Hughes, was also killed in the crossfire with his brother badly wounded.

It remains the greatest loss of life for the IRA in a single incident.

In January, Mrs O'Neill faced criticism for a video statement in which she said she wanted to reach out to unionists before going on to reference both the Loughgall and the Clonoe ambush.
French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron has paid homage to the tens of thousands of French Jews killed in the Holocaust with a sombre, simple message to voters: Never again.

Chants of "Macron, President!" mixed with tears of sorrowful remembrance as he visited the Holocaust Memorial in Paris, walking past panels bearing the names of those deported to death in Nazi camps, while Holocaust survivors and children of its victims looked on.

It was the second time in three days that Mr Macron visited a site tied to France's wartime history, as he seeks to remind voters of the shame of France's Nazi collaboration - and especially of the anti-Semitic past of his rival Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front party.

The two face a presidential run off on May 7.

Ms Le Pen herself, who has worked for years to detoxify her party's image, laid a wreath at a memorial to France's deported Jews in Marseille on Sunday, a national day of remembrance.

Yet the gesture cannot undo decades of anti-Semitism that still poisons her party. Her own father has been convicted of describing the gas chambers as a "detail" of history, and her temporary party leader was removed just last week for similar comments.

After visiting the Holocaust Memorial and a wall honoring French people who protected Jews during the German occupation, Mr Macron said: "We have a duty today to their memory."

The 39-year-old former economy minister lamented a "moral weakening that could tempt some people to say all things are relative, that could tempt others to negate the Holocaust - a position some people find refuge in because what happened is unforgettable and unforgivable, and should never happen again".

Michel Pfeffer, 74, is not a fan of Mr Macron but is determined to vote for him next Sunday for one reason: the names of Mr Pfeffer's father and his grandfather are etched on the wall of the Holocaust Memorial, two of the 76,000 French Jews deported to die.

"It's inadmissible. It's unthinkable" that Ms Le Pen could lead France, Mr Pfeffer said.

His wife Mireille said: "I have always voted conservative, and it will be difficult to betray my political convictions, but I have no other choice."

While they said anti-Semitism has always percolated under the surface in France, they feel a growing acceptance of public racism in recent years.

Responding to criticism from Ms Le Pen that Mr Macron is using memories of the Holocaust for political gain, Mr Macron grew heated.

"Does she want us to no longer commemorate?" he asked, pledging to "proudly resolutely defend what we are, our history, the memory of those who perished."

"Madame Le Pen and her people can complain, but I will not back down," he added.

France's wartime collaboration with the Nazis still casts a shadow of shame seven decades later. There was no national atonement, and families across France have troubling stories of collaboration that have been hidden from their children and grandchildren.

It wasn't until 1995 that then-President Jacques Chirac acknowledged the French state's role in the Holocaust for the first time.

Despite Mr Chirac's gesture, many French prefer to see the Vichy regime that governed wartime France as a historical anomaly. Ms Le Pen voiced that position recently, denying that the French state was responsible for Nazi-era roundups of Jews.

France's election is drawing attention across the European Union just as the bloc is negotiating Britain's departure. Ms Le Pen's anti-EU stance could unravel post-war unity, while Mr Macron wants greater European cooperation and trade.

Ms Le Pen wants a referendum on France's membership in the EU, to restore French borders and return to the franc currency instead of the euro.

"I think the euro is dead," Ms Le Pen was quoted as saying in Sunday's Le Parisien.

Ms Le Pen, who has courted the blue-collar vote, visited the Alteo aluminum plant in the town of Gardanne, but the event appeared to fall flat. She did not meet with workers and quickly left after accusing the factory, which has been blamed for polluting the Mediterranean Sea, of being an example of "savage globalisation".

AP
Syrian soldiers and allied fighters repulsed an IS attack on a government-held area in southern Aleppo

An attack by Islamic State on an area held by the Syrian government in southern Aleppo province has been repulsed by troops and allied fighters, the military reports.

It said IS attacked Um Mayyal village near a mountain range in Khanaser, and other areas, and the IS-affiliated Aamaq news agency claimed the group killed 30 government soldiers in the assault on the village.

IS fighters assaulted military posts in the area, triggering intense clashes and leaving many casualties, said British-based opposition group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Khanaser, south-east Aleppo, is a strategic region linking Aleppo with central and western Syria.

The area has changed hands many times but government troops and allied fighters wrested control of Khanaser from IS last year.

Also on Saturday, dozens were killed when hundreds of Syrians from the rebel-held suburbs of eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, protested against infighting between the insurgent groups that began on Friday.

The Observatory said shots were fired at the protesters in one area, leaving five injured.

At least 38 insurgents from the warring sides were killed in 24 hours of fighting, said the Observatory, although Damascus-based Shaam News Network put the number at 60, in addition to six civilians killed.

Activists reported a heavy air campaign against the area's Qaboun neighbourhood on Saturday.

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, criticising 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 government has been unable to regain control of the eastern suburbs of Damascus for three years but an intensified offensive points to a new determination to retake the area.

AP
ein Google-Unternehmen

Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben

Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen

Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern.

neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern

Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen

personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen

personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen

Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke.

Nicht personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung werden u. a. von Inhalten, die Sie sich gerade ansehen, und Ihrem Standort beeinflusst (welche Werbung Sie sehen, basiert auf Ihrem ungefahren Standort). Personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung konnen auch Videoempfehlungen, eine individuelle YouTube-Startseite und individuelle Werbung enthalten, die auf fruheren Aktivitaten wie auf YouTube angesehenen Videos und Suchanfragen auf YouTube beruhen. Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten.

Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen.
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
Construction of the first KIA Motors manufacturing facility in India, an investment of approximately $1.1 billion, will commence in the final quarter of 2017. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India.

The manufacturing facility is expected to begin production in the second half of 2019 and produce up to approximately 300,000 units each year.

The new plant will occupy around 23 million square feet (2.16 km2/536 acres) and incorporate facilities for stamping, welding, painting and assembly. The site will also be home to numerous supplier companies facilities.

Manufacturing in the fastest-growing major new car market

KIA plans to commence local sales of cars produced at the new facility towards the end of 2019, once mass production begins in Anantapur. Furthermore, the regions fast-developing supply chain network and skilled labour force were other key reasons for the new investment by KIA Motors.

India is the fastest growing major new car market and the fifth largest in the world, with more than 3.3 million new cars sold in 2016. Forecasts suggest the country will become the third-largest car market by the end of 2020.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

By voting in favour of pursuing the annexation of 170 acres of RM of Cornwallis land, the City of Brandons elected officials started another wave of Costco-related questions and pleas from the public.

The community at large has always expressed interest in a Costco coming to town, Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Terry Burgess said. In fact, its more coming from community members than it is Costco.

The City of Brandon currently has a proposal before the Manitoba Municipal Board to annex 170 acres of land, which is located southwest of the Patricia Avenue and Highway 10 intersection in Brandons south end.

VBJ Developments has cited its long-term vision for the property as a regional commercial hub, including grocery stores, restaurants and a mix of retail alongside high- and low-density housing and greenspace.

This is all the information many members of the public needed in order to ask the Costco question, with Coun. Ron Brown (Richmond) saying that hes currently being asked about Costco almost every day.

Its all rumour, he added. Id like to say something more positive but I cant.

Rumour mill aside, Brown said that hed be happy to see a Costco come to Brandon and that if such a proposal came forward he would support it.

Located right off the citys main corridor of 18th Street, he said that the land proposed for annexation would be a prime spot for such a large-scale commercial enterprise to set up shop.

While he said that he joins other city councillors in expressing concern that Costco might negatively impact the bottom line of existing businesses, he believes the positives would outweigh the negatives.

He said that he already knows of quite a few Brandon residents who drive to Winnipeg to shop at its Costco a funnelling of Brandon money that wouldnt happen if the Wheat City had the retailer.

It might also help draw more shoppers from throughout Westman to Brandon, where they might also spend their money elsewhere.

Burgess expressed a similar sentiment, clarifying that the chamber is always on board in terms of seeing new development and new businesses come to our community. If it happens to be Costco, thats great, if it happens to be another business to contribute to our community wed be excited by that, too.

As for negative blowback, he said that while any business is going to be concerned when a competitor comes in, hes confident Costco would help the local economy into the longer term.

New business can bring more business, he said, affirming that Brandon is open for business.

Costco has declined comment on any potential expansion into Brandon and in a prepared statement wrote that It is corporate policy to not comment on any market rumours involving any sort of real estate issues.

Costco Wholesale Corp. currently operates 729 warehouses, including 95 in Canada, which represents a five-outlet increase from this time last year in Canada and a 24-outlet increase in the past decade.

 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.

Erickson is losing its Royal Bank of Canada branch 70 years to the month after the financial institution first opened in the community.

RBC is describing the move as a consolidation  transferring services at the Erickson branch to the Minnedosa location, effective Sept. 7.

Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson Mayor Elgin Hall said RBC officials have kept council in the loop of the impending closure since March, but were not receptive to the idea of reconsidering.

Were certainly saddened by it, Hall said. What will happen is theres one more vacant storefront on Main Street until something else can be brought in, but more importantly, if people choose to go to Minnedosa to do their banking, while theyre there they might be liable to have their car serviced or buy their groceries or go out for lunch  bypassing the services that we already have here.

The three employees at the Erickson RBC will not lose their jobs. Hall understands they will work in Minnedosa.

The loss of Ericksons RBC is another recent blow to small-town banking in southwestern Manitoba, after Elkhorn learned CIBC would close their branch this August, the lone banking institution in the community.

Erickson, however, is already served by a credit union bearing the communitys name. Erickson Credit Union is part of the dwindling number of independent credit unions in Manitoba that have not merged.

In an emailed statement, RBC said the decision to consolidate isnt a reflection on this community but a reflection of the changing ways our clients are choosing to do business with us as an industry.

Although the prepared message did not divulge how clients banking preferences are evolving, the company told Clanwilliam-Erickson council that peoples increased reliance on online banking is part of it, Hall said.

RBC maintained in its emailed response to The Brandon Sun that it is not leaving this community.

In addition to online banking, clients can use the banks mobile app for a variety of functions, including cheque depositing.

Financial planners, investment and retirement planners, mortgage specialists, commercial bankers and small business advisers available to travel will also service the community, RBC said.

The company will also place an ATM in Erickson and continue to support local projects through volunteerism and fundraising.

Erickson Chamber of Commerce president Ken Greavett said losing the branch stings.

Its pretty devastating to the community. No small town wants to lose any business, yet alone a bank.

Foot traffic dropped at the branch over time, he heard.

For years, all the banks, really a lot of businesses, have been encouraging people to go online and if this is the result of it, thats not very nice for whats going to happen in the future.

Erickson will have four vacant lots on its main drag once RBC vacates its premises, Hall explained.

An information meeting on the banking change was held Wednesday in Erickson.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 29/04/2017 (2020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A close-knit, keen staff of about 40 people should get credit for a recent distinction Brandons Precision Toyota has received, general manager Scott Ball said this week.

The local car dealership and service shop was one of 35 dealerships to receive a Toyota Canada Presidents Award for the past business year, which go toward dealerships that demonstrate operational excellence in sales, parts and service, and above all, customer satisfaction.

There are 285 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships across Canada, and Brandons Precision Toyota was the only dealership in Manitoba to receive the award  a first for the local company.

Ian Froese/The Brandon Sun Brandon Precision Toyota staff members gather for Mondays presentation of the 2016 Toyota Canada Presidents Award, of which they were one of 35 dealerships across Canada, and the only in Manitoba, to receive.

Its a pretty good honour, Ball said. Theres a lot of hard work by all the staff here. It takes a whole dealership to win it.

While sales are integral to getting people in the door, he credited their service department with ensuring customers coming back.

Parts and service manager Brian Webber has been with Precision Toyota for 33 years, having entered the shop as a technician right out of Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School.

During these three decades, he has moved his way up the ladder and has received certified Toyota training along the way as needed.

The upward mobility has been a plus, but he cites the people he works with as providing his key motivation for remaining with the company.

Theyre just great people to work for; a great product and its fun coming into work every day, he said, describing the group as one big happy family.

Ball said that they have a number of longtime staff members, with many of their new hires coming as a result of their ever-growing operations and not because of someone leaving.

Balls father, Ron, started Precision Toyota in 1979, at which point its origins were a much smaller operation than it was today.

Ball picked up the torch as a manager about 13 years ago and has worked his way up the ranks to general manager since that time.

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB
Theresa May has revealed plans to stop "irresponsible bosses" bringing about a repeat of the BHS scandal which saw retail tycoon Philip Green branded the "unacceptable face of capitalism".

The party's general election manifesto will contain a commitment to give the Pensions Regulator new powers to scrutinise takeovers or "unsustainable" dividend payments that threaten the solvency of a company pension scheme.

"In extreme cases" the regulator could be given new powers to block takeovers.

Sir Philip faced widespread calls to be stripped of his knighthood over his alleged role in the collapse of BHS, which he owned for 15 years before selling it to serial bankrupt Dominic Chappell for 1 in 2015

The Topshop owner came under fire for taking more than 400 million in dividends from the chain, leaving it with a 571 million pension deficit and for selling it to a man with no retail experience.

The billionaire has now agreed to pay 363 million to settle the BHS pension scheme.

The scandal appears to have prompted the Prime Minister to beef up the regulator in a move which will be seen as a step towards her goal of creating a "country that works for everyone".

Mrs May said: "Today I am setting out our plans, if elected, to ensure the pensions of ordinary working people are protected against the actions of unscrupulous company bosses.

"Safeguarding pensions to ensure dignity in retirement is about security for families, and it's another example of the choice in this election.

"Strong and stable leadership delivering for Britain, or a coalition of chaos led by Jeremy Corbyn, which can't get the right deal for Brexit, and risks our growing economy with higher taxes, fewer jobs, more waste and more debt."

The regulator would also be able to impose large fines on bosses who "wilfully left a scheme under-resourced", and company directors could be struck off in more serious cases.

The Tories will also consider a new law to make it illegal to intentionally or recklessly put a pension scheme at risk .

It comes as Mrs May prepares for her first major broadcast interviews of the campaign on Sunday.

She is likely to come under pressure to explain how her commitment to Brexit and "making a success of it" is affected by the European Union's rejection of the Government's pleas for parallel exit and trade negotiations.

On Saturday, the other 27 EU leaders agreed their final negotiating guidelines, including an insistence on a "phased" approach.

The key "phase one" issues to be resolved before trade talks can start are the rights of EU citizens in the UK and British expats in Europe, the disputed "divorce bill" - estimated at a potential 50 billion - and the thorny question of how to maintain a free-flowing Irish border.

Ahead of the TV clashes, Mrs May used an interview with the Mail on Sunday to criticise "weak, unstable, nonsensical and floundering" Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn".

"Labour has launched seven Brexit plans," she said.

"They say conflicting things in the same sentence, let alone an hour or a day or a week afterwards. Jeremy Corbyn can't even persuade 172 of his MPs to have confidence in him."

Mr Corbyn on Saturday attacked Mrs May for running a campaign with a "presidential bunker mentality" that is reliant on "simple slogans", such as her campaign mantra to provide "strong and stable leadership".

But the PM brushed off the criticism with a rare joke, telling the newspaper: "It's important, when walking up mountains, always to feel strong and stable," a reference to her deciding to call a snap election while on an Easter walking holiday with husband Philip.

Meanwhile, Labour has announced a 20-point plan to end the "rigged economy" in the workplace, including new employment rights and an end to the public sector pay cap.

The plans include giving workers full employment rights on day one, civil enforcement of gender pay auditing, strengthening protections for women against unfair redundancy, and protections against third party harassment.

Mr Corbyn is not expected to appear on the Sunday political programmes, instead travelling to Telford to address the National Association of Head Teachers conference.

It will be left to shadow chancellor John McDonnell to explain Labour's plans to strengthen workers' rights.

Mr McDonnell said: "These policies will be the cornerstone of the next Labour government's programme to bring an end to the rigged economy that many experience in workplaces across Britain.

"The scandal of six million people earning less than the living wage, and four million children growing up in poverty are not inevitable. It only takes a change of government to bring these outrages to an end."
Large crowds are expected on the streets of Dublin and Galway today to show their support for the European Union.

The second round of the French Presidential elections are just a week away, with Marine Le Pen saying she will take her country out of the EU if she wins.
Update 1:09am: At least 10 people have been killed in severe storms rolling across the US.

Tornadoes hit several small towns in East Texas, killing four people. Three people were killed by flooding and winds in Arkansas, with officials saying two more people are missing. Rushing water swept away a car, drowning a woman in Missouri; and a death was reported in Sunday morning storms that raked Mississippi.

An Arkansas volunteer fire department chief was killed while working during storms in north-central Arkansas, state police said.

Cove Creek/Pearson Fire Chief Doug Decker died shortly before 4am on Sunday after being struck by a vehicle while checking water levels on Highway 25 near Quitman, about 40 miles north of Little Rock, Trooper Liz Chapman said. It was not known if he will be included as a storm-related death, she said.

Rescuers in north-west Arkansas continued on Sunday to look for an 18-month-old girl and a four-year-old boy who were in a vehicle swept off a bridge by floodwaters in Hindsville, the Madison County Sheriff's Office said.

In northwest Arkansas, a 10-year-old girl drowned in Springdale and the body of a woman who disappeared riding an inner tube on Saturday was found in a creek in Eureka Springs. Also, a 65-year-old woman in DeWitt in the eastern part of the state was struck and killed in her home by a falling tree, officials said.

In Texas, search teams were going door to door on Sunday after the tornadoes the day before flattened homes, uprooted trees and flipped several pick-up trucks at a Dodge dealership in Canton.

"It is heartbreaking and upsetting to say the least," Canton mayor Lou Ann Everett told reporters at a news conference on Sunday morning.

The storms cut a path of destruction 35 miles long and 15 miles wide in Van Zandt County, Everett said. The largely rural area is about 50 miles east of Dallas.

The National Weather Service found evidence of four tornadoes with one twister possibly on the ground for 50 miles.

The first reports of tornadoes came about 4.45pm on Saturday, but emergency crews were hampered by continuing severe weather, said Judge Don Kirkpatrick, the chief executive for Van Zandt County.

"We'd be out there working and get a report of another tornado on the ground," he said.

The storms rolled through Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama on Sunday with strong winds causing isolated pockets of damage. In Durant in central Mississippi on person died in the storms.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency did not give details.

Alexa Haik went to bed on Saturday night expecting just rain, but heard the sirens on Sunday morning and turned on the television to see the tornado warning. She rounded up her pets and hid in a hallway with her family, then was stunned to emerge to trees down all in her neighbourhood in Clinton, Mississippi, about 20 miles west of Jackson.

A trip up the road showed how isolated the worst of the storms were. "I really thought when we got out of our neighbourhood, there would be damage everywhere. But our little subdivision was the only one hit," Ms Haik said.

Near Clever in south-western Missouri, a man tried to save his 72-year-old wife from floodwaters that swept away their vehicle on Saturday, but her body was found when the water receded, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.

A second death from weekend flooding was announced on Sunday by Missouri Governor Eric Greitens but he did not release any details about the victim or the circumstances of the death.

Earlier:Severe storms that have swept across parts of the US are being blamed for at least six deaths.

In Texas, at least four people were killed in a series of tornadoes that left a trail of overturned vehicles, mangled trees and damaged homes. Rains killed at least one person in Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a 72-year-old woman drowned despite her husband's efforts to save her as their vehicle was swept away by rushing waters on Saturday near Clever in south-west Missouri.

In Arkansas, one women died after a tree fell on her home. Numerous roads were closed after more than three inches of rain fell in some areas.

Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said multiple tornadoes that began on Saturday afternoon left "heartbreaking and upsetting" destruction over an area 35 miles long and 15 miles wide.

A Van Zandt County official said search teams were going door to door are dealing with gas leaks and downed power lines and trees.

ETMC Regional Health Care Systems spokeswoman Rebecca Berkley said 56 people have been treated at three area hospitals. Six remained in hospital on Sunday, two of those in a critical condition.

AP
Local school districts are mobilizing resources to get the word out to parents about a new rule that requires school students to be fully vaccinated within five days of the beginning of the school year.

South Middleton and Cumberland Valley school districts are among the districts preparing publicity campaigns about the Pennsylvania Department of Health rule that takes effect in August.

The Tribune-Review in Pittsburgh reported last week that students who dont have their vaccinations in time must have a doctor provide a written medical plan to outline when the vaccinations will occur.

Loren Robinson, state deputy secretary of health promotion and disease, told the newspaper the rule mostly affects kindergarten students because thats when most children get the vaccines. Parents previously were given up to eight months to get their children vaccinated after starting school.

The new rule is meant to ensure more accurate reporting to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to prevent outbreaks of measles and other infectious diseases, according to the Tribune-Review.

This would be a real positive, said Al Moyer, superintendent of South Middleton School District. It will keep more kids healthy. The challenge is to make sure we communicate to parents what they need to do.

Moyer has met with the district nursing staff to develop a strategy to get the word out that includes the use of the district website, newsletter and social media. Letters will be mailed and phone calls made to families as the need arises, Moyer said.

For those families without a pediatrician or the money to afford vaccinations, there are health clinics and centers that provide the service at free or reduced rates, Moyer said. He urged parents to get on this as early as possible.

Cumberland Valley School District is developing a plan that would include communicating to parents through the website and email blasts and, if necessary, targeting phone calls and letters home to students who could be affected by the rule change, according to Tracy Panzer, communications specialist.

We have made sure the central registration office is aware of the new regulations as they enroll any incoming kindergartners and new students, Panzer said.
A new report shows that Canberra families continue to pay considerably more than anyone else in the country for childcare provided by the nation's least qualified staff.

The latest Productivity Commission figures reveal Canberrans forked out an average of $525 each week for 50 hours of centre-based day care in 2016 compared to $425 nationally.

If the value of unpaid child care to Australia's economy was measured in dollar terms, it would be the nation's biggest  estimated at $345 billion, according to a recent PwC report. Credit:Peter Braig

The cost worn by ACT families was well above that of second-placing New South Wales, where parents paid an average of $450 every week. Victoria was close behind NSW on $448 per week.

The Report on Government Services 2017 showed that family day care cost Canberra parents an average of $459 every week compared to the national average of $383. Northern Territory parents paid the most at an average of $481 per week.
The Turnbull government will slash university funding by hundreds of millions of dollars in the May budget while hiking student fees and requiring graduates to pay back their loans faster.

The government will justify the cuts by pointing to a major new report which found universities receive adequate funding for most courses they teach and that their revenues are growing faster than costs.

Despite pleas from universities that they cannot absorb any more cuts, Fairfax Media understands they will be hit with a new efficiency dividend of between 2 and 3 per cent to be phased in over several years.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham, who will address university and business leaders on Monday night, is expected to release the government's higher education reform package in coming days.
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.
Treasurer Scott Morrison has ordered a major review of the way GST revenue is carved up among the states after coming under intense pressure from his West Australian Coalition colleagues.

Mr Morrison has asked the Productivity Commission to conduct an inquiry into the impact on the national economy of what is known as horizontal fiscal equalisation, the model that underpins GST distribution.

The inquiry will examine the impact of the current system  which has been in place since the early days of Federation and applied to the GST in 2000  on productivity, efficiency and economic growth.

The GST carve-up is a particularly hot-button issue in Western Australia, where the state government believes it is being dudded. WA will get only a return of 34 cents for every dollar in GST revenue it raises next financial year, despite having the worst-performing economy in the country.
Students who express conservative views no longer feel "safe" on our nations' campuses. They frequently self-censor their opinions and have trouble finding forums in which they can freely express their ideas; you know, the kind of forums where they can really be themselves away from those pesky socialists, multiculturalists and er um women.

That, at any rate, is the lesson to be drawn from the revelation that University of Melbourne Liberal Club president Xavier Boffa wrote to a woman, saying he wanted to invite her to an event but hadn't because "a couple of the guys were a bit uncomfortable about inviting a chick".

This is rich coming from a political movement  and their cheerleaders in the media  who not only mock women for wanting "safe spaces" on campus, but expend petabytes of data complaining that the use of trigger warnings is "political correctness gone mad".
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.
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.
If local Trump rally-goers were to have given their candidate a letter grade for his first 100 days in office, it would probably be  forgive the cliche  an A for effort.

Out of several dozen attendees The Sentinel spoke with prior to Saturdays event, the overwhelming impression amongst the average Trump voter is that the president means well, even if his results thus far have been a bit lackluster.

I think hes doing good for what he didnt know he was getting into, said Dave Panasiti of Tyrone, referencing Trumps recent interview in Reuters where he stated that he thought it would be easier to be president of the United States.

But I like that hes confronted some big issues, even if they havent gone anywhere, Panasiti continued.

One of the toughest issues for voters to grapple with seemed to be health care. While nearly all expressed frustration that the pledged repeal and replacement of Obamacare had not materialized, many also recognized that the GOPs proposed solutions would, by all objective measures, make insurance more expensive for Trumps own base. Many rally attendees were themselves displaced workers and seniors protected under Obamacares pre-existing conditions and age-rating clauses.

Congress had eight years to get it thought out and the Republicans couldnt do it, said David Bran, who traveled up from Fallston, Maryland.

I think they assumed Hillary was going to win and didnt prepare, interjected his wife, Sandy.

Like many attendees, the Brans still believed Trump could come up with a workable solution, even if it was not as perfect as he may be promising.

During Saturdays speech, Trump again pledged something great on health care, boasting that were going to take care of every need youre going to need taken care of. But his own voters were more realistic.

Youre not going to replace it with something that great, because if you dont get people to sign up, premiums wont come down, David said.

Lisa Winand and her brother Travis, of Hanover, said they are stuck between Obamacare and a Republican replacement that doesnt seem much better. Having to change jobs frequently in the current economy has limited their ability to consistently make their premiums.

Its really affected me. Ive been penalized by the IRS the last two or three years because I didnt have insurance the whole year ... but Obamacare is still too expensive, Lisa said. Im glad (the GOP) is going back and changing a few things because I dont think they had it figured out either when they first tried (to repeal).

Other issues

Several attendees also said they were hopeful that Trumps tax plan would turn out well for them, and were interested in the proposed doubling of the standard deduction for individuals and couples.

I hope we get something to help us out, said Bo Koishal of Loysville.

When asked about criticisms of the Trump plan  such as the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax and the lowering of effective rates on pass-through entities, which would directly benefit Trump himself  Koishal said he trusted the administrations acumen.

Theyre successful businessmen, Koishal said. Like anyone else, (Trump) has had failed businesses, and I hope hes using the system to do it right and keep businesses going.

Immigration also figured heavily into rally-goers views. Most still supported the construction of a border wall, even knowing that the vast majority of illegal immigration occurs via visa overstays and is driven by economics rather than physical security.

The most recent estimates available from the Center for Migration Studies show the undocumented population dropping below 11 million through 2014. Visa overstays outnumbered illegal border crossings by a half-million, and roughly 600,000 Mexicans crossed back south of the border as the economy there improved.

Support for the wall also dovetailed heavily with the belief that illegal immigrants consume the bulk of U.S. welfare and income assistance programs, even though no evidence for such a claim exists.

It costs more to keep the illegals here, the money to give them welfare, asserted Matthew Smith, visiting from Asbury Park, New Jersey. The wall is going to cost $10 to $30 billion, which is really pretty small compared to these other programs.

Trump wants to take care of us first, not people who dont want to work, said Jennifer Borowiec of Oreland.

A study by the libertarian Cato Institute found immigrants far less likely than native-born citizens to use public benefits, including Medicaid, food stamps, and others. At the same poverty level, the average non-native uses 42 percent less public assistance than a native counterpart with the same income, Cato found.

Some conservative groups, such as the Heritage Foundation, have argued that nonresident immigrants should not be eligible for the Child Tax Credit, but this costs the U.S. government $5.7 billion per year, still a smaller figure than Trumps anti-immigration initiatives.

Military power

Borowiecs husband, Richard, also echoed another common refrain from supporters in Harrisburg  the idea that Obama had been soft on foreign policy, and that Trump represented a needed departure with recent strikes on ISIS in Afghanistan and on the Assad regime in Syria.

Those people dont worry about it when they bomb us first, Richard said. Neither ISIS nor the Assad government has bombed the United States.

Many supporters were wholly unaware of the Obama administrations military campaigns, believing that use of force was unique to Trump. In 2016 alone, the Obama administration dropped 26,171 bombs, mostly by drone in the Middle East, according to a report from the Council on Foreign Relations.

Its either going to be brought to us, or were going to bring it, Jennifer said. Whens the last time we bombed anybody?

However, interventionism represented the harshest divide for rally-goers. While older attendees tended to favor a display of American military power, there was a considerable contingent of younger men from the online alt-right community who were staunch isolationists.

(Trump) could do more to stay nationalist and not globalist, said Chris Johnson, another New Jersey visitor. Were his supporters, but not lemmings. He needs to stay on message and give us what he said he would give us.

Id like him to stay focused on the wall. Syria should make Syria great again, not us, said Johnsons friend, Mack Schuylkill.
A baby boy has been airlifted to a Brisbane hospital after he fell in an open fire at a popular south-east Queensland camping spot.

Paramedics were called to the MV Beagle camp ground at Inskip Point, near Fraser Island, about midday on Sunday after the accident.

The LifeFlight rescue helicopter took the boy from Gympie to Brisbane.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the boy suffered burns to his left arm and hand and was "distressed" as he and his mother were taken to Gympie Hospital.

They arrived shortly before 2pm before being flown to the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital on Sunday night for further treatment.
A Brisbane man has been barred from suing anyone in any court of Queensland, after suing a "large number of defendants" for millions of dollars in damages.

Russell Gordon Haig Mathews was declared a vexatious litigant by the Supreme Court of Queensland in a ruling that included 10 defendants.

Three separate vexatious proceedings applications were brought to the Supreme Court against Mr Mathews by 10 defendants. Credit:Jim Rice

Three separate applications for vexatious proceedings were brought to the Supreme Court against Mr Mathews and heard together.

Mr Mathews had been trying to sue several parties, including the University of Queensland and the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane.
On Saturday morning, Brian Kenny called police.

The 68-year-old man was calling emergency services over the alleged stabbing of his 69-year-old wife Mauryeen Kenny in their home on a quiet suburban street in north Brisbane.

When police arrived at the brick house about 9.20am on Remick Street, Stafford Heights, they found Mrs Kenny dead inside, allegedly with multiple stab wounds.

Officers arrested Mr Kenny at the scene, and he was later charged with one count of murder.
Police are still on the hunt for an alleged attacker, after two men were stabbed at a home in Logan on Saturday night.

Police said a 22-year-old had an argument with the occupants of a Slacks Creek home and was ejected.

The man returned to the Winani Street home a short time later armed with a knife and a rifle, and two men aged 41 and 43 receiving non-life threatening stab wounds.

Police were called to the scene about 9pm, and a police spokesman said they found the 43-year-old with a stab wound to the shoulder, and the 41-year-old man with two stab wounds around his neck, and one in his side.
The Australian Tax Office continues to honour a secret deal it struck with crime patriarch George Williams that allowed him to keep a second home while owing more than $570,000 in taxes.

Rather than recouping the tax debt by forcing the convicted drug dealer to sell the house, the ATO agreed in 2013 to become the mortgagee on the Essendon property.

The apparent leniency of the ATO towards the Williams clan is expected to infuriate those evicted from their homes by banks after falling behind on mortgage repayments.

During the month of August 2013 - when the ATO finalised the controversial agreement with Mr Williams - more than 150 Victorians faced eviction from their homes by commercial banks after failing to service loans.
Millions of dollars pledged to some of Victoria's most financially stricken taxi licence owners looks set to be clawed back by the tax office.

A recent ruling by the ATO will increase the financial pain for a number of smaller operators in the taxi industry who were assessed by government-commissioned auditors as virtually destitute.

The Andrews government paid out $4 million last year to taxi licence owners who were left in poverty by the recent collapse in the value of the licences.

The strictly controlled Hardship Fund was made available only to those hit so hard by the sharp decline in values that they were at risk of no longer being able to pay for "the necessities of food, shelter, clothing, medical expenses, education for children and other basic requirements".
Bangkok: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has pleaded with the United States to show restraint towards North Korea, saying its leader Kim Jong-un "wants to end the world".

Speaking on behalf of the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mr Duterte warned that one miscalculated missile, nuclear warhead or bomb would cause a "catastrophe" and Asia would be the first victim.

"The guy [Mr 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," Mr Duterte said after a two-day summit of ASEAN leaders in Manila.

Mr Duterte said he would convey the regional bloc's "extreme concerns" to US President Donald Trump, cautioning that as a responsible nation the US should not rise to Mr Kim's provocations.
Brussels: European Union leaders have listed demands that British Prime Minister Theresa May must satisfy before they will discuss the trade deal she wants, and urged her to be more realistic in her expectations.

Any doubts about the scale of the task facing Britain in withdrawing from the EU after four decades were laid to rest at a Brussels summit of the region's leaders on Saturday. A tough negotiating stance was endorsed unanimously, within minutes and to applause. Britain responded by saying it expects a confrontation.

The EU is striving to ensure that Britain is worse off outside the trade bloc than inside, not least to avoid setting a precedent. After agreeing to the terms of separation, it's then a matter of getting down to the business of what a future relationship might look like.

"Nobody has united here against the UK," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said as she left the meeting. "The British people have made a decision, which we will have to respect. But we remaining 27 now get together in order to speak with one voice."
Seoul: South Korea said the United States had reaffirmed it would shoulder the cost of deploying the THAAD anti-missile system, days after President Donald Trump said Seoul should pay for the $1 billion battery designed to defend against North Korea.

In a telephone call on Sunday, Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, reassured his South Korean counterpart, Kim Kwan-jin, that the US alliance with South Korea was its top priority in the Asia-Pacific region, South Korea's presidential office said.

A US military vehicle in South Korea moves past protesters opposed to the THAAD missile defence system. Credit:Yonhap via AP

The conversation followed another North Korean missile test-launch on Saturday which Washington and Seoul said was unsuccessful, but which drew widespread international condemnation.

Trump, asked about his message to North Korea after the latest missile test, told reporters: "You'll soon find out", but did not elaborate on what the US response would be.
Washington: Toward the end of his comic opus on the press, politics and President Donald Trump, Daily Show comedian Hasan Minhaj looked out at the hundreds of journalists gathered in a subterranean hotel ballroom and declared, "This has been one of the strangest events I have ever done in my life."

The lengthy laughter and applause that followed made clear that he was not the only one who thought that way.

No one knew quite what to expect at this year's edition of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, the chummy Washington ritual that became a flash point over press freedom in a year when the White House and its correspondents are anything but friendly.

The president skipped the event on Saturday night. Celebrities stayed away. Comedians turned down the gig.
On Saturday, Paul Fitzwater, R-Potosi, made his rounds through his district which includes Iron, Reynolds, Wayne and Washington County, assessing the damage.

He said he is deeply saddened by the flood damage he has seen so far.

Fitzwater said he talked with the governor earlier Saturday about the forecast predicting another three to five inches later the day. He was not sure how much more they can handle down in the area.

In Annapolis there was $75,000 worth of damage to a rubberized walking trail that was just completed recently that has been completely destroyed by the flood waters, explained Fitzwater. I thought it was $50,000, because I helped them get a grant for $50,000, but they spent another $25,000 on it. Its sad, because that has washed away and I dont believe there was any insurance.

Fitzwater added he is not sure whats going to happen now and its so sad.

Im hoping the rubber is still there and I have a Bobcat. I told the girls we can get a bunch of volunteers and we can get in there, clean it up and relay that rubber, Fitzwater said. It may not be what it was before, but Im willing to help.

He added he talked to the governor and Friday he signed an executive order that may allow some relief funds for the flooding.

Im not sure if that would be eligible, but I assure you that Representative Fitzwater will be asking him if they can get some with that, said Fitzwater. I did go to Ellington this morning and was sandbagging down there with some of the residents.

He said a lot of the businesses were flooded Saturday and the Missouri Highlands, a beautiful facility there, did not get flooded, but it was at the door step.

They were up there getting some of the sandbags we were filling this morning and going down and blocking the doors, said Fitzwater. For those who are traveling Highway 49 to Piedmont, I believe they are closing the road down because part of the roadway has washed away just south of Annapolis. This is between the double bridges just south of Annapolis.

Fitzwater said there is a lot of water over the roadways and there are trees down. He added that on his way down this morning there was a big tree that fell down over in the highway and blocked the road.

I had to wait for someone to go to his house and get a chainsaw to clean the mess up, Fitzwater said Saturday afternoon. Its been a busy day and I just got into Piedmont. I am getting ready to travel through Piedmont to look at the damage and then head over to Greenville. Im just trying to get throughout the district and trying to see whats happening in this area.

Fitzwater said the bridge on Route K just west of Annapolis was supposed to crest at 26 feet and that is right there at the bottom of the bridge.

Thats a lot of water and if we get more tonight its going to be even worse, said Fitzwater. I know there is a command center and I can say they have evacuated or tried to evacuate the new town area of Ellington. There is a creek up above it that was getting ready to break through its barriers.

He added there were some people who left voluntarily, but there were some people who refused to leave their houses.

You cant make them leave, but then again you put those in danger who are going to have to come in and rescue you when the waters do get up to you, said Fitzwater. That can be a real problem and thats exactly what they are doing. Some of them are staying in their homes.

Fitzwater said people had been there all day long, working in Ellington, sandbagging a lot of the businesses. Many of the businesses got water in them in downtown Ellington.

In Iron County, Annapolis was probably the hardest hit, said Fitzwater. There at the railroad crossing, just west of Annapolis, it was completely shut down. People who live on K highway couldnt go either direction, they are trapped in their homes and thank God I didnt hear of any emergencies.

He added if an ambulance had to get through, theyd have to go in by boat.

We just cant take any more water and that is the problem, Fitzwater said Saturday afternoon. I stopped in Des Arc on my way down to Piedmont and seems like the floods have receded in that area, but water got very, very, high last night.

Washed out train tracks are keeping Amtrak from making any stops at the Arcadia Valley stop.

The South Iron Community Center in Annapolis has been activated as an emergency shelter. The Signer Senior Center in Arcadia has been placed on "stand by" as a shelter if needed. Requests for shelter openings should be made to the Iron County Sheriff's Office at 573-546-7051.
Latest News NABs net profit up 8.3% Good results driven by home loan growth, rising interest rates

Refinancing volumes soar in changing market Brokers need to take advantage of $16.9 billion boost

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has plans to conduct further investigations of the commercial loan sector this year, said chairman Wayne Byres In a speech at the Committee for Economic Development of Australias (CEDAs) 2017 NSW Property Market Outlook in Sydney on Friday (28 March), Byres spoke of the regulators workplan and how APRA will keep the need for additional guidance material on commercial lending under consideration.Given the more heterogeneous nature of commercial property lending, it is more difficult to implement the sorts of benchmarks that we have applied to residential lending. But that should not be read to imply we have any less interest in the quality of commercial property lending, he said.He pointed to a thematic review of commercial property lending conducted by APRA in 2016 which looked at portfolio controls and underwriting standards of several domestic and foreign banks in Australia.The review found that major lenders were well aware of the need to monitor commercial property lending closely, and the need to stay attuned to current and prospective market conditions, he told the audience.But the review also found clear evidence of an erosion of standards due to competitive pressures  for example, of lenders justifying a particular underwriting decision not on their own risk appetite and policies, but based on what they understood to be the criteria being applied by a competitor.APRA was keen to genuinely scrutinise the banks commercial lending practices and challenge the notion that growth in this sector was achievable in the current credit environment without the quality of lending suffering.However, this goal was often being hampered by inadequate data, poor monitoring and incomplete portfolio controls with the lenders asked to improve their capabilities in this regard.
What to do in Pennsylvania if you made an error on your mail-in ballot
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station. Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe, said Sen. Santarsiero. Dating back to when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than...
Top takeaways from Election Day in New Jersey

The expected red wave didn't crash in New Jersey, but one closely watched race was too close to call.
Congressman Jason Smith, R-8th District, met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday for the signing of a presidential memorandum to stop foreign countries from flooding the global markets with subsidized aluminum.

Countries subject to the action include China, Russia, Canada and Mexico.

According to Smith, countries like China lack natural advantages to produce aluminum yet there is still a severe oversupply of Chinese-produced aluminum in the world market.

"This oversupply is largely due to their government illegally subsidizing the industry and has made it nearly impossible for American aluminum producers to compete," Smith said. "In addition to illegal Chinese subsidies, U.S. aluminum producers are at a regulatory disadvantage.

The regulatory environment in foreign countries like China are vastly less bureaucratic than the United States, which makes production less complex, less cumbersome and less costly. I am constantly fighting to lift the bureaucratic burden and end environmental regulations that prevent U.S. manufacturers from keeping up with their foreign competitors.

Smith said that, in the year 2000, there were 22 aluminum smelters in the United States, and now there are only two fully operational facilities left. In that same time period, Chinas share of worldwide aluminum smelting market has grown from 11 percent to now nearly 55 percent. Unable to compete in a market overwhelmed with subsidized aluminum and artificially low prices, Noranda Aluminum in southeast Missouri was forced to close last year.

Watching the bootheel lose more than 900 good-paying jobs was flat out heartbreaking, Smith said. Even worse was knowing that an unfair playing field and overproduction in China were major contributing factors, but I am encouraged by President Trumps efforts. Actions like the one he took today are the start of revitalizing and reinvigorating the American aluminum industry.

Last year, Smith led a bipartisan initiative that called for the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate factors affecting the global competitiveness of the U.S. aluminum industry, including overproduction and subsidies in other countries.

American manufacturers are ready to compete, but we have to make sure the playing field is level, Smith said. President Trump has started the process of stopping foreign countries from cheating on trade and creating a level playing field for our hard-working American aluminum manufacturers.

Smith added that aluminum production is not only an economic concern, but a national security issue as well because the product is a key element to constructing military aircrafts, armored vehicles, combat vessels and missiles.

America is safer when we rely on our resources at home, Smith said. Foreign manufacturers dont have the same standards as American manufacturers, and it is a threat to our national security to risk the quality of production with imported aluminum from foreign countries.

At the memorandum signing Trump said, The American aluminum industry has been severely damaged by unfair foreign trade. Cheap subsidized imports have flooded into the market, destroying thousands of great American jobs. Eight U.S. based smelters have either closed or reduced production since 2015. Only two smelters remain fully operational in our country.

Noranda Aluminum was one of the eight U.S. based smelters that closed.

Right now, the U.S. aluminum industry creates $186 billion in economic output and supports nearly 678,000 jobs in the United States and over 2,800 jobs in southeast and south central Missouri. Stopping foreign countries from flooding the global markets with subsidized aluminum will increase opportunities for quality aluminum production in the United States and promote national security by ensuring the quality of aluminum products made for the United States military.
As the L.I.F.E. Center For Independent Living in Farmington celebrates its 20th anniversary, one of the organization's founders takes pride in what it has accomplished over the past two decades, but fears that with deep state budget cuts looming, its future is now very much in doubt.

The center assists individuals with disabilities who want to remain independent or regain their independence. It is funded through a Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation grant, Medicaid fee for service program, private and corporate donations and various fundraisers.

As Director Tim Azinger  a former Marine who was left wheelchair bound after breaking his neck while serving his country in the 1980s  prepared for the center's anniversary celebration last week, he recalled the L.I.F.E. Center's long and sometimes difficult journey through the years.

The Beginning

"The way we've set up for our open house is with a timeline," he said. "The timeline starts in 1995 at the dining room table of Linda Cruse and her daughter Julie Cruse who lived in Farmington. Those ladies were working hard at providing some services in the community for people with disabilities."

By the second meeting, Azinger became a part of that small group at the request of Linda Cruse.

"She was a very persistent, lovely woman," he said. "She kept calling and at the time I was in graduate school. I would come home and find these messages on my machine, thinking, 'I'll give this lady a call and find out what she needs.' She hooks me in and tells me they're trying to provide some supportive services for people with disabilities in the Parkland. She asked me if I would be interested in helping.

"I asked, 'What can I do?' So we got together not really knowing exactly what we were going to do, but knew we wanted to make a difference. It started with social opportunities, a little bit of advocacy on behalf of disability causes  perhaps with transportation issues, perhaps with accessibility issues  things like that.

"Then, around 1996, we caught wind that the state of Missouri might be funding some centers for independent living. There were already at least 10 or 11 in the state and they were looking at funding as many as 10 more. So, we decided to get formal and kind of joined up with a group that was active in Park Hills at the time. John Simmons had a similar cause and purpose going on and so we joined forces. Linda, myself, Gary Copeland who is on our staff and many others  I'll forget some names  but it was an effort of many."

Azinger said the group proposed a grant to the state, but admitted that it didn't go over very well.

"They didn't want to fund us, but John Simmons and Gary Copeland went to Jefferson City on behalf of our group and really petitioned legislators, 'Please consider our funding proposal,' and they won the day. We did get funded. If memory serves, they originally thought they only had money for nine new centers, but they found money for a 10th and we were that 10th one in 1997.

"We got funded and we got our first check. The award letter we received with it is on our timeline. We first got things going for a center for independent living in the old Elvins City Hall, next to the fire station in Park Hills. That was our first office and we are very grateful to the city of Park Hills for making that arrangement for us. They gave it to us for $1 a year  so, it was awesome."

The Growth

According to Azinger, the new center was charged with serving people with disabilities in St. Francois, Madison and Ste. Genevieve counties.

"As things took off, we started getting our name out there, started to get more demand  more pull  from Madison and Ste. Genevieve counties. Our then-director, Martha Grimm, made a decision along with the board that we needed a presence that was closer to the roads to Ste. Genevieve and Madison counties, so the second office we had was located at 1109 Ste. Genevieve Avenue. That's kind of tucked in behind New Era Bank at the wedge in Farmington. We moved there in July of 1998, I believe.

"In the fall of that year, Martha Grimm resigned as director and I became the director. From that time forward, I have been kind of steering the ship and we've seen all kinds of growth in services of people with disabilities. What do we do? If it touches disability, we know something about it  or if we don't do it, we know somebody who does or we make it a point to find out who does. All types of disabilities, all ages. We seek to empower people with disabilities to be as independent as possible with a strong philosophy of them living in their own homes, rather than being what I call a 'casualty' and having to go live in a nursing home."

The Solutions

While noting that the L.I.F.E. Center respects those who choose that outcome for themselves, it is not the desire of the vast majority of people with disabilities.

"We strive to provide solutions  to provide barrier removals  so that people can thrive in their own environment. Sometimes that involves the advocacy, the information referral that we do, the skills training that we do that sometimes help people become more independent in their own home or with their new situation as they acquire a disability with age or with life in general. Disease comes. Life has its surprises and no one's immune to them.

"We try to enable them with safety aids. We have a durable medical equipment recycle program where we either get new or donated equipment, clean it up and we're constantly getting it out. We take it back when people are done using it and then clean it up to get it ready to go out again. We have assisted technology. Technology just keeps getting better and better and that goes with the disability scene too. We've got staff that are pretty creative and love to resource-dig and make things happen.

"We've got a couple of Medicaid programs here. We're very big, as I mentioned before, about keeping people in their own homes. Furthermore we have a program funded through the state called 'Money Follows The Person' that will help a person who is identified in a nursing home as being eligible to get back into the community. The state assesses them and says, 'Yes, they are a candidate to be transitioned out into the community.' We go to bat for them. We actually help with the moving, setting up their household with pots, pans, sheets, furniture, etc. We get a little bit of reimbursement for that and usually that person needs some supports in the home."

Azinger said that, in cases like that, the L.I.F.E. Center has the Consumer Directed Services Program wherein people with disabilities get to hire an attendant of their choosing, subject to background screening and training.

"We train that individual with a disability on the responsibilities of being an employer," he said. "And, of course, as an agency we have to see to monitoring for fraud, abuse and neglect, as well as check on the safety and welfare of that individual and make constant quality assurance checks to make sure the program is being run correctly. We also have traditional in-home services now, so individuals that want to go through us to hire an aide or a CNA (Certified Nursing Attendant), or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or RN (Registered Nurse services, we have those now. Some of the people we get out of nursing homes need those services, so they can choose us  they don't have to choose us  but they can choose us. We like to think we do a pretty good job of it."

The Uniqueness

Azinger said the main thing that makes the L.I.F.E. Center unique among service providers for those with disabilities is its not-for-profit status.

"We're not looking for stowing away a bunch of cash," he said. "We do need some operating reserves, that is true, but the rest of it we feel needs to be going to work to help people with disabilities in the Parkland and the greater area around us. We want to invest back into our community and people with disabilities and their needs. I feel that just puts a bow on it for us  that we really help people above and beyond.

"I'm very pleased and would be remiss if I didn't say that we've got an amazing staff of people who really care. The folks that go out and interact with all that we serve  it's a pleasure for us to get to serve our community and we are just lucky to have the staff that we do. They are compassionate, caring and respectful. They treat people with dignity and make me very proud."

The L.I.F.E. Center has in recent years expanded with satellite locations  first in Fredericktown in July 2014, and most recently in Bismarck. That office opened in November 2016.

The Future

"We hope things continue to be favorable for us," Azinger said. "Right now the state funding climate is not very pretty. The Missouri Senate version of funding for centers for independent living is very dark. They cut our budget by such a substantial amount that it would harm our services greatly. The House version is much more favorable. It actually increases our budget as a state. That wouldn't go to just our center. We would get a few more dollars to provide services because it would get divided by the 22 different centers.

"So, we favor, of course, the House version  or if nothing else, the governor recommended flat funding, which means that we would be funded the same as last year. Hey, I'd take that in a heartbeat over what the Senate budget chair had in mind. If you care about us, if you appreciate the services that the L.I.FE. Center provides, a call to your elected officials on our behalf would be much appreciated.

"Ask these folks to lean on their colleagues who are going to be on the Conference Committee. That Conference Committee is going to get together for the Senate and the House, and they're going to compare both versions of the budget. Somebody's going to win and somebody's going to lose  or they're going to compromise and we're just hoping it's going to lean towards something that's halfway decent for us. I would hate to see all the hard work that people have put into this for 20 years come to an end."

The L.I.F.E. Center is located at 725 E Karsch Boulevard in Farmington. For more information call 573-756-4314 or visit its website at lifecilmo.org.
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.
Country

Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cuba, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Jamaica Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Mexico, United Mexican States Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
With the the US, UK and Australia tightening measures to curb immigration, Indian institutes have seen a spurt in applications this year.
Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app.

Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006.

Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more.

Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them.

26 years of website archives.
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.
The Karnataka government is likely to issue, within three days, an order capping multiplex tickets at Rs 200 within three days as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had proposed in the state Budget.

"The Chief Minister has already given in-principle consent to the proposal to cap multiplex tickets," state Principal Secretary, Information and Public Relations, M Lakshminarayana said here on Friday.

The delay in issuing the order has triggered a public debate as cinema theatres had started charging whopping prices for the keenly-awaited "Baahubali 2 - The Conclusion", which hit the screens on Thursday night.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the apex body of Kannada film industry, has been pushing for implementing the proposal after receiving the complaints of multiplexes collecting exorbitant ticket rates.

"I expect the government to issue the order on capping multiplex tickets by Tuesday since Saturday and Monday are holidays," said KFCC President Sa Ra Govindu, alleging that the government has been delaying the order by sending the file from one department to another.

But Lakshminarayana denied it.

"It is not done deliberately, but to seek consent from departments which come under the purview of the subject matter," Lakshminarayana said.

The exhibitors are skeptical about the government's move to cap prices at Rs 200. Last month, Mukta Arts Managing Director Rahul Puri had said the industry would in all likelihood oppose the move, stating that price capping as a concept was against free market.

"The government has not called for suggestions or objections from public to the proposal of capping cinema tickets at Rs 200. Those affected may appeal in the court against the government order," said K.V. Chandrasekhar, who owns the two-screen Veeresh theatre here and is a former president of the KFCC.

The proposal in the 2017-18 budget followed the recommendations by a 14-member committee, headed by filmmaker and Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Chairman S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu.
The decision to get rid of red beacons is aimed at removing the VIP culture from the mindset of certain people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today and added that the concept should be replaced with EPI, meaning Every Person is Important.

A day before the government decision on red beacons comes into effect, he underlined that all the 125 crore people of the country have equal value and importance. I did not know that people have so much contempt for the VIP culture before we took the decision recently banning use of red beacons on vehicles of ministers and others, he said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

He said the red beacon had become a symbol of VIP culture which had creeped the mindset of those using it. Experience shows that though the red beacon would be used atop a vehicle, gradually the VIP culture would go to the head of those using it and it would lead to a mindset of VIP culture.

Although the 'lal batti' is gone now, nobody can claim that because of this, the VIP culture which has gone into the mindset would have also gone, Modi said. He said getting rid of red beacon was an administrative decision but efforts have to be made to remove the VIP culture from the mindset also.

If we all make concerted efforts jointly, this also can go (from the mindset), he added. The Prime Minister said his government's concept of 'New India' is that instead of 'VIP', importance to 'EPI' culture should increase. When I say EPI instead of VIP, the meaning is clear -- Every Person is Important.

Every person has value and importance. If we recognise the importance of 123 crore citizens of the country, imagine the big strength that the country will have in fulfilling the grand dreams. We all have to do it together, he said.


Indians "need not worry too much" about tightening of visa regime by developed economies as they will have ample opportunities in the country itself, Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha said today.

The comment assumes significance as it comes at a time when the US administration is reviewing the rules of the H-1B visa programme, and its adverse impact on the Indian IT companies.

Sinha said there is a growing realisation even amongst the developed countries that the employment opportunities should go to the 'sons of the soil'.

"We are seeing that one country after another is putting visa restrictions, so that the local population benefits from the opportunities of employment," Sinha said at a CII event.

However, he observed that "we need not worry too much about the visa restrictions as we will have ample opportunities here itself".

The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that there is a growing feeling that the recent global political developments are likely to reverse the process of globalisation.

However, he said, this need not be seen as something that is threatening the future of globalisation itself.

"There may be some restrictions on movement of manpower from one country to another but the imperatives of global movement of goods and services will remain," Sinha said.

He noted that just as within any country everything cannot be produced in one region and many things have to come from other regions, at the global level the movement of goods and services will remain a necessity.

"It would be an extremely sub-optimal economic state if restrictions are imposed on the movement of goods and services across countries," Sinha said.

Moreover, he said, given the fact that the demand is not likely to increase considerably in the developed countries, they have to look towards the developing countries and therefore globalisation would survive.

The Cabinet Secretary said that for India to take a lead in the process of globalisation, its industry will need to ensure that the quality of goods manufactured are better than any other country in the world.

"To facilitate this, the government is trying to create the right ecosystem and the business environment within the country," Sinha said.

US President Donald Trump had signed an executive order earlier this month for tightening the rules of the H-1B visa programme to stop its 'abuse', a decision that would impact India's USD 150 billion IT industry.

The Indian IT industry had expressed serious concerns over this as these visas were mainly used by domestic IT professionals for short-term work in the US.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. Indian technology companies depend on it to hire thousands of employees each year for their US operations.

The US market accounts for about 60 per cent of the revenue of the Indian IT industry.
India is looking at having an all-electric car fleet by 2030 with an express objective of lowering the fuel import bill and running cost of vehicles.

"We are going to introduce electric vehicles in a very big way. We are going to make electric vehicles self- sufficient like UJALA. The idea is that by 2030, not a single petrol or diesel car should be sold in the country," Power minister Piyush Goyal said while addressing the CII Annual Session 2017.

Goyal is of the view that initially the government can handhold the electric vehicle industry for 2-3 years to help it stabilise.

Citing the example of Maruti, which has logged over 30 per cent profit this time, he explained that the government had supported India's largest car maker initially, which eventually led to development of the big automotive industry in the country.

Goyal told reporters later that the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the NITI Aayog are working on a policy for promotion of electric vehicles.

The minister pointed to the cost factor, saying people would like to buy electric vehicle when they find it cost effective.

About offshore wind projects, Goyal said these are more like an R&D project. The minister suggested that big PSUs, including NTPC, can initially invest in such projects that will lead to development of this segment in coming years.

Goyal said that in the last 3 years, India's energy consumption has grown by about 6.5 per cent CAGR (compounded annual growth rate), more than the figure for the last 10 years.

He said, "Through UJALA, the LED distribution programme, we have already seen about 500 million LED bulbs sold in the last two years. My job is to improve India's energy efficiency to reduce consumption wherever it is wasteful and ensure that demand is met fully."

He made a point that UDAY has not been just about financial re-engineering but financial discipline. The UDAY scheme is meant for revival of debt stressed discoms.
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.

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.
Pastor Ron Flessner with Freedom Christian Fellowship attended a meeting of the Cache County Council on Tuesday. He was there to remind residents that National Prayer Day is coming up on Thursday, May 4.

He suggested not only that people make certain to pray that day, but also to fly the American flag.

Id like to encourage you to start off your day by going to the sixth annual Christian Prayer Breakfast. This is going to be held at the Coppermill, near 2500 North in Logan.

Tickets are $12 in advance and they need to have tickets purchased in advance for it. Its a great time to gather with others, to seek the Lord and to start the day off seeking the Lord for our nation.

Pastor Flessner said he and his wife work with Utah State University students and a student from Malaysia passed away on Tuesday. He asked everyone to pray for her and also for her family members.

May 4th will mark the 66th annual prayer day observance. Tickets for the prayer breakfast are $12 each and you can purchase them by calling (435) 787-1245.
(Beijing)  China Railway Corp. (CRC), the state-owned high-speed railroad operator, reported a 58% increase of net profit last year despite huge losses in the first nine months, thanks to a government subsidy, company sources told Caixin.

CRC registered a net profit of 1.08 billion yuan ($157 million) in 2016, up from 681 million yuan a year before, Caixin learned from the company on Saturday. But 2016 revenue declined 0.96% from the previous year to 907.4 billion yuan.

Despite the upbeat annual result, CRC reported a combined 5.6 billion yuan loss during the first three quarters this year.

CRC got the annual result turned around mainly because of an annual government subsidy to support public transportation paid to the company in the last quarter, said a CRC source who declined to be named and who didn't disclose the amount of the subsidy.

In 2015, CRC reported an annual profit of 681 million yuan, although it lost 9.4 billion yuan during the first three quarters, according to company reports.

CRCs reported 1.56% year-on-year growth in transportation revenue to 592.8 billion yuan in 2016, the first annual growth since the company was incorporated in 2013 after the railway operation business was split from the previous Ministry of Railway.

Revenue from passenger transportation totaled 282 billion yuan, rising 12% year on year, while freight transportation revenue declined 6.8% from a year before to 215 billion yuan, according to company sources.

CRC is expecting a rise in coal transportation this year as regulators issued a policy to ban all coal-carrying trucks in the region encompassing Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province to tackle the severe air pollution. The ban, to be fully carried out by the end of September, will force coalmines and traders to deliver their products by train, rather than by diesel-powered trucks.

By the end of 2016, CRC had total debt of 4.7 trillion yuan, up from 4.1 trillion yuan at the end of 2015. The companys liability-to-asset ratio stood at 65.1%.

CRC said earlier this year that it plans to spend about 800 billion yuan in 2017 in building railway infrastructure and purchasing trains and equipment. By March, the company has invested 96.6 billion yuan, rising 1.5% from the same time last year, according to company reports.

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com)
Archive Nov 2022 (42) Oct 2022 (134) Sep 2022 (127) Aug 2022 (135) Jul 2022 (132) Jun 2022 (138) May 2022 (136) Apr 2022 (128) Mar 2022 (138) Feb 2022 (127) Jan 2022 (132) Dec 2021 (136) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (155) Aug 2021 (184) Jul 2021 (170) Jun 2021 (168) May 2021 (168) Apr 2021 (169) Mar 2021 (179) Feb 2021 (153) Jan 2021 (161) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (152) Oct 2020 (160) Sep 2020 (158) Aug 2020 (169) Jul 2020 (173) Jun 2020 (169) May 2020 (165) Apr 2020 (164) Mar 2020 (144) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (118) Dec 2019 (113) Nov 2019 (105) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (122) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (125) Jun 2019 (116) May 2019 (124) Apr 2019 (117) Mar 2019 (123) Feb 2019 (108) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (125) Nov 2018 (122) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (114) Aug 2018 (127) Jul 2018 (124) Jun 2018 (114) May 2018 (130) Apr 2018 (123) Mar 2018 (128) Feb 2018 (114) Jan 2018 (126) Dec 2017 (123) Nov 2017 (121) Oct 2017 (121) Sep 2017 (116) Aug 2017 (119) Jul 2017 (108) Jun 2017 (116) May 2017 (110) Apr 2017 (111) Mar 2017 (119) Feb 2017 (109) Jan 2017 (108) Dec 2016 (113) Nov 2016 (116) Oct 2016 (118) Sep 2016 (120) Aug 2016 (112) Jul 2016 (111) Jun 2016 (125) May 2016 (111) Apr 2016 (112) Mar 2016 (121) Feb 2016 (114) Jan 2016 (114) Dec 2015 (119) Nov 2015 (117) Oct 2015 (125) Sep 2015 (124) Aug 2015 (103) Jul 2015 (125) Jun 2015 (131) May 2015 (123) Apr 2015 (129) Mar 2015 (133) Feb 2015 (125) Jan 2015 (135) Dec 2014 (134) Nov 2014 (129) Oct 2014 (144) Sep 2014 (127) Aug 2014 (130) Jul 2014 (143) Jun 2014 (131) May 2014 (137) Apr 2014 (139) Mar 2014 (134) Feb 2014 (128) Jan 2014 (141) Dec 2013 (140) Nov 2013 (136) Oct 2013 (145) Sep 2013 (146) Aug 2013 (147) Jul 2013 (151) Jun 2013 (141) May 2013 (150) Apr 2013 (149) Mar 2013 (151) Feb 2013 (133) Jan 2013 (160) Dec 2012 (154) Nov 2012 (157) Oct 2012 (165) Sep 2012 (145) Aug 2012 (161) Jul 2012 (170) Jun 2012 (162) May 2012 (169) Apr 2012 (162) Mar 2012 (162) Feb 2012 (156) Jan 2012 (169) Dec 2011 (157) Nov 2011 (178) Oct 2011 (182) Sep 2011 (170) Aug 2011 (178) Jul 2011 (174) Jun 2011 (157) May 2011 (158) Apr 2011 (164) Mar 2011 (172) Feb 2011 (162) Jan 2011 (177) Dec 2010 (171) Nov 2010 (169) Oct 2010 (182) Sep 2010 (179) Aug 2010 (184) Jul 2010 (190) Jun 2010 (189) May 2010 (198) Apr 2010 (185) Mar 2010 (210) Feb 2010 (195) Jan 2010 (212) Dec 2009 (225) Nov 2009 (209) Oct 2009 (215) Sep 2009 (202) Aug 2009 (230) Jul 2009 (269) Jun 2009 (252) May 2009 (241) Apr 2009 (256) Mar 2009 (254) Feb 2009 (255) Jan 2009 (214) Dec 2008 (204) Nov 2008 (252) Oct 2008 (268) Sep 2008 (304) Aug 2008 (210) Jul 2008 (251) Jun 2008 (206) May 2008 (203) Apr 2008 (202) Mar 2008 (204) Feb 2008 (195) Jan 2008 (212) Dec 2007 (179) Nov 2007 (189) Oct 2007 (179) Sep 2007 (176) Aug 2007 (209) Jul 2007 (155) Jun 2007 (135) May 2007 (106) Apr 2007 (120) Mar 2007 (138) Feb 2007 (77) Jan 2007 (70) Dec 2006 (63) Nov 2006 (70) Oct 2006 (67) Sep 2006 (70) Aug 2006 (61) Jul 2006 (56) Jun 2006 (44) May 2006 (60) Apr 2006 (53) Mar 2006 (45) Feb 2006 (38) Jan 2006 (42) Dec 2005 (46) Nov 2005 (54) Oct 2005 (60) Sep 2005 (46) Aug 2005 (86) Jul 2005 (43) Jun 2005 (47) May 2005 (52) Apr 2005 (39) Mar 2005 (29) Feb 2005 (26) Jan 2005 (12)
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.
It's not easy to evaluate policies to partially regulate illicit drug markets. But there is persuasive evidence that pill testing does, at least partly, convert more dangerous drug markets at youth music events into less dangerous markets. Some argue that young people would be safer not taking any drugs or not even attending these festivals. The main argument against this simplistic proposition is that young people are young people. They experiment with hairstyles, clothes, music, sex and drugs. They always have and always will. Older generations have an obligation to protect younger generations. And pill testing is one way in which we should try to protect Australia's youth.
Two of the Reef Seats are the most marginal in the Parliament: Labor holds Townsville-based Herbert by just 0.02 per cent and the LNP holds Capricornia by just 0.63 per cent. Three others are held by the LNP by under 4 per cent: Flynn on 1.04 per cent; Dawson on 3.34 per cent; and Leichhardt on 3.95 per cent. The other reef seat, Kennedy, is comfortably held by Bob Katter who heads his own party.
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 ...
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
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.
Just as Toyota Motor Philippines updated the specs of the Hilux pickup truck , theyve done the same for the Fortuner as well.
Mitsubishi Electric has been fined $13.4 million by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice after pleading guilty to three counts of rigging bids.



In 2009, Canadas Competition Bureau discovered that Mitsubishi had entered into illegal agreements with a competing Japanese car parts manufacturer in an attempted to determine who would win calls for bids issued by Honda and Ford for the supply of alternators and the supply of ignition coils for General Motors, Auto News reports.

Since the investigation was launched, a number of other members of the conspiracy have been fined. In April 2013, Yazaki Corporation was fined $30 million by the Bureau after pleading guilty to bid-rigging its contract of wire harnessed to Toyota and Honda.

In 2016, Nishikawa Rubber was fined $130 million in the U.S. after securing a contract with Toyota and Honda from 2000-2012 and Showa Corporation was also hit with a $13 million fine after supplying certain Honda models built in Canada with electric power steering gears.

Photos: Zac Estrada/Carscoops

PHOTO GALLERY
Out of all the amazing cars youre likely to see in Monaco around this time of year, these modded Ferrari F12berlinettas from Onyx Concept might be among the rarest ones.



What youre looking at here are two couch-built vehicles, designed and manufactured with the extensive use of carbon fiber in mind. The Monaco shots were taken by car spotter Dreeke, and posted very recently on Autogespot.

Heres a rundown of all the custom components installed on this F12. Its wearing an Onyx Aero F2X front bumper, a lower carbon aero splitter, front side vented aero bridge, side carbon sills (including fins), custom rear bumper, plus the carbon long tail split diffuser, tail spoiler and roof section.

Of course, thats not all. Theres also the vented carbon side window cover, the bespoke milled exhaust quad tips (full switchable exhaust system), the diamond metal grills and mesh, forged 21 & 22 wheels, custom springs, a bespoke satin roof and an engine performance upgrade, good for 800 HP.

As you can see, the two cars spotted in Monaco are a little bit different. Not only is the white one a little more visual with the golden wheels and red leather interior, it also comes with LHD as opposed to the gray one which is RHD.

Onyx Concepts F2X Longtail tune for the F12berlinetta is limited to just 30 units worldwide.

PHOTO GALLERY
Hard as it may be to believe given their dismal performance, there is another team thats signing on to use Honda engines in Formula One next season. And that team is Sauber.



The independent Swiss outfit has used Ferrari engines (rebranded for a time by sponsor Petronas) for much of its history. It was owned (and powered) by BMW between 2006 and 2009, but is now preparing to switch to Honda power  marking the first time that it will use a Japanese supplier (having briefly used Mercedes and Ford engines in the 1990s).

It is a great honor for the Sauber F1 Team to be able to work together with Honda in the coming seasons, said team principal Monisha Kaltenborn. We very much look forward to our partnership with Honda, which sets the course for a successful future  from a strategic as well as from as technical perspective.

Surprising as the move may be, it may be a perfect match between two manufacturers that have never quite managed to make their mark in F1. In a quarter-century on the grid, Sauber has won but a single grand prix (with Robert Kubica in Montreal in 2008). Honda only scored three as a constructor (with Richie Ginther, John Surtees, and Jenson Button).

The Japanese manufacturer propelled greats like Keke Rosberg, Nigel Mansell, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna to numerous checkered flags, but not a single win this millennium. Since returning with McLaren three seasons ago, it has yet to score a single podium finish.

The company has been hard at work addressing its shortcomings, seeking help wherever it can get it. Sauber evidently feels those efforts are bound to succeed  enough to throw its fortunes into the same seemingly bottomless pit as McLaren. Itll be interesting to see if the gamble ultimately pays off.

Photo Gallery
When it comes to producing some of the industrys most exciting and capable hot hatches, few do it better than Renault Sport.



Whether it be the compact Clio or the larger Megane, Renaults motorsport and performance division is a master at its craft, consistently showing other marques how things should be done. The French company could therefore be considered as the perfect brand to launch a track-focused, open-top racer for its racing enthusiast customer base.

To imagine just that, Monholo Oumar has rendered a modern-day version of the Spider that wasw built until 1999. We first showed you images of Oumars creation in November but these ones show the car in an even more attractive shade of yellow.

From the front, the car bears a resemblance to the RenaultSport R.S. 01 and Alpine Vision Gran Turismo Concept and appears to have everything you could want from a track car; a minimalistic interior, two seats, no roof, a mid-mounted engine and functional aerodynamics.

Although engineers from Renault Sport could create a truly remarkable two-seater just like this, the truth is that they wont, at least not in the foreseeable future. Track cars like this are generally only made by small companies, not those that sell vehicles by the millions.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photo: Twitter - @dustypupVI One of multiple gunshot victims arriving at VGH via helicopter from Nanaimo.

Update -- 11:00 a.m.

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that two people died from their injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Vancouver Island sawmill early Wednesday morning.

Four people were shot in total, and a suspect was taken into custody, the RCMP and a union official confirmed.

All of the victims were transported to hospital. The local health authority said one person was in critical condition and another in stable condition.

The shooting happened at a Western Forest Products sawmill in Nanaimo, a typically quiet coastal city located more than 100 kilometres north of Victoria.

The Mounties said they were called at about 7 a.m. after reports of shots fired, and within minutes officers were on the scene and took a suspect into custody.

Police hadn't released any information about the identity of the victims or a potential motive for the shooting.

The 47-year-old shooter's name has not been released, but the company that owns a lumber mill says he was a former employee.

Sarah Plank of the Island Health Authority confirmed one person was airlifted to Victoria General Hospital, where the victim's condition was listed as critical. Another was at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital in stable condition, she said.

Plank referred questions about the remaining two victims to the either the BC Coroners Service or the RCMP. The RCMP couldn't be reached and a spokeswoman for the corners service could not confirm whether the agency was involved.

Pat Kinney of the United Steelworkers, which represents workers at the mill, said the union was aware of the shooting but knew little else.

"At this point, we don't know if there are any fatalities or the status of the individuals," he said.

"We don't have any names either at this point. (There has been) no mention of the shooter other than he has been apprehended."

At the mill, crying family members had gathered outside the facility, awaiting word about whether their loved ones were involved. One worker said the mill's employees had been sent home for the day.

The Mounties were expected to hold a news conference in Nanaimo at around noon.

Update from CTV -- 9:30 a.m.

Superintendent Mark Fisher of the Nanaimo RCMP has confirmed that four people were shot at the Western Forest Products mill, at around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning.

He says all four victims have been taken to hospital and one suspect has been arrested.

Send pictures and video to [email protected]

RCMP are responding to a possible shooting at the Western Forest Products mill in Nanaimo.

There is a heavy police presence in the area and an air ambulance lifted off from the scene shortly after 8 a.m.

The mill is close to the assembly wharf, not far from the citys downtown core.

Mounties have dispatched a spokesperson to the area and are expected to release more information shortly.
Photo: Contributed

For Canadas 150th birthday this year, Castanet is featuring an Okanagan wine each week, celebrating the bottles of our Valley and the diversity of the Canadian wine industry, including suggested food pairings and Canadian music artist to listen to while enjoying a glass. For current availability, consult the winery.

Wine: Trebbiano, 2016

Winery: Hester Creek, Oliver

Why drink it? Your I only like sweet wine mom will love this intriguing white wine; Trebbiano is an Italian Grape, brought to the winery 49 years ago. One sip and mom will say, Oh, this is good, what is this?. Crisp, clean, with a mineral, flinty backbone, its not an easy wine to find, so buy a few bottles. It has a luscious feel on the palate, with an essence of artisan honey drizzled over a grilled peach. Tropical notes of mango mixed with a hint of apple pie spice (or, you know, cinnamon and a few other things). Intriguing, but uncomplicated. Like a good Nora Ephron movie.

Price: $24

Pair with: Take the peach mentioned above. Split in half, throw away the pit. Lightly grill. Meanwhile, whip some milder goat cheese to get some air and lightness in it. Load the peach with a spoon of goat cheese, sprinkle on some pistachios or almond slivers, drizzle some honey over the top.

Classic cancon music pairing: Escarpment Blues, Sarah Harmer

Have a BC wine you'd like to suggest? Contact us at [email protected], and we will put you in touch with our wine writer.
Photo: Contributed

Do you have problems saying no?

Do you find yes slipping from your lips every time you are asked to get involved with a project, volunteer at your childs school, or help at a charitable event?

If getting involved feels right to you, keep saying yes, but remember that no is also an available answer. If your gut, or intuition nudges you to say no, say it.

Dont say yes, unless it feels right. Tune into your intuition, and ask yourself which answer fits best with your sense of authenticity. You should feel moved in some way to get involved, if you are going to agree.

I have friends who say yes, even if they dont want to do it, or it is going to add tremendous stress to their lives. Always saying yes can bring problems, but it also brings opportunities to boost your well-being.

Helping others, seeing yourself as part of a bigger picture, and getting involved with an organization or charity, are ways to increase your happiness. You wont experience this unless you say yes.

Saying yes to everything you get asked to help with, can be overwhelming, but never saying YES may mean you are missing out.

If you want to boost your level of satisfaction with life, you should make sure you say yes to new experiences.

New experiences almost always push you out of your comfort zone. The more often you venture into the unknown, the easier it is, but it is rarely completely comfortable.

We love our comfort zones, because we know what to expect when we are in them. With new experiences comes a journey into the unknown.

I am on Facebook Live three times a week with my 100 Ways for Happiness challenge. I started with a jar containing 100 things you can do to boost your happiness. On Friday I drew, Do something you have never done before.

I had been thinking about trying hot yoga for quiet awhile, so I took this as a sign. The time had come to put that intention into action.

Just in case you think I am an experienced yogi, and was just doing it in a heated room for the first time, let me clarify. I had never ever gone to a yoga class. This would be my first one.

Was I nervous? Yes, but I tried to lessen this by gathering advice and information from my yogi friends and preparing as best I could.

The class was nothing like I had imagined it to be. I got a few questioning looks and comments about starting with a Power class, but what can I say? The time was convenient.

An advantage of aging, is being less concerned with how you look in other peoples eyes. I dont worry about being embarrassed, like I did when I was younger. I went to the class, was proud of how much I could do, and felt like a conqueror.

I have learned to enjoy new experiences for whatever they offer. I firmly believe that you never know what you will enjoy, unless you try it.

Humans are hardwired to find satisfaction in new experiences. The sense of accomplishment that comes when you complete the new activity, especially if it makes you step well out of your comfort zone, makes you feel good.

The more you do new things, the more you trust that you will survive, and possibly even thrive in new situations.

If you are a parent, it is important for you to model this behaviour for your children. If you try new things, chances are, so will they.

Trying new things does not have to involve risking life, or limb. Common sense should be evident when deciding whether something you have never done before, is worth doing.

Dont do anything that is dangerous to you, or anyone else involved. Discuss this ground rule with your children as you encourage them to say yes to new experiences.

Your goal is to show them that stepping into the unknown, can ultimately be an enjoyable experience, not for them to become unthinking risk takers.

When working with children, I describe comfort zones as places to live, and stepping out of them as taking a holiday.

Every new experience is not guaranteed to be pleasurable. Share the negative emotions you feel when you try something new, as well as the elation that may come when you complete it.

For the next seven days, I challenge you to say yes to everything you get asked to do,  as long as it is a short-term commitment, and isnt dangerous.

For anyone who has difficulty saying no, rest assured that it could be worse. You will miss out far more in life if you have difficulty saying yes.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: RCMP

UPDATE: 6 a.m.

Kamloops RCMP say a crisis negotiator was brought in Saturday evening to defuse a potentially dangerous situation.

Police were called about 4 p.m. to Frontage Road and Valleyview Drive to deal with an emotionally distraught man.

The agitated 42-year-old Kamloops male had a knife and was threatening himself and police.

The area was closed down for public safety.

The negotiator defused the situation, and the man was taken into custody without injury. He was taken to Royal Inland Hospital for assessment and treatment, Staff Sgt. Robert Daly said in a press release.

UPDATE: 7:36 p.m.

The road has been reopened, according to the RCMP.

One man has been taken into custody without incident after allegedly uttering threats against the police. The investigation is still ongoing.



The police would like to thank the public for their cooperation.

ORIGINAL

Kamloops RCMP are currently on scene at an incident in the 1600 block of the E. Trans Canada Highway.

As such, the frontage road from Valleyview Drive to Comazzetto Road is currently closed.

The police are asking the public to please use an alternate route until further notice.

Castanet will provide updates as they become available.
Photo: Twitter

The B.C. Liberals say they will repeal a City of Vancouver plan the party claims prohibits natural gas in some new buildings. But the city says no such ban exists.

Andrew Wilkinson, candidate for Vancouver-Quilchena, said on Saturday the city's ban would increase costs to consumers, businesses and residents because it would raise building costs and create a reliance on electricity, which is more expensive.

In a statement responding to the announcement, the city said it has no plans for an outright ban on the use of natural gas.

The city does have a new building policy, which goes into effect Monday, that sets energy efficiency and emissions targets for new construction on rezoned lots.

"Developers can choose to build new buildings with natural gas, provided they can meet the energy efficiency and emissions targets," the statement said, adding the targets require a 50 per cent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

Documents from a city presentation on Friday explain that the regulation will typically apply to taller residential or commercial buildings, which account for about 55 per cent of new development.

Wilkinson said if the Liberals form the government after the May 9 election, they'll change the Vancouver Charter that allows the city to dictate its own building codes in order to repeal restrictions on natural gas.

"It's essential that Vancouverites be able to keep their costs down. We do not support processes and programs that drive up costs," he said.

Coun. Andrea Reimer said she's perplexed by Wilkinson's statements, which do not represent the facts of the city's plan.

"It's definitely a concern when a candidate in an election campaign is using inaccurate information," she said. "There is no ban, ergo legislation to stop a ban would functionally have no impact."

She said the city is moving to reduce emissions and encourage the use of renewable resources over the 35 years, but there is no intention to ban natural gas.

A statement the city issued in February said natural gas would still be allowed in new buildings under six storeys for use in fireplaces, cooking ranges, furnaces, domestic hot water and laundry dryers.
A massive fire at a Parksville bakery is being investigated as suspicious.

Firefighters arrived on scene to French Creek Bakery about 12:30 p.m. on Friday to find the building engulfed in flames. Witnesses from the scene said it was the largest fire they have ever seen.

The building is believed to be completely gutted and the four employees that were inside have all been treated with minor smoke inhalation.

Parksville Fire Chief Marc Norris said it appears the fire started on the exterior near some propane tanks.

This is the second fire at a bakery in the area and police are assisting with the investigation.

 with files from CTV News.
In 1971, sushi was not widely consumed in North America. Chef Hidekazu Tojo, a Japanese chef new to Vancouver, needed to appeal to western palates, so he decided to flip traditional sushi rolls inside-out. By concealing the seaweed on the inside and packing the rolls with ingredients that Canadians were more familiar with, Tojo invented one of the most famous North American sushi rolls ever: the California roll.
Photo: The Canadian Press Grand Chief Ed John, Hereditary Chief of Tl'azt'en First Nation and political executive of the First Nations Summit, responds to the Mt. Polley tailings pond breach report during a news conference in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday February 3, 2015. First Nations leaders in British Columbia say they suspect the deadly opioid fentanyl is having a disproportionate impact on their communities, but they can't get the numbers to prove it. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

First Nations leaders in British Columbia say they suspect the deadly opioid fentanyl is having a disproportionate impact on their communities but they can't get the numbers to prove it.

Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit said he's been asking the First Nations Health Authority and other provincial authorities for the data since last fall but nothing has yet been delivered.

"I don't even know how to feel, we need to have that information and we shouldn't wait to act," he said.

Over 900 people died in the province from illicit overdoses last year. John said although he doesn't know what proportion of those who died are indigenous, he knows plenty of families and communities that have fallen victim to the crisis.

"All I hear is the anecdotal information from communities where funerals are taking place," he said "People are dying needlessly."

The First Nations Health Authority said it's working with the BC Coroners Service to develop an approach to collect the data that would identify deceased individuals as aboriginal.

Current data collected by the agencies is based on self-identification and must first be compared against the B.C. Ministry of Health's First Nation client file, which includes data from the federal government.

"We want to ensure that any publicly released aboriginal specific data is as accurate as possible," said Dr. Shannon McDonald, deputy chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority, in an email statement.

"Once the data matching is completed and there's greater confidence in the numbers, it will be available for release," she said, adding that numbers may not be available for a few weeks at least.

In the meantime, the health authority said it's addressing the overdose crisis by educating the public about the harmful potential of opioids and distributing naloxone, the overdose-reversing drug.

More than 70 First Nations health centres have received naloxone kits and the health authority said it held over 110 public training sessions on how to use the kits last year.

Despite these efforts to get ahead of the crisis, the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council declared a state of emergency after seeing too many deaths in its communities. The council represents a collection of First Nations bands in the B.C. Interior.

Tribal Chief Wayne Christian said in the days leading up to the declaration in March, five band members were buried in the span of a week.

"Any death is an emergency," he said. "The grief and loss, compounded by the intergenerational trauma, people just said we have got to do something about this, enough is enough."

Christian said the council is using the declaration to draw attention to the issue and educate people of all ages about addictions and drug use.

More people seem to be aware of the crisis now, he said, but the history of residential schools and abuse still leave many vulnerable to addiction and other health issues.

Terry Teegee, tribal chief of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, said another problem rural and remote communities face is the proximity to health care services.

He said the closest doctors for his people in the Takla Lake community are in Fort Saint James in north-central B.C., which he added is an area struggling to recruit and keep physicians. His people travel 5 1/2 hours to reach Prince George if they need a specialist, he said, or at times have to go even farther to Kamloops or Vancouver.

"Just the distance is, I suppose, you could define it as a health detriment in terms of accessing proper health care," Teegee said.

There are 10 treatment programs with a total of 239 beds available to indigenous people in B.C. through the health authority, including one youth program. The health authority said some programs offer immediate treatment while others have a 10 to 12 week waiting list.
Photo: The Canadian Press A worker walks past stacks of lumber at the Partap Forest Products mill in Maple Ridge, B.C., on Tuesday April 25, 2017. A hefty American tariff on Canadian softwood could be devastating for British Columbia's economy, but it may also be advantageous for political leaders on the campaign trail who are looking to cement or build their images with voters, says a former premier. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A hefty American tariff on Canadian softwood could be devastating for British Columbia's economy, but it may also be advantageous for political leaders on the campaign trail who are looking to cement or build their images with voters, says a former premier.

The imposition of tariffs as high as 24 per cent on Canadian softwood exports shot the issue to the top of B.C.'s election campaign, with Liberal Leader Christy Clark and John Horgan, leader of the New Democrats, quickly portraying themselves as towers of strength ready to shoulder tough times ahead.

Forestry is B.C.'s dominant resource industry, directly employing more than 60,000 people in more than 140 communities. The United States is B.C.'s largest market for softwood lumber, accounting for $4.6 billion in sales last year.

Clark seized upon the tariff issue as pivotal to her jobs-focused re-election campaign. She told B.C. workers she had their backs and suggested Horgan did not have the temperament or strength to handle such a comprehensive issue with provincial, national and international implications.

Clark demanded Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ban the shipment of thermal coal through B.C.'s ports in retaliation to the tariffs. She said Friday if Trudeau did not take retaliatory action she was prepared to go it alone and impose a heavy tax on U.S. coal shipments through B.C. ports.

Horgan said the threats ring hollow because Clark has been silent on softwood even though the trade deal between Canada and the U.S. expired more than two years ago. He said now that B.C. is in the final days of an election campaign, Clark is suggesting it's her top-of-mind concern.

"She's obviously trying to present herself as a calm, experienced leader," said Ujjal Dosanjh, a former B.C. New Democrat premier and federal Liberal member of Parliament. "Whether she succeeds or not remains to be seen."

He said the hard negotiations on the softwood file will be conducted by officials linked to the Canadian and U.S. governments, but Clark's strategy to focus on her history as a determined politician, her experience and charisma are all factors weighing in her favour with voters.

"That may stand you in good stead," said Dosanjh.

David Black, an associate professor at the Royal Roads University school of communication and culture in Victoria, said Clark is offering voters symbolic reassurance on an issue she has little control over.

"It's fascinating to watch a provincial leader position herself as a peer of, and as a dialogue partner with, a national leader," he said. "Things don't usually work that way."

Black said Clark's suggestions about the threats B.C. faces from softwood tariffs and the possibility of further protectionist actions from the U.S. administration position her as "a resolute leader who is seasoned and tried and true. So, let's stay the course because it's a dangerous world."

He said Horgan is campaigning as an economic populist ready to fight to make life better for people, while Green leader Andrew Weaver presents himself as a new face of politics that is neither right nor left.

Dosanjh said Clark has a record of success in elections and a political style that draws people to her, but Horgan can achieve success despite being relatively untested politically.

"You have to reach back into your life," said Dosanjh. "Start talking about where you have been. What experience you have in dealing with people. You have to dig deep."

He said it means taking risks, like the one former prime minister Jean Chretien took in March 2003 when he refused to send Canadian troops to Iraq.

"Jean Chretien, when he turned down participating in the Iraq war, I thought that was gutsy," said Dosanjh. "It was brilliant and it was the right thing to do. You ran the risk of angering the president next door. But he was proven to be right."
Lisa Stebic, of Plainfield, has been missing for 10 years. Her family is losing hope that she will ever be found. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Melanie Greenberg sat at her dining room table on a recent afternoon, a couple of dozen old newspapers arrayed in a loose pile before her.

The headlines trumpeted the latest details on the search for Lisa Stebic and the growing suspicion directed toward Stebic's husband, Craig, in the weeks and months after she was reported missing from her Plainfield home on May 1, 2007.

Advertisement

Greenberg keeps them tucked away along with a few photos of Lisa, her husband's cousin.

"I don't often bring them out, but this is a special big anniversary and I was just thinking about all of the things that we did," Greenberg said. "I don't think I ever could have thought 10 years ago ... that there still would be no resolution. That's what's kind of stunning, that it's 10 years on and it's almost in some ways as if we are where we were 10 years ago."

Advertisement

Lisa Stebic has never been found. Though no one has ever been officially declared a suspect, investigators said then and now that they consider Craig Stebic the sole person of interest in the case.

Craig Stebic has never been charged. He answered the door at his Joliet home last week but declined to speak to the Tribune.

While the world has moved on, Lisa Stebic's family is rooted in time  trapped by a story only partially told, one that may never be resolved.

"I try to have faith, but I'm losing hope that her body will ever be found," Greenberg said.

Stebic's family is Jewish, and with their faith comes a prescribed set of observances to lead them through loss. Sitting shiva. Saying Kaddish. None of which can be done, Greenberg said, until her body is found. And there is no justice, no one to bear the blame for her disappearance and presumed death.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 12 A button containing a hotline number for tips in the disappearance of Lisa Stebic is held by Melanie Greenberg, who is married to a cousin of Lisa Stebic's and who serves as the familys spokesperson. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

"How can you move on? There's no grave that we can visit," said Greenberg, who has been the family spokeswoman for years. "How do I answer Lisa's grandmother when she's afraid that Lisa's just lying in a ditch somewhere and is not given the proper burial that she should have? I mean, I don't have an answer to that."

Stebic's case quickly drew national attention. She was young and attractive, a devoted suburban mother of two who worked in a local school cafeteria to allow her to spend more time with her children, family said. The 37-year-old was trying to leave her deteriorating marriage to her husband of 14 years.

She was last seen by her husband on April 30, 2007, after he had sent the children on a bike ride to the store. That same day, her divorce attorney sent her papers to have her husband evicted from the home they shared in Plainfield, though Craig Stebic said he knew nothing about the papers. The next day, she was reported missing by a neighbor after Craig Stebic called her to ask if she knew where Lisa was.

Advertisement

There were massive searches, billboards, hotlines, rewards, television appearances. Then former NBC-5 reporter Amy Jacobson accepted an invitation to speak with Craig Stebic and swim with him and his kids at the Stebics' backyard pool. A competing news channel broke the story, adding another round of attention-getting headlines to an already heavily covered case.

Despite the made-for-TV elements of her case, Lisa Stebic's disappearance was soon competing for attention as Will County endured a series of major national criminal investigations, straining resources for both police and prosecutors. Stebic's family watched as tips and leads dwindled in their case and resources were diverted to the other high-profile cases  especially Stacy Peterson's disappearance.

"It wasn't just sucking the oxygen, it was sucking the money out of the room, because I felt like Will County only had so much money to spend on prosecution and literally only so many hours in the day that these prosecutors can devote," Greenberg said.

Will County Assistant State's Attorney Michael Fitzgerald, head of the office's felony division, happened to be working late the night Lisa Stebic was reported missing, and helped police with legal research. He's been chasing the case ever since  but her case was only the first wave, he said.

About six weeks after Stebic disappeared, Christopher Vaughn killed his wife and three children on a frontage road near Channahon. In October, Bolingbrook resident Stacy Peterson disappeared. In February 2008, five women were shot and killed and a sixth was injured at the Lane Bryant outlet store in Tinley Park.

"Lisa Stebic's disappearance in May of 2007 touched off a time period unlike anything we've seen in Will County," Fitzgerald said. "We had to dedicate a lot of resources to each of those cases as they unfolded. And I think we were able to do that. We had an all-hands-on-deck mentality."

Advertisement

Vaughn was sentenced to life in prison for killing his family. Like Stebic, Peterson has never been found. The Lane Bryant case remains unsolved.

There was some crossover. Searches for Peterson doubled as searches for Stebic, given the fact that both women lived within a short geographical distance and had disappeared only about six months apart.

But Peterson's husband, Drew, appeared to relish attention of any kind, feeding a contingent of local and national reporters camped outside his home. The attention only grew more focused on him after prosecutors re-opened the investigation into the drowning of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Drew Peterson, a former Bolingbrook police sergeant, was later convicted of Savio's murder.

Greenberg said Lisa's family is happy that the relatives of Stacy Peterson and Kathleen Savio have gotten some measure of justice and closure, but they remain frustrated that authorities have been unable to offer their family any sense of hope their case will be resolved.

"I feel like we just get lip service," she said. "I feel like they stand up and say, 'This is not a cold case.' But what is the reality? It is a cold case."

Police and prosecutors say Lisa Stebic has not been forgotten, and they have not given up hope.

Advertisement

Though it is done out of the eye of the general public, every 13 weeks Lisa Stebic is remembered in a building across the street from the Will County Courthouse in Joliet.

Inside, a new grand jury is convened to hear evidence in a range of cases, and as a matter of practice, Plainfield police Detective Carianne Siegel appears before each new panel to be sworn in as a grand jury investigator for the Stebic case.

"It keeps it an active case so that if something were to come up that we would need subpoena power, we already have approval through the grand jury," Siegel said.

Even if there were no regular appearances before the grand juries, Siegel said the case has woven itself into the fabric of her career and the entire police department.

"As far as it being an anniversary, it's a day that I know every year," she said. "May 1st: the day we took the report. And it's something that's been affecting our department for the last 10 years."

She was working the night Stebic was reported missing from her home on Red Star Drive, a quiet street overlooking a wetland area on the western edge of Plainfield, where the suburb gives way to farmland.

Advertisement

"We were contacted by the patrol officer that took the report and said, 'Hey, you guys might want to start looking into this,'" Siegel said. "I think the biggest thing was that the husband didn't report her missing. She was reported missing by a neighbor. ... Lisa had told the neighbor that if something happens, contact the police."

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Siegel and her fellow detectives said they run down every tip that comes in. They've fielded calls from people across the country, many with theories rooted in dreams or visions.

"There have been so many random things," Siegel said. "I mean, we've had people from Michigan, California, 'Oh, you should check here' ... 'I see railroad tracks.' Or 'Cats on a farm  that means you've got to go check the road called Caton Farm, because that has Cat on Farm.' It's just weird and random stuff."

"Obviously, we all have a sense of frustration when it comes to this case, because it is 10 years and we're still investigating it because it's unsolved," said Plainfield police Detective Sgt. Kevin McQuaid. "Do I think that it's ever going to be solved? I hope so. I mean, I think that's the whole purpose of why we're in this profession."

Greenberg said Lisa Stebic's sisters did not want to speak to the media, but her oldest sister, Debbie Ruttenberg, provided a written statement.

"I knew my sister was murdered from the start," Ruttenberg said. "It's a disgusting thought and a surreal life for us. But it's been 10 years since Lisa was murdered and my sister's killer needs to be brought to justice. ... My family and I are victims and have had only one goal since Lisa was murdered, waiting all this time to witness justice."

Advertisement

mwalberg@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @mattwalberg1
A Lincoln limousine sits parked in the garage area at Pontarelli Companies in Chicago on April 28, 2017. This prom season, parents should be cautious and do their research about the limo company they hire. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

Ah, prom season. The romance and humiliation. The awkward wrist corsages. The struggles with cummerbunds. It's a glorious time of year.

Many parents try to take some of the angst out of prom night by hiring a limo. Teens like the glamour, and parents like that their kids won't be driving on a night that involves a lot of distraction and sometimes illicit alcohol.

Advertisement

But not every limo company and driver can be trusted, so parents and students should do their research and hire with care, according to consumer and safety experts and attorneys.

"If I go to Craigslist, I can buy a limo tomorrow and hold myself out as a limo driver. It's so scary," said Jeffrey Kroll, a personal injury attorney with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard who has handled limo crash cases. "We undergo a vetting process for almost anything we do, yet we entrust our kids to a limo and limo driver we know nothing about."

Advertisement

A search for limos in the Chicago area on Craigslist pulled up dozens for sale, including a white stretch 120-inch Lincoln Town Car for under $15,000.

"Anyone can start a business that quickly," said Steve Bernas, chief executive officer of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. "Just because they have an internet site doesn't mean they're a good business."

Kroll said that May and June are "Super Bowl" season for the limo business because of proms and weddings, so some companies hire less experienced drivers to handle the load. He said parents need to find reputable companies and ask questions.

"Ask about liability insurance," Kroll said. "You don't want to make a decision you'll regret for the rest of your life."

One easy step is to check out a company with the Better Business Bureau, and through online review services like Yelp to check for complaints. Bernas said that most complaints he sees are for overcharging, poor service and limos that never show up.

The Bureau received 63 complaints against limo companies in its Chicago office last year, and 473 nationwide, according to Bernas. He noted that the limo business is not particularly problematic and that there are more good actors than bad  but consumers have to check.

"The biggest frustration is that consumers don't call us first to find out about a limo company," Bernas said. "They call us after the fact and realize the company has an 'F' rating and there are a lot of complaints."

Bernas recommends typing a company name into a search engine with the word "scam" and seeing what comes up, and looking up a company's address on Google Earth or visiting in person to see if it has a physical location or is just a P.O. box.

Advertisement

Tim Cavanagh, an attorney who is representing two men injured in a March 2016 limo crash on I-90 that killed another passenger, said consumers should make sure a chauffeur has a valid commercial driver's license. The 20-year-old driver in the I-90 crash had a suspended license, and the Wisconsin-based company was not insured and has since been shut down.

"You don't want to assume that the person who comes up is properly licensed," Cavanagh said.

Art Rento, head of Chicago-based Pontarelli Companies, which has been in the limo business for 40 years, recommends checking whether a vehicle is covered under a manufacturer's warranty.

Limos are created by cutting a regular car in half and using plates to extend the floor and roof. Manufacturers have standards for how much a car can be modified and still be safe  if you stretch it out too far, it will not be covered by the warranty, Rento said.

"If the manufacturer is walking away from it, you should walk away from it, too," Rento said.

He said parents and students should also make sure a car is not overloaded  the door panel says what the passenger capacity is, and too many people will affect the vehicle's safety. He does not recommend putting 20 or more kids on a chartered bus, even if it is built for that number, without an adult chaperone in addition to the driver.

Advertisement

Rento said consumers may also want to see if a company's drivers have had criminal background checks.

Stretch limos are not subject to the same strict safety regulations as ordinary cars, said Raul Arbelaez, vice president of the Vehicle Research Center at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

That does not mean limos are not safe, if they are driven safely by a licensed, experienced driver, and they are safer than teens driving themselves to prom, Arbelaez said.

An Institute analysis found that in the five years between 2011 and 2015, there were 14 deaths nationwide in large limousines, and none of the victims was under the age of 21, Arbelaez said.

Rento said that passengers and parents also have responsibilities. His company puts in its contracts that if teens are caught sneaking alcohol or engaging in other unsafe behavior, "We're going to call their parents to come get them."

Walking and driving in Poland

Advertisement

Before visiting southern Poland last month, I was warned that Polish drivers can be aggressive, and that I should walk and drive with extreme caution.

It's true that Polish drivers can be speed demons and lane jumpers, just like drivers here.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

But I was surprised to find that most Polish drivers actually stop when they see someone entering a crosswalk. And pedestrians don't scurry across and give obsequious "thank you" waves to the motorists  they assume their right to cross the street safely and at a reasonable pace.

Pedestrians in Poland also have greater responsibility for their own safety  you can be ticketed for jaywalking, even if there are no cars in sight.

It was a bit depressing to come back to Chicago and be reminded that most drivers here regard the crosswalk as an artistic paint job to vary the monotony of the asphalt, not a law that applies to them. More enforcement would help, and some realization by drivers that they do not own the road.

Poland also has zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and more frequent random roadside checks than in the U.S. The blood alcohol limit is 0.02, according to the travel web site WorldNomads.com, so do not even eat one of those nice vodka-infused chocolates before hitting the road.

Advertisement

In every tavern, you can find people drinking Coke or black coffee who explain "Jestem samochodem"  which means roughly "I've come by car."

mwisniewski@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @marywizchicago
Police arrested a limo driver Saturday night and charged him with driving under the influence after he drove 23 Oswego East High School students to prom, according to authorities.

Richard L. Madison, of the 9900 block of Walnut Terrace in Palos Hills, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of reckless conduct.

Advertisement

Madison was driving for Limos Alive Party Bus, according to the DuPage County Sheriff's Office. A call to the company went unanswered early Sunday morning.

Police said Madison was driving erratically toward Abbington Banquets in unincorporated west suburban Glen Ellyn when some of the students called their parents.

Advertisement

Two off-duty Oswego police officers working security at the prom called the DuPage County Sheriff's Office, according to a release from the sheriff.

The next court appearance for Madison, 54, is tomorrow.

chicagobreaking@tribune.com

Twitter: @chicagobreaking
Two Cook County sheriff's officers were beaten and seriously injured April 26, 2017, by three prisoners in Cook County Jail's maximum security section. (Cook County Jail) (Cook County Jail/Chicago Tribune)

Three prisoners held in connection with shootings have been charged in the beating of two Cook County sheriff's officers seriously injured Wednesday night in the maximum security section of the County Jail, according to the sheriff's office.

David Bush, 19, Taiwan McNeal, 20, and Terrence Lynom, 20, each face attempted murder, aggravated battery to a law-enforcement officer, aggravated battery and mob action charges, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

Advertisement

The attack happened about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday while two officers tried to secure a patio space on a Division 9 tier, according to Cara Smith, policy chief for Sheriff Tom Dart.

"As they were securing that door, the detainees sort of rushed at the officer  appears to be to try and prevent them from shutting the door, a little hard to tell," Smith said. "That's when it started."

Advertisement

Bush and McNeal are charged with attempted murder in the shooting of an off-duty Oak Park police officer outside a Chicago home in the Roseland neighborhood in 2015. Lynom is accused of shooting a child and her aunt, also on the Far South Side.

The tier where the beating happened has an outdoor recreation area with cage-style chain-link fences that face La Villita Park, west of the jail. An officer is confronted as that door closes.

Smith said the attack appeared to have been planned.

The ages of the two officers, both men, weren't released. The officers were still recovering from their injuries Saturday, according to the office.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

The three men the sheriff's office are seeking to charge have all been in jail for two or three years, Smith said.

Bush and McNeal are both charged with attempted murder in a May 2015 shooting in the 300 block of West 103rd Place, according to court records.

Bush has been in custody since May 4, and McNeal was taken into custody June 5, according to court records. Both are awaiting trial.

"And the longer these men are in our custody in this pretrial status, the more dangerous and volatile the population becomes. These are young guys. It's really awful," Smith said. "It's already a volatile environment just by nature of the work we do, but the inexplicable length of time it takes to bring these cases to trial puts our staff, adds to volatility of environment and puts our staff at risk. And it's got to be addressed. "

Advertisement

Lynom is charged in a shooting that left a 6-year-old girl critically wounded and her 52-year-old aunt wounded in the thigh.

That shooting happened in July 2013 in the 300 block of West 105th Street, less than two blocks from where the other two men were accused of shooting the off-duty police officer.

The three are expected to appear in court on Sunday for bond hearings, according to the sheriff's office.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 35 Colleen Sheehan gets a hug from Marge McCarthy on the final day of business for Schaller's Pump in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, on April 30, 2017. Sheehan and her siblings decided to close the 136-year-old pub less than a year after the death of their father, Jack Schaller, who died at 92 in May 2016. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

Schaller's Pump, considered the oldest continuously running tavern in Chicago, is closing its doors. For 136 years, the bar at 3714 S. Halsted St. hosted ordinary Chicagoans and elected officials, including the Daley clan. The bar opened in 1881 and was bought by George Schaller near the end of Prohibition. His son, Jack Schaller, took over in the early 1960s and ran the bar for decades with the help of his children.
Colleen Sheehan gets a hug from Marge McCarthy on the final day of business for Schaller's Pump in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, on April 30, 2017. Sheehan and her siblings decided to close the 136-year-old pub less than a year after the death of their father, Jack Schaller, who died at 92 in May 2016. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

Politicians, White Sox fans and neighborhood regulars knew they could find cold drinks, good food and hospitality at Schaller's Pump in Bridgeport. For 136 years, the bar at 3714 S. Halsted St. hosted ordinary Chicagoans and elected officials, including the Daley clan.

But the last drinks are being poured this weekend. The tavern, believed to be the oldest continuously operating bar in Chicago, is closing Sunday night.

Advertisement

Kim Shinnick, whose family runs the business, confirmed the closing and said the kitchen will shut down for the last time at 9 p.m. Reached by a reporter Sunday afternoon, she declined to offer any details.

"I'm sorry, I'm having a really hard time with this right now," Shinnick said.

Advertisement

Loyal patrons packed the bar Saturday as word spread about its impending closure.

"Every happy moment in my family's life has been here," said Elmer Mestrovic, 60, who lives in the neighborhood and has been coming to the bar since he was a toddler.

Long considered one of the city's most historic taverns, the establishment opened in 1881 and was bought by George Schaller near the end of Prohibition. His son, Jack Schaller, took over in the early 1960s and ran the bar for decades with the help of his children, including Shinnick.

Jack Schaller, who also lived in an apartment above the bar, died in 2016.

The bar took "Pump" as part of its name because of the brewery next door pumping beer directly into the tavern. It was a short walk from the former home of Richard J. Daley and across the street from the 11th Ward Democratic headquarters.

Among the menu selections: hamburgers and corned beef, liver sausage sandwiches, pork chops, steaks, ribs and, on weekends, $18.95 prime rib.

Leanne Scanlon, 30, who lives in the neighborhood and owns a business down the street, headed to the bar every Wednesday for the split pea soup.

"The family takes care of you," she said. "It's a place you can go for home-cooked food. You never left hungry."

Advertisement

Scanlon, who is of Irish descent, said the late Jack Schaller reminded her of her own grandfather.

"It's like an Irish blessing," she said of him and the Schaller family.

A photo of Jack Schaller from a Blackhawks game is propped up against the wall at the bar. In it, he's wearing his World War II veteran hat and saluting.

"He was just a great individual and a great part of the community," Cook County Commissioner John Daley told the Tribune after Schaller's death at age 92.

On Saturday, there was no indication of the looming closure. Every seat at the bar was occupied, and the tables were packed. The vintage cash register rang brightly with each transaction.

"It's almost like people are here to stop them," Mestrovic said. "They don't want it to end. Nobody really knows why it's ending."

Advertisement

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Each person who ordered an Old Style or a Miller Lite had similar stories. They've commemorated birthdays, funerals, Mother's Days, Father's Days and first communions here.

Two little boys sprinted through the narrow hallway that connected the front of the bar to the back. Local news articles papered the walls of the hallway.

A neon Chicago Bulls sign glowed from behind the bar, and a poster commemorating the White Sox 2005 World Series win was tacked to the wall near tables covered in white tablecloths. Small dinner rolls individually packaged in plastic sat in wicker baskets.

Patrons greeted each other with an embrace and a kiss on the cheek.

"If you wanted to see anyone from the neighborhood, you would come here," Mestrovic said. "All they do is care about people in the neighborhood. It's never about them, it's always about people in the neighborhood."

gwong@chicagotribune.com

Advertisement

poconnell@chicagotribune.com
A teenage girl who was reported missing on the Far South Side has been found, according to Chicago police.

Alexis "Lexi" Nash, 19, was located, said a statement from Chicago police released about 9 p.m. Sunday.

Advertisement

Nash was reported missing after she was last seen Saturday in the area of 10100 South Crandon Avenue in South Deering, police said. She was driving a white four-door Volkswagen Jetta with a temporary plate from Wisconsin that read: N4222K.
Someone broke into Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson's unmarked SUV in the Bridgeport neighborhood over the weekend, but nothing appeared to be taken, officials said.

The break-in was discovered Saturday morning when officers went to Johnson's home to pick him up. "They noticed the interior of the car was in disarray,'' said Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesman for the police.

Advertisement

Items from the glove box had been tossed about, but no weapons or confidential materials or valuables were inside the city-assigned SUV, Guglielmi said. There was no damage.

Police said it's likely a door was left unlocked Friday night, or the locks malfunctioned.

Advertisement

Deering District officers called to the scene learned other people on the block had similar break-ins. "Individuals were seen looking into cars,'' Guglielmi said.

Deering District Cmdr. Stephen Chung plans to increase patrols in the area. "Crimes of opportunity can happen to anyone,'' Guglielmi said.

Police reported no arrests.
NEW YORK  President Donald Trump's leading candidate to run the nation's most prestigious prosecutor's office infuriated government lawyers a decade ago by testifying as a defense witness for a former Illinois governor facing U.S. corruption charges.



It was a bizarre spectacle because the witness, Edward E. McNally was then the top federal prosecutor in southern Illinois and criticized the work of his colleagues in Chicago. On the witness stand, McNally raised questions about the conduct of an FBI agent and prosecutors during a 2001 interview with the ex-governor, George Ryan, whom McNally had previously represented as a private attorney.



That wasn't the only reason prosecutors were angry. The law firm defending Ryan was also involved in trying to collect a disputed six-figure debt from McNally himself related to the bankruptcy of his former employer. McNally "had a motive to curry favor" with Ryan's law firm to influence the outcome of his personal financial dispute, prosecutors said in court papers.



The Justice Department reviewed McNally's conduct based on a request by two U.S. senators. The probe found he acted appropriately, according to McNally's lawyer at the time.



The 2006 testimony is likely to resurface. McNally is the frontrunner to become U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, according to a White House official and another person familiar with the matter. It's a powerful post because it covers Manhattan and handles some of the country's highest-profile cases involving terrorism, bank fraud and insider trading.



"McNally's involvement in the extensive grand jury investigation and trial relating to former Illinois Governor George Ryan was extraordinary and highly unusual," said Patrick Collins, a prosecutor in Ryan's case, in a statement this week. McNally "sought to undermine the credibility of the best and most honorable FBI agent I have ever known."



McNally, 61, didn't respond to requests for an interview. Geoffrey Klineberg, who represented McNally in the 2006 Justice Department review, said his client acted ethically and notified the department about conflicts before testifying. McNally was vindicated in the subsequent investigation requested by the senators, Klineberg said.



"As a trial witness in a difficult situation, his only motive and his sole duty was to tell the truth a duty with which he complied," Klineberg said. "His testimony was straight down the middle, and he answered every question asked by each side."



The White House didn't respond to a request for comment. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment.



Lawrence Fox, who teaches legal ethics at Yale Law School, said the situation was strange, even if McNally made his conflicts known to the Justice Department.



"It's unusual to have a situation arise where you have a lawyer from the Justice Department cross-examining another lawyer from the Justice Department," he said. "How awkward is that?"



If selected, McNally would succeed Preet Bharara, who was fired along with 45 other Obama administration holdovers last month. Trump hasn't named any replacements.



McNally is a partner at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, which has represented Trump in personal and business disputes and former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly against sexual harassment claims. A Chicago native, McNally has an eclectic background. He graduated from Yale University and Notre Dame law school and worked as a local prosecutor in Alaska, a speech writer under President George H.W. Bush, the first White House general counsel for homeland security and counterterrorism, and a private attorney, according to his firm's website.



He also was a prosecutor under then-Manhattan U.S. Attorney Rudy Giuliani, a Trump adviser.



There's another reason McNally stands out: He said in a 2009 essay that he may have been the inspiration for the charming but rule-breaking title character in the 1986 movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." McNally said he grew up with the movie's director, and once ran a car in reverse on jacks to roll back the odometer. That trick appears in the film, when Bueller persuades a pal that it's the way to cover a misdeed.



"The Tao of Ferris," McNally wrote, has helped his legal career. "One key lesson from Ferris is his repeated message to his despondent buddy Cameron," he said. "Your current situation doesn't have to be your fate. There's always another way."



The circumstances surrounding McNally's testimony at Ryan's trial are detailed in court records.



The testimony related to a Feb. 5, 2001, interview of Ryan by FBI agent Raymond Ruebenson and three prosecutors. Ryan was a target in an investigation into the sale of commercial drivers' licenses and other misconduct. During the interview, he was represented by McNally, then a partner in the Chicago law firm Altheimer & Gray. Ryan didn't run again in 2002 and was indicted the next year.



By then, McNally had rejoined the government after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.



The Chicago law firm Winston & Strawn LLP defended Ryan at his trial and subpoenaed McNally to testify about the 2001 interview. When he took the witness stand on Feb. 16, 2006, McNally was nearing the end of a four-month stint as interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. He notified Chicago prosecutors 10 days before his testimony that he would be called.



On the witness stand, McNally said Ruebenson, the FBI agent, didn't take notes during his Ryan interview. When McNally raised the issue with prosecutors, "the response was that they stared at me and spoke no words," he testified.



Ryan's defense sought to raise doubts about Ruebenson's report on the interview and combat one of the charges that Ryan lied in the 2001 meeting. Special Agent Ruebenson didn't return phone messages.



McNally's testimony "failed as the jury vindicated SA Ruebenson and convicted Mr. Ryan of each of the charged false statement counts," Collins, now in private practice, said in his statement. Ryan, convicted of racketeering, fraud and making false statements, was sentenced to a 6 1/2-year term and freed from prison and home confinement in 2013.



Ryan, in an interview, said McNally's experience as a prosecutor was valuable to his defense team early in the investigation. He said he didn't remember much about McNally's testimony.



"McNally is a superb lawyer," said Dan Webb, the Winston & Strawn lawyer who represented Ryan.



Less than two weeks after McNally's testimony, prosecutors learned that lawyers at Winston & Strawn the same firm representing Ryan were also involved in trying to collect a debt from McNally related to Altheimer & Gray's 2003 bankruptcy. Neither McNally nor Winston & Strawn had disclosed the issue to prosecutors on the Ryan case, records show.



A court-appointed liquidator sought to settle claims with Altheimer's ex-partners, and all but McNally and four others agreed. The liquidator, Jacob Brandzel, determined McNally was responsible for some Altheimer debts and offered to settle for a $140,700 payment. McNally declined, arguing he wasn't part of the restructured firm that collapsed.



Winston & Strawn, which represented Brandzel, sued the other four partners. The firm held off suing McNally while the two sides negotiated. Brandzel, who died in 2008, said McNally's role in Ryan's case had no effect on his handling of the claim, court papers show.



In court, prosecutors fought to put McNally back on the stand, saying he stood to benefit financially by testifying as a defense witness. They produced an email in which McNally's attorneys sought a two-month reprieve in repayment negotiations from Winston & Strawn by referring to his testimony in Ryan's trial.



McNally's "willingness to allow his past and present employment in positions of high public trust to be used in an attempt to influence the resolution of a personal financial dispute seriously undercut the image that McNally presented to the jury as a selfless public servant," prosecutors wrote.



Ryan's lawyers at Winston & Strawn told the judge there was no quid pro quo for McNally's testimony, adding that Ryan's defense and bankruptcy collection were handled by separate legal teams.



Ultimately, a statement was read to jurors explaining the circumstances.



In March 2006, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin and then-Sen. Barack Obama asked the Justice Department to investigate McNally's conduct. In a letter to Durbin the following month, the agency said the matter was "under review." Durbin's office didn't hear anything about the outcome of the probe, a spokesman said.



After five months, the Justice Department concluded McNally had provided proper disclosures before testifying and was not obligated to tell prosecutors about the conflicts, said Klineberg, McNally's lawyer at the time.



McNally ultimately settled claims over Altheimer's bankruptcy for an unspecified six-figure amount, said Richard Porter, one of his lawyers. His testimony didn't hurt his standing in the Justice Department: He left southern Illinois to became senior counsel for the agency's criminal division.



Jennifer Jacobs and Tom Schoenberg contributed to this report
Hundreds of residents and community leaders march in South Los Angeles on Saturday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the L.A. riots. (Brittny Mejia / Los Angeles Times)

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.

Advertisement

[ Full Coverage: L.A. Riots: 25 Years Later  ]

"Future Fest is a celebration of our resilience, of our history, but more so it's 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 work's 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.

Advertisement

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, 'We're 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 hadn't 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 uncle's beauty college on Manchester Avenue, waiting for the jury's decision in the case.

"You could feel the tension in the air," he said. "You could feel it, that if this verdict wasn't going to be a verdict of guilt, something wasn't going to be right."

Still, Holloway knew what was coming.

Advertisement

"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, "It's 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.

Advertisement

"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 couldn't 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.

Advertisement

When she spoke earlier to the crowd, she stressed the importance of building the self-esteem of the community's 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 I'm angry  with a smile  because we're still at the same place," she concluded. "But we're gonna make it."

brittny.mejia@latimes.com

Twitter: @brittny_mejia
Reviving a controversial theme that President Donald Trump brought up on the campaign trail, chief of staff Reince Priebus said Sunday that the administration has "looked at" potential changes to libel laws that would make it easier for Trump to sue news organizations that criticize him.

"I think it's something that we've looked at," Priebus told Jonathan Karl on ABC's "This Week."

"How that gets executed or whether that goes anywhere is a different story," he added.

Priebus criticized "articles out there that have no basis or fact" and alluded to reports on cable news stations about contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russia.

Priebus said the media needs "to be more responsible with how they report the news."

Priebus' statements were aired just hours after the White House correspondents' dinner, an event Trump boycotted.

Trump is a public official  the most public of officials in the world. To sue, he would have to meet a high bar to prove that journalists, their news organizations or anyone else had met the judicial standard of actual malice when criticizing him.

But he has been talking about changing the law for months.

On the campaign trail, at a rally in Texas, Trump initially floated the idea to "open up" federal libel laws, making it easier to sue journalists and outlets that criticize him  like the New York Times and The Washington Post. In June, he banned Post reporters from campaign events.

As the Washington Post's Callum Borchers wrote after that rally, changing libel laws is a long shot, and something the president can't unilaterally do:

"It's hard to imagine any serious debate about an attempt to alter libel laws, however; such an effort would clearly exceed Trump's  or any president's  authority.

"Alternatively, Trump could simply use the bully pulpit to promote a culture of frivolous libel suits that ultimately wouldn't go anywhere but would force media companies to spend precious resources on defending themselves. If his goal is to cause news outlets to lose money, Trump could conceivably achieve that objective without changing any laws at all.

"... Through judicial appointments, Trump could theoretically reverse decades of legal precedent that requires a public figure like him to prove 'actual malice' in a libel case."

Trump has threatened legal action against news organizations before. As a candidate, he warned that he would sue the New York Times after the newspaper printed stories about unwanted sexual advances Trump was accused of making toward several women.

In a response, the newspaper's attorney wrote: "We did what the law allows: We published newsworthy information about a subject of deep public concern. If Mr. Trump disagrees, if he believes that American citizens had no right to hear what these women had to say and that the law of this country forces us and those who would dare to criticize him to stand silent or be punished, we welcome the opportunity to have a court set him straight."
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while addressing the media following the conclusion of the 30th ASEAN Leaders' Summit in Manila, Philippines, on April 29, 2017. (Bullit Marquez / AP)

Signaling what's perhaps a warming relationship between their two countries, President Donald Trump invited the controversial leader of the Philippines to the White House in a phone call Saturday.

The two leaders had "a very friendly conversation" in which they talked about the North Korea threat, according to the White House's readout of the call. The two men, who have drawn comparisons for their tough rhetoric, also discussed the Philippine government's fight against drugs.

Advertisement

What remained unmentioned, however, are the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users as part of the government's drug war. Thousands have been killed by police and vigilantes since Duterte took office and vowed to eradicate his country's massive drug problem. The rising death toll has drawn criticisms from international human rights groups, at least one of which, the Human Rights Watch, has made the case for a criminal investigation of the Duterte administration.

The relationship between the United States and the Philippines soured under President Barack Obama, who criticized Duterte's bloody war on drugs. Not one to take criticism lightly, Duterte snapped at Obama on a few occasions, telling him to "go to hell" and, at one point, using the Tagalog phrase for "son of a bitch" or "son of a whore" when addressing the then-U.S. president. In September, Obama canceled a meeting with Duterte, whom he called a "colorful guy."

Advertisement

With Trump at the helm, the relationship between the two countries seems to be shifting.

In a brief phone call in December about the drug war, then-President-elect Trump told Duterte that he was doing it the "right way," according to the Philippine president's account of the conversation.

The White House said that the relationship between the two countries "is now heading in a very positive direction" and that Trump is looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November during the East Asia and U.S.-Association of South East Asian Nations, or ASEAN, summits.

The Philippines hosted the 30th ASEAN Summit on Saturday. The nuclear threat posed by North Korea - and how the Trump administration will deal with the secretive country - was brought up during a discussion with ASEAN leaders, according to a statement.

Duterte implored the United States to show restraint and patience in dealing with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and warned against an aggressive approach.

"I'm sure President Trump by now is cautioning his military to just may be hang on there and not to start something which they cannot control," Duterte said in a statement. "Everybody's worried. Nobody's clapping his hand. And I'm sure that if war breaks out in the Korean Peninsula, the imponderables of life is really, you cannot foresee, even project what will happen."

In a news conference before the call Saturday, Duterte said he would urge Trump to ensure that war is avoided. Otherwise, "my region will suffer immensely," according to the Associated Press.

"It behooves upon America, who wields the biggest stick, just to be prudent and patient," Duterte said. "We know that we are playing with somebody who relishes letting go of his missiles and everything."

Advertisement

Whether Trump will take his ally's advice remains unclear.

In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Trump said he prefers a diplomatic approach to settle mounting friction over North Korea's nuclear program but warned that a conflict is possible.

"There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely," Trump said. "We'd love to solve things diplomatically, but it's very difficult."

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus defended Trump's praise of Duterte on Sunday, saying the president's top priority is addressing the threat of North Korea and partnering with countries in Southeast Asia.

"The issue on the table is North Korea, and there is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what's happening in North Korea," Priebus said on ABC News's "This Week" on Sunday morning. "And if we don't have all of our folks together - whether they're good folks, bad folks, people that we wish would do better in their country, doesn't matter, we've got to be on the same page."

ABC's Jonathan Karl repeatedly pressed Priebus on Duterte's "abysmal human rights record," asking how Trump could praise a leader accused of mass killings. Priebus would not say whether the issue came up in the call, saying he didn't hear the entire conversation.

Advertisement

"We obviously want to encourage him to do better, but this call, the purpose of the call, is all about North Korea," Priebus said.

At one point, Karl asked, "Does that mean that human rights don't matter now?"

"Absolutely not," Priebus responded. "It doesn't mean that human rights don't matter, but what it does mean is that the issues facing us, developing out of North Korea, are so serious that we need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get."

Priebus added that human rights are "very high at the top of the list" of the president's priorities, citing Trump's decision to attack an airfield in Syria after President Bashar al-Assad was accused of using chemical weapons against his own people.

Trump's invitation to Duterte immediately attracted criticisms from the Human Rights Watch.

"Speaking glowingly of a man who boasts killing of his own citizens, inviting him to the White House, and saying nothing of his terrifying human rights record, sends a terrifying message, and entirely a different tone than many other parts of the U.S. government and the U.S. Congress would want to send," John Sifton, the organization's Asia advocacy director, said in a statement. "By essentially endorsing Duterte's murderous 'war on drugs,' Trump is now morally complicit in future killings."
A man wanted on a felony warrant for failure to appear in court on attempted auto theft charges was found hiding in the closet of his Zion home Friday by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Michael L. Lee, 31, of the 2700 block of Galilee Avenue, was arrested and taken to the Lake County jail, where he was being held Sunday on $500,000 bail with a court date scheduled for Monday, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Advertisement

Lee is a documented street gang member, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Office, and was wanted on an active $500,000 arrest warrant for failure to appear at a court date related to his probation on a 2015 attempted possession of a stolen vehicle case, the release said.

In that case, authorities said that Lee was arrested in May 2015 after being arrested by sheriff's deputies for fleeing a traffic stop in a stolen vehicle in Beach Park.

Advertisement

On Friday, the Lake County Sheriff's Warrants Deputies and members of the Regional Fugitive Task Force developed information confirming Lee was at his residence on Galilee Avenue, according to the release, and Lee was then located hiding inside of a closet in the residence.
A prayer or a moment of silence will start each Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 school board meeting from now on as part of its public comment period, its superintendent said.

The school board voted 4-2 at its March meeting to add a rotating prayer or moment of silence, open to the various churches and other religious institutions in the community, after Pastor Mike McDowell of Christ Community Church asked the board in February to consider the option.

Advertisement

"I pray that God gives you a sense of fulfillment on this board," McDowell said as he demonstrated the kind of things he's praying about. "I pray that also allows you to enjoy your service on this board and that you also feel appreciated for your service because you are fulfilling a very important role in our community, and I know that you have to deal with many controversial issues."

McDowell, a Zion city commissioner who said he was there representing the Zion-Benton Ministerial Association, pointed to a 2014 Supreme Court decision that ruled that municipalities like the New York town at the center of the case can open their meetings with prayer, even if the practice is dominated by one religion.

Advertisement

That case centered on municipalities, and so the district attorney advised that if the board was interested in pursuing the idea, it should have the attorneys look at the issue further to see if the opinion carries over to school districts, Superintendent Chris Clark told the board at the March meeting.

As long as the school board tries to make it fair and representative of the community, school board member Kathleen Richards said she didn't see the need to have them look into it any further.

She proposed opening it up to different religious groups within the community as well as sometimes holding a moment of silence to make sure everyone is covered, an idea seconded by board member Linda Powell.

Board Vice President Shawn White, who ultimately voted for the measure, said he was in favor of prayer, but raised concerns about the possibility of lawsuits. He said he liked the idea of a moment of silence because it covered everyone.

"I just caution us just because we believe, it doesn't mean that we might not face a backlash down the road," he said.

Board Secretary Jerry Nordstrom, who voted against the idea along with member Tynisha Gardner, said a moment of silence was easy to agree with, but he wanted to see more conversation and analysis about bringing in prayer.

"We can't hold back what we want to do on this board because we're afraid of being sued all the time," Powell said. "I think we have to be cautious there."

Board President Loren Karner was absent from the March meeting.

Advertisement

Choir concert

Waukegan High School's brand new gospel choir is set to showcase its talents in its first concert next week.

Led by Ernest Vaughn, the longtime choir director at the Gideon Missionary Baptist Church in Waukegan, the students will perform from 5 to 6:30 p.m. May 9 at Brookside campus' Brett Theater, 2325 Brookside Ave.

The concert is free, though donations will be accepted.

The club has had a "bit of a struggle" getting going, Vaughn told the Waukegan District 60 school board last week, but he's been enjoying showing students how very large the genre is and giving them the history around the works.

Ahead of that, Waukegan High School will host its spring musical, "Annie Get Your Gun," at 7 p.m. May 4-6, also at Brookside campus. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 from the cast or staff, or at the door for $10.

Advertisement

CLC filling void

The College of Lake County may have an interim leader picked for when current President Jerry Weber leaves to take over the top job at Bellevue College in Washington, a community college nearly twice the size as CLC.

Weber's final day at the college will be June 30, the outgoing president told the News-Sun.

Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

When he leaves, the College of Lake County Board of Trustees has indicated it would like Provost Rich Haney to serve in the interim, according to a news release. Haney has been at CLC for 18 years and said in the release that he does not intend to apply for the permanent presidency job.

That appointment is subject to contract negotiations and a board vote tentatively scheduled for its May 23 meeting, according to the release.

The board also directed the administration to put out a request for proposals for search firms that specialize in national college president searches, according to the release.

Advertisement

"I believe finding the next president of CLC is the most important work the board will be engaged in immediately, and we'll look forward to working with a partner to help us engage all of the CLC community stakeholders in this process," said Catherine Finger, the Grayslake Community High School District 127 superintendent who was elected to the board in April and voted vice chairwoman of the board this week.

Richard Anderson of Grayslake will serve as the board's chairman.

emcoleman@tribpub.com

Twitter @mekcoleman
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser
Why these young voters in Pueblo want to get more youth involved in voting
Limbaugh is a perfect example of what I was discussing. We had a very similar case here in TN, my county Sheriff was arrested for the same thing. And like Limbaugh he took a deal where he had to resign his office. But in 5 years his records will be expunged and he can apply for another law enforcement job, or run for office again !!!!!



And in THE ULTIMATE ironic turn !!!!!



During the 2000 election debacle, Limbaugh had NOTHING NICE TO SAY about the Florida supreme court. Calling them "one of THE most liberal bastions in the nation" !!! A bunch of black robes just making up the law as they went. On and on and on ad infinitum.



Flash forward to 2003-2006 and when the prosecutors investigating Limbaugh's drug use and the possibility he had been doctor shopping to feed his addictions, it was THAT SAME COURT that kept his medical records sealed !!!!!



What a ******* hypocrite.



"Drug use, some might say, is destroying this country," Limbaugh said in October 1995 on a television show he had at the time. "And so, if people are violating the law by doing drugs, they ought to be accused and they ought to be convicted and they ought to be sent up."



He went on to say that drug use was a choice, NOT a disease. That it was merely a character fault if you CHOSE to do drugs.
A still from the Chinese TV drama "In the Name of the People" [Photo: Xinhua]

Chinese anti-corruption television drama "In the Name of the People" ended Friday with the highest viewing figures for a locally produced TV drama in a decade, reports jfdaily.com.

The 52-episode TV series premiered on Hunan Television in March, and told the stories of anti-graft investigators tracking down corrupt government officials.

The show achieved 21 billion hits on six leading Chinese video sites such as Tencent Video and Mango TV, attracting about 120,000 comments and an 8.5/10 score on Douban, a popular Chinese fan-rating site as of Thursday, according to jfdaily.com.

The show is especially popular among younger viewers, as well as with people from overseas, according to some media reports.

One person posted on Weibo, "Secretary Da Kang's acting skill is fantastic. I was born in the 1990s, and I have watched the TV drama more than 10 times so far."

Some foreign diplomats from the U.S. and European countries have apparently shown great interest in the TV drama, with some embassies in China organizing special screenings for their diplomats at which many took notes, Xinhua reports.

The hit show has also stimulated heated debate about what it takes to be a good government official among viewers, according to jfdaily.com.

60 percent of the audience said they liked the TV series due to its authenticity, because it bears a striking resemblance to reality, according to an online poll conducted by Beijing News.

20.1 percent say they liked it because of its A-list scriptwriter and story structure, with 19.9 percent saying it was due to the strong and attractive cast, the poll shows.

It is the first drama series to feature high-level Chinese government corruption since 2004, according to media reports.

Several other Chinese TV dramas focusing on the topic of anti-corruption are also said to be in production this year, according to jfdaily.com.
Safety of the people and security of the nation should be priority number one for any leader who wishes to have a successful tenure in office, perhaps even multiple terms  and the President of the United States is no exception to this model.So, why, then, has a killer of tens of thousands each year still on the loose inside those putatively impermeable borders? How could this executioner, unmasked and identified, roam main streets of small towns as comfortably as a seedy alley in some decrepit corner of an urban metroplex  unhindered by the threat of detention or arrest?How could this nefarious reaper sever the lives of ninety-one Americans each and every day, yet  rather than earn a notorious status as Enemy of the Public Number One  this killer is encouraged to thrive, intentionally or not, by those supposedly the most trusted to guard us from bodily harm?Since the attacks of 9/11, the United States has waged the pernicious War on Terror  combating a concept most of its citizenry will never encounter firsthand  nearly everywhere on the planet, even toppling ostensively brutal but sovereign regimes in its name.Yet, Terror  its tactics used most often by disciples fighting in the name of religion  has not been as efficacious in destroying American lives as the opioid medications prescribed, without irony, to kill their pain.Since 1995, terrorists of varied stripe have killed 3,181 people in the U.S.  nearly 3,000 of them in the September 11 attacks, which sparked the nations unending war, alone.Thats a startling figure, indeed  particularly in a country known for Orwellian surveillance and tracking of visitors and citizens, alike  but terrors death toll cannot be examined separately from known killers more easily stopped.In 2014, the span of a single year, an astounding 29,467 Americans died by overdose of opioid-related drugs, including prescriptions  and the following year saw more than 15,000 lose their lives to overdose on opioid medications legally prescribed by medical personnel.Unintentional drug overdose is now the primary cause of accidental death in the U.S.  and prescription opioid industry bears a significant bulk of culpability in the problem.Many opiate addicts never sought the escape of a substance recreationally  but were given prescriptions for medications like Vicodin (hydrocodone) or even OxyContin (oxycodone) following surgery, a serious injury, or as treatment for the chronic pain of another illness.What might seem innocuous when written by a physician can quickly turn malevolent  a single month of prescribed medication might not be sufficient to fight the pain of a complex fracture or chronic ailment. If the prescriber then refuses an extension of that opioid  all-too frequently, under the benign premise of preventing dependence  that patient might seek other means to procure the same relief.Many turn to heroin  highly illegal, but readily available from the black market  and without the rigorous federal restrictions guarding its legal opioid brethren. In fact, a large percentage of heroin addicts began using after prescriptions for strong opioids like OxyContin ran their course, leaving the patients suffering without recourse.Every day, around 1,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for misuse of prescription opioids  and in 2014, alone, roughly 2,000,000 abused or were dependent on those opioid medications. One-quarter, given such a prescription on a long but terminal basis, struggles with dependency.Fifteen-thousand people perished by overdosing on prescription opioid painkillers in 2015  and the figures compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grow exponentially by the year. Even as the War on Terror rages on around the globe.Indeed, veteran American troops have stumbled on that wars undiscussed elephant in the room while fighting the supposed terrorists were made to believe threaten our security, overseas in Afghanistan  the origin, by most reports, of the majority of the worlds opium supply.Read more at In One Year, Opiates Killed Ten Times as Many Americans as ALL Terror Attacks in Last 20 Years
Considering recent Sino-American trade agreements, and what's at stake regarding the North Korean nuclear threat, it remains unclear what ramifications Trump's probe will have on either outcome. [Zhang Xueshi/China.org.cn]

Having previously campaigned on a platform that assured voters he would label China as a "currency manipulator," Donald Trump's recent about-face regarding his stance on China has "eased the worst fears about the prospects of a trade war," according to Financial Times.

Trump's apparent reversal has led journalists and policymakers to consider the president's retreat as a major shift in his overall China policy. Yet, he is claiming he hasn't softened his stance at all.

In an interview with "Fox & Friends host" Ainsley Earhardt, aired last week, the President asserted: "Nobody's ever seen such a positive response on our behalf from China, and then the fake media goes 'Donald Trump has changed his stance on China.' I haven't changed my stance. China's trying to help us."

Off the back of these comments, Reuters reported he launched an investigation last Thursday against exporters of cheap steel to the U.S., directly targeting China.

According to Reuters: "Trump ordered a probe under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which lets the president impose restrictions on imports for reasons of national security."

Taken either as a move to inspire his constituents who are desperate for a return to the glory days of the domestic manufacturing industry, or as a concentrated effort to convince the international community and China that he, indeed, hasn't changed his stance, the timing of the probe is unusual to say the least.

As the president himself admits, he is currently pressuring China to help him rein in "an increasingly belligerent North Korea." Considering recent Sino-American trade agreements, and what's at stake regarding the North Korean nuclear threat, it remains unclear what ramifications Trump's probe will have on either outcome.

Without being certain what Trump either expects or assumes will happen, the one area where China might be able to assert similar pressure is on climate change.

In an article for The Daily Caller, Michael Bastasch writes: "China and several other countries are badgering the Trump administration for answers on how it plans to fulfill former President Barack Obama's pledge to cut emissions as part of the Paris climate agreement."

After Trump rescinded emissions regulations on power plants and other directives, China submitted questions on the issue to the United Nations, the chief ones being:

"Given that President Trump is not supportive of President Obama's Climate Actions plan, it is even more challenging to achieve the 17 percent emission reduction in 2020 purely through domestic actions. Does the U.S. have any plan or preliminary thoughts on using international market mechanism to accommodate recent changes? If not, what additional measure will the U.S. consider to take to achieve the 2020 target?"

An offshoot of Trump's stance on climate change, and the direction he looks to be leading the United States, China has embraced a position of leadership and increasing influence on the global stage when it comes to the contentious climate issue.

This is unlikely to turn the tide of American opinion when it comes to perceptions of China, and, anyway, the two topics are arguably unrelated. However, this is an area where China is building a position of increasing prestige. Demanding answers from the Trump administration, which has espoused decidedly unpopular policies, could prove a clever tactic.

Shifting the focus from an unflattering accusation of unfair trade practices on the part of China to a discussion of climate change where Trump is an unpopular figure seems "Trumpian" in practice and scope.

Moreover, Trump is a self-confessed admirer of strength and authority. Responding in kind to his probe could send a strong signal that China is willing to operate on his level without actually sinking to it.

Overall, the first tests for the new era of Sino-U.S. relations have produced signs of encouragement as well as confusing inconsistencies.

Despite Trump's unusually-timed steel probe, which threatens to overshadow recent trade agreements while ultimately doing little to help his goal of bringing steel jobs back to America, a potential trade war between the two countries is becoming increasingly unlikely.

Meanwhile, the situation surrounding the North Korea nuclear threat is looking much improved in terms of bilateral understanding and cooperation, in spite of Trump's strange and provocative comments regarding Korea, which he recently claimed, "used to be part of China."

With these encouraging signs, there is also the cordial relationship and burgeoning goodwill between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Nevertheless, still greater tests lie ahead for Sino-U.S. relations.

Hopefully, overcoming the struggle to interpret Trump's demeanor and navigate the potential fallout from his alarming ignorance and diplomatic inexperience will remain the only serious difficulty.

Having previously lived in Beijing working as a journalist and editor, Kyle Calandra is currently based in America reporting on Sino-U.S. Relations as a contributor for China.org.cn.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
 Flash

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.
 Flash

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)

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."
Hours after a United Nations Security Council meeting on the Korean Peninsula's nuclear issue, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea reportedly test-fired a ballistic missile on Saturday, which exploded after liftoff. Pyongyang's repeated testing of the international community's patience will lead to severe consequences that will increasingly be hard for it to swallow.

Its blatant violation of Security Council resolutions constitutes an act of open defiance to the international community's resolve to denuclearize the peninsula and points to the urgency of tackling both the symptoms and the root cause of the issue.

A vicious circle of provocation and retaliation has reigned in recent months, with Pyongyang pushing its nuclear and missile programs while the United States and the Republic of Korea resorting to massive military exercises and the deployment of an advanced US missile defense system in the ROK.

As a result, the degree of distrust and enmity has reached the highest it's been in years between the contested parties on the peninsula. One miscalculation and one misstep would easily push the two sides, separated by the Demilitarized Zone, to the brink of war.

At this stage, both sides should exercise utmost restraint because a head-on clash, even if a limited one, would lead to a costly price that neither side could afford to pay. Before diplomatic means are exhausted, those who have a penchant of trumpeting war rhetoric are being neither responsible to themselves nor others.

Pyongyang should awaken from the fantasy that its pursuit of nuclear capabilities and a missile program will bring it peace and security, as it has left the world community little choices but to tighten nonmilitary measures to rein in its dangerous ambition.

The country should know it is playing a dangerous and counterproductive game of provocation, which can backfire and reduce the chance for diplomatic mediation. In fact, its constant and escalating provocations have eroded the patience of stakeholders on the peninsula to defuse tensions through peaceful means.

Meanwhile, the US and ROK also need to do their part, and stop military threats and deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, which is the practical way to mitigate distrust and defuse tensions so as to create the conditions for communication and dialogue.

Yet, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out in the UN Security Council meeting, no matter what happens, we should never waiver in our commitment to the goal of denuclearization.

A nuclear-free Korean Peninsula is the basic precondition for its long-term peace and stability, which caters to the interests of all parties as it is the only way to dispel reasonable concerns of all stakeholders, including DPRK and ROK, and this should be the right direction for all parties to strive for.
Foreigners in China feel dynamics of Internet economy

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-04-30 13:10

BEIJING -- Before heading to his favorite restaurants or smaller eateries, Roberto, an Argentine in Hangzhou, capital of eastern China's Zhejiang province, usually goes online first.



"At a virtual restaurant, everything is set. Even the dishes you are going to order can be selected online," he said.



"Cash in China is increasingly unnecessary," Roberto said. "The only time I used cash was to refill my transit card, and now you can do that with Alipay. Any other kind of purchase can be done through WeChat or Alipay, from a few cents to thousands of yuan."



What's more, "Alipay and WeChat offer services for purchasing cinema tickets and many applications for buying all kinds of events online, or discounts at restaurants," he added.



Roberto, who is studying a Master's degree in international trade at Zhejiang Gongshang University, is one of the many foreigners in China who are experiencing the dynamics of the Internet economy and enjoying the convenience it has brought to everyday life.



"Shopping online in China is amazing, whether through Taobao or JD.com (two e-commerce giants) or even WeChat (a multipurpose social media app)," he told Xinhua.



"The speed and convenience of receiving packages is incredible. I still can't believe how they handle millions of packages and everything arrives. I have never had a problem," added Roberto, who has been living in Hangzhou for almost two years.



Hangzhou is the place where Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is headquartered.



Alibaba President Jack Ma has recently called for making the absolute most of the "historic opportunity" brought by Internet development in China.



The Internet is driving the economic growth in China, home to about 731 million internauts -- roughly the population of all Europe -- and 695 million users surfing online via mobile phones.



The world's largest and fastest-growing e-commerce market is expected to expand transactions to more than 40 trillion yuan (5.76 trillion U.S. dollars) by 2020, according to China's 2016-2020 e-commerce development plan.



A report released by China Internet Network Information Center in January showed that more than 45 percent of Chinese companies made purchases and sales on the Internet in 2016.



China is "going all virtual," Roberto said.



Marivi Bermejo, a Spaniard living in Shanghai and specializing in organizing and marketing international trade fairs and events, has also noted that compared to many countries, everyday life in China is extremely digitized.



"The great majority of payments are made via mobile phones, with WeChat being one of the two most often used apps," said Bermejo.



"It offers a very convenient mode of payment -- simple, secure, accepted at almost all types of establishments and businesses," said Bermejo.



"Once your bank card is connected to your WeChat account, all you have to do is to scan the QR code generated with each purchase," said Bermejo, who was born in Madrid.



WeChat began as an instant messaging app but has been expanded to include a wide variety of monetary services, from online payments to money transfers and even "applying for loans," she said.

"In China, you can survive perfectly without cash," she added.
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...****???
WENCHANG, Hainan -- China's Long March-5 Y2 carrier rocket arrived at the launch base in Hainan, South China, on Sunday.

The launch vehicle departed from northern China's Tianjin on April 24 and sailed 1,670 nautical miles before reaching Wenchang, Hainan Province.

The rocket will be used in the launch of the Shijian-18 communication satellite in June.

The Long March-5 carrier rocket made its maiden flight in Wenchang on Nov 3, 2016.
The decision-making process of the European Union can be painfully slow and often leaders need to burn the midnight oil to reach agreement. But at this Saturdays summit to agree negotiation guidelines for the UK's exit from the EU, the leaders of the 27 remaining EU states were uncharacteristically quick.

One month after London notified Brussels of its intention to leave, the European Union leaders, except that of UK, took minutes to finalize their basic principles for the two-year talks on how the UK departs from the bloc.

The quicker-than-usual decision demonstrated the unity of EU leaders as they insisted that the protection of the rights of citizens affected by Brexit, the financial settlement and the status of the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, would take priority over all other issues.

The talks will not formally start until after the UKs general election on 8th June but should end in autumn 2018, which would allow both sides to go through their domestic approval procedures before the two-year exit deadline, 29th March, 2019.

The EU has created a complex and sophisticated set of laws, rights and regulations to allow a free flow of people, capital, technologies and goods. The dismantling of this system means the talks will be extremely tough, especially given the limited time allowed.

Fortunately, both sides have already pointed out that the rights of EU citizens in UK and Britons in EU and their families should be protected. This should mean that the lives of 4.5 million people should face minimal disruption as a result of Brexit.

The EU is determined to ensure the delivery of European projects, agreed by the EU 28 countries, including the UK, but will now be implemented by the remaining 27 members. Michel Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator recently hinted the UK should honor its commitments. This includes the 90 billion European Social Fund to help Europeans develop skills to find work and the 200 billion European Regional Development Fund to support isolated regions.

The 315 billion Juncker Investment Plan and the almost 80 billion Horizon 2020 research programme also need to be sorted out between UK and EU. The relocation of the two London-based EU organisations, the European Banking Authority and the European Medicines Agency, which employ roughly 1,000 staff, will also form part of the negotiations.

Brussels has agreed on a phased strategy, which meant the UK and the EU must sort out their past commitments before discussing their new relationship. London wanted to negotiate a new partnership and divorce at the same time, but this has been firmly rejected by its EU partners.

Brussels should have enough confidence to let the UK go with the minimum of fuss. The reality is a smooth transition and a return to as close to normal business is in everyone's best interest, including the UK, the EU and the rest of the world.

A recent European Parliament survey found 57 percent of Europeans say the EU membership is a good thing. This percentage is almost as high as it was in 2007 before the 2008 financial crisis eroded Europeans trust in the integrative machinery.

However, the Brexit process could again test the trust of Europeans in the EU project. It took eight years for EU and Canada to finalise a free trade agreement and it is unlikely London and Brussels will form new trade and investment relations overnight. A vacuum will be damaging and it is the responsibility of politicians, on both sides, to ensure this does not happen.

The UK should leave the EU in two years time as its voters made their decision, but it makes sense to ensure that as few new barriers are erected between the EU and the UK as possible. In dealing with Brexit and its consequences, pragmatism equals vision, especially when dealing with the lives of ordinary families.
The USS Michigan nuclear-powered submarine arrives at port of Busan, South Korea, April 25, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea test fired what was reportedly a medium range ballistic missile on Saturday. The missile exploded soon after take-off; whether by design or not, the countrys second failed missile launch in as many weeks.

The United States responded by asserting it was a clear message of defiance to recent efforts to persuade Pyongyang to end its nuclear weapons program.

Pyongyangs missile launch at such a critical time will undoubtedly trigger higher tensions and put the security situation of itself and the Northeast Asia in danger.

The DPRK should realize the Security Council resolutions on Korean Peninsula nuclear issue aim to help ease regional tension and are in line with the common interests of all parties involved. Thus it should respect and abide by the resolutions and stop walking farther along the wrong path of taking nuclear test/missile launch as a revenge tool for sanctions.

In fact, the launch followed the usual tit-for-tat pattern of actions between the two protagonists, as it came just hours after a UN Security Council meeting chaired by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in which he said all options for responding to future provocation remain on the table, including military action.

The DPRK declined to attend the meeting, with its Deputy Ambassador to the UN Kim In-ryong reiterating Pyongyangs longstanding contention that its weapons program is the product of the US hostility toward the DPRK, and a change in US policy "is the precondition to solving all the problems in the Korean Peninsula".

Indeed, when it comes to the tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the US has consistently been part of the problem, rather than part of the solution.

Relations with the Democratic Republic of Korea could be normalized and the nuclear threat defused, if the US was willing to eat a little crow.

Its unwilling to negotiate an end to the war, to which a cease-fire was agreed more than 63 years ago, because it thinks this would be a humiliating climb down and a show of weakness, and because it has, up to now at least, calculated it is not in its geostrategic interests to do so, is the fundamental obstacle to resolving the crisis.

There is callous intent behind the US repeatedly staging massive military drills with the Republic of Korea, as the US bombed everything that moved in North Korea, along with every brick standing on top of another, in the words of Dean Rusk, who was assistant secretary of state for far eastern affairs during the Korean War.

Is it really that surprising that Pyongyang wants some security guarantees?

After a visit to Pyongyang in July 2010 to secure the release of an American, Aijalon Gomes, with the proviso that my visit would last long enough for substantive talks with top North Korean officials, Jimmy Carter wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece, that DPRK officials spelled out in detail their desire to develop a denuclearized Korean Peninsula and a permanent cease-fire, based on the terms adopted by the six powers in September 2005, which reaffirmed the basic premises of the 1994 accord.

The text of the 1994 Agreed Framework includes denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, a pledge of non-aggression by the US and steps to evolve a permanent peace agreement to replace the cease-fire that has been in effect since July 1953.

Unfortunately, although there have been repeated overtures from Pyongyang for talks with US, suggesting that is still what Pyongyang wants, no substantive progress has been made since 2005.

That has been because up to now, at least, the tensions on the peninsula have been in the US interests, as they have helped to strengthen its alliances with the Republic of Korea and Japan, and given it an excuse to maintain a strong military presence in the region to put pressure on China and Russia, most recently with the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-ballistic missile system in the ROK, with its intrusively-peering radar.

As China has pointed out the root cause of the Korean nuclear problem lies in the differences between the DPRK and the US and between the DPRK and the ROK. Taking into consideration the concerns of all the parties involved and the actual situation on the Peninsula, China has proposed a dual-track settlement by which denuclearization on the Peninsula is swapped for an armistice and peace mechanism. This is a practical way to resolve the crisis.

If the US really does want to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem, talking would be the best way to demonstrate it, rather than continuing to back the DPRK into the corner.

Te author is a writer with China Daily.
Tourists visit the Shijingshan Amusement Park in Beijing, capital of China, April 29, 2017. After two years since the retirement of an old ferris wheel, a new one was put in use for the public at the Shijingshan Amusement Park in Beijing on Saturday. The new wheel is about 100 meters high with a diameter of 88 meters. It has 42 panoramic cabins, each with a capacity of eight people. [Photo/Xinhua]
COPENHAGEN -- Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said that his forthcoming visit to China will boost the close China-Denmark relations to a new high.

"This will be the first official visit by a Danish Head of Government to China since 2008, and we will now take our bilateral relationship to a new high," Rasmussen told Chinese media in a written interview ahead of his visit to China on May 2-5 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang will meet or hold talks with Rasmussen during the visit. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang while announcing the visit on April 25.

BILATERAL TRADE GROWTH

Rasmussen said China is Denmark's largest trading partner in Asia. Bilateral ties in politics and trade and between the two peoples have been promoted since Denmark became the first in 2008 and so far the only Nordic country to sign an agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

"That partnership has given a strong boost to our bilateral relations," Rasmussen said.

According to the prime minister, bilateral trade has increased remarkably to more than 110 billion Danish kroner (around 16.11 billion U.S. dollars) a year at present, citing data from the country's statistical authorities.

"Danish companies have strongholds in the fields that China values more and more these years, such as environment, energy, health care, pharmaceuticals, food and agricultural products, design and logistical services," Rasmussen said.

A TRIP TO BE FRUITFUL

Rasmussen said a wide range of new agreements will be signed between the two countries during his visit.

"The new agreements will strengthen our economic and trade cooperation," he said.

According to the prime minister, Denmark and China will launch a Chinese-Danish Food and Drug Regulatory Cooperation Center that will help facilitate knowledge-sharing between public authorities in the two countries.

"This will serve the benefit of consumers with faster and smoother access to high-quality products," he said.

In terms of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Rasmussen said the two countries will sign a bilateral film agreement that allows China and Denmark to work on co-productions in the film industry.

"Danish movies and TV-series have gained international acclaim, and I personally feel that Denmark has a lot to offer in this area," he said.

During his visit, China and Denmark will launch the first "Joint Work Program," which contains 58 concrete joint cooperation areas between 80 Chinese and Danish state institutions. "This will take the cooperation between our institutions one important step further," Rasmussen said.
This week Judicial Watch released State Department documents including a declaration from FBI Special Agent E.W. Priestap, the supervisor of the agencys investigation into Hillary Clintons email activities, stating that the former secretary of state was the subject of a grand jury investigation related to her BlackBerry email accounts.



The declaration was produced in response to Judicial Watchs lawsuit seeking to force Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to take steps to recover emails of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other U.S. Department of State employees (Judicial Watch, Inc. v. Rex Tillerson (No. 1:15-cv-00785)). We originally filed the lawsuit against then-Secretary of State John Kerry. The Trump State Department filing includes details of the agencys continuing and shameful refusal to refer the Clinton email issue to the Justice Department, as the law requires.



In the filing, Priestap declares under penalty of perjury that the FBI obtained Grand Jury subpoenas related to the Blackberry e-mail accounts, which produced no responsive materials, as the requested data was outside the retention time utilized by those providers.



...



The FBI convened a grand jury to investigate Hillary Clinton in 2016. Why is this information being released only now?



It is disturbing that the State Department, Justice Department, and FBI are still trying to protect Hillary Clinton. President Trump needs to clean house at all these agencies.
(Photo : Northrop Grumman) Northrop Grumman's version of a 6th generation fighter for the U.S. Navy.

Advertisement

The U.S. Navy's vision for its future sixth-generation fighter to replace the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter is one that can enter combat with or without a pilot and that can fire hypersonic missiles, among others.



The navy has begun the conceptual development process that will lead to the initial specifications for the new carrier-borne fighter, one of whose main qualities will be hypersonic speed. Hypersonic speed is widely seen as the "new stealth" in both the navy and the U.S. Air Force.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

The navy expects to see prototypes of its sixth-generation fighter, which will likely be a tail-less flying wing, by the 2020s and production of the selected design by the 2030s.



The navy's sixth gen fighter will replace its existing inventory of Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, which will be retired starting 2035. The Super Hornets will also be replaced by the F-35C, the naval version of the Joint Strike Fighter.



Carrier Air Wings (CVWs) in the 2040s will feature F-35Cs; upgraded versions of the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft and the new sixth generation fighter.



The sixth generation fighter will be capable of both manned and unmanned missions. It will possess advanced coatings; artificial intelligence; superior maneuverability; superiority in sensing the battlespace; communications and data links.



The new fighter might also be able to fire hypersonic missiles that can tear through the air at speeds ranging from over Mach 5 to Mach 10 (6,200 to 12,300 km/h).



The air force anticipates having hypersonic missiles by the 2020s. Hypersonic drones are expected to come about by the 2030s while recoverable hypersonic drone aircraft should fly by the 2040s.



And, of course, this new stealth fighter will feature futuristic stealth to evade more sophisticated air defenses of the Russians and Chinese, especially the new digital radars that are more difficult to combat.



Advertisement

TagsU.S. Navy, sixth generation fighter, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, Hypersonic speed, new stealth, hypersonic missiles
(Photo : Russian Navy) The obsolete and rusting hulk that is the Admiral Kuznetsov.

Advertisement

A dangerous dearth of guided missile destroyers because it doesn't have the money to build them has forced the Russian Navy to increase the surface-to-air missile (SAM) armament on the obsolete aircraft carrier RFS Admiral Kuznetsov (063).



Russia plans to spend some $708 million to modernize its only aircraft carrier, or more specifically a heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser whose main role isn't to launch offensive operations with its onboard aircraft but to defend nuclear ballistic missile and attack submarines; other warships and naval strike aircraft of the Russian fleet.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

In this aspect, Kuznetsov isn't a true aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy sense. But the Kuznetsov is more heavily armed than any U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.



In its attack mode, Kuznetsov is armed with P-700 Granit anti-ship cruise missiles and 3K95 Kinzhal (Gauntlet) SAMs.



Upgrading the Kuznetsov will mean replacing its obsolete Granit missile systems with 3S14 universal launch systems that can deploy a variety of missiles. The 3S14 can be outfitted with Kalibr-NK anti-ship and land attack cruise missiles; Onyx supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles and Zircon advanced hypersonic missiles.



Russian state-controlled media also said the Kuznetsov's take-off and landing systems will be modernized to enable fighters "to take off and land in full safety".



Kuznetsov carries a mix of Mikoyan MiG-29K/KUB air superiority fighters and Sukhoi Su-33 multi-role fighters.



The proposed Lider-class guided missile destroyer is supposed to have provided anti-aircraft defense for Kuznetsov but this destroyer has been cancelled for lack of money to build it.



Financial and economic sanctions imposed by the European Union 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.



Advertisement

TagsRussian Navy, RFS Admiral Kuznetsov (063), U.S. Navy, P-700 Granit anti-ship cruise missiles, 3K95 Kinzhal (Gauntlet) surface-to-air missiles, Mikoyan MiG-29K/KUB, Sukhoi Su-33, NATO, Project 23560 Lider-class destroyer
(Photo : Peshmerga) Kurdish Peshmerga infantry.

Advertisement

The battle hardened soldiers of the Kurdish Peshmerga -- a name that literally translates into "Those Who Face Death" -- are set to receive a massive inflow of modern weapons from the United States.



Widely recognized as the best soldiers fighting ISIS in both Iraq and Syria, the Peshmerga have been described as "the West's toughest and most reliable bulwark against ISIS in Iraq."



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

Their links to the west, specifically the United States, go back to 1998 when CIA agents and operators of the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) were deployed to Kurdistan to train and arm the Peshmerga in their war against the late Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein. The Peshmerga played a key role in deposing Saddam Hussein during the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.



The Peshmerga, which today number over 190,000 fighters (both men and women), are the military forces of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan responsible for defending the land, people and institutions of Iraqi Kurdistan.



Last week, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) informed Congress it had approved the sale of $295.6 million worth of military hardware to the Kurdish Peshmerga.



DSCA is a unit of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) that provides financial and technical assistance; transfer of defense materiel; training and services to allies and promotes military-to-military contacts.



Congress is expected to quickly approve the weapons sale, which has been approved by DSCA.



Here's what the Peshmerga want to buy from the U.S.



* 4,400 M4 automatic rifles



* 186 M240B light machine guns



* 46 M2 .50 caliber heavy machine guns



* 36 refurbished M119A2 105 mm howitzers



* 36 M1151 HMMWVs ("Humvees")



* 77 M1151 up-armored Humvees.



The Peshmerga also want large quantities of body armor, helmets, radios, mortars and small arms. They also want an unspecified number of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles; light and medium tactical vehicles; ambulances and trucks.



Advertisement

TagsKurdish peshmerga, ISIS, Iraq, Syria, CIA, U.S. Special Operations Forces, Defense Security Cooperation Agency
(Photo : French Navy) Mistral (L9013).

Advertisement

The French Navy amphibious assault ship Mistral (L9013) arrived April 29 at the U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo naval base in Nagasaki Prefecture ahead of a joint exercise and powerful show of force aimed at frightening China. She will conduct this show of force with the U.S. Navy; the Royal Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in waters off Guam.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

The visit of the 21,000 metric ton Mistral, the lead-ship in the three-ship Mistral class, is bound to anger China as warships from four of the world's most powerful navies -- all challenging China's claim to own the South China Sea -- are simultaneously gathered in Japan.



Mistral will lead exercises next month near Guam along with warships from her three partners. The allied navies will practice amphibious landings around Tinian, an island about 2,500 km south of Tokyo. The quadrilateral naval exercise will be held from May 3 to 22.



Mistral will be joined later on by the stealth frigate Courbet (F712).



The exercise "is designed to strengthen and to enhance trust and cooperation among the participating countries," said a statement from the Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Force.



Mistral forms part of an amphibious task force mission named the Jeanne d'Arc, which France describes as "a potent support to French diplomacy."



Japan and the United States are worried by China's efforts to exercise unilateral control over the South China Sea, a concern shared by France, which controls several Pacific islands, including New Caledonia and French Polynesia.



Tinian is one of the three main islands in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a territory of the U.S. It was from Tinian that the Enola Gay, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress heavy bomber of the U.S. Army Air Force, took off on Aug. 6, 1945 to drop the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.



Advertisement

TagsFrench Navy, Mistral (L9013), amphibious assault ship, U.S. Navy, Royal Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Guam, Courbet (F712), Tinian
(Photo : USMC) An F-35B of VMFA-121, a U.S. Marines fighter squadron now based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan.

Advertisement

Unthinking U.S. president Donald Trump, who in December 2016 pissed-off China by making a phone call to Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen, now says he won't do anything to "cause difficulty" for Chinese president Xi Jinping, in the process pouring cold water on Taiwan's forthcoming request to buy Northrop Grumman F-35 stealth fighters from the U.S.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

As expected, China reacted angrily to news of Taiwan's intent to buy the F-35s, against which it has no adequate defense. F-35s in the hands of the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) will deny China the air superiority it needs for a successful amphibious assault of the Taiwan Strait and an invasion of Taiwan.



The fickle and vapid Trump on April 28 said he first wants to consult with Xi before speaking to Tsai. He said he doesn't want to "cause difficulty" for Xi by again dismissing the "One China" policy.



"He's a friend of mine. He's actually a -- I think he's doing an amazing job as a leader, and I wouldn't want to do anything that comes in the way of that. So, I would certainly want to speak to him first," said Trump.



That sterling example of splendid cowardice was immediately followed on the same day by a warning from China it's "adamantly opposed to selling weapons to Taiwan and there is no space for progress if unification by force is rejected."



President Tsai, however, remains optimistic about the prospects of acquiring F-35s and other U.S. weapons despite expected Chinese opposition.



"We will submit our request to the U.S. to purchase jets in July," said Wang Ting-yu, head of the Taiwanese legislature's Foreign and National Defense Committee.



"We hope the U.S. understands our needs. Our fighter jets really are too old."



Taiwan specifically wants to purchase the F-35B, the version flown only by the U.S. Marine Corps. The F-35B is notable for its short/vertical take-off and landing (SVTOL) ability and its capability to land practically anywhere there's a flat land surface.



Taiwan will include an offer to buy the fifth generation F-35B -- considered the best stealth jet in the world and superior to China's "stealth" fighters -- in the first weapons purchase it will submit to the Trump administration.



"We hope we can get F-35s," said Wang. "We have been waiting for updated F-16s for too long. Their time has gone. If we buy them now, in 10 years' time they'll be no use."



Advertisement

Tagsdonald trump, china, Tsai Ing-wen, Xi Jinping, Northrop Grumman F-35, Republic of China Air Force
(Photo : JMSDF) JS Izumo.

Advertisement

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has sent its largest warship, the helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183), to escort a U.S. Navy supply ship transporting weapons, supplies and equipment to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), which will take-up station in the Sea of Japan off the Korean Peninsula early this week.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

This is believed to be the first time JMSDF has deployed a warship to protect a U.S. Navy vessel. It was the U.S. Navy, however, that requested a JMSDF escort.



Upon orders of Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, the Izumo will depart the JMSDF's Yokosuka port in Kanagawa Prefecture on the morning of May 1. The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has authorized the Izumo to use its weapons when necessary but "minimally" to ward-off attacks by either North Korea or China.



The defense ministry said the Izumo will rendezvous with the U.S. Navy supply ship in waters off the Boso Peninsula near Tokyo. Izumo has been ordered to safeguard the U.S. Navy supply ship until they both reach the Pacific side off Shikoku, one of the four main islands of Japan, located to the south of the Japanese archipelago.



The Carl Vinson entered the Sea of Japan through the Tsushima Strait between the Kyushu region and the Korean Peninsula on April 29. Sources said the supply ship will also re-supply a U.S. Navy spy ship monitoring North Korea.



The mission involving the Izumo is the first under the 2015 national security legislation. The prohibition on the use of weapons by the armed services comprising the Japan Self-Defense Force or JSDF (including the JMSDF) was relaxed under the revised Self-Defense Forces Law in tandem with the enactment of the new security legislation.



Under the revision, the JSDF armed services are allowed to use their weapons to protect U.S. forces and the armed forces of other countries cooperating with the JSDF, and that are engaged in activities contributing to the defense of Japan.



JSDF personnel can use their weapons during escort missions even in peacetime when they decide there are justifiable grounds to do so.



The Izumo is officially classified by Japan as a "helicopter destroyer" whose main mission is anti-submarine warfare. For this purpose, she carries up to nine helicopters but can be outfitted to launch and recover the Lockheed Martin F-35B stealth fighter, the short take-off, vertical landing (STOVL) version of the fighter operated by the U.S. Marines.



Advertisement

TagsJapan Maritime Self-Defense Force, JMSDF, JS Izumo (DDH-183), U.S. Navy supply ship, USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), Sea of Japan, Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, Self-Defense Forces Law, helicopter destroyer
My latest book has just been published, a guide to the huge region of dramatic mountains between Glen Carron and Little Loch Broom in the ...
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

President Trump has completed his first 100 days in office.

While questions about the wall, trade deals, and Russia are buzzing, we thought we'd give Melania Trump a moment to shine.

Although not much can be said about the FLOTUS' performance in her first 100 days, (until she moves into the White House) Mrs. Trump has easily become a style icon.

FLOTUS: People are notice one big thing about Melania Trump's official portrait

Much like Jackie Kennedy, Betty Ford, and Michelle Obama, Melania Trump knows what is most flattering on her and what will make an impression.

Being no stranger to high end fashion, Mrs. Trump wears skirt suits, pantsuits, and flowing coats with ease. She could very well end up being the most fashionable First Lady since Jackie O.

The former model has also showed up to important government events wearing probably, the tallest heels of any first lady. The 47-year-old already stands at 5 feet 11 inches.

Mrs. Trump's early days of government life were ridden with criticism and refusal's from designers to dress her, however, it doesn't appears that she'll ever have a problem finding the right thing to wear.

ICYMI: The best memes from the White House Correspondents Dinner

In case your wondering how Mrs. Trump obtains all of these high-end threads... Hello! Being married to Donald J. Trump has its perks. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Melania Trump buys all of her clothes. And as tradition goes, clothes that are gifted to the FLOTUS for events of public or historical significance must be accepted on behalf of the U.S. Government and are then stored by the National Archives.

We may not be looking forward to 100 more days of this political climate, but we are looking forward to seeing FLOTUS' winning fashion choices.

Take a look in the gallery above for every outfit worn by Melania Trump during President Trump's first 100 days in office.
*Editors note: Kellie Weber has withdrawn from the race for Zone 2

Four people are competing to represent Zone 2 on the Lebanon School Board this May.

Kellie Weber, who was appointed in September 2016 to finish the term left vacant when Liz Alperin moved away, currently holds the seat and is running for election.

She is being challenged by Linda McLucas, Tom Oliver and Donnie Witherspoon.

The Democrat-Herald asked each candidate to talk about major issues they see facing the district and how they would respond.

The paper also asked what, if anything, the candidates would do to address recent controversy over perceived lack of transparency from board members regarding a personal relationship between the superintendent and another principal.

More complete information on their backgrounds and responses can be found at the Democrat-Herald's online version of this story.

All four candidates said they have experience with budgeting and want the district to be as efficient as possible with its funding. All said they would carefully prioritize each dollar in terms of what must be done immediately for student needs and what can wait.

They differ on what they see as the board's responsibility toward residents concerned about a personal relationship between Superintendent Rob Hess and a district principal. Some board members knew of the relationship when it became official two years ago, while others did not and have questioned how the information was handled.

Oliver, Weber and Witherspoon all said they believe board and district communication should be improved, but they differ on actions to take.

Oliver said he recommends an independent investigation to determine what was known, by whom and when, and whether any evidence exists of preferential treatment because of the relationship. Weber said she recommends direct and open communication with people who believe the district's climate has been affected by a perceived lack of transparency.

Witherspoon said he doesn't believe the relationship is anyone's business as long as no laws or policies were violated, while McLucas said she does not feel she knows enough about the situation to offer a course of action.

A look at the four candidates and their other desires for the district:

McLucas, 69, has lived in the district for 10 years and has been a volunteer reader at Hamilton Creek. A nurse, she currently works part time through the Department of Human Services.

The board seat would be McLucas' first direct experience in a government position, but she spent two seasons on the board of directors for her church, Lebanon Foursquare, and said budget, communication and confidentiality challenges are similar.

McLucas said as a board member, she would tackle bullying and work hard to make sure schools offer a welcoming space for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, religion, sexuality or gender identification. Making sure gender-neutral bathrooms are accessible is one specific priority.

"Unless you're in a healthy setting, you can't really be there and learn well. You have to feel safe," she said. "I want to help with the process."

Oliver, 41, is director of engineering for Consumers Power and worked for nearly nine years for the city of Lebanon as its information technology director. He has a Lebanon graduate and two other children in the district.

He applied for the open position to which Weber was named last fall. He said he has long considered running for the board but only now has the time to add it to his schedule now that his tenure has finished as chairman of the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam. He also has served with numerous other community service organizations.

"I have been managing people and projects and budgets for 18 years," he said. "I feel like I have a good combination of background and experience to understand the challenges and provide some guidance into the appropriate course of action."

Recruiting and retaining strong staff members and making sure schools offer "relevant" education are among Oliver's priorities. He said he supports strong trade skills programs and would revisit the district's 2020 vision plan to make sure expectations and goals are clear and that the district is held accountable.

Weber, 50, is a homemaker with seven sons, including four Lebanon High School graduates and three still in the district.

She said she initially applied for the open position because "there was an opportunity, there was a need and I felt qualified," and said she wants to stay because, "I think there are some problems in our school district and I want to try to solve them."

Chief among Weber's concerns is teacher retention. "I think the best way is to advocate for them," she said. "They need more money, they need more respect, they need to be heard."

She also supports expanding career and technical education opportunities. She said she feels she's proven herself an advocate for the things she feels are important, such as passing a policy to begin drug-testing student athletes.

Witherspoon, 39, has been self-employed since 2005. He owns AAA Custodial Services and Witherspoon Industries, a custodial supplies business. He has served as a reserve police officer and a Cubmaster with the Scout program, but this would be his first experience on a government board.

Witherspoon said he and his wife have chosen to home-school their nine children  a personal family goal, he said  until they reach high school. The family currently has a freshman at Lebanon High and will have two more this fall.

Core academics, particularly math and reading, should be the district's focus, Witherspoon said. He particularly wants to see a stronger emphasis on both subjects in elementary grades and sees smaller class sizes as the best way to accomplish that. He plans to petition the state for more money for teachers.

Those classes aside, Witherspoon said he wants to find a way to bring both band and choir to seventh- and eighth-graders at Hamilton Creek and Lacomb, the district's two rural schools. He said he believes students should have equal opportunities throughout the district and wants to keep performance programs strong at Lebanon High School.
Friendswood police advised merchants to examine all cash closely after receiving several reports of counterfeit $20 bills last week.

The fake notes were circulated at drug stores, gas stations and grocers, police said.

"The first line of defense is to train clerks and cashiers how to spot imposters," the department said in an advisory.

Merchants who identify counterfeit bills should limit handling and surrender them only to properly identified officers, police said.

BURGLARY

A woman's vehicle was burglarized April 22 at 1776 Park in the 100 block of Imperial Drive, police said.

The owner discovered the passenger side window smashed and her purse gone shortly after she parked the vehicle.

The next day, she was contacted on Facebook by a person who said they found the purse and turned it in to the Houston Police Department.

TRESSPASS

Police responding to a burglary-in-progress call April 21 in the 900 block of Riverside Court found a suspect forcing his way into a home while the homeowner hid in a closet. Police charged the suspect, a 37-year-old Houston man and work acquaintance of the homeowner, with criminal trespass.

FRAUD

A Friendswood man learned someone had applied for a Walmart credit card in his name when he received a letter April 18 notifying him the application had been denied, police said.

When he called the bank associated with the credit card, he was told the application had been completed online.

A business owner reported her ex-boyfriend used her UPS and FedEx account numbers to ship merchandise April 19.

The fraudulent charges totaled more than $2,500, police said.

A counterfeit $20 bill was passed April 19 at Walgreens, 104 E. Parkwood Ave., police said.

The manager was unable to provide information about the person who passed the fraudulent money.

A young black male driving a silver Jeep paid for $10 worth of gas with a counterfeit $20 bill April 20 at H-E-B, 701 W. Parkwood Ave., police said.

When the clerk used a counterfeit-checking pen, she learned the bill was fake and turned off the pump.

The suspect returned the $10 in change, and the clerk gave him back his counterfeit money.

The same suspect reportedly used $40 in counterfeit money April 17 to purchase groceries.

The clerk reported the Jeep's license plate to police.

A Friendswood man learned a fraudulent loan was obtained using his personal information after he received a call from a collection agency April 20, police said. The loan was opened online through Speedy Cash.

THEFT

The management team at Kroger, 3135 FM 528, told police a shoplifter has been stealing from the store about once a week, according to an April 18 report.

The suspect, described as a black male who typically wears a black ball cap and black t-shirt, has been shoplifting at other Kroger stores as well, police said.

The suspect was seen leaving the store in a white BMW, and a witness was able to record a license plate number.

A Kroger employee's black bicycle was stolen from the rack in front of the store at 3135 FM 528 sometime during his work shift April 21, police said.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

A brick-and-stone mailbox was hit by a vehicle and destroyed April 23 in the 2400 block of Airline Drive, police said.

A neighbor's daughter and another 17-year-old girl, who is not a licensed driver, reportedly hit the mailbox, picked up their car parts and left the scene without notifying the owner, leaving a note or notifying police.

The owner declined to press charges.

ASSAULT

Police charged a Friendswood woman, 24, with two counts of assault by contact-family violence April 20 in the 1400 block of Bougainvilla.

When officers arrived, the woman's boyfriend told police she was intoxicated and had assaulted him.

He had a swollen lip and a cut on his nose. When an officer entered the home, he found the woman on the floor pulling her mother's hair.

The mother claimed her daughter also had punched her, police said.

NARCOTICS

Police charged a Pearland man, 25, with possession of drug paraphernalia April 19 after a witness reported a reckless driver in the 16000 block of Blackhawk Boulevard.

Police found the vehicle parked against the curb, facing traffic in the 15600 block of Edenvale Street. The man had a suspended driver's license and two traffic warrants in Pearland.

He reportedly admitted to having marijuana, which the officer found in the vehicle.

A Houston man, 25, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop for an illegal tint on tail lamps April 20 in the 2100 block of Old Road, police said.

The driver had outstanding warrants with the Pasadena Police Department and reportedly told the officer he had marijuana in the glove box. During a search, the officer found marijuana in the center console and glove box.

An Alvin man, 30, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop April 20 in the 2400 block of West Parkwood Avenue, police said. The man was a passenger in a vehicle operated by a driver with an invalid license.

He reportedly admitted to having a small amount of marijuana, which an officer found inside an Excedrin bottle, police said.

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED

Police charged a 65-year-old Friendswood woman with DWI after a single-vehicle accident April 17 in the 200 block of Oak Drive.

According to a witness, the woman ran through two stop signs, hit a brick mailbox and ended up in the ditch. She failed a field sobriety test, police said.

A Friendswood woman, 39, was charged with DWI after she crashed into several parked vehicles April 22 at the intersection of Falcon Ridge Boulevard and Middlecreek Drive, police said.

She reportedly failed sobriety tests and had a small amount of marijuana hidden in her pants.

Police charged a Friendswood man, 19, with DWI after a reckless driver was reported April 23 near South Friendswood Drive and Winding Way.

An officer stopped the suspect vehicle in the 2400 block of Pine Drive.

The driver exhibited signs of intoxication and failed a field sobriety test, police said.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

Police took a Friendswood woman, 28, into custody for public intoxication after finding her in a vehicle April 22 in the Walgreens parking lot at the corner of South Friendswood Drive and East Edgewood.

She reportedly exhibited signs of intoxication and her vehicle appeared to have been involved in several accidents, police said.

A Friendswood man, 21, was charged with public intoxication April 23 after an officer patrolling in the 2200 block of Airline Drive saw him chasing a vehicle, police said.

The man, reportedly covered in mud and dirt, told the officer he had been involved in a verbal dispute earlier in the evening and hid in the woods when police were called.

An officer called to investigate a suspicious vehicle April 23 in the 100 block of Melody Lane found a 25-year-old Houston man passed out in the driver's seat, police said. The officer also reportedly saw open containers of alcohol in the vehicle.

Police charged the man with public intoxication.

TRAFFIC

Police arrested a Houston man, 26, for no driver's license and window tint violations after he was observed driving 74 mph in a 45 mph zone during a rain storm April 18 in the 3400 block of FM 528.

A Houston man, 43, was charged with expired license plates and possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop April 19 in the 3600 block of FM 528, police said.

The officer reportedly found two partially smoked marijuana cigarettes in the driver's seat.

Police charged a Dickinson man, 44, with driving while license invalid after he reportedly failed to yield to an emergency vehicle conducting a traffic stop April 20 in the 4200 block of FM 2351.

He was traveling at a high rate of speed, his driver's license was suspended and he had warrants with four law enforcement agencies, police said.

A 21-year-old Webster man was charged with no front license plate, unsafe lane change, driving on the wrong side of the road and no insurance April 20.

An officer first noticed the missing license plate in the 200 block of East Parkwood Avenue and attempted to catch up with the vehicle.

However, it began driving at a high rate of speed and made several unsafe lane changes.

The driver cut across five lanes of traffic, in an active school zone, before turning into a parking lot in the 3600 block of FM 528.

He was taken to jail for the traffic violations.
At least four people are dead and dozens more injured in one Texas county after tornadoes battered parts of the state, officials said Sunday.

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes in Canton area and one in Caney City. One twister tore along a 35-mile path, tossing vehicles and destroying a car dealership on Interstate 20, according to footage of the scene.

Although Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett initially told local media of five deaths, she revised that number down to four at a press conference Sunday morning.

"The damage was extensive," she told reporter gathered at the local police station.

"It is heartbreaking and upsetting to say the least."

HERE'S WHY: Maps, charts explain Houston's frequent flooding problems

More than 50 people were rushed to hospitals with injuries from the storms, and a spokeswoman for East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare Systems said she expected more to come. Although one person was in critical condition, most of the injuries were not deemed life-threatening.

Door-to-door searches were underway Sunday morning, although Everett discouraged volunteers from showing up, saying the situation was still "too fluid."

"We're not allowing anyone into the affected areas," Van Zandt County Judge Don Kirkpatrick added.

"We're still in the search and recovery aspect of this disaster."

A triage center was set up in the Canton High School band hall, and Van Zandt County residents were encouraged to conserve water until electricity could be restored.

"As mayor, I have signed a disaster declaration for the city," Everett said.

On Saturday night, Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texans to take shelter as the storm raged.

DESTRUCTIVE PATH: Tornadoes strike East Texas, damage homes and businesses

"Texas Task Force 2 has been sent to help the Canton & Van Zandt areas respond to weather," he tweeted around 9 p.m.

Early Sunday morning, the National Weather Service said it was still in the process of rating the weekend's tornadoes.

By daybreak, the Dallas-area forecast had calmed to nothing more than a gusty day, according to the National Weather Service.

Here in Houston, the cloudy morning is expected to give way to a sunny day in the 70s.
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
Patience hasn't often been considered a virtue in politics.

So, with the first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency having just passed, it shouldn't be surprising that some folks are already laying the early groundwork to challenge him in 2020.

Yep, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has released a book widely seen as a campaign setup. New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker, after his stirring speech at the Democratic National Convention last summer, has been appearing on cable news shows frequently.

MEME TREATMENT: Social media has fun with White House Correspondents Dinner

And, former Vice President Joe Biden has been lurking in the shadows, at times expressing regret he didn't make a bid for the highest office in the land in 2016.

But, Politico reports, Biden and his advisers have been quietly looking at how to craft at run for the Democratic nomination in three years and take on Trump.

The magazine, which specializes in politics, reports: "People frequently approach Biden to say they wish hed have run in 2016, that they think he would have won. Occasionally, hell get very critical of Hillary Clinton in private conversations, but to most people he just says, 'Thank you.' And for the people who tell him they want to see him run against Trump, Biden keeps going back to the same line: 'Im not planning on it, but Im not going to tell anyone Im not doing it.'

POWER MOVE: 100 days in office, Trump calls government system 'archaic'

While Trump has been historically unpopular, Biden (and to an extent, Obama) has remained on the public's good side, seen by many as sort of "Crazy Uncle Joe" to former President Barack Obama's more serious, and sometimes hip, demeanor.

Of course, Hillary Clinton was popular too, then she ran for president. What that means for Biden, should he run, remains to be seen.

But, with a character like the former vice president possibly getting back into the mix, it should keep the political intrigue entertaining for a while.

Scroll through the gallery above to see potential 2020 presidential contenders among Democrats
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The crowded race for the newly created Position 7 on Pearland City Council includes two former council members, two west Pearland residents, a University of Houston student with experience working for the city and a police chief for the nearby community of Brookside.

The six seeking the position in the May 6 election are: Dalia Kasseb, Sherry Stockwell, Terry Gray, Woody Owens, G.C. Sonny Atkins and Bud Tolletson.

Gray

Gray hopes to brings experience as a businessman and former council member back to City Hall.

"I have a background of being involved in the Pearland community since I moved here in 1957, and I understand how the city functions," Gray said.

Gray, an Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, retired in 1991 from Southwestern Bell AT&T and began a career as a self-employed real estate investor. Before that, he served three terms on City Council, from 1976 to 1978 and from 1980 to 1986. If elected, he plans to focus on mobility, reducing the city's debt, public safety and careful financial planning.

"When I look at the city budget, I get scared to death. I have concerns that 60 percent of our budget goes to debt service. That's frightening. I'd like to find a way to pay as we go," he said. "I know there are projects and needs that are very important for our infrastructure, and some of those things can't be delayed. Can we continue to borrow money to do these things? Is there a better way? I'd like to think so, but I don't hear anyone on the City Council asking these questions."

Gray didn't agree with the council's recent decision to use $6 million in borrowed bond money to renovate City Hall.

"When we moved into City Hall in 1985, it costs us roughly $3 million to build the facility.

For $6 million, we could build a really nice building to house our employees," Gray said.

"It bothers me that we were spending that amount of money on an old building when the same amount of money could build a brand new one," he said.

"It makes more sense to me than tearing the staircase (in the current City Hall) because we have to have a higher level of security. Are we really that unsafe?"

Gray said supports improving the synchronization of the city's traffic lights and installing security cameras in public spaces to deter and help solve crimes.

"My goal is to bring to the council a voice that has some experience with being self-employed and doing things that make money instead of spending money," Gray said.

For more information, visit www.electterrygray.com

Kasseb

As a millennial, a woman and a west Pearland resident, Kasseb aspires to bring a fresh perspective to city government.

"What I bring to the table is a new perspective, a younger perspective on how we can make our city a more livable, attractive city," she said.

Kasseb speaks with enthusiasm about issues such as mobility, transportation, creating more hike-and-bike trails, promoting composting and adding green space in the city.

"I want to make our city a more mobile city so that people can use their bikes to get to places and to live a healthier life as well as take cars off the roads," she said.

One of Kasseb's key campaign issues is encouraging economic development through what she calls "smart growth."

"I want to grow our economy in a very smart fashion in that I want to bring in large corporations as well as small businesses in order to attract good jobs and create a stable economy," she said.

Kasseb lives with her husband in Shadow Creek Ranch and works as a pharmacist at Pyramid Pharmacy in Pearland, which she owns and operates with her family.

"As a healthcare professional, I am very focused on health-related issues and how they impact people's lives, including environmental issues like the landfill in west Pearland," she said.

The Blue Ridge Landfill, based nearby in Fort Bend County, has emissions called "volatile organic compounds" that create a very foul odor, Kasseb said.

"I want to make sure the VOCs being produced by the landfill aren't toxic to Pearland families. It has already been discovered that (certain VOCs) can cause skin irritations and headaches," she said. "They can even lead up to cancer."

The city recently demanded that the state immediately suspend the environmental permit for the landfill.

The landfill faces a fine of up to about $44,000 by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for violations in October and November.

According to a Texas Department of State Health Services study published in 2015, VOCs believed to be caused by Houston refineries have been linked to increased leukemia rates in children and other cancers, Kasseb said.

"I don't want that to happen here. We need to be able to think about the future health aspect, and one solution is to bring forward a resolution for a zero-waste policy for our city," she said.

For information, visit www.votefordalia.com

Owens

Owens served 12 years as a council member from 2000 to 2013.

If elected, his priorities include focusing on public safety, reducing property taxes and working with officials with Brazoria and Fort Bend counties to cut back on environmental impacts related to the Blue Ridge Landfill.

"As Pearland continues to grow, we must continue to invest in the safety of our residents through increasing our police and fire/EMS services," he said.

He supports hiring additional police officers.

We have a great police department but we don't have our police staffing up to the level we need," Owens said. "Our hiring standards are very stringent as compared to the communities that surround us and so it is not as easy for us to bring in new officers, but we need to do it.

"I also think that in some of the older neighborhoods, lighting is a problem because when those subdivisions were built the standard was to have lights every 600 feet. Now, the standard is to have lighting every 200 feet," he said.

"In older neighborhoods like Shadycrest, Green Tee and the Yost area, we have an opportunity to come back and improve the lighting in those neighborhoods because I do think it is a big safety issue."

A veteran of the Navy and a 27-year Pearland resident, Owens and his wife, Diane, have two adult children and two granddaughters.

If elected, he hopes to work toward reducing property owners' tax burden.

"If elected I would support giving residents an additional $10,000 toward Homestead Exemption," he said.

Owens is employed as a vice president and Texas office principal for AZTEC Engineering in Houston. For more information, visit www.electwoodyowens.com

Stockwell

Having spent 30 years in residential real estate, Stockwell says she can offer voters a unique blend of knowledge and experience if elected to Pearland City Council Position 7.

Pearland's future success depends on developing better quality-of-life amenities and improving mobility, she said.

As a founding board member of the Pearland Alliance for Arts and Culture, she hopes to help the city develop its artistic side by attracting businesses such as art galleries and offering support for theater performances, literary events, arts and cultural festivals and live music venues.

"I'm concerned that if we as a community don't invest in the arts then we're going to end up with a city that doesn't have a lot to offer," she said.

Regarding mobility, she said, "I think we should look at alternative forms of transportation such as new hike-and-bike trails that would allow people to walk to Starbucks or the grocery store. I've been researching other cities such as McKinney and Plano that are trying to develop a more green way to live."

Stockwell lives in west Pearland and owns the Reflection Bay Event Center and Pearland Med Spa.

"I'm at a point in my life where I have the time to serve," Stockwell said. "Even though I own two businesses, I have good people working for me at those two locations," she said.

"And, I resigned from residential real estate about six months ago; so I have the time to invest in the Pearland community.

"I'm attuned to what is going on in the community, both the east side and the west side," she said.

"I want to make sure Pearland is a livable city - that home values increase and the tax rate stays as low as it is, and the way that this will happen is if we create amenities and have a city that people want to come to."

One concern for Stockwell involves new residential development south of Pearland on Texas 288, which is targeted for toll lanes.

"I fear that people will uproot from Shadow Creek Ranch or Silver Lake or the other areas and head south," Stockwell said.

"I know that's happening because I'm attuned to real estate trends," she said.

"Here in Pearland, we've always felt that we had the best location because we're so close to the (Texas Medical Center).

"However, when the tollway is complete, it will be a lot faster to get to the medical center if you live near (Texas 6) or further south on (Texas 288)," she said.

"But the solution to keeping residents in Pearland is to develop better mobility and improve the quality of life."

For more information on Stockwell's campagin, visit www.voteforsherrystockwell.com

Tolletson, who is a student at the University of Houston, and Brookside Police Chief G.C. Sonny Atkins were not available for comment by presstime.
Police shut down part of Southwest Freeway service road Sunday morning for a death investigation.

Just before 9 a.m., Houston police responded to a reported suicide after witnesses said a man jumped off a ramp onto the service road below.
Members of the Yurok Forestry Department were clearing roads in Klamath, a rural region in Del Norte County, California, when a baby black bear stumbled out of the woods directly into the path of the crew's vehicle.

The foresters, Tyrone Crayton Sr., Johnny Scott and Mike Carlson, stopped the vehicle and filmed the rest of the encounter, which they shared on the Yurok Tribe Facebook page on Friday (see above video).

Wild bears, especially juveniles, are known to be skittish. If they can't outrun a predator, the bears will scale trees, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Attracted by garbage, pet food and other manmade delicacies, many of the bears have become well-adapted to the presence of humans.

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Screen Grab Yurok Tribe video Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Screen Grab Yurok Tribe video Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Show More Show Less 5 of 5









More for you Hiker who performed CPR on baby bear could have faced jail time

This little black bear proved friendlier than usual. Unfazed by the appearance of a hulking metal vehicle, the bear crawled under the truck and perched atop the wheel well. After posing for the crew's cameras, the bear nonchalantly hopped out from beneath the vehicle and trotted off into the woods, joining its mother who was waiting nearby.

As tempting as it may be to get up-close-and-personal with the cuddly looking creature, the crew wisely gave it breathing room. Disturbing wildlife  especially young animals  is frowned upon and can be dangerous for all parties involved. While a juvenile may appear to be orphaned, it's often the case that their (much larger) mother is close-at-hand.

To learn more about the rules and regulations regarding human-wildlife encounters, visit the CDFW's Keep Me Wild page.

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
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.
Murray Energy Corp. HQ

Murray Energy Corporation headquarters

(Murray Energy)

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio -- Robert Murray is a fighter, a smart and tough man with a 50-year coal mining history. And he is one of the strongest supporters of Donald Trump you will ever meet.

"We are going to change this country!" Murray declared in a recent speech in Moundsville, West Virginia. He was dead serious.

As the founder and CEO of the nation's largest privately owned coal company with 16 active mines at 15 mining complexes in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois Utah and the nation of Columbia, Murray has credibility with working people who turned out for Trump last fall.

"I'm going to tell you something about Mr. Trump that you are not going to believe," he continued his speech. "During the election he would upset me so, offending everybody, including women. And I don't condone that. And he was wrong. And I told him so.

"He's his own worst enemy with his tweets and the things he says. But there is something you don't know about him. And you women will relate to this. He cares deeply about people."

Robert Murray

Murray wants to get the government out of the regulation business. He has been working closely with the new administration to undo former President Barack Obama's "regulatory rampage" targeting coal-fired power plants.

Murray does not believe industrial society is causing climate change and hopes to convince Trump's administration to classify carbon dioxide as harmless. He also hopes Trump will pull the United States out of the 2015 UN Paris climate agreement to reduce CO2 emissions. And that's just the beginning.

Murray was in the Oval Office last month with 10 of his miners as the president signed an executive order aimed at eventually getting rid of Obama's Clean Power Plan.

As a coal executive, Murray is a phone call away from governors and power company executives, a fact that became obvious during a recent interview, which was interrupted by several calls, including one from West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice.

Following an animated phone discussion, occasionally audible even from another room, Murray told his administrative assistant to contact the company's pilots to prepare for a flight to Charleston.

Even with a corporate plane, it's difficult to see Murray as a "coal baron."

Anyone listening to him for more than a few minutes will hear the words, "My Lord, Jesus Christ," at least once.

"If I ever made a good decision in my life, in Murray Energy, in the middle of the night or in the shower, it did not come from me. It came from my Lord, Jesus Christ. And I firmly believe it," Murray told his Moundsville Rotary club listeners.

At 77, Murray is deeply religious and said he always has been, which is likely for a man with his biography. He began working in coal mines at 16, was seriously injured several times and until recently was in one of his company's mines at least once a week.

In Belmont County, he is referred to as "Mr. Murray" with near reverence. He grew up there, dirt poor. He and his wife of more than 50 years, Brenda, have homes in St. Clairsville near his company's headquarters and in Moreland Hills. Their three sons work for the company.

Murray's connection to Belmont County is not merely one of business convenience or family connections. It's visceral.

He remembers being 9 years old when his father was severely injured in a mining accident that paralyzed him for life.

And he recalled, both in an interview and in his remarks to the Rotarians, that for years after his father's accident he mowed the lawns of 32 neighbors to earn money for the family, often finishing at night using a miner's helmet and head light.

Murray's connection to Cleveland stems from his years working for the then-Cleveland-based North American Coal Corp. It was a relationship that ended abruptly in 1987 when Murray was president and CEO during a disagreement over one of the corporation's policies.

Murray, who was educated as an engineer, then formed his own company. Over the years, Murray Energy has acquired the mines of many companies and Murray is proud of having made sure to fund the union pensions of the miners.

"I grew up poor. I care about my coal miners. I care about these people," he said.

Despite Trump's election, Murray is not rock sure that the coal industry will ever be what it was. {this will be a good link to your main story/slideshow, let's remember to do that once they go live}

Here are some of the reasons why:

* More than 400 coal-burning plants have been shut down because they did not meet federal pollution standards. Power companies are not building new coal plants and, in fact, are turning to natural gas.

* Wind power is growing and in some parts of the nation is just as cheap as power generated by coal and gas.

* Coal prices have fallen drastically as utilities negotiate lower prices to keep their plants competitive with gas plants selling power on wholesale markets.

* Some utilities are buying cheaper gas-generated electricity on wholesale markets while throttling back their coal-fired fleets and reducing their need to buy more coal.

* Dozens of coal companies that went into bankruptcy protection and are now emerging without debt will be "undisciplined" about price and sales.

Murray believes that only the larger mining operations, which use extremely efficient long-wall mining technology, will survive.

"There is a whole story here, not just an energy story," he said of coal's questionable future. "It's a story about human beings, about life. You've got to have a job to have a standard of living. These people [miners] want to work in honor and in dignity."
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Judges, doctors and lawmakers on the front lines of the opioid addiction crisis have a problem: Three types of medications are available to help the estimated 200,000 Ohioans struggling to recover from addiction and yet there are no clear answers as to which, if any, drug works best.

The skyrocketing demand for treatment has spurred competition among drugmakers for a piece of the growing market, which in Ohio is worth well over $100 million a year in public money alone.

It has led to a vigorous, ongoing debate about how to spend limited tax money while also saving the most lives.

What do you think? Join a live discussion noon Monday on Cleveland.com

The fastest-growing medication has the shortest track record and the highest price: Vivitrol, a monthly shot that blocks receptors in the brain so that a person can't feel the euphoria or high from opioids.

In 2012, Ohio Medicaid paid for 100 doses of the injectable medication. Last year, it paid for over 30,000 doses -- at a cost of more than $38 million.

Vivitrol is now a go-to option in many of Ohio's 95 drug courts, which have become a de facto gateway to treatment for those arrested for possessing drugs or committing crimes to support an addiction.

It also has strong backing among state lawmakers, who decide how to spend the state's considerable resources to combat addiction.

Research, however, is lacking on which medications are the most effective. But lawmakers say they can't wait to act.

"It's not as if we are sitting here with lots of time on our hands," Rep. Robert Sprague, of Findlay, said of the ballooning epidemic, which now includes abuse of not only heroin but more deadly combinations of fentanyl and carfentanil.

"We're going to fire all the bullets in the gun at the problem," he said. "We don't have time for a four-year double-blind study to see what works best."

A poster hangs on the wall in the hallway at the Hocking County Municipal Court, where Judge Fred Moses runs a Vivitrol drug court.

The beginning of Medication Assisted Treatments

It wasn't long ago that the idea of using medicine to help treat addiction was frowned upon, especially in Ohio, the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous, which for more than 80 years has endorsed abstinence as the route to sobriety.

That has changed. And swiftly.

In 2011, in response to the mounting toll of addiction and death, Gov. John Kasich signed an emergency executive order that opened the door for wider use of what are referred to as Medication Assisted Treatments (MATs).

Since then, state spending on three types of medication -- buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone -- has jumped, particularly after Medicaid coverage expanded in 2014 to cover an additional 700,000 uninsured, low-income Ohioans.

What do we know about medicines to treat opioid addiction?

Since then, payments for MATs to treat opioid addiction have more than doubled, from $40 million to more than $110 million last year. Treatment and counseling services cost another $462 million in public money from 2014 to 2016.

Courts, jails and prisons received at least $16 million more in state grants to cover the cost of MATs, treatment and case management for the uninsured.

Opportunity to profit



Amid all the public spending, Alkermes, the Ireland-based company that manufactures Vivitrol in Wilmington, markedly stepped up its campaign to make the drug available.

"What is Vivitrol?" billboards dot the state, and since 2012 the company's political action committee has donated more than $77,000 to nearly 40 candidates for state office, including $10,000 to a Kasich campaign fund. The company also hired a lobbying firm to push for provisions in roughly 30 proposed Ohio bills, including money in the state budget to pay for Vivitrol use in drug courts and to study its use.

Which politicians got donations? Click here.

In his 2017 State of the State address, Kasich gave a shout-out to Alkermes, which has increased production of Vivitrol as demand has increased, and hired an additional 51 employees at its Wilmington plant after getting a seven-year, 50 percent tax credit worth about $284,000.

The governor, however, has held firm to an "all strategies forward" approach that he cited in 2012 when vetoing a bill lawmakers passed that would have tested Vivitrol exclusively with inmates addicted to heroin or alcohol while they were incarcerated and after their release.

Federally, Alkermes has spent even more to promote the use of Vivitrol: more than $11 million on lobbying since 2014, and more than $300,000 to members of Congress, including nearly $30,000 to U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio, who sponsored the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act, which was signed into law in July 2016 and expended access to Medication Assisted Treatment.

The makers of other brand-name medications have donated to lawmakers in the past, often closer to when the drugs were first FDA approved but in Ohio not during the most recent MAT push, according to state campaign finance records. (See federal lobbying of another MAT maker, Reckitt Benckiser, which makes Suboxone.)

Shortly after Vivitrol was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010, Alkermes started to leverage access to court systems in Ohio, and across the nation. Last year, the company gave $50,000 to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as a "champion" level corporate member. (Alkermes has donated to the group since 2007.)

For that, the company received valuable face time with judges, some of whom used free samples of Vivitrol in their courts before it became more widely available. The company held dinners for judges and drug court staffs and assigned drug "reps" to courts, similar to the kind who visit doctors' offices.

However, Chris Deutsch, spokesman for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, said corporate partners like Alkermes and other drug makers do not influence the nonprofit's recommended guidelines for judges, which don't endorse a particular medication to treat addiction.

Vivitrol has become a "safety net," now used in 400 drug court programs in 38 states, Alkermes spokesman Matthew Henson said.

A nurse holds up a Vivitrol injection, given monthly to help prevent relapse among those addicted to opioids.

Alkermes, he said, has consistently advocated for making all FDA-approved medications to treat addiction available, and that Vivitrol be included as an option.

Word-of-mouth interest in the medication is high among judges dealing with a growing number of opioid-addicted defendants in their courts and detoxing in jails with few treatment options, he said. "A lot of these judges have come to us," he said.

Henson said the company decided it needed to do more to educate -- not market to -- judges, who were increasingly involved in decisions about what treatments would be offered.

A drug solution to a drug problem

The seeds of today's opioid addiction and overdose epidemic in the United States were planted two decades ago, as pharmaceutical companies lobbied for fewer restrictions and wider use of pain medications.

Companies donated generously to political campaigns, telling lawmakers that pain was being massively undertreated, and that stronger medications, like OxyContin, posed no serious risk for addiction.

Soon enough, America consumed 80 percent of the world's pain pills.

In 1997, Ohio passed the Intractable Pain Act, allowing doctors wide latitude to dole out painkillers -- a move that's now being dialed back with new state limitations on prescribing.

So the idea that a new set of pharmaceutical companies might jockey to profit from the epidemic? Not shocking, said Hocking County Municipal Judge Fred Moses.

"People made money getting [individuals] addicted to drugs and now people are making money getting them off," said Moses, one of the first judges in the state to embrace medications for defendants with opioid dependence in his voluntary drug court.

Despite the optics, Alkermes' push has had minimal impact on what treatment options get paid for, said Rep. Ryan Smith, a Republican whose district includes parts of four southern Ohio counties that have seen significant opioid-related deaths. When he first took office, there was a large push for the use of Suboxone or buprenorphine.

"I don't want to minimize the lobbying aspect, but it is insignificant when compared to other things," said Smith, whose campaign received $8,000 from Alkermes from 2013 to 2016. "They [Alkermes] have five lobbyists, and AT&T has like 40."

He said he listens more to constituents who have recovered with the help of methadone, buprenorphine and Vivitrol over doctors.

Ryan Smith

"Doctors prescribed more than 800 million opioids on the front end of this problem," he said. "That really aggravates me."

Doctors want data

Dr. Jason Jerry understands why Vivitrol is an easy sell, especially to courts, but it's not for doctors who treat addiction.

Dr. Jason Jerry

He's one of many doctors who remain skeptical of claims about the medication.

"There's not a lot of scientific literature to support its use," said Jerry, a nationally recognized addiction psychiatrist. Jerry treated patients at the Cleveland Clinic and was a member of the Northeast Ohio Heroin and Opioid Task Force, before recently taking a job at a hospital in North Carolina.

Most studies supporting Vivitrol's performance are paid for by the manufacturer and were done in Russia, where the alternative addiction medications available in America are illegal, he said.

The Russian study Jerry referred to is the one the FDA cautiously used in approving Vivitrol in 2010 to treat opioid addiction.

It started with 250 patients, half of whom were to be given Vivitrol and the other half a placebo. Roughly 60 patients remained in the study and on Vivitrol for a full six months, and 36 stayed in treatment without a serious opioid relapse, compared to 23 percent in the placebo group.

Based on those small numbers, Jerry said, he can't recommend the medication to most patients.

Jerry also worries there's an increased risk of overdose when the shot is stopped and patients have a reduced tolerance for opioids. At least one Australian study showed a 40 percent increase after patients stopped using a naltrexone pill.

Dr. Ted Parran, far right, talks to addiction medicine to fellows and Physician Assistant Michael Grodach at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. Parran says all forms of Medication Assisted Treatment can help with recovery when paired with treatment.

In general, the relapse rates after about a year for each medication appear similar if a patient also completes treatment, said Ted Parran. He's an addiction specialist who teaches at Case Western Reserve University and is on staff at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.

Most studies of Vivitrol in the United States involve people charged with crimes, where there's another important and hard to measure factor at play -- the threat of a jail or prison sentence.

One such study published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine -- cited by Alkermes as proof the medication is helpful and by some doctors as proof it is not -- found that Vivitrol, paired with treatment, doubled the time before opioid relapse from about five weeks to a little over 10 weeks.

Read the New England Journal of Medicine study

However, by about a year, the chance of relapse for those using Vivitrol and other methods, such as buprenorphine or only counseling, were virtually the same. Vivitrol also didn't affect cocaine or alcohol use or how likely a person was to be re-incarcerated. Alkermes says smaller, drug court-based statistics, are starting to show lower recidivism rates for those taking Vivitrol.

The lack of clear research is one reason Ohio hasn't officially singled out any medication for treating opioid addiction, said Dr. Mark Hurst, medical director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Instead, the state promotes the use of all available medications to help prevent relapse and treat addiction, along with psychosocial therapy, Hurst said. Each has proved to reduce the chance of relapse that -- without medication and treatment -- happens 80 percent to 95 percent of the time.

The decision of which medication to use, if any, should be made between a patient and a doctor treating them, Hurst said.

Practically, that's not always how it works.

Judges' preference

Moses, of Hocking County, has stumped for Vivitrol, inviting dozens of judges, lawmakers and reporters to visit cozy courtroom in Logan.

But it's because he's seen the medicine work, not because he's been influenced by Vivitrol marketing.

"I've never taken anything from anybody," he said, after learning a reporter had requested his public financial disclosure forms and questioned the Ohio Supreme Court about his and other branded "Vivitrol Drug Courts."

Moses said he approached an Alkermes presenter at a drug court conference in 2012. "I walked up and asked them, 'You'll give it to a rich county, but will you give it to a poor county?' "

Alkermes agreed to provide doses of Vivitrol for free, he said. Moses later testified for lawmakers in Columbus about the positive results he saw from those taking the medication.

Now, a state grant is paying for 49 treatment slots for his court to use at a cost about $98,000 in 2016. It covers the shots and for chemical-dependency counseling, case management and treatment services, which he says are key to success of defendants in his program.

In April, participants in the program included a former steel plant foreman who, before becoming addicted, made up to $98,000 a year, and several mothers hoping to stay sober and raise their children. Most said they'd first used opioids after being prescribed or using pain pills.

Weekly in the court the defendants discuss together how they are managing sobriety and doing things like getting driver's licenses reinstated or searching for jobs.

The last four graduating groups had 100 percent employment and only three have committed additional crimes, Moses said.

"It's not just about a shot," he said. "It's about treatment. That's what really works."

Suboxone still most used

Many judges like Moses soured on the use of the other medications used to treat opioid addiction, especially Suboxone, which is a semi-synthetic opioid.

Suboxone, also sold generically as buprenorphine, partially activates the receptors in the brain that need opioids. Dosages are set to give an addicted person enough medication to not feel the symptoms of withdrawal but also not enough to feel a high. Methadone is used similarly, though it is more potent and tightly controlled.

Buprenorphine-based medicines are still largely preferred by doctors trained to treat addiction, and Ohio Medicaid spent a combined $72 million for brand name and generic formulations of these medications in 2016.

From the start, though, judges didn't like the idea of giving a form of opioid to an addict, especially after some defendants covertly used the medicine to game their drug tests for heroin. It was also often "diverted," meaning it had a street value and was sold or smuggled into prisons.

Too few doctors in Ohio were initially trained to prescribe and monitor patients on Suboxone, which was approved to treat opioid addiction in 2002. Cumbersome insurance preauthorization requirements also led to the opening of clinics that charged cash for monthly visits.

Ohio Medicaid spent about $72 million last year on Suboxone and other buprenorphine-based medications to treat opioid addiction.

Parran called those who are taking cash "ethically challenged."

"It's an embarrassment to my profession," he said.

Moses believes that medications like Suboxone keep the brain addicted, and doesn't allow it to heal. Defendants on Suboxone appear more sluggish and tend to use other unprescribed medications, such as Xanax or Valium to get stoned, he said.

"You wouldn't tell someone one with high blood pressure to go out and eat salt, would you?" he asks.

Despite his misgivings, he allows drug court defendants to use Suboxone but keeps that group separate from his Vivitrol court.

Jerry said complaints about buprenorphine sometimes reflect a misunderstanding of how the opioid-based medications work. It often was being sold, Jerry said, not for people to get high but to stave off withdrawal. "It means that a lot of people don't have access to legitimate treatment. And so they are making halfhearted attempts on their own to stay away from the needle," he said. Heroin is far cheaper on the streets if people wanted to score. "I've never had a patient that's come in and said, 'Doc, buprenorphine is my drug of choice.'"

Part of the problem, Jerry said, is that there's a notion that people with addiction must be taken off medication to get "better." That's not the way we look at other diseases or conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, where medicines are viewed as acceptable long-term treatment. "But here, with addiction, it's looked at differently, and why?" he asked.

Common Pleas Judge David Matia, who started Cuyahoga County's first drug court docket in 2008, said practical factors have "handcuffed" courts into using Vivitrol.

Judge David Matia says more needs to be done to make MATs available locally.

Defendants in drug court are required to get treatment, often followed up by a stay in a sober-living facility, like a halfway house, which increases the chance they'll do better in recovery.

Few of those facilities allow the use of buprenorphine or methadone, Matia said. Some only recently allow Vivitrol use.

Matia admittedly also was skeptical at first about using any medication to prevent relapse. "I thought it was being treated like some magic bullet," he said. Plus, he cringed at the steep cost, anywhere between $1,000 and $1,400 each month.

The court now has a $470,000 state grant to pay for Vivitrol and treatment for defendants not covered by Medicaid or other insurance. The program doesn't cover Suboxone or other medications, though defendants can use them.

Possible answers

on the horizon

Along with the state drug court grants, lawmakers in 2015 devoted nearly $1 million pay The Treatment Research Institute to study the effectiveness of the different medications being used, in hopes it might provide insight for the future.

Read a study of the the MAT drug court pilot program

The study will look at results from more than 21 Ohio drug courts -- including Cuyahoga and Hocking counties -- and is due to be completed in June, although some have pointed out that at least one researcher associated with the study worked for Alkermes for nearly a decade, helping to develop and promote Vivitrol.

This past week, Republican lawmakers proposed pumping $170.6 million more into fighting the state's opioid crisis over the next two years, including millions more for treatment and drug courts -- and medications.

Smith, who heads the House Finance committee, said effectiveness ultimately will drive where the state spends its money. For now, lawmakers are still working to level the playing field.

"At the end of the day, I don't care who it is or what it is. All I care about it is the results," he said.

Save
WESTLAKE, Ohio -- Kathryn Pothier Hilt, a 57-year-old banking executive from Milford, Mich., was visiting the Cleveland area for the weekend, and decided to stop by a local bookstore to get an autograph from Ohio Gov. John Kasich while she was in town.

The same goes for Marc Landry, a 67-year-old insurance company owner from Colchester, Vermont.

Lindsay Weisenburg, 34, and Eric Weisenburg, 33, of Buffalo, were among those who attended a Cleveland-area book signing on Sunday by Gov. John Kasich.

And Lindsay and Eric Weisenburg, a married couple in their early 30s, made the drive from Buffalo, New York, just for the opportunity for some face time and a couple autographs.

"It's the closest Gov. Kasich is going to be to Buffalo, so a quick three-and-half-hour drive on a beautiful Sunday wasn't too bad," said Lindsay Weisenburg, who added they planned to get lunch and then head home.

All of the aforementioned people voted for Ohio Gov. John Kasich in their respective states' primary elections, and all were at a Barnes and Noble bookstore at the Crocker Park shopping center on Sunday where Kasich signed copies of his new book, "Two Paths: America Divided or United." The book, Kasich's fourth, focuses on political divisiveness, and the decline of civility, community and civic institutions, topics which resonated with many of the roughly 50 people who showed up on Sunday to see Kasich.

(Related: Read more about the most frequently used words in Kasich's book here.)

"I think Donald Trump will bring us in a better direction [than Hillary Clinton would have], but I don't think he's as interested in unifying the country as I think Kasich is," said Jay Rayl, a 32-year-old business owner from North Royalton who bought a copy of Kasich's book for himself and another for his father.

Pothier Hilt, the Michigan banking executive, said she is a moderate Republican, but voted for Clinton over Trump, who she finds personally detestable.

"I think Kasich's done a good job in Ohio, and honestly, think he could translate that to the national level," she said. "I was just so disappointed to see the outcome of Trump's election... and it pained me to have to vote for someone I completely disagree with politically."

Kasich's Sunday stop, his second in Ohio in two days, was part of a weeklong publicity tour that has kept him in the national political spotlight and fueled speculation that he is laying the groundwork for another presidential run in 2020. Kasich for his part has said it's "very unlikely" that he'll run for president or anything else in the future, but hasn't ruled it out either.

Jeanine Rini, a 69-year-old Crocker park resident, made the short trip Sunday to see Kasich and get a signed copy of his book. She voted for Kasich in the Republican primary, and begrudgingly voted for now-President Trump in November, largely as a vote against Hillary Clinton. But she said she'd vote for Kasich over Trump, if given the choice in 2020.

"I think his political future is to be the next president, if he decides to run. And I think a lot of people feel that way," she said.

Kasich, flanked by political staff and advisers, spent about 30 minutes signing books, and also conducted a few interviews with state and local media. As he has said in other interviews over the past week, he told reporters Sunday the Republican and Democratic parties are becoming increasingly irrelevant.

However, Kasich remains a member of a party that's increasingly identified by Trump's brand of politics. And so, it's unclear what role within the GOP there is for him, a vocal Trump critic and a term-limited governor who placed a distant third in last year's Republican primary.

Asked what he personally views his role as, Kasich said: "Being who I am, talking to people about who I am and what we do, and what our issues are, and seeing how many people will listen."

He said he does not envision that changing over the next four years.
DSC_2288.JPG

The Padua Franciscan High School groundbreaking ceremony for its $4.5 million fundraising campaign was April 25.

(Courtesy of Padua Franciscan High School/special to cleveland.com)

PARMA, Ohio - It's the time of year when most high schools are winding down for the summer vacation, but Padua Franciscan High School has a lot of work to do.

The high school's administration and Board of Trustees kicked off the $4.5 million Padua Plus + Capital Campaign with a groundbreaking ceremony April 25.

The campaign will raise funds to construct a new entrance with emphasis on improved student services and security and replacement of windows and locker rooms. On the academic level, there will be a complete redesign of science laboratories and renovation of all classrooms.

The lead donor of the campaign is David Fredecker, Class of 1978.

Parma Animal Shelter: The annual Garage Sale at the Parma Animal Shelter will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 6. Donations are welcome and can be dropped off at the shelter from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4-7 p.m. May 5.

The annual PAS Zumbathon is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20 at the Seven Hills Recreation Center. Cover charge of $10 benefits the furry 4 legged friends at the shelter.

There will be a fundraiser at Max & Erma's in Middleburg Heights May 25 for the shelter. Bring the flyer (available at the shelter) and a percentage of your food sales will be donated to the Parma Animal Shelter.

Call 440-885-8014 if you have questions.

Breakfast Club: ADA Cleveland is hosting the first of a series of free Breakfast Club meetings to engage the public in issues relevant to people with disabilities. The topic of the inaugural Breakfast Club is Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation.

The event is from 8:30-10:30 a.m. May 5 at the Watershed Stewardship Center in the Cleveland Metroparks West Creek Reservation. The event is free and includes a continental breakfast.

The goal of the event is to engage recreation, education, and activities professionals who seek to learn more about inclusive practices in recreational programming for people of all ages and abilities. This ADA Cleveland event will be guided by recreation professionals from Youth Challenge (Paralympic Sport Cleveland), ADA Cleveland, and the Cleveland Metroparks staff.

For more information, visit adacleveland.org

Scholar: Emily Martin, of Parma Heights, was the recipient of Ashland University's Sophomore Award for the Department of Mathematics at the Academic Honors Convocation April 23.

Martin is a mathematics major and a 2015 graduate of Valley Forge High School.

Ashland University's Departmental Awards are given to a sophomore, junior and senior from each department at the Academic Honors Convocation.

Reminder: The Normandy Instrumental Music Boosters in partnership with the Easter Seals Northern Ohio is hosting a "Fill the Truck" Clothing Donation and Fundraiser 4:30-7:30 p.m. May 12 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13.

It will benefit the Normandy High School Marching Band/Dazzlers while also giving back to the community to help children & adults with disabilities.

The event will be in the Normandy High School Parking Lot, 2500 West Pleasant Valley Road.

The NIMB will be collecting any clothing/cloth items, shoes, blankets, purses, small kids toys/games, kitchen wares (pots/pans, silverware, dishes etc.), CDs/DVDs/VHS tapes, small picture frames/wall hangings, knickknacks and jewelry. They will not be accepting donations outside of the listed times.

They will not accept books, furniture, mattresses, lamps, electronics, TVs, pillows, sleeping bags, sporting equip, seasonal decorations, anything that hold a baby/child.

For more information, contact normandybandboosters@gmail.com

More Information: Send me any updates and news items on your organization or family's achievements. Email marklholan@yahoo.com

"cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate."
David Stockman has a stern message for investors: They're living in a fantasy land about Trump.

In a recent interview on CNBC's "Futures Now," the former director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Reagan said that "Wall Street is totally misreading Washington," and President Trump's promises of tax reform will be "dead before arrival."

The president is "essentially a 70-year old kid in a candy store who wants one of everything: More for defense, veterans, border walls, law enforcement, infrastructure and 'phenomenal' tax cuts, toowithout the inconvenience of paying for any of it," said Stockman.

Of the proposed tax bill announced this week, he said, "It's a wonderful fantasybut there's no way to pay for the $7.5 trillion cost of the main features."

'Total calamity'

The White House announced a one-page tax reform plan on Wednesday, and some of the points Stockman highlighted include: Three tax brackets, double standard deduction and the reduction of corporate and non-corporate business taxes down to 15 percent.

In a research note this week, Goldman Sachs pegged the cost of the tax plan to just under $5 trillion, when factoring in key changes such as repealing of the state and local tax, and a 35 percent top marginal rate instead of 33 percent. Goldman analysts expect the tax bill is "fairly likely" to become law, but warned progress could be slow.

"I like [the tax plan] but you have to pay for it either with a new tax like the border adjustment tax, which is dead, or spending cuts which Trump has ruled off the table," Stockman explained. "What you have down there is a total fiscal calamity that is going to basically dominate Washington."

Stockman expects a "constant fiscal crisis and stalemate" in D.C., which will ultimately delay the "good stuff," like a tax cut, from ever happening.

Of Trump's first 100 days in office, Stockman again referred to the White House as a "pop up store giving out candy before the 100th day to say they've accomplished something." Adding, "this isn't a serious plan, it can't be done. And I think it's only indicative of the huge trouble that's brewing down there in the beltway."

Despite Trump's somewhat tumultuous first few months in office, the stock market has been resilient. The Index is up 11 percent since the election and 5 since the inauguration, the third best performance under a new administration since World War 2. On Friday, the S&P traded within 1 percent of its all-time high.

Eventually, however, Stockman expects the drama in D.C. to trickle into equities, sparking a significant pullback.

"I don't know what the stock market is thinking but if they have faith in a giant fiscal stimulus and tax cut then it's a delusional faith that's going to be badly disappointed and I think fairly soon," he added.
On President Trump's 100th day in office, thousands of climate activists descended on Washington, D.C., to send the president a message  climate change is real.

Demonstrators braved temperatures above the 90s Saturday to march down Pennsylvania Avenue, chanting "water is life" and "keep it in the soil, can't drink oil!" The gathering, already a familiar sight during Trump's nascent presidency, came together under the banner of the People's Climate March.

Participants surrounded the White House complex and staged a choreographed sit-in, beating their chests 100 times to symbolize both the president's time in office and the heartbeat of the environmental movement. Trump was in residence at the time.

The Sierra Club helped organize the event, which drew celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, former vice president Al Gore and climate and clean water activists like Mari Copeny, best known as Little Miss Flint.

climate tweet

More from NBC News:

March Science Protesters Say They're the Real Patriots

Meet the 'knight' whose job is to slay France's far right

Could this man be boxing's first billionaire?

Several demonstrators said they were inspired to march by new reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) removed references to climate change from its website late Friday night. Pages once devoted to climate change and tracking data on global warming, now say that the site is being updated "to reflect EPA's priorities under the leadership of President Trump and Administrator Pruitt."

EPA administrator Scott Pruitt has previously said he does not believe carbon dioxide is a primary contributor to global warming, bucking decades of scientific research confirming the impacts of emissions on the environment.

Pruitt rose to prominence as Oklahoma's attorney general by suing the agency he now heads 14 times for its efforts to impose regulations on air pollution and mercury.

Sister climate marches were also held in Denver, Chicago and San Francisco and around the world, including London and Lisbon, Portugal.

Throughout his campaign, Trump frequently scoffed at the idea that global warming is a threat to the environment, pledging to cancel the "billions in global warming payments to the United Nations" and pull out of the Paris Agreement.

"I keep hearing about global warming, now they'll say: 'He doesn't understand this is a worldwide problem,'" Trump said, adopting a mocking voice during an April 2016 campaign stop in Rochester, New York.

Here's a look at some of the highlights from the march:

People's tweet

Flint tweet

Joe tweet
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a 'Make America Great Again Rally' at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center April 29, 2017 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

"As you know there's another big gathering taking place tonight in Washington D.C., did you hear about this? A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's capital right now," Trump said. "They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Without the president."

President Donald Trump used the occasion of his first 100th day in office to hold a campaign-style rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, touting his record and taking aim at the national media. The president told a boisterous crowd of supporters that he was "thrilled" to be far away from Washington D.C. where members of the press were gathered for the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Trump spent the first few minutes of his speech criticizing his treatment by the media, using his standard refrain of "fake news."

"Media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are fake news. Fake News," Trump said. "And they're sitting and they're wishing in Washington - they're watching right now - they would love to be with us tonight. But they're trapped at the dinner, which will be very, very boring."

To the cheers of the crowd, Trump listed numerous achievements he said he has accomplished in the first 100 days since the inauguration.

He included the administration's decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, his appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, job creation, a crackdown on immigration and terrorism as some of his crowning achievements.

Trump also indicated that he would soon be making a decision about America's role in the Paris Climate Agreement.

During the rally, Trump criticized the former administration, saying he inherited a mess from President Barack Obama.

On Feb. 25, Trump announced he wouldn't be attending the dinner on Twitter, but sent his best regards.

"I will not be attending the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner this year," Trump wrote. "Please wish everyone well and have a great evening!"

Trump tweet

Trump is the first president to miss a White House Correspondents' Association dinner since Ronald Reagan, who was recuperating from an assassination attempt at Camp David during the dinner in 1981.

Before the star-studded event kicked off, Hasan Minhaj  the Daily Show correspondent and the evening's host  told MSNBC's Jacob Soboroff the evening would "very interesting" without the president there.
watch now

It's going to take a lot more than concrete and machines to manufacture iPhones in the U.S. CNBC recently spoke with Dejian Zeng, a graduate student at NYU's Wagner School of Public Service, who spent last summer working undercover building iPhones at Pegatron, one of Apple's manufacturing partners.

CNBC: TJ Fabian

After returning from the trip, which was organized by NYU and China's Labor Watch, Zeng said he's convinced that U.S. workers aren't going to be shuffling into factories to build iPhones any time soon. How exactly does a student at a prestigious U.S. university end up in China, sitting quietly on a stool, inserting parts into iPhones, one by one? Zeng walked CNBC through his decision to spend six weeks in a factory working 12 hours shifts Monday through Saturday, mostly during the night, and what he discovered along the way.

Dejian Zeng

"I just showed up"

It turns out getting into an iPhone factory isn't that hard. "They just gave me the address of the factory and I just went. I just showed up. When I was there I saw people holding luggage waiting in a long line, so I just stood in the line," Zeng told CNBC in an interview. "When it was my turn they asked for my ID, asked to see my hand and asked me to recite the English alphabet. I got in after that. It took less than 30 seconds. You don't have to apply or have any skills."

Dejian Zeng

Zeng told CNBC he went to the factory because China Labor Watch was expecting a strike, and it wanted boots on the ground in case a strike occurred to understand how it happened. Zeng said China Labor Watch had done research and had noticed that, while wages weren't terrible, Pegatron's factory was cutting down the subsidies it offered workers on things like food, which ultimately meant workers were getting paid less. As he phrased it, Pegatron was using a bit of a loophole to save money while also meeting wage labor requirements. Zeng also claims he saw several violations, such as mandatory overtime, which he addressed in an open letter to Apple in March.

Dejian Zeng

Why it can't happen here

Now that he's seen how a Chinese iPhone factory operates, Zeng doesn't believe that Apple or other companies will be able to build competitive factories in the U.S., no matter what politicians want them to do. "The first thing I can think of from a labor perspective is that the wages are unacceptable for American workers. So, in the factories, I was getting paid about 3100 yuan, or $450, per month. I don't think American workers can accept those kind of wages based on living conditions and prices here," Zeng said. "Even if they relocate factories to the U.S. they'd replace workers with robots," Zeng said. He said Pegatron already uses robots to apply cameras to iPhones, and to drop batteries into the devices. Robots, Zeng said, are more precise than human workers, and precision is particularly important for those two components.

Dejian Zeng

The only reason human labor is still used, he believes, is because it's cheaper in some cases. "We are using labor in China instead of a machine because labor is cheaper than maintaining machines. If you relocate factories to the States you need to think of how to manage the workers," Zeng explained. Zeng never saw the strike he was there to monitor, but he believes that sort of strike could easily happen in the U.S. "We don't have labor unions in China. Unions are strong organizations in the States, and that could cause a lot of trouble with management." He added that high turnover and lack of labor leadership makes strikes unlikely in China. "The turnover rate is extremely high, people leave after 2 weeks or a month. For ordinary workers, it's very hard to have a thought that, 'hey I don't like this, we need to organize.' It needs to be middle management, a line manager, someone who holds meetings with you every day and who gives demands, and if they said during a meeting 'we need to strike tomorrow and we need to fight for wages,' I could see that. But that's not happening."

Dejian Zeng

Even China is getting too expensive
President Donald Trump reacts after signing an executive order on education during an event with governors at the White House, April 26, 2017.

The United States is prepared to kill NAFTA if renegotiation efforts prove fruitless, President Donald Trump said in an interview that aired Sunday.

In the interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Trump insisted on Saturday that he was going to terminate the agreement with Canada and Mexico, before having a change of heart when the leaders of both countries reached out to him.

"I got a very nice call from Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada," Trump told CBS. "I was all set to do it. In fact, I was going to do it today. I was going to do it as we're sitting here."

After conversing with Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Trump said he would negotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. However, the president added that "if I'm not able to renegotiate NAFTA, I will terminate NAFTA."

Trump signed an executive order Saturday directing the Commerce Department and the U.S. trade representative to conduct a study of U.S. trade agreements. The goal is to determine whether America is being treated fairly by its trading partners and the 164-nation World Trade Organization.

Last week, Trump raised eyebrows after he lashed out at Canada, suggesting the country was unfairly disadvantaging U.S. dairy and lumber products. Yet in practice, some economists point out, Trump has been less stridently anti-trade than his campaign rhetoric suggested he would be.

"In general, the Trump administration has, up to now at least, taken a much less protectionist line than we feared after the very dark and foreboding inaugural speech, which talked of putting America first and that protection would lead to prosperity," Capital Economics said in a report.

"However, there is no guarantee that we won't see a renewed protectionist lurch," particularly as warring factions close to the president jockey for advantage, the firm added.

Correction: This story was revised to correct that the interview was conducted on Saturday.

 The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump declared that neither the U.S. nor China would be "happy" if North Korea tested more missiles, and said "we'll see" if military action would be needed to curb the country's nuclear ambitions.

Amid rising tensions between the U.S. and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump told CBS on Saturday that Kim is "going to have to do what he has to do. But he understands we're not going to be very happy." Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping would feel the same.

"If he does a nuclear test, I will not be happy," Trump said of Kim, and suggested he was finessing his critiques of China's trade policy in part to get Beijing's support on pressuring Pyongyang.

"And I can tell you also, I don't believe the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either." When asked whether the U.S. would resort to military action, Trump replied: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

In the face of Pyongyang's defiance, the U.S. has stepped up a campaign to press North Korea into retreating. Last week, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said "all options for responding to future provocations must remain on the table."

On Saturday, North Korea tested a short-range missile that failed instantly, raising speculation that the U.S. was hacking North Korea's weapons systems  a suggestion Trump refused to confirm or deny in the interview.

When asked why the country's missiles keep exploding, Trump stated firmly that "I'd rather not discuss it. But perhaps they're just not very good missiles. But eventually, he'll have good missiles."

Since his inauguration, Trump has taken a noticeably softer tone with China, including declining to call the country a "currency manipulator" despite his campaign pledges to do so. Trump, however, told CBS that Xi "is working with us" to rein in North Korea and was "working to try and resolve a very big problem" for both the U.S. and China.

"Can you imagine if I say, 'Hey, by the way, how are you doing with North Korea? Also, we're going to announce that you're a currency manipulator tomorrow,'" Trump said in the interview, which aired Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation."

Correction: This story was revised to correct that the interview was conducted on Saturday.
What does a video game Easter Egg code and the Bank of Canadas new commemorative $10 note have in common?

What does a Konami Code have to do with the Canada 150th anniversary $10 commemorative bank note just introduced? Or more specifically, some readers may ask, what is a Konami Code in the first place? Wikipedia calls it a cheat code for video games that affects the games settings. It works by typing ????????ba and hitting the Enter key.

It has also come to be used to access hidden messages called Easter Eggs inserted on websites and in computer programs. And thats where numismatics and gaming, usually worlds apart, united as the Bank of Canada came up with its latest gimmick.

Considering that Montreal is a center for the video gaming industry, it should not surprise that its influence may have rubbed off on the bank, where some enterprising programmers have inserted a bit of Konami Code accessible programming onto the website introducing the new note. Bank of Canada spokeswoman Josianne Menard said that The Bank of Canadas web team thought the Konami Code was a fun way to celebrate Canadas 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Connect with Coin World:

Sign up for our free eNewsletter

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Heres how it works: Go here. While there, type in the code and press Enter. Shortly, the Canadian national anthem will begin to play, accompanied by a downpour of miniature $10 bills cascading down the screen.

Numismatic Bookie tackles how an 1804 dollar appeared in a Budapest book before any were struck: Inside Coin World: This week, we find an 1804 dollar in a book two years before any of the coins were struck, a reader questions

Comments ranged from MSN.coms Canada might be one of the geekiest countries ever to Endgadget.com saying The Konami code is in keeping with Canadas tradition of doing cute, pop-culture things with its history such as asking Twitter users to pick the most Canadian Pokemon character.
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.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr Nasim Ahmad Zaidi has revealed that. despite noteban, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had seized over Rs 350 crore during the recently concluded five state assembly elections, which is three times higher than what was seized in the 2012 assembly elections, though adding, this is only tip of the iceberg. Regretting sharp rise in money power in elections, Dr Zaidi, who was addressing the 13th Annual National Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms, organized by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), at Punjab University, Chandigarh, said, We should formulate a strong anti-bribery law or legal framework, and ensure its strict enforcement on the ground.Stressing on the need for inculcating ethical voting practices, Dr Zaidi said that the ECI has made recommendations to the Law Ministry to amend the Representative of People (RP) Act by inserting a new section 58B, which would empower the Commission to countermand elections based on credible evidence relating to widespread bribery.However, he regretted, the law ministry of the Narendra Modi government rejected the proposal thrice over the last one year. Yet, he said, the he ECI would push the proposal in the same on lines of Section 58 of RP Act, which deals with countermanding of elections due to booth capturing.The CEC has proposed that bribing of voters should also be made a cognizable offence, Dr Zaidi said, addding, The CEC observed that there has been steep rise in the assets of the candidates seeking re-election and that the electors have every right to know the causes behind this sharp increase in assets.Expressing concern over the way the way electoral reforms were introduced by the government, Dr Zaidi said, By not reducing the limit of anonymity from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2000, the transparency has not been brought about, calling contributions made in the form of electoral bonds as a retrograde step, as they would not be a part of the contributions report of the political parties.The ECI has also recommended the amendment of Form 26, where they would be required to add a column for declaring the details of sources of income of candidates and their spouses, he said, adding, Multi-dimensional approach needs to be taken to curb the misuse of money power in elections.Already, Dr. Zaidi said, the ECI has taken several steps to ensure transparency in declaration by candidates on any disqualifications at the time of their nominations, adding, The ECI has amended the rules to include declaration of disqualifications in nomination forms as mandatory.He said, This includes holding of office of profit, insolvency, allegiance to a foreign country and any disqualifications incurred under Section 8A of RP Act. This also includes grounds of corruption and, most importantly, any substantive contracts with the government which the candidate might not have disclosed at the time of filing their nomination papers.Dr. Zaidi said, political parties under the current legal framework are loosely governed, be it registration, funding, expenditure etc. Regarding election financing, he said that it should rest on four pillars. 1) Laying down the expenditure limit of candidates and also of political parties, 2) Disclosure requirements for more transparency, 3) Compliance of disclosure requirements and 4) Penalties for non- adherence.
Continue Reading Below Advertisement

They didn't even bother making the bat symbol look like a bat. That's a fucking bird.

Some fans claim the extended, R-rated cut of the film is better. Which in this case is like saying, "You have scrotum cancer, but good news: All scrotum cancer diagnoses come with a free cowboy hat." And while the extended version does help explain some of the nonsense in Batman V Superman, it also adds some plot holes of its own that make the heroes look like even bigger dicks.

The torturously longer version tacks on an entire subplot explaining why Superman has a problem with the Bat in the first place. Admittedly, any explanation is better than "Lex Luthor told me to kill you, so unless our moms have the same first name, you're freaking dea- Wait, what's that? You said your mom's name was what?!"

Warner Bros.

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

"Holy shit, when's your birthday?"

So, in the film we learn that Gotham and Metropolis exist right across a bay from one another. We also learn Batman has been active for about 20 years and that his violent vigilantism has escalated to the point where he's practically crippling jaywalkers.

Superman, as journalist Clark Kent, starts investigating Batman's overzealous crime-fighting and decides he's not happy with it. It makes sense Superman would disagree with mutilating criminals, but that's the problem. Are we supposed to believe Superman is just now finding out Batman exists?

The Bat is kind of sneaky, but he drives a car shaped like a bat and gets summoned by an iconic spotlight, also shaped like a bat. He's not exactly a secret. He beats suspects to the brink of death and then burns bat shapes into their mangled flesh while they scream. The whole time Superman was in town, was he overhearing this with his super-ears and just thinking someone at Chili's was dropping a hot fajita pan in their lap?
FULL Russian Grand Prix Race Results HERE

Felipe Massa says he gave Sebastian Vettel enough room to pass him cleanly on the final lap of a tense Russian Grand Prix, though the Ferrari man argues the delay did cost him a shot at defeating Valtteri Bottas.

Vettel put in a marvellous late race charge in Sochi to bring a five seconds gap down to Bottas after the pit-stop to almost nothing as they began the final lap almost line astern but approaching traffic.

However, Vettel's hopes of mounting a surprise last lap lunge would ultimately be scuppered when Bottas managed to get ahead of former Williams team-mate Massa - running ninth - cleanly on the run to Turn 2, with Vettel unable to follow suit until Turn 4.

Getting onto the radio to express his frustration at the Brazilian's action, Massa laughed off the complaints, saying it is something many have come to expect from the four-time champion.

"He is always on his radio complaining," he joked. "I left completely the inside part for him, I backed off before corner 4 and he did not want to go. I saw that he was afraid to dive inside, I was completely on the left and I let him by straight away after. Complaining he likes to do!"

Vettel, however, remains of the opinion that Massa cost him the margin he needed to attempt a move on Bottas at the end of the back straight.

"It did cost me, yes. First of all he handed a very pleasant tow to Valtteri at the start of the last lap and I wasn't in the DRS which was tough enough to do and then he let him by. I don't know if he knew there was another car coming.

He did [leave me room] into turn four, but he could have lifted into turn three and let me drive around the outside... either way, my line into four was compromised. We are racing drivers, before that I have 10 laps where I am flat out trying everything I can to get into the DRS and chase him down. I just about succeeded a couple of laps to go and then the last lap I was hoping maybe I could in the middle sector where we are strong get close on the back straight but then Felipe did him a favour twice."

Regardless, while Vettel admits he was initially irked by the incident, he believes Bottas could have held his own in defence anyway.

"It cost me a bit of time but that is what it is with backmarkers... initially I was a bit angry but I think Valtteri was that much in control he had it anyway."
BRIDGEPORT  Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo will host conservation expert Brian Badger with the Cheetah Conservation Fund on Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Zoos Research Station.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund is the worlds leading organization dedicated to saving cheetahs in the wild and has developed programs that address threats to the cheetah and its entire ecosystem, including human populations. Cheetahs once ranged across the entire African continent but are now found in only 23 percent of their historic African range, and are extinct in their Asian range except for a small population in Iran of about 50 individuals.
Connecticuts U.S senators are calling for increased funding for rail investment along the Northeast Corridor, citing 7 million jobs along the line and $50 billion in annual contributions to the nations economy.

NEC has a state of good repair backlog of over $28 billion, said U.S Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, both Democrats.
One hundred years after the U.S. entered World War I  The Great War, the War to End All Wars  the main chamber of the State Library is deathly quiet on this Friday morning.

The walls are lined with the portraits of Connecticuts governors. Theres a poorly executed painting of John G. Rowland, down on the left, next to the security camera, where he belongs.

You try not to think of him while wandering among the display cases that contain the artifacts, newspaper clippings, letters and matter-of-fact military records of Connecticuts heroes from so long ago.

Your eyes tear up over the 99-year-old letter that Ruth Hovey of Hartford wrote back to her mother from an undisclosed location with Mobile Hospital 2, American Expeditionary Force At the front in France.

Then 28, Hovey described working around the clock to try to save the lives of the wounded. A German artillery attack on her field hospital spared her fellow nurses and doctors. Two patients were killed in their beds and others wounded, and through it all, mother, everybody stuck to their posts and nobody lost their heads for a moment, she wrote.

In July of 1919, eight months after the war ended, France awarded her the Croix de Guerre for bravery in combat and service to the allies.

On the other side of the display case is a poignant letter from Marian Doyle of Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, whose fiancee, Cristobal Rodriquez Hidalgo, became the first Puerto Rican fatality of the war. He was a secretary at Remington Arms, the iconic Bridgeport munitions factory.

He might easily have chosen domestic happiness and perhaps escaped the draft, Doyle wrote to state officials in 1923. He was intensely patriotic and wrote poems expressing his willingness to die in the cause of liberty. He would write to her: The sunshine of your smile  and my country forever.

Rodriquez Hidalgo was in a front-line trench near the Marne River on July 15, 1918, when a high-explosives shell landed on him at age 30. His combat group, the 38th Regiment, earned the nickname the Rock of the Marne, from the French allies.

In the same display case is a yellowed newspaper clip with the weird headline: Have you seen the man with the dead mans eyebrow? Nearby is a 1919 photo of a clearly damaged soldier named Lawrence Thomas Hager, an actor whose address was Triangle Street, Danbury. Hes 26 in the photo but looks much older, his face not quite-well-retouched by the photographer.

On Oct. 15, 1918, less than a month before the end of the war, he was with a group of 14 soldiers sent forward to draw fire to determine the Germans position. Hager, a machine gunner by training, was the only survivor, ending up with a silver plate in his forehead, a silver chin bone and an eyebrow a surgeon collected from a fresh corpse.

Now, he closely resembles his photographs before entering the service, the newspaper clip shouts from nearly 100 years ago. Closely, is a word.

In the next room is a permanent case celebrating Bridgeports role. The first brass shell from the assembly line at Remington Arms; a military pistol from Remington, circa 1911; a photo of the sprawling plant off Boston Avenue that was sold to General Electric in 1920 and finally torn down just a few years ago.

Jane F. Cullinane, digital projects librarian, says that a substantial number of records were collected in the years immediately before and after the war by the State Council of Defense. In 1916, the state began asking for information about manufacturers and their workers.

I think Gov. (Marcus H.) Holcomb saw the future, saw what was coming and knew that the United States wouldnt be able to stay out of the world war, she says.

David Corrigan, curator of the State Library Museum, says the inquiries included what factories were creating, their personnel strength, the type of machinery and raw materials used. We had textile companies making fabric in Eastern Connecticut that was made later on, in other places, into uniforms and overcoats, he says, adding that hes putting together a database. They were making gas masks in Hartford Rubberworks. They were making poison gas in Stamford, at some point.

Lizette Pelletier, state archivist, says the uniqueness of the items is why they were selected for this relatively small exhibit. Theyre part of The Voices of World War I project that is available in audio files for people with visual problems through CRIS Radio.

They are still collecting memorabilia at www.CTinWorldWar1.org.

Nearby, another display case contains the memorabilia of Jacob Bernasconi, a Swiss-born soldier from New Britain, wounded in the Marne campaign. Theres his Purple Heart. Heres the inch-long chunk of metal pulled from near his pelvis 17 years after the war.

Maybe the most-moving artifacts are the flattened, long-dried poppy flowers Bernasconi collected from the American Expeditionary Force Cemetery at Chateau Thierry.

Ken Dixon can be reached in the Capitol at 860-549-4670 or at kdixon@ctpost.com. See twitter.com/KenDixonCT. His Facebook address is kendixonct.hearst. Dixons Connecticut Blog-o-rama is at blog.ctnews.com/dixon/
Tracy Brabin, the former Coronation Street actress, succeeded Jo Cox in a by-election

The man in the dispensing chemist on Commercial Road was struggling for breath. But he finally managed to get his words out. Ive always been Labour, he said But not this time. Not for Corbyn.

Was his an isolated view? Everyone round by me is the same. The man couldnt organise he paused, searching for the most polite phrasing,  a drink-up in a brewery.

Im in Batley, West Yorkshire, nominal Labour majority of 6,000. Its the seat that was brutally thrown into the national spotlight by the murder of Jo Cox, and on paper should be rock-solid Labour.

The last time people here voted Conservative was a quarter of a century ago. Since then theyve stayed loyal through the decline of Blairism, the dead-hand of Brownism and the tragi-comedy of Milibandism. But no longer.

In the Corner Cafe, sepia-toned pictures transport customers back to what isnt a different era but a different world. The tram is long gone.

The market  It used to stretch all the way up the hill to the baths  is now just a handful of stalls. The great mill chimneys that stood sentinel over the town have been demolished.

They should be weighing Labour votes here. But instead theyre repeating phrases from a Tory canvassers handbook. Ive voted Labour all my life, but this time Im voting May, says a cafe regular. So is my husband.

Why the change? She speaks her mind. And Corbyn wouldnt defend the country.

Before I came to Batley, Id been hearing increasingly wild stories about feedback on the doorsteps. One Tory MP told me any seat with a Labour majority of 8,000 or less was a target. Labour MPs said they were drawing that line at 10,000.

Then I was told about the Bunker Project. So great is the potential scale of the meltdown, Labour moderates have identified a select group of MPs whose seats must be defended at all costs. They will receive additional financial resources and extra activists.

Its like selecting the people who will survive a nuclear war, a Labour insider told me. The list includes Yvette Cooper  a future leadership favourite  former chief whip Rosie Winterton and deputy leader Tom Watson.

Tracy Brabin, pictured, does not have access to the Bunker. The former Coronation Street actress succeeded Jo Cox in a by-election that was essentially a memorial campaign  out of respect, none of the other major parties fielded candidates.

People are taking pride in their rejection of Corbyns Labour. Of course things may change

Born and bred locally, she has quickly won a reputation as a hard-working, unfussy MP. But she is fighting this Election with a Corbynite millstone round her neck. I cant factor that in, she says defiantly. I have to focus on me, and what Ive done for the past six months to prove myself.

She has no plans to put her leader on her leaflets and there are no plans for a visit. Which is just as well. Mention his name and reactions range from laughter  Youre joking!  to mockery: Hes doolally.

Occasionally the Yorkshire sense of fair play steps in. I dont like the way that Eton chunterer [Boris Johnson] was talking about him. Theres no need to be abusive, one man told me. Would it affect how he voted? No, Im voting Tory, he responded.

And thats what should be terrifying Labour. Even where people arent falling for Theresa Mays charms, their response is abstention rather than a Labour vote.

The woman running the Market Square fruit stall told me about her daughters at college struggling to pay rent, and fear of the outright destruction of the NHS. Then admitted: Im not voting for anyone.

People are taking pride in their rejection of Corbyns Labour

Theres something else that should be striking fear into the heart of Tracy Brabin and her colleagues. I was expecting to encounter a shy-Tory phenomenon. But I found the opposite. When the woman in the market told me: I dont like Theresa May, a customer on a neighbouring stall made a point of shouting: Well I do!

People are taking pride in their rejection of Corbyns Labour. Of course things may change. Caught unawares by the Election, the local Tory campaign is a mess. No candidate has been selected, no canvassing is under way. But if the Election was held tomorrow, Labour would undoubtedly lose.

Which on one level is fair enough. As I wrote last week, Labour must now face a reckoning. But theres still something depressing about standing in what should be a safe Labour seat, 100 yards from the recently renamed Jo Cox House, to be told: Labour are no different now. They all pee in the same pot.

As I was heading back to the station, a Labour MP texted me. People are focusing on the Lib Dems and Ukip. But the best kept secret of this Election is how many traditional working-class Labour voters are switching direct to the Tories.

Its not a secret to the people of Batley.

Michael Gove may have a downer on experts, but he has a very different view of The Professionals.

Yes, Im a fan, he tells me, after he tweeted links to a website dedicated to iconic 1980s secret services show.

It comes from my hero worship of Gordon Jackson. When Andrew Parker steps down as MI5 head, the spooks know where to look.

The high cost of Cable

The Lib Dems have started the Election with a spring in their step, especially in Twickenham, where Vince Cable is on the verge of overturning Tania Mathiass slender 2,000 vote majority.

But I understand the Tories wont be giving up the seat without a fight. In fact, theyll be pursuing the tethered goat strategy.

The Lib Dems have started the Election with a spring in their step, especially in Twickenham, where Vince Cable is on the verge of overturning Tania Mathiass slender 2,000 vote majority

As one MP explains: Were going to push a shedload of resources into Twickenham. That way theyll have to put in a lot of their own resources, which means them draining money and activists from other competitive seats.

Theyll get Cable back in, but theyll pay a heavy price for it. Im sure Vince thinks its worth every penny.

As Labour struggles to keep its campaign on track, Im told matters arent being helped by the collapse of relations between Jeremy Corbyn and deputy Tom Watson.

According to one MP: Tom reached out to Jeremy and said lets just put our differences aside, but Corbyns team knocked him back. They havent even let him see Jeremys schedule or the campaign grid. Its going to be a long six weeks.

The MoS seat-o-meter

The first week of the Election campaign could not have gone better for Theresa May.

Her average lead in the polls has shot up from 16 points when she announced she would go to the country, to 21 points now.

The polls have also shown the Tories advancing strongly in Scotland and have even put the party well ahead in Wales.

As a result, our MoS seat-o-meter, put together with the help of John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, shows Mrs Mays likely majority has gone up from just over 100 to 142 seats. A switch by Ukip supporters to the Conservatives means even more Labour seats are now at risk.

Campaign Camera: Nuttall's campaign is really kicking off

The start of Paul Nuttalls bid to become an MP was marred yesterday as police were called to a fight outside a Ukip event.

Two women were arrested prior to a planned speech by the Ukip leader in Hartlepool.

Mr Nuttall, who said he would stand for the Boston and Skegness seat in June, said neither of the pair were Ukip members and blamed hard-Left activists.
Theresa May, pictured, spoke to this newspaper under the gaze of Churchill in a portrait. The huge challenges he surmounted will be on the minds of voters on June 8, just two days after the country commemorates the 73rd anniversary of D-Day

Theresa May has called a General Election during one of the great defining periods in Britains history.

As yesterdays special European Union summit made clear, this countrys divorce from Brussels is likely to be painful.

EU leaders want to make an example of Britain  pour encourager les autres  and will spin any agreement as a surrender to their demands.

So it is a time when Britain needs a strong, clear-headed and resolute Prime Minister.

By those measures, our interview today with Mrs May is hugely reassuring. She comes across as a leader brimming with confidence, a career politician who has found a powerful extra gear in her seventh decade.

She also demonstrates a welcome new open-mindedness towards the 48 per cent of the population who  like The Mail on Sunday  believed that the countrys interests would have been best served by remaining in the EU.

That battle has been fought and decided and Mrs May seems to now understand that the 48 requires reassurance about the post-EU future  and in particular what a no deal Brexit would actually look like.

The General Election marks the moment when the country can draw a line under the toxic exchanges of last summer and move into a new future.

Mrs Mays task is to unify Britain behind her negotiations, which will demand every ounce of the guile she deployed to become Prime Minister  when she fudged her beliefs on Brexit so successfully that everyone thought she was on their side.

She is also a lucky general because she is facing a Labour leader in Jeremy Corbyn who is so inept that his MPs are wondering if there is yet time to ditch him before the party crashes to a spectacular Election defeat.

Mrs May spoke to this newspaper under the gaze of Churchill in a portrait. The huge challenges he surmounted will be on the minds of voters on June 8, just two days after the country commemorates the 73rd anniversary of D-Day.

The Mail on Sunday's Geordie Greig, pictured left, speaks to Theresa May, pictured right, in an interview in her London office. She comes across as a leader brimming with confidence, a career politician who has found a powerful extra gear in her seventh decade

But as Churchill discovered in the 1945 General Election, when the electorate swung behind his socially reforming Labour opponents, even the greatest Prime Ministers neglect the domestic agenda at their peril.

Some of the policy signals coming from No 10 are encouraging. If Mrs May achieves her goal of protecting ordinary families from the cold economic winds of globalisation, as she has promised, then she really will render Labour redundant.

Allied to her revival of grammar schools, she seems intent on addressing grumblings within her party that she lacks a coherent vision or a compelling political credo.

Our interview also touches on Mrs Mays down-to-earth side  so effective in garnering support from all social classes and walks of life  talking about her love of Humphrey Bogart in the film classic Casablanca. Bogarts character, Rick, says at one point: Ive got a job to do.

So has Mrs May  and we have confidence that she is the right woman for that job.
She's a registered nurse who has dedicated her life to helping others suffering from debilitating diseases.

But at just 32, Courtney Deffner's own world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

After 18 months of intense treatment on the Gold Coast, her body was cleared of the disease, but she and her husband Mark received devastating news just a few days before Christmas.

'I had a scan because I had pain in my chest. It showed that the cancer had come back and spread throughout my spine and my pelvis,' Ms Deffner told Daily Mail Australia.

Courtney Deffner's (pictured) world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2015

'I'm only 34 and I was 32 when I was diagnosed so that's pretty young.

'A lot of people don't realise that people get breast cancer so young. And once it comes back there's nothing they can do about it.'

The couple's two young daughters, aged three and five, have barely known their mother to be cancer-free.

'My children were one and three when I was diagnosed,' Courtney recently wrote online.

'Breast cancer has taken my breast, my reproductive organs, changed my body, my mind, my social circle, my fitness, my career and has thrown our entire family and all of our life plans as we knew them into turmoil,' she added.

Courtney (pictured) is a registered nurse who has dedicated her life to helping others suffering from debilitating diseases

'They were five and two when I was re-diagnosed. It makes my heart ache with sadness that my girls don't have a memory of mummy without cancer.

'They shouldn't even know what cancer is, yet now it is part of their everyday lives forever.'

She described her illness as an 'unwanted house guest' that will be with her for the rest of her life, but vowed to keep fighting.

After 18 months of intense treatment on the Gold Coast, her body was clear of the disease, but she and her husband Mark (right) received devastating news just a few days before Christmas

'We are going to throw everything we can at this cancer,' she wrote.

'Alternative treatments, conventional drugs, we have researched and I'm giving it all a go, as I've got absolutely nothing to lose.'

Courtney explained to Daily Mail Australia that treatment of metastatic, or secondary cancer, is complex.

Courtney's two young daughters, three and five (pictured), have barely known their mother to be cancer-free

'The problem with breast cancer that has returned is it's very clever. When you treat it, it outsmarts the treatment,' she said.

'There are only so many treatments, so they need to be very careful when they give it to you.

'If you're given treatment after treatment, pretty soon there's not going to be anything left to give you and you're going to have a short life.'

Courtney (pictured left with husband Mark) described her illness as an 'unwanted house guest' that will be with her for the rest of her life, but vowed to keep fighting

A GoFundMe page to help finance Courtney's battle has been set up and has already raised over AUD $12,000.

'The money so kindly donated we have used and will continue to use for alternative treatments, as no treatment option is going unexplored while my two feet still touch the ground,' Courtney wrote on the fundraising page.

'Thank you all again from the bottom of our hearts.'
A glamour model dubbed 'too sexy for Instagram' has likened having her account shut down to Doctor Dao's removal from United Airlines in April.

Elle Johnson, from Park City, Utah, has spoken out after she was banned from the social media site due to a 'violation of community guidelines'.

The model, who shares sultry photos with her fans, took to Twitter on Tuesday tweeting: 'Booted off #Instagram again! They treat models like #United treated Dr. Dao. Not the physical abuse part-the random get off the plane part!'

Glamour model Elle Johnson has been dubbed 'too sexy' for Instagram after her account was disabled for the second time in one year

Elle first had her account blocked in January this year after it was reported to Instagram and since happening a second time in 2017 the outspoken model has drawn in further publicity.

One publication, EveryJoe, dubbed her 'too sexy' for the social media site while Maxim referred her as 'too hot to handle'.

After the supposed violation was investigated Elle's account, which boasts 418,000 followers, was reactivated on Friday.

Elle says she has been left bemused as to why her account was disabled as, despite her risque shots, she complies with the site's guidelines.

Elle took to Twitter to liken her experience to that of Dr Dao on the United Airlines flight

Elle's account is now back up and running after Instagram investigated the anonymous report

Speaking to the MailOnline Elle said: 'Instagrams Community Guidelines tell members that they "dont allow nudity.

'Its weird but the guidelines dont allow only some photos of female nipples. So some nipples are okay and others arent?

'The problem is that there is selective enforcement of Instagrams Community Guidelines. Some Instagram posters are clearly off limits. Other arent. All community members are equal, but some members are more equal than others.'

Elle says she has been left bemused as to why her account was disabled as, despite her risque shots, she complies with the site's guidelines

The model has long been a believer in women's rights to express their bodies and began her own campaign 'free the cleavage'

Elle believes that her snaps are a lot tamer than some of those that are permitted on Instagram.

She continued: 'There are a lot of Instagram models out there. I dont think Im on the high end of of the racy scale.

'But Im certainly not on the low end. If the racy scale is the Spinal Tap 1-11, Im probably around an 8.'

MailOnline has contacted Instagram for a comment.

The model has long been a believer in women's rights to express their bodies and began her own campaign 'free the cleavage'.

She says she finds it especially frustrating when she sees women being judgmental of other women's bodies

The model is now hoping other women to adopt her body empowerment movement

Elle spearheaded the movement after a woman was reportedly removed from a Spirited Airlines flight for displaying her cleavage - though the airline has denied the allegations.

Discussing her campaign Elle says: 'I felt bad for her. Im known to show a little cleavage, myself! And the cabin temperature in airplanes is horrible.

'Bottom-line, there is absolutely nothing wrong with cleavage! In fact, cleavage is a good thing.

'It really riles me up when women sit in judgment over other women and Im always suspicious that thats whats going on!'

The model is now hoping other women to adopt her body empowerment movement.

She added: 'As for other women embracing my free the cleavage campaign, they can do what they want.

'I just hope whatever choice they make is their own and not guided by some societal pressure. Free societies are the only ones worth being part of.'
A 25-year-old woman, whose excruciating pain was dismissed by four different doctors, discovered she was actually suffering from an aggressive form of cancer.

Daniella, from Sydney, who was misdiagnosed with debilitating pain called sciatica, has stage four Hodgkin lymphoma after the disease had already spread to her lungs, chest and stomach.

And the shocking diagnosis was all too familiar for her boyfriend of two years Johnny, who fought his own battle against a rare form of bone cancer at the age of 17.

'We were pretty shocked when Daniella was diagnosed early in March,' the 23-year-old man told Daily Mail Australia.

'Believe it or not, but I had cancer at 17 so I already knew the kind of fight we were facing. I do feel a bit more positive about her because I'd beaten my cancer.'

Daniella (pictured with her puppy Dennis) has been diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma after the disease had already spread to her lungs, chest and stomach

Her shocking diagnosis was all too familiar for her boyfriend of two years Johnny (right), who fought his own battle against a rare form of bone cancer at the age of 17

The young woman began feeling exhausted in October last year - but had just assumed it was down to her early morning starts for shift work at the airport.

'She felt tired and was out of energy but we thought nothing of it. We thought the 5am starts were the reasoning behind the sudden tiredness,' Johnny said.

However, just days later, Daniella started feeling hip pains to an excruciating point she was waking up in the middle of the night.

'Because her work involves standing up on your feet all day, we thought it was probably just nothing,' he said.

But starting off the New Year, her condition worsen when she was feeling run down.

'We saw a local GP but he just assumed her hips were swollen, so nothing came of it. So she was sent on her way,' Johnny said.

The couple decided to see another GP where the blood tests found her white blood cell count was really high.

'But the GP said it was probably nothing, so he sent her own her way again,' he said.

'We thought she'll just get better so we went to Bali. But midway through our trip, she started having excruciating pain.'

The young woman began feeling exhausted in October last year - but had just assumed it was down to her early morning starts for shift work at the airport

The 25-year-old has been battling cancer, and her boyfriend purchased her Dennis the puppy to keep her entertained at home while she undergoes treatment

The pair returned to Australia - and this time Daniella saw a specialist, who thought it was just a spinal infection sending nerves down her right hip.

The young woman was admitted to hospital where she was given painkillers.

'She was in a lot of pain,' he said.

She was misdiagnosed for debilitating pain

'But then she felt a little lump above her collarbone so she showed another specialist. She was sent to another hospital to do more tests.

'They didn't know whether she was just swollen so she did a hip MRI, a spinal MRI and an ultrasound.'

She was in hospital for the next 10 days but by the time she was finally diagnosed, the disease had already spread around her body.

'We got to it pretty late,' Johnny said.

'The doctors told us they believed she had cancer for about a year and a half. We were pretty shocked. Initially, she was worried about losing her hair.

'She didn't know too much about cancer. My cousin recently passed away so we didn't really talk about it. But Daniella was always thinking about how someone so young could have this happen to her.

'So Daniella had that fear she'd pass away. The news took a toll on her. She couldn't understand how that happened to her.'

The brave woman lost all her hair after having her head shaved - and the overwhelming support she received her taken her mind off her luscious locks

The young woman pictured with her brother and mother, who was on the next flight home from the US to be by her daughter's side after hearing about her diagnosis early this year

His girlfriend decided to do IVF to preserve her eggs before undergoing gruelling rounds of chemotherapy.

'We have talked about having children and starting a family,' he said.

The brave woman lost all her hair after having her head shaved - and the overwhelming support she received her taken her mind off her luscious locks.

'She freaked out a little bit when she lost her hair but she has been pretty positive,' he said.

'Daniella was given some wigs at a hospital so she hasn't felt too bad about it. Myself and a few of the boys have also shaved off our heads to show our support to her.'

Johnny also opened up about his heartbreak of watching his cancer-stricken girlfriend go through the relentless pain.

'It breaks my heart because I know what it feels like,' he said.

'Just to see the pain through her eyes, I have lost a lot of sleep over it. It's been really hard. I haven't left her side. It's not a pleasant feeling and you just wish it wasn't her.

'She's a gorgeous girl. She has a smile that melts everyone. She's a ray of sunshine, being around her just makes you happy. She's just always positive because she radiates happiness.

'Daniella makes you laugh no matter what the situation is.'

The young woman decided to do IVF to preserve her eggs before undergoing chemotherapy

Johnny and his friends have rallied together to shave their heads in support of Daniella

The young man decided to set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his girlfriend's medical expenses, treatments and IVF.

'Everything has been flipped upside down,' he said.

'It's literally just been me and her. I had to stop working completely to be by her side. Her father died when she was 17 and her mother lives in America with her partner.

'The mental torment I've been going through has been challenging for me. I have lost a lot of sleep since hearing her diagnosis.

'We have given up a lot but I'm pretty positive because she's a strong girl. She has gone through four rounds of treatments in the space of three weeks.'

Johnny hopes by telling their story, they would encourage other sufferers to get checked earlier.

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit the GoFundMe campaign.
On Saturday the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrated six years of marriage, but that isn't the only anniversary Kate has this weekend.

Yesterday, April 29, also marked one year since the wife of Prince William was unveiled as making her debut appearance on the cover of British Vogue.

To mark the occasion former editor-in-chief of the magazine Alexandra Shulman has recounted the surprisingly laid back shoot with Her Royal Highness.

One year after the Duchess of Cambridge appeared on the centenary issue of British Vogue former editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman reveals what it was like to work with the royal

In her first-person piece for Vogue Online the editor recalled how Kate shunned ball gowns on set in favour of a more casual wardrobe.

Shulman writes: 'She didnt want to be dressed as a fashion plate and was not keen to be shot in gala gowns and tiaras.'

As was seen in the centenary issue of the magazine the Duchess was photographed by Josh Ollins in a wardrobe she would select for herself at the weekend made up of mainly jeans and t-shirts.

According to Shulman the royal, 35, who had chosen to be photographed in the countryside to reflect her personal life, had arrived on set in hair rollers - 'joking' about who might have spotted her on her journey in.

In a piece shared on Vogue Online Shulman reveals that Her Royal Highness was surprisingly laid back during her shoot in Norfolk

Surprisingly, while she spends much of her day being photographed Shulman described Kate as not feeling 'comfortable at end of lens'.

What she did notice, however, was the Duchess' unexpected lack of interest in her own appearance.

Recalling her reaction after having her makeup done Shulman writes: 'Most of us would need constant reassurance, whereas she demonstrated none of these neuroses, which showed an admirable and surprising lack of vanity' adding that she 'scarcely even checking herself in the mirror afterwards'.

Shulman (pictured with the Duchess at the National Portrait Gallery) says that Kate was keen to wear casual clothes over ball gowns and tiaras

As would be expected in any high profile shoot the Vogue team kitted out the set with amenities to suit HRH including having broadband fitted - however, none of this was necessary as the editor comments that the Duchess did not check her phone once.

The Duchess appeared on news stands as the June cover girl in 2016 celebrating the 100th anniversary of British Vogue.

As part of a collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery Kate was photographed in the Norfolk countryside and styled by Vogue Fashion Director Lucinda Chambers.
With her hectic schedule constantly seeing her on the go it isn't often that Queen Letizia is able to showcase her red carpet wardrobe.

However, the Queen of Spain looked at her regal best as she attended the birthday party of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on Saturday.

The Spanish monarch, 44, stunned in a floor length red dress from Stella McCartney as she arrived for the private party last night.

Queen Letizia stunned in a floor length red gown from Stella McCartney as she and husband King Felipe VI attended the 50th birthday dinner of King Willem-Alexander

With a keen eye for style the former journalist opted for dramatic tailoring with the dress featuring a one-shouldered cape detail.

Making the most of the glamorous affair the mother-of-two added bejeweled accessories to her already decadent outfit in the form of diamond jewellery and an embellished clutch bag.

Always a stickler for detail the royal added a pair of hot red heels to her ensemble perfectly complementing her elegant gown.

Making the most of the glamorous affair the mother-of-two added bejeweled accessories to her already decadent outfit

She finished her show stopping look with a slick of scarlet red lipstick on Saturday night

Letizia's hair looked red carpet ready as she stepped out with flowing Hollywood waves.

She finished her show stopping look with a slick of scarlet red lipstick on Saturday night.

The queen was accompanied by a very dapper looking King Felipe VI who scrubbed up well in black tie complete with dickie bow.

The couple headed to the private dinner party of the Dutch monarch held in The Hague in The Netherlands.

The queen was accompanied by a very dapper looking King Felipe VI who scrubbed up well in black tie complete with dickie bow

A fashion-foward Letizia opted for an unusual cut of dress with a one-shouldered cape detail

King Willem- Alexander is celebrating his 50th birthday this weekend with celebrations being held throughout the country.

The Netherlands marked the 50th birthday of King Willem-Alexander on Thursday with orange-clad citizens holding parties and street sales throughout the country.

The monarch and his family spent King's Day in the city of Tilburg, where thousands of people - many wearing inflatable orange crowns - lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Willem-Alexander, his Argentine-born wife, Maxima, and their three daughters.

On Friday night Dutch king and queen 150 guests chosen by a lottery to their home for a dinner with the royals

Maxima wowed in a heavily embellished violet gown as she waved to the crowds who had gathered at the palace

'I'm very happy. It's my birthday and I can celebrate it together with so many people,' Willem-Alexander told national broadcaster NOS as he walked through the crowded streets. 'The whole of Tilburg is like a warm bath.'

On Friday night the king and his wife Queen Maxima welcomed 150 guests chosen by a lottery to their home for a dinner with the royals.

Maxima wowed in a heavily embellished violet gown as she waved to the crowds who had gathered at the palace.

Hundreds of people posed for a picture with Queen Maxima and Willem-Alexander after the festive dinner.

The group photo becomes a gigapixel image that can be zoomed in so far that everyone in the picture can find themselves.
Is it just me, or is there something infuriating about modish High Street businesses who smugly declare themselves cashless?

A health food chain, ever more small cafes and even a few shops are now proudly declaring they have moved on from the fuddy-duddy world of coins and notes, which served mankind faithfully for 5,000 years before the arrival of the internet.

Some businesses even sneer at cards that arent contactless: they feel nothing will do except a casual waft of your plastic over the little screen, sending invisible money through the air. The bleep has replaced the friendly old jingle of cash.

Libby Purves is angered by businesses who declare themselves 'cashless'. A health food chain, ever more small cafes and even a few shops are now proudly declaring they have moved on from the fuddy-duddy world of coins and notes

You can see why one-man buses went card-only: its safer for the driver and speeds up boarding. But High Street services are just being arrogant.

There are independent coffee shops which will make you feel like a barbarian if you try to pay without bothering the internet.

Offer them solid money  even correct change  and they wince and shake their heads, as if you had tried to pay for your coffee with a necklace of cowrie shells necklace or a freshly slaughtered chicken.

Theyre not doing it for our convenience. The 29-year-old owner of one cafe in south east London said it saves staffing hours because workers dont have to cash up  a real faff  and he never has to take money to the bank.

His young customers are fine with it  No one really cared. But anyone without a bank card will go thirsty. Or, at best, be embarrassed. It is a very modern idea to consider that the customer, rather than being always right, is actually a bit of a pest.
Perhaps its not surprising that someone who founded a baby and toddler food company should believe we have a lot to learn from children.

In 2006, I launched Ellas Kitchen which over the last decade has become a multi-million pound, award-winning brand, available in more than 40 countries.

As a result, Ive spent quite a lot of time with toddlers. And, while the common view is that adults represent the peak of mental and physical development and that small children slowly gain the skills and maturity needed to live independently, Ive started to see things differently.

Paul Lindley launched baby and toddler food company Ella's Kitchen in 2006. He believes that toddlers' creativity, curiosity, determination, ambition and sociability should be the envy of many adults.

Toddlers arent just trainee adults, theyre extraordinary people in their own right: their creativity, curiosity, determination, ambition and sociability should be the envy of many adults.

Toddlers see the world differently. Their lives are simpler, and so is their approach  they act on their instincts and pursue their goals with rigour and determination. And while those goals might be simple ones  to climb out of the cot, attract a parents attention or watch their favourite TV programme  the principles are just the same as we need to succeed in our lives.

Dont believe me? Here are five ways to start thinking like a toddler that I firmly believe will make you happier and more successful

TRUST YOUR GUT

When it comes to decisions, eat it or spit it out.

As adults, we tend to agonise over difficult decisions; to seek reassurance and hedge our bets. We see complexity and uncertainty, whereas for toddlers the world is a place of clarity and simplicity: play with this toy or throw it aside; eat this food or spit it out; make friends with this person or ignore them.

For toddlers, decision-making isnt a long process, its based on a gut reaction that isnt inhibited by an awareness of the consequences, or a fear of what other people might think or say.

For toddlers, decision-making isnt a long process, its based on a gut reaction that isnt inhibited by an awareness of the consequences, or a fear of what other people might think or say

We, however, crave something that often does not exist: the objectively correct decision, one weighed and reached through careful reasoning and deduction.

Of course, in all our lives there are right and wrong decisions and you dont always have the luxury of knowing which is which until after youve made them.

You can weigh up the options all you like, but no amount of analysis can help you see into the future. At some point, you just have to be guided by your instinct about the right thing to do.

Make a decision like a toddler: Do you want to do it? Does it feel like the right thing to do? Can you live with the consequences?

GET CREATIVE

Stop being constrained by convention  play with the toys upside down.

We put creativity on a pedestal, celebrating inventors and dreamers as people with minds and visions we cant hope to come close to. But toddlers give the lie to the idea that creativity is an inherent gift bestowed only upon the lucky few.

They dont consult instruction manuals, or play with their toys as the designers intended. They defy convention because they dont know it exists.

And sometimes, by doing things differently  trying what seems natural and interesting  they achieve something the rules could never have led them to.

Creativity doesnt have to be about transforming the world. It can be the small, incremental but important modifications that unlock new ideas and better results.

You might not feel like someone who is subject to constraints. But when was the last time you tried to run a meeting in a totally different way or used a weekend to do something you have never done before? As toddlers we played, explored and questioned more. As adults, we not only mostly abandon play, but also become more accepting of the way things are, and in doing so, lose our creativity.

Disrupt convention like a toddler: If something doesnt seem right to you, do what a child would do: point it out, tell other people and start a conversation.

We put creativity on a pedestal, celebrating inventors and dreamers as people with minds and visions we cant hope to come close to. But toddlers give the lie to the idea that creativity is an inherent gift bestowed only upon the lucky few

THINK BIG

Whatever the situation, bite off more than you can chew.

As toddlers, our instincts were generally to set ourselves challenges we couldnt yet achieve  we climbed to places we couldnt reach, attempted complicated jigsaw puzzles, tried to use cutlery when we couldnt get any food on the spoon.

We were ambitious and had big goals. We learned from the things we got wrong and were driven by a dissatisfaction at our limitations and an ambition to acquire new skills. When we decided to do something, we would dive right in, whether we were equipped for the task or not.

Adults often lose this ambition, but you need to have high aspirations and risk biting off more than you can chew. That doesnt mean jumping at every opportunity, or rashly pursuing new goals when conditions are adverse.

But sometimes you need to dive into situations you dont feel entirely comfortable with or prepared for. If you only ever step on ground you know to be rock solid, youre not going to get particularly far, or at least not quickly.

What you need is a guiding principle around what you want to achieve, and then the ambition to pursue it in ways that may occasionally scare you.

Be brave like a toddler: We often think that we cant do things, when were just too afraid to try. Dont intimidate yourself out of doing something before you have even given it a go.

STAY STUBBORN

When you fall over, keep getting up.

Anyone who has ever looked after young children knows that toddlers are synonymous with stubbornness.

You introduce a new food, interrupt an important cartoon or confiscate a favourite toy at your peril. Feet can be stamped, tears shed and the screams sometimes seem like they will never end.

A toddler mid-tantrum may not seem like the ideal role model (and I certainly dont advocate throwing yourself to the ground and bawling the next time you dont get your own way), but the flipside of the tantrum is the single-mindedness that predicates it.

While we should never lose control, we could all benefit from a little bit of that determination and bloody-mindedness. Getting what you want in life demands a streak of real stubbornness, whether youre trying to pass an exam, get a job, write a book, start a business or get back on your feet after illness or injury.

When the going gets tough, you have only your own determination to fall back on: your toddler self who would scratch and scream to get their way, no matter what.

And if the way you behave now might be different, that inner resolve is something to recapture and harness.

Be resilient like a toddler: When you get a knockback, dont just walk away. Either be persuasive enough to change minds, or phlegmatic enough to find a more willing audience elsewhere.

BE HONEST

Dont pretend youre happy with the blue truck when you really wanted the red one.

Any parent will tell you that there is a bracing, sometimes hilarious, honesty about young children. If someone looks strange, or smells odd, thats exactly what they will say, often in a loud voice in public.

But as we grow up, we develop an ever-stronger filter between what we think and what we say, judging when and in what circumstances we want to say things, and when not to say anything at all.

We become dishonest for any number of reasons: from not wanting to upset people or cause arguments, to lacking the confidence to put forward an alternative plan, to agreeing with something even when we think its wrong.

We tell people they are right, not always because we think they are, but because we want their approval, are afraid of their response, or simply cant be bothered to argue.

Often, we follow the path of least resistance, keeping our thoughts and objections to ourselves and avoiding conflict.

Yet, while white lies may make our lives easier, dishonesty can cause more problems than it prevents. Avoiding the argument can mean avoiding the problem, allowing it to fester and reach a point where the solution is more difficult than it would have been if addressed earlier.

Telling people youre happy when youre not means any problems are likely to be overlooked rather than dealt with  while not raising objections to a decision you disagree with means going along with something that could frustrate or upset you.

Tell the truth like a toddler: It might make you uncomfortable to confront problems, but left unaddressed they will often carry greater consequences.

P.S. HAVE FUN!

For toddlers, everything has the potential to be an adventure, from a trip to the park to a new toy or a new person to meet.

They explore the world through imagination and play, and they are very clear about what does and doesnt interest them. If its not fun, and they wont enjoy it, theyre not going to do it.

Its worth looking at our everyday lives and working out how we can make the time to explore, laugh and relax.

For toddlers, everything has the potential to be an adventure, from a trip to the park to a new toy or a new person to meet. They explore the world through imagination and play, and they are very clear about what does and doesnt interest them. If its not fun, and they wont enjoy it, theyre not going to do it

Adapted by Claire Coleman from Little Wins: The Huge Power Of Thinking Like A Toddler by Paul Lindley, published by Portfolio Penguin at 9.99.

To order a copy for 7.49 (25 per cent discount) visit mailbookshop.co.uk or call 0844 571 0640. P&P is free on orders over 15. Offer valid until May 8, 2017.
Zelda reads all your letters but regrets that she cannot answer them all personally

My daughters affair concerns me

Our 26-year-old daughter is having secret liaisons with an older married man who has two young children. When I confronted her she denied there was anything going on, but I know from her sister that there is. She is just about to move into her own house round the corner from us. Can you imagine the distress this might cause if we call round and find him there? I know that she has told him about our conversation and his response is to keep things low-key, as he doesnt want to risk his marriage or upset his children. I want her to nip this in the bud and feel like phoning his wife anonymously and telling her to keep a close eye on her husband. Alternatively, I might confront him in the pub and warn him off. Doing nothing is not an option as once my daughter moves out, she will have more opportunities to continue her fling. My partner and I have a good relationship with both our daughters and brought them up with decent values. Am I doing the right thing?

Though I understand that you want to protect your daughter, if you do either of those things you risk making her angry and alienating her completely. Definitely dont contact his wife as it could backfire and break up the marriage and devastate the children. Talk to your daughter about the affair, but dont take the moral high ground and tell her that it must stop  she wont listen. She could be in love and hoping that he will leave his marriage for her. Instead, tell her gently how concerned you are that she could get badly hurt. The majority of men who cheat dont end their marriages, but like to enjoy the excitement of an affair. Point out that, as there are children involved, he will probably never leave his wife and she could spend years hoping that he will until its too late to have children of her own. Also, his wife could find out and, as a result, he could end the affair, leaving her extremely hurt  or, as mentioned, it could wreck the marriage and have a negative impact on the children. Dont confront this man  certainly not in public. If he happens to be there when you call round to your daughters house, you could bring up your concerns with him  but dont get angry. If anyone is going to end the affair, it is better that he or your daughter does it rather than you.

Was my younger man using me?

A short time ago, I had a brief relationship with a much younger man. When we met, I was happily single and not looking for a boyfriend. I didnt have any illusions that it would last long term, but felt disappointed when it fizzled out. Looking back, I have accepted that it was just a casual sexual fling. I recently read an article that said younger men deliberately target middle-aged women who are flattered by their attention. Ill never know if this was the case for my fling, but its damaged my self-esteem and I feel ashamed to have been taken for such a fool. I have been told that I am attractive and look young for my age. He still contacts me occasionally, probably to keep me as a back-up option.

Of course some age-gap relationships with younger men survive, but often they are fleeting. The attraction of older women is that, like you, they are good-looking and look young for their age, and men are excited by the prospect that they have lots of experience in the bedroom. Hence the rise of toyboy websites. Also, younger men are often not looking for a long-term relationship, which might be the case for women their own age. Most women who get involved with a younger man do want more than just a brief fling, however. You are not a fool  you simply fell for a man who wasnt right for you and he may well have had genuine affection for you. We all make mistakes, so dont let it knock your self-esteem. You are an attractive woman with lots to enjoy in the future. So put this down to experience and move on. Avoid much younger men and edit him out of your life.

Ive given up on finding love

I am nearly 30 and have never been in a relationship with a woman. Every time I look in the mirror I feel uglier. I have moved away from the town where I grew up and lost contact with most of my school and university friends. I rarely go out. Is love over for me?

No, absolutely not. Its hard that you are feeling so lonely when you should be enjoying life and having fun. Were you criticised and put down as a child? Did your parents tell you that they loved you often, or were you constantly told that you were not good enough, causing your confidence to be undermined? This would perhaps explain why you are so critical of yourself. You could be suffering from body dysmorphic disorder, a psychological condition that makes you believe there is something wrong with your appearance when there is not. So you constantly look in mirrors, each time finding flaws that are not really there. The result is that you isolate yourself and have little confidence in making friends or finding a partner. Ask your GP for a referral for cognitive behavioural therapy to address this. Also, contact the mental health charity Mind (mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393). It is important to go out and see people, so once you get help and support and begin feeling better about yourself, get back in touch with old friends, join clubs and take up hobbies to meet new people. When you have gained more confidence, you could try online dating sites.

If you have a problem, write to Zelda West-Meads at: YOU, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS, or email z.west-meads@you.co.uk
Bold red on the catwalk at Mary Katrantzou

Squeeze into something different for spring with Bobbi Browns Art Stick Liquid Lip. Delivering 17 intense semi-matt colours  from Pink Punch and Uber Red to Papaya  with the flick of a pen-like applicator, they remind me of the three bold lip looks at Mary Katrantzous S/S 17 show. Now I can have them all. 21.50 each, bobbibrown.co.uk.

Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip in Uber Red, Papaya and Pink Punch

Remember that the French word voler means to fly, said Noella Gabriel, co-founder and creator of Elemis, as she captivated me with stories about the power of essential oils.

Elemis Sleep Candle, 36

Elemis Calm Perfume Oil, 28

Taking me on a scented journey of breathing rituals, she explained the brands new Life Elixirs range  a collection to help us tune into our emotions and enhance our lives. Now I begin my day with the empowering ylang-ylang and cedarwood Fortitude Bath & Shower Elixir (55), and carry the roll-on rosewood and clary sage Calm Perfume Oil (28) in my bag for moments when life aggravates. Finally, I burn the patchouli and palmarose Sleep Candle (36) at night to ensure a deep slumber. If they can help you to find headspace in this busy world, then Id say youre on your way to flying. All elemis.com, from tomorrow.

New York City colourist Rita Hazan knows good hair. Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Kardashian good hair.

NY celebrity colourist Rita Hazan

Now her haircare line has arrived in the UK. Her remit?To formulate products so effective, they are almost as good as her (250) in-salon treatments. Her Triple Threat Split End Remedy (24) binds split bits together and protects against further breakage, allowing you to keep your lengths for longer. Beyonce loves the True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss (21) for its ability to revive weary colour. Available in three shades, the Root Concealer Touch-Up Stick (20, all selfridges.com) can be sketched on to individual greys, so that they vanish in a trice. You can even use it as a brow pencil, too.

Rita's fans include Beyonce (left) and Jennifer Lopez

Triple Threat Split End Remedy, 24, binds split bits together and protects against breakage, and True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss, 21, revives weary colour

This week weregetting creative with a needle and thread, having discovered The New Craft House Quilted Make-up Bag Sewing Kits. Pick from hedgehog or hare designs, follow the assembly instructions  and prepare to get your fingers pricked along the way. 17.95 each, sewingquarter.com.

Make your own make-up bag with The New Craft House Sewing Kit

Crafty and cute: The New Craft House Sewing Kit

Beauty assistant: Alice Robertson
PM Narendra Modi urged Muslims not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective and expressed confidence that efforts to end the practice would be led by enlightened members of the community.

Modi chose to make these statements regarding triple talaq at an event organised to mark 'Basava Jayanti' celebrations in honour of Kannada philosopher and 12th century reformer Basaveswara.

The event was significant in view of the 2018 assembly elections in Karnataka, where Lingayats are a formidable community.

Men can declare talaq - or divorce - at any point in a marriage and do not need approval form the court

'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.

TALAQ UNDER SHARIA Men can declare talaq - or divorce - at any point in a marriage and do not need approval form the court. Usually, once it is declared, a period lasting three menstrual cycles follows before the divorce is final. This aims to offer the chance for reconciliation and means the couple will find out if the wife is pregnant before it is finalised. If the couple have sex, the initial talaq declaration is automatically revoked. The man can also revoke it at any point. But even when it expires, making the divorce official, the couple can remarry, unless he declares it again, known as 'triple talaq'. The Sharia principle dictates that the husband must support the woman until the end of the notice period, or until she has their child. However, some men have previously skipped the notice period by performing what is known as 'triple talaq' in one sitting, which makes the split instantaneous. Advertisement

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. 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 function, also attended by union minister Ananth Kumar and Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa.

After the event, the Prime Minister walked up to the audience to meet the family of Kannada scholar and rationalist MM Kalburgi, who was killed in Dharwad, Karnataka, last year.

Meanwhile, UP cabinet minister Swami Prasad Maurya kicked up a controversy when he said that triple talaq was being misused by men to satisfy their lust.

The BJP leader drew severe flak as Muslim leaders demanded an unconditional apology.

'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 had said Friday night.
Calls for CCTV cameras to be installed on JNU grounds have grown louder after reports of vandalism and stone-pelting surfaced on the campus on Friday night.

While the university administration wants close monitoring of students' activities on the campus through CCTV, the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) is completely opposed to the idea.

JNU professor Buddha Singh's car was found vandalised while he was speaking at a meet organised by Right-wing teachers and students at the Sabarmati dhaba.

Calls for CCTV cameras to be installed on JNU grounds have grown louder after reports of vandalism and stone-pelting surfaced on the campus on Friday night

In March this year, the administration faced opposition from the JNUSU (student union) when it installed a CCTV camera at the Brahmaputra hostel.

'The university administration had earlier installed a CCTV camera on the campus but some students from JNUSU dismantled it. There is a dire need of CCTVs as it will help in nabbing those who indulge in any wrongdoings,' said JNU registrar Pramod Kumar.

The shameful act of taking the camera off and taking a selfie while doing it is even more pitiable. I call for action against the students involved Professor Singh

Meanwhile, the JNUSU has again turned down the need for CCTVs on the campus, saying 'students and not the administration can decide on installation of cameras'.

'If there is a need for surveillance, a governing body meeting should first consult students and get their approval before taking any such step,' said Mohit K Pandey, JNUSU president.

Not only has Professor Singh emphasised on the need for CCTVs, but he has also demanded action against the JNUSU president for dismantling the camera installed by the administration in Brahmaputra hostel earlier.

'Monitoring by CCTV cameras would have helped us nab the miscreants on the campus.

'The shameful act of taking the camera off and taking a selfie while doing it is even more pitiable. I call for action against the students involved,' Professor Singh told Mail Today.

ABVP students protest against All India Students Association (AISA) at Delhi University

Calling it a sheer co-incidence, JNU professor Atul Johri from the School of Life Sciences maintained that it is a matter which requires questioning of different political groups on JNU campus, Left-wing precisely, because the chances of vandalism of his car while he was condemning an attack by Maoists in Sukma are surprising.

'This is the first time JNU has witnessed stone-pelting on the campus. The Left-wing has added to the plight of Buddha SIngh by calling this act a 'gimmick for cheap publicity',' Johri told Mail Today.

He also criticised the lack of condemnation from JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA), particularly in the killings of CRPF jawans in Kupwara and Sukma.

CCTV needed? JNU professor Buddha Singh's car was found vandalised while he was speaking at a meet organised by Right-wing teachers and students at the Sabarmati dhaba to condole the death of 25 CRPF jawans in Sukma

'I would like to know if JNUTA has publicly condemned the brutality inflicted on Indian Army,' Johri said.

Students have asked for fair and unbiased proceedings followed last years' incidents.

'This shows that this incident was manufactured by the administration to push their agenda of surveillance.

Amit Shah on fire! Congress supporters march in support of JNU students last year

'The administration has no will to prosecute ABVP members, even if they indulge in kidnapping, but they punish genuine activists for minor protests too,' former JNU vice-president Shehla Rashid said.

Rashid also pointed out 'the lack of action' on behalf of the university in the missing case of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, 'which did not stir the debate around CCTV installation'.

'Some 22 eyewitnesses, including the administration's own members, witnessed the attack and threats. Were they punished? No. Then what is CCTV for, when the administration is biased?' Rashid said.

Slamming the JNUSU for opposing the installation of CCTVs, Saurabh Sharma of the RSS-backed ABVP said that the union does not want the administration to know about rapes and consumption of marijuana that the JNUSU is indulging in their 'private' corners.
The Niti Aayog (The National Institution for Transforming India) has suggested a synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and assembly polls from 2024 so as to ensure minimum 'campaign-mode' disruption to governance.

Outlining the details, the policy think-tank has said implementing the proposal may necessitate a maximum one-time curtailment or extension of some state assemblies.

It has made the Election Commission the nodal agency to look into the suggestion and recommended setting up of a working group of stakeholders for deciding a road-map for synchronised elections.

Too many elections Modi? President Pranab Mukherjee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

A report will be finalised within six months and final blue-print will be ready by next March, as per draft three-year action agenda for 2017-18 to 2019-20.

The draft report was circulated among the governing council members (consisting of chief ministers of all states and others) of the Niti Aayog on April 23.

The recommendation assumes significance as President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls.

'All elections in India should happen in a free, fair and synchronised manner so as to cause minimum 'campaign-mode' disruption to governance.

We may begin work towards switching to a synchronised two-phase election from the 2024 election to the Lok Sabha,' the Niti Aayog draft report says.

'This would require a maximum one-time curtailment or extension of some state assemblies,' it says.

To implement this in the national interest, a focused group of stakeholders comprising constitution and subject matter experts, think-tanks, government officials and representatives of various political parties should be formed to work out appropriate implementation-related details.

This may include drafting appropriate Constitution and statutory amendments, agreeing on a workable framework to facilitate transition to simultaneous elec- tions, developing a stakeholder communication plan and various operational details, the draft report adds.

Mukherjee in his speech on the eve of this year's Republic Day said, 'The time is also ripe for a constructive debate on electoral reforms and a return to the practice of the early decades after Independence when elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies were held simultaneously.

It is for the Election Commission to take this exercise forward in consultation with political parties,' Modi had in February made a strong pitch for simultaneous elections as well.

'It (simultaneous polls) will cause some loss to all, including us,' he had said, and asked political parties to not look at the idea through narrow the prism of politics.

'One party or a government cannot do it. We will have to find a way together,' he said.

The Niti Aayog (The National Institution for Transforming India) has suggested a synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and assembly polls from 2024 so as to ensure minimum 'campaign-mode' disruption to governance

Elections are being held all the time somewhere or else in the country and continuous elections lead to lot of expenditure, Modi had said replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address.

He mentioned over Rs 1,100 crore was spent in holding the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and expenditure shot up to Rs 4,000 crore in 2014.

He had said over a crore government employees, including a lot of teachers, are involved in electoral process and the exercise causes harm to education sector.

Security forces are also deployed for months, thereby diverting them from their duites, the Prime Minister had pointed out.
Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief and MP Manoj Tiwari had breakfast with the slum dwellers of Samaypur Badli on Sunday.

Accompanied by Leader of the opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta and the area councilor Preety Agarwal, Tiwari visited the slum and had his morning meal at a resident's house.

'Breakfast is just a gesture, I am making notes about the problems of the area. The slums are deprived of water, sewage and toilets. I have observed that 98 per cent of slums' problems are related to the Delhi government,' said Tiwari.

Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief and MP Manoj Tiwari had breakfast with the slum dwellers of Samaypur Badli on Sunday

Tiwari had a simple breakfast comprising rice, lentil, vegetable and saladat a shanty of Shyam Kumar, a resident of Samaypur Badli.

Hundreds of slum dwellers gathered at Kumar's place to catch a glimpse of the Delhi BJP chief.

On Arvind Kejriwal's repudiating stance on MCD election result, Tiwari added, 'What work is he talking about?... Work is here where I am standing (in the slums)... Work cannot be done from air conditioned rooms.'

He also requested the Delhi chief minister to join him in making slums a better place to live.

He added, 'Now is the time to work for slum dwellers in the city, which is possible only if Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Housing for All by 2022' scheme is implemented.

Tiwari also said that he is committed towards up betterment of the lives of the Delhi's 'jhuggi' dwellers. He also expressed grief over the death of a person in a fire that broke out in a slum cluster in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area.
Justice Nariman's judgment of April 19, 2017 revived the stagnating criminal trials against Hindutva leaders.

In anticipation, Uma Bharati said on April 9 that she is willing to 'go to jail' and 'be hanged' for the sake of a Ram mandir, while Hyderabad MLA Raja Singh said he would 'severe the head' of those who interfere with building the Ram Temple.

As such I, Rajeev Dhavan, declare that I am prepared to die for reconstructing the Babri Masjid; and will continue to fight for secularism in India.

A 400-yea-rold mosque was mercilessly destroyed. On a terrace stood top BJP leaders Advani, Joshi, Bharati and others

Changed society

On December 6, 1992 when the Babri Masjid was destroyed, counsel K.K. Venugopal 'hung his head in shame'.

In 2017, he appeared for L.K.Advani, a prime instigator. In 1991, two rath yatras led by Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi advanced to Ayodhya for kar seva.

The Shiv Sena surged its cohorts in action. Then UP chief minister Kalyan Singh's arrangements to abort the same were deliberately slack. He was convicted for contempt for breach of assurances for which he claimed martyrdom.

A 400-year-old mosque was mercilessly destroyed. On a terrace stood top BJP leaders Advani, Joshi, Bharati and others.

One press member clarifies that Advani did not say chodo (leave) but todo (break).

Babri Masjid changed India's history. India was now portrayed as a Hindu nation as Pakistan is for Muslims.

The psyche of people changed. Hindus got away with anything. They could destroy a temple, paintings, attack the Bhandarkar institute and destroy their heritage.

Books were prevented from publication and burnt. 'Hindoo-sthan' was theirs - to complete partition into Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan.

Ghar wapsi and 'women should dress properly' campaigns were initiated. The cow campaign to intimidate, beat up and kill was renewed.

RSS and Hindutva armies may win elections with slogans, but beneath is an embattled society reviving communal hate.

The psyche of people changed. Hindus got away with anything. They could destroy a temple, paintings, attack the Bhandarkar institute and destroy their heritage

Bhalla's Blunder

The civil case on entitlement went to Hindus. Short of voodoo, everything was packed into 8,000 printed pages of undigested pronouncement.

Recently, CJI Khehar momentarily thought he could mediate!

The CBI filed two FIRs: crime no. 197 of 1992 was filed against lakhs of Kar Sevaks, and crime no. 198 was filed against eight leaders: Advani, Singhal, Katiyar, Bharati, Pitambar, Joshi, Giriraj Kishore and Dalmia.

Two, Singhal and Kishore, died. A consolidated chargesheet against 48 persons for conspiracy was also filed.

On October 8, 1993 the state government amended crime no. 198 to enable all cases to be tried in Lucknow.

A special court was created by the government after consulting the High Court. The big mistake took place on September 9, 1993 when the notification of the state government mentioned crime no. 197 and on October 8, 1993 crime no. 198 was named for the Lucknow cases.

The files were shifted from Rae Bareli. Then came the blunder.

On February 12, 2001, the flamboyant Jagdish Bhalla threw a remedial technical spanner in the works.

According to Bhalla, October 8, 1993 case committed to Lucknow did not have the administrative consent of the High Court.

Nariman resurrects

The CBI filed two FIRs: crime no. 197 of 1992 was filed against lakhs of Kar Sevaks, and crime no. 198 was filed against eight leaders: Advani (pictured), Singhal, Katiyar, Bharati, Pitambar, Joshi, Giriraj Kishore and Dalmia

It is on the slender issue of lack of consent of the High Court that Advani and others were tried at Rae Bareli for lesser offences.

Justice Bhalla may have had the technicality corrected. But no. The cases were sent to Rae Bareli.

The Supreme Court stood by on November 29, 2002 rejecting Mohd Aslam's petition. In Rae Bareli, Advani was discharged on all charges.

The other seven petitions were only charged for rioting, unlawful assembly. What an incredible result!

Since February 12, 2001, it took 16 long years for SC to hold the division between the Rae Bareli and Lucknow prosecution absurd.

Justice Nariman chastised Bhalla for 'having upheld the joint charge sheet, after finding a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy... The Bhalla judgment of February 12, 2001 has completely derailed the joint trial envisaged and has resulted in a fractured prosecution going on in two places simultaneously.'

The court corrected the Bhalla error by using the SC's power to do complete justice (Article 142).

His second reason was that these 'crimes which (shook) the secular fabric of the Constitution of India'.

The third being, the defects cured, a time line was fixed to complete trial in two years.

The Advani-Joshi yatras were a political obscenity mired in temple politics to mobilise Hindus against Muslims.

The mosque was destroyed. What is amazing is the cowardice and self righteousness of the Hindu leaders who planned this, watching shamelessly  failing to adult their sinful behaviour.

The BJP's White Paper of 1993 is one example of this arrogance.

The author is a senior advocate and human rights activist his views are his own
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.
A New Zealand man has died in a head-on car crash while holidaying in France just weeks before his wedding.

Beau St George, 33, was in a two-car head on collision on Thursday in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the south of France, Stuff reported.

He was due to marry his fiancee, Herminie Gouard, on June 17 and the couple had welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Joan, into the world 14 months earlier.

Beau St George (pictured left) was killed in a head-on collision in the south of France about 5.30am local time on Thursday

His mother, Liz, posted an emotional tribute to her son who was one of her six children.

'We're all devastated with the loss of our beautiful son Beau in a car accident in France yesterday,' she wrote.

'Just a few short weeks before his wedding to the love of his life.

'We're all thinking of you Herminie and your beautiful baby, now without a dad.

'Hope some of you get to watch the video of Beau and Joan on the beach. Truly captured the joy.'

His sister, Rachael St George, told Daily Mail Australia it was 'a very sad time' for the grieving family.

'Our brother was a very kind man who always put others needs before his own,' she said.

'He was a true legend.'

The 33-year-old had welcomed a baby daughter named Joan into the world just 14 months ago

He was due to marry his fiancee Herminie Gouard (pictured right) on June 17

Local French media report the cars hit each other head on about 5.30am local time and firefighters on the scene were unable to revive Mr St George.

The driver of the other car, aged 36, was taken to the nearest hospital in Manosque injured, but in a stable condition.

Andre Laurens, the Vice-President of the Department of Roads for the Provence, told Dici it was the fifth fatal accident on that road in ten years.

Mrs St George told Stuff some family had gathered in New Zealand, while others were travelling to France to bring back Beau and comfort his fiancee.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Daily Mail Australia they were aware of the death and had been in contact with his next of kin.
Zahra Cooper was born a female, but in a few short years she transitioned to a boy and then back into a girl all over again.

The 21-year-old New Zealand woman spent three years living as a boy under the name 'Zane', but realised she had made a mistake transitioning at the age of 18 as she didn't feel 'right' as a male.

Ms Cooper stopped taking her testosterone pills and made another metamorphic decision to revert back to her original gender by 'detransitioning'.

Zahra Cooper (right) had started dating transgender boy Tyson (left) who was also transitioning from female to male

Destransitioning is a rare but not impossible feat of human biology.

The young transgender woman - from Kaitaia, NZ, - became filled with regret while living under her new male moniker, the NZ Herald reports.

Her boyfriend, a 17-year-old transgender boy called Tyson Kay, first thought Ms Cooper was 'pranking' him when she said she wanted to be a woman again.

'I was getting a deeper voice, facial hair, and many other changes but I just wasn't happy with them,' she said.

'It's embarrassing to go back... it sounds weird. I didn't feel like myself.'

After a long time feeling unnatural with her biological sex, Ms Cooper's endocrinologist had given her the green light to go ahead with hormone treatment.

Ms Cooper had initially come out as a lesbian but found her sexuality preference was not the biggest hurtle she needed to overcome.

In December of 2015 she began regularly taking testosterone pills and injections in a bid to transform herself into the more masculine Zane.

But when the physical changes began to set in, Ms Cooper did not feel like her true self as many transgender people do.

Ms Cooper's (right) gender dysmorphia initially confused her grandfather Victor (middle) but after transitioning back to female she is far happier and is still dating Tyson (left)

Instead of feeling relief or euphoric over her new gender identity, she developed severe depression.

Ms Cooper had started dating Tyson who was also in the middle of transitioning into a man after he was assigned female at birth, and was worried about how her choice would affect him.

Becoming Zane did not seem to cure her gender dysphoria and she became anxious she had made an irreversible mistake.

Eight months into taking the testosterone tablets, Ms Cooper hit breaking point and attempted to take her own life.

Her grandfather Victor Rakich found her unconscious after an overdose and helped to save her life.

After doing some research on detransitioning, Ms Cooper finally decided that she needed to change back to female.

Ms Cooper's biggest concern was that her decision to detransition would 'reflect poorly' on other trans people who had made the life-altering change.

'There's people out there who think it's just a phase. But it's not. It may have been for me but it isn't for someone else. Everyone is different,' she said.

She quit taking the hormonal tablets cold turkey, stopped hiding her breasts under layers of fabric and deleted all evidence that 'Zane' ever existed.

In her official re-entry back to femininity, Ms Cooper bought a truck-load of makeup and female clothes before deciding she wasn't a 'girly girl'.

She is now accepting the fact that her gender will never truly be set in stone - confusing both herself and the people around her.
Edward Shanahan (pictured) resigned Friday and Charles Dey resigned Thursday

Two former headmasters at a prestigious boarding school attended by John F. Kennedy and Ivanka Trump resigned as life trustees after a report that alleged teachers had sexually abused students.

According to a spokeswoman for Choate Rosemary Hall, Charles Dey resigned from the position Thursday. He led the Wallingford private school from 1973 to 1991. Edward Shanahan resigned Friday. He was headmaster from 1991 to 2011 at the Wallingford, Connecticut school.

The resignations come after Choate provided a report from outside investigators this month naming a dozen educators accused of sexual misconduct while at the school.

The report says the alleged sexual misconduct took place between 1963 and 2010 and included 'intimate kissing,' 'sexual intercourse' and 'forced or coerced intercourse.' Victims were both male and female.

The New York Times reported that the report said that teachers had sexually molested and in at least one case raped a student.

The allegations of sex abuse at Choate Rosemary Hall span over the course of five decades

School officials and the report said Choate officials didn't notify police, state child welfare officials or other schools of the allegations. In some cases, they would fire the teachers after students reported assaults.

State officials have said they're assessing the failure of Choate employees to report abuse in a timely manner as required under Connecticut law.

All former Choate headmasters receive the life trustee designation, spokeswoman Lorraine Connelly said.

'We thank Mr. Dey and Mr. Shanahan for their contributions to the school and we believe their resignations are important steps in our community's healing process,' she said.

Wallingford Police Chief William Wright said the statute of limitations for each case expired and no criminal charges can be filed.
Phan 'Sandy' Phan-Gillis, 57, was sentenced by Chinese authorities to 3-and-a-half years in prison in a secret trial in southern China on Tuesday and was deported to the US on Friday

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.

Phan 'Sandy' Phan-Gillis, 57, was sentenced by Chinese authorities to 3-and-a-half years in prison in a secret trial in southern China on Tuesday.

The sentence was seen as an indication that she soon could be allowed to return home and reunite with her husband, who has been fighting to clear her name since the allegations came to light.

Husband Jeff Gillis said she left China for Los Angeles on Friday evening, and the two plan to stay there for a few days with relatives before returning to their Houston home.

She had faced an uncertain fate since March 2015, when she disappeared from her group traveling in southern China. Her family was then told that she had been formally arrested.

Her husband Jeff said at the time, according to the New York Times: 'I really don't want to be disruptive. I don't want to ruin anybody's party.

'I just want to get my wife back.'

She had faced an uncertain fate since March 2015, when she disappeared from her group traveling in southern China. Her family was then told that she had been formally arrested and was being charged with espionage that allegedly took place in the 1990s

She was later accused of espionage after the Chinese government alleged that she worked as a spy for the FBI more than two decades prior.

According to a Facebook page set up to support Phan-Gillis, she's been detained by the government there for nearly a year-and-a-half.

It calls Phan-Gillis 'an innocent bystander in a war between China's spy agency and the FBI,' and claims that simple reviews of her passport and visas reveal that she was not in China at the time the alleged espionage took place.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights demanded her release and found her detainment in violation of international rights after learning that she was deprived access to lawyers.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights demanded her release and found her detainment in violation of international rights after learning that she was deprived access to lawyers

Phan-Gillis reportedly pleaded guilty to the spying during her trial, but it may have been stated under pressure, as she claims the government 'put words in her mouth'.

Her husband claims that authorities tortured his wife until she confessed.

'After the verdict was read out, the chief judge didn't ask her whether she'd appeal,' her lawyer Mr. Shang said.

'But when I met her yesterday and previously and asked her, she said she wouldn't appeal, as long as she could leave China as soon as possible.'

Phan-Gillis is a U.S. citizen of Chinese descent who was born in Vietnam and escaped by boat during her teenage years and fled to America.

She reportedly worked previously for the Houston Police Department, and then for a business consultant for companies interested in Chinese customers.
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 about North Korean ballistic missile tests and US warnings of 'catastrophic' consequences if the world fails to stop them.

He was asked specifically what he would tell President Donald Trump, who has sent a US 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.

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, pictured during an audience with Azione Cattolica Italiana in St Peter's Square on Sunday, was asked on Saturday about North Korean ballistic missile tests and US warnings of 'catastrophic' consequences if the world fails to stop them

Francis's comments came at a moment of particularly high tension: Hours earlier, a North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed, the third flop in a month

'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.

His comments came at a moment of particularly high tension: Hours earlier, a North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed, the third flop in a month.

On Friday, 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.

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 US mainland.

Francis said the UN should regain its leadership in conflict resolution, saying it had been 'watered down' over time.

Francis, pictured before an audience at the Vatican on Sunday, said the UN should regain its leadership in conflict resolution, saying it had been 'watered down' over time

Tensions with North Korea presumably would be on the agenda of a President Donald Trump-Pope Francis meeting, if it is to happen

The White House has said it would reach out to the Vatican to arrange an audience when Trump travels to Sicily at the end of May for a G7 summit

Francis recalled he has frequently lamented the 'world war in pieces' that is raging in countries around the world

Meanwhile on Sunday, Pope Francis (pictured greeting members of the Italian Catholic Action at the end of his audience) called for the respect of human rights and an end to violence in Venezuela, where nearly 30 people were killed in unrest this month

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, and their navies began joint military drills on Saturday.

Tensions with the North presumably would be on the agenda of a Trump-Francis meeting.

The White House has said it would reach out to the Vatican to arrange an audience when Trump travels to Sicily at the end of May for a G7 summit.

Francis said no official request for a meeting with Trump had been received 'but I welcome every head of state who requests an audience'.

Francis recalled he has frequently lamented the 'world war in pieces' that is raging in countries around the world.

Now, he says, those pieces are getting bigger and more concentrated.

'This thing about North Korea missiles, it has been a long time that they've been doing this. Now it seems it has gotten too hot,' he told reporters on the papal plane.

'I always call for problems to be resolved via the diplomatic path, via negotiations.'

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, and their navies began joint military drills on Saturday. North Korean ruler Kim Jong-Un is seen above on April 26, 2017

Pope Francis spoke about North Korea during a press conference on his return flight from Cairo to Rome on Saturday

Meanwhile on Sunday, Pope Francis called for the respect of human rights and an end to violence in Venezuela, where nearly 30 people were killed in unrest this month.

Francis, speaking to tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square for his weekly address, decried a 'grave humanitarian, social , political and economic crisis that is exhausting the population'.

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 activists jailed by President Nicolas Maduro's government.

'I make a heartfelt appeal to the government and all components of Venezuelan society to avoid any more forms of violence, respect human rights and seek a negotiated solution ...,' he said.

Supporters say Leopoldo Lopez, the jailed head of the hardline opposition Popular Will party, and others are political prisoners whose arrests symbolise 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.

Vatican-led talks between the government and the opposition have broken down.

Francis told reporters on the plane returning from Cairo on Saturday that "very clear conditions" were necessary for the talks to resume.
A woman in her 20s was rushed to hospital on Saturday night after falling from the third floor of a unit block when the balcony collapsed from under her.

She had been celebrating her housewarming in Melbourne's south east prior to the accident.

Firefighters and paramedics arrived at the South Yarra apartment and extracted the woman from the rubble of the balcony before taking her to hospital.

A woman was rushed to hospital on Saturday night after falling about 20m from a third-floor balcony in South Yarra

Trees broke her fall of about 20 metres, and possibly saved her from more life-threatening injuries, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade told AAP in a statement.

The woman had only recently purchased the apartment, reported 9News, and it is not yet known why the balcony collapsed.

Images of the property show the structure is made of a concrete slab and bricks.

She remains in The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

A spokesperson for the hospital told Daily Mail Australia she is in a critical, but stable condition.

Signs have been put up at the unit block, advising off the collapse and warning residents to 'please stay off your balconies'.

Paramedics and firefighters worked to extract the woman from the rubble before taking her to The Alfred Hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition

Trees around the apartment broke the woman's fall and may have saved her from more life threatening injuries, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade said
A fatal disease outbreak devastating the Australian prawn industry is set to strip $24,000 from the annual profit of cafes and restaurants on average.

Prices have skyrocketed after the highly contagious disease - known as white spot - infected seven prawn farms in southeast Queensland, causing an estimated clean-up cost of $40million.

The government imposed a ban on most raw prawn imports and spent up to $9million attempting to eradicate the disease.

Trawlers are now being forced to search for obscure deep-water species off the Western Australian coast to try and keep up with demand, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

But Australian cafes and restaurants have already been hit with price increases of more than 100 per cent, which could devastate the industry, Restaurant and Caterers Australia have warned.

A fatal disease outbreak devastating the Australian prawn industry is set to strip $24,000 from the annual profit of cafes and restaurants

Prices have skyrocketed after white spot infected prawn farms in southeast Queensland

'[We are] deeply concerned about significant economic effects on cafe and restaurant businesses, which are already experiencing increases on the price of prawns which ... will result in a decrease in the average restaurant's net profit of 25 per cent,' a Restaurant Caterers Australia spokesperson told the newspaper.

Restaurant Caterers Australia warned of a potential knock-on affect to the price of other seafood, as businesses remove prawn dishes from their menus and seek alternatives.

Chefs have placed signs in restaurant windows warning incoming customers of hefty prawn prices, while other establishments have wiped prawns off the menu entirely.

Prawn dishes that remain on menus have reportedly increased by $10 at some restaurants, as owners pay up to $40 per kilogram for banana prawns - up from $22 before the outbreak.

Prawn prices are edging closer to the lobster, which were being sold for approximately $80 per kilogram in April.

The average annual profit fall for Australian restaurateurs is estimated to be $23,900, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

White spot disease is believed to have spread to Australia through fisherman using infected raw prawns as bait.

White spot disease is believed to have spread to Australia through fisherman using infected raw prawns as bait

The disease was discovered in southeastern Queensland in 2016, causing the closure of seven farms along the Logan River.

A total loss of $25million was reported for the industry, which was estimated to have a farm gate value worth over $63million before the outbreak, according to Australian prawn Farmers Association.

Now there are concerns the disease will spread south of the Queensland border and infect New South Wales' $21million prawn industry.

'Due to the proximity of the current outbreak area in southeast Queensland, the risk of white spot disease entering NSW is significant, NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair told The Sunday Telegraph.

An investigation by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in December last year found the white spot disease was not found in wild prawns, and warned recreational fishers to not use prawns meant for human consumption as bait.

'To reduce the risk associated with product already in the country, the department is working closely with major retailers to withdraw infected product from the market,' the department said.
It was the picture that appeared to signal the start of a lucrative new chapter in Nigel Farages rollercoaster career.

But barely four months after the beaming former Ukip leader posed with newly-elected President Donald Trump, his American dream is in danger of turning sour.

Mr Farages allies have complained he is being sidelined by Trumps inner circle  the victim of White House infighting and his outspoken criticism of the Presidents cruise missile attack on Syria.

It was the picture that appeared to signal the start of a lucrative new chapter in Nigel Farages rollercoaster career

Farage had told friends he was fed up with being skint and hoped the Trump connection would allow him to make serious money from speeches and punditry in the US.

He first established links with Trump through his chief strategist Steve Bannon, a long-term friend and ex-head of the Right-wing outfit Breitbart News.

But now Bannon, who was Trumps campaign chief, has lost out in a power struggle with Jared Kushner, a senior White House adviser  and more importantly the husband of Trumps increasingly influential daughter Ivanka.

Washington sources said Farage and Bannon were both out of favour with Trump after opposing the Presidents cruise missile attack earlier this month on a Syrian air base in retaliation for dictator Bashar Assads alleged use of chemical weapons on his own people. Mr Farage warned: Many Trump voters will be worried about this military intervention. Where will it end?

Mr Farages allies have complained he is being sidelined by Trumps inner circle  the victim of White House infighting and his outspoken criticism of the Presidents cruise missile attack on Syria (pictured)

But Ivanka Trumps emotional reaction to distressing images of gassed children persuaded her father to override the objections.

A Farage friend said: The wind has changed very quickly for Nigel. Bannons loss of influence to Ivanka and the internationalists mean his influence has waned quickly. He wont get Fox News ringing him up to appear if they dont think he has a line into the Oval Office.

And a source with strong ties to the White House National Security Council said: Without Bannon, Farage is a nobody and would have no access to Trump. Bannons influence is fading fast.

Trump was far from pleased when Farage criticised his decision to send missiles into Syria. Farage was never more than a fringe figure here. I havent heard his name mentioned recently. There is no indication he has meaningful influence.

Barely four months after the beaming former Ukip leader posed with newly-elected President Donald Trump, his American dream is in danger of turning sour

The news comes as Ukips poll ratings are going into freefall under Farages successor, Paul Nuttall. Pollsters say the increasing marginalisation of the party as a political force will help Theresa May to achieve her ambition of a landslide on June 8.

It also coincides with a turbulent period in Mr Farages personal life. Earlier this year, the MoS revealed that he was sharing a secret 4 million bachelor pad in West London with Laure Ferrari, an attractive French politician at the centre of a probe into illegal funding of his party.

Ferrari, 15 years younger than the Brexit campaigner, moved in with Mr Farage in a grand Georgian house. Although Mr Farage claimed it was crackers to suggest they were having an affair, his wife Kirsten later said that she and her husband were living separate lives. Last night, a source close to Mr Farage said: Nigels friendship with Donald goes back long before he became President and will survive any temporary differences over policy.
WPC Yvonne Fletcher, pictured, was hit in the stomach by a bullet from a machine gun fired from the embassy building on April 17 1984

A suspect in the killing of WPC Yvonne Fletcher has been made Libyas spy chief.

Abdelgader Tuhami was a Gaddafi henchman who was working at the countrys London embassy when the young policewoman was shot dead in 1984.

He is a firearms expert who has been accused of carrying out political assassinations for the Gaddafi regime  and has been investigated by Scotland Yard over the notorious murder.

Now a brigadier general, he has been given a top position within Libyas new Government of National Accord.

Last week, the United Nations-backed Presidential Council named Tuhami as Deputy Chief of Intelligence Agency for Security Affairs and also temporary head of the Libyan intelligence agency.

The promotion comes after Tuhami was put in charge last December of tackling illegal immigration in the fragile North African state, which has become the gateway to Europe for tens of thousands of refugees.

It will come as a fresh blow to family and police colleagues of WPC Fletcher, who still hope to see her killers brought to justice.

The 25-year-old was gunned down as she stood guard at a protest of Libyan exiles outside the embassy in St Jamess Square on April 17, 1984.

The Libyan government eventually accepted responsibility for the killing but the Metropolitan Police continues to investigate WPC Fletchers murder. Pictured is the scene in April 1984

WPC Yvonne Fletcher was gunned down as she stood guard at a protest of Libyan exiles outside the embassy in St Jamess Square on April 17, 1984. Pictured are armed police at the scene

She was hit in the stomach by a bullet from a machine gun fired from the embassy building, and her death led to an 11-day siege that ended with the resident diplomats being expelled from Britain.

The Libyan government eventually accepted responsibility for the killing but the Metropolitan Police continues to investigate WPC Fletchers murder.

Two years ago the Met arrested a man in his 50s on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and last night Scotland Yard said that he remained on bail.
The star of a powerful new BBC docu-drama about the horrific sexual abuse of young girls by Asian gangs in Rochdale has revealed how she could have become a victim in real life.

Award-winning actress Maxine Peake grew up in nearby Bolton and knew girls who suffered similar abuse.

I had two friends who were fostered and they went through this, she said. We used to hang around street corners at 12, 13, and cars would pull up, driven by men aged 26, 27.'

'I witnessed young girls getting in the cars and coming back and not talking about what had happened. I was quite prudish. I had friends who lost their virginity at 13 and Id be like, Disgusting! 

Peake was speaking ahead of the controversial new BBC1 drama Three Girls, which is based on the true story of those who were groomed and abused in Rochdale between 2005 and 2012.

The scandal led to the conviction of nine Asian men for sexually abusing white teenage girls. But the victims were initially ignored by local police and council staff for years.

Actor Maxine Peake has spoken about child sex abuse ahead of her role in new the BBC docu-drama about the horrific sexual abuse of young girls by gangs in Rochdale from 2005 to 2012

Peake, 42, who has also starred in TV legal drama Silk and in Victoria Woods Dinnerladies, plays Sara Rowbotham, the social worker who courageously exposed the Rochdale scandal.

The 3 million drama will be screened over three consecutive nights from May 16 but the BBC is said to have considered delaying it until after the General Election.

There has been a lot of concern about showing it before the Election because Right-wing groups like the EDL or Ukip may use it to their own advantage, said a programme source.

The drama shows that there was something racial about the way that this gang of Asian men chose these white girls to abuse, like they were just meat.

Actress Lesley Sharp plays a detective who finally listens to the girls stories, while EastEnders star Ace Bhatti plays Nazir Afzal, the Crown prosecutor who led the court case against the child sex gang.

In a scene at Rochdale Town Hall, his character declares: Most sex offenders are white British, but when it comes to this type of grooming, Asians are disproportionately involved.

A victim known as Girl A in the court case is shown being brutally raped in a flat above a takeaway restaurant. In another scene, children are taken to a party where Asian men gang-rape them.

During the scandal, at least 47 females aged between 13 and 22 were abused by a gang led by Shabir Ahmed  the 63-year-old was jailed for 19 years for his role. However, the programme will focus on just three victims.

The BBC said the drama had been made with the full co-operation of the girls and their families.

A spokesman added: It shows how the girls were ignored by the authorities directly responsible for their protection and how the abuse has impacted their lives. It raises awareness of an ongoing issue of national significance that has affected hundreds of victims.
It looks like the sort of outfit worn by only the most daring of fashionistas.

In fact, this bright red and forest green tartan suit with yellow stripes has been sported by two Monarchs.

And last night it went under the hammer at Juliens Auctions in Beverly Hills, where it sold for 25,000.

Hand-me-downs: The suit was passed down from George V his son, Edward VIII, who owned it until his death in 1972

George V wore the suit in 1901 when visiting his grandmother, Queen Victoria, at Balmoral Castle, and again in 1915, five years after ascending to the Throne

The suit was tailored for King George V when he was the 22-year-old Prince of Wales in 1897.

He passed it down to his son, Edward VIII, who owned it until his death in 1972.

Auctioneer Darren Julien said: The British Royal family normally keep their clothing, so its very rare that anything comes up for sale. This is of great historical significance.

The design is known as the Rothesay Hunting Tartan, named after the dukedom traditionally bestowed on the heir to the Throne.

George V wore the suit in 1901 when visiting his grandmother, Queen Victoria, at Balmoral Castle, and again in 1915, five years after ascending to the Throne.

Edward VIII wore it often after his abdication in 1936, and sparked a tartan fashion craze when he wore it in the 1950s, possibly even inspiring the tartan suits worn by 1970s punk rockers including The Sex Pistols.

Not that the suit fitted the Duke without some adjustment.

He had the waist taken in to match his more slender 30-inch midriff, and did away with the unwieldy button fly.

He wrote in his autobiography: Few of my fathers clothes were any use to me after his death.

I did, however, take one of his Inverness capes, and a Rothesay Hunting Tartan suit, which he used to wear for tea after shooting. I had it altered to fit me, substituting zip flies, which would have horrified my father, for the buttons.
President Donald Trump refused to rule out a military response against North Korea, saying he 'will not be happy' if Pyongyang conducts another nuclear test, it was reported on Saturday.

When asked by CBS News if the United States would take military action against North Korea in the event of another nuclear test, Trump said: 'I don't know. I mean, we'll see.'

Trump made the remarks on Saturday during an interview that will air on CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday and Monday on CBS This Morning.

The interview was conducted one day after the Communist government tested a ballistic missile.

President Donald Trump (seen left during an interview with CBS News journalist John Dickerson) refused to rule out a military response against North Korea, saying he 'will not be happy' if Pyongyang conducts another nuclear test

When asked if the United States would take military action against North Korea in the event of another nuclear test, Trump said: 'I don't know. I mean, we'll see'

A US official said the ballistic missile, thought to be a mid-range KN-17, was fired from a location in the South Pyeongan province in the early hours of Saturday morning local time.

It blew up over land before it ever reached its target of the Sea of Japan, landing around 22 miles from Pukchang airfield, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

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 interview was conducted one day after the Communist government tested a ballistic missile. North Korean ruler Kim Jong-Un is seen above with troops in the above April file photo

A US official said the ballistic missile, thought to be a mid-range KN-17, was fired from a location in the South Pyeongan province in the early hours of Saturday morning local time. The above April 24 file photo shows an 'underwater test-fire of a submarine ballistic missile'

So far, there has been no comment on the failed test-fire from North Korea.

But the failure would be a huge embarrassment to leader Kim Jong-Un who has a history of humiliating military misfires.

Earlier this month, there were claims a failed North Korean missile launch may have been 'thwarted by cyber attacks from the US'.

It is not known whether Saturday's launch was disrupted by America.

Trump said Friday that North Korea had 'disrespected' China by attempting to launch another ballistic missile.

Trump has said he is counting on Chinese President Xi Jinping to encourage North Korea to give up its pursuit of ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs.

Trump has also said he thinks Xi will do the right thing. China is North Korea's benefactor.

But Trump has also threatened to go it alone if Xi fails to deliver.

Trump was asked Saturday if his threats against North Korea not to conduct further tests were working.

'Well, I didn't say, "Don't test a missile",' the president said.

Trump tweeted on Friday that North Korea 'disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected president when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today'

'[Kim] is going to have to do what he has to do. But he understands we're not going to be very happy.

'And I will tell you, a man that I've gotten to like and respect - the president of China, President Xi - I believe has been putting pressure on him also.

'But so far, perhaps nothing's happened and perhaps it has. This was a small missile. This was not a big missile. This was not a nuclear test, which he was expected to do three days ago. We'll see what happens.'

When Trump was asked what he meant by 'not happy,' he said: 'I would not be happy.'

'If he does a nuclear test, I will not be happy. And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either.'

In a show of force against North Korea, the US has dispatched one of its aircraft carriers, the USS Carl Vinson, to the waters off the Korean peninsula.

In a show of force against North Korea, the US has dispatched one of its aircraft carriers, the USS Carl Vinson (seen above on Saturday), to the waters off the Korean peninsula

Earlier this week, Trump said that the US could 'absolutely' go to war with North Korea over its continuing nuclear missile program.

His remarks came as part of a wide-ranging interview on Thursday in which he discussed selling South Korea a missile defense system and slammed trade deals established by the previous administration.

But it was the threat of a nuclear attack by North Korea on the US or its allies that seemed to occupy much of his attention.

'There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely,' Trump said ahead of his 100th day in office on Saturday.

Nonetheless, he said he wanted to peacefully resolve the crisis by preparing a variety of new economic sanctions - but added that he would not take the military option off the table.

'We'd love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult,' he said.
Advertisement

President Donald Trump renewed his fierce battle with the nation's political press corps on Saturday night while America's journalistic upper-crust were feting themselves at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington.

Trump was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, speaking to nearly 10,000 people, a crowd that he claimed 'broke the all-time record' for the arena.

'There's another big gathering taking place tonight in Washington, D.C.,' he said, drawing a chorus of boos.

'A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's capital right now,' he said, insisting that 'I could not possibly be more thrilled to be more than 100 miles away from Washington's swamp.'

Trump also said he had attracted 'a much, much larger crowd  and much better people.'

Donald Trump held a rally commemorating his first 100 days in office on Saturday night

Donald Trump is pictured arriving at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where the rally was held

The rally drew a crowd of about 10,000 voters, which Trump said 'broke the all-time record' for the arena

Trump is pictured surrounded by supporters holding sings including 'Women for Trump,' 'Drain the Swamp' and 'Make America Strong Again'

Reporters from CNN and MSNBC, outlets that have historically been antagonistic toward the president, 'would actually rather be here' instead of at the dinner, he said.

'They would love to be with us right here tonight. But they're trapped at the dinner, which will be very, very boring.'

'The media,' he said, 'deserves a very, very big, fat fat failing grade' for its coverage of his first 100 days in office.

He singled out 'the failing New York Times,' saying its poor financial management has forced it to shrink its print edition past the point where 'pretty soon they'll only be on the Internet.'

'The paper's getting smaller and smaller. Did you ever notice? It's starting to look like a comic book.'

Vice President Mike Pence introduced the commander-in-chief, congratulating him for completing '100 days of action, 100 days of consequence, and 100 days that will be remembered as the days we began to make America great again.'

Pence blamed 'left-wing activists and their willing allies in the media' for 'ignoring the facts and spreading that fake news.'

'He's driving them all a little bit crazy,' he said.

Mike Pence, pictured at left clapping and smiling, introduced the president who is pictured waving to his fans

Trumped mocked the White House Correspondents' Dinner during his rally. He declined to attend this year's dinner

Trump, said Pence, has 'signed more bills cutting job-killing regulations than any president in American history.'

And 'thanks to President Donald Trump, ISIS is on the run in Iraq, in Syria and Afghanistan, and we will not rest until we destroy ISIS once and for all.'

Before arriving at the Farm Show Complex, the president visited a nearby tool manufacturing company for a run-of-the-mill photo op, signing a pair of executive orders.

One is a response to foreign trade violations  an effort to re-examine every trade relationship in the U.S. portfolio.

The other launches a specialized Trade Office at the White House to focus in international commerce.

The president told employees of the Ames Companies that 'we believe in "Made in the USA," and it's coming back faster and faster.'

'We've taken unprecedented steps to bring back American wealth, American jobs and American dreams.'

A pool reporter overheard the company's CEO, Ron Kramer, telling Trump: 'We'll do just fine if there's a level playing field.'

A boy holds an action figure-type doll showing a younger Donald Trump at the rally in Harrisburg

A protester holding up a Russian flag with the word 'Trump' written on it is grabbed by the president's supporters during the rally

A man is pictured before the rally begins wearing an anti-transgender shirt

Kramer explained to reporters that his Mexican and Chinese competitors flood the U.S. with tools made from with state-subsidized steel and wood, whose lower costs undercut companies like Ames.

Asked about the correspondents' dinner competing for media oxygen with his rally, the president said that he wishes the D.C. press corps 'a good dinner.'

'But ours is going to be much more exciting, I think. We have a big crowd,' he said. 'We sold thousands and thousands of tickets.'

Pennsylvania turned out to be a key battleground for the president, who won the Keystone State by less than 1 per cent and scooped up 20 electoral votes in the process.

A protestor was surrounded by members of the group 'Bikers for Trump' and was later led out of the rally by a group member and a member of law enforcement

A protester wearing a t-shirt with 'Love Trumps Hate' written on it pleads her case before she is ejected by law enforcement

A protester wearing a t-shirt with the phrase 'Nasty Woman' is led away by police from Trump's 'Make America Great Again' rally in Harrisburg

Trump focused during his weekly radio address on rust-belt states including Pennsylvania where his improbable election was cemented.

'We're bringing back jobs,' he said on Friday. 'You asked the people of Michigan. You asked the people of Ohio. You can ask the people of Pennsylvania.'

'See whats 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.'

Saturday's speech was a laundry list of campaign issues, folded together with a collection of his deliverables since Inauguration Day.

Terrorism and border security consumed more of Trump's time than other issues, and produced the most applause.

Donald Trump's supporters are pictured reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the rally. Some attendees have their right hands over the hearts. Others do not

A man with a t-shirt that says 'Donald F*****g Trump' is pictured with his right hand over his heart as the crowd sings the national anthem

Citing 'bloodshed overseas,' he reiterated his position that the U.S. should erect strong procedural barriers to prevent the entry of would-be terrorists.

'We don't need to be admitting people who want to oppress, hurt or kill innocent Americans. They're not coming in,' he said.

'So let me state this as clearly as I possibly can: We are going to keep radical Islamic terrorists the hell out of our country.'

In his best stentorian voice, the president read 'The Snake,' an allegorical poem about the folly of welcoming existential threats with optimism and open arms.

It was a staple on the campaign trail, and much of Saturday's audience knew the punchline  'You knew damn well I was a snake before you let me in'  delivered by the title character after he has bitten his naive host.

But Trump, as he was throughout the campaign, was never more wound-up than when he addressed the physical barrier he has promised along America's southern border.

The president has framed his proposal for an impenetrable wall between the U.S. and Mexico as a deterrent to both drug smugglers and human traffickers, and took credit Saturday night for already slowing down both illicit trades.

'The world is getting the message,' he said. 'If you try to illegally enter the United States, you will be caught [and] detained, deported or put in prison. And it will happen.'

But Democrats, Trump complained, have thrown tacks in the road as he's tried to secure funding for his wall.

A man holds a sign mocking the White House Correspondents' Dinner held in Washington DC at the same time as Trump's rally

A woman holding a sign that says 'promises made, promises kept' is pictured praying the invocation during the rally. Other attendees are pictured with their cell phones out

'We need it,' the president insisted. 'And if the Democrats knew what the hell they were doing, they'd approve it so easy!'

'Obviously they don't mind illegals coming in,' he vented. 'They don't mind drugs pouring in. They don't mind  excuse me  MS-13 coming in. We're getting them all out of here.'

'Members of Congress who will be voting on border security have a simple choice: They can either vote to help drug cartels and criminal aliens trying to enter the United States  like, frankly, the Democrats are doing  or they can vote to help Americans citizens and American families be safe. That's the choice.'

The president threw an unusually candid jab at New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the minority leader who is organizing Senate Democrats against him, calling him 'a bad leader' who has left the Democratic Party 'rudderless.'

'Schumer is weak on crime and wants to raise your taxes through the roof. He is a poor leader  known him a long time  and he's leading the Democrats to doom,' he said.

Two men, one of whom sports a shirt that says 'Bikers for Trump,' sing the national anthem at the rally

A man named Michael DeHaven holds up his voodoo dolls depicting Nancy Pelosi (left) and Chuck Schumer (right) at the rally

Donald Trump and Mike Pence appeared on a mobile billboard advertisement along the line of people waiting to enter his rally Saturday night

The Farm Show Complex had brushes with Trump during his long-slog campaign, serving as a rally venue on April 21, 2016 when Republican primary tensions were at their highest.

Hundreds of protesters squared off with rally-goers in the parking lot that night, with people on both side hurling foul language as the crowd made its way to their cars.

Shouts of 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Blue Lives Matter' drew police reinforcements to head off a near-riot.

But that was during the race for the White House, when provocateurs in Trump's audiences competed with the candidate for TV time by disrupting his speeches at every turn.

He had 12 ejected that night, remarking as one was yanked out of his seat: 'We love our police. They're running him out. I love this.'

Most of those protesters were wearing Bernie Sanders t-shirts. A few held up signs calling Trump a 'bigot' and a 'racist.' They were cited for disorderly conduct and later released.

Trump's April 2016 Harrisburg crowd was a middling one, estimated at just 5,000  about half what he drew on Saturday night.

His rhetoric back then was standard campaign fare, declaring that 'we're going to knock the hell out of ISIS' and clobbering his traveling press corps as 'the worst' and 'the most dishonest people.'

He remarked as one protester was led out that the man had staged his own arrest 'right in front of the cameras.'

Protesters outside the Harrisburg event center were fewer and quieter this year than in April 2016, when they squared off against Trump supporters with such anger that the police had to separate the groups

VP Pence blamed 'left-wing activists and their willing allies in the media' for 'ignoring the facts and spreading that fake news'

Four months later, Harrisburg's elected leaders beat up Candidate Trump for denigrating their city during a Virginia rally.

The future president said he had seen Pennsylvania's capital city through the window of his Boeing 757 and found it lacking in industrial jobs.

'You look at these big, beautiful plants that are just rotting,' he said. 'They're just rotting. I flew into Harrisburg, Pennsylvania yesterday and I looked down, and it looked like a war zone where you [once had] these massive plants.'

The city fired back, with a spokesman taking Trump to task for an 'unfortunate mistake in disparaging Pennsylvania's capital city after a mere glance from the window of his airplane.'

On Saturday the president's detractors were largely subdued outside the arena, with only a handful causing trouble inside.

DailyMail.com witnessed eight activists being ejected, including a group of three young women shoved to the exit by police and two young men cornered by 'Bikers for Trump' muscle until state troopers arrived.

Trump shouted his oft-uttered 'Get them out!' at the first sign of a slogan-shouting opponent but largely ignored the others.

He did, however, praise a group of African-Americans clustered near the stage.

'Thank you for that sign,' he yelled at one. 'Blacks for Trump! I love that sign. ... that's really cool. I appreciate it.'
Households throw out more than 10bn worth of food every year, which costs the average person 200 annually and contributes to climate change, a new report has found.

The Food Waste in England report, produced by the environment, food and rural affairs select committee will be published today.

It urges the government to set ambitious and creative targets to seriously tackle food waste.

It suggests that supermarket best before labels could be phased out and shops should be forced to sell oddly shaped vegetables to reduce waste.

Households throw out more than 10bn worth of food every year, which costs the average person 200 annually and contributes to climate change, a new report has found

Its ridiculous that perfectly good vegetables are wasted simply because theyre a funny shape, Neil Parish, chair of the committee told The Guardian.

Farmers supplying fruits and vegetables to UK supermarkets currently get their produce rejected on the grounds that it fails to meet cosmetic quality standards set by the big retailers. Knobbly carrots and parsnips dont cook or taste any different. Its high time we saved them from the supermarket reject bins.

The report also calls for supermarkets to publish data on the amount of food they throw out, and it commended Tesco for publishing such information and praised Sainsburys for moving in the same direction.

But the report said that retailers should give more surplus food to charities and they should improve their packaging to preserve food for longer, like by using more resealable packets.

The MPs behind the report also advocate teaching children about food waste from a young age and suggested including lessons on avoiding food waste in the school curriculum.

Socially, it is a scandal that people are going hungry and using food banks when so much produce is being wasted, said Parish.

And environmentally it is a disaster, because energy and resources are wasted in production only for the food to end up rotting in landfills where it produces methane  a potent climate-changing gas.

Parish called on the government to protect funding for waste reduction body Wrap, which has seen its funding cut despite its success in reducing food waste through voluntary agreements.
Tony Abbott's former chief-of-staff Peta Credlin has slammed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government's 'woman problem'.

Ms Credlin said female voters were deserting the Coalition en masse and the government risked losing almost all of its female politicians at the next election.

Quoting figures from the Australian Electoral Study, Ms Credlin highlighted how the Coalition garnered the lowest number of votes among women at the 2016 election, in a column for The Sunday Telegraph.

Scroll down for video

Tony Abbott's former chief-of-staff Peta Credlin (background) has slammed prime minister Malcolm Turnbull (foreground) and his government's 'woman problem'

The AES figures showed only 35 per cent of female voters chose the Coalition at the election, which Malcolm Turnbull won by the skin of his teeth.

It was the worst result for a Liberal party leader since 1987, when the study was first undertaken.

'Looking at these AES results, and the Coalition's parliamentary ranks, it's clear the Turnbull government has a problem with women that it must urgently address,' Ms Credlin said.

'For the man who likes to think he has the Midas touch when it comes to women, Malcolm Turnbull's result in the Australian Electoral Study is the worst of any later in 30 years.'

Ms Credlin said female voters were deserting the Coalition en masse and the government risked losing almost all of its female MPs at the next election

She said the study spelled trouble for the Coalition's female MPs, of which there are currently only 13, compared to 63 men.

'Not only is it likely that the Coalition will suffer a generational wipe-out of female MPs at the next election but women voters are leaving the Coalition in droves,' she said.

Ms Credlin also noted the Coalition was falling behind attempts to bolster their numbers of female parliamentarians.
The prime suspect in the case of Madeline McCann's disappearance is a woman, sources close to Scotland Yard have revealed

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, revealed that he clings to the view of experts that because of her age, whoever took her is unlikely to have killed 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.

Madeleine went missing on May 3 2007, when her parents went to check on her in their holiday apartment in the Algarve and realised she was not in her bed.

Kate returned from dinner within the complex where she and Gerry had been out eating with friends and found the window open and Madeleine gone.

Madeleine's younger twin siblings were still in the apartment and her favourite Cuddle Cat teddy, which she took everywhere, was gone.

Since that day, her case has become the biggest missing person investigation of all time, involving police from both Portugal and London.

Scroll down for video

The news comes as Maleleine's father, Gerry (pictured with wife Kate), revealed that he clings to the view of experts that because of her age, whoever took her is unlikely to have killed her

But despite ten years of looking, during a probe that has cost 11million so far, police still do not have a credible theory on what happened to Madeleine.

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.

They also talked of how their hope of being reunited with Madeleine burns as strong as it did a decade ago, although the family does now appear to be 'looking forward'.

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.

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.

He also talked 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.
A Muslim leader has spoken out in support of One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson, claiming there would be no ISIS in Iraq if there were politicians like her in the Middle East.

Imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi, who has openly spoken out against ISIS and extremists, told Sky News on Sunday he agrees with Senator Hanson's call to ban Muslims from entering Australia.

The Imam said he believes Muslim refugees should be stopped from entering Australia for a period of time so the country is not flooded.

'If we had politicians like Pauline Hanson in Iraq, my hometown, we wouldnt have had ISIS come in,' he said.

Scroll down for video

If Iraq had politicians like One Nation senator Pauline Hanson then there would be no ISIS, Imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi told Sky News on Sunday

The Imam's comments come a month after Senator Hanson urged Australians to use the hashtag 'pray for a Muslim ban' (pictured) in the wake of London 's Westminster terror attack

'Thats what I believe, thats what I see to be the truth. Im not affiliated with One Nation at all but thats exactly what I believe its right. Integration and not blending in  we want to adapt.'

Imam Tawhidi said Australia needs to focus on its current issues before accepting new refugees.

'We dont know their history, we dont where theyre coming from and Im not saying theyre all terrorists or theyre all radicals but they do come from an area where every house has weapons and theyre all well trained and theyre ready to fight,' he said.

'I cant deny the fact that Muslim migration to countries has been abused as a matter and Australia has been very attractive - Centrelink - and they just kept coming.'

'I believe we need to stop it for a period of time in order that we can take control about whats happening in this country to begin with  theres nothing wrong with that.'

'We dont have to prove to anyone that were a multicultural society.'

The Imam's comments come a month after Senator Hanson urged Australians to use the hashtag 'pray for a Muslim ban' in the wake of London's Westminster terror attack.

In a video posted to her Facebook page, the Queensland senator took aim at London's first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, for comments he made in September about terror attacks bring 'part and parcel of living in a big city.'

Imam Tawhidi, who has openly spoken out against ISIS and extremists, revealed he agrees with Senator Hanson's call to ban Muslims from entering Australia - if only for a period of time

Imam Tawhidi (pictured) said he believes refugees should be temporarily stopped from entering Australia so the country doesn't become 'flooded'

'People are feeling sorry for people over there and I've seen the hashtag #prayforlondon,' she said from Parliament House in Canberra.

'Well look, I have my own hashtag and you won't need to be praying for this place or that place, because it's #pray4amuslimban.

'That is how you solve the problem... put a ban on it'.

Ms Hanson called Mr Khan's comments 'amazing' and said she never wants to hear anything similar said in Australia.

Mr Khan's comments were not referencing the Westminster attack and were made during an interview in September in response to the bombs that were detonated in New York City and Jersey.

'It's amazing that the Muslim mayor over there has come out and said 'oh well terrorist attacks are part and parcel of a big city''.' she said.

'Well they don't have to be, they never have been in the past and that's something I never want to hear or see in Australia from any mayor in any city'.

Ms Hanson (pictured in Senate on Thursday) said Mr Khan's comments were 'amazing' and said she never wants to hear anything similar said in Australia

In a video posted to her Facebook page, the Queensland senator took aim at London's first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan

The video was made in response to the attack where a man ploughed his Hyundai SUV into pedestrians on London's Westminster Bridge. Pictured, emergency services at the scene

In a video posted to her Facebook page on Thursday, the Queensland senator took aim at London's first Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan (pictured) for comments he made in September

Ms Hanson's criticism mirrors that of Donald Trump Jr who re-tweeted the six-month-old article with Mr Khan's comments on Thursday.

'You have to be kidding me?!' the son of the US President tweeted with the article.

The senator noted that she was broadcasting the video from Parliament House in Canberra where she was 'protected'.

'It's alright from here in Parliament House, they've done $16 million security,' she said.

'We're protected. what about you? Do you feel protected?'

The video was made in response to the attack where a man ploughed his Hyundai SUV into pedestrians on London's Westminster Bridge.

Three people were killed on the bridge before the driver stabbed and killed an unarmed police officer. The driver was later shot dead by officers outside the House of Parliament.
Pauline Hanson's One Nation appears to be in hot water again, as it is claimed a secret change in their operating structure may see them unregistered as a party in Queensland.

Labor Senator Murray Watt says he has 'referred new allegations about One Nation's secretive internal operations to the Queensland Electoral Commission for investigation'.

A report in the Saturday Paper claimed the party changed from an unincorporated association to an incorporated association in November, and claims this was done to protect members from legal liability.

Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party could find itself deregistered in Queensland after it was revealed the party secretly became an incorporated association in November with an incomplete consitiution

The report claims Pauline Hanson neglected to inform the Electoral Commission of Queensland or her members of the change, which is in breach of electoral laws.

The issue with the now-incorporated party is that there is a very minimal constitution, which is missing mandatory clauses, required under both Queensland and Commonwealth electoral laws.

Section 78 of the Queensland Electoral Act says 'the commission may cancel the registration of a political party if the commission is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the party's constitution is not a complying constitution'.

According to the Saturday Paper, Senator Hanson failed to include rules in her constitution prohibiting a person from joining the party if they have been convicted of a disqualifying electoral offence in the 10 years prior to their membership application.

Labor Senator Murray Watt, who referred the revelations in the report to the Electoral Commission, says the sly change in One Nation's operating structure is indicative of a deeper problem with the party's attitude

Also missing is a mandatory clause excluding a person from remaining as a member of the party if the person is convicted of a disqualifying electoral offence, and rules requiring pre-selections must satisfy the general principles of free and democratic elections.

Mr Watt uses his letter to the Commission - which he has shared on Twitter - to claim One Nation's new structure has rendered the Party non-compliant with the stipulations of a political party.

He also says the restructure of the party appears to be an attempt to centralise all power in the party's Queensland branch, 'among a small number of party officers'.

He alleges the sly change in One Nation's operating structure is indicative of a deeper problem with the party's attitude, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.

'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,' the Labor Senator wrote.

One Nation, Senator Watt and the Electoral Commission of Queensland have been contacted for comment.
The terror suspect found with a 'rucksack full of knives' near Parliament Square was allegedly a friend of a British jihadist known as the 'White Beast' who died fighting for the al-Shabaab terror group.

It was revealed by MailOnline that Khalid Mohammed Omar Ali was an aid worker who had travelled in a relief convoy to Gaza.

But now it has emerged that jihadi Thomas Evans was also in the group who travelled there from London with the charity Road to Hope in 2010, according to reports.

Evans was shot in Kenya while fighting for the African terrorist group al-Shabaab in 2015.

Whitehall terror suspect Khalid Mohammed Omar Ali, pictured left, was on the same trip to Gaza in 2010 as jihadi Thomas Evans, pictured right, according to reports

He had been linked to the world's most wanted woman - 'White Widow' Samantha Lewthwaite - over an attack that left 50 innocent villagers dead in the Kenyan countryside in June 2014.

His mother told The Sunday Telegraph that she believes her son was radicalised on the aid trip which saw the pair stuck in Libya.

Sally Evans - who reported her son to the authorities following the journey to Gaza - said: 'After he returned from that trip he began interpreting Islam more strongly. He was upset about he had seen there.

'He was already a Muslim but he became more radicalised on his return. I do feel that was the case.

'It needs to be investigated. I'm shocked they were both on the same trip.'

In footage of the convoy, Ali can be seen with a Palestine banner tied round round his head.

Footage from 2010 shows a young Khalid Mohammed Omar Ali - now 27 - sitting excitedly in the front of his van as he prepares to drive from London to Gaza

In the clip, Ali can be seen with a Palestine banner tied round round his head prior to the aid convoy starting its journey

Looking straight at the camera, he says: 'We are all getting together now, alhamdulillah, the vans are all done, energy is here, the sunshine is here, alhamdulillah...

'You are going to see in action - the youth - doing our thing, all day long. We did it in Tottenham, we are going to do it in Gaza; taking it to another level. One love.'

Their journey was fraught with problems and several of the young British members claimed they ended up being held against their will on a Greek ship as they tried to get to Gaza.

It is understood Ali is a British citizen who was born overseas but went to school in Tottenham, north London.

Armed police arrested Ali at Whitehall earlier this week after his concerned family reportedly alerted security services.

Police say Ali was detained after a stop and search in an 'ongoing operation'. He is now being questioned

Aerial photographs show police officers grappling with Ali in the moments as they handcuff and arrest him

He is then led around to the other side of a waiting unmarked police car, in which he was driven to a nearby police station for questioning

He was crossing Whitehall amid the usual crowds of tourists and political staff when a police car suddenly pulled up and officers confronted him, just five weeks after the Westminster terror attack that killed five people.

The suspect is understood to have been tailed from the moment he got off the Underground at St James's Park - where he had travelled from east London - and headed towards Westminster.

While covert teams trailed him on the ground, a live feed was being sent to control rooms in New Scotland Yard and the MI5's Thames House before they gave the order for them to swoop in.

A large number of armed police then flooded the area as Ali was pinned to the ground just yards from Downing Street.

Pictures of forensics officers show at least three knives, a small flick knife, a large one on the ground and another being held

At least three knives were seen laying on the floor after a team of officers swooped and tackled Ali to the ground

He was held against a wall of the Treasury before being taken away in a van to a police station.

He is thought to have been known to police, who kept tabs on him via surveillance cameras on the streets and on the Underground.

It is believed that he had been under round-the-clock surveillance and was tracked by two teams with armed officers on standby, and that his phone and other means of communication were being monitored.




Donald Trump Jr offered a full-throated praise of his fathers first three months in office as president on Saturday.

Writing for Fox News, Trump Jr., who is running his father's business empire along with his brother Eric while the president is in the White House, looked back on the first 100 days in office.

Trump Jr touted his fathers appointment of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, his approval of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, and his bombardment of Syria in response to Bashar Assads alleged chemical weapons attack.

After eight years of endless talk and speeches, sluggish growth at home and weakness abroad, a sense of optimism and opportunity is taking hold, Trump Jr wrote on the Fox News website.

Donald Trump Jr (seen above speaking to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this past July) offered a full-throated praise of his fathers first three months as president on Saturday

In the first one hundred days of my fathers presidency, the country is witnessing something Ive been lucky enough to experience firsthand my entire life - a man of action, who keeps his promises and gets results, he wrote.

Trump Jr took the mainstream news media to task for not reporting the presidents accomplishments 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.

Trump Jr (seen shaking hands with his father, President Donald Trump, on Friday) took the mainstream news media to task for not reporting the presidents accomplishments because they dont understand it'

Trump Jr noted the gains on Wall Street, decreasing unemployment, and economic indicatorsshowing optimism for the future and predicting growth across sectors as proof that his father is doing a good job.

He wrote that the president still has big plans, including repealing and replacing Obamacare and taking power away from big government and faceless bureaucrats in Washington and give it back to the American people.

Trump Jr also wrote that his fathers foreign policy has restored American deterrence on the international stage.

My fathers leadership doesnt end at Americas shores, Trump Jr wrote.

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.
A Bunnings employee has been run over attempting to stop a thief who fled the store while a second employee was assaulted by the man, police say.

The frightening ordeal happened at the hardware store on Milperra Road, Bankstown in Sydney's southwest at about 2pm on Saturday.

It began when a 24-year-old man and 35-year-old woman were approached by store employees as they were exiting the store.

A Bunnings employee has been run over attempting to stop a thief who fled the store while a second employee was assaulted by the man, police say

A 57-year-old male store employee was then allegedly assaulted by the man before the pair fled.

The man ran to his car, where three young children were waiting inside while the woman ran to the nearby McDonald's restaurant car park.

The man then drove his car at a 41-year-old staff member, knocking him to the ground, police say.

He then proceeded to the restaurant car park where he picked up the woman but was followed by the staff member who he had just allegedly ran over, who recorded the car and number plate on his phone.

The frightening ordeal happened at the hardware store on Milperra Road, Bankstown in Sydney's southwest (above) at about 2pm on Saturday

The woman was arrested a short time later when police spotted the car at a shopping centre in Chipping Norton while the man was arrested at a home unit in Chipping Norton

The couple then got out of the car and struck the man up to 10 times, broke a bottle over his head and stole his phone, before getting back into the car and driving away.

The woman was arrested a short time later when police spotted the car at a shopping centre in Chipping Norton while the man was arrested at a home unit in Mead Street, Chipping Norton.

The three children are now in the care of a family member while a notification has been made to the Department of Family and Community Services.

The Bunnings employees are said to have only suffered minor injuries.

The 24-year-old man and 35-year-old woman are due to appear in court on Sunday.
Brian Williams was reprimanded by his boss at MSNBC for 'patronizing' host Rachel Maddow by thanking her for 'visiting' his newscast even though he had taken over her nightly time slot to report on the US missile strike in Syria earlier this month, it was claimed on Saturday.

Sources at the liberal-leaning cable news outlet said that Phil Griffin, the president of MSNBC, 'gave Brian a very stern rebuke, telling him "Don't you ever do that again",' according to Page Six.

The former NBC Nightly News anchor was summoned to steer MSNBC's coverage of the US Navy's Tomahawk missile strike on Syria, which President Donald Trump ordered after the regime of President Bashar Assad was blamed for an attack on civilians with chemical weapons.

The coverage broke into Maddow's nightly program, The Rachel Maddow Show, which has generated significantly higher ratings in recent months.

Brian Williams (left) was reprimanded by his boss at MSNBC, Phil Griffin (right), for 'patronizing' host Rachel Maddow by thanking her for 'visiting' his newscast even though he had taken over her nightly time slot to report on the US missile strike in Syria earlier this month

Williams steered coverage of the Syria strike on April 6, which broke into Maddow's (above) nightly program, The Rachel Maddow Show

Williams' anchoring of the April 6 broadcast has been widely panned by critics who not only objected to his perceived intrusion on Maddow's turf, but also because he repeated his observation that the video footage of the missiles being launched was 'beautiful.'

'Not only did Brian go way over the top with his coverage of the missile strike,' an MSNBC source told Page Six.

'He then totally patronized Rachel by thanking her for 'visiting' her own show and being 'a part' of his 'beautiful' coverage! Has he not learned anything from 'Misremember-gate'?'

'Misremember-gate' refers to statements made by Williams in which he exaggerated claims of coming under fire while reporting from war zones in Iraq.

Williams would later claim in an interview with Stars and Stripes that he 'misremembered' certain details of his experiences covering the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Williams' anchoring of the April 6 broadcast has been widely panned by critics who not only objected to his perceived intrusion on Maddow's turf, but also because he repeated his observation that the video footage of the missiles being launched (above) was 'beautiful'

The controversy, which erupted in February 2015, generated an intense backlash and forced NBC News to remove Williams from anchoring the nightly newscast.

After a six-month suspension, Williams returned to the air on MSNBC in September 2015.

His broadcast in place of Maddow to cover the breaking news from the Middle East angered fans of TRMS, who said MSNBC's decision was 'sexist.'

Viewers also took issue with some of Williams' comments on the broadcast, especially when he played videos of the missiles being launched and said: 'We see these beautiful pictures at night from the decks of these two US Navy vessels...

'I am tempted to quote the great Leonard Cohen, "I am guided by the beauty of our weapons".

'And they are beautiful pictures of fearsome armaments making what is for them a brief flight over this airfield.'

Despite the backlash from both fans and network executives, Maddow 'didn't seem bothered by it and just laughed it off,' according to Page Six.
A logging company has discovered a candid way to circumvent drug-using job applicants after putting up a sign which warns junkies need not apply.

New Zealand business G Hale Logging erected the frank job advertisement for operators out the front of its depot in Tokoroa in Waikato.

Henry Hale devised the blunt approach to fielding unwanted job applications and decided to write 'don't bother if you're drug f***ed',stuff.co.nz reports.

The sign (pictured) outlines applicants must not be 'on crack' and warns, 'don't bother if you're drug f***ed or think that you're not but really you are'

The sign also outlines several prerequisites for potential employees, including a 'good attitude' and someone who is 'not on crack'.

It also reads, 'don't bother if you think you're not but really you are' as a warning to addicts who are in denial over their drug problem.

Mr Hale claims the sign was necessary as a rampant drug pandemic across the Tokoroa region has sent an alarmingly large number of addicts knocking on his door for a job.

'We'd normally advertise in the paper and go through the normal processes, but Tokoroa has a bad drug problem and you end up wasting a lot of time,' he said.

'There always has been a drug problem in Tokoroa but it's got worse over the last three or five years with P and other hard drugs, so it's become hard to find people who are not affected one way or another.'

But the family-run business has not attracted a high volume of clean job seekers after putting up the sign.

G Hale Logging in Tokoroa, New Zealand (pictured) erected the sign on its outside fence

Mr Hale says the company has only received one call from a hopeful applicant who didn't even have the right experience.

The lack of interest has been attributed to the increasing number of skilled job-hunters in Tokoroa who also battle additions.

In the Waikato region meth usage is a dire problem, and the substance is quickly becoming New Zealand's most addictive substance.

And despite its high expense, meth addiction does not discriminate - with some blue-collar workers battling the drug habit because it can be tailored to the amount of money one earns.
A Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate died while trying to climb his alma mater's iconic 150ft-high dome.

Nicholas Paggi, 24, died after he climbed the roof near the dome and slipping on Tuesday night, CBS News reports.

The 2015 graduate of the top global university was climbing the dome as a fun sort of prank, his mother told CBS.

Nicholas Paggi, 24, died after he slipped and fell while trying to climb the 'Great Dome' at the Massachusetts of Technology, his alma mater. He is pictured on the Charles River in Boston and the dome can be seen in the background

Paggi graduated from MIT in 2015 with degrees in computer science and engineering, and physics. He had been working as a software engineer at the time of his death

He was working as a software engineer and had graduated with degrees in computer science and engineering, and physics, the school's newspaper The Tech reports.

Doctor Rich Fletcher told CBS: 'He was one of the greatest computer programmers I've worked with.'

He added: 'He was a great mentor to all students. It's such a loss to all of us.'

Paggi had been involved with MIT's D-Lab, which prototypes technologies to alleviate poverty, and continued his involvement after graduating.

Fletcher, who directs D-Lab, also complimented Paggi's sense of humor.

MIT's president, Rafael Reif, wrote in an email: 'Our hearts go out to Nicholas's family and friends as they cope with this unexpected loss.'

MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a Boston suburb.
A 69-year-old man saved his own life after using his neighbour's 8000-volt electric fence to jump-start his heart.

John Griffin, from Hamilton, New Zealand, suffers from an irregular heartbeat and angrily left the emergency department untreated during an episode.

The retiree decided to make himself a DIY defibrillator by putting the back of his hand against the electric fence to receive a life-saving shock, describing the volts as 'working like a treat'.

Scroll down for video

John Griffin (pictured) placed his hand on his neighbour's electric fence after a trip to the hospital

'It was right as rain ... It worked like a treat,' Mr Griffin told the NZ Herald.

'It worked straight away, virtually. I just walked away. It gave me a decent belt and [my heart] came right.'

He resorted to the ingenious method after he was turned away while seeking treatment from Waikato Hospital.

Mr Griffin - who has had atrial fibrillation (AF) for 19 years - dreads trips to the emergency room and took matters into his own hands when a visit to the hospital turned sour on April 2.

He was told he needed to wait six hours for treatment but needed to return home to take medication - which would involve losing his place in line.

A frustrated Mr Griffin then swore at a nurse and left in a flurry with no plan to ease his irregular heartbeat.

The 69-year-old retiree (pictured) sought treatment from a hospital but wasn't a priority patient

Medical experts from Waikato Hospital (pictured) warned using an electric fence as a defibrillator is a dangerous method

Faced with another harrowing journey back to the emergency room, Mr Griffin noticed his neighbour's electric fence.

He then kicked off his boots, put the back of his hand on the fence to give himself the DIY electric shock.

Mr Griffin claims the volt of electricity worked 'perfectly' and walked away without a scratch.

But Dr John Bonning, Waikato Hospital's clinical director has warned against people using an electric fence as a makeshift defibrillator as it is 'dangerous and ill-advised'.

'We should not be recommending people treat themselves in that way,' he said.
US President Donald Trump's appointment of daughter Ivanka Trump to a top White House post smacks of 'nepotism' and the administration resembles 'a royal family,' the foreign minister of Germany is quoted as saying on Saturday.

The unusually candid remarks by Sigmar Gabriel were reported by the British newspaper The Telgraph.

Gabriel made the comments just days after Ivanka Trump attended a women's empowerment conference in Berlin alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel.

'There are things that are strange to me, for example the visit of his daughter to Germany which was treated almost like a world event,' Gabriel said on Saturday.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel (seen above in Malta on Friday) says that President Donald Trump's naming of family members to senior White House positions 'smacks of nepotism'

'This mix of politics with family and business smacks of nepotism and would be unimaginable here.

'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,' he said.

In her overseas debut as 'First Daughter,' Ivanka Trump drew groans and laughter on Tuesday as she defended her father's attitude towards women.

Sitting on a G20 panel with female leaders including Merkel and IMF chief Christine Lagarde, Donald Trump's daughter caused the audience to bristle when she praised 'my father's advocacy' and his role as 'a tremendous champion of supporting families and enabling them to thrive'.

Gabriel made the comments just days after Ivanka Trump (right) attended a women's empowerment conference in Berlin alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel (left)

The panel moderator, a finance journalist, interjected, saying: 'Some attitudes toward women your father has publicly displayed... might leave one questioning whether he is such an empowerer for women.'

'I've certainly heard the criticism from the media and that's been perpetuated,' replied the 35-year-old Ivanka about her father, who faced public outrage during the campaign over a 2005 video in which he was heard making degrading remarks about women.

'I think the thousands of women who have worked with and for my father for decades, when he was in the private sector, are testament to his belief and solid conviction in the potential of women and their ability to do the job as well as any man.'

Ivanka Trump's husband, Jared Kushner (left), has also amassed considerable power in the White House. President Trump (right) has given his son-in-law a significant portfolio of responsibilities that includes brokering Mideast peace and handling US relations with China

Ivanka Trump's husband, Jared Kushner, has also amassed considerable power in the White House.

President Trump has given his son-in-law a significant portfolio of responsibilities that includes brokering Israeli-Palestinian peace, handling US relations with China and Mexico, and streamlining the federal bureaucracy.

Gabriel's remarks about the Trump family  which are a departure from the diplomatic norm  are seen by political observers as his attempt to differentiate himself from Merkel.

Gabriel's Social Democrats are currently coalition partners with the Christian Democrats lead by the chancellor.

But elections are scheduled for September, and Gabriel's comments are likely intended for domestic political consumption.
Australian first-home buyers are set to be among the big winners of this year's federal budget.

Those looking to get a foot into the housing market are expected to be lavished with tax breaks when the federal government hands down its budget on May 9.

Under the plan, which is awaiting final approval, first home buyers would be able to pump part of the money from their before-tax income into a savings account, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Australian first-home buyers are set to receive 'more generous' tax breaks in this federal budget (stock image)

First-home buyers would be able to divert part of their before-tax income into a savings account under a proposal expected to be contained in the federal budget (stock image)

It would then reduce the amount of income tax first-home buyers would have to pay and enable them to save for a house deposit much faster.

The plan comes two years after a previous scheme introduced by the Kevin Rudd-led government was scrapped by the Coalition.

That initiative enabled first-home buyers to divert $5000 into a savings account from their before-tax income.

First-home buyers were cool on that idea, with only a limited number of people taking up the offer, although federal government sources say the latest plan would be 'more generous'.

John Daley, from Melbourne's Grattan Institute, said the latest scheme would need to be different.

'The fundamental problem is that the scheme would either be small and have an irrelevant impact or be too large and counter-productive,' he said.
A top aide on Sunday defended President Donald Trump's invitation to his Philippines counterpart to visit Washington, saying the need to rally Asian allies over North Korea overshadowed concerns about President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal war on drugs.

On Saturday, the White House said Trump had invited Duterte in a 'friendly' call in which the leaders discussed the Filipino president's fight against drugs and the two countries' alliance.

The statement touched only lightly on Duterte's brutal crackdown on crime, which has claimed thousands of lives and drawn international condemnation.

But when White House chief of staff Reince Priebus was asked Sunday why Trump was 'honoring' Duterte with the White House invitation, he told ABC, 'I'm not so sure it's a matter of honoring this president.'

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been invited to visit the White House  but not to 'honor him,' according to Chief of Staff Reince Priebus

Priebus said on ABC that the U.S. needs strong partnerships with nations that could help stand united against a belligerent and nuclear-armed North Korea

'The issues facing us, developing out of North Korea, are so serious that we need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get,' he said.

That way, Priebus added, 'if something does happen in North Korea, we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area.'

Duterte had in the past regularly hit out at the United States, Philippines' one-time colonial ruler, for perceived hypocrisy over human rights. Last year he branded then US president Barack Obama a 'son of a whore' for criticizing the drug war.

Duterte spoke of loosening the long-standing alliance with the US as he looked to court China, whose push to control most of the disputed South China Sea has alarmed neighbors.

But the White House said Saturday that the two leaders, both elected to office last year, had helped orient the US-Philippine relationship 'in a very positive direction.'

President Donald Trump invited Duterte for a visit when the two spoke on the phone Saturday

North Korean despot Kim Jong-Un has designs on completing long-range nuclear missiles, an outcome that Trump has said will not stand on his watch

The White House said Trump 'enjoyed the conversation' with Duterte, and looked forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November.

Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed Trump's invitation, although he gave no indication of when the visit would take place.

Duterte has not been shy about his brutal campaign against drugs, saying of his country's addicts, 'I'd be happy to slaughter them' the way Hitler killed millions of Jews.

Philippines police have reported killing 2,724 people as part of the anti-drug campaign, although authorities insist the shootings have been in self-defense.

Many thousands of others have been killed by shadowy vigilantes, according to rights groups.

A Philippine lawyer last week filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court accusing Duterte of mass murder, alleging his war on drugs had led to about 8,000 deaths.

When Priebus was asked whether Trump had raised that record with Duterte, he said he had not personally sat in on the entire phone call. But the purpose of the call, he added, was 'all about North Korea.'

'There is nothing facing the country and the region more important than what's going on in North Korea,' he added.

In the Philippines, Duterte's pledge to stop the country turning into a narco-state has proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and corruption.

Duterte is the latest in a series of authoritarian leaders with whom Trump has established friendly relations, including Egypt's Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. And he often spoke warmly of President Vladimir Putin of Russia -- until differences over Syria erupted.
Keen-eyed travellers could score flights for a fraction of the cost by scouring for airline errors.

Airline errors occur when a company accidentally lists a flight for less than its typical rate.

Although the mistake is recognized fairly quickly, the airlines will often honour the cheaper price for customers who were able to snag a seat, according to 9News.

Australian travellers could score flights for a fraction of the cost by purchasing tickets that the airline has accidentally listed at the wrong - and often cheaper - price (stock image)

'It can be as simple as someone at the airline typing in "$189" instead of '"$1089",' Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights, revealed this week (pictured)

'It can be as simple as someone at the airline typing in "$189" instead of '"$1089",' Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights, told the publication this week.

'There can also be currency conversion errors... air pricing algorithms can be problematic too. Some are built from 1980s technology.'

Airlines are not legally obligated to honour the error price, but Mr Keyes said most do.

'Ninety percent of the times it works. More often than not, airlines would rather take a relatively small loss instead of having their reputation ruined,' the 29-year-old said.

Mr Keyes, who is based in the U.S., said social media could have a role in an airline's willingness to comply.

Airlines don't want to attract attention for the wrong reasons, he said referring to a recent altercation on-board a Unites Airlines flight.

Spokespeople for Qantas and Jetstar told 9News there are a number of procedures in place to make sure the right prices are listed on flights.
A woman who shot and decapitated her ex-lover may be eligible for release from prison despite never revealing to police where she disposed of the man's remains.

Kathy Yeo was arrested and charged with Christopher Dorrian's murder in 1997 after his severed head washed up in Sydney's Cook River.

The gruesome discovery was made two weeks after Mr Dorrian disappeared - and his headless body was never recovered, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Kathy Yeo was arrested and charged with Christopher Dorrian's (pictured) murder in 1997 after his severed head washed up in Sydney's Cook River

The former nurse is now eligible for parole and is being assessed for day release as Mr Dorrian's grieving family plea for the laws to change around offenders who refuse to confess where their victims bodies are located.

Ms Yeo was sentenced to 24 years in prison and was convicted of shooting Mr Dorrian three times before cutting his head off.

She is now being assessed by Corrective Services for work and day release and could be walking free within the year, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Her potential release comes as families of murder victims fight for the 'no body no parole' law to be introduced Australia-wide.

Kathy Yeo was arrested and charged with Christopher Dorrian's murder in 1997 after his severed head washed up in Sydney's Cook River (pictured)

The provision currently only exists in South Australia, meaning under NSW law Ms Yeo could have her security classification downgraded as early as next year.

Mr Dorrian's son James Dorrian, who was only nine when his father's severed head washed ashore, has called on the government to change its legislation to force convicted killers to disclose the location of their victim's body.

Authorities have argued the criminal justice system operates to either rehabilitate or punish and say Ms Yeo has a 'clean custodial record' which shows some rehabilitation.
New York City should refuse to provide police protection for Trump Tower unless Congress agrees to foot the bill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (above) said

New York City should refuse to provide police protection for Melania and Barron Trump unless Congress agrees to foot the bill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Saturday.

'[Mayor Bill de Blasio] ought to tell the Congress if we don't pay for it, New York City cops aren't guarding it,' the New York senator told BuzzFeed News.

'Let the feds put more people in.'

'It's simply unfair to have New York City taxpayers alone bear the burden of NYPD protection at Trump Tower,' the Brooklyn-born Schumer said.

While President Donald Trump has taken up residence at the White House since his inauguration, the first lady, Melania Trump, and the couple's young son, Barron, have remained in their Fifth Avenue apartment in Trump Tower.

The mounting security costs for protecting members of the First Family has been a source of tension between New York City and Washington.

In February, NYPD commissioner James O'Neill revealed that it cost the city $25million to protect Trump and his family during his presidential transition after the November 8 election victory.

Because Trump's wife and their son have stayed behind, the financial burden remains considerable, according to O'Neill.

While President Donald Trump (far right) has been living at the White House since his inauguration on January 20, First Lady Melania Trump (center) and their son, Barron (left), 10, have stayed behind in their apartment at Trump Tower in Manhattan

O'Neill asked for Congress to reimburse the cost for securing Trump Tower during the presidential transition.

He also requested future funding for protecting the glitzy Manhattan skyscraper and to ensure there are enough resources to keep the city safe.

He said the police department now had a dual role in protecting the first family while also serving residents in the city.

O'Neill said he expected the NYPD to spend between $127,000 and $146,000 per day protecting First Lady Melania Trump and her son, Barron, while they reside in Trump Tower.

The mounting security costs for protecting members of the First Family has been a source of tension between New York City and Washington. An NYPD counter-terrorism officer is seen above on the right standing in front of Trump Tower in this March 20 file photo

Those costs, Mr O'Neill said in the letter on Tuesday, will 'increase significantly' whenever the president is in New York City.

The police department anticipates an average daily rate of $308,000 on the days when the billionaire former reality TV host is in the Big Apple.

This is in addition to an annual bill of $4.5 million for the city's fire department to protect Trump's wife and 10-year-old son.

The pair are staying in New York until at least the end of the school year.

Those costs, Mr O'Neill said in the letter on Tuesday, will 'increase significantly' whenever the president is in New York City.

The police department anticipates an average daily rate of $308,000 on the days when the billionaire former reality TV host is in the Big Apple.

In February, NYPD commissioner James O'Neill (above) revealed that it cost the city $25million to protect Trump and his family during his presidential transition after the November 8 election victory

Trump has not returned to New York City since moving into the White House on January 20.

He said he avoids making trips to New York because he feels guilty about the cost to taxpayers.

However, he doesn't feel as guilty about his seven trips to Mar-a-Lago, which have cost taxpayers an estimated $3.6million per trip.

The president said the reason he prefers taking time off at his Florida estate rather than his home in Manhattan is because he has 'hundreds of acres' and the streets can stay open.

But according to local news outlets such as Palm Beach Daily News, like New York, some streets are forced to close for the presidential visits.

The president is set to visit Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan for the first time since the inauguration on Thursday.

Trump told Fox News: 'I hate to see the New Yorkers with streets closed.'
A python has fallen through the roof of a Queensland gym after feasting on a large possum.

Ironically, the 2.5 metre snake was discovered at the Rockhampton gym last week during a routine pest control inspection.

Gym employee Chantal Vaughan told 7News she was with the inspector when he asked why there was a hole in the facility's roof.

Scroll down for video

A 2.5 metre python fell through the roof of a Rockhampton gym last week after it ate an entire possum (pictured)

The snake was discovered during a routine pest control inspection (pictured)

Although she initially believed it was the result of two possum's fighting, Ms Vaughan soon spotted the python curled up in the corner of the room.

She said she called a snake relocation company, who have since moved it.

Despite the snake's intimidating appearance, Ms Vaughan said it was surprisingly calm.

'He was so well behaved, they just gave him a tap and he slithered into the bag, he was so full he wasn't going anywhere  he was comfy.'
Tony Blair accused Jeremy Corbyn today of not wanting to win power - as he complained that Labour has been obsessed with 'trashing' his record.

The former PM made clear his disdain for the 'hard left' platform the party has adopted as he warned it can only form a majority government by returning to the centre ground.

He said the party had to 'decide' that it wants to become a realistic electoral force.

The comments came in an interview to mark 20 years since his landslide election victory in 1997.

The former PM has used an interview today to make clear his disdain for the 'hard left' platform the party has adopted under Jeremy Corbyn

The huge turnaround in fortunes since then is underlined by polls today showing Labour trailing up to 17 points behind the Tories.

That would translate to a massive Commons majority of more than 140 for Theresa May after the snap election on June 8.

Mr Blair suggested the emergence in France of Emmanuel Macron - topping the first round presidential ballot barely a year after launching a new centre-left political movement - should inspire Labour.

'I know him and I like him. He's a very smart, capable guy,' Mr Blair told the Observer.

'The broad lesson is the centre ground is still strong and if you provide people with a progressive centre-ground alternative they'll vote for it.'

BLAIR: I'M NOT AS RICH AS YOU THINK Tony Blair again insisted today that rumours he is worth between 30million and 50million are wide of the mark. He said the real amount was "a lot less", and he had given 10million to his charitable foundation. Mr Blair said most of his fortune was in 'very nice' homes in London and the countryside, but there were mortgages attached to both. 'The equity in those is the bulk of my wealth. I have given away more than I am worth,' he added. Advertisement

In a clear dig at the inward-facing approach of Mr Corbyn, Mr Blair said: 'One of the remarks that really made an impact on me in the 1980s was when Michael Heseltine was asked whether Labour would win again.

'And he said: 'Labour will win when it wants to.' And I thought at the time that was a very profound remark because the Labour party can win at any point in time it wants to get back to winning ways.

'It's just got to make a decision that it's going to do it.'

Mr Blair, who secure a majority of 179 for New Labour two decades ago and went on to win two more elections, put his success then down to attracting 'modern minded' people who wanted 'social justice'.

'Where you've got a hard Brexit Tory party and a hard left Labour party, you will find a lot of homeless people,' he said.

'If from the progressive side of politics you offer people a vision that looks like the past, then I'm afraid you'll lose that group of people in the middle who would be prepared to go for you provided they felt you understood the modern world.'

Mr Corbyn (pictured at a campaign event in London yesterday) is struggling to avert a complete catastrophe for Labour on June 8, with polls showing the party is trailing the Tories by a huge margin

Appearing on the BBC's Andrew Marr show, the PM urged voters to consider the 'national interest' when they decide whether she or Jeremy Corbyn should be in charge after June 8

Voicing his frustration with the way Mr Corbyn and his supporters denigrate Labour's achievements in government, Mr Blair said: 'The Conservatives are so much better at defending their own history.

'The Labour party has spent a large part of its time trashing its own record.

PRESCOTT: BLAIR COULD BE KICKED OUT OF LABOUR PARTY Lord Prescott has suggested Tony Blair could be expelled from Labour for hinting at support for other parties. The former PM has said curbing Brexit is the priority in the election. He said that 'may mean' backing the Liberal Democrats in some areas - while insisting he was not advocating tactical voting. In his Sunday Mirror column, Lord Prescott questioned whether the comments were compatible with the terms of Labour party membership. 'When Tony was leader, we expelled people for advocating voting for other parties. I can't see what he is doing is any different,' he said. The Labour peer compared the former PM to a 'faded striker shouting from the sidelines'. Advertisement

'I find it weird, the acceptance that somehow the financial crisis was the product of a Labour government.

'Which is completely bizarre  it was a global financial crisis that started in the sub-prime mortgage market in Florida.

'And then, in a much bigger way, saying New Labour basically deserted our principles 

'The very reason for modernising the Labour party was to make it capable of answering the challenges of the new world and a changing society.

'We retreated at first slowly and then with ever greater pace from that essential notion.

'People began to see the process of modernising as a betrayal of principle.'

A YouGov poll for the Sunday Times today gives the Tories a 13 point lead over Labour, on 44 per cent to 31 per cent for Mr Corbyn's party.

The advantage had narrowed slightly from 16 points.

Meanwhile, Opinium research for the Observer found the Conservatives 17 points ahead by 47 per cent to 30 per cent.

Grilled on his wealth, Mr Blair again insisted that rumours he is worth between 30million and 50million are wide of the mark.

He said the real amount was "a lot less", and he had given 10million to his charitable foundation.

Mr Blair said most of his fortune was in 'very nice' homes in London and the countryside, but said there were 'significant' mortgages attached to both.

'The equity in those is the bulk of my wealth. I have given away more than I am worth,' he added.

Theresa May, pictured arriving for an interview on the BBC's Andrew Marr show today, is on track for a massive majority on June 8

Ex-Labour donor pledges to stand AGAINST Corbyn saying he's leading party to disaster

Michael Foster said Labour is facing 'annihilation' on June 8

A prominent Labour donor has pledged to stand against Jeremy Corbyn in the General Election if he does not stand down.

Michael Foster said Labour is facing 'annihilation' on June 8 because the 'blinkered' leader lacks the attributes required to win.

The challenger also levelled a startling accusation that supporting Mr Corbyn's leadership 'means supporting a political strategy that kills people' - linking Tory dominance to longer waiting times for heart operations.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Mr Foster said: 'There are a lot of things a political party looks for in a leader. Jeremy Corbyn possesses none of them. Because of him, Labour faces annihilation at the polls.'

The agent, who was suspended by the party after launching a legal bid to oust Mr Corbyn, said the results of the looming local elections should decide his fate.

Issuing an ultimatum, he said: 'If the results are as bad as predicted, then Jeremy should stand down voluntarily and let someone else lead the fight in June.

'If he does not - and I don't believe he ever would - I would be very happy to fight him and his fellow travellers on the extreme left of the party by standing in his constituency of Islington North.'

Mr Corbyn has been MP for the north London constituency since 1983 and goes into the upcoming General Election with a majority of more than 20,000.

Experts have predicted Labour will suffer heavy losses across the country in Thursday's council elections, while a study published on Sunday has warned it 'seems unlikely' the party will retain any authorities at all in Scotland.

The Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats are expected to make significant gains in England and Wales, while north of the border the Scottish National Party and Tories will reap the benefits of strong opinion polls.

Mr Foster said the Tories stand to benefit from Mr Corbyn's 'incoherence, weakness and lack of leadership', accusing him of underestimating the support for Brexit among Labour's traditional voters.

Even in the event of an electoral 'disaster', Mr Corbyn would not stand down, relying instead on the support of the party membership to fend off a vote of no confidence, Mr Foster predicted.

'Jeremy's activist supporters will ensure this blinkered, ineffective leader is immediately elected again,' he said.
Gerry and Kate McCann's Portuguese lawyer has described the idea that the couple had anything to do with the disappearance of their missing daughter Madeleine as 'unfounded and absurd.'

Rogerio Alves, who has traditionally assisted the McCanns as their criminal lawyer while they used Isabel Duarte for their separate libel battle against former police chief Goncalo Amaral, weighed in to support the couple.

Claiming they had been demonised in 'industrial doses' and describing them as 'human beings experiencing deep suffering', he insisted the idea that the missing youngster had been snatched made more sense.

Support: Rogerio Alves has traditionally assisted the McCanns as their criminal lawyer

This is the smile from Kate and Gerry McCann as, ten years after her disappearance, they discuss the possibility of seeing their daughter again

He told a Portuguese interviewer: 'As no sign of a homicide, a suicide, her being run over, a drowning, or anything else that could also be plausible has been found, the theory of an abduction is the one that makes most sense.'

In spite of repeated shows of support by Scotland Yard and the McCanns' own insistence they had nothing to do with Madeleine's disappearance, they still face detractors nearly a decade on who have shown backing for Amaral's controversial claim Madeleine died in their holiday flat and they covered it up by faking her abduction.

Others have directed their anger against suffering Gerry and Kate, from Rothley, Leicestershire, by claiming they should have been prosecuted for leaving Madeleine and her siblings Sean and Amelie alone while they ate tapas nearby.

Kate and Gerry believe that Madeleine, pictured when she went missing in 2007, will one day be re-united with them

Lisbon-based Mr Alves said blaming the couple made no sense whatsoever and was the result of ignorant people who were just as likely to blame the disappearance on Superman or UFOs.

He insisted the idea that the McCanns had friends in powerful places, spouted by the likes of former chief investigator Goncalo Amaral who has bizarrely claimed MI5 hid her body and even former PM Gordon Brown was involved in the cover-up, was 'fantasy.'

Reflecting on the early years of the Madeleine case, before Scotland Yard and Portuguese police made more effort to insist they were singing from the same hymn sheet, he said: 'One of the most damaging things that most harmed the case was the permanent creation of tensions between the British and Portuguese police and states.'

Scotland Yard chief Mark Rowley confirmed last week that Madeleine's parents - who had their 'arguido' (suspect) status removed in July 2008 when the original Portuguese police probe was archived - were no longer seen as possible suspects.

He said: 'The parents' involvement was dealt with at the time by the original investigation by the Portuguese.

'We're happy that's completely dealt with and there is no reason whatsoever to re-open that or start rumours that's a line of investigation.'

Kate and Gerry still believe their daughter will return and vow to do 'whatever it takes' to keep the search alive

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. There's a lot of thought that goes into it. But I couldn't not she's still our daughter, she'll always be our daughter.'

Scroll down for video

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 daughter's 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 Madeleine's disappearance.

But overall they seem more composed, perhaps more accepting of their situation.

Occasionally, when contemplating a reunion with their daughter, Kate's 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 Madeleine's disappearance, Kate, a former GP, didn't 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 can't change something immediately, you have to go with it and do the best that you can. And I think that's 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 we'll 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 they've been taken to be kept'. Advertisement

Gerry, 48, a cardiologist, says: 'At some point you've 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  it's one of those real bittersweet kind of thoughts,' says Kate.

'Ten years is a long time, but ultimately we're mum and dad, she's our daughter, she's 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. Madeleine's untouched bedroom is piled high with a decade's worth of unopened birthday and Christmas presents  a symbol of the couple's 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 you're relying on the police doing everything they can, and you're 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 that's 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 they've 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 Madeleine's case as well, that people will go, 'That's 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 Met's inquiry as 'unfair'.

Gerry says: '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.

'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.'

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 haven't 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 it's 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 ten's a big number.

'I think we'll get by as we have any other year, really we'll be surrounded by family and friends, you know. Obviously we'll 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 haven't 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 family's 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 O'Brien, for a Spanish meal within the complex, and they had all left their children in their apartments. Mr O'Brien 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 Madeleine's  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 McCann's and his own children at 9.30pm. He listened at the McCann children's 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 wasn't 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 'They've taken her, 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. The McCann's 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.
Rolf Harris has earned a tax windfall of over 100,000 after his business empire folded

Disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris has earned a tax windfall of over 100,000 after his business empire folded, it has been revealed.

HM Revenues and Customs had to pay the sum of 103,000 to Rolf Harris Enterprises for tax overpaid on cash earned since his 2014 conviction.

The Australian, 86, is believed to have forked out 50,000 to accountants to wind up his finances after he was found guilty on numerous incidents of sexual assault.

A source told the Daily Star Sunday: 'Rolf is very pleased his business interests have been wound up despite him being in jail and is more than happy with the six- figure sum in tax rebates.

'He's looking forward to carrying on with his life and plans to move house and have a fresh start.'

The television personality and his family have received millions from the liquidation of his companies which were closed after he was unceremoniously jailed.

Public statements by accountants show that 859,000 from Rolf Harris Enterprises Ltd and 109,000 from RHEL Holdings Ltd were paid to Harris and his family.

A few months earlier they pocketed a payout of 60,095

They had already received 68,000 in April last year, 68,000 in March last year and an 859,000 windfall in March 2015.

He also owns a mortgage-free home on the Thames at Bray, Berkshire, which is thought to be worth as much as 5million.

However no more payouts from the firm, which held money from his royalties, his art and television work, are expected.

Australian-born Rolf Harris, above centre, was caught on camera in public for the first time in three years last month, as he was taken to a hospital appointment

HMP Stafford (pictured), where he is currently serving a five-year sentence for sexual assaults on underage girls between 1968 and 1986

The source claims that Harris wants the money he earned from his paintings, music and television career to maintain his family.

The source said: 'Rolf is an old man now and that is one of the reasons he wants all this taken care of.

'He's been able to fund his family and he looks forward to being able to enjoy his final days without any money worries.'

Harris, who was cleared of three further sex charges in February, was jailed for five years and nine months after being found guilty in 2014 of molesting four girls between 1968 and 1986.

One of his victims was seven when she was groped as she asked for his autograph, while another two were assaulted as young teenagers.

Harris was also convicted of a catalogue of abuse against another young victim he groomed from the age of 13 and used like 'his little toy', prosecutors said.
John McDonnell tried to weaken our cash-strapped military by allowing taxpayers to 'opt out' of helping to fund them, it has been revealed.

Records from the House of Commons show that in 2014 the Shadow Chancellor proposed a motion to allow voters direct the portion of their income tax that goes towards defence into a 'non-military security fund'.

In 1999 the longtime Corbyn ally tried to change the law so taxpayers could divert the money spent on defence into foreign aid.

The Shadow Chancellor has tried to allow voters to 'opt out' of funding the military

Armed Forces minister Mike Penning told the Sun: 'Security would be at risk with John McDonnell holding the purse strings.

'Theresa May and the Conservatives are growing the defence budget to equip us in a dangerous world, while Corbyn and McDonnell want to take the axe to our military.

Mr McDonnell's spokesman: 'This is not Labour policy and will not be in our manifesto.

'What really puts our armed forces at risk is a Tory government that has cut troop numbers by the tens of thousands, and if re-elected will slash numbers further.'

Britain is currently one of the few NATO countries in Europe to spend two per cent or more of its GDP on defence

Britain spends approximately 35billion on defence per year, or two per cent of its GDP.

It is one of the few NATO countries in Europe that regularly meets its defence spending targets.

However senior politicians have accused the government of 'creative accounting' in order to beef up Britain's defence budget on paper.

An RAF Eurofighter Typhoon. Earlier this year the MoD was criticised for a series of equipment blunders that critics say left Britain vulnerable to attack

In February the Ministry of Defence was criticised for leaving Britain vulnerable to attack with a series of equipment blunders - including tanks that were too big to fit on planes and ships that could be heard hundreds of miles away by Russian submarines.

The Army's Watchkeeper reconnaissance drones were ordered at a cost of 1.2billion 12 years ago.

But they've been plagued by an series of technical glitches.
Theresa May warned that she needed a 'strong' mandate to counter the EU's 'tough' approach to the Brexit negotiations today.

The Prime Minister urged voters to consider the 'national interest' when they decide whether she or Jeremy Corbyn should be in charge after June 8.

Mrs May also delivered a slapdown to European commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker after he jibed that her demands for the talks are 'in another galaxy'.

On the domestic front, she gave another hint that the triple lock on pensions could be about to go, stressing the need to resolve 'long term issues about the ageing population'.

Another pledge from David Cameron's 2015 manifesto - not to raise income tax or national insurance - seems certain to be ditched after Mrs May said she would not 'make specific pledges on taxes unless I'm sure I can deliver on those'.

However, the premier did state that there would definitely be no increases in VAT before 2022.

Scroll down for video

Appearing on the BBC's Andrew Marr show, the PM urged voters to consider the 'national interest' when they decide whether she or Jeremy Corbyn should be in charge after June 8

Mrs May insisted the Tory manifesto would address 'long term' issues about the ageing population - hinting that the costly triple lock on pensions could go

The comments, in interviews on the BBC's Andrew Marr show and ITV's Peston programme, come with barely a month to go before the nation votes.

EU leaders took just four minutes to agree their Brexit negotiation guidelines at a summit in Brussels yesterday, setting out a laundry list of demands on migrants, Gibraltar and border controls in Northern Ireland.

Mr Juncker is said to have called German chancellor Angela Merkel in the wake of a dinner at Chequers with Mrs May last week. According to one of the president's aides, he told Mrs Merkel: 'It went very badly. She is in a different galaxy. Based on the meeting, no deal is much more likely than finding agreement.'

Within hours Mrs Merkel was warning publicly that the UK was 'deluded' about what it could secure from Brexit.

But the PM today refused to back down on her demands or accept they were unrealistic, saying bluntly: 'I'm not in another galaxy.'

Mrs May dismissed the insistence of Brussels that Britain must agree the Brexit divorce bill - said to be around 50billion - before trade talks can begin. She quoted the EU's own mantra that 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed'.

And in a stark warning about the battle that is to come, the PM stressed that having a potent mandate from voters was critical.

'At times the negotiations are going to be tough,' Mrs May said. 'We need to ensure we have got a strong hand in that negotiation.'

More polls today suggested Mrs May is on track for a big victory on June 8 - although the gap has narrowed slightly.

A YouGov poll for the Sunday Times today gives the Tories a 13 point lead over Labour, on 44 per cent to 31 per cent for Mr Corbyn's party.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured arriving at the Europa building in Brussels yesterday) has warned there are 'illusions' in Britain about the prospects for a Brexit deal

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (left) and EU Council President Donald Tusk (right) hailed the unity of the remaining 27 EU members yesterday after they took just four minutes to agree their Brexit tactics

Mr Corbyn (pictured at a campaign event in London yesterday) is struggling to avert a complete catastrophe for Labour on June 8, with polls showing the party is trailing the Tories by a huge margin

That was down from 16 points.

Meanwhile, Opinium research for the Observer found the Conservatives 17 points ahead, by 47 per cent to 30 per cent.

Mrs May gave some hints at the content of the party's manifesto in her interviews today.

She again refused to stand by the 'tax lock' from the 2015 Tory prospectus - which guaranteed no rises in income tax, VAT or national insurance.

But she insisted she had 'no plans to increase the the level of taxes'.

THE CUSHION THAT'S HER FOOTNOTE Strong and stable has become Theresa Mays mantra for the forthcoming Election. Yet a pink cushion in her Commons office provides evidence of the lighter side of the strait-laced Prime Minister who loves to wear leopard-print heels. It bears the motto: I can deal with anything if I have the right pair of shoes. Advertisement

And she told ITV: 'We won't be increasing VA.'

She suggested the 'triple lock' - which sees the state pension go up by the highest out of inflation, average earnings, or 2.5 per cent - could be overhauled.

There is speculation that it could be downgraded to a 'double lock' without the 2.5 per cent figure to avoid spiralling costs.

Mrs May said pensions would continue to increase every year, but the 'exact method of how that is calculated' would be spelled out in the manifesto.

There could also be increases in funding for social care, amid warnings the system is plunging further into crisis.

In an interview with the Mail on Sunday today, Mrs May launched a withering attack on Mr Corbyn's capacity to lead the country.

Branding the Labour leader 'weak and unstable', she said: 'Labour has launched seven Brexit plans.

'They say conflicting things in the same sentence, let alone an hour or a day or a week afterwards.

'Jeremy Corbyn can't even persuade 172 of his MPs to have confidence in him.'

She added: 'Some of the things that come from him are nonsensical. He's floundering.'

Tony Blair accused Mr Corbyn today of not wanting to win power - as he complained that Labour has been obsessed with 'trashing' his record.

The former PM made clear his disdain for the 'hard left' platform the party has adopted as he warned it can only form a majority government by returning to the centre ground.

He said the party had to 'decide' that it wants to become a realistic electoral force again.

The PM told ITV's Peston programme today that there would be no increases in VAT if the Tories win the general election
The death of a British tourist who fell from the tenth floor of a block of holiday flats in Benidorm took a new twist on Sunday as it emerged another British tourist had been arrested.

The 27-year-old woman, known only as Kirsty, fell to her death from a flat in the Apartamentos Payma block in Little England at around 8am on Saturday morning.

An unnamed holidaymaker was arrested on suspicion of homicide on Saturday and spent the night in custody. He is due to be questioned again later.

Sources close to the inquiry said the arrest was a 'precautionary measure' and there was no evidence pointing to the woman's death being the result of a crime.

The 27-year-old woman had travelled to the Costa Blanca resort with a group of around 35 female friends, local authorities said. It is unknown where in the UK she is from.

Now, sources say she left her room nearly two hours after her female friends had gone to bed around 4am - dressed but barefoot - and ended up in a room directly above hers, where five male British tourists were sleeping.

The 27-year-old woman had travelled to the Costa Blanca resort with a group of around 35 female friends before plunging to her death from the tenth floor of a Little England flat in the Apartamentos Payma block on Saturday (file photo)

One source said: 'It's possible she became disorientated and ended up there by accident.

'The man who has been arrested is the one who opened the door to her and was near her when the incident happened.'

Another insider said he was arrested as a 'precautionary measure' because his version of events didn't match that given by the four friends he was with.

The insider said: 'There's nothing as the moment to indicate any criminal wrongdoing on the part of any of the five men in that room.

'The version of events recounted by the man taken into custody didn't quite match that of the others but they admitted to drinking heavily and taking drugs that night and it just wasn't possible for the police to take a formal statement from this person because of the state he was in.

'Once that formal statement has been taken investigators will be in a position to decide if they can formally rule him out of the inquiry.'

It is understood 14 people - friends of hers staying above, next door to her and below her as well as the five British men in the room above her - were taken to a police station in Benidorm after the tragedy to make statements.

Investigators have found no evidence to suggest the woman who died knew any of the five men.

Sources close to the probe say they are confident of being able to rule out any criminal wrongdoing - but less confident of determining whether Kirsty died as the result of an accident influenced by alcohol and possibly drugs or jumped from the block of flat after her heavy partying session.

The woman and her friends had returned to the Apartamentos Payma block in Little England at around 4am on Saturday, around four hours before the tragedy.

It was initially understood police were treating the incident as a drunken accident.

Police then suspected that the woman may have taken her own life after interviewing her friends and other tourists staying in the block, according to local reports.

Spanish TV station Antena 3, citing local sources, said the Brit had left her room on the eighth floor and got into a room on the tenth floor before smoking a cigarette on the balcony and plunging to her death.

The broadcaster said she was believed to have consumed drugs as well as alcohol.

She died instantly after landing on a paved area near the swimming pool of the two-star apartment block.

There was no immediate police comment on the claims that it could be a suicide on Sunday.

Speaking of the latest incident on Saturday, a police spokesman said: 'All we can say at this stage is that a British woman born in 1989 has fallen from a tenth-floor flat in Benidorm and died as a result.

Police now suspect the unnamed woman may have taken her own life after interviewing her friends and other tourists staying in the block, according to local reports. Pictured above, a file photo of Benidorm Beach

'The matter is under investigation. It appears she was with other people at the time.'

He was not able to say where in the UK the woman was from.

The two-star apartments where she died are just a short distance from the beach and offer holiday accommodation and are geared towards British visitors.

Michael Harvey, 27, who owns a bar across from the building, told MailOnline: 'It's a very safe and popular building.

'Nothing like this has happened before so it's a bit of a shock really, it's a bit of a shame.

'There is a lot of partying going on but at the end of the day it's Spain and you've got all day to enjoy yourselves.

'Some of the clubs don't close until seven or eight in the morning and it's a very popular destination for the younger crowd so you're going to see more and more drinking.

'We had an event last night in the club next door and I left there at 5am this morning.

'The door that I use into the club is literally 10-15 steps away from the entrance to the apartments so if anything peculiar was going on I would have seen it or heard it.

'I think it's just been a terrible, terrible mishap and some poor girl's obviously lost her life and I really do feel sorry for her.'

Last November supermarket worker Danielle Hall, 21, from Newcastle, plunged to her death in the resort after losing her balance on her ninth-floor hotel balcony.

She had travelled to Benidorm to take part in Benidorm's festivities with her boyfriend Jordan Bevan, 23, and his gran.

Danielle's family said in a statement afterwards: 'Danielle was an outgoing and friendly girl who will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

'She loved children and animals, especially horses and dogs. She enjoyed helping on the family farm, especially at lambing time.'
The United States is running out of bombs to blast ISIS terrorists because of the number of targets getting hit, one of the country's top generals has warned.

US Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris has said he needs more munitions to keep up the intensive operations against the terror organisation in Iraq and Syria.

Admiral Harris admitted he has seen much of his inventory of munitions moved to operations against ISIS.

The USS Carl Vinson is being sent to South Korea to put pressure on the north Korean despot Kim Jong-un who is threatening to test another nuclear weapon

US military figures have expressed concern about the amount of munitions being used

Admiral Harry Harris, pictured, told the US Senate, he was concerned about the shortage of basic munitions such as 'small diameter bombs' which impacts the nation's combat readiness

Harris outlined his concerns to a high-powered senate hearing late last week.

He said: 'Critical munitions shortfalls are my top warfighting concern. Munitions are a large part of determining combat readiness in pursuit of national strategic objectives.

'We are short in here-and-now basic munitions like small diameter bombs. Our near-peer competitors continue to modernize their weapons systems and leverage new technologies to close capability gaps between us and them.

'We must maintain our capability to operate in contested environments. Additionally, we must continue to expand cross domain fires capabilities and focus on joint integration to strengthen deterrence and enable joint combined maneuver. Priorities include long-range and stand-off strike weapons, anti-ship weapons, advanced air to air munitions, theater ballistic/cruise missile defense, torpedoes, naval mines, and a Cluster Munitions replacement.'

Admiral Harris said investment was needed in torpedoes and mines as well as developing systems to defeat incoming missiles.

As well as hitting ISIS in Syria and Iraq, US drones have been blasting targets in Yemen.

Five suspected members of Yemen's Al-Qaeda branch were killed Sunday in what local authorities said was a US drone strike east of the capital Sanaa.

The early morning strike targeted a car in central Marib province that had been transporting arms from Yakla in Baida province.

The official said the car belonged to a known local leader of Yemen's Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which the United States views as the radical group's most dangerous branch.

Sunday's strike comes 24 hours after a similar raid killed three suspected AQAP operatives in southern Shabwa province, which has been a central target of the US military.
Keith Bennett from Manchester went missing in June 1964

Coded love letters between Myra Hindley and Ian Brady could contain clues which may lead to the discovery their last victim's body and graphic details of his death.

Ministers involved in a new review of decided to keep the documents classified as they include secrets about the whereabouts of 11-year-old Keith Bennett who went missing in June 1964.

Politicians are also worried the families of Keith and the other victims would be traumatised if they knew what happened to their loved ones.

Earlier this year, it was revealed bullet shells matching a Smith and Wesson revolver, which Brady may have used to murder the boy, had been found on Saddleworth Moor, in greater Manchester, a spot that earned the killings the moniker the 'Moors Murders.'

This has led to calls for a fresh search of the moor, 51 years after the pair were jailed.

Police and Government officials believe the 1965 letters between them contain coded messages which if cracked could close the case.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'The body of Keith Bennett is yet to be recovered, and the police are still hopeful that one day they will be able to effect this.

Ian Brady (left) and Myra Hindley (right) carried out the Moors Murders between July 1963 and October 1965 in what is now Greater Manchester. The victims were five children between the ages of 10 and 17 years of age

'The information in this file potentially still retains value in assisting the police to achieve this aim.

'Combined with new information, or re-interpreted, it could prove key in finally bringing this case to a conclusion.

'Therefore disclosure into the public domain may risk prejudicing the opportunity to resolve the final mystery in this, one of the defining criminal cases of the last century.'

Hindley and Bradys' murders of five children in the 1960s have been exhaustively covered over the years in books, films and documentaries.

Brady, now 79, has never revealed the resting place of his final victim Keith Bennett despite desperate appeals from his mum Winnie Johnson, who died in 2012.

Hindley's prison records were released into the National Archives after she died aged 69 in 2002.

They include five files of letters between the wicked couple - but only two have been made public.

The couple are already known to have used at least one code they called 6-7-8 to communicate.

The code would start on the sixth line of a letter.

The seventh and eight words on alternate lines would then he used to parcel together of a sentence, a secret code.

In one, Hindley used the code to suggest Brady should get someone to attack the brother of one of their victims with acid.

Other letters contained coded messages to plan an escape from jail while on remand awaiting trial. However police managed to crack the code and were able to quash attempts when Hindley requested a jail move.

Myra Hindley pictured on Saddleworth Moor in a photo taken by Ian Brady

Years after the disappearance Greater Manchester Police search the moor for the remains of Keith Bennett

A new review was carried out following requests to open the remaining three files under the Freedom of Information Act.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'One of the most notorious crimes of 20th century Britain, the story of Brady and Hindley and their victims remains a source of intense interest and speculation.

'With Ian Brady still living and the body of one of the victims yet to be recovered, there is still public concern about the case.

'Information that might help to explain the circumstances would not only be of interest but would help the community come to terms with a case that still causes considerable anxiety to this day.'

But following the review, Ministers have agreed the letters should remain classified until at least January 2051.

'Whilst it is appreciated that a great deal of information about the'Moors Murders' is already in the public domain, the level of detail in this file goes beyond what has already been made public,' the spokesman added.

Keith's whereabouts is still a mystery. Keith's mother Winnie Johnson (right). She died in 2012 and was buried with her son's glasses

'It is considered that the release of this information would impart the risk of subjecting the surviving members of the families of victims whose bodies have been found and, just as importantly, those whose bodies have not yet been found to a totally unacceptable level of mental distress.'

Prof Tom Clark, of Sheffield University, has been examining Hindley's prison records for his serial killer book The Sociology of Evil, due to be published next year.

He said: 'These are all letters that Brady and Hindley wrote to each other in prison knowing they would be intercepted.

'I would not have batted an eyelid if the request was refused on the basis Brady is not dead yet or because they mentioned someone still alive working in the prison service.

How did the Moors Murderers' secret code work? Hindley's prison records were released into the National Archives after she died aged 69 in 2002. They include five files of letters between the couple - but only two have been made public. The couple are already known to have used at least one code they called 6-7-8 to communicate. The code would start on the sixth line of a letter. The seventh and eight words on alternate lines in the letter would then be used to parcel together of a sentence, a secret code. Advertisement

'But I am very surprised and intrigued by the suggestion the letters might contain information to find Keith's body.

'Why should they want to keep the letters kept secret when the police have not done anything for years?

'The frustrating thing is we cannot actually see the letters so there is no way of finding out what was in them using the secret code.

'So this seems very strange. Keith's family are still desperate to find his body so if these letters could help they should be published to solve one of worst crimes in history.

'These letters are mentioned a lot in Hindley's prisoner reviews so there could be quite a lot of them, especially since she was a prolific letter writer.'

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: 'The current status of the investigation is that it is with our Cold Case team which means it has not been closed. If new information comes to light then the Cold Case team will investigate those leads.'
A driver has miraculously walked away unharmed after a taxi burst into flames near a busy petrol station.

Footage shows the car engulfed by fire in Sydney's inner west, just metres from a Shell service station and another vehicle.

Black smoke can be seen billowing from the car in Drummoyne as peak-hour traffic travels close to the flaming wreckage.

Scroll down for video

A taxi has burst into flames near a Shell petrol station in Sydney's inner west

Flames appear to be ascending from the front of the car as onlookers attempt to signal caution to people driving by.

Police and fire services attended the scene on Victoria Road and the fire has been extinguished.

No injuries or damage to surrounding property has been reported.

The incident is believed to have been cause by a mechanical issue and is not being treated as suspicious.

Black smoke can be seen billowing from the vehicle on Victoria Road in Drummoyne
A mother who is fighting breast cancer has drawn-up a list of dos and don'ts for her husband to help him find another partner after she has died.

Sarah Reed, 37, has written a list of heartbreaking dating instructions for husband Lee, 26, include 'Don't go on about me', 'Love them like you love me' and 'Make sure Chloe (her daughter) likes her'.

The couple were devastated when Mrs Reed was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 - two years after the pair met.

Sarah Reed, 37, has written a list of heartbreaking dating instructions for husband Lee, 26, to help him get a new partner after she dies

Mrs Reed was first diagnosed with breast cancer 2015, and now is helping Lee with trying to find a new partner so he and her daughter Chloe (left and right) can 'be happy' again after she dies

Sarah's dating instructions - Join an online dating site - Don't go on about me - Don't forget your wallet - Pay for the meal - Make sure Chloe likes her - Love them like you love me Advertisement

Despite her enduring gruelling treatments of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery and then radiotherapy, the cancer has spread to her ovaries, meaning doctors have told her it is incurable.

The pair decided to get married any way and applied to wedding charity, Gift Of A Wedding, which provides free weddings to people with terminal illnesses, to help them have it.

Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, Mrs Reed, of Barnoldswick, Lancashire, said: 'It had taken him ages to get together with me and on the first date hed not brought his wallet, so I knew he needed some help.

'He looked horrified at first but I told him if he was going to meet a nice woman he needed my help.

Mrs Reed, of Barnoldswick, Lancashire, said: 'It had taken him ages to get together with me and on the first date hed not brought his wallet, so I knew he needed some help'

She said: 'Lee and Chloe have brought me so much joy and if I can leave them just one thing I want it to be happiness'

'Lee and Chloe have brought me so much joy and if I can leave them just one thing I want it to be happiness.'

Despite preparing for the worst, the pair are raising 180,000 to send her to the Hallwang Clinic in Germany where she hopes she can receive life-saving treatment.

Writing on a Go Fund Me fundraising page, Mrs Reed said: 'The hardest thing about this is being a parent and having to explain to my 10-year-old autistic daughter that mummy is going to die.

'I was given two to five years to live with treatment and I'm now well into my 2nd year.

On a fundraising page for treatment, Mrs Reed said: 'The hardest thing about this is being a parent and having to explain to my 10-year-old autistic daughter that mummy is going to die'

'I have researched into the Hallwang Clinic in Germany and even spoken to the oncologist who believe they can help me and even talk about full remission.

'This gives me the only hope for me, my daughter and my family.

'This type of immunotherapy treatment comes with a very high price tag [and] is the reason I am asking for donations as every little helps.'

To donate towards Sarah's fundraising page, click here.
US President Donald Trump has invited controversial Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte to the White House during a 'friendly' call.

The pair discussed the ongoing war against drugs in the Philippines, which has drawn international condemnation, as well the alliance between the two nations.

Duterte has faced international condemnation for his brutal crackdown on crime, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings from rights groups about a possible crime against humanity. In the past, Duterte boasted of throwing people from a helicopter.

Scroll down for video

US President Donald Trump has invited Philippines president Roderigo Duterte to Washington

The White House described the phone call between both leaders as quite friendly

Duterte has sparked criticism over his hard-line war against drugs in the Philippines

According to the White House, Trump and Duterte had 'a very friendly conversation' that included discussion about the Philippine government's efforts to 'rid its country of drugs' and the regional security threat posed by North Korea.

'President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction,' the statement said.

There has been concern about Duterte's efforts to loosen the Philippines' long-standing alliance with the US as he looks to court China, whose push to control most of the disputed South China Sea has alarmed neighbours.

Duterte has regularly hit out at the Philippines' one-time colonial ruler for perceived hypocrisy over human rights and last year branded then US president Barack Obama a 'son of a whore' for criticizing the drug war.

The White House said Trump 'enjoyed the conversation' with Duterte, and looked forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November.

Vice President Mike Pence had announced earlier this month that Trump would attend the Asian meetings as a sign of 'unwavering commitment' to the region.

Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed Trump's invitation, although he gave no indication of when the visit would take place.

Philippine 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 Philippine lawyer last week filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court accusing Duterte of mass murder, alleging his war on drugs had led to about 8,000 deaths.

Duterte's pledge to stop the country turning into a narco-state has proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and corruption.

Over the weekend some Southeast Asian leaders attending a regional summit in Manila also expressed support for the drug war, including Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Indonesia's President Joko Widodo.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday his government is 'seriously saddened' by television footage showing US military forces operating alongside Syrian Kurdish fighters.

Ankara views the group as terrorists, but Washington believes are the most effective fighting force against ISIS.

Turkish forces last week launched airstrikes on Syrian Kurdish Peoples' Protection Units (YPG).

The government considers them an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, against which it has been waging a 30-year fight for control of southeastern Turkey.

Erdogan said Sunday his country may take further action against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, as US-backed forces in Syria closed in on the last neighborhoods of a former ISIS stronghold.

The US views the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces as the most effective partner to counter the Islamic State group in northern Syria, an assessment bolstered by the SDF's steady advances against the jihadists.

US forces, accompanied by Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters, drive their armored vehicles near the northern Syrian village of Darbasiyah, on the border with Turkey on Friday

But it has complicated relations with Turkey, which views the group's Kurdish component as an extension of a terror group operating inside its own borders.

In Istanbul, Erdogan insisted that US support for such groups 'must come to an end,' and said he would bring up the matter at a meeting with President Donald Trump next month.

The SDF, which include Arab fighters, seized six neighborhoods from IS militants in Tabqa on Sunday, according to the affiliated Hawar news agency.

Tabqa is 25 miles southeast of the Islamic State group's de facto capital Raqqa and an important stronghold for the militants.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) said Sunday his government is 'seriously saddened' by the US alliance with Syria's Kurds and that he will insist to President Donald Trump (right) that Washington ends its cooperation with them in their fight against ISIS

It lies next to the Tabqa Dam, one of several controlling the flow of the Euphrates River.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the SDF's control of Tabqa was 'practically total.'

A US air lift of artillery and special forces advisers to place them behind IS lines in March was a turning point in the Tabqa offensive and underscored the closeness between Washington and the SDF.

Turkey, however, has remained hostile to the Kurdish People's Protection Units, known by their Kurdish acronym the YPG, which form the backbone of the SDF.

The YPG are close to the Kurdish PKK insurgent group in Turkey, which is designated as a terror organization by NATO and the US.

Last week, Turkey struck at YPG positions inside Syria, killing 20 fighters and media activists, according to the group, prompting Kurdish parties to call for a US-enforced no-fly-zone over northern Syria.

People gesture at a US military vehicle travelling in Amuda province, northern Syria, on Saturday

Last week, Turkey struck at YPG positions inside Syria, killing 20 fighters and media activists, according to the group, prompting Kurdish parties to call for a US-enforced no-fly-zone over northern Syria. A YPG soldier stands next to a US armored vehicle near the Turkish border

US troops were seen Saturday in armored vehicles in Syria in Kurdish areas in a show of force apparently intended to dissuade Turkey and Syrian Kurdish forces from attacking one another.

Kurdish officials describe the US troop movement as 'buffer' between them and Turkey.

Video from northern Syria showed the US patrols parked alongside Kurdish units flying the YPG flag.

'We will be forced to continue (our offensives),' Erdogan said.

'We won't provide a date and time for when we'll come. But they will know that the Turkish military can come.'

Erdogan is due in Washington on May 16 for his first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The YPG is distrusted by Turkish-backed anti-government forces in Syria, who say the group is an ally of President Bashar al-Assad's government.

The YPG and Syrian government forces have largely avoided confrontation over the course of the country's six-year-long civil war.

Other Kurdish parties accuse the YPG's political arm, the PYD, of squelching dissent and embracing authoritarianism.

In other developments, more than a thousand residents of Damascus suburbs demonstrated against anti-government rebel infighting, activists said, only to be met at one demonstration by rebels who tried to disperse the protest with gunfire.

Videos from the Arbin suburb showed demonstrators scrambling for cover after gunmen dressed in military fatigues lined up in front of the march and fired, largely into the air.

Seven protesters were wounded, according to the activist-run Ghouta Media Center, which posted the video. The Observatory said 12 people were wounded.

Demonstrators blamed the powerful Army of Islam group for trying to suppress the march.

The infighting pits the Army of Islam against the 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.

The area, which includes Arbin, has been held under siege by government forces for more than three years.

Residents depend on smuggling and local farming for food.

'My friend, the mujahid. You are responsible for our struggle. You are not a mercenary. Do not point your gun at your people,' one of the signs held by demonstrators announced.

'The struggle is the path to heaven. Beware of the path to hell.'

In 48 hours of fighting, the Observatory said at least 87 insurgents from the warring sides were killed. Eight civilians were also killed in the fighting.
This is the filthy cellar where a pensioner was kept tied up in darkness by an escort and her lover.

Susan Garside, 53, and her lover Anthony Miller, 53, from Merseyside, betrayed the old man who thought they were his friends.

They sold him out to brutal robbers, who terrorised the victim with a knife. He was blindfolded, gagged and had his hands and feet tied up.

This is the filthy cellar where a pensioner was kept tied up in darkness by an escort and her lover

Chilling pictures show the tiny cellar which was used as the plot to 'roll the punter' - a crime where men who pay for sex are robbed in hope they will be too ashamed to go to the police

Chilling pictures show the tiny cellar which was used as the plot to 'roll the punter' - a crime where men who pay for sex are robbed in hope they will be too ashamed to go to the police.

The horrible-looking cellar contained a damp single mattress, with a pillow and yellow and rest mould stains were all over the walls.

Garside, who advertised on sex work website Adultwork.com under the name Summer Blackvelvet, and her ex-boyfriend Miller denied any involvement in the attack.

But the pair were convicted of robbery and false imprisonment on Tuesday after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court and sentenced to 15 years in jail.

Adverts still accessible on other escort websites describe Garside as a 'mature lady with lots of sexy talents' and suggest she is willing to engage in unprotected sex.

A bio states: 'I have lots of experience and also have many regulars, happy customers who love to come back and see me. So come and get me guys, you won't be disappointed.'

According to the Liverpool Echo, the victim told a jury staff caring for his wife, who has dementia, advised him to seek female company and 'have a life outside the nursing home'.

The horrible-looking cellar contained a damp single mattress, with a pillow and yellow and rest mould stains were all over the walls

Pictured is a the stairway leading to the filthy cellar, where the pensioner was locked up

Susan Garside (left), 53, and her lover Anthony Miller (right), 53, from Merseyside, betrayed the old man who thought they were his friends

He went for meals with Garside and Miller, who became jealous of the victim.

On November 4 last year, he was locked in the cellar for three hours, while the attackers withdrew 250 from two of his bank accounts.

Judge Anil Murray, passing sentence, said to Garside: 'You played a leading role...You told the jury you were fond of the complainant. This was one of the many lies you told, you used him.'

A statement from the victim, read in court, said: 'I have only ever tried to help Susan Garside, who is clearly a thoroughly unpredictable and evil woman.'




Samuel Johnson's sister Connie, 40, has revealed exactly what she thinks about the disease that's killing her in the hilarious merchandise sold by her charity.

The online charity Love Your Sister was thrust into the spotlight again last week when Mr Johnson, 39, dedicated his Gold Logie to his cancer-stricken sister.

Since his win at this year's ceremony, Connie said the charity has been overwhelmed by a dramatic increase in support.

Scroll down for video

Connie (pictured) recently made the decision to end her cancer treatment after battling with the disease for years

With merchandise ranging from quirky drink coolers, to downright hilarious cushions, it's no wonder why the charity was bombarded with more than 3,000 orders in the past week.

The charity store, promoted on Facebook, features a set of explicit cushions depicting a stick man 'screwing' the word cancer.

The quirky merchandise also includes a swear jar kit which says 'Not Just Another XXXXing Swear Jar'.

Sticking with the humorous theme, the charity also sells a 'Little Box of F***s'.

'Little Box of F***s, for when you have none left to give,' the box reads.

The charity store features a set of explicit cushions depicting a stick man 'screwing' the word cancer

'Little Box of F***s, for when you have none left to give,' the box reads

Drink coolers with the slogan 'let's talk about boobs' and a colouring book called 'Colour Cancer Away' are also on sale.

While the merchandise is humorous, Love Your Sister promotes a serious message.

The pair hoped to 'spread Connie's message of breast cancer awareness' while also raising money for cancer research.

The quirky merchandise also includes a swear jar kit which says 'Not Just Another XXXXing Swear Jar'

Drink coolers with the slogan 'let's talk about boobs' are also sold in the Love Your Sister store

A colouring book called 'Colour Cancer Away' is also on sale at Love Your Sister

Connie is also making a giant love heart out of coins, which she plans to donate to cancer research.

Mr Johnson promoted the project with his Logie speech.

'My sister is succumbing finally to the perils of cancer after a three decade long tussle. And rather than rolling over, she's going out blazing with an attempted world record for the longest line of coins absurdly,' he said.

'My sister is succumbing finally to the perils of cancer after a three decade long tussle,' Mr Johnson said during his Gold Logie speech

Connie is making a giant love heart out of coins, which she plans to donate to cancer research

'I would like to urge any family watching affected by cancer or not, to join us in our quest to keep our families safe from the terrors of cancer. Love your sister.org.'

Together, the pair have so far raised $2.1 million towards cancer awareness and research.

Connie recently made the decision to end her cancer treatment after battling with the disease for years.

Connie battled an aggressive bone tumour in her leg at age 11 and again when the tumour was found in her womb when she was 22-years-old.

Together, Samuel and Connie Johnson have raised $2.1 million towards cancer awareness

Connie pictured with 'Not Just Another XXXXing Swear Jar' - a product sold on Love Your Sister

When she was 33, the Canberra mother of two was diagnosed for a third time; with breast cancer.

The doctors told her it was terminal and gave her six months to a year to live.

Her brother said her cancer diagnosis brought the pair closer together.

'I just don't think I fully understood the importance of family. I was too busy being a 'delebrity' (d-list celebrity). I feel like my sister's cancer helped pull by head out of my a***,' he said.
Jetstar denied a nurse a refund for a pair of plane tickets after his son was hospitalised with terminal cancer.

Richard Guy planned to fly from Ballina to Melbourne on May 4 with his son Miles to celebrate the 11-year-old boy's grandmother's 70th birthday.

But Miles was suddenly rushed to Lady Cilento Hospital in Brisbane for intense chemotherapy which wiped out his immune system leaving him too sick to travel.

Richard Guy was denied a refund by Jetstar for a pair of plane tickets after his son Miles (pictured), 11, was hospitalised with terminal cancer

Mr Guy told the Northern Star when he called the airline to get the $220 booking refunded he was told to submit evidence from Miles' oncologist online.

The nurse at Lismore Base Hospital sent the medical certificate through Jetstar's 'Ask Jess' online chat feature and was contacted by human operator 'Roda'.

Mr Guy said the airline only offered him flight credit which was only valid for six months - despite not knowing when Miles would be well enough to fly.

'He has spinal metastasis, metastasis in his bones, how would I know I would travel in (six) months' time? It's just not something I want to think about right now,' he told the newspaper.

'Roda said I should just be grateful that I am getting a credit for my ticket, because it's not their policy.'

Mr Guy said the airline only offered him flight credit which was only valid for six months - despite not knowing when Miles would be well enough to fly

Mr Guy with Miles (L) and his family of five in Lismore

Mr Guy branded the low-cost carrier a 'soulless and heartless corporation' that didn't care about human beings, and vowed never to fly with it again.

'They don't care about anyone else but their bottom line and then to be told to be grateful is just horrible,' he said.

The father-of-three said he was unable to work because his son needed treatment in Brisbane, 200 kilometres from his home and job in northern NSW.

He said the medicines, procedures and scans strained his tight budget and $220 was a lot of money to the family as a result.

Jetstar said Mr Guy was eventually given a full refund as per its 'compassionate policy due to serious illness'.

Jetstar said Mr Guy was eventually given a full refund as per its 'compassionate policy due to serious illness'

'We apologise to the boy and his family,' the airline told Daily Mail Australia.

'We offered flight vouchers to the value of the flights, when due to the unfortunate circumstances we should have provided a full cash refund.

'We have provided the passengers a full refund and are following up internally as to why this was not initially offered as per our policy.'

Miles was suddenly struck down with the aggressive cancer last month and his family was devastated it had already reached stage four.

Mr Guy's workmates at Lismore Base Hospital rallied around him and set up a GoFundMe effort that has raised almost $19,000 so far.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron insisted he is 'Eurosceptic' today - despite admitting he had been plotting with Tony Blair to fight the historic Brexit vote.

The improbable claim came amid signs that the Lib Dems are struggling to make headway in crucial West Country seats, where voters strongly backed leaving the EU.

The party has taken a tough line against Brexit in a bid to soak up support in cities like London, pledging a second referendum so that the public can change their minds.

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show today, Mr Farron tried to have the best of both worlds by suggesting he was a strong critic of EU

Tory MPs ridiculed Mr Farron over his comments saying the idea he is Eurosceptic would be 'news to lots of Lib Dem supporters'

The move would hand Brussels a huge advantage in the looming negotiations as it could offer poor terms in the hope they would be rejected and the status quo maintained.

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Mr Farron confirmed that he had met Tony Blair 'several months' ago for talks on how the process of leaving the EU could be watered down.

'Several months ago I met with Tony Blair at his request. I thought it was only courteous to do so. I have many on the record disagreements with Tony Blair not least over the illegal and counterproductive war in Iraq,' he said.

'I admire progressives - and he is broadly, I guess, a progressive - I admire progressives who are able to win elections, because if you cannot win then you cannot change people's lives.'

But Mr Farron tried to have the best of both worlds by arguing that he was a strong critic of EU.

'I don't want to go off on a little bit of a rabbit hole here, but you will remember that I resigned from the Liberal Democrat front bench about 10 years ago because I am a bit of a Eurosceptic,' Mr Farron said.

'I'm somebody who challenges people in power - the EU, in Government, in councils - but I am somebody who believes Britain is better off in the European Union.'

Mr Farron is struggling to get the Lib Dem campaign back on track after a difficult week in which he was repeatedly challenged over his votes on gay sex.

The committed christian has now finally stated that he does not believe it is a sin.

Mr Farron made anothe pitch for Labour votes today by saying he was an 'admirer' of former PM Tony Blair

On the eve of the 20th anniversary of Mr Blair's election landslide, Mr Farron jibed at Jeremy Corbyn by saying it showed 'what can happen when a party is prepared to make a broad appeal to change Britain's future'.

'I am urging those voters, those people who backed Labour in 1997, to come and vote for the Liberal Democrats,' he said.

'Labour have comprehensively failed to stand up for our schools, hospitals and our place in the world.

'They have become too weak, and too divided, to stand up for those who need it most.

'Power without principle is barren, but principle without power is futile.

'This election is a chance to change the direction of our country, those people who crossed the Labour box 20 years ago should vote for the Liberal Democrats.'
An Islamic sheikh in Sydney's west allegedly took invasive pictures of random women at an airport before uploading them to social media with mocking and sleazy comments.

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami, a Shia imam who has previously travelled to Iran for religious instruction, shared an image of a woman in a low-cut top, taken from behind, on WhatsApp.

'I arrived. This was her. Walahi. No bra,' he said, using the Arabic term for 'I swear to Allah'.

However, the sheikh declined to say if he or someone else took the images, even though the WhatsApp messages featured his mobile number.

'I don't really know if I took that or not. What's wrong with someone taking a picture like that? I don't understand,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Scroll down for video

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami's WhatsApp image featuring a woman at the airport and sleazy messages

The invasive images of women at an airport which were shared on WhatsApp

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami took a selfie of himself at the airport in front of a Victoria's Secret image

Sheikh Zaid, from the Nabi Akram Islamic Centre in Granville, then told his followers in the WhatsApp post he needed to hold his prayer beads to control himself.

'Everyone was looking at her. Probably saying how lucky I was,' he said.

'I was holding my misbaha the whole time.'

In another message featuring images of a woman's legs, Sheikh Zaid described another woman as being 'mutt-able'.

Muta is the term for a temporary marriage in Islam, which can also mean prostitution.

Sheikh Zaid, is also married with children, which could suggest he is advocating polygamy.

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami is involved with Nabi Akram Islamic Centre in Granville, in Sydney's west

Another message described the woman as someone he could temporarily marry

The religious leader declined to say if he took the images and posted them to WhatsApp.

'I don't understand why you're calling me and asking me about something which I think you wish to incriminate me with,' he said.

However, he didn't discount someone else posting the images from his phone.

'Actually, I would trust my phone with random people. I have no problem with that,' he said.

Sheikh Zaid also uploaded a selfie of himself next to a scantily-clad Victoria's Secret model post at Sydney airport.

In 2015, Sheikh Zaid took 44 people from Australia to the theocratic Islamic Republic of Iran.

They visited the city of Qom to have Islamic lessons at Al-Mustafa International University.

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami also made a Facebook video featuring his daughter with various hijabs

The shiekh also shared a WhatsApp image describing his discomfort with sitting next to a woman on a plane because of his sexual urges

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami's Facebook page features bizarre videos giving men fashion advice

Sheikh Zaid has also posed in pictures next to a poster of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khomenei and the flag of Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, which is banned in Australia.

In another message obtained by Daily Mail Australia, Sheikh Zaid threatened to curse a man's family and ruin his life through a divine prayer known as dua.

'I will do dua against you tonight for what you have accused me,' he said.

The sheikh's Facebook page also features bizarre videos instructing young men and girls on how to dress.

In one video posted in 2016, he squeezes the biceps of a man in a tight, pink shirt and touches his chest hair.

We look at the colour choice for example, Im very sure there would have been other types of colours that were available but nowadays we see a lot of our boys wearing feminine colours,' he said.

'And we have the big problem of the open-chest syndrome where a person wants to show his masculinity by those hairs.

These nice muscles are also shown because of how tight the T-shirt is. And we cant overlook how hes wearing some designer underwear, probably some Calvin Klein or Lacoste,' he later said while lifting the man's shirt.

'We have the big problem of the open-chest syndrome where a person wants to show his masculinity by those hairs,' the sheikh says in this video

Another video features a young girl wearing different hijabs, and a scene where she is wearing lots of make-up.

This is the Kardashian, fashionista, Paris runway type of hijab,' he said.

And we could probably say that she is putting Kardashian to shame with the amount of cake-face makeup that she has on and all the accessories.'

In another disturbing video featuring a shirtless boy, the sheikh points to a fake tattoo written in marker of the word 'Hezbollah' - a Lebanese terror group which is banned in Australia.

'He's a loyal supporter of Hezbollah but at the same time he also has the complexity of wanting to be gangster and a thug person,' he said.

The sheikh has on his Facebook page an image of himself posing with the Hezbollah flag in 2006, during the Lebanese terror group's war with Israel.

Sheikh Zaid's video had a boy with the terrorist group 'Hezbollah' written on his right shoulder

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami posted an image on Facebook of himself with a Hezbollah flag in 2006

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami points to the 'six pack' of a boy to explain gangster-style tattoos
The man who was found guilty of the murder of a British woman in Qatar has had his appeal rejected.

Badr Hashim Khamis Abdallah al-Jabr faces the death penalty after he was convicted for the murder of teacher Lauren Patterson, 24, in Doha in 2013.

Ms Patterson, from West Malling, Kent, was sexually assaulted, stabbed and her burnt remains were left in a remote desert location.

The killer of Lauren Patterson, 24, has lost his appeal against his death sentence. Badr Hashim Khamis Abdallah al-Jabr was convicted of the murder of the teacher, from West Malling, Kent, in Doha in 2013

Al-Jabr was sentenced to death in 2015 but a re-trial was called in February 2016.

Abdallah Hassan Abdul Aziz served a three-year sentence for helping to dispose of Miss Patterson's body.

Mother Alison Patterson wrote on Facebook: 'The judges have upheld the original death sentence.

Ms Patterson was sexually assaulted, stabbed and her burnt remains were left in a remote desert location. Al-Jabr was sentenced to death in 2015 but a re-trial was called in 2016

Mother Alison Patterson wrote on Facebook: 'The judges have upheld the original death sentence. Thank you to everyone for all your amazing support. Love to everyone'

'It will now go to the court of cassation within 60 days as they have the right to appeal.

'Due to the thoroughness of the judicial system here the likelihood of another appeal is highly unlikely (praying that is the case).

'Thank you to everyone for all your amazing support without all of you I don't know how I would have got this far. Love to everyone.'

Ms Patterson was teaching in Doha when she disappeared on a night out and was found with a knife in her ribcage.

In an appeal hearing in 2015, al-Jabr's defence lawyer said he had been kept in solitary confinement for 40 days between interviews with prosecutors.

He said the abuse they suffered would have 'clouded anybody's judgement'.

Accomplice Abdallah Hassan Abdul Aziz served a three-year sentence for helping to dispose of Miss Patterson's body. Lauren was teaching in Qatar when she was murdered on a night out

She and friend Lea Monet left a nightclub at La Cigale Hotel in Doha around 3.30am. Miss Monet testified that Miss Patterson was not drunk and had just returned from her grandmother's funeral in England

During the 2014 trial Miss Patterson's friend Lea Monet testified how she, Miss Patterson and the two men, who she said they were 'casually acquainted with', had left a nightclub at La Cigale Hotel in Doha around 3.30am on October 12.

She said Miss Patterson, who had just returned from attending her grandmother's funeral in England, was not drunk and was 'aware of her surroundings'.

In 2015, Alison said: 'Lauren was a hard-working girl who loved her job and spent most evenings of her time after work giving private tuition to pupils in their homes or studying to complete her degree.'
A father and daughter have died while a woman is fighting for her life in hospital after a car flipped over and hit a barrier in the early hours of this morning.

The horrific crash killed the six-year-old girl and 29-year-old man, who were pronounced dead at the scene in the small town of Belper, Derbyshire.

Their blue Fiat Panda is thought to have hit a barrier on the side of the A609 road and ended up on its roof, just after 1.25am.

A 22-year-old woman was taken to hospital in Nottingham with life-threatening injuries and is now in a critical condition, police said.

A six-year-old girl and a 29-year-old man were killed in a one-vehicle car crash early Sunday morning when their blue Fiat Panda hit a barrier and flipped on its roof in Belper, Derbyshire (the road pictured above)

The relationship between the man, woman and girl is currently unclear.

The road was closed for several hours while officers carried out an forensic investigation of the crash site. Police also appealed for anyone with dash cam footage of the incident to contact them.

Eyewitness Tom Reith, 28, who lived nearby, was one of the first people at the scene.

He told the Derby Telegraph how the sound of the collision woke him up before he went outside to see if he could help.

Mr Reith said: 'It was horrendous, terrible. People were trying to get to those inside the vehicle but I said we needed to leave them there for the paramedics. It is just so awful.'

Jill Glew, who lives just yards from the scene, heard the crash and saw its aftermath.

She said: 'I was asleep at the front of the house and heard this loud bang. I looked out the window and saw the car in the middle of the road.

Police said a 22-year-old woman was taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham with life-threatening injuries and is currently in a critical condition.

'A man was running towards it and I shouted to him: "Do we need an ambulance?" And he shouted back: "Yes." I called for an ambulance and the police and watched out the window.

'It was horrible. When the ambulance came, I saw them take a young man out the back, put him in the back and close the doors.'

Another local, who asked not to be named, said: 'I came out and saw the car in the road on its roof. The police investigators were not there at that point so they must have done what they needed to do. It's just a dreadful thing to have happened.'

In a statement, Derbyshire Police said: 'Our officers were called to Kilbourne Road in Belper this morning at 1.25am to reports of a serious collision.

'A blue Fiat Panda was involved in a collision and two people received fatal injuries.

'A 29 year-old man and a six year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene and a 22 year-old woman was taken to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham with life threatening injuries where she remains in a critical condition.

'Kilbourne Road has now re-opened and anyone with information on the collision or who has dash cam footage is asked to contact us.'
Dozens of white supremacists flocked to a small Kentucky town on Saturday for a protest which was interrupted by anti-fascist demonstrators.

Residents of Pikeville, a town with a population of fewer than 8,000, were at a loss over why The Traditionalist Workers Party, had selected it for the rally.

The party is passionately anti-abortion, anti-immigration and pro-faith. It works specifically on behalf of white Americans who it says 'have been abandoned by the system and actively attacked by globalists and traitorous politicians,' for decades.

Around 125 of its members arrived in Pikeville on Saturday armed and dressed in army regalia, bearing Swastika tattoos and toting guns. They were joined by the League of the South and the National Socialist Movement and billed the rally as a chance to spread their shared message among fellow white Americans.

The protesters gave Nazi salutes and waved Confederate flags.

White supremacists gathered in Pikeville, Kentucky, on Saturday for a protest arranged by the Traditionalist Workers Party

The protesters carried Confederate Flags and wore army regalia for the demonstration

Video courtesy WSAZ

Anti-fascist protesters, who had also come from out of town, thwarted their plans.

They pitched up to the rally site wearing colorful pride t-shirts and carrying signs which read: 'No one wants you here'.

The two sides hurled insults at one another from behind barricades set up by local police in anticipation of the event.

They used separate parking lots and were kept apart for the entirety of the event. The white supremacists were eventually escorted out of the town by police.

While peaceful in the end, the threat of violence was enough to close local businesses for the day.

The University of Pikeville told students to stay away from Main Street, where the rally was held. Some students fled the town all together.

The group of heavily tattooed protesters were dressed predominantly in white and red. Some sported badges on their clothes with titles including 'commander'

They marched through the town with their flags and signs to the shock of local residents

Leagues of the South also joined the Traditionalist Workers Party for the event

'I have a friend who lives in Belfry who's staying out of the city. I have a friend who lives in Louisa and he went home.

'He skipped work on Friday so he could go home because he didn't feel safe living on campus while this was happening,' student Kyle Newsome told WSAZ.

Local police banned both sides from wearing masks or hoods at the event to prevent potentially violent demonstrators from hiding behind anonymity.

Pikeville officials were eager to separate themselves from both demonstrations before they took place.

Anti-fascist activists turned out to counter-protest. They held up their own signs and chanted 'no one wants you here'

The anti-fascist protesters wore similar black and red clothes but held up signs reading 'no hate here'

'This should not be a reflection on the people of Pikeville or eastern Kentucky. These people are coming from outside the region,' Senator Ray Jones told The Courier Journal.

On Saturday, residents were angry about the brief disruption.

'We have no clue why they would even pick Pickville. Why dont they go disrespect their own homes, their own people, their own families?' Elizabeth White complained to Vocativ.
An Australian woman faces 25 years in jail after she was arrested with 5.8 kilograms of cocaine at an airport in Colombia.

Cassandra Sainsbury, 22, was detained on April 11 at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota just as she was about to fly back to Australia after a working holiday.

The personal trainer from Adelaide was denied bail and is being held at the overcrowded El Buen Pastor women's prison until her hearing in two months, her family said.

Australian woman Cassandra Sainsbury, 22, faces 25 years in jail after she was arrested with 5.8 kilograms of cocaine at an airport in Colombia

The personal trainer (pictured with her fiance) was detained on April 11 at Bogota Airport just as she was about to fly back to Australia after a working holiday

Her older sister Khala was to pick her up from the airport on Easter Saturday and didn't realise Cassandra's predicament until the morning of Good Friday.

The trip was at least in part to promote her personal training business, her sister told Daily Mail Australia.

The mother-of-four insisted her CFS volunteer sister was innocent and being 'set up'.

'Anyone that knows her, would say she is a kind, loving, happy kind of girl. She would help anyone out in need,' she said.

'Our hearts break, because we know she is innocent, but stands little chance of proving it in such a corrupt country.'

Her arrest came while Cassandra was planning a wedding next February to her fiance and 'love of her life' Scott Broadbridge, 23.

They got engaged in October on a cruise to Vanuatu and New Caledonia and have dated for just over 18 months.

Khala said her sister was tricked into being a drug mule by a man she just met who handed her a package containing the concealed drugs

Her family says she is innocent and being 'set up'

'I'm devastated that my little girl is in this place. I'm scared to death for her. Our family just wants her home safe,' her mother Lisa Evans (L) said

Khala said her sister was tricked into being a drug mule by a man she just met who handed her a package containing the concealed drugs.

She said Cassandra saw some headphones and decided to buy them as gifts for her bridal party and family friends, and a man who was showing her around said a friend could get them cheaper.

The cocaine was concealed in the packing of more than 15 headphones she was given the morning of her flight home.

'It came to her already packaged and concealed and she put it straight in her suitcase. Shes very naive,' Khala told 9 News.

Cassandra grew up on the Yorke Peninsula before moving to Adelaide and has three huskies Buster, Bella and Rex living with her and Mr Broadbridge.

'She has her full life ahead of her, and now its all put on the line because of this. We miss her so much, and since we have very little contact with her its very hard,' her sister said.

Khala said her sister found a Colombian lawyer but he suggested pleading guilty to lesser charges to avoid an up to 25-year jail sentence.

Khala said her sister (pictured) found a Colombian lawyer but he suggested pleading guilty to lesser charges to avoid an up to 25-year jail sentence

Cassandra was planning a wedding to her fiance and 'love of her life' Scott Broadbridge (L) after they got engaged in October on a cruise to Vanuatu and New Caledonia

The personal trainer from Adelaide was denied bail and is being held at the overcrowded El Buen Pastor women's prison (pictured) until her hearing in two months

'I'm devastated that my little girl is in this place. I'm scared to death for her. Our family just wants her home safe,' her mother Lisa Evans said.

'I cant believe this has happened to an innocent young women,Anyone who knows Cassie, knows she did not do this. It can happen to anyone,' her grandmother Barbara Johns added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing assistance to an Australian woman arrested in Colombia in accordance with the Consular Services Charter.

'Due to our privacy obligations, we are unable to release further information,' it said.

Prison inmates are searched in the El Buen Pastor women's prison at Bogota
Amir Khan's wife has declared that she won't back down in the feud with her husband's family.

Faryal Makhdoom said that she 'doesn't give a s**t' about the ongoing row, because the Bolton boxer always comes home to her.

The make-up artist Faryal has had a tumultuous few months in which she became embroiled in a huge row with her husband's family, claiming they accused her of being a gold digger and dressing in an un-Islamic fashion.

Amir Khan's wife (pictured at the Amir Khan Foundation and Shilpa Shetty Foundation charity event last night) has declared that she won't back down in the feud with her husband's family

Faryal Makhdoom said that she 'doesn't give a s**t' about the ongoing row, because the Bolton boxer always comes home to her

Earlier this year, Faryal gave her sports-star hubby an ultimatum to choose between her or his family after months of infighting and rows (Amir's parents are pictured)

Pictured are Tabinda Khan and Mariyah Khan - sisters of the champion boxer - who have also fallen out with Faryal

But she told the Daily Star: 'After everything Amir has been through I'm the only one still standing here  no one else is. I don't see some of his friends, I don't see some of his family members.

'But I'm still here. That makes him realise, "she is The One". After all the negativity and stuff Amir gets, at the end of the day he comes home to me. So I really don't give a s**t.

The couple were hit by further drama when a sex tape of Khan performing a sex act on a webcam while chatting with a model was leaked to a US porn site.

Earlier this year, Faryal gave her sports-star hubby an ultimatum to choose between her or his family after months of infighting and rows.

Faryal banned the boxer from attending his younger brother Haroon's wedding because she still can't forgive him for comparing her to Michael Jackson.

And she also harbours fears that more sex tapes of her husband could emerge, putting further pressure on their relationship.

Glam duo: Boxer Amir Khan and his wife Faryal made a stylish appearance at a sports

The sex tape, which was reportedly been leaked to a major US porn site, featured the former world champion boxer carrying out a sex act while speaking to a female model on Skype.

The Khans appeared on This Morning last month to claim that the webcam footage of Khan was made before they met.

The couple, who live in Bolton, Greater Manchester and married in the US 2013, also suggested it was leaked out of spite by someone once 'close' to them.

Meanwhile, Haroon said he was 'bitterly disappointed' at the boxer not attending the wedding and said he was upset that his famous brother 'didn't even send a message of congratulations.'

'Amir told Faryal that would cause an outcry if they didn't go.'

'She said if he went it would be alone which would show he had disowned her in favour of pleasing Haroon. She can't forget about those remarks, they really hurt her.

And to add a further blow, Amir's father revealed he would never talk to Faryal ever again after he was 'humiliated' following his sacking as the boxer's manager.

Mr Khan has always managed his son's professional career, seeing him through the ups and down of the 30-year-old champion boxer's life.

'He feels humiliated in his community, in my own homes, and globally,' a family friend told MailOnline. 'Credit for that goes to Faryal who got Amir to do it.'
Hawaiian Senator Will Espero (above) has proposed a bill that would ban the sale of chemical sunscreens across the islands

Ingredients in some sunscreens may be killing Hawaii's coral reefs, studies show.

That's why Hawaiian Senator Will Espero proposed a bill that would ban the sale of chemical sunscreens, which contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, across the islands, except under medical prescriptions.

Espero argued that a ban is crucial to maintaining the health of coral reefs - a tourist attraction that generates $356million annually, Popular Science reports.

'We could do a study but that would mean everything would be delayed for another 10 to 12 months. Many of us believe that we need to take action now,' he told the KITV 4.

Espero and others came to this conclusion on the strength of several studies that point to oxybenzone as a cause of coral bleaching. This happens when corals are stressed by changes in conditions, according to the National Ocean Service.

Some studies suggest that even a drop of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate is enough to damage the fragile reefs.

The National Park Service has warned, 'If its on your skin, its on the reef!', and suggests beachgoers apply a mineral sunscreen containing titanium oxide, or zinc oxide, instead.

Chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate that may be dangerous to the reefs

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays, while its mineral counterpart does the opposite.

The chemical filters can wash off the skin into the water while swimming, snorkeling or even using a beach shower.

Researchers have found oxybenzone concentrations in some Hawaiian waters at more than 30 times the level considered safe for corals, according to Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The popular beaches of Maui have already suffered the consequences, reports Scientific American. People have reported seeing a sheen of sunscreen coating the water's surface at some beaches.

'In many geographic locations, oxybenzone and sunscreen pollution poses a serious environmental hazard,' said Craig Downs, executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Clifford, Virginia.

Espero's bill draws largely from the research of Downs and his team. They reported in 2016 that oxybenzone was toxic to seven coral species in lab tests.

'Oxybenzone - it kills [coral]. It turns them into zombies if it doesn't kill them outright. It makes them sterile and you do not get coral recruitment,' Downs said.

The popular beaches of Maui have already suffered the consequences. Pictured is the mesophotic coral ecosystem located on the island's Au'au Channel

This problem is not unique to Hawaii. Other places have banned the use of chemical sunscreens, including Xel-Ha in Cancuns Riviera Maya.

Researchers estimate that 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash off into the world's oceans annually.

Despite this, Espero's bill has met resistance from sunscreen manufacturers, such as L'Oreal. The companies argue that there is not enough evidence that chemical sunscreens harm coral reefs to justify a ban.

But Espero insists the public support is there and that chemical sunscreens will be banned in Hawaii.

'We have advocates and science on our side. Fishermen, boat owners, sailors, ocean-sports enthusiasts, ocean-tour operators and environmentalists rely on the ocean for recreation and jobs. Opponents will be out there, but supporters as well,' he said.
The daughter of Tennessee science teacher Tad Cummins says she will stand by her disgraced father after he spent a month on the run with his 15-year-old student.

Ashley Cummins, 26, told Inside Edition her dad needed to know that not everyone was against him following his arrest last week over the kidnapping of Elizabeth Thomas.

'He was the definition of what a good father should be and he still is. I believe that,' Ashley said.

The 26-year-old said she hadn't yet asked Cummins about why he kidnapped Thomas but added that she would visit him in jail.

Ashley Cummins, 26, said she will stand by her disgraced father Tad Cummins after he spent a month of the run with his 15-year-old student Elizabeth Thomas

Tad Cummins, 50, (left) disappeared with 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas (right) last month and was on the run for 39 days before police caught up with them in a California cabin

Ashley's mother Jill Cummins, who filed for divorce from her husband after he abducted the girl five weeks ago, said while she may never speak to him again she had to let her daughter have a relationship with him.

Cummins, 50, was arrested last week in northern California in a cabin near Cecilville, California, where he was hiding out with Thomas after the pair vanished from their hometown of Columbia, Tennessee, on March 13.

Their disappearance sparked a nationwide manhunt and Amber Alerts in several states before they were finally tracked down on April 20.

Mrs Cummins revealed in another interview last week that her estranged husband confessed to having sex with the teenage girl when he called her from jail to beg for forgiveness.

Mrs Cummins told Inside Edition she had asked him straight out; 'did you sleep with her?'

'Yes I did,' he replied, according to his wife who said she hadn't wanted to hear any details of their relationship, but she had already known the truth.

'I just wanted to hear it from him to me.'

Jill Cummins, the wife of Tad Cummins, who went on the run with his 15-year-old student claims he admitted he's slept with the teen and begged her forgiveness after he was caught

Ashley's (left) mother Jill Cummins, (right) who filed for divorce from her husband after he abducted the girl five weeks ago, said while she may never speak to him again she had to let her daughter have a relationship with him

The disgraced teacher had tried to beg his wife for forgiveness but Mrs Cummins said it was too late.

'I won't let him hurt me like that again,' she said, adding that Tad keeps calling her from jail but she refuses to pick up. 'I will not let him betray me like that again. I won't give him the opportunity, ever again.'

According to court papers, Mrs Cummins first learned of her husband's disappearance when she came home on March 13 to find a note saying he was 'traveling to Virginia Beach or the D.C. area to clear his mind.'

Mrs Cummins issued a statement saying she was glad the teenager was safe after the pair were found but made no mention of her husband. Elizabeth was taken to a safe house to be reunited with relatives last week after being found.

A few days after his arrest, Mrs Cummins got the call from jail.



'It was very hard to hear his voice after all this time not knowing if I was going to hear it again,' she said. 'But he told me he was sorry. He told me he loved me and to please forgive him.'

But she could not bring herself to say 'I love you' back.

Jill Cummins (pictured on Monday) filed for divorce from Tad Cummins after he ran off with Elizabeth Thomas five weeks ago

'I of course went into a rage of, "Do you know what you've done to me? Do you know what you've done to your girls and your grandchildren?" He pretty much just over and over said, "I'm sorry,"' she said.

In the weeks before she vanished, Elizabeth had updated her social media profiles to describe herself as a 'wife' and referred several times to a 'mission' that was 'almost complete'.

'As far as Jill was concerned their marriage was rock solid,' a friend said. 'But there's no coming back from the hurt and humiliation he's put her through. It was the ultimate betrayal.'

Jill Cummins' full interview with Inside Edition will air tonight and Friday.

Her husband remains in custody where he faces up to life in jail for one federal count of transporting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity across state lines.

The pair were caught on store surveillance footage in Tennessee the days after they vanished having both dyed their hair

The pair disappeared from Columbia, Tennessee, on March 13. They traveled to Alabama the next day then on to Oklahoma where they were spotted on March 15 before dropping off the radar until April 20 when they were found in a cabin in northern California

Prosecutors in Sacramento claimed on Monday that Tad Cummins changed his license plates, paid in cash and even planned to take a boat from San Diego to Mexico, to keep one step ahead of the police.

Once across the border, he may have been planning to take her even further in to South America, they said.

The documents, filed in federal court on Monday morning ahead of his first hearing, claim he admitted to switching license plates on his car several times and disabling its GPS system to avoid being caught.

He paid for essentials, including chocolate for the teenager, with cash and only took back roads to avoid roadside surveillance, they claim.

'The defendant had plans to attempt to escape across the United States border to Mexico. He then planned to seek passage to countries further south of Mexico.

'In furtherance of this plan, the defendant procured a small watercraft and conducted a test run to cross into Mexico across the water from San Diego.

'The defendant also considered the feasibility of a land crossing into Mexico,' they said.

Cummins spoke only briefly in court to confirm his identity, and agreed to be returned to Tennessee to face trial there, according to WAAY TV.

Authorities found the pair in this remote cabin in Cecilville, California

Judge Kendall Newman agreed that Cummins should not be allowed any release terms after being told by the prosecution that he had played a 'cat and mouse game' with officers who were hunting him.

Assistant US attorney Jason Hitt added that Cummins had used 'his position of trust as a school teacher' to commit the alleged crime.

That - and Cummins allegedly having two guns in the vehicle when he and the missing girl were found Thursday - make him a danger, he said.

He also had at least seven pills of erectile dysfunction drug Cialis, they said.

'During his flight, the defendant engaged in a daring cat-and-mouse run from law enforcement in order to further his own prurient desires while engaging in a number of sophisticated maneuvers to avoid being caught,' prosecutors said in the documents.

'His actions in evasion were criminal.'

Cummins appeared in court for his first hearing on Monday. According to the prosecutors, he planned to take Thomas to Mexico, and then on to countries further south

'This level of sophistication demonstrates that he cannot be trusted with conditions, or any combination of conditions, of release while awaiting trial in the Middle District of Tennessee.'

Cummins and Thomas were found last Thursday after a nationwide manhunt which lasted five weeks.

Police were pointed to them by the caretaker of the cabin. A SWAT team broke in on them in a 4am raid, arresting Cummins and taking Elizabeth to safety.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an Amber Alert for the schoolgirl in March when she failed to come home after being dropped off at a restaurant.

As their hunt for the pair intensified, sickening details of her relationship with the teacher, a grandfather and self-described 'Jesus freak', emerged.

The pair left emails for one another on his classroom computer and were seen by other students at the school where he taught kissing in front of his grandson.

Bosses suspended Cummins after police launched an investigation into the claims.

The day before they vanished, he was seen on surveillance footage buying women's hair dye.

Police say Cummins (left) switched the license plates on his car several times and disabled its GPS system to avoid detection as he fled with Thomas (right)

Once on the run, they were spotted again in store surveillance footage in Alabama and then in Oklahoma having both changed their hair and clothes.

Numerous reported sightings of the pair were made across the country for weeks as police hunted them.

They included reports that the duo were in Corpus Christi, a border town on Texas's south east coast.

Police eventually tracked them down on April 20 in a cabin in Siskiyou County, a rural area north of the city of Redding, in California.

Cummins' sister spoke out on Monday to say that he believed he had done nothing wrong.

'He's done this horrible thing, that he has to pay for. But he's still my brother and I love him,' Daphne Quinn told the Today show.

'The answer he gave me was that she wanted to run away and that she wanted to leave and he didn't want her to go alone and so he went with her so that he knew she would be safe,' she added.
A family of five said they have forked out 88,000 of taxpayers money on hotels over the past three years after 'failures' by a council left them homeless.

Luke and Olga Burns first moved into a hotel with their daughters Alina and Lolita, now 11 and 10, in 2014 after floods damaged their privately-rented property in Bridgwater, Somerset, in 2012.

They informed the landlord, who they say ignored their requests to fix it - forcing them to complain to the Sedgemoor District Council who issued an Improvement Notice to him.

Scroll down for video

The Burns family (Lolita, 11, mother Olga, 40, baby Nicolas, 11 months, father Luke, 42, and Alina, 10) have been forced to live in a Premier Inn

Their trouble started when their privately-rented home in Bridgwater, Somerset was damaged by heavy rain in the floods of 2012

Above is a letter Luke received from Bristol City council stating their denial of responsibility over their housing issue

But instead of fixing it, the landlord gave them notice to leave - but the family stayed because they claim they simply didn't have the cash to pay for upfront moving costs.

Meanwhile, unbeknown to the family, the landlord wasn't being paid their full housing benefit by Sedgemoor Council for seven months as the flat was deemed unfit to live in.

When the case was brought to court in 2014 after they failed to relocate, the family said the outstanding amount was 480, which was 'used against them' by Bristol City Council as apparent proof they did not pay their rent in full and had made themselves 'intentionally homeless'.

The family initially moved into a hotel in Bristol in 2014, believing it would be for just a week, while they submitted applications for a council home, but they have ended up remaining in hotels since.

The couple say they have spent around 88,000 in total on hotels, at times moving on a daily basis to get the most affordable deals.

How much cash they receive Nicolas and Lolita are partially sighted due to a rare genetic syndrome which includes a degenerative eye condition, meaning they regularly have to attend hospital appointments. Every week the family get 176 housing benefit, 220 tax credits and 75 Jobseeker's Allowance. They also get 62 carers allowance and 55 disability living allowance due to the childrens' eye condition. They claim they don't qualify for food bank support as they don't have a council support worker. Advertisement

With only enough money to pay for a short term solution, they fork out between 60 to 110 a night at different Premier Inns.

Caught in a cycle, they are forced to live hand to mouth, unable to save enough for a deposit from their 588 weekly benefits to privately rent.

Olga, 40, said: 'At first we tried to make light of it for the children - pretend it was an adventure - but they know this isn't how we want to live.

'This situation has robbed us of years of our lives. We have forgotten what the comfort of home feels like.

'I look forward to the day where I can stop feeling guilty.'

Sedgemoor District Council and Bristol City Council spent four months arguing over who should take responsibility for them, Luke said, leading to homelessness charity Shelter intervening.

Bristol took responsibility and accepted their application, but then rejected it in December that year. They appealed but were unsuccessful.

They spent 2015 moving around approximately ten hotels in the South West area, trying - but failing - to get a deposit together from their benefits.

Olga then gave birth to Nicolas unexpectedly in May 2016, and they resubmitted a homelessness application due to their change in circumstances, but the council refused again  an action now ruled as a 'fault' and 'failure' by the Local Government Ombudsman.

Since he was born, the extra benefits means they have mostly been able to stay in a single Premier Inn, not moving around as they once did.

At times of absolute desperation the family has been bailed out by Olga's parents and family in Russia and Ukraine. Her parents have taken out 3,000 worth of loans on their flat in Voronezh, Russia.

Their landlord kicked them out in 2014 following a court hearing and Bristol City Council refused their homeless application

The devoted parents live in fear of the day they cannot afford a room or their children will be taken in to care

Unable to repay, they could become homeless themselves if they are not reimbursed this year.

Olga said: 'My dream - all I want - is to be sat in my own home on the sofa next to my husband, watching the TV surrounded by my family.

'I don't want to be wondering where our next meal with come from, or whether there will be a knock at the door telling us to leave.'

Luke and Olga met in Moscow where he was working for the foreign office in immigration, and she was an English language teacher. They came back to the UK in 2003 where she continued to teach, and he was a health and safety adviser with Defra. But he was made redundant in 2010 while she was looking after the children full-time.

Luke, 42, said: 'We'd love to get jobs - me and my wife both have degrees.

'The hotels don't want us using their address, and without one I've struggled with applications.

'I have had interviews where I have just not given an address, but three years in a hotel has taken its toll on our clothing.

'I don't know if it's because I haven't got a suit to wear anymore - I can't really justify buying one when we're wondering where next weeks hotel money is coming from.

'I could tutor from home, but we don't have a home to teach from.'

The family appealed to the Local Government Ombudsman over the council's lack of help in August 2016.

The family have spent many Christmases and Birthdays in the hotels as they have been unable to get their own home

Their youngest child, Nicolas, was conceived unexpectedly in a hotel in Bristol on the only day the pair had alone

In February they were sent a draft decision - currently being considered by the council - ruling the authority were wrong to disregard the family.

It said the Ombudsman is considering a public report into the council's failings and added: 'The council should immediately make an appointment with Mr X to register both a homeless and housing application.

'The council is at fault for failing to take a homeless application in 2016 and failing to assess a housing application in 2014.

'It is at fault for not sharing important information between departments and not keeping adequate records.

'It is at fault for stopping payment of storage charges without following the proper procedure.

Lolita is seen reading to Nicolas a few days after he and Olga returned to the hotel from the hospital

Luke and Olga met in Moscow where he was working for the foreign office in immigration, and she was an English language teacher. They came back to the UK in 2003 where she continued to teach, and he was a health and safety adviser with Defra. But he was made redundant in 2010

'The council has caused substantial injustice to Mr X and his family.

'It is not possible to assess the full level of injustice until the council has taken and assessed a homeless and housing application from Mr X.'

The final report is due in mid-May, but it said the council must help while it considers 'other remedies'.

Luke said the Ombudsman said families caused 'injustice' in the past have been paid backdated remedies of 350 a month.

In his case, should this be back dated to when they first moved into the hotel, the amount would be 12,600.

Still the family - who have not received any legal help or funding - is in the hotel while the council considers the application and report.

Sedgemoor District Council response A spokeswoman for Sedgemoor District Council said: 'During the period Maximum Housing Benefit (HB) was awarded, calculated at Local Housing Allowance (LHA) levels. 'Where there is a shortfall between LHA and actual rent, a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) may be applied for as a temporary fix. 'There were a number of DHP awards to address the shortfall, with the final application being refused. 'An applicant receives written notification, whether successful or declined, each time an application for HB or a DHP is made and in this case our records show this to be the case. 'The applicant was made fully aware of their entitlement and therefore the shortfall in rent.' Advertisement

'If we don't get out of here by Summer, when prices go up again, I don't know how we'll cope,' said Olga.

'Every day we live in fear of that knock on the door saying we have to leave.'

He added they are terrified that their unstable living situation could end up with their three children being put into care.

He said: 'The pressure of knowing that the first night we are unable to pay for the hotel room could result in us losing our children is terrifying.

'This would be by putting them into care, leaving my wife and I on the streets, physically destroying our family.

'The pressure of that threat is overwhelming.'

A Bristol City Council spokeswoman said: 'This is a draft report which is confidential. We have provided a detailed response to the Ombudsman. As this case is still ongoing we are unable to comment any further but will do once the final report has been published.'
A Canadian Trekkie has had his Star Trek-themed license plate revoked after his insurance firm deemed it 'offensive.'

Nick Troller was driving round with his 'ASIMIL8' custom plate for almost two years before he was contacted by the Manitoba Public Insurance to say he would have to give it up.

The phrase 'ASIMIL8' refers to the Borgs - the villains of Star Trek: The Next Generation - who want to assimilate all other alien races into their own.

A Canadian Trekkie has had his Star Trek-themed 'ASIMIL8' license plate revoked after his insurance firm deemed it 'offensive'

Troller argues that the Star Trek reference is an obvious one. Alongside the plate, are quotes; 'We are the Borg,' and 'Resistance is Futile.'

But Manitoba Insurance disagrees.

They say they have received a number of complaints calling the plates insensitive in the light of Canada's history of trying to assimilate Indigenous people.

'I'm very disappointed that they're going to take my plate away from me. I struggled to figure it out and, I don't know, it's not very good. I'm upset and hurt,' Troller told The Star.

Nick Troller (with his plate) was driving round with his 'ASIMIL8' custom plate for almost two years before he was told he would have to give it up

Troller argues that the Star Trek reference is an obvious one. Alongside the plate, are quotes; 'We are the Borg,' and 'Resistance is Futile'

A Manitoba spokesman said that personalized plates can be recalled if they are deemed offensive, and cannot include any curse words, sexual language or innuendo, racial or political messages and any alcohol/drug-related words.

Troller said he can sympathize with anyone who was offended by the plate, but says the phrase was a clear reference to his favorite show.

'You're taking the whole thing out of context and if you're looking at the plate itself you can see the context that it's in, and that's not anything to do with anything but that. And that makes it a little frustrating,' said Troller.

He also claims that he was never even given the chance to defend his plate before he was told to hand it over.

'They had two complaints and that's it, I lost it. Anybody who has a plate that is questionable, if somebody complains, you lose it,' said Troller who has been given until May 1 to turn them in.
The former girlfriend of Facebook killer Steve Stephens says he left her a voicemail promising to be a better man in the days before he killed an elderly man at random.

Stephens filmed himself shooting dead Robert Godwin in Cleveland on April 16 after telling the 74-year-old that his girlfriend Joy Lane was the reason he was about to die.

The 37-year-old killer posted the footage on Facebook and sparked a three day manhunt that ended with Stephens committing suicide when police cornered him in Pennsylvania.

Lane told Inside Edition that everything had seemed normal several days before the murder but Stephens had a gambling problem that had caused some friction.

Scroll down for video

Joy Lane, the former girlfriend of Facebook killer Steve Stephens said she was devastated that the murder of a 74-year-old man in Cleveland on April 16 was carried out in her name

She had told him to choose between his gambling addiction or her.

'I'm motivated to just strive to be the best in life now,' Stephens said in a voicemail message to Lane just days before the killing.

'I'm really motivated,' he added.

Lane said she was haunted by the fact Stephens tried to call her twice before he carried out the murder in her name. She texted him back but never heard from him again.

Moments before Stephens shot Godwin, he could be heard asking the victim to repeat the name 'Joy Lane' before saying that 'she's the reason that this is about to happen to you'.

Lane opened up for the first time in the Inside Edition interview saying while she was devastated the murder was carried out in her name, she still loved him.

'I miss the Steve that I knew, not the Facebook killer,' Lane said.

Stephens went on the rampage after his girlfriend, Joy Lane, broke up with him earlier in the day. The former couple pictured above

Stephens was wanted on aggravated murder charges for killing 74-year-old Robert Godwin and then posting video of the shooting (above) to Facebook

'I think of him as a good guy who did something really wrong. I believe Steve loved me probably like no man has ever loved me before.

'I didn't fall in love with that person, I fell in love with the other guy.'

Lane told the program they were still living together days before the shooting and she had no idea he was going to snap.

Stephens took to Facebook on Easter Sunday to share footage of the horrifying moment he drove up to his elderly victim, got out of his car and opened fire.

Godwin, who had nine children with various partners and a number of grandchildren, was on an afternoon walk when he was approached by Stephens.

'Finally found somebody I'm going to kill, I'm going to go kill this old dude,' Stephens could be heard saying in the Facebook video.

Godwin could be seen trying to shield himself with a plastic bag just seconds before he was shot.

Shortly after the murder, Stephens' cellphone pinged in Erie. It seems he had stayed put in the town - located 100 miles east of Cleveland - since then

Police were tailing Stephens' white Ford Fusion (above) on April 18 when he shot himself
Two men have been charged for alleged assaulting two parishioners and a security guard outside a Hillsong church on Friday night.

Police said a group of young men were on their way to Redfern station when they got into an argument with a second group about 9.45pm on Friday.

They alleged the church's security guard intervened after he saw an 18-year-old struck in the face but was then himself punched in the head.

Scroll down for video

Two men have been charged for alleged assaulting two parishioners and a security guard outside a Hillsong church on Friday night

They alleged the church's security guard intervened after he saw an 18-year-old struck in the face but was then himself punched in the head

The 33-year-old was knocked unconscious and hit his head on the pavement, breaking his cheekbone and developing a bleed in his brain.

He was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

A 21-year-old Hillsong worshiper was also assaulted before the second group fled the scene, but received only minor injuries.

The church previously said their parishioners were going home after a youth meeting at the Waterloo church.

The 33-year-old was knocked unconscious and hit his head on the pavement, breaking his cheekbone and developing a bleed in his brain

A 21-year-old Hillsong worshiper was also assaulted before the second group fled the scene, but received only minor injuries

One man was charged with one count of bodily harm and one of common assault and the other faced two counts of bodily harm.

One is due in Burwood Local Court on Monday, the other in Downing Centre Local Court on May 22.

'Last night a small group of young people who had just attended our church youth meeting at Waterloo were attacked on the way home via a local train station,' the church said on Saturday.

'Last night a small group of young people who had just attended our church youth meeting at Waterloo were attacked on the way home via a local train station,' the church said on Saturday

Our security guard saw the incident and intervened, but was himself attacked and injured.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims who are now recovering, and we are supporting them and their families.

'We are shocked that this happened so close to our church and we will continue to review security at our Waterloo campus.'
Robert Plant, 36, was handed a life sentence for the 'savage murder' and sexual assault of mother-of-three, 34, who was jogging near his home in Nimes in the south of France. Pictured, a photofit of Robert Plant

An expat Englishman was handed a life sentence for slashing a mother-of-three to death with a Stanley knife in the south of France.

Robert Plant, 36, from Dartford, Kent, was found guilty of killing neighbour Joudia Zimmat, 34, in a suburb of Nimes, where he lived with his mother.

Plant behaved like a 'violent pervert' and dragged Mrs Zimmat to the ground before sexually assaulting her, prosecutor Stephane Bertrand told Nimes Correctional Court.

Mrs Zimmat, who had been jogging near Plant's home, 'desperately tried to defend herself' but was stabbed to death.

She had been stabbed in the face so many times she was 'unrecognisable to anybody', Mr Bertrand told the court.

Decorator and picture restorer Plant used rocks and stones to further mutilate Mrs Zimmat's corpse.

Her partly-clothed body was discovered by a police sniffer dog in scrubland a few hours after the January 24th 2013 attack after she failed to pick up her children  then aged three, six and nine  from school.

Neighbour Joudia Zimmat was stabbed to death with a Stanley knife and her body was mutilated by rocks and stones. Pictured, decorator and picture restorer Plant being arrested

Her partly-clothed body was discovered by a police sniffer dog in scrubland a few hours after the January 24th 2013 attack, near the home Plant shares with his mother in Courbessac, near Nimes

A cameraman films on January 29, 2013 in Courbessac, south eastern France, the home of a British man arrested today as part of the inquiry into the murder of a female jogger, whose body was found on January 24, 2013 in the french village

Plant was sentenced to 30 years in prison and he will not be eligible for parole for at least two decades.

DNA evidence was used to convict Plant, but he continually insisted that he was a schizophrenic who had 'disappeared into a black hole' and 'could not remember hurting anyone'.

The principal cause of death was a '15 cm x 7 cm slaughter wound' in Mrs Zimmat's neck, according to prosecution documents.

Plant told the court he had 'flashbacks to another person' carrying out the attack on the isolated road where he lived in Courbessac  a quite residential area of Nimes popular with Middle Class families.

Plant's mother, Esther Plant, was also arrested after allegedly providing a false alibi, claiming he had been at home with her at the time of the murder.

Plant was sentenced to 30 years behind bars at Nimes Correctional Court and will not be able to apply for parole for at least two decades. Pictured at court on April 27

It later emerged she had been in Paris visiting her daughter, Victoria. Mrs Plant was later released without charge.

Even though witnesses said they saw Plant heading to and from from the murder scene, Plant said he had no idea how and why blood had appeared on his hands.

Mr Bertrand said Plant was 'a pervert and not a mad man', and that he had 'committed a particularly brutal crime.'

Defence lawyer Jerome Boursican said 10 years would have been a 'just sentence' and he would appeal on behalf of Plant. Plant insisted he was a schizophrenic who couldn't remember what happened

Jerome Boursican, for the defence, said 10 years would have been a 'just sentence', and that he would appeal the 30 years on behalf of Plant.

He cited a psychiatric report that diagnosed a 'simple schizophrenia' in his client  a condition that means Plant's mental health will also be monitored for at least 10 years.

Plant had lived in France since the age of 10, never leaving his mother's five-bedroomed detached villa in Courbessac.

The family had moved abroad when Plant's father, Dennis, got a job with a telecommunications firm. He died in 2012.

Mrs Zimmat, who was of a Tunisian background, ran in the afternoon regularly, while her husband, Jamal, was at work, and the children were at a school.

Nimes is in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of the South of France, and is hugely popular with British expatriates and tourists.
A young Hobart woman whose boyfriend allegedly doused her in accelerant and set her on fire is responding to sound and moving her limbs, her family says.

Nicole Evans, 20, was flown to Melbourne in a critical condition early on Tuesday and will require 'many months' of treatment.

She remains an induced coma in The Alfred hospital with burns to more than 50 per cent of her body.

Nicole Evans, an aged care worker from Hobart, remains in a critical condition after allegedly being set alight by her fiance Matthew Davey (pictured together)

On Sunday, Ms Evans' friend Leslie Chambers said she had improved slightly.

'I am pleased to be able to report - having just been speaking with Nicole 's mother - that she is responding to sound and moving her limbs,' Leslie Chambers said on a Go Fund Me page set up for Ms Evans on Sunday.

'Her eyes are also moving under her eyelids. Her immediate family are relieved to witness this progress.'

A hospital spokeswoman said on Sunday night she was still in a critical but stable condition.

On Sunday, Ms Evans' (pictured) friend Leslie Chambers said she had improved slightly

Miss Evans was allegedly doused in petrol and set on fire and faces 'endless surgery'

The GoFundMe page had raised almost $22,000 of its $50,000 goal by Sunday night.

Hundreds of people have so far donated to the page and money will be used to support Ms Evans and her family during her recovery.

'Nicole would have done the same for anyone she loved or cared for,' Hobart woman Sheena Mclean said on the site.

'It's a waiting game for everyone especially her family and money should be the last of their worries. So thank you to everyone from Nicole's family.'

It's alleged Matthew John Davey, 34, doused Miss Evans with an accelerant and set her alight in a backyard shed.

He is charged with causing grievous bodily harm and other matters and has been remanded in custody to appear in the Supreme Court of Tasmania on June 13.

Miss Evans is in a 'grave' condition following the attack, Detective Inspector Craig Joel said

Loved ones have sent their support to Miss Evans, calling her a 'natural beauty' and a 'beautiful soul'.

Tasmania Police Detective Inspector Craig Joel said Miss Evans would take 'many months' to recover.

She is in an induced coma at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne after being flown over from Tasmania.

Friends said she faced 'endless surgery' as she battles to recover from her horrific injuries, which left more than half of her body badly burned.

Sheena Mclean, who set up a GoFundMe page for Miss Evans, described Miss Evans as a 'beautiful soul'.

'A precious daughter, a sister, an aunt and my beautiful soul of a friend Nicole was allegedly set alight by her fiance whose name I will not mention,' she said.

'As many of you I'm sure know she was quiet and shy at times, but when she was loud and outgoing oh boy did she put a smile on your face.

As well as being charged with setting his fiancee on fire, Davey, 34, is also accused of hitting Miss Evans in the face and throwing a can at her

'A true beauty she is and a gorgeous person in general and one of the most caring and forgiving and loving people I know.

'She was a joker, a natural beauty and had her head screwed on in life and knew what she wanted to do and where she wanted to go and she took that ride in life because she had that fire, that fight in her too do well in life.

'Not only will she need endless surgery, treatments, physical and mental help if she pulls through this horrible and heartbreaking tragedy but it will be ongoing for the rest of her life and also for her family.'

Police claim Davey, who has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, poured an accelerant over Miss Evans before setting her alight, 'causing extensive injuries'.

According to The Mercury, police prosecutor Oliver Hinss told Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday that doctors 'have grave concerns as to whether she will in fact survive'.

As well as being charged with setting his fiancee on fire, Davey, 34, is also accused of hitting Miss Evans in the face and throwing a can at her.

Injured: Miss Evans, 20, is clinging onto life after the horrific attack at a home in Hobart late on Monday night

Davey pleaded not guilty to all of the charges as he appeared in court on Wednesday.

He did not apply for bail.

An interim family violence order and restraint order have been lodged with the court, Tasmania Police said.

The case has been adjourned until June 13, when it will be heard in the Supreme Court.

Earlier this week Detective Inspector Craig Joel said Miss Evans was in a 'grave' condition following the attack.

He said an accelerant of some type, such as petrol, had been used in the alleged attack.

National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.
President Donald Trump lashed out Sunday morning at Democrats who are trying to save the battle-scarred Obamacare medical insurance overhaul, saying they are leaderless, obstructionist and selfish.

'The Democrats, without a leader, have become the party of obstruction,' he tweeted.

'They are only interested in themselves and not in what's best for [the] U.S.'

President Donald Trump blasted Democrats on Sunday morning for standing in the way of a plan to repeal and replace the Obamacare medical insurance law

In a series of tweets, the president called Democrats self-interested, obstructionist and ruderless

Trump appeared to be blasting left-wing politicians for fretting about insurance benefits that might be lost if the Republican-led Congress replaces the current system with something dramatically different.

'You can't compare anything to ObamaCare because ObamaCare is dead,' the president tweeted.

'Dems want billions to go to Insurance Companies to bail out donors....New healthcare plan is on its way. Will have much lower premiums & deductibles while at the same time taking care of pre-existing conditions!'

Trump said Saturday night that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer 'is a poor leader' who is 'leading the Democrats to doom,' but Schumer pushed back Sunday, saying Trump's Obamacare replacement crashed and burned solely because of Republicans' internal divisions

Trump rally-goer Michael DeHaven posed for a photo on Saturday with voodoo dolls depicting Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi

Trump said Saturday night during a Pennsylvania rally that he's growing weary of GOP leaders as they fight among themselves about the finer points of a replacement law.

He told supporters in Harrisburg that his patience is wearing thin.

Singling out two local congressmen, the president warned he would 'be so angry at congressman [Mike] Kelly and congressman [Tom] Marino, and all of our congressmen in this room if we don't get that damn thing passed quickly.'

But 'they'll get it done,' he added. 'We know them. They'll get it done.'

The first Republican repeal-and-replace bill crashed and burned when conservatives in the GOP refused to back it, saying it didn't go far enough.

Speaking of the Obamacare replacement legislation, at Saturday night's rally, Trump said he will be 'so angry ... if we don't get that damn thing passed quickly'

An amended version hit another brick wall on Thursday, and it's unclear how long it will take to arrive at a legislative blueprint that will satisfy both right-wing and centrist Republicans.

While the GOP fiddles, Trump is shifting blame to Democrats.

He said during Saturday's rally that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is a 'bad leader.'

'He is a poor leader  I've known him a long time  and he's leading the Democrats to doom.'

Schumer pushed back the following morning on 'Fox News Sunday,' saying that the failure 'wasn't the Democrats. He tries to blame the Democrats, but he didn't need a single Democratic vote to pass it in the house.'

'He couldn't do it. He couldn't do it twice. He ought to realize that they ought to back off repealing Obamacare.'
As immigration restrictions take hold with the dawn of the new presidential administration, migrant workers across the nation are fearful for their futures.

Nowhere is this more evident than at Churchill Downs, where behind the scenes of the lavish horse races that entertain the most elite of spectators, are the immigrants who clean stalls, bathe horses and cool the animals down after their workouts.

Now, the crackdown on immigration reform threatens to cause chaos in the industry, for both the tracks and for many of their workers.

Groom Cesar Abregu gives a bath to one of the horses being trained by Dale Romans following his morning workout at Churchill Downs, where many workers behind the scenes are concerned about their jobs following President Trump's immigration crackdown

While there's widespread acknowledgement that some jobs go to undocumented workers, many trainers rely on the H-2B visa program to supply immigrant workers legally, and the tightening of that program has contributed to a worker shortage.

Some argue that the presence of foreign workers has a downward drag on everybody else's income. But Dale Romans, a revered trainer in Churchill's history, says he can't find American workers to do the jobs.

'This is definitely a business that survives on an immigrant workforce,' Romans said. 'Without it, I don't know what we would do.'

Apprehension on immigration has been stoked by the election of Donald Trump, who staked out a role as an immigration hard-liner during the campaign and referred to some Mexican immigrants as rapists and murderers.

Revered trainer Dale Romans, right, called the business one that 'survives on an immigrant workforce,' where his assistant Baldemar Bahena, left, also immigrated Mexico

'I wouldn't say it's an extreme fear, but there is nervousness' among Churchill's immigrant workers, track chaplain Joseph del Rosario said.

'There's fear they're going to get kicked out just because they're not citizens.'

One 53-year-old backside hand who has worked at racetracks across the country said that he is concerned for his future following new regulations.

'I'm scared. Because one day, I don't know, they catch me and send me to Mexico,' he said.

The man, who agreed to an interview only on the condition his name not be used because he fears being exposed to immigration authorities, said his visa expired a couple of years ago but he has kept working, moving up the ranks in the barns where he works.

His family has made a life in the United States, and if he had to return to Mexico, he said, he'd probably toil in the avocado fields.

Many trainers rely on the H-2B visa program to supply immigrant workers legally, and the tightening of that program has contributed to a worker shortage

Even workers here legally on visas worry about the threat of immigration crackdowns.

Cesar Abrego, a 46-year-old groom, came from Guatemala on an H-2B visa.

'A lot of people here, they're scared,' he said. 'With the president coming, everybody says, "Be careful."'

Like many of the immigrant workers, Abrego dutifully sends money back home. He has three children to support, and worries the visa program that sustains his family will be cut.

He could find construction or roofing work in Guatemala, but believes his approximately $450-per-week take-home pay as a groom would be cut more than half.

It's a complicated, time-consuming process for horsemen to get visa workers to their barns. Trainers typically hire immigration attorneys to handle the paperwork.

The H-2B program is capped at 66,000 visas per year, and horse racing competes with many other industries for the coveted slots.

Applications far outpace available visas, and the crunch worsened when the program's 'returning worker' exemption expired last September.

Apprehension on immigration has been stoked by the election of Donald Trump, who staked out a role as an immigration hard-liner during the campaign

Congress has not reauthorized the exemption, which allowed existing H-2B visa holders to keep returning on the same visas, which weren't counted against the cap.

Immigration lawyers and members of horsemen's groups have been meeting with lawmakers in hopes of getting the exemption reinstated.

'The shortage of workers on the backside is severe,' said Will Velie, an Oklahoma-based immigration attorney.

Trainers unable to secure enough H-2B workers 'have a choice between turning away work or breaking the law if they can find people that are here undocumented,' he said.

At Barn 4 on the backside of Churchill, Romans' crew was down about 15 workers for the spring racing season at Keeneland in nearby Lexington, as the trainer prepared for the upcoming meet at Churchill.

Romans' latest Kentucky Derby contender is J Boys Echo, winner of the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.

Romans' latest Kentucky Derby contender is J Boys Echo, winner of the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct. For the spring season, he has been down about 15 workers

The staffing shortage was more dire for trainer Gary Patrick, who races mostly at tracks in Indiana and Florida. The 70-year-old Patrick had to wield a pitchfork to clean 20 stalls each morning as he waited for visas to be approved for more immigrant workers he wanted to hire.

'I'm in a trap,' said Patrick, who is in his 50th year as a trainer. 'I don't have any help and I'm killing myself. It's a bad situation for a trainer to be in. And I'm not the only one.'

Patrick has tried to hire local help. He rarely gets a response, and those that show interest don't last long. 'Two of them did show up and I got about three days out of them,' he said.

Not everyone at the track believes there is no alternative to hiring immigrants. Longtime Churchill backside worker Marc Olinsky sees them as the reason wages aren't higher.

Immigrant workers play a crucial role at Churchill Downs cleaning, bathing and exercising the horses. Exercise rider Christian Gonzalez is pictured right

Baldemar Bahena emigrated from Mexico and spoke little English but had a knack with horses. He worked his way through the ranks over the last three decades and is now a US citizen

'The trainers hired these guys for nothing, and they ran anybody who earned a salary out of here,' Olinsky said. 'I think immigrant workers that come here legally should do whatever they want to do in this country. And those that are illegal should get put in jail until they're sent home, period.'

Velie noted that visa workers are paid above minimum wage. A groom makes about $15 an hour, twice the federal minimum wage, he said.

'The H-2B program isn't used by the horsemen as a way to lower wages or to get around hiring Americans,' he said. 'It's a vehicle of last resort.'

Baldemar Bahena's journey toward the American dream started as a teenager on the backside of tracks. When he left Mexico on a visa, he spoke a little English but had a knack with horses.

More than 30 years later, Bahena oversees dozens of workers as Romans' top assistant.

Bahena and his wife became U.S. citizens and they settled into a four-bedroom home in Louisville. Their two teenage children are college bound.

'He's a great American success story,' Romans said of his friend.

But Bahena, 49, worries the door of opportunity may be closing behind him for other immigrant workers toiling at racetracks in search of a better life for their families.

Bahena, 49, worries the door of opportunity may be closing behind him for other immigrant workers toiling at racetracks in search of a better life for their families

'They're good people,' he said. 'They're working hard all the time. They're kind of scared.'

Bahena voted for Trump because of the Republican's business background, and said he holds out hope the new president will make things better.

'I tell everybody, just chill out a little bit and I think in another year or something, it'll be all right,' he said.

'I think he's going to change his mind because he's a real, real good businessman, and he's going to figure it out that these people are good people.'
Two men were arrested after allegedly tying a woman to a tree before shooting her dead in Seminole County, Oklahoma.

Matthew Onesimo Armstrong, 27, and Nicholas Earl Faulkner, 30, face charges for the kidnapping and murder of Nichole Owl on April 17.

Police told KFOR the men tied her to a tree to get her to tell them where she hid stolen drugs and money. They reportedly left her tied up near 363 Road for several hours.

Matthew Onesimo Armstrong (left) and Nicholas Earl Faulkner (right) face kidnapping and murder charges after allegedly tying Nichole Owl to a tree then shooting her

When they returned and Owl could not tell Armstrong where she hid the stolen items, he allegedly shot her several times, killing her.

Jessica Brown with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation told the station: 'One of the two, either Faulkner or Armstrong, believed it was an old Indian custom.

'If you could not remember where you placed something, then you were to be tied to a tree and that would help you to remember.'

The men reportedly tied Owl to a tree because one or both of them believed it was an old Native American custom to get someone to remember something

The men also allegedly covered Owl's body in concrete before burial so it would stay below ground when it rained later.

Police said on Facebook the unnamed third person who helped bury her reported the crime the next day.

Armstrong allegedly borrowed the gun from his father who was arrested for felony possession of a firearm.
President Donald Trump says he doesn't know if North Korea's despotic leader Kim Jong-Un is in his right mind, but he is clearly 'a smart cookie' and a force to be reckoned with.

Asked on CBS's 'Face the Nation' program to evaluate the communist strongman, the president hedged.

'People are saying, "Is he sane?" I have no idea,' he said.

'I can tell you this, and a lot of people don't like when I say it, but he was a young man of 26 or 27 when he took over from his father, when his father died. He's dealing with obviously very tough people, in particular the generals and others.'

'And at a very young age, he was able to assume power,' Trump continued. 'A lot of people, I'm sure, tried to take that power away, whether it was his uncle or anybody else. And he was able to do it. So obviously, he's a pretty smart cookie.'

President Donald Trump refused to rule out a military response against North Korea, saying he 'will not be happy' if Pyongyang conducts another nuclear test  but said he's not sure if despotic leader Kim Jong-Un is 'sane'

When asked if the United States would take military action against North Korea in the event of another nuclear test, Trump said: 'I don't know. I mean, we'll see'

Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona said the option of a pre-emptive military strike against North Korea must remain open as a last resort

Trump refused to rule out a military response to North Korea's provocative actions, saying he 'will not be happy' if Pyongyang conducts another nuclear test.

'I don't know. I mean, we'll see,' he said.

Trump is famously guarded about his strategic military thinking, but suggested that his administration will be the one to de-fang Kim.

'We cannot let what's been going on for a long period of years continue,' he said.

'And frankly, this should've been done and taken care of by the Obama administration. Should've been taken care of by the Bush administration. Should've been taken care of by Clinton.'

On CNN's 'State of the Union,' Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona said the option of a pre-emptive military strike against North Korea must remain open as a last resort.

'I think that we have to consider that option as the very last option, and for a number of reasons. And one of the reasons is because there's artillery on the DMZ [Demilitarized Zone] that can strike Seoul, a city of 26 million people, and the carnage would be horrendous.'

'To say you absolutely rule out that option of course would be foolish. But it has to be the ultimate last option,' McCain added.

Is he sane? Trump said communist dictator Kim Jong-Un is a 'smart cookie' but wouldn't rule out any military options against him

Did we or didn't we? The president wouldn't comment on potential U.S. involvement in the failure of a North Korean missile test hours before he was interviewed

Trump tweeted on Friday that North Korea 'disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected president when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile'

North Korea test-launched a missile just hours before Trump was interviewed by CBS News anchor John Dickerson, but the effort failed spectacularly.

As with earlier attempts, speculation ran rampant that the U.S. had cyber-hacked North Korea's military computer systems and sabotaged the test.

He refused to weigh in on the possibility in his CBS interview.

'I'd rather not discuss it. But perhaps they're just not very good missiles,' he jabbed.

'But eventually, he'll have good missiles.'

'It is a chess game,' Trump said. 'I just don't want people to know what my thinking is. So eventually, he will have a better delivery system. And if that happens, we can't allow it to happen.'

Trump was asked if his subtle and not-so-subtle threats against Pyongyang are working.

'Well, I didn't say, "Don't test a missile",' the president said.

In a show of force against North Korea, the US has dispatched one of its aircraft carriers, the USS Carl Vinson, to the waters off the Korean peninsula

'[Kim] is going to have to do what he has to do. But he understands we're not going to be very happy. And I will tell you, a man that I've gotten to like and respect  the president of China, President Xi  I believe has been putting pressure on him also.

'But so far, perhaps nothing's happened and perhaps it has. This was a small missile. This was not a big missile. This was not a nuclear test, which he was expected to do three days ago. We'll see what happens.'

When Trump was asked what he meant by 'not happy,' he reiterated: 'I would not be happy.'

'If he does a nuclear test, I will not be happy. And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either.'

A US official said the ballistic missile, thought to be a mid-range KN-17, was fired from a location in the South Pyeongan province in the early hours of Saturday morning local time.

It blew up over land before it ever reached its target of the Sea of Japan, landing around 22 miles from Pukchang airfield, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

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.
Dawn Brookfield, 53, from Knowle, West Midlands, threatened her ex-lover with a knife

A jilted mistress triggered an armed stand-off in her married ex-lovers hotel room after tricking her way inside while he was out and lying in wait for him on his bed wearing a negligee.

Nurse Dawn Brookfield persuaded hotel staff to let her into consultant neurologist Giles Elringtons room, then laid out presents and bottles of champagne.

But a court heard that when Mr Elrington returned to the hotel, where he was staying while working away from home, she pulled out a knife and barricaded the door after he rejected her.

The incident, which ended when police forced their way inside and arrested Brookfield, 53, was part of a long campaign against Mr Elrington, 60, and his wife Alison, 54, after he ended the affair.

Warwick Crown Court heard Mr Elrington, who works at Barts Health NHS Trust in London, and Brookfield began an on-off relationship a decade ago. But when Mrs Elrington found out, attempts were made to mend the marriage and the relationship with the defendant ceased, said Peter Cooper, prosecuting.

In November 2015 Brookfield contacted Mrs Elrington asking to meet her at a hotel in York, but she turned up with her husband, who made it clear he wanted no further contact with his ex-lover.

Brookfield then began a campaign of stalking and harassment, starting with a malicious 999 call to Essex ambulance service falsely claiming Mrs Elrington, a former nurse, had taken an overdose and was known to be violent and was at home with a young child.

Harassed: The Elringtons tired to patch up their marriage but Ms Brookfield's stalking made life difficult for the pair

Two months later, Mr Elrington was working in York when he was approached by Brookfield and agreed to see her later at his hotel to discuss their situation.

But when he returned he found her in his room lying on the bed wearing a nightie, said Mr Cooper. The room was strewn with Christmas presents and bottles of champagne.

When Mr Elrington tried to leave, she produced a knife and threatened him, the court heard. Police were alerted by Mrs Elrington, who he called before Brookfield snatched his phone.

Brookfield, who suffers from bipolar disorder, was not charged as Mr Elrington did not want to pursue a complaint.

But a week later a parcel addressed to his wife arrived at their home in West Bergholt, Essex, containing womens underwear, vitamins, abusive notes and a DVD of a film in which a man having an affair is killed by his mistress.

Dawn Brookfield, 53, from Knowle, West Midlands, admitted stalking and causing alarm or distress, but was given an eight-month suspended sentence

Brookfield, of Knowle, West Midlands, was arrested the next day after calling police with false allegations about Mrs Elrington.

In court, she admitted stalking and causing alarm or distress, but was given an eight-month suspended sentence after a judge considered pre-sentence and psychiatric reports, and a gracious plea from Mrs Elrington.

Recorder Nicholas Syfret QC told her: Youre a lady of 53 and have never been in trouble with the courts before.

Your case is one of those unfortunate cases where mental illness comes before the courts.

I have particular regard to what the doctor says, to the effect that you have a lifelong and relapsing condition of bipolar disorder.

He added: Mrs Elrington in particular suffered really quite considerable mental distress as a result of your obsession with her husband. You must have made her life a misery, but she has, in an act of considerable graciousness, said that she would not want you to be imprisoned.

Mr Syfret also imposed a restraining order banning Brookfield from contacting the couple.

Two months after the incident at the hotel Mr and Mrs Elrington were hit by tragedy when their son Tom, 30, died after taking a suspected overdose of legal highs he had obtained on the internet.

The court heard Brookfield is undergoing treatment. She has worked as a multiple sclerosis nurse for the NHS, as well as in the private sector.
A Melbourne man is set to become the first person convicted of breaking federal child marriage laws.

It comes as a record number of Victorian schoolgirls are forced into arranged marriages, with daughters from that state making up one-third of investigations.

The Melbourne man is likely to become the first person to be convicted under federal forced-marriage laws which came into effect in 2013, the Herald-Sun reports.

The man from Melbourne's northern suburbs is set to become the first person convicted under federal child bride laws

The man from the city's northern suburbs pleaded guilty to a forced marriage charge in March, relating to an incident in 2015.

He remains on bail and is due to appear in the Victorian County Court later this year, the Herald Sun reported.

Young girls are often sent overseas to be married while some are forced into matrimony in illegal ceremonies.

The Australian Federal Police investigated 69 alleged cases of child marriage between July 2015 and June 2016, with 19 investigations in Victoria alone, the newspaper story said.

The Australian Federal Police investigated 69 alleged cases of child marriage in 2015 and 2016

Ibrahim Omerdic is also faces charges related to an illegal marriage ceremony in Melbourne

In a separate case in Melbourne last month, Mohammad Shakir, 34, pleaded guilty to entering a marriage with a 14-year-old bride.

As part of the plea, two charges were withdrawn by prosecutors in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, including allegations Shakir had sex with the girl between September 30 and October 1, 2016, after their wedding.

The ceremony was conducted in Noble Park by former imam Ibrahim Omerdic, 61, who also faces charges relating to the illegal marriage.

He will front court in May for a contested hearing and was stood down from the Bosnian Islamic Society and Noble Park Mosque, after his November arrest, and later sacked.
Jeremy Corbyn vowed to give unions more power today as he signalled that billions of pounds more public spending would be funded by tax hikes.

The veteran left-winger made clear his determination to return to Old Labour values as the party unveiled a package designed to bolster his union paymasters.

Restrictions on calling strikes would be scrapped, and businesses would have to give unions free access to workplaces.

There would be a cap on how much bosses of firms doing government work could earn, and corporation tax could go up from 20p to 28p.

The 'rich' - who shadow chancellor John McDonnell has previously defined as anyone earning more than 70,000 - would also face tax increases.

But the 20-point plan published by the party quickly ran into trouble as even one of Mr Corbyn's closest allies struggled to explain how the pay cap could function in reality.

Jeremy Corbyn, pictured at a teacher's union conference today, pledged to raid businesses to pump 3billion into schools as the party set out plans to bolster unions

The package to end the 'rigged economy' includes repealing the Trade Union Act, which ensure that strikes cannot be held unless there is a ballot with at least 50 per cent turnout.

Unions would also be guaranteed access to workplaces even if they are not recognised, and there would be a ban on zero hours contracts.

Mr McDonnell said Labour would fund policies by 'ending the tax giveaways to the corporations and the rich'.

'These policies will be the cornerstone of the next Labour government's programme to bring an end to the rigged economy that many experience in workplaces across Britain,' he said.

'The scandal of six million people earning less than the living wage, and four million children growing up in poverty are not inevitable. It only takes a change of government to bring these outrages to an end.'

He told ITV's Peston on Sunday there would be 'no increase in income tax for middle and low earners'.

Both Labour and the Tories have pledged that VAT will not go up, but stopped short of giving blanket assurances on income tax and national insurance.

Labour is expected to target rises to inheritance tax as well as corporation tax - but the Conservatives and Lib Dems have accused them of 'nonsense' arithmetic that involves allocating the same funds to multiple policies.

The pay cap proposal would involve bosses in the public sector and at private companies that carry out government work being blocked from earning more than 20 times the wage of the firm's lowest paid employee.

But Labour elections co-ordinator Ian Lavery was unable to explain what would happen if a defence contractor like BAE Systems bids to build more Joint Strike Fighter jets for the RAF, and the boss was paid more than 20 times the lowest paid worker.

Asked about the scenario on the BBC's Sunday Politics, Mr Lavery said: 'I understand the point you raise but we've got an obscene situation in this country which everybody recognises, whereby the bosses at the very top make an absolute fortune.'

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, pictured on ITV's Peston today, has stepped up his attack on businesses by suggesting corporation tax could go up from 20p to 28p

Labour's election coordinator Ian Lavery, appearing on the BBC's Sunday Politics show, struggled to explain how the party's pay cap could function in reality

Pushed repeatedly on the issue, Mr Lavery was still unable to offer any explanation.

'We would look at the issue as it came along but the policy is quite clear,' he said.

Pressed to name a single defence contractor who would currently qualify with the ratio, Mr Lavery stuttered: 'We would introduce and we are introducing, we've rolled that out as part of this fantastic policy to transform society, to get rid of discrimination, to try and bring together our communities, and we will introduce a pay ratio of 1:20.'

Mr Corbyn once again referred to revenue raised from corporation tax this afternoon as he promised to boost schools funding by 3billion.

Speaking at the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) conference in Telford, the Labour leader said he would reverse all savings being sought by the government up to 2019-20.

'While funding to our children's education is cut, multinational corporations have received multibillion-pound tax giveaways,' he said.

'How can it be right that money is being siphoned straight out of our children's schools and directly into the pockets of the super-rich?'

Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke said: 'The man Jeremy Corbyn wants to run the economy could not have been clearer: he wants to clobber Britain with nonsensical tax rises, and families would pay the price.

'Jeremy Corbyn can't cover up the fact that he and his closest allies have spent a lifetime calling for higher taxes on ordinary working people.'
Nate Hunter was jailed for burglary, attempted murder, criminal sexual conduct with a minor and gun possession

A South Carolina mother was shot five times by an intruder in her own home as she tried to protect her six-year-old daughter from being raped.

Nate Hunter, 34, has been jailed for 45 years after he was convicted of burglary, attempted murder, criminal sexual conduct with a minor and gun possession on Friday.

Prosecutors say Hunter, wearing all black and a stocking cap mask, broke into the West Columbia home in April 2014 and ordered both the mother and her daughter at gunpoint to undress.

The pair began to undress but suddenly the mother lunged at Hunter and attempted to wrestle the gun off him.

During the struggle, the woman was shot five times but that did not stop her battling with Hunter to prevent him from harming her child.

She was able to rip the mask and Hunter's hoodie off him before he finally fled.

They then ran to a neighbor's house where the called 911.

West Columbia Police Department (pictured) were able to link Hunter to the crime thanks to the DNA evidence left behind on his stocking cap

The mother, who has not been named, was rushed to hospital where she underwent life-saving surgery and survived the gunshot wounds.

West Columbia Police Department were able to link Hunter to the crime thanks to the DNA evidence left behind on his stocking cap.

Hunter was arrested and found with scratches down his face, an identical stocking cap and photos on his phone of a gun. He had been out on bond at the time for murder, first-degree burglary and possession of a weapon during a violent crime charges.

During the trial, the mother begged the court to jail Hunter for a considerable amount of time, saying that he had 'forever stolen her daughter's security and innocence,' WLTX reports.
Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone appeared locked in a very friendly chat with President Vladimir Putin as they watched the Russian Grand Prix today.

However, current boss Chase Carey looked less than friendly with Putin after a controversial week that is said to have infuriated top businessmen and diplomats.

The snub comes after his firm Liberty Media banned paddock passes reserved for Russian bigwigs, including Putin himself.

Bernie Ecclestone was today seen whispering into Vladimir Putin's ear at the Russian Grand Prix (pictured)

However, the firm re-instated the passes at the last minute amid anger surrounding the America conglomerate's decision.

Although it was unlikely to have stopped Putin, who built the Sochi Autodrom at an estimated cost of 150million and pays 40million a year to stage the race.

Putin struck the deal with Ecclestone, who he has known for more than a decade, and the two have often been pictured together watching the race.

Ecclestone, now F1's chairman emeritus, has made his affection for Putin known in the past, saying last year that he thinks he should run Europe.

Asked last year about the EU referendum, firm Brexiteer Ecclestone said 'we should get rid of Brussels and he should just be in charge'.

He described Putin as a man who 'gets the job done,' which echoed controversial statements he previously made about Adolf Hitler.

However, Ecclestone did make it clear that he did not admire the Nazi leader, as he spoke to a conference of advertising executives left shocked by the statement.

Putin, who has traditionally been pictured with Ecclestone in the stands, was flanked by current F1 boss Chase Carey (left), the head of Liberty Media, which recently took over

Ecclestone has also compared Putin to Winston Churchill in the past, saying he will 'go down in history as a great statesman'.

Also watching the race with Putin on Sunday was Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak.

Valtteri Bottas claimed his first Formula One win during the race on Sunday after holding off a late charge from Sebastian Vettel.

Mercedes driver Bottas, who started third but slipstreamed into the lead off the start, finished 0.6 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Vettel. Kimi Raikkonen took third in the second Ferrari, 10.3 seconds further back.

The win continued Mercedes record of winning every Russian Grand Prix since 2014, this time against the odds after Ferrari had swept the front row for the first time in nine years.

Putin, who built the Sochi Autodrom at an estimated cost of 150million and pays 40million a year to stage the race in a deal with Ecclestone, paid Carey little attention

Putin presented awards at in the winners circle, handing Bottas a trophy before the driver sprayed champagne over the elevated stage.

Following the race, Putin sat down with Carey at the Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia. It is unknown what the spoke about.

The reason Putins pass was originally withdrawn is still unknown - Liberty, Careys American conglomerate who recently took over from Bernie Ecclestone, came in with a promise to throw open the paddock gates to greater numbers.

Just four races into their regime, Liberty seem to have modified their much- trumpeted, if rash, policy.

The pass fiasco is even more ironic given that Putin, one of the worlds most powerful men, would hardly need a lanyard and plastic badge to walk into the Sochi Autodrom he built at an estimated cost of 150million.

He pays some 40m a year to stage the race in a deal struck with Ecclestone, a friend and associate of a decade or more.
This is the notorious Colombian prison where a young Australian woman was locked up after she was arrested with 5.8kg of cocaine at a South American airport.

Cassandra Sainsbury, 22, was taken to El Buen Pator in Colombia's capital after she was arrested at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota on April 11.

Miss Sainsbury, a personal trainer from Adelaide, has reportedly been locked up at the overcrowded women's prison since.

Prison inmates take part in a beauty contest in El Buen Pastor women's prison in Bogota September 23, 2010

Home to drug dealers, murders and petty criminals, El Buen Pastor is widely known for its unconventional in-house beauty pageant.

Incredible photos have emerged of prison inmates dressed in formal wear, crowns and sashes for the annual pageant.

The prison has nine cell blocks, each housing between 100 and 250 women.

Each cell block elects one woman to be its representative to contest the top prize.

Prison inmate Diana Layton (R) speaks to a prison official after winning a beauty contest in the El Buen Pastor women's prison

Prison inmates prepare before taking part in a beauty contest in the El Buen Pastor

Secretary of the Colombian jail and the pageant's co-ordinator Virginia Camacho defended the beauty pageant.

'The fact that they made a mistake in their lives doesn't mean they aren't allowed to be a human being or feel like a woman,' she said.

The contest is held every September to honour the Virgin of Mercedes, patron saint of prisons.

Other photos show women with their babies inside the prison, which reportedly has a section dedicated to women and their young children.

Women were also pictured listening to a TED motivational talk in June 2015.

Inmates of 'El Buen Pastor' pictured with babies inside the notorious Colombian prison

Prison inmates pictured cheering during the controversial beauty contest at El Buen Pastor

Women at the prison were also shown listening to a TED motivational talk in June 2015

A prisioner leaves the polling station on February 7, 2010, at El Buen Pastor women's prison in San Rafael Arriba de Desamparados, about 6 kilometers south of San Jose, during national elections in Costa Rica

While photos depict a fun, light-hearted side to the the prison, deplorable conditions have also been documented from inside.

One photographer described the women's prison as overcrowded, filthy and with bullet holes littered throughout.

Photographer Jan Banning said prisoners were forced to sleep on the floor and were packed into confined spaces like cattle.

El Buen Pastor has reportedly been home to 22-year-old Cassandra Sainsbury for almost two months.

Prison inmates are searched by dogs before participating in the beauty contest

Inmates of 'El Buen Pastor' (The Good Shepherd) women's prison cry as they attend a TEDx motivational talk on June 23, 2015

Inmates pictured leaning up against bars during an event at the women's prison

Recreational court at the women's prison, where a young Australian woman is being held

Inmates of 'El Buen Pastor' (The Good Shepherd) women's prison listen to a TEDx motivational talk

She will remain behind bars until her hearing in two months, according to her family.

'I'm devastated that my little girl is in this place. I'm scared to death for her. Our family just wants her home safe,' her mother Lisa Evans said.

'I cant believe this has happened to an innocent young women,Anyone who knows Cassie, knows she did not do this. It can happen to anyone,' her grandmother Barbara Johns added.

Miss Evans' sister Khala said her sister was innocent and had been 'set up'.

Australian woman Cassandra Sainsbury, 22, faces 25 years in jail after she was arrested with 5.8 kilograms of cocaine at an airport in Colombia

'Anyone that knows her, would say she is a kind, loving, happy kind of girl. She would help anyone out in need,' she said.

'Our hearts break, because we know she is innocent, but stands little chance of proving it in such a corrupt country.'

Her arrest came while Miss Evans was planning a wedding next February to her fiance and 'love of her life' Scott Broadbridge, after they got engaged in October on a cruise to Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Khala said her sister was tricked into being a drug mule by a man she just met who handed her a package containing the concealed drugs.

The personal trainer (pictured with her fiance) was detained on April 11 at Bogota Airport just as she was about to fly back to Australia after a working holiday

She said Cassandra saw some headphones and decided to buy them as gifts for her bridal party and family friends, and a man who was showing her around said a friend could get them cheaper.

The cocaine was concealed in the packing of more than 15 headphones she was given the morning of her flight home.

'It came to her already packaged and concealed and she put it straight in her suitcase. She's very naive,' Khala told 9 News.

Khala said her sister was tricked into being a drug mule by a man she just met who handed her a package containing the concealed drugs

'I'm devastated that my little girl is in this place. I'm scared to death for her. Our family just wants her home safe,' her mother Lisa Evans (L) said

'She has her full life ahead of her, and now its all put on the line because of this. We miss her so much, and since we have very little contact with her its very hard,' he sister said.

Khala said her sister found a Colombian lawyer but he suggested pleading guilty to lesser charges to avoid an up to 25-year jail sentence.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing assistance to an Australian woman arrested in Colombia in accordance with the Consular Services Charter.

'Due to our privacy obligations, we are unable to release further information,' it said.
White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said on Sunday that loosening America's libel laws to allow the president to sue news outlets over unflattering coverage 'is something that is being looked at.'

Such a change would require a constitutional amendment.

But Priebus insisted on ABC's 'This Week' program that it's been a topic of discussion inside the Trump administration.

'How that gets executed, or whether that goes anywhere, is a different story,' he said.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Sunday that the idea of loosening the standards for suing news outlets for libel 'is something that we've looked at'

Priebus's idea, first floated by President Trump during a 2016 campaign rally, would require a constitutional amendment

'But when you have articles out there that have no basis or fact, and we're sitting here on 24/7 cable companies writing stories about constant contacts with Russia and all these other matters that have no basis at all ... newspapers and news agencies need to be more responsible with how they report the news.'

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of the press.

And a landmark 1964 Supreme Court case, New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, held that journalists and newspapers can't be sued for libel or defamation unless they act recklessly by publishing something they know is false.

Priebus's comments came on the heels of Saturday night's annual White House Correspondents Dinner, where comedian Hasan Minhaj roasted the president for showing press freedoms the back of his hand.

Even the president is not beyond the reach of the First Amendment,' Minaj told a packed hotel ballroom in Washington, D.C.

'But the president didnt show up because Donald Trump doesn't care about free speech. The man who tweets everything that enters his head refuses to acknowledge the amendment that allows him to do it.'

Comedian Hasan Minhaj roasted the president at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C., saying he 'doesn't care about free speech'

Trump spent the evening rallying fans in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, telling them that 'the media deserves a very, very big, fat fat failing grade' for its coverage of his first 100 days in office

Trump spent the evening in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, speaking to nearly 10,000 screaming fans at a 'Make America Great Again' rally.

'I could not possibly be more thrilled to be more than 100 miles away from Washington's swamp,' he proclaimed, adding that had attracted 'a much, much larger crowd  and much better people.'

'The media,' Trump blared, 'deserves a very, very big, fat fat failing grade' for its coverage of his first 100 days in office.

He singled out 'the failing New York Times,' saying its poor financial management has forced it to shrink its print edition past the point where 'pretty soon they'll only be on the Internet.'

'The paper's getting smaller and smaller. Did you ever notice? It's starting to look like a comic book,' he jabbed.

Trump has gone after the Times before, tweeting in late March that it might be time to 'change [the] libel laws' to cow the 165-year-old newspaper into submission.

He first raised the idea of libel law reform during a February 2016 campaign rally in Fort Worth, Texas, warning the Times and The Washington Post that ' we're going to open up those libel laws, folks, and we're going to have people sue you like you never got sued before.'

Trump tweeted in late March that The New York Times had 'disgraced the media world,' and asked if he should try to 'change libel laws'

'If I become president  oh, do they have problems,' he told 8,000 screaming fans that night.

'And one of the things I'm gonna do ... I'm going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money,' Trump boasted.

'We're going to open up those libel laws. So that when The New York Times writes a hit piece, which is a total disgrace, or when The Washington Post, which is there for other reasons, writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win money instead of having no chance of winning because they're totally protected.'

Setting aside the constitutional challenges, changing libel standards in a meaningful way at the federal level would be difficult because most of the laws are written and enforced at the state level.

But there's been no sign that Trump will back off from the pressure he continually puts on what he calls 'fake news' from older, established media outlets including the Times, the Post, MSNBC and CNN.

The president was asked in a CBS News interview that was broadcast Sunday on 'Face the Nation' whether there was something he learned in his first 100 days as president that he wished he had known on Day One.
Parents who refuse to vaccinate their children will have their family benefits cut as the Turnbull government cracks down on immunisation.

Families could lose $28 per child each fortnight as the government works to close a loophole in the system.

Currently, the No Jab, No Play policy fines families the one-off $726 supplement.

Following reform changes however 400,000 high income families are set to lose that benefit.

Parents who don't vaccinate their children can expect their family benefits cut (stock picture)

The plan will go ahead from next year after recent statistics from the Health Department show low immunisation numbers across many areas - particularly on the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast hinterland and far north Queensland, according to the Courier Mail.

Of children aged between 24 to 27 months, more than 17 per cent are not fully vaccinated in Port Douglas, 23 per cent in Noosa and 18 per cent in Maroochy.

An estimated 14 per cent of children between the ages of 12 and 63 months are not fully vaccinated in the Gold Coast hinterland.

The Whitsundays, Buderim, Maryborough, parts of inner Brisbane, Nambour and the suburbs of Kenmore and Springwood all show low immunisation rates.

Families who dodge immunisations could lose $28 per child every fortnight (stock picture)

Social Services minister Christian Porter told the Courier Mail there is no excuse for parents to choose not to immunise their children, with the exception of a valid medical reason.

'These parents are not only putting their own children's health at risk, but the health of every other person's children at risk, too,' he said.

'Reducing fortnightly payments rather than withholding the supplement at the end of the year as occurs at present, will serve as yet another constant reminder for parents to have their children's immunisation requirements up to date.'

The plan comes as recent statistics reflect low immunisation numbers (stock picture)

Since the introduction of the 'No Jab, No Pay' policy in January last year over 210,000 families have since immunised their children.

Immunisation statistics went up for one-year olds to 93.63 per cent throughout Australia and rose by 1.75 per cent to 90.06 per cent for two-year olds.

Currently the 'No Jab, No Pay' rule impacts approximately 1.5 million families with 134,000 losing out on the supplementary payment as a result of choosing not to vaccinate.
Kim Jong Un has threatened to destroy an American naval submarine if it gets any closer to North Korean waters.

The USS Michigan, an Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarine, is currently docked at a naval base in Busan, South Korea, where it was recently joined by the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group.

North Korea's propaganda website Uriminzokkiri warned that if the USS Michigan 'tries to budge even a little, it will be doomed to face the miserable fate of becoming a underwater ghost'.

'The urgent fielding of the nuclear submarine in the waters off the Korean Peninsula, timed to coincide with the deployment of the super aircraft carrier strike group, is intended to further intensify military threats toward our republic,' the website claimed.

Kim Jong Un has threatened to destroy an American naval submarine if it gets any closer to North Korean waters

The USS Michigan, an Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarine, is currently docked at a naval base in Busan, South Korea, where it was recently joined by the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group (pictured heading towards North Korean shores on Saturday)

The USS Michigan (pictured), a nuclear-powered submarine, arrived at the South Korean port of Busan on Tuesday in what was described as a routine visit to rest the crew and load supplies. Cmdr Jang Wook from South Korean navy public affairs said there was no plan for a drill

North Korea 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

The propaganda website warned they were also willing to sink the USS Carl Vinson if it edged any closer to the dictatorship.

'Whether it's a nuclear aircraft carrier or a nuclear submarine, they will be turned into a mass of scrap metal in front of our invincible military power centered on the self-defense nuclear deterrence.'

The threats come as relations between North Korea and the US become increasingly tense.

President Donald Trump has hinted that America is willing to take military action if Kim Jong Un carries out another missile test after Friday's failed test-fire.

He admitted he 'will not be happy' if Pyongyang conducts nuclear test.

'I don't know. I mean, we'll see,' he said.

President Donald Trump refused to rule out a military response against North Korea, saying he 'will not be happy' if Pyongyang conducts another nuclear test  but said he's not sure if despotic leader Kim Jong-Un is 'sane'

When asked if the United States would take military action against North Korea in the event of another nuclear test, Trump said: 'I don't know. I mean, we'll see'

USS MICHIGAN: ONE OF THE LARGEST SUBS IN THE WORLD The USS Michigan is the second Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine in the US Navy. The Michigan has a displacement of more than 18,000 tons when submerged and 16,000 tons when surfaced. It is one of the largest submarines in the world and can travel at speeds of 29 miles per hour and can stay submerged for up to three months. The submarine is equipped with about 150 Tomahawk missiles that hit targets that are up to 990 miles away, and can carry out a range of missions including anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance. The USS Michigan was last deployed to the peninsula in June 2015. It also boasts 24 missile tubes, four 21-inch torpedo tubes and an S8G Nuclear Reactor. Source: Naval Technology Advertisement

Trump is famously guarded about his strategic military thinking, but suggested that his administration will be the one to de-fang Kim.

'We cannot let what's been going on for a long period of years continue,' he said.

'And frankly, this should've been done and taken care of by the Obama administration. Should've been taken care of by the Bush administration. Should've been taken care of by Clinton.'

On CNN's 'State of the Union,' Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona said the option of a pre-emptive military strike against North Korea must remain open.

Trump made the remarks on Saturday during an interview that will air on CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday and Monday on CBS This Morning.

The interview was conducted one day after the Communist government tested a ballistic missile.

So far, there has been no comment on the failed test-fire from North Korea.

But the failure would be a huge embarrassment to leader Kim Jong-Un who has a history of humiliating military misfires.

The USS Carl Vinson was seen heading towards North Korea on Saturday after Kim Jong Un carried out yet another failed missile launch

The Nimitz-class U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson sails offshore Nagasaki prefecture, southern Japan, heading north in this aerial view photo taken by Kyodo April 29

North Korea launched two missile tests this month while Trump and his senior aides have warned that 'all options are on the table' against Pyongyang, including military action

Earlier this month, there were claims a failed North Korean missile launch may have been 'thwarted by cyber attacks from the US'.

But it is not known whether the most recent launch was disrupted by America.

Trump said Friday that North Korea had 'disrespected' China by attempting to launch another ballistic missile. The president is counting on Chinese President Xi Jinping to encourage North Korea to give up its pursuit of ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs.

Trump says he is hopeful Jinping will intervene but threatened to go it alone if Xi fails to deliver.

On Saturday, he was asked if his threats against North Korea not to conduct further tests were working.

'Well, I didn't say, "Don't test a missile",' the president said.

'[Kim] is going to have to do what he has to do. But he understands we're not going to be very happy.

'And I will tell you, a man that I've gotten to like and respect - the president of China, President Xi - I believe has been putting pressure on him also.

'But so far, perhaps nothing's happened and perhaps it has. This was a small missile. This was not a big missile. This was not a nuclear test, which he was expected to do three days ago. We'll see what happens.'

A PAC-3 Patriot missile unit was deployed against the North Korea's missile firing at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo, Saturday, April 29, after the test fire

President Donald Trump responded saying that North Korea had 'disrespected the wishes of China' with the missile test

When Trump was asked what he meant by 'not happy,' he said: 'I would not be happy.'

'If he does a nuclear test, I will not be happy. And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either.'

In a show of force against North Korea, the US has dispatched one of its aircraft carriers, the USS Carl Vinson, to the waters off the Korean peninsula.

It was spotted sailing north offshore Nagasaki, Japan on Saturday local time towards Korea.

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

Earlier this week, Trump said that the US could 'absolutely' go to war with North Korea over its continuing nuclear missile program.

'There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely,' Trump said ahead of his 100th day in office on Saturday.

Nonetheless, he said he wanted to peacefully resolve the crisis by preparing a variety of new economic sanctions - but added that he would not take the military option off the table.

'We'd love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult,' he said.

On 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.

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.

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.

North Korea had another failed missile launch in mid-March, when the missile exploded within seconds of being launched, US officials say.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.
Twenty-five years ago, a jury acquitted four white police officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King, sparking looting and violence that would turn into one of the deadliest race riots in American history.

On Saturday, hundreds of people in Los Angeles marked the anniversary of the tumultuous event with marches advocating peace and hope.

'Future Fest' began at Florence and Normandie avenues - the South Los Angeles intersection where rioting erupted - and was followed by a community festival.

On Saturday, hundreds of people in Los Angeles marked the anniversary of the Rodney King riots with marches advocating peace and hope

'Future Fest' began at Florence and Normandie avenues - the South Los Angeles intersection where rioting erupted - and was followed by a community festival

Signs printed with the phrases 'God Bless South LA' and 'Never Again' were seen promoting acceptance and happiness in the community

This intersection was the flashpoint after the acquittal of LAPD police officers shown in a videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King

Korean, Latino and African-American community activists gathered to celebrate their heritage

Organizer Eric Ares, 34, is a lifelong resident of the area and the Deputy Director of Finance and Communications for Los Angelas Community Action Network (LA CAN).

He remembers the electricity outside in his house at the start of the rioting, leaving his family essentially cut off from the outside world without lights or a TV.

'For the next couple of nights, there was this fear going on,' he said. 'We were huddled up in the living room.'

When he did venture outside, Ares saw plumes of smoke coming from places where buildings had been torched. But a small restaurant on the corner, a liquor store and other local businesses were untouched, he said.

Video was captured of four white police officers beating black motorist Rodney King in 1992

King, left, went on to write a memoir about his beating and the subsequent acquittal of the police officers, pictured right

The riots fueled tension between African-American and Korean communities in the area as many Korean-owned businesses were destroyed

People had a 'real feeling of anger and frustration,' but it was mainly directed at police, politicians and businesses they believed oppressed, neglected or exploited them, Ares said.

Graffiti on walls warned: 'No justice, no peace,' he said.

'I remember being at the park on the third day, people screaming: 'We're not gonna let them do it to us anymore,' Ares said.

That year remains the deadliest in the city's history, and a total of 54 people died in homicides connected to the riots, the LA Times reported.

Ten of those deaths were attributed to police gunfire, and 23 homicides that took place over the six-day riots remain unsolved.

People had a 'real feeling of anger and frustration,' but it was mainly directed at police, politicians and businesses they believed oppressed, neglected or exploited them

While the march and festival marks the events of a quarter-century ago, the commemoration also looked to a future where community organizations are working to deal with problems still confronting South LA

The area still battles extreme poverty, poor education, healthcare and access to good jobs

But while the march and festival marks the events of a quarter-century ago, the commemoration also looked to a future where community organizations are working to deal with problems still confronting South LA, Ares said.

'There's still extreme poverty. There's still issues of law enforcement ... education and health care and access to good jobs,' he said. 'But the difference is, we have a plan.'

About five miles north of the intersection, a peace parade was held in the Koreatown neighborhood, where tensions between black residents and Korean-American immigrant storekeepers led to markets, shops and gas stations being looted or burned during the riots. Some merchants stood guard with guns to protect their stores.

In the wake of the riots, community groups reached out and tried to mend fences.

On Saturday, several hundred people marched in an enthusiastic show of unity that included Korean drummers in traditional costume, a South Los Angeles drumline, taekwando students and schoolchildren from Watts.

A mural by an artist known as Nery is seen in front of Tom's Liquor at the corner of Florence and Normandie (right), and a mini-mart in Crenshaw resembling the mural was burnt during the riots in 1992, pictured left

A multi-ethnic and multicultural crowd held hands in prayer during Saturday's Peace parade

Los Angeles Police Capt. David Kowalski and Korea consul general C.G. Lee lead a peace parade in Los Angeles' Koreatown, sponsored by the Korean-American community with participation by many ethnic groups

One elderly community member remarked that relationships have improved in the community over the last 25 years

On Saturday, several hundred people marched in an enthusiastic show of unity that included Korean drummers in traditional costume, a South Los Angeles drumline, taekwando students and schoolchildren from Watts

Mr K Choi, 73, of Arcadia, was among the marchers. He helped organize the original peace march days after the rioting and said he believed racial relations had vastly improved.

'At that time it was different,' he said. 'The politics and the social problems, whatever, all commingled together and then things exploded.'

'But now is a very different situation,' he said.

'All those relationships are getting better between (the) Korean and black community, including (the) Spanish community ... we're getting along very good, and I hope we're getting a better future.'
Islamic terrorists are plotting two attacks on London, senior police have revealed.

Anti-terror officers are closely monitoring the 'active' plots, which are thought to be ISIS-inspired.

It comes after police were on high alert after foiling 'active' bomb and knife plots in the space of just five hours on Thursday.

Officers shot an unarmed woman in a raid on a suspected North London terrorist cell believed to be plotting an imminent bomb attack on Thursday

Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: Our increased activity to combat terrorism over the last two years continues  both by police and security services'

'There are another two plots being closely watched,' a senior anti-terrorism official told The Times.

The Metropolitan Police refused to give any more details telling MailOnline: 'We can't provide a running commentary.'

Last week officers shot an unarmed woman in a raid on a suspected North London terrorist cell believed to be plotting an 'imminent' bomb attack.

Hours earlier, they arrested a knifeman said to be on the verge of carrying out an atrocity in Whitehall, just yards from Downing Street.

It emerged that a 21-year-old teacher suspected of being at the centre of the alleged bomb plot was investigated by police in 2015 when he was said to have travelled with two other teenagers to join Islamic State fighters in Syria.

He remains in custody in London.
President Donald Trump said China may have hacked the emails of Democratic officials to meddle with the 2016 presidential election, countering the view of U.S. intelligence officials who have said Moscow orchestrated the hacks.

In an interview on Sunday, Trump gave no evidence backing his allegation, first made on the eve of the Nov. 8 presidential election, that China could have hacked the emails of his rivals.

'If you don't catch a hacker, okay, in the act, it's very hard to say who did the hacking,' the president said on CBS's 'Face the Nation' program.

'Could have been China, could have been a lot of different groups.'

President Donald Trump cast doubt Sunday on conclusions that Russian hackers were behind email breaches that helped swing the 2016 election in his favor, saying the Chinese might have been responsible

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton saw her fortunes fade after hackers gave WikiLeaks the contents of her campaign chairman John Podesta's private Gmail account

The hackers roiled the presidential campaign by making public embarrassing emails sent by Democratic operatives and aides to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

One email showed party leaders favoring Clinton over her rival in the campaign for the party's internal nomination contest.

Trump has been dismissive of the statements by intelligence officials that Moscow hacked the emails to help Trump win the election.

During the Sept 26 presidential debate with Clinton, Trump said China was one of many actors that could have been behind the hack, including 'somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds.'

Podesta's emails were a treasure trove of evidence of infighting, collusion with the Democratic National Commimttee, and hints about the legality of a homebrew email server that Clinton used exclusively while she was secretary of state

Trump appearde on CBS's 'Face the Nation' program, in an interview about his first 100 days in office

Like Russia, China is a longstanding cybersecurity adversary of the United States. Trump in recent weeks has softened his criticism of Chinese trade policies as Washington seeks Beijing's support in diffusing military tensions with North Korea.

Before Trump was elected, he pledged to improve relations with Moscow. Russia has denied any involvement in the hacks.

Lawmakers are currently investigating whether Trump's campaign team had ties with Russia.
A shark attacked a woman wading in the water with friends in Southern California, tearing off part of her upper thigh.

The attack occurred Saturday near San Onofre State Beach in Camp Pendleton.

'All of the back of her leg was kind of missing,' Thomas Williams, who pulled the unidentified woman ashore with his friends Grant Parker, Wade Nevitt and Hunter Robinson, told the Orange County Register. 'If she didn't receive immediate care, it was life-threatening.'

A sign warns beach goers at San Onofre State Beach after a woman was attacked by a shark in the area Saturday, along the Camp Pendleton Marine base in San Diego County, California

San Onofre State Beach remains closed until Monday morning after Saturday's shark attack

Williams, a 29-year-old from San Clemente who recently passed his EMT training test, said the woman was conscious and talking while onlookers used a rubber surfboard leash as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

'She was not calm, of course,' he said. 'But she was coherent.'

The beach is adjacent to the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Marine Sergeant Asia Sorenson said the victim - a civilian - was airlifted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla in unknown condition.

The injury was likely caused by a great white or a seven-gill shark, said Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach. Several sharks have been sighted in the area recently.

Nearly a year ago, a woman was bitten by a shark while swimming off Corona del Mar, about 25 miles to the north of the Saturday attack.

Experts estimated the shark was at least 10 feet in length, judging from the bite marks, which spanned her chest, hip and shoulder.

The injury was likely caused by a great white (left) or a seven-gill shark (right), said Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach

Grant Parker, Wade Nevitt, Hunter Robinson and Thomas Williams (left to right) pulled the unidentified woman ashore

Beachgoer Amber Booth was headed to San Onofre to watch the sunset Saturday with her family when a ranger told her the stretch of ocean was closed because of the shark attack.

Booth, who often surfs at San Onofre, said the incident made her worry about her eight-year-old daughter, who boogie-boards often in the area.

'There's so many kids in the water at San O,' she said. 'You don't really want to think about (sharks) when you're out in the water.'

The beach was expected to remain closed until Monday.
Seven suspected illegal immigrants were arrested today off the coast of Suffolk after their yacht got stuck in a mudbank after it was blown off course.

The group, thought to be from the Ukraine, were on board a 28 foot sailing boat that was trying to get into the mouth of the River Ore in Suffolk from the North Sea when it got into difficulties in low water and strong winds.

The main lifeboat from Aldeburgh, ten miles north, was by chance on exercise in the area but was unable to get into the river because of the shallow channels.

Instead the Aldebugh RNLI's inshore lifeboat was called in to help save the white-hulled yacht which was being blown on mudbanks before the alarm was raised.

Border force officials inspect a yacht as seven suspected illegal immigrants were arrested

The group, thought to be from the Ukraine, were on board a 28 foot sailing boat that was trying to get into the mouth of the River Ore in Suffolk (pictured) from the North Sea when it got into difficulties in low water and strong winds.

UK border force officials were called in and after the lifeboat towed the yacht up river to the jetty in Orford, the seven men were arrested and taken into custody.

Caron Hill of Aldeburgh lifeboat said: ' The lifeboats were launched after a report of a 28-foot yacht stranded on the mud at the mouth of the River Ore.

'While on exercise the all-weather boat the Freddie Cooper was diverted at the request of Humber Coastguard to a report of a yacht aground at the mouth of the River Ore.

'Soon afterwards the ILB was also launched and on arrival its crew discovered that the yacht was inside the river mouth and was in danger of running aground again, after it had initially managed to refloat.

'Communication was difficult due to language barriers, but a tow was eventually secured and the casualty taken to Orford Quay.

'The yacht was handed into the care of HM Coastguard and the Border Agency.'

Almost exactly three years ago, six Ukranians were caught getting off a small boat at Orford Quay and three Ukranian nationals later received jail sentences of up to four years.

As border security along the Channel coast has been stepped up in recent years, smugglers have been forced to make much longer crossings from Europe and East Anglia has become a favourite target to land illegals.

It is a 120-mile crossing from the Dutch coast and in a small boat the journey takes 24 hours.

But once here, smugglers have 250 miles of largely un-policed coastline to choose from including creeks and estuaries and miles of isolated beaches.
Fitbit has denied a Wisconsin woman's claim that her device spontaneously blew up on her arm.

Dina Mitchell sent her device back to the company after she complained that it overheated and burned her skin while she was sitting down reading.

But after carrying out an investigation in to how the gadget broke, Fitbit says Ms Mitchell's claim that it blew up on its own is impossible.

'Based on our initial investigation, including testing of her device by a leading third-party failure analysis firm, we have concluded that Ms. Mitchells Fitbit Flex 2 did not malfunction.

Fitbit says Dina Mitchell's device did not spontaneously explode on her arm as she claimed. The 44-year-old shared photographs of the arm injury she said it left her (above)

'The testing shows that external forces caused the damage to the device,' a spokesman told DailyMail.com on Sunday.

They would not elaborate or suggest what could have caused Ms Mitchell's injuries but they said no other customers have reported the same problem and the devices are still safe to wear.

Ms Mitchell, 44, claimed she was sitting at home reading a book when her Fitbit Flex 2 became unbearably hot.

'I was literally just sitting and reading when my Fitbit exploded.

'It was either defective or really mad I was sitting still so long... I dont know. Either way, it burned the heck out of my arm.

Dina Mitchell, 44, said she was sitting at home reading when her device became unbearably hot

Ms Mitchell said her Flex 2 burned into her skin because it became so overheated. The device is pictured (right) how it should look

'This is a product so many people use. If they are exploding or if there's some type of malfunction with them... I mean, I'm going to have a scar from this probably, can you imagine what it would do to a child?' she told she told WTNH.

She had been given the device two weeks earlier for her birthday and claimed that when she went to urgent care, doctors had to remove fragments of plastic which had melted in to her skin.

Fitbit offered her a replacement after her complaint. It is not clear whether she took them up on the offer.
Home Depot accidentally posted spreadsheets on its website for an unknown amount of time which listed about 8,000 customers' personal information.

No financial information or Social Security numbers - legally protected data - was included in the 13 Excel spreadsheets of customer records posted Friday, reports Consumerist.

The spreadsheets did, however, contain the full names, emails and mailing addresses of shoppers.

All the files were unencrypted and discoverable by search engines.

Home Depot posted 13 spreadsheets with customers' information on its website Friday

The information was removed from Home Depot's website as soon as it was discovered, although it is uncertain when the spreadsheets were posted, said company spokesman Stephen Holmes.

Holmes said the information was posted online through a combination of technical and human error.

In response to the data breach, Home Depot said in a written statement: 'The information was out there, and as hard as it would have been for anyone to find, it shouldnt have been [out there].

'This was an inadvertent human error that we addressed as soon as we discovered it. Although the data was low-risk and not the type of information commonly used for fraud or identity theft, we take the matter very seriously.'

There has not been any indication that customers' information has been retrieved and misused, Holmes added.

Some of the data in the spreadsheets can be found in phone books, but when combined with transaction information it could be valuable to scammers, said cybersecurity expert Brian Krebs.

All files were unencrypted and discoverable by search engines for an unknown amount of time

Krebs, who runs the influential website KrebsOnSecurity.com, said data such as names and addresses could be used for 'pretexting', where a scammer convinces their target that they have a pre-existing relationship in order to access valuable information.

'Just a little bit of information about a person can demonstrate that you already have a relationship with that person as a service provider or company the target has done business with previously,' Krebs told Consumerist.

Krebs broke the story of Home Depot's data breach in 2014.

This data breach, however, was small by comparison to the company's 2014 security incident, in which hackers installed software that provided them with personal and financial information for $54million customers.

The site hosted 13 Excel spreadsheets that included the full names, phone numbers, emails and mailing addresses of customers

Last month, Home Depot was ordered to pay $179million in damages to those affected by the 2014 data breach.

Customers who want to see if their information was in the spreadsheets can call Home Depot at 800-466-3337.

'We have 1.5billion transactions a year, so the chances that somebody calls at random and they are on the list are pretty small,' said Holmes. 'But if a customer calls, well tell him if his information was there.'
Eric Watt, 56, has been charged with a DUI in the incident in which he allegedly struck a group of eight friends on Saturday evening

Eight people have been hospitalized after an alleged drunk driver hit them as they walked home from a restaurant on Saturday evening.

Eric Watt, 56, has been charged with a DUI in the incident which took place on the 14000 block of Perdido Key Drive in Pensacola, Florida.

Watt may face more charges as the victims recover, with at least two said to be in critical condition.

All eight were transported to several hospitals. One victim was taken to Baptist Hospital and one to Sacred Heart Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The remaining five were taken to other local medical facilities.

One victim was discharged as of Sunday morning, and spoke with News 5 about the incident.

He told reporters that the group of eight were all friends that lived in a nearby apartment complex who were on their way home from dinner.

The incident took place on the 14000 block of Perdido Key Drive in Pensacola, Florida around 8:15pm, causing major delays as the street was shut down

Watt, who was travelling east to west, allegedly hit the victims from behind.

The unnamed victim said he remembered being struck by a vehicle, and seeing paramedics at the scene.

He had no knowledge of the condition of his friends because they didn't have access to their cell phones, but believes that two are still in the hospital.

The accident, which occurred around 8.15pm, led authorities to shut down the road causing major delays in the area.

Watt was released from Escambia County Jail on $40,000 bond in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A student who was kicked out of his university after being wrongly accused of sexual assault has spoken out after a court ruled in his favor against the school.

Francisco Sousa was 20 years old and studying at San Diego State University on foreign exchange from Portugal when he was accused by his then-girlfriend of sexual assault on December 9, 2004.

The 20-year-old was arrested at the time and charged with sexually assaulting and imprisoning a woman near campus.

Shortly after the arrest, he was suspended from the school and an email was sent to students warning them that Sousa was a sexual predator - despite an investigation into the allegation not being completed.

Francisco Sousa (pictured), who was kicked out of his university after being accused of sexual assault, has spoken out after a court found he was wrongly accused

In January 2015, the charges against him were dropped, but the school did not lift a suspension against him until September that year.

And even though the university did allow Sousa back in, he said the damage has already been done to his name and reputation.

'It was very hurtful, not only for me but also for my family and my friends,' he told Fox5.

'What hurts me the most is to know in the future that there's going to be one day that my kids are going to Google their father's name and this is going to pop up.'

Francisco Sousa was 20 years old and studying at San Diego State University on foreign exchange from Portugal when he was accused by his then-girlfriend of sexual assault on December 9, 2004

Sousa sued the university for its actions in the wake of the initial allegation, seeking financial damages and an apology.

The San Diego Union Tribute reports the school agreed to pay Sousa $10,000, while also agreeing to send staff on additional training to help deal with similar situations in future.

'What I really want to do is to have my name vindicated to exonerate me and I believe we were able to accomplish that,' Sousa said.

'Not only because the DA dropped the charges, not only because San Diego State agreed in my favor and also dropped the charges against me, but because after the lawsuit, we were able to accomplish what we set out to accomplish.'

Sousa was arrested at the time and charged with sexually assaulting and imprisoning a woman near campus. He is pictured being arrested

The student, who has since transferred to another college and is due to graduate this semester, said he hopes untrue allegations are confronted because it damages those who are victims.

'It didn't only hurt me a lot, it also hurts other real victims out there, actual sexual assault victims who may not want to report it because of cases like this,' he told the network.

San Diego State would not comment on the matter directly, but issued a statement that read: 'San Diego State University takes the issue of sexual assault very seriously.

'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.'
Tom Hanks has explained he gave a the White House press corps a brand new high-priced espresso machine because 'those poor b*****ds need coffee.'

The two-time Academy Award winner, and bonafide 'nice-guy', surprised the reporters covering the Trump administration with a stainless steel Pasquini coffee maker, which retails for more than $2,200, last month.

The lavish gift, which replaces the machine he gave the press corps in 2010, was accompanied by a stack of Illy coffee pods and a typewritten note from the 60-year-old Sully star, which read: 'Keep up the good fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Especially for the Truth part. Tom Hanks.'

During his Friday night appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Hanks said he'd bought the White House press corps machines during both Democrat and Republican administrations 'because those poor b*****ds need coffee', adding that they probably needed it now more than ever under Trump.

Tom Hanks has explained he gave a the White House press corps a brand new high-priced espresso machine because 'those poor b*****ds need coffee'

Keeping them grinding along: Tom Hanks had this high-end Pasquini espresso machine delivered to the White House press room to replace the one he had gifted in 2010

'I have a feeling the problem now is a lot of spit coffee on people's laps,' he said, referring to reporters' reactions to some of White House press secretary Sean Spicer, and Trump's often surprising declamations. '"Are you kidding me?!", I think a lot of that stuff.'

Hanks explained that he had began making the generous gifts in 2004 during a tour of the White House.

The writing on the wall: The gift was accompanied by this typewritten note that read: 'Keep up the good fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Especially for the Truth part. Tom Hanks'

'This started because the first time we ever went, my kids were little, and we had a tour of the White House and they take you down there.

'If nothing is going on, and if the president's not there you can almost go anywhere you want. And you get to stand at the podium, and pretend you're pointing at something, and even though the president was not there, there were about six staffers, or reporters and technicians at the back like this,' he said, miming a grumpy, tired reporter hunched at the back of the room.

'We said, er, "You guys work here?", and they said "Every single day."

'I said, "The president's not even here, why do you have to be here?" and they said "In case of nuclear war", in case something happens.

'And they had this old Mr Coffee that was all skaggy. And I said "Guys, you might just be getting a brand new cappuccino machine from perhaps a mild-mannered reporter from a great metropolitan newspaper who, disguised as Clark Kent, fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and the American way."

'I'm a sucker, but when I was a kid I took that to heart.'

March marks the third time that the Hollywood heavyweight, famed for his random acts of kindness, has shown support for White House correspondents by ensuring they were well-caffeinated.

Checking on his present: On a return visit to the White House in 2010 for a special screening of his HBO series The Pacific, Hanks stopped by the briefing room to take a look at his gift (pictured)

Not impressed: Hanks expressed mock dismay at the espresso maker's less-than-pristine condition, pointing out that the machine should be cleaned after every use

The latest gift was accompanied by a letter, which has been pinned to the wall of the White House press room, and featured an illustration titled, 'Fresh, Spirited American Troops,' by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Bill Mauldin, as the Boston Globe pointed out.

Veteran Reuters correspondent Steve Holland shared images of Hanks' lavish offering along with the missive and thanked the actor on behalf of 'the schlubs in the WH press room.'

In 2004, the Forrest Gump actor was visiting the White House press room when he noticed that it lacked a coffeemaker, so he generously sent one to the journalists covering then-President George W. Bush.

'I hope this machine will make the 24 hour cycle of news a bit more pleasant,' Hanks said at the time.

The drawing included in the letter is an illustration titled, 'Fresh, Spirited American Troops,' by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Bill Mauldin

On a return visit to the White House in 2010 for a special screening of his HBO series The Pacific, hosted by then-President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Hanks stopped by the briefing room to check on his gift.

Hanks, who was accompanied by Steven Spielberg, was pleased that the java-brewing gizmo was still going strong, but he expressed mock dismay at its less-than-pristine condition, CNN reported at the time.

You know you are supposed to clean this after every use, Hanks joked. You are supposed to wipe that off. Look at the buildup there!

Before taking his leave, the generous actor promised reporters to send them an updated model.

'Let me see what I can do for the poor slobs of the fourth estate,' the Oscar winner quipped.

A few days later, a brand-new coffee machine was delivered to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
ISIS jihadis are turning stolen ambulances into 'precision-built' suicide boats for river death missions in Mosul as elite troops fight to recapture the western half of the embattled city.

The evil terror group is thought to have launched dozens of attacks using the bomb-laden vessels since October in a terrifying move that reveals the desperate measures it is taking to ward off the onslaught of Iraqi military units.

The improvised boats were discovered in an abandoned factory in Hay al-Thawra in Mosul which was recaptured from ISIS by the elite Rapid Response Division earlier this month.

The run-down building, pictured, contained at least four ambulances thought to have been stolen by the jihadis when they took control of Mosul in a week of intense fighting in 2014

The improvised vessels, pictured, found in the factory appear to have been sawn to pieces with their roofs turned upside down and waterproofed using scrap materials

The run-down building contained at least four ambulances which are thought to have been stolen by the jihadis when they took control of Mosul in a week of intense fighting in 2014.

The vessels appear to have been sawn to pieces with their roofs turned upside down and waterproofed using scrap materials.

The suicide boats would likely have been bound for the River Tigiris which divides the recaptured east of Mosul and the western part of the city, which is still largely under jihadi control.

They could have been used to launch attacks just months after the militants destroyed five of the bridges crossing the water in a bid to slow the advance of Iraqi troops.

Elite Iraqi troops are pictured on the front line outside the recaptured factory in Hay al-Thawra in western Mosul

Since the military started its operation to liberate West Mosul from ISIS in February, jihadis have continued to use car bombs and snipers as their main defence.

But this is the first time that suicide boats belonging to ISIS have been seen - revealing the disturbing planning and engineering that goes into its attacks.

Journalist Gareth Browne, who is in Iraq, told MailOnline: 'Much of the defensive engineering in Mosul has been extremely complex.

'These boats represent the months of planning they put into defending the city.

The improvised boats were discovered in an abandoned factory in Hay al-Thawra in Mosul which was recaptured from ISIS by the elite Rapid Response Division earlier this month. It contained at least four ambulances, pictured

'The ambulances had the roofs cut off, and the roofs reinforced from the inside out.

'They were then waterproofed with what appeared to be scrap plastic and other materials.

'These were not something constructed overnight. They were precision-built, with one intention in mind - destruction.'

Earlier this month an ISIS car bomb factory with vehicles and explosives to cause mass destruction was discovered in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

Earlier this week Iraqi forces discovered an ISIS bomb factory, above, as they advanced into the western half of Mosul which is still largely under the control of the murderous jihadis. Above shows a member of of Iraq's Federal Police

Iraqi soldiers found two unfinished car bombs and a modified garbage truck in the nefarious workshop in west Mosul's Josah district

Iraqi soldiers found explosive vehicles fitted with canisters of chlorine gas, pictured, which ISIS has starting using as a makeshift chemical weapon

Iraqi soldiers found two cars and an armoured plated garbage truck destined to be used in suicide missions.

The truck had been spray-painted with bright red paint while the bodywork had been rendered in white - a new ISIS tactic to confuse US surveillance drones into thinking suicide car bombs are ordinary civilian vehicles.

The rubbish truck, above, had been reinforced with thick steel sheets which acted as bullet-proofing to protect the suicidal driver

Iraqi soldiers told MailOnline how ISIS painted the trucks in bright colours to try and confuse US surveillance drones into thinking they are ordinary vehicles

During the offensive in east Mosul, most ISIS car bombs were either painted black or their steel bullet-proof metal sheets were left unpainted.

The truck's bodywork had been reinforced with thick steel sheets, designed to act as bullet-proofing to protect the driver traveling at high speed towards enemy positions.
Angela Merkel's remarks today come a week after Dutch MPs voted to ban the full-face Islamic burka in some public places, such as schools and hospitals and on public transport.

Here is the status of the garment in European countries:

Britain

There is no law restricting the wearing of garments for religious reasons. However in March 2007 the education ministry published directives allowing directors of public establishments and denominational schools to ban the niqab veil. Judges have on occasion refused to hear veiled women because they could not verify their identity.

Netherlands

The legislation, which has passed the lower house and now has to be approved by the Senate, bans the wearing of burkas, helmets and face masks on public transport as well as education, healthcare and government buildings.

The bill was proposed by Interior Minister Ronald Plasterk last year, as he believed clothing that covered the face hindered communication in public services and could pose a security threat. Violations could result in a fine of up to 410 euros.

Germany

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has proposed a partial burka ban. De Maiziere, one of Merkel's closest allies, said the ban would cover 'places where it is necessary for our society's coexistence' including government offices, schools and universities, courtrooms as well as demonstrations.

Earlier this year, several French towns sought to ban burkinis, the full-body Islamic swimsuit. The move was successfully challenged in all but one case on the island of Corsica (file picture)

France

The first European country to ban the full-veil in public spaces with a law 'banning the hiding of the face in public spaces', with a law that took effect in April 2011.

The European Court of Human Rights upheld the burka ban in 2014, rejecting arguments that outlawing full-face veils breached religious freedom. The law has resulted in around 1,500 arrests in the past five years, and violations can result in fines of up to 150 euros.

Earlier this year, several French towns sought to ban burkinis, the full-body Islamic swimsuit. The move was successfully challenged in all but one case on the island of Corsica.

Belgium

The wearing of the full veil is governed by a June 1, 2011 law. It prohibits 'appearing in places accessible to the public with a face masked or hidden, in whole or in part, in such a way as to be unidentifiable'. Exceptions exist, in particular where the workplace requires the face to be hidden, or for the carnival season. Violations can result in fines and/or up to seven days in jail.

Bulgaria

In September, Bulgarian lawmakers approved a law that bans wearing in public clothing that partially or completely covers the face, with exceptions for health or professional reasons. Initial violations result in a fine of roughly 100 euros, while subsequent violations are fined the equivalent of 750 euros.

Italy

There is currently a debate over a 1975 law aimed at protecting public order that makes it illegal to cover one's face in public places and the provision applies to the veil, as well as motorcycle helmets and other masks. The anti-immigrant Northern League presented in October a draft law in the Lombardy region around Milan that would ban the burka, niqab and burkini.

Switzerland

Switzerland's lower house narrowly approved in September a draft bill on a nationwide burka ban, but the measure remains far from becoming law. In the southern Tessin region however, the burka has been forbidden since July 1 and violators face a minimum fine of 100 Swiss francs.

Norway

Education Minister Torbjorn Roe Isaksen said in October that the government was seeking regulations prohibiting the full-face veil in schools and universities. Scandinavian neighbours such as Denmark and Sweden have allowed schools, administrations and companies to decide the issue for themselves, while there is no ban in Finland.

Others
Police were forced to separate Arsenal and Tottenham fans as they clashed ahead of the North London Derby this afternoon.

Smoke bombs were set off and objects were thrown as rival supporters squared up to each other outside White Hart Lane.

Gunners and Spurs fans making their way to the stadium were separated by a line of police officers in the middle of the road.

Scroll down for video

Police intervene in clashes between Arsenal and Tottenham fans this afternoon

Police hold back one man as tensions boil over on the route to White Hart Lane

Smoke bombs were set off and chairs were thrown as officers tried to keep rival fans apart

Officers in riot gear on horseback and with dogs restore order in the build-up to kick-off

Some supporters had to be restrained by authorities as they hurled taunts and chairs at each other.

Officers on horseback were brought in to restore order as tensions appeared to boil over.

The huge police presence was pre-planned as officers feared the vital Premier League fixture could attract violence.

The Metropolitan Police said they had not made any arrests in the lead-up to the game.

The showdown, which Tottenham won 2-0, was important for both teams near the end of the season as the home team looked to keep the pressure on leaders Chelsea and Arsenal aimed to maintain hopes of a top four finish.

After the match tensions remained high with popular YouTube star and Arsenal Fan TV presenter, Robbie Lyle, requiring a police escort to get him safely away from the ground.

Tottenham fans jeered and hurled obscenities at Lyle as he battled his way through the crowd surrounded by officers.

Footage of the incident was posted on to social media, sparking criticism online.

One Twitter user said: 'Whatever about bitterness between the clubs or whatever else, treatment of that lad Robbie from Arsenal Fan TV today was bang out of order.'

Officers on horseback were brought in as fans squared up to one another

Fans film the crowd trouble on their mobiles en route to White Hart Lane

The rival fans were separated by a wall off police officers which ran down the middle of the street

Another said: 'Robbie for Arsenal Fan TV doesn't deserve the abuse he got today for doing his job.'

And one person tweeted: 'Whatever your opinion regarding Arsenal Fan TV etc. Why pick on Robbie?'

Speaking in one of his Arsenal Fan TV videos after the incident, Lyle claimed some of the abuse he received was racial in nature.

Supporters hurled taunts at each other from both sides of the barriers

The showdown, which Tottenham won 2-0, was the last time the two teams will meet at the current White Hart Lane stadium

He said: 'They have to do something about security at Tottenham Hotspur. It is a disgrace.

'I was racially abused today. I have not had that at a football ground for years.

'There is no other football ground that I go to in the Premier League where I got what I got today, which is basically, if the police where not around, who knows what would have happened?'

It is the last time the two teams meet at the current White Hart Lane stadium with Spurs set to play all their home games at Wembley next year.

The team will return to the site for the 2018-19 season where they will play in a new 61,000-seater ground.

Police officers get changed into riot gear before kick-off
A New York investment banker is suing his 'demonic' ex-wife claiming she removed God from their 12-year-old daughter's life without consulting him.

Manuel Asensio, 62, has brought a lawsuit against Emilie Bosak in Manhattan Supreme Court, the New York Post reports.

Asensio, who is a Bear Stearns financier, claims Bosak took their daughter to St. Barts over Easter without his permission.

Manuel Asensio, 62, has brought a lawsuit against his ex-wife Emilie Bosak in Manhattan Supreme Court claiming she has stopped their 12-year-old daughter's religious education

The suit states that as part of the couple's 2013 divorce settlement, they agreed to inform each other if their daughter was leaving New York and 'consult' one another about her education, religion and health concerns.

Asensio has also claimed that Bosak has stopped taking her to church and ended her religious education.

The suit is asking for unspecified damages.

The couple wed in 2003 and separated in 2007. Their divorce was finalized in 2013.

In the past, Asensio has referred to their relationship as 'a marriage of convenience'.

Asensio's lawsuit claims the couple agreed in their divorce settlement to keep each other informed if they planned to take their daughter away and consult about education and religion

The latest lawsuit isn't the first time the couple have brought legal action against each other.

In June 2015, Asensio sued his ex-wife for defamation, making false statements and breaching the terms of their 2003 pre-nuptial agreement.

He also claimed she had 'demonic capacities' and had filed false complaints to have him arrested.

Bosak went to police three times between 2010 and 2014 claiming she had experienced domestic abuse at his hands.
The National Rifle Association launched a new program that insures gun owners in case they shoot someone.

There is also a hotline if the NRA Carry Guard member 'is forced to act in lawful self defense' for legal advice after a shooting.

The card tells members to call 911, wait for the police to show up then to call NRA Carry Guard.

The NRA Carry Guard aims to provide legal advice to gun owners who are 'forced to act in lawful self defense' (pictured, spokeswoman Dana Loesch)

Currently, 24 states have 'stand your ground' laws which allow gun owners to legally fatally shoot those who they deem a grave threat to their safety.

The program launched Monday and aims to train gun owners through a video, provide legal advice and insure them against criminal defense costs.

The website says the new program can provide gold and silver members with psychological support and clean-up costs. Prices range from $13.95 to $31.95 per month.

Peter Kochernburger, the deputy director of the Insurance Law Center told The Trace providing insurance to cover potential criminal liability seemed strange.

The NRA renamed the August Personal Defense Expo, the NRA Carry Guard Expo

He said: 'But if people are concerned about their liability with respect to self-defense, theyre not wrong to get the coverage.'

Carry Guard provides up to $1million in insurance-backed individual protection for legal fees.

Similar insurance plans to the NRA's already exist. The organization is aggressively pushing out the new program by creating its own website and renaming the August Personal Defense Expo, the NRA Carry Guard Expo.

In an op-ed published on the NRA website, NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch called America 'the most lawsuit-happy culture in the history of the world' and argued the program would protect gun owners against civil suits.

According to the NRA, there are 15 million legal gun owners in America.
National Security Adviser Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster said the country should be 'prepared' to send the military in to North Korea

National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster has said the country should be 'prepared' for military operations in North Korea.

While President Trump is hesitant to share 'all our moves', McMaster told Fox News on Sunday of his hopes that the US will join forces with other countries to thwart any plans Kim Jong Un has for nuclear weapons.

'We have to do something with our partners in the region and globally and that involves enforcement of the UN sanctions that are in place.

'It may mean ratcheting up those sanctions even further and it also means being prepared for military operations if necessary,' McMaster said.

He reiterated that the US must be supported by its international allies if it is going to make any meaningful strides, adding: 'Its important for all of us to confront this regime None of us can accept a North Korea with a nuclear weapon.'

McMaster praised President Trump for his 'masterful' handling of his relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

President Trump also spoke on the increasingly fraught relations between the two countries on Sunday.

In a wide ranging interview for Face The Nation on CBS, he said he had not yet decided on whether the US would launch military action against Kim Jong Un, but said he didn't want to give away 'all our moves' anyway.

'It is a chess game. I just don't want people to know what my thinking is,' Trump said.

President Trump described Kim Jong Un was a 'smart cookie' on Sunday but said he would not be happy if the North Korean dictator carried out a nuclear test

He conceded that the North Korean dictator was a 'pretty smart cookie' and shrugged off a recent failed missile launch on their part, telling John Dickerson: 'Eventually, he'll have good missiles.'

'If he does a nuclear test, I will not be happy. And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either,' he went on.

A US official said the ballistic missile, thought to be a mid-range KN-17, was fired from a location in the South Pyeongan province in the early hours of Saturday morning local time.

The USS Carl Vinson is pictured above on April 29 in Tshushima, Japan. The aircraft carrier was sent to the region earlier this month amid growing tension with the North Korean regime

The USS Michigan is seen partially submerged as it arrives at a naval base in Busan, South Korea, on April 25

It blew up over land before it ever reached its target of the Sea of Japan, landing around 22 miles from Pukchang airfield, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

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 staged military drills with South Korea.

The US has already sent the USS Vinson, an aircraft carrier, and the USS Michigan, one of the world's largest submarines, to the waters surrounding North Korea in a show of stealth.
A local couple say their camping trip turned to horror after a gang of men threatened to rape a woman for staying on their 'territory'.

The man and woman, who do not want to be named for fear of a reprisal attack, were staying at the Bear River Campground in Colfax, California, over Easter Weekend when they say they were approached by a group of campers.

The men arrived in a rusted pickup truck, with a chainsaw and BB guns, but were initially friendly, inviting the couple over for a beer and complimenting their music.

The man and woman, who do not want to be named for fear of a reprisal attack, were staying at the Bear River Campground in Colfax, California, (pictured) over Easter Weekend

A group of men arrived in a rusted pickup truck, and were initially friendly, but became increasingly hostile and aggressive, eventually threatening to rape the woman if they didn't leave their territory by sun up

But they became increasingly hostile and aggressive, eventually threatening to rape the woman if they didn't leave their territory by sun up.

'My boyfriend described being pulled aside by the older guy,' she told Fox 40.

'Ended it by making sure my boyfriend knew they planned on raping me in the morning,' she said.

The female victim decided to warn other campers about the danger, by sharing her experience in a letter posted on social media and a printed copy in the campground bathrooms.

In the letter, she described the terrifying conversation her boyfriend had with a member of the group who is said to have told him; 'Hey man, I like you and all, you're pretty cool but this is out territory.

The remote campsite is located north east of San Francisco in California

The female victim decided to warn other campers about the danger, by sharing her experience in a letter (pictured)

The letter was posted on social media and a printed copy in the campground bathrooms (pictured)

'If you and your girl don't pack up and leave by morning we're going to raid your camp and run a train on your girl.

'Seriously man, I don't gotta tell you this but you got till morning. We raid camps all the time and in the morning I'm going to rape your girlfriend.'

Police are investigating while Placer County Parks say they were shocked by the accusations and are now changing the campsite's reservation process so anyone staying there will have to register their personal details online.

'As a husband and father, you read something like that, and it's the stuff nightmares are made of, so we take it very seriously,' said Andy Fisher, Placer County Parks administrator, adding that he had never received a complaint as serious as this before.

However, other campers tell a different story.

John Jewell, who has been a regular camper at Bear River, says he had been chased out of the site on two different occasions.

'Two summers in a row we've been chased out of here,' he said. 'First summer we were chased out of here by a group who was crazy.'
A police officer has been shot in the leg with an arrow during a violent standoff in Adelaide's north.

A fight broke out between two brothers at a storage facility in Hendon at 9pm on Sunday and after police arrived, one of the men peppered them with arrows.

Photos show the arrows sticking out of police car tyres and one of the officers was rushed to hospital with injuries to his leg.

Scroll down for video

A police officer has been shot in the leg with an arrow during a violent standoff in Adelaide's north

Photos show the arrows sticking out of police car tyres and one of the officers was rushed to hospital with injuries to his leg

He was released from the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Monday morning after being assessed overnight.

Police detained the 47-year-old man under the Mental Health Act after the violent incident.

Officers allege one of the brothers left the storage facility after the fight and police were attacked by the other man.

The standoff lasted for four hours and the man is being treated for minor injuries in hospital under police guard, according to Nine News.

The officer was released from the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Monday morning after being assessed overnight

The standoff lasted for four hours and the man is being treated for minor injuries in hospital under police guard

Police (pictured) detained the 47-year-old man under the Mental Health Act after the standoff
The mother of the Australian personal trainer arrested with 5.8 kilograms of cocaine at a Colombian airport has insisted her daughter is innocent and was 'set up'.

Cassandra Sainsbury, 22, is facing up to 25 years in jail after she was detained on April 11 at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota at the end of her working holiday with the package of drugs.

Her mother, Lisa Evans, has maintained her daughter is innocent, saying she had been 'naive' in trusting a Colombian man to help her get a good deal on headphones as gifts for her bridal party ahead of her wedding in February.

'I didn't do it mum, you have got to get me out,' a hysterical Ms Sainsbury said, according to Ms Evans.

Scroll down for video

Australian woman Cassandra Sainsbury, 22, faces 25 years in jail after she was arrested with 5.8 kilograms of cocaine at an airport in Colombia

Her mother, Lisa Evans, has maintained her daughter is innocent, saying she had been 'naive' in trusting a Colombian man to help her get a good deal on headphones

'She is just so scared that she is caught up on the other side of the world for something she didn't do with no support over there, no nothing,' Ms Evans told the Today Show.

The Adelaide personal trainer was denied bail and is being held at the El Buen Pastor prison, which houses over 50,000 women.

Ms Evans said Ms Sainsbury's Colombian lawyer, who used to be the Mayor of Bogota, has advised the young woman plead guilty to avoid 25 years behind bars at her hearing in two months.

She said the 'best case scenario' is a minimum six-year sentence with a guilty plea.

'If Cassie gives information about the person that gave her the package it may come down a bit to four,' Ms Evans told KIIS 1065s Kyle & Jackie O on Monday.

The distraught mother said her daughter told her she had trusted a Colombian man who offered to be her translator and find gifts for her family.

'She mentioned these headphones she wanted to get and this man said "I know a guy and if you buy 16 or 18 of them he can give you a really good price",' Ms Evans said.

'The day of her departure he gave her the package wrapped in black plastic and she put it in her luggage'.

The personal trainer (pictured with her fiance) was detained on April 11 at Bogota Airport just as she was about to fly back to Australia after a working holiday

The personal trainer from Adelaide was denied bail and is being held at the overcrowded El Buen Pastor women's prison (pictured) until her hearing in two months

Khala said her sister was tricked into being a drug mule by a man she just met who handed her a package containing the concealed drugs

Ms Sainsbury's older sister Khala was to pick her up from the airport on Easter Saturday and didn't realise Cassandra's predicament until the morning of Good Friday.

'The trip was at least in part to promote her personal training business,' her sister told Daily Mail Australia.

The mother-of-four insisted her CFS volunteer sister was innocent and being 'set up'.

'Anyone that knows her, would say she is a kind, loving, happy kind of girl. She would help anyone out in need,' she said.

'Our hearts break, because we know she is innocent, but stands little chance of proving it in such a corrupt country.'

Her arrest came while Cassandra was planning a wedding next February to her fiance and 'love of her life' Scott Broadbridge, 23.

They got engaged in October on a cruise to Vanuatu and New Caledonia and have dated for just over 18 months.

Khala said her sister (pictured) found a Colombian lawyer but he suggested pleading guilty to lesser charges to avoid an up to 25-year jail sentence

Her family says she is innocent and being 'set up'

'I'm devastated that my little girl is in this place. I'm scared to death for her. Our family just wants her home safe,' her mother Lisa Evans (L) said

The cocaine was concealed in the packing of more than 15 headphones Ms Sainsbury said she was given the morning of her flight home.

'It came to her already packaged and concealed and she put it straight in her suitcase. She's very naive,' Khala told 9 News.

Cassandra grew up on the Yorke Peninsula before moving to Adelaide and has three huskies Buster, Bella and Rex living with her and Mr Broadbridge.

'She has her full life ahead of her, and now its all put on the line because of this. We miss her so much, and since we have very little contact with her its very hard,' her sister said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing assistance to an Australian woman arrested in Colombia in accordance with the Consular Services Charter.

'Due to our privacy obligations, we are unable to release further information,' it said.

Cassandra was planning a wedding to her fiance and 'love of her life' Scott Broadbridge (L) after they got engaged in October on a cruise to Vanuatu and New Caledonia

Prison inmates are searched in the El Buen Pastor women's prison at Bogota
Members of a Texas church congregation somehow escaped unharmed when a tornado destroyed their church - while they were standing inside.

Several twisters swept through Arkansas, Missouri and Texas on Saturday, leaving dozens of homes destroyed across the region and at least 13 people dead as of Sunday night.

A brutal storm ripped through Emory, Texas, a town outside of Dallas, on Saturday night and wiped out St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with nearly 45 people inside.

In what church members are describing as a miracle, 'not a scratch' was left on anyone as they took shelter in a hallway from the furious winds that tore the roof off their sanctuary.

Scroll down for video

A tornado ripped through Emory, Texas, on Saturday night and wiped out St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (pictured). Nearly 45 people were inside and none were hurt

The churchgoers took refuge in a hallway and were left untouched in the storm that ripped off the building's roof. Pictured: The view from the hallway where people took shelter

Homes in Emory were severely damaged after a tornado hit (pictured)

Parishioners were gathered at St. John's for a service honoring high school graduates when they were informed to take cover from the incoming tornado, CNN reported.

Instead of leaving the building, almost 50 people crammed into a hallway when the storm hit and only left the hallway standing.

Peyton Low, the director of public affairs for the Diocese of Tyler, told CNN: 'The tornado was a direct hit. Both ends of the building were blown out.'

The Diocese of Tyler posted on Facebook: 'By the grace of God and the protection of Our Lady, no one was injured.'

Monica Hughes was there that night and shared a photo of the hallway that was left standing on Saturday night. She wrote: 'God is good. Grateful. So very grateful. House has a tree in it. Boat was tossed.

'We were at church with 40+ people. Got everyone into the hallway just as it hit. Church is gone. Only thing left standing is the hallway we were in. Not a scratch on anyone.'

Service was held on Sunday morning outside the church as people gathered for mass and to give thanks for the people who survived.

Parishioners were gathered at St. John's for a service honoring high school graduates when they were informed to take cover from the incoming tornado

Several twisters swept through Arkansas, Missouri and Texas on Saturday, leaving dozens of homes destroyed and at least six people dead as of Sunday

At least four people were killed in Texas after tornadoes left a trail of overturned vehicles and mangled trees




Just one per cent of frauds and cyber crimes reported to police results in prosecution, official figures show.

Police overwhelmed by rocketing levels of fraud, with an average of 78 crimes reported every hour across Britain, are failing to investigate 90 per cent of the cases reported.

Charges were brought in just 7,447 cases in the year to March 2016, which represents just over 1 per cent of the 682,899 reports of financial scams to police, banks and businesses.

Just one per cent of frauds and cyber crimes reported to police results in prosecution

The figures suggest that just one in ten scams are passed to detectives to look into and almost half of those cases are then dropped due to evidential difficulties or a failure to identify the culprit.

Despite fraud becoming Britains most common crime, costing around 193billion a year, prosecutions fell by 13 per cent last year and the number of cases shelved by officers more than doubled.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics showing there were 3.5million frauds and 1.9million cyber crimes in 2016  half of all offences in the country.

But just a fraction of offences are reported to police because victims feel embarrassed or believe little can be done to catch the culprits.

Police figures from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 show 682,899 fraud and cyber crime reports were made to forces, bank and credit card companies and the fraud prevention service, CIFAS.

But only 70,478 of those  just 10 per cent  were passed to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). The figures for all forces in England and Wales show that there were 39,898 cases resolved in that period, but in the majority of cases police decided not to prosecute.

Only 10,099 cases resulted in any form of punishment, with a quarter of those let off with a caution, warning, penalty notice or community resolution.

And in some areas police prosecuted in only a handful of cases in a year despite hundreds of crimes being reported.

Leicestershire Police looked at 858 crime reports in the year to March 2016, but in that year criminals in only six cases faced justice  less than 1 per cent.

Scotland Yard said many of the cases referred to them in 2015/16 are still under investigation due to their complex nature

Norfolk Police received 353 reports of fraud, but offenders in only seven cases faced any punishment. And in Devon and Cornwall just 17 cases resulted in any criminal sanction out of 915 referred for investigation. Even the Metropolitan Police, the UKs biggest force, only saw 8 per cent of the 26,663 cases it handled result in a judicial outcome.

Police say the figures only show outcomes in 2016, but some cases may have been referred before 2015 and also some may still be under investigation, so officials consider the data experimental.

And detectives are often powerless as half of the conmen are based overseas and foreign banks refuse to help track them down.

However, police have had some success in shutting down fraud and cyber crime schemes. City of London Police, the national policing lead for fraud, disrupted a total of 162,252 scams by shutting down 1,185 fraudulent websites, 118,670 telephone cons and suspending 42,307 bank accounts used for stolen funds.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said that fraud cases tend to be lengthy and complex and so many of the cases referred to us in 2015/16 will still be under investigation.

A City of London Police spokesman said reports are stored in case they may become useful in any future investigations.
Emergency services swarmed Melbourne's Government house after reports a man has tried to break into the building.

Firefighters and paramedics were standing by as police headed to the roof where a shirtless man was found.

The 37-year-old man, who was unarmed, was caught by three officers, as others stood guard nearby.

A shirtless man was arrested after climbing on the roof of Melbourne's Government House on Monday morning

The policemen pinned the man, who lives in Oakleigh, to the ground and arrested him.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia the man is believed to have climbed onto the roof at about 7.45am.

'The man is still on the roof, and will be removed when it is safe to do so,' he said.

'He will then be taken to hospital for assessment.'

The man had been inside the building earlier as he made his way to the roof, but police say he was only there 'for a very short time', police said.

Police were called following reports of an intruder just before 8am, and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade reported six trucks were at the scene.

Police and other emergency services were called to the scene following reports of an intruder at about 8am

Firefighters and police spent about two hours contemplating how to get the man off the roof this morning.

Large firetrucks with ladders attached were seen entering the premises about 9.15am.

At about 10am, footage from 7News shows the man being heavily restrained on to what appears to be a red plastic stretcher.

Police and firefighters have not yet found a way to remove the man from the roof of Government House, though large firetrucks (pictured) were seen entering the premises about 9.15am

Firefighters heavily restrained the man on a red stretcher as they began the lengthy process of getting him off the roof

A guard was placed over his face and his pants were pulled down before he was carried, and then slid across the roof

Footage shows the man's pants were pulled down for his transfer to solid ground.

Four firefighters and one policeman are then seen slowly sliding the man across the roof, before ropes are attached to the red stretcher and it is transferred on to another stretcher.

About ten firefighters then help move the restrained man on to a cherry picker, where he is seen delicately balanced on the corner and held in place by two firefighters.

The man is then placed on to the stretcher of a waiting ambulance, and a sheet is placed over him before he is again restrained.

He was taken to The Alfred Hospital.

The man, still on a stretcher, was placed on the corner of a cherrypicker and held by firefighters as he was lowered from the roof

The man, still shirtless, was then transferred into an ambulance by a swarm of emergency services officers

An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said a man was currently being treated for minor injuries after paramedics were called about 8am.

Government House is the residence of Victorian Governor Linda Dessau.

She was not inside the building this morning, and is instead overseas on an official visit to Singapore to discuss government, business, environment and culture.

A spokeswoman for the Governor told Daily Mail Australia the Governor and everyone who works inside of Government House was safe.

On the official Twitter account for the Governor, Ms Dessau expressed her thanks to emergency services for their 'swift response'.
Mohamed Amoudi, 21, was one of the six people held by armed police last Thursday

The key suspect at the centre of an alleged Islamist bomb plot foiled by police threatened neighbours with a hammer and once tore an England flag down from a wall, it was claimed last night.

Mohamed Amoudi, 21, one of the six people held by armed police last Thursday over an alleged active bomb plot to target London landmarks, was described yesterday as a nightmare neighbour who was once seen waving a hammer at a resident.

Details about the Yemeni-born suspect emerged yesterday as police revealed that the 21-year-old woman who was shot in the raid in Willesden Green, North West London  and said to be related to Amoudi  had been released from hospital.

The young woman  yesterday wrongly reported in one newspaper to have been pregnant  was believed to be unarmed when a team of balaclava-wearing armed police opened fire, shooting her at least once during the raid when she reportedly defied their instructions to freeze.

Bleeding heavily, the 21-year-old described as a white English woman wearing a burka, was dragged screaming into the street following the shooting at 7pm, shouting: Dont touch my body.

Yesterday Scotland Yard said she had been released from hospital after receiving treatment and had immediately been arrested on Sunday afternoon on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

A number of Amoudis relatives were also held in the same raid, including his 16-year-old brother. Police have refused to confirm the names of those held, but those registered at the address include a nursery volunteer and a financial analyst.

Last night locals said Amoudi, who is thought to have lived there with his wife, brothers and mother, had been involved in a number of disputes with neighbours since returning from Turkey in 2015 when he was arrested with two 17-year-old boys believed to be travelling to Syria to join IS fighters.

All three were questioned by police on their return to Britain but released without charge. After his return, Amoudi was seen ripping an England flag off the wall in a row with a neighbour.

The key suspect at the centre of an alleged Islamist bomb plot foiled by police threatened neighbours with a hammer and once tore an England flag down from a wall, it was claimed last night (Stock image)

Another local resident claimed in the last two years police had been called to the property at least five times following a series of disputes.

In one row, Amoudi was allegedly seen standing behind his mother waving a hammer at one neighbour saying: Im going to **** you up with a hammer, which resulted in the neighbour being arrested and cautioned by police after he offered to fight Amoudi outside the property.

Amoudi was not arrested. One woman, who claimed the family would kick her door every time they went past, said: The odd thing about them was that they never really wanted to mix or socialise. They have always covered their windows with black bin bags so no one could look inside.

Amoudis mother, thought to have come to Britain with her children more than 16 years ago, is said to work for Brent Council.

Police have been granted further time to question the six suspects and the seventh woman arrested yesterday. They are in custody at a south London police station.

Yesterday it emerged that a 28-year-old man registered at the address is a supporter of firebrand cleric Mohammad al-Arefe who is banned from the UK.

A Met Police spokesman said: The address in Harlesden Road and persons connected with it had been under observation by counter terrorism officers as part of an ongoing intelligence-led operation.

Police who disrupted two attacks in the capital last week also fear that Islamist extremists are planning at least two further atrocities in London in the near future.
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.

Scroll down for video

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
DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. played host on Saturday to Full Frontal With Samantha Bee's Not The White House Correspondents Dinner.

Among the claque of show business figures who paraded across the purple carpet for photos that day, Karrueche Tran was a showstopper in a floral gown.

Its neckline fell far enough to bare a bit of her enviably trim midriff, and the blue flowery patterns were speckled here and there with hints of orange.

Scroll down for video

Showstopper: Karrueche Tran wore a floral gown at Full Frontal With Samantha Bee's Not The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C. on Saturday

A bit of frilly trim encircled her svelte waistline, and she'd tucked her hair behind her ears to show off the pair of glistening medallion earrings she'd worn.

Samantha herself, who's been hostessing her TBS political comedy show since last February, turned up to the show in an off-white pantsuit with a black collar.

A black stripe ran down the side of each trouser leg, matching the simple black stilettos the Toronto-born 47-year-old had popped on for the festivities.

When you got it: Its neckline fell far enough to bare a bit of her enviably trim midriff, and the blue flowery patterns were speckled here and there with hints of orange

She got in a bit of mingling with the network's top brass, standing for photos alongside Donna Speciale, who's president of Turner Ad Sales, as well as David Levy, who's been president of Turner since 2013.

Retta had worn a bauble necklace over a red top with serrated slits up its short sleeves, plus a floor-length matching skirt and darker red shoes.

Gold-colored monogramming identified her red clutch as Louis Vuitton, and she'd accessorized further with a set of gold bangles at her left wrist.

Simply chic: Samantha herself, who's been hostessing her TBS political comedy show since last February, turned up to the show in an off-white pantsuit with a black collar

Trio: She got in a bit of mingling with the network's top brass, standing for photos alongside Donna Speciale, who's president of Turner Ad Sales, as well as David Levy, who's been president of Turner since 2013

Alia Shawkat's sleeveless red dress was cinched in at her slender midsection and fanned out into a fine pleats as it fell to her ankles, clashing against green earrings.

Tegan and Sara, the Quinn twins who've been a musical duo for over two decades, both wore black suits with black shoes as they stood together for the cameras.

Ana Gasteyer's sleeveless gown featured black sections interspersed with sections in peach and salmon, and she'd popped a gleaming bracelet onto each wrist.

Matching the Louis Vuitton clutch: Retta had worn a bauble necklace over a red top with serrated slits up its short sleeves, plus a floor-length matching skirt and darker red shoes

Christmas in April: Alia Shawkat's sleeveless red dress was cinched in at her slender midsection and clashed against a pair of green earrings

Cara Buono had slid into a cleavage-baring strapless midnight blue dress with an asymmetric hem and puffy drapery below the waist, adding black ankle-strap shoes.

Her businessman husband Peter Thum cut a silver fox figure with touches of grey in his hair and beard, having buttoned himself into a black tuxedo for the D.C. affair.

Padma Lakshmi had slid herself into a white dress with black designs strewn about it, plus a blue ACLU ribbon attached near her waistline, and she held a black clutch.

Coordinated: Tegan and Sara, the Quinn twins who've been a musical duo for over two decades, both wore black suits with black shoes as they stood together for the cameras

Color blocking: Ana Gasteyer's sleeveless gown featured black sections interspersed with sections in peach and salmon, and she'd popped a gleaming bracelet onto each wrist

The Top Chef hostess posed alongside Alysia Reiner, whose black cocktail dress featured bits torn out at its sides and who'd worn glinting gold-colored shoes.

Ali Larter wore a stylish black top with tiered cuffs and horizontal stripes of sheer fabric encircling it, slipping on a heavily frilled pink skirt with quite a bit of sheen.

At one point, she posed for photos whilst flanked by Morgan Spurlock and Hayes MacArthur, both of whom had donned black suits with black ties to the affair.

Arms about each other: Cara Buono had slid into a cleavage-baring strapless midnight blue dress and posed with her dashing businessman husband Peter Thum

Looking fabulous: Padma Lakshmi had slid herself into a white dress with black designs strewn about it, plus a blue ACLU ribbon attached near her waistline, and she held a black clutch

Duo: The Top Chef hostess posed alongside Alysia Reiner, whose black cocktail dress featured bits torn out at its sides and who'd worn glinting gold-colored shoes

Chloe Bennett's heavily frilly black dress featured a neckline that sloped down almost to her waistline, and Matthew Modine wore a black tuxedo.

Tuxedo-wearing Don Lemon was photographed at his table inside the event, sitting alongside his fellow CNN reporter Brianna Keilar, who wore a sequined dress.

The two of them were photographed with a troupe of names from CNN - Teddy Davis, Noah Gray, Jim Acosta, Suzanne Malveaux, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash - gathered about them in formal wear.

Ali Larter wore a stylish black top with tiered cuffs and horizontal stripes of sheer fabric encircling it, slipping on a heavily frilled pink skirt with quite a bit of sheen

At one point, she posed for photos whilst flanked by Morgan Spurlock and Hayes MacArthur, both of whom had donned black suits with black ties to the affair

Beautiful in black: Chloe Bennett's heavily frilly black dress featured a neckline that sloped down almost to her waistline; she accessorized with a sweet Sylva & Cie ring, while Matthew Modine wore a black tuxedo

Not The White House Correspondents' Dinner precedes the White House Correspondents Dinner, which'll be held that night at the Washington Hilton, and which President Trump - in a much-discussed break with tradition - is skipping.

At Samantha's version, she was photographed toasting with champagne onstage, and performed a set roasting the 45th President Of The United States.

The New York Times, CNN and the Committee To Protect Journalists were all represented in the audience, as Variety reported from Washington, D.C.

Colleague photos: Tuxedo-wearing Don Lemon was photographed at his table inside the event, sitting alongside his fellow CNN reporter Brianna Keilar, who wore a sequined dress

Octet: The two of them were photographed with a troupe of names from CNN - Teddy Davis, Noah Gray, Jim Acosta, Suzanne Malveaux, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash

Punchlines Samantha served up during her set included: 'At a later date, I will get Mexico to pay for your drinks,' and: 'We are living in a golden age of journalism, but thats largely due to a golden president who likes golden showers.'

Will Ferrell also took the stage, reprising the George W. Bush impression he made iconic on Saturday Night Live and during his one-man Broadway show You're Welcome America, which was also filmed and broadcast live on HBO.

'How do you like me now?' he said, according to USA Today, who've reported he vamped: 'For the longest time, I was considered the worst president of all time. That has changed. And it only too 100 days.'

No Trump at either event: Not The White House Correspondents' Dinner precedes the White House Correspondents Dinner, which'll be held that night at the Washington Hilton

At Samantha's version, she was photographed toasting with champagne onstage, and performed a set roasting the 45th President Of The United States

Laying it down: Punchlines Samantha served up during her set included: 'At a later date, I will get Mexico to pay for your drinks'

Will's W. touched on his 'sometimes strained' interaction with the media, saying: 'You guys would always sneak up on me with gotcha questions like: "why are we going to war? Gotcha." "Why did you not respond to Hurricane Katrina? Gotcha."'

The '43rd U.S. President' quipped: 'I just wish someone had told me that all you have to do is say "fake news" over and over and over again.'

He was also photographed onstage holding up a partially completed painting of Trump - possibly in reference to the fact the real W. has taken to painting and has, in fact, had a book of his artwork published.

After having been taped, Not The White House Correspondents' Dinner will be airing this Saturday night on TBS at 10pm on both the east and west coasts.

'How do you like me now?': Will Ferrell also took the stage, reprising the George W. Bush impression he made iconic on Saturday Night Live

Allusion: He was also photographed onstage holding up a partially completed painting of Trump - possibly in reference to the fact the real W. has taken to painting and has, in fact, had a book of his artwork published
She made her mark in the history books in 2015 when she became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.

And although she suffered a bad fall last year, Michelle Payne has revealed she isn't ready to hang up her riding boots just yet.

The 31-year-old spoke with The Daily Telegraph's Stellar Magazine this week about the continued difficulties of being a woman in the industry, claiming despite her win girls are still on unequal ground.

Scroll down for video

Making her mark: Champion jockey Michelle Payne has revealed she isn't ready to hang up her riding boots just yet, discussing the continued difficulties women face in the racing industry

Michelle has been a strong campaigner for female jockeys since her career-defining win aboard Prince of Penzance.

After returning to the mounting yard she famously exclaimed: 'I want to say to everyone else, get stuffed, because women can do anything and we can beat the world'.

But despite the history-making moment, the jockey claimed that there is still a lack of faith in women in the industry.

'Most trainers and owners, if they have a choice (of who) to put on a jockey, they will put on a male,' she told the publication.

Moment in history: Michelle has been a strong campaigner for female jockeys since her career-defining win aboard Prince of Penzance

She then added: 'If something goes wrong, theyll blame the fact that they put a female jockey on, even though it probably would have happened with a male jockey. Thats just the mentality in racing in Australia.'

But rather than dwell on the point, Michelle continues to strive to be a positive role model for girls looking to kick-start their careers in racing.

'I try to portray to the younger girls to take it very seriously,' she told Stellar.

'We can beat the world': After returning to the mounting yard she famously exclaimed: 'I want to say to everyone else, get stuffed, because women can do anything'

'To me, that feels like the most special thing  to be a great role model to the girls coming through.'

Helping her do that, the jockey is set to travel to Washington DC in May to collect the Longines Ladies Award as the first jockey and Australian to receive the honour.

'Most owners and trainers will put on a male': But despite the history-making moment, the jockey claimed that there is still a lack of faith in women in the industry with men chosen over women for rides

But the pressure is still there for Michelle too, after a serious fall just six-months after her incredible win left many wondering whether she would ever return to the track.

Hospitalised with a torn pancreas, lacerated liver and injured stomach, Michelle continues to have an unwavering devotion to the sport however, announcing she wants to retire on her own terms and in her own time.

'Ive had a lot of bad injuries and my family would be happy to see me stop, she said.

'But I think that will be the time when I feel Ill be ready to move onto something else.'

Important job: Rather than dwell on the point, Michelle continues to strive to be a positive role model for girls looking to kick-start their careers in racing, stating: 'To me, that feels like the most special thing'

Still keen for early mornings! While she is looking to wind down her career over the next few years, Michelle's next move will remain on the turf as she switches riding for training

So while she is looking to wind down her career over the next few years, Michelle's next move will remain on the turf as she switches riding for training.

At the same time, acclaimed actress Rachel Griffiths is gearing up to bring a film about her life to the silver screen.

As the youngest of ten children, Michelle's life certainly lends itself well to the movie medium, having lost her mother when she was just six months old and suffered numerous injuries before her Melbourne Cup moment.

'Its difficult to put into words the collective joy her win gave us,' Rachel told the publication.

'The cheering was universal  fathers, mothers and daughters... We understood both the symbolic and very concrete achievements her win represented.'

Taking her story to the screen! At the same time, acclaimed actress Rachel Griffiths is gearing up to produce a film about her life and victory

Movie in the making! As the youngest of ten children, Michelle's life certainly lends itself well to the a film, having lost her mother when she was just six months old and suffered numerous injuries before her Melbourne Cup moment

The actress also touched on the importance of the achievement for other girls hoping to make a mark in the world.

'Its hard to name another sport where men and women compete with equal standing,' Rachel began.

'I think young women will find the stories behind Paynes win enormously encouraging.'
She's the proud mum of fur baby Peach.

And Lily-Rose Depp was spotted out with her beau Ash Stymest doing a bit of shopping for her beautiful English Bulldog at Petsmart in the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday.

The 17-year-old daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis also hit up a nearby ATM.

Grocery grab: Lily-Rose Depp was spotted out with her beau Ash Stymest shopping for her English Bulldog Peach at Petsmart in the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday

Lily-Rose showed off her slender figure in khaki skinny jeans and a white zip-up hoodie that she teamed with snowy white sneakers.

She smoothed her dark blonde tresses back into a low updo with the stray hair blowing in the breeze on a warm and windy day in the city.

Her 25-year-old British beau gallantly carried the purchases back to their car.

A model like his girlfriend, Ash rocked a black T-shirt with a graphic image of the heavy metal band Slipknot across the front, black cargo pants and heavy black boots.

Simply stylish: The 17-year old Chanel model showed off her slender figure in khaki skinny jeans and a white zip-up hoodie that she teamed with snowy white sneakers

Showing off his street cred, he pulled his cap on backwards over his cropped dark hair. The couple have reportedly been dating since early March, and the 6ft 1in hunk towered over petite Lily-Rose on their shopping trip.

Meanwhile, she has been busy with both her careers: modelling and acting.

Like her mother Vanessa, Lily-Rose models for Chanel, starring in her third campaign for the high-end brand in February to debut the Rouge Coco Gloss and hitting the runway for its Paris Fashion Week presentation in March.

Money grab: Lily-Rose hit u[ an ATM for cash while her British beau, who towers over her at 6ft ins tall, carried Peach's goodies back to their car

The brand ambassador, who scored her first campaign with the fashion house when she was just 16, is also the face of the Chanel No.5 L'eau fragrance.

Last year she starred in three films: Planetarium with Natalie Portman, The Dancer and Yoga Hosers alongside her father.

Lily-Rose is due to reprise her Yoga Hosers role in Kevin Smith's comedy Moose Jaws, which is expected to film later this year.
Mark Wright has strenuously denied claims that he cut a recent trip to the United States short following a row with wife Michelle Keegan over his attendance at the same Hollywood party as ex Lucy Mecklenburgh.

Mark, 30, was said to have hastily flown home from California after actress Michelle, 29, discovered he had rubbed shoulders with Lucy at the Pretty Little Liars event on April 11.

But representatives have since denied the claim, insisting Mark's return tied in with his promotional commitments on behalf of new show Tale Me Out: The Gossip.

Scroll down for video

Split rumours: Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright denied that they rowed after the former TOWIE star partied with his ex Lucy Mecklenburgh at a Hollywood fashion party this month

A spokesperson told MailOnline: 'This story is complete nonsense. Michelle was not remotely upset about Mark being at a party in LA.

'Mark was always going to fly back to the UK from LA to complete pre-agreed promotion for Take Me Out The Gossip.

'This was planned weeks before and viewers will have seen him live on programmes such as Lorraine that week.'

Seductive in scarlet: Lucy showed off her glowing tan in a scarlet sleeveless frock at the Pretty Little Thing event which Mark also attended. It was there that the exes were spotted chatting

Sources told The Sun that The Our Girl actress became irate when she heard that her husband had been spotted with his former lover.

Mark and Lucy both attended the Pretty Little Thing fashion launch in West Hollywood on April 11.

'She was seen chatting to Mark,' an insider claimed. 'They were just talking, nothing happened between them.

'When Michelle realised he had been socialising with Lucy a few days later, she wasn't happy - and by April 15 he was on a plane home,' the source added.

Mark was in the American city to meet with network executives as he continues his attempt to find fame in the US, while Lucy was there on holiday.

The pair have a complicated history. They dated during the first series of TOWIE in 2010 before Mark broke up with Lucy and proposed to his girlfriend Lauren Goodger.

However the next year the couple reportedly slept together in Marbella, despite Mark's relationship with Lauren at the time and the fact that Lucy was dating her TOWIE co-star Mario Falcone.

Rocky? When Michelle heard that her husband had partied with his ex sources said that she didn't hold back and Mark was on a plane back to London soon after

Lucy went on to form a relationship with Olympic gymnast Louis Smith but the pair broke up in February last year. She is currently single.

Mark married former Coronation Street star Michelle in a lavish ceremony in May 2015.

But the couple have been the subject of break up rumours as Michelle's gruelling Our Girl filming schedule means that she will live apart from Mark for eight months as she travels to South Africa, Malaysia and Nepal to play the lead role of Corporal Georgie Lane in the hit BBC show.

All in white: Lucy was in Los Angeles on holiday when she caught up with her ex

Complicated past: Lucy and Mark dated during the first series of TOWIE but Mark broke up with her to propose to Lauren Goodger. Just a year later the stars reportedly cheated on their respective partners with a night of passion in Marbella

While Michelle called the rumours 'rubbish', Mark described their long distance relationship as 'exciting' in an exclusive interview with the MailOnline.

'It doesn't matter what the job is, you make it work,' he insisted.

'You work around it. The most important thing is your personal life, especially if youre in a relationship. Your relationship comes first.'

Denial: Mark and Michelle have always denied the rumours of marriage trouble, with Michelle dismissing the speculation as 'rubbish'

He added: 'It's exciting, it keeps it exciting  separate careers makes the time you spend together more special.

'We do the old Face Time, Whatsapp, talk on the phone. Were always in contact. Its easy  its 2017 theres always a way to stay in contact.'

A spokesman for Mark admitted the star and Lucy were at the same party but denied that Mark and Michelle had rowed about her.

A spokeswoman for Michelle also denied a row had taken place, saying that Mark returned for promo work.
On the poorly rated House Of Bond, Ben Mingay's Alan Bond frequently spoke to Adrienne Pickering's Eileen 'Red' Bond disrespectfully and with foul language.

And when the real-life Eileen saw a preview screening of the mini-series, she was 'stunned' and left after about '10 minutes' with her legal team in tow.

The white-collar criminal's estranged first wife insisted to the Sydney Morning Herald this week that Alan 'never spoke to her' the way Ben Mingay's character did, while the pair's daughter Jody Fewster added that he was 'a gentlemen.'

Scroll down for video

Walk out: Eileen 'Red' Bond walked out of a House Of Bond screening after '10 minutes' with her legal team in tow, strongly disagreeing with the portrayal of Alan Bond

Following the screening, Eileen admitted to the publication that watching a portrayal she had never been asked or informed about caught her off guard.

'I walked out after 10 minutes. Jody stayed. She thought it was poorly scripted, lacked balance and was very hurtful to watch as a daughter,' she added.

The personality's legal team were also present, although the publication reported that it wasn't clear if she'd be seeking legal action like Gina Rinehart did following Channel Nine's House of Hancock.

'Never': The white-collar criminal's estranged first wife insisted to the Sydney Morning Herald that Alan 'never spoke to her' the way Ben Mingay's character did

They added that she remarked her 'never spoke to her' in such vile ways and it was a shame 'the dead can't sue,' referencing Alan's death in 2015.

So incensed were the mother-and-daughter duo by the screening, they shot their own video, taking to Red's Facebook to share it last week.

'We know everyone has an opinion of Alan Bond. We as a family want you to know we are very proud of his achievements and we truly miss him,' Jody said in the video.

'Shame': They added that she remarked her 'never spoke to her' in such vile ways and it was a shame 'the dead can't sue,' referencing Alan's death in 2015

'We remember Alan as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather now,' Eileen added.

'Dad was a gentleman who always carried a hanky in his pocket, he rarely drank, he never swore, he was incredibly generous to others and he achieved a huge amount,' Jody stated.

'He raised his kids to respect education, work really hard and give back to the community...these are the legacies we want dad to be remembered by.'

Their own video: So incensed was Eileen and her daughter Jody duo by the screening, they shot their own video, taking to Red's Facebook to share it last week

As Eileen looked slightly frustrated and took a deep breath, her daughter added: 'And he was really charismatic, he made you feel like you could achieve anything if you set your mind to it.'

House Of Bond's second and final episode achieved a tepid 657,000 viewers across five capital cities on Tuesday, failing to crack the widely accepted 1 million viewer benchmark.

This is despite the fact that an overhauled version of The Voice continued to impress in the ratings, giving the series a lead-in of 1.137 million viewers.

Loving: 'We remember Alan as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather now,' Eileen said

Generous: 'Dad was a gentleman who always carried a hanky in his pocket, he rarely drank, he never swore, he was incredibly generous to others and he achieved a huge amount,' Jody stated
She's the Australian actress who has been busy promoting her HBO TV movie, The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks.

But on Saturday, Rose Byrne enjoyed some down-time as she took one-year-old son Rocco to play in a New York park.

The 37-year-old cut a casual figure on the outing, looking tired as she pushed the tot in his stroller.

Scroll down for video

Blooming beautiful: Rose Byrne enjoyed some down-time as she took one-year-old son Rocco to play in a New York park on Saturday

Keeping it simple, Rose donned a pair of floral print pants, teaming them with a plain black singlet and pale blue shirt.

The X-Men: Apocalypse actress completed the ensemble with a pair of ebony sandals and dark shades.

Tying her hair up in a messy bun, the brunette beauty also sported a spotted fabric headband to keep her wayward strands off her face.

Simple style! Rose donned a pair of floral print pants, teaming them with a plain black singlet and pale blue shirt

Low key lovely: The X-Men: Apocalypse actress completed the ensemble with a pair of ebony sandals and dark shades

Showing off her natural beauty, the star opted to go bare-faced for the mother-son day.

Rose did appear tired as she strolled along, flashing just a hint of a smile as the two crossed the road.

Little Rocco looked equally as exhausted sitting back in his seat as his mum adjusted the carrier's cover.

Late night? Rose did appear tired as she strolled along, flashing just a hint of a smile as the two crossed the road

Oh baby! Showing off her natural beauty, the star opted to go bare-faced for the mother-son day

Ready to play: Little Rocco looked equally as exhausted sitting back in his seat as his mum adjusted the carrier's cover

The tot's mood seemed to turn around though once they made it to the playground, walking around while mum kept a careful eye on him.

Looking cute in an animal print blue onesie and brown sandals, Rocco also stayed sun safe with a wide-brim grey hat.

The pair were joined by a friend at one point, who kept the one-year-old enthralled as mum looked on.

Time for adventure! The tot's mood seemed to turn around though once they made it to the playground, walking around while mum kept a careful eye on him

Adorable: Looking cute in an animal print blue onesie and brown sandals, Rocco also stayed sun safe with a wide-brim grey hat

It's in the eyes: The pair were joined by a friend at one point, who kept the one-year-old enthralled as mum looked on

Absent from the outing was dad Bobby Cannavale, who has been battling his own busy schedule of late performing in The Hairy Ape.

Meanwhile, Rose is set to star in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks opposite media mogul Oprah Winfrey.

The Australian actress plays the role of journalist Rebecca Skloot, who wrote the New York Times bestseller that inspired the TV film.

The story follows an African-American woman who becomes an unwitting pioneer for medical breakthroughs thanks to her incredible cells.

Working mum: Rose is set to star in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks opposite media mogul Oprah Winfrey
She's no stranger to provocative ensembles thanks to her role in the racy 50 Shades franchise.

But in real life Dakota Johnson is quite mild mannered when it comes to her wardrobe it seems.

The 27-year-old Texas native stepped out in New York City on Saturday looking quite laid-back.

Nothing fancy: Dakota Johnson, 27, stepped out in New York City on Saturday looking quite laid-back

On top she opted for a simple white t-shirt, while a pair of black yoga pants flattered her sculpted legs down below.

She wrapped a back and grey plaid shirt around her waist, presumably in case the weather got chilly later on.

A pair of classic Adidas sneakers and some oversize sunglasses completed her casual look.

Perhaps the dressiest part of her ensemble was a large black Chanel shoulder bag complete with gold embellishments.

Simple combo: On top she opted for a white t-shirt, while a pair of black yoga pants flattered her sculpted legs down below

Camera-ready The How to Be Single star's visage looked quite radiant, thanks to some light blush and deep peach lipstick

Her chestnut tresses were pushed back off her forehead and allowed to fall in waves past her shoulders.

The How to Be Single star's visage looked quite radiant, thanks to some light blush and deep peach lipstick.

Fifty Shades Of Grey, released in 2015, was Dakota's first starring role.

Weighed down: Perhaps the dressiest part of her ensemble was a large black Chanel shoulder bag complete with gold embellishments

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.

And it will reach its climax with Fifty Shades Freed, due out on February 9, 2018.
In honor of her birthday last week, she headed to Orlando for a surprise girls' trip to Universal Studios.

And it appears that Kelly Clarkson's birthday celebration isn't over yet, as just one week later, she's enjoying a family vacation in Hawaii.

The 35-year-old was ever the loving mom as she enjoyed downtime with son Remington and husband Brandon Blackstock.

Family vacation: Kelly Clarkson, 35, enjoyed a trip to Hawaii with son Remington, one, and husband Brandon Blackstock,40

Kelly relaxed in a black top layered with a pair of print shorts.

The Grammy-winning vocal powerhouse accessorized with a pair of shades and stud earrings.

Her one-year-old son Remington was adorably protected from the sun with a striped onesie and matching hat.

Relaxed: The Grammy-winning vocal powerhouse later changed into a blue dress to cool down

Soaking up the sun: Kelly cooed over her little one while her hubby rested next to them

Enjoying her birthday: The family vacation comes just one week after she visited Universal Studios Orlando

The family vacation comes just one week after she visited Universal Studios Orlando.

The beauty was surprised with the trip by her loved ones, who filmed her reaction when she received the news.

In the video, Kelly sat in front of a coffee table with a selection of scrabble pieces in front of her.

So grateful: The beauty was surprised with the trip by her loved ones. In a heart-warming video - that's been viewed nearly 1,500,000 times - Kelly was overwhelmed with emotion

The mother-of-two put the pieces together to reveal that she had to pack her bags, because she was going on a trip; and her mother and sister were soon to join.

In the heart-warming video - that's been viewed nearly 1,500,000 times - Kelly was overwhelmed with emotion, expressing that she wanted to cry.

'Woke up this morning to a birthday scavenger hunt that ended with an anagram!! Best surprise ever! #morninghair #whereisthegirlstrip #sweaty,' read the clip's caption.
She recently admitted that she's found the one she wants to have children with.

And on Saturday, Paris Hilton attended the Museum of Contemporary Art's (MOCA) gala with boyfriend Chris Zylka.

The couple of fourth months looked very much in love; gazing adoringly at each other while on the red carpet.

Date night: On Saturday, Paris Hilton, 36, attended the Museum of Contemporary Art's (MOCA) gala with boyfriend Chris Zylka, 31

Paris wore a dark cropped top and matching skirt layered underneath a sheer overlay.

The blonde beauty's long locks were styled in a chic updo with a large bouffant in the back.

The model played up her evening make-up, sporting a dramatic winged eye and pale lip.

Head-over-heels: The couple looked very much in love; gazing adoringly at each other while on the red carpet

Future husband? She admitted that she's found the one she wants to have children with

In a recent interview with ES magazine, Paris admitted that she believes Chris is the one.

'It's like the meaning of life to have your own family,' she began.

'And I'm happy that I waited to find the right person. I'm so in love. He's [Chris] the man of my life. We're best friends.'

Dress for the night: Paris wore a dark cropped top and matching skirt layered underneath a sheer overlay

Classic: The blonde beauty's long locks were styled in a chic updo with a large bouffant

Ultra glamorous: The model played up her evening make-up, sporting a dramatic winged eye and pale lip

Honeymoon stage: The couple have been together for four months

Several other A-list talent were also in attendance.

Sharon Stone looked lovely in a floor-length, sequin gown. Sean Penn suited up in a blazer and dress pants, while Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef looked handsome in bowtie suits.

Pierce Brosnan and wife Keely Shaye Smith were quiet the attractive couple in head-to-toe black.

Big arrivals: Sharon Stone looked lovely in a floor-length, sequin gown. Sean Penn suited up in a blazer and dress pants

Lovers' night: Pierce Brosnan and wife Keely Shaye Smith were quiet the attractive couple in head-to-toe black

It's a pants thing! Ryan Seacrest and girlfriend Shayna Taylor were coordinating in black and white. Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef looked handsome in bowtie suits
Kris Jenner cut a stylish figure in a sheer top with a blazer and trousers set for the Wearable Art Gala on Saturday.

The 61-year-old flashed her decolletage and cleavage in the see-through look as she arrived at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star highlighted her figure in the all black look, adding diamond earrings and smokey eye makeup.

Fancy night out: Kris Jenner cut a stylish figure in a sheer top with a blazer and trousers set for the Wearable Art Gala on Saturday

The Kardashian matriarch chose a sheer turtleneck top with a corset style fit around her slim waist.

Kris styled her short brunette locks sleek, adding nude pink lipstick.

Kelly Rowland arrived to the gala wearing a textured frock with peach trainers and colorful hair.

She posed for photos with her Destiny's Child band mate Michelle Williams.

What a lady: The 61-year-old flashed her decolletage and cleavage in the see-through look as she arrived at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles

Futuristic fashion: Kelly Rowland arrived to the gala wearing a textured frock with peach trainers and colorful hair

Beauty: She posed for photos with her Destiny's Child band mate Michelle Williams

Michelle looked gorgeous in a cream and silver frock with a deep neckline.

Black-ish actress Yara Shahidi kept it casual in an orange button-up blouse with skinny jeans and oxford jeans.

Meagan Good wowed in an emerald and blue gown with a voluminous skirt and long sleeves.

Shimmering: Michelle looked gorgeous in a cream and silver frock

Chic: Black-ish actress Yara Shahidi kept it casual in an orange button-up blouse with skinny jeans and oxford jeans

What a beauty : Meagan Good wowed in an emerald and blue gown with a voluminous skirt and long sleeves

EJ Johnson rocked a gold and silver cropped jacket with lace bottoms; the reality star posed with parents Magic and Cookie Johnson.

Serayah McNeill chose a textured blush dress with a low-cut front and fringed sleeves.

Draya Michele flaunted her hourglass figure in a neutral belted look, adding a structured clutch and hoop earrings.

Strike a pose: EJ Johnson rocked a gold and silver cropped jacket with lace bottoms

Family first: The reality star posed with parents Magic and Cookie Johnson

Unique: Serayah McNeill chose a textured blush dress with a low-cut front and fringed sleeves

Beaming: Draya Michele flaunted her hourglass figure in a neutral belted look, adding a structured clutch and hoop earrings

Tracey Edmonds highlighted her svelte figure in an intricate dress, adding pink lipstick and voluminous hair.

Shaun Robinson arrived in a pink, blue and purple strapless gown featuring a cascading skirt.

Samuel L. Jackson rocked a blue blazer with matching trousers, adding a colorful shirt while posing on the carpet with his wife LaTanya Richardson.

Ageless beauty: Tracey Edmonds highlighted her svelte figure in an intricate dress, adding pink lipstick and voluminous hair

What an arrival: Shaun Robinson arrived in a pink, blue and purple strapless gown featuring a cascading skirt

Date night: Samuel L. Jackson rocked a blue blazer with matching trousers, adding a colorful shirt while posing on the carpet with his wife LaTanya Richardson

Ariana Huffington beamed in her lace and floral ensemble upon arrival.

Shanica Knowles rocked a red and black frock with textured sleeves and lace up sleeves.

Star Jones chose to wear a sequined frock with an intricate headpiece, adding diamond jewelry.

Tina Knowles rocked a leaf style gown for the Wearable Art Gala.

Octavia Spencer chose a bomber jacket with a knee-length skirt and sandals.

Colorful: Ariana Huffington beamed in her lace and floral ensemble upon arrival

Bold: Shanica Knowles rocked a red and black frock with textured sleeves and lace up sleeves

Unique: Star Jones chose to wear a sequined frock with an intricate headpiece, adding diamond jewelry

Green touch: Tina Knowles rocked a leaf style gown for the Wearable Art Gala
She is one of the most sought-after actresses in the world.

And Brie Larson didn't need all the glitz and the glamour to send LAX into a clamor.

The 27-year-old actress was dressed comfortably as she arrived for a departing flight out of the highly-popular Los Angeles airport.

Fashionable flyer: Brie Larson was dressed comfortably as she arrived for a departing flight out of the highly-popular Los Angeles airport

The Oscar winner looked cool in a knit white sweater with cropped Frame blue jeans.

She teamed the simple but chic look with a pair of white slip-on shoes with a dog embroidered on them.

Brie accessorized with a large brown designer purse and a pair of silver cat eye shades.

Relaxed: The 27-year-old Oscar winner looked cool in a knit white sweater with Frame blue jeans

On-the-go: She teamed the simple but chic look with a pair of white slip-on shoes with a dog embroidered on them

Her blonde tresses were worn down flowing over her shoulders as she let her natural looks show with complimentary make-up on her face.

The outing came just days after she revealed to Vanity Fair that pals Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence came to her rescue at a low point during the promotional whirlwind for her 2015 drama Room.

'I felt lonely and bad sometimes,' she told the publication. 'I was embarrassed to keep talking about myself.'

Plunging in plum: Earlier in the week, her Vanity Fair cover was revealed as she said that pals Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence came to her rescue at a low point during the promotional whirlwind for her 2015 drama Room

'Emma wrote this beautiful e-mail out of nowhere, and then one day Jen sent me a text message after she saw Room, and we started talking' Brie told Vanity Fair

'Emma wrote this beautiful e-mail out of nowhere, and then one day Jen sent me a text message after she saw Room, and we started talking'

The text, Brie revealed, ended up being a group chat including Lena Dunham and Amy Schumer.

'That [group of friends] saved my life,' she admitted.

'I was able to talk with them about everything that was going on in my life, and it was with people who had been through it before and are also hilarious.'
She's the mild-mannered Toorak socialite who clashed with frenemy Lydia Schiavello in season three of The Real Housewives of Melbourne.

But now Susie McLean has parted ways with the scandalous franchise as production begins for the show's long-overdue fourth season.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, the 48-year-old revealed that she's shifting her focus to other projects, as well as enjoying her new romance with Triple M star Mick Molloy.

'It's been an amazing, extraordinary experience, but I have moved on': Susie McLean has parted ways with The Real Housewives of Melbourne ahead of the show's fourth season

'It's been an amazing, extraordinary experience, but I have moved on,' she revealed.

'I've been working hard on a brand called Susie Homemaker with a number of products to be released soon,' said the star, who was portrayed as a doting mum and skilled cake baker during her stint on RHOM.

She continued: 'I'm the face of Olivella, the Italian skin care brand exclusive to Chemist Warehouse. The national campaign is about to kick off soon.'

'I've been working hard on a brand called Susie Homemaker with a number of products to be released soon': The sweet-as-pie star was known for her cake baking skills on the reality series

'I'm the face of Olivella, the Italian skin care brand exclusive to Chemist Warehouse': The stunning 48-year-old is also busy promoting Olivella

Susie added: 'I also have been working with a number of charities as well as continuing my association with the CWA.'

When asked about her relationship with Aussie comedian Molloy, who she's been dating since January, the stunner said: 'Things are going very well with Mick, never a dull moment!'

Susie's departure comes after former co-star Pettifleur Berenger announced that she quit Real Housewives of Melbourne after two seasons to dedicate more time to her day job as a property developer and to work on a new show.

The glamorous 52-year-old has been busy filming Channel Seven's upcoming celebrity cooking competition Hell's Kitchen with Bachelor babe Sam Frost and notorious British chef Marco Pierre White.

'Things are going very well with Mick, never a dull moment!' Susie has been dating Australian comedian Mick Molloy since January

Flashback: Susie joined The Real Housewives of Melbourne in season three

Original cast member Chyka Keebaugh also confirmed her resignation from the controversial series shortly after season three wrapped to focus on her growing lifestyle brand and successful catering company.

With the trio departing, Foxtel are now looking to add some fresh blood to the cast.

Fan favourite Gamble Breaux, who will return for season four, told Daily Mail Australia: 'Rumours are swirling that there are two or even three new girls.'

Walking away: Property developer Pettifleur Berenger (left) and catering queen Chyka Keebaugh (right) both quit the series to focus on their lucrative day jobs

Still in the spotlight! In addition to working on some property projects, Pettifleur has also filmed Channel Seven's celebrity cooking competition Hell's Kitchen with Sam Frost

She added: 'I think there will definitely be a whopping big surprise!'

Some of the women that producers have been testing out include socialite Lady Venus Behbahani-Clark and fashion entrepreneur Jane Azzaro.

The plastic fantastic twosome have already been spotted out and about together, although it's unknown if they've made the final cut for the show.

Janet Roach, Gamble Breaux, Gina Liano, Lydia Schiavello, and Jackie Gillies are all expected to return.

Fresh meat: Lady Venus Behbahani-Clark, 32, is one of the frontrunners to join the series

Double trouble? Venus has been spending time with fashion entrepreneur Jane Azzaro (right), who is also rumoured to be joining the show
She left things frosty with her castmates when she quit The Only Way Is Essex in 2015.

But Lauren Pope appeared to be building bridges with her old friends as she reunited with Chloe Sims for a night out in London on Saturday.

Looking in good spirits, the 34-year-old reality star seemed to be doing a good job at mending their fractious relationship ahead of her impending TOWIE return.

Scroll down for video

Reunited: Lauren Pope appeared to be building bridges with her old friends as she reunited with Chloe Sims for a night out in London on Saturday ahead of her TOWIE return

Showing off her surgically-enhanced bust, Lauren opted for a subtle yet seductive flash of the flesh as she donned a sheer black top over her lacy bra.

She teamed the garment with a pair of wet look trousers, boosting her model frame with patent court heels.

Injecting a splash of colour into her ensemble, the businesswoman carried a large red clutch bag in her perfectly manicured fingers, whilst she added to the glamour with a pair of gold hoop earrings.

Chest a glimpse! Showing off her surgically-enhanced bust, Lauren opted for a subtle yet seductive flash of the flesh as she donned a sheer black top over her lacy bra

Looking equally as stylish on the night, was Chloe, 34, who donned a tight leopard print top beneath a sheer black cardigan.

Showing off her sensational figure, the mother-of-one wore a pair of high-waisted soft leather trousers and slipped her feet into black mules.

Accentuating her flawless features, Chloe swept her golden locks into a chic topknot, drawing further attention with a pair of statement earrings.

Wild thing! Looking equally as stylish on the night, was Chloe, 34, who donned a tight leopard print top beneath a sheer black cardigan

The ladies were reunited following Lauren's announcement that she is returning to TOWIE next season.

The blonde is hopeful she can put the past behind her and start with a 'clean slate', but welcomes any new drama that is on the horizon.

She explained: 'I feel like it [the drama] follows me whether I want it or not. The people that I had the drama with last time round arent there now so hopefully Ill find it more enjoyable which is why Im more excited to go back.

'Its a fresh, clean slate and that old drama wont be dragged up again.'

Glamourpuss! Showing off her sensational figure, the mother-of-one wore a pair of high-waisted soft leather trousers and slipped her feet into black mules

Blonde bombshell! Accentuating her flawless features, Chloe swept her golden locks into a chic topknot, drawing further attention with a pair of statement earrings

All about the accesspries: Chloe carried a small metallic green bag over her shoulder

After Lauren quit the ITVBe show, she went on to accuse female cast mates of making fun of her appearance and ostracizing her.

But Chloe vehemently denied Lauren's accusations, telling Digital Spy: 'Her looks? Oh, please! Honestly that is the biggest load of rubbish I've ever heard in my life . She's way cleverer than that.

'Do you think she'd let people push her out? Have you seen her career? You should Google her to see what she's done to get where she is. She didn't get pushed.

'She just dug a hole for herself and couldn't get back out. She just fell out with everyone.'

Out and about: Lauren's pal and former TOWIE star Vas J Morgan was also in attendance
Last week, she stunned when she showcased her flawless complexion going makeup free, in her native Spain.

And Elsa Pataky took to Instagram on Friday, to share a sweet shot of herself with her and husband Chris Hemsworth's three children, India Rose, four, and twins, Tristan and Sasha, three.

The 40-year-old beauty can be seen taking her children for a walk along the beach -believed to be near their ocean-front home in Byron Bay - captioning the shot: 'Back home with my little grommets!'

Scroll down for video

Home with her family: Elsa Pataky took to Instagram on Friday to share a sweet shot of herself with her three children, after her trip to her native Spain

She added to her Thor-star husband: 'Hey Thor stop checking out that Elle cover girl yeah!!'

In the snap, Elsa can be seen wearing grey and white patterned jeans with a black and floral jacket and sneakers, covering her face with a hat.

Her mention of her husband, comes after he shared to Instagram a snap of himself reading Elle magazine, of which she was on the cover of.

Glowing: Last week, she stunned when she showcased her flawless complexion going makeup free

'Probably gonna use my special powers to track down this wild beauty @elsapatakyconfidential,' Australian star Chris, 33, wrote.

Elsa meanwhile, flaunted her makeup free complexion in Spain, sharing a snap to Instagram.

The stunning actress recently revealed how she and husband Chris manage to stay so beautiful, citing cosmetics as her secret weapon.

'Makeup is like a miracle,' she joked during an appearance on Today Extra.

'Hey Thor stop checking out that Elle cover girl': Chris recently shared to Instagram a snap of himself reading Elle magazine, of which she was on the cover

The L'Oreal ambassador continued: 'In the mornings we don't look like that and for sure not at night, because when you go to sleep you're really tired after a lot of work.'

'It's amazing. It's all worth it but it's crazy, as you know.'

Elsa is currently fronting a campaign for L'Oreal's Botanical hair care range.

The busy working mother has also been gearing up to launch a film production company alongside Chris, telling The Daily Telegraph: 'It is something we have been talking about.'

'It is good to find your own projects, something you are passionate about so we are reading a lot of scripts. That is actually the best option right now.
He first shot to fame in 2011 with his role in Home and Away.

Now Blake Northfield is getting ready to debut his first producing role in the self-funded thriller Out Of The Shadows.

The 27-year-old also acts in the supernatural thriller which premiered at the Gold Coast Film Festival on Saturday night.

Scroll down for video

Underdog: Blake Northfield is getting ready to debut his first producing role in the self-funded thriller Out Of The Shadows

More that 140 people volunteered to help out in the independent film which was shot in Byron Bay.

Blake said there were a lot of hurdles to overcome in order to make the movie including access to money.

He told the Gold Coast Bulletin: 'I think that all creative industries face challenges, I guess for us it was little access to government funding bodies and not many people wanting to take a chance on a 27-year-old first time producer'.

Show me the money! Blake said one of the challenges for making the film was 'little access to government funding bodies'

He continued: 'It really comes down to who is willing to throw it all on the line and get the end result and eventually see the fruition of the hard work.'

Blake said the film is about a young police detective whose wife is being haunted by demons that are wanting their unborn child.

Blake said that his upbringing and personal life were two big inspirations for the film.

Inspiration: 'My father was a homicide detective for 17 years so I found the character relatable from my experience growing up'

He said: 'My father was a homicide detective for 17 years so I found the character relatable from my experience growing up.'

'Also funnily enough while filming, my partner was pregnant with our first child, thankful she was a little less possessed but it was all scarily relatable at the time.'

The film took on an award-winning cast and crew such as Oscar Award winning sound designer David White and original music by by Academy nominee Christopher Gordon.
She's been soaking up the sunshine in Australia on her romantic break with Gaz Beadle.

And Emma McVey treated her fans to a glimpse of her bikini body as she stripped off for a sizzling selfie on Saturday.

Flaunting her sensational figure, the 24-year-old model showed off her ample cleavage in a skimpy black two-piece as she posed up a storm.

Scroll down for video

Bikini babe: She's been soaking up the sunshine in Australia. And Emma McVey treated her fans to a glimpse of her bikini body as she stripped off for a sizzling selfie on Saturday

For a second stunning snapshot, the starlet showed off her abs in a black crop top that highlighted her svelte physique.

She teamed the garment with a black maxi skirt that bore laser cut detailing across the leg but also a solid black band to protect her modesty.

Pouting down the lens, the brunette bombshell was a vision of beauty in the shot.

Model moment: For a second stunning snapshot, the starlet posed up a storm showing off her watch as she pouted down the lens in a black crop top that highlighted her svelte physique

Emma began dating Geordie Shore star Gaz in August 2016 and the pair have been inseparable ever since.

Speaking about his girlfriend recently, he revealed his current squeeze has had a good influence on him and made him change his ways to finally ditch his lothario rep.

He told The Sun: 'I was with the right girls, but at the wrong time. I've made mistakes, like cheating, but I'm trying not to do that again.'

Leggy lady! She teamed the crop top with a black maxi skirt that bore laser cut detailing across the leg but also a solid black band to protect her modesty

He added: 'My current girlfriend Emma is great and our relationship is different to ones I've had before because they were all in the public eye - this relationship feels more normal.'

The former Lothario also admitted that despite his on screen romps, he is more shy than people give him credit for.

He explained: 'You wouldnt think it, but I am quite shy. I can have sex on camera on Geordie Shore because thats just me with one person in a room, but put me in front of 50 people with a microphone and I would freeze.'
They've been criticised for promoting the shambolic Fyre Festival online.

But Hailey Baldwin and Joan Smalls put the backlash behind them as they attended the The Blond One Year Anniversary with V Magazine in New York on Saturday.

Joined by the likes of Doutzen Kroes and Rita Ora, the supermodels were in the luxury company they are accustomed to, and more than 1,000 miles away from the chaos unfolding at the Bahamas music event.

Scroll down for video

Moving on: She's been criticised for promoting the shambolic Fyre Festival. But Hailey Baldwin put the backlash behind her at the The Blond One Year Anniversary in New York on Saturday

Showing off her sensational figure, Hailey donned a sheer polka dot mini dress that skimmed her tanned and toned thighs.

Protecting her modesty, Stephen Baldwin's daughter wore a black crop top, whilst the sheer material of her dress featured opaque panels.

Bejeweled detailing adorned the front of the garment, whilst a purple cross body bag added to the glitz and glamour of the ensemble.

Leggy lady! Looking equally as glamorous, Joan donned a tiny sequinned playsuit that offered a look at her enviably lean legs. Layering up, the starlet donned a denim waistcoat

Looking equally as glamorous, Joan donned a tiny sequinned playsuit that offered a look at her enviably lean legs.

Layering up, she donned a denim waistcoat, whilst her glossy raven locks were swept into a slick ponytail.

Opting for similar flesh-flashing styles, Doutzen donned a low-cut black shirt dress, whilst Rita dazzled in a cream striped suit.

These boots are made for partying! Doutzen Kroes dazzled in a plunging black shirt dress that she teamed with a pair of scarlet thigh boots with dramatic lace-up detailing

The models' outing came after they were blasted for promoting Fyre Festival, which was billed as a 'cultural moment created from an alchemic blend of music, art, and food', yet turned out to be shambolic.

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, models Haily, Joan and the likes of Elsa Hosk, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lais Ribeiro 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.

Suited and booted: Rita Ora flaunted her cleavage in a cream striped trouser suit that she slipped over her hourglass curves

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.

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.
Last week, The Voice fans slammed Delta Goodrem for her of 'bulls**t theatrics' during The Voice's Blind Auditions.

And on Sunday, the songstress again sent social media into meltdown as she continued her extravagant antics on the reality show.

The Born To Try crooner was twice seen dramatically turning her chair with her feet, as she writhed seductively in the seat.

Social media backlash: On Sunday night's episode of The Voice, Delta Goodrem drew ire on Twitter for her extravagant antics in the coach's chair

When duo Sean and Molly took the stage, a dramatic Delta waited until the last moment to turn her chair, belting her buzzer with her boot.

'Delta just push the friggin' button with ur hand like a normal person' one viewer wrote on Twitter.

Another angry user added, 'Just sit on the chair properly Delta FFS. Don't use your foot to press the buzzer'.

Letting her feet do the work: The songstress used her shoes to turn her chair during Sunday night's episode attracting attention on social media

Why is she using her feet? One social media pondered Delta's antics

Blunt: Social media users were irritated by Delta's unusual way of turning her chair

A third summed up the sentiments, simply questioning, 'Are Delta's hands broken?'

The stunning star's outlandish behaviour continued over the course of the episode, at various times seen throwing her arms up on her seat, dancing and breaking into song.

After contestant Brooke Schubert took to the stage singing a Celine Dion song, Delta dropped in that she had written a track on one of Celine's albums.

Dramatic: When turning the chair for duo Sean and Molly, dramatic Delta waited until the last minute before belting her buzzer

And Delta name-dropped again when Sean and Molly performed the song 'Paper Cuts' by Illy and Vera Blue.

The blonde beauty reminded the audience that Vera was one of her own contestants during the second season of The Voice.

The social media backlash comes after Delta was last week seen flirting with handsome contestant Tim Conlon.

'FFS': A number of fans echoed the same sentiments about Delta turning her chair
Amy and Tyson were named the winners of My Kitchen Rules, on Sunday evening.

The brother and sister duo pocketed a whopping $250,000, after serving up an impressive five course meal to the judges.

After hearing the news that they had won, the pair were shocked, with Amy, 29, calling the win: 'A dream come true.'

Scroll down for video

They did it! Amy and Tyson won My Kitchen Rules on Sunday evening, pocketing a whopping $250,000

Tyson, 26, added: 'I'm just so proud of what Amy and I have achieved together. We couldn't have done it alone and I'm just happy to be sharing it with her,' getting emotional.

The former Uber driver added that the win means he's closer to his dream of becoming a professional chef.

'Being crowned the winner makes my dreams of becoming a chef a reality. It's going to happen,' he said, having beaten Valerie and Courtney in the grand final.

Thrilled: After hearing the news that they had won, the pair were shocked, with Amy calling the win: 'A dream come true'

They just missed out! Mother and daughter duo Valerie (L) and Courtney (R) scored a total of 52 points from the judges

Queensland-based pair Tyson and Amy finished on 57 points out of 60, while Valerie, 61, and Courtney, 29, finished on 52 points.

The brother and sister duo scored ten out of ten from judges Pete Evans, Liz Egan and Karen Martini.

Tyson and Amy served a parmesan and truffle mousse with mushrooms for the first course, pea and ham soup for second course, and butter poached marron with Jerusalem artichoke and rhubarb, for third course.

Hugging it out: Tyson and Amy finished on 57 points out of 60, while Valerie and Courtney finished on 52

'Both teams were top tier': Before giving the scores, judge Manu Feildel (L, pictured with Pete Evans) praised both teams

For the fourth course, they made veal, sweetbreads and marrow, followed by after dinner mint, for the fifth course.

Valerie and Courtney cooked samosa crisp with chat for the first course, salmon tikka skewers with coriander and pea soup for the second, and spiced Spanish mackerel with khichdi for the third.

For the fourth course, they cooked pork vindaloo with turmeric cabbage and beetroot raita, and pistachio kulfi for the fifth.

Before giving the scores, judge Manu Feildel praised both teams.

'From the start, both teams were in the top tier,' Manu said.

Fancy: Tyson and Amy served a parmesan and truffle mousse with mushrooms for the first course

Impressed: Pictured is judge Colin Fassnidge

'Exceptional home cooks who brought endless passion in the kitchen,' he added.

In the final feedback, judge Colin Fassnidge said Valerie and Courtney's first course was a ten out of ten.

He added with the pork main: 'No wonder this guy is happy,' pointing to Valerie's husband.

The only criticism was the third course proportions, with Liz saying she wanted less fish.

'You should be very proud of yourselves. What an amazing five-course menu,' Manu said.

Tyson and Amy were praised for their second course, with Pete saying it was 'ten out of ten' for him.

'Ten out of ten': Valerie and Courtney cooked samosa crisp with chat for the first course

Life changing! Amy also said that her brother has grown in the competition, and Tyson said that he is no longer 'angry, angry man'

Tasty! Amy and Tyson were told their mint and chocolate dessert was 'smooth, creamy and just perfect'

The pair were commended for the jus on their veal dish, and told their mint and chocolate dessert was 'smooth, creamy and just perfect.'

Before cooking, Tyson said how much he wanted to win the show, since he wants to pursue a cooking career.

'Winning the title would be massive for us. Me, especially. I think that title is worth more than the money for me. If I want this as a career, it's worth its weight in gold,' he said.

Amy also said that her brother has grown in the competition, and Tyson even said that he is no longer 'angry, angry man.'

Like a work of art! Pictured is Valerie and Courtney's spiced Spanish mackerel with khichdi for the third

Cheering them on: They two teams were thrilled when they saw their families come into kitchen HQ, and their fellow contestants

Valerie meanwhile, said she and Courtney wanted to win the show, but they've enjoyed bonding together in the kitchen.

'Standing here with Courtney is something I'll remember for the rest of our lives,' Valerie said about her daughter.

They two teams were thrilled when they saw their families come into kitchen HQ, and their fellow contestants.

At one point while cooking, Tyson and Amy's mother broke down in tears as she saw her children cooking in the grand final, with 'angry, angry man' Tyson commenting: 'Our mum is very emotional. I don't have time for that.'

'I don't have time for that': At one point while cooking, Tyson and Amy's mother broke down in tears as she saw her children cooking

At one point while cooking, Courtney got teary, saying the stress and pressure of the grand final had gotten to her.

Meanwhile, while cooking the fourth course, Valerie burst out into tears when she told her family that the pork dish they were making, was her late father's dish.

'He's watching over us today,' she said, with a picture of her father in her pocket.

While cooking their fourth course, the veal and sweatbreads, Tyson struggled to break up their bread crumbs.

Their former rivals cheered from the sideline and said they wanted him to become 'angry, angry man.'
She and NRL star husband George Burgess have been showing off baby Boston since they welcomed him into the world, earlier this month.

And on Sunday Joanna Burgess took to Instagram to show off George's parenting skills.

In the video, her husband is seen cradling Boston while singing to him and simultaneously brushing his teeth.

I wanna be like you! Joanna Burgess has now shown off her husband NRL player George's parenting skills with a hilarious Instagram video

Sunday vibes: Sunday night Joanna shared a video of her husband cradling Boston while singing to him and simultaneously brushing his teeth

George sang I Wanna Walk Like You from The Jungle Book to his newborn baby while he was wrapped in a towel from the waist down.

He held Boston, who was wrapped in a blanket, and sang to him enthusiastically while he brushed his teeth with his free hand.

Joanna stood behind the bathroom as captured the adorable moment and shared it to her 24k Instagram followers.

She captured the video with: 'Gold star for dad! A little bit of The Jungle Book and bubba is settled. @george.burgess getting better at multitasking'.

Disney fans: George sang I Wanna Walk Like You from The Jungle Book to his newborn baby while he was wrapped in a towel from the waist down

Fam goals: The video comes just days after Joanna took to Instagram on Wednesday to share another cute-as-a-button photo of the new family

The video comes just days after Joanna took to Instagram on Wednesday to share another cute-as-a-button photo of the new family.

The photo shows George and Joanna, both looking casual, happy and relaxed, while the cherubic Boston sleeps soundly on mum's chest.

Both George and Joanna are soaking up the sun, wearing reflective sunglasses while George enjoys what looks to be a milkshake and Joanna an ice water.

Picture perfect: The photo shows George and Joanna, both looking casual, happy and relaxed, while the cherubic Boston sleeps soundly on mum's chest

Boston, meanwhile, looks like he doesn't have a care in the world as he rests on Joanna's chest, wearing a white onesie with blue stripes

'Meal time with my babes,' Joanna captioned the photo with the hashtag Boston and two kiss emojis.

Fans of the new family were quick to gush over the gorgeous photo with one follower offering: 'couple goals, parenting goals, life goals', while others commented with the likes of 'cuties' and 'beautiful'.

Since welcoming Boston into the world, earlier this month, both George and Joanna have been, quite rightly gushing over their perfect progeny on social media.
She recently revealed she's got her pre-baby body back following the birth of her child Dream in November.

And Blac Chyna was sure to display her enviable figure on Saturday night in a figure-flaunting ensemble while arriving at The Pool Harrahs, Harrahs Resort Atlantic City in New Jersey.

The 28-year-old reality star slipped into a bandage inspired mini dress that accentuated her womanly curves as she stepped out on the red carpet for the bash.

Scroll down for video

Figure-flaunting: Blac Chyna was sure to display her enviable figure on Saturday night in a figure-flaunting ensemble while arriving at The Pool Harrahs, Harrahs Resort Atlantic City in New Jersey

The mother-of-two's evening attire featured beige and coral block paneling with slimming white horizontal stripes that highlighted her eye-catching posterior.

Showcasing her honed body with aplomb, her racy garment boasted a matching white choker that drew attention to her buxom bust and toned arms as she teetered to the event.

The former stripper added inches to her diminutive height with a pair of sky-high platform heels that helped elongate her honed pins.

Keeping her accessories to a minimum, she added a touch of bling to her sultry look with stacked bangles which offset her statement watch.

Sultry: The 28-year-old reality star slipped into a bandage inspired mini dress that accentuated her womanly shape as she stepped out on the red carpet for the bash

She continued her glamorous beauty assault on the red carpet as she worked her Rapunzel length raven tresses into a straight style.

Her dazzling display comes after she welcomed daughter Dream Kardashian in November, with reality television star Rob.

Despite her radiant glow, she has faced her fair share of trials and tribulations with the E! star, having split up numerous times and called their wedding plans off.

However, they are reportedly working on their relationship and are back together - although that likely could change at any moment.

Cheeky: The mother-of-two's evening attire featured beige and coral block paneling with slimming white horizontal stripes that highlighted her eye-catching posterior

In an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians earlier this month, Kim and Khloe Kardashian as well as half-sister Kylie Jenner are seen Facetiming Rob after a huge fight.

At the time, Khloe revealed to him that Chyna has threatened to break things off with him.

In the episode, Rob's 32-year-old sister revealed: 'She texted all your sisters and said that she's ready to leave you.'

Work it! Showcasing her honed body with aplomb, her racy garment boasted a matching white choker that drew attention to her buxom bust and toned arms as she teetered to the event

Rob responded: 'I definitely do love her and want to be with her.'

'Am I crazy?!' Khloe asks. 'What does that mean?'

Despite the furor, Chyna recently posted pictures of them kissing, where they seem to be in her home in Calabasas which she also shares with son Cairo, aged four, who she shares with rapper Tyga.
He's know as The Boss thanks to his many hits Dancing In The Dark, Born To Run and I'm On Fire.

Yet, Bruce Springsteen has revealed he nearly gave up his one of his most iconic anthems Born In The USA, admitting he believed t it was too insincere.

Speaking at a Q&A session with Tom Hanks at the Tribeca Film Festival, the 67-year-old rocker opened up to the Oscar-winning actor, insisting that it was E Street Band guitarist Stevie Van Zandt who convinced him to keep the 1984 hit.

Scroll down for video

Speaking out: Bruce Springsteen has revealed he nearly gave up his one of his most iconic anthems Born In The USA, admitting he believed t it was too insincere

Springsteen's memorable tune was written in part tribute to friends who had served in the American Army during the Vietnam War and the ironic treatment of the veterans upon their return home.

He divulged: 'Stevie [Van Zandt, longtime guitarist in the E Street Band] convinced me to keep that song.

'I remember at the time thinking it's too glib. It's too glib. I think I still think that. But Stevie said, "No, no, no  it's about the band, the brotherhood of the band, the fans."

The New Jersey native - who has been married to Patti Scialfa since 1991 - added that he gave his musical peer the 'benefit of the doubt' but still doesn't quite feel comfortable with the song.

'Too glib': Springsteen revealed he thought the 1984 song was 'too glib'

Opening up: Speaking at a Q&A session with Tom Hanks (L) at the Tribeca Film Festival, the 67-year-old rocker opened up to the Oscar-winning actor, insisting that it was E Street Band guitarist Stevie Van Zandt who convinced him to keep the 1984 hit

Adding: 'I gave him the benefit of the doubt. We've played it an awful lot ever since. But I was always a little frightened of it. And the whole record I always have mixed feelings about.'

Despite his feelings, the epochal song has received much praise throughout the years and was ranked 275th on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time as well as placed on RIAA's Songs of the Century.

The fan favourite and title track of his 1984 album of the same name inspired famed photographer Annie Leibovitz's iconic photo of Springsteen's backside against the backdrop of an American flag for the record cover.

Commenting on the concept in 1984, the Medal of Freedom recipient told Rolling Stone: 'We had the flag on the cover because the first song was called "Born in the U.S.A.", and the theme of the record kind of follows from the themes I've been writing about for at least the last six or seven years.

Speaking out: He divulged during the session: 'Stevie [Van Zandt, longtime guitarist in the E Street Band] convinced me to keep that song

'Benefit of the doubt': The New Jersey native - who has been married to Patti Scialfa (Pictured above) since 1991 - added that he gave his musical peer the 'benefit of the doubt' but still doesn't quite comfortable with the song

'But the flag is a powerful image, and when you set that stuff loose, you don't know what's gonna be done with it.'

During his hour long chat with Academy Award winner Hanks, Bruce discussed his life and early career with stories that he spoke about in his recent memoir Born To Run.

Opening up about his climb to the top, Bruce revealed that in the early days while playing gigs wherever he could when he was broke meant he never paid taxes.

Famed: Despite his feelings, the epochal song has received much praise throughout the years and was ranked 275th on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time as well as placed on RIAA's Songs of the Century

Candid: During his hour long chat with Academy Award winner Hanks, Bruce discussed his life and early career with stories that he spoke about in his recent memoir Born To Run

Having avoided bills for so many years, he added that when he made it, he spent all most all his earnings on paying off debs.

He continued at the Q&A: 'In 1980, I think I had about $20,000 to my name - which sounded like a lot of money when I was 20, but when you're 30 and you've been doing this for a while...

'But most people's early careers are a mess. When you get in the music business, the cards are stacked in favor of the business and they're stacked against the musicians.'
Her ring finger was seen looking lighter earlier this week as she stepped out without her engagement bling.

And now, Candice Swanepoel, 28, revealed her delicate engagement ring is firmly back on her hand as she went out and about in New York, showcasing her enviable post-baby body on Saturday.

The Victoria's Secret Angel looked sensational as she teamed her intricate ring with a figure-flaunting playsuit as she soaked up the sun in the Big Apple.

Scroll down for video

Bling-tastic! Candice Swanepoel, 28, revealed her delicate engagement ring is firmly back on her hand as she went out and about in New York, showcasing her enviable post-baby body on Saturday

The South African beauty's thigh-grazing one-piece featured sultry cutout detail along her torso, which drew attention to her narrow waist and toned arms.

Enjoying a coffee run with her pal, her darling playsuit displayed her slender pins as she commanded the city's streets like a catwalk in her white Converse trainers.

Accessorising her daytime look, she worked a pair of large gold hoop earrings, while covering her facial features with a pair of fashion forward cat-eye shades.

The style maven appeared to anticipate the soaring temperatures as she styled her honey hued tresses into a high ponytail while she carried her coffee in her engagement ring clad hand.

Fun in the sun: The Victoria's Secret Angel looked sensational as she teamed her intricate ring with a figure-flaunting playsuit as she soaked up the sun in the Big Apple

Looking bronzed, the fashion starlet - who welcomed her first child in October - appeared in high spirits as she flashed her gold engagement ring.

Going for gold: Looking bronzed, the fashion starlet appeared in high spirits as she flashed her gold engagement ring

Ever since they welcomed their first child on October 5, Candice and her fiance Hermann Nicoli have only been photographed separately cuddling son Anaca.

Swanepoel hasn't publicly posted about her 34-year-old babydaddy since sharing a 2007 throwback snap for Valentine's Day.

The Victoria's Secret Angel was the tender age of 17 when she met the Brazilian male model on assignment in Paris back in 2005.

Hermann eventually popped the question in August 2015, but no wedding date was ever set for the New York-based couple.

The 5ft10in catwalker teamed up with Mara & Mine designers Jasmine Yarbrough and Tamie Ingham for a collection of four vegan sandals (retailing between $210-$285), which will be released on May 6.

Co-parenting: Ever since they welcomed their first child on October 5, Candice and her fiance Hermann Nicoli have only been photographed separately cuddling son Anaca

Happy: Hermann eventually popped the question in August 2015, but no wedding date was ever set for the New York-based couple

'Im a very creative person and am always looking for opportunities to explore that. So during the time off [from modeling] during my pregnancy, I needed a project to work on,' Candice told Footwear News.

'The inspiration came from my love of the summer months, travel and my bohemian and minimalist style. I wanted to create a summer collection that is flattering, simple and ethical, to show people that vegan accessories can be just as beautiful and luxurious as leather accessories...I will definitely be sharing the collection with my girls [in Victoria's Secret].'

Swanepoel's first post-pregnancy modeling gig was 'braving the cold' water to shoot a sultry campaign for cosmetics company, Biotherm.
She was one of the founding women of grunge music with her successful band Hole.

And it appears Courtney Love is still hanging onto her rock roots as she suffered a make-up blunder reminiscent of her nineties style while out and about in New York on Saturday night.

The 52-year-old musician arrived in a demure red midi dress at The Bowery Hotel when her unfortunate mascara mishap was spotted smeared under her peepers to give her panda eyes.

Uh-oh: Courtney Love is still hanging onto her rock roots as she suffered a make-up blunder reminiscent to her nineties style while out and about in New York on Saturday night

Despite the make-up setback, she managed to put on a chic display in her pleated number that showcased her slender alabaster pins.

Her choice of Peter Pan collared garment featured an A-line skirt that showcased her narrow waist as she strolled into the East Village hotspot in her black mules.

The darling sleeveless dress also boasted colourful floral and butterfly embroidery across the chest while flashing her intricate arm tattoos.

Beauty blunder: The 52-year-old musician arrived in a demure red midi dress at The Bowery Hotel when her unfortunate mascara mishap was spotted smeared under her peepers to give her panda eyes

Oh no: Courtney suffered panda eyes as she headed out in NYC

Adding an extra fashion flare to her ensemble, she draped a star-studded leather mini-bag over her shoulder which happened to match her simple bangles.

While her smudged beauty look attracted attention, she let her blonde locks fall down her shoulders in a natural style while hinting at her drop-earrings.

Her appearance comes after it was revealed in February that the rocker will star in a Lifetime movie about early nineties Menendez brothers murder case.

According to Variety the film has hired Love to star in the film as Kitty Menendez, the mother and victim of murderers Lyle and Eric.

The yet-to-be-named project will dive into what motivated the wealthy young men to kill both of their parents as well as the very public trial that followed.

Stepping out: Despite the make-up setback, she managed to put on a chic display in her pleated number that showcased her slender alabaster pins

During the trial, both brothers testified that they suffered years of sexual and emotional abuse from their father Jose Menendez while they accused their mother Kitty of failing to protect them.

The explosive trial became a media sensation, with Lyle and Eric eventually given lifetime sentences without the possibility of parole and was reported to go into production in Vancouver, Canada in March.

Love will take the role of matriarch Kitty Menendez while casting for the rest of the family is still underway.
She soared to fame with her pin-up curves, saucy style and innuendo-laden cookery.

Yet Nigella Lawson looked worlds away from her racy saucepot alter-ego as she stepped out in London sporting just a plain black ensemble while going make-up free following a business meeting in the capital.

The 57-year-old TV star was flaunting her incredibly youthful complexion as she very clearly illustrated she does not need lashings of cosmetics to keep youth on her side while displaying her line-free, dewy complexion.

Scroll down for video

Fresh faced: Nigella Lawson looked worlds away from her racy saucepot alter-ego as she stepped out in London sporting just a plain black ensemble while going make-up free following a business meeting in the capital

Nigella was heading out in her native city as she negotiated through meetings, no doubt surrounding the release of her tenth cookbook, At My Table.

Taking to her website, Nigella revealed a sneak peek of the book's cover, which shows her in one of her favourite form-fitting dresses.

Nigella last released a cookbook, Simply Nigella, back in 2015, and has been notably absent from the limelight and TV.

Proving even saucy TV chefs have days off, she went low-key in tight indigo coloured jeans paired with a warm wool jacket over the top and a poloneck beneath.

Keeping things low-key: The 57-year-old TV star was flaunting her incredibly youthful complexion as she very clearly illustrated she does not need lashings of cosmetics to keep youth on her side while displaying her line-free, dewy complexion

All black: Nigella was heading out in her native city as she negotiated through meetings, no doubt surrounding the release of her tenth cookbook, At My Table

Laid-back: Atop her make-up free complexion, her trademark raven tresses were worn in loose waves falling from a centre parting as she strutted down the street

Designer darling: Giving a hint of her superstar status was her stylish leather handbag which she wore across her chest while studded with a gold zip and monogram

Atop her make-up free complexion, her trademark raven tresses were worn in loose waves falling from a centre parting as she strutted down the street.

Giving a hint of her superstar status was her stylish leather handbag which she wore across her chest while studded with a gold zip and monogram.

While she looked extremely serious during her outing, she has recently been putting on a much more giddy display while blazing the promotional trail.

Explaining the premise behind her new book, she wrote: 'It's no secret that I've been writing a new book, but I have kept pretty quiet about it.

Twinning: While she looked extremely serious during her outing, she has recently been putting on a much more giddy display while blazing the promotional trail

New book: Explaining the premise behind her new book, she wrote: 'It's no secret that I've been writing a new book, but I have kept pretty quiet about it'

All done! 'But now the recipes are done, the book written, and I've just started the book shoot - which means my house is pleasurably frantic, every surface covered and there are four recipes on the go right now'

Walking along: Nigella, whose cooking range, Living Kitchen, is worth 7m, went on to explain how penning books is a 'glorious' experience and describes At My Table as a book of recipes that tell her ongoing life with food

Out and a pout: Nigella looked stunning as she walked down the street

'But now the recipes are done, the book written, and I've just started the book shoot - which means my house is pleasurably frantic, every surface covered and there are four recipes on the go right now.'

Nigella, whose cooking range, Living Kitchen, is worth 7m, went on to explain how penning books is a 'glorious' experience and describes At My Table as a book of recipes that tell her ongoing life with food.

'Food is not just fuel, it's about memory and the stories of our lives and for me that means the food I ate growing up, the food I've cooked for friends and family sitting around my table and the recipes in this book reflect that,' she explains.

'This book, like all the books I've written is not just a manual, but a collection of stories and a container of memories. But of course, for all that, a cookery book - this cookery book - also has to answer that important, everyday question 'What are we going to eat?'.'

Stunner: 'Food is not just fuel, it's about memory and the stories of our lives and for me that means the food I ate growing up, the food I've cooked for friends and family sitting around my table and the recipes in this book reflect that,' she explains

Off we go: 'This book, like all the books I've written is not just a manual, but a collection of stories and a container of memories. But of course, for all that, a cookery book - this cookery book - also has to answer that important, everyday question 'What are we going to eat?'

Serious stuff: Nigella seemed lost in thought as she headed down the street
She recently admitted she was 'embracing' her natural chest size, after confessing they had grown again following her surgical reduction.

And Casey Batchelor was certainly not afraid to show off her bust on Saturday night as she enjoyed a wild night out in East London.

The reality star, 32, gave a glimpse of her famous cleavage in a pink bardot blouse as she headed out for the night - mingling with a group of police officers on the way and playfully trying on their hats.

Scroll down for video

Think pink: Casey Batchelor was certainly not afraid to show off her bust on Saturday night as she enjoyed a wild night out in East London

The Celebrity Big Brother star flaunted her curvaceous figure in a chic off-the-shoulder blouse, which left plenty of skin and a hint of her ample cleavage on show.

Cutting straight across her chest to push up and enhance her bust, the top then extended into stylish bell sleeves, lined with black ribbon.

Paired with skinny black trousers, the beauty drew further attention to her enviably svelte legs as she hit the town with friends.

Bust-ed! The reality star gave a glimpse of her famous cleavage in a pink bardot blouse as she mingled with a group of police officers on the way and playfully trying on their hats

She tied her look together with strappy black heeled sandals and a delicate silver pendant around her neck.

Leaving her hair in loose waves and sporting a smoky eye, Casey exuded glamour as she embarked on her night on the town.

First seductively posing on the street, the TV personality put on a more playful display later on as she bumped into a group of police officers en route to her destination.

Chatting animatedly with them, the cheeky beauty was even seen clambering into their van and trying on their police hats as she laughed for the cameras.

Chilling: Casey has recently returned from her holiday in the Dominican Republic - which saw her show off her stunning figure in an array of skimpy bikinis (above)

The former glamour model appears happy to be back in the UK following an idyllic holiday in the Dominican Republic - which saw her show off her stunning figure in an array of skimpy bikinis.

Casey admitted last month that she is now 'embracing' her natural chest size, after her boobs have grown in size again following a breast reduction she had undergone in September 2014.

The reductive surgery had taken her cup size from a 32GG to an E cup and at the time, she gushed that she had been pleased by its results.

However, several years on, Casey has now found that her assets have got bigger.

She revealed in an interview with Closer magazine: 'Weirdly my boobs have grown again since then (the reduction) and I'm back up to an EE or F.

'Apparently it does happen if that's the way your body wants to be be and large boobs run in my family on both sides so I have to get used to it.'
Their romance has been fraught with troubles - complete with an arrest for assault, blazing rows and mud-slinging from both sides.

Yet Stephanie Davis and Jeremy McConnell, who share five-month-old son Caben Albi, appear to be finally on the up as they were seen jetting on holiday from Manchester Airport on Sunday after the Irish hunk wrapped up a stint in rehab.

The 24-year-old former Hollyoaks star showed off her incredible post-baby body in a stomach-flashing crop top paired with high-waisted jeans while Jeremy, 27, looked better than ever following a recuperating stint in rehab.

Scroll down for video

Back for good: Stephanie Davis and Jeremy McConnell, who share five-month-old son Caben Albi, appear to be finally on the up as they were seen jetting on holiday on Sunday after the Irish hunk wrapped up a stint in rehab

Stephanie and Jeremy's love story began when they starred together on Celebrity Big Brother in January 2016 before becoming embroiled in a toxic romance which ended in April - a month before she announced she was expecting.

After persistently denying the paternity, Jeremy vowed to step up when he discovered he was the father although his assault arrest in March left fans aghast although kind-hearted Stephanie vowed to stand by the star.

Last month, Jeremy released a statement in which he revealed he was taking a break from social media to help battle his demons during a reported rehab stay and Sunday is the first time the couple have been spotted together since.

Clearly making a huge turn around, Jeremy appeared truly rejuvenated as he beamed while showing off a new haircut and a slimmed-down frame.

Hold me close: The 24-year-old former Hollyoaks star showed off her incredible post-baby body in a stomach-flashing crop top paired with high-waisted jeans while Jeremy, 27, looked better than ever following a recuperating stint

True love: After persistently denying the paternity, Jeremy vowed to step up when he discovered he was the father although March's assault arrest left fans aghast although kind-hearted Stephanie vowed to stand by the star

Our boy: The duo are doting parents to baby Caben

Happy days: The couple fell for one another in Celebrity Big Brother last year

Stephanie looked nothing short of sensational for the reunion, as she made sure to look her very best and flaunt every inch of her post-baby body.

Her barely-there jumper slid off her shoulder in a saucy manner while also riding high on her waist to give a peek of her taut stomach.

She slipped her slender physique into a pair of eye-wateringly tight distressed denim jeans which not only showed off her stomach but also hints of her tanned legs.

Drawing her diminutive height in line with her 6"3 beau, she slipped on a pair of towering nude, platform heels, which perfectly lengthened her legs while giving a designer edge to the ensemble.

Back on: Last month, the handsome star released a statement in which he revealed he was taking a break from social media to help battle his demons during a reported rehab stay and Sunday is the first time the couple have been spotted together since

Incredible: Stephanie looked nothing short of sensational for the reunion, as she made sure to look her very best and flaunt every inch of her post-baby body

Having a laugh: Her barely-there jumper slid off her shoulder in a saucy manner while also riding high on her waist to give a peek of her taut stomach

Jeremy meanwhile looked funky in a white T-shirt with slashed sleeves to show off his newly-buffed up arms - complete with his extremely colourful trademark inkings.

His new haircut added to his slick new look, with the sides sheared and top slicked back into a smooth do pulled off his face.

Taking charge, the Irish hunk, who first found TV fame on MTV's now-defunct reality show Beauty School Cop Outs in 2013, pushed the trolley laden with suitcases before taking a stumble and causing a bag to go flying.

Slick: His new haircut added to his slick new look, with the sides sheared and top slicked back into a smooth do pulled off his face

Back in love: Jeremy meanwhile looked funky in a white T-shirt with slashed sleeves to show off his newly-buffed up arms - complete with his extremely colourful trademark inkings

Oops! Jeremy appeared to lose control of the trolley and sent one of the suitcases flying

Shortly before their reunion, sources revealed to The Sun that Stephanie was determined to marry recovering Jeremy as she believes the root of all their woes was drink and drugs.

The insider said: 'Steph believes all the problems in their relationship were down to Jeremys drinking and drug-taking. Shes convinced that once he gets professional help, theyll be able to be happy again...

'As soon as Jeremy leaves rehab, she wants him to move to Liverpool where she can keep a close eye on him and make sure he doesnt slip back into old habits. After everything theyve been through.

'Steph is dreaming of a fairy-tale ending and that includes getting married. She believes a wedding would mark a fresh start and be the perfect chance to put the past behind them'.

Proposal? Shortly before their reunion, sources revealed to The Sun that Stephanie was determined to marry recovering Jeremy as she believes the root of all their woes was drink and drugs

Teehee! The insider said: 'Steph believes all the problems in their relationship were down to Jeremys drinking and drug-taking.

On the up: 'Shes convinced that once he gets professional help, theyll be able to be happy again... '

Last month, Stephanie had to deny 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'

Last month, Stephanie 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 five-month-old son's behalf.

He's back: 'As soon as Jeremy leaves rehab, she wants him to move to Liverpool where she can keep a close eye on him and make sure he doesnt slip back into old habits'

All smiles: 'After everything theyve been through. Steph is dreaming of a fairy-tale ending and that includes getting married. She believes a wedding would mark a fresh start and be the perfect chance to put the past behind them'

Lauding him: The stunning star previously 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 previously 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.

Hey! 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'

Hopelessly devoted: 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

My nightmare: 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

Just the two of us: 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

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.

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.

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.

Full support: 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

NO matter what: 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'

True love: '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 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.

'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.

Mess up: '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??'

Her rock: 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.'

Stephanie's tribute to Jeremy comes after the pair recently reunited following their bitter split last year.

He had confessed to cheating on Stephanie while they were together and shortly after their split, the starlet announced she was expecting Jeremy's baby.

Will always love you: He had confessed to cheating on Stephanie while they were together and shortly after their split, the starlet announced she was expecting Jeremy's baby

Not true: At first, Jeremy contested Steph's paternity claims, but following Caben's birth in January earlier this year, he undertook a DNA test that proved he is the dad of Stephanie's little boy

At first, Jeremy contested Steph's paternity claims, but following Caben's birth in January earlier this year, he undertook a DNA test that proved he is the dad of Stephanie's little boy.

Keen to form a relationship with his son and re-connect with Stephanie, Jeremy had reunited with his ex-girlfriend and later shared a photo of little Caben to his Instagram page, along with the caption: 'Happiest man alive, my new focus.'

However, his reunion with Stephanie was rocked by allegations that he assaulted her and Jeremy had been arrested.

Following his release, he sought help to battle his demons by checking himself into rehab. Stephanie had told fans she was 'proud' of Jeremy for making the step to address his issues, while he posted a statement to social media explaining his reasons for seeking treatment.

Oh dear... However, his reunion with Stephanie was rocked by allegations that he assaulted her and Jeremy had been arrested

Not well: Jeremy explained that he 'hasn't handled fame very well' and acknowledged he had 'let his family, friends and management down' with his behaviour

Jeremy explained that he 'hasn't handled fame very well' and acknowledged he had 'let his family, friends and management down' with his behaviour.

The reality star insisted he is a 'good guy with a good heart' and claimed he is hoping to 'fix' his issues by taking the 'appropriate action'.

Stephanie, meanwhile, has recounted her heartbreak over her relationship with Jeremy in a new song.

A good guy: The reality star insisted he is a 'good guy with a good heart' and claimed he is hoping to 'fix' his issues by taking the 'appropriate action'

Belting it out: Stephanie, meanwhile, has recounted her heartbreak over her relationship with Jeremy in a new song

Releasing: Turning her attentions back to her music, the mum-of-one has penned a track to release the emotions she has of the last year

Turning her attentions back to her music, the mum-of-one has penned a track to release the emotions she has of the last year.

The lyrics give a raw account of her feelings and include the lines: 'I've been missing spending time with your drinking and let me hear what you wanna say.. sipping on my liqueur cos it tastes so fine drowning out the pain cos you're not mine anymore, I was a chore but I adored you.'

Making reference to her latest music material on Twitter, Stephanie wrote: 'Started a new sound cloud. Songs to upload soon. Copyright enjoy :)'

Giggling away: Stephanie was doubled over with the giggles

Hold me close: Turning her attentions back to her music, the mum-of-one has penned a track to release the emotions she has of the last year

A helping hand! After Jeremy's slip, Stephanie scooped up the suitcase herself
Her husband Oliver Curtis is currently serving jail time for insider trading, and is due for release in just over eight weeks.

But on Saturday night, mother-of-two Roxy Jacenko, 36, was captured kissing her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal at a post-dinner party held at his luxury apartment.

The sensational snaps show the married PR maven in an intimate embrace with the millionaire property developer, after the pair enjoyed a dinner with friends earlier in the evening.

Scroll down for video

Kiss: On Saturday night, Roxy Jacenko was seen kissing her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal during a party at his Sydney apartment after the pair joined friends for dinner earlier in the evening

Not concerned at hiding any affection, fellow revelers inside the apartment can be seen looking on as Roxy and Nabil lean in to kiss.

And by embracing in front of large glass windows located near a balcony, the pair appeared unfazed about hiding their intimate embrace from outside eyes.

'This was no one off friendly kiss,' the snapper, who took the pictures, told Daily Mail Australia. 'It was a passionate long lingering snog.'

Intimate: The sensational snaps show the married PR maven in an intimate embrace with the millionaire property developer

Revellers: The pair were seen kissing as guests looked on during the Saturday night get-together

'Whatever the history, these two are obviously still into each other.

'If you're suggesting it was merely a little kiss between friends then I wish I had friend like that.'

According to the photographer, Roxy was there until the early hours of the morning and he did not see her leave the premises.

Roxy declined to comment on the pictures when contacted by Daily Mail Australia.

Earlier in the evening, Roxy and Nabil were seen with a group of friends dining at Bar Machiaveli, an upmarket restaurant in Sydney's exclusive Rushcutters Bay.

Close: Roxy and Nabil split in 2010, but not much is known about their relationship before that time

Nothing to hide: Roxy and Nabil leaned in as friends parted in the same room

For the outing, Roxy wore a white By Johnny dress, that featured long ruffled sleeves.

The star wore her blonde hair out, which was curled in ringlets and parted in the middle.

Noticeably absent on her left hand wedding finger was her wedding and engagement rings from husband Oliver.

Family: Roxy and her husband Oliver Curtis married in 2012, and are parents to five-year-old Pixie, and two-year-old Hunter

Embrace: The pair were seen kissing and cuddling during what appeared to be an after party at his house

Close: The blonde PR maven had her arms around her ex-beau

Look into my eyes: The pair locked eyes as they embraced

Fun night out: Roxy appeared to be celebrating following her 'In Conversation With' seminar

Party time: The duo were joined by several other friends at Nabil's abode

Cuddle: At one point Nabil appeared to cuddle Roxy as they chatted to a pal

Dance floor: The pair moved closely as the group looked be dancing the night away

Animated exchange: Roxy was seen staring intently at Nabil during an earlier dinner at Bar Machiaveli

High spirits: Nabil was all smiles as he chatted to guests

Dressed to the nine: Roxy dressed up for her night out in a white By Johnny long sleeve dress

After-party: Roxy and others joined Nabil back at his apartment after dinner ended

Close: Roxy and Nabil have had several catch-ups over the past number of months

Lean in: It appeared that Nabil had a smile on his face as he looked into Roxy's eyes during their embrace

Having a ball: The group looked to be having a ball during their night out

Catch-ups: In between dancing, the pair chatted to several guests at the party

Dance moves: Roxy showed off her dance moves during what appeared to be an after party at Nabil's

She did however wear a diamond band on her right hand, which is widely rumoured to be from Nabil. Roxy has denied the bling is from her former beau.

She sat in close proximity to her former boyfriend, who was dressed in a white collared shirt and navy v-neck sweater.

It appeared to be an evening of celebrations, with Roxy seen raising her glass to take part in a toast.

And throughout the night Roxy seemed enamoured by her former beau, joining him for a conversation which consisted of several animated facial expressions.

Nabil was also in high spirits, seen with a large grin on his face, as he enjoyed the surrounds of the upmarket establishment.

Cheers! Roxy raised her glasses appearing to join in a toast at the group's dinner earlier in the night

A vision in white: Roxy was dressed up for dinner at the ritzy Rushcutters Bay venue

The dinner date was the latest in a series of catch-ups Roxy and her former flame have had since husband Oliver was jailed last June.

Nabil has been described as one of Roxy's more 'serious' past boyfriends, and the pair dated until 2010. However, little is known about their relationship prior to the split.

Meanwhile, Oliver and Roxy married in 2012, and are parents to five-year-old Pixie, and two-year-old Hunter.

Seated near each other: Roxy and Nabil chatted for much of the night throughout their meal

Dropped something ? At one point Roxy's attention was diverted to the floor, where Nabil was also seen gazing

Roxy's marriage has been in question after being spotted recently with her wedding rings on and at other times, taking them off.

The PR boss previously told Daily Mail Australia that she takes her wedding rings off when she works outs, so that she doesn't crush her diamonds.

'I do weights-based training, can't be doing that with rings on my fingers!,' she explained.

Chats: Roxy and Nabil chatted intently during the fancy meal

Roxy defended her marriage on The Morning Show in March, insisting 'I'm still married'.

'Look, no marriage is ever perfect and obviously mine is challenged because of the situation that we're in. But Olly's a wonderful father,' Roxy said.

The star repeated that she was 'still a wife' on the Fitzy and Wippa radio show.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia late last week, Roxy revealed it will be 'business as usual' when Oliver is released from the Cooma correctional facility where he is being held.

'I'm not really about making a big fuss over something that shouldn't be celebrated,' she stated.

Social: The PR dynamo was seen chatting to several others in the eatery

Part of the family: Roxy is also close to the owners and staff of Bar Machavelli

Property developer: Nabil is a millionaire who split with Roxy in 2010

Lift selfie: Roxy took an obligatory lift selfie before she went out. Her wedding and engagement ring visibly absent
She made her millions off the back of her lucrative webcam girl business.

And Chloe Khan proved she is certainly one to share her wealth as she headed out in Liverpool on Saturday night, during which she came across a down and out gentleman sitting on a stoop, who she then gifted with 20.

The 25-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star put on a typically sexy display as she stepped out lingerie-free beneath an incredibly tight khaki jumpsuit while toting a 1600 Yves Saint Laurent handbag on one arm.

Scroll down for video

Kind heart: Chloe Khan proved she is certainly one to share her wealth as she headed out in Liverpool on Saturday night, where she came across a down and out gentleman sitting on a stoop after which she gifted him with 20

Chloe soared to fame on The X Factor in 2010 before she was unceremoniously booted off the show amid allegations she had taken cocaine and worked as an escort, although she vehemently denied the accusations.

Seven years after her shock taste of stardom, the Wakefield-born beauty became a self-made millionaire due to her business atop her later appearance on CBB which catapulted her back in the limelight where she firmly remains.

In her trademark sexy style, the stunning star was sure to leave practically nothing to the imagination as she ditched her lingerie from beneath the spandex one-piece.

After stepping out of the plush car, Chloe proved her generosity as she headed straight to the cashpoint to withdraw cash for the man sitting on the side of the road who was swathed in a blanket and sitting next to a suitcase.

Strutting her stuff: The 25-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star looked sensational for her night on the town as she put on a typically sexy display while going lingerie-free beneath an incredibly tight khaki jumpsuit

Reaching out: Chloe soared to fame on The X Factor in 2010 before she was unceremoniously booted off the show amid allegations she had taken cocaine and worked as an escort, although she vehemently denied the accusations

Sizzling: After stepping out of the plush car, Chloe proved her generosity as she headed straight to the cashpoint to withdraw cash for the man sitting on the side of the road while swathed in a blanket and sitting next to a suitcase

Chloe approached the man and kindly handed over 20 in ten and five pound notes, before continuing to San Carlo Italian restaurant.

The brunette beauty ensured she displayed her frame to maximum impact as her heaving E-cup cleavage struggled to remain in the scoop neckline of the top which also featured no sleeves.

The bottom half of the khaki one-piece was complete with open back, lace-up sides which gave a peek through to her bare hips and lingerie-free state.

Stylish: In her trademark sexy style, the stunning star was sure to leave practically nothing to the imagination as she ditched her lingerie from beneath the spandex one-piece

Green with envy: The bottom half of the khaki one-piece was complete with open back, lace-up sides which gave a peek through to her bare hips and lingerie-free state

Chic: As ever, Chloe was dolled-up to the maximum with her extension-laden tresses boosted up to a staggering volume while cascading over her shoulders in dramatic tumbling lengths to best frame her pretty face

As ever, Chloe was dolled-up to the maximum with her extension-laden tresses boosted up to a staggering volume while cascading over her shoulders in dramatic tumbling lengths to best frame her pretty face.

She outlined her pout with a nude lipgloss which stood out starkly against her deeply tanned skin and fluttering smokey eyelashes.

Naturally keen to inject a designer touch into the look, Chloe wore a chic Yves Saint Laurent handbag with a pair of oversized jewelled hoops and a matching choker.

Out and a pout: She outlined her pout with a nude lipgloss which stood out starkly against her deeply tanned skin and fluttering smokey eyelashes

Glam: Naturally keen to inject a designer touch into the look, Chloe wore a chic Yves Saint Laurent handbag with a pair of oversized jewelled hoops and a matching choker

Surgery lover: Chloe has been open about her love of plastic surgery, and recently revealed she has splashed out roughly 50,000 on cosmetic procedures

Chloe has been open about her love of plastic surgery, and recently revealed she has splashed out roughly 50,000 on cosmetic procedures.

Speaking to new! magazine, the Playboy playmate explained: 'In my circles, surgery isnt weird. Its like going for dinner! I love looking like a Barbie and being out of proportion.'

She added: 'Ive spent about 20,000 on my boobs, 9,000 on my nose, 8,500 on veneers, and my lips were another 10,000 - so about 50,000 in total.'
She's the fitness fanatic and health enthusiast who professes to loving healthy foods such as steamed asparagus, juiced broccoli and flaxseed crackers.

But in a surprise announcement, model Jesinta Campbell has been unveiled as the new face of Cadbury's Dark Milk chocolate range.

'I'm officially a chocoholic', the star stated in an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Monday.

Scroll down for video

A very sweet deal! Jesinta Campbell has been unveiled as the face of Cadbury's Dark Milk chocolate range in a deal The Daily Telegraph reports could be worth up to a quarter of a million dollars

The David Jones ambassador was flown to London to shoot for the campaign, and has reportedly taste-tested all the products in the new range.

The very sweet deal could pay the star up to $250,000 according to celebrity agent Max Markson.

'The fact they've flown her over there [to London], it's a big deal. It's serious money,' he is quoted as telling the Telegraph.

Fit couple! Jesinta and Buddy are known for their healthy and active lifestyle

25-year-old Jesinta is married to AFL star Lance 'Buddy' Franklin, and the pair are known for living an active and healthy lifestyle in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs.

In the past, Jesinta has shared numerous food snaps to her Instagram account, including images of green juices, poached eggs with blanched greens, and fresh papaya.

But despite her fetish for fresh produce, the star has previously stated that she occasionally likes to indulge in chocolate.

Fitness fanatic: Jesinta is known for her love of exercise and healthy foods, but has long had a sweet tooth

Last year she revealed to the website Hollywood Treatment that she is 'not a lolly fan... but you can win my heart over with a block of Lindt dark chocolate'.

However, Cadbury can rest assured that the star has previously praised their products as well.

In 2015, the brunette beauty told Women's Fitness magazine that she likes to sit on the couch wearing Buddy's sweater and 'eat a block of Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate'.
She has only just returned from an idyllic getaway to the Maldives with her boyfriend Scott Thomas.

But Kady McDermott wasted no time in jetting off on another holiday on Saturday, as she soaked up the sun with friends in Marbella, Spain.

The Love Island star, 21, took to Instagram to document her day of partying at the swanky Ocean Club Marbella - with her enviably toned and slender physique clear for all to see in the sizzling snaps.

Scroll down for video

Red hot! Kady McDermott flaunted her enviably toned figure on Saturday as she partied the day away at Ocean Club in Marbella

The reality star set pulses racing in a glitzy red bikini as she draped herself across a sunbed for her first bikini snap of the day.

Pulling into a halterneck, adorned with chunky gems of red and silver, the top then dipped into a low-cut triangle neckline to give a glimpse of her delicate cleavage.

Paired with matching bottoms and a tiny red sarong tied at her hips, the brunette then left her enviably toned stomach and gym-honed waist on show as she smouldered for the camera.

Glam girl: The reality star set pulses racing in a glitzy red bikini and matching sarong as she draped herself across a sunbed for her first bikini snap of the day

Not letting her glamourous style falter even in swimwear, she teamed her bikini with chic white raffia wedges and a lavish Louis Vuitton beach bag.

She swept half her hair up into a messy bun, to keep her look youthful and trendy, and sported a trademark sweeping of bronzer to emphasise her striking features.

With the party getting into full swing, Kady later posted an array of fun-filled photos to her Instagram story as she topped up her tan with friends.

Tanned and toned: The skimpy bikini left her enviably toned stomach and gym-honed waist on show as she posed for a mirror selfie with a friend

One saw her pose with an equally stylish pal in front of a mirror, bringing her toned abs to the forefront once again, while another saw her playfully standing on her sunbed with a bottle of champagne in each hand.

Kady appears to be having a ball on her girls' holiday - having just returned from a romantic break in the Maldives with boyfriend Scott.

First meeting on Love Island last year, the pair appear to still be going strong - with Kady hinting she'd like her man to propose in a recent interview with OK! magazine.

Party girl: Another snap saw her playfully standing on her sunbed with a bottle of champagne in each hand

Speaking about her dream proposal, the TV star said: 'I wouldnt want it to be in front of anyone because Id get embarrassed.

'Id want it just us two, preferably in a hot country, on the beach with rose petals and candles everywhere! Romantic, cute and private would be perfect.

Scott added: I think it will have to involve towels again like when I asked her to be my girlfriend on Love Island!

For now, the pair are content with their new life together, living in their rented three-bedroom house in Cheshire.
He's been keeping a low-profile of late after this year's awards season which saw him nominated for a BAFTA for his turn in Florence Foster Jenkins opposite Meryl Streep.

And now Hugh Grant has been spotted enjoying a much deserved breakaway surrounded by his dearest pals Harry Enfield, 55, Rupert Everett, 57, Evgeny Lebedev, 36, and Christopher Biggins, 68, in Venice.

The 56-year-old actor was dashing as he stepped out on one of the city's canal boats equipped with a navy jacket and crisp white shirt in the midst of his crew.

Scroll down for video

Letting loose: Hugh Grant has been spotted enjoying a much deserved breakaway surrounded by his dearest pals Harry Enfield (L) and Evgeny Lebedev (centre) in Venice

Looking windswept in the Italian city, he joined his dear friends with a beverage in tow as he battled the chilly spring weather.

The Love Actually star was later seen sporting a tweed cap that covered his salt and pepper coloured 'do while they made their way through Venice's canals.

Checking out an old private Venetian palace from the water, Hugh's pal Harry appeared fed up as he rest his head on his hand while appearing to go incognito with his khaki hat.

Despite his friends wrapped up for their outing, the comedian opted to simply wear a navy wool jump and blue shirt while he watched the world go by.

Hanging out: Actor Rupert Everett joined the crew on their European breakaway

Relaxed: Reality star Christopher Biggins placed a pair of rose tinted shades over his peepers for their boys' weekend

Hanging on the telephone: During their day out, Hugh checked his phone as he chatted with Evgeny

Cheers: The 56-year-old actor was dashing as he stepped out on one of the city's canal boats equipped with a navy jacket and crisp white shirt in the midst of his crew

Party pals: Looking windswept in the Italian city, he joined his dear friends with a beverage in tow as he battled the chilly spring weather

Russian newspaper baron Evgeny Lebedev appeared to also get the blue memo as he appeared in a similar navy padded jacket, nestled amongst his friends.

After visiting some churches, fellow actor and chum Rupert appeared at ease getting in and out of their private vessels for the day.

Sitting front and centre, Christopher chatted with the group while wearing his rose-tinted shades.

On the water: Checking out an old private Venetian palace from the water, Hugh's pal Harry appeared fed up as he rest his head on his hand while appearing to go incognito with his khaki hat

Hanging out: Russian newspaper baron Evgeny Lebedev appeared to also get the blue memo as he appeared in a similar navy padded jacket, nestled amongst his friends

Hats off! The Love Actually star was later seen sporting a tweed cap that covered his salt and pepper coloured 'do while they made their way through Venice's canals

During their boys' weekend, the pals headed to see the works of the Art Biennial, before having lunch at the Harry's Dolci.

While they continued their arty tour of the city, visiting the Damien Hirst exhibition as they explored what Venice had to offer.

Noticeably absent was Hugh's other half Anna and his two young children together - a son John, born in 2012, and a second child, born in December 2015.

Suit up! Later, Hugh was seen wearing a tailored blazer alongside his friends

Aboat time: The two strolled towards their private boat for the day

Make way: After visiting some churches, fellow actor and chum Rupert appeared at ease getting in and out of their private vessels for the day

Bonjourno! Rupert greeted a friend before they made their way onboard the water taxi

Daddy cool: Noticeably absent was Hugh's other half Anna and his two young children together - a son John, born in 2012, and a second child, born in December 2015

No shade: Hugh sported a pair of tortoise shell glasses during his weekend away

Belting it out! He teamed his casual look with a dark brown belt

Vitamin sea: Hugh appeared in jovial humour later in the day as he posed with Evgeny

Checking it out! The father-of-four appeared to soak up the sights by the water's edge

Day trippers: Hugh relaxed with his friends while they prepared for the day ahead

The name of the baby remains a mystery, but the birth was confirmed by Anna's mother to a Swedish newspaper.

Hugh also has two other children - a daughter Tabitha, four, and son Felix, two, with Chinese beauty Tinglan Hong.

Hugh has had a busy year so far having been up for 12 awards for his role in Meryl Streep movie Florence Foster Jenkins.

Pier pressure: During their boys' weekend, the pals headed to see the works of the Art Biennial, before having lunch at the Harry's Dolci

A sinking feeling? While they continued their arty tour of the city, visiting the Damien Hirst exhibition as they explored what Venice had to offer

Yacht do you want? Hugh opted to relaxed at the back of their water taxi to make the most of the city's atmosphere

Ferry cool: The London based star rested on the boat's ledge while his party sat in front

Cool factor: The pals upped their cool factor as they tackled the sights by water

Sun-soaked: Hugh showed a glimmer of a smile while travelling with his buddies

He won an Evening Standard Award for Best Actor for this film, but sadly lost out on the Best Supporting Actor BAFTA to Dev Patel.

He was also praised for his reprisal of the part of Prime Minister David in the Love Actually skit for Comic Relief.

His next project is Paddington 2 - the follow up to 2014's Paddington - which features a host of stars such as Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters and Peter Capaldi.
She wore a traditional white wedding dress to marry Game Of Thrones actor Sean Bean in a conventional ceremony in 1990.

But Coronation Street star Melanie Hill ripped up the rule book when she wed film producer Jim Daly on Saturday in her local North London pub wearing customised Doc Marten boots.

The actress, 55, tied the knot with her partner of more than ten years in the Victoria Stakes pub in Muswell Hill.

Scroll down for video

Here comes the bride: Coronation Star Melanie Hill rocked customised Doc Marten boots and a leopard print coat to tie the knot with long term partner Jim Daly in her local pub on Saturday

Steering clear of the traditional flowing white dress, Melanie rocked a leopard print coat and customised Doc Marten boots which were white with scarlet hearts.

Melanie, who plays kebab shop owner Cathy Matthews in ITV soap Corrie, donned a long white shirt, black satin trousers and carried a leopard print handbag.

Her husband Jim opted for a more traditional look in a deep blue three piece suit, a crisp white shirt and a patterned tie to make his relationship with Melanie official.

First marriage: Melanie wed Sean Bean in a traditional ceremony in 1990 after meeting the dashing actor when they were both drama students at exclusive acting school Rada. The pair went on to have two daughter together but divorced in 1997

The actress met Sharpe actor Sean Bean when they were both students at exclusive acting school Rada in London.

They quickly fell in love and married in 1990. The pair have two daughters together: Lorna, 26, and Molly, 25.

They split in 1997 and Melanie once said she would not get married again after the heartbreak of their divorce.

She told a journalist in 2005: 'I don't think I'd get married again.'

Sean clearly did not feel the same way as the Lothario went on to marry and divorce two more times. In total the star has taken four trips down the aisle.

On the cobbles: Melanie has played Cathy Matthews in Coronation Street for the last two years

However the TV veteran found love again with Jim whom she first met when he wrote the 1996 film When Saturday Comes, which she performed in alongside her then-husband Sean.

She spoke about their romance in an interview with The Free Library.

'Jimmy helped me a lot when my marriage broke up, on a friend level, and then we hit it off,' she said. 'I wasn't ready for another relationship, but he was there throughout and it just happened.

'I would never have gone out looking for someone. In fact, I never thought I'd meet anyone else. He is a true gentleman. He has been wonderful to me and the girls.'

Popular: The TV veteran has enjoyed a return to the public eye with her role in the ITV soap




Olivia Buckland sent temperatures soaring when she shared a racy Instagram post putting her pert derriere on display at Bikini Beach on Sal Island on Sunday.

The golden-haired beauty, 23, posed on her knees for the saucy picture on the first day of her sun soaked break with her Love Island beau Alex Bowen in Cape Verde.

She ensured all eyes were on her pert derriere as she showed off her new swimwear with the slogan 'Sashay Away' emblazoned across her bottom.

Scroll down for video

Check me out! Olivia Buckland showed off her pert posterior in a hot pink swimsuit with the slogan 'Sashay Away' printed across her rear while in Cape Verde on Sunday

The starlet flaunted her deep tan in the picture as the revealing swimsuit was cut low on her back and high at her waist to show off her figure.

Olivia shot a seductive glance over her shoulder and had styled her blonde tresses into beachy waves falling past her shoulders.

She gushed about her Pool Party UK swimsuit in the caption and described it as her 'favourite'. She revealed that she picked out the 'Sashay Away' slogan herself and the company printed it across the costume for her.

Some like it hot! She later got changed into a thong bikini as she sunbathed with her man Alex Bowen on their romantic getaway

Olivia wrote: 'My favourite swimsuit I think... EVER. From @poolpartyuk 'SASHAY AWAY' I picked out my slogan & they printed it! It's amazing!' (sic)

To ensure she has as little tan lines as possible, the blonde slipped her sensational figure into another very skimpy hot pink slogan swimsuit on their holiday.

And her model boyfriend couldn't get enough of his Love Island beau as he posted a cheeky Instagram post focusing on Olivia's ample assets.

Busty Olivia also showed off her intimate underboob tattoos in tiny bralette in a racy Instagram post which drove fans wild the day before

The beauty wasn't camera shy as she happily put her pert derriere on full display in her second skimpy swimwear of the day - a two-piece blue string bikini.

Her shirtless hunk showed off his muscular frame for the snap as the couple made the most of the sunshine on the first day of their romantic break together.

Alex boasted to his 1million Instagram followers the pair - in particular Olivia's buttocks - were going to 'burn' in the blistering heat.

He captioned the snap, 'First day with my flame. oil on let's burn then.' (sic)

A week ago she was setting pulses racing with yet another racy Instagram post.

The TV personality sent temperatures soaring when she put her eye-popping cleavage on display in a tiny lacy bralette, showing off her intimate underboob tattoos.

On trend as ever, the lacy edged neckline gave a stylish finish to the lacy lingerie as it had a choker-style effect.

The blonde beauty styled her cropped golden locks in a choppy array, pulling off a tousled look.

She posed in sparkly sequin-studded sandals, which added a hint of glamour and sparkle to her appearance.

Olivia captioned the Instagram post, 'Loved these frill trousers from last night.'

A match made in reality heaven: Love Island's Olivia has now revealed she and fiancee Alex Bowen have set a date for the ITVBe show's first-ever wedding

Dream day: The reality star, 23, revealed she and her scaffolder beau, 24, will tie the knot in September 2018

'She's a real party animal, we need her there': Love Island's host Caroline Flack, 37, will be invited as a guest at the couple's nuptials

No doubt the stunner is excited to wed co-star and fiancee Alex Bowen in the ITVBe show's first-ever wedding after they met filming in Mallorca last year.

She will tie the knot with her scaffolder beau, 24, 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 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.

Loved-up: Alex popped the question to the blonde beauty on a romantic trip to New York in December 2016 after just five months of dating

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.

Here comes the bridesmaid: Olivia revealed she has started planning her dream day with former co-star and best pal Cara De La Hoyde, 26, who will be one of her bridesmaids

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.'

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.

The curvaceous reality TV star has finished filming Say Yes To The Dress, so fans will have a sneak preview of what her dress is like before the big day.

Olivia and Alex announced their engagement during a New Year's Eve break in December, despite only being a couple for five months.

No showmance here! Olivia revealed the couple have plans for children - but will keep an integral element of their love story quiet, particularly their various on-screen romps

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.'

Despite coming in second place to Nathan and Cara, the couple won over the hearts of the nation.

Supportive: Olivia and Alex have given their support to the new I've Got Guts campaign as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

The pair got off to a rocky start in the villa when Alex bedded former Miss Great Britain winner Zara Holland on his first night, a move that resulted in her being stripped of her beauty queen crown.

Alex popped the question to the blonde beauty on a romantic trip to New York in December 2016 after just five months of dating.

The stunning star revealed they do have plans for children - but will keep an integral element of their love story quiet, particularly their various on-screen romps.

She told MailOnline: 'We have said we want kids eventually. We just want to enjoy our time together, we have a lot to do, experiences to have, holidays to take.

'It will be nice but maybe not in the next seven years. I'm still a baby anyway. I would never let my kids watch Love Island!

'There's not as much controversy in sex on TV as there used to be. But I won't be showing my kids Love Island. Maybe keep it secret from them for quite a while.'
She may have come through the back door, but this star does not need a red carpet to dress to impress on one.

Beyonce quietly attended the Wearable Art Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night alongside Jay Z.

The 35-year-old star - who is pregnant with twins - skipped the event's red carpet but shared a snap of her amazing outfit on her website the following day.

All hail: Beyonce quietly attended the Wearable Art Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night and shared a snap of her amazing outfit on her website the following day

Once inside the gala there was no missing Queen Bey as she wore a show-stopping crown made of flowers, imitation butterflies and a diamond dragon fly.

The songstress then showing off her babies bump in a skin tight red gown.

The long sleeved dressed featured a plunging neckline and was ruched down the front.

Aside from her official photograph, some eagle eyed gala-goers snapped pictures of the Lemonade star.

Lady in red: Beyonce skipped the red carpet photocall, but shared a picture on her Instagram later that night

Date night: The 35-year-old star - who is pregnant with twins - skipped the event's red carpet but came with husband Jay Z

Snap happy: Aside from her official photograph, some eagle eyed gala-goers snapped pictures of the Lemonade star

Drama: Once inside the gala there was no missing Queen Bey as she wore a show-stopping crown made of flowers, imitation butterflies and a diamond dragon fly

Beyonce seemed to be having a great time, laughing away with husband Jay Z.

The night was a Destiny's Child reunion as her former bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams also attended.

The two thirds of Destiny's Child posed up on the carpet and Beyonce's mom Tina Knowles stepped in for the pregnant star in some photographs too.

You aren't ready! Michelle Williams, Tina Knowles and Kelly Rowland also attended the event

As it was a night of many spectacular outfits Kelly, 36, made sure to stand out for the crowd in an eye-catching number at the event held at the California African-American Museum.

The X Factor UK judge rocked a very ruffled flowing white chiffon gown which showed off her cleavage and arms.

Kelly seemed to be quite proud of the eccentric look as she lifted up her skirt to reveal a pair of pink high-top Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers.

Flowy: Kelly, 36, made sure to stand out for the crowd in an eye-catching number at the event held at the California African-American Museum

Stunning: The X Factor UK judge rocked a very ruffled flowing white chiffon gown which showed off her cleavage and arms

Showing off: Kelly seemed to be quite proud of the eccentric look as she lifted up her skirt to reveal a pair of pink high-top Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers

Dynamic duo: She was joined by husband Tim Witherspoon

Even her hair had an artsy twist as she rocked a light purple bob and let her natural looks with complimentary make-up.

Michelle, 36, looked exquisite in a plunging patterned silver dress which showed off her bountiful cleavage.

Her brunette tresses were worn down flowing over her shoulders as she wore smokey eye make-up and shiny pink lip.

Taking the plunge: Michelle, 36, looked exquisite in a plunging patterned silver dress which showed off her bountiful cleavage

Pretty: Her brunette tresses were worn down flowing over her shoulders as she wore smokey eye make-up and shiny pink lip

Though the pregnant Queen Bey was not in attendance at the event, the two were joined by her mother Tina Knowles.

The 63-year-old mother was a sight to see in a green leaf-inspired number while joined by new husband Richard Lawson.

Their group Destiny's Child was formed in 1997 as Kelly and Beyonce were original members. Michelle joined in 1999.

Matriarch: Though the pregnant Queen Bey was not in attendance at the event, the two were joined by her mother Tina Knowles

Sweet smooch: The 63-year-old mother was a sight to see in a green leaf-inspired number while joined by new husband Richard Lawson

The R&B group has sold 60 million records worldwide to date but have not been active since 2006.

This is an exciting time for Kelly as she just released a book titled Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened).

As she welcomed son Titan in November 2014 with husband Tim Witherspoon, she documented what happens after a woman gives birth.
There are fresh claims that Alex Nation and Richie Strahan have split.

According to NW magazine, the pair broke up before the Logies, but put on a 'united front' for the cameras at the red carpet event.

The publication reports that Alex was 'bawling her eyes out on the phone' to former Bachelorette Georgia Love' as she delivered the news.

Is it over for good? There are fresh claims that Alex Nation and Richie Strahan have split

'She was heartbroken and freaking out about all the scrutiny,' a source is alleged to have told NW magazine.

The source is said to have added, 'So she and Richie made a pact to put on a united front and head to the Logies together'.

'Alex is going through a really tough time right now,' the source is said to have continued. 'She really hoped this relationship was going to work. She introduced him to her son Elijah and everything'.

Unhappy times: Pictures emerged of Alex breaking down and crying after a reported argument with her Bachelor beau Richie back in February

The allegations come after there was a report that the couple did not have the best time at the Logies.

Along with the headline 'boozy bust-ups', OK! magazine claims the couple 'declined interviews' at the glittering awards ceremony before Alex 'ditched' her partner and was spotted dancing up a storm in the venue's lobby.

According to the publication, Alex was seen carving up the dance floor and showed off some sexy moves alongside Bachelor winner Sam Frost and Bondi Rescue's Harrison Reid.

Partying without him: The blonde beauty was seen grooving along with other attendees, including a Channel Ten publicist, who had his arm around her

Meanwhile, the magazine claims Richie, 32, was seen returning to the blonde beauty, who later 'earned herself a stern talking to.'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to the couple for comment.

Indeed Alex looked like she was having a ball at the event, dancing at the Logies after party during the early hours of Monday morning.

Tense: By the end of the evening, Richie was seen at times with his arm around his partner but they appeared to be unhappy on the red carpet

Sullen? Alex looked a little downcast as she was being interviewed

The blonde beauty was seen grooving along with other attendees, including fellow Channel 10 talent and weather presenter Tim Bailey, and a Channel Ten publicist, who had his arm around her.

The mother-of-one was seen drinking a clear liquid with lemon from a tall glass as she showed off her moves on the dance floor.

She was then seen flailing her arms in the air as a DJ played to the packed crowd of attendees.

Earlier in the night: Alex and Richie appeared somewhat awkward on the red carpet as they posed for photographers

Earlier in the night, Alex and Richie appeared somewhat awkward on the red carpet as they posed for photographers.

But by the end of the evening, Richie was seen at times with his arm around his partner.

The lovebirds, who got together in the controversial finale of the show's last season, made a dashing pair for their debut at the exclusive awards ceremony.

Alex wore a Georgia Young gown in blushing pink and dark mulberry tones, while Richie donned a navy suit with a black bow tie.

Tense? The couple has been the subject of persistent breakup rumours in recent months due to their absence on each other's social media accounts

The couple has been the subject of persistent breakup rumours in recent months due to their absence on each other's social media accounts.

But Alex posted a shot of the twosome to her Instagram after the Logies ceremony where she gushed over her boyfriend's support.

'Thank you for holding my hand the whole way through, calming my nerves with your dorky jokes, making sure I didn't go a** over t*** up that ginormous stair case and for being on high train alert, what a guy!' she wrote.
She stirred controversy when she began texting another bride's 'husband' on Married At First Sight earlier this year.

And Scarlett Cooper has revealed another bombshell as she confesses to 'hooking up' with controversial Seven Year Switch star Kaitlyn Isham.

Speaking to Woman's Day, the 30-year-old claims she enjoyed a recent tryst with Kaitlyn, who insisted on also inviting her boyfriend Mark Pisano into bed for a 'threesome'.

Scroll down for video

'We were hooking up': MAFS star Scarlett Cooper (left) has opened up about her lesbian affair with Seven Year Switch's Kaitlyn Isham (right)

According to Scarlett, Kaitlyn contacted her via Instagram after admiring her on MAFS.

The pair, who both grew up in the US, became close and Kaitlyn eventually invited her new pal to stay with her and boyfriend Mark in Melbourne.

Claiming it was there that Kaitlyn 'ended up coming on to' her, Scarlett revealed: 'I accepted her advances, and we were hooking up whilst I was there.'

Raunchy: Scarlett claims Kaitlyn also 'wanted to have a threesome' with her and boyfriend Mark, who also appears on Seven Year Switch

Meanwhile, Scarlett, who was paired with stripped Michael on MAFS, was getting along with Kaitlyn's beau Mark, 33, who also appears on the Channel Seven reality show.

'Mark and I got on really well - to the point I feel Kaitlyn was starting to become jealous, as we'd sit up all night chatting - but I think Kaitlyn wanted to have a threesome, that way she could have both of us,' Scarlett told the publication.

Channel Nine refused to offer a comment when approached by Daily Mail Australia, while Channel Seven was also contacted.

Close bond: Scarlett told Woman's Day that Kaitlyn first contacted her via Instagram following her stint on MAFS and invited her to stay in Melbourne, where they began 'hooking up'

Kaitlyn has made headlines recently for her raunchy past after sexually explicit photos of her surfaced online, and bizarre YouTube videos came to light.

The former webcam model told OK! magazine last week her partner Mark doesn't approve of her past.

'He thinks some of my YouTube videos are really silly and embarrassing,' Kaitlyn said.

Controversial: Kaitlyn has made headlines recently after sexually explicit photos of her surfaced online, and bizarre YouTube videos came to light

Not impressed: A friend of Kaitlyn's beau Mark previously told Woman's Day that he was shocked about Kaitlyn's raunchy past

A friend of IT manager Mark also told Woman's Day that he was shocked about Kaitlyn's raunchy past because her unsuspecting partner did not know anything about it.

'After the photos emerged, they got into an explosive row,' the friend said.

'Mark's family, friends and workmates have seen sordid photos of his girlfriend and he can't get over it, and he is so embarrassed by everything that is being said.'

Controversial bride: Meanwhile, Scarlett's brief stint on MAFS made headlines after she was caught texting fellow contestant Jonathan whilst still 'married' to Michael (pictured)

The Melbourne couple are supposedly on the show to fix their broken relationship.

Meanwhile, Scarlett's stint on MAFS was just as controversial, albeit brief.

The blonde was caught texting fellow star Jonathan without the knowledge of his 'wife' Cheryl Maitland.

And at the reunion dinner, Cheryl labelled Scarlett as 'manipulative' and accused her of ruining everything when she was 'trying to give it my all' with Jonathan.
Their fallout has dominated the last few episodes of The Only Way Is Essex.

And hoping to put their clash to bed once and for all, Pete Wicks paid a visit to Chloe Sims to resolve their recent drama over his ex-girlfriend Megan McKenna.

However, his co-star made it very clear she wasn't prepared to patch things up with Megan and dished out a few home truths to Pete, telling him: 'I think you're being used and you're going to learn the hard way.'

Scroll down for video

'You're being used': Chloe Sims had harsh words for Pete Wicks when he tried once more to get her to nip her feud with Megan in the bud on Sunday night's episode

Chloe and Pete had fallen out amid the aftermath of pictures emerging of the duo appearing to 'get close' on a night out just days after he and Megan had split.

While the pair insisted there was nothing romantic going on between them and their friendship is strictly platonic, Megan had questioned why Chloe hadn't called her to give her a 'heads up' about the photos.

Tension grew between the girls, prompting both of them to speak about each other behind one another's back, with Chloe branding Megan an attention-seeker.

She was forced to deal with a barrage of negative comments on Twitter because of her spat with Megan and Pete and as a result, Chloe has been avoiding the former flames to protect herself and her daughter Madison from the backlash she has received.

Venting about her friend's ex-girlfriend, Chloe told him: 'I think she's manipulating this situation, I think she doesn't like our friendship and I think the things she has done are unforgivable'

Hurt: Pete told Chloe he felt like she had giving him an ultimatum to either choose between their friendship or being civil with his ex

Chloe replied: 'That is not the case. I started to think I didn't matter to you. I know I said I would make up with Megan, but I just don't think I can do it'

However, by taking a step back she has angered Pete as he vented that the Essex star was 'picking and choosing' when to be friends with him.

He was forced to listen to Tommy Mallet and Georgia Kousoulou accusing him of being a 's**t and disloyal' friend and hoping to reconcile with Chloe, he questioned her decision to avoid him.

Chloe told Pete: 'It wasn't that I had the 'ump with you, i just wanted some time out. I needed to protect myself and Madison... I found it hard. I was being accused of being in love with you and wanting to have sex with you.

'Georgia had been with me while I was getting the grief, I was in bits... since then I have thought, "He hasn't called me," it's a miscommunication.'

Struggles: Chloe told her co-star that she can't see eye-to-eye with Megan after hearing Pete vent about his former relationship woes about the Ex On The Beach beauty to her

Commenting on Chloe's fallout with Pete, Megan claimed: 'The whole thing is weird'

Pete told Chloe he felt like she had given him an ultimatum and that he either had to choose between his friendship with her or being civil with his ex Megan.

Chloe responded: 'That is not the case. I started to think I didn't matter to you. I know I said I would make up with Megan, but I just don't think I can do it.'

She previously revealed that she has struggled to get on with Megan, after Pete had vented his relationship woes about Megan to her, and told him: 'People around you still don't like what she's said and done.

'I think she's manipulating this situation, I think she doesn't like our friendship and I think the things she has done are unforgivable.'

'I can't be f**ked': Tommy Mallet insisted he wasn't keen on patching things up with Pete following their explosive row

Making amends: Georgia Kousoulou, meanwhile, urged her co-star beau to sort things out with their co-star

Not holding back, she claimed: 'I think you're being used and you're going to learn the hard way. We won't ever agree on this and that's ok.'

While she was adamant that she won't be entertaining a friendship with Megan any longer, Chloe did offer an olive branch to her former best friend and told Pete: 'I'm here if you need me, you know where I am.'

Meanwhile, Tommy Mallet admitted he wasn't keen to make amend with Pete following their explosive row over his fallout with Chloe and he and girlfriend Georgia Kousoulou decided against attending Megan's restaurant launch.

That seemed to spark a new tension between the couple and James Lock who blasted the pair for getting involved in Pete and Megan's recent drama with Chloe.

He said: 'They think they're helping but they're not. They're pretenders.'

'They're pretenders': James Lock hit out at Tommy and Georgia for getting involved in Chloe Sims' row with Megan and Pete

Megan, however, didn't seem too put out by their new show and insisted: 'I'm just that happy that the people I really really like are here, it hasn't surprised me that they haven't come... it's childish.'

Others that declined Megan's invitation had been Chloe Meadows and Courtney Green and that appeared to reignite Megan's feud with her former BFF.

Chloe and Megan still haven't repaired their friendship since coming to blows and now Courtney has been speaking to Megan and their friends again, she feels like 'no one has her back'.

To show her loyalty to Chloe, Courtney decided to skip out on the launch but that only angered Megan.

Taking sides: Courtney decided to skip Megan's launch to prove her loyalty to Chloe Meadows

'You're not welcome now': Megan appeared to reignite her feud with her former BFF Chloe M

She vented: 'This is why I'm not friends with Chloe Meadows.

'All that s**t, girl band broke up and we made it civil. Now its got to the point where we can go out with Courtney, I've never had a problem with her, I invited everybody [to the launch], but once again [Chloe is] making a massive f**king song and dance about it... you're not welcome now.'

Agreeing with Megan, Amber Turner added: 'You've been the bigger person. They don't want to come? Their loss.'

She also hit out at Chloe for her involvement in her split with ex-boyfriend Jamie Reed.

Chloe had met Jamie shortly after Amber had broken up with him and appeared to take his side following their messy split - where Amber had confessed to cheating on Jamie with Dan Edgar.

'She brought it on herself': Amber Turner blasted Chloe Meadows for getting involved in her split with ex-boyfriend Jamie Reed

Upset: Chloe M admitted she had been hurt by Courtney Green going out with Megan and Amber when her friendship with the girls was still hanging in the balance

'I feel like Chloe crossed the line,' she claimed. 'She's made us take ten steps back.'

Gemma Collins, meanwhile, dragged Bobby Norris and Lydia Bright along to a dating lesson as she vowed to improve her skills when it comes to finding a man.

Hoping to find love, Gemma admitted: 'I've had a bit of a turbulent year, found out a few things about my fertility, prior to that I was panic going out and meeting all the wrong'uns and stressing myself out.

Hoping to find Mr Right: Gemma Collins dragged her BFF Bobby Norris for a dating lesson

'I though,"You deserve better," I've built my confidence again... I want to throw myself in to dating.'

She and Bobby then gave themselves a deadline to find their Mr Right by next Christmas, with Gemma - who has been looking into freezing her eggs to start a family - telling her pal: 'We're not going to have another Christmas alone.'

A defiant Bobby replied: 'If it doesn't happen, January 1st I'm taking you up the sperm bank and getting you some sperm for New Year.'
Katy Perry managed to offend numerous fans Friday after making a racially-insensitive comment involving her hair and past President Barack Obama.

'Aww, someone says, "I miss your old, black hair,"' the 32-year-old pop diva - who boasts an eye-popping 231.6M followers - said during an Instagram Live session.

'Oh, do you miss Barack Obama as well? Okay, times change. Bye!'

Scroll down for video

Seriously? Katy Perry managed to offend numerous fans Friday after making a racially-insensitive comment involving her hair and past President Barack Obama

The Women's Marcher and crestfallen Hillary Clinton supporter's comparison sparked social media outrage, which was subsequently expressed in meme-worthy fashion.

One Twitter user called Steph pointed out how the former POTUS has won two Grammy Awards for best spoken word album, while Katy (born Katheryn Hudson) is a 13-time loser.

Another tweeted that the former Christian crooner - who completed her GED at age 15 - was 'cancelled.'

The 32-year-old pop diva said during an Instagram Live session: 'Aww, someone says, "I miss your old, black hair"' (pictured November 29)

Perry - who boasts an eye-popping 231.6M followers - replied: 'Oh, do you miss Barack Obama as well? Okay, times change. Bye!'

'Woke?' The Women's Marcher and crestfallen Hillary Clinton supporter's comparison sparked social media outrage, which was subsequently expressed in meme-worthy fashion

Burn: One Twitter user called Steph pointed out how the former POTUS has won two Grammy Awards for best spoken word album, while Katy (born Katheryn Hudson) is a 13-time loser

'What does black hair have to do with Barack Obama?' Another tweeted that the former Christian crooner - who completed her GED at age 15 - was 'cancelled'

A user called Paris Carerra wrote: 'Wow Katy Perry. The reference to former Pres. Obama was offensive & a poor, tasteless attempt at humor. Your privilege is showing'

'Wow Katy Perry,' a user called Paris Carerra wrote.

'The reference to former Pres. Obama was offensive & a poor, tasteless attempt at humor. Your privilege is showing.'

Perhaps the hair comment hit too close to home for the Chained To The Rhythm hitmaker, who likely chopped it off after the scalp-stinging bleaching process damaged it too much to do anything else.

Pictured March 25 and January 14: Perhaps the hair comment hit too close to home for the Chained To The Rhythm hitmaker, who likely chopped it off after the scalp-stinging bleaching process damaged it too much to do anything else

'#nationallookalikeday!' Even after Chris McMillan salvaged her locks on March 2, Perry joked that she resembled Guy Fieri and hashtagged '#nevergettinglaidday'

Even after her hair team - Chris McMillan, Justin Anderson, and Melinda Miller-Rider - salvaged her locks on March 2, Perry joked that she resembled Guy Fieri and hashtagged '#nevergettinglaidday.'

The Vogue cover girl - who split with Orlando Bloom last month - just dropped her second single, Bon Appetit, off her upcoming fourth studio album on Friday.

Katy - who's been sober for a month - will next headline KIIS-FM's Wango Tango happening May 13 at California's StubHub Center in Carson.

Innuendo: The Vogue cover girl - who split with Orlando Bloom last month - just dropped her second single, Bon Appetit, off her upcoming fourth studio album on Friday
US President Donald Trump plans to dramatically cut taxes for US businesses and individuals, slashing the corporate rate from a top rate of 35 percent to 15 percent

Donald Trump's plans to slash corporate taxes in the United States have sparked concerns of a new global fiscal race to the bottom, possibly involving a wave of negative social consequences, experts say.

In what Trump's economic advisor Gary Cohn described as "the most significant tax reform legislation since 1986, and one of the biggest tax cuts in American history," the White House plans to dramatically cut taxes for US businesses and individuals, slashing the corporate rate from a top rate of 35 percent to 15 percent.

The aim, according to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, is to "bring back trillions of dollars that are offshore to be invested here in the United States" and create jobs.

Trump's goal is for the reforms to propel the US economy to three percent annual growth.

But the long-anticipated overhaul -- details of which remained unclear beyond a handful of headline measures -- could face stiff opposition in Congress, including from some Republicans, with lawmakers sharply divided over the prospect of fuelling already-rising deficits.

- 'Enormous impact' -

And the plans have also raised eyebrows at NGOs and non-profit organisations.

They could accelerate "the race to tax competition on an international level and all of us will pay the price," Oxfam spokeswoman Manon Aubry told AFP.

"When the world's most powerful country decides to slash tax revenues as much as this, a number of other countries may follow suit, bringing with it imbalances that will have enormous impacts on our societies," she said.

Falling tax revenues would make it harder for governments to pay for welfare, healthcare and other benefits without going too deep into the red, she said.

To make up the shortfall, governments could be tempted to hike valued-added tax (VAT), often criticized for placing a disproportionate tax burden on the less well-off, Aubry said.

Jean-Pierre Lieb, a tax lawyer at consultants EY, said that "the cut in corporate taxes in the US will fuel tensions between countries".

At the moment, corporate taxes in the US are the highest in the OECD countries, followed by France with a rate of 34 percent, Belgium with 33 percent and Australia with 30 percent.

The OECD average is currently around 24 percent.

But in order to become more attractive, a number of countries have decided to lower their corporate tax rates.

Britain is planning to cut its rate from 20 percent to 17 percent in 2020, a decision that pre-dates Trump's move and was strongly prompted by fears that corporations may find the UK a less attractive place after it leaves the European Union.

There were even plans to slash the tax rate to 15 percent to help with Brexit woes, British papers have reported, but Prime Minister Theresa May appears to have ruled out such a deep cut for now.

France, meanwhile, is poised to take its corporate tax rate from 34 percent to 28 percent in 2020. Other countries, including Italy and Israel, have similar ambitions.

- 'Headlong rush' -

"What we're seeing is a headlong rush" said EY's Lieb, pointing to the case of Hungary where the corporate tax rate is to be slashed from 19 percent to just nine percent.

But even if Trump succeeds in pushing through his planned cuts, countries such as Ireland, which have used their low tax rates to woo foreign companies like Google and Apple, still expect to remain attractive.

Ibec, Ireland's main business lobby group, said that the latest proposals "could provide some competitiveness pressure for Ireland."

"Even if the US succeeds in delivering a substantial rate cut, the proposition for US firms to invest in Ireland remains compelling," the lobby group said.

Ireland's finance ministry agreed.

"Ireland's membership of the EU is, and will remain, a key factor in attracting foreign direct investment from the US and elsewhere," a ministry source told AFP.

Nevertheless, there is sufficient doubt as to whether Trump will actually be able to get the cuts past Congress.

According to a US think-tank, the Tax Policy Center, Trump's plans could reduce Washington's budget by as much as $6.2 trillion over the next decade and massively push up the US public debt by $20 trillion by 2036.

Many Republicans who are traditionally opposed to increasing public debt will be unwilling to accept such an explosion in debt.
Mustapha, the son of an expert on Islamic law in Morocco, says he converted to Christianity in 1994 to 'fill a spiritual void'

Moroccans who secretly converted to Christianity are demanding the right to practise their faith openly in a country where Islam is the state religion and "apostasy" is condemned.

At an apartment in a working-class part of the southern town of Agadir, Mustapha listened to hymns emanating from a hi-fi under a silver crucifix hung on the wall.

The 46-year-old civil servant, son of an expert on Islamic law from nearby Taroudant, was once an active member of the banned but tolerated Islamist Charity and Justice movement.

He said he converted in 1994 to "fill a spiritual void".

"I was tired of the contradictions in Islam," said Mustapha.

"I became interested in Christianity through a long correspondence with a religious centre in Spain in the late 1980s."

He went on to qualify as a Protestant pastor and received a certificate from the United States after taking a correspondence course.

Mustapha kept his faith secret for two decades, but a year and a half ago he published a video online in which he spoke openly about his conversion. The reaction was immediate.

"Family and close friends turned their backs on me, I was shunned at work. My children were bullied at school," he said.

Converts to Christianity form a tiny minority of Moroccans. While no official statistics exist, the American State Department estimates their numbers at between 2,000 and 6,000.

- 'Persecution' -

Over the Easter weekend, Mustapha and a dozen fellow converts met for an "afternoon of prayers" in the living room of Rachid, who like Mustapha did not wish to give his full name.

Rachid, who hails from a family of Sufis -- a mystical trend of Islam -- embraced Christianity in 2004 and eventually became a Protestant pastor.

A father of two, Rachid said he became interested in Christianity when he was a teenager after listening to a programme broadcast by a Paris-based radio station.

He researched Christianity at a cyber-cafe, contacted a specialised website and they sent him a copy of the Bible.

"I read the entire thing, studied the word of God, took courses," he said. "At the age of 24, I was baptised in a Casablanca apartment."

In Morocco proselytising is punishable by law and anyone found guilty of 'attempting to undermine the faith of a Muslim or convert him to another religion' can be jailed for up to three years

In April, Mustapha, Rachid and other Moroccan converts submitted a request to the official National Council of Human Rights (CNDH) calling for "an end to persecution" against them.

"We demand the right to give our children Christian names, to pray in churches, to be buried in Christian cemeteries and to marry according to our religion," Mustapha said.

Islam is the state faith of Morocco but the country's 2011 constitution, drafted after it was rocked by Arab Spring-inspired demonstrations, guarantees freedom of religion.

Foreign Christians and the country's tiny Jewish community -- of about 2,500 people -- practise their faiths openly.

Moroccan authorities boast of promoting religious tolerance and a "moderate" form of Islam, and the country's penal code does not explicitly prohibit apostasy -- the act of rejecting Islam or any of its main tenets.

- 'Ultra-sensitive' -

But in Morocco proselytising is punishable by law and anyone found guilty of "attempting to undermine the faith of a Muslim or convert him to another religion" can be jailed for up to three years.

"The subject is ultra-sensitive because it relates to the history of colonisation and to the idea that Christianity constitutes a danger to the unity of Morocco," a sociologist of religion told AFP.

But Rachid said the lines are shifting.

"The arrests have almost stopped, which is a big step," he said. "Harassment has become scarce."

Rachid says he is 'Moroccan before being Christian'

Rachid, who says "I am Moroccan before being Christian," practises his faith openly and lives a normal life in a working-class district of Agadir alongside his Muslim neighbours.

Most Moroccans who have converted to Christianity live in Agadir and the central city of Marrakesh, and the majority have said they are Protestants.

With the exception of local Jews, Moroccans are automatically considered Muslims and King Mohamed VI holds the official title of Commander of the Faithful.

Mustapha said the 2011 constitution and actions by the king "in favour of tolerance and coexistence" have helped bolster human rights in Morocco.

But "the penal code, political parties and society have not followed suit", he said.
The White House said President Donald Trump 'enjoyed the conversation' with his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte, and looked forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November

US President Donald Trump on Saturday invited his Philippine counterpart to Washington in a "friendly" call in which the leaders discussed Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs and their countries' alliance, the White House said.

Duterte has faced international condemnation for his brutal crackdown on crime, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings from rights groups about a possible crime against humanity.

The White House said the two leaders, who were both elected to office last year, had "a very friendly conversation" that included discussion about the Philippine government's efforts to "rid its country of drugs" and the regional security threat posed by North Korea.

"President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction," the statement said.

There has been concern about Duterte's efforts to loosen the Philippines' long-standing alliance with the US as he looks to court China, whose push to control most of the disputed South China Sea has alarmed neighbours.

President Rodrigo Duterte has regularly hit out at the Philippines' one-time colonial ruler, the US, for perceived hypocrisy over human rights

Duterte has regularly hit out at the Philippines' one-time colonial ruler for perceived hypocrisy over human rights and last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticizing the drug war.

The White House said Trump "enjoyed the conversation" with Duterte, and looked forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November.

Vice President Mike Pence had announced earlier this month that Trump would attend the Asian meetings as a sign of "unwavering commitment" to the region.

Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed Trump's invitation, although he gave no indication of when the visit would take place.

Philippine 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 Philippine lawyer last week filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court accusing Duterte of mass murder, alleging his war on drugs had led to about 8,000 deaths.

Duterte's pledge to stop the country turning into a narco-state has proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and corruption.

Over the weekend some Southeast Asian leaders attending a regional summit in Manila also expressed support for the drug war, including Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Indonesia's President Joko Widodo.
Members of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces stand on the Tabqa dam partially recaptured during their drive on the Islamic State group's stronghold in nearby Raqa

A US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance is advancing against the Islamic State group in the key town of Tabqa near the jihadist bastion of Raqa in northern Syria, a monitor said Sunday.

The Syrian Democratic Forces now control "more than 70 percent of Tabqa," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said: "The Old City has been entirely taken and there is fierce fighting going on at the gates of the new town."

He said the alliance was bombing IS positions in the new town.

The SDF published photos Sunday it said showed items retrieved from newly captured parts of the town, including at least a dozen guns, as well as missiles, ammunition, and an IS flag.

The SDF entered Tabqa on Monday as part of their offensive against Raqa, IS's de facto Syrian capital.

Supported by US-led coalition air strikes and special forces advisers, the SDF surrounded Tabqa in early April.

The town sits on a strategic supply route about 55 kilometres (35 miles) west of Raqa, and served as an important IS command base, housing the group's main prison.

It is also adjacent to the Tabqa dam, another important strategic prize which remains under IS control.

The assault on Tabqa began in late March when SDF forces and their US-led coalition allies were airlifted behind IS lines.

The city is home to an estimated 85,000 people, including IS fighters from other areas.

IS has put up fierce resistance, including using weaponised drones, a tactic the group perfected in neighbouring Iraq.

The group is also fighting street-to-street and using suicide attackers and car bombs to slow the SDF's advance, according to the Observatory.

The assault on Raqa, dubbed "Wrath of the Euphrates", was launched in November and has seen SDF fighters capture large swathes of countryside around the city.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the country's war began with anti-government protests in March 2011.
Ballistic missiles are displayed on April 16, 2016 through Kim Il-Sung Square during a military parade in Pyongyang marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung

Donald Trump thinks Chinese President Xi Jinping is "putting pressure" on North Korea, the US president said in an interview to air Sunday, as tensions mount over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.

If North Korea carries out a nuclear test "I would not be happy," Trump told the CBS television network's "Face the Nation" program.

"And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Saturday.

Asked if "not happy" signified "military action," Trump answered: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

North Korea test-fired a missile over the weekend 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 program.

Trump assailed the failed launch as a show of disrespect toward its ally China.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

North Korea is seeking to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.

China, Pyongyang's number one trade partner, has repeatedly called for a return to talks on denuclearization but has been reluctant to use economic pressure that could destabilize North Korea.
South Korean K1A2 tanks fire live rounds during a joint live firing drill between South Korea and the US at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon on April 26, 2017

South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills on Sunday, but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered dire threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running sky-high for weeks, with signs that the North might be preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear test -- and with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response.

The massive "Foal Eagle" drill, which the defence ministry in Seoul said was ending as scheduled on Sunday, involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops.

Another annual joint exercise known as "Key Resolve" ended last month.

Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature, despite Pyongyang's claims that they are provocative rehearsals for invasion.

US missile defense system in South Korea

Their conclusion normally signals a period of relative calm in North-South tensions, but this year the situation looks set to remain highly volatile.

US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible "major conflict" while Pyongyang has carried out a series of failed missile tests, including one on Saturday, and a massive live-fire military exercise.

The South Korean defence ministry confirmed Sunday that a joint naval drill with a US strike group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, was still ongoing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The exercise, aimed at verifying the allies' capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, is expected to continue until sometime next week.

Through state media, North Korea has threatened to attack the Carl Vinson, and a state-sponsored website on Sunday also warned of a possible strike against a US nuclear-powered submarine despatched to the area.

The South Korean defence ministry confirmed that a joint naval drill with a US strike group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, was still ongoing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea)

China is "putting pressure" on its ally North Korea to curb its weapons programmes, Trump told the CBS television network's "Face the Nation" programme.

If North Korea carries out another nuclear test "I would not be happy," he said.

"And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Saturday.

Asked if "not happy" signified "military action," Trump answered: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

- 'Catastrophic consequences' -

Pyongyang's show of defiance included a failed missile test on Saturday that 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 said.

A rocket-themed float moves through Kim Il-Sung square during a mass rally marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung, in Pyongyang

China has repeatedly pushed back at the idea that it alone holds the solution to curbing the North's nuclear ambitions, and warned that any use of US force would only lead to "bigger disasters".

Pope Francis this weekend called for negotiations to resolve tensions over North Korea.

"There are plenty of mediators in the world who are putting themselves forward. Norway, for example which is ready to help," he said.

The tensions have also triggered some friction between Seoul and Washington, with Trump suggesting in a recent interview that the South should pay for the $1.0-billion dollar THAAD anti-missile system that the US is deploying on its ally's territory.

But on Sunday South Korea said US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster had spoken by phone with his counterpart in Seoul and both sides had reaffirmed that Washington would bear the cost of the THAAD deployment, as initially agreed.

Trump's interview remarks "were made in a general context, reflecting the American public's hopes for (defense) cost sharing," McMaster was quoted as saying by the South's presidential office.

The two countries have had a security alliance since the 1950-53 Korean war, and more than 28,000 US troops are stationed in the South.

Beijing has been infuriated by the THAAD deployment, which it says upsets the regional security balance.
Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira onboard Neorealism after winning the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup in Hong Kong on April 30, 2017

Japanese raider Neorealism held off a late challenge from the fast-finishing Pakistan Star to win Sundays Audemars Piguet QE II Cup at Hong Kongs Shatin racecourse.

Neorealism, perfectly ridden by Brazilian-born jockey Joao Moreira, prevailed in a thrilling finish to win the HK$20 million (US$2.6 million)event over 2,000 metres.

Nicknamed the Magic Man because of his extraordinary success in the saddle, Moreira produced another masterful ride, catching his opponents napping with a bold mid-race move.

With the early pace unusually slow as none of the eight runners wanted to set a fast tempo up front, Moreira instinctively swept around the field and charged to the front with 1,000 metres to go.

Neorealism, which started at odds of 7-2, opened up a small but decisive break on the field as they turned for home. None of the backmarkers could catch the six-year-old chestnut, who claimed his third win from eight starts for master trainer Noriyuki Hori.

"He didn't really jump as well as we expected: we thought he was going to be able to lead but as he jumped a little bit slow I had to give him a chance to get cover behind horses," Moreira said.

"The pace slowed so much on the back straight, so I had to pop out and get going. He got going but he wasn't at his top speed, so I was always confident that once we turned for home he was going to finish off strongly, which he did."

The German-bred Pakistan Star, tipped as a future champion after finishing runner-up in the Hong Kong Derby, rattled home strongly with Silvestre De Sousa in the irons to finish second, beaten by a neck.

Last years winner Werther was third, another neck behind, missing his chance to emulate Japans Eishin Preston (2002, 2003) as the only back-to-back winner of the race.

Neorealism became just the third Japanese-trained horse to win the event, following Eishin Preston and Rulership (2012).

"Japanese horses are strong everywhere they go," Moreira said. "I'm blessed to be his jockey today."

Regarded as one of the premier horse races in Asia, the event was first run in 1975 at Happy Valley racecourse during a visit by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1995 it became an international event with overseas runners invited to take part and was promoted to Group One status in 2001.
An Indian state minister has given hundreds of wooden bats to newly-wed brides, urging them to use the paddle as a weapon if their husbands turn alcoholic or abusive

An Indian state minister has given hundreds of wooden bats to newly-wed brides, urging them to use the paddle as a weapon if their husbands turn alcoholic or abusive.

Gopal Bhargava gave the bats -- which are used to get dirt out of clothes in traditional laundries -- to nearly 700 brides at a mass wedding organised by the government of central Madhya Pradesh state on Saturday.

The nearly foot-long paddles are emblazoned with messages that read: "For beating drunkards" and "Police won't intervene".

Bhargava told the brides to reason with their husbands first, adding that they should "let the wooden paddles do the talking" if their spouses refuse to listen.

Bhargava told AFP he wanted to draw attention to the plight of rural women who face domestic abuse from their alcoholic husbands.

"Women say whenever their husbands get drunk they become violent. Their savings are taken away and splurged on liquor," he said.

"There is no intent to provoke women or instigate them to violence but the bat is to prevent violence."

The minister has ordered nearly 10,000 bats for distribution to newly-wed women.

Many Indian states have launched a crackdown on liquor in recent years, either banning or restricting its sale in a bid to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.

Last year, the government of Tamil Nadu state vowed to introduce prohibition as part of its campaign to win re-election.

The pledge was popular with women voters, who blame alcohol for much of the state's domestic and sexual violence, and for depleting the income of poor families.

Experts have expressed caution, pointing to a possible rise in the production of illegal and often deadly moonshine.

The neighbouring southern state of Kerala introduced a ban on alcohol sales in most hotels from 2014.

Eastern Bihar state imposed a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol last year while western Gujarat state has practised prohibition for decades.
The Dubai government has announced the launch of 'Dubai Font' - the first typeface developed by Microsoft for a city.

The font, which will be available in 23 languages, was developed simultaneously in Latin and Arabic script.

Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed al-Maktoum has urged all government institutions to adopt the font in official correspondence.

Scroll down for video

The Dubai government has announced the launch of 'Dubai Font' - the first typeface developed by Microsoft for a city

DUBAI'S ROBOT BUSES In its drive to become a city of the future, authorities in Dubai have also purchased a network of robotic pods to shuttle people to a man-made island. The automated transport system will feature 25 driverless group rapid transit vehicles capable of carrying 24 passengers each. They will connect stations on the island and Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro Station approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) apart. The capacity will initially be 3,750 people per hour per direction, which may eventually increase to 5,000. The trip time will be just under five minutes. The network is due to become operational in late 2018/early 2019. Advertisement

The Executive Council of Dubai, which manages the affairs of the city-state and is headed by Prince Hamdan, said the font reflects the United Arab Emirates' vision 'to become a regional and global leader in innovation'.

'It is the first font to be developed by a city and to carry its name', Executive Council secretary general Abdulla al-Shaiban told a news conference.

Home to the world's tallest tower and the largest shopping mall in the Middle East, image-conscious Dubai has pushed in recent years to broaden its appeal by investing in its technology and culture.

The emirate also aims to emerge as the world's happiest city, and last year appointed a happiness minister.

In 2016, some 14.9 million tourists visited Dubai, the most liberal of the UAE's seven emirates and its least dependent on oil revenues.

Dubai will host the six-month Expo 2020 under the themes of sustainability and mobility.

Home to the world's tallest tower and the largest shopping mall in the Middle East, image-conscious Dubai has pushed in recent years to broaden its appeal by investing in its technology and culture

In its drive to become a city of the future, authorities in Dubai have also purchased a network of robotic pods to shuttle people to a man-made island.

The transport system will see 25 driverless buses connecting Bluewaters island, which is currently under construction, with the mainland.

It is hoped that the system will one day ferry up to 10,000 people back and forth every hour.

The Dubai font is now available to 100 million Office 365 users around the world.
Since NATO's combat mission formally ended in 2014, Taliban attacks have intensified and Afghan military and civilian casualties have risen

NATO is considering boosting its troop strength again in Afghanistan, where it is helping the military in the fight against Islamist insurgents, chief Jens Stoltenberg told a German newspaper Sunday.

Given the "challenging" security situation, the 28-nation alliance was weighing an increase of the personnel of its "Resolute Support" train, assist and advise mission from about 13,000 now, he told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

NATO expected to make a decision by June on the possible troop increase and on whether to lengthen the time frame of the deployments which are now renewed annually, he was quoted as saying.

The US general commanding NATO forces in Afghanistan, John Nicholson, in February told Congress he has a "shortfall of a few thousand" troops needed, warning that "we're in a stalemate".

US-led forces have been fighting in Afghanistan for 16 years, making it already America's longest-ever war.

Since NATO's combat mission formally ended in 2014, Taliban attacks have intensified and Afghan military and civilian casualties have risen.

Taliban dressed in Afghan army uniforms last week slaughtered at least 135 young recruits at a northern base, according to official figures.

The US, which is also targeting the Islamic State group's affiliate in Afghanistan, dropped its largest non-nuclear bomb on the jihadist group's hideouts earlier this month, and has also returned Marines to the volatile Helmand province.

Stoltenberg said NATO also wants to increase its role in the fight against international terrorism, especially by training local forces, saying that aside from its Afghanistan and Iraq missions, "we have the potential to do even more".

He said NATO could get more engaged in Jordan and Tunisia, calling both "islands of stability" in an unstable region.
A Qatari police officer monitors a beach in Doha November 12, 2001

A Doha court on Sunday upheld the death penalty in the retrial of a Qatari man convicted of murdering a 24-year-old British female teacher.

Badr Hashim Khamis Abdallah al-Jabr was found guilty of stabbing Lauren Patterson and then burning her body in the Qatari desert in October 2013.

"The defendant was fully aware of the consequences of his actions," Doha's court of cassation ruled.

It said that Jabr, who was not in court, should face the death penalty, the original verdict handed down in 2014.

Use of capital punishment is rare in Qatar, with the last known case of the death penalty being carried out thought to date back to 2003.

The judge said that any death penalty would be carried out by hanging or shooting.

Lauren's mother, Alison, who has regularly travelled to the Gulf for hearings, was in court on Sunday.

She wept as details of the crime were read out and afterwards hugged other family members and friends who were present.

Earlier this month, she said before the same court that she did not want to forgive Jabr, although she had told AFP she did not believe in the death penalty.

Jabr had previously been convicted of the murder and sentenced to death, but that ruling was quashed, prompting Sunday's retrial.

In a lengthy verdict read out in court on Sunday, the judge dismissed all aspects of Jabr's defence.

The defence argued at various times that he had acted in self-defence, was mentally incapable at the time of the murder, was interrogated by police without a lawyer and that the young teacher had committed suicide.

But the judge said "several consequential strands of evidence" pointed to Jabr's guilt.

He recounted how the Qatari and the British teacher had met at a central Doha hotel.

They then left the hotel and went back to a property owned by Jabr, where they had sex, said the judge.

Previous court evidence had heard the schoolteacher had been sexually assaulted.

It was afterwards that Jabr attacked Patterson, a teacher in Qatar from Kent in southeast England, stabbing her with a knife which had a 20-centimetre (almost eight-inch) blade, the court heard.

Her body was then taken to the desert and burned on charcoal bricks.

Patterson's remains were discovered several hours later by members of a local tribe, alerted by the smell of the burning, the court was told.

Jabr's accomplice Mohamed Abdallah Hassan Abdul Aziz, who helped to burn the body, was previously sentenced to three years in jail.

The Briton's murder was one of two high-profile cases involving Western teachers in Qatar in recent years.

In 2012, Jennifer Brown, a newly-arrived US teacher from Pennsylvania, was murdered by a Kenyan security guard, Alvine Moseti Anyona, who is now serving life in prison.
Members of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza City on March 25, 2017

The new leadership of Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas will be announced in the coming days, officials said Sunday, while it also prepared to unveil a new version of its charter.

Ismail Haniya, until recently head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, said the results of internal elections will be announced "in the coming days".

A high-ranking Hamas official told AFP that the new leadership will be announced before May 15.

The official said Haniya is likely to be named the new head of the movement, replacing Khaled Meshaal who lives in Doha in exile and has completed the maximum two terms in office.

Hamas runs the Gaza Strip, while the Palestinian Authority dominated by president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party controls the occupied West Bank.

On Monday in Qatar, Hamas will unveil a supplementary charter that will formally accept the idea of a state in the territories occupied by Israel in the Six-Day War of 1967.

Some analysts say the move is a bid to ease Hamas's international isolation.

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 damage following an air strike on a hospital in the village of Deir Sharqi on the eastern outskirts of Maaret al-Numan in Syria's northern province of Idlib, on April 27, 2017

Seven hospitals and clinics in northwestern Syria have been knocked out of action this month in air strikes by the regime or its ally Russia, medical sources said on Sunday.

"In April, hospitals in the south of the province of Idlib were systematically targeted," Abdel Hamid Dabbak, who is in charge of hospitals in the rebel-controlled province, told a news conference.

He named seven hospitals which he said were put out of service by air raids, including a gynaecological clinic.

Dabbak said work to reopen the health centres was under way, "but warplanes are still overhead and bombardments continue".

Monzer Khalil, a doctor who heads a rebel health administration, said the situation was taking its toll of civilians.

"The situation is worsening the suffering of the population... and there are especially problems for babies because we are running out of incubators," he said.

Khalil said three other hospitals were also bombed and put out of service in the adjacent central province of Hama.

Idlib is controlled by a rebel alliance that includes a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, and is regularly targeted by both the Syrian government and Russian warplanes.

An AFP correspondent in Idlib saw massive damage at several hospitals, where equipment had been destroyed and wards were strewn with rubble.

According to the World Health Organization, Syria is the most dangerous country for medical staff.

Hundreds of medical facilities have been destroyed in the country's six-year war, which has also claimed the lives of more than 320,000 people.
Two days after a Metallica cover band's gear went missing, the original rock legend James Hatfield (R) and the rest of the band paid to replace all of the band's stolen equipment

A Metallica cover band distraught after its equipment was stolen has been able to return to stage after a gift from surprise benefactors -- the metal legends themselves.

Blistered Earth, a four-piece band from Spokane, Washington that covers Metallica classics and emulates the group's headbanging look, said a trailer with all its gear was snatched after a show last week in Portland, Oregon.

After two days, the band -- which lost three guitars, two bass guitars and a drum-kit plus an array of amplifiers and pedals -- said everything had been replaced.

"Sometimes when bad things happen it really brings out the best in people," Blistered Earth wrote on Facebook.

James Hetfield "and the rest of the guys in Metallica (thanx guys) have seen fit to replace our equipment. Thank you guys!!"

There was no immediate word from Metallica. The band on May 10 begins in Baltimore an extensive tour of North America and Europe after completing a leg in Latin America.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas hopes US President Trump can pressure Israel into concessions he believes are necessary to salvage a two-state solution to one of the world's oldest conflicts

US President Donald Trump meets Mahmud Abbas Wednesday for their first face-to-face talks, with the Palestinian leader hoping the billionaire businessman's unpredictable approach can inject life into long-stalled peace efforts.

Abbas makes the trip to Washington while politically unpopular back home, but hoping Trump can pressure Israel into concessions he believes are necessary to salvage a two-state solution to one of the world's oldest conflicts.

Palestinian officials have seen their cause overshadowed by global concerns such as the Syrian war and Islamic State group jihadists, and want Trump's White House to bring it back to the forefront.

"Palestinians are hoping that Trump's unpredictability might play in their favour," one Jerusalem-based European official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"They are going to be very disappointed. They can't be sure of anything."

Examples were seen early on, with Trump backing away from the US commitment to the two-state solution when he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February.

He said he would support a single state if it led to peace, delighting Israeli right-wingers who want to see their country annex most of the occupied West Bank.

Trump also vowed to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem, a prospect that alarmed Palestinians but which has been put on the back burner for now.

At the same time, he urged Israel to hold back on settlement building in the West Bank, a longstanding concern of Palestinians and much of the world.

One of Trump's top advisers, Jason Greenblatt, held wide-ranging talks with both Israelis and Palestinians during a visit in March.

Abbas and Trump spoke by phone on March 11.

- Pressuring Hamas? -

Trump's unpredictability is far from Abbas's only concern, with polls suggesting most Palestinians want the 82-year-old to resign.

Abbas's term was meant to expire in 2009, but he has remained in office with no elections held.

The bitter split between Abbas's Fatah party, based in the West Bank, and Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, has also taken a new turn in recent days.

Some analysts say it seems Abbas is seeking to increase pressure on Hamas in the impoverished strip, but he risks being blamed for worsening conditions in the enclave of two million people.

Israeli officials say the Palestinian Authority dominated by Abbas's Fatah has begun refusing to pay Israel for electricity it supplies to Gaza.

Rights activists say exacerbating an already severe power shortage in the strip under an Israeli blockade for 10 years could be catastrophic.

The reported move comes after the PA announced earlier in April it would temporarily cut stipends to its Gaza civil servants.

The PA said it was forced into cutbacks by falling foreign aid, but others alleged it could be aimed at stirring discontent in Gaza and destabilising the Hamas administration there.

- Regional support -

With those difficulties in mind, Abbas may face demands from Trump that could be "political suicide" for him to implement, the European official said.

Such demands may include stopping payments to families of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a policy heavily criticised by Netanyahu as encouraging further violence.

Doing so could further open Abbas to accusations of bending to Israel's will, particularly with one of his rivals in Fatah, Marwan Barghouti, leading a hunger strike involving hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails since April 17.

Barghouti is serving five life sentences over his role in the second Palestinian intifada, but he is popular and polls suggest he could win the Palestinian presidency.

Trump has spoken of reviving the idea of a regional peace initiative, pulling in countries such as Egypt and Jordan, the only two Arab nations to have signed peace treaties with Israel.

Both Abbas and Trump have recently met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II.

After meeting Abbas on Saturday, Sisi urged Washington to help restart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Jamal Shubaki, Palestinian ambassador to Egypt, said Abbas, Sisi and Abdullah shared the same goal of explaining "to the new American administration their attachment to the Arab peace initiative".

The proposal made in 2002 holds out normalised ties between Arab nations and Israel in exchange for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Abbas's visit also comes amid speculation about when Trump will visit Israel.

An Israeli official confirmed that talks on a visit were under way, but no date had been set. Israeli media reports have said it could occur in late May.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - President Donald Trump said in a television interview to be aired Sunday that he believes China's president has been putting pressure on North Korea as it pursues its missile and nuclear weapons programs.

In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Trump said 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."

A man watches a TV news program reporting about North Korea's missile firing with a file footage, at Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South 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 second such test-fire flop in recent weeks but a clear message of defiance as a U.S. supercarrier conducts drills in nearby waters. The letters on top left, reading "North Korea fired a ballistic missile." (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

On Saturday, a North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch, 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.

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 Saturday's missile 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.

Pope Francis warned that "a good part of humanity" will be destroyed if tensions with North Korea escalate, and he called 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 (early Sunday morning Seoul time) about North Korean ballistic missile tests and U.S. warnings of "catastrophic" consequences if the world fails to stop them.

"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

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, while their two navies began joint military drills later Saturday.

The South Korean navy said the drills are aimed at "deterring North Korea's provocations and displaying the firm alliance between the United States and South Korea."

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.

___

AP writers Matthew Pennington and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Edith Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this story.

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)

South Korean Foreign Ministry's spokesman Cho June-hyuck speaks to the media during a briefing at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South 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/Lee Jin-man)

South Korean Foreign Ministry's spokesman Cho June-hyuck speaks to the media during a briefing at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South 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/Lee Jin-man)

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 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)

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addresses the Security Council at United Nations headquarters, Friday, April 28, 2017. Turning to diplomacy after flexing military muscle, the United States urged the U.N. Security Council on Friday to increase economic pressure on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, leaning on China in particular to turn the screws on its wayward ally. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, unseen, adjacent to the Security Council at United Nations headquarters, Friday, April 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson listens to the debate during a Ministerial level Security Council meeting on the situation in North Korea, Friday, April 28, 2017 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

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)

People walk past a TV news showing an image of North Korean troops 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 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)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - Flooding from heavy rains sweeping across the Midwest has killed at least one person in Missouri, prompted numerous rescues and blocked roadways.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a 72-year-old woman drowned despite her husband's efforts to save her as their vehicle was swept away by rushing waters Saturday near Clever in southwest Missouri. The patrol says her body was found after waters receded.

The state reported nearly 100 evacuations and nearly three dozen rescues by late afternoon.

Water begins to cover the Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164 on Saturday, April 29, 2017, in Springfield, Mo. Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has declared a state of emergency because of flooding across southern Missouri. (Nathan Papes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP)

Thunderstorms also topped trees and power lines in eastern Oklahoma, while more than 4 inches of snow fell elsewhere in 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.

Water from the James River floods onto Farm Road 164 on Saturday, April 29, 2017, in Springfield, Mo. Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has declared a state of emergency because of flooding across southern Missouri. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for most of the southern tier of Missouri through Sunday evening. (Nathan Papes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP)

Water from the James River hits the bottom of the Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164 on Saturday, April 29, 2017, in Springfield, Mo. Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has declared a state of emergency because of flooding across southern Missouri. (Nathan Papes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP)

Rain clouds appear over downtown Springfield, Mo., on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has declared a state of emergency because of flooding across southern Missouri. More heavy rain is expected through Saturday night into Sunday. (Nathan Papes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP)
MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) - Killer whales are on an unprecedented killing spree in California's Monterey Bay, attacking and feeding on gray whale calves, a marine biologist said.

Since April 20, orcas have killed four gray whale calves in eight days, Nancy Black said Friday.

Black, who co-owns Monterey Bay Whale Watch, says a family of nine killer whales has taken part in all of the attacks, but the first killing involved 33 orcas.

This Monday, April 24, 2017 photo provided by Monterey Bay Whale Watch shows a pod of orcas in Monterey Bay offshore of Monterey, Calif. Killer whales are on an unprecedented killing spree in the bay, attacking and feeding on gray whale calves, a marine biologist said. (Daniel Bianchetta/Monterey Bay Whale Watch via AP)

It's not uncommon for orcas to prey on gray whale calves, says Shawn Johnson, director of veterinary science at California's Marine Mammal Center. He hadn't heard about the latest killings.

Black called their frequency unprecedented.

"Usually the killer whales come in and out. They aren't here every single day," she told the Monterey Herald (http://bit.ly/2qiKlOH). "We see them more often in April than May by far, but they just seem to be hanging around and waiting for more gray whales to come through."

The calves and their mothers are migrating up the California coast from Mexico. The arrival in Northern California was a few weeks later than usual this year, so a lot of hungry killer whales were waiting, Black said.

Adults in the orca family pod also might be teaching the youngsters how to hunt.

"They (killer whales) learn different methods of hunting from different areas so it's passed on through the generations," she said. "And this particular group ... is very good at it."

The nine-member pod, dubbed Emma's group, includes a matriarch, her daughter Emma and a granddaughter, along with some juveniles, including one dubbed Little B who is less than 6 months old.

"They learn early because it's pretty dangerous for the killer whales to hunt a gray whale because the mother gray whale can slam them with their fluke," Black said.

Orcas share their prey with the rest of the group, including members that didn't take part in the hunt, Black said.

She noted the orcas in the latest attacks also killed with unusual speed. A Wednesday attack took just 20 minutes, compared with the several hours it usually takes a pod of orcas to separate a calf from its mother and drown it.
PICO RIVERA, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on a Los Angeles carjacking and shootings (all times local):

7:15 p.m.

Authorities say a man shot by a carjacker who went on a shooting rampage through several Los Angeles suburbs has died.

Deputy Ryan Rouzan of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Saturday night that deputies are searching for the gunman.

Rouzan says it is unclear if the suspect acted alone.

The deputy said that the armed man forced a woman from her green SUV in the community of Pico Rivera.

Investigators say he then fired at three or more people in neighboring communities.

Rouzan says one man shot in the rampage was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The condition of the other victims was not immediately available.

Deputies have set up a command post at a local high school.

___

6:45 p.m.

Authorities in Southern California say they're searching for an armed man who carjacked a woman's SUV before shooting and injuring three other people.

Deputy Ryan Rouzan of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/2qh17R3) the man stole the car Saturday afternoon in the Los Angeles suburb of Pico Rivera.

Deputies say the woman was unarmed.

Rouzan says deputies believe the same man who stole the SUV next shot three people in the nearby communities of Norwalk and Whittier.

The condition of the victims was not immediately available.

Deputies have set up a command post at a local high school.

___

Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/
PARIS (AP) - Amid worries about rising nationalism, French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron paid homage Sunday to the tens of thousands of French Jews killed in the Holocaust with a somber, simple message to voters: Never again.

Chants of "Macron, President!" mixed with tears of sorrowful remembrance as he visited the Holocaust Memorial in Paris, walking past panels bearing the names of those deported to death in Nazi camps, while Holocaust survivors and children of its victims looked on.

It was the second time in three days that Macron visited a site tied to France's wartime history, as he seeks to remind voters of the shame of France's Nazi collaboration - and especially of the anti-Semitic past of his rival Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front party.

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron looks at some of the 2,500 photographs of young Jews deported from France, during a visit to the Shoah memorial in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP)

The two face a presidential runoff May 7 that will reverberate across Europe.

Le Pen herself, who has worked for years to detoxify her party's image, laid a wreath at a memorial to France's deported Jews in Marseille on Sunday, a national day of remembrance.

Yet the gesture cannot undo decades of anti-Semitism that still poisons her party. Her own father has been convicted of describing the gas chambers as a "detail" of history, and her temporary party leader was removed just last week for similar comments.

After visiting the Holocaust Memorial and a wall honoring French people who protected Jews during the German occupation, Macron said, "We have a duty today to their memory."

The 39-year-old former economy minister lamented a "moral weakening that could tempt some people to say all things are relative, that could tempt others to negate the Holocaust - a position some people find refuge in because what happened is unforgettable and unforgiveable, and should never happen again."

Michel Pfeffer, 74, is not a fan of Macron but is determined to vote for him next Sunday for one reason: the names of Pfeffer's father and his grandfather are etched on the wall of the Holocaust Memorial, two of the 76,000 French Jews deported to die.

"It's inadmissible. It's unthinkable" that Le Pen could lead France, Pfeffer told The Associated Press as Macron arrived.

His wife Mireille said, "I have always voted conservative, and it will be difficult to betray my political convictions, but I have no other choice."

While they said anti-Semitism has always percolated under the surface in France, they feel a growing acceptance of public racism in recent years.

Responding to criticism from Le Pen that Macron is using memories of the Holocaust for political gain, Macron grew heated.

"Does she want us to no longer commemorate?" he asked, pledging to "proudly resolutely defend what we are, our history, the memory of those who perished."

"Madame Le Pen and her people can complain, but I will not back down," he added.

France's wartime collaboration with the Nazis still casts a shadow of shame seven decades later. There was no national atonement, and families across France have troubling stories of collaboration that have been hidden from their children and grandchildren.

It wasn't until 1995 that then-President Jacques Chirac acknowledged the French state's role in the Holocaust for the first time.

Despite Chirac's gesture, many French prefer to see the Vichy regime that governed wartime France as a historical anomaly. Le Pen voiced that position recently, denying that the French state was responsible for Nazi-era roundups of Jews.

France's election is drawing attention across the European Union just as the bloc is negotiating Britain's departure. Le Pen's anti-EU stance could unravel post-war unity, while Macron wants greater European cooperation and trade.

Le Pen wants a referendum on France's membership in the EU, to restore French borders and return to the franc currency instead of the euro.

"I think the euro is dead," Le Pen was quoted as saying in Sunday's Le Parisien.

Le Pen, who has courted the blue-collar vote, visited the Alteo aluminum plant Sunday in the town of Gardanne, but the event appeared to fall flat. She did not meet with workers and quickly left after accusing the factory, which has been blamed for polluting the Mediterranean Sea, of being an example of "savage globalization."

Far-right candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Marine Le Pen attend with Nicolas Dupont-Aignan 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 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)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron looks at some of the 2,500 photographs of young Jews deported from France, during a visit to the Shoah memorial in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron walks past the wall engraved with the names of the 76,000 Jews deported from France, during a visit to the Shoah memorial in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron stands at the "Mur des Justes" at the Shoah Museum, a wall on which 2,693 names of people who protected or saved Jews during World War II are engraved in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron stands at the "Mur des Justes" at the Shoah Museum, a wall on which 2,693 names of people who protected or saved Jews during World War II are engraved in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron stands at the "Mur des Justes" at the Shoah Museum, a wall on which 2,693 names of people who protected or saved Jews during World War II are engraved in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron speaks at the Holocaust memorial in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron walks past the wall engraved with the names of the 76,000 Jews deported from France, during a visit to the Shoah memorial in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron makes a sign to bystanders as he leaves the Holocaust memorial in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron looks at bystanders as he leaves the Holocaust memorial in Paris, France, Sunday, April 30, 2017. French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris with a somber message: Never again. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Nikki Haley didn't wait to take office as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to break with the Trump administration's foreign policy stances.

At her Senate confirmation hearing, Haley bluntly accused Russia of being complicit of war crimes in Syria - going against the president-elect's talk of warmer relations with Moscow.

Three months later, she remains boldly off-message. Much to the chagrin of Washington diplomats, her remarks often go well beyond the carefully worded scripts crafted by the White House and State Department.

FILE - In this April 12, 2017 file photo, U.S. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley address the Security Council after a vote on a resolution condemning Syria's use of chemical weapons failed, at U.N. headquarters. Haley didn't wait to take office as America's envoy to the United Nations to break with the Trump administration's foreign policy stances. At her Senate confirmation hearing, Haley bluntly accused Russia of being complicit of war crimes in Syria _ going against the president-elect's talk of warmer relations with Moscow.(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

She's warned Syrian President Bashar Assad that "the days of your arrogance and disregard of humanity are over," even as other top aides to President Donald Trump insisted that his fate was a decision for the Syrian people.

She's pushed human rights as a driver of foreign policy just as the Trump administration showed its willingness to work with leaders who have suppressed civil liberties, such as Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt's Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi.

U.S. diplomats fear Haley's words could result in an inconsistent, incoherent international message. State Department diplomats drafted an email urging Haley's office to ensure that her public statements on high-profile issues are cleared by Washington. The email was first reported by The New York Times.

In some ways, Haley has been ahead of the curve. Her hints at a change in the Syrian government are now seeping into Trump policies, and the administration has toughened its stance on Russia.

She seems to be in Trump's good graces. At a White House luncheon for U.N. diplomats last week, he said Haley was doing a "fantastic job" - but only after awkwardly joking that if the diplomats didn't like her, "she could easily be replaced."

Haley, a rookie to international politics, was an unusual pick for to be U.N. envoy.

As South Carolina governor, she was outspoken in her criticism of Trump during the 2016 campaign - a stance that effectively disqualified other candidates for top administration positions. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Haley alluded to Trump in denouncing "the siren call of the angriest voices" who disrespected America's immigrants. Trump tweeted that "The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley."

She has star power in an administration where the president prefers to keep attention on himself. In some ways, the 45-year-old Haley is seizing the spotlight left vacant by media-averse Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Her high-profile persona and relative youth have prompted speculation that she may run for president someday.

The White House and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations declined to comment for this story.

Haley's office falls under the State Department's authority, but administration officials say Haley's staff frequently bypasses the department for policy matters. They said Haley's deputy, Jon Lerner, a Republican pollster and strategist who helped coordinate the Never Trump movement during the campaign, is in closer contact with senior members of the National Security Council, the White House's national security apparatus. Still, at times, Haley ad-libs her remarks, they said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to publicly discuss the policymaking process.

They said the State Department was not involved in the planning of Trump's meeting last Monday with the U.N. ambassadors, nor was it consulted. The event was coordinated exclusively between the U.S. Mission to the U.N. and the NSC.

Public remarks by the U.N. ambassador are generally approved by the State Department and, at times, other departments. Zalmay Khalilzad, a U.N. ambassador under President George W. Bush, said that messaging from the various departments has "to be consistent with each other," but he joked that this is not an administration that is "known for protocol."

Indeed, Haley's off-message remarks highlight a broader trend in the administration, with poor communications and tight inner-circle White House politics creating disunity on various issues.

But Khalilzad praised Haley, saying her "experience as a politician helps her in recognizing the importance of the message and the quality of the message."

Phil Cox, a political consultant who has known Haley since 2010 from his work with the Republican Governors Association, said Haley's plain-spokenness comes as no surprise to anyone who tracked her work in South Carolina, starting with service in the state Legislature.

"The Nikki Haley operating on a world stage today is the exact same person the people of South Carolina came to know and respect as governor," he said in a recent interview. "Since she was first elected governor, people have been talking about her taking the next step."

___

Associated Press writers Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, Bradley Klapper and Jill Colvin in Washington and Edith Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

___

Follow Vivian Salama on Twitter at https://twitter.com/vmsalama
PARIS (AP) - The Latest on France's presidential campaign (all times local):

2 p.m.

French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen is trying to win over voters worried about the environment by visiting an aluminum plant whose waste is at the heart of a political debate on the Mediterranean coast.

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)

Unlike a factory visit last week when Le Pen upstaged centrist rival Emmanuel Macron and took selfies with workers, Le Pen's visit to the Alteo plant in the town of Gardanne appeared to fall flat. She met with no workers, and quickly left after making a statement to a local TV crew.

In remarks carried on LCI television, Le Pen accused the factory of being an example of "savage globalization." The factory has worked to clean up its waste but remains politically controversial.

Le Pen and Macron meet in a May 7 runoff.

___

12:15 p.m.

France's presidential candidates are pushing their rival worldviews, as far-right Marine Le Pen calls the euro currency "dead" and centrist Emmanuel Macron visits a Holocaust memorial and calls for political unity.

With a week left before the May 7 runoff, Le Pen paid a surprise visit Sunday to a woodchip factory accused of polluting the Mediterranean Sea.

Le Pen told Le Parisien newspaper that "I think the euro is dead." She offered to allow big companies that operate internationally to continue using the euro while ordinary citizens would use a new franc.

Macron won a new ally with an endorsement from once-prominent centrist Jean-Louis Borloo. Macron called in the Journal du Dimanche newspaper for a new "arch" reaching across left and right to rebuild French politics.

Far-right candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Marine Le Pen attend with Nicolas Dupont-Aignan 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)
SOCHI, Russia (AP) - Sauber will use Honda engines next year instead of its current Ferrari power units.

The deal means Honda will supply two Formula One teams, offering more opportunities to test its engines.

That could help alleviate power and reliability problems which have plagued Honda's relationship with the McLaren team since 2015.

Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein of Germany steers his car during the third practice session ahead the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Saturday, April. 29, 2017. The Russian Formula One Grand Prix will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

It's the first major shakeup for Sauber since it was bought by the Longbow Finance company last year. Formula One's sole Swiss-based team has used customer Ferrari engines since 2010.

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn says in a statement that "we very much look forward to our partnership with Honda, which sets the course for a successful future."

Both Sauber and McLaren are yet to score any points so far this season.

Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson of Sweden steers his car during the third practice session ahead the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Saturday, April. 29, 2017. The Russian Formula One Grand Prix will be held on Sunday. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the 30th ASEAN Summit (Source: VNA)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-ocha reached the agreement during a bilateral meeting in Manila on April 29th on the sidelines of the 30th ASEAN Summit.



At the meeting, the two PMs said they are pleased that the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership has progressed well and agreed to resolve their outstanding problems in the upcoming joint cabinet meeting.



In addition, the two sides agreed to work towards a trade balance and enhanced investment cooperation in which Thai investors will assist their peers from Vietnam.



Phuc urged the effective implementation of the action programme to carry out the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership for the 2014-2018 period and established cooperation mechanisms in line with increase in high-level exchange of visits.



He proposed Vietnam and Thailand hold negotiations on bilateral agreements in criminal extradition and judicial assistance.



He also suggested the two countries establish a hotline for settlement of maritime incidents.



In terms of ASEAN cooperation, the leaders shared the view on prioritizing the building of unity in the bloc and promoting ASEANs central role. They agreed that ASEAN should enhance coordination of positions and viewpoints on regional security and strategic issues, including the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and pushing for real progress in negotiating the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).



The Thai PM invited his Vietnamese counterpart to visit Thailand./.
CAIRO (AP) - An Egyptian court has sentenced a hard-line cleric to death in absentia on charges of establishing a "terror group" after the 2013 overthrow of an elected Islamist president.

Wagdi Ghoneim, who currently lives in Turkey and is an outspoken supporter of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, dismissed Sunday's ruling, saying he had not been in Egypt since 2001.

Egypt has waged a sweeping crackdown against Morsi's now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group, jailing thousands and killing hundreds in street clashes in the months following his 2013 overthrow.

Ghoneim supports the Brotherhood, but espouses to hard-line views that are dismissed by more moderate members of the group, such as a prohibition on celebrating Christmas with Christians.

If he returns to Egypt, he would be retried on the same charges.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Saudi Arabia's King Salman and his successors in her first visit to the kingdom in seven years, saying she pressed them on women's rights, the war in Yemen and other sensitive issues.

After her meetings in the Red Sea city of Jiddah, she told German journalists traveling with her that she raised human rights concerns with Saudi leaders, including the rights of women.

She said Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen also was discussed. For more than two years, the kingdom has been bombing Yemeni rebels aligned with Saudi Arabia's regional Shiite rival, Iran. The conflict there has driven the Arab world's poorest countries to the brink of famine, with 27 million people needing humanitarian or protection assistance.

In this photo released by the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, is received by Saudi King Salman on her arrival to Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, April 30, 2017. Merkel arrived Sunday for talks with the oil-rich kingdom's monarch, beginning a two-nation trip to the Gulf. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)

"We don't believe there can be a military solution to the conflict," Merkel said.

Saudi Arabia and Iran also back opposite sides of the conflict in Syria, and Germany was one of six international powers that negotiated the nuclear deal with Iran to which Saudi Arabia objected.

As is customary, Saudi officials did not comment on the details of the meetings.

After her meeting with the Saudi king, Merkel held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who oversees security forces and counterterrorism, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has a vast portfolio overseeing defense and the economy.

During the meetings, Merkel said, she specifically discussed the kingdom's death penalty. Saudi Arabia has one of the world's highest execution rates and executes people for non-lethal offenses such as drug smuggling.

She also raised the case of Raif Badawi, a Saudi blogger whose public lashing drew international condemnation from even the kingdom's closest Western allies. He is serving a 10-year prison sentence for blog posts critical of the country's powerful religious establishment.

Having scheduled a meeting with Saudi businesswomen during her two-day visit, Merkel acknowledged there have been "significant changes in the role of women" since her last visit in 2010. She cited the historic first-time participation of women in Saudi Arabia's only elections for local council seats in 2015.

She noted, however, that women in Saudi Arabia still face many restrictions.

"I have the impression that the country is in a phase of change and that a lot more is possible now than some years ago, but it's still a long way away from having achieved what we would understand as equality," Merkel said.

Like other high-profile female visitors, Merkel did not cover her hair or wear a traditional flowing black robe upon arrival in the kingdom.

Merkel herself backs a ban in Germany on civil servants wearing face veils and on face covers being worn in public schools and courts and by car drivers. Most Saudi women wear the full face veil, known as the niqab, in line with the kingdom's conservative Wahhabi interpretation of Islam.

The German leader was scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

During her meetings in the Gulf, Merkel is urging the region's rulers to do more to take in refugees and provide humanitarian relief for those fleeing conflict in Muslim-majority countries. Germany has provided refuge to hundreds of thousands of people from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.

Merkel is traveling with a business delegation that includes CEOs of major German companies that are eyeing opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is trying to attract greater foreign investment as it diversifies its economy away from oil, the backbone of its economy.

She expressed to Saudi officials that Europe remains interested in a free trade agreement with Gulf states. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are Germany's largest trading partners in the Middle East.

The official Saudi Press Agency reported the two sides signed a number of memorandums to enhance cooperation in the fields of technology, energy and business.

Despite a drop in oil prices that has forced the kingdom to curb spending, Saudi Arabia remains among the world's top spenders on defense equipment. While there is no German moratorium on weapons exports to Saudi Arabia, the German government does review deals on a case-by-case basis to ensure any military equipment sold cannot be used for internal repression.

Markel said that due to Saudi Arabia's prominent role in the Middle East, Germany will continue to offer training to Saudi police, security forces and border guards.

___

Associated Press writer Abdullah al-Shihri reported this story in Riyadh and AP writer Aya Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AP writer Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report.

In this photo released by the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, is received by Saudi King Salman on her arrival to Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, April 30, 2017. Merkel arrived Sunday for talks with the oil-rich kingdom's monarch, beginning a two-nation trip to the Gulf. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)

In this photo released by the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, is received by Saudi King Salman, right, on her arrival to Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, April 30, 2017. Merkel arrived Sunday for talks with the oil-rich kingdom's monarch, beginning a two-nation trip to the Gulf. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Seated beneath the Ten Commandments plaque that first made him a conservative icon in the culture wars, U.S. Senate candidate and former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore invokes President Donald Trump's campaign slogan - but with his own twist.

"I support President Trump's agenda of making America great again. But I submit to you that we can only make America great again if we make America good," Moore said in his downtown Montgomery office a day after announcing his bid for the Senate seat previously held by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Moore's campaign theme puts a values-driven spin on the president's populist slogan, "Make America Great Again," and Moore's campaign announcement spelled out what he believes isn't good: divorce, abortion and same-sex marriage.

Suspended Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore announces his plan to run for U.S. Senate during a news conference Wednesday, April 26, 2017, on the steps of the Capitol in Montgomery, Ala. The fiery Republican jurist, who was suspended from the bench on accusations that he urged defiance of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing gays and lesbians to marry, is running for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (Julie Bennett/AL.com via AP)

In what's expected to be high-dollar slugfest of a GOP primary, with multiple candidates seeking to harness the president's blunt-spoken outsider appeal, Moore is a far-right and polarizing entry.

"I am definitely not establishment," Moore said with a chuckle.

Former Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange currently holds the Senate seat. He was appointed by then-Gov. Robert Bentley, who resigned this month amid fallout from an alleged affair with a top staffer. Bentley had planned for a 2018 Senate election - which would have allowed his pick to hold the seat longer. But the state's new governor, Kay Ivey, moved it up to this year, setting off what's expected to be a four-month demolition derby among Republican contenders ahead of the Aug. 15 primary.

Strange is running to retain the seat. Trump's Alabama campaign chairman, Ed Henry -- a Republican legislator who helped topple Bentley by starting an impeachment push -- is running too. Randy Brinson, a Montgomery gastroenterologist who chairs the Christian Coalition of Alabama, will be another contender for evangelical votes. The field is expected to grow even larger before qualifying ends in May. Republican state Senate leader Del Marsh is among those considering a bid.

Moore first drew national attention in the 1990s when the ACLU challenged the wooden Ten Commandments panel in his Etowah Circuit courtroom. He was elected the state's chief justice twice and removed from his duties twice - once after installing a Ten Commandments monument in the state judicial building and once after he urged defiance of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage. He said both removals were wrongful.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Moore invoked both Trump's name and God's will. Throughout his public life, Moore has repeatedly cited God's power in both his personal life and the law.

Yet the jurist who has made morality a core issue acknowledged he shares little in common with the thrice-married casino developer turned president.

"God puts people in positions in positions he wants. ... I believe he sent Donald Trump in there to do what Donald Trump can do," Moore said. "More than thinking I can win, it's up to God and God's will. We will see what God would have me do."

Among Moore's goals: Limit the federal government's say in education, tackle immigration and establish a flat tax or national sales tax instead of a tiered income tax.

But Moore isn't the only candidate invoking Trump and outsider appeal.

One Nation, a nonprofit arm of the Senate Leadership Fund to keep the Republican majority, launched a radio ad this month heralding Strange as a warrior for Trump's agenda.

"The conservative ideals America voted for last November are under constant assault. ... Alabama's Sen. Luther Strange is standing with President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to get done what America voted for last year," the ad said.

Henry said he has a proven track record of fighting corruption.

"I don't know about draining the swamp, I have found if you throw a few sticks of dynamite in it the bottom dwellers will float to the top," Henry said.

Brinson, in his announcement, said voters are tired of the "corruption, self-dealing and venality of politicians at all levels of our government."

Moore said he hasn't spoken to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell or the national committee that's backing current Senate Republicans.

Longtime Moore supporter Dean Young, who wore a Trump hat as he stood behind Moore during his campaign announcement, said, "The establishment better get ready for the battle royal."
CANTON, Texas (AP) - In a story April 30 about severe weather, The Associated Press reported erroneously the circumstances of the death of a 7-year-old in Mississippi. The Rankin County coroner says the boy's death was not storm-related.

The story below removes the incorrect Latest item:

The Latest: Fire chief struck by car included in death toll

An Arkansas fire chief struck by a vehicle included in the state's storm-related death toll

CANTON, Texas (AP) - The Latest on severe weather in parts of the U.S. (all times local):

8:50 p.m.

The death of a north-central Arkansas fire chief struck by a vehicle while heavy thunderstorms moved through the state is being included in the state's count of weather-related fatalities, bringing the death toll to five.

Arkansas State Police say Cove Creek/Pearson Fire Chief Doug Decker died early Sunday after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 25 near Quitman, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Little Rock.

Arkansas Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Whitney Green says the other deaths include one woman killed Saturday night when a tree fell on her mobile home. There also were two fatalities in Washington County, including one person who was found dead after a water rescue effort.

Green says two children in Madison County remain missing after they were trapped in a vehicle that was swept away by floodwaters.

____

7:10 p.m.

A 2-year-old girl in Tennessee has died after being struck by a heavy, metal soccer goal post that was blown over by high winds.

The Metro Nashville Police Department posted on its Twitter page on Sunday evening that Melanie Espinoza Rodriguez was transported to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Middle Tennessee was hit by a strong line of storms that knocked down trees and power lines earlier Sunday.

Across the U.S., 11 people have been killed by tornadoes and flooding in the Midwest and Southeast.

____

5:15 p.m.

An Arkansas volunteer fire department chief was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while working during storms in north-central Arkansas.

Arkansas State Police say Cove Creek/Pearson Fire Chief Doug Decker died early Sunday after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 25 near Quitman, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Little Rock.

Trooper Liz Chapman said Decker was checking water levels during the storm when he was struck shortly before 4 a.m., but it wasn't known if he will be included as a storm-related death.

In Missouri, the governor announced a second person has died during weekend flooding in his state. Gov. Eric Greitens did not release details about the second death.

Across the U.S., 10 people have been killed by tornadoes and flooding in the Midwest and Southeast.

____

3:10 p.m.

Authorities say two people have died in flooding in Arkansas, raising the death toll from weekend storms in that state to three.

Officials say two children are also missing in Arkansas after a vehicle was swept off a bridge in Hindsville in the northwest part of the state.

Across the U.S., nine people have been killed by tornadoes and flooding in the Midwest and Southeast.

Four people died in Texas on Saturday as the National Weather Service confirmed that four tornadoes slammed into several small towns east of Dallas.

The storm also was causing a rare, late-season blizzard in western Kansas, closing parts of Interstate 70.

___

1:45 p.m.

At least seven people have died in the severe storms rolling across the U.S.

Four deaths happened in Texas and deaths were also reported in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi as a line of storms brought tornadoes, flooding and heavy rains to the Midwest and the South.

In Texas, a series of tornadoes left a trail of overturned vehicles, mangled trees and damaged homes.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a 72-year-old woman drowned despite her husband's efforts to save her as their vehicle was swept away by rushing waters Saturday. In Arkansas, a 65-year-old woman was killed when a tree was blown into her home Saturday.

Mississippi officials didn't immediately release details of the death near Durant.

___

10:40 a.m.

Severe storms that moved across Arkansas are blamed for at least one death there.

Police say 65-year-old Julia Schwede was killed when a tree was blown into her home Saturday night.

The storms were among several in parts of the South and Midwest. In Texas, at least four people were killed in a series of tornadoes that left a trail of overturned vehicles, mangled trees and damaged homes. Rains killed at least one person in Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a 72-year-old woman drowned despite her husband's efforts to save her as their vehicle was swept away by rushing waters Saturday near Clever in southwest Missouri.

Flooding is also an issue in northern Arkansas, where numerous roads are closed after more than 3 inches of rain fell in some areas.

___

10:15 a.m.

Authorities in East Texas now say at least four people have been killed as a series of tornadoes pummeled parts of three counties east of Dallas. They caution that the death toll, originally put at five, could rise again as search teams go through the extensive wreckage.

Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett says multiple tornadoes that began late Saturday afternoon left "heartbreaking and upsetting" destruction 35 miles (56 kilometers) long and 15 miles (24 kilometers) wide.

A Van Zandt County official says search teams going door to door are dealing with gas leaks and downed power lines and trees.

The National Weather Service has confirmed at least three tornadoes touched down in the Canton area, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Dallas.

ETMC Regional Health Care Systems spokeswoman Rebecca Berkley says 56 people have been treated at three area hospitals. Six remain hospitalized Sunday morning and two of those are in critical condition.

___

8:45 a.m.

At least three tornadoes have slammed several small towns in East Texas east of Dallas, and authorities believe as many as five people are dead and dozens injured, though they're still assessing the situation.

Canton Fire Department Capt. Brian Horton says the twisters that hit Saturday evening about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Dallas have caused "maybe five casualties" but the that number "may go up" once authorities can go through overturned vehicles and destroyed homes and other wreckage.

ETMC Regional Health Care Systems spokeswoman Rebecca Berkley says 56 people have been treated at three hospitals in the area. Six remain hospitalized Sunday morning and two of those are in critical condition.

The National Weather Service has confirmed at least three tornadoes swept through parts of three counties.

___

12:35 a.m.

Authorities say fatalities have been reported and dozens of people were taken to hospitals after a tornado hit a small city in East Texas.

Powerful storms swept through Canton early Saturday evening, leaving behind a trail of overturned vehicles, mangled trees and damaged homes. Canton is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Dallas.

ETMC Regional Heathcare Systems spokeswoman Rebecca Berkley says 54 patients were taken to three of ETMC hospitals in the region, including one in critical condition.

Canton Fire Department Capt. Brian Horton says "a number of fatalities" have been reported, but it wasn't yet clear how many.

The National Weather Service says at least one tornado hit Canton, while tornadoes also were reported in surrounding areas.
The tipping point for Chris Hurst came last fall while reporting on a shooting at a rail car factory. When the camera turned off, he wept.

Just more than a year earlier, the 29-year-old's reporter girlfriend was gunned down while conducting an interview on live TV.

Now, Hurst was using the same truck that Alison Parker had used the last day of her life to report live from the scene of another shooting.

Hurst realized he needed a drastic life change.

The former TV anchor is now running for political office, challenging a National Rifle Association-backed candidate for a competitive Virginia state House seat in a firearm friendly part of the state.

Former WDBJ news anchor Chris Hurst (left) pauses as he is overcome with emotion while holding a photo album that was created by fellow reporter and girlfriend Alison Parker (right), in Roanoke, Virginia, in 2015. Parker was shot and killed while filming a live news broadcast

Hurst was living with Parker when she and cameraman Adam Ward (right) were fatally shot while reporting for WDBJ-TV in August 2015

Hurst, who is now running for office in the Virginia state House of Representatives, sees it as a way to honor the memory of the woman he thought he'd marry and to give back to the community that helped him through his darkest days

Hurst sees it as a way to honor the memory of the woman he thought he'd marry and to give back to the community that helped him through his darkest days.

'When we understand that life is fragile, does that mean we give up and say life ain't worth it? No,' Hurst said at a local Democratic committee meeting in March.

'That's when we say it is worth it, and we do what we can when we're here to try to help another person.'

Hurst was living with Parker when she and cameraman Adam Ward were fatally shot while reporting for WDBJ-TV in August 2015.

The gunman, Vester Flanagan, posted video of the attack online and killed himself hours later.

The gunman, Vester Flanagan (above), posted video of the attack online and killed himself hours later

After the shooting, Hurst became the public face of the grieving Roanoke station, bringing him national attention and a large social media following.

That helped him become one of the top House candidate fundraisers last reporting period.

The Pennsylvania native, who quit his TV job and moved from Roanoke to Blacksburg to run in the 12th District, has been labeled a carpetbagger by Republicans looking to protect Del. Joseph Yost, a well-liked moderate.

The district is among the few competitive House seats in southwest Virginia, a rural Republican stronghold.

Hurst is one of several young Democrats new to politics running for a Virginia House seat this year.

President Donald Trump's election has fueled a new interest in state and local politics, party leaders say, and Democrats hope they can put a dent in Republicans' sizeable House majority.

Hurst is no fan of Trump but says his reasons for running are more personal.

While at the station, he faced constant reminders of Parker.

He struggled with walking past the place where he was told she was dead, and with covering stories about violence and death, he said.

'I knew that I could get myself up and pull myself together and do it, but I think it was at the price of my humanity,' Hurst said.

Now, he says, his grief is lessening because he feels like what is doing has purpose.

'It has given him determination,' said Alison's father, Andy Parker.

The Pennsylvania native, who quit his TV job and moved from Roanoke to Blacksburg to run in the 12th District, has been labeled a carpetbagger by Republicans looking to defeat him. Hurt is seen above in this March 2017 file photo speaking at a Democratic Committee meeting

Hurst (seen right with Radforth Commonwealth Attorney Chris Rehak) is one of several young Democrats new to politics running for a Virginia House seat this year

'We both had to seek a way to make sense out of all of this.'

Republicans are playing up their candidate's deep local roots and trying to paint Hurst as an outsider seeking political advancement.

Yost, 30, has earned a reputation in Richmond as a humble, hard worker and champion for better mental health services.

'There's a difference between being on air and covering news as opposed to me, being in my district for the last 30 years,' Yost said.

'I think there's just a lot of questions and concern among the community about somebody who's moving in to challenge me.'

While Parker's death drove Hurst into action, he treads lightly on the issue of gun control in these communities, where the gun culture runs deep.

Hurst, a gun owner, says that among other things he'd like to empower law enforcement to petition courts to have guns taken away from dangerous people.

But he insists firearms aren't his top priority. He says he's focused on issues such as education and economic development.

Andy Parker, whose gun-control advocacy has made him a self-described 'lightning rod,' said he expects Republicans will try to link Hurst to him and call Hurst a 'gun grabber.'

'We're joined at the hip because of her and our love for her,' Parker said. 'He's not going to run away from it.'

Mae Midkiff, Giles County Republican Committee chairwoman, said she doesn't think Republicans will make guns an issue in the race.

But Midkiff said if Hurst thinks he has an easy road to Richmond, he's mistaken.

'It would've just thrilled us to death to see Mr. Hurst stay in Roanoke and do the news,' Midkiff said.

'But if he comes into our territory, I'm going to have to tell you, he's going to have a battle,' she said.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran has become self-sufficient in producing the amount of gasoline the country requires on a daily basis, the official IRNA news agency reported on Sunday.

President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated a new refinery that produces some 12 million liters (3.17 million gallons) of gasoline in its first phase, according to the report.

Iranians consume about 60 million liters (15.85 million gallons) of the fuel daily on average. The country already produces about 50 million liters (13.2 million gallons) and some 11 million liters (3 million gallons) had to be imported.

The report said the refinery in the port city of Bandar Abbas, some 750 miles (1,205 kilometers) south of Tehran, is capable of producing 36 million liters (9.5 million gallons) of gasoline per day after it is completed in 2018.

Rouhani said a 2015 landmark nuclear deal with world powers contributed to reaching the operation stage of the project. The deal capped Iran's nuclear activities in return for lifting sanctions.

If the agreement hadn't been reached, Rouhani said, "this giant refining unit would never go online."

Rouhani answered the criticism by hardliners who say Iran gave too much in return for too little under the deal. He is running for re-election in the May 19 presidential election in which hard-line rivals blame longstanding problems such as unemployment and recession on Rouhani's 4-year-old administration.

"Those who say we have not seen results from the deal, come to the refinery and see all the related equipment that has been imported into the country without any hassle," he said.

The refinery also daily produces 4.5 million liters (1.2 million gallons) of diesel fuel, 1.3 million liters (340 thousand gallons) of liquid petroleum gas and one million liters (264 thousand gallons) of kerosene.
SOCHI, Russia (AP) - Valtteri Bottas claimed his first Formula One win on Sunday after holding off a late charge from Sebastian Vettel in the Russian Grand Prix.

Mercedes driver Bottas, who started third but slipstreamed into the lead off the start, finished 0.6 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Vettel. Kimi Raikkonen took third in the second Ferrari, 10.3 seconds further back.

"Took quite a while, more than 80 races," said Bottas, who had his debut with Williams in 2013. "Worth the wait."

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland is sprayed with champagne as he celebrates his victory at the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Sunday, April. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

The 27-year-old Finn joined Mercedes after last year's champion, Nico Rosberg, announced his retirement.

Vettel, who had started on pole, hunted Bottas down in the latter part of the race. However, he was left fuming after his hopes of passing the Finn on the last lap were dashed by having to lap the Williams of Felipe Massa. "What was that?" Vettel asked over the team radio in frustration that Massa hadn't moved out of his way swiftly enough, though the German was in conciliatory mood afterward.

"It doesn't matter," Vettel said of the incident with Massa. "This is the man of the race today, big congrats to Valtteri."

Vettel's second place meant the German extended his standings lead to 13 points over Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who trailed in fourth after suffering overheating trouble. It was a lonely race for Hamilton, who had large gaps with Raikkonen ahead and Max Verstappen behind.

"Why is my car overheating? We're out of the race now," Hamilton told his team on lap 16. The British driver never came close to third-placed Raikkonen, and the gap stood at more than 25 seconds at the checkered flag.

With Russian President Vladimir Putin looking on, Red Bull driver Verstappen claimed fifth, ahead of the Force Indias of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon. Eighth went to Renault's Nico Hulkenberg, with Massa and Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz claiming the final points.

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo was the most notable retirement, parking his car on lap 6 after the right-rear brakes caught fire.

There was a safety-car stoppage after barely half a lap when Romain Grosjean's Haas hit the Renault of Jolyon Palmer on the inside of a right-hand bend, putting both cars into the wall. Bottas held on to his lead comfortably at the restart in a race with few overtaking opportunities.

McLaren's Fernando Alonso is still yet to reach the checkered flag this season after his car broke down on the formation lap.

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland celebrates his victory at the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Sunday, April. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland, center, leads the race during the first laps of the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Sunday, April. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany, left, sprays champagne on Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland on the podium of the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Sunday, April. 30, 2017. Bottas won the race and Vettel was secod. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Haas driver Romain Grosjean of France, left, goes airborne after crashing with Renault driver Jolyon Palmer of Great Britain during the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Sunday, April. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland steers his car during the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Sunday, April. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the 'Sochi Autodrom' circuit, in Sochi, Russia, Sunday, April. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)
BERLIN (AP) - Germany's Welt newspaper reports that a Swiss man arrested for espionage Friday in Frankfurt may have been spying on German tax officials.

German prosecutors said the 54-year-old man, identified only as Daniel M. because of German privacy rules, was "suspected of working for the intelligence agency of a foreign power since the start of 2012," but declined to say which country was allegedly involved.

The Welt newspaper reported Sunday that man had been sent to Germany by Switzerland's NDB intelligence agency to identify German tax investigators involved in the purchase of confidential Swiss bank client data.

Germany has in the past bought the names of Swiss banking clients to determine if they were cheating on their taxes.

An NDB spokeswoman, Carolina Bohren, declined to comment, citing "the ongoing case."
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkish authorities have arrested an Iranian national who they say tried to smuggle in parts of a Russian-made anti-tank missile system with the suspected aim of delivering them to a terror organization.

The Customs and Trade Ministry said Sunday that the man, identified only by his initials E.E., was detained at the port in the Black Sea city of Zonguldak, after officials searched his truck that had arrived aboard a vessel from Ukraine.

A ministry statement said the truck was officially carrying diapers but inside was found the "main parts" of a Russian-made system used by violent groups, including Kurdish rebels and Islamic State militants.

The ministry said authorities believe the missile parts had probably been sent for repairs and were being returned to a terror organization.
UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova received Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung (left)

(Source: VNA) UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova made the praise during her April 28th reception for President of Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO - Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, who leads the Vietnamese delegation to the 201st session of UNESCO Executive Board in Paris from April 19th-May 5th.

Vietnam has always been among the leading nations in implementing successful the programs and activities of the UN agency, she said.



On the occasion, Trung expressed his pleasure at the growing cooperative relations between Vietnam and UNESCO, particularly in implementing the cooperation agreement jointly signed in 2015.



He affirmed that Vietnam will continue actively participating in the organisations activities, while expressing his hope for continued UNESCOs support for Vietnam in education, science, culture and information.



Trung expressed his thanks to Irina Bokova for her contribution to strengthening relations between Vietnam and UNESCO, and invited Bokova to visit Vietnam to discuss measures to enhance bilateral cooperation.



The UNESCO Executive Boards 201st session discussed implementation of UNESCOs programmes and orientations, drafted plans and budgets for 2018-2021, and prepared for the 39th session of the General Conference slated for November.



Also during the session, the Executive Board interviewed nine candidates for the UNESCO General Director post for the tenure 2017-2021. One of the candidates is Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau of Vietnam.



During the sessions meetings, Deputy Foreign Minister Trung suggested UNESCO continue contributing to peacekeeping activities and tackling newly arising challenges such as increasing terrorist activities and extremism development.



Vietnam also called for strengthening connection between the development agenda of the United Nations and UNESCO activities, and more experience sharing in mobilizing resources for projects and programs./.
TIRANA, Albania (AP) - Albania's election authorities have extended for a few days the registration period for candidates for the June polls in an attempt to get participation from the opposition.

The Central Election Commission on Sunday said that political parties have until May 3 to register their candidates for the June 18 parliamentary elections.

The opposition coalition did not register by the Saturday midnight deadline.

The opposition has boycotted parliament since February, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama before the June polls and claiming that the sitting Cabinet will manipulate the vote.

The opposition has threatened to disrupt voting with "civil disobedience," starting with a local city hall election in a western town on May 7.

European parliamentarians also failed to convince the opposition to change its stance.
SANAA, Yemen (AP) - Yemeni tribal and security officials say a suspected U.S. airstrike has killed four al-Qaida operatives in Yemen's east.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, say the operatives killed in Marib on Sunday were driving a car when an unmanned aircraft targeted their vehicle. Two of the men killed were identified as belonging to one of the local tribes, the others remain unidentified.

The airstrike comes less than a day after a similar strike killed three al-Qaida members in the neighboring province of Shabwa.

Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, seen by Washington as among the most dangerous branches of the global terror network, has exploited the chaos of Yemen's civil war, seizing territory in the south and east.
Pennsylvania's Cuban rum run got its start in a chance meeting last fall in the parking lot in front of the state Capitol.

'"You know, we have rum,"' a visiting Cuban government liaison told state Senator Chuck McIlhinney, who was walking to his car when he was introduced to her as the senator whose committee oversees how alcohol is sold in Pennsylvania.

'And I'm like, "Yeah, we should buy some."'

A few months later, the agency that controls Pennsylvania's 600-plus state-owned wine and liquor stores is working to lift the United States' 55-year-old embargo on Cuban rum, one of the island nation's best-known products.

Pennsylvania's state-run liquor control board is looking to import Cuban rum. Pictured is a bartender pouring Cuban Havana Club rum to prepare mojitos at the Bodeguita Del Medio bar in Havana, Cuba

Pennsylvania State Senator Chuck McIlhinney (pictured) is one politician leading the charge to lift the United States' 55-year-old embargo on the Cuban alcoholic beverage

A purchase of Cuban rum by the sixth-most populous state would be, by all accounts, the biggest shipment of Cuban rum to the U.S. since John F. Kennedy was president, and could pave the way for the nation's private spirits wholesalers to follow suit.

The embargo is on virtually all imports from and exports to Cuba, including rum.

If Pennsylvania is successful, it would be the first import of a product produced entirely by the Communist state.

The administration of former President Barack Obama allowed imports of charcoal produced by worker-owned cooperatives.

In recent days, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board submitted the initial paperwork to begin the application process, an agency spokeswoman said.

The board is now working to provide additional documentation required by the federal government.

There's reason for hope.

The federal government office that enforces the Cuban embargo has begun granting licenses to allow limited exchanges of goods and services under regulations written by the Obama administration.

The regulations reflect his 2014 move to restore diplomatic relations between the two nations.

President Barack Obama had relaxed restrictions on the Communist state beginning in 2014. Pictured are bottles of Havana Club rum, one of the world's best-selling rum brands

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has said he might 'terminate' the budding relationship between the U.S. and Cuba. Pictured is a Cuban man wearing a Che Guevara t-shirt preparing a coconut, lime and honey cocktail with Havana Club rum in Soroa, Cuba, near Havana

There is also reason for pessimism.

Before he assumed the presidency on January 20, Donald Trump criticized the detente between the U.S. and Cuba, tweeting that he might 'terminate' it.

New federal regulations on Cuba are expected, and Congress shows no eagerness to scrap the embargo.

'We are, as we all know, in a transitional moment,' said Pedro Freyre, a Miami-based lawyer who leads the international law practice Akerman LLP.

'The new administration has sent mixed signals on Cuba. ... Nobody really knows where this will end.'

For Cuba, which ships rum to more than 120 countries, breaking the rum embargo would undoubtedly be an economic boon.

The United States is the world's biggest rum consumer.

For Pennsylvania?

A feather in its cap and more money for a state-controlled liquor system that is under perennial attack by privateers as a Prohibition-era relic that is more at home in communist Cuba than the United States.

A Miami-based lawyer said: 'The new administration has sent mixed signals on Cuba. ... Nobody really knows where this will end.' Pictured are various pieces of memorabilia at the Cuban Havana Club in Havana, Cuba

Regarding Cuban rum, McIlhinney said: 'It does taste good, it does have mystique, it is a place known for a product, and we know we could sell it'

'It does taste good, it does have mystique, it is a place known for a product, and we know we could sell it,' McIlhinney said.

Cuban rums - like its cigars - are considered some of the best in the world, and the finest Cuban rums are on par with the finest made in other countries, said Robert Burr, host of the Miami Rum Festival and publisher of Rob's Rum Guide.

They would likely enjoy a year or two of wonderment in American stores and bars before the fascination wears off.

'The bartenders will be happy to have a Cuban rum to make a daiquiri, an el presidente or a mojito,' Burr said.

'The average person will be like, "one more rum on a shelf full of rum."'

Private wholesalers are already exploring the avenue, according to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials.

Neither the Cuban Embassy nor the Treasury Department, which encompasses the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, would answer The Associated Press' questions about it.

The embassy issued a statement acknowledging Pennsylvania is 'interested in building a business relationship' with Cuba's state-run bottler.

It does taste good, it does have mystique, it is a place known for a product, and we know we could sell it Pennsylvania state Senator Chuck McIlhinney

Pennsylvania bolstered its relationships in Cuba in February when McIlhinney invited liquor board officials to join a delegation to the country that grew out of an athletic exchange program.

The argument Pennsylvania submits to the assets control office must dovetail with U.S. policy and must show how bringing Cuban rum will benefit Pennsylvania and the economy, Freyre said.

It's not clear how long a decision will take.

The Department of State will want to review the application, Freyre said, and the assets control office is both short-handed and overwhelmed with interest in applications involving Cuban commerce.

'This is not a "gimme,"' Freyre said. 'This is not a, "you file and you will get it." They have very broad discretion. It could be an exercise of many, many months, if not a year.'

The process will be inevitably political, McIlhinney said, and state officials are working to get Pennsylvania's congressional delegation on board to advance the cause.

For McIlhinney, the whole thing seems silly: What's the point of an embargo any longer?

The Soviets are gone, he said.

'I don't think that there's a national security risk,' McIlhinney said.

'It's not like we're sending computer technology or missiles or something. We're talking about buying a rum.'
MENA, Ark. (AP) - The second of two missing children has been found dead in western Arkansas after the bodies of his 2-year-old sister, his mother and his mother's uncle were found earlier in the week.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the body of 10-year-old Reilly Scarbrough was found Saturday in a wooded area near Hatfield in far western Arkansas.

The discovery comes after the boy's sister, Acelynn Wester, was found Friday near Cove and near where the body of the children's 43-year-old mother, Bethany Jo Wester of Mena, was found Tuesday.

The woman's uncle, 66-year-old Steven Payne, was found dead Thursday in his home in Hatfield, about 4 miles north of Cove, about 120 miles southwest of Little Rock.

Sheriff Scott Sawyer told reporters that the boy's body was found with help from an inmate at the county jail, who had been arrested Wednesday on unrelated drug charges.

Suspected causes of the deaths of the four have not been released, but Sawyer said they are considered homicides and the inmate is a suspect in the deaths.

Sawyer said he "anticipates that capital murder charges will be filed" against the inmate, who is believed to have been Bethany Wester's boyfriend, but is unrelated to the children.
MIAMI (AP) - The Miami Marlins paid tribute to Ichiro Suzuki by giving him a mosaic of photographs showing each of his first 3,000 hits.

Suzuki reached the milestone last season and was honored before Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The ceremony included Japanese home run king Sadaharu Oh offering congratulations in a scoreboard video, and Suzuki responded by bowing toward the scoreboard.

"It's the most emotional I've ever seen him," Marlins president David Samson said. He said Suzuki's Plexiglas collage is more than 8 feet wide and took months to assemble.

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki, center, shakes hands with club president David Samson, right, as Michael Hill, president of baseball operations, looks on during a pregame ceremony honoring Ichiro's 3,000th career hit before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

"I don't know how big his house is," teammate Tom Koehler said, "but he's going to need a lot of wall space for that one. I'm sure he's got a lot of memorabilia of his career. Maybe he just has a private house for Ichy memories."

Suzuki originally was to have been honored late last season, but the ceremony was postponed following the death of Marlins ace Jose Fernandez.

The 43-year-old Japanese star spent his first 11 1/2 seasons with Seattle before heading to the New York Yankees. He has been with the Marlins since 2015 and is a career .312 hitter.

___

More AP baseball: apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki waves after a pregame ceremony honoring his 3,000th career hit before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki stands for the Japanese national anthem after a pregame ceremony honoring his 3,000th career hit before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki, center, shakes hands with his teammates after a pregame ceremony honoring his 3,000th career hit before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki, left, stands with Michael Hill, president of baseball operations, center, and president David Samson, right, for a pregame ceremony honoring Ichiro's 3,000th career hit before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Marlins' Ichiro Suzuki runs from the dugout after a pregame ceremony honoring his 3,000th career hit before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Baseball fans receive posters of Miami Marlins right fielder Ichiro Suzuki as they arrive for a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, April 30, 2017, in Miami. Suzuki is being honored Sunday for getting his 3,000th hit in 2016. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - A Delaware judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit involving a planned luxury resort in Israel.

The complaint was filed by SRL Mondani LLC, seeking repayment of a loan and interest from Modani Spa Resort Ltd. and co-defendants Neil Kaye and Judy Kaye.

SRL lent the defendants $1.5 million to help build the resort. Modani executed a $1.5 million promissory note, and Mr. Kaye and Ms. Kaye signed a personal guarantee promising to repay the loan in the event Modani did not.

The defendants sought to dismiss the complaint, arguing that relevant contracts mandate Israeli jurisdiction and application of Orthodox Jewish law to the dispute. They also said litigating in Delaware would cause extreme hardship.

In a ruling late last week, the judge disagreed, saying Delaware is the proper venue.
Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith remained on track to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans after extending their lead on day three at TPC Louisiana.

The duo, having started the weekend with a one-shot lead, will now go into the final day four shots clear of the chasing pack after recording a four-under-par 68 in Saturdays foursomes.

Team Blixt, Smith in complete control at Zurich. pic.twitter.com/85VtuZds3X  PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 30, 2017

Swedens Blixt and Smith of Australia did not have a single bogey on their card for the third successive day while picking up shots on the second, third, 15th and 18th holes as they moved to 19 under for the tournament.

Jonas Blixt, left, of Sweden, and Cameron Smith, of Australia

Blixt said on www.pgatour.com: It doesnt matter how many bogeys you make as long as you are in the lead. Were very happy with the way we played.

Smith added: Tomorrow should be good fun, hopefully it doesnt rain and its a good day.

Blixt and Smith are the ones to catch in NOLA



The Daily Wrap-up:https://t.co/IhorxQZ5ll pic.twitter.com/HFJfUiWTUi  PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 29, 2017

American pairings Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown, plus Charley Hoffman and Nick Watney, are in joint second place on 15 under heading into the last-day fourballs.

A shot further back in the two-man competition  the first official team event on the PGA Tour in 36 years  are world number five Jordan Spieth and Ryan Palmer.
A prominent Labour donor has pledged to stand against Jeremy Corbyn in the General Election if he does not stand down.

Michael Foster said Labour is facing annihilation on June 8 because the blinkered leader lacks the attributes required to win.

The challenger also levelled a startling accusation that supporting Mr Corbyns leadership means supporting a political strategy that kills people  linking Tory dominance to longer waiting times for heart operations.

Urgent operations cancelled by the NHS in England

Writing in The Sunday Times, Mr Foster said: There are a lot of things a political party looks for in a leader. Jeremy Corbyn possesses none of them. Because of him, Labour faces annihilation at the polls.

The agent, who was suspended by the party after launching a legal bid to oust Mr Corbyn, said the results of the looming local elections should decide his fate.

(Jane Barlow/PA)

Issuing an ultimatum, he said: If the results are as bad as predicted, then Jeremy should stand down voluntarily and let someone else lead the fight in June.

If he does not  and I dont believe he ever would  I would be very happy to fight him and his fellow travellers on the extreme left of the party by standing in his constituency of Islington North.

Mr Corbyn has been MP for the north London constituency since 1983 and goes into the upcoming General Election with a majority of more than 20,000.

Experts have predicted Labour will suffer heavy losses across the country in Thursdays council elections, while a study published on Sunday has warned it seems unlikely the party will retain any authorities at all in Scotland.

Scotland: how the polls have changed

The Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats are expected to make significant gains in England and Wales, while north of the border the Scottish National Party and Tories will reap the benefits of strong opinion polls.

Mr Foster said the Tories stand to benefit from Mr Corbyns incoherence, weakness and lack of leadership, accusing him of underestimating the support for Brexit among Labours traditional voters.

Even in the event of an electoral disaster, Mr Corbyn would not stand down, relying instead on the support of the party membership to fend off a vote of no confidence, Mr Foster predicted.

Jeremys activist supporters will ensure this blinkered, ineffective leader is immediately elected again, he said.

He added: Unfortunately, supporting him as leader means supporting a political strategy that kills people.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is kissed by a supporter at a rally in Harlow, Essex

By 1997 after 18 years of Tory government, the waiting time for a heart operation was up to 18 months, and by 2003 Labour had reduced the average wait to just four months.

But now as waiting lists get longer through lack of Tory investment in the NHS, more people die waiting for their operation, at about the same rate that Corbyn and his fellow travellers make Labour more unelectable.
Gabriel Jesus marked his return to Manchester Citys starting line-up by grabbing a dramatic late equaliser for his side in a 2-2 draw against relegation-haunted Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Jesus headed home a Sergio Aguero cross in the 84th minute after Calum Chambers appeared to have secured three priceless points for the hosts in their unlikely battle to beat the drop.

Steve Agnews men led through a first-half strike from former City striker Alvaro Negredo before the visitors drew level in controversial fashion when Aguero netted from the spot.

FULL TIME | Not the result we wanted but we fought back and fought hard!



 2-2  pic.twitter.com/dJWfTCRIEE  Manchester City (@ManCity) April 30, 2017

I was very disappointed that we didnt see the game out. I thought the lads were terrific and they deserved the three points. I think the performance today just showed the determination and fighting spirit of the squad and the group of players Ive been working with in the last few weeks, and that was evident against one of the top teams in the country.

Now we have three games at home and those three games will decide whether we deserve next season to be in the Champions League or not. Today it was in our hands to fight for the third position and we have dropped that position. Now we have got to win games and make some good results at home.

Tweet of the match

Get in Jesus!!!!!!!  Paul Dickov (@OfficialPDickov) April 30, 2017

Star man  Alvaro Negredo

Middlesbrough's Alvaro Negredo walks off

Former City forward Negredo put in a fantastic shift, scoring a superb first-half opener before delivering the ball from which Chambers grabbed Boros second. In between he got back to help out his defenders.

Moment of the match

67. Penalty to @ManCity as Sane goes down in the box. #Boro players furious.  Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) April 30, 2017

Boro were holding on to their lead admirably before the mood changed when referee Kevin Friend gave City a penalty in the 69th minute following Marten de Roons challenge on Leroy Sane. Boro players reacted furiously and Agueros subsequent, successful spot-kick changed the whole nature of the game.

View from the bench

Middlesbrough caretaker manager Steve Agnew

Steve Agnew will not know whether to laugh or cry after seeing his side produce one of their best performances of the season  only to end up with a result which is unlikely to help them beat the drop. He can only hope any momentum from this fine display will carry them through their last three games, and rely on unlikely events elsewhere. Pep Guardiola will no doubt have been frustrated by familiar defensive frailties and will demand more from his side. But his afternoon was made distinctly better by the sight of Jesus returning after 10 weeks out to secure his side a dramatic and potentially priceless point.

Player ratings

Brad Guzan, Fabio, George Friend, Ben Gibson, Calum Chambers, Adam Clayton, Marten de Roon, Cristhian Stuani, Stewart Downing, Adam Forshaw, Alvaro NegredoAdama Traore (for Stuani), Rudy Gestede (for Negredo)

Willy Caballero, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, Aleksandar Kolarov, Jesus Navas, Gael Clichy, Aleix Garcia, Fernandinho, Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Gabriel JesusLeroy Sane (for Garcia), Raheem Sterling (for Clichy)

Whos up next?

Chelsea's Diego Costa (right) goes to the floor under a challenge from Middlesbrough's Calum Chambers (left)

Chelsea v Middlesbrough (Premier League, May 8)

Man City v Crystal Palace (Premier League, May 6)
President Donald Trump has warned he will be ready to take action when North Korea successfully develops missiles after its latest test failed again.

Asked about the failure of the recent missile tests, he said: Perhaps theyre just not very good missiles. But eventually, hell have good missiles.

Refusing to elaborate on US military options because we shouldnt be announcing all our moves, Mr Trump added: It is a chess game. I just dont want people to know what my thinking is.

A man watches a TV news program reporting about North Korea's missile firing with a file footage, at Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea (Lee Jin-man/AP)

He called the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un a pretty smart cookie for being able to hold onto power after taking over the reclusive Asian nation at a young age.

People are saying, Is he sane? I have no idea, Mr Trump told CBS Face the Nation television show on Sunday.

He was reacting after a North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed, the third flop in a month.

The presidents national security adviser, Army Lt Gen H R McMaster, said North Koreas most recent missile test represents open defiance of the international community.

North Korea poses a grave threat not just to the United States and its Asian allies, but also to China, he said.

Today at @UN Security Council meeting, Secretary Tillerson outlined actions to counteract North Korean aggression.#DPRK pic.twitter.com/5u3S9YEIK4  Department of State (@StateDept) April 28, 2017

Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Mr McMaster said it was important for all of us to confront this regime, this regime that is pursuing the weaponisation of a missile with a nuclear weapon. This is something that we know we cannot tolerate.

He said Mr Trump had made clear that he is going to resolve this issue one way or the other, and what we prefer to do is to work with others, China included, to resolve this situation short of military action.

That means, he said, working with partners in the region and globally on enforcing current UN sanctions and perhaps ratcheting up those sanctions even further. And it also means being prepared for military operations if necessary. Mr McMaster said North Korea is a place where US and Chinese interests overlap.

On Friday, the UN Security Council held a ministerial meeting on Pyongyangs escalating weapons programme. North Korean officials boycotted the meeting, which was chaired by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
At least seven people have died in severe storms rolling across the US.

Four deaths happened in Texas with fatalities also reported in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi as a line of tornadoes brought flooding and heavy rains to the Midwest and the South.

Cars and trucks are damaged as the walls blew out of the I-20 Dodge dealership after a tornado hit near Canton, Texas (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/AP)

In Texas, the storms left a trail of overturned vehicles, mangled trees and damaged homes.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a 72-year-old woman drowned despite her husbands efforts to save her as their vehicle was swept away by rushing waters on Saturday near Clever in south-west Missouri.

A home missing it's roof and trees that have been stripped bare are seen along State Highway 80 in Fruitvale, Texas (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/AP)

In Arkansas, a 65-year-old woman was killed when a tree was blown into her home. Numerous roads were closed after more than three inches of rain fell in some areas.

Ernestine Cook of Canton inspects the damage done to the I-20 Dodge dealership (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News/AP)

Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said multiple tornadoes that began on Saturday afternoon left heartbreaking and upsetting destruction over an area 35 miles long and 15 miles wide.

East Texas Medical Centre Regional Health Care Systems spokeswoman Rebecca Berkley said 56 people have been treated at three area hospitals. Six remained in hospital, two in a critical condition.
Rafael Nadal reached double figures for the second week in succession with a 10th title at the Barcelona Open.

By hitting the milestone at the Monte-Carlo Masters last weekend, Nadal became the first man in the Open era to win the same ATP Tour event 10 times.

There never looked any doubt that he would repeat the feat in Barcelona on the court that bears his name, and he duly romped to a 6-4 6-1 victory over Dominic Thiem in the final.

Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after winning his men's finals match 6-4, 6-1 against Dominic Thiem of Austria during their singles final match at the Barcelona Open (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Nadal will go for a 10th title at the French Open in a months time, and on this form he unquestionably heads to Roland Garros as the favourite.

Thiem defeated world number one Andy Murray in the semi-finals and stayed with Nadal over the first eight games.

But the third seed claimed the first break of serve to win the opening set and did not look back, repelling all Thiems firepower in the second set and forcing the Austrian to overhit.

Nadal, who first won the title in 2005, said: Im very satisfied. Its been an emotional day for me. Playing in front of my crowd and my club and winning a 10th title here is something thats impossible to even dream of. Its very special and unique.

I played my best match of the tournament this afternoon against probably the toughest opponent in the tournament, so Im very happy.

Aljaz Bedenes 16-match winning streak was ended by Lucas Pouille in the final of the Hungarian Open.

The British number four had been unbeaten for more than a month, a run taking in two titles on the second-tier Challenger Tour and one of the best weeks of his career in Budapest.

Aljaz #Bedene's great run comes to end in the #Budapest final as he falls to Pouille 6-3, 6-1 #BackTheBrits  pic.twitter.com/0x6Rbv0xun  LTA (@the_LTA) April 30, 2017

But top seed Pouille was a step up in class on clay from his previous opponents and the Frenchman eased to his second ATP Tour title with a 6-3 6-1 win in just an hour and four minutes.

Pouille, who is at a career-high 14th in the world rankings, pummelled the Bedene serve, with the man ranked 68th winning just 25 per cent of points on his second delivery.

Bedene said: Im a little disappointed because I had problems with my finger and felt uncomfortable hitting my shots. I wasnt close to the level I should be at to beat Lucas, but he was playing really well. It was like everything went in for him. If Im going to lose to anyone, it should be against someone who is a good player and a good person, which Lucas is.
Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill has defended her participation in an event to commemorate the deaths of eight IRA men killed in Loughgall, Co Armagh, in 1987.

The partys leader in Northern Ireland insisted there was no contradiction in commemorating the IRA dead while also reaching out to unionists.

She said republicans are proud of our freedom struggle.

Marchers commemorating the anniversary. (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ms ONeill took part in the republican parade on Sunday to mark 30 years since the ambush by elite troops of the IRA men.

Large crowds gathered at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Altmore and paraded to the IRA memorial in the village of Cappagh.

The IRA tried to blow up Loughall police station in Co Armagh in May 1987.

.@moneillsf addressing the commemoration at Cappagh for the eight Irish patriots and civilian Anthony Hughes killed at Loughgall pic.twitter.com/yEJHDIgGYP  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) April 30, 2017

Members of the east Tyrone Brigade loaded a 200lbs bomb into a stolen digger which smashed through the gates of the station.

The SAS was lying in wait and opened fire, killing all eight members of the IRA unit.

An innocent civilian, Anthony Hughes, was also shot dead.

Photographs of the eight IRA members and bystander Anthony Hughes who were killed. (Brian Lawless/PA)

Family members of the dead men carried their photographs to the memorial.

Ms ONeills attendance at the event has sparked controversy and provoked anger from IRA victims.

Speaking to the crowd she said she had been criticised by unionists and the media for commemorating IRA Volunteers.

Sinn Fein leader for Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill takes part in the march. (Brian Lawless/PA)

However she added: Let me be clear. I am an Irish republican.

Make no mistake about it  I will always remember and commemorate our patriot dead - and each of our fallen comrades who gave their lives for Irish freedom.

She added: I see no contradiction whatsoever in commemorating our republican dead while reaching out to our unionist neighbours to build the future  Orange and Green together on the basis of full equality and mutual respect.

Commemoration stops for a minute's silence at the spot where four local men were murdered by British agents in Cappagh in March 1991 pic.twitter.com/RJyYm5wW7c  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) April 30, 2017

Ms ONeill said everyone has a legitimate right to remember their dead without being demonised.

We are proud of our freedom struggle.

We are especially proud of our republican patriot dead and each of our fallen comrades with whom we are gathered to remember, honour and whose lives we celebrate here today, she added.

The scene following an IRA attack on Loughgall RUC station, Co Armagh, in May 1987. (PA)

Previously leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Arlene Foster, said she was disappointed by Ms ONeills decision to attend the event.

Mrs Foster met Irish language students in Northern Ireland in a bid to learn more about the language as part of efforts to restore devolved powersharing with nationalists.

She said: It is disappointing that when I am trying to make this a shared place for everybody in Northern Ireland that other leaders are doing things that frankly are wrong and backward-looking.
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.

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)
SANTIAGO, April 29 (Reuters) - Chile's Christian Democrat party voted on Saturday to skip primaries and go straight to the first round of the presidential election in November, rupturing the center-left governing coalition and likely boosting the chances of a victory for the right.

Delegates at the Christian Democrats' national assembly voted with a 63 percent majority for their party's candidate, 44-year-old Carolina Goic, to compete directly in November's election rather than pitting herself against other candidates from the Nueva Mayoria coalition.

The Nueva Mayoria, the coalition of ruling President Michelle Bachelet, is an ideologically diverse bloc that runs from radical left Communists to the centrist Christian Democrats and has dominated Chilean politics since the country's 1990 return to democracy.

The bloc's inability to agree on a single candidate gives a clearer run to election frontrunner Sebastian Pinera, a former president who has the backing of most of the more unified right-wing coalition.

The Christian Democrats are one of the country's largest parties, controlling some 16 percent of both houses of Congress.

But a survey last week by poll aggregator Tresquintos showed Pinera with 41 percent of intended votes and Goic with less than 3 percent. The second most popular candidate is Alejandro Guillier, a leftist senator who is relatively new to politics but has a similar political bent to Bachelet and has won over the support of much of the rest of the Nueva Mayoria.

The Christian Democrats "agree on the idea of a center-left bloc, but not at any price," Goic told the assembly, according to local media. "Comrades, a party on its knees cannot aspire to lead anything," she said.

The Nueva Mayoria has struggled to remain united as differences have opened up within the coalition over approaches to a government reform drive, including changes to the labor code and attempted reform of Chile's strict abortion laws.

(Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Sam Holmes)
ROME, April 30 (Reuters) - Pope Francis called on Sunday for the respect of human rights and an end to violence in Venezuela, where nearly 30 people were killed in unrest this month.

Francis, speaking to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly address, decried a "grave humanitarian, social , political and economic crisis that is exhausting the population".

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 activists jailed by President Nicolas Maduro's government.

"I make a heartfelt appeal to the government and all components of Venezuelan society to avoid any more forms of violence, respect human rights and seek a negotiated solution ...," he said.

Supporters say Leopoldo Lopez, the jailed head of the hardline opposition Popular Will party, and others are political prisoners whose arrests symbolise 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.

Vatican-led talks between the government and the opposition have broken down.

Francis told reporters on the plane returning from Cairo on Saturday that "very clear conditions" were necessary for the talks to resume. (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Ros Russell)
LUANDA, April 30 (Reuters) - The United Nations' refugee agency on Sunday airlifted its first batch of relief supplies to the more than 11,000 people on Angola's northern border fleeing the latest violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The U.N. said that more than a million civilians have been displaced inside the DRC since a brutal conflict broke out in the Kasai region in mid-2016, with about 25,000 asylum seekers crossing into Angola.

"Arrivals are in urgent need of life-saving assistance, including food, water, shelter and medical services," the U.N. Refugee Agency's (UNHCR) southern Africa representative, Sharon Cooper, said in a statement.

A cargo aircraft carrying mosquito nets, blankets and sanitary items flew in from Dubai and landed near Dundo, about 100km from the Angola-DRC border, where the UNHCR has set up makeshift centres sheltering refugees, the agency said.

The U.N. said it would send more relief items to Angola in the coming days.

The Kamuina Nsapu insurrection that erupted in the DRC's Kasai-Central province last August has become the most serious threat to President Joseph Kabila's 16-year rule, with lawlessness across Africa's second-largest country inflamed by Kabila's decision to remain in power after his mandate ran out in December.

A U.N. team of investigators said this month that it had uncovered 40 mass grave sites and killings of more than 400 people in Kasai. (Writing by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by David Goodman)
WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump will speak with leaders of Singapore and Thailand on Sunday about the threat North Korea poses of massive, nuclear destruction in Asia, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said.

"The issue on the table is North Korea. There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea," Priebus told ABC's "This Week."

Priebus said the planned conversations were prompted by the "potential for nuclear and massive destruction in Asia" and eventually in the United States. (Reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
By Doina Chiacu and Jason Lange

WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday stepped up outreach to allies in Asia to secure their cooperation to pressure North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

Trump spoke to the prime ministers of Thailand and Singapore in separate phone calls about the North Korean threat and invited both of them to Washington, U.S. officials said.

"They discussed ways to maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea," one U.S. official said of the calls, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Trump's calls to the two Asian leaders came two days after North Korea test-launched another missile that Washington and Seoul said was unsuccessful but which drew widespread international condemnation.

Trump talked on Saturday night with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who was also invited to the White House. Duterte has been criticized by human rights groups for an anti-drug campaign in which more than 8,000 people have died.

A week ago, Trump spoke with the leaders of China and Japan on the North Korea issue.

"We need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get to make sure that we have our ducks in a row," White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told ABC's "This Week" earlier on Sunday.

"So if something does happen in North Korea, that we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area," he said. "We have got to be on the same page."

Priebus said the conversations were prompted by the "potential for nuclear and massive destruction in Asia" and eventually in the United States.

The U.S. president, who warned in an interview with Reuters that a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible, did not elaborate on any U.S. response to the test. "You'll soon find out," he said on Saturday.

Trump has stressed he would not broadcast military options to preserve an element of surprise. His secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, said on Friday all options remained on the table.

Pyongyang's missile 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.

Priebus said Trump was in regular contact with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and that the president had become "very close" to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump, for whom China was a virtual punching bag during the 2016 presidential campaign over trade, told CBS that any trade disputes with the Asian economic giant took a back seat to securing its cooperation on North Korea.

China, North Korea's only major ally and its largest trading partner, has expressed increasing concern about Pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles in violation of U.N. resolutions. But it has warned against escalation.

"Trade is very important. But massive warfare with millions, potentially millions of people being killed? That, as we would say, trumps trade," Trump said in the "Face the Nation" interview.

Similarly, concerns over human rights in the Philippines, where critics cite extrajudicial killings in Duterte's war on drugs, take a back seat to possible confrontation in Asia.

"There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea," Priebus said in the ABC interview.

Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former general, heads a military-dominated government that took power in a 2014 coup. His government had strained relations with Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama.

H.R. McMaster, Trump's national security adviser, was asked if Washington must respond to the latest test, especially after Vice President Mike Pence told allies during a trip to Asia this month that the "era of strategic patience is over."

"Well, yes, we do have to do something," McMaster said on "Fox News Sunday." He said that may mean ratcheting up U.N. sanctions and also being prepared for military operations.

AMERICA-FIRST TRUMP GOES MULTILATERAL

It was unclear whether the consultations meant Washington was preparing imminent action against Pyongyang.

The United States may just be lining up the largest coalition possible in the region to present a united front against North Korea, said professor Jens David Ohlin, an international law expert at Cornell Law School.

"It's the only option on the ground - to do this multilaterally rather than try to solve it on our own," he said.

Adam M. Smith, a Treasury Department sanctions expert in former President Barack Obama's administration, said the lesson from trying to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions was that the more multilateral the pressure, the more effective it was.

He said it was notable that Trump was talking to the money centers in Asia - Singapore and Japan - and reaching out to some countries in the region, including the Philippines, that have been unwilling to go beyond what was required by U.N. sanctions.

"It makes a lot of sense, I think, to try to expand the net, and not just rely on Bejiing," Smith said. "I think this is sort of a good start on multilateralization."

Senator John McCain, a leading Republican on foreign policy, said he did not believe Trump was considering a pre-emptive strike on North Korea. That would put U.S. ally South Korea in immediate danger, he said on CNN's "State of the Union."

"But to say you absolutely rule out that option, of course, would be foolish. But it has to be the ultimate last option," McCain said. (Reporting by Jason Lange and Doina Chiacu; Additional reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir, Matt Spetalnick and Yasmeen Abutaleb; Editing by Andrew Hay and Peter Cooney)
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.
Twenty eight Myanmar nationals and 02 Indian nationals were taken into custody this morning by the SL Navy while they had illegally entered the SL waters using an Indian trawler, Navy said.

The Navy Media Spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge said the trawler was observed by the Coastguards and intercepted in the Northern Sea around 10 am while the trawler was 12 nautical miles north to Kankesanturai and the passengers and crew were arrested after stopping the boat and searched.

Among the arrested there were seven men, seven boys, seven women, seven girls and two five-day old infants and a four months old infant.
The worker reads history on the very first day of May every year. It is called MAY DAY. Its genesis is related to the sweat of the proletariat. Yet, its spirit seems to have been robbed by the capitalists in the course of time. The drastic consequence is that the sacred meaning of the word has almost become a misnomer. Its another glaring daylight robbery in the very presence of the rightful heirs of the day.

The gravity of the of this scenario was first brought to the focus of the international labour-loving community by Bertolt Brecht of Germany. He was an ardent follower of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels and Vladimir Lenin. Lenin was veritably able to translate the Marxs theory into practice. No one can deny the surgical value of his theory because he did the academic pursuits with regard to the topic at the universities for more than 18 years. It is said that he had been the first in the queue to the library and the last to leave it every day during his research period. Engels, Trotsky, Stalin, Che, Mao, Castro and the literary figures such as Maxim Gorky and other Russian writers and Bertolt Brecht and Fedrico Gancia Lorca stand tall in this long saga of the proletariat revolution for the uplift of the concept of dignity of labour. The bitter irony is that not a single name of this noble list is mentioned by the so-called demi-gods of the working class today.

Not a single political party has a legitimate right to use and display the photograph of the above mentioned iconic figures in their rallies or demonstrations in Sri Lanka because they have loudly and publicly declared that they no more advocated the mode of armed struggle to grab power from the capitalist class. That is a gross violation of Marxist principles. Hence they have no right to display the Red hammer and sickle at their rallies. Almost all the left political parties in Sri Lanka are the dupes of the capitalist class.

The history of Sri Lankas left movement could be roughly traced back to the early decades of the 1900s. Yet, they have failed to establish socialism in Sri Lanka. They have exploited the sweat of the proletariat to gain political mileage. The worst betrayal of the traditional left parties could be attributed to the political pact they had with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) just to gain a few portfolios for their survival. Now, it is high time to hold a postmortem examination with surgical accuracy by rational-minded intellectuals in this regard. The worst consequence of the sudden impulse of the socialist stalwarts is that their parties now have virtually become three-wheeler parties. Today no worker would listen to their request to attend their May Day rallies. Lets wait and see. The remaining few members of the politburo will be Waiting for Godot. The radical new left spearheaded by the Peoples Liberation Front also at the last convention reiterated that they also had done away with the original Marxist Leninist theory of the proletariat revolution. Thus Sri Lankan workers are in the lurch with regard to their political aspiration. Some ill-organized sporadic workers strike wouldnt pave the way for a workers regime. It is very palpable that they also have become the prisoners of the parliamentary system . Lenin crystal clearly pointed out that the parliamentary system was only a means to reach the destination, yet it was discernible that they enjoyed questioning and getting answers while the rank and file were left disgruntled. At the grassroots level not a single activist is found. Once in a blue moon a person comes with an old copy of a newspaper showcasing the May Day speeches of the leaders of the working class in the days gone by.Their oratorical skills were excellent, their speeches logical and meaningful. There is little or no hope for the workers today. The writer is keeping a vigilant eye to see how many genuine workers would participate in the May Day rallies. The status quo seems to be that May day has become the day set apart for fraudsters, murderers, tender benders, bankrupt and frustrated politicians, political sons and daughters,

some literary fossils, pseudo intellectuals, saffron-robed youth, henchmen and goons. Worker representation should be the focal point. Their menu is included with hot drinks and so the fragrance of the sweat is forgotten. The main boast of the pseudo working class leaders are about the number of participants and about wining the next election. Major political parties seem to have forgotten the workers rights and have given a new impetus to regaining power or remaining in power to enjoy the parliamentary perks and riding on the shoulders of the proletariat. The vociferous speakers of almost all the political parties who swear to die for the sake of the underdog have their own factories and tea estates. It is an open secret how they treat their own workers in their estates. During the May Day week I would like to remind them to peruse through the vast literature written by the iconic figures of the workers movement to renew their spirit. poncias character in The House of Berarda Alba will enlighten such interested parties to a great extent.

In the tapestry of English literature there is many a gem very pertinent to this discussion. One such poem is A WORKER READS HISTORY by BERTOLT BRECHT. In this fine piece of poetry, he very sarcastically questions the historians why they had not mentioned even a single name of the workers who sacrificed their sweat to erect great monuments. The writer would like to list an array of the great works stated in his poetic work: Seven gates of Thebes; Babylon; Limas houses; Chinese wall; Imperial Rome and Palaces

These monuments have been built with the blood, sweat and guts of the workers while so many of them had died. It is said that some tyrannical rulers had cut off their hands and fingers even legs not to build such creations thereafter. They have carried craggy stones. Gallons and gallons of honest sweat they have poured into their labour. It is very pathetic and poignant. Have the rulers given due recognition to their sweat. Lets see what our Sri Lankan fakirs would do to our workers on May Day .

Caesars wars were fought not by him, but by his brave soldiers. In the Atlantis legend it was the slaves that saved the lives of the kings and nobles. The kings and nobles have never given any handshake to the slaves, by have mounted their shoulders to save their lives. Have the historians mentioned even a single name of such brave slaves in history? Did young Alexander conquer India alone? Not even a name of a cook in the army has been mentioned in history. It is said that when Philip of Spain lost his fleet of ships in the sea he had not shed a single tear for the crew members. The seven-year war was won by Fredrick the Great, but not a single name of a brave soldier has been mentioned by the historians.

The above description drives home one single truth to the rational-minded intellectuals. Human history has to be rewritten by giving the devil his due. No one has paid the piper. The kings, the rulers, the saviours and the demi-gods of the proletariat have only offered pipe dreams to our comrades. We have to relaunch a genuine struggle by the workers for their rights. False prophets have to be driven away. History has left only so many particulars and so many questions to the brethren of the working class.

Sadukin pelenawun dan ithin nagitiyaw

Anthima satanata sarasiyaw

Anthima satanata, anthima satanata

Anthima satanata sarasiyaw

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
In the words of Ernest Barker individualism so conceived starts, indeed, from individual personality and from the inherent title of each individual person to enjoy the conditions necessary to the development of his capacities. However, just because the development of individual capacities starts on that basis one cannot develop his capacities fully without the assistance and the cooperation of others. He must be surrounded with service, a collective service which in union with others, he himself helps to provide for others as well as for himself, a service which becomes all the greater, the more fully the conditions necessary for his development is recognized and the more his rights are thereby extended.

Un-served and unattended individual

Thus he should not be un-served or unattended. It should be a whole system of collective service which the individuality needs for development. During the period of feudalism individuals were unaided, disregarded and ill advised and individual workers were not cooperative. Hence, they often failed to get their needs and wants satisfied. Individuals realized that fact. They joined hands and worked together and achieved better results.

Collectivity and collective bargain

Therefore for the perfection of individual personality and capacity individuals need the assistance and co-operation of others. Individuals with similar interests get together and form into unions for mutual assistance and cooperation. This consolidation provides them strength, strength for the achievement of their wants and needs. All of them are benefited by power and strength exchanged among them. A number of sticks bound together are stronger than a single one. Likewise, individuals who get together and work together, help one another and share the available resources to gain momentum to face the challenges successfully. Workers who could not get their needs and wants satisfied as they wished by remaining as individuals realized the virtues of collectivity, cooperation and solidarity extended their friendly hands to the others who were in the same boat. They realized that their talents differed. This gave rise to the theories off division of labour and specialization. They expected recognition, better remuneration, better working conditions and other comforts. To achieve them they used collectivity as a weapon. They used the bargaining power and agitated collectively for the perfection of needs and wants individually as well as wholly. They formed trade unions. They were functioning well until politics interfered to divert the workers to a wrong direction.

How May Day came into being

On May 1, 1886, trade unions throughout the USA went on a strike demonstrating that the standard work day be shortened to eight hours. While socialists believed that all the people were equal anarchists believed that the government and the law should over rule the workers. There was a clash between the stand of the workers and that of the rulers and the workers went on strike in organized labour movements. The climax was the incident in Chicago Hay market where in the course of the riot on May 4th an anarchist threw a bomb causing the death of a number of persons, including police officers and injuring more than 100 people.

Eight-hour working days

These protests did not bring immediate results but the working class went on with their protests demanding eight hour working days and eventually it has become a norm. The men who were arrested after the Hay Market riot of 1886 in Chicago Illinois, on May 4 were executed. In communication of this execution, May Day is called the International Workers Day or the Labour Day. Consequently this May Day became established as an anarchists holiday and in this form May Day has become an International celebration of social and economic achievements of the working class and a labour movement.

Loyalty Day

Although May Day observances began in the USA it was not officially or popularly recognized as a holiday there. May 1 was officially designated by the UN Congress as a Loyalty Day in 1958 because of the association of May Day with Communism.

The Paris Workers Congress held in Paris on 14-20 July 1889, the most notable decision was to call on all workers to celebrate May 1st each year as the International Festival of the working class.

Labour leaders, socialists and archaists around the world have taken the American strikes and their fall out as a rallying point choosing May Day as a day for demonstrations, parades, meetings and speeches. It was a major state holiday in the Soviet Union (USSR) and other Communist countries consequent to the incident in Chicago.

May Day Celebrations in various countries and attempts to undermine

May Day is celebrated in most of the countries world over as the day of the working class. Meanwhile various authorities have tried to ban or undermine May Day, particularly the Communist observances during the cold war or hostilities among nations without actual fighting. In 1958 President Eisenhower designated May 1st as both Law Day and the Loyalty Day. In many countries including Sri Lanka, May day is celebrated not solely for the benefit of the working class but for other purposes such as gaining political ends.

Flora festival

Flora festivals are also held during this period to mark the beginning of summer. Flora is the Roman goddess of fruits and flowers. Summer is the period when fruits and flowers are available in abundance. Hence May Day is celebrated in the name of goddess Flora from April 28 to May 3.

May poles and trees of liberty at May Day festival

In the past, trees were the symbols of vitality and fertility of nature and were used at the spring festival. The May Tree has since become the Tree of Liberty. This was the symbol of the French Revolution. As a part of the May Day celebrations the youth in old Europe cut down trees lopped off the branches, leaving a few at the top of each tree. They wrapped the trees round with violets like figure of Attics, the Ancient Roman God. At Sunrise they took the trees to their villages blowing horns and flutes. This was done to symbolize the processing god Attics to the temple Cybil on Rome Palestine Hill during the spring festival of March 22. By the middle ages, every English village had its own May Pole. It was a competition among villagers to produce the largest May Pole

May Poles constructed for May Day

In small towns and villages, May Poles were constructed only for the May Day. However, in large cities including London permanent May poles were erected. When Puritans came into power in 1644 the tradition of erecting May poles came to an end. However, the Stuarts captured power within a couple of decades and the reintroduced the tradition.

May Day celebrations in honour of St. Walberg

Another objective in celebrating May Day is to honour the Abbess of the monastery of Heedenhelm, St. Walberg who had helped St. Boniface bring Christianity to Germany during the 8th century.

May Day and Pagan Festival

May Day also had a coincidence with a Pagan festival which included rites to protect one against witchcraft. It was believed that witches met with the devil in the evening of May 1. It was believed that May Day celebrations had been conducted to avoid the ill effects of witchcraft.

Celebrations to mark May Day

In the past, in some countries, May Day celebrations began at the Sun set of April 30th. Celebrations included floral decorations in the houses at night on the April 30th followed by processions in towns and villages on the May Day. Celebrations included floral decorations in the houses at night on April 30 followed by processions in towns and villages on May Day.

May Day celebrations at sunrise

In some Western countries, children including those in the primary school participate in May Day festivals. Children start with a special May Day song followed by a procession to the church. All the children wear white garments and carry garlands of flowers. All girls wear straw hats and ribbons in their hair.

House decorations on May Day

In some parts of the globe, people get up early in the morning on May Day and go out to collect flowers and greenery and decorate their houses. They believe that the spirit of vegetation will bring good fortune. Girls wash their faces in the dew of the early morning. They believe that this would make them beautiful and remain same during the whole year. They attend to various festivities during the rest of the day. They dance in the village green. They also engage in archery contests and exhibit their strength.

May Day queen

The main item of the day is the crowning the May Day Queen. The model of the May Day Queen is made of flowers or a beautiful girl is selected for the crown. In the past it did not take part in games or dancing but sat on a chair decked with flowers and watched the performances of others. The tradition is followed even at present.
The charred body of a former Member of Pradeshiya Sabha was found inside a trishaw which was destroyed by fire along with another vehicle in front of a house at Palayvila, Unalla, Matara this morning, Kotavila Police said.

The deceased had been identified as former PS member Charles Ananda (48), a resident of Eduwa, Godagama who was a father of two children.

According to preliminary investigations the police learned that the trishaw had collided with a car which had been parked under the porch of a house in the area.

Police believe the collision had caused a fire that lead to the destruction of both vehicles on the spot. Due to the fire a part of the house was also damaged.

The police have found an exploded gas cylinder inside the trishaw as well.

A senior police officer said the investigations are conducted to ascertain whether the collision of the trishaw into the car would have triggered the gas cylinder to explode and subsequently cause the fire.

The police also found information about a clandestine relationship involving the incident and suspect whether it was an act of suicide.

Magisterial Inquiry was arranged regarding the deceased ex-Pradeshiya Sabha Member.

Further investigation are being conducted on the instruction of Senior DIG Souther Province F. Fernando and under the observation of ASP G. H. Marapana. (Krishan Jeevaka Jayaruk)


A girl, who climbed a coconut tree during a tree-climbing competition organized by the Colombo Girl Guides Association to mark its centenary, is said to have slipped down the tree and was warded at the Wathupitiwela Hospital after she was found to be suffering from shock. Hospital sources said apart from shock her health condition was normal. She represented the Northern Province at the competition held at Kirindiwela.

Video by GS
The eight-hour working day has its legacy in a long history of May Day protests. Over 150 years ago, in 1866, the first general congress of the International Workingmens Association, commonly known as the First International, resolved that the eight-hour working day would be one of the primary demands of the workers of the world.

Two decades later, militant demonstrations for an eight-hour working day in Chicago on May 1st, 1886 were brutally repressed by the police, leading to May First as a day of protest. Subsequently, the Second International,convened in 1889 on the centenary of the French Revolution called for May Day as an international day of workersprotests and solidarity.

In many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, May Day is the largest annual day of protest. But its relationship to the eight-hour working day is hardly remembered after the onslaught of decades of neoliberal capitalism. Even worse, in this country today, May Day has little to do with workers rights. Instead, political parties, including those that are explicitly opposed to workers rights, use it as a show of strength. These demonstrations of political patronage continue even as all the hard-fought rights of workers are under attack.

Work in our Times

The industrial working class, which historically struggled for the eight-hour working day in Europe and the United States, makes up only a small fraction of labour in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the formal sector, consisting of just 40% of the labour force in Sri Lanka,is steadily becoming informalised as it is being replaced by temporary workers, including those supplied by manpower agencies. Several recent strike actions demanding permanency, including the long strike of Telecom workers, which ended just a few weeks ago, and last years strike by the Jaffna Municipal Council garbage workers, reflects the growing informalisation of the labour force. Worryingly, this abominable employment practice is becoming common place in sectors where permanent employment was the norm for many decades.

Workers in the formal sector, including those who have permanent jobs, must do over-time work to earn a decent income to sustain their families. Engaging in over-time work out of necessity is a reversal of the long fought demand for an eight-hour working day, which has its basis in the idea that the workers day should entail no more than eight hours of work with eight hours for leisure and eight hours for rest. Work today is neither regular nor limited, but depend on the whims of the capitalist system and its drive to maximise profits. When people work from morning till night, or take up multiple jobs, or live in fear of losing their temporary jobs, they can no longer be citizens participating in a democracy. Even time to struggle for decent working conditions are denied, as their time is fully consumed in working to survive.



The large majority of our people continue to work in agriculture and fisheries, or plantations where work is dwindling, or eke out a precarious livelihood in urban and rural informal production and services. With falling incomes, more and more of them are compelled to find low-paying urban work, migrate to the Middle East or desperately seek multiple jobs. Work for our people then is increasingly becoming precarious with falling wages, lack of job security and no limits on exploitation.

Powerful Social Barrier

J. R. Jayewardene set the terms for successive governments engagement with workers and their trade unions by brutally crushing the general strike of July 1980. The trade union movement is yet to recover from that blow. Today, just 10% of the labour force are trade union members. While the labour laws themselves were not drastically changed with the adoption of open economic policies in 1977, the laws are rarely implemented by the state in the context of a weak labour movement. Set up to address workers issues,the Labour Department functions as an Employers Department, as business circumvents labour laws with ease. To make matters worse, the Government now wants to change the labour laws, making it even easier for businesses to hire and fire, and legally extend the working day. Indeed, the idea of a social contract, between the state, business and labour, which also underpins the principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), no longer holds. There is strong collusion between the state and business, and the ILO itself seems to have surrendered to the interests of big business, the World Bank and the IMF. All of them together today are on the offensive to remove any laws that mayprotect the working people in Sri Lanka.

One hundred and fifty years ago, Karl Marx, who was instrumental in initiating the First International and its eight-hour working day campaign,said this about labour laws: For protection against the serpent of their agonies, the workers have to put their heads together and, as a class, compel the passing of a law, an all-powerful social barrier by which they can be prevented from selling themselves and their families into slavery and death by voluntary contract with capital. In the place of the pompous catalogue of the inalienable rights of man there steps the modest Magna Carta of the legally limited working day, which at last makes clear when the time which the worker sells is ended, and when his own begins. (Capital, Volume 1, p.416)

Here Marx is critical of mere lists of rights, as with human rights in our day, that are rarely implemented. Rather, he is calling on workers to extract a law to limit the working day as part of building a powerful social barrier against the ravages of capital. The current attack on the labour regime in Sri Lanka, can only be understood as an attempt to destroy the remnants of such a social barrier, and reduce workers to slaves at the mercy of capital.

Season of Protests

Laws mean nothing without the power and backing of people. The working people themselves must compel the Government to ensure that labour laws are not watered down and are implemented to the word. Yet the formal workers on their own, for whom the labour laws were made, cannot guard the labour regime,much less build a powerful social barrier.

The great challenge for the working people is to build a broad alliance, of farmers, fisher-folk, estate workers, urban and rural wage workers, factory and service sector workers, and students and teachers. The people have everything to lose, from free education and healthcare, to their resources and entitlements, to all the necessities of life for which they have worked and struggled. To avoid that the citizenry must wage major democratic battles tocreate a powerful social barrier to withstand the attack by the nexus of the state, business and their imperial patrons in the form of global capital and donor agencies.

There is little today to celebrate in the May Day rallies by political parties that have sold the working people for the profit of capital. If there is one lesson for state officials, Colombos elite and middle class liberals to learn from the Meethotamulla garbage slide disaster that killed scores of people few a weeks ago, it is the importance of listening to protests before tragedy unfolds. The current season of protests  the farmers and fisher-folk protesting for land and access to the seas in the North, the students protesting against SAITM and the privatisation of education and healthcare, and numerous other trade union agitations and strikes  are signs of the people reclaiming democracy.Such protests are also elements of a powerful social barrier for a just and equal society
So her Parsi father wants her to get married. His Jat stepfather barely acknowledges him. She belongs to the world of entitlement, evening gowns and high teas. He can barely speak English correctly. But he can fly, boy can he fly. And she, well, in the manner of all posh young women of a certain age and era, can do anything she wants, only not for long enough  these can include frolicking under a waterfall like the Liril Girl as well as taking photographs in war-torn nations without missing a beat.

Add to it GNATs, MiGs, and other such flying machines, and you have a cracker of a thriller set in the 1971 Bangladesh war, largely based in a fictional air base, modelled on xxx.

She is Tehmina Dadyseth, and he is Squadron leader Ishaan Baaz Faujdaar. She believes in peace, he believes in war if thats what the enemy wants. She has a martinet of an aunt, Kainaaz Dadyseth, who like all old Parsi ladies has a heart of gold and Godrej full of money (sorry sorry stereotyping, but you get the picture). He has a sister whom he adores but doesnt think too deeply about. In fact, Baaz doesnt think too deeply about anything.

Anuja Chauhan, who has a particular talent for channelling the thoughts of excitable young women, does the he said/she said dialogue perfectly. Sample this:

They teach all the wrong stuff, she says fiercely. All that crap you were telling me that day about hatred for the enemy, channelling your bloodlust, Pakistan murdabad. Thats animal behaviour!

But this is too much for Ishaan.

Look, he says frankly. Say what you want, but I wont hesitate if I have to kill some Paki soldiers  and I wont be racked by guilt afterwards either! Theyre enemies of India, and its my job to kill them, to protect our civilians and keep the country safe. Its that simple. Trust me.

Along with this delicious will-they-wont-they love story, Chauhan weaves a war that is exploding around this air base, where sorties happen almost at the same time as lengthy evenings at the bar. There is a brutal Pakistani Army general called the Butcher of Bengal who is a bit of a Tumbola aficionado, an undercover Mukti Bahini Macho Da, a silk kaftan wearing character called Harry Rose (aka Gulab Kali), a crash landing, a refugee camp where dramas are enacted by privileged young women to give them a sense of purpose and keep children employed. It does neither very well.

Swivelling between Calcutta and Dacca, as both cities were then, the story takes almost as many as twists and turns as Baazs fighter jet. At the heart of the romantic thriller is a wonderful tribute to the armed forces, not surprising given Chauhan is an Army brat and has spent most of her life in cantonments. Here is just an example of the air force wife raising morale:

No weeping! says Mrs Pomfret sternly, inhaling through flared, battle-ready nostrils. No whining! Remember, this is real life, not Sangam or Aradhana in which IAF officers die ekdum phataak se, after getting the heroine pregnant. Statistics show that eight out of ten IAF Fighters survive war. So please dont panic!

Hai hai, shubh shubh bol, chudail, Juhi thinks resentfully.

Apart from wives such as the above (sweetly called Mrs Pomfret), there are also brave officers who are chums as much as mentors, such as Wing Commander Carvalho, nicknamed Kuch Bhi Karvalo. Theres a band of boys who will be forever young in their memories  Baaz, Maddy and Raka. Theres the Dacca hotel swarming with foreign journalists looking for a good story and even better photograph. Theres a dawakhana, which may or may not be a safehouse for sympathisers of independent Bangaldesh. And then theres the war. Read this:

Descending the red-carpeted double staircase (of the Grand Ballroom at the Intercontinental Hotel), Tinka is conscious of a feeling of complete surreality. Not far away from here, Indian soldiers are crawling on their bellies through mud and slush. In the lanes of Old Dacca, West Pakistani soldiers and Bihari Razzakars are engaged in bloody clashes with student leaders and Muktis. Aircraft carrier USS Enterprise has led a section of Americas Seventh Fleet into the Bay of Bengal, and Soviet warships have been sent from Vladivostok in retaliation. The Soviets have vetoed Americas resolution to have a ceasefire declared in the region by the United Nations Security Council  a ceasefire upon which all of Yahya Khans hopes were pinned. The only ceasefire happening at the moment is the four-hour mini-break decreed by the Red Cross to allow stranded civilian expatriates to flee the city. In spite of all this teeming activity, here is the Intercontinental Hotel, brimming with Christmas spirit.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived on a two-day visit to India on April 30. This is his first visit to the country as the president of Turkey (he had earlier come to India in the capacity of prime minister, in 2008) and assumes significance as barely two weeks ago, he won the constitutional referendum, albeit by a slender margin, securing nearly 51 per cent votes and gaining enormous governance powers - even though he is not politically secure and his position remains imperilled by threats from within.

The Turkish opposition cried foul, alleging large scale manipulation in the referendum process. Erdogan had survived a military coup attempt in 2016, which raised fresh fears of his political existence.

Against the backdrop, Erdogan is likely to present a bold facade on his India trip to convey that he is in control.

He is slated to propose the strengthening of anti-terror cooperation and deepening of ties in investment and trade.

On May 1, the Turkish president will hold talks with PM Modi, where the topic of Nuclear Supplies Group (NSG) may come up for discussion, among significant issues.

On the face of it, Turkey does not seem opposed to India's NSG membership, but it is expected to proceed with caution.

Erdogan, in all probability, is likely to further sensitise India on the threat he perceives from Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation(FETO).

Last year's coup attempt to dislodge Erdogan and the outfit's activists allegedly being harboured in India remain a cause of concern to the Turkish president.

Turkey supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Photo: Reuters

Erdogan is also learnt to be considering flagging his apprehensions that the FETO has been able to infiltrate into India through educational institutions and associations.

This concern notwithstanding, there are reports that Turkey, on its part, has been covertly supporting Muslim brotherhood elements in India.

Erdogan's detractors in Turkey allege that the president is promoting neo-Ottomanism following his referendum "triumph", which is also distancing Turkey from the West - with almost irreparable relations with Germany, Netherlands and other EU nations.

Following his referendum victory, Erdogan has become an ardent supporter of Sunni Salafi groups to counter Syria. His support, therefore, to the Muslim brotherhood does not look surprising.

New Delhi, while dealing with Istanbul during the Erdogan visit, must also take into account the excellent relations that Turkey enjoys with Pakistan.

The two countries are already in a strategic relationship. Pakistan and Turkish Air Force are in a formal deal where Turkey would buy 52 Super Mushkak trainer jets and help train its pilots to support the recovery of the Turkish armed forces to meet the shortage of hardware and pilots in the aftermath of the coup attempt.

Further, there are regular joint naval exercises between the two countries. On Erdogan's last visit to Pakistan ( incidentally he has paid seven visits to the country), he addressed the joint session of the Parliament, which was also attended by the top brass of Pakistani military. Besides their armies warming up, both Turkey and Pakistan have bilateral trade ties worth 10 billion dollars.

Pakistan supports Turkey's position in Cyprus, Azerbaijan and Armenia, which is not so palatable to the West. Importantly, Turkey supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Modi government would do well to factor this in while dealing with the Erdogan administration.

Diplomatically, it appears ceremonially appropriate that Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), a central university, is conferring an honorary doctorate to Erdogan. JMI hosts should also remind Turkey that Indian Muslims have supported Turkey all along.

In 1912-13, a medical mission from India, under Dr Ansari, was dispatched to Turkey on compassionate grounds. It's high time Erdogan recognised this historical fact in letter and spirit and strived to strengthen bilateral ties with New Delhi.

Even Mahatma Gandhi had supported the Khilafat movement in Turkey despite criticism from many quarters. Turkey, under Erdogan, seems to be playing an active role in its efforts to contain the Islamic State menace in the region.

The terror attacks in Ankara and Istanbul airport have been eye-openers for Erdogan. He must share hard-time intelligence with India on IS related activities in the war-torn region and the involvement of Indians, if any.
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."
Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit

Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools:

Portfolio Monitoring

Top Stock Lists

Premium Reports

Stock Screeners

Live News Feed

Premium Support

Free for your first month.
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. KG., Bard Financial Services Ltd., Bard Finland OY, Bard France S.A.S., Bard Global Holdings I LLC, Bard Global Holdings II LLC, Bard Global Holdings III LLC, Bard Healthcare Inc., Bard Healthcare Science (Shanghai) Limited, Bard Hellas S.A., Bard Holding SAS, Bard Holdings Limited, Bard Holdings Netherlands B.V., Bard Hong Kong Limited, Bard IP Holdings Inc., Bard India Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Bard International Holdings B.V., Bard International Inc., Bard Istanbul Healthcare Limited Company, Bard Korea Ltd., Bard Limited, Bard MRL Acquisition Corp., Bard Malaysia Healthcare Sdn. Bhd., Bard Medica SA, Bard Medical Devices (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical SA (Proprietary) Limited, Bard Mexico Realty S. de R.L. de C.V., Bard Norden AB, Bard Norway AS, Bard Pacific Health Care Company Ltd., Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc., Bard Poland Sp. z.o.o., Bard Productos Plasticos e Medicos Ltda., Bard Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Bard S.r.l., Bard Sdn. Bhd., Bard Shannon Limited, Bard Singapore Private Limited, Bard Sourcing Office Singapore Pte. Ltd., Bard Sweden AB, Bard UK Newco Limited, Bard de Espana S.A., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Management Limited, Becton Dickinson (Mauritius) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Pty) Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Thailand) Limited, Becton Dickinson A.G., Becton Dickinson A/S, Becton Dickinson Argentina S.R.L., Becton Dickinson Asia Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Asia Limited, Becton Dickinson Austria GmbH, Becton Dickinson Austria Holdings GmbH, Becton Dickinson B.V., Becton Dickinson B.V. Saudi Limited Company, Becton Dickinson Benelux N.V., Becton Dickinson Biosciences Systems and Reagents Inc., Becton Dickinson Canada Inc., Becton Dickinson Caribe Ltd., Becton Dickinson Croatia d.o.o., Becton Dickinson Czechia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Dispensing Belgium BVBA, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Denmark A/S, Becton Dickinson Dispensing France SAS, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Norway, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Spain S.L.U., Becton Dickinson Dispensing UK Ltd., Becton Dickinson Distribution Center N.V., Becton Dickinson East Africa Ltd., Becton Dickinson Euro Finance Sarl, Becton Dickinson Europe Holdings S.A.S., Becton Dickinson France S.A.S., Becton Dickinson GSA Beteilgungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings I Inc., Becton Dickinson Global Holdings II LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings IV LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings V LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VIII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Services Centre Sdn. Bhd, Becton Dickinson GmbH, Becton Dickinson Guatemala S.A., Becton Dickinson Hellas S.A., Becton Dickinson Holdings Limited, Becton Dickinson Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Hungary Kft., Becton Dickinson India Private Limited, Becton Dickinson Industrias Cirurgicas Ltda., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy AB, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Holdings UK Limited, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc. S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy UK, Becton Dickinson Insulin Syringe Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings II Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings III Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Israel Ltd., Becton Dickinson Italia S.p.A., Becton Dickinson Ithalat Ihracat Limited Sirketi, Becton Dickinson Korea Holding Inc., Becton Dickinson Korea Ltd., Becton Dickinson Ltd., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Global Holdings Sarl, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings II S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings III S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings V S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Malaysia Inc., Becton Dickinson Management GmbH & Co. KG, Becton Dickinson Matrex Holdings Inc., Becton Dickinson Medical (S) Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Products Pte. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Technology (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Global Holdings II C.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings B.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings II B.V., Becton Dickinson Norway AS, Becton Dickinson O.Y., Becton Dickinson Overseas Services Ltd., Becton Dickinson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd., Becton Dickinson Penel Limited, Becton Dickinson Philippines Inc., Becton Dickinson Polska Sp.z.o.o., Becton Dickinson Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Becton Dickinson Pty. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Research Centre Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbH, Becton Dickinson Rowa Italy Srl, Becton Dickinson S.A., Becton Dickinson Sample Collection GmbH, Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.L.P., Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.P., Becton Dickinson Sdn. Bhd., Becton Dickinson Slovakia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Sweden AB, Becton Dickinson Sweden Holdings AB, Becton Dickinson Switzerland Global Holdings SarL, Becton Dickinson Technology Campus India, Becton Dickinson U.K. Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing I Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing II Limited, Becton Dickinson Venezuela C.A., Becton Dickinson Venture LLC, Becton Dickinson Verwaltungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Vostok LLC, Becton Dickinson Worldwide Investments Sa.r.L., Becton Dickinson Zambia Limited, Becton Dickinson and Company Ltd., Becton Dickinson de Colombia Ltda., Becton Dickinson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson del Uruguay S.A., Bee IT Solutions, Benex Ltd., Biometric Imaging, Bridger Biomed Inc., C. R. Bard (Portugal) - Produtos e Artigos Medicos e Farmaceuticos, C. R. Bard Do Brasil Productos Medicos Ltda., C. R. Bard GmbH, C. R. Bard Inc., C. R. Bard Netherlands Sales B.V., C.R. Bard Inc, CME America LLC, CME Ltd., CME Medical (UK) Limited, CME UK (Holdings) Limited, CRISI Medical Systems, CRISI Medical Systems Inc., Caesarea Medical Electronics, Cardal II LLC, Care Fusion Development Private Limited, CareFusion (Barbados) SrL, CareFusion (Shanghai) Commercial and Trading Co. 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..

Read More
The following companies are subsidiares of Molina Healthcare: Aetna & Humana - Medicare Advantage, Affinity Health Plan, AmericanWork Inc., Better Health Network, Camelot Care Centers Inc, Children's Behavioral Health Inc., Choices Group Inc., College Community Services, Dockside Services Inc, Family Preservation Services Inc., Family Preservation Services of Florida Inc., Family Preservation Services of North Carolina Inc., Family Preservation Services of Washington D.C. Inc., Family Preservation Services of West Virginia Inc., Florida NetPASS LLC, Hclb Inc., Magellan Complete Care, Maple Star Nevada Inc., Maple Star Oregon Inc., Mercy CarePlus, Molina Clinical Services LLC, Molina Healthcare Data Center Inc., Molina Healthcare of Arizona Inc., Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Florida Inc., Molina Healthcare of Georgia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Molina Healthcare of Iowa Inc., Molina Healthcare of Louisiana Inc., Molina Healthcare of Maryland Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Molina Healthcare of Nevada Inc., Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Inc., Molina Healthcare of New York Inc., Molina Healthcare of North Carolina Inc., Molina Healthcare of Ohio Inc., Molina Healthcare of Oklahoma Inc., Molina Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico Inc., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, Molina Healthcare of Texas Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas Insurance Company, Molina Healthcare of Utah Inc., Molina Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc., Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin Inc., Molina Holdings Corporation, Molina Hospital Management LLC, Molina Information Systems LLC dba Molina Medicaid Solutions, Molina Medical Management Inc., Molina Pathways LLC, Molina Pathways of Texas Inc., Molina Youth Academy, NextLevel Health Illinois, Pathways Community Corrections Inc., Pathways Community Services LLC, Pathways Community Support of Texas Inc., Pathways Health and Community Support LLC, Pathways Human Services LLC., Pathways of Arizona Inc., Pathways of Delaware Inc., Pathways of Idaho LLC, Pathways of Maine Inc., Pathways of Massachusetts LLC, Pathways of Oklahoma Inc., Pathways of Washington Inc., Providence Community Services, Providence Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services Inc., The Game of Work LLC, The RedCo Group Inc., Total Care Medicaid plan, Transitional Family Services Inc., Unisys -Health Information Management, and YourCare Health Plan.

Read More
Bar Harbor Bankshares operates as the holding company for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust that provides commercial, lending, retail, and wealth management banking services. It accepts various deposit products, including interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing demand accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company also provides commercial real estate loans, such as multi-family, commercial construction and land development, and other commercial real estate classes; commercial and industrial loans, including loans to commercial and agricultural businesses, and tax exempt entities; residential real estate loans consists of mortgages for 1-4 family housing; and consumer loans comprises home equity loans, lines of credit, auto, and other installment lending. In addition, it provides life insurance, annuity, and retirement products, as well as financial planning services; and third-party investment and insurance services. Further, the company offers trust and estate administration, wealth advisory, and investment management services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities; and 401K plan, financial, estate and charitable planning, investment management, family office, municipal, and tax services. It operates 53 locations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hold hands for a family photo during the opening ceremony of the 30th ASEAN Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, the Philippines, April 29, 2017. (Xinhua/POOL)

MANILA, April 30 -- The 30th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has concluded here which started Saturday, with a chairman's statement on further strengthening ASEAN's integration process and making the regional body a global player.

Guided by the theme of "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World", the leaders from ASEAN gathered in Manila to reaffirm their aspiration for an ASEAN that works to effect positive change in the lives of the peoples, said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the opening of the summit.

During the summit, the leaders exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues, including building people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN, maintaining a peaceful and stable region, advancing inclusive and innovative-led growth, promoting ASEAN's resiliency, and promoting ASEAN as a model for regional integration and a global player.

The leaders welcomed the progress made in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations during their summit, saying the giant free trade pact will boost global trade.

"We emphasized that the sluggish economic environment and trends towards protection increases the need to achieve a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial RCEP Agreement, which has the potential to boost global economic growth, deepen regional economic integration and facilitate equitable economic development for all RCEP participating countries," the leaders said in statement issued by President Duterte at the end of the summit.

In the document, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to assisting Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam in meeting their region-wide targets, with a view to realizing regional integration and advancing sustainable development.

According to the statement, ASEAN's combined GDP stood at 2.55 trillion U.S. dollars in 2016 with a robust year-on-year GDP growth rate of 4.7 percent despite the challenging global environment. Growth in the region's economy is expected to accelerate to 4.8 percent in 2017 supported by solid growth of private consumption and investment as well as expansionary fiscal policy.

Meanwhile, ASEAN's merchandise trade remained resilient at 1.06 trillion dollars in the first half of 2016. ASEAN also attracted a total of 52.94 billion dollars foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the first half of 2016.

The ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment that the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will be implemented in a mutually-reinforcing manner to build a truly inclusive and people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN Community.

In the chairman's statement, ASEAN leaders expressed grave concern over recent developments on the Korean Peninsula, including the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) two nuclear tests in 2016 and subsequent ballistic missile launches.

ASEAN leaders called on the DPRK to immediately comply fully with its obligations arising from all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and stressed the importance of exercising self-restraint in the interest of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

The leaders reiterated their full support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and for concerned parties to explore all avenues for immediate dialogue.

In the statement, the leaders welcomed the operationalization of the Guidelines for Hotline Communications among Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of ASEAN Member States and China in Response to Maritime Emergencies.

The document said ASEAN leaders took note of the improving cooperation between ASEAN and China, and welcomed the progress to complete a framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) by mid-2017 in order to facilitate the early conclusion of an effective COC.

ASEAN, which groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, was established 50 years ago. The regional body is to commemorate the Grand Celebration of ASEAN's Golden Anniversary on Aug. 8 this year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 30

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Iran is studying the possibility of exporting its electricity to the EU through Turkey, Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian said. According to the minister, Iran and representatives from the EU have held negotiations to discuss the issue, Tasnim news agency reported.

He added that Turkey will also join the talks, if Iran and the EU finalize the talks. While the country over the last Iranian calendar year (starting on March 20) increased its power generation capacity by 2.5 gigawatts (GW), the capacity is projected to grow by 4.5 GW over the current year to post a nominal capacity of 81.1 GW.

Over the last year, Iran exported 386 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. The figure indicates a 113 percent growth year-on-year. ru
In late autumn 1989, I was asked to start writing a weekly column, the subject of which I could choose.

I decided to write about local history, the more obscure the better. The first Yesteryears column appeared on Nov. 12, 1989.

After more than 1,200 editions, this will be the last. Ive written many more feature stories, but I see Yesteryears as my signature accomplishment at The Daily Progress.

Every story I have ever written has taught me something about life. My column has taught me things of the heart.

Not long after I started writing it, an elderly woman came up to me. She told me about a relative who had brought dishonor to her familys name decades before.

She knew it was just a matter of time before I learned about it. All she asked was that I consider the pain it would cause innocent members of her family if I brought it back into the light.

I didnt mention that I already knew the story, had gathered all the information and planned to run the piece within a few weeks. I never wrote that story, but it taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life.

That lesson: Just because I could didnt mean I should. One persons history can be another persons pain, and its a hurt that can last for more than a lifetime.

After I came to that understanding, I always thought of how my own family would react if a particular story was about one of our relatives, living or dead. That guideline caused the death of more than one story, none of which I regret.

My goal for Yesteryears was to provide you, our readers, with an enjoyable way to learn about our local history, and celebrate the people who created it. If I had to choose one story to personify the column, I would select the one I did on Hobert William Clements.

I was told about the World War I veteran in February 1990. I reached the Albemarle County farmer by telephone and said Id like to write a story about him and his war experiences.

Mr. Clements told me that he never talked about the war. I told him I was an Army combat veteran, too, and that I completely understood his position.

Then I added that, in my view, he owed it to history to speak on the record about what it had been like for him. The silent pause that followed lasted so long I started to think he had walked away from the telephone.

Finally, I heard him say, All right; let me give you the directions to my place. The afternoon I arrived, many members of Mr. Clements family were there, none of whom had ever heard him say a word about the war.

What followed was one of the most moving and amazing examples of raw, human emotions I have ever witnessed. As the retired farmer told us about the horrors of trench warfare, it was so quiet in the room that I heard a muffled gasp.

I remember advancing over people, wounded and bleeding, who were probably going to die, Mr. Clements had said. Oh, yes, Ive seen a lot of death.

Horrible things, like arms and legs hanging in trees. I remember my gunner, who was firing our machine gun, got shot several times. Its a terrible feeling to have to pull a man off his gun.

If theres such a thing as beauty in war, it was when I saw the French cavalry charge the German lines. No one cheered along our lines. We all just watched in silence, because of their bravery.

The family members were surprised when Mr. Clements brought out a box containing medals they hadnt seen. He told them that he had never gotten over the war, and sometimes he would go off by himself and cry.

I was happy to be home, but sad, because of what Id seen, the quiet-spoken man had said. It changed me, but I cant explain it. I think it softened my heart more than anything else.

Ive seen things on the front that would make an iron heart melt.

At the end of my visit, Mr. Clements asked me to do something for him. He put on his red wool coat and walked out into a cold, stiff breeze blowing across his front yard.

He took me to a large boulder, above which flew an American flag. Fastened to the face of the rock was a polished granite plaque bearing words that the veteran had penned himself:

Dedicated to those who fought in any war and to the thousands of broken-hearted mothers all over the world.

Then Mr. Clements called us to attention, and together we saluted the flag.

Now, I salute you, our faithful readers, for the kindness and loyalty you have graced me with for all these years. Yesteryears became for me something much more than a weekly newspaper column.

It became a link that connected us to the past, and to each other.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 30

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Irans Economy Minister Ali Tayebnia has called on Thailand to carryout bilateral trades in local currencies and euro instead of US dollar. He said that the two countries banks are capable of opening accounts in local currencies, Ibena (Iranian banks and economy news agency) reported.

Therefore the two countries banks can settle the transactions using euros or local currencies, Ali Tayebnia added. Irans visiting minister made the remarks at a meeting with his Thai counterpart in Bangkok.

Tayebnia further called for expansion of banking ties between the two countries and said there is no serious obstacle against expansion of ties following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA aka nuclear deal). He also expressed interest in opening branches of banks from both countries in Iran and Thailand.

Although the nuclear related sanctions on Iran were lifted following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on January 16, Iran still has difficulty establishing banking ties with leading international banks as they are worried about running afoul of US regulations.
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?
As new technology companies continue to percolate in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, the University of Virginia wants to know if its graduates can help provide more of the talent.

Every May, we have over 3,500 students largely leaving this area and going elsewhere in the country, said Pat Hogan, executive vice president and chief operating officer at UVa. There is so much talent that graduates and leaves the area. If we can find ways to keep more of that talent here, it could really impact the region.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 30

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Turkeys gas imports from Iran increased by 9.24 percent to 749.61 million cubic meters (mcm) in February 2017, according to the latest statistics of Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory (EMRA).

Iran shared 14.27 percent of Turkeys total gas imports in February, which stood at 5.252 billion cubic meters(bcm), or 32.51 percent more compared to February 2016.

Iran exported 7.703 bcm of gas to Turkey in 2016, or 23 mcm less than 2015.
The three-part examination of orphan trains in The Daily Progress Yesteryears series (April 1, April 8, April 15) tells one version of the story of the mass confiscation of impoverished New York City children and their shipment to the South and Midwest by Protestant minister Charles Loring Brace and his Childrens Aid Society  an organization that still exists.

In this version, Brace might have made an error here and there, but his motives were pure as the driven snow and he cared only about doing what was best for children.

The real story is far darker. And the real story is the one we need to know in order to understand why Americas child welfare system continues to fail today.

Braces own writing reveals the mind of a raging bigot.

Brace had seen the revolutions in Europe of 1848 and they terrified him. In particular, he was terrified of poor immigrant Catholics, whom he branded a stupid, foreign criminal class and the scum and refuse of ill-formed civilizations. He worried that some demagogue might arouse their passions and fuse all the elements for a Parisian scene of riot and blood.

In fundraising appeals to wealthy New Yorkers, Brace warned that if poor children were not dispersed to the countryside and given just enough education to know their place, they will perhaps be embittered at the wealth, the luxuries they never share. Then let  society beware when the outcast vicious reckless multitude of New York boys swarming now in every foul alley and low street come to know their power and use it ! (emphasis in the original).

Brace explained that Catholic immigrant parents were genetically inferior, passing bad gemmules on to their children. Fortunately, these ill effects could be reversed  by taking away the children and shipping them out to middle-class Protestant farmers.

So he took them. Many were not orphans, and many were taken without their parents consent. Yes, they suffered from terrible poverty. But many also had what money cant buy: parents who loved and cherished them. Rather than take away those parents poverty, Brace preferred to take away the children  because thats what you do when parents are scum.

When a Catholic parent whose child was taken when he was ill wanted to be reunited, Braces allies wrote to the foster parent urging him to hide the child. As we dread Catholic influence more than the bite of the rattlesnake  save [the boy] from the power of the fell-destroyer, and the conscious approving smile of your heavenly father will be your reward. This is not a matter of applying todays standards to 19th century behavior.

In 1872 Thomas P. Norris, president of the Board of Commissioners of Kings County (Brooklyn), complained that many children were forced aboard the "orphan trains" without the knowledge or consent of their parents. In other cases, the parents had been coerced into surrendering their children.

At a Conference of Charities in 1893, an official of one of the receiving states, North Carolina, charged that the so-called orphans were placed with people who "treat them as slaves."

Most tragic of all, things have changed far less than wed like to believe.

We continue to stereotype parents who lose children to foster care as brutally abusive or hopelessly addicted. Some are. But far more common are cases in which family poverty is confused with neglect. Other cases fall between the extremes. But two massive studies involving more than 15,000 typical cases found that children left in their own homes typically fared better even than comparably maltreated children left in their own homes. The record of group homes and institutions is even worse.

And our system remains plagued with bias. Study after study has found that, even when factoring in poverty, children are far more likely to be taken from everyone they know and love if theyre black. Indeed, when caseworkers are given otherwise identical hypothetical cases, they are more likely to deem a child at risk if the family is described as black.

Of course, no one today calls impoverished nonwhite parents genetically inferior. Now we label them psychologically inferior. So child welfare agencies offer "counseling" and "parent education" when often what is needed to keep families safely together are day care, rent subsidies and other services to ameliorate the worst effects of poverty.

The forms of substitute placement are different, and so is the jargon. But the "orphan trains" have never really stopped.

Richard Wexler is executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform in Alexandria, www.nccpr.org He is the author of Wounded Innocents: The Real Victims of the War Against Child Abuse.

References:
The good people of Charlottesville and Albemarle County are proud to have a statue of Robert E. Lee in the city: a splendid work of art and a tribute to a very honorable man, described by Winston Churchill as "the most noble American ever."

Prominently positioned in our city, it begs curiosity, thought, and (hopefully) intelligent communication about our history  who we are and how we all got here in the first place.

Some people are uncomfortable with history, and it can be interpreted to serve different agendas; but a bronze statue is designed to withstand the test of time, and if it can inspire anyone to learn about our history, we hope and trust the worst mistakes are not repeated.

Robert E. Lee honorably served our country for decades. Against secession, when offered command of the Northern army, he refused; his honor would not allow him to fight against his own family and his beloved homeland of Virginia.

He saw slavery as a moral evil to both whites and blacks, and he freed all the slaves he was responsible for in accordance with his father-in-laws will.

In one of his letters, he hinted that slaves should be freed if it would avert a greater calamity to both whites and blacks  presumably, to help defend the South from the destructive invasion by the North.

Slavery already was being abandoned and outlawed internationally.

He fought for the self-determination of Virginia and the other Southern states, which were being unfairly taxed and dictated to by the Northern states.

The tragic result was over 600,000 human casualties and destruction of property, livestock, and industry.

If the statue is ordered removed, the people of Charlottesville and Albemarle should demand of their representatives that the city be renamed, to reflect the ignorance and intolerance of those representatives. Ignorantville, Intolerantville, or Dishonorville?

James M. Bonner, Albemarle County

References:
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said late on Saturday that inauguration of the Persian Gulf Setareh Refinery will not only help achieve self-sufficiency in the field of fuel production but also create thousands of jobs for the youth, IRNA reported.

Upon his arrival in Bandara Abbas International Airport, the president said that inauguration of the refinery in the current Iranian year called the Year of Economy of Resistance, National Production and Employment is another honor in producing oil products.

The first phase of the Persian Gulf Setareh Refinery will become operational with a capacity of 120,000 barrels of gas condensates a day. At this stage, the refinery will produce 12 million liters of Euro IV petrol, 4.5 million liters of Euro IV gas oil, one million liters of Euro IV kerosene and 1.3 million liters of LPG a day.

Once fully operational, the refinery will produce 36 million liters of petrol with the same quality as that of IV and V, bringing the total production of petrol production in the country to 100 million liters a day. Thus, in addition to cutting imports to the country, it will help Iran join exporters of the product.

During his visit to Hormuzgan province, President Rouhani is to inaugurate other projects such as Persian Gulf Saba Foulad Factory.

With the official inauguration of the factory, the province capacity to produce raw steel will hit five million tons.
Robby Ellyson waited for a rainy night to make the first drop.

His mission: Introduce goldfish to the reflecting pool behind the new wing of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

His dilemma?

The 76-year-old didnt know what might happen if he got caught.

When I saw the pond, I said, Fish. The pond needed goldfish, he said. I have a friend who worked at the museum who said they had cameras that covered every inch of it. So I figured the only way to do it in the summertime was to wait for a thunderstorm.

The rain, he reasoned, would give him a chance to slip in with his head discreetly covered with a hooded jacket in case someone noticed and tried to identify him later.

It worked. He said he ultimately made four rainy-night fish drops at the museum and the fish thrived and multiplied, some growing to 5 inches or longer.

Ellyson cant remember now exactly when he introduced the fish to the pond, but the reflecting pool opened in 2010 and the museum publicly acknowledged the anonymous addition of the fish in 2013.

All was well as far as Ellyson was concerned until last week, when a friend alerted him that all the goldfish had disappeared from the pond.

Ellyson began making calls to investigate, deciding to go public as the fishs anonymous patron in the process.

The children loved those fish, he said. Theyd get down on their knees and go, Fish, fish, fish. 

A spokesman for the VMFA, Anthony Backherms, confirmed in a statement that the fish perished in January.

It is with sadness that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts acknowledges the recent death of the goldfish that lived in the museums Gottwald Reflecting Pool, Backherms wrote.

Backherms said the museums maintenance staff attributed their death to a malfunctioning filter in the pond, which allowed chlorinated water into the pool and created an inhospitable environment for the fish.

He noted that the pool was never intended to house aquatic animals of any kind, but following the unexpected introduction of the goldfish by anonymous visitors several years ago, VMFA made changes to the ponds water supply and filtration system in order to create a stable environment for the animals.

The museum has no plans to reintroduce fish to the pond, Backherms said.

Told of the museums position, Ellyson said he was disappointed, but said he wouldnt be surprised if more fish appeared with or without the museums cooperation.

Indeed, during a visit to the reflecting pool Thursday, at least two small gold fish were seen darting below the water lilies, suggesting they might already be making a comeback.

I think everybody there loves them, he said. I dont know why theyre not planning on replacing them, but that can be arranged.
Baku, Azerbaijan, April 30

By Khalid Kazimov - Trend

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has tacitly told President Hassan Rouhani not to appropriate the countrys achievements.

Sometimes we hear some people say when they rose to power they managed to ward off the shadow of war from the country. No! This is not correct. What warded off the shadow of war for many years has been the presence of people, the Leader said, Ayatollah Khameneis website reported April 30.

By these words the Leader seemed to be referring to Rouhani saying through the nuclear deal of 2015, he succeeded in preventing a war against Iran.

Peoples presence is decisive. It ensures security. If people are present on the stage, then the country will be safe, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated.
A U.S. service member died of wounds caused by an explosive device outside the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Saturday, the U.S.-led military coalition said, Reuters reported.

A statement from Operation Inherent Resolve gave no other details.

U.S.-backed forces have been fighting to retake the Islamic State strongholds of Mosul.

News of the U.S. casualty came as U.S. 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 NTPC house journal has been digitised and an App is being developed for internal communication.

New Delhi: State-run power giant NTPC is going digital to become a paperless company in a few years with a view to improving its efficiency and saving on expensive office space.

"In line with the 'Digital India' initiative NTPC has started taking steps towards digitisation by implementation of company-wide paperless office to save on expensive office space and paper use," a senior official said.

The initiative will cover all NTPC projects and offices and will be rolled out in phased manner, helping in optimum utilisation of the available space, easy retrieval of old records and promote clean office environment.

The official said that digitising records and printed literature makes it easy to share documents electronically and lowers the temptation to make photocopies. The company has already introduced e-tender, invoice monitoring system, grievance management and digitised notice boards at all locations.

The digitisation process in legal, company secretariat and corporate communication departments has been started in the first phase comprising more than 4 million documents.

The NTPC house journal has been digitised and an App is being developed for internal communication. The official said that NTPC is encouraging work environment in which the use of paper is eliminated or reduced by converting documents into digital form.

"Going paperless can save money, boost productivity, save space, make documentation and information sharing easier more secure, and help save the environment," the official added.
New Delhi: The government will soon make quoting of Aadhaar number compulsory for key managerial personnel and directors in regulatory filings under the Companies Act.

The move, primarily aimed at tackling the issue of bogus identities, comes at a time when authorities are bolstering measures to deal with the menace of shell companies, suspected to be used for laundering illicit funds.

Moving towards implementation of the Aadhaar requirement under the companies law, the Corporate Affairs Ministry has already asked individual stakeholders to obtain Aadhaar at the earliest for "integrating their details with MCA21".

MCA21 is the portal through which filings required under the Companies Act are submitted to the Ministry. A source said the Ministry has started work for implementing a framework to make quoting of Aadhaar compulsory in the filings made under the companies law.

"We will roll it out pretty fast. It will be done in a phased manner," the source said. The idea is to have a system in place which would help in identifying the stakeholders whose name come up in the filings made through MCA21.

The move also assumes significance against the backdrop of instances where authorities have found discrepancies in personal details provided by individuals in the regulatory filings.

According to the source, having Aadhaar number along with the filings would help ascertain the authenticity of the individuals. With respect to foreign entities, a separate system would be worked out by the Ministry.

There are more than 16 lakh registered companies. While asking individual stakeholders to obtain Aadhaar at the earliest, the Ministry had emphasised that information in Aadhaar should be in harmony with PAN (Permanent Account Number).

"When implemented, all MCA21 services shall be available based on Aadhaar-based authentication only," the notice, issued earlier this month, said. Individual stakeholders, including "DIN (Director Identification Number) holders/ Directors/ Key Managerial Personnel" as well as certain professionals have been asked to obtain Aadhaar.

Professionals of the institutes of chartered accountants, company secretaries and cost accountants have been asked to get Aadhaar as early as possible. This would be applicable irrespective of whether the individual is in "employment or in practice".

As many as 8-9 lakh registered companies are not filing annual returns with the Ministry and are a potential source of money laundering, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said on Saturday.
About 5.5 million tonnes of wheat has been imported by private traders till March-end and much of it at a zero customs duty.

New Delhi: The government has no immediate plans to further increase import duty on wheat to 25 per cent as overseas purchase of the grain is not being undertaken even at the the current customs duty level.

On March 28, import duty of 10 per cent was slapped on wheat to curb shipments in view of record domestic output at around 98 million tonnes in 2016-17 crop year (July-June). Prior to that there was no duty at all for nearly four months.

"When imports are not happening at the existing import duty, there is no question of further increasing it. Moreover, we have not received any such proposal as of now," Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan told PTI in an interview.

About 5.5 million tonnes of wheat has been imported by private traders till March-end and much of it at a zero customs duty, he said. Also, there is adequate supplies in the domestic market as the new crop expected to be a bumper and has started hitting the mandis. Both government and private players are buying from farmers, he added.

On the government's wheat procurement, Paswan said with arrival of new crop in full swing, state-run Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies are buying the grain to build up the buffer stock -- which plummeted to below 7 million tonnes.

So far, more than 20 million tonnes of wheat has been procured by these agencies at the minimum support price (MSP), he said. Much of the wheat is purchased in the first four months of the procurement season (April-March).

"Looking at the pace of procurement, we expect wheat procurement to exceed the target of 33 million tonnes set for this year," Paswan noted.

Wheat procurement in Haryana is almost completed as over 6.4 million tonnes has been purchased so far, while about 8.8 million tonnes has been bought in Punjab, as per the ministry's data.

A senior Food Ministry official said that there is no need to restrict imports at present as domestic prices are ruling well above the MSP for the benefit of farmers, as also retail rates are under check in the interest of consumers.

The Agriculture Ministry has indicated that wheat output would be a record 98 million tonnes in 2016-17, although officially it is maintaining 96.64 million tonnes in its second estimate.
Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's much awaited film Tubelight might not hit the screens on Eid in Pakistan as some local filmmakers have started a movement to stall the release of the film.

The filmmakers along with the Film Distributors Association and the Film Producers Association want to ensure better business for Pakistani films during the Eid holidays.

The distributors, producers and filmmakers say they want to protect the interest of Pakistani movies as two big films, Yalghaar and Shor Sharaba, along with others in the pipeline, are slated for an Eid release.

"If 'Tubelight' also releases on Eid, it will certainly hit the business of these Pakistani films and that will not help our industry," actor Mustafa Qureshi said.

Those trying to stall the release of the Salman KhaN- starrer are citing a law passed by the Federal Ministry of Information in 2010 which forbids the release of any Indian film on a Muslim holiday.

"If required we can even go to the court," producer Altaf Hussain said.

Sohail Khan, the producer of Shor Sharaba, said, "My film is supposed to release on Eid-ul-Fitr and if the government doesn't stall 'Tubelight', I will not release it as a mark of protest."

Hussain said the associations are planning to send an official letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well.

He confirmed a meeting was held in Lahore at which it was decided that the entire Pakistani film industry will join the planned protest to stop the release of Tubelight on Eid.

"It has been decided that all those related to the

Pakistani film industry will support the Pakistani films that are supposed to release on Eid-ul-Fitr," Hussain added.

Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran, the chairman of the Pakistan Film Distributors Association has also supported the move.

"It is not fair asking our films to compete with big Bollywood projects on Eid and it is cruel to our industry", he said.

As per the sources, the Ministry had given directives to stop the release of Tubelight and Vidya Balan's Begum Jaan well in adv
Mumbai: Al Pacino was considered too short, Marlon Brando was required to do a screen test, and director Francis Ford Coppola was almost fired.

The director and cast of The Godfather reminisced on Saturday in a 45th anniversary reunion in New York about the trials, perseverance and inspiration that resulted in the Oscar-winning Mafia movies.

Coppola, Pacino, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, James Caan, Talia Shire and Robert Duvall watched back-to-back screenings of The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather: Part II (1974) along with an audience of 6,000 on the closing night of the Tribeca film festival.

"I haven't seen these movies for years," Coppola said. "I found (watching) a very emotional experience. I forgot a lot about the making of it and thought about the story, and the story used a lot of family and my personal stuff."

The two films won nine Oscars and their tale of how an orphan from Sicily emigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century and formed the Corleone crime family became movie classics.

But the film had a less than auspicious start. Coppola recalled that Hollywood studio Paramount wanted to set the movie in the 1970s and make something cheap and quick.

Coppola was almost fired several times and met stiff resistance to the casting of both Pacino as Michael Corleone and Brando as the titular Godfather.

Brando, who died in 2004, had made several box-office flops after a stellar career in the 1950s and had a reputation for being difficult.

"I was told (by studio executives ) that having Brando in the film would make it less commercial than having a total unknown," Coppola said.

The studio later agreed if Marlon will do a screen test and do it for nothing and put up a million dollar bond that he wouldn't cause trouble during the production.

Brando created the rasping voice, jowly cheeks and oiled hair for Corleone in the screen test. Yet three weeks into shooting, there was more trouble.

"They (the studio) hated Brando. They thought he mumbled and they hated the film...It was very dark," said Coppola. Brando went on to win an Oscar for his performance.

Newcomer Pacino had to screen test countless times for the role of Michael, the college-educated son who takes charge of the Corleone business of casinos, gambling and racketeering. Studio bosses though he was too short and wanted to cast Robert Redford or Ryan O'Neal.

Yet Coppola persevered because "every time I read the script, I always saw his (Pacino's) face, especially in the scenes in Sicily."

Pacino said he originally wanted the part of the hot-headed son, Sonny, and thought Coppola "was really nuts" about wanting him to play Michael.

"I thought this is either a dream or a joke...and then started the whole trial of them not wanting me and Francis wanting me," Pacino recalled. The film launched his career as one of the most honored actors of his generation.

Luck played a part in the creation of some of the most memorable scenes in the two films. The revelation by Corleone's wife Kay (Keaton) that she had aborted their baby because of horror over her husband's criminal activities was suggested by Talia Shire (Connie).

And the cat Brando cradles in the opening scene of "The Godfather," making for a stark contrast with his intimidating presence, was a last-minute addition.

"I put that cat in his hands. It was the studio cat. It was one take," said Coppola.
Mali's National Assembly has voted to extend a state of emergency by six months in a bid to quell an upsurge in attacks by Islamist militants based in the desert north of the West African country, Reuters reported.

On Saturday, Zoumana N'dji Doumbia, president of the National Assembly's legal commission, announced Friday's vote that gives security forces extra powers of arrest and detention. It is the latest extension of an emergency first imposed in November 2015.

Deteriorating security threatens to return Mali to the chaos that nearly tore it to pieces in 2012 when Islamists hijacked an ethnic Tuareg rebellion in the north, before French forces pushed them back the following year.

Some 11,000 U.N. peacekeepers and French troops are deployed in Mali but militants still launch attacks, including a suicide assault on an army base in January that killed at least 77 people.
Sangu Chakram is not one of the run-of-the-mill horror-comedies, assures its director Maarison, during a chat with us. With eight children and the stunt choreographer-turned-actor Dilip Subbarayan in the lead, the film is a family entertainer which will surely appeal to the audience, according to him. The film is touted to be a satirical horror film with a pinch of spoof elements sans heroine and songs.

It wasnt easy to get a producer for this kind of script. Our filmmaking culture demands a hero, and since my script didnt have one, it was initially tough for me to rope in a producer. But K Sathish was looking for a unique script that has not been done before, and my film fitted the bill, Maarison says. The film aims to change all the beliefs about ghosts and the stereotypes of horror movies that Hollywood and other film industries have built up so far. That was my core idea. I thought about why a ghost or a spirit should be associated with gore all the time. My friends encouraged me, citing that it was an original idea and that made me write the script of the film.

However, shooting the film wasnt a cakewalk for him since it was hard to get the shots right with the children. We had to train them beforehand for the camera. I explained to them how they would look like on the screen. But still, they would look at the camera constantly during shots, he laughs. Vishal Chandrasekar was initially roped in to compose the background score for the film but due to date issues he was replaced by Sabir, who has done a splendid job, says the director.
Anish Rehman belongs to that elite club members of which could make a name for themselves by winning reality television shows. The humble beginnings from a dance show in Malayalam had pitchforked him to fame, reality shows in Tamil in particular, where he graduated from a participant to a judge and groomer. All that was many moons ago. In 2017, he is all set to don a new avatar, that of a film star in the upcoming movie Ivide Ee Nagarathil. Hell be enacting his choreographer self in the film by debutant Padmendra Prasad.

This shouldnt be mistaken as his maiden big screen appearance. Anish was part of Mani Ratnams latest Kaatru Veliyidai and Ko director K.V. Anands Kavan.

Mostly, I get choreographer roles in movies. I dont know why. Ivide Ee Nagarathil is a female-centric movie. I appear as choreographer Anish, who befriends the female lead, falls in love with her and lands in trouble thereafter. It is a prominent role. Shooting is over and I now look forward to the release date, says Anish. He was an Air Force officer in Kaatru Veliyidai. As a child, he has had a brief dalliance in M-Town in Jayaraj movie Of the People from the For the People franchise.

In the meantime, Anish made a small screen appearance, in the prime time soap opera Manjurukum Kalam doing a cameo. He has a dance team namely Eternal Dancers who he takes to stage shows and other programmes. He has also done choreography for certain movies. He even directed dance for a Sri Lankan Tamil movie while albums are another favourite of Anish.

From the dance scene in Malayalam television, Anish had a safe landing to the reality TV in Tamil. He won the title in Kalaignar TVs Maanada Mayilada and Vijay TVs Jodi No. 1. He often flies abroad where his dancing skills are utlised for the IBC channel in Tamil, broadcast from London. In IBC Tamil, I have been a groomer and member in the judging panel. There are overseas shows where I choreograph and take part, says Anish, who states his prime focus is movies.
Businesses and industries are the world's greatest purchasers and users of energy, and are best positioned to lead the shift from fossil fuel to renewable energy. (Photo: greenplanetethics)

I have just returned from a creative journey from Pondicherry, with long interesting conversations with my dear friends on art, poetry, films, sustainability and spirituality. One of the topics we discussed in depth was the syndrome of the sun eaters - those who subsist by consuming solar energy from its primary source - the sun. While all of us consume solar energy through secondary sources - plants and animals that we eat, sun eaters can survive by just staring at the sun and do not eat any other food.

The discussion came up because, I had at one time aspired to become a sun eater myself, not just because I am passionate about sustainability and climate change, but because of the freedom it potentially could have given me - freedom from dependence of food to survive! Anyway, that experiment for me failed for various reasons, the primary one being that I could not get to see the rising sun in the city, thanks to all the pollution. But I am always excited when I see sustainable technologies being employed for food production, as we have collectively as a species ignored many of the fundamental principles of sustainability, which has resulted in global warming and climate change.

I enjoy a glass of chilled beer. The prospect of drinking beer produced from energy from the sun, excites me, not just because I love beer, but also because of what this could do to potentially change the way industrial production in general can be transformed.

The world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, the maker of beer brands like Corona, Budweiser, and Stella Artois, has announced it will transitioning to a 100% renewable electricity future by 2025. It has made a commitment to secure 100% of the company's purchased electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025, which works out to a total of 6 terawatt-hours of electricity annually across all its markets.

All industrial production activities rely on energy that is produced by burning fossil fuels like coal and oil. This results in greenhouse gas emissions that lead to extreme climate events and climate change. If industries switch to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, it will help mitigate the effects of climate change drastically. "Climate change has profound implications for our company and for the communities where we live and work," said AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito. "Cutting back on fossil fuels is good for the environment and good for business, and we are committed to helping drive positive change. We have the opportunity to play a leading role in the battle against climate change by purchasing energy in a more sustainable way."

According to AB InBev, this new 100% renewable electricity commitment will make the company the world's largest corporate direct purchase of renewable electricity in the consumer goods sector, and should result in lowering the company's operational carbon footprint by 30% - essentially the equivalent of taking nearly 500,000 cars off the road.

Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100 at The Climate Group, said that "AB Inbev is significantly boosting demand for renewables around the world, showing just the kind of leadership we need to slow climate change and speed a low carbon economy, inspiring other companies right along the value chain." Businesses and industries are the world's greatest purchasers and users of energy, and are best positioned to lead the shift from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

While my aspirations to be a sun eater failed, drinking a beer made from the energy of the sun would be the closest I could come to being a sun eater, or perhaps a sun drinkercheers to that!
New Delhi: A final decision on whether former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav will face the gallows or not is expected to be taken by Pakistan in about six to seven months, sources have said.

But the intensifying civilian-military tussle in that country over the Dawn news leaks issue may well have complicated matters, since Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and sabotage.

New Delhi is hoping that the death sentence will be at least commuted to life imprisonment. Sources also said a decision by Pakistan on the visa application of Jadhavs parents is expected soon.

Pakistan PMs advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz had said earlier, As per law, Kulbushan Jadhav has following available options. He has the right to appeal within 40 days to an Appellate Court. He may lodge a mercy petition to the COAS within 60 days of the decision by the appellate court. He may also lodge a mercy petition to the President of Pakistan within 90 days after the decision of COAS on the mercy petition.

According to foreign policy watchers, Pakistans Army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa is expected to reject any mercy petition filed, since he had confirmed the death penalty verdict by the military court in the first place.

With the Pakistan Army adopting a hardline stand on the matter and being in the forefront of the move to deny Jadhav consular access, there seems little possibility of the Pakistan Army chief granting mercy to Jadhav.

Therefore, it seems fairly obvious that ultimately the Pakistan President will have to take the final call on whether Jadhav will be hanged or not. The alternative is to commute the sentence to life imprisonment.

But going by the fact that the Pakistan Army is calling the shots, it seems most likely that any decision by the Pakistan President will also be taken after the Army there is on board.
The CID has arrested one more person in the Eamcet question paper leak case from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Hyderabad: The CID has arrested one more person in the Eamcet question paper leak case from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Officials said that the suspect, Shailesh Singh, assisted the main suspect, Shiva Bahadur Singh, who was detained earlier, to plan and carry out the entire operation successfully.

Shailesh Singh was also involved in other state examination paper leak cases and the railway Group D examination question paper leak case. Shailesh and Bahadur, who are relatives, got a copy of the Eamcet question paper from the printer and mobilised agents offering commission to contact students.

Shailesh Singh contacted Ranveer Singh, who works at Kapoors Printing Press in New Delhi, to obtain the paper when it came for printing. After getting the copies, Shailesh handed over the paper to Bahadur Singh, said a senior CID official. The CID sleuths produced Shailesh in a criminal court in Hyderabad on Saturday. He has been sent to judicial remand.

Just like Bahadur Singh, Shailesh was also involved in the paper leak of Railway Group-D exam in Lucknow, Railway Drivers exam at Allahabad, Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) examination. PSC examination leak case of Punjab, J&K Teachers exam paper leak case, Wardha Medical College paper leak case, Chandigarh Teachers Examination leak case, Kolkata TET examination paper leak case and DMRC examination paper leak case, revealed a senior CID official.

The CID started the EAMCET-II scam investigation in July 2016 after registering a case under IPC and the Andhra Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractices and Unfair means) Act 1997. So far, the CID has arrested 49 persons, including brokers and sub-brokers, and seized rs 2.87 crore.

Officials found that students were taken to camps in cities across the country three days before the TS Eamcet-II-2016 (medical) exam and were given the question papers and answer keys. Eamcet-II (Medical) was conducted on July 9 by JNTU. Results were published on July 14, but were declared invalid.
The victim was taken to Shergill's flat in Marredpally area where he and his two friends allegedly raped her. (Photo: File/Representational Image)

Hyderabad: The city police have arrested a man who was allegedly involved in gang-rape of a Kolkata-based woman during her visit here in February.

Marredpally police in the city arrested Preeth Shergill, a choreographer-cum-event manager, on Saturday, and are looking for three others. The victim had come here as a tourist.

She met a woman at the hotel she was staying in who introduced her to Shergill, and persuaded her to tour the city in Shergill's car.

However, the victim was taken to Shergill's flat in Marredpally area where he and his two friends allegedly raped her. Police are looking for the other two men who raped her and also the woman who introduced her to Shergill.
Hyderabad: Three months after a 19-year-old student from West Bengal was gangraped in the city, police on Saturday arrested the perpetrator, small-time choreographer Preeth Shergill. His associates, and a woman who led the victim to Shergill are absconding, police said. DCP North, B. Sumathi, said the victim had flown to the city for sight-seeing. When she was about to take a cab from the Shamshabad airport, she met one Pinky Roy. They agreed to share a cab and reached a hotel to stay. Pinky suggested that they could see the city together, and that her friend, Shergill, had a car and would take them around.

Police said they shifted to another hotel at Ameerpet from where Shergill picked them up in a car (AP11R 8314). After travelling for a while, Preeth gestured to Pinky to leave the car. After she got down, Preeth drove the girl to his apartment in West Marredpally, saying that he had some work. There he offered her a soft drink after consuming which she felt drowsy. When she tried to leave, he snatched her cash and jewellery and sexually assaulted her. At midnight, his friend Suraj alias Niraj came to the flat and sexually assaulted her. Two more friends of Preeth assaulted her, the DCP said.

On February 17, they tied her to a chair naked and filmed her on Preeths mobile. Then Preeth saw her writing her mothers mobile number and a note saying that she needed help and threw it into a neighbours balcony. Preeth immediately deleted the recording and threw her out of the house. The girl hired a cab to the airport and lodged a complaint with the airport police. A case under charges of rape, robbery, kidnap was registered and after medical examination, she flew back to Kolkata.
Khammam: Disturbed at being unable to get remunerative prices for his chilli crop, K. Ramesh, a farmer from Kakaravai under Tirumalayapalem mandal tried to immolate himself on Saturday. Ramesh, who cultivated chilli in his two acres of farmland, was worried over the plummeting chilli prices. He had taken a loan of Rs 1 lakh to raise the crop.

Ramesh was worried that if he sold his chilli at the prevailing market prices, he would not even get Rs 40,000. On Saturday, he poured a bottle full of kerosene over himself and lit a fire. Rameshs family members, who noticed the fire, managed to douse the fire. He was shifted to a private hospital in Khammam where he is undergoing treatment. Doctors said that he suffered 30 per cent burns and said that he was out of danger.

Market yard turns a fortress

Khammam market yard resembled a fortress on Saturday, with about 10 cops deployed at each weighing machine. The presence of such a huge number of cops instilled a sense of fear among the farmers there.

Cops from various police stations in Khammam and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts have been posted in the market yard and other places in Khammam.

About 2 lakh chilli bags were dumped in the market yard and the roads surrounding it on Saturday. Lifting of the produce was tardy; many farmers were disappointed at the `2,500 to `5,500 per quintal offered.

Many of the farmers started taking back their produce to their villages. The e-Nam transactions were also hit following Fridays ransacking of the market yard offices. About 30 computers, 50 tables, racks and e-Nam machines were damaged on Friday. Interestingly, about 250 weighing machines belonging to the traders were also damaged by the angry farmers.

According to an estimate, the loss was around Rs 2 crore.Market committee chairman K. Krishna said that the farmers ransacked the furniture in three offices located in the market.

Marketing director Laxmibai visited the market and enquired about issues like the price of chilli and the reasons behind the farmers fury.
The remaining amount was to be recovered through the Husain paintings that were purchased by the Swarup Group.

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed the deputy sheriff of Mumbai to store and preserve 25 paintings by celebrated painter M.F. Husain worth Rs 25 crore at the Fine Art Warehouse at Wadala in Mumbai, after it was informed that the paintings could suffer damage and loss of valuation while being kept in the locker of a suburban private bank.

The petitioner, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), had approached the court for recovery of its loan amount of Rs 104 crore from a company out of which it had recovered a sum of `73 crore through immovable property.

NAFED was to recover the remaining amount from the sale of the paintings and hence sought that the paintings be moved out of the locker to ensure that they did not get damaged.

The order was passed by Justice G.S. Patel last week after hearing the contentions of NAFED in an arbitral award petition against the Swarup Group of Industries after the latter failed to pay up Rs 104 crore that NAFED had loaned them in 2012. In earlier hearings, NAFED had secured recovery of Rs 73 crore through the transfer of a sizeable chunk of real estate measuring around 48,000 sq mt inside a suburban mall owned by Swarup Group.

The remaining amount was to be recovered through the Husain paintings that were purchased by the Swarup Group.

According to the evaluation report done by a certified evaluator, the paintings were pegged at Rs 1 crore each.

After the deputy sheriff informed the court that the paintings were stored in a cupboard of IndusInd Bank Ltd at Lokhandwala branch, the court observed that this is an unsatisfactory state of affairs as if the paintings were not stored properly they may get damaged due to improper storage or result in degradation of value.

While directing the transfer of these paintings to Fine Art Warehouse in Wadala, the court rejected the proposition to move them to Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery in Delhi or National Gallery Modern Art in Mumbai, as they were not equipped to offer proper warehousing services.
Hyderabad: The failure of the state governments of AP and Telangana in evolving a State Litigation Policy along the lines of the National Litigation Policy (NLP) has resulted in the piling up of cases in the Hyderabad High Court.

The Centre, after recognising the fact that the government and its various agencies are the predominant litigants in courts and tribunals, formulated a policy to bring down the litigation from government agencies by making them more responsible in filing cases.

All the state governments had been asked to evolve a State Litigation Policy' along the lines of the National Litigation Policy. This was announced in October 2009, to reduce government litigation in courts so that valuable court time would be spent in resolving other cases.

The NLP aims at reducing trivial litigations in which the government is a party. It also wants to reduce the burden of the judicial system, which currently has to deal wi-th a large number of cases.

The NLP deals with government representation, adjournments, plea-dings and filing of counter affidavits as and when the court requires the stand of the government on petitions coming before it and also review of the pending cases.

The Hyderabad High Court on April 29, 2014 before bifurcation of the state, had directed the then government to evolve the Litigation Policy within six months while dealing with a matter pertaining to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.

Pointing out the laxity on the part of law officers of the court (government pleaders, standing counsels), the High Court observed that the government and its institutions represent public interest and any laxity on the part of either its officers or their counsel would affect such public interest.

The HC also observed that If any court of justice is allowing the claim of other parties due to laxity of the government or its law officer, it would be doing injustice to the public at large and such a situation should not prevail. Summoning the officers for their lapses is not the remedy for the above situation. it will only disrupt their work. In the justice delivery system, not only the judge, but also counsel who is appearing in the court, has an equal role to play in rendering justice.

The Constitutional courts across the country and even the Apex Court time and again have been pointing out about the lack of motivation in bureaucracy to tackle the issue of pendency of cases in the court and responding towards the courts in providing necessary facts as sought by the courts to dispose of cases.

The Prime Minister himself, in the year 2015 in the judicial officers conference, acknowledged that the bureaucracy was not sufficiently motivated to tackle the issue.

The Law Commission of India in its 126th Report in 1988 pointed out that government litigation has contributed to judicial backlog, thus affecting justice delivery in India.

Order Order

Hyderabad High Court says that in a case between two individuals, an individual can be set ex parte in the absence of one of the parties, but there cannot be a situation where one of the parties in government or its institution has to invariably depend on law officers.

The Hyderabad High Court had directed the Chief Secretary of erstwhile AP government to prepare a scheme for computerisation of the cases of the government and its institutions in various courts in the state and their monitoring.

The NLP defined that a responsible litigant was one who does not litigate just for the sake of it and does not make false pleas or technical points.

The NLP lays emphasis for prioritisation on welfare legislation, social reforms and helping weaker sections of society as well as senior citizens.
U.S. President Donald Trump is stepping up outreach to allies in Asia to discuss the North Korean nuclear threat and make sure all are "on the same page" if action was needed, a top White House official said on Sunday, Reuters reported.

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Trump would speak to the leaders of Singapore and Thailand on Sunday, after North Korea test-launched another missile that Washington and Seoul said was unsuccessful but which drew widespread international condemnation.

The telephone calls follow Trump's conversation on Saturday night with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. A week ago, Trump spoke with the presidents of China and Japan on the North Korea issue.

"We need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get to make sure that we have our ducks in a row," Priebus told ABC's "This Week."

"So if something does happen in North Korea, that we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area, he said. "We have got to be on the same page."

Priebus said the planned conversations were prompted by the "potential for nuclear and massive destruction in Asia" and eventually in the United States.

The U.S. president, who warned a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible in an interview with Reuters, did not elaborate on any U.S. response to the test. "You'll soon find out", he said Saturday.

Trump has stressed he would not broadcast military options to preserve an element of surprise. His secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, said on Friday all options remained on the table with regard to North Korea.

Pyongyang's missile 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.

Priebus said Trump was in regular contact with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and that the president had become "very close" to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump, for whom China was a virtual punching bag during the 2016 presidential campaign over trade, told CBS that any trade disputes with the Asian economic giant took a back seat to securing its cooperation on North Korea.

China, the only major ally of North Korea and its largest trading partner, has expressed increasing concern about Pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles in violation of U.N. resolutions. However, it has warned against escalation.
New Delhi: CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh are not only fighting the outlawed Naxalites, but also coping with inherent impediments such as lack of potable water, high temperatures and poor mobile networks.

Officials, who visited some of the interior camps of the CRPF in Bastar region, where the force lost 25 personnel in an ambush last Monday, have found that quality of water is very inferior resulting in many of them falling sick.

We take various steps to purify the drinking water. But that is not enough as when the boys go on patrolling they some time have to drink water from open sources which leads to illness, an officer said.

The temperature in the Bastar region during summers goes up to 45 degrees Celsius and such hot and humid conditions make the security personnel tired soon, leading to frustration, officials said.

To boost the morale of the paramilitary personnel, nutritious food, including non-vegetarian variety, are being supplied to all camps.

The home ministrys officials feel that there is an urgent need to improve the condition of CRPF camps as well as facilities offered to them.

Camps of the CRPF need to be upgraded, Senior Security Adviser in the Home Ministry K Vijay Kumar told PTI.

Poor mobile network also is a big hindrance for the CRPF men to be in touch with their family members back home and this lowers their morale.

CRPF personnel deplo-yed for long stints in the Naxal hotbed of Sukma in Chhattisgarh are sho-wing signs of fatigue too.

The home ministry officials, who visited Chhattisgarh after the massacre of 25 CRPF men, have found that majority of the 45,000 paramilitary personnel undertaking the high-risk anti-Naxalite operations in Bastar region have been posted there for over three years.

Fatigue has been noticed in jawans as many of them have been posted in Sukma for last five years even though normally they should be there for three years, an official said, adding that there is decline in motivation due to their long deployment in the area.
Hyderabad: Scores of cases have been pending in the Hyderabad High Court from the states of Telangana and AP for disposal, merely for want of counter affidavits from the departments concerned.

Sources in the judiciary disclosed that there are cases in which the counters have not been filed for the past 6 to 7 years. As per the rules framed by the High Court for regulating the writ proceedings under Article 226 of the Constitution, the maximum period for filing the counter affidavit is six months from the date of service of notice.

Mr Sarasani Satyam Reddy, senior advocate of the High Court, said that though the Centre has formulated the NLP, it had failed to provide a yardstick for determining responsibility and efficiency.

He said there should be greater accountability regarding governmental litigation, and mandates suitable action against officials violating this policy.

Though there is a provision of suitable action in the NLP, it does not prescribe any method to conduct any disciplinary proceedings.

He said speedy disposal of cases can be possible only when the state governments have to incorporate some penal provisions in the policy at the state level and mandate periodical reviews and also keep away political considerations in appointing law officers.

Mr Santosh Reddy, Law Secretary of Telangana, told this correspondent that the state litigation policy at draft level and the government has decided to convene a meeting with stake holders before finalising the policy. He said that the meeting would most likely be convened after the Budget Session.

Mr Dammalapati Sri-nivas, Advocate-General of AP, said that framing of the litigation policy has got delayed due to the bifurcation of AP. He said the issue was under active consideration of the law department and as early as possible a draft policy would be prepared and placed before the government for its approval.
New Delhi/Mumbai: The government on Wednesday decided it was time for the laal batti culture to go for good, with the Union Cabinet clearing the proposal that red beacon lights will not be used by anybody from May 1 onwards, including VVIPs like the Prime Minister, President and judges.

Only emergency vehicles  ambulances and fire brigades  have been allowed to use the blue beacon light. Hours after presiding over the Cabinet meeting where the decision was taken, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, Every Indian is special. Every Indian is a VIP.

Responding to several praiseworthy tweets on the decision, he further tweeted, It should have gone long ago. Glad that today a strong beginning has been made.

Ministers remove beacons after Cabinet meeting

Minutes after the Cabinet meeting, several Cabinet ministers, like women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi and road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, removed the red beacon light from their vehicles. In fact, junior minister Giriraj Singh could be seen in a video removing the beacon light from his vehicle personally amid applause from his staff and onlookers.

Interestingly, information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu has never used a beacon light on his vehicles.

Briefing media after the Cabinet meeting, finance minister Arun Jaitley said that the rule pertaining to use of red beacon lights  (Rule 108 [1] and [2])  has been virtually scrapped from the Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. Necessary amendments will be made to implement the decision, he said.

Official sources said that since only a rule has to be removed, it can be done through an executive order. Sources said, Modi was always been emphatic about ending the lal batti culture. Modi had shown his disapproval last week, when his convoy moved through normal traffic without any route restrictions or road blocks to the Delhi airport to receive Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the airport.

Maharashtra CM removes red beacon from his car

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday removed the red beacon from his official car, in the wake of the Union Cabinets decision to take the beacon off all the vehicles, including that of the Prime Minister.

Maharashtra welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modis step towards ending VIP culture by stopping the use of red beacons atop VIP vehicles, Fadnavis said in a tweet.

And to celebrate such epic step for strengthening our democracy, I have stopped using the RedBeacon atop my car, (sic) he said in another tweet.

Meanwhile, state Congress chief and former CM Ashok Chavan welcomed the decision to end the VIP culture. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde said the decision to end VIP culture was first taken by Amarinder Singh in Punjab.
The meeting assumes importance in view of the growing tension between the partners over BJP Minister Ganga's recent statement that 'traitors and stone-pelters should be treated with bullets'. (Photo: File)

Jammu: With tension building up between coalition partners BJP and the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, the two parties on Friday had a closed-door meeting in Jammu, just days ahead of BJP national President Amit Shah's two-day visit to the state.

BJP's national general secretary Ram Madav, national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna and PDP Minister Haseeb Drabu had a 90 minute long meeting at the BJP Headquarters to discuss the deteriorating situation in the state.

"We held a meeting to discuss and review the situation in Jammu and Kashmir," Khanna said. The meeting assumes importance in view of the growing tension between the partners over BJP Minister Chander Prakash Ganga's recent statement that "traitors and stone-pelters should be treated with bullets".

His remarks drew the ire of the PDP, which said there was a "conspiracy" to keep trouble brewing in the Valley. "Such detestable remarks not only reflect the nauseous mentality of some extremist politicians in the state, but also expose the larger design of certain elements to provoke fresh trouble in Kashmir so that Kashmiris are pushed into perpetual educational and economic disempowerment," senior PDP leader Peerzada Mansoor said in a statement on Thursday.

Kashmir's students have been clashing with security forces over the last many days. Classes in colleges across Kashmir were suspended for the fourth day on Friday, as student protests continued.

Ganga, who is the Industries Minister in the PDP-BJP government, had reportedly also said, "There is only one remedy for them and that is the bullet. And if not bullets, they should be given punishments like the youths who are beaten with sticks by forces." The local media quoted him as saying, "Take my word that the next time they (the youth) won't throw stones."

Later, DGP S P Vaid also joined the meeting at the BJP headquarters. "We are here to discuss arrangements for the forthcoming visit of Amit Shah from April 29," BJP's Khanna said. BJP MLA Vibodh Gupta pointed out Shah had chosen to start an all-India tour with Jammu and Kashmir. "It is an honour for us," he said.
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.

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.
While Aadhaar enrolment among adults is highly successful at over 99%, the problem is in the age group of 0-5 where it is less than 25%.

Bengaluru: At a workshop conducted by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for various government organisations and departments in the South Zone, various applications and multiple-use cases of the Aadhaar were discussed at length on Friday. While Aadhaar enrolment among adults is highly successful at over 99%, the problem is in the age group of 0-5 where it is less than 25%.

Mr Vijay Bhaskar, ACS and Development Commissioner, said that Aadhaar can be used in both inclusive and exclusive ways. While private companies, like Reliance Jio, have used Aadhaar to include millions as part of their service, state governments are still using it in a primarily exclusive manner. Mr Rami Reddy, DDG, Hyderabad, listed out various techniques and methods used to implement Aadhaar as a part of the e-PDS system in Andhra Pradesh.

By using the Aadhaar in conjunction with technology such as POS machines and Android tablets equipped with fingerprint scanners, they have been able to completely revamp the e-PDS system and the pension distribution system. He said that the AP government could save over Rs 1,000 crore in unclaimed ration in 2016 alone.

Other sessions on improving Seeding & Validation of Aadhaar were conducted. Weighing the pros and cons of the Aadhaar system versus other conventional options, Mr K.R. Suresh, DIG, Indian Coast Guard, also discussed the application of Aadhaar in coastal security.
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 Modi and Mufti, a section of BJP leaders talk of undercurrents within the coalition.
Though the DPI started the online lottery system on Friday evening, parents received SMSs on the status of their applications and the schools allotted to their children only on Saturday morning.

Bengaluru: A day after the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) conducted a lottery to allot 1.29 lakh free seats in private schools across the state under Right to Education (RTE), majority of students and parents were confused on Saturday.

With DPI offices closed on Saturday for Basava Jayanti and parents having nowhere to go to seek clarification, wild rumours were doing the rounds over the social media alleging large scale malpractices in the seat allotment process. Though the DPI started the online lottery system on Friday evening, parents received SMSs on the status of their applications and the schools allotted to their children only on Saturday morning.

In Bengaluru, as the number of applications for RTE seats are nearly the double the number of seats available, many parents were anxious about the future of their children. I had applied for five schools, but my child has not got admission in any of them. I am in a fix as admission in all these nearby schools are over. I am left with the option of admitting my child either in a government school or a BBMP school, said Ms Saraswati Murthy, a resident of Chandra Layout.

Many parents alleged that their children have been allocated seats in schools that were listed as their last choice. My child has been allocated a seat in an Urdu school. I selected the school as the fifth choice by mistake, assuming that our child would get the first or second choice of schools, said Mr Rathakala Ameen, a daily wage worker from Basavanagudi.

But most of the parents complained that their wards did not get the seats at all. The government should have ensured that all schools in the city share RTE seats. Minority schools are excluded from the RTE quota. Also, many schools in the city have got exemption in the name of linguistic and religious minority etc. The government is responsible for this fiasco, said Mr Lokesh Kambar, another parent.

Why allotments on Public holiday?

On Saturday, the day after RTE seats were allocated through an online lottery system, the Department of Public Instruction offices were closed across the state as it was Basava Jayanti. The helplines too were not working, sending the parents into a tizzy.

Ideally, the government should have announced the lottery results on a day when the government is working and not on a public holiday. Parents now have to wait till Tuesday, as Monday too is a holiday because of Labour Day, to get answers to their queries, said an officer from the education department.

Parents used the social media, but they were further confused as there is lot of wrong information floating on the web, he said.

Parents could not read SMSes: Expert

Mr Nagasimha G. Rao of the RTE Task Force said that they received a lot of

complaints on Saturday. Many parents could not read the contents of the SMSes they received. The state government should have ensured that at least the helplines worked on Saturday, he said.
CHENNAI: Buoyed by its spectacular win in the northern States, the BJP here hopes to aggressively expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu and is determined to test the waters in the local bodies elections by contesting it alone. Politically, the party feels the situation is conducive for it to manoeuvre and reach its goal of capturing power. In the absence of a strong AIADMK leadership and with the DMK not much of a threat, nothing can prevent the BJP from occupying the space, a senior leader in the party said and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modis good governance and pro-people initiatives would increase the partys prospects at the hustings.

But, given its past track record, this would turn out to be a Herculean task for the party. Compared to the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in the past, the BJP has been faring better in the civic bodies polls and probably its confidence of facing the polls alone stems from this status. Time now is propitious for the BJP to come to power in Tamil Nadu. We will contest the local bodies elections alone, declared Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan. The Minister who attended the partys executive meeting in Suchindram in Kanyakumari district and later in Madurai on Saturday, accused the opposition DMK of attempting to destroy AIADMK.

It did not succeed in its earlier attempt when MGR was at the helm of affairs in the AIADMK. But now both the Dravidian parties are vanishing. Now the era of BJP is all set to begin, he added. According to an insider, the DMK wanted to rake the controversy over the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavation at Keezhadi to gain mileage but the Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma took the wind out the DMK sails when he visited Sivaganga on Friday. 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 government or Ministry work will stop, he had said apparently referring to DMK working president M. K. Stalin who earlier this year wrote to Mr. Mahesh Sharma seeking his intervention to resume excavation at Keezhadi.
Razzak, a resident of Pakistan's Kasur district, had inadvertently crossed the International Border on Saturday afternoon. (Photo: PTI/Representational Image)

Jalandhar: The BSF on Sunday handed over a 15-year-old boy to Pakistani authorities after he inadvertently crossed into India in Punjab's Abohar sector, an official said.

The boy was apprehended by BSF personnel on Saturday afternoon near the sector's Sovarwali check-post, senior BSF spokesperson (Punjab Frontier) R S Kataria said.

Razzak, a resident of Pakistan's Kasur district, had inadvertently crossed the International Border, he said.

The BSF contacted the Pakistan Rangers and the boy was handed over to them on Sunday, he said.

Kataria said the boy was the seventh person to be sent back to Pakistan on humanitarian grounds this year.
An Iraqi commander expects to dislodge Islamic State from Mosul in May despite resistance from militants in the densely populated Old City district, Reuters reported.

The battle should be completed "in a maximum of three weeks", the army's chief of staff, Lieutenant General Othman al-Ghanmi, was quoted as saying by state-run newspaper al-Sabah on Sunday.

A U.S.-led international coalition is providing air and ground support for the offensive in Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, which fell to hardline Sunni Muslim fighters in June 2014.

Islamic State has lost most of the city since the offensive began in October and is now surrounded in the northwestern districts, including the historic Old City center.

The United Nations believes up to half a million people remain in the area, 400,000 of whom are in the Old City with little food, water and medicine.

The militants have dug in among the civilians, often launching deadly counter-attacks to repel forces closing in on the Old City's Grand al-Nuri Mosque, from where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria.

The hardline group persecuted non-Sunni communities and inflicted harsh punishments on Sunnis who do not abide by its extreme interpretation of Islam.
Sukma: Following the Sukma incident, wherein as many as 25 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in the encounter with the Maoists, all Road Opening Party (ROP) duties of the security forces' personnel in Maoist-affected areas has been suspended for two weeks.

"The Road Opening Party (ROP) duties have been suspended for next two weeks across Bastar. We will concentrate on operations now and all the forces will be engaged in that only," Special Director General of Police, Naxal Ops D.M. Awasthi told ANI.

The security forces in the region would hit back at the Naxals in the next few days based on intelligence inputs.

CRPF, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Border Security Force would start counter-insurgency operations in the region in the next 48-72 hours, Hindustan Times reported.

We will concentrate on operations now and all the forces will be engaged in that only, HT quoted DM Awasthi, special director general (Naxal operations), as saying.

It's reported that more than five-seven thousand security personnel are engaged in the ROP duty across Bastar in a day at a time. As many as 30,000 jawans are working in seven districts of Bastar.

The 74th CRPF Battalion was on an ROP duty to guard the road and an under-construction bridge when the Sukma ambush took place, CRPF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) D.P. Upadhyay said.

As many as 90 CRPF jawans were a part of the ROP when they were attacked by the Maoists.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said the government had taken as a challenge the killing of CRPF personnel and vowed that no one will be spared.

The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister has called for concrete strategy to counter such attacks, while expressing grief over the death of jawans.
Egyptian Eman Ahmed, 36, who was the heaviest woman in the world at 500-plus kg until a few months ago. (Photo: Save Eman blog)

Mumbai: Muffazal Lakdawala, the bariatric surgeon who treated the Egyptian national Eman Ahmed for obesity, on Saturday described her family's 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 in Mumbai 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.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Lakdawala used the Sanskrit phrase "Vinashkale Viprit Buddhi" (wrong thinking at a time of difficulty) to describe the family's decision to shift her.

"I think it is "Vinashkale....", Lakdawala said, adding that Shaimaa was making allegations at somebody else's instance.

"At my first press conference I had made it clear that I had not promised Eman's 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 Eman's family that I'm 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 family's 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 family's 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.

On Saturday, the hospital authorities had filed a complaint against Shaimaa with police for obstructing Eman's treatment. However, the police didn't register any case.

Shaimaa had alleged last week that Saifee Hospital doctors made "false claims" about her sister's 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.
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.

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions for a ban on triple talaq. The next hearing is slated for May 11. Speaking at a function to mark the Basava Jayanthi 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) opposing a blanket ban on the practice, accusing the Modi government of trying to kill the countrys plurality.

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 has viewed Mr Modi with suspicion. Mr 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.
New Delhi: In a fresh blow to ousted AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran, who is under the scanner in an alleged bribery case, the Delhi Crime Branch has recovered his five bank accounts from Chennai through which transactions of huge amount have been carried out.

As per sources, most of the amounts were paid to a hawala operator. Dinakaran's chartered accountant will be called by the crime branch for questioning in the matter.

The crime branch officials have also recovered mobile phone of Sukesh Chandrashekhar from Chennai and also found the details of communication between Sukesh and Dinakaran.

Dinakaran was brought back to Delhi on Saturday by the Delhi Crime Branch for further questioning in the bribery case.

The Delhi Police had also questioned several men suspected to have been linked to the money trail in the case. On the other hand, the Crime Branch police personnel grilled some others who allegedly had knowledge of the money transaction.

Earlier on Friday, a Delhi Court sent alleged middleman Chandrashekhar to judicial custody till May 12 and Hawala operator Naresh Jain in connection with a bribery case to police remand till April 30.

Dinakaran had reportedly, through Chandrashekhar, had 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 Janardhanan, sources stated.

During his third day of interrogation by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police on Saturday, 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.
The Union Minister also informed the people of the country that the historic Real Estate Act, 2016 comes into force from Monday on the occasion of labours day. (Photo: File)

Hyderabad: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to not politicize the burning issue of triple talaq, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday echoed similar sentiments and asserted that the controversial practice has no sanction in Shariat.

Addressing the press conference in Hyderabad, Naidu said, "triple talaq is a matter of right of equality and right of women to live with dignity. It should not be politicized. I appeal to all political parties to take a resolve to put an end to negative politics."

The Union Minister also informed the people of the country that the historic Real Estate Act, 2016 comes into force from Monday on the occasion of labours day.

"This is a landmark legislation becoming a reality nine years after regulation of real estate sector was first mooted in 2008," Naidu said.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday appealed to the Muslim community to find for 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' was the motto of his government and it would fulfill the promises made to the people without any discrimination.

However, the Congress accused Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya BJP of politicising the triple talaq issue and urged the former not politicise such issues which can possibly divide the country.

Congress leader Madhu Goud Yaskhi said that since the BJP has come to power, they craftily go after issues which are bound to cause divisiveness.

"Sometime he (PM Modi) talks about kabristan-shamshan ghat and sometimes Diwali-Ramzan and now he is talking about triple talaq. You are not the Prime Minister of one religion and one community but the PM of this country. So, he should think that the country is first. Please don't politicise the issue which divides the country," Yaskhi said.

Resonating similar views, the Samajwadi Party criticized the former saying that he should also speak up on other issues which are being faced by the Muslim women.

"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," said Azam Khan.
New Delhi: Intelligence and security agencies are closely tacking all developments related to underworld don Dawood Ibrahims health condition with reports suggesting that he suffered a massive heart attack a few days ago.

Sources claimed they had credible information that Dawood is facing major health issues over the last few weeks and is undergoing treatment at an Army hospital in Karachi under tight security. Indias most wanted gangster, sources added, is enjoying full support from government agencies in Pakistan as he was being attended to by Army doctors.

We have information that he has health complications, and is receiving treatment in Pakistan. The agencies are monitoring developments as the issues remains important for Indias internal security. His health could well be the reason that Dawood has restricted his movement over the past few months and is mostly based in Karachi now, a senior intelligence official said.

Dawood, the mastermind behind the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, has been declared a designated global terrorist by the UN.
New Delhi: The South Asia Satellite will be launched on May 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday, describing it as Indias priceless gift to its neighbours as part of the sabka sath, sabka vikas concept.

Seven out of eight SAARC countries are a part of the project which Pakistan refused to join as it did not want the gift from India.

We have always attempted to move ahead with the concept of sabka sath, sabka vikas (cooperation of all, development for all), Modi said in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

The concept of sabka sath, sabka vikas is not confined to India but is relevant globally too, especially in the context of the neighbourhood, he said.

There should be cooperation of our neighbours and there should be development of our neighbours too, he said.

On May 5, India will launch the South Asia Satellite. The benefits of this satellite will go a long way in meeting the developmental needs of the countries participating in this project, the Prime Minister said.

Describing it as a priceless gift from India, he said the project is a significant step towards promoting cooperation with the entire South Asia.

This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia...The satellite of South Asia will help in the overall development of the entire region, Modi said.

The benefits will be in the areas of mapping of natural resources, tele-medicine, education, IT connectivity and people-to-people links, he said.

He thanked the countries which became part of this project. These countries, besides India, are Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan.

Soon after taking over as the Prime Minister in 2014, Modi had made a unilateral proposal of India launching the satellite whose data would be shared with the eight SAARC countries for their development.

Initially, it was to be named as SAARC Satellite but its name was changed to South Asia Satellite after Pakistan refused to join the project.

Basically, the satellite is meant for providing communication and disaster support, connectivity among the countries of South Asia region.

It will provide a significant capability to each of the participating countries in terms of DTH, certain VSAT capacity plus linking among the states for both disaster information transfer and also in terms of library type of things.

The satellite was initially proposed to be launched in December last year but it got delayed.
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir governments recent harsh move of imposing a blanket ban on 22 social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp in the restive Kashmir Valley for a period of one month or till further orders has virtually failed.

A vast majority of the users are now accessing these platforms through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Initially, it was the Internet-savvy generation of the Valley which quickly turned to free VPN to bypass the ban.

Over the past three days, more and more people have switched to VPNs which not only allowed to bypass censorship but also kept all online activities confidential which in turn has made a mockery of the official ban.

Some countries, including China which practice Internet censorship have banned VPNs to maintain a birds eye view on all online movements made by their citizens and also to control the information they have access to by censoring websites.

VPN is considered as the most efficient and effective way to anonymously surf online as it is a key element that helps one to become invisible.

It can effectively unblock online television websites, easily access websites that are geographically restricted, independently secure all sensitive information and bypass a countrys web censorship.

Jammu and Kashmir's Home Department issued a formal order asking the Internet service providers (ISPs) to stop transmission of 22 networking sites in Kashmir with immediate effect, but failed to enforce the ban completely as the subscribers had access to these sites and applications directly or through the use of VPN.

Though the telecom companies and other service providers have now succeeded in prevailing over the technical hitches that were making the task difficult for them, the people have already made the ban irrelevant by switching to VPNs.

An official statement issued in the winter capital Jammu on Wednesday had said that the social media and other sites have been banned in the Valley "in the interest of maintenance of public order" and that the order to this effect was issued by the government in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section-5 of the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 read with the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2007.

The order directed all ISPs that any message or class of messages to or from any person or class of persons relating to any subject, or any pictorial content through the social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, QQ, We Chat, Qzone, Tumbir, Google+, Baidu, Skype, Viber, Line, Snapchat, Pinterest, Telegram, Reddit, Snapfish, You Tube (upload), Vine, Xanga, Buzznet and Flickr shall not be transmitted in the Kashmir Valley, with immediate effect, for a period of one month or till further orders.

The order signed by the Principal Secretary to the government (Home Department) had warned that any violation shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of law.

It claimed that as per available inputs, over a period of time, a progressively increasing trend has been witnessed with regard to misuse of social media, like Facebook and Twitter "by the elements inimical to public order and tranquility, thereby impinging on public safety, particularly in the Kashmir Valley".

The Internet services have been banned in the state on several occasions earlier also but it is for the first time that the State Home Department has issued formal orders to proscribe social and other related media.
Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday urged the people of the state to step forward for ' Gau Raksha' (protection of cows), citing it is not possible by mere sloganeering.

"Raising 'Gau Mata ki Jai' slogans is not enough. We should also take initiative for the protection of cows," said Adityanath, addressing public after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coordination meeting in Gorakhpur.

Adityanath starts his day with his ritualistic practice of feeding cows and calves in the cowshed of his parliamentary constituency. For over two decades, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister has devotedly observing the practice of feeding the cows.

'Gauseva' or the 'service of cows' has been a part of the 44-year old priest's regimen for several years during which he has developed a bond of affection with many of them.

Earlier, talking to the media, he said, "Cows are also required in religious rituals of the Hindus. Cowsheds will be promoted in all the districts. The Central Government is also promoting cowsheds in UP and other states. We will take assistance of the central government in setting up cowsheds and dairies."

On March 22, Adityanath also directed police officials to prepare an action plan for the closure of illegal slaughter houses across the state. He also ordered a blanket ban on smuggling of cows and said zero tolerance would be exercised in this regard.
Thiruvananthapuram: A youth from Kerala, who had allegedly joined the Islamic State group last year, has been killed in a battle with the American forces in Afghanistan.

According to reports, BC Rehman, a close relative of Mohammad Hafeezuddin who was killed in a drone attack earlier this year, received a message on WhatsApp about the death of Bestin Vincent. The message was sent by Ashfak Majeed, who is also absconding.

Yahya (Bestin), whom you all consider a Jew have become martyr Inshaallah. It was in frontline of war against American Kufrs (Infidels), the message read.

Vincent, a Christian boy from Palakkad, assumed the name Yahya after converting to Islam along with his wife Merrin. Vincent, Merrin alias Mariam and 19 others had last year fled to Khorasan province of Afghanistan, which is controlled by ISIS.

A senior National Investigation Agency (NIA) official told The Hindu that the message was sent in Malayalam. The NIA has contacted other agencies in Afghanistan to confirm the claims, the official said.

The Kochi city police had last year registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Vincent. This was after Ebin Jacob, brother of Merrin, gave a statement before the police that the duo forced him to get converted to Islam and join the terrorist organisation.
Tornadoes ripped through an East Texas county on Saturday evening, killing at least four people and injuring dozens of others, while high winds, falling trees and floods killed five others in neighboring states, Reuters reported.

Three tornadoes were confirmed by the U.S. National Weather Service in Canton, a city about 60 miles (95 kilometers) east of Dallas in Van Zandt County.

The winds flipped over cars, snapped trees, destroyed houses and left roads strewn with debris and fallen power lines, according to photographs and video published by the Dallas Morning News.

"We have at least four fatalities," Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said at a news conference on Sunday, adding that number could rise. "The damage was extensive in the affected area. It is heartbreaking and upsetting." Forty nine people had been treated for injuries, she said.

Earlier a Canton fire department captain said he believed five people had been killed.

The mayor urged people to stay away from a sprawling flea market known as First Monday Trade Days, as crews tried to clean up debris.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed a search and rescue team to the area.

The storms caused floods in neighboring states, killing a 72-year-old woman in southwestern Missouri who was washed away in her car, according to local media reports.

In Arkansas, a woman was killed when a tree fell on her mobile home in DeWitt, and a 10-year-old girls was killed after flood waters swept her away in Springdale, ABC News reported. A fire chief responding to the storm was killed on Sunday in Cleburne County, the county sheriff said.

In Mississippi, a person was killed after a tree fell on their house in Durant, ABC reported.

The governors of Missouri and Oklahoma declared states of emergency due to flooding.

In the St. Louis area, severe thunderstorms were forecast through Sunday. Some people were told to evacuate and 33 rescues were conducted, mostly in the state's central and southwestern regions, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens said.

Parts of Indiana received up to 8 inches (20 cm) of rain while areas in Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas were drenched with up to 4 inches (10 cm), James said.

Heavy rainfall in the Midwest was expected to continue on Sunday, along with wind gusts of 60 miles (95 km) per hour.

Flash floods and strong thunderstorms were forecast for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama on Sunday, the National Weather Service said.
Lucknow: UP minister Swami Prasad Maurya has created a major controversy with his shocking statement on triple talaq.

We are against the practice of triple talaq which has no basis. Muslim men resort to triple talaq to satisfy their lust by changing wives. These men force their own wives and children to beg on the streets, he said.

The minister made this remark at a private function in Basti district on Friday night. The All India Muslim Womens Personal Law Board, on Saturday, demanded the resignation of Mr Maurya for making the statement.

AIMWPLB president, Shaista Amber told reporters, On one hand, the Muslim women are fighting for justice and this minister makes such obnoxious statements. He should be given strict punishment and should be sacked from his post. I would appeal to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to send Maurya to a mental asylum.
New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday accused Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising the triple talaq issue and urged the Prime Minister to not politicise matters that can possibly divide the country.

Congress leader Madhu Goud Yaskhi told ANI that since the BJP has come to power, they craftily go after issues that are bound to cause divisiveness.

"Sometime he (PM Modi) talks about kabristan-shamshan ghat and sometimes Diwali-Ramzan and now he is talking about Triple Talaq. You are not the Prime Minister of one religion and one community but the PM of this country. So, he should think that the country is first. Please don't politicise the issue which divides the country," Yaskhi said.

Echoing similar views, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja urged Modi to speak on larger issues keeping in view all religion and community.

"Nobody should politicise this triple talaq issue. There are sections among Muslims who disapprove triple talaq who consider that it is not according to the Quran, they themselves admits it. The fundamental issue is how to empower women, how to ensure gender equality. PM should speak on this larger issue keeping in view all religion and community," he said.

Prime Minister Modi yesterday appealed to the Muslim community to find for 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' was the motto of his government and it would fulfill the promises made to the people without any discrimination.
New Delhi: The decision to get rid of red beacons is aimed at removing the VIP culture from the mindset of certain people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday and added that the concept should be replaced with "EPI", meaning "Every Person is Important".

A day before the government decision on red beacons comes into effect, he underlined that all the 125 crore people of the country have equal value and importance.

"I did not know that people have so much contempt for the VIP culture before we took the decision recently banning use of red beacons on vehicles of ministers and others," he said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

He said the red beacon had become a symbol of VIP culture which had creeped the mindset of those using it.

"Experience shows that though the red beacon would be used atop a vehicle, gradually the VIP culture would go to the head of those using it and it would lead to a mindset of VIP culture.

"Although the 'lal batti' is gone now, nobody can claim that because of this, the VIP culture which has gone into the mindset would have also gone," Modi said.

He said getting rid of red beacon was an administrative decision but efforts have to be made to remove the VIP culture from the mindset also.

"If we all make concerted efforts jointly, this also can go (from the mindset)," he added.

The Prime Minister said his government's concept of 'New India' is that instead of 'VIP', importance to 'EPI' culture should increase.

"When I say EPI instead of VIP, the meaning is clear -- Every Person is Important. Every person has value and importance. If we recognise the importance of 123 crore citizens of the country, imagine the big strength that the country will have in fulfilling the grand dreams. We all have to do it together," he said.
New Delhi: Ahmed Mohammed, 38, who had turned up at the Delhi airport on April 28 and claimed to be a spy for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), made up the story to get asylum in India, government officials said on Saturday.

Indian officials sought information from sources in Dubai and other friendly intelligence sources to ascertain the veracity of Mohammed's claims, Hindustan Times reported. "He is basically a bookie. He was a cloth trader till 2015, and is only a 10th pass, one Intelligence Bureau (IB) source told HT.

"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," he added.

It was also reported that Mohammed held a Pakistani passport, which showed his date of birth as July 9, 1978 and that he is a resident of Gulshan Colony, Faisalabad, in Pakistan.

Muhammad Ahmad Sheikh Muhammad Rafiq, a Pakistani passport holder, approached a help desk at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and told an official at the counter that he wanted to share information about Pakistan's intelligence agency, Inter-Service Intelligence or ISI.

Although there have been situations where foreign spies had approached Indian missions abroad. But Mohammed is not in violation of any law in India.

"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," a senior intelligence official, who had worked for the Pakistan desk told HT.

This situation sent the Indian intelligence agencies in a tizzy, since none of these situation apply to Mohammed.

This incident occurred shortly after Pakistan sentenced the alleged Indian spy, Kulbhushan Jadhav to death for espionage. India has denied all charges.
The railways in its submission contended that their customer care does not guarantee that passengers would be woken up. (Photo: File/Representational Image)

Bhopal: The Betul district consumer dispute redressal forum has directed the central railway to pay Rs. 5,000 for not alerting a passenger who had registered for the wake-up call service.

The forum presided by Virendra S Patidar also asked it to pay Rs 2,000 as litigation costs to Girish Garg, an advocate by profession.

The incident took place on June 13, 2015 when Advocate Garg had boarded Coimbatore-Jaipur Superfast Express (12969) from Betul station around 2.05 pm.

"I contacted customer care of the railways on number 139 and requested them to wake me up before I reach my destination Kota at 1.40 am the next day," Advocate Garg (48) said.

The customer care executive registered my request and assured to wake me up, he said.

But, he said no one woke him up. "Luckily, at the eleventh hour, I woke up on my own and in a hurry alighted from the train at Kota station," he added.

"After this, I approached the consumer forum seeking Rs. 20,000 from the railways for the mental harassment caused to me," Advocate Garg said.

The railways in its submission contended that their customer care does not guarantee that passengers would be woken up.
Stalin urged PM to ensure Tamil Nadu has a legitimate and stable government which functions with the full powers of every state govt as enshrined in the Constitution. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: DMK working president M K Stalin on Sunday accused the Central Government of harboring 'bias' towards the other faction of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.

"It is now crystal clear that it is the hand of the BJP, which is in control of the Centre, which is directing this blindly one-sided application of 'Selective Raids' and 'Selective Arrests' against one faction of the AIADMK, by turning a blind eye and allowing strong incriminating evidence against the other faction of the AIADMK to gather dust," Stalin said in a video posted on his Twitter account.

In the two minute video, Stalin blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for not investing even one percent on trying to solve the real problem facing the people of Tamil Nadu.

"In a desperate bid to rapidly gain foothold in Tamil Nadu, why has the BJP govt. responded to low tactics like raiding sitting state ministers, intimidating IAS officers to the extent that they have totally paralyzed the State Government?" he asked

Stalin urged Prime Minster Narendra Modi to ensure Tamil Nadu has a legitimate and stable government which functions with the full powers of every state government as enshrined in the Constitution.

"Prime Minister Modi should put an immediate end to the selective usage of agencies like the IT Dept, ED and the CBI, which are being used for the political benefit of the BJP," Stalin appealed.

The Tamil Nadu Government remains paralyzed ever since former chief minister Jayalalithaa was first admitted in the hospital September 22, 2016.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday suspected a political conspiracy hatched by a few leaders behind the ransacking of the Khammam market yard on Friday to malign the government.

Refusing the Opposition demand for a special discussion on the farmers not getting remunerative prices for chilli, red gram and turmeric in the state before the House takes up discussion on Land Amendment Bill on Sunday, Mr Rao said that he knew who were behind Fridays incident and said that he would expose the conspiracy. If needed, cases will be booked against those involved in the incident, Mr Rao said, during the Business Advisory Committee meeting held on Saturday evening in Speaker S. Madhusudana Charys chambers.

The meeting was attended by Floor leaders of Opposition parties. Mr Rao said he would make public everything at an appropriate time and asked the Opposition not to insist on special discussion as House was being convened only for adopting Land Acquisition Amendment Bill to incorporate suggestions made by the Centre.

Meanwhile, minister T. Srinivas Yadav said farmers should not be swayed by the Opposition dongalu (thieves) who, he said, were trying to fan violence for narrow political gains.

In an equally strong statement, Roads and Buildings minister Tummala Nageswara Rao lashed out at TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy, asking whether he was an idiot or leader.

Mr Nageswara Rao said that the TRS government has provided unstinted support to farmers which no other government in the past have done it. He also took a dig at Union labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya, saying he has no knowledge about agriculture.
Hyderabad: Amid din by main Opposition Congress members, the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Saturday passed an Amendment Bill to the Land Acquisition Act passed by it in December last year.

The special one-day sitting, called to amend the Land Acquisition Act, concluded in just about 10 minutes without much debate.

The amendments to the Act were taken up following a suggestion from the Centre.

As the House met for the day, Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, who handles revenue and related portfolios, moved the Bill.

Congress members, who were holding placards, stood up and tried to raise an issue (on farmers problems).

Noting that the Amendment Bill was taken up in the Assembly as per a directive from the President, Speaker S Madhusudanachary asked the Congress members to resume their seats and speak on the Bill.

As Congress members refused to comply, the Speaker asked AIMIM member Ahmed Pasha Quadri to speak.

When the MIM member began to speak, but the Congress members raised slogans and some of them entered the well of the House. They were stopped from moving ahead by the marshalls.

Saying that the Congress members appeared not keen on speaking on the Bill, Legislative Affairs Minister T Harish Rao said the Bill be passed.

Mahmood Ali urged that the Bill be passed and the Speaker took up the procedures to pass the Bill. He announced the passage of the Bill and adjourned the House sine die.

Opposition BJP and TDP were not part of the proceedings as they were suspended from the House earlier.

Talking to reporters after the House was adjourned, Leader of Opposition (Congress) K Jana Reddy alleged that the government adopted an undemocratic and dictatorial attitude in not allowing his party members to raise farmers' problems.

Favouring conducting social impact assessment in the process of land acquisition, Congress MLA and state unit president N Uttam Kumar Reddy said his party would meet President Pranab Mukherjee to urge him not to accept the Bill.

Countering Congress allegations, Deputy Chief Minister (Education) K Srihari found fault with the Congress members for not participating in the debate on the Bill.

The government is ready to address concerns in the interests of farmers if the Congress pointed out any shortcomings in the Bill, he said.

Meanwhile, Opposition BJP members held a protest, before the Assembly proceedings began, for not allowing them to attend the Assembly.

It was undemocratic to not allow them to attend the Assembly though they were suspended in the previous sitting when the Bill for increasing reservation to backward sections among Muslims and STs was passed, the BJP members said.
Sexual violence against women is a pressing matter, one that continues to worsen. Womens rights activist Aasha Ramesh talks to Joyeeta Chakravorty about how the change needs to begin at home and in school with sex education and gender awareness made part of the education system.

Activist Aasha Ramesh waits quietly at a cafe in the scorching summer heat. A well-known champion of women's rights, who is part of the national resource group for National Rural Livelihood Mission for gender training, is also a member of the advisory committee for drafting the State Policy for the Empowerment of Women.

"Let's talk about this burning issue over a cup of cold coffee," she smiles, as she discusses her thoughts on the growing numbers of sexual crimes against women.

"Now and then, you find officers in the Education Department who are concerned about gender sensitisation and manage to change a few rules in its favour. However, when the leave, the rules change again. What we need is for this sensitivity to prevail and for the issue to be incorporated with the educational structure in our country," she said.

Sex education in schools has been a longstanding demand as far as activists are concerned although little progress has been made on this front, save for, as Aasha mentioned, the occasional sympathetic officer. "All schools need to offer sex education, including those run privately. That sexual harassment only takes place in schools is a misconception we need to rid ourselves of as soon as possible."

Dressed elegantly in a bright green top and a skirt, she pauses in a sudden moment of sympathy for the woes of the journalist, what with the heat and the traffic! "It's remarkable how much this city has changed," she said. "I remember how we used to cycle from home to college without having to worry about a thing. Which brings me to another point - given the atmosphere of the time, the need for sex education in schools is even more pressing now than it used to be."

Aasha, who is currently occupied in another bit of research involving women's rights, has travelled the country extensively through her work. Have any other cities made more headway with safety for women? The situation is the same everywhere. We need to mould the children in their formative years to make them more conscious, aware and respectful of one another. Men need to grow into responsible citizens who don't believe in holding society responsible for their masculine demands by molesting or using physical force against the opposite sex. That's why it's important to start young, moulding children in their formative years to make them more conscious, aware and respectful of each other.

Sex education is important but it is imperative that it be presented appropriately. "The module has to be developed in such a way that men understand their responsibilities and realise that women cannot be reduced to sexual objects. This machoism attitude needs to be broken down. Unfortunately, we live in a city where every incident is followed by a blame-game, with the girl invariably bearing the brunt."

Where does one begin? Progress is nearly impossible without government support and changes at the policy level. "The onus lies on the state, if it wants to create a violence-free environment," Aasha agrees. "Parent-teacher meetings should take place regularly as well. Often, parents from more affluent homes also resist the thought of their children being exposed to issues that concern sexuality," she remarked, adding firmly that parents in rural areas are far more open to discussing these matters.

Aasha concludes with a smile, "I hope you can grow old in a society which does not report of such gory crimes and violence against women.
Hyderabad: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to not politicize the burning issue of Triple Talaq, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday echoed similar sentiments and asserted that the controversial practice has no sanction in Shariat.

Addressing the press conference in Hyderabad, Naidu said, "Triple Talaq is a matter of right of equality and right of women to live with dignity. It should not be politicized. I appeal to all political parties to take a resolve to put an end to negative politics," he said.

The Union Minister also informed the people of the country that the historic Real Estate Act, 2016 comes into force from tomorrow on the occasion of labours day.

"This is a landmark legislation becoming a reality nine years after regulation of real estate sector was first mooted in 2008," Naidu said.

Modi had on Saturday appealed to the Muslim community to find a proper solution to end the controversial practice of triple talaq.

Addressing the Basva festival, 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' was the motto of his government and it would fulfill the promises made to the people without any discrimination.

However, the Congress accused Modi and the Bharatiya BJP of politicising the triple talaq issue and urged the former not politicise such issues which can possibly divide the country.

Congress leader Madhu Goud Yaskhi told ANI that since the BJP has come to power, they craftily go after issues which are bound to cause divisiveness.

"Sometime he (PM Modi) talks about kabristan-shamshan ghat and sometimes Diwali-Ramzan and now he is talking about Triple Talaq. You are not the Prime Minister of one religion and one community but the PM of this country. So, he should think that the country is first. Please don't politicise the issue which divides the country," Yaskhi said.

Resonating similar views, the Samajwadi Party criticized the former saying that he should also speak up on other issues which are being faced by the Muslim women.

"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," said Azam Khan.
Anti-Daesh coalition forces are patrolling the Turkey-Syria border in the wake of Turkey's counter-terrorism operation in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) told Anadolu Agency on Saturday.

"Coalition forces are conducting joint patrols along the northeastern Syria-Turkey border to assess reports from both the SDF and Turkey regarding skirmishes and cross-border fires between their respective security forces," the statement said, referring to U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces.

The purpose is "to discourage escalation and violence between two of our most trusted partners in the fight to defeat" Daesh, the statement said, adding that all parties in the region should remain focused on defeating the terror group.

Forty terrorists were killed at Iraqs Mt. Sinjar, and another 49 at Syrias Mt. Karacok in April 25 airstrikes by Turkish forces against the PKK and its Syrian offshoots, PYD and YPG.

The U.S. cooperates with YPG fighters among SDF ranks, which Ankara protests.

The Turkish military said the strikes, of which local governments as well as the U.S. and Russia had been notified, were meant to prevent the PKK from sending terrorists, arms, ammunition, and explosives to Turkey.

Ankara on Wednesday offered condolences to Kurdish Regional Government President Masoud Barzani over the deaths of up to six Peshmerga troops in the airstrikes.

The U.S. expressed concern about the deaths, saying that the operation lacked coordination with the rest of the coalition.
New Delhi: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday arrived in New Delhi kickstarting his two-day visit to India.

This will be his first visit to the country as the Turkish President. Notably, he recently won a referendum on April 16 which gave him more executive powers as the President.

He will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Monday.

Economic ties, cooperation in the fight against terrorism and talk on Turkey's support to India in its bid to become a member of the coveted Nuclear Supplier's Group are expected to dominate the bilateral talks.

After a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday, President Erdogan will also lay wreath at the Rajghat, MEA sources said here

His official engagements also include a call on by Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj. He will also attend a Business Event and interact with industry captains.

During his stay, there will be also a conferment of the Honorary Degree on President Erdogan by the Jamia Milia Islamia University.

Erdogan had visited India in 2008, when he was the prime minister. After eleven years as the Prime Minister, he was elected President in 2014.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has directed security agencies to ensure that he be provided the highest security cover in the wake of threats from the ISIS.

The IB has even demanded that his aircraft be guarded at all times during his stay in the capital.

A special request to allow officers deployed for his personal security to carry weapons has also been placed.
Malappuram: Six days after the Supreme Court verdict to reinstate senior Police officer T.P Senkumar as the state Police Chief, the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said that appropriate decision would be taken after examining the details of the verdict. He was speaking after a meeting of senior Police officers at the district Police Headquarters here.

We have already made it clear that Supreme Court verdict is final and there is no confusion in it. But an appropriate decision regarding this would be taken only after examining all aspects of the judgment, Pinarayi said. He also said that the SC order cannot be implemented in haste after the verdict delivered.
Palakkad: Two youths from Palakkad, who had reportedly joined the ISIS, have died in Syria and Afghanistan. Abu Tahir of Puthuppariyaram here had disappeared in 2013 from Qatar and was in Syria, according to NIA sources. He died in the US bombings on April 4, as per a text message received by his uncle in Qatar. Yahiya of Yakkara in Palakkad, who had left the country along with his brother Isa and their wives to join the ISIS in July last year, died in Afghanistan, according to the message received by his parents on Sunday.

According to NIA sources, 22 persons from Palakkad and Kasargod had gone missing along with Yahiya, Isa and their wives, and joined the ISIS. The south police here told DC that a relative of the person from Kasargod, who had joined the IS, received a message about Yahiyas death. Mr Prateesh Kumar, superintendent of police, Palakkad, told DC that it was up to the NIA to conduct further inquiry and confirm the authenticity of the messages received by the relatives. The local police would provide all information for the NIA, he said.

Tahir had worked as a journalist in Palakkad with a Malayalam daily before he went to Qatar as an accountant. In 2013, he rang up his father working in Saudi Arabia and said he was leaving Qatar in a flight to perform Umrah. That was the last time he spoke to his relatives. Yahiya and Isa had converted from Christianity under the influence of a Salafist group active in Kerala. Yahia married Maria, a former journalist from Kochi, and Isa wed Nimisha Fathima, a dentist and a resident of Thiruvanathapruam (both converts). All the four had left their homes in Palakkad after telling their parents that they were going to Sri Lanka for doing business
The case was registered after Mathew (33) was found hanging from the ceiling of a room in an abandoned barrack in Deolali cantonment here on March 2. (Photo: File)

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has granted anticipatory bail to a woman journalist booked for abetting the suicide of an Army jawan and also under the Official Secrets Act after observing that prima facie no offence is made out against the accused.

Justice Revati Mohite Dere on April 26 granted anticipatory bail to Poonam Agarwal, a senior journalist with The Quint and retired soldier and war veteran Deepchand Singh.

Last month, the Deolali Camp police in Nashik registered a case against Poonam and Deepchand under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including abetment of suicide of the jawan from Kerala, Roy Mathew.

The scribe was also booked under sections 3 (spying) and 7 (interfering with officers of the police or members of the armed forces of Union) of the Official Secrets Act.

According to police, she was booked for violating Army rules by entering prohibited areas and conducting a shoot there.

Agrawal is accused of entering Heig Lines in Deolali camp without the permission of authorities and filming the premises besides carrying out a sting operation on Mathew and other jawans on February 24 in which she is said to have asked leading questions.

The case was registered after Mathew (33) was found hanging from the ceiling of a room in an abandoned barrack in Deolali cantonment here on March 2.

According to police, Mathew featured in the sting operation carried out by Poonam and Deepchand exposing the 'buddy' (Sahayak) system in the Army and had committed suicide over fear and shame.

Poonam and Deepchand approached the high court after a sessions court rejected their anticipatory bail pleas.

Senior counsel Amit Desai, appearing for Poonam, argued that the sting operation was carried out in public interest and to expose the malaise in the Indian Army.

The High Court after hearing the arguments said, "After viewing the said clip, it appears that the purpose of the sting operation was to show that the 'Sahayaks' were made to do menial work like taking their seniors' dogs for walks, taking their seniors' children to schools and so on."

"Prima facie at this stage, taking the prosecution case as it stands it is doubtful whether any offence under IPC or Official Secrets Act is attracted in the peculiar facts of the case," Justice Dere said.

"Merely because the sting operation was done in a prohibited area would not automatically attract provision of the Official Secrets Act," the court said.

The court granted Poonam and Deepchand anticipatory bail on a surety of Rs 25,000 and directed them to appear before the police on three days -May 2, May 3 and May 4 for recording their statement and questioning.

The court also directed Poonam to surrender to the police raw footage of the sting operation.

Mathew had joined the Army 13 years ago and was working as an artillery gunner with the Rocket Regiment 214 in Nashik camp for the last one year.
Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu listens to MRPS chief Manda Krishna Madiga as TS BJP leaders Dr K. Laxman and G. Kishan Reddy look on, in Hyderabad on Sunday. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday ruled out mid- term polls for the Lok Sabha, calling it a rumour.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said the people had given Prime Minister Narendra Modi a mandate to rule for five years and we will complete our full term. There is no second opinion on this; we will go for polls only in 2019 as scheduled. Holding simultaneous polls has nothing to do with mid-term polls, for which we are not ready.

He said asking the BJP cadre to be prepared for 2019 elections from now cannot be construed as a call for mid-term polls.

BJP open to consensus

Prime Minister Modi and BJP president Amit Shah had merely told the party cadre to prepare for the next general election, he said.

Asked if there should be consensus among parties for selection of the countrys next President and Vice President, he said the BJP was not against consensus and would welcome such a move.

Since both are higher Constitutional posts, let there be no politics in this process. I hear Congress president Sonia Gandhi has started gathering opinions from different political parties. Let some suggestions come and we will think about it, he said.

Referring to criticism by Congress leaders of the Prime Minister's appeal to the Muslim community on the triple talaq issue, Mr Naidu said, What is wrong in the Prime Minister asking the Muslim community? It is not a religious issue; it is purely a gender discrimination issue that has been going on for decades and which our Congress friends never tried to resolve.

He insisted it was about the rights of Muslim women and their dignity and not anything else.

Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikharjun Kharge are claiming to be the champions of Muslims. I ask them why they have kept silent all these years. Why did they not open up when there was discrimination of Muslim women? he asked.
Bengaluru: Clearly stung by the open show of rebellion in the party at the Save Organisation rally held in the city, state BJP chief B.S. Yeddyurappa is leaving for Delhi to demand action against senior leader K.S. Eshwarappa and BJP national joint general secretary, Santosh for orchestrating it.

He reportedly plans to carry with him media reports, a copy of the resolution passed by the rebels and a CD of Thursdays meeting. Going by sources, he hopes to meet BJP national president Amit Shah, general secretary, Ram Lal and other senior leaders to complain about the duo, who have become a stumbling block in his march towards the Chief Ministers gaddi. Mr Shah,who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, is expected to return to the capital Monday evening. But far from cowed down by the party chiefs moves, rebel leaders too have sent media reports and a CD of Thursdays meeting to the party high command to show the growing discontent in the state unit. The state president must not forget that for every action there will be an equal and opposite reaction, a BJP MLC said, speaking to Deccan Chronicle.

Before leaving for Delhi, Mr Yeddyurappa warned Mr Eshwarappa that he would invite stringent action if he failed to mend his ways. If party leaders have a problem they should bring it up at a party forum, with Karnataka in-charge, Mu-ralidhar Rao or Mr Amit Shah. Instead, they held a meeting in public and crossed all limits in their speeches. I expect Esh-warappa to mend his way as otherwise I dont how far things will go, he said. Also taking on Mr Santosh, Mr Yeddyurappa clai-med he was responsible for the recent developments in the party. I expect him not to create unnecessary confusion, he stre-ssed, adding A detailed report of Thursdays meeting has been sent to the party high command and I am going to Delhi to discuss this issue with our national leaders. If possible, I will try to meet the national general secretary. Dismissing the rebels charge that he had changed after becoming party president, Mr Yeddyurappa cla-imed this was completely untrue. I have not changed at all and am making aneffort to take everyone along with me in all matters of importance, he maintained.

Meanwhile, MLC D M Veeraiah said there was no move as of now to replace Mr Eshwarappa as opposition leader in the legislative council with senior leader, K B Shanappa. We will first try to convince him. If that does not work, the party high command will take a call. We dont want any confrontation at this stage when the people want the BJP to come to power. I am optimistic that everything will be sorted out at the earliest, he added.

Top brass not keen on acting against rebels?

The top brass of BJP are unlikely to initiate disciplinary action against leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa, though his detractors claim that the leader would pay a price for leading the revolt against state unit president B S Yeddyurappa.

Sources in the party, not linked with rival factions, told Deccan Chronicle that top central leaders would take decisions based on their independent assessment. Central Leaders, who handled crisis within party units in north India, feel this one in Karnataka is not as big as it has been made out to be and therefore does not merit immediate attention. They are confident of resolving it in their own way, sources added.

Asked why central leaders felt this crisis was not major when many party workers here felt it could deprive the party the chances of winning next year's Assembly elections, sources felt the party promised to come out with a poll strategy for Karnataka which could be independent of these leaders. The traditional poll strategy might be dismantled this time. Our leaders are working a new caste-based strategy for Karnataka which is not heavily dependent on one community or a leader. So, it is quite natural that they will ignore the fight between Mr Yeddyurappa and Mr Eshwarappa, sources added.

Mr Eshwarappas prospects of securing a key post might not be bright after Thursdays speech though RSS leaders seem to give him credit for taking on Mr Yeddyurappa. There are many leaders who are as much upset as Mr Eshwarappa. But they are not coming out in the open. He did, sources added.

Sources said neutral leaders and those of RSS are peeved with Mr Yeddyurappa dragging the name of B.L. Santhosh, organising secretary for south India. Mr Santhosh is not for power politics. He is a RSS pracharak first. His services have been given to BJP. He had worked here as state organising secretary when Mr Yeddyurappa quit the party and formed KJP. There is nothing wrong if some workers, on witnessing the impulsive behaviour of Mr Yeddyurappa, feel that Mr Santhosh can lead the government if the party comes to power. But, Mr Yeddyurappa has been projected as CM candidate. Therefore, Mr Santhosh becoming CM does not arise. But Mr Yeddyurappa seems to have developed insecurity about his clout in ticket distribution and other things. That's why he might have mentioned Mr Santhoshs name, sources added.

BJP office typist sacked

An employee of the state BJP office has been removed from his job on charges of working for BJP National Joint Organising Secretary Santosh, who is involved in a running feud with party state president B.S. Yeddyurappa., Mr Mallikarjun, a typist in the party office, was allegedly found working unnecessarily for one of the staff members. He had been accused of typing the resolution and the booklet brought out by rebel leaders for the 'Save Organisation meeting held here on Thursday. Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa defended the removal of Mallikarjun from the post of typist for unnecessarily doing the work of a staff member.
Chennai: The AIADMK (Amma) faction on Sunday said that it wants to settle disputes with the rival faction through dialogue, despite irregularities in the demands quoted by OPS camp.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D. Jayakumar, alleged contradictions in the rival camp, saying that while Panneerselvam had said conducive atmosphere prevailed for the merger talks, others, including former Ministers S. Semmalai and Ma Foi K. Pandiarajan, were making different statements.

... (There are) contradictions among themselves. Our only stand is lets talk, he told reporters in Chennai.

We are clear. Come, sit, talk. We are openly saying that let us settle whatever the disputes might be, he added.

On Saturday, the AIADMK (Amma) group accused the Panneerselvam faction of refusing to come for talks, even as the former said the time was ripe for discussions.

Sticking to their stand, Panneerselvams aide and Rajya Sabha member V Maithreyan had reiterated that AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) faction will concede only if the state government recommends a CBI probe into late Chief Minister Jayalalithaas death

They also demanded party general secretary VK Sasikala, her deputy TTV Dhinakaran and members of her family to be removed from the party.

Only if these demands are met, the talks will happen. We are clear on that, he had said.
Bengaluru: Concerned over the rebellion in the Karnataka unit of BJP, party president Amit Shah has sent general secretary in-charge of the state unit, Muralidhar Rao, to hold talks with the two warring factions.

Mr Rao, who arrived on Saturday, met several leaders at the party office either individually or in groups to hear their views on the recent developments and is expected to submit a detailed report to Mr Shah. Among those he met were MLC, D S Veeraiah, MLA, Ravi Subramanya, Bellary MP, B Sriramulu, Mr G M Siddeshwar, and former MLA, Belur Gopalakrishna. All the men reportedly demanded action against senior leader, K S Eshwarappa and his supporters for their open rebellion, arguing it would tarnish the partys image ahead of the Assembly polls next year.

State BJP chief B.S. Yeddyurappa is said to have, meanwhile, met national general secretary, Ram Lal Saturday morning to explain the rebellion led by Mr Eshwarappa and allegedly engineered by party national joint general secretary, Santosh.

While Mr Shah himself is not in Delhi , but in Jammu to launch a country-wide 95-day tour to strengthen the party ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, going by sources, the party is not in favour of taking disciplinary action against Mr Eshwarappa as it could worsen matters ahead of the 2018 polls.

The high command also appears to think the fault could lie with Mr Yeddyurappa as all those who have complained against him, are loyal party leaders. Sources also reveal that Mr Shah cannot take any action against Mr Santosh as he is a RSS pramukh. Action cannot be taken against Mr Santosh just on the basis of the report submitted by Mr Yeddyurappa, sources added.

However, once Mr Rao submits his report to the high command, both Mr Eshwarappa and Mr Yeddyurappa could be summoned to Delhi and advised to bury the hatchet in the party's interest, they revealed. When contacted, Mr Eshwarappa said he would definitely meet Mr Rao to share his views. I have never said that I will not meet him. This is a canard spread to create confusion among party workers," he charged. Talking to reporters later, former Deputy CM R. Ashok slammed Mr Eshwarappa for creating problems in the party by holding Thursday's rally in Bengaluru.
I am not a hero or villain, but a loyal soldier of my party. I want to ensure we have a government in which our loyal party workers are legislators and not those, who want to join it merely for the sake of money and power. We want Mr Yeddyurappa to train our loyal party workers from now, so they can become a real asset. But unfortunately our state president is surrounded by people, who praise him day and night only to get their work done. So I could not say no when some leaders came to me and asked that I should inaugurate and address the 'Save Organisation' meeting. For me the BJP is like my mother and I will not cheat it till my last breath. Id rather die in this party than join any other.



Mr Yeddyurappa claims BJP national joint general secretary Santosh is the mastermind behind the 'Save Organisation' meeting. What do you think?

It is unforgivable to drag Mr Santosh, who has been a full- time pracharak of our party, into this issue. I dont know why Mr Yeddyurappa thinks he is behind all these developments. Mr Santosh belongs to the RSS and does not meddle in party politics. I want Mr Yeddyurappa to withdraw his statement.



Are you aware that there is a move to remove you from the post of Opposition leader in the Upper House?

Nothing of that sort has come to my notice. Let me tell you that no one can remove me from the post as I have not done anything that has harmed our partys interests. I am optimistic that our high command will not take such a decision.



Don't you think that the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) will take advantage of the infighting in your party?

Yes, they will certainly try to take advantage of it. In the 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress party came to power as the votes split between the BJP and the Karnataka Janata Party. While we got 40 seats, the KJP bagged six and we lost nearly 30 to 40 seats by a close margin. Mr Siddaramaiah became CM because of the contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party and KJP in all assembly segments. This will not happen this time as there is still a year to go for the next state elections.



Do you think that people will vote for the BJP despite all these developments?

Why not? I am always optimistic. I have full confidence that our party leaders will resolve all these issues at the earliest. We will unite again and work day and night to install a BJP government in Karnataka with Mr Yeddyurappa as CM.



But why didyou hold the 'Save Organisation' meeting? Werent you targeting Mr Yeddyurappa?

The meeting was held to provide a forum for loyal party workers to air their grievances as they have been suffering silently for the last year. The BJP is a cadre-based and not an individual-centric party. A number of senior party workers were feeling suffocated, especially after Mr Yeddyurappa became the state president. The rank and file of the party celebrated when our party national president, Amit Shah re-admitted him into the party and declared him as the Chief Ministerial candidate. By he changed drastically and began taking unilateral decisions. He built a coterie and neglected those who have worked for the party for the last 20 to 30 years. So they formed a group to assert themselves. This is not wrong according to me as our party believes in the theory sit , discuss and work together.



Some believe that you do not want Mr Yeddyurappa to become the Chief Minister if the party is voted back to power.

Thats not true. I have never aspired for the Chief Ministers post even in my wildest dreams as our party has given me the opportunity to serve as legislator, Minister, Deputy CM and Opposition leader in the Upper House. Yes, Yeddyurappa and I have fought many times in the past. I was his biggest critic when he quit the Bharatiya Janata Party to launch the Karnataka Janata Party. But at the same time we are good friends and have worked together for many years as we hail from the same district. I, however, dont hesitate to take on anyone who tries to harm the party. I havent been happy with Mr Yeddyurappa's style of functioning for the last year and have told him about this several times both in party meetings and personally. He, however, did not change. And I was shocked when two of our loyal party leaders, Sogadu Shivanna and Nandish were served notices for no fault of theirs. Meanwhile, around 24 sitting and former legislators wrote to him seeking replacement of some district presidents. But he claimed not to have received their letter and began to target them. So they decided to hold a meeting in Bengaluru to bring their plight to the notice of the high command. This would not have happened had Mr Yeddyurappa called a meeting to address their grievances.
Blame Panama. A delayed verdict disrupted our crisis cycle. Instead of a regular dose of crisis, we got a lengthy wait. Nothing, nothing, nothing and then  kaboom.

Its been quite a week. Multiple crises, many players, but one man at the centre of it all: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Hes learning that victory can be sour and the rest of us are learning that a political winner can be a policy loser.

First, the politics. All three of them were in campaign mode this week: Asif Ali Zardari, Imran Khan and Mr Sharif, the three who hold the keys to the next Parliament. (Demand as Mr Zardari and Mr Khan did for Mr Sharif to exit, it was obvious neither of them really believes an early election is on the cards. Yesterday, Mr Sharif confirmed that.)

Mr Zardaris strategy is the easiest to discern  and the weakest. Batter Mr Sharif in speeches and cut deals to assemble blocs of votes via the constituency-type candidate. It wont get him very far. The PPP will try to regain some seats in old stamping grounds in south Punjab and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but the party has an obvious, twin problem: Mr Zardari and KP.

Five years can be a lifetime in politics, but its too short to make folks forget the horrors of government by Mr Zardari. And even if folks were willing to forget, they cant because of Sindh. Sindh, sinned, never again. And even if folks were willing to give the PPP another shot, theres the permanent Karachi operation to scuttle the partys national ambitions. A few well-timed arrests and some middle-of-the-night messengers to favourably inclined candidates would stop any PPP momentum. On to Mr Khan. Master of drawing attention to himself and his message, he was at it again this week. Folks were talking about Mr Khan, folks were talking about bribery and corruption, and folks were wondering about the Sharifs again.

In a week in which the N-League could have further limited the damage from the Panama verdict, Mr Khan produced another sensational claim that sucked all the political oxygen towards the PTI. But the Friday speech revealed a problem: Mr Khan is still one-dimensional.

Go, Mr Sharif, go; resignation and corruption  it does not add up to stellar political maths. Mr Khan is launching an election campaign by demanding Mr Sharif resign  an implicit acknowledgment of PTI failure. Mr Sharif isnt going to resign. For the PTI core, thats an admirable sign of principles and consistency. For everyone outside, its a sign of a politician who doesnt know how to get what he wants.

Elections are forward-looking; Mr Khan is turning everyones gaze backwards. Its not a good start for the PTI. And then theres Mr Sharif. The shots aimed at Mr Khan will delight the base, but the electoral strategy is conventional and time-tested: a combination of delivering reasonably on promises and patronage politics.

Electricity is critical, but the week also illuminated a political reality: the voters desire to get more electricity is greater than his desire to punish a government for not getting it to him sooner.

See how as the N-League frantically pumped more megawatts into the system, the political unrest disappeared. Give him electricity in adequate and regular quantities before election day and the voter wont punish you. Patronage too has a different rhythm. The voter dependent on patronage isnt stupid enough to think that it will flow to them consistently and throughout a governments term. Theres always a surge around election time and the trick, for a political party, is make sure it doesnt drop to unacceptable levels during a governments term. Here, the N-League is facing a bit of a struggle: agriculture and small business in Punjab have been hurting. But youre only as vulnerable as your enemy makes you. The PTIs single-issue politics doesnt exactly do much to expose the N-Leagues patronage trouble and the N-League has a year to pump patronage into the system. PPP starting as an also-ran; PTI tearing out of the gates, but with suspect voter enthusiasm; and the N-League juggernaut having its fate in its own hands. But for all the favourable political winds, the N-League is strangely engulfed in crisis.

Two mistakes captured the problem: the secret Indian meeting and trying to rid itself of an eight-month-old headache quietly over the weekend. Both provoked an instant and fierce response and exposed a critical, though familiar, mistake by Mr Sharif and the N-League: they thought their job was done with the appointment. Having navigated a tricky Raheel exit and installed a chief very different in style, the N-League seems to have switched off. Instead of opening a dialogue with a chief yet to figure out what he wanted to do and what the institution he leads will let him do, the N-League let the new guys work on their own with their own  an intra-institutional learning curve guaranteed to produce suspicion of civilians. Five months later, Mr Sharif is not just locked out of policy, but is again being reminded where his place is. It aint pretty. Then again, it never is.

By arrangement with Dawn
Watches are not rocket science. Or are they? Watches are not rocket...

Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well, thats a shame, because with some watches, youll need one to understand how to tell the time. Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well,...
It has been a steep learning curve for Donald Trump in his first 100 days as Americas President. Typically, he observed the marker by meeting his constituency of blue-collar workers in Pennsylvania while boycotting the hallowed annual White House correspondents dinner, the traditional occasion to let ones hair down, perhaps knowing the barbs that would be aimed at him.

Mr Trump has the lowest popularity rating (42 per cent) than any of his modern predecessors at this stage. But despite all the somersaults he had to undertake in his learning process, he still retains his bluster and narcissism. And, as he told the rally, he has tried to fulfil his domestic promises. He negated the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a key agreement the Obama administration had put together, and scrapped environment protection laws to try and restore prosperity to the Rust Belt, a short-term measure that will go nowhere.

To say Mr Trump is an unusual President is an understatement. He has tapped into the isolationist stream that has been part of American history for more than a century. The America First slogan and a turn inwards goes well with his anti-establishment constituency, but also brought on to American streets hundreds of thousands demonstrating against his anti-environment policies. Mr Trump has failed miserably on two measures he had vigorously campaigned for  repeal of Obamacare health scheme and building a wall on the Mexican border. The first was sabotaged by fellow Republican members in Congress and the latter project withdrawn from a budget that would have shut government financing. He still promises to build the wall in an age when other walls have fallen, and to replace Obamacare with proposals that have fallen between the conservatives desire for free choice and the political consequences of leaving millions out of health coverage.

Its in foreign policy, however, that he has demonstrated his abilities as an acrobat. He declared the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) obsolete, cheered Britains desire to leave the European Union, whose future he described in pessimistic terms, and had for months latched on to China as a rogue trader and currency manipulator.

Once in office, he praised Nato and entertained its chief in Washington, and while clinging to Brexit took a 360-degree turn on China. President Trump wined and dined President XI Jinping and now calls him a friend, and castigates North Korea for not listening to Beijings esteemed leader. He has come to the conclusion, as others before him, that Beijing is the key to resolving the old problem of North Korean nukes and missiles. China, for its part, is governed by its own interests by opposing the North Korean regimes collapse, leading to a reunification of the two Koreas.

Mr Trump lost his national security adviser, Michael Flynn, within months of taking office. And although the Presidents decision to fire missiles at a Syrian base after a chemical attack ascribed to the Bashar al-Assad regime won him plaudits, investigations are still on into Russias alleged role in the US presidential election campaign.

It is clear that Mr Trump, unlike his predecessor, is not a thinking man. His knowledge of international affairs is limited and he acts by instinct, rather than rationality, as for instance on seeing gasping children dying after the gas attack. Mr Trumps propensity to form his worldview on the basis of Fox News television and immediately tweet his conclusion are dreaded by his foreign service team. Indeed, his budget proposals envisage large cuts in the state department and to US contributions to the UN while increasing military spending. His main advisers are former generals of various shapes and sizes.

The essential question for the United States and the world is: Can Mr Trump grow up in his new role? In some respects, he has disciplined himself by reading important statements while at other times he remains the showman, given his reality TV background, eager to take centrestage. A key difference between him and Ronald Reagan, a former actor who was California governor and later President, is that the latter appointed competent Cabinet ministers and left matters to them. Mr Trump, on the other hand, wants to keep a finger in every pie and keeps stirring the pot.

President Trump has got thus far by insulting the media, and relying on social media, particularly Twitter, as a direct method of communication with people. This will provide diminishing returns as, barring black sheep, the American media is a mature institution and is already tabulating his errors and fallacies. He can dismiss much of the criticism as fake news, but his habit of dressing up the truth to suit his political objectives will betray him.

President Trump is also vulnerable on another count. Previous Presidents have also had family members helping them in their official duties. But no President has flaunted his relatives as Mr Trump. His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, a businessman and a rabbi, is his official adviser, while the Presidents daughter Ivanka has an office in the White House West Wing.

Knowing his sensitivities and sudden bursts of rage, foreign governments are honing in on the family to make their number with the Trump administration. The Chinese have cultivated Mr Kushner, who reportedly had business deals with Chinese firms. And German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose official visit to Washington was symbolised by her proffered hand that remained unshaken before the press corps at the White House, invited Ivanka to Berlin for an international gathering of world women leaders.

President Trump has still to find a balance in his new role, which he is discovering each day is vastly different from his deal-making business experience.

His two executive orders barring people from Muslim-majority countries entering the US were blocked by judicial orders. Perhaps a miracle in the coming years will make him see the light.
Triple talaq also has the potential to galvanise Muslim women in the BJPs support in the name of gender justice.

Earlier it was only his followers, specially in states where polls were due  and notably BJP president Amit Shah, besides some Union Cabinet ministers and sundry elements of the battering Ram brigade the RSS and kindred bodies use to create high-profile ruckus. But it is evident now that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to leave his own imprimatur on the triple talaq issue.

The PM took up the subject at length on Saturday, urging Muslims not to see it through the lens of politics, at a function in New Delhi to commemorate the Kannada 12th century philosopher-reformer Basaveswara. No big guess to make here. Karnataka is due to hold Assembly elections in the not too distant future and the BJP is trying hard to wrest the state back from the Congress. And triple talaq is a lovely, double-edged, issue  it is suitably communal and can also be used to make a gender rights argument.

Many Muslim men in India have lately strayed far from the original Qoranic injunction. They repeat the word talaq (divorce) over the phone three times or just text it to their wife, and the marriage is over. Such a barbaric practice allows non-Muslims, and certainly communalised Hindus, to feel superior to Muslims and to denigrate them.

This is anyway the communal project, and at election time can be used to great advantage to polarise. But triple talaq also has the potential to galvanise Muslim women in the BJPs support in the name of gender justice, and it is thought some Muslim women did indeed vote for the saffron party in the recent Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

This aspect was underlined in Mr Modis speech as he said the enlightened among our Muslims were sure to take up the cause. While he urged his listeners not to politicise the triple talaq matter, it is noteworthy the PM himself was returning to the subject for the second time this month  the first being his speech at the BJP national executive in Bhubaneswar recently.

Outfits like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, of course, do the Indian Muslim no favours when they staunchly defend the current, degenerate, practice of triple talaq, overlooking the womans perspective completely and seeking to suppress the voice of Muslim womens groups in all parts of India which are speaking out against triple talaq and even espousing marriage under the Special Marriage Act.

It is, however, touching to see that while the PM feels for the plight of Muslim women, he has revelled in silence when the Muslim community as a whole has been pilloried by the mushrooming Hindutva vigilante bodies, particularly Muslim men now in the eye of the storm, thanks to gaurakshak activity.
A brief look back at the origin of the Naxalites in West Bengal would help in reassessing its past and potential future implications, in the wake of the latest Maoist attack on the CRPF in Chhattisgarhs Sukma district. Monday, July 26, 1965 was the first day of this writer at a premier college in what was then Calcutta. These were comparatively good times in the state, though that wouldnt last long. It was the year when India, under then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, fought a 22-day war with Pakistan in September. Shastri, of course, soon after died mysteriously in Tashkent, in what was still the USSR, on January 11, 1966. Post-war complications suddenly hit West Bengal hard. Food riots, followed by violence, political uncertainty, social dislocation, industrial and economic downturn and labour unrest, forced the shutdown of schools and universities, and the final icing on the cake came in the victory of an unprecedented non-Congress multi-party coalition government in the state on March 2, 1967.

Expectations ran sky-high among the poor and rural populace, and amid a combination of complicated factors the first salvo was fired at Barajharujota police station at Naxalbari, Darjeeling district, on May 24, 1967, when an unarmed police inspector, Sonam Wangdi, was killed by an arrow shot by some miscreants. The Naxalites of Naxalbari were born. The politics of independent India had come of age with a socio-politico-economic turbulence of unprecedented dimension. Also, in post-1947 India, there suddenly emerged a new breed of Hindu Bengalis who revived and restored their British-era aura as revolutionaries. They claimed to be the vanguard of a revolutionary leadership of a cherished classless society.

In the process, the neo-Communists redefined themselves with a role originating at Naxalbari. The new mantra I am a Naxalite invoked awe, fear or inspiration, depending on which side a persons political leanings lay. Why? Because some of the Naxalites soon took to the gun and declared their faith in the dictum of Chinas Mao Zedong, that power comes from the barrel of the gun. The mastermind of the gun-culture Naxalite movement, Charu Majumdar, took Maos words so seriously that he proved himself as a first-class traitor and anti-national Indian of 1967 with a sizeable number of followers, serious divisions and dissensions among the cadre and leadership notwithstanding.

Being a direct witness to some of the momentous happenings of the late 1960s as well as the confrontations with hardcore types in college (till 1969), one had always countered and asked: Why and how did some Hindu Bengalis like Charu Majumdar, the likes of which were highly respected for their contribution to Indias freedom struggle, become turncoats, terrorists and rabid anti-national actors?

Lest this writer be castigated and criticised for spreading lies and canards, let a few facts on Charu Majumdar (aka CM) be reviewed. Thus, when CM made a childish but obnoxious request to the Communist Party of China to provide him equipment to set up a Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) radio station in India to counter the bourgeois media, and at one point had even suggested that the Chinese despatch it by ship to some place near the Madras coast, what can this be referred to as? Patriotism? Nationalism? The true spirit of an Indian citizen? A great Hindu Bengali who has an image, universally acknowledged, as an honourable, erudite, educated, egalitarian and wise nationalist?

Again, at another point, when CM had assured Pakistans Eastern Command in Dhaka, under Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi, that in case of their attack on India, the West Bengal Naxalites under his leadership would join hands with them  what adjectives should be used on the honest but misguided Hindu Bengali Naxalites? From Indias point of view, not the Pakistani Armys? Heroic? Or Cowardice? Treachery?

All this is very well documented. This is what Lt. Gen. Niazi wrote to Gen. Hamid in June 1971  requesting permission to attack India in pursuit of Mukti Bahini before India could launch its attack. Whatever the ideological merit or demerit of the Naxalite movement or its bona fide or mala fide nature, no defence, logic or justification can ever support their outrageous anti-national activities. Even if this was done by a microscopic minority of Hindu Bengalis as independent India was just 20 years old. Their actions clearly amounted to waging war against the State, and to destroy its existence and sovereignty. So can the State be blamed for shooting them down? Not at all. Never.

This culture of violence and gun-running that made a sensational debut at Naxalbari, in Indias Chickens Neck (situated in the 1960s just a few kilometres from what was then East Pakistan, as well as Nepal, Bhutan, then-independent Sikkim and China), subsequently spread to a vast swathe of land across India, essentially due to internal factors and faultlines. In between, however, two more groups waged war against the State  Punjab from the 1980s to 1990s, and Kashmir from 1989 till the present. And as it so often happens across the planet, internal failures and dissensions inevitably invited external forces to fish in the troubled waters. Unsurprisingly, therefore, the very active role of the Pakistani Army-ISI duo in the Khalistan movement in Punjab and Sino-Pakistani perfidy in Kashmir are more than visible. Added to it are the elements, like that of fifth columnist Hindu Bengalis in West Bengal, Sikhs in Punjab and Muslims in J&K. In the process, a heady cocktail of anti-state elements can be found across India.

Understandably, the Indian State, taking its cue from West Bengals Naxalite history, had to strike hard against the Sikh separatists, thereby eliminating a large numbers, like the way Hindu Bengalis were wiped out. However, after Hindu Bengalis and Sikhs, it seems to be a rather long-drawn-out war against the state by a section of Muslim Kashmiris, brazenly aided and abetted by Pakistani state actors.

Taking a holistic view of these four wars against the Indian State (by Hindu Bengalis in West Bengal; Sikhs in Punjab; Muslim Kashmiris in J&K and the tribals of central India), one could pose a few questions to the Indian State. Had the Constitution been followed and implemented from the beginning, in letter and in spirit, would things have been better than what India faces today? When will the ruling class of India learn to follow the rule of law and due process of law? And finally, can there be two sets of laws or rules to deal with a common issue  such as waging war against the State? If West Bengal and Punjab face the wrath of the entire nation in unison, can there be a divided voice on the J&K and Chhattisgarh scenario? Should not there be some uniformity while the nation acts against those waging war against the State? Can unity of polity and concentration of firepower be debated endlessly? And if so, arent we inviting more problems for the future?
I recall an interaction in Dhule where my unit was invited to celebrate Nikaahs completion of 100 days in theatres. At the gathering, two women came to me after I had ended my speech and their eyes, which were covered by a veil, were filled with tears. One of them, who had once been married to a professor, was subjected to triple talaq for serving lunch later than usual, while the other had received a letter from her husband that simply read talaq, talaq, talaq. Nikaah and the Shah Bano case are certain milestones in the open discussion of triple talaq. In more than 30 years now, I believe that while a lot has changed for the better, a lot more still needs to be changed. You see in the news today cases of Muslim husbands declaring triple talaq via post, letters and phone calls. This was happening 34 years ago too. As long as we end up sitting on an issue, no discussions would amount to any significance. The BJP government has done a good thing by re-igniting the debate on triple talaq and fighting for the equal rights of Muslim women, who are hoping that this government might just uplift them from this adversity.

I had heard that during the UP elections, Muslim women had cast their vote to the BJP with high hopes. It is very crucial that we, debarring religious grounds, stand up for the rights of women altogether who were put through this practice and unrightfully disowned by their husbands and families. Considering that the increasing modes of communication that have helped educate Muslim women have also become a source for virtual triple talaq, the government must bring laws curtailing the misuse of social media for triple talaq. What is triple talaq? The way Muslim men practise it, it is to demean a woman by pushing her away abruptly and then, if it suits the husband, dragging her back through another filthy process  halala. This is something that many Muslim women believe too and have been raising voice against in tandem. Some of my acquaintances from the Muslim community have shared another aspect of how triple talaq should ideally be practised. I remember papa (B.R. Chopra) was sitting with some of his Muslim friends who shared that originally a husband can say talaq only once in a month, which makes it a three-month process. This, to some extent, ensures that if the couple sincerely supports each other, the husband wouldnt go beyond the first talaq and would be able to buy some time in order to rethink his decision before repeating talaq in the second and third month. However, I was adamant on the view that it is an unfair practice against women for which no justification could ever be accepted.

The combination of a writers curiosity and an artists philosophy led me to write a screenplay on triple talaq. While I was on a reading spree, looking for interesting matters with a twist, I came across a news article of about 100 to 150 words in the magazine Mayapuri. It read that Sanjay Khan, who had divorced Zeenat Aman, now wanted to resume their marriage for which Zeenat would have to undergo halala. As I did not understand this ritual, I asked a colleague, who shared how triple talaq and halala are practised and why. I was taken aback by this crude practice. The story had never been discussed before; it was time it did, and the rest is history. However, history is witness that whenever a voice was raised from within Bollywood, it had to undergo not only the censor boards review but also public scrutiny to some extent. Especially, when it speaks of a particular community and its traditions. I  with immense love for papas considerate nature  will narrate an instance right before Nikaahs release. Rumours were doing the rounds that Nikaah spoke against Islam and portrayed it in a bad light. Following this, papa gathered a group of maulanas, showed the movie to them before it released and requested a fatwa (ruling) on this issue. A fatwa was issued the next day that the film did not violate the religion and that viewers must watch it. An image of the fatwa was printed in newspapers back then. That the intention was and is not to question Islam gets pretty clear through this instance. But one might ask, if not religion then what is it that led to the practise of this social evil. Denying education to Muslim women and vote-bank politics are the primary causes. The Shah Bano case is example enough for us to see how one womans rights had lost significance under the pressure of vote-bank politics from the Muslim Personal Law Board.

Although, more and more Muslim women are receiving education today and fighting this practice, triple talaq is still too deep-rooted an issue to be resolved, even in these progressive times. It is a gradual process wherein a social issue like triple talaq has to be tapped every time it seems to have been silenced. Had there been as many opportunities for Muslim women to pursue education as today, this fight could have garnered just as much column space in the 8os even.Bollywoods role today in educating viewers about this social issue isnt impressive with the way issues are being portrayed, if at all they are. The element of the discussion inspired by a movie is missing these days. Earlier, people used to step out of cinema halls discussing, debating; I dont see that happening today. Experienced and highly acclaimed directors and producers have the highest outreach to the audience. It is important that they make a statement on this issue through their art. A woman, or even a man for that matter, would cross all limits and go to any extent for the well-being of his/her loved one. If I rewrite a screenplay on triple talaq, I would portray the willpower of the woman today who undergoes humiliation and social taboos and, yet to get back to the one person she loves the most, willingly puts up with what is nothing less than an assault.

Shabana, Javed back UCC, gender justice

Not someone who will mince their words, actor-cum-activist Shabana Azmi and noted lyricist Javed Akhtar have also spoken on the ills of triple talaq. Last year, in a tweet, Ms Azmi said that India is one among the only three countries in the world that allow the controversial practice of triple talaq in one go. Ms Azmis tweet read: Of 52 Muslim countries only Saudi Arabia, Kuwait n India practice Triple Talaaq in one go Even Pakistan and Bangladesh dont allow it why shud we (sic).

Many people feel that the practice is anti-women. In fact, Ms Azmi opined the need for a Uniform Civil Code, provided it brings gender justice. Have always done so (supported UCC) but it should be common civil code based on gender justice, she posted in another tweet.

Cases that grabbed headlines

In April this year, a national-level netball champion Shumayala Javed was divorced for giving birth to a girl. Javed, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was married to Azam Abbasi for three years and was allegedly being tortured by her in-laws and husband for dowry

A 25-year-old Jaipur woman was in May 2016 sent a triple talaq via the speed post system. Afreen Rehman, who married in 2014 after finding a match through a matrimonial portal, was being harassed for dowry by her husband. He had allegedly beat her up and asked her to leave the house

In November 28, 2016 a Hyderabad-based woman, Sumaina Sharfi, alleged she had received a message on WhatsApp from her Non-Resident Indian husband, Owaisi Talib, stating triple talaq. Sharfi claimed that Talib had kicked her out of their house after they got married in 2015. She also said she had tried reaching out to Talib, who would go to Dubai, but in vain

In 2016, a woman in Kolkata was divorced by her Dubai-based husband who called and said talaq thrice over the phone. The woman, aged 30, identified as Ishrat Jahan and her husband Murtaza had been married for 15 years and had moved to Howrah from Bihar with him. He was allegedly unhappy that she had given birth to three daughters despite him wanting a son

Dr Achala Nagar has written movies on social issues like Nikaah, the first film on triple talaq, Baghban and Baabul

(As told to Pragya Bakshi)
As a community, we think that the whole debate about talaq is being blown out of proportion clearly as an attempt to create an issue out of it. According to the Census 2011 data, the ratio of divorce and separation amongst Muslims is lower than other communities like Hindus, Sikhs and even Parsis. (It is unfortunate that our media is not aware of the facts, but they have been falling victims to propaganda). Talaq is completely a non-issue for Muslims and its definitely not worth being a national issue. In Islam, nikaah (marriage) is a contract; there is no concept of lifelong companionship or the idea of divine intervention at play. When couples want to separate, there are laws in place to take care of it. If a couple doesnt want to stay together, for whatever the reason is, it is best for both to separate. So in a way divorce is an emergency exit. Even the Hindus realised it and included (even though it was an anathema) as an afterthought in the Hindu Code Bill.

A Muslim man enjoys the power to ask for talaq only thrice. Ideally, after asking for talaq for the first time, one is given about two months to reconsider, then there is the second step, even after which, a couple can reconcile. It is only after the third time that the couple cannot reconcile any further, although there is a very complex process, in which I dont intend to indulge now. According to the Constitution, the criminal courts are common for all, the civil court is almost 99.9 per cent common to all. There are only 14 customs that dont come under the civil court. Instances like talaq, marriage, even heritage are some of those customs where we can practice according to our religious orders. This is what is known as Personal Law, which was brought in its being by the British in 1937. As we know, there are Personal Laws for every other minority of the country, including the tribals. Overall, there are 300 personal laws. If they want to end one of these, then they must reconsider all of the 300 laws. Article 371 of our Constitution has specific laws for different states. Unfortunately, people talk about Article 370, on Kashmir, but not many people talk about Article 371.

The actual problem today is that like any other law, many married Muslim men are misusing the law. Going by our religious orders, we at best can ostracise the person. It would be more helpful if the Government could help us prevent or at least reduce it other ways. As a matter of fact, suppose tomorrow the government actually bans triple talaq and suppose a man says talaq to his wife thrice, then do you think the woman (a believer in Sharia law) would go back to her husband even on the insistence by the government? Most of them wouldnt. The governments intention is to polarise people, knowing that we would raise an objection to the proposal. But what we really want never really comes to their attention. But now I hope things falls into its place. A total of 5 crore Muslims (with 2.45 crore women) have signed a petition which has been sent to the chairman, Law Commission of India (LCI) saying that they are fully satisfied with the commands of Islamic Laws, especially, the orders related to nikaah, talaq khula, fuskh, and wirasat (heritage) and opposing any possibility of change in them. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board submitted the documents 10 days ago.

The government and even the media, unfortunately, remain oblivious of it. About 65 per cent of Muslims are surviving below the poverty line, which includes not only women but also children. What about them? The other most important issue is communal violence  where many people get killed and several get arrested. Most often, women and children end up being victims in hands of the perpetrators. The police harass even the families of the ones who get arrested later. The other problem thats gnawing us slowly is education. Only two per cent of our communities avail higher education, the remaining are dropouts. So, if the government really wants to help, it should concentrate on how to reduce the violation of talaq instead of the idea of scrapping it completely and rather help us with tackling bigger and more urgent problems like education and poverty.

Maulana Mehmood Dariyabadi is a businessman and general secretary of All India Ulema Council, a body of Muslim scholars

(As told to Somudra Banerjee)
Phishing scammers largely consider students, small businesses or even professionals unaware of such tactics as their easy targets. However, it is hard to imagine technology-giants like Google or Facebook to face trouble due to this.

A Europe-based conman, Evaldas Rimasauskas was recently arrested on fraud charges for conning employees of Facebook and Google and duping an amount of $100 million each from them. His scheme involved sending emails to employees of the companies and asking them to wire money that they actually owed to an Asian hardware vendor.

It was simple for Rimasaukas to conceal his fraud. He simply forged invoices, contracts and letters allegedly signed by executives of the two companies and managed to carry out his potential scam. According to Fortune, the two tech companies paid out more than $100 million.

Facebook recovered the bulk of the funds shortly after the incident and has been cooperating with law enforcement in its investigation, a Facebook spokesperson told MailOnline. Even Google admitted that the company has detected the fraud against their vendor management team and promptly alerted the authorities immediately.

A US extradition request for Rimasauskas is expected by late May, Lithuanian prosecutors told Reuters. The man is charged with wire fraud and money laundering, i.e. prison sentence of 20 years each. Furthermore, he is also slammed with charges of identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Alphabet Inc's 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.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Turkish authorities on Saturday blocked access to online encyclopaedia 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 8:00am (5:00am GMT) on 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.

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. But technical experts at watchdog groups say the blackouts on social media are intentional, aimed in part at stopping the spread of militant images and propaganda.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
The National Security Agency announced Friday it would end its controversial practice of sweeping up any email or text message an American exchanges with someone overseas that makes reference to a real target of NSA surveillance.

The powerful US spy agency said that although it has the legal power to continue scooping up such communications, it would halt the practice to protect the privacy of US citizens.

"NSA will no longer collect certain Internet communications that merely mention a foreign intelligence target," it said in a statement.

The NSA, the country's premier signals intelligence body, is permitted to collect communications of any foreign target, but not that of Americans except in certain situations, or if it gains a warrant to do so.

Under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, it is allowed to scoop up a US citizen's emails or texts with someone outside the country if those merely mention a specific NSA surveillance target - so-called "about" collection.

The practice has sparked heavy criticism from civil liberties advocates, who say it violates constitutional protections. Many have threatened to try to block the renewal of Section 702 at the end of this year if the law is not tightened.

But the country's intelligence community wants the law to be renewed unchanged.

The NSA said it would voluntarily end "about" collection even if it means that it might lose access to other important information in the fight against cyber threats and terrorism.

Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, praised the move but said that Section 702 needs multiple changes.

"To permanently protect Americans' rights, I intend to introduce legislation banning this kind of collection in the future," he said.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Samsungs Galaxy S8 has managed to garner a lot of attention. Unfortunately, it appears like the device is plagued with problems. In the past few days, reports of red-tinged displays and issues regarding the Bixby home button were circulating the internet. Now, it appears like users are experiencing yet another problem wherein their Galaxy S8 devices are repeatedly restarting by themselves.

User Lazazy posted the complaint on Samsung community website: I have had it for about 10 hours now and it has already restarted seven times while I was using it. It happens when Im using an app like the camera or Samsung Themes and it doesnt matter if the phone is charging or not. All of a sudden the app freezes, the screen shuts off, and a few seconds later, it re-starts.

Her post has received 181 replies from users who are experiencing the same problem.

Samsung hasnt commented on the issue as of yet.

Like mentioned previously, users have also reported the red-tinged screens in their Galaxy S8 smartphones. Samsung is apparently offering an early software update to address the issue.

Samsung has decided to release a software update starting from this week which will provide consumers with a further enhanced ability to adjust the colour setting to their preference, the company said in a statement last week.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Weve got the breakdown on every The Predator update you need to know. (Photo : YouTube/Hybrid Network)

New updates from Shane Black's "The Predator" have been revealed, and it looks like the sci-fi film is shaping up pretty well. We've got the breakdown on every "The Predator" update you need to know.



"The Predator" release date



The release date for "The Predator" has been moved from Feb. 9, 2018 to Aug. 3, 2018. The Boyd Holbrook-starrer, which is currently filming in Vancouver, will open on a highly competitive opening week. According to Collider, August 2018 is also the chosen release dates for Disney's live-action adaptation of "Aladdin" as well as Tom Cruise's return in "Mission: Impossible 6."



Advertisement

This change perhaps indicates that 20th Century Fox is more confident in "The Predator" becoming a massive hit, especially since the movie is reportedly aiming for an R-rating.



Arnold Schwarzenegger was tapped for "The Predator"



Schwarzenegger was approached to play a role in "The Predator," but turned it down. According to Den of Geek, the screenplay draft of "The Predator" had a small role for Schwarzenegger's character, Dutch, near the end of the film. Dutch was the lead character in the original "Predator" movie, and it appears that he was intended to make more of a cameo appearance in "The Predator."



"I'm not going to do that, no", Schwarzenegger said. "Except if there's a chance that they rewrite it, or make it a more significant role. But the way it is now, no, I won't do that."



"The Predator" will use practical effects



Black will not use CGI in creating the Predator, and instead, will use the practical effect that made the first "Predator" movie so iconic. This means that the actor who will be playing the alien antagonist will wear a 7-plus-foot actor while filming.



"The Predator is coming, I know it's coming, we want to see it, it's mysterious, interesting, it's got the same sense of wonderment and newness that Close Encounters had when that came out." That's what we want," Black explained his plans for the film.



First set photos revealed



Photos from the set of "The Predator" have been revealed, showing actors Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Augusto Aguilera in action. The actors an in full military gear and riding a tank. The scene looks absolutely explosive, drawing more excitement from fans.






White House Correspondents' President Jeff Mason, White House correspondent for Reuters, lower left, looks as on journalists Bob Woodward, left, and Carl Bernstein, approach the podium to address the association's dinner in Washington, Saturday, April 29, 2017. (Photo: AP)

New York: Speaking at the correspondents dinner, from which Donald Trump was missing, the White House Correspondents' Association hit back at the United States President for his steady and consistent attack on the media and sent him a clear message- 'we are not fake news'.

Trump became the first US President in decades to skip out on the annual event between the White House and the reporters who cover the presidency.

"We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do. We are not fake news. We are not failing news organisations. And we are not the enemy of the American people." association president Jeff Mason told a ballroom of journalists who gave a standing ovation at his last sentence.

Present at the event, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward of Watergate fame asserted that good journalism is more crucial to a free society than ever in a climate of increasing hostility between the White House and the press.

The speeches from the venerated journalists came on the occasion of the first White House correspondents' dinner since 1981 in which the sitting president did not attend.

Bernstein stated that Nixon had targeted the media in an attempt to divert attention from his own misdemeanours.

"Richard Nixon tried to make the conduct of the press more the issue in Watergate instead of the conduct of the President and his men. We tried to avoid the noise and let the reporting speak," he said.

Woodward directed his message directly to the absent Trump and said, "Mr. President, the media is not fake news. Let's take that off the table as we proceed. Whatever the climate, whether the media is revered or reviled, we should and must persist, and I believe we will. Any relaxation by the press will be extremely costly to democracy."

Trump became the first US President to skip the event, as he addressed a crowd in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and mocked the White House Correspondents' Dinner saying, "there's another big gathering taking place tonight in Washington DC. Did you hear about it? A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's capital right now."

Former US president Barack Obama was a popular choice at previous dinners as he managed to have a healthy relation with the press, graciously accepting their barbs and quips and giving it back in equal measure with his trademark witty manner.

However, Trump broke from tradition and opted to hold a rally instead to mark the completion of his first 100 days.

"I could not be possibly more thrilled than to be a thousand miles away from [the] Washington swamp, spending my evening with you - a much much larger crowd and better people." Trump added.
Washington: President Donald Trump has promised to make a big decision on the one-sided Paris climate deal soon as he alleged the US is being unfairly targeted by asking to pay money while major polluting nations like Russia, China and India are contributing nothing.

In a campaign-style rally in Pennsylvania , a state that helped tip the election in his favor, Mr Trump said the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is one sided.

I will be making a big decision on the Paris accord over the next two weeks and we will see what happens, he said in his speech to mark the first 100 days of his presidency.

...like the one-sided Paris climate accord. Where the US pays billions of dollars, while China, Russia, and India have contributed (to pollution) and will contribute nothing, Mr Trump alleged as the audience booed to the Paris Agreement.

Celebrating the first 100 days of his administration, Mr Trump attacked the media, again, for misleading the people with fake news as he skipped the very boring annual White House Correspondents Dinner to become the first President in over 30 years to skip the gala.

I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, spending my evening with all of you with a much, much larger crowd and much, much better people. The media deserves a very big, fat, failing grade, Mr Trump said sarcastically over the medias coverage of his achievements during his first 100 days in office.

He said a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in the nations capital right now, referring to the annual black-tie dinner at a luxurious hotel which was sold out to more than 2,600 guests, comprising whos who of nations political players, and top journalists.
The hacker has also promised to release those titles unless modest ransoms are paid.

A hacker claims to have stolen the upcoming season of Netflixs hit series Orange Is The New Black and is demanding that the video streaming service pay an unspecified ransom to prevent all new episodes from being released online.

The hacker, operating under the name The Dark Overlord, has already purportedly uploaded the first episode to an illegal file-sharing service.

New episodes of Orange are scheduled for official release on June 9. Netflix said that a small production vendor that works with several major TV studios had suffered a breach.

The Los Gatos, a California company has described it as an active situation thats being investigated by the FBI and other authorities.

Pirated copies of Orange could dent Netflixs subscriber growth and the companys stock price. In the ransom note, The Dark Overlord claimed to have stolen series from other studios, too, by breaking into a single company. The hacker has also promised to release those titles unless modest ransoms are paid.
About half of the 675 immigrants arrested in raids across the US after President Donald Trump took office had either no criminal records or had committed minor traffic offenses, according to a media report.

The Washington Post, citing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data provided by congressional aides, said the majority of the immigrants with traffic violations were convicted of drunk driving.

Out of the 675 immigrants arrested by ICE in early February, 163 were found to have traffic offenses while 177 had no criminal convictions at all.

However, 80 immigrants were convicted of assault and 57 were convicted for dangerous drugs, while two people were also convicted of homicide, according to the report.
The White House said Trump "enjoyed the conversation" with Duterte, and looked forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November. (Photo: AFP)

Washington: US President Donald Trump invited his Philippine counterpart to Washington in a "friendly" call in which the leaders discussed Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs and their countries' alliance, the White House said.

Duterte has faced international condemnation for his brutal crackdown on crime, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings from rights groups about a possible crime against humanity.

The White House said the two leaders, who were both elected to office last year, had "a very friendly conversation" that included discussion about the Philippine government's efforts to "rid its country of drugs" and the regional security threat posed by North Korea.

"President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction," the statement said.

There has been concern about Duterte's efforts to loosen the Philippines' long-standing alliance with the US as he looks to court China, whose push to control most of the disputed South China Sea has alarmed neighbours.

Duterte has regularly hit out at the Philippines' one- time colonial ruler for perceived hypocrisy over human rights and last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war.

The White House said Trump "enjoyed the conversation" with Duterte, and looked forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November. Vice President Mike Pence had announced earlier this month that Trump would attend the Asian meetings as a sign of "unwavering commitment" to the region.

Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed Trump's invitation, although he gave no indication of when the visit would take place. Philippine 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 Philippine lawyer last week filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court accusing Duterte of mass murder, alleging his war on drugs had led to about 8,000 deaths.

Duterte's pledge to stop the country turning into a narco-state has proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and corruption.

Over the weekend some Southeast Asian leaders attending a regional summit in Manila also expressed support for the drug war, including Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Indonesia's President Joko Widodo.
Ahead of the summit Duterte said the Philippines and other nations were helpless to stop the island building, so there was no point discussing it at diplomatic events such as Saturday's summit. (Photo: AP)

Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte failed to condemn China's push to control most of the disputed South China Sea on Sunday after hosting a regional summit, handing Beijing a political victory.

Duterte released a chairman's statement a day after hosting the one-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' meeting that ignored an international ruling, championed by his predecessor, outlawing China's sweeping claims to the strategically important waterway.

"We took note of concerns expressed by some leaders over recent developments in the area," said the 25-page statement without any mention of what these were, which countries were responsible, and which heads of state raised them.

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 on them.

ASEAN members Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also claim parts of the sea, but China insists it has sovereign rights over nearly all of it.

Ahead of the summit Duterte said the Philippines and other nations were helpless to stop the island building, so there was no point discussing it at diplomatic events such as Saturday's summit.

Additionally China, which is not a member of the 10-nation ASEAN, had lobbied intensely through its ambassador to Manila to water down references to the issue in the chairman's statement, diplomats earlier told AFP.

The Philippines, under previous president Benigno Aquino, had pushed hard at ASEAN summits for the bloc to voice its strong opposition to Chinese expansionism, and official statements at those events often reflected that.

Aquino also filed the case at the international tribunal. But the ruling against China came after Duterte took power last year.

An earlier draft of the chairman's statement seen by AFP cited a reference to "respect for legal and diplomatic processes".

Another version also contained a call, championed by Vietnam according to diplomats, to cease "land reclamation and militarisation" of the sea.

Both references were absent in Sunday's final statement. Duterte's statement "reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and overflight" in and above the South China Sea.

It also reiterated the importance of "exercising self-restraint in the conduct activities, and avoiding actions that may further complicate the situation", and of "pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes, without resorting to the threat of or use of force".
US Marines returned to Afghanistans volatile Helmand on Saturday, where American troops faced heated fighting until Natos 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 the 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. Part of a regular troop rotation announced in January under the Obama administration, they will arrive in stages.
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. 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 Britains 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.
London: The Manchester Crown Court has sentenced a 47-year-old man to 22 years in prison for raping and sexually abusing children as young as seven years. The accused also beat up the children and threatened them against complaining about him.

In one instance, the accused, David Glausiusz, raped a child and also beat him with a piece of wood and stood on the childs stomach, according to a report in Daily Mirror. He would silence them, saying that they would not be believed if they tried to complain about him.

Glausiusz, a well-known member of Salford's Orthodox Jewish Community, would assault victims who were vulnerable because of their young age. Because of their youth and lack of understanding of sexual matters all children had some difficulty describing what had happened to them, Judge Martin Rudland said.

After months of enquiries, police were able to identify a number of victims, locally and internationally. We are determined to continue working with a range of partners to safeguard victims and prosecute offenders and Id like to recognise the valiant steps his victims have taken to put him behind bars, said DCI Alan Clitherow, of Greater Manchester Polices Salford Borough.

Police were first alerted in April 2014, when someone informed Salford Childrens Social Care about a young boy being abused.

Glausiusz has been convicted of three counts of rape of a boy under the age of 13, six counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 13, three counts of assault, and three counts of child cruelty.

He will spend half of his sentence in jail and the remaining half on temporary release. He will have to sign the sex offenders register for rest of his life. He was convicted following a seven-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Glausiuszs victims will be awarded compensation at another hearing scheduled within 28 days in the same court.
Derry McCann, 28, dragged his victim into the undergrowth in a park in east London on January 13. (Photo: Facebook)

London: A man was awarded three life sentences for a minimum of nine years on Friday for raping a stranger and humiliating her.

After raping his victim, he took pictures of her, mocked her that he had not filmed her and then fled after stealing her bra and mobile phone, according to a report in the Daily Mirror. The incident took place hours before he got married to his pregnant fiancee.

Derry McCann, 28, dragged his victim into the undergrowth in a park in east London on January 13. Before raping her, he played mind games with her and repeatedly asked her if she thought he was going to rape her. He had even demanded cash from her before dragging her away.

On March 2, he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, one count of sexual assault by penetration and robbery for the crime he committed on January 13.

At the Snaresbrook Crown Court court, Judge Martyn Zeidman QC, the honorary recorder of Redbridge told McCann that the manner in which the crime was committed was shocking.

In addition to the physical pain, you set out to degrade and humiliate her in ways that are so cruel and gross that I will not identify them any further, Zeidman said.

Zeidman said he was astonished that he raped his victim just hours before getting married to his partner.

According to prosecutor Kate Bex QC, McCann carried out "a sustained and systematic attack", and played "mind games in an attempt to control the victim".

The defence, Edmund Vickers QC, said that his client had been diagnosed with a personality disorder, but it was not enough to warrant a hospital order.

McCann had received a life sentence in 2006 for a similar attack on a stranger. He was required to serve a minimum of nine years before he could be released on parole. He was released in December 2015.

Back then, as a teenager, McCann, along with a friend forcibly took his victim to a secluded area of Mile End Park. His friend left after McCann told him that he was going to have fun with her and then kill her.

He raped the victim under the threat that his friend would come back and kill her if she resisted. He went on to tell her that he wanted her to have his baby and that hed lock her up in his basement where he kept other women.
Ji Soo, Park Bo Young and Park Hyung Sik star in the South Korean drama 'Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.' (Photo : YouTube/JTBC Drama)

Successful K-Drama often have the same elements: a love-hate relationship between the main protagonists, an antagonist best friend or mother, and a dramatic, slow-moving first kiss. Another common element is when characters betray their friends, and here are four key reasons why they do it.



Advertisement

Family



In several Korean dramas, characters are forced to betray their friends in order to save their family members. Sometimes, they turn their backs on their friends to aid an ailing parent or save kids who are being held captive, OSEN (via Soompi) reported.



For example, in "Golden Cross," the lead character Do Yoon vows to seek revenge against the leader of a powerful organization that framed his father for murder. However, Do Yoon later revealed that the leader of the said organization is the father of the woman he loves.



In "Dream High," Hye Mi betrays Baek Hee during an entrance audition for Kirin High School. Hye Mi is desperate to get into Kirin High School in order to be trained as a mainstream pop idol and pay off her father's debt to a gangster.



Money and power



This is another common reason for characters to betray their friends in K-Dramas. When the human desire for money and power kicks in, characters tend to undervalue their relationships and are forced to betray their friends to get the prize.



In "The Innocent Man," Jae Hee (Park Si Yeon) is desperate to escape poverty, so he betrays Ma Ru (Song Joong Ki) by choosing a rich CEO over him.



Lust for power also played a part in Joon Hyuk's betrayal of his friend, Jung Woo, in order to gain power and influence in "Defendant."



Survival



A good example for this is "Missing 9," where Tae Ho killed one of his friends in order to survive the island.



Jealousy



This usually happens when unrequited love is involved, such is the case of supporting character Oh Min Ji in "Boys Over Flowers." Min Ji was Jan Di's first friend when she transferred to Shinhwa High; however, when Jan Di develops a connection with Jun Pyo, the former sabotages the latter as Min Ji harbors deep feelings for Jun Pyo.



In related news, Lee Min Ho, who played Gu Jun Pyo in "Boys Over Flowers," is scheduled to enlist in the military in May, Soompi reported.


Figueres was giving one explanation of why scientists are struggling to get their message across to a sceptical public at a major conference in Vienna this week.

We mortals do not understand you. Thats the heartfelt cry from former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres, pleading with scientists to use everyday language to help counter growing public mistrust.

Figueres was giving one explanation of why scientists are struggling to get their message across to a sceptical public at a major conference in Vienna this week.

Just days after a historic March for Science in Washington, the experts owned up to failures including remoteness and condescension  and operating in an echo chamber of like minded people.

I think its the conceitedness, in a way, said Heike Langenberg, chief editor of the journal Nature Geoscience. The problem is that scientists have not spoken at an even level with people who are out there, she said on the sidelines of a European Geosciences Union (EGU) meeting of more than 14,000 experts in 22 fields. They have tended to give long speeches and not listen.... I think they have underestimated intelligence and overestimated knowledge.
Beleaguered Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday faced a crisis when Pakistans 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 Mr Fatemi 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 its unfortunate that they are being dealt with through tweets. State institutions dont communicate with each other through tweets, Mr Khan said. He asserted no notification was issued as yet.
The prime minister's office said Sharif had 'approved the recommendations' from the report into the leak. (Photo: AP)

Islamabad: 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.

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".

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.
Hindi-speaking cinema lovers can now enjoy regional movies without any language barrier, thanks to presidential nod to a parliamentary panel recommendation that the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) either dub them or carry Hindi subtitles.



The Committee of Parliament on Official Language has also recommended that filmmakers submit their script in Hindi to the NFDC and make it available to all concerned. The NFDC facilitates line production services of shooting in India and animation services of overseas clients. It deals in film financing, production and distribution, and works under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.



As of now, the corporation's sub-rules on submission of applications for feature films state that the applicants should submit six copies of their script in English and one in the language the movie is to be made. However, subsequent to the recommendations getting the presidential nod, the NFDC needs to tweak in its sub-rules on film production.



The recommendation only covers regional films produced by the NFDC. The panel had also recommended that the films being shown in festivals organised by the NFDC be dubbed or have subtitles in Hindi so that "the viewers could be linked to Hindi through good quality films".



However, this recommendation wasn't accepted as the film dubbing unit at the NFDC is defunct, the order states. Senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Directorate of Film Festivals said they haven't received the orders till now. "We have not received any order till now. We are waiting for the order. Whenever the order comes, we will work accordingly," said an official.
The Election Commission is set to ask the government to amend laws to disqualify candidates listed in charge sheets for bribing candidates, a move which comes days after it cancelled a Tamil Nadu assembly bypoll following allegations of use of money to influence electors.



The poll watchdog has decided to write to the Law Ministry seeking changes in the Representation of the People Act to ensure that candidates contesting Lok Sabha and assembly polls are disqualified for up to five years once they are chargesheeted by a court, sources in the poll panel said. Earlier this month, the commission had indefinitely cancelled the R K Nagar assembly bypoll after it found that money power was used to influence voters.



The bypoll was to be held on April 12. It was necessitated following the demise of J Jayalalithaa. In its lengthy order, the commission had pointed out that political parties and their top leaders used "innovative ways" in bribing voters in the RK Nagar Assembly seat to outwit law enforcement authorities mandated with keeping an eye on poll expenditure.



Many complaints were received by the commission on possibilities of inducement of electors by distributing cash and gifts in innovative forms like tokens, prepaid phone recharge coupons, newspaper subscription, milk tokens, money transfer in no-frill accounts in banks and even mobile wallet payment to mobile numbers.



Earlier, the poll panel had asked the government to give it power under the election law to countermand an election where money power is used. At present, the EC can countermand an election following use of muscle power.



It can use its constitutional powers under Article 324 to countermand a poll over use of money power, but it wants the power to be vested to it under law. The logic is that it does not want to use its constitutional powers too frequently.


As he made fun of President Donald Trump, Indian-American stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj said that one has such a freedom only in a country like the US because of its commitment to freedom of speech enshrined in its Constitution.



Minhaj, 31, whose parents hail from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, delivered a memorable entertaining speech at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner which for the first time since 1981 was not attended by the US president.



The young comedian made fun of Trump for his perceived proximity with the Russians, his attack on the media and several of his campaign rhetoric.



"We gotta address the elephant that's not in the room. The leader of our country is not here. And that's because he lives in Moscow, it is a very long flight. It'd be hard for Vlad to make it. Vlad can't just make it on a Saturday! As for the other guy, I think he's in Pennsylvania because he can't take a joke," Minhaj said amidst laughter from the audience.



"Trump tweets at 3 AM sober. Who is tweeting at 3 AM sober? Donald Trump, because it's 10 AM in Russia. Those are business hours," he added. Minhaj also made fun of several top officials of the Trump administration.



"Jeff Sessions couldn't be here tonight, he was busy doing a pre-Civil War re-enactment. On his RSVP, he just wrote 'NO'. Just 'no', which happens to be his second favourite n- word," he said.



"Is Steve Bannon here? I do not see Steve Bannon. I do NOT see Steve Bannon. Not see Steve Bannon. Not-see Steve Bannon," he said.



He said Betsy DeVos couldn't be here, she's busy curating her collection of children's tears. Mike Pence wanted to be here tonight, but his wife would not let him because apparently one of you ladies is ovulating. So good job, ladies. Because of you we couldn't hang out with Mike Pence," he added.



"Donald Trump is liar-in-chief. Remember, you guys are public enemy number one. You are his biggest enemy. Journalists, ISIS, normal-length ties," Minhaj said as he went on to make fun of the media.



"It is amazing to be among the greatest journalists in the world, and yet, when we all checked into the Hilton on Friday we all got a USA Today. Every time a USA Today slides underneath my door, it's like theyre saying, 'Hey, you're not that smart, right?' USA Today is what happens when the coupon section takes over the newspaper. Is this an article about global warming or 50 cents off Tide? Either way, the pictures are so pretty!" he said.



"Fox News is here. I'm amazed you guys even showed up. How are you here in public? It's hard to trust you guys when you backed a man like Bill O'Reilly for years. But it finally happened. Bill O'Reilly has been fired. But then, you gave him a 25 million dollar severance package. Making it the only package he won't force a woman to touch," he said.



"I know some of you are wondering, Hasan, how do you know so much about Fox News? Well as a Muslim, I like to watch Fox News for the same reason I like to play Call of Duty. Sometimes, I like to turn my brain off and watch strangers insult my family and heritage," he added.



As he mocked Trump several times, he said that the president would be tweeting about him at 3 AM.



"It's 11 PM in four hours, Donald Trump will be tweeting about how badly Nikki Minaj did at this dinner. And he'll be doing it completely sober. And that's his right. And I'm proud that all of us are here to defend that right, even if the man in the White House never would," Minhaj said.
South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills today, but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered dire threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.



Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running sky-high for weeks, with signs that the North might be preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear test -- and with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response.



The massive "Foal Eagle" drill, which the defence ministry in Seoul said was ending as scheduled on Sunday, involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops.



Another annual joint exercise known as "Key Resolve" ended last month. Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature, despite Pyongyang's claims that they are provocative rehearsals for invasion.



Their conclusion normally signals a period of relative calm in North-South tensions, but this year the situation looks set to remain highly volatile.



US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible "major conflict" while Pyongyang has carried out a series of failed missile tests, including one on Saturday, and a massive live- fire military exercise.



The South Korean defence ministry confirmed Sunday that a joint naval drill with a US strike group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, was still ongoing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea). The exercise, aimed at verifying the allies' capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, is expected to continue until sometime next week.



Through state media, North Korea has threatened to attack the Carl Vinson, and a state-sponsored website on Sunday also warned of a possible strike against a US nuclear-powered submarine despatched to the area.



China is "putting pressure" on its ally North Korea to curb its weapons programmes, Trump told the CBS television network's "Face the Nation" programme. If North Korea carries out another nuclear test "I would not be happy," he said.



"And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released yesterday.



Asked if "not happy" signified "military action," Trump answered: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."



Pyongyang's show of defiance included a failed missile test on Saturday that 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 said.



China has repeatedly pushed back at the idea that it alone holds the solution to curbing the North's nuclear ambitions, and warned that any use of US force would only lead to "bigger disasters". Pope Francis this weekend called for negotiations to resolve tensions over North Korea.
Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today visited the Line of Control and said his country would continue to support the "political struggle" of the Kashmiris for the right of "self-determination".



Bajwa, who toured the areas in the Haji Pir sector, was briefed about the alleged "ceasefire violation" by the Indian troops and the state of preparedness of the army to face any aggression.



The army chief said Pakistan would continue to support the struggle of the Kashmiris. "We will always stand by their (Kashmiris) rightful political struggle for the right of self-determination and recourse to basic human rights," Bajwa said in an interaction with troops.



He accused India of "state-sponsored" terrorism in Kashmir. Bajwa alleged that India was not only involved in aggression against the people in Kashmir but also against the people living on the Pakistani side of the LoC and the Working Boundary. India has repeatedly rejected Pakistan's allegations of rights violations in Kashmir.
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.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


In what could be perceived to be a case of cow vigilantism, the driver of a pick-up van was mercilessly beaten up simply because a cow got scared after he honked the horn of the vehicle.



The incident took place on National Highway (NH) 107, some 250 kms from the state captial, when the driver Ganesh Mandal was returning to his native place Bhagalpur from Saharsa.



The driver, who sustained serious injuries, has been admitted to the nearby hospital but is reported to have lost sight in the left eye.



According to sources, Mandal, a native of Gopalpur in Bhagalpur, was returning home when he had to stop his pick-up van as a cow was roaming on NH 107. He honked the horn so that the cow could make way for the vehicle. But lo and behold, the bovine panicked and ran away. This infuriated the owner of the cow Ram Dular Yadav, who, along with other locals, not only mercilessly thrashed Mandal but rained lathi blows on him.



Mandal became unconscious after being hit on the left eye. He was immediately shifted to the nearby public health centre (PHC). However, since he was bleeding profusely, and complaining of losing sight of the left eye, he was shifted to Saharsa Government hospital, said Md Izhar Alam, the local station house officer (SHO).



When Mandal gained consciousness, he complained of losing sight of the left eye. Since the pateint was bleeding and sustained grievous injuries in the left eye, the possibility of losing vision was not ruled out, said the doctor attending him at Saharsa.



Meanwhile, since the Saharsa Civil Surgeon AK Singh was not in the district, it was decided to shift Mandal to Bhagalpur for better treatment there.



In the meantime, a case was registered against Yadav, who, however, insisted that the cow was not roaming on NH but admitted that the bovine got scared after Mandal constantly honked his horn.
Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed will remain under house arrest here for 90 days more after the expiry of his three-month detention period tonight.



Pakistan's Punjab government today decided to extend the duration of the house arrest of Saeed and his four aides under the country's anti-terrorism act and the notification for it will be issued soon, an official of the Punjab government's Home Department told PTI.



"The government has decided in principle to extend the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Ubaid for another 90 days" under preventive detention, he said.



The official said a consultative meeting on Saeed's detention has already been held under Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar in which a decision to extend the house arrest has been taken.



The government on January 30 had put Saeed and the four leaders under house arrest in Lahore for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security. The house arrest was made for a period of 90 days ending tonight.



According to media reports, the Nawaz Sharif government had detained Saeed after the Trump administration, which had just taken over, had told Pakistan that it may face sanctions if it did not act against JuD and its chief

.

The Jamaat-ud Dawah (JuD), the front group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, and its sister organisation Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), had also been put under terror watch on the basis of a report sent by the ministry of foreign affairs.



Saeed, along with his four aides, have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging his detention through senior advocate A K Dogar.



During the previous hearing on the petition earlier this month, the Punjab government had told the Lahore High Court that no violation of law had been made in their detention as it had reasons to believe that JuD and FIF are engaged in activities which can be prejudicial to peace and security.



Saeed and his aides allege in their petition that the government detained them without any legal justification. Saeed was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, but he was freed by a court in 2009. He has a bounty of USD 10 million on his head for his role in terror activities.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) may take over the probe into the killing of 25 CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh's Sukma by naxals.



The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) feels that it is a fit case for an investigation by the NIA.



Senior officials in the MHA said the NIA could look into the lapses that led to the huge casualty of CRPF personnel in the incident that took place on April 24.



Sources had earlier said the personnel were attacked when one of the groups had sat for a quick lunch. It is also claimed that Maoists had prior inputs about the movement of CRPF personnel for providing security to road construction workers.



This is the second incident in Sukma in less than two months where CRPF personnel were killed in Maoist attacks. In March, 12 personnel were killed in an attack.



After another deadly attack by Maoists on CRPF personnel, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the government would review its strategy to combat naxals and revisit it if there is any lacunae.



A comprehensive re-look at the strategy would be undertaken during a meeting on May 8 when Chief Ministers and senior police officials from naxal-hit states meet in New Delhi.
In a first case of cow vigilantes going to the extremes in Assam, a mob today lynched two men in Nagaon district suspecting them to be cattle thieves.



Senior police officials said the men, aged between 20-25 years, were severely beaten up by the mob, who alleged that they were involved in cow theft.



"When the police reached the spot, they were being thrashed by a mob of villagers near Kasamari grazing reserve under Nagaon police station," Nagaon superintendent of police Debaraj Upadhay told PTI.



"The team immediately took the men to hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries," he added.

The mob continuously thrashed them with sticks while chasing them for about 1.5 km, from Kasamari in Nagaon police station area to Jajori police station area, he said.



Upadhay said the men were identified and their parents have registered a complaint with the police.

An FIR has been lodged and investigation is on, the SP said, adding no arrest has been so far.



Asked if it is a case of "cow vigilantism", the senior official said a lot of cattle theft incidents have happened in Nagaon. "In this case, I got reports that some people saw the two men trying to take away cows from the field and called more people from the village. When a large crowd gathered, they started thrashing them badly," he said.



The SP has assured of an "impartial enquiry" into the episode.Although some incidents of cattle thieves being thrashed by mob have been reported from Assam earlier, this is the first casualty after cases of cow vigilantism have been reported in recent times across the nation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived here today and will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow on key bilateral and regional issues, including India's NSG membership bid and ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and trade.



This is Erdogan's first foreign visit after winning a controversial referendum on April 16 that further consolidated his executive powers. Apart from his wife Emine Erdogan, the Turkish President is accompanied by senior cabinet ministers and a 150-member business delegation that will take part in a meeting of the India-Turkey Business Forum.



Ahead of his visit, India had played down proximity between Turkey and Pakistan as well as Ankara's statements on Jammu and Kashmir, saying the government is aware that Turkey has a very close relationship with Pakistan and it is their bilateral matter.



"We have always emphasised that India-Turkey relations stand on their own footing and, we believe, the Turkish side reciprocates our sentiment," Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, said, adding that India's position on the state of J&K is very well known that it is an integral part of the country. However, she did not respond when asked if India will raise the issue.



With Turkey being a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the issue of India's membership bid for the elite group is likely to figure during the talks between the two leaders.



"We remain engaged with Turkey," she had said when asked if the Indian side will raise the country's NSG bid during talks.



Turkey is not directly opposed to India's NSG membership but has been maintaining that the powerful bloc should come out with a system to consider the entry of the countries which are not signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as also supporting Pakistan's case, diplomatic sources said.



The two sides were also expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism during the presidential visit here.



After a failed coup in July last year to topple Erdogan, Turkey had blamed Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) for it and said the outfit has "infiltrated" India. Turkey had also asked India to take action against the organisation.



Asked about the action taken by India so far, she said Turkey had raised it with the government, which has noted their concern.



Calling the FETO a "secretive transnational criminal network" with presence around the world, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, during a visit here last year, had said, "Unfortunately, the FETO has also infiltrated India through associations and schools."



Issues relating to regional security, situation in the Middle East, particularly Syria, are likely to figure during talks between Modi and Erdogan.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today drew flak for sharing the stage with murder- accused MLA Amanmani Tripathi at a party event here, with the opposition alleging that it had exposed the real face of the BJP leader who had promised to clamp down on criminals.



Tripathi, an Independent legislator who is facing charge of murdering his wife, sat a few seats away from Adityanath at the programme organised by BJP yesterday and sought the CM's blessings by touching his feet. He also handed over some papers to the Chief Minister during his brief interaction.



The 35-year-old MLA from Nautanwa assembly in neighbouring Maharajganj district again met the chief minister today at his 'Janata Darbar' where he listens to people's grievances, triggering speculation that the controversial legislator could be joining the BJP.



Later, Tripathi told reporters that he was not averse to it. "Maharaj ji is my guardian. His order will be the last word for me," he told reporters outside Gorakhnath Mutt, where the CM was staying.



Asked whether he will join the BJP, he said, "Why not? Whatever Maharaj ji tells me, I will do."

Amanmani's father Amarmani Tripathi, who was a minister in the SP government headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav, has been serving life sentence in the sensational Madhumita Shukla murder case.



Opposition parties lashed out at Adityanath, saying his deeds do not match his words. The BJP had made law and order a major election issue and immediately after taking charge, the Chief Minister had said that criminals should leave the state or face consequences.



"There is a clear cut difference in the words and actions of Yogi Adityanath. Law and order situation in UP is yet to improve. Ironically the law makers are turning into law breakers. There is no rule of law in the state," Rajendra Chaudhary, chief spokesperson of UP unit of Samajwadi Party, told PTI.



UP Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh said the "USP" of the BJP is that it possesses a dual face, so that it could easily switch sides. "A murder-accused sharing a stage with UP Chief Minister is simply shameful," he said.



Tripathi was denied a ticket by the Samajwadi Party after his name cropped up in his wife's murder case. He was granted bail in March this year.



After the row over the issue, BJP workers said they were surprised to see the MLA sharing the stage with Adityanath.



BJP's Gorakhpur unit spokesperson Satyendra Sinha, however, said that, "Any public representative can greet the chief minister and touch his feet. There is nothing wrong in it."



State president of Rashtriya Kisan Manch Shekhar Dixit, said, "It is ironical that on one hand the UP CM says that he will not tolerate anti-social and criminal elements in the state, but he happily shares the stage with a murder accused."



Tripathi was arrested and sent to jail on November 25, 2016 for his wife's murder and was charge sheeted on February 18.



As he tried to meet the CM today at the 'Janata Darbar', he was initially stopped by members of Aditynath's Hindu Yuva Vahini as the outfit was holding a meeting at that time.
Celebrating the first 100 days of his administration, Donald Trump today attacked the media for misleading the people with "fake news" as he skipped the "very boring" White House Correspondents' Dinner to become the first president in over 30 years to boycott the gala.



"I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washington's swamp, spending my evening with all of you with a much, much larger crowd and much, much better people. The media deserves a very big, fat, failing grade," Trump said sarcastically over the media's coverage of his achievements during his first 100 days in office.



He said a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in the nation's capital right now, referring to the annual black-tie dinner at a luxurious hotel which was sold out to more than 2,600 guests, comprising who's who of nation's political players, and top journalists along with celebrities and diplomats.



"They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents' Dinner without the President," 70-year-old Trump told his cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally at Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, a state which played a critical role in his electoral victory last November.



He told supporters that he was keeping "one promise after another", dismissing criticism as "fake news" by "out of touch" journalists.



This is for the first time in decades that a serving US president decided against attending the annual event of journalists who cover him round-the-clock.



None of the White House staff were present on the occasion in support of the President's decision.

The last president to miss the White House Correspondents' Dinner was Ronald Reagan back in 1981, and that was because he was recovering from an assassination attempt.



In his address, Trump said his rally to celebrate the completion of his first 100 days in office drew a much larger crowd and better people too.



"They would love to be with us right here tonight. They're trapped at the dinner, which will be very, very boring," Trump said, but indicated that he would be present at the Correspondents' Dinner next year.



Next year's dinner might be "more exciting", he said. "But we have a good chance showing up here again next year."



The last time Trump attended the dinner was in 2011, when he was a New York real estate mogul and reality-TV star who had just jumped into politics by getting involved in the "birther" movement, calling for President Barack Obama to release his birth certificate. Trump ended up being the butt of the jokes that night from comedian Seth Meyers and Obama himself.



In his speech, Trump slammed newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Tension between the President and news organisations has been a hallmark of his early administration.

Several media organisations withdrew from the dinner in protest of Trump's treatment of the media before Trump decided he would not attend. Vanity Fair and Bloomberg, which usually co-host an exclusive, star-studded after-party, have cancelled that gala.



More than 100 miles away from Harrisburg, journalists led by White House Correspondents' Association President Jeff Mason slammed the US President for attacking the media.



"We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do," Mason said.



"Freedom of the press is a building block of our democracy. Undermining that by seeking to delegitimise journalists is dangerous to a healthy republic," he said to a standing ovation.



Mason's speech was quickly followed by Indian-American stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj.

"The leader of our country is not here, and that's because he lives in Moscow," Minhaj said amidst laughter from the audience.



"It's a very long flight, it's a Saturday. As for the other guy, I think he's in Pennsylvania because he can't take a joke," said the Indian-American, whose parents are from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh
Nikki Haley didn't wait to take office as US ambassador to the United Nations to break with the Trump administration's foreign policy stances.



At her Senate confirmation hearing, Haley bluntly accused Russia of being complicit of war crimes in Syria going against the president-elect's talk of warmer relations with Moscow.



Three months later, she remains boldly off-message. Much to the chagrin of Washington diplomats, her remarks often go well beyond the carefully worded scripts crafted by the White House and State Department.



She's warned Syrian President Bashar Assad that "the days of your arrogance and disregard of humanity are over," even as other top aides to President Donald Trump insisted that his fate was a decision for the Syrian people.



She's pushed human rights as a driver of foreign policy just as the Trump administration showed its willingness to work with leaders who have suppressed civil liberties, such as Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt's Abdel-Fatah el- Sissi.



US diplomats fear Haley's words could result in an inconsistent, incoherent international message. State Department diplomats drafted an email urging Haley's office to ensure that her public statements on high-profile issues are cleared by Washington. The email was first reported by The New York Times.



In some ways, Haley has been ahead of the curve. Her hints at a change in the Syrian government are now seeping into Trump policies, and the administration has toughened its stance on Russia.



She seems to be in Trump's good graces. At a White House luncheon for UN diplomats last week, he said Haley was doing a "fantastic job" but only after awkwardly joking that if the diplomats didn't like her, "she could easily be replaced." Haley, a rookie to international politics, was an unusual pick for to be UN envoy.



As South Carolina governor, she was outspoken in her criticism of Trump during the 2016 campaign a stance that effectively disqualified other candidates for top administration positions.



The daughter of Indian immigrants, Haley alluded to Trump in denouncing "the siren call of the angriest voices" who disrespected America's immigrants. Trump tweeted that "The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley."



She has star power in an administration where the president prefers to keep attention on himself. In some ways, the 45-year-old Haley is seizing the spotlight left vacant by media-averse Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Her high- profile persona and relative youth have prompted speculation that she may run for president someday.



The White House and the US Mission to the United Nations declined to comment for this story. Haley's office falls under the State Department's authority, but administration officials say Haley's staff frequently bypasses the department for policy matters.



They said Haley's deputy, Jon Lerner, a Republican pollster and strategist who helped coordinate the Never Trump movement during the campaign, is in closer contact with senior members of the National Security Council, the White House's national security apparatus. Still, at times, Haley ad-libs her remarks, they said.



The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to publicly discuss the policymaking process.



They said the State Department was not involved in the planning of Trump's meeting last Monday with the UN ambassadors, nor was it consulted. The event was coordinated exclusively between the US Mission to the UN and the NSC.
Quick facts

Founder: Veena Ashiya

Into: Branded shoesGeographical

Presence: Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad

Funding: Bootstrapped

Future plans: To raise $1 million in Series A funding



In the world of fashion, the long standing battle between comfort and style continues to be a major game changer. While one may end up choosing one over the other, the opportunity cost still pricks!When Veena Ashiya  a shoe-monger herself, owning 150 pairs  found Indian women struggling with having to make the choice, she started studying data on Indian women, particularly their feet. Some 3,000 women later, she discovered that Indian women happen to compromise with style in favour of comfort.Indian women have broad feet. While they are willing to indulge and splurge, their choice is limited, she says. Most brands in the market, especially in the heels segment, are not designed specifically for broad feet, hence discouraging women from trendy footwear altogether, she says.Having found this gap in the market, Veena found her project  making heels comfortable for Indian women  and started working on it. First, her team started working on identifying the right incline, which does not cause discomfort while wearing it. When it comes to heels, every single aspect of the shoes comes into play. The incline, landing and cushioning have to be done right, without which they can be very risky and lead to severe pain and injury, Veena informs. The company found the right heel-size to be three inches, which has to be supported by sufficient space for toes to land. The company spent the next three months in touring China, Vietnam and Sri Lanka to find the right manufacturing partners.Heels require to be manufactured right, so we ensured that we got the right partners on board, she says, adding In early 2016, we launched the brand. During our early stages itself, we found the right retail partner in Future Group. Monrow Shoes is now available at nine stores across Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi. By the end of this year, the company hopes to touch 20 points-of-sale across the country, while also expanding into Mumbai.As of now, we are seeing equal traction online, as well as offline. Online, we are doing well on most fashion portals apart from our own website. Offline, we are present in Central and soon plan to expand into Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle, she says.Keeping in line with current market startegy, Monrow Shoes also plans to embark on the omni-channel approach to combine the online experience with offline. Todays customer is spoilt for choice. It is all about offering a good brand experience to them, she says.Currently bootstrapped, the company plans to raise $1 million in pre-Series A funding within a year. Veena also plans to expand the 12-member team, to hire personnel for business development. In terms of merchandise, the company is focused on athleisure, a trend that is catching on rapidly across all demographics. As we look at it, the trend is one that is long-impacting, and the adoption is also faster, she says.
India consumes 309 GW of power and still 300 million people in the country live without access to electricity. By 2030, Indias energy consumption is expected to rise to 700 GW. The escalated demand will be not only to due to the growth in the manufacturing industry but also due to electoral promises of providing full access electricity to all citizens by 2022.



To achieve this unimaginable, India is placing its bets on both coal and solar energy.



Coal dependency

India, being a major importer of coal, has doubled its production targets from its local mines aiming to produce 1.5 billion tonnes of coal by 2020. The intensity is to reduce its import dependence and to help the under utilised thermal power plants in the country. India is also rapidly expanding its coal-fired electricity generation capacity, with around 113 GW of new capacity already under construction in addition to the 205 GW of existing capacity. Given the investments underway, and the abundance of the resource in the country, it seems that the coal will undoubtedly continue to play a dominant part in Indias energy mix.



Renewable energy technology is considered unstoppable globally. No longer now solar power is dependent on government subsidies for its survival, solar tariffs are reducing day by day its increasingly beating fossil fuels on pure raw economics.



After Indias commitment at Conference of the Parties (CoP) 21 in Paris to fight against climate change. India is setting itself to transform its image completely with the support of global technological advancements by leveraging falling price of solar energy, which had been by 80% in the past five years.



The government plans to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by installing 100 GW of solar (utility and rooftop), 60 GW of wind, 10 GW of biomass and 5 GW of small hydro electric projects by 2022. So far, in the last two-and-a-half years, the solar installed capacity is expanded by 200%, from 3,000 MW in March 2015 to 9,500 MW by end of December 2017.



According to reports, solar is getting so cheap, so fast, that it will quickly represent a Lions share of new electric-power generation. Assuming battery technology continues to improve, very soon, solar will start to replace some fossil-fuel plants. According to the new governments draft 10-year energy blueprint, 57% of Indias total electricity capacity will come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2027. (The Paris climate accord target was 40% by 2030).



High cost of financing

Hoping to achieve a massive target of 175 GW of renewable energy, the government had pledged $30 million over five years to establish the International Solar Alliance (ISA) with 121 nations across the globe, to facilitate easier finance from multilateral banks for solar projects. In addition, it has also appealed to the wealthier nations to invest in renewable energy projects. With Indias exceptional GDP growth rate of more than 7%, global leaders have started thinking over to invest in India.



Japans SoftBank has committed to invest $20 billion in conjunction with Taiwanese company Foxconn and Indian business group Bharti Enterprises. French state-owned energy company EDF is to invest $2 billion in Indian renewable energy projects, citing the countrys enormous projected demand and fantastic potential of its wind and solar radiation. Adani too has invested in the worlds largest solar plant in Tamil Nadu, including Tata Solar aiming to generate as much as 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.



The World Bank sees this solar impetus as an investment opportunity and is providing $1 billion to support Indias ambitious solar initiatives.



Power infrastructure concerns

The Green-Energy-Corridor (GEC) is part of the countrys plans to boost transmission capacity to enable a seamless flow of electricity from clean electricity producing states to consuming states that face power shortages.



The GEC Project, spearheaded by the Power Grid Corp with support from the Asian Development Bank and Germanys KfW Development Bank, is expected to enhance the electric grids transmission capacity. The network is designed to transmit 55 GW of solar and wind power being generated in eight renewable energy  rich states to load centres in the countrys northern region. Parallelly, as per Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) policy, intends to reduce AT&C losses, strengthen sub-transmission and distribution networks and fix admin losses through IT integration.



Of Rs 12,700 crore to be invested on lines to transmit power from solar parks, the inter-state portion of the transmission investments will cost Rs 8,000 crore, while intra-state lines will require another Rs 4,745 crore. India will also receive a soft loan of about 1 billion for the corridors development from the KfW Development Bank.



Looking forward to 2017, with much of investments on ground, it is expected that new capacity addition of over 9 GW (up 90% over 2016) and up to 8 GW of new utility scale capacity allocation by NTPC, SECI and states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to come up. As other international markets including China, Japan and Europe slow down, India will remain one of the fastest growing markets around the world moving fast to achieve the targets set.



The government needs to align the incentives and bring in more friendly new domestic manufacturing policy to boost the industry and to ensure that the dream becomes a reality.



(The author is CEO and Co-Founder of Ganges Internationale)
The head of the Egypt Judges Club, Mohamed Abdel Mohsen, has criticised the Supreme Judicial Council for failing to back the club in its opposition to the newly ratified judicial authority law, saying the judiciary is suffering as a result of the crisis over the new law.

In a statement on Saturday, Abdel Mohsen stressed that "it is now a duty to present a united front, end disputes and clarify objectives" to ensure the will of the judges prevails.

On Thursday night, Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ratified a new judicial authority law prepared by parliament and passed on Wednesday by a majority of more than two thirds of MPs in the House of Representatives.

The new law gives the president the right to choose the heads of Egypts judicial bodies from three nominees out of the seven most senior judges proposed from within each body, thus ending the decades-old system of choosing the heads of judicial bodies based on absolute seniority.

The law was passed despite objections from the Egypt Judges Club and other regional judiciary clubs, which said that the legislation undermines the independence of the judiciary.

The State Council Club and the Judge's Club, meanwhile, called on on El-Sisi not to ratify the law, said Abdel Mohsen.

The Supreme Judicial Council, the governing body responsible for the administrative affairs of the ordinary judiciary, asked the Judge's Club to delay sending an alternative draft judiciary law prepared and approved by the club's general assembly to parliament before the legislature voted to pass its own version on 26 April, added Abdel Mohsen.

Abdel Mohsen also said the Supreme Judiciary Council failed to explain its reasoning for opposing parliament's draft law in writing.

The Judges Club called for a general assembly on 5 May to discuss its plan of action in response to the new law, according to Abdel Mohsen's statement, but the move "did not get any support from the Supreme Judicial Council or the Ministry of Justice."

Mohamed Hamed El-Gamal, a veteran judge and former head of Egypt's State Council, told Ahram Online that "the newly ratified law is unconstitutional and represents an assault on the [independent] authority of the judiciary."

The passage of the new law requires coordinated action from the judges, such as filing an appeal against it before the Supreme Constitutional Court," El-Gamal argued.

On Saturday, the Administrative Prosecution Body, which is part of the State Council, submitted the names of three nominees, selected according to seniority, to head the body, in line with the new law.

The State Council also decided on Saturday to call for a general assembly on 13 May to nominate deputies to succeed current head Mohamed Masoud who is due to leave his post 19 July.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


A doctor at the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) here is accused of seeking sexual favours from a woman who wanted him to treat her son for ear pain.



Dr Kattappa allegedly made the demand when the woman brought her son the second time on Friday.



He reportedly told her that quality treatment was not possible until she gave him sexual favours. He is also accused of misbehaving with her. The woman lodged a complaint against the doctor at the womens police station on Saturday.



Ramizabi, the sub-inspector of womens police station, said that since the doctor was a government employee, he would be served a notice first.



Further action will be taken after taking the consent of the higher authorities, she added.


BJP senior leader K S Eshwarappa said on Sunday that he wants the party to revoke the suspension of Bhanuprakash and Nirmal Kumar Surana as vice-presidents.



Eshwarappa, speaking to reporters in Mathur village, Shivamogga district, said, It hurts to see how those who have worked hard for the organisation and the party are being treated. If this is the plight of those who have worked hard for the organisation, what will be the fate of ordinary workers in the party?



He said he would request the partys national president Amit Shah and Muralidhar Rao, general secretary in charge of Karnataka, to withdraw the order removing Bhanuprakash and Surana as office-bearers. Eshwarappa met Bhanuprakash at his residence in Mathur.



Speaking to reporters in Tumakuru, he dismissed the possibility of action being taken against him.



Why will anyone take action against me? I have never betrayed the party. I have served as the state unit president of the party for three terms, Eshwarappa said.



I have worked for strengthening and building the party even when Yeddyurappa had quit the BJP to form the KJP. I had taken up the post of state party president by resigning as the Energy Minister, he said.


A powerful panel of parliamentarians has demanded an inquiry against the Department of Space for favouring private companies like Tata Sky in allocating transponders in INSAT and GSAT satellites.



Even though the irregularities committed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) were first red-flagged by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) a year ago, the space agency has not yet launched any internal probe, as sought by the PAC.



The activities against which the probe was sought took place more than 12 years ago when direct-to-home (DTH) satellite services were brought to India by several public and private broadcasters, including Doordarshan, Tata Sky, Dish TV and Sun TV.



While Tata Sky was fifth in the order of preference of satellite capacity allocation, it was granted precedence to INSAT-4A and given exclusive rights in December 2005, superseding Doordarshan. We are dismayed to note that the department has not initiated any action as yet, the PAC, headed by Congress leader K V Thomas, said in its latest report, which was tabled in Parliament earlier this month.



Tata Sky was given the exclusive rights on Ku-band transponders, located at an orbital slot of 83 degrees east, for 10 years. Tata Sky had a very advantageous position over other DTH service providers as it had the exclusive first right of refusal for using Ku-band transponders. Due to this, Ku-band transponders of GSAT-10 could not be allocated to any other DTH service provider. They remained idle, causing an annual loss of Rs 60 crore, said the PAC report.



The Comptroller and Auditor General had also pointed out how the space department gave preferential treatment to Tata Sky.



In its 2016 report, the PAC had asked for an internal investigation and action within three months.The Isros reply, which came a year later, only said that a committee is being constituted to look into the issue. It , however, did not give the PAC its reasons for not launching the inquiry.



The 22-member PAC that reviews government expenditures found that the Isro had violated several other norms in managing the satellite transponders. Several instances of wasteful expenditure were also found.



Flaws had also been found in the lease agreements that the Indian DTH operators signed with the Isro. While the pacts with the Indian operators dont have a price revision clause, Isro agreed to a 5-33% price revision when it signed similar agreements with foreign satellites on behalf of Indian vendors. This has already resulted in a loss of Rs 36 crore.



The PAC wanted a probe on such flawed agreements. But a year later, there is no action from the Isro on this front either.


The Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited (KSMDMCL) is searching for land to set up hot water treatment plant in Ramanagaram, to speed up the process of treating and exporting mangoes.



The Corporation and mango growers are looking for land in Ramanagaram for more than six months to set up a hot water treatment plant, Kadre Gowda, Managing Director, KSMDMCL told DH on the sidelines of the mango-picking tour which was held on Saturday in Kolar and Ramanagaram.



We cannot acquire farmers land for setting up the plant. Acquiring private land has become difficult as many are politically influential. Finding government land has become a major challenge. Some farmers sell their mangoes to private companies for treatment and sale, and some others send it to Innova Agri Bio Park Limited in Malur in Kolar district for treatment and sale, explained another KSMDMCL official.



Hot water treatment of mangoes is mandatory before exporting them to many European and Gulf nations. The Corporation is keen to treat mangoes before the fruits hit the domestic market also, as it kills insects and ensures that customers get good quality fruit.



Hot water treatment units are coming up in Chintamani in Chikkaballapur district and Hubballi. But one is needed in Ramanagaram, where 17,000 hectares of land is under mango cultivation, Gowda pointed.



The KSMDMCL has made many requests to the state government, seeking help in identifying land but in vain. Gowda said that though mango production has taken a beating this year because of drought, the export demand has increased because of the quality of the produce. Last year, Karnataka produced 13 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes of which 6,975 metric tonnes was exported. This year, the yield is expected to be around 10 lakh metric tonnes and the KSMDMCL expects to export the same quantity as last year.



Farmers from Ramanagaram and Kolar sold around two tonnes of mangoes to the 200 tourists from Bengaluru at their fields on Saturday. This was the second tour organised by the KSMDMCL this season. Last week, one tour was organised to Chikkaballapur, where consumers purchased around 800 kg of mangoes directly from farmers.



The next visit will be to Chintamani in Chikkaballapur district on May 7.


T N Shivakumar was 54 years old when he was diagnosed with third-stage breast cancer in 2004 and he was glad because after several downfalls in life, he did not want to live.



On Sunday, he performed 302 Surya Namaskars in six-and-a-half hours at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, without a break to catch his breath or have a sip of water.



Doctors told me that I would live only for three months. But after 13 years, I am still alive and healthy. I performed the Surya Namaskars to set an example to others that it is possible to defeat cancer and live a healthy, happy life, Shivakumar said. He also wanted to thank Kidwai Institute, where he received his treatment.



Facing social stigma

Shivakumar had to face social stigma as breast cancer is something associated only with women.



I could not talk to anyone about my problems because my male friends would not understand me. Awareness about it is less. I met some breast cancer patients from America and they were able to come out and talk about it boldly, he said.



Shivakumar has been advocating the Ayurvedic system of medicine after it helped him recover from his cancer treatment, which included an operation, radiation and hormone tablets.



Record of experience

He wrote a book about his experience when he was receiving treatment for weakness in his lower limbs in 2005. Ayurveda has helped me a lot. I used to find it difficult to go the Government Ayurvedic Medical College for my treatment but now I can walk up to 15 km, Shivakumar said.



He has written several books on mental health and the benefits of Ayurveda, and is growing 10,000 medicinal herbs near his house in NR Colony to supply to the AYUSH department.



Ayurveda unit

Shivakumar is thankful that the Ayurveda unit in Kidwai Institute has been reinstated and is pushing for a similar unit in Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases.



If they open an Ayurveda unit there, I will perform 302 Surya Namaskars there, too, Shivakumar said.



At 64, he keeps himself busy, regularly visiting Kidwai hospital to talk to cancer patients and provide them support.


Dwellers in small apartment are up in arms against Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for making Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) and dual piping system mandatory.



They refuse to follow new rules despite the Board setting a December 31, 2017-deadline. Members of Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF) said that it is practically impossible for the existing apartments having 50 and more residential units to set up STPs. A final notification was issued by BWSSB asking owners or the occupiers of apartments, commercial establishments and educational institutions to set up STP and dual piping system on April 21, 2017.



BAF which claims to have support of more than 250 apartment associations has decided against the new rule in every possible way.



Vested interests are behind this new norm. More than a lakh dwellers are against it. We want to know how setting up STP will help when the treated sewage is finally going to end in SWDs and polluted lakes. The move is illogical, said general secretary, BAF, Srikanth Narasimhan.



A resident of Century Park apartments in Ashok Nagar said that there is hardly any space left in their apartment complex for setting up a STP. Moreover, setting up a STP is a costly affair and we are against the notification, he said.



BWSSB sources said that there was no question of withdrawing guidelines. Apartment dwellers have been given sufficient time to set up STPs and dual piping system.

DH News Service


Lecturers of government first grade (degree) colleges in the state have expressed their opposition to the state governments move to compulsorily transfer 4% lecturers who are working in colleges in the A zone.



The rules have been framed unscientifically because of which lecturers who were transferred only two or three years ago are being transferred again to taluk and grameen headquarters. However, lecturers who have been serving for more than 15 years in prominent cities such as Bengaluru and Mysuru are not being transferred, the president of the lecturers association, Dr H Prakash, said.



According to the new rules, based on seniority, lecturers who are serving in A zone have to compulsorily be transferred to colleges in B or C zones. The process of transferring lecturers, librarians, physical education instructors and non-teaching staff has already begun.



The lecturers association has appealed to the higher education minister and senior officials in the Department of Collegiate Education to change the rules of transfer.



The association says that the move to include taluk headquarters such as Shidlaghatta, Kanakapura, Hoskote, Challakere, Hiriyur, Mulbagal, Arasikere and Puttur in the A zone is unscientific.



According to guidelines for compulsory transfer, the department should make a list of lecturers, with details of colleges they are working in and number of years they have served there.



Based on the list and seniority, transfers should be effected.

DH News Service



Identified for transfer

208 lecturers in Zone A Colleges

196 lecturers in Zone B Colleges

146 lecturers in Zone C Colleges

Colleges in A Zone: 137

Colleges in B Zone: 158

Colleges in C Zone: 124


The ruling against Ghoneim and co-defendants, which was awaiting non-binding opinion of the countrys grand mufti before becoming official, can be appealed

Related Egypt court issues preliminary death sentence against controversial Muslim preacher Wagdy Ghoneim

A Cairo court confirmed a death sentence against controversial Islamic preacher Wagdy Ghoneim on Sunday after Egypt's grand mufti gave his consent to the verdict.

On 2 April, a Cairo criminal court issued a preliminary death sentence against Ghoneim and two other men after they were convicted of inciting the murder of security forces personnel and Christians. Five other men were handed life sentences in the same case.

The ruling against Ghoneim and his co-defendants was awaiting the non-binding consultative opinion of the countrys grand mufti, as per Egypt's penal code, before becoming official. The death sentence was referred to the grand mufti earlier this month.

The sentence against Ghoneim  a controversial Salafist preacher believed to be residing in Turkey  was issued in absentia.

The death sentences against Ghoneim and the two other defendants are subject to appeal.

In 2016, Egypts High State Security Prosecution referred the eight defendants to court on charges of founding an illegal group with the aim of obstructing the law, preventing state institutions from performing their duties, and attacking the personal freedoms of citizens. The defendants were also charged with incitement to topple the government and attack Christians and security forces personnel.

Ghoneim has faced several lawsuits and trials in Egypt since 2012 over statements considered offensive to women and Christians.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


A 27-year-old man is suspected to have killed his pregnant wife and her mother so as to cover up the fact that he was HIV-positive, police said. The horrific murders happened in Car Street in Doddaballapur town, about 40 km north of Bengaluru, on Saturday night.



Chandrashekhar, a weaver by profession, wanted his wife, Chandrakala (23), to go for abortion as he feared he would be exposed if she delivered the baby. His in-laws werent aware that he was suffering from the life-threatening disease. Chandrashekhar often fought with his wife and in-laws ever since she tested positive for pregnancy three weeks ago. His wife opposed the idea of abortion tooth and nail, and her mother, Meenakshamma (45), backed her, P V Reddy, the inspector of Doddaballapur Town police station, told DH.



When Chandrashekhar didnt get his way, he decided to kill his wife and hatched a plan. On Saturday afternoon, he sent her to her mothers house. He knew the routine of his father-in-law, Narayanappa, who works at a restaurant and leaves home by 6 pm. Meenakshamma, who works as a domestic help, returns home by 8 pm.



Once Meenakshamma returned home, Chandrashekhar, too, reached there. He pounced on both of them, strangled them with a sari and sneaked out, Reddy said. The murders were a quiet affair and neighbours had no clue until Narayanappa returned home around 10 pm. He was stunned to find his wife lying on the floor and daughter motionless on her thighs. He called for neighbours. They told him they had seen Chandrashekhar entering the house around 9 pm. An angry Narayanappa went to Chandrashekhars house but it was locked. He then went to police.



The first clue came when police picked up Chandrashekhars brother for questioning on Sunday morning. He dropped a bombshell: Chandrashekhar was HIV-positive. The revelation got police thinking. When they questioned Narayanappa, he expressed ignorance about Chandrashekhars HIV status but recalled his son-in-laws strong opposition to having a child.



Police now surmise that Chandrashekhar committed the murders to cover up his HIV status.

Curiously, Chandrashekhar had married Chandrakala under rather extreme circumstances. His family disowned him after learning of his HIV status.



He then rented a house next to Narayanappas and started darting Chandrakala. But when he approached Narayanappa with a marriage proposal, the latter turned it down, saying his daughter was mentally unsound.



Chandrashekhar, however, remained firm. Five months ago, he eloped with Chandrakala and married her in Dharmasthala. The couple returned to Doddaballapur later and Narayanappa accepted the marriage.

DH News Service
By Jessica Glenza 29 April 2017 NEW YORK (The Guardian)  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 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 inaction on climate change , and hours before the symbolic 100-day mark of the Trump administration . On Saturday, visitors to the website were 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. 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. [ more ]

EPA wipes its climate change site day before march on Washington

WASHINGTON, 28 April 2017 (EPA)  EPA.gov, the website for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, is undergoing changes that reflect the agencys new direction under President Donald Trump and Administrator Scott Pruitt. The process, which involves updating language to reflect the approach of new leadership, is intended to ensure that the public can use the website to understand the agencys current efforts. The changes will comply with agency ethics and legal guidance, including the use of proper archiving procedures. For instance, a screenshot of the last administrations website will remain available from the main page. 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 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 is a page reflecting President Trumps Executive Order on Energy Independence, which calls for a review of the so-called Clean Power Plan. Language associated with the Clean Power Plan, written by the last administration, is out of date. Similarly, content related to climate and regulation is also being reviewed. R066

Contact

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. press@epa.gov
Roman Catholic Pope Francis and Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros signed on Friday a mutual declaration that each of their respective churches will seek to acknowledge baptisms performed in the other church.

The declaration was signed shortly after Pope Francis arrived in Cairo for a two-day visit, the first trip by a Roman Catholic Pope to the country since Pope John Paul II's visit in 2000.

The declaration between Pope Francis and Pope Tawadros states that their respective churches "will sincerely seek not to repeat baptisms administered in either of our churches for any person who wishes to join the other."

A statement by the official Vatican Radio broadcast following the signing said that the declaration finally resolves an issue that has been a consistent source of tension between Copts and Catholics; which is the insistence on a second baptism for Christians who convert from Catholic Church to the Orthodox Church.

Before Pope Francis's visit to Egypt on Friday, controversy erupted among members of the Coptic Orthodox Church  who make up the majority of Egypt's 10 percent Christian population  over an alleged version of the agreement that circulated among the community that unambiguously stated that each church would accept members from the other without a re-baptism.

Pope Tawadros and the Church Holy Council announced in statement shared via Bishop Rafael that despite rumours and false statements, the final declaration would include the words "sincerely seek," indicating it would not mandate a blanket acceptance of new members without re-baptism.

Why is it significant?

Bishop Antonios Aziz, the Emeritus of the Giza Coptic Catholic Church, told Ahram Online that the main issue when it comes to converting is marriage, "as Orthodox priests cannot marry a couple unless they are of the same religion, sect and denomination."

Aziz says that it is generally required for Christians that a couple not of the same sect follow the sacraments of only one of their respective sects for their marriage to be recognised.

Rights activist Mina Thabet, a senior researcher at the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, told Ahram Online that "this has affected inter-marriage between the two churches, as it is difficult for a Catholic who wants to marry an Orthodox Copt to repeat the sacrament, and for a Catholic this means that his Christianity is not recognised by the other church, as if he is not a true Christian."

Thabet says that he understands why Orthodox Copts oppose recognizing Catholic baptisms.

"It is a result of centuries of sectarian discrimination, from the times of the Roman Empire till today, which has pushed the Coptic community towards being more conservative, closed, and strict in its Orthodox values."

The churches' different positions

The seemingly contradictory statements by the two churches around the declaration possibly reveal differing stances on the issue of re-baptism.

Thabet says that "despite the contradictions, it is clear there was the intention by Pope Tawadros to recognise Catholic baptisms, but this changed because of the pressure exerted by the conservative current in the Coptic Orthodox community."

Thabet added, however, that the statement "sincerely seek not to repeat baptisms" still represents a new and positive step towards unifying the Christian faith and achieving convergence between the two churches, and this is why it has caused this huge controversy.

Bishop Aziz says that "it is clear that there is powerful opposition to seeking unification and acceptance, so I believe that the phrasing of the declaration changed many times, as the word 'sincerely seek' was not [initially] there."

"We all seek unification, but it requires real steps to achieve," added Aziz.

"Current statements lead us to expect various responses from Orthodox churches: some priests will not repeat baptism, some will, as is already happening."

According to Aziz, there are between 250,000 and 300,000 Egyptian Catholics.

Theological differences

There are some theological differences between the Catholic and Orthodox churches dating back to the Ecumenical Councils.

The baptism sacrament, one of the seven sacraments of Christianity, differs between the two churches.

The Catholic Church baptises by pouring holy water on the head of the individual being baptised, while the Orthodox baptism involves complete submersion in holy water.

The Coptic Orthodox Church requires new members joining from the Catholic Church to be re-baptised. However, the Catholic Church does not have the same requirement.

In the 1980s, then-Coptic Orthodox Pope Shenouda insisted on re-baptism for anyone looking to join or marry into the Coptic Orthodox Church, according to Thabet.

"The sensitivity between the two churches is caused by the fact that Catholics entered Egypt with the French and British occupation, so preserving the Orthodox principals became not only a theological issue, but also one of nationalism," Thabet explained.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Moscow is ready to cooperate with the United States on settling the Syrian crisis, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday, Russian news agencies reported.

Russian authorities reiterate periodically that they stand ready to renew cooperation with Washington on Syria and, more globally, on fighting terrorism.

Relations between the two countries, however, are seen reaching another low after U.S. fired missiles at Syria to punish Moscow's ally for its suspected use of poison gas earlier in April. Russia condemned the U.S. action.

Lavrov's deputy Mikhail Bogdanov also said on Saturday that Russian authorities hope that Syrian armed opposition will take part in Syria peace talks in Kazakhstan's Astana on May 3-4, Interfax reported.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


A US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance is advancing against the Islamic State group in the key town of Tabqa near the jihadist bastion of Raqa in northern Syria, a monitor said.

The Syrian Democratic Forces now control at least 40 percent of the town of Tabqa, and more than half of its heart, the Old City, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said fighting was continuing in the town on Sunday morning.

The SDF entered Tabqa on Monday as part of their offensive against Raqa, IS's de facto Syrian capital. Supported by US-led coalition air strikes and special forces advisers, the SDF surrounded Tabqa in early April.

The town sits on a strategic supply route about 55 kilometres (34 miles) west of Raqa, and served as an important IS command base, housing the group's main prison.

It is also adjacent to the Tabqa dam, another important strategic prize which remains under IS control.

The assault on Tabqa began in late March when SDF forces and their US-led coalition allies were airlifted behind IS lines.

The city was home to around 240,000 residents before 2011, and more than 80,000 people have fled to it from other parts of the country.

IS has put up fierce resistance, including using weaponised drones, a tactic the group perfected in neighbouring Iraq.

The group is also fighting street-to-street and using suicide attackers and car bombs to slow the SDF's advance, according to the Observatory.

The assault on Raqa, dubbed "Wrath of the Euphrates," was launched in November and has seen SDF fighters capture large swathes of countryside around the city.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the country's war began with anti-government protests in March 2011.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Five suspected members of Yemen's Al-Qaeda branch were killed Sunday in what local authorities said was a US drone strike east of the capital Sanaa.

The early morning strike targeted a car in central Marib province that had been transporting arms from Yakla in Baida province, a military official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The official said the car belonged to a known local leader of Yemen's Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which the United States views as the radical group's most dangerous branch.

Sunday's strike comes 24 hours after a similar raid killed three suspected AQAP operatives in southern Shabwa province, which has been a central target of the US military.

Yakla was the target of the controversial January 29 air raid ordered by US President Donald Trump, his first since taking office.

That raid, during which US special operations forces entered an AQAP compound in Yakla, killed a Navy SEAL and several Yemeni civilians, including a child with US citizenship.

The Pentagon has confirmed 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 in Yemen to expand its presence in the war-torn country.

The conflict pits Huthi Shiite rebels, backed by Iran, against government forces allied with a Gulf coalition led by Saudi Arabia.

The United Nations estimates more than 7,700 people have been killed since the coalition intervened in the war. Millions also face famine this year.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Ive been hearing about the so-called Boracay of the North and how beautiful the beaches are at the North end of the Philippines but I have not seen much of it until recently.

Anguib Beach in Sta.Ana Cagayan Valley is situated near Apari and a boat away from Palaui and Batanes Group of Island.

How to get there?

It will take about 16 hours travel by land including normal stop over for food and toilet break. Read our 21 hour roadtrip from Manila to Sta.Ana Cagayan Valley here.

By plane, the closest airport is in Tuguegarao which is the capital of Cagayan Valley. From Tuguegarao it will take you 3 hours travel by land.

Was it worth it?

It is. Honestly I believe it is better than Boracay as the water is very clear no algae infestations. The beach is still virgin as no commercial establishments abound the area. There is lush greens and forest by the shore. There is a river full of living animals, so many hermit crabs roaming around, starfish, fish. It is just wonderful. Sand is white pink.

There are boats for rent that you can hire to go island hopping or go to Palaui Island, Cape Engkato and many other beautiful destinations in the area. I was not able to do all those things though coz lack of time and coordination with the one who brought us there. Instead of stressing we just enjoyed our Anguib Beach time because it is gorgeous as is. It gets really hot as this part of the country is the warmest. Better pack a lot of sunblock and bring lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.

I will stop talking and just show you how the so-called Boracay of the North Anguib Beach Sta.Ana Cagayan Valley looks like in this vlog below:

Where to stay:

There are a number of resorts and lodges in Sta.Ana Cagayan Valley. You can choose from luxury to backpacker style lodging and it is all fine. Most resorts are situated along the beach coast so you will get easy access to the beach. However Anguib Beach is white sand the ones from the resort like on our hotel is normal brown sand.



We stayed at Cagayan Holiday and Leisure Resort which has apartment or single detached type of houses that. We stayed in a house with 5 bedrooms.

You can also check out Country Inn Suites, Rai Hotel and Resort or Nassi Hotel.

Will I come back to Anguib Beach or Sta.Ana Cagayan Valley?

Absolutely. The time I spent there was so short I have so many places to explore and so many things that I would like to do. I heard Anguib Beach is also a diving spot. I would like to go when all the crowd is gone. I was there when the Partakan Festival was happening to it was crowded and the service of all the hotels I mentioned above sucks real bad. I think they were overwhelmed with the flood of guests. Food came in very very late. Like very late you almost want to forget about it and leave.

I suggest to the resort and hotel organizations in Sta.Ana Cagayan Valley to e prepared and deliver the food promptly. Food is the one thing you should put a lot of attention to because people will remember you for the food you serve them. The impression you left for first timer like me is really bad I hope this is not the case all the time. We were there on a Holyweek and it was supposedly peak season for resort owners and operators. Expect surge of tourist wanting good food and on time. We dont need to follow up 10 times.

Heres some of my fave photos from the Boracay of the North Anguib Beach Sta. Ana Cagayan Valley

With that said I know some of you might wanna change their mind with regards to going. But if they read this blog they might change their ways haha! If not find a turo-turo to eat in or take out they have food fast. There was a food market that we passed by near the hotels it was closed though coz it was a Holy Friday when we got there. If you find a market and you are staying at a place where there are kitchen utensils and youbcan cook, better cook your own food instead than hope for the food innthe restos at the resorts I mentioned above

How about you, have you been to this far-end of the Philippines?

Stay gorgeous everyone!
More than 200,000 people took to the streets in Washington, DC, Saturday for the Peoples Climate March. Tens of thousands more joined via sister marches across the globe, including Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, Uganda, Kenya, Germany, Greece, United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica and more.

In the U.S., more than 370 marches in nearly all 50 states took place, from the town of Dutch Harbor in Alaskas Aleutian Islands to the streets of Miami, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago and other major American cities.

EcoWatch was there covering the DC march, and interviewing climate experts and marchers from all over the nation. Watch our more than five hours of coverage here:

[facebook https://facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1529202170426048/ expand=1]

The Peoples Climate March was led by a coalition of frontline communities, faith leaders, labor activists, civil rights champions and climate justice advocates demanding commonsense protections for the air we breathe, the water we drink and the health of the vulnerable communities who have the most to lose under President Trumps administration.

The sight of more than 150,000 people taking to the streets of Washington, DC, not to mention the thousands more in cities and towns across the country, displays the true power of the climate movement, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune said. We cannot nor will not be stopped. We will speak out, we will take to the streets and we will win.

Donald Trump can try to stick his head in the sand when it comes to protecting our clean air and water all he wants, but that will never drown out the millions of voices across the country demanding action.

According to 350.org, the number of people far outpaced the National Park Services permitted space of 100,000 people. The march extended for more than 20 blocks down Pennsylvania Ave., with tens of thousands more surging along the mall sending a unified message to President Trump and his administration to stand up for climate, jobs and justice.

350.org

The day began at sunrise with a water ceremony led by Indigenous peoples at the Capitol Reflecting Pool. Representatives from front line communities spoke at an opening press conference calling out President Trump for failing to address the climate crisis.

The march, which began at 12:30 p.m. EST, was led by young people of color from Washington, DC, and Indigenous leaders from across the country.

Today we gather to see each other, to work with each other, to embrace each other and to envision a just and clean future together, one without fossil fuels, Mary Nicol, senior campaigner at Greenpeace USA, said. We have a long struggle, but we know we will win. We will win because we stand for justice, the truth and the rights of all people.

At 3:30 p.m., crowds gathered at the Washington Monument while marches continued to take place across the country. The Peoples Climate Movement is a coalition of more than 900 organizations representing many of the major social justice, labor and environmental groups in the country, which has pledged to keep the momentum going.

The march was divided in creatively named contingents, like Protectors of Justice, Reshapers of Power, Many Struggles, One Home and Fossil Fuel Resistance, which included the growing resistance to President Trumps and the Republican Partys dismantling of climate and environmental policies. The bloc included activists and organizations fighting oil and gas drilling, coal mining, pipelines and power plants.

After losing the popular vote, Trump surrounded himself with fossil fuel executives, climate-deniers and Wall Street bankers hellbent on destroying our planet, Erich Pica, president of Friends of the Earth, said. The real climate solution is to keep fossil fuels in the ground and invest in renewable energy.

Scott Parkin, senior climate campaigner at Rainforest Action Network, agreed.

Executives at oil companies, coal companies and the Wall Street banks that finance coal mines and oil pipelines dont care about the climate or communities impacted by fossil fuels, he said. The only motivation is short-term profit. Today, we march to not only say no more, but also we will fight and we will win.

Nonprofits organizations and activists were not the only ones speaking out at the Peoples Climate March. Socially-responsible businesses were there too, including Ben & Jerrys, Patagonia, New Belgium Brewing Company and many others. Heres a great picture of the Ben & Jerrys melting cone:

Justin Gural

The Peoples Climate March sent a resounding message to the Trump administration and members of Congress who continue to put corporate profits over the health of people and planet: Take climate action now. The voice of the people will not be silenced.

Todays actions are not for one day or one week or one year, Paul Getsos, national coordinator for the Peoples Climate Movement, said. We are a movement that is getting stronger everyday for our families, our communities and our planet. To change everything, we need everyone.

350.org Executive Director May Boeve summed up the day perfectly:

The first 100 days of Trumps presidency have been hard. But today I cant help but be filled with indomitable hope: Weve marked the 100th day with unyielding resistance, heart and creativity.

Today in the streets we are proving that we will continue to mobilize against Trumps fossil fuel agenda. And this is only one part of the picture: The March for Science last weekend and Mondays May Day strikes show the resistance will continue on many fronts.

Were on the precipice of launching an ambitious new grassroots push to stop every new fossil fuel project on the table and build 100% renewable energy in towns and cities nationwide. What we are doing today gives us real leverage to get there.

There are always holes in the Death Star, and we will keep looking for themon the 100th day and the 1,000th. Who knows what well find.
(Reuters)Pope Francis talks to journalist on the papal plane during his flight to Manila.

Pope Francis has warned that "a good part of humanity" will be destroyed if military tensions with North Korea continue to escalate over its weapons' program.

The Pope urged diplomacy and for the United Nations to take the lead in negotiations as the United States warned of "catastrophic" consequences if North Korea is not stopped.

Francis was speaking April 29 aboard his plane in a 30-minute press conference as he returned to Rome from a two-day trip to Egypt.

He spoke soon after the North Korea government was reported to have fired another failed ballistic missile from Pukchang Airfield on April 27.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously said the United States could "absolutely" go to war over Kim Jong-un's nuclear threat, has sent an American aircraft carrier and other ships to conduct drills near the Koreas, the Evening Standard reported.

Trump had told Reuters news agency during the week there was a chance "that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea."

The U.S. president's remarks were seen as undercutting remarks by others in his administration to ease the dispute by raising the possibility of direct negotiations between the United States and North Korea, The New York Times reported.

Asked what he would tell Trump in the face of the crisis, Francis said he would urge him to use diplomacy and negotiation.

He said, "We are talking about the future of humanity. Today, a widespread war would destroy - I would not say half of humanity - but a good part of humanity, and of culture, everything, everything.

"It would be terrible. I don't think that humanity today could bear it."

Pope Francis urged the United States and North Korea to defuse their escalating standoff and avert a potentially horrific conflict.

"I call on them, and I will call on them, as I have on leaders of different places, to work to resolve their problems through diplomatic avenues," said the pontiff aboard his plane as he returned to Rome.

He noted that North Korea's missile program is not a new concern, but "things have gotten too hot" and he indicated that "the United Nations has the duty to reassume, a little, its leadership because it's been watered down," The New York Times reported.

On April 28, the U.N. Security Council held a ministerial meeting on North Korea's intensifying weapons program, but diplomats from Pyongyang did not attend the meeting, chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

There are so many facilitators in the world, there are mediators who offer themselves, such as Norway for example," Pope Francis said during his now customary news conference with reporters at the end of each trip, Reuters reported.

"It (Norway) is always ready to help. That is just one but there are many. But the path is the path of negotiations, of a diplomatic solution," he said in the discussion, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Norway had secretly negotiated an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians known as the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s.
Latest News

GATE 2023 application correction window opens The deadline for Registration (with late fees) has been extended until October 16, 2023

Alert: IGNOU extends July 2022 registration deadline, know details here Interested candidates can apply at the official IGNOU website

DU Admissions 2022: More than 23,000 students applied for upgrade Over 61,500 students have been admitted to the university out of the 70,000 undergraduate seats on offer this
Mother of 14-year-old Shady Farrah talks to Ahram Online about the imprisonment and torture of her son, sheds light on Palestinian prisoners' hunger strike

More than 1,000 Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails started a hunger strike on 17 April, but there is one detainee, Shady Farrah, who cannot take part in this strike because at 14 he is the youngest among the 6,500 Palestinians in occupation prisons.

Ferihan Derghama, the mother of Shady Farrah, who had not turned 12 when he was arrested by occupation forces in 2015 in Jerusalem, talked to Ahram Online about the plight of her own son and the struggle of Palestinians.

The interview was conducted in Tunisia on the sidelines of the opening of the Palestinian Cultural Center.

What is the reason behind your visit to Tunisia, and have you visited Egypt before?

I was supposed to be in Cairo to attend the Palestinian Prisoners Day at the Arab League on 17 April, and that would have been my first visit.

I sent a request to Abu Mazen [Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas], but it seems that administrative complications have stalled the visit.

But I will visit Egypt soon. I am sure the Egyptian people stand with us and with me in particular. Egypt has supported the Palestinian cause from the start. There is no denying that.

As for my visit to Tunisia  which is also the first  it is to participate in the opening of the [country's] first Palestinian Cultural Centre.

This is a chance for me to remind supporters of the prisoners cause and of my son Shady that we will not forget the Tunisian people standing with us and how they welcomed the Palestinian Liberation Organisation after it left Beirut [in 1982].

What are the social conditions of Shadys family? And talk to us about his childhood.

We are from occupied Jerusalem and we live in the area of Samiramis.

My husband Nour Farrah works as an electrical technician and the occupation forces ban him from travelling because of the unfair and racist taxes that have accumulated on him.

I work as an employee with the Palestinian Authority administration. I go to work every day, passing dozens of checkpoints on my way to Ramallah.

Our life is complicated and exhausting.

When the separation wall was built, we lost a main source of income; a restaurant and a shop in the area of Al-Ram, at Jerusalems northern entrance.

The wall stretched through the area and totally sealed it off. But thank God we are a close-knit family, dedicating our life to raising the three boys and two girls that God gave us.

Shady is our "spoiled" little child. He is our second, and when he was only a few days old he contracted blood borne bacteria and was in a life threatening condition.

We suffered for five years until he was finally cured. I abstained from conceiving during this period because he needed special care.

He could only drink sterilised water and was to be kept away from any possible airborne infection. I took a long vacation despite the familys difficult economic conditions. I fought for him to recover and live.

I did not have any more children until he nagged me to. He wanted more brothers and sisters.

How was Shadys life before his arrest?

He was smart and excelled at school, especially in mathematics. We sought to provide him with anything he wanted. He even took up horseback riding lessons at a sporting club.

How was he arrested?

On 30 December 2015, Shady was returning from school (Dar Al-Marifah), which is in the area where we live, east of the old city and only a half kilometre away from Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The area is a hotbed of confrontation between Palestinians from Jerusalem on one side and extremist Orthodox Jews and the occupation guards on the other.

It was the beginning of the Intifada of Knives, and not a day passed without a martyr falling or without us hearing of the stabbing of an Israeli.

We were living a fight for survival. We fought to keep our homes, our land and our identity.

The occupation was pressuring us in all ways, direct and indirect, to leave the city. They were trying to eradicate any trace of the Jerusalemites.

If a Jewish child attacked an Arab child, he would go unpunished, but if its the other way around, then all hell broke loose.

On that day, and as the situation was very tense because of a stabbing the day before, Shady was with his school friend Ahmed Zaatari standing near the bus station.

Shady was in first grade and his friend a year older. Beside them stood an extremist Jewish young man who called the police and claimed that he heard them plotting to stab an Israeli soldier.

Ahmed had a knife, which he used to cut fruits and vegetables.

All investigation papers and recordings showed that Shady did not have anything on him and that he raised his arms in surrender once the forces arrived.

The bus station did not even have any soldiers.

The occupation forces took Shady and Ahmed to the detention centre of Maskoubeya, which is famous for torture.

They interrogated them at first without the presence of a lawyer and without notifying their parents, which is against Israeli law.

The second day we were promised we could take him home with us after paying bail. However, we found that the judge and the prosecution had been changed, and everything changed with them.

The general prosecution said that the two children threatened Israeli security and should be detained during trial.

We spent a year and four months attending trial sessions for our son Shady, who never confessed to their charges.

There was a trial session or two every month and the pretrial detention was being extended again and again.

With us was leftist Israeli lawyer Lea Tsemil, who is known for her defence of Palestinians in front of Israeli courts since the occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.

She was the one who brought the video recording from the bus station that proved that the accusations were lies.

Was he tortured?

Yes in Maskoubeya they tortured him for six days.

They ripped off his clothes in the winter and locked him in a very cold room with an air-conditioner. Even today I ask myself how he could tolerate it. How did he live? I taught my son not to lie and he refused to tell them lies.

When did you first see him after his arrest?

I saw him on the second day [of his detention] in Maskoubeya. He was shivering. I saw blood on his chin. They beat him harshly to force him to give a false confession. They continued torturing him for five more days.

How did the case conclude?

The Israeli judiciary sentenced him in December 2016 to five years in prison, which he is serving now in Tamra prison in Galilee, on the borders with Lebanon and very far from Jerusalem.

We spend three-and-a-half hours on the way to see him, and the visit does not last longer than 45 minutes.

He was also sentenced to another suspended five years under probation.

Is there an appeal?

We were forced to sign a deal to lower his sentence from a full 10 years. This deal does not allow us to appeal.

Israeli law bans the imprisonment of children under 14. They can only be under house arrest, in their own homes. But this law is only applied to Jewish children and only if their crimes are severe.

Is he continuing with his studies?

He took the 2016 exam and scored a 98 percent. Last Ramadan he memorised the Quran and was honoured by the Sheikhs of Galilee in a Quran competition.

Shady is now 13 years old and studies for second grade from inside prison. His friend Ahmed was handed the same sentence and is in the same prison, but in a different cell.

You said that he did not join the prisoners hunger strike. Why?

Of course, he is still a child.

He talked to me about wanting to join the strike. He said, I have grown muscles and my body can take it.

I had to convince him not to, and warned him that if he joins the strike he would steel the spotlight because the media focus will be on him.

We should not be selfish. There are old prisoners, with some over 80. There are women, injured and ill, some with cancer.

When did you last meet him and what did he ask for?

At the start of April I visited him together with his father and siblings. He wants to get out and lead a successful life.

He dreams of becoming a petroleum engineer. He knows that education is our weapon against the occupier. He is a child but he still knows that.

What does he ask for when you visit him?

He likes car games and small animals. He also asks for chocolate and chips.

He used to take care of street cats and bring them home, treats those that are injured and feeds others. But they do not allow raising cats in prison.

As Shady's mother, what do you wish for?

To hug Shady and live with him his daily life at home, as it used to be.

I wake up every day and imagine that Im helping him tie his shoes. He doesnt know how to tie his shoes. I think he still doesnt know how to tie his shoes.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


A militant linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb blew himself up and another was shot dead on Sunday during an operation by Tunisian security forces, the national guard said.

Both were "dangerous terrorist elements", and one, probably a foreigner, was a leader in a group linked to AQIM, national guard spokesman Khalifa Chibani told AFP.

The operation took place in the central town of Sidi Bouzid when a house was raided in a security sweep after weeks of surveillance, he said.

"A terrorist group was attacked in a national guard operation," Chibani said, using Tunisia's designation for Islamist militants.

"Units had discovered contacts between the Okba Ibn Nafaa Battalion (a group connected to Al-Qaeda) and people inside Sidi Bouzid."

An AFP correspondent said security forces surrounded a house in the Ouled Chebli district and shots were heard.

During the assault, one militant "was hit and blew himself up", Chibani said.

The other man killed had also been wearing an explosives belt but was shot dead before he could detonate it.

Chibani said the group had been planning "terrorist operations during Ramadan", the holy Muslim fasting month that begins at the end of May.

Another three people suspected of links with the group were detained and security forces were hunting for other suspects.

Since its 2011 revolution, Tunisia has experienced an increase in militant attacks that have cost the lives of dozens of members of the security forces and also 59 foreign tourists.

Despite a halt to major attacks, the country has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when a suicide bombing in Tunis claimed by the Islamic State militant group killed 12 presidential guards.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Pope Francis said on Saturday a third country, such as Norway, should try to mediate the dispute between North Korea and Washington, to cool a situation that had become "too hot" and posed the risk of nuclear devastation.

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 U.S. 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".

"I call on, and will call on, all leaders, as I have called on leaders of various places, to work to seek a solution to problems through the path of diplomacy," he said about the North Korea crisis.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Francis spoke after 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".

"There are so many facilitators in the world, there are mediators who offer themselves, such as Norway for example," he said in his customary freewheeling news conference with reporters at the end of each trip.

"It (Norway) is always ready to help. That is just one but there are many. But the path is the path of negotiations, of a diplomatic solution," he said in the discussion, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Norway secretly negotiated an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians known as the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s.

The pope expressed his deep concern over the crisis, saying: "This question of missiles in (North) Korea has been brewing for more than a year but now it seems the situation has become has become too hot."

He said: "We are talking about the future of humanity. Today, a widespread war would destroy -- I would not say half of humanity -- but a good part of humanity, and of culture, everything, everything.

"It would be terrible. I don't think that humanity today would be able to withstand it."

Trump is due in Sicily on May 26-27 for a meeting of the heads of the world's richest nations. The White House has not yet said if he would be stopping in Rome to meet the pope, which would be an unusual omission for a visiting head of state.

Asked if he would be meeting Trump, the pope said he had not yet been informed if a request had been made, but added: "I receive every head of state who asks for an audience".

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The spring weather has made everyone in New York warm, however, the scene of Leonardo DiCaprio and Nina Agdal has made it even better. Apparently, the two were spotted along the Hudson River in Manhattan, kissing.

The couple had been hiding under the spotlight for almost a year now but recently, they've decided to show their love to everyone. The Oscar-winning actor and the Danish model are celebrating their anniversary near the Le District market at 225 Liberty Street.

"It was a really sweet moment," an onlooker said. "Nina put her arms around his neck and kissed him."

The 42-year-old was dressed casually in a white top, shorts, another shirt around his waist, and a cap. Despite DiCaprio's simple attire, he looked very comfortable and that their affection was natural, not forced," as the onlooker said to People.

On the other hand, the 25-year-old blonde-haired model was wearing a white crop top and mini shorts. Nina, who has brought a friend with her, sounds very flirty towards DiCaprio.

The couple has kept their relationship away from the public most of the times, however, they were last spotted together in New York City at an Australian band. "The Wolf of the Wall Street" actor and his beau was joined by rapper Q-Tip to watch the performance of Chase Atlantic in Ludlow House.

DiCaprio and Agdal were first seen together in May 2016 at Up & Down club in New York City, partying with some friends in the VIP section. Soon enough, they were a "fast fling," locking lips only two months after they meet.

The two were involved in a car accident sometime in August last year, according to Mail Online. Fortunately, they were "both doing great" after the incident. It wasn't 'til news came out claiming that Leonardo and Nina were both being serious in their relationship.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte and expressed Washington's commitment to their treaty alliance and his interest in developing "a warm, working relationship," a Filipino official said Sunday.

Presidential spokesman Ernie Abella said Trump mentioned he was looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November to attend an East Asia summit that Duterte will host with several world leaders and that Trump invited Duterte to visit the White House.

"The discussion that transpired between the presidents was warm, with President Trump expressing his understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippine president, especially on the matter of dangerous drugs," Abella said in a statement.

A White House statement described late Saturday's call as "very friendly" and said the U.S.-Philippine alliance "is now heading in a very positive direction."

Abella's remarks reflect the friendlier attitude Duterte has taken with Trump versus the antagonistic stance he had toward President Barack Obama, who he once asked to "go to hell" for criticizing the Philippine leader's bloody anti-drug crackdown. During Obama's final months in office, the Philippine president moved to build closer economic ties with China and Russia while repeatedly threatening to end his nation's longstanding military alliance with the U.S.

Duterte's apparent dislike for Obama began when the U.S. State Department expressed concern over his drug war  which has left thousands of suspects dead  and asked Philippine government officials to take steps to stop extrajudicial killings.

At one point Duterte suggested he may even move to abrogate a 2014 defense agreement that allows U.S. military access to five Philippine military camps.

He has walked back most of those threats but has proceeded with his efforts to align closer with China.

On Sunday, three Chinese navy ships, including a guided-missile destroyer and a guided-missile frigate, were welcomed in Davao city, Duterte's southern hometown, by officials, including presidential daughter and city Mayor Sarah Duterte, military officials said.

Asked if the rare Chinese naval visits were a sign that Duterte was backing away from Washington, Department of National Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong said: "We are not veering away from the U.S. but rather we are expanding our relations with our fellow nations in the global community."

Abella said without elaborating that concern over North Korea also came up in Trump's talk with Duterte.

Duterte suggested in a news conference Saturday that the Trump administration should back away from an intensifying standoff with North Korea, not in surrender, but to avoid risking a nuclear holocaust that could smother Asia.

"It would be good for America to just restrain a little bit and if I were President Trump, I'll just back out, not really in surrender and retreat, but just to let the guy realize that, 'Ah, please do not do it.'" Duterte said.

Washington, he said, should not play into provocations of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"It behooves upon America, who wields the biggest stick, just to really be prudent and patient. We know that we are playing with somebody who relishes letting go of his missiles and everything," Duterte said.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Yes , you can submit multiple eoi's be it for same job code or different job code using same email or different email doesn't matter.



What matters is when your called up by the system ie if your invited you need to submit evidence for all your claims. Invitation is sent by computer based several factors like highest points , job code, date of eoi , availability for that year and there might be other factors only Dibp know.





Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Hi everyone .I just received a refusal Visa on 29th of April. however my lawyer got the email on 27th of April.

they allow me to apply for Tribunal appeal Review.

My question is when I'm gonna lodge my application. Should I add more evidence or extra documents or its not advisable. what usally needs to be done when appling in this kind of situation ? What this Tribunal Review does and are they going to investigate again?

Or Sending any inspectors for more verification ?

Who had been in this situation ?

Any expertise please ai need your help.

I've got 17 days limit by now .
Hi Seniors ,



I am from India and in the process of filling details for Invitation to Apply. Before mentioning my queries, I am mentioning dates and documents which I have for each job:





Dates of Employments and Documents I hav e :



Job 1- 2002 Feb to 2002 July............ Appointment Letter, Resignation Acceptance Letter.

-Do I need job description?



Job 2- 2002 Oct to 2005 June......Appointment Letter, Designation Change Letter, Resignation Acceptance Letter, Experience Letter.

-My designation/department got changed once in the entire span. Should I go ahead filling the last designation for the entire period or break the whole period into parts with respect to each designation held ,while filling the details.?

-Do I need job description?



Job 3- 2005 June to 2007 March....Offer Letter, Appointment Letter, Designation Change Letter ,Experience Letter, Job Description Dated Jan 2009.

-My designation/department got changed once in the entire span. Should I go ahead filling the last designation for the entire period or break the whole period into parts with respect to each designation held ,while filling the details.?

-Do I need to get a new Job Description or the one dated Jan 2009 is Okay?





Job 4- 2007 April to June 2007 July.......Employment Letter ,Relieving Letter.

-Do I need job description?





Job 5- 2007 July to 2010 May..........Offer Letter, Appointment Letter, Designation Change Letter ,Location Change Letter, Experience Letter

-Do I need job description?

-My designation/department got changed in the entire span. Should I go ahead filling the last designation for the entire period or break the whole period into parts with respect to each designation held ,while filling the details.





Job 4-2010 June to 2011 Sep ...........Unemployed....



Job 6 -2011 Oct to 2012 May ............ Offer Letter, Appointment Letter, Experience Letter, Job Description Dated March 2016.

-Do I need to get a new Job Description or the one dated March 2016 is Okay?





Job 7-2012 May to 2014 Dec .........Appointment Letter mentioning Job Responsibilities, Experience Letter

-My job responsibilities is mentioned in my appointment letter itself. Does that suffice or should I again get a job responsibility letter from them?

-The physical address of this employer does not match with the address mentioned on my appointment letter as they shifted to a new premises. Pls guide me on how to justify this incase there is physical inquiry done.





Job 8- 2015 Jan to 2016 May............. Appointment Letter mentioning Job Responsibilities, Experience Letter

-My job responsibilities is mentioned in my appointment letter itself. Does that suffice or should I again get a job responsibility letter from them.

- The physical address of this employer does not match with the address mentioned on my appointment letter as they shifted to a new premises. Pls guide me on how to justify this incase there is physical inquiry done.







Latest Job 9- 2016 May to till date.........Appointment Letter

-Do I need to provide job description?

- The physical address of this employer does not match with the address mentioned on my appointment letter as they shifted to a new premises. Pls guide me on how to justify this incase there is physical inquiry done.







Regards
Someone named Carltonmadsen from Finland is looking for bedspace?



Dubizzle. And your coworkers. Plenty of bedspaces around. More in Discovery Gardens and TECOM than JLT, I'm told.



If you are genuinely from Finland be aware that just about all these bedspaces are going to be non-western nationals and they usually restrict themselves to their own nationalities for language and cultural reasons. Westerners tend to have their own bedrooms.
Seems my post was considered an advert, even though everyone else recommended their own products ( ie. Blue ).



Just to share again some feedback, the happened to me like the OP, had to switch to a scalp care shampoo and also replaced the shower head with the one that has a filter.
Hi all,



I'd like to get a dog and I live in Paris. I have an apt of about 90m2 so I think there is enough room for a small dog like a yorkshire terrier.



Here's my problem, my son is allergic to some dogs. Not all, just some. Some dogs, when they lick him or he spends time with them, he'll start to sneeze like crazy after 2 hours and get red on the skin. For some other dogs, no reaction at all.



Is there any way to 'try' a dog out before 'buying'? I don't have any friends here with dogs, so I can't work that out for now.



Thanks for any ideas.
shelleywa said: Thanks! My main concern is having to wait a long time for diagnostics tests, such as Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy - waiting lists at the moment for these are around the 1yr mark, which could easily prove fatal. My insurer covers these relatively cheaply, so I think it's probably worth it. Click to expand...

Each prospective procedure is categorised by need - it's highly unlikely you're going to die from waiting, as if the severity was higher, you will be given a higher status and get treated faster. Having said that, it's in the nature of things that some people die sometimes, along the way. But it really is very rare.The problem, and the reason I have private insurance, is the wait. Most people here in WA do get seen within the accepted government waiting times. In fact, median wait times for the 3 categories used for waiting periods are actually about a third of the allowable periods.The problem (for me , anyway) is the personal risk involved if you are in that situation. While there is only about 7% of patients who exceed the waiting periods, and essential live-saving treatment is not delayed, what if you're on the list and it takes longer than the median period? Clinically that may be ok, you won't die, but in the meantime you may be really suffering each day.For elective surgery on Medicare, there really is no way to tell how quick the wait might be, or how long you might have to wait. Many people have to put their lives, or at least some activities on hold during that time, and there's a lot of frustration and sometimes anger, often with varying amounts of pain and incapacity along the way.A replacement knee or ENT surgery might be "elective" but if you can only hobble along painfully, or get facial pain with every movement, you'd want it done quickly.Here's the latest elective wait times for Perth: http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media...ective_Surgery/February-2017-ESWL-Report.ashx I agree entirely with you - while I understand young, healthy 20-sometihns relying on Medicare, and those with enough cash who choose to self-fund if needed, I'm satisfied that Private Insurance is worthwhile for me. Both for peace of mind IF something happened, so I don't have to wait long, but in my real-world experience too. Last time I had a gastroscopy it took a week from going to the GP to have it all finished - it would have been 3 months on Medicare.
Performances of the 7th Nassim El-Raqs will be held between 4 and 10 May

The 7th Edition of Nassim El-Raqs will take place across Alexandrias streets and venues between 4 and 10 May.

Nassim El-Raqs is an annual dance festival produced by Momkin - Espaces de possibles and Nout for Art and Media Production, in partnership with Bsarya for Art.

Other collaborators and organisers include the Egyptian Centre Rezodanse, Gudran for Art and Development, Wekalet Behna, the Cairo Contemporary Dance Centre, the Lycee Francais in Alexandria, CerCCa and Houna.

The first Nassim El-Raqs Festival was held in 2011, seeking to extend the cultural and artistic parameters of the city of Alexandria.

Olivier Dubois, a well-known choreographer and director of the Ballet du Nord troupe, who has worked at opera houses in both Cairo and Vienna, will open the festival 4 May with his performance Wild Descent.

Wild Descent is performed by 20 dancers from Egypt selected by Dubois through an open call.

The performance is an adaptation of The Afternoon of a Faun by renowned choreographer and dancer Vaslav Nijinsky in 1912, with music by Claude Debussy composed in 1884. Both the dance and the music were inspired by the poem L'Apres-midi d'un faune by Stephane Mallarme written in 1876.

Dubois piece is divided into three parts, performed over the course of two hours.

This edition also includes several events by Ici Meme a French collective, organising urban sonic-based interactive performances through different art forms including choreography, video, sound and radio art, among others.

Those include a Night Walk, Exploratoring Camp, and a sound art performance.

The Egyptian Silsilah Dance Group from Centre Rezodanse will present Poem of The Salty City,' and on 9 May, audiences will see a performance from SHAPERS, a longterm international cooperation project between dance venues, festivals or choreographers.

The project started in April 2016 and runs till 2018, bringing eight dancers from Egypt, France, Spain and Morocco to be trained while working on a dance piece.

The festival will also present a performance held in collaboration with Ex Nihilo from Marseille, featuring eight Mediterranean dancers that include two Egyptians.

The site-specific work questions the dancers relationship with public space and the city, and evolves as the project travels around the Mediterranean region and Europe and is placed in different contexts.

Programme:

Thursday, 4 May

Wild Descent by Olivier Dubois

4.45pm - Descent 1

5.15pm - Descent 2

6pm - First gathering - Cornish

6.45pm - Descent 3

7pm - Final at Mahatat El-Raml

Friday, 5 May

Time to be announced

Poem of The Salty City

Silsilah Group by Mohamed Fouad

Location: Cavafy Museum & street & garage

Saturday, 6 May

10pm to 6am, all night

Night walk, Rendez-Vous Marche

Ici Meme

Location: Departure from the French Institute

Registration is required (come with comfortable shoes)

Sunday, 7 May

Starting 10am, all day & all night

Exploratoring Camp

Ici Meme

Location: French Institute

Monday, 8 May

6pm-10pm

Sound Art Performance

Ici Meme

Location: French Institute

Tuesday, 9 May

4.30pm

Performance by SHAPERS, with Ex Nihilo & 8 Mediterranean dancers

Location: Abu El-Abbas Mosque

7pm

Closing Party

Location: Le Boudoir

Wednesday, 10 May

6pm

Exhibition & Discussion: The Art of Getting Lost in The City

Location: Wekalet Behna

Venues:

French Institute, El-Nabi Daniel Street, off Fouad Street, Raml Station, Alexandria

Cavafy Museum, 6 Sharm El-Sheikh Street, off Istanbul Street, Raml Station, Alexandria

Wekalet Behna, 1 El-Kenisa El-Maroniya Street, El-Manshia, Alexandria

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

Search Keywords:

Short link:


This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

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
ROMA  Juan Montalvo bought 1.6 acres of riverfront property on the edge of this border city decades ago. Looking into the future, he saw his grandchildren and then great-grandchildren one day inheriting the land.

Now the U.S. government wants to take it  and pay the family $700  to build President Donald Trumps border wall. Montalvos daughters Noelia Munoz, 69, and Sylvia Ramirez, 67, had refused to sign over the land in 2008, and they refused again when the new offer arrived a few weeks ago.

We did not want to sell from day one, and we still dont, said Munoz, a retired teacher who lives a few blocks from the Rio Grande. We will challenge them, but I know they can take it away if they want.

During the last period of fence building, nearly a decade ago, more than 300 condemnation cases were filed in federal district court in Brownsville. More than 90 cases are still unresolved, yet the wall was built on many properties long before landowners settled on compensation.

Congress on Friday approved a stopgap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown for a week. Funding for Trumps wall has been excluded from the budget for now, but as the administration moves ahead with plans for 34 miles of fencing in the Rio Grande Valley, many landowners are resigned to the eventuality of a wall.

The Secure Fence Act of 2006 authorized construction of about 700 miles of levee wall and fence  650 miles were completed  but it was the federal Declaration of Takings Act that allowed the government to quickly take possession of land even as landowners challenged the taking in court.

The government deposited what it considered to be fair market value of the land with the federal court, and 18-foot rust-colored beams came soon after.

The fence went up so fast in one San Benito neighborhood that residents had little time to mount an effective resistance. After years of living in the shadow of the fence, most are still waiting for compensation.

It was built before anything was agreed on or signed, said Sergio Garcia, 49. His mother and aunt own property in the neighborhood and expect to receive $1,000 for a sliver of their land. Opposition isnt going to take it away. Its not going to remove it. Its rather futile.

Customs and Border Protection spokesman Carlos Diaz said the Border Patrol has yet to finalize its recommendations for placement of new sections of border wall. Addressing landowner compensation before the agency submits its report would be premature, he said.

Separately, Diaz said the Justice Department cannot move forward on dozens of unresolved cases, most of which date back to 2008, until final title reports and surveys are complete. The department did not respond to a request for comment.

Swarming with agents

These days, Starr County swarms with border agents and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers. Both agencies have identified the embattled county as ground zero in the effort to secure the border.

As Noel Benavides sees it, the government will brush aside concerns like it did so many others to build the existing 54 miles of fence and wall in the Valley. His wife Cecilias land will be no exception. Her family since 1767 has laid claim to the land here in a grant given by the king of Spain.

Over the years Benavides, 74, has led Boy Scouts on camping excursions and countless trips to the rivers edge to fish and swim. Now the government wants to take 5.7 acres that would maroon much of the property south of the fence. The Benavideses ignored the condemnation notice a decade ago, but there will be no stopping it this time, he said.

Its going to come, he said. Why delay? Just get it over with.

Resigned to losing their land, the landowners are more focused on getting a fair price. While many cases are still pending, the government was eventually forced in court to dole out $78 million to compensate landowners for property it took 10 years ago.

One Cameron County landowner who was initially offered $233,000 for 3.1 acres was eventually paid about $4.7 million after a three-year court battle.

No one quite knew what to expect back then, said Efren C. Olivares, racial and economic justice director for the Texas Civil Rights Project in Roma. People signed waivers without challenging the government offer, probably because they were unaware that they had the right to a jury trial to determine just compensation, Olivares said.

The civil rights group is offering its services to as many landowners as possible this time to help make their claims.

Many dont realize there are ways to push back, Olivares said. And if there is a true compensation process, that can significantly delay the wall.

Among the recent recipients of condemnation notices are 56 property owners of 10 tracts of land in and around Roma. In nearby Hidalgo County, others also have been informed that the government intends to revive dormant plans to take their land for an expanded wall.

In the last condemnations, the first compensation letters arrived in Roma in 2007. But construction crews descended on Cameron County, more than 100 miles east of the town. A dispute with Mexico over building in the flood plain complicated plans for sections of fencing in Roma, Rio Grande City and Los Ebanos.

By the time the crews reached into western Hidalgo County, funding for additional miles of fence in neighboring Starr County had run dry.

Flooding, tourism concerns

Starr County residents worried then that an imposing structure would cost them precious ecotourism dollars. The hilly geography of the county also raised flooding concerns. Not much has changed in the decade since the government came knocking, except that many now believe that it is only a matter of time before the wall is built.

Were not opposed to selling to them, even giving the land to them, but we dont want a wall, said Cristano Salinas, Romas city manager. Were fighting the type of structure theyre building, not the fact of the building.

Salinas used to count undocumented immigrants running past his office window. Since the buildup of security, including Homeland Security Department troopers and Border Patrol agents, the illegal traffic has dropped sharply, he said.

Most people take great pains to emphasize support for border security, but there is a clear preference for investment in technology, which is exactly what they told Border Patrol.

In 2008, Roma was offered $12,000 for property in its historic downtown, founded in 1765. There was no dialogue with the Border Patrol back then. City officials hope that this time will be different. Border agents have assured them that a wall near the banks of the river was not a priority, yet condemnation notices confirming plans for a wall arrived in February.

The city paid more than $40,000 when it bought a bluff overlooking the river years ago and converted it into a World Birding Center, which has become a popular tourist attraction.

Beyond the financial concerns of lost tourism are unanswered logistical issues. The government wants to take a 60-foot-wide strip between the river and the bluff, which Salinas believes is a flooding hazard.

Moreover, the citys water is pumped from the river to a treatment plant, then into homes and businesses.

What if the pump dies, and there arent any Border Patrol around? Salinas asked, wondering how the equipment would be accessed in such a case. Thats a major problem.

For Ramirez and her sister, a barrier of any sort would effectively cut them off from their land. No longer could they walk from their home to the rivers edge. And they wouldnt feel safe trapped in a no mans land between fence and river. Ramirez likened their struggle to the Battle of the Alamo.

Were not going to just give it to them, Ramirez said defiantly. Theyll have to come and take it.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Flambeau-grade sunshine burned through Saturday mornings heavy clouds in time for a roaring start to the 2017 Fiesta Flambeau parade, known as Americas Largest Illuminated Night Parade.

While crowd estimates vary, its safe to say several hundred thousand people lined the 2.6-mile parade route, not only in stadium-style bleachers, but also in chairs lined six or more rows deep.

With its light-bedecked floats and marching bands, Fiesta Flambeau is held by many as the highlight of Fiestas 11 days of events.

By the time the daylight fades and the first of bands from around the nation march by, parade-goers have splurged on elaborate hats and colorful headpieces, gorged on offerings such as sausage wraps, turkey legs, gorditas, paletas and aguas frescas, and readied their voices for boisterous shouts of Show us your shoes!

Grand marshal for the 69th annual parade was Guillermo Rodriguez of Jimmy Kimmel Live fame, and Keith Edmonson, a former Spur, was honorary grand marshal.

Scenes from this years Flambeau:

Sometimes, the show at Fiesta Flambeau begins even before the first float rolls out.

As Candelario Gomez and Mary Alice Martinez strolled north in front of Alamo Plaza, spectators were awed by their colorful hats, which spelled out Viva Fiesta!

Gomezs hat was wide enough to give as much cover as any of the pop-up shades that dotted the parade route. (OK, not that big.) It also had two speakers and an amplifier that belted out cumbias, via Bluetooth.

I wanted to go with something wild, walk around and have some fun, Gomez said.

As his hat thumped, observers looked in amazement at his custom-made creation.

Just some cardboard, zip ties and duct tape.

And a lot of imagination.

*****

Those romantic floral headpieces may harken to medieval times, but theyre always in vogue in San Antonio during Fiesta.

Just ask Mary Auntie Garcia, who said shed easily sell out of her armful of ribboned wreaths before the first bands marched past Alamo Plaza.

Shes confident hers are the prettiest, and often has women come up to try to exchange ones theyd bought elsewhere.

One customer walked away at first, but after looking around came back and bought eight, she said.

I said, You want eight? And they said, Yeah, because Im taking them to Australia.

*****

From necessity sprang the Rodriguez Family Fiesta Flambeau compound, if you will.

The network of easy-up canopies flanked by a low pup tent was the only solution once Maggie Rodriguez realized all the parade seats near the Knights of Columbus of the Rosary were sold out.

Settling four generations and three families along the route was no easy feat. Their setup for the night parade began before noon, and it took a lot of toting to get the tents, seating, ice chests full of drink and food, including moms gorditas, meatball sandwiches and a special order of jalapeno poppers, in place.

Not that the crew wasnt well-practiced.

This is beach, lake, camping, everything, she said. Me and my daughter came at like 11 in the morning all the way from Luling, I dropped her off, and all the chairs and tents and the pop-up, and then we set up. And then we stayed here, guarding. And then the rest of the family comes. The rest of the manpower comes. The lucky ones.

As Rodriguez, a Seguin schoolteacher, explained, Fiesta Flambeau is a family tradition that no one can image missing. She herself marched with the Lee High School band, and she has nieces and nephews who have marched with Taft and Churchill.

Niece Julianna Rodriguez, 15, was here for her 15th straight parade.

Shes never missed one, Rodriguez said proudly.

*****

Fiesta-goers toted coolers, folding chairs and something more cherished: family traditions.

Ive been coming since I was a little girl, said Annette Cancino, 57, as she rode an adult-sized tricycle with daughter Daisy in the back seat. Cancinos husband, Carlos Cervantes, 57, rode along on his own bicycle.

The decked-out trike was splashed in bright colors and lights, with a Queen of Selfies sign.

Cancino explained that she takes selfies with her daughter in whatever activities they do together. Cancino posts them on social media.

On Saturday, they attended their favorite parade, the Fiesta Flambeau.

I like the lights, the colors, the families coming with their children, Cancino said.

It's nice coming out and seeing the families, Cervantes added.
Brooke Army Medical Center, the flagship of the Armys health system and famous for its burn ward that has treated hundreds of war victims, has closed more than half its operating rooms and reduced elective surgeries after it found improper sterilization last month of instruments in 73 cases, including 16 incidents in which fragments of organic material such as bone, skin or blood were left on surgical tools.

BAMC commanders said they shuttered 16 of the 28 operating rooms because of a shortage of 600 sets of properly sterilized instruments. They could not say when the hospital would improve the sterilization department to the point it could reopen the ORs.

The temporary closure does not affect BAMCs Level 1 trauma center, which gets priority for the sterilized equipment. One of 15 such centers in the country, it handles 48,000 emergency cases a year from 22 South Texas counties.

The hospital, which has treated thousands of troops from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, did not directly say whether dirty instruments led to infections, noting that Army rules prevent such disclosure. One commander, Dr. Douglas Soderdahl, a colonel, said that theres no concerning spikes or things going in the wrong direction regarding BAMCs medical care.

BAMC, which disclosed the problem in an April 21 briefing with several hundred doctors and other medical personnel, wouldnt confirm the number of cases but acknowledged the sterilization problem and closure of operating rooms. A physician familiar with the meeting provided the numbers to the San Antonio Express-News and said the hospital also recorded 24 cases of improperly processed surgical sets in December and 14 in September.

It was a point of contention during the meeting. Several surgeons stood up and said, hey, this is an issue. Were having poorly sterilized equipment, its a recurring issue and  it happens, if not on a daily basis, multiple times a week, said the doctor, who asked to remain unidentified for fear of retribution.

It doesnt mean 16 patients had those instruments used on them. Those instruments may have come up to the operating room and while they were being opened and getting ready to be used on a patient were identified, the doctor added. But the way many people look at it, its evidence of an underlying problem, and if were catching 16 of those, then how many are out there, how many are we not catching?

Soderdahl, BAMCs deputy commander for surgical services, cautioned against drawing conclusions from the numbers provided to the paper, saying, Charts can tell different stories and can be interpreted in different ways. The hospital publicly announced its action in a short news release Friday after interviews the Express-News did with Soderdahl and others earlier in the week.

The potential danger of organic material left on sterilized instruments, called bioburden, was a point of contention for Soderdahl and a San Antonio expert. Soderdahl described bioburden as unintended remained material after sterilization. Asked whether it could survive sterilization, he said infectious disease colleagues have told him that its unlikely for a living organism to make it through the process.

Weston Hank Balch, director of sterile processing operations at San Antonios University Health System and president of the South Texas Association for Sterile Processing, said bioburden is a potential threat. He said a substance called biofilm can form on an instrument containing leftover organic material after it has been sterilized. The substance may cause illnesses if the tool is used on a patient, he said, adding that BAMC isnt alone in confronting the problem.

I think you would be hard-pressed to find a facility in the U.S. that has not had that issue. Enough people die every single day because of medical errors to fill a 747, he said.

The hospitals commander, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson, whos also a doctor, said the hospital documented a backlog of more than 600 sets used in surgeries. Medical teams will use one or more instrument sets, depending on the nature and complexity of an operation.

The hospital did not say how many elective surgical procedures would be canceled, but Johnson said efforts are underway to boost staff at its Sterile Processing and Distribution facility, where 60 military and civilians work.

We really found where the demand and the supply became unequal, and thats why we had to slow things down, he said. But he said BAMC would not limit its ability to treat trauma cases.

One patient whose surgery was delayed said she will wait to have a hip replacement procedure and doesnt know if shell have it at BAMC.

Her doctor, who is her first choice to do the operation, is expecting to deploy.

Its very sad to know they dont have enough staff to keep their equipment properly sterilized so they have to cancel surgeries, said Marion Hempenstall, 77. Thats very unfortunate  because Im older, but all these young troops that are coming back. I think they can still do all the trauma stuff, but then they cant do all this other stuff at the moment.

How BAMC rates

Touted as the Armys premiere medical facility, Brooke Army Medical Center replaced a Depression-era facility in 1994. Its the Armys sole Level 1 trauma center and operates the Defense Departments only burn treatment facility.

The hospital underwent a $724 million expansion a decade ago and now includes 425 military and civilian inpatient beds, and it can expand to 613. The project also added a rooftop helipad that allows trauma patients to be moved directly to the emergency rooms.

The 1.5-million-square-foot facility boasts six outpatient clinics that draw 4,000 patients a day. The hospital employs 8,500 military and civilian workers and has alliances with Army researchers and others throughout San Antonio, as well as Bexar Countys University Hospital.

BAMCs doctors, nurses and technicians have rotated to Iraq and Afghanistan, and an elite team of specialists flew critically injured patients from Germany to the hospital as it emerged as a hub of care. The survivors have rehabilitated at the nearby Center for the Intrepid, which is a short walk or wheelchair ride from BAMC.

The survival rate for troops, at 80 percent in the Gulf War, has risen in the post-9/11 era to more than 9 in every 10 as BAMCs physicians collaborated with researchers working at the Armys Institute of Surgical Research, which is next door to the hospital.

Johnson noted that BAMC has earned good marks from organizations that study medical facilities across the country, one of them the American College of Physicians, making it into the top 10 percent of hospitals in delivering safe care.

The scrutiny hasnt always brought positive headlines.

A 2014 comprehensive review of the Military Health System, one of the nations largest, with spending of over $50 billion a year, found that BAMC met the standard for surgical mortality rates but needed improvement for complications from surgery. The study revealed that BAMC was one of four military hospitals with high rates of complications for two or three years in a row, the New York Times reported.

The College of Physicians National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, surveying mortality outcomes in specific areas over a three-year period, also found that the hospital needed improvement in urinary tract infection care and surgical site infections.

Several other areas were listed as needing improvement, but NSQIP said BAMC met the standard in most of the nine categories of the 2010-13 survey.

In its latest report, NSQIP gave BAMC an exemplary rating in 12 surgical areas. The hospital, in an April 11 news release announcing the results, also said BAMC earned the best possible rating for mortality after surgery. It quoted Army Lt. Col. Alex Mckinlay, staff otolaryngologist and NSQIP surgeon champion, as saying the hospital was in the top 10 percent when it comes to our patients survival rate after surgery. This is a gigantic accomplishment for our surgical department.

Johnson, Soderdahl and Air Force Col. Kimberly Pietszak, a doctor and BAMCs deputy commander for quality and safety, pointed to the NSQIP database and another maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta as proof that BAMC has done well, especially compared with major hospitals around the nation.

Soderdahl referred to the NSQIP database as kind of the all-star team of hospitals.

And theres about 650, right around that many, hospitals that participate, and theyre all the well-known hospitals  Johns Hopkins, Mayo, Cleveland Clinic  and it does give us a nice benchmark (that shows) we have done very well in those databases, he said.

Problems elsewhere

Problems with unsterilized surgical instruments have claimed lives elsewhere.

A few years ago, deadly infections linked to contaminated gastrointestinal scopes made by Olympus Corp. resulted in at least 18 deaths at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Kaiser Health News reported. Seventeen others suffered infections.

The hospital said the deceased patients suffered from other illnesses.

A Michigan investigation uncovered problems with the Detroit Medical Centers central sterile processing department, finding numerous issues with the way new and existing workers and managers were trained. The state reported last year that employees failed to attend training sessions and that some never received follow-up instruction.

The Detroit News, citing more than 200 pages of internal documents, learned that doctors at the medical center told administrators that surgical instruments were broken, dirty and missing, Modern Healthcare.com reported. In one case, blood from a past surgery came out of a suction tube used to draw blood as a child underwent an operation for a heart defect.

The Food and Drug Administration issued new guidelines two years ago for reprocessing reusable medical devices, which it said had become highly complex in design and are more difficult to clean  especially robotic tools. It advised manufacturers of reusable surgical tools to consider device designs that facilitate easy and effective cleaning, as well as any necessary disinfection or sterilization by the users.

At BAMC, instruments get an initial rinse in the OR with a water-soaked sponge. Then a technician douses the tools with an enzymatic spray before sending them to the sterilization department on a robotic cart.

After further enzymatic washing, sets are placed in an ultrasonic cleaner for about 12 minutes, rinsed with deionized water and put in anautomatic washer/disinfector for a minimum of 32 minutes. Staffers conduct a quality check to ensure that all bioburden is removed. If contamination is found, the set is sent back for a repeat of the process.

If the set has passed quality control, a staffer assembles the tools and examines scissors and other items for bioburden, as well as functionality and sharpness. After another quality control check, the instruments are sterilized in an autoclave with the steam set at 275 degrees.

We run one of these safety checks with each load that we sterilize. And so in the last six months, the last 12 months, weve had no indications that our sterilization process has failed, Soderdahl said.

Not only does the sterilizing indicator tell us the amount of steam, temperature and time was correct, it also has a biological indicator in each of the loads that says that load that went through the sterilizer received the amount of sterilization required to kill anything thats living.

Increasing demands

Johnson, BAMCs commander, said the backlog in sterilized sets is rooted in an order to boost the number of elective surgeries, which was part of a deliberate strategic initiative to increase the amount of care that we do here and improve proficiency.

So we increased the number of surgeries that we were doing in order to provide more readiness, he said. That increase in number of surgeries then created strains on the support team systems that go with that.

Over the past six to nine months, Johnson explained, hospital commanders began to see a variety of different strains on our surgical line that went beyond Sterile Processing and Distribution.

So some of those strains are equipment, some of it space, some of it people, some of it time, and theyve all been trying do their own adjustments.  But in the long run, some of those adjustments actually made us less efficient, he said.

Pietszak, the BAMC deputy commander, reasoned that if the surgical sets had not been sterilized, the risk is really an infectious risk and would be documented. She went on to say the sets have been sterilized at the right temperature for the right amount of time, and so I do not believe that we have a problem with unsterile instruments going to the OR.

University Healths Balch, who has studied sterile processing issues for nearly 10 years, said the problem likely began in the operating room  after surgery  when OR teams do the initial cleaning.

When places have issues with bioburden  the question is not is the sterilization process working. The question is, where is the cleaning process breaking down? And if youll read the findings of CMS at Detroit, you actually find it started in the OR, he said. CMS is the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, which investigated the hospital.

Still, BAMCs sterilization processing facility is under strain. The hospital, with 70,000 enrolled beneficiaries and 240,000 people eligible to visit facilities on the three installations that make up Joint Base San Antonio, has lost seven civilian workers in Sterile Processing and Distribution over the past year.

At the same time, BAMC has been seeing more patients  a rise of around 2,000 beneficiaries this fiscal year. Every month, the hospital sees a steady increase in its over-65 population. With so many civilians coming to the hospital, the rising number of incidents  one of them a dead insect found in an instrument set  has prompted many doctors at the hospital to become concerned about the trend.

Doctors want to do the very best they can, and if something bad happens, ultimately the responsibility is theirs, said the doctor who informed the Express-News. The doctors are the ones that enter into the patient-doctor relationship. Its us, theres a team, the medical team, but when it comes down to it, the doctors the guy you have put your trust in, you have put your faith in. And these individuals, I think, are really, really feeling the stress here. So its disturbing, its very disturbing, very frustrating.

sigc@express-news.net
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Mayor Ivy Taylor's response to a question about the roots of generational poverty drew national attention last week after she partially attributed the problem to broken people who arent in a relationship with God.

Taylor, a devout Baptist, later tried to clarify and elaborate on her answer, emphasizing she was not blaming the poor for their situation but rather discussing the issue in terms of people who are spiritually empty. That contributes to people making decisions that end up not benefitting them in the long run, she said in an interview Thursday.

Some of the people in San Antonio who work to combat poverty said the mayors statements fell way short of addressing a critical problem, especially in a city with an extreme economic dividing line.

Several members of COPS/Metro Alliance, a nonpartisan grassroots coalition of community organizers drawn mainly from churches, said they were offended that the mayor would frame the topic as broken people disconnected from God.

San Antonios poverty rate  19.8 percent as of 2015  remains above national and state averages. Blacks and Hispanics are disproportionately among the have-nots. They live mainly in distressed areas heavily concentrated on the South, West and East sides where high-performing school districts and good-paying jobs are scarce compared with the booming North Side. Thats significant because where a person grows up can influence future life outcomes, said the head of a national economic research group.

More Information Election week Early voting for the May 6 election continues Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can go to any polling locations during early voting. The election is Saturday. See More Collapse

Taylor and one of her challengers in the mayoral race, District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg, gave fairly lengthy answers to the poverty question at the April 3 forum, sponsored by the Nonprofit Council and Clarity Child Guidance Center and moderated by Express-News columnist Gilbert Garcia.

Taylor first spoke in religious terms, but she added, thats not something that I work on from my position as mayor. She then brought up education as the great equalizer and said not everyone in San Antonio has the same access to a high-quality education. She also pointed out how teen pregnancy can limit a persons chances of financial success later in life.

Nirenberg focused on what he sees as a collapse of civic discourse and the publics lack of trust in elected officials. He thinks the city needs to grow in a smarter and more sustainable way. Otherwise, infrastructure dollars will be stretched thin, which leaves less money to address other pressing needs in the citys poorest neighborhoods, he said.

He did not respond to a request for comment about this story. The other major contender, Manuel Medina, wasnt at the forum.

Christine Drennon, a Trinity University sociology professor and director of the schools urban studies program, read over both candidates responses and politely disagreed with their answers, saying her research shows a different process at work.

Structural, or intergenerational, poverty in San Antonio is a result of the inability of some groups to accumulate wealth, due to federal, state and local policies concerning private property and education, Drennon said. Those include discriminatory policies, like deed restrictions and redlining, that once limited where people of color and the poor could live. Interstates were built in places that cut off or split neighborhoods, eventually draining them economically. School districts often formed in a way to keep out low-income residents and people of color, she said.

Without financial resources, people living in poverty often turn to an informal, underground economy and their social networks to survive, Drennon said.

Undoing this tangle of causes, Drennon asserts, will involve a true redistribution of resources that includes adopting a citywide housing policy.

Some programs, she said, have the potential to achieve these goals: Project Quest, a workforce development program; the federally funded Choice Neighborhood project on the East Side where the new East Meadows mixed-income housing development replaced aging apartments that housed only the poor; and Pre-K 4 SA, the citys early childhood education program that was the initiative of former Mayor Julian Castro, Drennon said.

Taylor, while she was the District 2 council member, helped push for the $30 million East Side grant and a companion $23 million federal grant that was spent on education, adult training, health care and jobs.

Its too soon to tell how successful both initiatives might be in changing peoples lives or revitalizing the area.

Drennon said she hasnt seen much action on actual redistribution of resources. I think that theres a lot of talk, she said.

Members of COPS/Metro Alliance also say they have not heard the mayor articulate a clear policy to address the needs of the citys most vulnerable residents, and they too havent seen enough action on those issues.

I would say for the last two years its been a struggle in discussing our agendas (with the mayor), living wages, the housing, and Project Quest, which I would think would be something that would be very much in line with what she often speaks to, which is to get people out of poverty by educating and training, said Maria Tijerina, co-chair of COPS/Metro Alliance.

The group had less to say about Nirenbergs answer to the poverty question, but said he alluded to a culture of prosperity, so that everybody gets a piece of the pie, said Sister Gabriella Lohan, COPS/Metro member.

A stark divide

San Antonio was ranked the least economically equal city in the country by the Economic Innovation Groups Distressed Communities Index, which measured economic conditions in the 100 largest cities between 2010 and 2014. The report found that San Antonio, as a whole, was fairly healthy economically but the geographic divide between the prosperous and the poor was sharp.

These disparities arent unusual in major cities, but its the depth of disparity (in San Antonio) and really how clean the division is thats so startling, said John Lettieri, co-founder and senior director for policy and strategy at the Economic Innovation Group.

In San Antonio, its a north-south divide, he said.

The economic conditions that feed poverty started long ago.

Many communities once relied on manufacturing jobs that provided decent wages to people who didnt have college or even high school degrees, said Marybeth Mattingly, a research consultant with the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality at Stanford University.

Those places were less likely to invest in good schools because they saw no need to.

Fast forward, you have communities where theres been underinvestment for decades, Mattingly said.

Researchers are also seeing a greater concentration of poverty than in the past, she said, so poor people are more often living near other poor people, communities are poorer, and theres less community investment.

Lettieri has found that distressed areas didnt recover after the recent recession while prosperous areas bounced back more quickly and actually flourished in many cases.

Distressed areas just dug a deeper hole, he said. For example: the 78207 ZIP code on San Antonios West Side.

The city as a whole had a median income that was 88 percent of the state average; in that ZIP code it was just 44 percent of the state average, according to 2010-2014 data.

The failure of distressed areas to rebound is something not seen before in an economic recovery, Lettieri said.

The rising tide is not lifting all communities, he said.

In an interview last week, Taylor said she is familiar with these structural and historical causes of poverty but thought the question at the forum begged a deeper response than just saying, the schools are messed up, the feds did this 50 years ago. We all know that, and were all trying to work to overcome that. But I think theres another side of it, too, that we just dont talk about enough.

Differences over solutions

Taylor has said at multiple forums and events that her goal is to break the chains of generational poverty. Among other changes, she wants to streamline the citys many workforce development programs. She has pushed for the adoption of the citys first affordable housing bond, a proposition called Neighborhood Improvements on the May 6 ballot.

We can change neighborhoods, we can make long-term changes, Taylor said. Thats the perspective that Ive been coming from.

However, there are those who question Taylors record when it comes to combatting poverty.

The mayor and COPS/Metro have repeatedly butted heads over raising the minimum wage, though Tijerina said the mayor has showed a willingness to compromise. At the urging of COPS/Metro, the City Council in September agreed to raise the minimum wage for city employees from $13 to $13.75 an hour.

The group believes that for people to have a decent living, an hourly wage closer to $15 is necessary, or almost twice the federally mandated minimum of $7.25.

Education will take care of itself, housing will take care of itself, violence in the streets will get better, if people have enough money, said Jorge Montiel, a lead organizer with COPS/Metro, citing similar statements made by the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Taylor disagrees with the groups wage philosophy.

I certainly believe that people should be paid in accordance with the fact that theyre working hard, that theres a dignity to the work. Im not suggesting in any way that people should be taken advantage of, Taylor said. However, I believe in order for our economy to thrive that we in the halls of government should not be dictating for businesses what they should actually pay because I think the market kind of provides that.

I dont think its fair to put people in a position where you just have these automatic wage increases. I think we should be focusing on how we get more folks to engage in skills development initiatives and education initiatives that allow them to qualify for jobs where the market dictates higher wages, she said.

Taylors relationship with the business community concerns COPS/Metro member Father Mike DeGerolami.

I would wish she (the mayor) would listen to the voice of the Creator a little bit more, who speaks and listens to the cry of the poor, DeGerolami said. She has been listening too much to money, special interests and developers instead of people who speak for the poor like COPS/Metro.

COPS/Metro also has seen little to no help from the city in spending on the rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing, so lower-income residents can afford the upkeep and stay in their homes, even as many neighborhoods undergo redevelopment and gentrification.

Because of a state law, the city cannot issue bonds for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation, but the city does have other federal housing funds that COPS/Metro would like to see reallocated.

In terms of workforce development, Taylor is now on the board of Project Quest, which COPS/Metro started in 1992. In an interview earlier this month, the mayor said she wanted to see how the program model works and whether it could be expanded to help more people.

The angst Ive always had with the program is it is very expensive and it helps a smaller number of people, Taylor said.

The COPS/Metro members organized their own mayoral forum for April 23, one that Taylor did not attend. She had planned to but canceled because she had a scheduling conflict.

About 750 people were there. Both Nirenberg and Taylors other main mayoral opponent, Bexar County Democratic Chairman Manuel Medina, attended, along with the incumbents in City Council Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and several council challengers.

We have an agenda she should be listening to, said Sister Lohan. We gave her an opportunity and she didnt participate.

vdavila@express-news.net
The Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt is training 40 young medical students from 21 govornorates to communicate with a broad spectrum of society and shed light on beast cancer issues

The Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE) launched the 'dous fil khir' (Indulge in Charity) initiative at the start of 2017 to help a broader segment of society  especially youth  take a bigger part in raising breast cancer awareness.

One of the main activities of the initiative, titled With Prescription, involves a collaboration with the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA) to train medical students.

Without Prescription, which started in April and will run through November, aims at training medical students at various universities all over the country to perform canvasses to raise awareness about cancer throughout the country, particularly among the youth.

The campaign involves training 40 students from IFMSA to be qualified trainers in breast cancer awareness and to have essential communication skills to reach out to their target audience.

Students will also form canvasses to talk to residents of different governorates at local BCFE branches and public hospitals in various and remote places in the country.

"We believe at BCFE in the pivotal role of youth in creating a brighter future in terms of health," Ghada Mostapha, head of Public Relations at BCFE, told Ahram Online.

"Lectures and workshops given to 40 students representing 21 medical schools aim at ensuring they are qualified to communicate with all segments of society and shed light on all aspects of breast cancer, including fact checks, early detection, prevention strategies and methods of treatments."

IFMSA-Egypt is a non-profit student-run organisation that represents more than 80,000 medical students all over Egypt.

The federation is represented through more than 4,500 medical students in 23 local committees at numerous medical schools. It aims at offering future Egyptian physicians a comprehensive introduction to global health issues by taking part in the international medical students community to broaden their spectrum and reach their full potential.

Cancer cases in Egypt number at 166 for every 100,000 people, according to the National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), which makes the rate of documented cancer diagnosis in the country one of the lowest internationally.

Liver cancer comes at the highest instance of cancer at 23.8 percent of all cases, followed by breast cancer at 15.4 percent and bladder cancer at 6.9 percent.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Its competitors are also working on PFSs and while some are further advanced on the ground with bore, trenching and evaporation pond trials, Agrimin is the only one so far to have announced it has produced a commercial grade SoP sample from solar-evaporated concentrated brine.
John Bowe is "still reeling" after being axed from 'Emmerdale'.

John Bowe

The veteran actor has portrayed Lawrence White on the ITV soap for two-and-a-half years but has confirmed he is to depart the Dales - and it wasn't his decision to leave.

He wrote to a follower on Twitter: "I'm still reeling from the door that's just been slammed in my face.

"I shall get up, dust myself down, etc. #actorslife.(sic)"

And when a fan expressed their shock at his departure, he added: "Not my decision."

The 67-year-old actor turned to his co-star Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, for support when he learned he was being axed.

He wrote: "Emotional chat with @ChrisChittell earlier. I'm still upset. What a first class decent chap he is. As with everyone I'm going to miss him. X"

After making the news of his departure public, John is stunned by the outpouring of well wishes he's received from fans on social media.

He posted: "Thankyou for all your kind words. I am truly amazed and extremely grateful. It is always an honour and privilege to perform for you. X (sic)"

On screen, John's alter ego was recently left distraught after ending his relationship with boyfriend Ronnie when his lover confessed to framing the businessman's daughter Chrissie by letting her think he'd stolen a Home Farm digger in a bid to cause a huge rift.

Explaining why he did it, Ronnie said: "I knew the minute she thought that digger was nicked, she'd point the finger at me and then things would kick off.

"All I had to do was look suspicious. I couldn't stand it anymore, she wouldn't get off my back. She was always watching and waiting for a chance to take me down and get me out of your life."
It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

In 2016, the first companies - Brands Fashion, 3FREUNDE, and MELAWEAR - partnered with Fairtrade to work towards fairer supply chains. Since then these companies and their suppliers in India have opened up their factories for pre-assessments within the framework of the Fairtrade Textile Programme. Fairtrade staff have conducted orientation training in various factories to assess the needs of each company and its workers.

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

Another agreement has very recently been made in the UK. The National Union of Students will be the first British partner for the Textile Standard with fair fashion brand Epona.

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

Certifying complex textile supply chains takes time. Rossitza Kruger, textiles manager at Fairtrade International, explains "The Fairtrade Textile Standard has very comprehensive requirements for workers' rights and environmental protection. But many suppliers have limited resources and therefore can only take one step at a time. We appreciate every step in the right direction and will continue to support factories on their path towards certification."

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

There have been talks with partner organisations such as the Indian NGOs Save and Cividep, Indian union representatives (INTUC), Don Bosco Vocational Schools and the Awaj Foundation in Bangladesh. Fairtrade continues to cooperate with them in order to achieve change in the textile sector, Fairtrade International said.

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

Research on what a living wage would be in Tiruppur, India's major textile hub, has recently been concluded. The Global Living Wage Coalition has determined a living wage of Rs 14,250 using the Anker methodology. The Fairtrade Textile Standard requires companies to gradually improve wages to living wage level within six years after certification. More living wage benchmarks for other major textile production regions are underway.

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

The Fairtrade Textile Programme is Fairtrade's main tool to support textile factories on their path to certification. Independent experts inspect the factories to assess their compliance with labour law, their health and safety requirements, wages, social security measures, environmental protection and productivity. They then recommend steps for improvement. Workers also discuss their ideas for a fairer workplace and make suggestions.

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

The programme has recently been developed further to include training on worker representation. One aspect is facilitating democratic elections for committees, as required by the Fairtrade Textile Standard. Employees and management must attend training on how elections should be held, who can be elected, and what the responsibilities of the committee members are. Over the past few months, almost 20 training sessions have taken place in several companies.

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

"For true change in the textile sector, multiple stakeholders must make a joint effort," says Kruger.

It has been one year since the Fairtrade Textile Standard and Programme was launched with an aim to make textile production fairer and improve wages for workers. Though certified products have not yet hit the market, Fairtrade has been on job talking to Indian and Bangladeshi NGOs, Indian union representatives, and Don Bosco Vocational Schools.#

Fairtrade and the Fair Wear Foundation exchanged ideas on improving labour rights in the manufacturing sector and have jointly developed training materials. "Over the past few years, the Fair Wear Foundation has supported us enormously with valuable know-how," explains Kruger. In future, Fairtrade and the Fair Wear Foundation aim to mutually recognise audits for certain requirements of the respective standards, to avoid duplication. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
For more images of this event, visit the Fijian Government Facebook page

Australian assistance for Fijis COP23 presidency has been the subject of talks in Sydney between the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, and his Australian counterpart, Malcolm Turnbull. The Prime Minister is in Australia for a four day visit and left soon after arriving to meet Mr Turnbull at his home in Sydney's eastern suburbs.The Australian leader is about to leave for the United States for his first face-to-face meeting on Thursday with the American President, Donald Trump. Trump administration officials have been meeting to decide if the US will proceed with Mr Trumps pre-election undertaking to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. They have indicated that a decision will be announced before the President attends the G7 meeting of the major industrial nations in Germany in June.The Prime Minister told Mr Turnbull that it was critical to preserve the multilateral consensus contained in the Paris Agreement for decisive cuts in carbon emissions to arrest the current rate of global warming and reduce the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events such as Tropical Cyclone Winston.He said Fiji had deeply appreciated Australian assistance in the wake of the devastation caused by Winston last February. And he appealed to Australia to stand shoulder to shoulder with Fiji as it worked as COP23 President to keep up the momentum to tackle the underlying causes of such events on behalf of every global citizen.The PM also asked Mr Turnbull to use his influence with countries like New Zealand and Japan to fully support Fijis leadership of the ongoing UN climate change negotiations in Bonn, Germany, in November.During his visit to Australia, the Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address at the 4th Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit in Melbourne on Tuesday. He will outline Fijis priorities as incoming COP President, which include advancing the Rulebook for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and laying the groundwork for more decisive global action to address the impact of climate change through the Facilitative Dialogue of 2018.The PM returns to Fiji on Thursday.
The Karnak Monuments Scientific Research Department will hold the first Karnak Temples Conference on Tuesday in Luxor with the aim of exchanging academic studies on Karnak's temples, shrines, sanctuaries, obelisks, colossi and pylons.

Moeimen Saad, director of the Karnak Monuments Scientific Research Department, told Ahram Online that the two-day conference will be held at the Misr Public Library in Luxor.

The conference will provide an opportunity for a large number of Egyptian and foreign Egyptologists  along with the French Institute for Karnak Temples Studies and the American Research Centre in Cairo  to discuss the newest academic studies that have been carried out on Karnak temples for publishing in a book.

Saad explains that the studies will show the latest restoration works that have been carried out on Karnak as well as new discoveries.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Since Friday, 28 April 2017, some TV anchors have been attempting to reduce the success of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (also spelt as Bahubali 2) to a match result of "South Indian filmmaker defeats Bollywood" narrative. The indignation is over how a Telugu filmmaker could pull off a Bahubali 2 when ideally it should be Bollywood with deeper pockets that should have created this Rs 450 crore worth project.

In fact, in its ignorance, or perhaps the callous notion that South India is one homogenous entity, a channel and another channel's anchor credited Bahubali 2 as a Tamil movie that has been dubbed into Telugu. Enough  and justifiably so  for members of Tollywood's film fraternity to go into a collective sulk. And why not, the industry produces India's biggest film project and (everyone) north of the Vindhyas assumes SS Rajamouli must be from Rajinikanth-land.

It betrays a terrible condescending attitude that it should surprise Delhi-based journalists that the south has delivered this lavish visual spectacle. If nothing else, it only perhaps exposes their ignorance of Indian cinema and the fare that comes out of the south.

A bit of history would have helped. South Indian cinema based in Chennai (then called Madras) has traditionally been at the forefront of high-end cinema technology. From the 1950s, Madras has been home to several studios like AVM, Gemini, Vijayvahini, that ensured the city was the first to embrace the newest movie tool  from 70mm to Dolby to special effects  to hit the market.

K Hariharan, an author and professor of Film Studies, points out that Chennai has always been the National Film City which "also made Tamil films''. "Mumbai in contrast, is essentially only a regional Hindi centre, that never diversified into any other language except Marathi, which in any case is the city's default language,'' says Hariharan. The only reason why Mumbai has acquired a larger profile is because of the size of its audience.

If you ask a south Indian film buff, it is quite possible he or she will refer to the epic fantasy film Mayabazar, starring NT Rama Rao, as the baap of Bahubali. Rajamouli himself has acknowledged that the 1957 classic was an inspiration for Bahubali. The movie  considered "true cutting edge'' in terms of use of technology in that time  has been acknowledged even by Kamal Haasan as a fine example of "visual appeal going hand in hand with content''. In fact, Rajamouli tweeted about the film in May 2013, writing : "About 20 of us watched Mayabazar in Blu-ray. Kids of age 7-17 enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed it in our childhood. Timeless classic!''

In fact, in the '60s, even Bengali and Sinhalese remakes of hit Tamil films would be produced in Madras at the studios. In the '80s and early '90s, the likes of Jeetendra, Rajesh Khanna, Anil Kapoor worked mostly in Hindi remakes of successful south films.

For the Khan-obsessed non-south India, a reading of Salman's filmography too would have provided a clue to why the south could do a Bahubali. A majority of Salman's superhits  from Wanted to Judwaa to Biwi No. 1 to Tere Naam to Ready to Kick to Bodyguard  are remakes of Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam prototypes. Ditto with the other big Bollywood success story, Akshay Kumar. Proof, that in terms of both story telling and using technology to translate ideas on to the big screen, the Peninsula has been many steps ahead.

The problem with most of the north audience is that it consumes south films through badly dubbed movies telecast on SET MAX. That sets the bar really low. Which is perhaps why it thinks the best movie to have come out of south cinema must have been Sooryavansham  given the number of times its Hindi remake, starring Amitabh Bachchan, is telecast on telly.

Malayalam cinema with its brilliant storywriters, directors and actors have always stood out in their choice of subjects and treatment. Yet you have self-proclaimed "number one film critic'' called Kamaal R Khan, an uncultured boast, taking a dig at National Award winning actor Mohanlal, calling him Chotta Bheem-like. When taken to the cleaners by Lal fans, he apologises saying he did not know of the thespian's body of work. The problem is with Bollywood's unintelligent assumption that it represents Indian cinema and that one can call oneself a student of Indian cinema without studying the likes of Lal, Mammootty, Kamal Haasan, Ilaiyaraaja and Mani Ratnam.

So what do we do? We look for reasons why Bahubali clicked pan-India. And we zero in on Rajamouli's decision to partner with Karan Johar. The takeaway is that if not for Johar, Rajamouli would not have managed to have 'Koffee' with India. This is not to say that Johar's presence did not add value. If nothing else, it brought to the table a certain level of acceptance that here is a product with which a discerning producer-director who knows his craft is associating. I do not think Johar would have put his money if the movie was trash material. So the value-add was limited to handing over a certificate.

It is more to do with the attitude. AR Rahman, despite what he has achieved for India including the Oscar, is reduced to being called 'Mozart of Madras'. We never call Salman Khan, the Galaxy Apartments Hero, do we? Vinod Khanna, God bless his soul, is referred to as an Indian actor but Raghuvaran when he passed away in 2008, did not even manage ticker space on TV channels. I remember a news editor asking me if he can push for the news to make it to the rundown by telling higher-ups that he is the Amrish Puri of the south.

This is not to say south cinema comes out smelling of roses every time. Far from it... the industry in the four language states produce a lot of nonsense as well. But the scale of Bahubali, Rajamouli's audacity to dream big and the success of the movie will have a domino effect on filmmakers from this part of India. That their products could fly if treated the right way creatively, aided by the right technological tools. And then you can even dare to release the film on an ordinary day in April, and not wait for Eid, Diwali or Sankranti.

P.S. His name is Rajamouli. There is a 'U' in the name, that is not silent. TV journalists would do well not to hyphenate the name and make it Raaja Moli.
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (also spelt as Bahubali 2) is a game changer. Bahubali 2 is India's Star Wars. Bahubali 2 has brought in a paradigm shift in Indian cinema. Bahubali 2 has changed the way we understand Indian movies. All this, and a lot more has been said by many while talking about the success of Bahubali 2 across India. More than anything, the film has brought back crowd in droves to theatres and when you hear reports that people, some of whom haven't watched films on a big screen for over 20 years, are flocking to theatres, you know why distributors and theatre owners in particular are so thrilled with the Baahubali phenomenon.

In the past few days leading up to Bahubali 2's release, there's been a lot of buzz about how filmmakers in Hyderabad and Chennai are pushing the envelope, and that the real action is happening down South. While the excitement about an epic drama like Bahubali 2 is quite evident, the buzz surrounding the film has put the spotlight on Telugu cinema.

Bahubali 2 was Tollywood's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon moment. In 2000, when Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon released in theatres, it renewed Hollywood's interest in Asian cinema and propelled Ang Lee's career to new heights. Something similar could happen with Bahubali 2's success for Telugu cinema.

Until Baahubali: The Beginning released, there were reasonable doubts about the reach for dubbed films in North India, even though TV channels like SET MAX had been making the most out of dubbed content for a while now. Most of the Telugu and Tamil actors are quite familiar in the hinterlands of North India, thanks to these dubbed films, but nobody knew the extent to which a Telugu film dubbed in Hindi might work at the box-office. Now that all those doubts have been vanquished without a shadow of doubt, several Telugu filmmakers would want to leapfrog into new territories, just like Bahubali 2 did, with renewed interest.

Already, rumours are abuzz that Mahesh Babu starrer Spyder, directed by AR Murugadoss, has got a good price for the theatrical rights in North India, and it's said to be one of the best deals in recent times. Then, there's Prabhas' next film Saaho, a spy drama to be directed by Sujeeth, which will be released in Hindi in 2018. This could be just tip of the iceberg, if this interest in Telugu films sustains for a while.

Language has always been one of the biggest barriers for filmmakers in South India and despite several attempts in the past, the reach for dubbed content in Hindi market has been limited. A case in point being Shankar-Rajinikanth's heavyweight Robo (Enthiran) which released in 2010. The film earned Rs 22 crores nett at the box-office and that was a record for nearly five years, until Baahubali: The Beginning landed in theatres.

So far, SS Rajamouli has been an exception among Telugu filmmakers, who have found universal acceptance across the country. But there are plenty of lessons to be learnt from the success of the epic drama. Rajamouli's success lies in his ability to deliver an engaging film, irrespective of the genre, and the universal appeal of his films is the icing on the cake.

Perhaps, there might not be another Telugu film which will reach the bar, at the box-office, set by Bahubali 2 in near future, but it has already shattered the myth that dubbed film won't give Hindi films a run for their money. By bridging the North-South divide, the film has cleared the way for other directors and top stars to venture into the Hindi market, which has been a mystery for a long time now. Although Tollywood's recent attempts to crack the Hindi market with films like Sardaar Gabbar Singh and Ghazi, which collected Rs 16 crores nett in Hindi, haven't been fruitful, there's no reason why Telugu filmmakers should give up. "Every filmmaker dreams of reaching out to a wider audience through his films and I'm no different," SS Rajamouli said recently.

While actors like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar have been part of remakes, which were originally made in Telugu and Tamil, the recent success of South Indian films, with subtitles, in key cities like Mumbai, Pune and Delhi has come as a ray of hope that a good film will reach out to a wider audience. On top of it, the demand for the remake rights of Telugu films has been steady with films like Kshanam and Pellichoopulu hogging the limelight last year.

The influx of new talent, especially actresses, musicians and other technicians, from Bollywood to Telugu cinema has become a norm. Perhaps, it's time to look at the other side and take Telugu cinema to Bollywood. You might fail few times, but it doesn't hurt to dream big.
Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna have worked on several blockbuster films together like Hera Pheri, Amar Akbar Anthony, and Muqadar Ka Sikandar to name just a few.

Which is why when Amitabh Bachchan first got the unfortunate news of Khanna's demise on 27 April, 2017, the superstar walked out of Sarkar 3 promotions mid-way to rush to the actor's residence.

Big B attended the funeral of the late actor along with his son Abhishek Bachchan and later wrote a heartfelt note for his departed friend on his personal blog along with dedicating a poem to him on Twitter.

Recalling his initial days in Bollywood, Big B wrote about how the duo became friends on the sets of the Sunil Dutt film's Reshma Aur Shera. "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 .. and 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 ..In time we met again within the same precincts .. he and I were working in the same film of Dutt Saheb, Reshma aur Shera .. look trials in the office of the film .. travel and sittings on the story," Bachchan wrote

Bachchan recalled how the actor was friendly to him even when he was a newcomer and how they forged a friendship working on some of the cult classics together. He went on to mention how Khanna used to bring his two sons on the sets of Amar Akbar Anthony, "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 .." reads the blog

Bachchan ended the hearfelt note with expressing grief about his death, "And this afternoon that association of 48 years came to an end ..

This man .. this body of enthused energy and giving .. this friend .. this colleague .. this ever smiling swagger infested individual, lay motionless ..

No one walked the way he did .. no one had the presence he had in a crowded room .. no one could lighten up the surroundings he was in, like him .. no one .."

Vinod Khanna breathed his last on Thursday, 27 April after battling cancer for many years. His last rites were performed later that day in Mumbai.
By Lacey Johnson and Ian Simpson

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON A sea of protesters swarmed in front of the White House on Saturday to voice displeasure with President Donald Trump's stance on the environment and demand that he rethink plans to reverse the climate change policies backed by his predecessor.The Peoples Climate March, the culmination of a string of Earth Week protests that began with last Saturday's March for Science, coincides with Trump's 100th day in office, the end of the traditional "honeymoon" period for a new president.As temperatures rose above 90 degrees Fahrenheit under hazy skies in the nation's capital, tens of thousands of people marched from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and passed the White House en route to the Washington Monument for a rally.Many of the protesters carried signs with slogans such as "The seas are rising and so are we" and "Don't be a fossil fool." As the procession passed the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, marchers booed and chanted "shame."Enjoy the day, enjoy the weather, Trump, speaking to reporters ahead of a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania commemorating his 100th day in office said when asked what he would tell those rallying on climate change.While a good-natured mood prevailed and there were no signs of violence, many demonstrators said they were angered by the prospect of Trump carrying through on his vow to roll back protections put in place by his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama. "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, South Carolina, 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 and the elimination of many environmental regulations.

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 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, followed an exclusive interview with Reuters in which the president reflected wistfully on 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 he has championed.Since Trump's inauguration, 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.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. (Additional reporting by Patrick Rucker in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Writing by Frank McGurty; Editing by Franklin Paul, Bernard Orr)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has granted anticipatory bail to a woman journalist booked for abetting the suicide of an army jawan and also under the Official Secrets Act after observing that prima facie no offence is made out against the accused.

Justice Revati Mohite Dere on April 26 granted anticipatory bail to Poonam Agarwal, a senior journalist with The Quint and retired soldier and war veteran Deepchand Singh.

Last month, the Deolali Camp police in Nashik registered a case against Poonam and Deepchand under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including abetment of suicide of the jawan from Kerala Roy Mathew. The scribe was also booked under sections 3 (spying) and 7 (interfering with officers of the police or members of the armed forces of Union) of the Official Secrets Act. According to police, she was booked for violating Army rules by entering prohibited areas and conducting a shoot there.

Agrawal is accused of entering Heig Lines in Deolali camp without the permission of authorities and filming the premises besides carrying out a sting operation on Mathew and other jawans on February 24 in which she is said to have asked leading questions.

The case was registered after Mathew (33) was found hanging from the ceiling of a room in an abandoned barrack in Deolali cantonment here on 2 March.

According to police, Mathew featured in the sting operation carried out by Poonam and Deepchand exposing the 'buddy' (Sahayak) system in the Army and had committed suicide over fear and shame.

Poonam and Deepchand approached the high court after a sessions court rejected their anticipatory bail pleas. Senior counsel Amit Desai, appearing for Poonam, argued that the sting operation was carried out in public interest and to expose the malaise in the Indian Army.

The High Court after hearing the arguments said, "After viewing the said clip, it appears that the purpose of the sting operation was to show that the 'Sahayaks' were made to do menial work like taking their seniors' dogs for walks, taking their seniors' children to schools and so on."

"Prima facie at this stage, taking the prosecution case as it stands it is doubtful whether any offence under IPC or Official Secrets Act is attracted in the peculiar facts of the case," Justice Dere said.

"Merely because the sting operation was done in a prohibited area would not automatically attract provision of the Official Secrets Act," the court said.

The court granted Poonam and Deepchand anticipatory bail on a surety of Rs 25,000 and directed them to appear before the police on three days -May 2, May 3 and May 4 for recording their statement and questioning. The court also directed Poonam to surrender to the police

raw footage of the sting operation.

Mathew had joined the Army 13 years ago and was working as an artillery gunner with the Rocket Regiment 214 in Nashik camp for the last one year.
Jammu: More that 30 Kashmiri Muslim youths will be part of the BJP's expansion drive across the country for six months, its president Amit Shah said on Sunday, terming it an "encouraging development" for the party.

In the city as part of his 95-day tour of the country to take stock of the party's organisational work, Shah met party workers from the state who will be travelling across the nation as part of organisational works.

"More than 30 Muslim youths from Kashmir are part of Deen Dayal Upadhyay expansion plan of the party. Most of them are engineers and double graduates. They have agreed to work for six months for the BJP's expansion. I welcome them from heart. This is an encouraging development for the party," he said.

Kashmir, which has an overwhelming Muslim majority, has always been a politically unfriendly territory for the saffron party. The region has of late witnessed an upsurge in violence and protests.

The PDP-BJP alliance is in power in the state. The BJP has drawn a list of over 3.52 lakh workers from across the country who will be sent to different parts for 15 days to a year to work for its expansion and publicising the Modi government's policies.
New Delhi: A united Opposition candidate for the presidential elections will be the beginning of unity among the non-BJP parties to take on the BJP, senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, seen as one of the probable Opposition choices, said on Sunday.

Having met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi last week as part of efforts to put up a joint Opposition candidate for the high-stakes polls, the former JD(U) president said the success of this exercise could go a long way in arresting the BJP's surge across the country.

He said unity in the Opposition ranks is the need of the hour as a division in the non-BJP votes has been a key reason behind the saffron party's win in the recent assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi civic elections.

Asked about the likelihood of major Opposition parties agreeing to back a common candidate against the BJP-led NDA's choice, he told PTI that he was "hopeful" that it will happen.

"We are making efforts to get as many Opposition parties as possible on a common platform for the presidential election. A joint candidate will be the beginning of the coming together of Opposition parties against the BJP," he said.

The Rajya Sabha member and former Union minister noted that even in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP won an unprecedented 312 seats out of the total 403, the combined votes of the Samajwadi Party, the BSP and the Congress were much more than it.

Asked who could be the Opposition candidate for the presidential polls, he said names would be discussed at a later stage as the first priority is to bring these parties together.

With his vast parliamentary experience, Yadav is seen by some as one of the probable choices for a common Opposition candidate for the presidential polls. He declined to comment on this.

JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also met Gandhi and the Left parties have also spoken in favour of having an Opposition candidate. The choice of NDA candidate could play a crucial role in these efforts as somebody with a pronounced Hindutva leaning

can give the Opposition parties, many of whom are locked in bitter political battle in different states, a solid reason to close ranks.

The electoral college clearly favours the NDA choice for the top constitutional post, more so after the BJP's emphatic win in Uttar Pradesh. Though it is still short of a clear majority but its leaders are confident of getting the required support.

Many Opposition leaders believe that putting up joint candidate irrespective of the outcome of the elections will mark the coming together of a larger alliance against the BJP in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Indias biggest cattle loss is the male of the species.

The country had 19 percent fewer male indigenous cattle in 2012 as against 2007, according to the 19th livestock census. In the same span, the number of male crossbred/exotic cattle fell by 12 percent. Female indigenous cattle saw a marginal 0.01 percent drop in number while the number of female exotic/crossbred cattle grew in double-digits.

The acute falling trend in the number of male cattle can be traced back to decades ago. According to a 2016 research paper by Dr Akila Natarajan, Relevance of draught cattle power and its future prospects in India: A review, in 1972, India had 73.2 million working cattle (mostly male) which dwindled to 53.3 million by 2007. And the steep fall is despite the fact that all this while, most Indian states had some sort of cow protection law in force.

It may be argued that the green revolution has brought in tractors, which have largely replaced use of farming beasts on large farms. But owners of small and marginal land holdingsfarms less than 2 hectare in size, which account for 60% of the countrys cultivated areacontinue to use male cattle to plough the land, for transportation and to lift water from wells, as has been the practice for centuries.

However, the white revolution has played a larger role in the disappearance of male cattle. Arguably, today Indias most vulnerable cattle are males born to dairy farmers who have no use for them. They usually leave male calves to wander and without protection, animals are easily picked up by unscrupulous elements for slaughter.

Making dairy farmers accountable for male calves born to their cows would help save them. If they have no use for male cattle, at least lets make it mandatory for the animals to be safely deposited in a cow shelter. But even that doesn't rule out the problem completely.

Sustainability is a key issue that even the Supreme Court has cited in favour of disallowing a complete ban on cattle slaughter. It has argued that a complete ban (on cattle slaughter) would be impermissible as keeping useless bull or bullock would be a burden on the society and therefore not in the public interest.

Essentially, unwanted male cattle must be made productive assets to justify their protection.

An interesting initiative in Gujarat involves distributing male cattle lodged in gaushalas to tribal farmers to help them with transportation and to farm their marginal land holdings.

So far more than 37,000 bullocks have been distributed to tribal farmers in districts like Dahod, Panchmahal, Chhota Udepur, said Dr Vallabh Kathiria, chairman of the Gujarat GauSeva and Gauchar Vikas Board. All that we ask of the farmers is a commitment to use the cattle over their life and not send them to slaughter houses.

Promoting bull power makes sound economic sense. Indias roughly 60 million work-animals, of which about 10 percent are buffaloes, make available about 30 million horsepower of energy at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore, according to Natarajan, who is a assistant professor and head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, University Training and Research Centre, Tamil Nadu.

In her paper quoted earlier, Natarajan estimates that India would need 6 million tractors to replace her draught animals, and an extra 13 million tonnes of diesel annually. Measured in terms of electrical energy, Indias draught animals generate 20,000 megawatts of power. Wed need to invest Rs 30,000 crore to generate that much energy. But using draught animals comes with its own set of challenges.

Adequate research and development to tap animal power for agro processing, electricity generation and other uses is sorely missing, Natarajan notes. A systematic breeding programme for the improvement of draught breeds, and initiatives to preserve grazing land and axpanding the reach of animal health services are some other fronts, where much needs to be done. And small farmers biggest challenge is meeting the cost of sustaining their working cattle in the face of growing pressure on farm margins.

Indias cropping season lasts 60 days annually over the kharif and rabi crops whereas farmers need at least 200 days of work to recoup the cost of maintaining a work animal, said Natarajan.

Then. could monetising cattle waste help farmers break even?

A bull produces 8-10 kg of dung daily, possibly even up to 15 kg, said Sunil Mansinghka, chief coordinator, Go-Vigyan Anusandhan Kendra, Nagpur. Vermi composting can turn this dung into 20-25 kg of manure, valued at Rs 200-250 per kg. Add to that the income from the 2-3 litres of urine per cattle head that can be viably collected per day. Unprocessed cow urine fetches Rs 50 per litre.

Organic manure is a valuable soil fertilizer while the urine is an effective biopesticide, said Mansinghka. And this would help grow organic crops which are healthier and fetch higher return.

Cow dung lends itself to other uses too, such as making machine made pot holders, immensely useful for mass reforestation, and machine made logs, which can help save trees and cut the cost of cremating a body from Rs 15,000 to Rs 1,000, according to Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, union minister for Women & Child Development and noted animal rights activist.

If the government is serious about doubling the income of small farmers, it must educate them on tapping the value in cattle in a variety of ways, said Mansinghka.

This observation underscores a shift in agricultural policy in favour of creating a mass market for biogas, biofertilizers, biopesticides and other live cattle produce. This, in turn, will need a change of mindset in bureaucrats, politicians, scientists, etc, said Dr Kathiria.

Legislating more stringent laws like Gujarats, where cow slaughter is now punishable by a life term and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh is just one side of the story. The other side involves balancing the demand-supply equation. If all cattle owners saw their value, there would be no cattle available for slaughter.
Gorakhpur (UP): Mere raising the slogan of "gau mata ki jai" will not do and people will have to step forward for the cause of cow protection, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday. The CM raised the issue while addressing a coordination meet of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party and said that his government has taken tough steps against cow smugglers.

"Just by raising the slogan of gau mata ki jai, cows cannot be protected. You must also make honest efforts from your side for cow protection. Only then would cows survive," Adityanath said. Defending his government's decision to cancel 15 public holidays in the name of great personalities, he said it will "raise the revenue by several crores, which will lead to the development of the state".

"We have divided the great men into castes that has led do division of society and it is unfortunate," the CM said, adding that while holidays were declared, people were not informed about the contribution of these personalities.

"We will try to educate students about these personalities and inculcate in them the feeling of patriotism," he said. Expressing unhappiness on the row over recitation of national song Vande Matram, the CM said, "nowadays, the situation is that the national song is linked with communalism. Had it not been recited in schools, it would have become extinct today." Justifying the closure of illegal slaughterhouses in the state, the CM said that it would help increase the livestock population.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Adityanath said India's influence has increased worldwide under his leadership.
Spotlight: EU leaders adopt guidelines on Brexit negotiations

From:Xinhua | 2017-04-30 09:30

Video PlayerClose

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.
Chennai: The opposition DMK on Sunday demanded a home secretary-monitored probe by a top level police officer into the murder of a security guard of the state bungalow of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

The BJP's state unit too sought an "expanded probe" into the killing of the 50 year-old guard, Om Bahadur on Monday in Nilgiris district.

Both parties questioned the police' claim that only wrist watches and a crystal show-piece were stolen and alleged there were several "mysteries and knots" in the case, which also saw the death of a key accused in a road accident in Salem district.

"The police has not come forward to give proper reasons on how the key accused and former driver of Jayalalithaa, Kanakaraj, was killed in a sudden accident or how his accomplice Sayan too was involved in a mishap," DMK leader MK Stalin said.

Asserting that "it cannot be believed" that only watches were stolen, he suspected there were attempts to "divert" the attention from the murder with some "ulterior motive." He said it did not seem "normal" that two suspects wanted in the same case could meet with mishaps at different places.

The state police is "under obligation" to probe what has been missing from the bungalow, such as the property documents and the currency notes, he said in a statement.

"The murder of the guard, the stealing of watches and the accidents involving Kanakaraj and Sayan should all be probed together and the knots should be removed carefully. There is no place to believe that handing over the probe to local officials will yield a transparent investigation."

"I request the probe to be handed over to an honest ADGP (Additional Director General of Police)-level official and to be monitored by the state home secretary," said Stalin, also the leader of opposition in the Tami Nadu Assembly.

BJP's state unit president Tamilisai Soundarrajan too called for an "expanded probe" into the matter. "Although it looks like an honest probe, there have been mysteries, accidents and deaths. Initially they said nothing was stolen... now they say some articles were stolen. So we seek an expanded probe," she said.

The probe by police, meanwhile, has revealed involvement of 11 persons in the case, of which four have been arrested. Kanakaraj, who hailed from Salem, conspired for dacoity with 10 others, including Sayan from Coimbatore, said police. As per the probe so far, the motive behind the offence is suspected to be robbery, it said.
India and Turkey waited fourteen years to see this moment once again. It's former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who should be credited for redefining India-Turkey relations, now waiting for a breakthrough to qualify for another qualitative step forward. In 2001, deputy prime minister LK Advani was the first high-level dignitary of the NDA government to have visited Turkey which concluded with an important agreement on an extradition treaty. Later, in 2003, prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had gone on his landmark visit to Turkey  no Indian prime minister since then had gone to Turkey until prime minister Narendra Modi, in 2015, went to Antalaya to meet the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the margins of the G20 summit which was followed by another meeting on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China in 2016.

There are many good reasons to believe that the leaders of the two nations will find Vajpayees legacy as a common point to advance India-Turkey relations. The regional contexts in which the two countries are working support their role as well. Turkey, for example, notwithstanding setbacks in Syria, remains an influential and a key regional power to define the future outcomes of crisis in Syria and Iraq. Once a reluctant Muslim partner, Turkey has become a close ally of the Gulf countries, thanks to Irans growing hegemonic ambitions. Egypts preoccupation with its domestic crisis and absence of American leadership from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) security architecture. Turkeys normalised relations with Israel and Russia has a stabilising role in the region  where it can assume a balancing role among various competitive powers. Irans regional role has become deeply dependent on its military cooperation with Russia and other non-state actors like Hezbollah  something that Irans Arab neighbours are extremely worried about. Despite many serious differences over Syria, Turkey remains in good terms with Iran, however, allowing Turkey to use its leverage to mediate between Iran and its Gulf neighbours.

On Syria, Russia needs Turkey more than any other country to find a lasting political settlement; Russia has been advocating for a political outcome. Since the fall of Aleppo, Turkey has also refocused its Syria policy from regime change to counter terrorism, narrowing its differences with Russia and Iran. Turkeys counter terrorism response is defined by three major threats: 1) Islamic States presence in many urban areas of Syria and Iraq 2) expansion of Kurdish separatist forces closely linked with internationally recognised terrorist group PKK 3) Al-Qaeda affiliated Islamist groups active in Syria and Iraq.

In an extremely complicated Syrian crisis, the Assad government has successfully used these threats tactically against the Syrian rebels, by softening its view on Syrian Kurdish groups and using Islamic terrorism card interchangeably with Islamic State, the opposition forces and Al-Qaeda groups. As terrorist attacks increased against Turkish targets in 2015 and 2016, Turkeys frustration against its Western allies support to the Kurdish groups deepened. In 2016, Turkey adopted a go-alone military operation against Islamic State in north Syria starting from Jerablus and stopping at Al-Bab, effectively converting Euphrates as a buffer zone between the two sides of Kurds-held areas. However, the 15 July failed military coup attempt caught Turkey unaware of another terror threat, the Gulen network many Turks perceived only as a spiritual cult.

Turkeys relations with its Western allies have gone berserk on Western indifference to what Turkey considers most serious threat to its national security. European leaders have been delaying Turkeys EU accession. In the wake of the Turkish referendum for constitutional amendments, some Turkish politicians were denied attendance to political events in some European cities. The trust deficit between Turkey and the West is widening. In this context, Turkeys relation with Russia, China and India is qualitatively improving Turkeys earlier 'West-centric' foreign policy towards a 'multidimensional foreign policy'.

Turkeys South Asia engagement is likely to deepen after India has renewed its interest in the Southern Corridor of Asia-Europe Rail (SCAER) project which will connect Istanbul with Kolkata, extendable further to Myanmar and Thailand. Officials from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia and Turkey have already concluded their first meeting in New Delhi on 16 March, 2017. Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) was originally proposed by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in 1980s and endorsed by concerned countries in 1992. The rail link, if started, can revolutionise Indias trade connectivity to Central Asia, Europe and West Asia.

Trade and regional cooperation potentials notwithstanding, India and Turkey have some problems that keep overwhelming the perception of their bilateral relations. Three issues will always be asked when it comes to deepen India-Turkey relations. First, how much Pakistan determines Turkeys India perception, second, Turkeys perception of Kashmir, and third, what is Turkeys view of reforms in international institutions, which should ideally result in including India in the United Nations Security Council as permanent member.

It is true that Pakistan-Turkey relations are more emotional than Turkey-India relations. Pakistan is projected as a country of Islamic leadership despite the fact that India remains the second largest Muslim country in the world, without OIC membership though. The question many Muslim countries do not ask is: who is more important Pakistan or Kashmir, Pakistan or Indian Muslims? (on whose behalf, Pakistan often tries to claim leadership)

Pakistans 'pro-Muslim' and 'pro-Kashmir' credentials are often received uncritically. Turkeys strong secular and democratic credentials bring great respect and regard for Turkey in India in stark opposition to the fragility of Pakistan's democracy. It is not surprising to observe that Turkish media has been mostly fair and objective in its coverage of India-Pakistan affairs, rather, many Turks have a clear understanding that Turkey should not come into Pakistans trap of internationalising the Kashmir issue. Erdogan's visit should start a new era of bilateral engagement where both sides should invest efforts to understand each other.

Indias Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership is likely to be discussed by the two leaders. Indias NSG membership has been delayed without recognising Indias own merits. If Erdogan and Modi come to an understanding on Indias NSG bid, this can expedite India entry to NSG. For Turkey, Indias increasing economic and security profile is very important. India comes off as strong and powerful with its huge young and skilled population, a rich cultural base, and most importantly democratic institutions. Indias research and development profile: space program, especially micro-satellite and nano-satellites program, research in generic drugs, scientific research institutions have all given India a confident industrial and development scenario. This is what has been the main force behind redefining Indias strengthening relations with all major Muslim countries, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Egypt, almost unbound from any regional rivalry perceptions. India-Turkey cooperation in fields related to science, technology, education, culture and development areas have massive potential and both countries need each other to achieve their national interests and development goals.

The author is a Delhi-based analyst and a Research Fellow at Indian Council of World Affairs.
Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Congress leader AK Antony on Sunday asked his partymen to ensure that the upcoming organisational polls, if they take place, should not end up in fracas.

He said this while speaking to reporters at his home in Thiruvananthapuram soon after renewing his party membership.

State Congress President MM Hassan along with numerous party workers met Antony and handed him papers of his renewed membership.

"My opinion is that if there is going to be organisational polls, they should not end up in fracas. Whether one needs the poll or not has to be decided upon at the respective levels through consensus. The need of the hour is that new people should come forward and be given an opportunity."

The last date for renewal or taking fresh membership in Kerala has been fixed for May 15 and after that, if needed, election will be held for office-bearers, starting from the grassroots.

Last time the Kerala unit of the Congress elected a president through ballot was in 1991 when Antony lost to Vayalar Ravi. It took place when the factional feud in the party reached a crescendo with K. Karunakaran, reigning supreme in the party, backing Ravi.

Since then the office-bearers of the Congress party in Kerala have all been nominated by the party high command.

The two factions in the party till the late '90s were led by Karunakaran, the Antony faction's master brain Oommen Chandy.

Since the turn of the century, with Karunakaran getting old and Antony shifting base to Delhi, Chandy emerged as the strongman in the party, with Ramesh Chennithala coming up in the space left by Karunakaran.

Even though the two Chandy and Chennithala), have been maintaining cordial relations, at times altercations have erupted and none knows better than Antony that if his partymen do not behave, it could be a point of no return.

The Congress party's loss could well be gain for the BJP, which for the first time opened its account in the 140-member Kerala assembly when former Union Minister and senior BJP leader O. Rajagopal won the Nemom seat Thiruvananthapuram.

The coming weeks will reveal how things shape up for the Congress in Kerala, as a new team of office-bearers will take over the party and all what remains to be seen is whether it would be a smooth affair.
Kasargode (Kerala): A third youth from Kerala who ran away to join the Islamic State terror group in Afghanistan has been killed in the war-torn country, 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 in Kasargode 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 Islamic State 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.
Mumbai: A group of migrant Maharashtrians, separated by some 10,000 km of oceans and nations, have joined hands to keep Marathi language, culture and traditions alive in far away Australia.

The brainchild of the Marathi Association of Sydney Incorporated (MASI), the Australian Marathi Vidyalaya (AMV) was founded in 2008 with just a dozen-odd students grappling with the strange-sounding "foreign mother tongue" of their parents.

After the modest beginnings, the AMV has now grown into four flourishing centres for Marathi learning with around 150 students (40 per cent girls) in different age groups in Sydney and Wollongong, AMV President Arun Ghatge told IANS in a series of social media chats.

"These are essentially weekend schools, recognised and funded through grants from the New South Wales Department of Education and Training  Community Language Programme (NSW-DET), and governed by their rules and regulations in all aspects," Ghatge added.

These have proved to be a boon to the approximately 150,000-strong community of Maharashtrians, mostly first, second or even third generation migrants settled on the East Coast since decades.

Arriving in an alien land and to a different culture, many of the home-sick Maharashtrians took refuge by celebrating and enjoying festivals like Holi, Shiv Jayanti, Gudi Padva, Kojagiri Poornima, Diwali, Ganeshotsav and the like, besides holding small cultural gatherings and functions.

"However, the younger generations and those born in Australia were completely severed from their rich Maharashtrian and Indian cultural traditions... making us think of a formal approach integrated with their regular schooling, to imbibe the best of both worlds," Ghatge said.

"The problems get compounded when grandparents visit them in Australia but simply can't communicate with them and vice-versa, when the kids visit their homes in different parts of Maharashtra.

"Both ways, they seemed lost, and were virtually strangers under one roof. Now, we are creating a great link between our doting parents and their beloved grandchildren by breaking the language barrier," said 45-year old Ghatge, who migrated in 2005.

The AMV launched the weekend schools, which are gaining popularity within the local community, not for "textbookish" knowledge, but using more of "learn thru fun" methodologies, and without disturbing or overburdening the children's regular schooling in mainstream Australian schools.

"We charge them a nominal fee of 150 Australian dollars per annum, or roughly Rs 7,500, though the major portion of our expenses are covered by NSW-DET," Ghatge explained.

The AMV team includes Ghatge, Vijaya Dhumal, Mangesh Chorat (all from Mumbai), Neha Takale, Ajay Deshmukh (Pune), Santosh Kashid (Nashik), Neera Godbole, Chitra Parab, Umesh Saraf, Amit Tere, Manoj Mali, Preeti Patki and other teaching, administration and library staff, from other parts of Maharashtra.

AMV is supported by around 25 regular and back-up teachers  trained and government-approved  at its centres in Western Sydney, South West Sydney Region, Wollongong and North Shore, and is a member of the umbrella organisation for community languages in the Association of Illawarra Community Languages Schools Inc.

Currently, the students are taught their mothertongue from Kindergarten to Class VI, with the vision to expand up to Class XII, by when Ghatge hopes Marathi would be accorded the official status of a "foreign language" in mainstream schools, and which would be available to all Australians on the lines of French, German, Spanish and Chinese.

The AMV teaches the essentials of Marathi language  oral, written and communication skills  and provides insights into the relationship between language and culture; it explores Marathi with the correct application of linguistic structures and vocabulary, and develops the students' knowledge and understanding of their cultural heritage in a foreign land, using selected prescribed Marathi textbooks and literature.

At the end of each year, the students undergo examinations and are awarded certificates based on their performances, an event at which many turn up in traditional Maharashtrian attire.

"The changes among the younger generation are obvious. Compared to many years ago, now when the grandparents and grandchildren meet either in Australia or India, they have an instant emotional connect because of Marathi...Many seniors visiting us from India are moved to tears hearing their Australian-born grandchildren conversing properly, though accented, in their mother tongue," Ghatge added.

Interestingly, the Australian East Coast supports over 100 different cultural and linguistic groups from all over the world living harmoniously, including Indians. Besides Marathi, there are a handful of similar such schools for Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil and Kannada languages which impart education to children in their mother tongues and have proved equally popular.

"Now, the gen-next is able to better comprehend the rich culture, traditions, language, literature and legacy of their forefathers back in India  adhering to our motto 'Language keeps you in touch with your culture' strongly," said Ghatge.
Addressing the people of India for the 31st time through his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat, prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke on several topics, which ranged from reiterating the government's resolve to end VIP culture in the country to urging youngster to think out of the box.

On VIP culture



Modi raised the issue of VIP culture and said that the decision to get rid of red beacon from the vehicles was taken to remove the culture from the minds of such people. He added that red beacon had become the symbol of VIP culture in India which alienated the common man.

"There is sort of hatred for VIP culture in our country but I realised the hatred was so deep only when the government decided to do away with red beacons on cars of the officials no matter how important he is," Modi said.

Modi added, "The concept behind the 'New India' is that EPI should replace VIP. EPI means every person is important. We should accept the importance of 125 crore Indians. Then we will have the collective power to fulfil our dreams and aspirations."

Congratulated Maharashtra and Gujarat

Modi congratulated the people of Gujarat and Maharashtra a day before the foundation day of these states.

"I congratulate the citizens of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Both the states have striven to reach the heights of progress continually, contributed to the development of the nation, and a number great people born in both states have have continuously inspired us," Modi said in his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Modi also urged citizens to take a vow to see where they can take their state, society and nation by the year 2022 when India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence.

Climate change and sparrow conservation

Modi touched upon the issue of climate change, ading that it is a big issue not confined to academic conferences and researches. Linking the rise in temperatures across India to this global phenomenon, Modi remarked that the temperatures once experienced in May adn june is now experienced in March itself.

Deviating a bit from the topic of climate change, Modi went on to speak about the sparrow conservation efforts of the Bohra Muslim community. He also urged parents to encourage their children to develop sensitivity towards animals and birds which will give them immense happiness.

Come out of "comfort zones"

Modi urged younsters to come out of "comfort zones" and start thinking out of the box. While referring to students who are currently on vacations, Modi urged them to utilise the free time to explore new places to quench their curiosity, gain new experiences and improve their skills sets.

While encouraging youngsters to travel, Modi urged them to share the photo online with the hashtag "Incredible India".

Earn through BHIM app

Modi announced a refer and earn scheme for youngsters using the BHIM App. He said that a youngster stands to earn Rs 10 if he or she refers the app to somebody and then that person completes three transactions through it. The prime minister also added that the scheme will eb valid till 14 October.

References to Ramanujacharya, Basava, Ambedkar and Buddha

Modi announced that the government will celebrate the thousand year birth anniversary of Hindu reformist leader Ramanujacharya. He added that a postal stamp will be launched on Monday in thsi regard. The prime minister hailed the contributions of the 11th century spiritual leader in fighting social evils like untouchability.

While talking about Monday's labour day, Modi invoked the services of another spirtual leader Basava, who had said labour is the only path to god. He also lauded Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar for his efforts in improving the lives of Indian workers.

Modi tried to highlight the difference in the Communist and the RSS' approach in consolidating the labour movement. He remarked that while the communists said "Workers of the world unite", the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh believed in the motto, "Workers unite the world."

Modi said that the teachings of Gautama Buddha are relevant in the presnt day scenario of wars, conflcits and arms race and announed that he would celebrate Gautama Buddha's birth anniversary in Sri Lanka ths year.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: Delhi Police on Sunday apprehended nine persons, including three juveniles, for attacking a government school teacher who allegedly did not support their candidate in the recently-concluded civic polls in Delhi.

Police said the accused  Faisal, Ajay, Amir, Rajesh Mishra, Amit and another person whose name could not be ascertained, and their three juvenile accomplices  were apprehended in separate raids from Tigri area in south Delhi.

Another accused Ashish, who was also involved in the crime, is still absconding.

The accused, all residents of Tigri JJ camp, on Friday afternoon attacked one Kaptan Singh, 51, who works as a teacher in government school in Khanpur area here, police said. They stopped Singh's bike and attacked him.

"The attack on Singh was captured in CCTV cameras installed in the nearby shops. The attackers were identified after police examined the CCTV footage," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal said.

"During the interrogation, they revealed that they were supporters of an MCD election candidate Rajesh Kumar of Ward No.77 of Sangam Vihar area, where Singh also resides. Singh and his relatives reportedly did not support Kumar, which they believe led to his defeat. Holding Singh responsible for Kumar's defeat, the accused attacked him," Biswal explained.

A Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) of English, Singh suffered multiple injuries in the attack, including a fractured leg.
Thane: Four persons including a Nigerian national who were found guilty of cheating a businessman to the tune of Rs 20.77 lakh were sentenced to jail by a court in Thane district.

FCJM PD Chavan in her recent order directed that the Nigerian be deported immediately after he serves the jail term.

The court also stated in its order that trial be continued against the six alleged absconding accused who were also involved in the racket once they are traced and arrested.

The magistrate in her order sentenced two of the accused, Fazal Ahmed Shrif Sayyed, 28 a resident of Kamothe of Navi Mumbai and the Nigerian National Ujama Iliyaz Monede, 24 of Koparkhairne, to one years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 each.

Two other accused Toufik Husainmiya Khade, 47 from Panvel, and Yogeshkumar Patil, 24 from Nerul were sentenced to six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 each.

They were tried for offences falling under Section 420 rw 34 of the IPC.

Prosecutor Jaishree Korde told the court that the accused had cheated the complainant Anil Mathur, a businessman to the tune of Rs 20.77 lakhs by promising him good returns by sale of Potjiya seeds which were used in the US for medicinal purpose and were costly there.

The prosecutor told the court that one of the absconding accused Koshiya Kole developed a friendship with the victim over Facebook and informed him about the demand for the seeds which were costing $2,500 to $3,000 for 400 grammes in India while it was being purchased for $5,500 to $6,000.

She promised that the difference in the rates could be distributed among them once the goods are sold.

She posed as if she was representing the Health and Wealth company in the US. Initially, she guided him on how to communicate with the company and start the business with a sample quantity. She also told him as to from where he could get the seeds in India.

One of the representatives meanwhile met him at a hotel here and checked the samples and gave order for further consignment.

Also, some sample quantity of the seeds were procured from the victim and later on he was asked to get the bigger consignment by making payment to locals, on the numbers given by her.

Based on further orders, the victim placed orders with the different agencies and made the payments as directed by Koshiya. However, after making payments he did not receive the consignments.

Meanwhile, one of the representatives landed in Mumbai and called him up and informed him that he was stuck in customs and sought rescue by asking money for assistance. The victim who already had some doubts, refused to oblige.

Later, when he followed up for the consignment and delivery, and called up traders and agents there was no response, after which he realised that he had been cheated.

Based on courier receipts and use of investigation techniques, police arrested the four accused who were convicted recently. Hunt is on for other accused by Nayanagar police from Thane district rural.
Palwal: The police seized four cow hides and 18 kg suspected beef in two separate incidents in Haryana's Palwal district following which over a dozen persons were booked.

The accused are on the run, a police official said.

The first incident took place in Ghurawali village where police had received information that six-seven people were allegedly taking two cows to a nearby forest for slaughter, the officer said, adding that a raid was conducted and the cows were seized.

The accused fled from the spot, he said.

The second incident took place in Utawad village. The police received information that some persons were going to sell beef on a motorcycle.

Four cow hides and 18 kg suspected beef were seized along with the motorcycle.

A case was registered against the five accused who are on the run, Investigating Officer Muneem said.
New Delhi: A member of the Nehru-Gandhi family and one of India's foremost writers with feminist concerns, Nayantara Sahgal returned her Sahitya Akademi award in 2015 to protest against rising intolerance in the country. Will she ever accept a recognition from the state again? Never.

The widely acclaimed author of the novel Rich Like Us, for which she received the 1986 Sahitya Akademi Award, in fact, laughed off the idea. Dubbing the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance regime as the "RSS government", she said it is not possible for them to recognise progressive writers like her.

"I have never, all my life, stood in line for any award, any job or anything. And I would certainly not do so under this regime," she told IANS in a freewheeling interview.

The 89-year-old writer further said that she has not seen any signs from the Sahitya Akademi of support for the cause of free speech in the country.

The Akademi, according to Sahgal, did not say anything when a Sahitya Akademi award winner, Narendra Dabholkar, was murdered. If they have done anything at all to protect the rights of the authors and rational thinkers, the author said, it must have been very silent.

But what do writers fear? Is there any imminent threat to the fraternity?

"It is not a threat any more, there has been a murder. Three writers have been killed! (Perumal) Murugan was hounded out of his home, he was on pain of death, that if you stay here we will kill you, we will kill your family. People are in danger of their lives if they disagree with their Hindutva ideology and these so called gau rakshaks," Sahgal immediately responded.

Sahgal also stressed on the need for authors to "show through their stories what they stand for" but maintained that it is "a very individual thing" as storytelling is about human beings and not about ideas. There may be a political setting or contemporary issues in many stories, but the story is about characters who live there.

The former advisor to Sahitya Akademi's Board for English from 1972 to 1975 went on to say that her writings have been inspired by the times she grew up in. With her mother Vijayalakshmi Pandit as India's first ambassador to the UN, her uncle Jawaharlal Nehru as first Prime Minister, and her cousin, Indira Gandhi as third Prime Minister, it is not surprising that politics and history inspire and underlie much of her writing.

Beginning with her memoir Prison and Chocolate Cake, published in 1954, Sahgal authored other political writings  The Freedom Movement in India and Indira Gandhi, Her Road to Power  along with a collection of essays, Point of View: A Personal response to Life, Literature and Politics.

"The great thing that happened at independence was that we are a country of many great religions and we are deeply religious. And therefore we chose to be a secular republic so that all religions would have pride of place, so that all citizens would be equal, so that every man and woman would have the right to live and worship and dress and think and eat and make love as they choose. This was extremely great and progressive idea at independence and that is what is now being destroyed," she lamented.

Sahgal further said that religion is not a state affair, it is rather a matter of one's personal choice and one's personal relationship with god.

"The state can't tell you to do this and that with regard to religion. That was a very precious inheritance where all Indians felt equal and felt safe. Now I am sorry to say that the minorities do not feel safe, in particular the Muslim community is being hounded, persecuted and killed. That is not accepted by any civilised Indian," she added.

The much-acclaimed author also said that she often hears the Prime Minister making a "very fine speech", but on the ground, something else is happening.

"That which they call the fringe elements are not isolated people, they are being backed by very, very powerful people. The Bajrang Dal or the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and others back them openly.

"The ruling establishment, the Prime Minister himself, should make it very clear, and make it clear not only in speech but practice, that these things cannot be allowed to happen in a democracy where it is our constitutional right to speak and practise what we choose to," she said.

All changes from the times that she grew up in to now are, fortunately, not unpleasant. Sahgal recalled that when she began writing in the 1950s the Indian publishing industry was very small and was competing against leading international publishers. Writers today, she said, can be published more easily than ever before.

Apart from the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1986, she has also received the Sinclair Prize (Britain) for fiction in 1985 and the Commonwealth Writers Award (Eurasia) in 1987. She was also a Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, Washington, from 1981 to 1982.
BYD invests in monorail project in east China

From:Xinhua | 2017-04-30 09:29

Video PlayerClose

JINAN, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China's leading new energy vehicle maker BYD will set up a monorail train production base and launch a tourist monorail line in east China's Shandong Province.

According to an agreement recently signed between BYD and the government of Jining city, the 35-km-long cloud rail connects Qufu, the hometown of Confucius with Zoucheng, the birthplace of Mencius.

Confucius and Mencius were both Chinese thinkers more than 2,000 years ago.

The total investment for the first phase is 8 billion yuan (1.16 billion U.S. dollars). The rail, or called Yungui, will be completed in September next year.

Monorail trains can run at a maximum speed of 80 km per hour. Compared with subways, overground monorail costs less and is less noisy.

The Qufu-Zoucheng monorail will be convenient for tourists and residents to travel between the two cities, said Feng Jialei, head of the Jining Investment Promotion Bureau.
New Delhi: The Centre is likely to hand over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) the probe into the killing of 25 CRPF personnel in Sukma in Chhattisgarh by the Maoists. A senior Home Ministry functionary said it was a fit case to be handed over to the NIA as so many security personnel were killed in a single incident.

"We are contemplating handing over the probe into the Sukma incident to the NIA," the functionary said. Twenty-five CRPF personnel were killed and seven wounded in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on 24 April, in the deadliest ambush by Maoists of security forces this year. The NIA is mandated to probe terror attacks anywhere in the country. The government considers the CPI (Maoists), which perpetrated the violence, as a terrorist organisation.

The deadly Maoist ambush in which 25 CPRF personnel were killed in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district was planned and executed by a local Maoist commander. The Maoist commander was reportedly camping in the area for the last few days, said an official. The incident took place in the same base region of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist where 75 CRPF personnel and one state policeman were massacred in April 2010 in Tadmetla.

"We got regular inputs on 22 April that dreaded Maoist commander Situ was camping at Tadmetla village, around 7-8 kms from Burkapal where the ambush took place," a senior police official involved in anti-Naxal operations said.
New Delhi: Economic ties and cooperation in the fight against terrorism are expected to dominate the bilateral talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will have on Monday.

Erdogan's Sunday-Monday India visit comes at the start of a diplomatic blitz he is embarking on after winning a referendum on 16 April which gave him more executive powers as president.

India-Turkey trade stands at $6.4 billion, which is much below potential, officials say. Ankara wants a Free Trade Agreement and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to bridge the deficit with New Delhi.

With chances of Turkey becoming a European Union member diminishing, Ankara is actively looking to Asia in terms of economic development and security  and India is seen as a major partner in this regard.

At a media briefing ahead of Erdogan's visit, Ruchi Ghanashyam, secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry, said the Turkish leader would be accompanied by some cabinet ministers, senior officials and a 150-member business delegation that will take part in a meeting of the India-Turkey Business Forum.

She said there was scope for cooperation in areas such as construction, infrastructure development, renewable energy, tourism and film shooting.

At a meeting on "India and Turkey's place in the rising world" organised in New Delhi, Kerem Alkin, a professor at the Istanbul Medipol University's Faculty of Business and Managerial Sciences, said Ankara wanted New Delhi to share its experience in power generation.

"There may be negotiations on energy supply during President Erdogan's visit," Alkin said. "We can work together on global energy demand, especially renewable energy."

Transportation, communication, logistics, tourism, retail and financial services are other areas flagged by Alkin where the two countries can cooperate.

Terrorism is expected to be another highlight of the Modi-Erdogan talks.

"Both India and Turkey have been battling terrorism for long and understand the need for acting against this global menace," Ghanashyam said.

Turkey has made it clear that it has no objection to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Ilnur Cevik, Senior Advisor to President Erdogan, said Turkey would be interested in nuclear cooperation with India "and all other peaceful countries that seek peaceful use of nuclear technology".

Turkey's position on India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council is different. Cevik said his country wanted the five permanent members of the world body to give up their veto powers. Turkey is a member of the group called Uniting for Consensus (UfC) that is opposed to the expansion of permanent seats in the Security Council.

Other members of the group include Italy, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Pakistan, Malta, Costa Rica, Colombia and San Marino.

According to Ghanashyam, following the talks on Monday, some agreements that are currently being finalised are expected to be signed.

Erdogan last visited India in 2008 when he was the Prime Minister.
In the heat and dust of Delhis blistering summer of April 1972, Sagar Deb, then an engineering student, waited for a person he had never met, at a bus stand in the congested Patel Nagar neighbourhood.

Deb, then 19, was perspiring profusely, shirt totally soaked. He had been there for more than an hour, the wait becoming a bit unbearable.

Deb was on duty for his party, he was drawn in by the romance of the revolution and became a member of the Delhi Unit of the CPI(ML), the outlawed Naxalite wing of the Communist Party. He routinely kept cartons of Liberation, a banned news monthly produced by the CPI(ML) under his bed unlike his classmates who read Debonair, a semi-porn newsmagazine. His room was covered with the chalked sayings of Mao.

Deb, who considered himself a party loyalist, was told by his leaders that he would be soon sent for a top mission. And it would be to escort a person to a hideout in the city. True to the partys style and command, Deb did not ask who he had to escort. He had a feeling the person was important.

And then he saw a frail person walking up to him. Wearing crumpled pyjamas and round collared Khadi kurta, the person had an enigmatic smile. He came close and asked Deb: Sagar? Deb nodded, pleasantries evaporated within seconds as he started walking with the person. Deb had a small piece of paper in his hand, an address scribbled in English. He had to find the address, and take the unknown person to that destination.

Deb did not talk much, though the person, in his late 50s, initiated a conversation, asking Deb what did he do. On knowing Deb was an engineering student, the person looked impressed and asked Deb how many of his friends believed in the Naxalite movement, and whether they felt it could eventually be the incubator of Indias epic class war.

I told him there were many with me, and they all believed in the ideology. The person listened patiently.

I wanted to ask him how is it that the genesis of the Naxalite movement was in this peculiar, un-disciplined, violent quality which all Bengalis seem to share? I wanted to ask him what did he do to mobilise the masses, says Deb.

Deb talked a bit, wondering who this person was and why the party was extremely secretive about him. And why, he was told repeatedly by numerous leaders in Delhi that this was lifes biggest assignment.

Deb found it tough to locate the address, he was wary to ask people who passed by. Eventually, he walked upto a person and asked him for the right directions. Once he had the answer, he resumed his walk. And the talk.

The person told me he had been travelling a lot, spending a night here and a night there, and now that he was in Delhi, he would probably spent a few days in the city, remembers Deb.

The two talked very little, but whatever conversation was exchanged between them, Deb increasingly got a feeling he was with a top leader, a revolutionary who through about the poor. I kept on wondering if this person was the man who I had waited to meet all these days but did not have the courage to ask, did not have permission to ask, says Deb, now in his 60s.

Eventually, he found the house, deep inside a shanty town, two men opening the tin door of a ground floor room after numerous knocks.

I am Sagar, and he is Deb could not complete his sentence before the two pulled the frail person inside. And then, curtly told him: Thank you comrade, you may go now.

The person stepped forward, out of the door and shook hands with Deb before walking back into the room. Once the door was closed, Deb left.

Thoroughly tired and exhausted, Deb returned home and narrated the incident to his father, Dr WC Deb, a physician inspired by Mao Zedongs policies in China. He must be a big leader, his father told Deb and went back to his work.

Next month, on the morning of 17 June 1972, Deb virtually collapsed on hearing the news: Naxalite ideologue Charu Majumdar arrested from a Calcutta hideout. The newspapers wrote how the torture of a delivery boy led to the arrest of Majumdar, an unlikely radical ideologue born to an upper-caste landed family.

Majumdar joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) and organised peasant revolts in north Bengal in the 1940s. He espoused targeted violence against the class enemy, i.e., landlords and government.

Deb remembered how he was routinely stalked by two plainclothes cops day in and day out. Maybe they had information Majumdar was heading for Delhi, they wanted to pick me up at the right moment. Don't know if they had information I had landed this assignment to escort Charu Majumdar.

The Delhi visit of the feisty Naxalite remains undocumented, till date. Deb says he thought of sharing it in the 50th year of the Naxalbari movement.

No one was allowed to see Majumdar during his ten-day police custody in the Lal Bazar lock-up  home to some of the most horrifying and cruel tortures  not even his lawyer, family members or a doctor. Majumdar died at 4 am on 28 July 1972 in the same lock-up.

In faraway Siliguri, Abhijit Majumdar, son of Charu Majumdar, said he had no idea if his father visited the Indian capital. All I know is that he stayed out of Calcutta for long, and kept travelling, Majumdar said in brief telephonic conversation.

Debs father showed him an important piece of Majumdars writings: The annihilation of class enemy does not only mean liquidating individuals, but also means liquidating the political, social and economic authority of the class enemy.

By then, Debs friend, Sukanta Dutta, a Naxalite, had died in an encounter with the cops in Bengal, and another friend, Ranbir Samaddar, who left his studies in Presidency to join the movement, was brutally tortured. Sukanta and Samaddar travelled across villages and worked with the poorest of poor. I worked in the cities, I should have gone to the villages. But large number of deaths of some of the brightest brains in Bengal drove a peculiar fear in me. I slowed down my activities, eventually I stopped altogether.

Deb laments how the rich in India have grown richer and poor turned poorer. The labour class is the most oppressed, the rich in India has stopped thinking about the poor.

Deb said he was keen to visit the Naxalbari village in north Bengal close to the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri and see the place where once, armed villagers, helped by Naxalites, killed landlords and their supporters and created fear among locals.

I should have stayed on, I should have been to the villages and fought side by side with the villagers, says Deb, who feels the biggest mistake of the Naxalites was to underestimate the brutal might of the state.

But his biggest regret, more than the one of not staying with the CPI(ML), remains what he calls the near silent walk with Majumdar.
(Editor's note: What happens when two stoners visit a mysterious, hilly village in North India  8000 feet above sea level  to smoke the best marijuana in the world? This is a semi-fictional travelogue through the unwinding hills of Kasol, Tosh and Malana in Himachal Pradesh. Real places, real stories; peppered with that one question such a trip always poses  what, after all, is real?)

There are different kinds of highs.

Standing-on-top-of-a-high-rise high, the-first-time-you-smoke-a-chillum high and the high of being in the hills  these are the three types that exclusively excited M.

For the sake of legality, convenience and a general lackadaisical vibe that this travelogue is committed to, there are going to be no names or identities in the next few paragraphs.

Back to highs. M was a baby in the world of marijuana, having only started smoking three years ago. Hash was his choice of poison (debatable use of word, but we'll get back to this*).

So needless to say, as he sat on the banks of Parvati River, on a sunny but chilly April morning, in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh (widely known as the marijuana hub of North India)  with only the sound of the river current to soothe his elevated senses  he truly only understood then, what it meant to be high.

Let's rewind a bit.

Two city stoners (who are basically part couch-potato, part crazy-genius) decided to travel to Malana, to settle a bet.

M and R, childhood friends, had a heated discussion one day over a news article they read. Is the hash in Malana, Himachal Pradesh, the best in the world? M, who was going through his honeymoon phase with pot  which meant no grogginess, no acidity, and no drastic changes in lifestyle and relationships  wanted to believe in the magic of Malana. Yes, that the mantle of the 'best marijuana in the world' exists after all.

R, on the other hand  a techie and pragmatic fella  scoffed at the idea. He was an old soul, a smoker since his engineering days. For him, there was only a psychological difference between roadside weed, and malana cream.

"It's all in the head. I'll come along, obviously, because hills and pot," he said.

And so, a bet was formed. They would both smoke it and find out for themselves. Wanderlust level: unlocked.

The Journey

Getting to Bhuntar, a passerby city en-route Manali from North Delhi, took them 14 hours. But every moment outside of Punjab, and inside of HP was like looking into a painting.

Vast 3D mountains, where you could see green hillocks in the foreground, and endless silhouettes of gigantic hills in the background  it was like a photography lesson. Crisp breeze that slaps against your face reminding you of city pollution, and a car in motion that doesn't let you settle at one sight for too long.

R and M passed through a maze of hills to finally reach the banks of the Parvati river, which travelled along them as they climbed up to Bhuntar. The closest tourist attraction of the area was the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib near Kullu, which boasts of natural hot springs, also used by the Gurudwara to cook rice for the daily Langar.

Kasol

The second tourist attraction was the (rather urbanised) village of Kasol. If you're a stoner, you've heard of Kasol, along with its corresponding phrases: "Pot haven", "you can smoke openly bro". The duo was excited. It meant they could finally celebrate their smoking habits, and (one step further) indulge in marijuana merchandise.

Kasol is also the gateway to the many hill towns in the area, another 3-4 hour long drives upward. There's Tosh, Challal, Bharshaini, Kheerganga, Rasol, Kalga and if you're brave enough to climb, Malana.

Kasol is visited by many different types of people, from India and outside, through the year. Expect to see many tourists especially from Israel, some of whom have settled in the nestling hills of the area after a stint in the army back home. While sitting in Evergeen Cafe, famous for its Nutella-everything on the menu, our city-stoners learnt about the many stories of the village  how it used to be a truly untouched remote area uptil 20 years back, how Cannabis cultivation and export is the only form of livelihood for the locals and how they worship deities from their folklore.

There are rows of shops in Kasol populated with clothes, shoes, accessories and paraphrenelia around marijuana. There's the famed marijauna leaf on most things, Bob Marley's face is on every T-shirt, bag and keychain, and you're most likely to find '100 % Hemp' written on every product.

R and M spent their time in Kasol in the cafes by the river (try Moondance, Mama Cafe and Evergreen for its Lebanese and English breakfasts, and the desserts ofcourse) with an unending view of snow-capped mountains. When they asked a local steward where they could buy hash from, he said, "yeh poori jaga bhang ki hi hai. Kisi se bhi pooch lo, mil jayegi (the whole area is about cannabis, ask anyone)."

Tosh

A three-hour drive from Kasol, Tosh is a beautiful hill town close to 7000 feet above sea level. The only piece of land connecting the village to the main roads of the hills is a wooden bridge. There is no choice but to abandon the car and make the walk uphill  a dreaded task for a city stoner. The smaller the roads, the larger the hills.

R and M will tell you that the trek up was worth it because they happened to chance upon some of the most exhilarating hash in a small, almost forgotten tent of a tea shop at the beginning of Tosh village. This was followed by two cups of sweetened chai and an atop view that can quite literally take your breath away into the wind.

All you need is a joint, and ample access to fresh Parvaty river water  that M claimed can cure any sort of fatigue of grogginess; "sort of like a cure from mother nature, right?"  to completely forget any trouble.

Tosh is also an underground party hub for the LSD-taking variety of people, but our two stoners were not interested.

Malana

Let's just get this out of the way. A visit to Malana valley  especially for a stoner  is a whole day's process at least, even if you're not planning to live there. It takes forever, and then some, to reach here. A negligible road on the Kullu highway will read 'Jari' and that's your sign towards Malana. The most noticeable spot on your way there is the Malana Hydro Power Plant. You'll know you're in the area if you see two long pipes on a massive hill.

To reach Malana valley, you'll have to cross the area, and climb up into a cave-like congreggation of mountains that almost make you feel like you're nothing, for almost 3-4 hours. There will not be another human in sight, or maybe a few if you're lucky. The homes in the area are made of wood and topped with steel plates, to shield the owners in case of an earthquake.

In Malana, the air was different. The mountains seems liked they were built like clay into hash hills, deep brown in colour and crumbly in texture.

"Even the bees look stoned," said R. From seeing only mountains, they could see many cars, with number plates from Delhi and Chandigarh.

"This should be it," said M.

They stopped at a tea-stall, only to find out Malana valley is another 4 km trek away. They could see the uphill trek right in front of their eyes, and the gasping memories of their Tosh trek.

In the tea-stall was a red-eyed baba cleaning his chillum, an enthusiastic shop owner who treated them to chai and maggi, and a Malana local. Within minutes of settling into the view, as if it were casual business, questions about the hash begins. Their bet was revived.

"Aapke naseeb mein hai yeh bhang (this hash is in your fate)," said the local. He stares right into M's eyes, debunking the myth that people from Malana make no eye contact with outsiders. One could smell the cream even without it being put on the table. It was positively green, with crystal white THC on top.

A nonchalant bargain later, a smidgeon of cream was given to them by the owner. He also offered to play Trance music for R and M (they declined).

The local regaled them with stories about living in the hills and how the Parvati river was a source of Cannabis for the entire neighbouring areas, even people from metro cities. Fun fact: it is most likely that the best cream in the world was most likely sitting in a cafe in Amsterdam.

They may have never settled their bet, but the duo never stopped smoking through this conversation. It didn't matter whether this was the best hash in the world they were smoking or not, what mattered was that they were 8000 feet above sea water, and clearly on the Stairway to Heaven (M's words).

**

Much later, as M was sitting by the banks of the river in Kasol, smoking the same cream by himself, he did indeed understand the meaning of truly being high. It reminded him of a Deep Purple song.
Toronto: A US scientist has developed a mathematical model for a viable time machine  an advance that could bring stuff of popular science-fiction closer to reality. Using math and physics, Ben Tippett, from the University of British Columbia in Canada, has created a formula that describes a method for time travel.

"People think of time travel as something as fiction. And we tend to think it's not possible because we don't actually do it. But, mathematically, it is possible," said Tippett.

Ever since HG Wells published his book Time Machine in 1885, people have been curious about time travel  and scientists have worked to solve or disprove the theory.

In 1915, German scientist Albert Einstein announced his theory of general relativity, stating that gravitational fields are caused by distortions in the fabric of space and time.

More than 100 years later, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration  an international team of physics institutes and research groups  announced the detection of gravitational waves generated by colliding black holes billions of light years away, confirming Einstein's theory.

The division of space into three dimensions, with time in a separate dimension by itself, is incorrect, said Tippett.

The four dimensions should be imagined simultaneously, where different directions are connected, as a space-time continuum. Using Einstein's theory, Tippett said that the curvature of space-time accounts for the curved orbits of the planets. In "flat" space-time, planets and stars would move in straight lines.

In the vicinity of a massive star, space-time geometry becomes curved and the straight trajectories of nearby planets will 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," said Tippett.

"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," he said.

While it is possible to describe this type of time travel using a mathematical equation, Tippett doubts that anyone will ever build a machine to make it work.

"HG Wells popularised the term 'time machine' and he left people with the thought that an explorer would need a 'machine or special box' to actually accomplish time travel," Tippett said.

"While is it mathematically feasible, it is not yet possible to build a space-time machine because we need materials  which we call exotic matter  to bend space-time

in these impossible ways, but they have yet to be discovered," he said.

The research was published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity.
Jammu: BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday asked his party members to strengthen the spirit of nationalism in Jammu and Kashmir and said tough action will be taken against anti-national elements in the state.

Shah, who arrived in Jammu on a two-day visit to the strife-torn state, chaired a three-hour-long closed-door meeting of BJP leaders, including Union minister Jitendra Singh, J&K Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, national general secretary Anil Jain and state BJP chief Sat Sharma, at the government convention centre.

After the meeting, BJP leaders said he expressed concern over the tense situation in the state and said the Centre and the party were committed to bringing peace there.

BJP MLA from Nowshera constituency Ravindra Raina said Shah promised stern action against anti-national elements in the state, who are "trying to create havoc".

He said Shah directed all BJP office bearers to expand the party's base at grassroots level in all three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

He advised ministers and other leaders to go beyond their respective constituencies, reach out to the people in the Valley and Ladakh region, listen to them and resolve their issues.

Raina said the BJP chief emphasised on spreading and strengthening the spirit of nationalism in the state "It is the agenda of the BJP that the nation comes first, and the party comes second," he said.

On the tenuous ties between the PDP and the BJP and the possibility of imposing Governor's rule in the state, he said the BJP never believes in sabotaging democracy and there is no question of it.

"We will strengthen democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. It is our priority to restore peace, normalcy and rule of law in the state and the Kashmir Valley in particular. The BJP's policy is clear that we will talk to all stakeholders but not to separatists," he said.

BJP national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna told reporters that Shah asked local party leaders to strengthen its base in the state.

"This meeting will boost our confidence. Shah's presence will strengthen our base in the state. We are working on how to inform people about our work and agenda," he said.

Shah's J&K visit is part of his 95-day-long country-wide "vistaar yatra" 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.

This is his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of the PDP-BJP government in 2015. The BJP chief will inaugurate the Nanaji Deshmukh Library and e-Library tomorrow and release a book at the party headquarters at Trikuta Nagar.

He will also address an event on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya birth centenary and meet legislators, ministers and prominent citizens.
New Delhi: The Election Commission has not found merit in a petition seeking disqualification of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia as a legislator for allegedly holding an office of profit.

In a recommendation sent to President Pranab Mukherjee recently, the commission has said that Sisodia cannot be disqualified as an MLA for being deputy chief minister.

The commission said several states have posts of deputy chief minister and it cannot be construed as an office of profit.

"He cannot be disqualified on this ground. The recommendation has been sent to the president," a commission functionary said.

To a question, he also pointed out that the president has "no discretion" on the issue and is "bound" by the recommendation of the poll watchdog.

Last year, a BJP leader, Vivek Garg, had approached the president with a petition seeking disqualification of Sisodia. As per laid down procedure, the matter was referred to the commission.

The commission is already hearing two separate cases related to office of profit concerning AAP MLAs. While the first case related to 21 MLAs is in the advanced stage, the

other related to 27 legislators is in the preliminary stage.

Article 102(1)(a) of the Constitution makes the holding of an office of profit by a member of Parliament or a legislative assembly or legislative council a ground for

disqualification from the membership.

The disqualification is the result of breach of the theory of separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.
Chandigarh: 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address his 31st Mann ki Baat at 11 am on Sunday. The prime minister's monthly radio address will be would also be broadcast through YouTube channels of Prime Minister's Office's YouTube channels and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with national TV channel DD News.

The address which takes place on the last Sunday of every month has Modi speaking on two to three topics every time.

Last time around, the prime minister's largely revolved around the fight against black money. He spoke against the menace of black money and urged Indians to adopt digital mode of payment. He also wished Bangladesh on their national day and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the 100th anniversary of the Champaran Satygraha.

"My dear countrymen, we must take our fight against black money and corruption to the next level. .... We should contribute towards reducing the use of cash, of currency notes," the prime minister had said in his 26 March address.

Asking the people to pay school fees, buy medicines or items from fair price shops or purchase air and train tickets digitally, he had said "we can do this in our day to day lives. You can't imagine how you can serve the country in this way and become a brave soldier in the fight against black money and corruption."

Observing that the budget had announced that there would be 2,500 crore digital transactions this year, he said if 125 crore countrymen can resolve, "they need not wait for a year; they can do it in six months."

Expressing gratitude to the people, Modi had said that over the last few months the country has witnessed an atmosphere in which people in large numbers have participated in the digital payment, 'Digidhan' movement.

"There has also been an increase in curiosity about cashless transactions. The poorest of the poor are making attempts to learn, and people are gradually moving towards doing business without cash. There has been a surge in various modes of digital payment after demonetisation," he had said, adding that the Bharat Interface for Money app or BHIM, launched about two and a half months ago, has already been downloaded by one-and-half crore people.
After slamming the NDA-ruled Centre for allegedly imposing the Hindi language, DMK Working President MK Stalin on Sunday saw BJP's hand in the current political turmoil in Tamil Nadu and also claimed that the party is acting in favour of the O Panneerselvam-led AIADMK faction, The New Indian Express reported.

The Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly was quoted by the report as saying, At a time when various livelihood issues are affecting the people of Tamil Nadu, the BJP government at the Centre is unleashing all government agencies against the AIADMK and completely destabilising the State administration.

Taking to Twitter, Stalin recorded a two minute video in which he added that the "selective raids" and "selective arrests" conducted against only a particular faction of AIADMK (Sasikala faction) highlighted that the BJP is supporting the O Panneerselvam faction of the ruling party.

In the video, Stalin alleged that the BJP-ruled Centre has not even trying one percent to solve local issues.

Stalin appealed to prime minister Modi to ensure a stable government in the state.

"Prime Minister Modi should put an immediate end to the selective usage of agencies like the Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation, which are being used for the political benefit of the BJP," the report quoted him as saying in the video.

Stalin also took the opportunity to highlight the plight of the farmers, who are suffering under the worst drought in last 130 years.

Farmers are committing suicide in Tamil Nadu. The entire Cauvery delta is suffering from drought and the Cauvery Management Board has not been formed, The Financial Express quoted him from his video.
At the State Council executive meeting on April 26, Premier Li Keqiang urged more efforts to provide disaster insurance for farmers, so as to enhance their ability to fight against disasters and safeguard their income while further promoting the development of the agricultural sector.

Disaster insurance is especially vital to the development of scaled farming operations since they are most vulnerable to disasters, Premier Li said.

At a symposium this year, he heard complaints on high standards for insurance claims and immediately called for studies and research from related departments to make adjustments to fit the urgent needs of new agricultural entities.

Then in this years government work report, Premier Li asked authorities to provide disaster insurance for farmers engaging in appropriately scaled farming operations, while financial funds can be utilized when necessary. He also urged improving insurance coverage rates and compensation standards, and enhancing the reinsurance system.

The April 26 meeting, which was chaired by Premier Li, decided to officially push forward its implementation by launching pilot zones to improve the overall disaster insurance level in the agriculture sector.

According to the meeting, disaster insurance will be provided in 13 major grain-producing provinces, with insurance covering material costs and land rental induced by disaster. Meanwhile, the government will also increase the proportion of subsidy for insurance payment in the pilot counties.

We are aiming at innovating the disaster relief mechanism in agriculture and making full use of our financial funds, in an effort to increase farmers income and promote the development of modern agriculture, the Premier said.

He further stressed that authorities are allowed to make flexible adjustments according to local conditions while launching disaster insurance pilot programs.

Financial funds also support exploration in all kinds of moderate scale management, as long as they abide by related laws and regulations, the Premier added.

Agriculture serves as the key foundation for economic growth, as well as improving peoples livelihoods, as the No 1 central document has been devoted to agriculture, farmers and rural areas in recent years, according to Premier Li. In 2016, the document put forward a new development concept to drive agricultural modernization, while this year it urged deepening supply-side structural reform in agriculture to cultivate new development engines for the sector.

I visited an agricultural machinery cooperative in Shandong several days ago, where farmers earn money by buying shares or charging contract fees relying on their own lands. Meanwhile, through mechanized scale operation, they can yield more production, Premier Li said. Only by developing various forms of moderate scale management and expanding agricultural machinery services, can farmers rights be guaranteed!
New Delhi: With the countdown to the battle for Raisina Hill having already started, leaders of "secular" parties are making a beeline to 10, Janpath, to discuss ways to counter the Modi-Shah juggernaut through a consensus candidate for India's top constitutional post when President Pranab Mukherjee's term ends in July.

The parleys are still in a preliminary stage and it is too early for anyone to pinpoint a candidate, but according to informed sources the regional parties are keen on a candidate from among them, instead of from the Congress.

Earlier this week, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar called on Congress President Sonia Gandhi to discuss a joint opposition candidate for the presidential election.

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) President Nitish Kumar, JD-U leader Sharad Yadav, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja and Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPM) leader Sitaram Yechury have all met Gandhi.

In fact, it all started after Nitish Kumar met Sonia Gandhi last week and asked her to take the lead in identifying a consensus candidate for the Presidential elections, which need to be held before 25 July, the day when Mukherjee's term expires.

"There is no other way out (but finding a common candidate). India's Constitution is in danger, its Preamble's ideals are being attacked. If a Sangh Parivar member becomes India's Constitutional head, the Constitution itself will likely be reviewed, which will not be good for Indian democracy," JD-U Spokesman KC Tyagi told IANS.

He said parties may reach a consensus by the end of May.

They would, of course, not open their cards at this stage, though a few names including those of Sharad Pawar and Sharad Yadav are alreay doing the rounds.

"Soniaji telephoned me and I went to meet her. We discussed putting up a common candidate for Presidential elections. But no names were discussed," Raja told IANS.

"The candidate has to be a consensus candidate," he added.

However, cobbling a grand alliance  for the immediate challenge of Presidential elections and for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls  will not be easy given the disenchantment of some regional satraps with the Congress' knack of playing big brother in all situations.

"The problem is wherever the Congress is big it is not willing to take the smaller parties along. And in the places where it is small, it seeks the lion's share from the bigger parties," a senior leader of a big regional party who did not wish to be named told IANS.

Citing a recent example, the leader said that in the Karnataka by-elections recently the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) helped the Congress by not fielding candidates and the Congress candidates won.

"But the Congress said it has won on its own. It refused to acknowledge the help it got from the JD-S," he added.

"Some secular parties are maintaining a false arrogance. Until they touch down with practicality and reality, it will not be easy to defeat the BJP," another opposition leader said.

However, Raja said: "I don't know what others say about the Congress because all said and done, the Congress is the largest opposition party and so it should take the lead."

But he added in the same breath that the Congress cannot unilaterally decide the presidential candidate.

Add to this enchantment the ambition of some of the regional satraps who at the fag end of their careers are wishing to enjoy a leisurely sunset sitting in the sprawling lawns of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan, and you know they are in no mood to listen to the terms of engagement to be dictated by the big brother.

Also, the fight is close, with scales not tilting clearly to any one side.

"It will be an interesting contest. Including all non-NDA parties, we have around 35,000 more votes as compared to NDA, but there would be disruptions (tor-phor). Amit Shah and Modi are expert in tor-phor," Tyagi said.

"We want to fight this election as the saviours of the Constitution and the idea of India versus the vidhvansak (destroyer)," he said.
New Delhi: CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said on Sunday he would not seek re-election to the Rajya Sabha after his second consecutive term ends in August.

Yechury said he would not seek another term as the party's norm does not allow a leader to get elected to the Rajya Sabha more than twice.

"It is our party norm. So, I will not be contesting for a third term. As a party general secretary, I have to ensure that the norm is followed," he said.

According to sources in the Left party, the Congress had offered its support for the re-election of Yechury, considered as one of the effective orators from the Opposition benches in the Rajya Sabha, if the Marxist leader chooses to contest the poll from West Bengal.

Handed a drubbing by its arch rival Trinamool Congress in the 2016 Assembly polls in West Bengal, the CPI(M) has only 26 MLAs -- not enough to send Yechury or any of its leaders to the Rajya Sabha on its own from the state.

The Congress has 44 legislators and its support can ensure Yechury gets one more term.

One of the sources, however, said the practice of not electing a leader to the Rajya Sabha more than twice is just a norm and that the party can take a decision otherwise if needed.

"The party norm aims to encourage young leaders within the party. However, it is just a norm and not something mandatory. The CPI(M) believes in collective decision-making. So, it only has to take a call in this connection," the source added.
Hyderabad: The Telangana assembly on Sunday passed amendments to the Land Acquisition Act sent back by the Law Ministry, amid protests by the Congress demanding a discussion on farmers' problems.

The amendments to the Telangana Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Telangana Amendment Act, 2016) were passed within 10 minutes in a one-day special session of both the Houses.

The legislative council will meet later in the day to pass the amendments.

As soon as the assembly began its sitting, Congress legislators were on their feet demanding a debate on the demand for remunerative prices to chilli farmers.

Speaker Madhusudhana Chary, however, said the sitting was being held with the sole agenda of passing the amendments and no other issue would be taken up.

Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, also the Revenue Minister, moved the amendments passed by voice vote without debate.

Immediately after this, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die. The Congress legislators remained seated in the House even after adjournment for some time to register their protest.

Later, leader of opposition K Jana Reddy told reporters that the assembly proceedings were conducted in an undemocratic manner.

He alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government was running away from debate on farmers' problems.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also staged a protest near the assembly building to condemn the government's attitude.

BJP and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) members were not invited to the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the assembly on Saturday citing their suspension earlier during the budget session.

BJP members staged a silent protest. Wearing black scarves, they marched from Gun Park to the assembly premises.

BJP leader G Kishan Reddy wondered how they could be prevented on ground of their suspension earlier.

BJP members were suspended on April 16 when they stalled the proceedings during the one-day special sitting called to pass a bill on increasing reservations for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes.

The Union Law Ministry earlier this week sent back to the state the Land Act for making "suitable amendments" to it.

The state legislature had passed the bill two months ago and the same was sent to the Centre for the president's assent.
Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating at 44 percent in history of all former US presidents at the 100th day mark. According to a report in The Independent, Trump has broken Bill Clinton's record of 55 percent approval rating at this point in his presidency. That Trump stands so unpopular within such a short span is no coincidence.

While on one hand, such an underwhelming performance could be because Trump simply failed to achieve anything of note within this short span, especially when compared to the lofty claims he made in his 100-day-plan speech. All his promises are a mesh of to-do list or unfulfilled promises. For instance, where is the wall he promised, or the funds for it, or the easy replacement of Obama's healthcare bill, is Islamic State already uprooted, and whatever happened to launching a probe over Hillary Clinton's alleged email scandal. Trump's promised policies are either stuck in the Congress, are quashed by the courts or simply never existed in the first place. What he has earned instead is a track record of dilly-dallying and reshuffling his stance on what he pledged he believed in, to his voters.

However, on the other hand, many might argue that Trump's failure on most fronts is a wonderful stroke of luck, given his egregious, divisive policies, except that it wasn't just luck. What it took was the persistence of thousands and thousands of men and women to dissemble Trump's divisive agenda, brick by brick. They wore funny costumes, held placards with hard-hitting messages, took to the streets, even made speeches laced with profanities - anything to grab eyeballs and direct media attention towards what they believed was wrong. What they achieved was a voice against Trump's "silent majority" that's often heard talking loudly about chasing out immigrants and banning Muslims. They also managed to create enough pressure on their representatives to block bills that aren't in accordance with the spirit of America, at least in their opinion.

Trump now not only holds the record to have the lowest popularity rating, but is perhaps also the only President against whom protests have raged out every other day, right from his inauguration day. Trump may have still have One Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty more days to turn things around, the activists who have picked up the baton against him don't seem to be going anywhere. Here is a look back at some of the key protests held since Trump came to power.

Inauguration Day Protest

The very day Trump was sworn in as the 45th Potus was marred with protests all around the United States. Just few yards away from where the ceremony was taking place, another group of people protested with signposts reading #Resist, #NotMyPresident and #NoToTrump. According to a report in The Washington Post, protesters gathered at almost every checkpoint that inauguration ceremony ticket holders will have to pass, and each group at each junction spoke to a different cause. If some reports are to be believed, the crowd that rallied behind the protesters outnumbered the people present at Trump's inauguration ceremony.

Women's March

On the second day of Trump's presidency, more than one million women marched on the streets of Washington DC, protesting. The event even gained global prominence as people poured out on streets, sent wishes and expressed solidarity with the protesting women in US. The one message that so brought many people together was, "Women's rights are human rights" in the backdrop of Trumps comments on a wide range of groups, including women's reproductive rights, Mexican immigrants, Muslims and the disabled. And of course there were those notorious allegations of sexual assault, which were widely reported on, in the run up to the US presidential polls.

A number of celebrities, including actors Charlize Theron, Drew Barrymore and Lena Dunham, attended the demonstration, according to The Independent. Madonna also made her appearance in Washington DC and her speech on the event was widely circulated on the internet.

Anti-immigration ban protests

In second week of his presidency Trump signed an executive order arbitrarily banning immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering US. The order exhorted much outrage from people within and outside US. People joined the cause with banners proclaiming 'Muslims are Humans too', 'I love immigrants.' Protest rallies were seen in the US capital, in all major cities and airports as people rallied up to pledge their support to refugees. Luckily enough, US Federal court has blocked the order as of now, restoring travel for refugees and immigrants.

Resist Trump Tuesdays

The term 'resist' has become associated with anti-Trump campaigns in a broader sense. The word first came to be associated with this, when days after Trump's taking office, Greenpeace, an international environmental NGO, hung a banner with those words to a crane in close vicinity to the White House. Since, then scores of Centre-Left and liberal activists hold weekly events to review and protest against Trump's policies. They have vouched to resist the President at every turn whenever his policies will sideline the vulnerable.

Grab Your Wallets

This happens to be a one of its kind protest, which actually makes the Trump family feel the pinch of it, if only in a symbolic sense. The campaign, which was launched in October 2016, was a response to "Trumps infamous boasts that his fame allowed him to sexually assault women," encourages people to boycott companies that are tied up with the Trumps, according to a report in The Guardian. The impact of the campaign was such that online stores like Shoes.com, Shopstyle and Nordstrom have dropped Ivanka Trump's clothesline.

Not My President

A simplistic, poignant way to outrage against Trump with a strong message. Protesters in cities across US took to the streets in February just to register the sheer number of people who stand opposed to Trump's policies. According to a report in CNN, people in New York swarmed the streets with placards stating No. That one word was imprinted thousand times over in countless languages, poignantly pointing out the multi-ethnic society that United States of America is. "In Los Angeles, protesters gathered and held signs at City Hall, chanting 'No ban, no wall!', " the CNN report said.

Climate marches

This brought Trump's inauguration day protests to full circle, marking the president's 100th day in office. "Thousands of people across the US marched in rain, snow and sweltering heat to demand action on climate change," a report in AP states.

"Organizers said about 300 sister marches or rallies were being held around the country, including in Seattle, Boston and San Francisco, AP reported.

In Washington DC, 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. DiCaprio, who is a climate change activist, also took to Twitter where the actor said the Climate March has "inspired" him to hope for a better future.

Trump had vouched to roll back US commitment to the Paris commitment in the run up to the elections. Later, he softened his stance a bit but lamented being treated unfairly. Its not a fair situation because they (China, India, Russia and other countries) are paying virtually nothing and we are paying massive amounts of money, he said. he has refused to clarify what his next step would be but it is likely that Trump administration may be looking at weakening the US pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to Hindustan Times.

Protests against newly elected Presidents is not unheard of, one can deem it fairly common even. What is unprecedented is the sheer size and momentum these activists have managed to gather and sustain over the course of 100 days. They have no unifying agenda, no shared political statement to make in totality, and most of them have never ever worked together like this for a cause. Yet they have a single message to send to the White House: NO!
Donald Trump may be a president without precedent, even if he himself doesn't know the difference between the two. But in the 100 days he has spent in the White House, he has also shown himself to be utterly incapable of governance, of diplomacy and even of public speaking. A list of things Donald Trump has done over the last 100 days reads more like a list of the worst gaffes ever made by powerful authority figures. And since there is little difference between Trump's actions and Trump's gaffes, we decided to just give you the gaffes instead.

Here we go then:

Lies about size of inauguration crowd: The first Donald Trump gaffe didn't take long to arrive. A few hours after he was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, he said his inauguration drew 1.5 million people. Except it didn't. In fact, Trump was way off the mark. Pictures taken from the inauguration show the difference between the size of the crowd for his event as against the crowds that came for his predecessor Barack Obama's inauguration, which did draw 1.5 million people.

Accused Obama of wiretapping his phones: Now that it was proven that Obama had more people at his inauguration than Trump had at his (and this despite the American population having increased by 20 million people), Trump thought he must have his own back. The best way to do this, he thought, was by accusing Obama of something shameful. Like how he had Trump's phones tapped.

How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017

The FBI itself stepped into the debate, and cleared the air about there never having been a shred of credibility to these accusations.

Misspells Theresa May's spelling: Earlier this year, Trump hosted British Prime Minister Theresa May at the White House. Now common sense dictates one would at least get the name right of the only host about to come home for dinner. But then common sense and Donald Trump have had a troubled relationship. And so the official schedule released by the White House got May's spelling wrong  they called her 'Teresa'  three times!

Took calls on unsecured phone lines: For a man who has spoken publicly about Barack Obama wiretapping his phones, one would imagine Trump knows the threats and significance of phone conversations conducted on unsecured lines. Clearly not. An aide was quoted as saying Trump would often take calls in the unsecured phone lines of Trump Tower. Even foreign allies were "blindly calling" in to Trump Towers, it was reported.

Had his press secretary compare Assad with Hitler: And suggest that Adolf Hitler would come off favourably from such a comparison. Now technically it wasn't Trump himself who made the gaffe, it was his press secretary. But Spicer did keep his job even after such a foot-in-mouth moment. Which clearly suggests he must've had Trump's support and backing.
Donald Trump seemed to be controversy's favourite child in his first 100 days as President of United States. The President's trouble with following diplomatic protocols and niceties were in full public glare. Even before he was inaugurated, Trump evoked sharp reactions when he spoke to the Taiwanese president over the phone, which threatened to spoil US' diplomatic relations with China.

Here are a few instances which clearly showed that being diplomatic is not Trump's cup of tea:

Trump's "man-child moment"

Germany is US' biggest ally in Europe after the United Kingdom. A lot was being expected from the meeting between Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. However, what ultimately happened during the 17 March meeting was nothing short of a diplomatic disaster. Miffed over issues ranging from Nato to immigration, Trump showed his displeasure with Merkel by refusing to shake hands in front of the international media.

Blasting Australian Prime Minister on Twitter

Just days after he took over as president, Trump spoke to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over the phone. However, it seems he was in a really bad mood as he blasted Turnbull over a refugee deal which was signed by Barack Obama. He is also reported to have called his 25-minute long call his worst ever till then. Things however reached a new low when Trump  staying true to his character  took to his favourite medium Twitter to rant over the "dumb deal".

Do you believe it? The Obama Administration agreed to take thousands of illegal immigrants from Australia. Why? I will study this dumb deal!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2017

Bad Hombres jibe



That Mexico and US are not always on good terms is known  courtesy: illegal immigration and US' percieved big daddy attitude towards its southern neighbour. Trump's first phone call with Mexican president Enrique Pena Neito only strengthened this notion. According to reports, Trump is said to have issued a veiled threat of sending troops to take care of 'bad hombres'  a racial slur on Mexicans. Clearly, old habits die hard!

Confusing Sehwan with Sweden

Donald Trump's tryst with gaffes nearly threatened to snap ties with a friendly European nation. On 19 February, he referred to a "terror attack" in Sweden, which actually never happened. Speaking to a gathering in Florida, Trump referred to the "attack" in Sweden to justify his policy on curbing immigration to the United States.

Media reports later stated that Trump might have confused himself with another attack which took place in Pakistan's Sehwan, which killed over 80 people. His confusion could have potentially created diplomatic tensions between Washington DC and Stockholm. However, The White House, sensing the blunder, went into an overdrive to clarify that Trump's statement referred to the "rising crimes" by immigrants in Sweden.

These are just few instances. Nevertheless, looking at Trump's penchant for loose talk, we may be in for some more goof ups by "The Donald" in future.

With inputs from agencies
Donald Trump thinks Chinese President Xi Jinping is "putting pressure" on North Korea, the US president said in an interview to air Sunday, as tensions mount over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes.

If North Korea carries out a nuclear test "I would not be happy," Trump told the CBS television network's "Face the Nation" programme.

"And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released Saturday.

Asked if "not happy" signified "military action," Trump answered: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

North Korea test-fired a missile over the weekend 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 program.

Trump assailed the failed launch as a show of disrespect toward its ally China.

"North Korea disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

North Korea is seeking to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.

China, Pyongyang's number one trade partner, has repeatedly called for a return to talks on denuclearisation but has been reluctant to use the economic pressure that could destabilise North Korea.
Washington: Tens of thousands of people marched on 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 sceptic's presidency. He was the target of many signs and banners, mocked and criticised 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.

DiCaprio, who is a climate change activist, took to Twitter where the actor said the Climate March has "inspired" him to hope for a better future.

Todays #ClimateMarch leaves me inspired & hopeful for our future. We must continue to work together & fight for #climatejustice. pic.twitter.com/FcZhxGqGw8  Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) April 30, 2017

"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.

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 8 November 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.

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."

With inputs from agencies
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Saturday invited his Philippine counterpart to Washington in a "friendly" call in which the leaders discussed Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs and their countries' alliance, the White House said.

Duterte has faced international condemnation for his brutal crackdown on crime, which has claimed thousands of lives and led to warnings from rights groups about a possible crime against humanity.

The White House said the two leaders, who were both elected to office last year, had "a very friendly conversation" that included discussion about the Philippine government's efforts to "rid its country of drugs" and the regional security threat posed by North Korea.

"President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction," the statement said.

There has been concern about Duterte's efforts to loosen the Philippines' long-standing alliance with the US as he looks to court China, whose push to control most of the disputed South China Sea has alarmed neighbours.

Duterte has regularly hit out at the Philippines' one-time colonial ruler for perceived hypocrisy over human rights and last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war.

The White House said Trump "enjoyed the conversation" with Duterte, and looked forward to attending the key US-Asean and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November.

Vice-President Mike Pence had announced earlier this month that Trump would attend the Asian meetings as a sign of "unwavering commitment" to the region.

Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed Trump's invitation, although he gave no indication of when the visit would take place.

Philippine 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 Philippine lawyer last week filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court accusing Duterte of mass murder, alleging his war on drugs had led to about 8,000 deaths.

Duterte's pledge to stop the country turning into a narco-state has proved wildly popular with millions of Filipinos looking for a quick solution to crime and corruption.

Over the weekend some Southeast Asian leaders attending a regional summit in Manila also expressed support for the drug war, including Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Indonesia's President Joko Widodo.
An illusion of super powers is bad enough but on top of it is Khan's by now notorious intolerance.
What would Donald Trump's presidency mean for India? That is the question, the media and foreign policy experts have been brooding over, ever since the billionaire Republican's candidacy started to be taken seriously against the Democrat Hillary Clinton.

One hundred days on, ever since 'US President Donald Trump' became reality, are we any closer to an answer? That, in my opinion, depends on how seriously we take Trump's words.

On the one hand, there are some incoherent, distracted, and thoroughly random string of words dropped by the President of United States about India ever since the run-up to the elections. Then, we have the things he has actually done, or at least shown some inclination to do, in the first 100 days of his presidency. But what Trump says and what he does are fortunately or unfortunately untethered from each other.

Nevertheless, his near-contrasting speeches, off-hand inconsistent references to India, and the absolute scrutiny of his policies under a persistent media glare have at least given us some fodder for discussion.

Here are some of the key things that actually made/ will make an impact on India.

H1-B Visa policy

No discussion on the Trump impact on India can begin without mentioning his much touted rejig of the H1-B policy.

"I will be the greatest jobs producer God ever created," he once famously said (yes, really!): "You cant allow policies that allows China, Mexico, Japan, Vietnam, India. You cant allow policies that allows business to be ripped out of the United States like candy from a baby.

Trump and the men driving his administration have mostly been against the H1-B visa, immigrants and 'outsiders' all their lives. According to a report in The Wire, Trump, in his 2011 book Time To Get Tough, advocated a 15 percent tax on companies for outsourcing jobs to places like India, and a 20 percent tax for importing goods and services.

It was only after assuming the presidency that he took detours, went back on his words several times and amended the visa laws consecutively, which led to chaos and confusion.

Finally, an executive order was signed only last week that tightened the screw on employers "who have a high ratio of H-1B workers as compared to US workers, as defined by statute". It will apparently help US companies recruit "highly-skilled foreign nationals,"only when there is a "shortage of qualified workers in the country." The move has stunned the IT sector in the US, one of the largest industries to employ Indian workers on the H1-B Visa. This comes at a time when Indian IT industry was already feeling the pinch of increased US protectionism as the previous regime had also passed some laws, including increasing the visa fee substantially, according to a report in The Hindu.

The extent of the impact can be gauged from the fact that each year over 65,000 workers and another 20,000 graduate student are admitted through the H1-B visa programme. The order has sent ripples within the Indian workers in US, who feel their future could be in limbo after Trump raised the bar for short-term Visa for skilled workers.

The seriousness of the issue is further highlighted by the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi implored Washington to have a "balanced and farsighted perspective" on the issue. A statement released by the PMO said, "The prime minister referred to the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society, and urged developing a reflective, balanced and farsighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals."

U-turn on "world champions" of currency manipulation

Trump's tough stance against China had been one of the few bright spots for India under his presidency. Trump's vows to curtail increasingly aggressive economic policies of Chinese were, to say the least, not disadvantageous for India. His assertion that the US is not necessarily bound by the One China policy,was the cherry on top.

However, much has changed since then. Trump has clearly softened his stance towards China, who he needs by his side in the event of a "major major conflict with North Korea." Trump even lavished praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping for trying to rein in North Korea.

For now, it looks like India, who was hoping for a more muscular approach from Trump, will have to live with the fact that political constraints require the US president to at least have a working relationship with China.

Pakistan: 'The most dangerous country in world'

Here is some good news for India: The Trump administration has finally taken a line against India's arch rival that New Delhi would wholeheartedly approve. In one of his campaign speeches, Trump branded Pakistan the "most dangerous country in the world today" adding that he thinks that the only country that can keep Islamabad in check is India.

Recently he said that Pakistan will have to be "less selective than it has been in past" in its dealing with terrorists.

However, India must exercise restraint on overtly relying on Trump's words for two reasons. First, he is known to flip-flop on his own statements and there certainly is no action to back those words so far. Secondly, India may do well to remember that Trump's predecessor Barack Obama's bonhomie with Modi did not stop him from selling more fighter jets to Pakistan. Islamabad is too vital to Washington's interests in Afghanistan and Middle East for it to ever openly and tangibly support India's narrative on Pakistan.

Increase of racial crimes against Indians

With recent shocking incidents of racial attacks on Indians in US, it is largely perceived that such attacks are on a rise under Trump. Shortly after Trump was elected as president, a man of Indian origin was abused and assaulted in Pennsylvania. "I don't want you sitting next to me...you people... things are different now," the man who assaulted the Indian-American was quoted as saying, according to a report by NDTV.

The murderous assault on Srinivas Kuchibhotla is still be fresh on people's minds. Kuchibotla, an Indian engineer, was killed and two others were injured, when an American man opened fire on them after allegedly yelling "get out of my country." Other similar reports have dotted newspapers in India, every now and then.

One can argue that the increased media glare because of some of Trump's unpalatable comments on Muslims and immigrants has given these crimes more prominence. However, many believe that it was the Trump rhetoric that has mainstreamed and even legitimised the insecurities and racial hatred of some.

The White House has officially condemned the attack on Kuchibhotla, but much more needs to be done to prevent Asian minorities being under the threat of racial attacks.

Trump calls Modi a "great man": A look at formal interactions between India, US

Some progress has been made on this front within Trump's 100 days in office, despite some of his policies appearing to be adversarial for India.

Trump, in a rare move, called Modi to congratulate him on his party's win in the Assembly elections. It is not customary for US presidents to call and congratulate world leaders on their success in local elections.

Earlier too, he has heaped praise on the Indian Prime Minister, signalling he would like to pick up from where Obama left as far as Indo-US ties are concerned.

I look forward to working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has been very energetic in reforming Indias bureaucracy. Great man. I applaud him," Trump had said.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also visited US, a first by a minister of Modi's cabinet after Trump's election, where he flagged India's concerns on the H1-B visa issue to the Trump administration.

Several high-level diplomatic engagements have also kept the ball rolling as far as India-US interactions are concerned. Only recently, India's foreign secretary, S Jaishankar has been in talks with US diplomats, laying the ground for Modi's visit to the White House later this year. The defense advisers of the two nations have also been in touch, signalling that increased defence coordination with India is on the cards.

Trump a "fan of Hindus and Indians"?

Trump had famously lauded India during his campaign in these words: "I am a big fan of Hindu. I am a big fan of India... If Im elected President, the Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House. That I can guarantee you.

Whether his words tether to the realities of India-US relationships remains to be seen. After all, 100 days is too small a period in which to gauge in which way the winds are blowing. And Trump's foreign policy has been a series of confused statements and contrasting actions. To begin with, the President of the United States must learn the fact that 'India' is not synonymous with 'Hindus'. A complex country with a diverse and heterogeneous society like India would, at best be a cautious ally, given Trump's temperamental approach to foreign policy.

The most optimistic guess would be that Trump views India favourably, if not as a true ally. But that will not stop him from keeping a balance sheet approach towards New Delhi. He rose to power on the promises of job creation and economic overhaul. Those policy decisions are going to stay dear to him and any possible conflict of interest with India, in that light, is unavoidable.
On 27 April, 2016 when Donald Trump was still a presidential hopeful, he announced his America First policy. In his speech, he slammed Hillary Clinton, his rival and former secretary of state for her "directionless and disastrous" foreign policy for which he blamed the rise of the Islamic State in the Arab world. The billionaires speech signaled that Trump would bring about a marked shift in the Washingtons foreign policy, which has earned infamy for its military escapades across the world.

The common consensus that emerged within the international community with respect to Trumps foreign policy was that it would largely be inward-looking and non-interventionist. The 70-year-olds inaugural speech too, focused on catering to his domestic audience rather than the international community.

On the day of his inauguration as the 45th president, the Trump administrations manifesto was formally unveiled on the White House website. Under the category of America First Foreign Policy, the first line read, Peace through strength will be at the centre of that foreign policy. This principle will make possible a stable, more peaceful world with less conflict and more common ground.

While the statement seemed to suggest that Uncle Sam would abandon a hawkish foreign policy for a more dovish one, the pertinent question after 100 days of the Trump administration is whether the dispensation has really lived up to its promise of employing a less-interventionist foreign policy. If Trump's handling of the Syria and North Korea crises, along with the airstrike in Afghanistan, are anything to go by, then it seems that his promise of a new policy does not seem to hold water.

After the sarin gas attacks over civilians allegedly by pro-Assad forces, the Trump administration immediately launched Tomahawk cruise missiles targeting an airbase in Assad-controlled territory.

While condemning the gas attack over innocents, he urged all civilised nations to join the US in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria.

However, his sudden decision to attack Syria came as a surpris: Trump had been vehemently opposed to any military intervention in Syria ever since the conflict broke out in 2011. In fact, in 2013, Trump tweeted that both rebels and the Assad government were bad.

We should stay the hell out of Syria, the "rebels" are just as bad as the current regime. WHAT WILL WE GET FOR OUR LIVES AND $ BILLIONS?ZERO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2013

Trumps decision to attack Syria had rattled his core supporters  many of whom belong to the Alt-Right movement, which discourages any foreign intervention. Many of his hardcore supporters like Ann Coulter, Infowars Alex Jones and blogger Mike Cernovich slammed Trump for buying the narrative driven by the fake news media.

But it wasnt just Syria where Trump apparently flipped. The dropping of MOAB (colloquially called the Mother Of All Bombs) on Islamic State positions in Afghanistan can also be viewed from the prism of his reneging on the campaign promise of non-intervention.

However, Trump does have an excuse for this decision. During his campaign, Trump had promised to destroy the Islamic State.

After the attack, which reportedly killed 90 militants, former US diplomat William H Avery, was quoted by ABC News as saying, "I think he is following up on campaign promises, leaving America first to one side for a moment  he did say that the wanted to bomb the hell out of ISIS," Nevertheless, the Afghanistan attack showed that Trump is open to surprise military operations in war-torn countries.

Thousands of miles away from the battle ground of Syria, the ongoing crisis with North Korea will be the real test of his America First policy. The Trump administration has given mixed signals so far. When all 100 Senators were invited by the president for a briefing on North Koreas missile and nuclear programme, the expectations from the meeting were alarmingly high.

However, as noted by a Vox report, the briefing failed to clarify even the basic questions about the crisis. On the other hand, Trump while speaking to Reuters on Thursday, dropped a bombshell: There is a chance that the United States could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea, Trump said.

On the same day, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that the US would directly talk to the North Koreans, a scenario which has never materialised in the last seven decades. Such mixed signals from the administration, has put the America First policy in limbo. The crisis is further complicated: Trump is insisting his ally Seoul pay for the $1 billion anti-missile THAAD system. Trumps posturing on the payment row perfectly fits his policy of America First: the US has been paying for the maintenance of security systems in South Korea.

However, Trump has to tread a narrow path on the Korea problem, a legacy of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. Side-stepping the crisis, which threatens to engulf the whole of east and southeast Asia, under the banner of America First would be detrimental to American strategic interests in the region.

With Trumps pre-World War I era-like isolationist policy, China, the emerging superpower may very well fill the vacuum left by the US and strengthen its hold in the East Asia. A China-backed North Korea may be Washingtons next big headache in the days and years to come.

The world has witnessed two military strikes in the first 100 days of Donald Trump. It is to be seen whether Trump maintains his non-interventionism in North Korea and other future crises or ends up reneging on his promise.
Cairo: Muslim Brotherhood leader and Islamic radical preacher Wagdy Ghoneim and two others were sentenced to death by an Egyptian court Sunday over terror-related charges.

Ghoneim, 66, was sentenced in absentia while the two other accused were present at the Cairo Criminal Court during the sentencing. Five other defendants were sentenced to life in prison.

Ghoneim and other defendants were found guilty of forming an outlaw cell from 2003 to 2015 for obstructing the constitution and state institution, assaulting citizens and harming national unity.

Earlier this month, the Cairo Criminal Court referred the case's document to the Grand Mufti, who is according to the Egyptian law must review all death sentences. However, the Grand Mufti's decision is not binding.

The final verdict of the death sentence was issued Sunday. Ghoneim faced trial in other cases alongside former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, including incidents of violence outside the Presidential Palace on 5 December, 2012.

Ghoneim is known for making controversial remarks about Copts on TV channels. In March this year, Ghoneim was sentenced by a Cairo misdemeanours court to five years in prison on charges of incitement against Copts.
Cairo: Muslim Brotherhood leader and radical Islamic preacher Wagdy Ghoneim was on Sunday sentenced to death in absentia by an Egyptian court for setting up a terror group after the 2013 overthrow of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi.

Ghoneim, who now lives in Turkey, and two others were sentenced to death by the Cairo criminal court after they were found guilty of establishing an illegal cell from 2003 to 2015 that obstructed the Constitution and state institutions, assaulted citizens and incited violence against security forces.

Five others were sentenced to life in prison, two of them in absentia.

Ghoneim, 66, an outspoken supporter of Morsi, dismissed the ruling, saying he had not been in Egypt since 2001.

Ghoneim, known for making controversial remarks about Copts in Egypt, campaigned against the military-led ouster of Morsi in 2013.

The radical preacher left the country after Morsi's ouster when the authorities launched a crackdown against supporters of the Islamist president.

Earlier this month, the Cairo Criminal Court referred the case's document to the Grand Mufti, who is according to the Egyptian law must review all death sentences. However, the Grand Mufti's decision is not binding.

The final verdict of the death sentence was issued on Sunday.

Ghoneim faced trial in other cases alongside Morsi, including incidents of violence outside the Presidential Palace on December 5, 2012.

Ghoneim is known for making controversial remarks about Copts on TV channels. In March this year, Ghoneim was sentenced by a Cairo misdemeanours court to five years in prison on charges of incitement against Copts.

Egyptian courts have sentenced hundreds of Morsi supporters to death since his overthrow.
Brussels: Twenty-seven EU leaders on Saturday formally approved their guidelines for Brexit negotiations at a summit in Brussels.

Here are the key points of the guidelines, first produced by European Council President Donald Tusk on 31 March and since toughened up by member states:

Divorce first

The EU 27 insist on a "phased approach", namely that Britain settle the terms of its divorce before any talks on a future trade relationship can start, hopefully by the end of 2017. "Before discussing the future, we have to sort out our past," Tusk said on Saturday.

EU citizens

The first divorce issue the EU wants to settle is the fate of the 3.2 million EU citizens living in the UK and 1.2 million Britons on the continent.

EU rules currently guarantee people to live and work wherever they choose in the bloc, as well as giving them and their families access to welfare benefits.

Poland and Hungary, with big populations in Britain, have demanded that EU citizens who have already been living in the UK for five years should have the option to remain permanently.

Tusk said this was the "number one priority" and urged a "serious British response".

The exit bill

The payments that London must make to the EU to settle financial commitments made when it was a member are considered one of the most difficult Brexit issues.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said the demands on London were estimated at between 40-60 billion euros ($42-65 billion), a politically toxic figure that Britain disputes.

"This is the most politically sensitive point in the first phase," a senior EU source said, adding that it is better to tackle it sooner than later.

"Sometimes if you have to go to the dentist you want to postpone it as much as you can, but you have to deal with it," the source said.

Northern Ireland

The border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of Britain, is also a problem given the peace process there.

It would be an EU external border after withdrawal but Dublin has warned of renewed conflict if the issue is not handled with extreme care.

"In view of the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, flexible and imaginative solutions will be required, including with the aim of avoiding a hard border," the guidelines say.

The EU 27 separately backed a clause in the summit minutes  but not the guidelines  advocating automatic membership for Northern Ireland after Brexit if it ever reunifies with Ireland.

An EU source insisted this was to "merely state the obvious."

'Sufficient progress'

The guidelines say that talks on future relations  particularly an EU-UK trade deal  should only start once the EU 27 unanimously agree there has been "sufficient progress" on the divorce questions.

Transitional deal

The EU 27 guidelines say they are aware that talks on a trade deal are too complex to be completed by Brexit at the end of March 2019, and so "transitional arrangements" are therefore possible.

However, they must be "clearly defined" and "limited in time", with a hard deadline that is previously agreed.

In the transitional deal, Britain would still remain under EU control and jurisdiction, with ultimate oversight by the European Court of Justice. This is a bitter pill for London.

Gibraltar

The rocky outcrop in southern Spain has belonged to Britain since 1713 and is regularly reclaimed by Madrid.

The guidelines state that "no agreement" after Brexit between the EU and Britain could apply to Gibraltar without a bilateral agreement between Madrid and London.
Brussels: The European Union is keeping the door ajar for Turkey to become a member, but 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, favours 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.

The EU ministers also met with their Turkish counterpart for the first high-level discussion since the divisive referendum this month that gives more powers to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In the run-up to the vote, Erdogan voiced harsh criticism of several EU nations that refused to allow his Cabinet members to campaign among expatriate Turks, comparing some of them to Nazis.

While some ministers are calling for sustained relations with a pillar of the NATO alliance and a major partner in controlling the flow of migrants into the EU from Syria and beyond, others are calling for change.

There are so many areas where we need a correct, friendly and productive cooperation that we have to see, together with our Turkish colleagues, how we can improve the situation," EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said.

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz has been at the forefront in calling for a fundamental reset of relations and claims Turkey has thwarted fundamental EU values.

"The path cannot be membership," he said. He insisted that Erdogan had crossed many "red lines" that would bar membership, including the imprisonment of journalists, undue pressure on the opposition, and the referendum to make the presidency more powerful.

"I would like to see a clear, courageous EU stand. 'Yes' to contact with Turkey. 'No' to accession," Kurz said.

At the end of the meeting, the EU put the membership ball in Erdogan's court.

In the wake of the referendum victory two weeks ago, Erdogan has spoken of reinstating the death penalty, which is outlawed in all EU nations as a key moral benchmark of the bloc.

Turkey applied to join the EU three decades ago, and negotiations commenced in 2005. But of the 16 negotiating chapters on issues as varied as capital movement and food safety, only one has been provisionally closed: science and research. There has been no progress in recent months, and none is expected anytime soon.

"The accession process continues. It is not suspended or ended, but as you might know, we are currently not working on opening any new negotiating chapter," Mogherini said.
Paris, France: Pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron will take on far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in the second-round run-off of France's presidential election on 7 May.

The pair topped the polls in the first round of voting on 23 April.

Why is the election important?

France is the eurozone's second-biggest economy as well as a global military and diplomatic heavyweight, with veto power as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The second round will come down to a battle between the pro-European, pro-globalisation vision of Macron and Le Pen's hostility to the EU and Nato.

If Le Pen wins, it will further shake up the West's liberal post-war order, already rattled by Britain's vote to leave the EU and Donald Trump's election to the White House.

How is the president elected?

The president is elected directly in a vote of one or two rounds. If neither candidate obtains an absolute majority in the first round, a run-off is held two weeks later. Every presidential election since 1965 -- the first presidential election by universal suffrage since World War II -- has gone to a second round.

Who ran in the first round?

Eleven candidates spanning the spectrum from Trotskyist left to far-right took part in Sunday's first-round vote.

The main candidates were Macron, 39, Le Pen, 48, conservative Francois Fillon, 63, and hard-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon, 65.

Macron finished first on 24 percent, ahead of Le Pen with 21.3 percent, Fillon with 20 percent and Melenchon with 19.6 percent.

How does the election work?

A total of 46.9 million voters are registered to vote in the election.

Turnout in the first round was 77.8 percent.

The election is the first in the history of France's 59-year-old Fifth Republic to take place under a state of emergency, which was imposed after the November 2015 attacks in Paris.

More than 50,000 police backed by 7,000 soldiers from the Sentinelle anti-terror operation were on patrol during the first round.

What happens next?

The winner of the election will be sworn in by 14 May at the latest, taking over from Francois Hollande.

Hollande decided against seeking re-election after a single term marked by record low approval ratings.

A two-round parliamentary election will be held on 11 and 18 June.

Analysts say both Le Pen's National Front and Macron's year-old En Marche (On The Move) movement would struggle to form a parliamentary majority.

This means that whoever wins the presidency will likely have to form a pact with members of the Socialist party, the conservative Republicans or both.
Paris: French far-right National Front leader and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen on Sunday proposed a dual currency system for France, a national currency for its home economy and another for international trade as, in her opinion, the "euro is dead".

"We will have a national currency like all other countries, and a common currency together," Le Pen said in an interview with French daily Le Parisien, meaning that a new French franc would be a currency for everyday domestic use and the euro would be for "large companies trading internationally".

According to Le Pen who faces centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron in the second round of the Presidential election on May 7, the euro is "largely responsible for mass unemployment" in France because it has not "adapted" itself to the French economy, Efe news reported.

She added that, if she wins the presidency, she will negotiate with the European Union (EU) the recovery of four "essential" sovereignties: territorial, legislative, economic and monetary. If those EU negotiations failed, she would submit the euro question to the French people via referendum.

"If they vote no, then I will resign," the presidential hopeful said.

Le Pen's proposal to abandon the euro has generated unease, as polls show 70 per cent of the French wish to remain inside the European single currency.

Exactly how she would pull-out from the euro also has created some degree of confusion, even within the ranks of Le Pen's Front National party.

Regarding her "patriotic" alliance with Eurosceptic right-wing party Debout La France, led by Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, a former rival, Le Pen said she had to modify some of her proposals.

Among others, free schooling for immigrant children that she wished to temporarily ban.

Speaking of her duel with Macron, who is ahead in the polls, Le Pen considers she might win and, in her opinion, Macron is already getting nervous by his "feverish and aggressive" stance.
Riyadh: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks with the oil-rich kingdom's monarch, beginning a two-nation trip to the Gulf.

Merkel was greeted by King Salman and other top officials upon her arrival at the western city of Jiddah.

The German leader is expected to press Gulf leaders to do more to take in refugees and provide humanitarian relief for refugees fleeing conflict in Muslim-majority countries.

Her country has provided refuge to hundreds of thousands of people from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.

Like other recent female Western visitors, Merkel did not cover her hair upon arrival in the conservative kingdom. She is scheduled to travel to the neighbouring United Arab Emirates after visiting Saudi Arabia.
Lahore: Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed will remain under house arrest here for 90 days more after the expiry of his three-month detention period on Sunday. Pakistan's Punjab government on Sunday decided to extend the duration of the house arrest of Saeed and his four aides under the country's anti-terrorism act and the notification for it will be issued soon, an official of the Punjab government's Home Department said.

"The government has decided in principle to extend the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Ubaid for another 90 days" under preventive detention, he said. The official said a consultative meeting on Saeed's detention has already been held under Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar in which a decision to extend the house arrest has been taken.

The government on 30 January had put Saeed and the four leaders under house arrest in Lahore for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security. The house arrest was made for a period of 90 days ending on Sunday. According to media reports, the Nawaz Sharif government had detained Saeed after the Trump administration, which had just taken over, had told Pakistan that it may face sanctions if it did not act against JuD and its chief.

JuD, the front group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, and its sister organisation Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), had also been put under terror watch on the basis of a report sent by the ministry of foreign affairs. Saeed, along with his four aides, have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging his detention through senior advocate A K Dogar.

During the previous hearing on the petition earlier this month, the Punjab government had told the Lahore High Court that no violation of law had been made in their detention as it had reasons to believe that JuD and FIF are engaged in activities which can be prejudicial to peace and security.

Saeed and his aides allege in their petition that the government detained them without any legal justification. Saeed was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, but he was freed by a court in 2009. He has a bounty of USD 10 million on his head for his role in terror activities.
By William James and Alastair Macdonald

| LONDON/BRUSSELS

LONDON/BRUSSELS British Prime Minister Theresa May expects divorce talks with the European Union to be tough, she said on Sunday after EU leaders agreed stiff terms and voiced alarm at "illusions" in London that may wreck a deal."What this shows, and what some of the other comments we've seen coming from European leaders shows, is that there are going to be times when these negotiations are going to be tough," May told the BBC a day after her EU peers agreed on demands they want met to avoid chaos when Britain leaves the bloc in 2019.At Saturday's Brussels summit of the 27 other EU states, EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker accused unnamed pro-Brexit figures of underestimating the complexity of the task and German Chancellor Angela Merkel repeated her concern that London still harboured "illusions" about negotiating a quick free-trade pact.May, who has called an election for June 8 in the hope of strengthening her position, repeated her insistence that no deal would be better than a bad deal -- a position many in Brussels view as bluff, arguing that the legal void that would dawn on March 30, 2019, would hurt Britain much more than the others.But Juncker, quoted on Sunday by Germany's FAS newspaper, highlighted growing fears that the two sides are talking past each other, raising a significant risk of negotiations collapsing."Im leaving Downing Street 10 times more sceptical than I was before," the Frankfurt paper quoted the European Commission president as saying after he and chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier met May in London over dinner on Wednesday. Juncker had arrived hefting two weighty EU treaties -- last year's 1,600-page CETA free-trade pact with Canada and the 2012 EU accession of the bloc's newest member, Croatia (population 4.2 million). They were props to convince May of the complexity of unwinding 46 years of EU membership and keeping trade open.So alarmed was he at what he said on Saturday were British officials who "underestimate the technical difficulties" that he alerted Merkel, the EU's main power broker, in an early morning call to Berlin on Thursday. She then used a speech in parliament to warn against British "illusions" that it could retain much of the benefits of EU membership after Brexit.

READY OR NOT?

Brussels is also concerned about the level of preparedness in London for talks that are due to start after the June 8 vote and which Barnier says need to be essentially wound up within 16 months to ensure ratification ahead of Brexit in March 2019.Barnier briefed leaders on his concerns, Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern told reporters."The Commission and Barnier ... have really done their homework well," Kern said. "One can say that the British have not done so with the same intensity."

EU officials said they were still unsure who would conduct the negotiations with Barnier's team, saying that May had told Juncker that she herself would be in charge. That, EU officials said, left it unclear who would actually be taking the many decisions required during months of day-in, day-out talks in Brussels over the coming two years. British Brexit Secretary David Davis has been expected to take a lead.Asked about her insistence that no deal would be better than a bad one, May told ITV television: "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't believe that."She added: "With the right strong hand in negotiations, we can get a good deal for the UK."

May, who came to power after Britons decided last year to leave the EU, called the election to win a public mandate and a bigger majority to help to execute her plan to leave the EU's single market and pursue a free-trade deal with the bloc.EU leaders took only minutes to approve a negotiating mandate for Barnier that includes a readiness to walk away from a deal and emphasises the unity of the 27 as an absolute priority.The Belgian prime minister warned colleagues against falling into a "trap" set by British negotiators trying to divide them, while others cautioned May that it was in Britain's interests, too, to avoid that, since a disunited 27 might mean no deal.Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, however, struck a note of realism when he conceded that Saturday's harmonious mood would not survive in the long run."When the negotiations start and detailed, more complex discussions have to take place, obviously some countries will assign bigger priorities to different issues," Kenny said. "So," he added with a smile of understatement, "it won't all be as calm and as measured as today." (Editing by Elizabeth Piper and David Goodman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Kathmandu: An impeachment motion against Nepal's first woman Chief Justice Sushila Karki was registered in the Parliament on Sunday by two major ruling parties, accusing her of "interfering" in the jurisdiction of the executive and issuing "prejudiced" verdicts. Karki, 64, who has done her Masters in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University, was automatically suspended from the post after the registration of the motion.

Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Min Bishwokarma and CPN (Maoist Centre) chief whip Tek Bahadur Basnet, among other lawmakers, registered the motion in the Parliament secretariat this afternoon. A total of 249 lawmakers from the ruling NC and CPN (Maoist Centre) have signed the motion which has accused Karki of "interfering in the jurisdiction of executive and failing to issue verdicts without being prejudiced".

According to the constitutional provision, an amendment motion can be filed in the parliament secretariat by securing the support of at least one-fourth of the total number of lawmakers. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development Kamal Thapa expressed his displeasure over the impeachment motion.

In a twitter post, chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Thapa said the impeachment motion registered by NC and Maoist lawmakers was objectionable and unfortunate.

Attorney General Raman Shrestha said it was necessary to impeach the CJ for her tampering with the work performance evaluation of the Inspector General of Police candidates during a recent controversy over the promotion of Nepal Police Chief. Karki had assumed office as Nepal's first woman Chief Justice on 1 August last year.
Washington: North Korea poses a great threat to the US and its allies, US National Security Adviser Lt HR McMaster said Sunday and asked the international community to ratchet up sanctions against the reclusive nation.

He said North Korea's most recent missile test represents "open defiance of the international community." He says North Korea poses "a grave threat" not just to the United States and its Asian allies, but also to China.

"So, this is something that we know we cannot tolerate in terms of a risk to the American people. The president has made clear that he is going to resolve this issue one way or the other. What we prefer to do his work with others, China included, to resolve this situation short of military action, he said in response to a question.

McMaster said the US and the international community needs to do something in response to North Korea.

"We do have to do something, and so, we have to do something, again, with partners in the region and globally. That involves enforcement of the UN sanctions that are in

place. It may mean ratcheting up those sanctions even further. And it also means being prepared for military operations if necessary, he said.

North Korea developing missile weapons and nuclear weapons capabilities are both threatening.

"Because developing a nuclear capability has to be matched to a delivery system. So, their sixth nuclear test is what it would be, combined with the ballistic missile program that poses a grave threat to the United States and our citizens, as well as our friends and partners in the region," he said.
Islamabad: Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday visited the Line of Control (LoC) and said his country would continue to support the "political struggle" of the Kashmiris for the right of "self-determination". Bajwa, who toured the areas in the Haji Pir sector, was briefed about the alleged "ceasefire violation" by the Indian troops and the state of preparedness of the army to face any aggression.

The army chief said Pakistan would continue to support the struggle of the Kashmiris.

"We will always stand by their (Kashmiris) rightful political struggle for the right of self-determination and recourse to basic human rights," Bajwa said in an interaction with troops. He accused India of "state-sponsored" terrorism in Kashmir.

Bajwa alleged that India was not only involved in aggression against the people in Kashmir but also against the people living on the Pakistani side of the LoC and the Working Boundary. India has repeatedly rejected Pakistan's allegations of rights violations in Kashmir.
Warsaw: Poland's Foreign Ministry has suspended one of its honorary consuls in the US after the woman allegedly posted a digitally-altered image showing European Council president Donald Tusk dressed as a German SS officer.

The image was posted on the Facebook page of Maria Szonert Binienda, recently named honorary consul in Akron, Ohio.

The news agency PAP reported Sunday that she has been suspended from that position and that further decisions will be decided after Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski returns from a visit to Australia.

Szonert Binienda told The Associated Press in an email that she never posted the altered image of Tusk and believes her account was hacked because she can't access it anymore. "I did not make a photo of Donald Tusk as SS-man. I am against promoting SS symbols and ideologies. I am against using the words like 'fascism' in the public political discourse today. I am against comparing our politicians to Hitler," she wrote to the AP.

Szonert Binienda was named to her post by Poland's conservative ruling Law and Justice party, whose leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski is a long-time political rival of Tusk's. Kaczynski has faulted Tusk for how he handled the aftermath of the 2010 plane crash in Russia that killed his brother, President Lech Kaczynski, and 95 other people.

After winning the 2015 election, the party opened a new investigation into the crash, previously found to be an accident, believing that the original probe didn't answer all questions. Some party leaders believe there could have been foul play by Russia.

Szonert Binienda's husband, Wieslaw Binienda, a scientist and engineer, is a member of the government commission that is again looking into the plane crash near Smolensk, Russia.

"I am being subjected to media assassination over my involvement in the Smolensk matter," Szonert Binienda told the AP.

"However, I am also for the freedom of speech expressed in the responsible manner. Therefore, I am concerned that this media onslaught on me has a chilling effect to suppress the criticism of Donald Tusk as a politician who cares more about the interest of Germany than Poland."

One of Tusk's grandfathers served briefly in the German Wehrmacht during World War II, something Law and Justice has used against him. The grandfather had also been forced into labour by the Germans and was in a concentration camp.
Ankara, Turkey: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday his country may take further action against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria and insisted US support for such groups "must come to an end."

The US moved troops and armoured vehicles through several Syrian cities and towns on Friday and Saturday in a show of force apparently intended to dissuade Turkey and Syrian Kurdish forces from attacking each other.

Kurdish officials described the US troop movement as a "buffer" between them and Turkey.

The US has provided air cover and other support to Kurdish forces battling the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. In Syria, it is working with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units, or YPG, but also includes Arab fighters.

Video from northern Syria shows the US patrols parked alongside Kurdish units flying the YPG flag.

Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organisation and an extension of the Kurdish militants who have been waging a three-decade-long insurgency. It launched airstrikes against the YPG last week, killing 20 fighters and media activists.

"We will be forced to continue (our offensives)," Erdogan said. "We won't provide a date and time for when we'll come. But they will know that the Turkish military can come."

Erdogan said he would discuss the issue at a meeting with US President Donald Trump next month.
By Ju-min Park and James Pearson

| SEOUL

SEOUL South Korea said the United States had reaffirmed it would shoulder the cost of deploying the THAAD anti-missile system, days after President Donald Trump said Seoul should pay for the $1-billion battery designed to defend against North Korea. In a telephone call on Sunday, Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, reassured his South Korean counterpart, Kim Kwan-jin, that the U.S. alliance with South Korea was its top priority in the Asia-Pacific region, the South's presidential office said.The conversation followed another North Korean missile test-launch on Saturday which Washington and Seoul said was unsuccessful, but which drew widespread international condemnation.Trump, asked about his message to North Korea after the latest missile test, told reporters: "You'll soon find out", but did not elaborate on what the U.S. response would be.The U.S. president will discuss the North Korean nuclear threat with the leaders of Thailand and Singapore on Sunday as part of his outreach to regional allies on issue, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said on ABC.Trump's comments in an interview with Reuters on Thursday that he wanted Seoul to pay for the THAAD deployment perplexed South Koreans and raised questions about his commitment to the two countries' alliance. South Korean officials responded that the cost was for Washington to bear, under the bilateral agreement."National security adviser H.R. McMaster explained that the recent statements by President Trump were made in a general context, in line with the U.S. public expectations on defence cost burden-sharing with allies," South Korea's Blue House said in a statement, adding that McMaster requested the call.Major elements of the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system were moved into the planned site in Seonjgu, in the south of the country, this week.

The deployment has drawn protests from China, which says the powerful radar which can penetrate its territory will undermine regional security, and from local residents worried they will be a target for North Korean missiles. About 300 residents rallied on Sunday as two U.S. Army lorries tried to enter the THAAD deployment site. Video provided by villagers showed protesters blocking the road with a car and chanting slogans such as Dont lie to us! Go back to your country! Police said they had sent about 800 officers to the site and two residents were injured during clashes with them.South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of THAAD is to guard against North Korean missiles. Vice President Mike Pence reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to South Korea's security but said on NBC that Trump would "continue to call on the prosperous nations that the United States provides security and protection for to do more in their own defense.

The United States is seeking more help from China, the North's major ally, to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development. Trump, in the Reuters interview, praised Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping as a "good man".TENSIONS HIGH

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.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.

Trump discussed the threat posed by North Korea in a telephone call with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, the White House said. In an address to a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Saturday, Duterte 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".Two-month long U.S.-South Korean joint military drills were due to conclude on Sunday, U.S. and South Korean officials said. The exercise, called Foal Eagle, was repeatedly denounced by North Korea, which saw it as a rehearsal for war.In a further show of force, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived in waters near the Korean peninsula and began exercises with the South Korean navy late on Saturday. The South Korean navy declined to say when the exercises would be completed. The dispatch of the Carl Vinson was 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.The carrier group has just completed drills with the Japanese navy. Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada, in an apparent show of solidarity with Washington, has ordered the Izumo, Japan's biggest warship, to protect a U.S. navy ship that might be going to help supply the USS Carl Vinson, the Asahi newspaper said. (Additional reporting by Yuna Kim and Minwoo Park in SEOUL, Nobuhiro Kubo and Linda Sieg in TOKYO; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Andrew Hay)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Ju-min Park and James Pearson

| SEOUL

SEOUL South Korea said the United States had reaffirmed it would shoulder the cost of deploying the THAAD anti-missile system, days after President Donald Trump said Seoul should pay for the $1-billion battery designed to defend against North Korea. In a telephone call on Sunday, Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, reassured his South Korean counterpart, Kim Kwan-jin, that the U.S. alliance with South Korea was its top priority in the Asia-Pacific region, the South's presidential office said.The conversation followed another North Korean missile test-launch on Saturday which Washington and Seoul said was unsuccessful, but which drew widespread international condemnation.Trump, asked about his message to North Korea after the latest missile test, told reporters: "You'll soon find out", but did not elaborate on what the U.S. response would be.Trump is stepping up outreach to allies in Asia to discuss the North Korean nuclear threat and make sure all are "on the same page" if action was needed, a top White House official said. The U.S. president will discuss North Korea with the leaders of Thailand and Singapore on Sunday after speaking with the Philippines' president on Saturday."There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea," White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told ABC's "This Week." Trump's comments in an interview with Reuters on Thursday that he wanted Seoul to pay for the THAAD deployment perplexed South Koreans and raised questions about his commitment to the two countries' alliance. South Korean officials responded that the cost was for Washington to bear, under the bilateral agreement."National security adviser H.R. McMaster explained that the recent statements by President Trump were made in a general context, in line with the U.S. public expectations on defence cost burden-sharing with allies," South Korea's Blue House said in a statement, adding that McMaster requested the call.Major elements of the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system were moved into the planned site in Seonjgu, in the south of the country, this week.

The deployment has drawn protests from China, which says the powerful radar which can penetrate its territory will undermine regional security, and from local residents worried they will be a target for North Korean missiles. About 300 residents rallied on Sunday as two U.S. Army lorries tried to enter the THAAD deployment site. Video provided by villagers showed protesters blocking the road with a car and chanting slogans such as Dont lie to us! Go back to your country! Police said they had sent about 800 officers to the site and two residents were injured during clashes with them.South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of THAAD is to guard against North Korean missiles. Vice President Mike Pence reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to South Korea's security but said on NBC that Trump would "continue to call on the prosperous nations that the United States provides security and protection for to do more in their own defense.

The United States is seeking more help from China, the North's major ally, to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development. Trump, in the Reuters interview, praised Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping as a "good man".TENSIONS HIGH

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.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.

Trump discussed the threat posed by North Korea in a telephone call with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, the White House said. In an address to a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Saturday, Duterte 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".Two-month long U.S.-South Korean joint military drills were due to conclude on Sunday, U.S. and South Korean officials said. The exercise, called Foal Eagle, was repeatedly denounced by North Korea, which saw it as a rehearsal for war.In a further show of force, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived in waters near the Korean peninsula and began exercises with the South Korean navy late on Saturday. The South Korean navy declined to say when the exercises would be completed. The dispatch of the Carl Vinson was 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.The carrier group has just completed drills with the Japanese navy. Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada, in an apparent show of solidarity with Washington, has ordered the Izumo, Japan's biggest warship, to protect a U.S. navy ship that might be going to help supply the USS Carl Vinson, the Asahi newspaper said. (Additional reporting by Yuna Kim and Minwoo Park in SEOUL, Nobuhiro Kubo, Linda Sieg in TOKYO and Jason Lange and Doina Chiacu in WASHINGTON; Editing by Andrew Hay and Mary Milliken)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Seoul: South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills Sunday, but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered dire threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running sky-high for weeks, with signs that the North might be preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear test and with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response.

The massive "Foal Eagle" drill, which the defence ministry in Seoul said was ending as scheduled on Sunday, involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops. Another annual joint exercise known as "Key Resolve" ended last month.

Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature, despite Pyongyang's claims that they are provocative rehearsals for invasion.

Their conclusion normally signals a period of relative calm in North-South tensions, but this year the situation looks set to remain highly volatile. US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible "major conflict" while Pyongyang has carried out a series of failed missile tests, including one on Saturday, and a massive live- fire military exercise.

The South Korean defence ministry confirmed Sunday that a joint naval drill with a US strike group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, was still ongoing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The exercise, aimed at verifying the allies' capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, is expected to continue until sometime next week. Through state media, North Korea has threatened to attack the Carl Vinson, and a state-sponsored website on Sunday also warned of a possible strike against a US nuclear-powered submarine dispatched to the area.

China is "putting pressure" on its ally North Korea to curb its weapons programmes, Trump told the CBS television network's "Face the Nation" programme. If North Korea carries out another nuclear test "I would not be happy," he said.

"And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," Trump said in excerpts of the interview released yesterday. Asked if "not happy" signified "military action," Trump answered: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

Pyongyang's show of defiance included a failed missile test on Saturday that 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 said. China has repeatedly pushed back at the idea that it alone holds the solution to curbing the North's nuclear ambitions, and warned that any use of US force would only lead to "bigger disasters".

Pope Francis this weekend called for negotiations to resolve tensions over North Korea.
Kathmandu: Swiss climber Ueli Steck, one of the most feted mountaineers of his generation and famed for his speed ascents of iconic Alpine routes, has died on Everest, officials said.

"Today morning, he had an accident on the Nuptse wall and died. It seems he slipped," Ang Tsering Sherpa, head of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, told AFP.

Steck, 40, was on Everest to acclimatise before attempting to summit the world's tallest peak in May, using a never before climbed route.

"He skidded off about 1,000 metres from (Everest) camp two early morning on Sunday. Other climbers ascending Everest saw him and asked for his rescue," said Dinesh Bhattarai, director general at the Department of Tourism.

The accomplished alpinist sought to pioneer new routes throughout his mountaineering career, earning the nickname "the Swiss Machine" for his solo record ascents in the Alps.

Steck hit global headlines in 2013 when he and two other Western climbers traded blows with a group of furious Nepali guides over a climbing dispute on Mount Everest.

An angry Steck swore never to return to Everest, telling a Swiss website that his "trust (was) gone".

The brawl shocked the mountaineering community, causing a damaging rift between Western climbers and the often lowly-paid Nepalese guides who are essential for commercial expeditions to the crowded summit.
Tornadoes ripped through an East Texas county on Saturday evening, killing at least four people and injuring dozens of others, while high winds, falling trees and floods killed five others in neighboring states, according to news reports. Three tornadoes were confirmed by the U.S. National Weather Service in Canton, a city about 60 miles (95 kilometers) east of Dallas in Van Zandt County. The winds flipped over cars, snapped trees, destroyed houses and left roads strewn with debris and fallen power lines, according to photographs and video published by the Dallas Morning News."We have at least four fatalities," Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said at a news conference on Sunday, adding that number could rise. "The damage was extensive in the affected area. It is heartbreaking and upsetting." Forty nine people had been treated for injuries, she said.Earlier a Canton fire department captain said he believed five people had been killed.

The mayor urged people to stay away from a sprawling flea market known as First Monday Trade Days, as crews tried to clean up debris.Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed a search and rescue team to the area.The storms caused floods in neighboring states, killing a 72-year-old woman in southwestern Missouri who was washed away in her car, according to local media reports.

In Arkansas, a woman was killed when a tree fell on her mobile home in DeWitt, and a 10-year-old girls was killed after flood waters swept her away in Springdale, ABC News reported. A fire chief responding to the storm was killed on Sunday in Cleburne County, the county sheriff said.In Mississippi, a person was killed after a tree fell on their house in Durant, ABC reported.

The governors of Missouri and Oklahoma declared states of emergency due to flooding.In the St. Louis area, severe thunderstorms were forecast through Sunday. Some people were told to evacuate and 33 rescues were conducted, mostly in the state's central and southwestern regions, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens said.Parts of Indiana received up to 8 inches (20 cm) of rain while areas in Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas were drenched with up to 4 inches (10 cm), James said.Heavy rainfall in the Midwest was expected to continue on Sunday, along with wind gusts of 60 miles (95 km) per hour.Flash floods and strong thunderstorms were forecast for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama on Sunday, the National Weather Service said. (Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Andrew Hay)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Jason Lange and Doina Chiacu

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump is stepping up outreach to allies in Asia to discuss the North Korean nuclear threat and make sure all are "on the same page" if action was needed, a top White House official said on Sunday.White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Trump would speak to the leaders of Singapore and Thailand on Sunday, after North Korea test-launched another missile that Washington and Seoul said was unsuccessful but which drew widespread international condemnation.The telephone calls follow Trump's conversation on Saturday night with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. A week ago, Trump spoke with the presidents of China and Japan on the North Korea issue."We need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get to make sure that we have our ducks in a row," Priebus told ABC's "This Week." "So if something does happen in North Korea, that we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area, he said. "We have got to be on the same page."Priebus said the planned conversations were prompted by the "potential for nuclear and massive destruction in Asia" and eventually in the United States.

The U.S. president, who warned a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible in an interview with Reuters, did not elaborate on any U.S. response to the test. "You'll soon find out", he said Saturday.Trump has stressed he would not broadcast military options to preserve an element of surprise. His secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, said on Friday all options remained on the table with regard to North Korea.Pyongyang's missile 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.

Priebus said Trump was in regular contact with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and that the president had become "very close" to Chinese President Xi Jinping.Trump, for whom China was a virtual punching bag during the 2016 presidential campaign over trade, told CBS that any trade disputes with the Asian economic giant took a back seat to securing its cooperation on North Korea. China, the only major ally of North Korea and its largest trading partner, has expressed increasing concern about Pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles in violation of U.N. resolutions. However, it has warned against escalation.

"I think that, frankly, North Korea is maybe more important than trade," Trump said in the "Face the Nation" interview. "Trade is very important. But massive warfare with millions, potentially millions of people being killed? That, as we would say, trumps trade." Similarly, concerns over human rights in the Philippines, where critics cite extrajudicial killings in Duterte's war on drugs, take a back seat to possible confrontation in Asia."There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea," he said in the ABC interview.Senator John McCain, a leading Republican on foreign policy, said he did not believe Trump was considering a pre-emptive strike on North Korea. That would put U.S. ally South Korea in immediate danger, he said on CNN's "State of the Union.""But to say you absolutely rule out that option of course would be foolish. But it has to be the ultimate last option," McCain said. (Reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Andrew Hay)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump will speak with leaders of Singapore and Thailand on Sunday about the threat North Korea poses of massive, nuclear destruction in Asia, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said."We need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get to make sure that we have our ducks in a row," Priebus told ABC's "This Week."

Trump spoke to Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday about North Korea and his outreach to regional leaders aims to get "everyone in line backing up a plan of action" if the situation in North Korea deteriorates, Priebus said.

He added that Trump was in regular contact with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and that the president had become "very close" to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea," the White House chief of staff said.Priebus said the planned conversations were prompted by the "potential for nuclear and massive destruction in Asia" and eventually in the United States. (Reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Nick Zieminski)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington: From the resounding setbacks in Congress to the stunning policy flip-flops, Donald Trump has certainly been confronted with a steep learning curve in his opening months at the White House.

While the new US president has shown a capacity to change both his tone and his positions, Trump has struggled to convey a clearly articulated worldview.

As the symbolic milestone of his 100th day in power, which falls on Saturday, draws near, a cold, hard reality is setting in for the billionaire businessman who promised Americans he would "win, win, win" for them.

At this stage of his presidency Donald Trump is the least popular US leader in modern history (even if his core supporters still fully support him).

The 70-year-old Trump, 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 recognised  with a mix of naivete and craftiness  that he has one of the most difficult jobs in the world.

In just his first few weeks in office Trump suffered some crippling blows -- the federal courts halted his proposed travel ban, and Congress failed to move ahead on health care reform.

"Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated," Trump said during his efforts to see Obamacare  his Democratic predecessor's signature domestic policy achievement -- repealed and replaced.

"After listening for 10 minutes, I realised it's not so easy," Trump said after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping about North Korea.

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.

Who to turn to for advice? Whose advice to heed? What kind of relationship to build with Congress, even when it's nominally controlled by one's 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.

"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 changed.

In the choice of his teams as well as in some negotiations, a sort of "presidentialisation" seems to be unfolding  albeit haltingly.

Trump, who was elevated to the highest office in the United States with no prior political, diplomatic or military experience, says his ever-evolving approach works.

"I do change and I am flexible, and I'm proud of that flexibility," Trump said, shortly before authorising air strikes against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over what Washington says was a sarin attack on civilians.

On China, Russia and NATO, his about-faces have  to some extent  reassured some Americans, and 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 rather 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 taking office, many of his detractors still deem the profile written by author Philip Roth for The New Yorker in late January to be a just one.

He wrote of a president "ignorant of government, of history, of science, of philosophy, of art, incapable of expressing or recognising 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 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 that his team has repeatedly said was vital.

Trump, who regularly talks about possibly running for re-election, has more than 1,300 days ahead of him until his first term ends.
Kiev: Ukraine is still suffering from the trauma of the world's worst civil nuclear accident at Chernobyl but has nonetheless turned the hazardous fuel into the backbone of its energy portfolio.

The crisis-torn country now uses atomic power for more than half of its electricity needs as it struggles through a coal shortage sparked by a three-year war against Russian-backed insurgents in the separatist east.

And that figure shot up to nearly three-quarters of all power consumed during natural gas price disputes with its eastern arch foe and energy superpower Russia from 2014 to 2016.

Ukraine on Wednesday marked 31 years since the disaster in which thousands died with the country extending the lifespan of its communist-era nuclear reactors and turning atomic power into a workhorse that will be around for generations to come.

The Chernobyl plant's fourth reactor in the north of former Soviet Ukraine exploded in 1986 after a safety test went horribly wrong at 1.23 am on 26 April.

Some Ukrainians remain worried that a similar catastrophe could hit their country again.

"The main risk in using nuclear energy in Ukraine is associated with reactors that have exhausted their lifespans," says Iryna Golovko of the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine's energy projects department.

"Today six of Ukraine's 15 operating reactors have surpassed their designed service lives," she told AFP. "And by 2020, there will be 12 of them."

Coal crunch

Ukraine enjoys abundant coal reserves that happen to lie mostly in regions controlled by Russian insurgents. Kiev spent nearly three years in the uncomfortable position of fighting the rebels while enriching them by buying their anthracite coal to keep its thermal power plants pumping.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko bowed to public pressure and banned all trade with the separatist east on 15 March.

Energy Minister Igor Nasalyk said shortly after Poroshenko's decision that nuclear power's share of total electricity production had jumped to 62 from around 55 percent. It had stood at 46 percent before Ukraine was riven by war and economic crises in 2013.

The government has since allowed regional power companies to impose blackouts in case of weather-related surges in demand.

Ukraine is also negotiating a coal purchase agreement with the United States that Kiev hopes could fulfil two-thirds of its annual needs.

But energy analyst Viktor Logatskiy of the Razumkov Centre research institute still thinks that the service lives of all 15 of Ukraine's existing reactors will be extended by 2030 as a long-term power source backup.

Gas wars

Ukraine's Energoatom state nuclear power provider has brushed off any fears about the safety repercussions of the extra burden being put on the country's four atomic power plants  one of which is Europe's largest.

Energoatom argues that times, when Ukraine was either cut off from or not purchasing Russian gas because of price and geopolitical considerations, saw nuclear power account for as much as 70 percent of electricity production.

It also says that reactors whose lifespans are extended are safer because they have been retrofitted with all the latest equipment and operating technologies.

Logatskiy thinks that Ukraine's atomic power plants even have room to grow because they are not operating at their full capacity.

"Despite heightened energy production, Ukraine's nuclear power plants are being used safely and pose no accident threat," Logatskiy said.

Tricky math

Yet Ukraine's official statistics on nuclear power show that actual production has risen only slightly since the year before the Russian-backed insurgency began.

Energoatom data provided to AFP show it had pumped out 23.84 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in the first four months of the year.

That figure was only 2.5 percent greater than the 23.25 billion kWh generated over the same period of 2013.

Some analysts attribute the discrepancy between the small rise in energy production and the much bigger jump in nuclear power's share of the market to two years of economic recession that have dampened industry's power demands.

They also point to Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and effective loss of a part of the separatist industrial east.

"Our thermal power plants that use coal are simply producing less electricity," Golovko said.
Beirut: A US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance is advancing against the Islamic State group in the key town of Tabqa near the jihadist bastion of Raqa in northern Syria, a monitor said on Sunday. The Syrian Democratic Forces now control at least 40 percent of the town of Tabqa, and more than half of its heart, the Old City, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said fighting was continuing in the town on Sunday morning.

The SDF entered Tabqa on Monday as part of their offensive against Raqa, Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital. Supported by US-led coalition air strikes and special forces advisers, the SDF surrounded Tabqa in early April. The town sits on a strategic supply route about 55 kilometres (34 miles) west of Raqa, and served as an important Islamic State command base, housing the group's main prison.

It is also adjacent to the Tabqa dam, another important strategic prize which remains under Islamic State control.

The assault on Tabqa began in late March when SDF forces and their US-led coalition allies were airlifted behind Islamic State lines.

The city was home to around 240,000 residents before 2011, and more than 80,000 people have fled to it from other parts of the country.

Islamic State has put up fierce resistance, including using weaponised drones, a tactic the group perfected in neighbouring Iraq.

The group is also fighting street-to-street and using suicide attackers and car bombs to slow the SDF's advance, according to the Observatory.

The assault on Raqa, dubbed "Wrath of the Euphrates," was launched in November and has seen SDF fighters capture large swathes of countryside around the city.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the country's war began with anti-government protests in March 2011.
IBM President and CEO Ginni Rometty said Sunday that America needs a revamp of its tax system, particularly the corporate rate, in order to improve growth and make the country more competitive.

Im very pleased to see the broad sort of pillars of this tax proposal put out, Rometty said of President Trumps plan during an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures.

Rometty said two parts of the presidents plan, which was rolled out Wednesday, will help IBM: the corporate tax rate, which Trump wants to lower to 15 percent from 35 percent, and a territorial tax system.

This territorial systemthats a modern, international tax system that allows you to move your profits around, she explained. If you have those two tenets in a good spot that make America competitive, that enable growth and that will also spur investment, I think youve got a good plan.

Some companies have moved their headquarters overseas largely due to the heavy burden of taxes imposed by the U.S. government. For example, in 2014, fast food chain Burger King merged with Canadas Tim Hortons, another fast food chain known for their coffee and donuts, for more than $11 billion and created a joint company called Restaurant Brands International. RBI is headquartered north of the border, where Canadas federal corporate tax rate is 26.5 percent.

Assuming the Trump administration follows through with its plan to reduce the corporate tax rate, Rometty said companies could start bringing money back from overseas.

If you make America one of the most competitive places, thats where the money will come. Its really quite clearthere isnt a mystery about that. So thats why I think this is going to be good, she said.

Bringing back jobs to America has also been a primary goal of Trumps presidency thus far. Rometty said there are millions of jobs available in the U.S., both in the tech industry and others, but Americans dont have contemporary skills to fill the vacancies.

This has been one of the biggest areasworkforce developmentthat we feel strongly, she said. Ive dedicated a lot of time with the administration. Theyre very open to this and to helping on this. I think it is public-private that has to happen to fix education. We have a chance, I think, to fundamentally change the face of skills in our country now.
Many current and soon-to-be retirees still struggling from the Great Financial Crisis have decided to pack their bags and spend their golden years overseas, according to a new survey.

Travel Market Report, an online business publication, reports as many as 3.3 million American Baby Boomers are planning to retire abroad.

According to the Social Security Administrations annual statistical supplement about 350,000 American retirees receive Social Security benefits outside of the United States. The hot spots they have chosen most often include Canada, Japan, Mexico, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Sally Balch Hurme, author of Get the Most Out of Retirement: Checklist for Happiness, Health, Purpose, and Financial Security discussed with FOX Business what you need to know about retiring abroad.

Boomer: How do I find out about health care in another country? Will my Medicare benefit cover me outside of the U.S.?

Hurme: Your Medicare coverage will not be available outside of the United States. Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans other than Plans A and B will cover 80 percent of medically necessary emergencies that you need within the first 60 days you are abroad, with an annual $250 deductible and a lifetime cap of $50,000. Also, if you discontinue your Medicare coverage you may not be able to pick it back up, or you will have to pay significant increases in your premiums based on how many months you did not have coverage. Private insurance is available for international coverage, but be sure you understand any exclusions from coverage. Compare terms and prices among all available expat plans to get the coverage you need and can afford.

Depending on where you locate, if you become a legal resident you may be able to join the public health system or any private health system. Find out the options and requirements at the embassy before you leave. The embassy should have information about availability of care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, as well as treatments for cancer, strokes, heart attacks and dementia.

Boomer: Is it hard to establish residency, and what is the cost of living like in other countries?

Hurme: Each country has its own requirements or restrictions on foreigners who wish to establish residency. It may depend on why you want to come to the country (to work, study, or retire) and how long you plan to stay. Some may welcome foreigners with special retiree visas; others may have restrictions on working or purchasing property. Some countries may require a health examination or criminal background check. You may need a written statement from a financial institution showing that you have a regular source of retirement or investment income. Countries typically require a minimum of $2,000 per person per month, although the amount could be higher or lower, depending on the country. Panama, for example, requires retirees to have an income of $1,000 to receive its Pensionado (Retired) visa. England requires those over the age of 60 who want to live there to have 25,000 annually to obtain an Independent Means Visa.

Other countries have different requirements. If you plan to stay more than 90 days in Germany, you should obtain a residence permit before you leave the United States. Germany requires a bank statement covering the last three months plus proof of medical insurance and a copy of the rental agreement where you will be living to obtain a temporary residence permit. This permit must be renewed annually. Later on during your stay you would apply for a settlement permit, which requires you to demonstrate basic knowledge of the German language, political system, and society, plus other requirements. Check with the embassy for the specifics.

Boomer: Will I need to pay taxes? If so to which country?

Hurme: You will need to pay federal and state income taxes in the United States on U.S.-based income, even while living abroad. You may get credit for the taxes you pay in the other country, but it is complicated. In addition to income taxes, find out what other taxes you may have to pay in the new country, such as property, sales, utilities, or municipal taxes. Be sure to get expert tax advice from a CPA or Enrolled Agent who specializes in international taxation issues.
The past year has been tough on retail stocks, but investors who like dividends and value might have noticed some big yields in this space. In particular, shares of Signet Jewelers Ltd. (NYSE: SIG) have been pounded down to what looks like deep value territory.

Over in the pharmaceutical industry, most stocks have had a fairly good year, with some exceptions. One of the largest players in this space, Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) was battered last summer as a result of disappointing clinical trial results. At recent prices, though, it looks like the market went too far.

Image source: Getty Images.

Are these dividend-paying stocks truly bargains poised to provide plenty of retirement income into the long term? Or are they treacherous value traps to be avoided? Let's look a little closer to find out.

It sparkles, but is it real?

You might not be familiar with Signet Jewelers, but odds are strong that you've encountered a diamond from one of its subsidiaries. Combined sales from the conglomerate's Jay, Jared, and Zales brands make it the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry.

Signet enjoys some extremely durable advantages over its competition. Brand recognition and a reputation for honoring product warranties give the company a degree of pricing power that smaller competitors can't match. On the supply side, the company's immense size gives its diamond sourcing operation a great deal of negotiating leverage.

Since it began paying a dividend about six years ago, Signet Jewelers has been using profits to boost the distribution at a blazing pace. At recent prices, the stock offers a tiny 1.9% yield, but the quarterly payout has risen about 72% over the past three years. The company only used about 14% of earnings to make the last four payments, which gives it plenty of room for further increases.

A growing, well-funded distribution and an ultra-low price of just 9.4 times trailing earnings make this stock look like a terrific value, but I wouldn't call it a bargain just yet. Same-store sales fell 1.9% last year and are expected to slide again this year. Many of Signet's stores are located inside increasingly barren shopping malls, which suggests the downward trend could get much worse.

Combine shifting consumer habits with the company's unwillingness to even admit a discrimination problem ever existed, and this dividend stock looks more like a value trap than a bargain.

An overreaction?

Consumer habits mean very little to Bristol-Myers Squibb, but clinical trial results concerning its lead growth driver are everything. Sales of Opdivo, a groundbreaking cancer therapy that launched at the beginning of 2015, have already rocketed up to a $4.5 billion annualized run rate based on first-quarter results.

The drug's successful launch is largely due to a rapidly expanding addressable patient population. One indication it won't be expanding to, though, is a fairly large group of patients newly diagnosed with the most common form of lung cancer. Last summer, the company announced that Opdivo failed to provide a survival benefit significantly better than standard chemotherapy for these patients.

Image source: Getty Images.

The stock fell hard, and it's still about 26% lower than it was just ahead of the lung cancer trial failure announcement. As a result, Bristol-Myers Squibb shares offer a nice 2.8% yield, and it looks like bigger payments could be on the horizon. First-quarter sales rose 12% over the previous year period, and the company recently raised 2017 earnings expectations from between $2.47 and $2.67 per share to between $2.72 and $2.87 per share.

Although Opdivo might not play as important a role in the lung cancer space as previously hoped, it has racked up eight label expansions since earning its first approval at the end of 2014. It's also not the only product with surging sales in Bristol's oncology lineup. First-quarter sales of Orencia, Sprycel, and Yervoy rose 13%, 14%, and 25%, respectively, to a combined annual run rate of about $4.6 billion. Beyond cancer therapies, Eliquis is a next-generation blood thinner with first-quarter sales that jumped 50% to a $4.4 billion annual run rate.

The average Wall Street analyst expects Bristol's impressive product lineup to drive growth at an annual rate of 11.7% over the next five years.With a nice yield now and double-digit growth ahead, this beaten-up dividend stock looks like a real bargain right now.

10 stocks we like better than Bristol-Myers SquibbWhen 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 Bristol-Myers Squibb wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

Cory Renauer has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Most investors look at high-yield dividend stocks as a source of income. While they certainly provide that, what many investors probably don't know about them is that they're also more likely to outperform the market than their stingier peers and do so with less volatility. It's that lower-risk upside that makes them so appealing to me.

That's why I own several high-yield stocks. However, of that group, three currently stand out as having the greatest probability of delivering market-beating returns from here: Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI), Brookfield Property Partners (NASDAQ: BPY), and Crestwood Equity Partners (NYSE: CEQP), Because they're my highest conviction ideas, I'd buy any one of them right now.

What more could you want?

Not only does natural gas pipeline giant Kinder Morgan currently yield an attractive 4.5%, but that payout is also on an increasingly improving foundation. For starters, the company expects to generate enough cash flow this year to cover its dividend and fund all its growth-focused spending with about $500 million to spare. Meanwhile, it has worked hard to pay down debt, which has driven its leverage ratio below its target level. Therefore, it could soon win a credit rating upgrade.

However, despite all this progress, Kinder Morgan's stock trades at less than 9 times cash flow, which well below the rough average of 11 of its peer group. That discount doesn't make sense to me, which is why I think shares have considerable upside from here. Especially since the company expects to grow its dividend 25% per year in 2019 and 2020, which means it will yield almost 7% in 2020 if shares don't budge. I find that highly unlikely, which is why I'm seriously considering adding to my already large position in the pipeline giant.

Prime real estate for a cheap price

Brookfield Property Partners owns one of the largest real estate portfolios in the world, consisting mainly of high-quality office and retail properties. These assets generate very stable cash flow, which helps support the company's 6.4%-yielding distribution to investors. The company further supports that payout with a rock-solid balance sheet, backed by an investment-grade credit rating and low leverage metrics for a real estate company.

However, as good as that income stream is, what makes Brookfield Property Partners such a compelling buy right now is its valuation. While units of the real estate partnership currently sell for around $20 apiece, the net asset value of its property portfolio is worth $29 per unit. Meanwhile, that value should grow in the coming years because the company believes it can increase its cash flow at an 8% to 11% compound annual growth rate through 2021 because of its development projects and other growth initiatives. That should support 5% to 8% growth in its distribution each year while expanding the net asset value of the company up to between $40 to $47 per unit in five years, according to Brookfield's estimates. That long-term upside is why I'm thinking about adding to my position of this core real estate holding.

Plenty of upside still ahead

Midstream master limited partnership Crestwood Equity Partners has been on fire since I bought it earlier this year, up more than 35% so far. However, even with that gain, units remain undervalued given the growth it has up ahead. Crestwood recently sold for just 8.8 times next year's earnings, which was the second lowest in its peer group and well below the 11.3 average.

Not only does Crestwood have upside as its valuation moves closer to the peer group average, but it has significant earnings growth coming down the pipeline due to the expansion projects it currently has under way. In the company's view, it can grow cash flow per unit at a more than 15% compound annual growth rate through at least 2020. Add that fast-paced growth to Crestwood's high-yielding payout -- which currently yields 6.8% -- and it has the potential to continue delivering market-smashing returns in the coming years. That's why I'm thinking about adding to my position even after the recent run.

High yield and growth for a cheap price

Kinder Morgan, Brookfield Property Partners, and Crestwood Equity Partners are my three highest-conviction high-yield stock ideas at the moment. All three offer excellent income streams that they support with strong financials, they expect to grow cash flow at a healthy pace in the coming years -- which should enable them to increase those payouts -- and they trade at dirt cheap prices. Because of these factors, they all have the potential to generate market-beating returns from here, which is why I wouldn't hesitate to buy any one of them right now.

10 stocks we like better than Kinder MorganWhen 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 quadrupled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Kinder Morgan wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of June 4, 2018

Matthew DiLallo owns shares of Brookfield Property Partners, Crestwood Equity Partners LP, and Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The oil market is in a better place right now than it was a year ago. Thanks to theimpact 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.

Image source: Getty Images.

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.

Image source: Getty Images.

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 EnergyWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Baytex Energy wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
AptarGroup Inc. (NYSE: ATR) announced first-quarter 2017 results on Thursday after the market closed, punctuated by a return to core sales growth thanks to strength in its beauty-and-home and pharma businesses. When all was said and done on Friday, shares of the consumer-packaging specialist climbed almost 2%.

Let's break the seal, then, and have a closer look at what drove AptarGroup's business as it rang in the new year, as well as what we should expect from the company going forward.

Image source: AptarGroup.

AptarGroup results: The raw numbers

Metric Q1 2017 Q1 2016 Year-Over-Year Growth Revenue $601.3 million $582.3 million 3.3% GAAP net income $51.8 million $43.9 million 18% GAAP earnings per diluted share $0.81 $0.67 20.9%

Data source: AptarGroup..

What happened with AptarGroup this quarter?

Adjusting for special items and currency changes, net income climbed 9.5% from comparable earnings of $0.74 per share in last year's first quarter.

Both years' Q1 earnings also included a $0.04-per-share tax benefit not included in previous guidance. Even so, AptarGroup's results would have arrived at the high end of guidance provided last quarter for earnings per share of $0.72 to $0.77.

Revenue by segment included:

3% growth in the beauty-and-home segment, including 1% core sales growth, 3% from acquisitions, and a 1% headwind from foreign currency exchange.

8% growth from pharma, including 10% core sales growth, 1% from acquisitions, and a 3% headwind from currencies.

a 3% decline in the food-and-beverage segment, including a 1% decline in core sales and a 2% headwind from currencies.

AptarGroup continues to invest in connected electronic drug-delivery devices. Notable developments this quarter included:

Receiving the first order for Aptar's eLockout, the first integrated electronic nasal lockout device approved by the European Medicines Agency. This marked a major milestone after a multi-year development process with Takeda Pharmaceuticals .

. Agreeing to acquire a 20% minority stake in Kali Care, which specializes in digital-monitoring systems for ophthalmic medications.

What management had to say

AptarGroup CEO Stephen Tanda stated:

Looking forward

For the current quarter, AptarGroup expects to achieve growth in both its pharma and food-and-beverage segments, while the beauty-and-home segment faces uncertainties primarily surrounding economic growth rates in the U.S. and Brazil.On the bottom line, Aptar group anticipates earnings per share in the second quarter of $0.92 to $0.97, up from comparable adjusted earnings of $0.87 per share in the same year-ago period.

All things considered, this was a strong quarter from AptarGroup as it successfully weathered last year's difficult market conditions. And though similar uncertainties may crop up in the future, with shares up more than 9% so far in 2017 as of this writing, I think investors should be pleased with where AptarGroup stands today.

10 stocks we like better than AptarGroupWhen 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 AptarGroup wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

Steve Symington has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends AptarGroup. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
From online banking to real-time updates on your portfolio, the internet has made it easier than ever to monitor and manage your finances. However, there's a price to pay: Putting your financial information online increases the chances that someone will get a hold of that information and use it against you.

A recent survey by Pew Research Center shows that Americans are not aware of some of the most serious cybersecurity threats they face.While most survey respondents were able to identify a strong password and knew that public WiFi presents a security risk even if password-protected, they were unfamiliar with many other common cybersecurity threats and the tools available to combat them.

Image source: Getty Images.

Multi-factor authentication

Some security-conscious websites offer users the option of multi-factor authentication, typically in the form of two-step authentication. Two-step authentication requires users to both provide a password and prove their identity through something they own, such as a phone. For example, a two-step authentication website might require you to enter a password and also a code texted to your smartphone. Or the website might robo-call you and ask you to punch in a code provided by the website using your phone. Multi-factor authentication provides extra security that will protect you in the event someone steals your password, so it's highly recommended for online financial transactions.

Virtual private networks

A virtual private network, or VPN, creates an encrypted connection between your computer (tablet, smart phone, etc.) and the internet. This makes it much harder for someone who has hacked into the WiFi network you're using to see what you're doing, which helps to protect you from the risks of using potentially unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Of course, it's still best to have both a VPN and a secure network, especially when sharing sensitive data such as your financial information.

"Private"browsing

Many browsers give you the option to open a private or "incognito" window to cruise through the internet. Using private browsing prevents the browser from storing information about your online adventures, including your browsing history. However, everything you do in a private browsing window is still visible to your ISP (or someone who has hacked your ISP). While private browsing can be useful when using a public computer, as it keeps your private information from being stored on that computer, it's still not truly secure.

HTTPS

A website that begins with https:// instead of http:// encrypts any information that you enter into the site. This helps to secure said information from lurking hackers, so it's much safer to stick with HTTPS-enabled sites for any sensitive transactions, especially financial ones. Newsweek reports that as of February 2017, more than half of all Internet traffic is now encrypted thanks to HTTPS-enabled sites.The free browser extension HTTPS Everywherecan help extend this protection further by enhancing the encryption support offered by partly HTTPS-enabled sites.

Maximizing your security online

There is no such thing as being 100% secure online, but if you're careful to always use highly secure passwords, opt into multi-factor authentication when it's available, stick with HTTPS-enabled websites for financial activity, refrain from using public WiFi for sensitive transactions, and generally take sensible precautions, then you can make it much harder for hackers to get a hold of your information. And if you're a more difficult target, hackers are unlikely to waste the time it would take to crack your files when there are so many easy targets around.

The $16,122 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,122 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Companies like Oaktree Capital Group (NYSE: OAK) are known for having messy and complicated financial statements. But one balance sheet line-item known as "net accrued incentives" gives investors a quick proxy for understanding their earnings from quarter to quarter.

In this segment from Industry Focus: Financials, join The Motley Fool's Gaby Lapera and Jordan Wathen as they discuss how to evaluate alternative asset managers, and some items investors should pay attention to.

A full transcript follows the video.

10 stocks we like better than Oaktree CapitalWhen 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 Oaktree Capital wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

This video was recorded on April 24, 2017.

Gaby Lapera: To go back to the original question that was asked by the listener --as you guys have seen, these firmscan be very difficult to understand, because they're investing in a type of asset that is not reallyall that commonplace,so you have to understand a little bit about the assets in order to even decode their balance sheet or income statement. Thesecond part of that question is, there can bedrastic variability in yearly results, and that theprofitability is highly dependent on assets under management. Whenyou're looking at investing in one of these firms, what aresome of the things that you should look for?I think the best way to do this is pick one, since they're allso different from each other, and dig in. We talked about doing Oaktree.

Jordan Wathen:Yeah. The important thing thatyou have to remember when you investin the asset management company is that it's really only as good as its funds are. Anasset manager that runs a bad fund won't be in business very long, especially not charging 1.5% on assets, plus 20% incentive fees. The world doesn't want to invest in an underperforming fund that charges an above-average fee. So,one way to get a really good idea ofhow a business like Oaktree is performing is to look at the balance sheet. Look at net accrued incentives. This reflects how much Oaktree willreceive inincentiveincome from its funds -- basically, fees that it earns forgenerating good performance minus any bonus compensation that it owes its employees as a result of those returns. What you'dreally like to see is this net incentive income, or thisaccrued incentive income, increases over the course of time.

Lapera:Is there ever [a case of] "This has increased too much?"

Wathen:No, there's no such thing as that numberincreasing too much. Ifanything, that would mark something like a cyclical peak. So, if, let's say tomorrow, the debt markets fall out, Oaktree is going to raise tens of billions of dollars and put it to workalmost immediately, andwithin the next couple years, as the economy recovers,you would see that incentive income come up. Then, over time, as those funds are liquidated, they would pay off theirinvestors, and the money would come back to them for generating those superior returns. If anything, you have ebbs and flows in it, but no, there's no suchthing as too much.

Lapera:That'sactually a really good point that you just made. It's a very cyclical business,much like the financial markets at large. But the interesting thing about alternativeasset managers is that they often tend to do well when the market is doing poorly, because they act as hedge funds.

Wathen:Right. Oaktreehas a reputation for being the company thatdoesn't want to attract assets just to attract assets. If Oaktree gives you a call and says, "We're raising a new distressed debt fund," it'sbecause they see opportunities,or they see a world in which they will haveopportunities in the next few years. Because of that, they'reone of the few asset managers that even runs $100 billion or more. But, they'repart of that select group that can really make a phone call and raise $10 billion overnight. I mean thatalmost literally, because they earned thatcredibility with investors, andbecause their returns have been so good over time.

Lapera:Yeah.I think the other thing to look at when you are investing in alternative asset managers is who the management is,because that can make a huge difference. In Oaktree,it's definitely noticeable.

Wathen:Right. They have thiscompany culture that the investor comes first, and the shareholders will be taken care of before that. Actually, if you look at Oaktree's balance sheet, you'll see it has about $6 a share in net accrued incentives that it's earned from these funds, because it calls money when itactually sees good opportunities,not just because it wants to raise a fund and charge more management fees. It'sjust not that kind of business.

Gaby Lapera has no position in any stocks mentioned. Jordan Wathen has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Oaktree Capital. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
One area whereTwitter (NYSE: TWTR) has shown promise is in delivering consistent revenue. The bulk of that revenue comes from advertisers.

Data source: Twitter. Chart by author.

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.

Image source: Twitter.

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 TwitterWhen 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.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

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.
Investing in Weatherford International (NYSE: WFT) has been an exercise in patience for quite some time. Management has been promising that it will return to profitability, become free cash flow positive, and chip away at its onerous debt load. Yet this past quarter went by without much progress on any of these fronts.

One thing that has changed, though, is that the company has elected a new CEO with years of experience at one of Weatherford's largest competitors. There's hope therefore that his time there will work to Weatherford's advantage. Here's a look at what happened this past quarter as well as some of management's plans to get back in investors' good graces.

Image source: Weatherford International.

By the numbers

*IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA.DATA SOURCE: WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL EARNINGS RELEASE.

With oil and gas activity picking back up in North America, this past quarter has been a testing ground for how much exposure the respective oil services companies have to that particular market. Looking at Weatherford's business lines, it's clear that the company does have a decent exposure to this red-hot market, but certainly not enough to make it profitable.

There is a caveat to its North American results, though. The company previously announced it would shut down its pressure pumping operations because of low profitability and that it would contribute those assets to the OneStim joint venture with Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB). Had that equipment been in use, then chances were good that Weatherford's North American business segment would have posted an operational profit.

As for the rest of the world, lower oil prices continue to delay any significant investments. This isn't something unique to Weatherford. Just about every other oil services company has reported a decline in revenue and earnings outside North America.

DATA SOURCE: WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL EARNINGS RELEASE. AUTHOR'S CHART.

Weatherford's management broke out what it considered one-time items, which totaled $130 million for the quarter. It would be great if we could just shrug those off, but the company has taken these "one-time" charges in one form or another for 12 straight quarters. You can only call a charge a one-time event so many times before investors are simply going to consider them part of doing business. Until Weatherford can actually prove that it doesn't need to spend money on restructuring or impairments in a quarter, investors are better off including these charges into an investment thesis and ignoring any reporting that adjusts for these one-time charges.

Another thing that has caused problems for Weatherford in the past has been a lack of free cash flow. This quarter was no different. The company's operations burned through $179 million in cash, a large portion of which is related to servicing its debts. Despite needing to source outside cash to meet its spending needs for the quarter, it remains in compliance with all debt covenants.

What management had to say

Mark McCollum made his inaugural statement as the CEO of Weatherford. His press release sounded very much like those of his former employer, Halliburton, where he talked a lot about execution and efficiency. McCollum did note that investor patience has been running thin as of late and that he wants to restore trust in the company.

What a Fool believes

McCollum has a big job ahead of him to improve and strengthen the balance sheet. As he mentioned, doing so will involve making operations free cash flow positive, which means making its existing operations more cost-effective. Basically, it will involve even deeper cost-cutting than has already taken place at the beleaguered oil services company.

So far, though, it does look like Weatherford is making the right moves. The OneStim joint venture with Schlumberger should help make what is typically a low-margin business -- pressure pumping -- into a more comprehensive, higher-margin service that better utilizes the assets of both companies. Moves like this and a return to higher levels of oil and gas activity outside of North America will likely need to happen before Weatherford can deliver on its promises. So until we see these happen in earnest, it's probably best to wait and see if Weatherford can pull it off.

10 stocks we like better than Weatherford InternationalWhen 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 Weatherford International wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

Tyler Crowe has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The members of the Peshmerga infantry of Kurdistan, Iraq, have been called "reliable allies"and "tough fighters"in the battle against ISIS. Some analysts go so far as to call them "the West's toughest and most reliable bulwark against ISIS in Iraq." And you know what they say -- when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping. (At least I think that's how the saying goes.)

This time, the Peshmerga are doing their shopping at the Pentagon.

Kurdistan went on a shopping spree at the Pentagon last week. Image source: Getty Images.

How much for the uparmored shopping cart?

Last week, in a little-noticed development,the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) informed Congress of a planned sale of $295.6 million worth of military hardware to the Kurdish Peshmerga in Iraq. While Congress has yet to approve the sale, to date, there has never been an instance in which a pending foreign military sale, notified by the DSCA to Congress, has been rejected by the latter. Ever.

That bodes very well for the current arms deal for Kurdistan's chances of going through. And what will the Kurds be buying from us, you ask? Kurdistan has put together a pretty impressive shopping list for its Peshmerga. Here's a quick sampling:

4,400 M16A4 automatic rifles.

186 M240B light machine guns.

46 M2 50 caliber heavy machine guns.

36 refurbished M119A2 105mm howitzers.

36 M1151 HMMWVs ("Humvees").

77 M1151 up-armored Humvees.

An unspecified number of mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs), light and medium tactical vehicles, ambulances, and trucks.

Loads and loads of body armor, helmets, radios, mortars, and small arms.

Cui bono?

As you can see, that's a pretty long list of hardware -- and it's coming from a lot of different suppliers. DSCA didn't name any single company to act as principal contractor on this sale, but it did name a few of the suppliers that will fill the Peshmerga's order. Among them:

Privately held AM General -- the Army's sole supplier of Humvees.

Privately held Colt Corporation -- recently emerged from bankruptcy court, and raring to make rifles again.

Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK) -- a supplier of MRAPs and trucks.

(NYSE: OSK) -- a supplier of MRAPs and trucks. Navistar (NYSE: NAV) -- also MRAPs.

(NYSE: NAV) -- also MRAPs. Harris Corp. (NYSE: HRS) -- radios.

Cui... is paying?

As for the contractors' counterparty, DSCA notes that "the Republic of Iraq" will be the customer on this arms deal, but all of the equipment is going to Iraq's autonomous region of Kurdistan. There, the Kurds will use the hardware to "fully outfit two full Peshmerga Regional Brigades of light infantry, as well as ... two artillery battalions that will ultimately provide support to those regional brigades," and, hopefully, "to degrade and defeat the Islamic State."

This is the first time DSCA has ever notified Congress of such an arms deal, whereby the Iraqi government buys equipment specifically for the benefit of the Kurdish Peshmerga. But it may not be the last.

Kurdish infantry brigades number 5,000 troops at full strength. Times two brigades being outfitted, plus perhaps a couple of thousand men in the two artillery battalions, one would think this implies a need for at least 12,000 rifles, plus other equipment, to fully outfit the Peshmerga units described in the DSCA notification. Yet for example, only 4,400 M16s are included in this order.

The conclusion: Kurdistan may soon need to return to the Pentagon with another request for more weapons.And the longer the war against ISIS drags on, the more military hardware the U.S. defense contractors can expect to sell to the Peshmerga, and to Iraq.

With DSCA data already showing more than $8.8 billion worth of U.S. military hardware sold to Iraq from 2011 through 2015, the most recent year for which we have data, the arms business is still booming in the Middle East.

10 stocks we like better than Oshkosh CorporationWhen 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 Oshkosh Corporation wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

Rich Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A Washington state congresswoman said Sunday she is optimistic that health care reform will move forward very quickly, as conversations among her constituents continue to increase.

Were having the important member-to-member conversations, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., told Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures. It is our priority to move a health care bill out of the House and rescue people from what is a failing law. ObamaCare, although well-intentioned, we continue to see premiums go up, the copays, the deductibleswe need to be providing the American people a better health care future, and that is our goal as we continue the conversations.

Rodgers, who serves as the Republican Conference chair, also discussed tax reform and economics, saying her goal is to make sure the tax package is budget neutral.

The reason that it's important is it gives the certainty beyond a 10-year budget window, she explained. I believe it is important that we give people and businesses the certainty beyond this 10-year budget window. And the way we do that is by getting to budget neutrality so that those rates stay in place beyond the 10-year window.
Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, said Sunday that the Dodd-Frank legislation should go away due to negative effects on Americans.

They said it would end too big to fail, but codified it into law ... and then puts taxpayer bailout behind it. They said it would stabilize our financial system ... but big banks are bigger, the small banks are fewer. They said it would help the consumer, but instead, since Dodd-Frank, we've seen free checking cut in half, bank fees go up. Many working people find it far more difficult and expensive to get a mortgage, he said during an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures.

The bottom line is: Dodd-Frank has failed, he added.

Hensarling also advocates for a lower corporate tax rate. The Texas congressman said the No. 1 reason why jobs go overseas is due to high corporate taxes. Currently, the U.S. federal corporate tax rate is 35 percent, one of the highest in the world.

It's not the cheap labor, not that that doesn't play some role. But its this very difficult and high rates of taxation on our business enterprises. That's got to stop in order to make America competitive again and, frankly, to make America great again, he said.
This weekends leak of the upcoming fifth season of Netflixs Orange Is the New Black may turn out to be Hollywoods biggest breach since the Sony hack in 2014. But security experts arent surprised by the incident, even as details about it still emerge. Thats because many have been warning of weak security at third-party vendors for years.

Third-party vendors have been a problem for a long time and will continue to be in the future, said PwC principal Mark Lobel during an interview with Variety Saturday. Lobel declined to specifically comment on this weekends Netflix leak, which appears to be based on a security breach at Larson Studios, an audio post-production company that has also been working on shows like Fargo, Designated Survivor and NCIS Los Angeles. But he argued that security for third-party vendors continues to be a weak link for Hollywood.

The big Hollywood studios in particular have put a lot of efforts into improving their security after the Sony hack, which saw hackers likely associated with North Korea breach the companys networks and release over 170,000 emails as well as 30,000 internal documents  many of which later were published on Wikileaks.

The studios have raised the bar significantly in the last two, three years, agreed Lobel. But those same multi-billion-dollar media companies continue to work with a huge network of third-party vendors, which are increasingly spread all across the globe.

Visual effects, subtitles, color grading, audio post-production and many other specialized tasks are routinely outsourced to other companies. Some of them are sizable players of their own, but others just have a dozen or fewer employees. Studios may audit the security of these vendors, but even the best audit only provides a snapshot of a single point in time, and doesnt guarantee that an employee at one of those vendors wont fall for a phishing scam the following week.

Whats more, security threats continuously evolve, forcing the Hollywood to catch up. This is a game of chess with no kings, said Lobel. Studios and their security teams can try to adapt to new threats, but small shops with a handful of employees may eventually slip up. The third-party vendor has to be good all the time, the hacker only needs to be lucky once, said Lobel. It does not surprise me to see someone target a third-party vendor.

In many ways, breaches like the one that now targeted Netflix and Larson Studios almost seem inevitable. Which begs the question: What should a company do when the worst has happened? The hackers who released Orange Is the New Black claimed they did so only after Netflix didnt pay their ransom demands, and may be threatening ABC, Fox, IFC and NatGeo with similar demands.

There is no right answer to the question whether its right for the companies to pay ransom, said Lobel. On the one hand, giving in to such demands could obviously encourage further threats and finance criminals. But Lobel also acknowledged that companies targeted by ransom demands often do pay because they decide that not paying may be catastrophic to their bottom line.

In the end, Hollywood may be best advised to take this latest scare as a warning to not only improve security in-house, but also at third-party vendors  even if that means paying a bit more. Said Lobel: Security controls are necessary overhead, but still overhead.
College-aged millennials today are far more likely than the general population to be religiously unaffiliated. This is true when they are compared to previous generations as well.

In fact, the Pew Research Center documents that millennials are the least outwardly religious American generation, where one in four are unaffiliated with any religion, far more than the share of older adults when they were ages 18 to 29.

Just over 60 percent of millennials say that Christianity is judgmental, and 64 percent say that anti-gay best describes most churches today.

In ministry circles, it has long been reported that of youth raised in homes that were to some degree Christian, roughly three-quarters will jettison that faith after high school. Just under half of this number will return to some level of church involvement in their late 20s or early 30s.



It has long been recognized that experience with an earthly father deeply informs the perspective about the heavenly father. In How the West Really Lost God, sociologist Mary Eberstadt correctly asserts, The fortunes of religion rise or fall with the state of the family.

Why is this? Our most recent research, which includes dozens of interviews with teens, twentysomethings, professed ex-Christians, and religion and culture experts, points to factors like these:

1. Mindset of digital natives is very much separate from other generations. Millennials are eclectic on all frontseconomically, spiritually, artistically. There is little or no brand loyalty in most areas of life.



2. Breakdown of the family. It has long been recognized that experience with an earthly father deeply informs the perspective about the heavenly father. In How the West Really Lost God, sociologist Mary Eberstadt correctly asserts, The fortunes of religion rise or fall with the state of the family.

3. Militant secularism: Embraced by media and enforced in schools, secular education approaches learning through the lens of methodological naturalism. It is presupposed that all faith claims are merely expressions of subjective preference. The only true truths are claims that are divorced from any supernatural context and impose no moral obligations on human behavior. People today are subjected to an enforced secularism.



4. Lack of spiritual authenticity among adults. Many youth have had no -- or very limited -- exposure to adult role models who know what they believe, why they believe it, and are committed to consistently living it out.



5. The churchs cultural influence has diminished. The little neighborhood church is often assumed to be irrelevant, and there is no cultural guilt anymore for those who abandon involvement.

6. Pervasive cultural abandonment of morality. The idea of objective moral truthethical norms that really are binding on all peopleis unknown to most and is rejected by the rest.

7. Intellectual skepticism. College students are encouraged to accept platitudes like life is about asking questions, not about dogmatic answers. Is that the answer? That there are no answers? Claiming to have answers is viewed as impolite. On lifes ultimate questions, it is much more socially acceptable to suspend judgment.



8. The rise of a fad called atheism. Full of self-congratulatory swagger and blasphemous bravado, pop-level atheists such as the late Christopher Hitchens (whom I interviewed twice) made it cool to be a non-believer. Many millennials, though mostly 20-something Caucasian males, are enamored by books and blogs run by God-hating thinkers.



9. Our new God: Tolerance be Thy name. Tolerance today essentially means, Because my truth is, well, my truth, no one may ever question any behavior or belief I hold. This standard has become so ingrained that it is now impossible to rationally critique any belief or behavior without a backlash of criticism.



10. The commonly defiant posture of young adulthood. As we leave adolescence and morph into adulthood, we all can be susceptible to an inflated sense of our own intelligence and giftedness. During the late teens and early 20s, many young people feel 10 feet tall and bulletproof. I did. The cultural trend toward rejection of Godand other loci of authorityresonates strongly with the desire for autonomy felt in young adulthood.

Finally, is it really any wonder that kids raised in the churches of 21st century America arent often stirred to lifelong commitment? Most churches are so occupied with marketing themselves to prospective attendees that they wouldnt dream of risking their brand by speaking tough-as-nails truth.

For evangelical youth mentored by many a hip and zany Minister to Students, commitment to Jesus lasts about as long as the time it takes to wash the stains out of T-shirts worn at the senior-year paintball retreat.

It is true that our culture has grown visibly antithetical to God and Christian commitment. But in addressing the spiritual attrition rate of young America, it must be admitted that a prayerless, powerless church peddling versions of Christianity Lite share in the blame. God only knows the degree of our complicity, and also the time when well be concerned enough to change direction.
It was a night to remember -- unfortunately. The moment of journalisms greatest embarrassment kept its standing as a night the media love, but the nation finds creepy. This year, it needed help from foul-mouthed anti-Trumper Samantha Bee and the press itself to do it.

Journalists who campaigned against President Trump both before and after the election questioned the need for the White House Correspondents Dinner this year. Trump helped burn the script by refusing to attend and TBS theoretical comedian held a counter event the elite flocked to. NBC said Bees Not The White House Correspondents Dinner upstaged the traditional event.

That was easy. Nerd prom, as it is called inside the Beltway, became a minor event on its own night. It headlined two ancient news icons who helped take down a president more than 40 years ago. The comic host devoted most of his stand-up to attacking the president, who was elsewhere and making a series of Nazi, Holocaust and N-word jokes that were more hate than humor.

Journalists and Hollywood listened to the buzz and chose to see Bees harder-edged attack on the president and his supporters. Guardian columnist Lucia Graves correctly characterized the Samantha Bee event as a fancy protest, but it's still very much a protest.

Trump took a different tactic, holding a campaign-style event in Pennsylvania that let the media have it with both barrels. The presidents special assistant Cliff Sims emphasized the contrast. While the DC elite don their black ties and ballgowns, @POTUS will be with the People in Penn. Vice President Mike Pence started it off to a roaring crowd telling them, America is back.

Trump slapped the media hard, as always: A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now, said Trump, with huge crowd support. He noted that the D.C. event was without the president to large cheers. When he mentioned the media covering his rally, the crowd booed them.

Trump continued to slam the media. Media outlets like MSNBC and CNN are fake news. He gave journalists a harsh assessment. Lets rate the medias 100 days because, as you know, they are in disgrace. He added, The media deserves a very big, fat failing grade.

The Correspondents Dinner had become an embarrassment -- an event the media obsessed about. Top journalists rubbed elbows with actors and actresses, major donors and prominent politicians -- the very people they are supposed to report on the rest of the year.

ABC News said it was, typically one of Washingtons hottest events, like thats a good thing. It even involved a red carpet photo spot just like Hollywood award shows. This year, CBS resident cartoonist Liza Donnelly was live-drawing the event and Politico ran a White House Correspondents Dinner party guide. The Hill cautioned about the 2017 dinner and its weirdness factor. Where was that comment every other year?

The war between the press and Trump meant several press figures wanted to either skip the dinner or cancel it entirely. Washington Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan was one who wanted it over, saying it was time to stick a silver-plated fork in it. Bear in mind, Trump had even been booed by the press at the event way back in 2011. Now that he won, it was time to cancel the event in the eyes of the neutral press.

Trumps absence took the air out of the annual event that had always included jokes at both the presidents and medias expense. Bee seized on it to hold a publicly anti-Trump event that was, allegedly, pro-free press -- dirty words and all. It drew a star-studded crowd, including Alysia Reiner of Orange Is the New Black, Retta of Parks and Recreation and Matt Walsh of Veep according to NBC. They were joined by numerous CNN staffers such as Don Lemon, Jake Tapper, Dana Bash, Jim Acosta and Brianna Keilar. Add to it, political types like Valerie Jarrett, and Black Lives Matter spokesman Deray McKesson. The after party featured Elvis Costello.

It was exactly the kind of event ordinary Americans despise.

Bees party for the press featured comedian Will Ferrell, who appeared as George W. Bush, mocking Trump, of course. For the longest time I was considered the worst president of all time  that has changed, Ferrell told an applauding audience, according to Hollywood Reporter. 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.

Bee showed how Democrats and journalists (occasionally those arent the same) cant get over Hillary Clinton losing. Vulture.com wrote up her concluding segment: 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. As part of tying the left and the press closer, the events swag bag included free press T-shirts.

All this came at a very bad time for journalists -- after years of layoffs and declining status. Now, journalism is unpopular as a profession and with the public. Broadcaster is the second worst job of the year, and newspaper reporter takes the top spot, according to Career Cast.

A recent poll doesnt make it look any brighter in the eyes of the audience. In the new poll, roughly half (51 percent) of Americans said the national political media is out of touch with everyday Americans, compared with 28 percent who said it understand the issues everyday Americans are facing, according to the Morning Consult.

D.C.s elite journalists, outfitted in the nights fancy dresses and black-tie outfits, seemed a throwback to yesteryear when they controlled the levers of American society.

A Dinner Conservatives Had A Hard Time Swallowing

Journalists long loved the Correspondents Dinner. It gave them a chance to celebrate Democratic presidents and openly attack Republican ones. That was before 2017. The Trump-era news media dont hide their contempt for conservatives. The previous comedy lineup was usually openly hostile to the right -- Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers and Larry Wilmore, for example.

This year was worse. The Hollywood Reporter even had a comedy writer create a phony speech for Trump had he attended the event. Danny Zuker, a writer-producer on ABC's comedy Modern Family, uncovered the remarks that might have been if POTUS hadn't decided to sit this one out.

He joked about The failing New York Times, a record for attendance, launching missiles into Iraq or Syria and making fun of Trumps marriage. You're monsters. You're worse than ISIS. Sean Spicer says you're worse than Hitler. Kill yourselves, he concluded as Trump.

This years dinner was in the identical vein. It featured the pair of journalists who took down a previous Republican president -- Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein -- an unsubtle statement by the supposedly neutral press. It included a video clip from actor Alec Baldwin impersonating Trump, telling them to Keep up the good work. And The Daily Shows Hasan Minhaj was the comic relief -- yet another wild, left-wing voice.

Minhaj opened up joking about the series finale of the White House Correspondents Dinner. We gotta address the elephant whos not in this room, he is in Pennsylvania because he can't take a joke. He then proceeded to work his way through the administration (House Slytherin) underlining why Republicans should consider whether to ever attend in the future.

He went after Trump (Russia jokes, tan jokes, the Orange Man behind the Muslim ban), Betsy DeVos (rich joke), Steve Bannon (Nazi joke), Rick Perry (IQ joke), Mike Pence (afraid of women joke), Jeff Sessions (Confederate joke, N-word joke), Sean Spicer (Holocaust joke) and Fox News (Bill OReilly jokes that got applause, Jesse Watters jokes, Muslim jokes).

He made some other press jokes with USA Today, MSNBC and CNN all targets to more softball mockery. Then he went on a riff comparing journalists to minorities. He was periodically serious, Do I come up here and try to fit in? Not ruffle any feathers? Or do I say how I really feel? He did, endlessly bashing the administration while claiming he was asked not to do so.

Minhaj made his mark during the Radio Television Correspondents Association Dinner with an incredible comment: What we saw in Orlando was one of the ugliest cocktails of the problems that we still see here in America, a cocktail of homophobia, xenophobia, lack of access to mental health care, and sheer lack of political will....Is this what you [Congress] want your legacy to be?...That you were complicit in the deaths of thousands of Americans?

He followed the equally liberal Larry Wilmore who hosted in 2016. Yet journalists pretended they were surprised Trump didnt attend.

Nevertheless, White House Correspondents Association President Jeff Mason shouted into the wilderness at this years event: We are not fake news. We are not failing news organizations. And we are not the enemy of the American people.

The 35 percent of Americans who are conservative have their doubts.

An Anti-Trump Event The Media Love

Samantha Bee has become one of the popular faces of what liberals call The Resistance to Trump. Her show is a weekly tirade against all things Trump. And that has become the foundation for her celebrity.

Hollywood lined up to promote her event or to attend. Fellow TBS comedian Conan O'Brien pumped it up as a Bee vs. Trump gathering. Tomorrow on TBS, @realDonaldTrump faces his greatest nightmare: a funny female immigrant with a brain.

He oversold Bee a bit. Her humor is often filled with jokes about the female anatomy. Bee, whose schtick is a trashy anti-Trumpism, advertised the event with this: Tonights episode is a repeat so we can care for our vaginas, but dont forget to tune in to #NotTheWHCD on Saturday! Naturally, Hollywood and DC media love her.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, with nearly nine months left in his term and record-low approval ratings, on Sunday expressed no big regrets about his two terms in office.

Every career will have some regrets. You dont do everything 100-percent right, but you learn, the Republican governor told Fox News Americas News Headquarters. I have no big regrets about whats happened in my career.

In the latest Quinnipiac poll, Christie has a 76 percent disapproval rating. He is ineligible to run again because of state term limits, making New Jersey an open seat battleground for the governors race in November. The New Jersey governorship had traditionally been held by Democrats prior to Christies eight-year stint. However, his low approval ratings appear to have Democrats optimistic about snagging the seat.

At least six Democratic candidates have already purportedly filed to run in the contest.

Controversy has surrounded the governor since 2013 when the Bridgegate scandal broke. Christie was never charged, but two of his former aides are in prison for the scheme in which they tried to punish a town mayor who refused to endorse Christie.

The scandal appears to have irreversibly damaged Christie's reputation. The backlash tainted his 2016 bid for the presidency and many speculate a possible job in President Trump's administration.

Christie has publically supported the president, endorsing him after withdrawing from the presidential race. The governor rallied support for Trump on the campaign trail, which led many to believe he wanted to be selected as the presidents running mate. After falling short, the president gave him the advisory role of chairman of the Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission. Christie also led Trump's transition team before Vice President Pence took charge.
Hasan Minhaj, of Comedy Centrals The Daily Show, ended the White House Correspondents Dinner Saturday night by blasting President Trump in a night that mostly focused on the First Amendment.

"We've got to address the elephant that's not in the room," Minhaj said. "The leader of our country is not here. And that's because he lives in Moscow. It's a very long flight. As for the other guy, I think he's in Pennsylvania because he can't take a joke."

Trumps tweeting habits and his administration were not off limits in Minhajs final speech of the night.

Jeff Sessions couldnt be here tonight Minhaj said. He was busy doing a pre-Civil War re-enactment.

Minhaj took a turn at lecturing journalists who were seated for the dinner and told them that Donald Trump doesnt care about free speech.

"We're living in this strange time where trust is more important than truth, Minhaj said.

He said later in the age of Trump, I know that you guys have to be more perfect now than ever. Because you are how he gets his news.

Aside from Minhajs jokes, speakers, including reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, promoted freedom and responsibility and challenged Trumps accusations of dishonest reporting.

"Like politicians and presidents sometimes, perhaps too frequently, we make mistakes and go too far," Woodward said. "When that happens we should own up to it. But the effort today to get this best obtainable version of the truth is largely made in good faith. Mr. President, the media is not 'fake news.'"

Trump became the first president since Ronald Reagan in 1981 to skip the event.

Instead, the president held a rally in Harrisburg, Pa. to celebrate his first 100 days in office. Trump told rally-goers that he was happy he was not in Washington.

"A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's capital right now," Trump said. He added: "And I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washington's swamp, spending my evening with all of you and with a much, much larger crowd and much better people, right?"

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Florida Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is retiring from Congress, Fox News learned Sunday.

Ros-Lehtinen has been a House member since 1989 and will not seek re-election next year. She is a former chairwoman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The Congresswoman explained her decision in an interview with The Miami Herald on Sunday. She called it "a personal decision based on personal considerations."

"The most difficult challenge is not to simply keep winning elections; but rather the more difficult challenge is to not let the ability to win define my seasons."



Ros-Lehtinens congressional district will be a battleground in 2018. Democrat Hillary Clinton won it over Donald Trump by 20 percentage points, and Ros-Lehtinen was able to win it by 10 percentage points.

She said she's confident that she would be re-elected if she chose to run again.



"I will not allow my season in elected office be extended beyond my personal view of its season, simply because I have a continuing ability to win. We all know, or should know, that winning isn't everything. My seasons are defined, instead, by seeking out new challenges, being there as our grandchildren grow up, interacting with and influencing public issues in new and exciting ways."

Ros-Lehtinen is considered a moderate Republican, who has not supported House Republican leaderships recent ObamaCare overhaul plans and is not a strong supporter of President Trump.

Born in Havana, she is well-known for being a fierce critic of Cuban politics. The late Fidel Castro nicknamed her "la loba feroz" or "the big bad she-wolf."



For years, Ros-Lehtinen represented the Florida Keys, including gay-friendly Key West, and advocated for LGBTQ rights. Eventually, her transgender son, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, made his way into the public spotlight. Last year, he and his parents recorded a bilingual public-service TV campaign to urge Hispanics to support transgender youth.

In her remaining 20 months in Congress, Ros-Lehtinen said she will keep pushing for one of her long-running goals for Germany to offer restitution to Holocaust victims.



"And I will continue to stand up to tyrants and dictators all over the world," she told The Miami Herald. "I take that as a badge of honor, when they blast me and don't let me in their countries."



News of her retirement swept through Florida political circles.



Not only is @RosLehtinen a tireless advocate for freedom & human rights - she is my friend. Florida will miss her. https://t.co/oTxaUyD6Os  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2017

Congresswoman @RosLehtinen has fought hard for FL families throughout her service in D.C. Her strong leadership will be greatly missed!  Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) April 30, 2017

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee used her announcement to criticize her party. "It's been clear for years that the Republican party was out of step with the values of Miami families, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's retirement announcement is testament to the fact she recognized how wide that gap had grown."

"Illeana Ros-Lehtinen is simply a force of nature, said Ohio GOP Rep. Steve Stivers, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, which helps get party members elected and re-elected to the House. She represented her South Florida district well and she will be dearly missed in Washington. I wish her and her family the best."

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., called her a "trailblazer."



"She's been a relentless advocate for human rights, and a powerful voice on the need to address the dangerous Iranian regime, defend allies like Israel, and so much more," he wrote. "Ileana's retirement is well-deserved, but I'm glad we are not losing her yet. We've got important work to do for the American people over the next year and a half, and I know Ileana will continue to play a leading role."

Ros-Lehtinen currently chairs the subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and sits on the intelligence committee.



Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this story.
National Security Adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster said Sunday that the U.S. will indeed pay for the roughly $1 billion THAAD missile defense system in South Korea, amid neighboring North Koreas repeated ballistic test launches.

"What I told our South Korean counterpart is until any renegotiation, that the deals in place, well adhere to our word," McMaster told Fox News Sunday.

He spoke days after President Trump said South Korea should pay for the anti-missile system and hours after Seoul said that McMaster had assured its chief national security officer, Kim Kwan-jin, about the deal.

The last thing I would ever do is contradict the president of the United States, McMaster also told Fox News. And thats not what it was. What the president has asked us to do, is to look across all of our alliances and to have appropriate burden sharing-responsibility sharing. Were looking at that with our great ally South Korea, were looking at that with NATO.

Trump said Thursday that he wanted Seoul to pay for the THAAD deployment, which immediately raised questions about the relationship between the two nations.

South Korea said it was Washingtons cost to bear under the bilateral agreement.

McMaster has said that recent statements by Trump were made in a general context, in line with the U.S. public expectations on defense cost burden-sharing with allies," Seoul said in a statement.

The anti-missile system is set to be operational soon. Major elements of the system were being moved last week into Seonjgu, in the southern part of South Korea.

The United States and South Korea contend that the battery is only to guard against North Korean missiles, despite concerns expressed in China.

North Korea attempted to launch another ballistic missile early Saturday, but it appeared to have failed. The test drew international condemnation.

This story is based in part on wire service reports.
Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to President Trump, will soon accept a position outside the White House, two sources told The Washington Examiner on Sunday.

Gorka's new role will deal with the "war of ideas" involved in countering radical Islamic extremism and will entail an appointment to a federal agency, , a senior administration official said.

Gorka has served for months on the Strategic Initiatives Group, an internal organization within the White House, and as a national security adviser. His exit from the White House comes amid increased speculation that a reported lack of a security clearance prevented him from fully performing in his job.

But a source told the Washington Examiner that Gorka's role in SIG was always meant to be temporary and suggested he had been placed there while administration officials created a terrorism-related position for him elsewhere in the government. An official said Gorka has been in a "holding pattern" while he waited for the position, which will not be at the State Department, to be established.

A spokesman for the National Security Council said he did not "personally know" the details about Gorka's move.

Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner
U.S. President Trump has invited Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte to Washington to "to discuss the importance of the the United States-Philippines alliance," the White House said late Saturday.

The administration's statement did not mention a timetable for a possible visit by Duterte, who has been criticized by human rights groups for presiding over extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users as part of Manila's drug war. However, Trump and Duterte are expected to meet in November at the East Asia Summit and the U.S.-ASEAN Summit.

Trump's chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said Sunday the friendlier ties are needed due to the military threat posed by North Korea.

"The purpose of this call is all about North Korea," Priebus told ABC's "This Week." "It doesn't mean that human rights don't matter."

Duterte has taken a friendlier attitude toward Trump than he had toward President Barack Obama, who he once asked to "go to hell" for criticizing the Philippine leader's bloody anti-drug crackdown. During Obama's final months in office, the Philippine president moved to build closer economic ties with China and Russia while repeatedly threatening to end his nation's longstanding military alliance with the U.S.

Duterte's apparent dislike for Obama began when the U.S. State Department expressed concern over his drug war  which has left thousands of suspects dead  and asked Philippine government officials to take steps to stop extrajudicial killings.

At one point Duterte suggested he may even move to abrogate a 2014 defense agreement that allows U.S. military access to five Philippine military camps.

He has walked back most of those threats but has proceeded with his efforts to align closer with China.

On Sunday, three Chinese navy ships, including a guided-missile destroyer and a guided-missile frigate, were welcomed in Davao city, Duterte's southern hometown, by officials, including presidential daughter and city Mayor Sarah Duterte, military officials said.

Asked if the rare Chinese naval visits were a sign that Duterte was backing away from Washington, Department of National Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong said: "We are not veering away from the U.S. but rather we are expanding our relations with our fellow nations in the global community."

Philippine presidential spokesman Ernie Abella said without elaborating that concern over North Korea came up in Trump's talk with Duterte.

Priebus indicated that the issue was Trump's primary concern, citing a North Korean threat "so serious" that it will require cooperation from Asian countries in the region. "So if something does happen in North Korea, ... we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area," he said.

Duterte suggested in a news conference Saturday that the Trump administration should back away from an intensifying standoff with North Korea, not in surrender, but to avoid risking a nuclear holocaust that could smother Asia.

"It would be good for America to just restrain a little bit and if I were President Trump, I'll just back out, not really in surrender and retreat, but just to let the guy realize that, 'Ah, please do not do it,'" Duterte said.

Washington, he said, should not play into provocations of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"It behooves upon America, who wields the biggest stick, just to really be prudent and patient. We know that we are playing with somebody who relishes letting go of his missiles and everything," Duterte said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
SpaceX was forced to cancel the planned launch Sunday of a Falcon 9 rocket due to a sensor issue, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

The launch was scrubbed less than a minute before liftoff and a new launch is planned for Monday at 7 a.m. at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

The Falcon 9, according to the paper, will send one of its launch vehicles into space from the Space Coast and it will be carrying a spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

The launch will be the first time SpaceX is doing business with the U.S. Department of Defense, which has previously worked exclusively with United Launch Alliance, a SpaceX competitor.

The SpaceX launch is big industry news, as it signals a competitive bidding process on national security contracts.

This satellite was going to launch from Florida anyway, Space Floridas chief of strategic alliances Dale Ketcham said previously. But it reflects more competition. That will drive down prices and could result in it being cheaper to get into space, meaning more launches. Competition is a good thing.

Its a very big deal, Justin Karl, program coordinator of Commercial Space Operations at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told the Sentinel. For government orbital launches, there are very few flight provider options. That is a huge segment of a changing market they have potentially captured.
A federal judge in Pennsylvania is keeping alive a lawsuit by nonbelievers who want to be allowed to give invocations at the start of state House sessions.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Conner ruled Friday the case will continue on the claim that the practice violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution's First Amendment, prohibiting the establishment of religion by the government.

The judge says that part of the lawsuit argues the policy favors believers in God over nonbelievers and excessively entangles the House in religious judgment.

He dismissed portions of the case that alleged violations of people's right to free speech, free exercise of religion and equal protection under the law.

A spokesman for the House majority Republicans says the practices began 335 years ago and they believe they're constitutional.
Authorities in the San Francisco Bay Area say officers shot and killed a man who got out of his car on a major highway and began firing at them.

KRON-TV reported Saturday (http://bit.ly/2qjpElF ) that three California Highway Patrol officers fired at the man, killing him on the scene.

The shooting happened Friday evening in San Mateo on Highway 101.

Officials say it began with the report of a traffic collision involving two cars.

Authorities say the man was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured.

An investigation into the shooting shut down the busy highway for several hours.

The man's identity was not immediately released. The shooting remains under investigation.

___

Information from: KRON-TV.
A prosecutor in Houston this week dismissed a murder charge against an Ohio man for a 1979 slaying in a city and state where he said he had never set foot until his extradition there last summer.

Leon Dudley, 69, of South Euclid, and his attorney argued to authorities from the beginning that they had the wrong man.

We looked at the evidence and it was ridiculous, said attorney Catherine Samaan. There was no doubt.

Cold case investigators had Dudley arrested in Ohio last June based on his Social Security number, which had been stolen along with his identity years before.

A spokesman for the Harris County District Attorneys Office acknowledged on Saturday that police got it wrong and that a man with a similar name and birthdate to Dudleys was initially identified as the suspect. Charges were dismissed on Wednesday.

While the Social Security number might have matched, nothing else did, district attorney spokesman Dane Schiller said. Dudley has none of the features identified by witnesses to the shooting that wounded another man. Dudley is not heavy set, isnt right-handed, and doesnt have a distinctive scar on his face, Schiller said. The case was reexamined after a new district attorney took office in January, he said.

It appeared on further, recent investigation that Mr. Dudley, who had been with his wife in Ohio for over 43 years, never visited Texas until he was arrested last year, Schiller said.

It may have taken so long to clear Dudley because police needed to find witnesses from a 35-year-old murder, Samaan said, adding: It should have been dismissed within a week.

A message was left on Saturday with Houston police. Its unclear if they are looking for a different suspect.

Whats incontrovertible is that someone opened fire into a crowd during an argument in Houston in November 1979, killing 23-year-old Stephan Chambers and wounding 25-year-old Charles Philleo. Dudley also was charged with attempted murder. He has been free on bond since his initial court appearance last year, and wasnt in Texas when his charges were dismissed officially.

A Houston police news release last June said suspect Leon Dudley left town on a bus after being charged.

Dudleys wife, Bonnie, told The Associated Press on Saturday that they had just returned from a Washington, D.C. , vacation when a deputy U.S. Marshal came to their home to arrest him last June. She said her husband endured stays in the South Euclid and Cuyahoga County jails and a 12-day van and bus trip from Cleveland to Houston, where he was quickly freed on bond.

Bonnie Dudley said her husband is the last person you would think would murder someone.

Hes kind and generous and will help anyone who asks, she said.

Dudley sank to his knees and prayed when he learned on Wednesday that charges had been dismissed, his wife said.

Its one for the books, Bonnie Dudley said. Were really glad that its over.
A missing 9-year-old boy has been found dead in western Arkansas, authorities said Saturday, His 2-year-old sister was found dead Friday.

Officials found Reilly Scarbroughs body in a heavily wooded area near Hatfield, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

The toddler, Acelynn Wester, was found in the woods near Cove.

Authorities said the body of the childrens mother, 43-year-old Bethany Jo Wester, was found in a creek Tuesday near where her daughter was found. On Thursday, the body of the boy's great-uncle, 66-year-old Steven Payne, was found in Hatfield, Fox 16 reported.

Authorities said they found Reilly with the help of Westers boyfriend Brian Bliss Travis. He has been jailed in Polk County on unrelated charges.

Travis is a suspect in the four murders.

Causes of the deaths for Reilly and the others have not been released.

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.
North Dakota police say they are investigating a menacing report involving a creepy clown and a man with a snake.

Fargo police responded to an apartment building Saturday evening in response to a report the pair were scaring several children, WDAZ-TV reported.

Authorities say the snake was a boa constrictor about 3-to-4-feet-long, the station reported.

MASKED CLOWN, WEREWOLF ROB FLORIDA CONVENIENCE STORE

Police interviewed the clown and his alleged cohort and they could face a felony charge of terrorizing, according to the station.

The clown had a knife, KVLY-TV reported, citing a witness.

The witness said the two men approached the children, asked if they wanted to see a dead body and threatened to kill them, the station reported.

The witness told the station the kids ran home and the two men went back to their apartment in another building.
Authorities in Maryland suspended the ground search for escaped prisoner David Watson on Saturday as the hunt for the convict extended to a second day.

Police in Howard County scoured the area around Clifton T. Perkins Hospital in Jessup with bloodhounds, K-9 units and helicopters with heat-seeking technology, but to no avail. There were no indications that Watson was even in the area and there have been no sightings, Fox 5 DC reported.

The search for Watson remains active. Howard County police are searching for him with help from the U.S. Marshals Service and Maryland State Police. Authorities in Wicomico County and Delaware are also assisting.

Watson, who is currently serving over 100 years in prison after being convicted of attempted murder in Delaware, is also facing additional attempted murder charges in Wicomico County. Police said those charges are for repeated incidents involving police officers.

Authorities said Watson was being brought to the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center for a mental evaluation. When police arrived, authorities said Watson managed to push the guards aside and flee into the nearby woods. Police said handcuffs and a waist chain were found near where Watson escaped and some articles of clothing were found in the woods, but it was unclear if they belonged to Watson.

Police do not believe Watson is armed and there is no indication as to whether his brazen escape was planned prior to the hospital trip or if it was an impulsive move.

Watson is described as a white male who is 5-feet 8-inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. Police released photos of Watson that shows EVIL tattooed on the back of his neck and 187 on his left arm.

A $5,000 reward has been offered for information of his whereabouts, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Click for more from Fox 5 DC.
next Image 1 of 3

prev next Image 2 of 3

prev Image 3 of 3

Workers making preparations for Saturday's Kentucky Derby worry that anti-immigrant fervor in Washington could cause many of them to be deported.

Trainers on the backside of Churchill Downs say there's a shortage of qualified workers to clean stalls, bathe horses and cool them down after workouts. They fear that a Trump administration crackdown on immigration will be a calamity both for racetracks and many of the workers.

One man has kept working even though his visa expired a couple years ago. If he wasn't working with racehorses, he says he probably would be working in avocado fields in Mexico.

Many workers at the track work legally under the H-2B visa program, but it has limited slots. The crunch has worsened since a "returning worker" exemption expired last September. Congress has not re-authorized the exemption.
Security footage of a gun point robbery at a Kansas City Jimmy John's has gone viral with millions of views. The employee stands completely calm with a gun in his face while everyone was wondering, what was going through his mind?

Tuker Murray says he was working behind the cash register when a man walked in asking what type of cheese they had, then pulled out a gun. Murray spoke with BBC in a Skye interview.

"I just looked at it then looked back at him, he told me to open the drawer quietly, he whispered it to me," Murray recalled

"I just stared at him and he said it again, open the drawer quietly. I still just stared at him. Then he put it in my face, and told me to open the (bleep) drawer. I didn`t want to give it to him, but my manager was behind me and was like, 'we`ll give it to you, we`ll give it to you,'" he continued.

Suspect Terry K. Rayford was on parole in Missouri for another armed robbery, and is accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a federal offense. Court documents say that he told investigators he was committing robberies to pay his crack cocaine supplier, whom he owed money to. He added that he had considered violating his parole so he could complete his sentence, saying that parole conditions were hard to follow.

Murray said Rayford wanted every last bit of what was in the register.

"I gave it all to him, and there was a dollar still sitting on there, and he said give me all of it! I picked up the till and tried to give it to him. I was actually surprised that the detective told me today that he did a whole bunch of robberies, because it was amateur hour," Murray said.

After Kansas City police tweeted Friday morning that the suspect was in custody, Jimmy John's responded with their well known slogan saying: "Wow freaky fast capture, KC police are rockstars!"

Rayford faces up 10 years in a federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

Click for more from Fox 4 KC.
Police in Southern California have arrested a man and a woman in connection with a shooting at a hotel that may be connected to a series of attacks in the Los Angeles suburbs Saturday that killed one man and injured three other people.

The rampage began at around 2:15 p.m. local time Saturday when police say two people  at least one of them armed  forced a woman from her green SUV in Pico Rivera, a community southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

At approximately 4 p.m., authorities began receiving reports of a man and woman shooting at pedestrians from the car. The shootings were reported in three suburban communities  Pico Rivera, La Mirada, and Whittier.

Fox 11 reported that the deceased shooting victim was identified as Jose Sahagun, 33, of Norwalk, Calif. Sahagun was shot in La Mirada at around 4 p.m. and was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where he was pronounced dead. The conditions of the other victims were not immediately available.

"It doesn't appear they were target-specific or gang related," Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Deputy Ryan Rouzan said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

It's unclear what the shooting victims were doing when they were shot, something Rouzan said would be revealed in the ongoing investigation.

Investigators later recovered the unoccupied SUV at a park in Whittier a taround 6:30 p.m. The woman's condition was unknown, but Rouzan said she had not been shot.

Fox 11 reported that the man and woman were arrested at a hotel in Whittier approximately two hours later. Sgt. Mike Ellis of the Whittier Police Department told the Los Angeles Times the suspects were found with a gun in a different stolen vehicle. Ellis added that at least one of the suspects had gunshot wounds, which he said were not inflicted by law enforcement.

The suspects were arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto. The investigation is ongoing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from KTTV.
The Department of Wildlife Resources chased down and killed a roaming cougar in downtown Salt Lake City early Saturday morning.

Sgt. Ray Loken of the DWR said the mountain lion was shot before 4 a.m. near the Smith's Ballpark, but reports of the animal came in as early as 4 p.m. on Friday in Glendale near 1130 West and 1300 South.

Amber Hobbs, 16, is the one who spotted the cougar and alerted her parents to call police. She and her brother, Nathan, said they were shocked at what they saw.

"They didn't believe us," Nathan said of his parents. "It took them a little while to call the cops."

Amber added: "We ran around our house for, like, 10 minutes trying to decide if it was real or not 'cause they thought we were lying."

To have a cougar travel so far with only a few sightings is not uncommon, since cougars travel at night, Loken said. However, he said it is highly unusual for a cougar to get as far into an urban area as this animal did.

The 90-pound cougar was a juvenile and probably got turned around while it was looking for a new territory, Loken said.

Ultimately, the cougar had to be killed because it was dark when it was spotted, according to DWR.

"If it was daylight hours we would do everything we could to get the animal tranquilized and removed for the animal's safety, but after dark, we do not tranquilize," Loken said.

Loken said that policy is a matter of public safety.

"Normally we wouldn't want to have to do that, but it's late at night, we're in a very populated area, there are people walking around," he said. "Safety was the utmost concern for the public. If we were unable to find it and somebody had come out and tried to pick up their paper or just do whatever and run into it, there could be some serious consequences."

Read more from FOX 13 Salt Lake City.
The workers at a restaurant who were accused of singing an anti-cop rap song in front of officers didn't sing it, a North Carolina police chief said Wednesday.

Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown issued a statement saying neither the workers nor the manager at a Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q in Raleigh sang the N.W.A rap song "F--- tha Police" in front of officers as they ate on April 28. News outlets initially reported a post on the Raleigh Police Protective Association's Facebook page last Friday related the incident.

Deck-Brown said two officers did witness a worker make eye contact with them and then mouth the words. She said no other workers were involved, and no one else saw it. She said her department, the restaurant and the entire community "were victims of misinformation and misunderstanding."

Mark O'Mara, an attorney representing one of the restaurant's co-owners, told a news conference that the account that circulated on social media resulted from the offended officer telling a colleague, who then sent a Twitter feed that turned into an email blast and ultimately showed up on the association's Facebook page.

"There was no singing. There was no banging on anything and there were no other employees involved," O'Mara said. "Nobody else in the store, employees or customers, noticed or witnessed any of it."

Surveillance video from four different angles shows the officers initially waiting to place an order. The video, provided by O'Mara, showed customers walking through the dining room and workers in the kitchen and at the counter going about their respective tasks. None of the workers appears to be singing as was initially indicated on social media.

A second, 25-minute video shows the officers sitting in a corner of the dining room being served their meal as other patrons sat nearby. A social media post suggested the singing workers forced the officers to leave before they could finish eating.

According to O'Mara, the officers finished their meal and spoke with a manager about what they said they saw. Eventually, the officers reached the co-owner of the restaurant and, after a conversation between them and the worker, the manager apologized and the worker resigned. By then, word was already out and was being embellished, O'Mara said.

"They got it resolved that day, but it had already caught fire," O'Mara said.

Rick Armstrong, vice president of the Raleigh Police Protective Association, took issue with the chief's statement, specifically that while the obscenity may not have been sung, it was stated. Armstrong said the officers didn't want the incident to get out, but someone in the department spread the word.

People began calling for a boycott of Smithfield after word of the incident, but Armstrong said he would like to work with the restaurant manager to resolve the fallout.

"I'd like to reach out to the owner about the harm it's done to his business," Armstrong said. "We don't believe there should be a boycott. I would encourage my fellow officers to eat at Smithfield."
A severe storm system bringing flash flooding and tornadoes pushed east Sunday after leaving a trail of destruction across East Texas, killing at least four people there and injuring dozens more, officials said.

The line of storms in Texas that spawned tornadoes were among several in parts of the South and Midwest that brought strong winds, thunderstorms and torrential rain, killing a total of at least six people in three states over the weekend.

In Arkansas, a 65-year-old woman was killed when a tree was blown into her home Saturday in De Witt. Police told FOX 16 the woman was lying on her couch when the tree collapsed into her home.

Numerous water rescues have been reported Sunday across Little Rock, FOX 16 reported.

In Missouri, a 72-year-old woman drowned despite her husband's efforts to save her as their vehicle was swept away by rushing waters after heavy rains caused flooding.

In Texas, search teams were going door to door Sunday, a day after storms cut a path of destruction 35 miles long and 15 miles wide in Van Zandt County, Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said. The largely rural area is about 50 miles east of Dallas.

"It is heartbreaking and upsetting to say the least," Everett said at news conference Sunday morning.

The storms flipped pickup trucks at a Dodge dealership in Canton and tore through the business.

Everett said authorities had confirmed four deaths in the area, down from the five deaths reported earlier, but cautioned that "it is a very fluid situation and that could change."

Searchers were using dogs to determine whether "anyone is trapped and needs help, or worse," she said.

Fifty-six people were treated at three hospitals and six remained hospitalized Sunday morning, two of them in critical condition, ETMC Regional Health Care Systems spokeswoman Rebecca Berkley said.

Officials urged people to stay away from the area. Rescue workers were dealing with gas leaks and downed power lines and trees, said Judge Don Kirkpatrick, the county's chief executive.

"It's a very dangerous situation out there," Kirkpatrick said.

The National Weather Service confirmed at least three tornadoes swept through parts of three counties, with two of the twisters tracking nearly the entire south-to-north length of Van Zandt County.

The first reports of tornadoes came about 4:45 p.m. Saturday, but emergency crews were hampered by continuing severe weather, Kirkpatrick said.

"We'd be out there working and get a report of another tornado on the ground," he said.

Oncor, the electric utility that serves the area, reported more than 4,500 customers were without power late Sunday morning. Everett said about 30 crews from around Texas were arriving to restore electricity. Five major transmission towers were toppled and some were difficult to reach. Cellphone service was described as "spotty."

Canton is known throughout Texas and neighboring states for its First Monday Trading Days, a monthly flea market that draws thousands of people and goes back 150 years. Everett said the grounds of the market were spared from serious damage, although power lines and trees were down.

In Missouri and Arkansas, some roads remained closed Sunday because of flooding. Missouri reported nearly 100 evacuations and three dozen rescues Saturday. In Arkansas, utilities said tens of thousands of customers were without power.

Read more from FOX 4 News.

Read more from FOX 16.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Two people are wanted by police after crashing a stolen vehicle into the side of a home on Mary L Road, and then taking off Saturday afternoon.

Clearwater police and Clearwater Fire & Rescue came to the home where a Jeep slammed into a parked van and then went through the wall of one of the home's bedrooms.

Police say the driver, a woman, lost control of the Jeep and careened onto the property of Pastor Christopher Bennett. It then hit Bennetts van, which was parked at the corner of the house, and went through the home's outer wall, landing on Bennetts bed.

Bennett told FOX 13 News he was cleaning out the van he had just purchased when he heard the Jeeps tires squeal. He tried to jump out of the way, but was partially pinned by the Jeep and debris from the crash.

I thank God for it and think for a moment I could have been gone, Pastor Bennett said.

He says by the time he realized what was going on, the people in the car had run off. Bennett said he thinks they were teens.

That's the part that bothered me that they didn't have the heart to even think about, was I alive or dead? Bennett said. They just took off and that bothered me more than anything else. That all they wanted to do was get away and they didn't care.

Read more from FOX 13 News.
next Image 1 of 3

prev next Image 2 of 3

prev Image 3 of 3

The parents of Madeleine McCann, the 3-year-old British girl who vanished during a family vacation to Portugal in 2007, say they are still hopeful they will one day be reunited with their daughter as they mark the 10th anniversary of her disappearance.

In an interview with the British press released Sunday, the McCanns said they felt encouraged by the "real progress" that British police have made in the case in the past five years. Scotland Yard said last week that, a decade later, detectives are still pursuing "critical" leads to trace Madeleine, who disappeared from a vacation home in Portugal's Algarve region on the night of May 3, 2007. Her parents had gone out to a tapas bar nearby after putting her and her twin siblings to bed.

Despite an investigation costing more than 11 million pounds ($14 million) so far, police said there was no "definitive evidence" on whether Madeleine  who would be almost 14 now  is alive or dead. The toddler was abducted from the apartment, they said, but how and why it happened is still largely a mystery.

One theory that police say has not been ruled out is a "burglary gone wrong."

Gerry McCann, 48, acknowledged it was "devastating" not to have found her, but added: "No parent is going to give up on their child, unless they know for certain their child is dead. And we just don't have any evidence."

His wife, Kate, agreed.

"My hope for Madeleine being out there is no less than it was almost 10 years ago," she said. "I never thought we'd still be in this situation, so far along the line. It's a huge amount of time ... it's a hard marker of time."

The case has sparked global interest partly because of the McCanns' campaign to publicize their case in an attempt to find Madeleine. The couple also said they planned to challenge a court ruling that cleared a former Portuguese detective of breaching libel laws after he published a book alleging they were involved in Madeleine's disappearance.

Asked how the family was coping, the McCanns said that, like other families who have suffered tragedies, they are trying to move on and focus on their 12-year-old twins.

"You adapt and you have a new normality," Gerry McCann said. "At some point you've got to realize that time is not frozen."

His wife said she still buys Madeleine birthday and Christmas presents every year.

"I obviously have to think about what age she is and something that, whenever we find her, will still be appropriate. So there's a lot of thought goes into it," she said. "But I couldn't not, you know. She's still our daughter, she'll always be our daughter."
Pope Francis repeated on Saturday that some migrant holding centers in Europe amount to "concentration camps," even after Jewish groups urged him to stop using the loaded term.

A German reporter asked Francis if he had made a linguistic slip when he first made the remarks last week, adding that they had been met with shock in Germany. Speaking en route home from Egypt, Francis appeared to not appreciate the controversy, saying that there are some refugee holding centers where migrants are penned in and prevented from leaving.

He said: "There are refugee camps that are true concentration camps."

The American Jewish Committee sharply criticized the remarks and urged Francis to use a different choice of words.

In a statement last week, AJC said that while the conditions in some migrant centers might be difficult "The Nazis and their allies erected and used concentration camps for slave labor and the extermination of millions of people during World War II. There is no comparison to the magnitude of that tragedy."
Western diplomats in Macedonia have issued a joint statement condemning the attack on the country's parliament Thursday night.

"An attack on a state institution which is at the heart of democracy is an attack on democracy itself," says the statement by the heads of the European Union delegation, the U.S. Embassy, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe mission and the NATO liaison office in Macedonia.

Months of political tensions boiled over Thursday night over disagreements about the election of a new parliament speaker.

The Western diplomats express concern that authorities failed to prevent the attack and did not provide the necessary security to parliament members and journalists present.

More than 100 people were injured, most of them protesters. Police officers and about a dozen lawmakers also were injured.
The Iranian founder of a Middle Eastern satellite television network accused of spreading Western culture was shot dead in Istanbul alongside a Kuwaiti business partner, Turkeys Hurriyet newspaper reported on Sunday.

Gunmen opened fire on Saeed Karimian, chairman of GEM TV, after cutting off his car with an SUV in Istanbul late Saturday night.

Karimian reportedly died immediately after the masked gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, while his business partner died later in a hospital.

Police later found the SUV abandoned and burned, the newspaper said.

GEM TV, which dubs foreign and Western shows into Persian and broadcasts them into Iran, had been criticized by Iran for showing programs which go against Islamic values.

Karimians company was established initially in London, but later expanded to Dubai. According to the groups website, it has 17 Persian-language channels, plus one each in Kurdish, Azeri and Arabic.

According to The Associated Press, Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency, considered to be close to the countrys hard-line paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, described GEM as an opposition network.

While satellite television is popular in Iran, owning a satellite dish is illegal. Police and security forces occasionally smash dishes and seize receivers as authorities routinely denounce the Western pop culture shown on satellite channels as decadent and un-Islamic.

Karimian, 45, previously had been tried in absentia by a Tehran court and sentenced to six years in prison for spreading propaganda against Iran and the Islamic Republic.

Family members told the BBCs Jiyar Gol that Karimian had been threatened by the regime the past three months, and as a result was planning to leave Istanbul and move back to London.

However, sources within the Turkish government have suggested the killing may be related to business and gangs, according to the BBC.

Tasnim news agency also reported that both Karimian and his father had ties to the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq. That Iranian exile group, known by the initials MEK, sided with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.

In a statement, the MEK denied the Iranian claims that Karimian and his father had links to the group. The MEK blamed the Revolutionary Guard for the killings, noting they were carried out on the eve of a day honoring the Guard. It offered no other evidence to support the assertion.

The Associated Press and BBC contributed to this report.
Cops have revealed Islamist extremists plan to launch at least two new terror attacks in London in the wake of two foiled attacks in the capital last week.

Officers are reportedly staking out suspects involved in the active plots  which are believed to be inspired by ISIS or Al Qaeda.

Sources told the Sunday Times it is understood the plotters are not connected to the events of Thursday, when armed police swooped on an alleged knifeman in Westminster and also arrested six people in raids linked to a family home in Willesden, northwest London.

There are another two plots being closely watched, a senior anti-terrorism official told the paper.

It was also reported that a woman in her 20s who was shot during the raid is pregnant.

Sid Ali, a neighbour living opposite the flat, said: She is pregnant. You can see it [the baby bump] when shes wearing the full [burqa].

She 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.

Ruth Haile, who lives in the road, said she later saw an injured woman being treated and shouting: Dont touch me, my body, dont touch my dress.

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.

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.

Terror police are continuing to question seven people, including a suspected knifeman arrested in the heart of Westminster, held after separate operations in London.

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.

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 the Willesden address.

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.

This story originally appeared in The Sun.
next Image 1 of 3

prev next Image 2 of 3

prev Image 3 of 3

Pope Francis has appealed to leaders of Venezuela's government and society to avoid any more violence as he cited the mounting number of dead, injured and prisoners.

Francis told faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square Sunday that, united in sorrow with the families of victims, he was making a heartfelt appeal to "the government and all the components of the Venezuelan society so that every further form of violence is avoided, human rights are respected and negotiated solutions are sought."

He said Venezuelans were worn out from the grave "humanitarian, social, political and economic crises" afflicting the country.

Francis prayed for "peace, reconciliation and democracy" for that "beloved" nation.

Venezuelans are demanding elections and the release of political prisoners. Nearly daily clashes have claimed at least 28 lives and hundreds injured.
A Turkish newspaper is reporting that the Iranian founder of a Farsi-language satellite television network has been shot dead in Istanbul along with a Kuwaiti business partner.

The shooting death late Saturday of Saeed Karimian of GEM TV comes after an Iranian court reportedly sentenced him to prison in March for making "propaganda" against the country.

Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper reported Karimian was shot dead after an SUV blocked off his car and those inside opened fire. The newspaper says the SUV was later found abandoned and burned.

Phone numbers for GEM rang unanswered Sunday.

The private Dogan news agency identified the dead Kuwaiti by the initials M.M. Kuwait's state-run KUNA news agency, quoting the consul general in Istanbul, confirmed a Kuwaiti citizen was gunned down, without elaborating.
Germany's Welt newspaper reports that a Swiss man arrested for espionage Friday in Frankfurt may have been spying on German tax officials.

German prosecutors said the 54-year-old man, identified only as Daniel M. because of German privacy rules, was "suspected of working for the intelligence agency of a foreign power since the start of 2012," but declined to say which country was allegedly involved.

The Welt newspaper reported Sunday that man had been sent to Germany by Switzerland's NDB intelligence agency to identify German tax investigators involved in the purchase of confidential Swiss bank client data.

Germany has in the past bought the names of Swiss banking clients to determine if they were cheating on their taxes.

An NDB spokeswoman, Carolina Bohren, declined to comment, citing "the ongoing case."
Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy
UPDATE Sunday 3:45 pm: In a nod to our very changeable weather this spring the Storm Prediction Center has increased its estimate of severe weather for Monday afternoon. Fredericksburg is now in a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe weather Monday. High winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes could impact northern Virginia tomorrow afternoon. Stay weather aware!

=========================================

Summer-like heat and humidity will hold on through Monday.

Abnormally hot and sticky conditions will hang tough in Fredericksburg until a cold front scours out the mess late Monday. Following Saturdays highs of 91, 89, and 90 (at Shannon Airport, Stafford Regional Airport, and the UMW weather station respectively) temperatures will climb to the upper 80s this Sunday afternoon. Dew points will range from the upper 60s to the low 70s, very August-like levels.

The graphic illustrates why meteorologists prefer to use dew point as a measure of humidity rather than the familiar relative humidity. At a temperature of 95 degrees and a dew point of 74 each representative box of air holds much more water vapor (blue shading) than it does at 55 degrees with a dew point of 37. And we know from miserable experience that the former feels much stickier than the latter despite the fact that both conditions mean 50% relative humidity.

Even though the heat and humidity are "sticking" around (pun intended) storms will continue to be scarce today in the Fredericksburg area. There is no lifting mechanism  a trigger - to initiate convection so very few scattered thunderstorms will occur east of the mountains. That will change Monday with the approach of such a trigger, a cold front moving across the Appalachians into Virginia.

Thus after a foggy start Mondays forecast includes more clouds than today with temperatures topping out in the low 80s. Thunderstorm chances will increase after 4 pm with the front due through Fredericksburg likely after dark. There could be some strong cells with gusty winds, heavy rain, and lightning but at the moment there is no expectation of severe stuff in the Burg.

However, its always prudent to remain weather aware so keep an eye on the sky tomorrow afternoon. Paying attention to media sources including NOAA weather radio would be a good idea. And, as always, If Thunder Roars Go Indoors.
Of all the information available on the importance of dental carebecause studies show problems in the mouth can lead to serious medical issues throughout the bodyone statement about tooth-brushing seems particularly sad.

Mary Foley Hintermann, executive director of the Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic in Orange County, was talking about the range of people who need affordable dental care. Children were high on her list because, even though kids on Medicaid are entitled to dental treatment, there are few dentists in the region who will accept the federalstate health insurance coverage for low-income people.

Thats why the clinic sends pediatric dentists to 26 schools in the Piedmont region, including Culpeper and Orange counties, to conduct oral exams. As staff members talk to children, they learn all kinds of things about their dental-hygiene habits.

We were saddened to learn how many were sharing toothbrushes, Hintermann said, because their parents cant use benefits, such as food stamps, to purchase toothpaste, brushes and floss.

As a result, the clinic gives students goody bags filled with those items during the school visits.

Various medical studies, including a recent report by the Surgeon General, show a clear link between chronic oral infections and severe health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Those with periodontal disease are up to two times more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and nearly three times more like to have a stroke, according to Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General.

But there are plenty of people who dont see a dentist regularly, according to local officials. A big reason is cost, because much of the expense of cleanings and fillings, crowns and bridges, comes out of the individuals pocket.

While many businesses offer their employees health coverage, dental coverage can be as rare as hens teeth. Unless military veterans have been prisoners of war or are 100-percent disabled or homeless, they dont get dental benefits. Neither do senior citizens with Medicare.

And treatment can be hard to find for those on Medicaid because that insurance reimburses only 47 cents for each dollar of provided services, Hintermann said.

Access to affordable dental care is just huge, she added.

There are several clinics in the Fredericksburg region that provide dental services at reduced prices for those who meet income qualifications. One is the Community Health Center of the Rappahannock Region, and its one of several local practices funded by Central Virginia Health Services, a non-profit community health center.

People pay on a sliding scale, based on their income. A basic dental visit at the Community Health Center could cost as little as $15 for those with the lowest income, said Chastity Withrow, practice manager.

But the center currently has 400 people on a waiting list. Appointments for new patients are booked through November, she said.

We definitely see that theres a huge need in the area for discounted dental services, Withrow said. We would love to have another dentist, but we just cant afford to pay another dentist.

Some private practices have stepped up to help. The Fredericksburg Smile Center had its 11th annual Smiles With a Heart event on Friday, when dentists and staff members cleaned, pulled and filled teeth for free.

In this area, unfortunately, we do have a poverty problem, Meredith Knight, officer manager, said about the need for the free once-a-year services. In some cases, there were adults who had never been to the dentist in their lives.

Some patients have gotten in line at the center in Gateway Village at midnight, hours before the 7 a.m. office opening, to secure their place, Knight said.

The staff at Neibauer Dental Care in Falmouth probably will see the same turnout on Saturday during its free dentistry day. Between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., dentists and hygienists will provide a patients choice of a free cleaning, filling or extraction. Patients will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at the office, 11 Smoke House Drive, Suite 115. More information is available by calling 540/899-7751.

We understand that many people in our community and across the nation havent been to the dentist for a long period of time, said Dr. Nazie Starnes. Some dont understand the importance of dental health, but more often than not, they dont have the financial means.

At the Lloyd Moss Free Clinic, the number of dental visits almost doubled from 2015 to 2016and the facility is on track to increase numbers even more this year, said Karen Dulaney, executive director. Instead of limiting its dental clinic to two weeknights, it provides dental services up to four days or nights a week, she said.

The clinic serves uninsured and low-income adults ages 19 to 64. It restructured its schedule in recent years, to give both patients and dentists who volunteer their services more chances for appointments.

The clinic also gets help from Germanna Community College students working to become dental assistants. They come to the clinic with a staff dentist from Germanna and treat patients.

Dulaney hopes the combination of increased times and services will help more people avoid an aching, nagging toothacheand a decline in their overall health.

The two are very intertwined, she said, but a lot of people dont realize that.
At the end of any trip, a friend always asks me, Well, what was the highlight?

So whats the most enduring memory from our 2017 Spring Southern Trip?

Id have to say it was the four adult river otters we nearly stumbled over at the end of a boardwalk in the Okefenokee Swamp early one morning.

Otters, normally secretive and speedy, arelike many other swamp specieshard to see because they know you are approaching long before you know they are there. Hence, they are long gone.

Think about this, there are hundreds of bears in the swamp, yet we have failed to see one; there are thousands of snakes in that reptilian paradise, but in more than 15 trips to the Okey I have never seen one, much less had one drop out of a tree into my canoe (one of the enduring myths of the swamp).

Alligators? Theyre another story altogether. Anyone who spends a few hours anywhere in that place would be seriously deficient if they failed to rack up at least several sightings of these enormous Jurassic throwbacks.

One day this year, cruising slowly down Billys Lake in the western Okey, I saw one the largest Id ever seen, probably 12 feet or more in length. That morning in a shallow side canal I had seen four youngsters less than a fourth that length. These little guys hang around shadowy, shallow areas mostly in self-defense from their monstrous elders, who will consume them if they cant find more desirable prey, so Ive read.

Some places you see and enjoy the big-ticket items but would never need to go back. The Okey isnt one of those. It was this years big draw for our gang of 15 friends who just couldnt resist the lure of the far Southeastern Georgia wilderness once more.

Ive lost count how many times we have been there, hiked its few trails, scouted its birds and wildlife, ogled and taken innumerable photos of its prehistoric-looking alligators and done dozens of other cool things.

About the only thing we havent done in the Great Swamp is flown over it and dived into it because the former is illegal and the latter downright stupid.

After three days in the swamp, we moved to Fort McAllister Historic Park, near Richmond Hill, not far from Savannah.

Fort McAllister is a quite a change from Stephen Foster State Park on the west side of Okefenokee, some 20 miles from the Fargo. In 21st century terms: Stephen Foster has zero cell service or Wi-Fi. Yep, comfortable digs, great cabins, but you actually have to entertain yourselves with no more than a landline phone and TV. At the Richmond Hill park? Five bars on my phone. Imagine the email downloads coming out of Fargo!

Fort McAllister is a Civil War history hot spot. Its earthwork fort survived seven frontal attacks from the sea side by Union naval forces. But Union Gen. William T. Sherman eventually overran the position from its more vulnerable land side.

But most interesting to many of us was the little Richmond Hill history museum. There, we ran into Hub Hubbard, who proves once more that anything can be fascinating with the right person presenting it. In a word, Hubbard, a retired Special Forces instructor, was a one-man fount on the fascinating life of Henry Ford.

Ford and his wife, Clara, chose the coastal community, once a mosquito-ridden backwater near Savannah, to build their winter home in the 1920s. In doing so, Ford, then one of the worlds richest men, developed Richmond Hill into a contemporary Georgia town full of educational and economic opportunities for its residents. All this in what wasfor the timean equal-opportunity manner.

Hubbard took us through the collections, explaining each and its ties to the Michigan industrialist who fundamentally altered life in the little town and in the county around it. While the Fords also had a winter home in Florida, their impact on that community could scarcely match that of the small town on Georgias Great Ogeechee River.

The handsome Greek Revival home the Fords built in Richmond Hill remains hidden from view (except from the Ogeechee River). It is privately owned and not open to the public. A modest Henry Ford refused to allow residents of the town to rename it in his honor.

Paul Sullivan of Spotsylvania County, a former Free LanceStar reporter, is a freelance writer. Email him at pbsullivan22@gmail.com.
A local artists work will be featured on the Stafford County Armed Services Memorial.

When Jason Breidenbach responded to a call for artists last fall to create an image for the black granite wall that will serve as the focal point of the memorial, he had doubts about whether he was the man for the job. He had never created art for laser etching.

But those doubts faded away as soon as he put his paintbrush to canvas.

His final work depicts several figures representing each major conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present. In the center, an old veteran is depicted hand-in-hand with a young man who represents future generations serving in the U.S. armed forces.

I wanted something to not only represent veterans from all times, but also a design that was meaningful so that it would have the right amount of impact in addition to being a nice picture, Breidenbach explained.

The idea for the Stafford Armed Services Memorial was inspired by a young marine, Sgt. Donald Lamar, from Stafford who was killed while serving in Afghanistan. The memorial honors all of those who served or are serving in the military as well as their families.

We wanted something very special for the black granite wall, reminiscent of the etched wall at the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., Daniel Chichester, chairman of the Armed Services Memorial Working Group , said in a statement. Mr. Breidenbachs design surpassed our expectations. He did a marvelous job of encompassing the breadth of experiences of those who have chosen to put their country first.

The call for artists issued by the Stafford Armed Services Memorial Commission and Working Group required artists to incorporate all five branches of the military and their families from the inception of the country to the present. They were asked to include a diversity of services, time, eras and demographics.

The art submission also needed to include the following quote from George Washington:

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.

Several members of the commission and working group are veterans, so the quote really hit home for them, said county spokesperson Shannon Howell.

The quote also resonated with Breidenbach, and inspired his depiction of the veteran grabbing the hand of the young man.

He is receiving encouragement from modern personnel to follow in their footsteps, Breidenbach explained. I thought that would be fitting with the quote from George Washington.

Breidenbach is no stranger to the military. He joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school. After completing basic training and airborne school, he was stationed for several years at Fort Myer in Arlington.

While he paints a variety of things, military history inspires most of Breidenbachs art. As an artist and graphic designer since 2005, he has developed graphics and digital media for many companies and government agencies.

One of the most valuable aspects of his work is sharing the stories of veterans through art, he explained. Breidenbach takes the things these veterans have seenand that now exist only as memories in their mindsand turns them into pictures.

I have always really enjoyed meeting veterans and getting their stories and turning those stories into art, he said. There is no better way for people to experience what that particular veteran experienced.

The dedication of the memorial is scheduled for July 15 at 10 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
ALL who cherish free expression, especially on campuses, must combat the growing zeal for censorship.

Where are the faculty? American college students are increasingly resorting to brute force, and sometimes criminal violence, to shut down ideas that they dont like.

Yet when such travesties occur, the faculty are, with few exceptions, missing in action, though they have themselves been given the extraordinary privilege of tenure to protect their own liberty of thought and speech. It is time for them to take their heads out of the sand.

I was the target of such silencing tactics two days in a row earlier this month, the more serious incident at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif., and a less virulent one at UCLA.

Claremont McKenna had invited me to meet with students and to give a talk about my book, The War on Cops, on April 6. Several calls went out on Facebook to shut down this notorious white supremacist fascist Heather Mac Donald. A Facebook post from we, students of color at the Claremont Colleges announced grandiosely that as a community, we CANNOT and WILL NOT allow fascism to have a platform. We stand against all forms of oppression and we refuse to have Mac Donald speak.

A Facebook event titled Shut Down Anti-Black Fascist Heather Mac Donald and hosted by Shut Down Anti-Black Fascists encouraged students to protest the event because Mac Donald condemns (the) Black Lives Matter movement, supports racist police officers and supports increasing fascist law and order. 

When I arrived on campus, I was shuttled to what was in effect a safe house: a guest suite for campus visitors, with blinds drawn. I could hear the growing crowds chanting and drumming, but I could not see the auditorium that the protesters were surrounding. One female voice rose above the chants with particularly shrill hysteria. From the balcony, I saw a petite blonde walk by, her face covered by a Palestinian head scarf and carrying an amplifier on her back for her bullhorn.

Just before 6 p.m., I was fetched by an administrator and a few police officers to take an out-of-the-way elevator into CMCs Athenaeum. The massive hall, where I was supposed to meet with students for dinner before my talk, was emptythe mob, by then numbering close to 300, had succeeded in preventing anyone from entering. The large plate-glass windows were covered with translucent blinds, so that from the inside one could only see a mass of indistinct bodies pounding on the windows.

The administration had decided that I would live-stream my speech in the vacant room in order to preserve some semblance of the original plan. The podium was moved away from a window so that, as night fell and the lights inside came on, I would not be visible to the agitators outside.

I completed my speech to the accompaniment of chants and banging on the windows. I was able to take two questions from students via live-streaming. But by then, the administrators and police officers in the room, who had spent my talk nervously staring at the windows, decided that things were growing too unruly outside to continue. I was given the cue that the presentation was over. Walkie-talkies were used to coordinate my exit from the Athenaeums kitchen to the exact moment that a black, unmarked Claremont Police Department van rolled up. We passed startled students sitting on the stoop outside the kitchen. Before I entered the van, one student came up and thanked me for coming to Claremont. We sped off to the police station.

Last weeks events should be the final wakeup call to the professoriate, coming on the heels of the more dangerous attacks on Charles Murray at Middlebury College and the riots in Berkeley, Calif., against Milo Yiannapoulos.

When speakers need police escort on and off college campuses, an alarm bell should be going off that something has gone seriously awry.

Of course, an ever-growing part of the faculty is the reason that police protection is needed in the first place. Professors in all but the hardest of hard sciences increasingly indoctrinate students in the belief that to be a non-Asian minority or a female in America today is to be the target of nonstop oppression, even, uproariously, if you are among the privileged few to attend a fantastically well-endowed, resource-rich American college.

Those professors also maintain that to challenge that claim of ubiquitous bigotry is to engage in hate speech, and that such speech is tantamount to a physical assault on minorities and females. As such, it can rightly be suppressed and punished. To those faculty, I am indeed a fascist, and a white supremacist, with the attendant loss of communication rights.

We are thus cultivating students who lack all understanding of the principles of the American founding. The mark of any civilization is its commitment to reason and discourse. The great accomplishment of the European enlightenment was to require all forms of authority to justify themselves through rational argument, rather than through coercion or an unadorned appeal to tradition. The resort to brute force in the face of disagreement is particularly disturbing in a university, which should provide a model of civil discourse.

But the students currently stewing in delusional resentments and self-pity will eventually graduate, and some will seize levers of power more far-reaching than those they currently wield over toadying campus bureaucrats and spineless faculty. Unless the campus zest for censorship is combated now, what we have always regarded as a precious inheritance could be eroded beyond recognition, and a soft totalitarianism could become the new American norm.

Heather Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of Manhattans City Journal, and the author of The War on Cops.
WHEN President Barack Obama made his now-infamous 2008 remark that working-class voters frustrated by their economic circumstances cling to guns or religion, his subtext was clear: Religion is a crutch for the poor and uneducated.

In fairness, the former president was articulating, however inartfully, what has been the conventional wisdom about faith in modern Americathat it is, as Karl Marx described, an opiate for the masses and that an increase in education and scholarship erodes belief.

To a degree, that last statement has merit.

In the United States, studies indicate that adults with higher levels of education are more likely than their counterparts with less education to identify as atheists or agnostics. Similarly, college graduates are less likely to pray daily or to say that religion is of prime importance in their lives, when compared to people with only a high school diploma or less.

But a new analysis by the Pew Research Center challenges the notion that more education leads to less faith and shows that faith and education in many cases are not inversely related.

Indeed, among certain religious groups, higher degrees of education are associated with more religiosity, not less.

This is particularly true within the world of Christianity.

Pews researchers looked at data from a number of different studies and found that while educated people are generally less likely to believe in God (83 percent of college grads versus 92 percent of people with only a high-school degree), that difference all but disappeared among the various sects of Christianity.

The relationship between education and religious practiceattending servicesis even more fascinating because it turns conventional thinking about faith and education on its head.

When is comes to church attendance, for example, college graduates are more likely than their less-educated peers to fill the pews.

Weekly attendance was greater among highly educated Americans than those with less education within almost every Christian tradition58 percent to 55 percent for evangelical Protestants; 36 to 31 among mainline Protestants; 59 to 52 for traditional black Protestants; 45 to 39 among Catholics; and 85 percent to 66 percent for Mormons.

Overall, the study found that about the same portion of Christians with college degrees (70 percent) have a high level of religious commitment (as measured by levels of worship attendance, frequency of prayer, belief in God and the self-described importance of religion in ones life), as those with no college experience (71 percent).

Among Muslim Americans, the researchers saw no clear pattern when it comes to the relationship between religion and education, finding similar levels of belief, daily prayer and mosque attendance for both the highly educated and those with minimal education.

Only Americans with no affiliation and those who identify as Jewish tend to show a decrease in belief and faith practice as education rises.

The Pew analysts do not speculate as to why these patterns have emerged, but even their dispassionate writing cannot completely disguise their surprise.

Christianity in the U.S. has been in decline for decades, and the number of Americans who do not identify with any organized religion is growinga reality many have attributed to progressive thought, which in many ways has become a religion of sorts to some on the political left.

Why then are we finding that intellectual enlightenment will in many cases enhance religiosity and not hinder it?

No doubt, the reasons are as complex as the data, but I offer one thought from a conversation with my college philosophy professor more than a decade ago.

The pursuit of knowledge, he postulated, can be a very humbling experience.

Those who approach their education with humility often discover that the more they learn, the less they know.

Knowledge, properly understood, is the acceptance of the vastness of the universe and how little about it we are capable of mastering.

What we are left with, he explained, is faith.

Cynthia M. Allen is a columnist for the Fort Worth StarTelegram. She may be reached at cmallen@star-telegram.com.
WHEN you turn on the faucet, its not too much to expect the water to run cool, clean and clear.

In the Fredericksburg area, people on public water systems trust the government entities that sell this basic life necessity to provide a healthful product. When theres a problem, customers expect officials to let them know about it promptly and how to respond.

Thats exactly what occurred in Spotsylvania County on the morning of Friday, April 21, after a 12-inch cast-iron water main installed in the 1970s fractured south of Cosners Corner.

Residents should take some comfort in knowing that county officials stayed on top of the break that affected thousands of customers along the U.S. 1 corridor from the Fredericksburg city line to Thornburg.

Many reported low pressure and later cloudy or discolored water. This situation led the county Utilities Department and the Health Department to issue a voluntary boil-water notice for people to heed before they drank or cooked with the water.

Customers quickly found out about the problem when county officials put out word on their emergency alert system through email, text messages, social and traditional media and roadside message boards. Officials hand-delivered notices to restaurants, public and private schools, childcare centers, and assisted living and health-care facilities, including Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

Facebook and Twitter messages about the initial water main break went out about 45 minutes after complaints began coming in, and just five minutes after the damaged line was located that Friday morning. Once the break was isolated, service was restored to all areas, except to the Commonwealth Center where the line broke.

But the damage was done, so the boil-water advisory was issued at 10:22 a.m. Friday. It stayed in effect until Sunday evening for that heavily populated section of Spotsylvania. It was lifted for Commonwealth Center businesses on Monday morning.

Throughout the weekend, utility staffers worked around the clock with Michelle McGinnis, the countys director of community engagement (a fancy name for its public information officer), to keep residents up to date about the problem. They manned phone lines to answer questions, updated the county website and sent out a flurry of press releases, social media posts and revised county alerts over four days.

That same sense of urgency was nowhere to be found last month in King George County when a public water problem bubbled up.

On March 22, a second round of tests confirmed that tap water provided by Oakland Park Waterworks was contaminated with E. coli bacteria, which is found in human or animal waste. The Health Department issued a boil-water notice that went out Friday evening for customers of the system, but instead of putting the word out through the many electronic and mass-media methods available, county officials attempted to hand-deliver notices.

Thats fine, if it works, but somehow news of the situation didnt reach King George school officials until Mondayafter buses were delivering children to Sealston Elementary School, which is served by that water system. The school stayed open that day using bottled water, but it didnt resume classes for two days, until after the all-clear sign was given.

Follow-up tests done on water samples this month showed no signs of E. coli, though the cause of the positive tests have not been determined. We hope King George water customers and students dont experience another communications breakdown.

Obviously, no two situations are the same, and localities should tailor responses to customers of the systems. Still, residents need to know that their water is safe and that theyll be notifiedin timely fashionif it is not.

Looking back on the incident in Spotsylvania should give county residents confidence that theyll know whats going on with their water. Thats how it should be.

Customers quickly found out about the problem when county officials put out word on their emergency alert system through email, text messages, social and traditional media and roadside message boards.
Reports of contamination from fracking easy to find

Virginia Petroleum Council director Miles Morins statement about groundwater in the article [Fracking risk puts river on danger list, April 11 article] is typical of a corporate employee designated to answer a public inquiry. Eyes wide shut, leading with his nose, following the profit line, even into a brick wall.

Water contamination was observed from the days fracking first began. With reports of contamination originally blown off as anecdotal, the poor landowner was considered an idiot, no matter how often it happened.

Think about it: The water changed simultaneously with the drilling. How much else has been going on down there deep in the earth in the last century? Not much!

Anthony R. Ingraffea, an engineering professor at Cornell University, examined Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection records since 2009, showing that 12 percent of the fracked wells in Pennsylvania immediately contaminated aquifers. He expects more will be polluted over time. The contamination is frequently due to sloppy work.

If you Google contamination of aquifers by fracking, you get pages of references: articles in Scientific American, Physics.org., EPA, USA Today and more.

Energy in Depth talks about a study by Duke University scientists, Resilience carried one by Stanford scientists, and Marketplace has a nice graph of Hydraulic Fracturing into Underground Sources of Drinking Water, Pavillion, WY.

We are supposed to be living in the post-truth era. Maybe that saying is right: A lie told often enough becomes the truth. That seems to be the position of the oil and gas industry.

S. Thomas Bond

Jane Lew, W.Va.
Stewart is conservative choice for governor

The Republican primary for governor will take place in June. Although three candidates are running, only Corey Stewart has demonstrated the character and courage to represent the interests of conservative Virginians.

Mr. Stewart has displayed these characteristics repeatedly during his campaign, by holding public rallies to denounce illegal immigration and sanctuary cities despite physical threats and hostile crowds in some of the most liberal areas of the state.

He is the only candidate who has promised to crack down on illegal immigration, to oppose amnesty and to turn all illegal immigrants over to federal authorities for deportation. He believes that every illegal immigrant arrested should be deportedno questions asked. He has pledged to work side by side with the Trump administration and Virginia law enforcement to ensure that happens.

As governor, Corey Stewart will oppose any form of amnesty. The great personal courage which he has displayed to date is a guarantee that, if elected, he will not back down to establishment pressure.

If you are concerned about the growth of illegal drugs, gangs and crime in Virginia, I urge you to join me in voting for Corey Stewart during the Republican primary election for governor on June 13.

James Blythe

Sumerduck
Free Freightnet Membership

List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours.
Three horses had the shortest odds to win the 2017 Kentucky Derby with each owning favorite status as a result early on, exactly one week before the big race. The payout potential with an early bet could prove especially lucrative as a result.

Classic Empires price has been fluctuating, but as of Sunday morning he was coming in at +525 for a payout potential of $52.50 for every $10 bet depending on the book.

The Arkansas Derby winner breezed 4 furlongs in 49.20 (fast), galloped out 5 furlongs 1:03 in Fridays workouts, a performance that helped instill him once again as the technical favorite after two other horses were featured with slightly shorter odds two days prior.

Veteran trainer Mark Casse said of his Arkansas Derby performance after suffering a foot abscess, "I thought his race was tremendous given all the obstacles we had to overcome.

I don't see any reason why his next performance can't be as good if not better.

"Right now, he's a happy horse."

Irish War Cry and Always Dreaming were each hovering around +550 to +575 odds.

Always Dreaming also finished strong in his Friday workout.

"I thought he was exceptional," said Todd Pletcher of Florida Derby winner.

He went through a five-furlong drill in :59.60 with jockey John Velazquez aboard.

He produced fractions of :13, :24.40, :35.80, :47.60 and :59.60 with gallop-outs of 1:12.60 for six furlongs, 1:25.60 for seven and 1:40 for a mile.

I thought it was a powerful work; exceptional, Pletcher said.

Trainer Graham Motion trained Irish War Cry timed in 1:13.20 for six furlongs over the main track under jockey Rajiv Maragh.

Irish War Cry has a few wins under his belt already including the Holy Bull and the Wood Memorial.

 It was the only time I worked him since the Wood, by design. That's what I do. We don't usually breeze until three weeks after a race, Motion said. I told Rajiv to try and go off in 13 [seconds] which is right what they did on the money, and he finished up in 13 and change. I don't think it could have gone any better. It was perfect.

Odds will be alternate following this weeks post position draw so bet your favorite early here .

- Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
On The Water: You might need a bigger boat for Transpac 2023
Every week, Richard Van Driesche travels to Jefferson to help his parents maintain their home. But when he cleans out the filter, instead of tossing the buildup, the Oregon State University entomologist brings a sample back to the lab.

Its always a roll of the dice when you check samples," he said. "You never know what youre going to find."

On one rainy winter Saturday, while studying a sample under a microscope, Van Driesche found an object no larger than the head of a pin  something no one had seen in more than 30 years.

It couldve been anything," he said. "But I looked a little closer and I saw this little leg floating around. And then I found another little piece.

Van Driesche showed his work to Kojun Kanda, an OSU biologist specializing in beetles, and together they realized that the little leg and the rest of the pieces belonged to a tiny diving beetle known as Stygoporus oregonensis, which had gone missing after it was first discovered in a bathtub in Oregon in the 1980s.

They agreed the rediscovery of S. oregonensis was monumental, and started documenting their work and eventually publishing a study last fall in the journal ZooKeys. But neither knew their finding would become the first step in a years-long project seeking to unravel the mystery of a vast, unknown, underground community that could stretch hundreds of miles on oceans beneath our feet.

Beetles in the bathtub

In spring 1984, a couple living in Dallas, Oregon, originally found the pale, blind diving beetle in their bathtub, which had been receiving water directly from the Willamette Lowland aquifer system. They sent a specimen to Dr. J. Cappizi, an entomology extension specialist at OSU. Cappizi soon realized the beetles were a new species and he suggested that the couple collect more. But soon after, the couple treated their well with chlorine, killing off what researchers thought would be the last of the beetle.

Ten years later, Jim LaBonte, who was an undergraduate at OSU during the beetles initial bathtub finding, published a paper about the discovery and named the beetle Stygoporus oregonensis.

LaBonte described them as subterranean predacious (predatory) diving beetles having a small size, depigmented body, no eyes and wings too small to fly.

David Maddison, biology professor and co-author of the study published last fall, said very little is known about the diving beetle's habits and lifestyle. It is believed their small size and lack of eyes are ideal for survival in aquifers but likely nowhere else.

Its amazing to think that insects can live in the aquifer underground, he said. But thats why these things are so small. The little cracks and crevices down there are that small. You couldnt fit in them if you were any bigger than they are.

The tight, enclosed and rarely disturbed habitat is ideal for their survival, Maddison said, but it is also the reason so little is known about the beetles.

Given that even a shallow well like the one in Jefferson is still 45 feet down, its not a habitat that biologists can sample very easily, he added. So we have to check the filters. But most people wouldnt check their filters for something so small or even know what they were looking at if they saw them.

Kanda agreed.

Theres all of this diversity down there beneath our feet that we still dont know anything about, Kanda said. The more we look at the world we live in, the more we find that life has penetrated areas we didnt even know existed.

Oceans under our feet

While similar diving beetles have been found in other parts of the world, including Texas, Australia, Mexico, Europe, west Africa, Japan and New Zealand, S. oregonensis is the only known subterranean predacious diving beetle species in Oregon.

While Kanda and the rest of the research team knew that S. oregonensis was unique to the Pacific Northwest, when they completed DNA testing on additional samples found in Jefferson and Salem, they found something even more curious  the beetles closest known relative is found more than 1,700 miles away, in the Edwards-Trinity aquifer system in central Texas.

Its weird that this group of beetles is only known to come from Texas and Oregon, Kanda said. The idea that there are two beetle species from Texas and here that are so closely related to each other raises the possibility that there is a lot more we dont know about in between.

Even though they have tiny wings, the beetles are incapable of flight, so they must crawl around and swim instead. And they are blind so they use tiny hairs for navigation. While those characteristics are not ideal above ground  they dry out quickly on the surface  they are perfectly suited for survival in aquifers.

Theyre so well adapted to that environment, Kanda said. Theyre not really designed for walking. Even if they could crawl out and find water, a blind, flightless beetle isnt going to be a match for visual predators above the surface. So its very unlikely that they could survive for long outside of an aquifer.

But the Willamette Lowland aquifer in Oregon and the Edwards-Trinity aquifer system are hundreds of miles apart.

Given how far away Oregon is from Texas, it struck us as weird that theyre the closest relatives to each other, Kanda said. The more logical explanation in our minds is that there are more intermediates in between that we just havent discovered yet.

But thats not the only thing causing researchers to question the beetles origins and travel habits, Kanda said.

The aquifers of Oregon are not that old, he said, noting that the Willamette Lowland aquifer likely dates back to the Pleistocene Epoch (approximately 1.8 million to 11,700 years ago). The Texas aquifers are really old (about 70 million years) and have been studied a lot. Also, there have been a lot of recently formed aquifers throughout California and no (diving beetles) have been found there.

Maddison said the conditions are likely the result of one of two possibilities: The aquifer system used to be much larger and the beetles are millions of years old; or there are millions of similar diving beetles between Oregon and Texas that have yet to be discovered.

The first possibility suggests that there was a group that was much more widespread than they are now, and what were finding is just the relics that are left, Maddison said. But the more interesting possibility is that there might be a lot more out there and we dont know about them yet.

Connecting the dots

Even though the OSU research team published a paper on S. oregonensis last fall, the team members arent finished attempting to unravel the mystery of where the tiny beetles came from before dropping into that Dallas couples bathtub.

In addition to regularly checking his parents filter in Jefferson, Van Driesche has taken to social media to ask other Willamette Valley residents to check their filters as well.

Most of the people who have wells in the Willamette Valley are farmers, he said. So I put a post on social media on some farmers forums and I got tons of people responding. I havent found any again, but Im still looking.

This winter, Kanda completed his doctoral work at OSU and moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, to attend Northern Arizona University for his postdoctoral work. It's no coincidence, he said, that the university happens to be roughly halfway between Oregon and Texas.

It would be really cool to see what else is living in the aquifer systems in between, Kanda said. It never ceases to amaze me that animal life has penetrated all of these niches all over the world. I think this really highlights how little we really understand about the biodiversity we share with this planet. Hopefully well be able to step back and consider the hidden diversity right among us hopefully this will inspire people to check their own backyards. Because you never know what new species or new discoveries are there.

Kanda said hes only been in Flagstaff for a few weeks, but hes hoping to visit several wells in the area to search for S. oregonensis once again.

And not just places here, Ive reached out to friends all over the U.S. who have wells to send me samples, he said. I havent been here very long so I havent found any  yet.
Deutsche Post : Food produce delivery to bring growth

Bochum Deutsche Posts Chief Executive Frank Appel confirms Amazon fresh food deal at the shareholder meeting

Teilen

Teilen Weiterleiten

Weiterleiten Tweeten

Tweeten Weiterleiten

Weiterleiten Drucken

When world trade is doing well, things are also going well for Deutsche Post DHL. For there are more packages, letters and express deliveries to be transported. Approaches which close off domestic economies, as US President Donald Trump has announced, do not fit the concept at all, I know of no country which has done better through a policy of protectionism, says Chief Executive of Deutsche Post Frank Appel in front of around 900 shareholders at the shareholder meeting of the Bonn corporation in Bochum. He is optimistic that world trade will develop positively despite this trend. World trade provides wealth and wealth provides peace, says Appel.

Most of the shareholder representatives who were vocal at the meeting indicated that they are pleased with the companys financial course. If you have a securities account, you are well served by this company, says Daniel Vos, spokesman for the SdK, the German Association for the Protection of Capital Investors. Questions were asked about specific issues rather than overall policy. Do we now want to become the Tesla of transport logistics? asked Roland Klose from the DSW, the German Protective Association for Security Holdings, after the Post set up its electric car called Streetscooter at the Ruhrpark Congress Centre. The US car maker is more of a by-word for the development of electro mobility than others. Appel underlined the aspiration to become the motor of electromobility and market leader in green logistics. The company wants to double the production of the electric delivery vehicle Streetscooter to 20,000 by the end of the year. The Post has already found its first external customers for the delivery truck. The development was borne out of the lack of an electric vehicle on the market which fitted the specific needs of the Post.

Appel firstly confirmed to the shareholders that the Post will be delivering fresh food products for the US internet giant Amazon. Up to now Amazon Fresh has only been found in a few towns and cities in the US and the UK. First reports about this were heard in March. To begin with, the food products will be delivered in Berlin and then rolled out across Germany.

Deutsche Post will limit itself to small take-overs: we do not wish to buy the big players, says the Chief Executive. Appel dismissed the question from the shareholders as to whether competitors like as UPS and FedEx will soon be overtaking the Post as the worlds biggest logistics companies. We are in a tremendous position, he said.

Deutsche Post is extending its network beyond Europe and investing in the USA. The corporation is the world leader in India and is also active in Malaysia und Chile.

With 99.93 percent of the companys equity capital the shareholders decided on the payment of a dividend of 1.05 Euro per share. This corresponds to an increase of 20 percent compared with last year and is the highest since flotation in 2000. This year the dividends for domestic shareholders will also be distributed tax-free. In response to the question of how long the taxable deposit account will be full enough to allow for tax exemption, Appel gave the all-clear: it will remain like this for several years.

At the end of the shareholder meeting, the Head of the Board of Directors Wulf von Schimmelmann announced that the next shareholder meeting in the coming year will take place in the World Conference Centre in Bonn (WCCB).

The smaller shareholders are wondering whether this change of location will bring china crockery with it - for the second year in a row they criticsed the use of plastic cups, plates and cutlery for the shareholders. Not even the china cups which were brought along were filled up by the service staff  as they could be misused as projectiles.
Expectation from Reliance Jio in 2017 News oi -Priyanka It is also expected that it will come with a monthly cap of 100GB of 100Mbps speed data.

As we all know, Reliance Jio has shaken the whole telecom industry and all telecom players are trying to cope with the situation by launching new tariff plans ever single day. In fact, the company has forced all telcos to change their tariff plans to retain their users.

Meanwhile, the company is planning to expand its portfolio by launching FTTH services. Gizbot had earlier written about its achievements in seven months of its operation, but what we can expect in the near future from Reliance Jio?

1) Jio's FTTH broadband services

The company has already mentioned that it is working on the roll-out of its Fibre to the Home (FTTH) business offering with beta trials initiated in a few locations. It also said the scope of beta trials would be expanded over the next few months and Mumbai will be the first city to get the preview of fiber services.

It is also expected that it will come with a monthly cap of 100GB of 100Mbps speed data, India Today reported.

Smartphone shipments in India grew 15% in Q1

2 Jio 4G VoLTE feature phones

After launching the smartphone in the country, it is also expected that the Jio will launch its 4G VoLTE feature phones and it may cost between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000. The feature phones are expected to have buttons like MyJio, JioMusic JioTV, and JioCinema.

TRAI receives 5.67 million requests for MNP in Feb

3. DTH service

It was also reported earlier the company is planning to launch its Direct to Home services, according to sources Jio will be giving 300 + channels which will have 50 + HD channels and this will cost around Rs 150 to Rs 250. However, there is no official announcement by the company about its launching but it is speculated that it will early next month, in a recent past India's largest telecom operator Airtel has launched its own Hybrid DTH service in the form of Airtel Internet TV.

4 Jio laptop

There is a speculation that the company is working on Jio laptop with 4G SIM card slot. Although there is no official announcement by the company on the same.

5 Connected Car app

There is no doubt that everybody wants to know everything about Jio,but this year in January it was reported that Mukesh Ambani- led Reliance Jio is planning to enter into automobile telematics with the launch of a device which will control vehicle's movement and alert owner about fuel and battery through a mobile app, reported PTI.

"Reliance Jio is ready with a car connected device that will have multiple features like immobilizing car at the time of the theft, the alert owner about car movement, locate the car and also provide Wi-Fi within a car. The owner needs to use Jio sim in the device to avail benefits," an industry source said. The company is in advanced talks with automobile companies to launch it very soon. "There are lots of factors that determine price, but price of the car connected device is estimated to be either equal to or less than its Jio's MiFi device which costs around Rs 2,000," the report quoted two people close to the development.

Meanwhile, the company is planning to provide 20 percent more value to each of the competitor plans and targeting a revenue market share of 50 percent by 2021.

Everything about Reliance Jio's achievements and future plans

To recall Jio has managed to garner 108.9 million customers as on March 31, 2017, after its launch on September 5, 2016, it has added at an average rate of 6 lakh subscribers per day and the company has crossed 50 million subscribers in just 83 days, and 100 million in 170 days.

Best Mobiles in India
GLobalSecurity.org preliminary translation of Russian original

Note the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the publication of the next report of the US Department of States' compliance with agreements on arms control and non-proliferation

29/04/17

The US is formally in favor of unconditional compliance with international law. This applies to the full implementation of international agreements aimed at strengthening international security and the maintenance of global stability, key among which are treaties and conventions on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation (KVRN).

In proclaiming this approach and setting their own, "ideal", it seems Washington, criteria for the implementation of an agreement, the United States claim to a monopoly right to evaluate the actions of other countries to fulfill contractual obligations. And Washington does in a peremptory manner, ignoring the established practice of the treatment of the issues by means of engagement provided for this multilateral mechanisms.

Introduced April 25 progress report of the US State Department with the same limitations that were inherent in all previous such documents. Together with the nomination of the absolutely groundless accusations against individual countries, the authors once again attempted to introduce the United States itself is almost the only country with an impeccable "track record" performance obligations in the field of KVRN agreements. Such an unacceptable manner of filing and compilation of facts has become an American tradition to sum up the basics of the US claims to "American exclusive right" to judge "guilty" and demand their punishment.

Russian Federation, sharing setting on the full and unconditional implementation of obligations under international agreements, categorically rejects the methods and means used by Washington for the "removal to clean water," states that, in his opinion, are "violators" of contractual obligations.

In recent years, there is growing evidence to suggest that the reason for such actions of the USA - not a banal unwillingness to burden themselves with a difficult and lengthy expert dialogue, but something much more serious - Washington's fear of being exposed to the nomination baseless accusations against other countries; and admitted by the US violations of international agreements in the field of KVRN.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has to again pay attention to such unacceptable actions of the US and the undeniable facts that are intended to facilitate an objective assessment of the real state of implementation of Russia and the United States to meet its contractual obligations in the field KVRN.

1. The issue of missile defense

In 2001, the US withdrew from the treaty in 1972 ABM and headed for the unilateral and unfettered capacity of its global missile defense system. Thus it destroyed one of the pillars of the system of global strategic stability.

Since reckless formation of a US missile defense system the most adverse impact on the international security system, greatly complicated relations not only in the Euro, but also in the Asia-Pacific region has become one of the most serious obstacles to the further gradual nuclear disarmament, creating dangerous conditions for the resumption of the nuclear arms race.

Repeatedly drawn the attention of the American side on this issue. However, willingness to communicate, and to take into account Russian concerns manifested was not. The United States refused to discuss even put forward by the Washington guarantees not directed against Russia missile defense assets placed in Europe.

There is still no answer to the question against whom carried sverhzatratnye and totally disproportionate to any prospective challenges in the field of missile defense preparations. Revealing was the US unwillingness to adjust their anti-missile plans, despite the successful implementation of the reached agreements in 2015 with respect to the Iranian nuclear program. And we all remember that at one time it was a pivotal and, in fact, the only argument that Washington even at the level of the US president justified the deployment of its missile defense system in Europe.

It should be understood that the anti-missile facilities placed around the world, are part of the very dangerous global project aimed at ensuring universal overwhelming US superiority at the expense of the security interests of other countries. Actively build up US missile defense architecture in all its totality significantly changes the strategic balance of forces offensive weapons in the region and create a fundamentally more and more serious risks of global instability.

The danger is that the presence of anti-missile "umbrella" can lead to pernicious illusions of invincibility and impunity, which means - give rise to the temptation in the "hot heads" in Washington for new dangerous unilateral steps in solving global and regional problems in circumvention of the UN Security Council and contrary common sense, as it was done April 7, when the US launched a missile attack on a sovereign state - Syria.

There is only one way to solve this problem - the United States in the implementation of its missile defense plans are required not only in words, but in fact guided by the generally accepted, and has been repeatedly confirmed by the Washington profile on international markets principle of the inadmissibility of strengthening their own security at the expense of other states.

2. US obligations under the INF Treaty

Washington gives wrong information about their "fulfillment" of obligations under the INF Treaty. Already the United States for many years simply ignore Russia's serious concerns that are directly related to the implementation of the American side of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty:

- US placed at its missile base in Romania and will be located on the same basis in Poland ground missile complexes "Aegis Eshor", composed of vertical launch system similar universal installations Mk-41, capable of launching cruise missiles average "Tomahawk" range . It is a fact that it is - a gross violation of obligations under the INF Treaty.

- In the interests of missile defense for more than two decades, the United States continued to test with the target missiles that are similar in characteristics to the ballistic missiles of intermediate and shorter-range ground-based, improving, inter alia, key elements of the INF Treaty, prohibited missile systems.

- the United States for many years building up the production and use of percussion drones. Such eventual delivery means WMD clearly fall under the definition contained in the INF cruise missiles, land-based.

It should be noted that the last two of these violations the INF Treaty, we point out the American colleagues for the past fifteen years. No no constructive response.

With regard to our concerns related to the deployment of US land-based missile launchers, then after we first announced it in 2014, the United States, instead of at least trying to solve this problem, in response to a campaign launched by the public, absolutely unfounded accusations Russia in violation of the INF Treaty: that our country produces and tests banned under the Treaty of ground-launched cruise missiles. No argument capable of supporting advanced in our address the claims, and is not shown. Transmitted by the American side "information," which supposedly allow you to determine what it is, in fact, it is a fragmentary fragmentary signals, does not make it clear on what is still based bankrupt American concern. A matter of grave concern, that the representatives of a number of US agencies use similar "factology" as a pretext for the promotion of the next campaign on the possible use of "reciprocal measures" against Russia.

3. US obligations under the NPT

The US claims to "fulfill" their obligations under the NPT, however, still did not change the alarming situation related to non-compliance with key provisions of the Washington Treaty. The US continues to attract European non-nuclear NATO countries to participate in the so-called "joint nuclear missions." These "missions" include the elements of nuclear planning and the development of practical skills in the use of nuclear weapons with the activation of carrier aircraft, their crews, infrastructure, airports and ground services provide non-nuclear NATO countries. All this is a direct violation of Articles I and II of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Moreover, in recent years has launched a campaign of unprecedented scale upgrade of all components of the American nuclear arsenal, including non-strategic nuclear weapons in the territory of other states. US plans to deploy in Europe, new nuclear bombs with a reduced capacity, but increased accuracy. With such characteristics substantially reduced "threshold" of nuclear weapons. These nuclear weapons are no longer a "political weapon" and become "weapons of the battlefield." Simultaneously replicated unfounded false thesis about the growth of "the Russian nuclear threat." Deliberately distorted the position of our military doctrine concerning the use of nuclear weapons. Western public persistently told that Russia supposedly revises his views on the place and role of nuclear weapons and makes it all the more strong accent. All this is not true.

In the problem of "joint nuclear missions" can be only one solution - the return of all non-strategic nuclear weapons to the United States and a ban on his placement abroad, the elimination of the entire infrastructure to ensure rapid deployment of these weapons, and razumettsya, refusal to carry out any training (exercise) related to the development of skills of use of nuclear weapons of the armed forces of states that do not possess such weapons.

4. Avoiding the US ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

The United States is of great concern unwillingness to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). As a result of this extremely important international treaty for 20 years can not go into the category of acting.

Moreover, the influential political circles in the US, according to the available information, is not alien to the idea of ??a possible resumption of nuclear tests. Its implementation would be directly contrary to the declared Washington's commitment to strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime.

Given the fact that the issue of accession to the CTBT Treaty remained outside the country behave with a direct eye on the United States, as "stagnant" Washington's position is the main obstacle to the transformation of the CTBT in the existing international legal instrument.

5. Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the United States Government on the Disposition of Plutonium Designated as plutonium designated as no longer required for defense purposes, handling and cooperation in this area and the protocols to that Agreement (hereinafter - SOAP)

Approval of the US side that the Presidential Decree on the suspension of the SOAP does not a good reason for suspending the operation of the Agreement in accordance with international law, does not correspond to reality.

The preamble of the Decree clearly stated that the decision to suspend the SOAP was made due to fundamental changes in the circumstances, the emergence of the threat to strategic stability as a result of the United States of hostile actions against the Russian Federation and the United States failure to ensure fulfillment of the obligations for disposal of excess weapons-grade plutonium under international treaties. Suitable surfaces are reproduced in Article 1 of the Federal Law of the Russian Federation ? 381-FZ, dated October 31, 2016, which legislated the suspension of the SOAP.

Thus, in the period after the entry into force of SOAP in June 2011, the United States has taken a number of steps leading to a radical change in the circumstances that existed at the conclusion of this Agreement.

In 2012, the United States adopted the so-called "Magnitsky Act", which initiated the unprecedented sanctions pressure on our country under false pretenses.

From 2014, after the reunification of the Crimea with the US Russia made a series of hostile moves aimed at direct undermining of the Russian economy and social stability, including "the Freedom Support Act of Ukraine", allowing interference in Russia's internal affairs. Sanctions were also imposed on the individual subjects of the Russian Federation, Russian individuals and legal entities.

At the same time it began actively build military infrastructure of NATO and US troops near the Russian borders, which radically changes the strategic balance in Europe, and is fraught with increased military confrontation and tension.

In connection with Russia set out above was adopted, said the decision to suspend the actions of SOAP in full accordance with Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties 1969

An additional argument in favor of the decision to suspend the SOAP was the apparent inability of the American side to fulfill obligations under the disposal of its own surplus weapons-grade plutonium on schedule and within the agreed terms with the Russian side. The assertion that the United States all the activities fit into the obligations set SOAP is not true.

In early February 2016 the Obama administration officially appealed to the US Congress with a message about the intention to change the method of disposal of 34 tonnes of weapons-grade plutonium, subject to the SOAP. The new method does away with the use of weapons grade plutonium as fuel for nuclear reactors (so-called MOX) and provided instead simplified immobilization analogue - weapons grade plutonium mixing with the filler, followed by disposal in salt deposits. In this case, the US side has announced its intention to stop construction of a MOX fuel plant at the Savannah River (South Carolina) and plans to turn the unfinished plant in the next few years.

We note that the United States acted with the idea of ??"immobilization" of plutonium at the stage of preparation of SOAP. The Russian side has consistently pointed to the fact that such an approach can not ensure the irreversibility of disposal.

Violation on the part of Washington is that steps to change the method of plutonium disposition US administration began to take without getting consent from the Russian side, contrary to the provisions of the Agreement. Moreover, this was done after it was clearly brought to the US side that such an agreement will not be.

The Russian side is ready to consider the renewal of the SOAP after eliminating the American side the reasons that led to a fundamental change in the circumstances that existed at the date of entry into force of the Agreement, including the understanding that the United States will adhere to the agreed method of disposal.

6. Problems in compliance with the BTWC by the US

At the VIII Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC OK, Geneva, 7-25 November 2016), the US delegation at the crucial moment has blocked efforts to find compromise solutions. The result was disrupted adoption of the work program within the framework of the BTWC for the period 2017-20 gg.

Such unseemly course in general was not unexpected. Destructive experience of the US in this area considerable. Back in 2001 the US side derailed all the results of decades of multilateral negotiations on a verification protocol to the BWC.

All this makes Russia, which fully complies with its obligations under the BTWC, to think about the real and not declared to the public, military and biological agenda of the United States.

Against the background of the continuing weakening of the regime prohibiting biological weapons, the growing concern to us is to remain without Russian response questions with regard to implementation of and compliance with US obligations under the BTWC.

We can not but worry the planned deployment of US military biological infrastructure for the perimeter of the Russian borders. Particularly alarming significant increase posted in Georgia (p.Alekseevka) Department of Medical Research of the US Army. Pentagon is a realization of similar projects in other our neighboring countries.

Lack of clarity in relation to sending anthrax-established microbiological targets US military. Thus, in the 2005-15 biennium. of the Laboratory. L.Salomona (Dagueysky landfill, Utah) anthrax spores were sent to 194 destinations in 10 countries. Such actions raise serious concern given the fact that in 2001 the Research Institute for Infectious Diseases of the US Army (Fort Detrick, Maryland) have become a source of destruction of civilians the same disease.

Moreover, contrary to the obligations of the United States and the relevant decisions taken by the American participation at the international level, Washington still allows for the possibility of "retaliatory use" toxic weapons and other types of chemical weapons.

According to the Order number 11850 US President Dzh.Forda (1975), the American armed forces are allowed to use "non-lethal" toxin weapons and other types of chemical weapons as a method of warfare. It is clear that the degree of "non-lethality" US military will in such cases to determine on their own.

All this together creates a very disturbing picture around the "observance" of obligations under the BTWC by the United States.

7. Implementation of the US obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

For many years in their reports to the US State Department is trying to challenge the completeness of the Russian ad Article III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (CWC) and thereby to question the competence and authority of the OPCW deserved as an effective and successful international structures in the area of ??disarmament and non-proliferation of WMD. Unlike Washington, claims at the OPCW to Russia simply does not have.

The United States should still more responsible approach to the issue of non-state actors use of chemical weapons in the Middle East region. And for this you just need to act within the framework of their obligations under UNSCR 2118, 2209 and 2235, and to share with the Security Council LIH evidence of crime and other terrorist groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, received the US military in 2015-2016. directly from the field of application extremists poisons.

It would not hurt to also get acquainted with the "irrefutable" evidence storage on the Syrian air base "Shayrat" chemical weapons, which was allegedly applied during airstrikes on settlement Khan Shaykhun, and to understand why the alleged himitsidentom in the Syrian province of Idlib Washington had acted in breach of international law. Moreover, the Americans and their allies blocked the adoption of the OPCW Executive Council decision without delay a thorough and impartial investigation on the spot in himintsidenta Khan Shaykhun with inspection visits by OPCW airbase "Shayrat", a draft of which was presented to Russia and Iran.

According to officially confirmed information, the US Defense Department during the occupation of the coalition troops in Iraq (2003-2009 gg.) Found, including purchased from the local population, about 5 thousand. Different himboepripasov produced during the reign of Saddam Hussein. At the same time the United States has not notified its actions according to the requirements of the CWC Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and spent their destruction in Iraq without proper verification and unsafe for people (there is evidence of the defeat of American troops) and the environment by undermining the outdoors.

In this context, it is surprising negative US reaction to Russia's repeated appeals in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article IX of the CWC in respect of access to the archives of the OPCW Technical Secretariat, related to this issue. We believe that our appeal will still be considered a positive.

Upon accession to the CWC with any ogovorkok, but the US Senate has not been done by the United States in the ratification documents recorded a number of conditions, bearing in terms of meeting Washington's obligations under the Convention is quite controversial.

So, the president and the administration are obliged to take action, if necessary, in violation of the CWC requirements, namely to prohibit the export of any chemical samples collected in the United States, outside of the country; impose restrictions on the possibility of carrying out inspections in the US OPCW experts to identify prohibited activities under the Convention at the request of another Member State; maintain in action Executive Order number 11850 US president on April 8, 1975, allowing in certain situations to use chemical weapons, intended for riot control, for military purposes (prohibited by Article I of the CWC).

The US continues to maintain reservations to the Geneva Protocol banning the use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases and bacteriological methods of warfare 1925, suggests the possibility of retaliatory use of chemical weapons and lethal incapacitating (incapacitating) action, which is also prohibited under Article I of the CWC.

8. Compliance with the Vienna Document 2011

Unfortunately, in assessing compliance with the obligations under the Vienna Document 2011 (VD-2011) on measures to strengthen confidence and security the United States regularly reproduce accusations against Russia in "selective implementation" and "lack of transparency".

US claims for WA-2011 are reduced to statements of some taking place in 2014. US concerns over the "execution of Russia VD-2011, including with regard to Ukraine."

Groundlessly accusing Russia of "arming, training separatists in eastern Ukraine, and administered together with them fighting," the United States and NATO countries have seriously discredited the role VD-2011 as a tool for objective monitoring military activity of states - participants of the OSCE. In this connection it is necessary to once again point out the obvious: The Russian Federation is not a party to the internal conflict in Ukraine.

With regard to the repeated reference to the Vienna Document (as CFE) allegations of "occupation", "annexation" of the Crimea and the deployment of troops "without the consent of the host country", then joining the peninsula to Russia is the result of the free will of its multi-ethnic population. The current status of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol as the Russian Federation - a closed issue. He is not subject to revision. Accordingly, Russia is free to place any of its troops and military equipment on its own territory. Attempts to inspect the territory of Crimea as part of Ukraine's inspections are provocative and futile. Russia, of course, is ready to receive the inspectors, observers and evaluation group in the Crimea, in the case of the direction of her request on the Vienna Document.

By the way, Kiev still has not fulfilled its obligations under the Vienna Document in relation to the military activities of its forces in the Donbas. However, this does not say anything to the US State Department report.

With regard to accusations against us not to provide information on military bases of the Russian Federation Armed Forces, located in the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, note that these sovereign states are not the OSCE participating States and, accordingly, are not included in the application area of ??confidence-building measures, it defined 2011 Vienna document of the year. American experts who prepared this section of the State Department report, of course, well aware of this. Of course, they know, and that the said information is still available Russia, but in line with other OSCE documents - Global exchange of military information.

In 2016, as before, the Russian side has repeatedly sent voluntarily States - OSCE participating States, including the United States, the notification detailing the parameters of conduct unscheduled inspections. Of course, they take into account only those powers which fall under the provisions of the Vienna Document. It is significant that in the past year or "unusual" or "unplanned" military activities or exceeding the parameters of notifiable military activities of the armed forces have not been recorded in the course of inspections of the OSCE Vienna Document of the States Parties. Therefore, in the report of the State Department's hints at the possibility of such exceedances during unannounced inspections groundless.

A few words about the report referred to in (of course, with the reproach that we are "hidden" data) Russian major weapon and military equipment. As has been repeatedly shown to our partners, armored vehicles BRM-1K by its characteristics do not fit into any of the categories of such equipment, which must be provided with information on the Vienna Document. A combat aircraft Su-30cm and attack helicopter Ka-52 has not yet been put into service.

As for the two military units that are not reflected in the Russian information on the Vienna Document, they are there to be, and should not, because they do not meet the criteria set out in paragraph 10 of the VD-2011.

Washington exaggerated accusations of "unwillingness" of Russia to participate in the renewal of pan-European regime of confidence-building measures. Increasing military pressure on Russia, we both offer on the path of "substantial modernization" mode confidence- and security of the Vienna Document, which, in the understanding of the US and its allies should be aimed at a unilateral increase in the transparency of our armed forces, and in some cases - undermining the foundations of OSCE activity - the principle of consensus in decision-making.

However, the transparency measures did not build in a confrontation policy of sanctions and non-military cooperation. The policy of "containment" of Russia undermines the basis for negotiations on updating the HP-2011.

We believe that provided for the HP-2011 engine provides the necessary information about the armed forces of states - participants of the OSCE, and at this stage corresponds to the existing realities in the field of European security.

In the current report, as before, the United States "modestly" silent about the numerous problems with the implementation of the Vienna Document, available both in themselves and that of their allies. For example, during an inspection of one of the US forces in Germany January 19, 2016, its representatives refused to explain the discrepancy between the stated and the actual quantities of arms. Not consistent with the letter and spirit of the Vienna Document of openness and a similar behavior of Polish accompanying during an inspection 6-9 June 2016 Four times a year the Russian inspectors have been denied the opportunity to observe the military exercises of NATO, since the timing of their change without any notice .

9. The issue of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe

As the authors of the report of the State Department once again mentioned the suspension of Russia's participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty, presenting it as a "violation" of the obligations under this Treaty, it should be recalled next.

The US and its allies have repeatedly bypassed the restrictive provisions of the CFE due to the expansion of NATO. However, they went in every possible way by the proposed renovation Russian regime of control over conventional arms in Europe (Cove) in accordance with the new military-political realities of the continent. The most striking proof of this - their refusal to ratify the Agreement on Adaptation of the CFE.

Only after the suspension of Russian actions CFE US and its allies were forced to talking about the "need to decide on the future fate of the cove." However, their attempts to use the dialogue on this issue as a lever of pressure on Russia eventually led to its freezing.

Verbally expressing commitment to "maintain, strengthen and modernize the conventional arms control in Europe", the US and NATO on the matter in recent years, again headed for the "containment" of Russia and further change the balance of power in the European region in its favor, including close proximity to the Russian borders. US attempts to "flexible" interpretation of the provisions of the Russia-NATO Council on the "substantial combat forces", coupled with increased volumes of heavy weapons and military equipment in the units and in European warehouses forward deployed NATO is de facto a dangerous balancing on the brink of violation of the provisions of this important document.

Taking into account all these circumstances, return to the topic of implementation of long and hopelessly outdated CFE does not make sense.

As for the prospects of developing a new regime Cove on the principles of equal and indivisible security, balance of rights and obligations of the parties, they should be considered in the context of failure NATO troops from the military action of "containment" of Russia in Europe, the normalization of relations with the Russian Federation, including in the field of military cooperation.

10. US obligations under the Treaty on Open Skies

The American side not for the first time reproduces a template of accusations against Russia in the alleged failure to comply with the Open Skies Treaty (OST). For these claims, we repeatedly gave full answers in the Consultative Commission for the Open Skies (UNSC), and in the comments on previous reports of the State Department.

So, forced to once again remind you that the limit on the maximum range of the Kaliningrad region is entered in accordance with the provisions of the UNSC resolution and DON. This arrangement provides the same performance monitoring, as well as during flights over the rest of the territory of the Russian Federation and on the territory of neighboring states (Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia).

Restrictions DON flights near the borders with the independent states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia introduced in accordance with the Agreement, providing that observation flights shall be held no closer than 10 km from the state border, which is not a party to it.

Our demand prepayment for observation flights over the Ukrainian territory of the Russian Federation due to the failure to return the Kiev Russia billions of dollars in debt. Its validity is confirmed by the fact that Ukraine still does not pay the bill for their own participation in the activities on the inspection of Russian Digital Sky open platforms in June 2016. This report some reason did not say anything.

Unfortunately, Americans are silent about the abuses and problems with compliance DON by the United States itself, its NATO allies and other "close" it states.

During the 12 years of the US ignored its Treaty provisions on the development of special procedures for the monitoring of its island territories and possessions. Thus, for a long time a significant part of the territory of the United States are not available for observation, which is a gross violation of the foundations of the Treaty. Only at the end of 2015. Washington went to meet our requirements. A corresponding procedure for the Aleutian Islands still do not provide the opportunity to stop for a rest of the crew, which may adversely affect the safety and significantly limits the ability of Russia to monitor this part of the United States.

Refusing to provide a sufficient number of intermediate stops, the United States (and with them, and Canada) is almost shut down their territory against surveillance An-30B Russian aircraft with digital equipment, in breach of Article III of the Treaty, providing for the obligation of each State party to accept observation flights over its territory . In support of this position the US side referred to the need to clarify the text of the UNSC decision on the issue, but so far not taken any steps in this direction. At the same time Washington was blown argument about the alleged emerging threat to US national security in the case of flights of Russian aircraft open sky with digital on-board complex. Although it was the US initiated the "transition to digital" in DON.

The American side, assume the right to judge the actions of other states, persistently justifies the breach of contractual obligations by their intimate partners and allies. For example, the US in fact supported devastating for Georgia Contract termination decision to perform its obligations under the DON in relation to Russia, thereby creating a precedent for selective implementation of the multilateral instrument. Rather than condemn the contrary to the provisions DON closing Turkey from seeing a significant region in the south-east of the country, Washington cynically declared that he was satisfied with the way Ankara fulfills the contract. Considering the need to "take into account the security environment" in Turkey, the United States for many years sought to overturn the established Russian hazardous airspace over the Chechen Republic and the surrounding areas. By insisting on the ability to make observation flights over the whole of Russia (including over Moscow) without restrictions on height, they prefer not to pay attention to such restrictions in the United Kingdom, Norway and some other countries (by the way, the report for the first time recognizes the link between the appearance of the last and the examination of Russian Tu-154M Lk-1 with digital on-board equipment). We raises serious concerns that the policy of "double standards" has become the norm for American counterparts.

11. Freezing American side tranche of Russia's voluntary contribution to the IAEA

In March 2017 the US banks have frozen tranche of Russia's voluntary contribution to the implementation of the IAEA's Program of Action for Cancer Therapy. Russian bank to make payments, the question was raised as to whether the translation of attitude to Iran. Despite assurances from the Russian side that the money is allocated purely for humanitarian purposes, US banks delayed tranche of translation for a few weeks, and at the beginning of April 2017 returned the frozen funds to the account of the State Corporation "Rosatom". As a result, the IAEA still has not received Russia's voluntary contribution to the goal of cancer treatment in 2017.

It seems that American financial institutions are unlikely to be decided on their own to go to the blocking state payments sovereign state. Most likely, this is a free interpretation of American government restrictions in the context of national sanctions which hit indiscriminately, even on purely humanitarian operations. Despite the repeated statement of the Russian side of the issue in contacts with officials of the United States, the US administration has not clarified its banks fallacy of steps taken by them. One gets the impression of deliberate creation of obstacles to the financing of the IAEA Russian humanitarian project. These actions of the US banks may be regarded as an abuse of the international financial system by ensuring that transactions in dollars, in this case directly affects the functioning of the UN system.

* * *

To summarize this brief review, we look forward to receiving any clear explanations on all the facts presented by us and urge the US again to abandon the unseemly practice against the background of their own serious "flaws" to put forward baseless claims to other countries, thereby misleading the international public opinion. We also hope to return to Washington and proven more than once proved its effectiveness method for the settlement of disputes and disagreements - full-length negotiations with a comprehensive examination of the essence of the problems without bias and without politicization "of the work to the public" by presenting allegations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE

SCOPE OF THE REPORT

ADHERENCE TO AGREEMENTS

U.S. Organizations and Programs to Evaluate and Ensure Treaty Compliance

OVERVIEW

PART I: U.S. COMPLIANCE WITH ARMS CONTROL, NONPROLIFERATION, AND DISARMAMENT AGREEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS

U.S. INSTITUTIONAL AND PROCEDURAL ORGANIZATION FOR ENSURING COMPLIANCE

U.S. COMPLIANCE

Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC)

Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT), Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty (PNET), and Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT)

1925 Geneva Protocol

Conventional Armed Forces (CFE) Treaty and Vienna Document 2011 (VD11)

Treaty on Open Skies (OST)

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START Treaty or NST)

Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Management and Disposition of Plutonium Designated as No Longer Required For Defense Purposes and Related Cooperation (Plutonium Management Disposition Agreement, or PMDA)

PART II: COMPLIANCE BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (RUSSIA) OR OTHER SUCCESSOR STATES OF THE SOVIET UNION WITH TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS THE UNITED STATES BILATERALLY CONCLUDED WITH THE SOVIET UNION OR ITS SUCCESSOR STATES

INTERMEDIATE-RANGE NUCLEAR FORCES (INF) TREATY

NEW START TREATY (NST)

PLUTONIUM MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT (PMDA)

PART III: COMPLIANCE BY STATES PARTY (INCLUDING SUCCESSOR STATES PARTY) WITH MULTILATERAL TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED WITH THE UNITED STATES

BIOLOGICAL AND TOXIN WEAPONS CONVENTION (BWC)

Russia

TREATY ON CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES IN EUROPE (CFE)

CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC)

NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY (NPT)

Burma

Iran

North Korea

Syria

TREATY ON OPEN SKIES (OST)

PART IV: ADHERENCE BY PARTICIPATING STATES (INCLUDING SUCCESSOR STATES) TO POLITICALLY BINDING BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL COMMITMENTS

VIENNA DOCUMENT 2011 ON CONFIDENCE- AND SECURITY-BUILDING MEASURES (VD11)

Russia

Azerbaijan

Kyrgyzstan

Uzbekistan

MISSILE NONPROLIFERATION COMMITMENTS

China

PART V: STATES ADHERENCE TO CERTAIN UNILATERAL COMMITMENTS

MORATORIA ON NUCLEAR TESTING

INTRODUCTION



PURPOSE

This Report is submitted pursuant to Section 403 of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2593a), which requires a report by the President on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments.

SCOPE OF THE REPORT

This Report assesses U.S. compliance with and adherence to arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and related commitments in 2016, including Confidence- and Security-Building Measures (CSBMs), as well as the adherence in 2016 of other nations to arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and related commitments, including CSBMs and the Missile Technology Control Regime, to which the United States is a participating state. The issues addressed in this Report primarily reflect activities from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted.[1]

The Compliance Report includes reporting and analysis at the levels of classification for which reliable supporting information is available. The unclassified version of this Report recounts as much information as possible, but certain issues can be discussed only at higher levels of classification. Some compliance concerns are raised and some findings of violations are made, for instance, only in the SECRET- or TOP SECRET/SCI-level versions of this Report.

ADHERENCE TO AGREEMENTS

Arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and related commitments continue to be important tools that can protect and advance U.S. interests. Their provisions can limit or reduce threats to U.S. and allies security, including by limiting participating States access to or engagement in dangerous or destabilizing capabilities or activities, providing insight and transparency into the actions of participating States, and encouraging stabilizing patterns of behavior and interaction. In such ways, such agreements and commitments can contribute broadly to transparency and stability on a global and regional scale. The utility of arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and commitments as tools of statecraft and for the protection and advancement of security interests diminishes significantly, however, if participating States do not fully implement the obligations and commitments they have undertaken. In fact, failures to comply can present serious national security challenges. A party that complies with a treaty only to have one or more of its counterparties violate the agreement, for instance, can find itself at a potentially grave and destabilizing disadvantage  a danger that would be all the more acute to the degree that such cheating is successfully concealed. Violations that are not appropriately and effectively addressed can perpetuate and compound these dangers. Therefore, within the framework of any given set of agreements and commitments, vigorous verification, scrupulous compliance analysis, and robust compliance enforcement are critical aspects of U.S. national security planning. In evaluating any countrys compliance with its arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation obligations, the United States considers a variety of factors. These include the nature and precise language of the obligations undertaken in the context of international law, information regarding the countrys activities - including that acquired by so-called National Technical Means of verification (i.e., intelligence collection), cooperative verification measures, open source information, and diplomatic means - and any information provided by the country in question. A similar process is used to evaluate a countrys adherence to politically binding commitments. Many concerns relating to compliance involve matters of interpretation; many involve highly classified information derived from sensitive sources and methods. Furthermore, some states often attempt to conceal activity that is inconsistent with their obligations or commitments, and some are able to do so with a thoroughness and sophistication that can make it difficult to pierce the veil of denial and deception and establish the requisite factual basis for a compliance assessment. For these reasons, it may take significant time to assess whether the actions or activities that gave rise to concerns constitute violations or simply represent differences in implementation approaches or some other permissible activity. In this Report, the term violation refers to any action or omission by a State Party to an international agreement that is determined by the United States to be inconsistent with obligations owed by that State Party to the United States under the agreement in question and that may give rise to international legal remedies. As noted above, there can sometimes be legal or factual uncertainty as to whether a violation has occurred. Accordingly, this Report distinguishes between violations and instances in which the U.S. Government is considering but has not yet determined whether a violation has occurred, for example because there are unresolved factual or legal questions about compliance. The Report refers to the latter category as compliance concerns or compliance questions. In general, this Report uses the terms violation and compliance only in reference to legal obligations undertaken in international agreements. When discussing politically binding commitments, the Report generally uses the term adherence instead of compliance. Thus, a State engaged in conduct that is determined to be inconsistent with a politically binding commitment is said to be not adhering to that commitment, rather than violating the commitment. When concerns arise regarding the actions of our treaty partners, we seek, whenever possible, to address our concerns through diplomatic engagement. However, in the event that we determine violations to have occurred, we also have a range of options and means to try to convince violators it is in their interest to return to compliance and to prevent violators from benefitting from their violations. This Report evaluates adherence to and compliance with arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and commitments to which the United States is a participating State. The United States and the majority of the other participating States involved in these agreements and commitments are implementing these obligations and commitments and have indicated their intention to continue doing so. As the Report makes clear, however, compliance concerns  and in some instances treaty violations and actions determined to be inconsistent with political commitments  exist involving a relatively small number of States. Where possible, the United States continues to pursue resolution of those issues with the States in question, as well as to assess the implications of these States actions and how best the United States should respond to them.

U.S. Organizations and Programs to Evaluate and Ensure Treaty Compliance

Because of our deep-seated legal traditions, our commitment to the rule of law, and our belief in the importance of such agreements to enhance our security and that of our allies and friends, the United States complies with its obligations under all applicable arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and commitments. It is longstanding U.S. policy to comply with international legal obligations. To the extent the United States has determined that compliance with an obligation is no longer in the U.S. national security interest, the United States has sought to negotiate modification of the agreement in question or withdraw from the agreement altogether  as indeed occurred with the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty.

As a reflection of the seriousness with which we view these obligations, the United States has established legal and institutional procedures to ensure U.S. compliance. Individual departments and agencies within the Executive Branch have established policies and procedures to ensure that plans and programs under those departments and agencies purview remain consistent with U.S. international obligations. For example, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) compliance review groups oversee and manage DoD compliance with arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and related commitments, including CSBMs. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State, in its role as the lead U.S. agency on arms control matters, is responsible for providing policy advice and expertise related to compliance to individual departments and agencies and the interagency community. Further, an interagency review is conducted in appropriate cases, including when other treaty parties formally raise concerns regarding U.S. implementation of its obligations. Finally, Congress performs oversight functions through committee hearings and budget allocations.

OVERVIEW

This Report addresses U.S. compliance with and adherence to arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and commitments (Part I), compliance by the Russian Federation (Russia) and other successor States of the Soviet Union with treaties and agreements that the United States bilaterally concluded with the Soviet Union or one of its successor States (Part II), compliance by States Party (including successor States Party) with legally binding multilateral treaties and agreements concluded with the United States (Part III), adherence by participating States (including successor States) to politically binding bilateral and multilateral commitments in which the United States participates (Part IV), and States adherence to certain unilateral commitments (Part V).

PART I: U.S. COMPLIANCE WITH ARMS CONTROL, NONPROLIFERATION, AND DISARMAMENT AGREEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS



U.S. INSTITUTIONAL AND PROCEDURAL ORGANIZATION FOR ENSURING COMPLIANCE

There are processes and controls within the U.S. executive branch, including at the DoD, the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Commerce, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, that operate to ensure that plans and programs under those departments and agencies purview remain consistent with U.S. international obligations. Additionally, the Department of State, in its role as the lead U.S. agency on arms control matters, is responsible for providing policy advice and expertise related to compliance to individual departments and agencies and the interagency community. These processes and controls operate in parallel, and in addition to the congressional oversight process.

In 1972, the DoD established the first such department-level process. Under this compliance process, established at the conclusion of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) that led to arms control-related agreements on strategic offensive arms, key offices in DoD are responsible for overseeing DoD compliance with all U.S. arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and commitments, including CSBMs. DoD components ensure their implementing program offices adhere to DoD compliance directives and seek guidance from the offices charged with oversight responsibility. Similar processes have been established by other departments and agencies to ensure that their programs and activities comply with U.S. international obligations and commitments. For example, DHS similarly established a compliance review process, which assesses DHS-sponsored research for compliance with all relevant arms controls agreements. Interagency reviews also are conducted in appropriate cases, such as when other States formally raise concerns regarding U.S. implementation of its arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament obligations and commitments.

U.S. COMPLIANCE

In 2016, the United States continued to be in compliance with all of its obligations under arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and continues to make every effort to comply scrupulously with them. When other countries have formally raised a compliance concern regarding U.S. implementation activities, the United States has carefully reviewed the matter to confirm its actions were in compliance with its obligations.

Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC)

The BWC entered into force on March 26, 1975. All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the BWC. The United States continues to work toward enhancing transparency of biological defense work and effective national implementation of BWC obligations using the BWC confidencebuilding measures and a range of voluntary measures and initiatives. Since the U.S. disclosed it had inadvertently shipped samples of incompletely inactivated Bacillus anthracis, the Department of Defense has revised its biological security policies and harmonized such policies with Select Agent Regulations. New policy is being developed that requires a standing panel of experts to review all biosafety procedures and protocols governing the removal of Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) from a containment laboratory. The newly established BSAT Biosafety Program Office ensures the safety and standardization of procedures used in DoD BSAT laboratories and identifies industry-wide best practices to enhance biosafety across the full spectrum of DoD BSAT operations. The samples incomplete inactivation (thoroughly disclosed by the U.S. Government and extensively documented in the press) was an unintentional biosafety lapse, but not a violation of U.S. treaty obligations. In 2016, the United States engaged Russia bilaterally through an exchange of questions and responses relevant to each others obligations under the BWC.

Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

The CWC entered into force on April 29, 1997. The United States continues to work toward meeting its CWC obligations with respect to the destruction of chemical weapons (CW) and associated CW facilities. The CWC Conference of the States Parties (CSP) decision regarding the Final Extended Deadlines of 29 April, 2012 requires the United States to report at each regular session of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council (EC) on the progress achieved towards complete destruction of remaining stockpiles. The United States provides a report and briefing to the EC quarterly and to the CSP annually on U.S. progress achieved towards complete destruction.

The original deadline of 2012 could not be met when changes in U.S. law required research and development into alternate feasible destruction methods other than transport and incineration.

The United States has completed destruction of its Category 2 and 3 chemical weapons and has completed destruction of nearly 90 percent of its Category 1 chemical weapons stockpile. There are two CW destruction facilities, located in Pueblo, Colorado and Blue Grass, Kentucky, that are scheduled to complete destruction of the remaining stockpile not later than December 31, 2023. Neutralization will be used as the primary destruction technology at both sites. Additionally, explosive destruction technologies will be used to enhance safety, while accelerating destruction schedules at both sites.

The United States remains fully committed to complete destruction of its entire stockpile as soon as practicable, consistent with the Conventions imperatives of public safety, environmental protection, and international transparency and oversight.

The United States continues to update the OPCW on U.S. destruction efforts, consistent with the November 2011 adoption by the OPCW Conference of States Party of transparency measures to provide States Party and the OPCW with additional confidence in the continued commitment of States Party - and their progress toward - complete, verified destruction of their chemical weapons under the CWC. The United States has provided a full and complete declaration of its CW and associated CW facilities. The United States also is compliant with its CWC obligations related to commercial activities. U.S. CWC Regulations (15 CFR 710 et seq.) require commercial facilities exceeding CWC-specified activity thresholds to submit annual declarations, notifications, and other reports, including on past and anticipated activities, and to permit systematic and routine verification through onsite inspections of declared commercial facilities.

Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles, also known as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the INF Treaty.

Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT), Underground Nuclear Explosions for Peaceful Purposes Treaty (PNET), and Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT)

The Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Underground Nuclear Weapon Tests, also known as the Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT), was signed in 1974. It establishes a nuclear threshold by prohibiting each Party from undertaking underground nuclear weapon tests having a yield exceeding 150 kilotons at any place under its jurisdiction or control. The Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty governs underground nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes at any place under the jurisdiction or control of the Parties other than the test sites specified under the TTBT.

Under Section IV, paragraph 2 of the June 1990 Protocol to the TTBT, each party is required, by not later than June 1 of each year, to inform the other of the number of underground nuclear weapons tests by specified category that it intends to conduct in the following calendar year. For purposes of the TTBT, an underground nuclear weapon test means either a single underground nuclear explosion conducted at a test site, or two or more underground nuclear explosions conducted at a test site within an area delineated by a circle having a diameter of two kilometers, conducted within a total period of time of 0.1 second, and whose combined yield is less than 150 kilotons. The TTBT Protocol defines the term explosion as the release of nuclear energy from an explosive canister.

The United States has not conducted any nuclear weapon explosive tests or any nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes since 1992. All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the TTBT, PNET, and LTBT.

1925 Geneva Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare

All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the 1925 Geneva Protocol.

Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and the Vienna Document 2011

All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the CFE Treaty and the political commitments set forth in the Vienna Document 2011.

The United States continues to maintain cessation of implementation of certain CFE Treaty obligations (notifications, data exchanges, and inspections) vis-a-vis Russia as a countermeasure in response to Russias continued violation of its obligations to the United States under the CFE Treaty. This measure was closely coordinated with NATO Allies, who implemented similar steps in their respective national capacities. Russia has not challenged this action. The United States continues to perform its obligations under the CFE Treaty vis-a-vis all other States Party.

Treaty on Open Skies (OST)

All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the OST.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the NPT.

Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START Treaty)

All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the New START Treaty (NST).

Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Management and Disposition of Plutonium Designated as No Longer Required For Defense Purposes and Related Cooperation (Plutonium Management Disposition Agreement, or PMDA)

All U.S. activities during the reporting period were consistent with the obligations set forth in the PMDA. The Presidents FY 2017 budget request to Congress proposed that the mixed oxide facility in which plutonium designated under the PMDA was intended to be disposed be terminated and that the United States proceed with necessary design work to support a method of diluting and disposing of the material. Congress, in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2017, approved continued funding for the mixed oxide facility.

PART II: COMPLIANCE BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (RUSSIA) OR OTHER SUCCESSOR STATES OF THE SOVIET UNION WITH TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS THE UNITED STATES CONCLUDED BILATERALLY WITH THE SOVIET UNION OR ITS SUCCESSOR STATES

INTERMEDIATE-RANGE NUCLEAR FORCES (INF) TREATY

The Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty) was signed by President Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev on December 8, 1987, and entered into force on June 1, 1988. Additional information is provided in the higher classification versions of this Report.

FINDING

The United States has determined that in 2016, the Russian Federation (Russia) continued to be in violation of its obligations under the INF Treaty not to possess, produce, or flight-test a ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) with a range capability of 500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers, or to possess or produce launchers of such missiles.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The INF Treaty is of unlimited duration and bans the possession, production, and flight-testing of intermediate- and shorter-range missile systems. The Treaty required the complete elimination of all the approximately 800 U.S. and approximately 1,800 former Soviet ground-launched missiles with maximum ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers, their launchers, and their associated support equipment and structures. All such items were eliminated by May 28, 1991.

The INF Treaty established a verification regime using national technical means of verification (NTM), notifications, and an on-site inspection regime to detect and deter violations of Treaty obligations. The inspection regime concluded on May 31, 2001 - that is, 13 years after the Treatys entry into force, in accordance with Article XI of the Treaty. The remainder of the verification regime continues for the duration of the Treaty.

In previous editions of the Compliance Report published in 2014, 2015, and 2016, the United States determined that Russia was in violation of its obligations under the INF Treaty not to possess, produce, or flight-test a GLCM with a range capability of 500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers, or to possess or produce launchers of such missiles.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The INF Treaty defines an intermediate-range missile as a ground-launched ballistic missile (GLBM) or GLCM having a range capability in excess of 1,000 kilometers but not in excess of 5,500 kilometers. The Treaty defines a shorter-range missile as a GLBM or GLCM having a range capability equal to or in excess of 500 kilometers but not in excess of 1,000 kilometers. A GLCM is defined as a ground-launched cruise missile that is a weapon delivery-vehicle.

Article I provides that the Parties shall not have intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles as defined by the Treaty.

Paragraph 1 of Article IV provides that the Parties shall not possess intermediate-range missiles or launchers of such missiles, or support structures or equipment of the categories listed in the Memorandum of Understanding associated with such missiles and launchers.

Paragraph 1 of Article VI provides that no Party shall produce or flight-test any intermediate-range missiles or produce any stages or launchers of such missiles.

Paragraph 1 of Article VII provides that if a cruise missile has been flight-tested or deployed for weapon delivery, all missiles of that type shall be considered to be weapon-delivery vehicles.

Paragraph 2 of Article VII provides that if a GLCM is an intermediate-range missile, all GLCMs of that type shall be considered to be intermediate-range missiles.

Paragraph 4 of Article VII provides that the range capability of a GLCM not listed in Article III of the Treaty shall be considered to be the maximum distance that can be covered by the missile in its standard design mode flying until fuel exhaustion, determined by projecting its flight path onto the earths sphere from the point of launch to the point of impact.

Paragraph 7 of Article VII provides that if a launcher has been tested for launching a GLCM, all launchers of that type shall be considered to have been tested for launching GLCMs.

Paragraph 8 of Article VII provides that if a launcher has contained or launched a particular type of GLCM, all launchers of that type shall be considered to be launchers of that type of GLCM.

Paragraph 11 of Article VII provides that a cruise missile that is not a missile to be used in a ground-based mode shall not be considered to be a GLCM if it is test-launched at a test site from a fixed land-based launcher that is used solely for test purposes and that is distinguishable from GLCM launchers.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Since 2013, the United States has raised its concerns regarding Russian development of a GLCM with a range capability between 500 and 5,500 kilometers with Russia on repeated occasions and at various levels and departments within the Russian Government in an effort to resolve U.S. concerns. The priority of the United States is for Russia to return to compliance to ensure the continued viability of the INF Treaty, and we continue to engage the Russian Government to resolve our concerns.

In an effort to resolve U.S. concerns, the United States requested to convene a session of the INF Treatys implementation body, the Special Verification Commission (SVC). Prior to 2016, the SVC had last met in October 2003 following the conclusion of the INF Treatys inspection regime in 2001. The most recent SVC session, which took place November 15-16, 2016, was attended by Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine, and provided the first multilateral technical venue for the United States to raise the issue of Russias violation of its obligations under the INF Treaty not to possess, produce, or flight-test a GLCM with a range capability of 500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers, or to possess or produce launchers of such missiles.

The United States has provided detailed information to the Russian Federation over the course of these bilateral and multilateral engagements, more than enough information for the Russian side to identify the missile in question and engage substantively on the issue of its obligations under the INF Treaty. This includes the following:

Information pertaining to the missile and the launcher, including Russias internal designator for the mobile launcher chassis and the names of the companies involved in developing and producing the missile and launcher;

Information on the violating GLCMs test history, including coordinates of the tests and Russias attempts to obfuscate the nature of the program;

The violating GLCM has a range capability between 500 and 5,500 kilometers;

The violating GLCM is distinct from the R-500/SSC-7 GLCM or the RS-26 ICBM.

The United States will continue to pursue resolution of U.S. concerns with Russia, and the United States is consulting with allies to review a range of appropriate options should Russia persist in its violation. The United States has made clear to Russia that the United States will protect U.S. security and the security of U.S. allies, and that Russian security will not be enhanced by continuing its violation. Additional information is provided in the higher classification versions of this Report.

TREATY ON MEASURES FOR THE FURTHER REDUCTION AND LIMITATION OF STRATEGIC OFFENSIVE ARMS (THE NEW START TREATY)

For a discussion of Russias implementation of its obligations under the New START Treaty, see the Report on Implementation of the New START Treaty, dated January 2017, submitted pursuant to Section (a)(10) of the Senate Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (also known as the Condition (10) Report), and appended to this Report.

PLUTONIUM MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT

Under the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA), the United States and Russia each committed to dispose of no less than 34 metric tons of weapon-grade plutonium removed from their respective defense programs. There is no binding timetable for such disposition, but the agreement contains a non-binding target date to begin disposition in 2018.

FINDING

Although there is no indication the Russian Federation (Russia) violated its obligations under the PMDA, Russias October 2016 announcement of a decision to suspend the PMDA raises concerns regarding its future adherence to obligations under this Agreement.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERN

The PMDA along with two protocols entered into force on July 13, 2011, although it had been provisionally applied since its signature in 2000. This is the first year the PMDA has been addressed in the Compliance Report.

The President of the Russian Federation announced a decision in October 2016 to suspend implementation of the PMDA and to notify the United States of this suspension. The decree also stated that Russia would not return any of its PMDA plutonium to military programs. The decree did not articulate a valid basis under the PMDA or international law for such a suspension.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERN

Russias suspension of implementation of the PMDA could preclude achievement of this Agreements important nonproliferation objectives. Additional information is provided in higher classification versions of this report.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERN

The United States has raised our concerns about Russias purported suspension with the Russian government. Additional information is provided in higher classification versions of this Report. The United States remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the PMDA.

PART III: COMPLIANCE BY STATES PARTY (INCLUDING SUCCESSOR STATES PARTY) WITH MULTILATERAL TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED WITH THE UNITED STATES



CONVENTION ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION AND STOCKPILING OF BACTERIOLOICAL (BIOLOGICAL) AND TOXIN WEAPONS AND ON THEIR DESTRUCTION

The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BWC or Convention) opened for signature in 1972 and entered into force in 1975. As of the end of 2016, there were 178 States Party to the BWC and six Signatory States for which the Treaty is not yet in force. There are 12 States that have neither signed nor ratified the Convention. In 1987, BWC States Party established an annual data exchange, referred to as the Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs). The CBMs were modified and expanded in 1991 and streamlined in 2011. The arrangement establishing CBMs is not legally binding; CBMs are based on political commitments made by States Party. The CBMs are submitted in voluntary annual reports, and not all States Party provide a submission.

This chapter addresses BWC-related compliance concerns regarding Russia, which is a State Party to the BWC. There is insufficient information to support the inclusion of other countries in this years unclassified Report.

COUNTRY ASSESSMENTS

THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (RUSSIA)

FINDING

The Russian Federation (Russia) previously acknowledged both that it is the BWC successor State to the Soviet Union and that it inherited past Soviet offensive programs of biological research and development. Russias annual BWC CBM submissions since 1992 have not satisfactorily documented whether these programs were destroyed or diverted to peaceful purposes in accordance with Article II of the BWC. It remains unclear whether Russia has fulfilled its BWC Article II obligations in regard to the items specified in Article I of the Convention that it inherited.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The Soviet Union became a State Party to the BWC in 1975. Russias BWC compliance was first addressed in the 1993 Report, though the Soviet Unions BWC noncompliance was first addressed in the January 1984 Report to Congress on Soviet Non-compliance with Arms Control Agreements.

In January 1992, then-Russian President Yeltsin announced that Russia would withdraw the former Soviet Unions reservation to the 1925 Geneva Protocol that retained for Russia the right not to be bound by the protocol if another State or its allies did not observe the prohibitions in the protocol. (The Duma voted to withdraw Russias reservations in 2001.) In April 1992, President Yeltsin signed a decree committing Russia as the BWC successor State to the Soviet Union and prohibiting illegal biological warfare activity in Russia. During discussions in Moscow in September 1992, Russian officials confirmed the existence of a biological weapons program inherited from the Soviet Union and their commitment to the programs destruction.

Although Russia had inherited past offensive programs of biological research and development from the Soviet Union, Russias annual BWC CBM submissions since 1992 have not satisfactorily documented whether the BW items under these programs were destroyed or diverted to peaceful purposes, as required by Article II of the BWC.

In addition, Russian government entities remained engaged in dual-use activities during the reporting period.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

BWC States Party have a political commitment to declare past offensive BW programs, and under Article II of the BWC, Russia is required to destroy or to divert to peaceful purposes BW items specified in Article I of the BWC. Article I requires States Party never in any circumstance to develop, produce, stockpile, or otherwise acquire or retain such biological items. It remains unclear whether Russia has fulfilled its obligations under Article II to destroy or to divert to peaceful purposes the BW items specified in Article I of the BWC that it inherited from the Soviet Union because Russias BWC CBM submissions since 1992 have not satisfactorily documented whether the BW items of these programs were destroyed or diverted to peaceful purposes.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The United States routinely informs Russia of U.S. compliance findings and discusses with Russian officials, more broadly, BWC implementation. The United States continued to address BWC concerns with Russian officials in 2016.

TREATY ON CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES IN EUROPE (CFE)

For a discussion of other nations adherence to their obligations under the CFE Treaty, see the Report on Compliance with the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, dated January 2017, submitted pursuant to Condition 5(C) of the Senate Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the CFE Flank Document (also known as the Condition 5(C) Report), and appended to this Report.

CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC)

For a discussion of other nations adherence to their obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, see the Report on Chemical Weapons Compliance, dated March 2017, submitted pursuant to Condition 10(C) of the Senate Resolution of Advice and Consent to the Chemical Weapons Convention (also known as the Condition 10(C) Report), and appended to this Report.

NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY (NPT)

This chapter of the Report covers developments relevant to other nations compliance with the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), including their compliance with their related obligation to conclude and implement a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).[2] The chapter also addresses, where relevant, the status of countries efforts to conclude and implement a modified Small Quantities Protocol (SQP) to their CSA and their efforts to conclude and implement an Additional Protocol to the Safeguards Agreement (AP).[3] The chapter focuses on developments in Burma, Iran, North Korea, and Syria.

As of the end of 2016, there were 11 non-nuclear-weapon States Party (NNWS) to the NPT that had not yet brought into force a CSA with the IAEA.[4] The NPT does not require adherence to an IAEA AP, which contains measures that increase the IAEAs ability to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material and to provide assurances as to the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in a State. The United States supports universal adoption of the AP by States Party to the NPT. As of the end of 2016, 148 States had an AP approved by the IAEA Board of Governors (BOG), 146 of those had been signed, and 129 had entered into force. The Protocol Additional to the Agreement between the United States of America and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards in the United States of America (U.S. Additional Protocol) entered into force for the United States on January 6, 2009.

COUNTRY ASSESSMENTS

MYANMAR (BURMA)

FINDING

The available evidence does not support a conclusion that Myanmar (Burma) violated the NPT; however, the United States remains concerned about Burmas lack of transparency regarding past nuclear work, as much of this knowledge remains within the military and is not reported to the civilian government. Burmas signing of an AP in 2013 and its announcement that it would adhere to the modified SQP contributed significantly to U.S. confidence in the civilian leaderships peaceful intentions regarding its nascent nuclear program. Neither the AP nor the modified SQP have yet entered into force and efforts to bring into force and implement them will require cooperation between the civilian and military elements of the Burmese Government to succeed. Burmas implementation of the AP and a modified SQP will improve confidence regarding an assessment of Burmas NPT compliance.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Burma became a State Party to the NPT in 1992, its CSA with the IAEA entered into force in 1995, and it signed an AP with the IAEA in 2013. Entry into force (EIF) of the AP will occur when Burma notifies the IAEA that its domestic statutory requirements have been met, after which Burma will have 180 days to submit its initial declaration to the IAEA. As a country with little to no nuclear material, Burma concluded an SQP to its Safeguards Agreement in 1995, which holds in abeyance key provisions in the Safeguards Agreement as long as Burma does not possess quantities of nuclear material that exceed a defined threshold or in a facility as defined in its Safeguards Agreement. In 2005, the IAEA approved an update of the Model SQP. Burma has not yet modified its SQP to conform to the update, but in 2012, then-President Thein Sein announced Burmas intention to do so.

As early as 2002, Burma had publicly announced its intention to acquire a nuclear research reactor for peaceful purposes, and in 2007 it signed an agreement with Russia for assistance building a nuclear research center, including a light-water research reactor. In 2010, an analysis commissioned by a dissident group alleged that Burma was seeking nuclear technology, concluding, This technology is only for nuclear weapons and not for civilian use or nuclear power. The Burmese Government at the time dismissed the claims as groundless allegations. Burma reported in 2010 that it had suspended its reactor plan with Russia due to inadequacy of resources and the governments concern for misunderstanding it may cause. Russia and Burma did sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy on June 18, 2015. The Burmese Government describes the MOU as addressing cooperation on research and development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as well as nuclear safety, assessments of the environmental impact of nuclear energy, and nuclear medical technology.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Under NPT Article II, each non-nuclear-weapon State (NNWS) Party undertakes, among other things, not to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. In NPT Article III, each NNWS Party undertakes to accept safeguards  for the exclusive purpose of verification of the fulfillment of its obligations assumed under this Treaty with a view to preventing diversion of nuclear energy from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons .... This obligation requires conclusion and implementation of a CSA with the IAEA.

When Burmas AP enters into force, it will be obligated to, among other things, provide the IAEA with a declaration that includes extensive information on its nuclear facilities and nuclear-related activities. It will also provide the IAEA with expanded inspection access, including to additional parts of Burmas nuclear research program, and the ability to collect samples and information to verify compliance. When Burma modifies its SQP to conform to the 2005 update, it will, among other things, require it to declare all nuclear material subject to safeguards under its Safeguards Agreement. Additionally, Burma will be required to provide early design information for any planned nuclear facilities and corresponding inspection access, which are currently held in abeyance under the existing SQP.

The United States retains confidence in Burmas civilian leaderships intentions to pursue a purely peaceful civilian nuclear program. Although the United States continues to be concerned about Burmas willingness to be transparent about its previous nuclear work given that much of this knowledge remains within the military, which is not under the civilian governments control, we have no evidence of ongoing activities under Burmas civilian government that raise compliance concerns. Burmas declarations of nuclear-related activities and locations under an AP, its initial declaration of nuclear material under a modified SQP, and its responsiveness to IAEA questions following EIF and implementation of an AP and modified SQP will be key to assessing activities that have raised concerns in the past regarding its militarys nuclear intentions and activities.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The United States has held a series of workshops for Burmese stakeholders, which included a complementary access exercise to increase awareness of the AP and SQP, and to help prepare for their future implementation.

The United States continues to emphasize the importance of ensuring the cooperation of all relevant agencies, particularly the Burmese military, to provide complete reporting to the IAEA, address all IAEA outstanding questions and concerns regarding Burmas nuclear activities, and fully implement an AP and SQP.

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN (IRAN)

FINDING

Previous issues leading to findings of violations of both Article II and Article III of the NPT by the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) were resolved as of the 2015 reporting period, despite Irans continued refusal to acknowledge or provide certain information about the military dimensions of its past nuclear activities. At the end of December 2016, Iran continued to fulfill its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), resolving for now implementation issues that occurred during the 2016 reporting period. While key limitations contained in the deal will expire in 2026 and 2031, Irans commitments to allow increased verification and monitoring by the IAEA under the Additional Protocol and modified Code 3.1 and not to engage in certain work that could contribute to the development of a nuclear weapon continue indefinitely. Tehrans adherence to these ongoing commitments will hinder its ability to produce a nuclear weapon after the time-bound provisions of the deal expire, helping to ensure that Irans nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful in nature.

The JCPOA was concluded on July 14, 2015, and came into effect on October 18, 2015, known as Adoption Day. On January 16, 2016, the United States confirmed that the IAEA had verified that Iran implemented the key nuclear related commitments necessary to reach Implementation Day under the JCPOA, at which point U.S. nuclear-related secondary sanctions on Iran were lifted, and the provisions of UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1929, and 2224 were terminated in accordance with UNSCR 2231. Completion and maintenance of Irans nuclear related commitments increased for a decade the breakout timeline for Iran to acquire enough fissile material for one nuclear weapon if it chose to do so from two to three months before the JCPOA was concluded to about one year, with the breakout timeline subsequently decreasing gradually through year 15.

In addition, as required by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, the Secretary of State certified to Congress on several occasions during the reporting period that: Iran is transparently, verifiably, and fully implementing the JCPOA; it has not committed a material breach with respect to the JCPOA; and Iran has not taken any action during the reporting period, including covert activities, that could significantly advance an Iranian nuclear weapons program.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Iran became a State Party to the NPT in 1970, and its CSA entered into force in 1974. Iran signed but did not ratify an AP to its Safeguards Agreement in 2003 and voluntarily implemented AP measures from late 2003 to early 2006, when it stopped such implementation.

As also described in previous editions of this Report, Irans violations of its obligations under Articles II and III of the NPT and its IAEA Safeguards Agreement had been ongoing since the early 1980s. In 2002, an Iranian opposition group publicly revealed covert nuclear facilities under construction at Natanz and Arak that Iran had failed to declare to the IAEA. Reports from the resulting IAEA investigation led the IAEA BOG to find Iran in noncompliance with its Safeguards Agreement in 2005 and to report the case to the UNSC in 2006. In 2009, Iran announced another previously undisclosed uranium enrichment facility under construction near the city of Qom, Iran. The IAEA reported extensively in dozens of reports since 2003 on Irans violations of its Safeguards Agreement. From 2006 to 2011, the Security Council adopted multiple resolutions on Iran, four of which imposed binding obligations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter (UNSCRs 1737, 1747, 1803, and 1929).

From 2006 through 2013, in contravention of UNSC and IAEA BOG resolutions, Iran continued research and development work on advanced centrifuges; enriched uranium up to nearly twenty percent at both the Natanz Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant; continued to construct the IR-40 heavy water-moderated research reactor at Arak; and operated its heavy water production plant at Arak. During this timeframe, Iran did not fully cooperate with the IAEA in regard to its declared facilities; in particular, as noted in previous editions of the Compliance Report, Iran did not provide design information or report design changes well in advance of any action taken to modify existing facilities or construct new ones, as required by modified Code 3.1 of the Subsidiary Arrangements to Irans Safeguards Agreement.

From 2008 through 2014, the IAEA Director General (DG) reports on Iran stated that concerns remained about the possible existence in Iran of undisclosed nuclear-related activities, both past and current, involving military-related organizations. The Annex to the November 2011 DGs report detailed the basis for concerns regarding the possible military dimensions (PMD) of Irans nuclear program. It stated that, according to credible reports from multiple sources, Iran had a structured military program through 2003, including activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile, and that some nuclear weapons related activities may have continued post-2003.

On November 24, 2013, the P5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany) and Iran entered into the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA), the predecessor arrangement to the JCPOA, designed to keep Irans nuclear program from advancing while negotiations on a long-term comprehensive solution continued. Under the JPOA, Iran took a series of initial steps to stop and roll back key elements of its nuclear program. The JPOA went into effect on January 20, 2014, and its terms were extended by the P5+1 and Iran pending the conclusion of negotiations on a long-term, comprehensive solution.

On July 14, 2015, the P5+1, the European Union, and Iran concluded the JCPOA to address the international communitys concerns regarding the nature of Irans nuclear program. By its terms, the JCPOA came into effect on October 18, 2015, known as Adoption Day. On December 7, 2015, the P5+1 submitted a resolution to the IAEA BOG with a view to closing consideration of the PMD of Irans past nuclear program. The resolution was subsequently adopted by the BOG by consensus on December 15, 2015. In the resolution, the BOG noted the Director Generals Final Assessment on Past and Present Outstanding Issues regarding Irans Nuclear Programme, and also noted the successful implementation of the road map that enabled this final assessment, despite Irans continued refusal to acknowledge or provide certain information about the military dimensions of its past nuclear activities. With this resolution, the BOG closed its consideration of the PMD agenda item and decided to remain seized of a new agenda item covering JCPOA implementation and verification and monitoring in Iran. The resolution also terminated previous BOG resolutions, effective as of Implementation Day under the JCPOA, including those that found Iran in noncompliance with its safeguards obligations. Closing the PMD agenda item does not preclude the IAEA from investigating if there is reason to believe Iran is pursuing any covert nuclear activities, including nuclear weapons work.

On January 16, 2016, the IAEA reported that Iran had completed the nuclear-related steps necessary to reach Implementation Day, at which point JCPOA-related sanctions relief became effective. The nuclear steps Iran completed to reach Implementation Day are specified in paragraphs 15.1 to 15.11 of Annex V of the JCPOA. As of the end of the reporting period, Iran continued to adhere to these key JCPOA commitments, including limits on centrifuge numbers, a cap on its stockpile of enriched material, and allowing enhanced IAEA monitoring measures.

Under the JCPOA, Iran committed not to accumulate more than 130 metric tons of nuclear grade heavy water or its equivalent in different enrichments for 15 years, and to make any excess heavy water available for export and deliver it to an international buyer. In February and again in early November, Iran slightly exceeded the JCPOA limit on its heavy water inventory for brief periods. In both instances, this issue was resolved after Iran shipped out sufficient amounts of material to get back under the limit. Most of this excess heavy water has been sold and delivered to international buyers; the remainder is stored in a location outside Iran, under IAEA seal, though it remains Iranian property.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

As noted in the previous report, in December 2015, the IAEA issued its Final Assessment on Past and Present Outstanding Issues regarding Iran's Nuclear Program. The IAEA BOG subsequently closed consideration of the agenda item relating to PMD of Irans nuclear program and instead shifted to a new agenda item relating to JCPOA implementation and verification and monitoring in Iran. The IAEA continues to exercise its full authorities in pursuing any new safeguards-relevant or JCPOA-related information in Iran, including any new concerns regarding weaponization, should they arise, through implementation of Irans Safeguards Agreement, Additional Protocol, and the enhanced transparency and verification measures contained in the JCPOA.

The U.S. Intelligence Community assessed with high confidence in November 2007 (and made public in the December 2007 National Intelligence Estimate) that Iran in 2003 halted its nuclear weapons program, which was defined as comprising Irans nuclear weapon design and weaponization work and covert uranium conversion-related and uranium enrichment-related work, but excluding Irans declared civil work related to uranium conversion and enrichment. Some of Irans now-declared civil nuclear R&D, however, was conducted covertly for several years. It was also assessed with high confidence that as of the time of that assessment, Iran had conducted research and development projects with commercial and conventional military applications  some of which would also be of limited use to nuclear weapons. According to the IAEA, some Iranian activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device continued after 2003, but these were not part of a coordinated effort. The IAEA has no credible indication of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009.

During this reporting period, the IAEA confirmed that it continues to verify and monitor the wide range of steps Iran is undertaking to implement its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. These include verifying the limits on Irans enrichment capacity, uranium stockpile, and heavy water accumulation; verifying Irans enrichment research and development in line with the JCPOA; and implementing an array of additional monitoring and transparency measures designed to ensure Irans nuclear program is and remains exclusively peaceful. The IAEA has established regular inspections at declared Iranian nuclear facilities, and Iran has provided the IAEA with timely access as required by the JCPOA. In addition, Iran is provisionally applying the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA in accordance with Article 17(b) of the Additional Protocol, and is implementing modified Code 3.1 of the subsidiary arrangements to its Safeguards Agreement, which requires that Iran provide early and updated reporting on planned and modified nuclear facilities. These measures provide the IAEA with additional transparency and access authorities for the monitoring and verification of the JCPOA and Irans Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. During the reporting period, the IAEA reported that it has conducted complementary access inspections under the Additional Protocol to sites and other locations in Iran to ensure the absence of undeclared activity at those locations.

Under the JCPOA, Iran has taken significant steps to stop and roll back key elements of its ongoing civil nuclear program. Iran exported nearly its entire stockpile of enriched uranium in furtherance of meeting the JCPOA limit on its enriched uranium stockpile of no more than 300 kg of up to 3.67 percent enriched UF6 or equivalent, eliminated nearly all of its previous stock of uranium enriched up to 20 percent U-235, removed and disabled the core of the IR-40 reactor at Arak by filling the calandria with concrete, and removed and placed under IAEA monitoring thousands of centrifuges in order to meet its JCPOA limit of no more than 5,060 centrifuges for uranium enrichment. Iran has allowed IAEA inspectors daily access to enrichment facilities when requested and permitted continuous monitoring of other declared key nuclear-related facilities, including uranium mines, mills, and centrifuge production and storage facilities.

Continued implementation of the JCPOA closes off Irans pathways to produce fissile material for a nuclear weapon. The JCPOAs constraints on Irans program, as well as the enhanced monitoring and transparency measures contained in the JCPOA, ensure that any attempt to break out would be detected quickly enough for the international community to effectively respond.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

On two occasions during the reporting period, in February and November 2016, the IAEA Director General reported that Irans stock of heavy water briefly exceeded, by less than one metric ton, the 130 metric ton limit established by the JCPOA. In both instances, Iran reported this activity promptly to the IAEA, and quickly took steps to remedy the issue. In December 2016, the IAEA verified that Irans stock of heavy water remains under the 130 metric ton limit. Iran continues to produce heavy water.

The United States will continue its work with our partners in JCPOA implementation  the P5+1, the European Union, and the IAEA  and with Iran to ensure that the significant nuclear-related steps Iran has taken in accordance with the JCPOA remain fully implemented, and to ensure Irans compliance with its obligations under the NPT and its Safeguard Agreement. The United States has the ability to reapply unilateral sanctions and to cause the reimposition of UN multilateral sanctions if Iran does not abide by its commitments under the JCPOA.

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF KOREA (NORTH KOREA)

FINDING

The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) was in violation of its obligations under Articles II and III of the NPT and in noncompliance with its IAEA Safeguards Agreement at the time it announced its withdrawal from the NPT in 2003. The United States assesses that the nuclear activities of North Korea contravene North Koreas commitments under the 2005 Joint Statement of Six-Party Talks and stand in clear violation of UNSCRs 1718, 1874, 2087, 2094, 2270, and 2321. North Koreas continuing nuclear activities and statements attest that it currently has no intention to adhere to its 2005 Joint Statement commitments and comply with its UNSCR obligations.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

North Korea acceded to the NPT in December 1985, and its IAEA Safeguards Agreement entered into force in 1992.

Previous editions of this Report have described violations by North Korea of its obligations under Articles II and III of the NPT and its Safeguards Agreement before it announced its withdrawal from the NPT in 2003. This Report will focus primarily on calendar year 2016 (the reporting period), with updates on activities and the status of the key North Korean nuclear facilities.

Production Facilities

In February 2016, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper testified before a Congressional committee that North Korea had been running its Yongbyon reactor long enough that it could begin to recover plutonium from the reactors spent fuel within a matter of weeks to months. In August 2016, Japans Kyodo News reported that in a written interview, North Koreas Atomic Energy Institute confirmed North Korea had reprocessed spent nuclear fuel rods removed from a graphite-moderated reactor. In the same interview, North Koreas Atomic Energy Institute claimed it had been producing highly enriched uranium for nuclear arms and power as scheduled without offering further details.

Yongbyon has an experimental light water reactor (LWR) under construction, which North Korea revealed publicly in 2010. If successfully completed and operated, the LWR could provide North Korea with a relatively small source of electricity. It also provides North Korea with a civilian justification to possess uranium enrichment technology that could be used to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons.

The United States believes there is a clear likelihood of additional unidentified nuclear facilities in North Korea.

Testing

During the reporting period, North Korea conducted two nuclear tests. On January 6, North Korea claimed it had successfully carried out its first underground test of a hydrogen bomb  a thermonuclear warhead that is much more powerful than an atomic bomb. On September 9, North Korea claimed to have successfully detonated a nuclear warhead that has been standardized to be able to be mounted on ballistic missiles.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Under the 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks, North Korea committed to abandoning all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs, and to return at an early date to the NPT and IAEA safeguards. Multiple UNSCRs require North Korea to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner, and immediately cease all related activities. UNSCRs also demand North Korea return to the NPT and IAEA safeguards; require that it act strictly in accordance with the obligations applicable to States Party to the NPT and the terms and conditions of its IAEA Safeguards Agreement; and that require North Korea implement such transparency measures as may be required and deemed necessary by the IAEA. During the reporting period, North Korea did not take any steps toward fulfilling its denuclearization commitments and obligations. North Koreas nuclear tests and continuing nuclear activities stand in clear violation of multiple UNSCRs. North Korea was in violation of its obligations under Articles II and III of the NPT and in noncompliance with its Safeguards Agreement before it announced withdrawal from the NPT in 2003.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The United States and North Korea last engaged in formal bilateral dialogue on North Koreas nuclear program in February 2012. During the reporting period, the United States consistently urged North Korea to demonstrate genuine willingness to fulfill its denuclearization obligations and commitments to create the conditions necessary for meaningful dialogue through resumption of Six-Party Talks. North Korean statements and activities during the reporting period did not signal any intention or commitment to denuclearization.

During the reporting period, in several multilateral fora, including the UN General Assembly, UNSC discussions, and the IAEA, countries from every region of the world strongly condemned North Koreas two nuclear tests and the more than 20 UN Security Council-proscribed ballistic missile tests designed to improve nuclear weapons delivery, and urged North Korea to return to dialogue on denuclearization. NPT Member States urged North Korea to comply with its international commitments and live up to its obligations under UNSCRs, its IAEA Safeguards Agreement, and the 2005 Joint Statement.

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC (SYRIA)

FINDING

The Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) remains in violation of its obligations under Article III of the NPT and its IAEA Safeguards Agreement. Syria failed to declare and provide design information to the IAEA for the construction of the reactor at Al Kibar (also known as Dair Alzour), which was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on September 6, 2007. Syrias clandestine construction of the Al Kibar reactor and its continued denial of IAEA requests for access and information concerning the Al Kibar reactor and information concerning three functionally related locations are clear violations of its Safeguards Agreement, including its obligations under modified Code 3.1 of the Subsidiary Arrangements to its Safeguards Agreement. In addition to having violated Article III of the NPT, to the extent that these activities were undertaken in connection with an effort to develop nuclear weapons, Syria may also have violated Article II.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Syria became a State Party to the NPT in 1968, and its Safeguards Agreement entered into force in 1992. It had not signed the AP as of the end of 2016.

Al Kibar Site. The United States concluded that, until September 2007, Syria covertly was building, with North Korean assistance, an undeclared nuclear reactor at Al Kibar (in the province of Dair Alzour) in Syrias eastern desert. Given its assessed design, the reactor would have been capable of producing weapon-grade plutonium. The reactor was destroyed on September 6, 2007, before it became operational. The United States assesses that the reactors intended purpose was the production of plutonium because the reactor was not configured for power production, was isolated from any civilian population, and was ill-suited for research. Following the reactors destruction, Syria went to great lengths to clean up the site and to destroy evidence of what had previously existed at the site. By December 2007, Syria had constructed a large building over the location where the reactor once stood.

During the reporting period, the IAEA continued to seek information to address outstanding issues related to the site, including the nature of the destroyed facility and the origin of chemically processed natural uranium particles found in samples taken at the site. (The particles were of a type not included in Syrias declared inventory of nuclear material.)

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Article 41 of Syrias Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA specifies that the provision of design information in respect of the new facilities  shall be provided as early as possible before nuclear material is introduced into a new facility. Article 42 states, among other requirements, that design information to be provided to the Agency shall include, when applicable: (a) the identification of the facility, stating its general character, purpose, nominal capacity and geographic location, and the name and address to be used for routine business purposes . The NPT states in Article III.1 that the safeguards required by this article shall be applied on all source or special fissionable material in all peaceful nuclear activities within the territory of such State, under its jurisdiction, or carried out under its control anywhere.

On May 24, 2011, the DG released a report assessing that the building destroyed at Al Kibar was very likely a nuclear reactor that should have been declared by Syria pursuant to Articles 41 and 42 of its Safeguards Agreement and modified Code 3.1 of the Subsidiary Arrangements to its Safeguards Agreement. The United States agreed with this finding. In addition, as noted in the above analysis, the United States considers Syria to be in violation of its obligations under the NPT.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

On June 9, 2011, the IAEA BOG adopted a resolution finding Syria in noncompliance with its Safeguards Agreement and calling upon Syria to sign and bring into force an AP to its Safeguards Agreement.

The IAEA resolution also referred the matter to the United Nations Security Council. The Security Council met once in 2011, following the IAEAs referral, but took no action. The Security Council did not address Syrias nuclear activities in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016. For 2016, the IAEA noted there were no new developments and continued to urge Syria to cooperate fully with the IAEA in connection with all unresolved issues.

In 2016, the United States did not hold any bilateral discussions with Syria on its nuclear program.

TREATY ON OPEN SKIES (OST)

The Treaty on Open Skies (Treaty or OST) establishes a regime for the conduct of unarmed aerial observation flights by States Party over the territories of other States Party using up to four types of sensors (optical panoramic and framing cameras, video cameras with real-time display, infra-red line-scanning devices, and sideways-looking synthetic aperture radar, although, thus far, only the first two types of sensors are in actual use). The Treaty was signed in Helsinki on March 24, 1992, entered into force on January 1, 2002, and is of unlimited duration. As of December 31, 2016, 34 States Party have signed and ratified the Treaty.

Belarus and the Russian Federation (hereafter, Russia) participate in the Treaty as the Belarus/Russian Federation Group of States Party. The United States first began addressing compliance concerns regarding the Belarus/Russian Federation Group of States Party in the 2004 Compliance Report. All issues that rise to the level of a compliance concern for 2016 are related to Russia alone.

In June 2016, States Party certified Russias Tu-154 Open Skies observation aircraft with a digital electro-optical sensor. The certification was conducted consistent with applicable Treaty procedures, including the five decisions adopted by the Open Skies Consultative Commission (OSCC) in March and April 2015, to help States Party verify that certified electro-optical digital sensors could not be used to collect imagery in excess of the Treaty-prescribed parameters.

One compliance concern cited in previous editions of the Compliance Report  a minimum altitude restriction over Chechnya  has been resolved. In early 2016, U.S. implementers observed that Russia stopped including altitude restrictions over Chechnya during pre-mission briefs. On April 18, during the OSCC plenary, the Russian representative confirmed that Russia no longer published altitude restrictions over Chechnya. Russias imposition of a minimum altitude for all air traffic over Moscow, in the region designated as UUP-53, continued and impacted one observation flight in 2016. The United States discussed this concern with States Party in 2016, including Russias assertion that the altitude restriction is linked to safety of flight, and it became clear that a number of States Party impose altitude restrictions for reasons of flight safety. The United States, Russia, and other interested States Party intend to explore altitude restrictions as part of a broader discussion of air traffic control procedures and Open Skies Treaty implementation. The United States will continue to monitor this issue closely.

BELARUS/RUSSIAN FEDERATION GROUP OF STATES PARTY (RUSSIA)

FINDING: RESTRICTION RAISING CONCERNS UNDER OSCC DECISION 03/04

Russias conduct continues to raise serious compliance concerns under OSCC Decision 3/04. Russia has imposed and enforced a sublimit of 500 kilometers over Kaliningrad Oblast for all flights originating out of Kubinka Airfield since 2014.As of the end of 2016, the United States was actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue, bilaterally and multilaterally, and a decision on a finding of violation had not been made pending the results of diplomatic efforts.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERN

In 2014, Russia introduced a 500-kilometer sublimit on the distance that any observation flight could fly over Kaliningrad Oblast, including any flight that originates from Kubinka Open Skies Airfield, which otherwise has a maximum flight distance of 5,500 kilometers. In 2016, Russia refused two proposed flight plans over Kaliningrad on account of this restriction: in May, Poland proposed a flight plan of 509 kilometers over Kaliningrad, and in August, Poland and Italy jointly proposed a flight plan of 511 kilometers over Kaliningrad. Both flight plans were modified at Russian insistence, and as a result the distances flown over Kaliningrad were less than 500 kilometers, and documented as such in the corresponding mission reports.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERN

As established in Section III of Annex A to the Treaty, flights originating from the Kubinka Open Skies Airfield are subject to a maximum flight distance of 5,500 kilometers. No Treaty provision allows a State Party to establish a sublimit within the maximum flight distance of an established Open Skies Airfield, as Russia did for missions originating from the Kubinka Open Skies Airfield for the territory of Kaliningrad. To the contrary, Subparagraph 1(b) of OSCC Decision 3/04 precludes a State Party from decreasing the maximum flight distance of an Open Skies Airfield. Relatedly, Subparagraph 1(a) of this decision requires that the coverage of the entire territory of a State Party shall be ensured in such a way so as not to increase the number of flights required for the opportunity to observe the entire territory of that State Party. U.S. experts have determined that 500 kilometers is insufficient for the United States and all other States Party to observe the entirety of Kaliningrad in one flight. Russias 500-kilometer sublimit on flights over Kaliningrad thus raises serious concerns about its adherence to OSCC Decision 3/04, a view that the majority of OST States Party share.

FINDING: RESTRICTIONS RAISING CONCERNS UNDER ARTICLE VI AND ARTICLE VIII

Certain conduct by Russia raises compliance concerns under Article VI and VIII of the OST.

Specifically, Russia has:

refused access in a ten-kilometer corridor along its border with the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia since 2010; and

refused to provide air traffic control facilitation, including by improperly invoking the concept of force majeure for certain OST flights.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

In 2016, no State Party submitted a flight plan that would have approached within ten kilometers of Russias border with the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia; however, Russia said during the reporting period that it would continue to reject such flight plans, as it did in 2015.

In 2016, Russia did not invoke force majeure as a basis to make changes to observation flights due to VIP movements, which had previously impacted a United Kingdom mission in 2015 and a U.S. mission in 2014. Russia and the United States discussed the concept of force majeure during multilateral consultations in 2016. Russia has requested that this issue be added to the agenda of ongoing air traffic control (ATC) facilitation consultations among OST States Parties in Vienna, and the United States consented to continue discussions in that forum and intends to seek Russias clarification of its position. The United States is making efforts to resolve this issue in ATC consultations. Provided there are no further improper invocations of force majeure by Russian officials affecting OST flights, the United States may cease reporting on this issue in future editions of the Compliance Report.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Airspace Restrictions Along the Russia-Georgia Border. Article VI, Section II, Paragraph 2 of the Treaty prohibits flight within ten kilometers of a border with a non-State Party. Russia claims that the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia are independent states not party to the Treaty, and thus takes the position that Article VI, Section II, Paragraph 2 prohibits flight within ten kilometers of its border with those regions. However, South Ossetia and Abkhazia are within the internationally recognized borders of Georgia, and are considered by all other States Party to be part of Georgia, which is party to the Treaty. Accordingly, the U.S. position is that there is no basis within the Treaty to exclude observation flights from within ten kilometers of any portion of the Russia-Georgia border. Russias past rejection of U.S. flight plans in this area, and statements making clear that this policy remains in effect, raise serious concerns about Russias adherence to its obligations under Articles VI and VIII by denying States Party the right to observe the territory along portions of Russias border with Georgia.

Failure to Provide Air Traffic Control Facilitation. Article VI, Section I, Paragraph 15 of the Treaty states that the observed Party shall ensure its air traffic control authorities facilitate the conduct of observation flights in accordance with this Treaty. Once a flight plan is accepted by the observing and observed Parties, the Treaty does not provide for deviations from the flight plan unless necessitated by the scenarios specified in Article VIII, Section II, Paragraph 1, which include air traffic control instructions related to circumstances brought about by force majeure.

The term force majeure is not defined in the Treaty, but is widely understood in international law to refer to a force or event beyond a states control. VIP movements are known in advance and are within the control of the government, and therefore do not fit this description and do not constitute force majeure. Russias invocation of force majeure under such circumstances as a basis to force deviations of observation missions in flight raises concerns about Russias adherence to its obligations under Articles VI and VIII of the Treaty.

COMBINED EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

The United States and other States Party raised their compliance concerns repeatedly in 2016 at meetings of the OSCC and in bilateral and multilateral consultations with Russia. In the OSCC, the United States continued to oppose any restriction inhibiting an observing Partys right to observe any point on the observed Partys territory in accordance with the Treaty. In 2016, the United States continued to raise these concerns in the Informal Working Group on Rules and Procedures (IWGRP) of the OSCC.

During the reporting period, the United States and like-minded States Party held informal consultations on national Air Traffic Control management of Open Skies flights. Due to the certification of the Russian Tu-154 observation aircraft equipped with the OSDCAM 4060 digital electro-optical sensor and its lower associated minimum altitude, interest among States Party has grown regarding safety of flight and prioritization of Open Skies observation missions in uncontrolled airspace (including at altitudes below radar coverage). At the OSCC plenary on July 18, 2016, the United States provided a briefing on its published air traffic control rules, procedures, and guidelines and has encouraged other States Party to do likewise. The United States also organized and chaired an informal meeting of interested States Party, including Russia, on December 12, 2016. The meeting examined the impact of national air traffic control regulations on Open Skies flights. Consultations on ATC management are continuing and are expected to include discussions on the use of the term force majeure within the terms of the Treaty.

In March 2016, Allies and like-minded partners, led by the United States, decided that a small group of States would engage Russia with the aim of resolving our compliance concerns and addressing issues that operationally impact implementation of the Treaty. During the reporting period, the Small Group met with Russian representatives in Vienna, in September and October 2016. To date, discussions have been business-like and have resulted in identification of potential paths toward resolution of some of the issues. The United States has expressed willingness to consider ways to address this issue as long as they are consistent with the Treaty and reciprocal to all States Parties.

FINDING: UKRAINE RESTRICTION RAISING CONCERNS UNDER OSCC DECISION 2/09

Russia has stated repeatedly that it would not allow Ukraine to conduct solo observation flights over its territory unless Ukraine paid for each flight in advance. Although not involving an obligation owed the United States, Russias conduct raises serious concerns about its adherence to OSCC Decision 2/09. There is a reasonable basis to conclude that Russias refusal to allow Ukraine to overfly Russia without prepayment could be grounds for a breach determination on the part of Ukraine.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

In January 2015, the OSCC decision on the annual distribution of observation flight quotas for 2015 allotted six quotas to Ukraine for observation flights over Russia  some to be flown by Ukraine solo, and some to be flown in partnership with other States Party. Russia has stated on numerous occasions at OSCC Plenary sessions that it would not allow Ukraine to conduct a solo observation flight over its territory unless Ukraine paid for the flight in advance. In light of Russias requirement for advance payment, Ukraine did not conduct any solo flights over Russian territory during 2015. To avoid delaying adoption of quota allocations, Ukraine chose not to bid on any solo flights over Russia in 2016 and 2017, instead opting only to conduct flights with partners.

ANALYSIS OF COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

OSCC Decision 2/09, Section I, Paragraph 1 provides that, unless otherwise specified in the Decision, or agreed to by the States Party, an observing Party using its own observation aircraft or an observation aircraft designated by a third Party shall reimburse the observed Party for certain costs, including fuel, oil, oxygen, de-icing fluid, and ground and technical servicing. Paragraph 6 of the Decision specifies certain other costs, including costs related to meals and accommodation of the observing Partys personnel, which the observing Party shall reimburse in accordance with the mechanism set forth in this Decision.

The mechanism for such reimbursement is described in Section V of Decision 2/09. As provided in Paragraph 9, [n]o later than 30 days after completion of an observation flight the observed Party shall transmit an invoice to the observing Party clearly itemizing the costs incurred during that observation flight . Paragraph 10 provides that [u]nless otherwise agreed, at the end of each calendar year the States Party will exchange requests for payment in EUR or US dollars. Following a review of these requests, any State Party that is in debt to any other State Party shall pay its debt in EUR or US dollars to that State Party no later than 1 March of the following year  unless the debt is still under discussion.

The pre-payment procedures imposed by Russia in its Treaty notifications appear to be plainly inconsistent with the reimbursement procedures prescribed by Decision 2/09. Accordingly, it could reasonably be argued that Ukraine had no obligation to comply with the Russian procedures, and Russia had no basis to condition Ukraines ability to conduct observation flights over Russian territory upon Ukraines submission to the pre-payment procedures. During the period 2014-2016, Ukraine has conducted 20 missions over eight other countries, and has successfully utilized the procedures prescribed by Decision 2/09 to provide payment and compensation without incident.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

During 2016, the United States, Ukraine, and several other like-minded States Party objected to this practice during meetings of the OSCC, and this issue was also raised with Russia during Small Group discussions on compliance and implementation issues in September and October 2016. Russia continues to insist Ukraine prepay for its solo flights. The United States will continue to support Ukraine in its effort to resolve this issue in the OSCC and explore options to resolve this issue during ongoing discussions with Russia.

PART IV: ADHERENCE BY PARTICIPATING STATES (INCLUDING SUCCESSOR STATES) TO POLITICALLY BINDING BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL COMMITMENTS



VIENNA DOCUMENT ON CONFIDENCE- AND SECURITY-BUILDING MEASURES

On November 30, 2011, the participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) adopted Vienna Document 2011 (VD11), which added to and built upon the commitments in previous versions of the Vienna Document (1990, 1992, 1994, and 1999); subsequent Vienna Document Plus Decisions build on VD11. The confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs) contained in VD11 and Vienna Document Plus Decisions are politically binding upon the participating States.

This chapter covers VD11 adherence by participating States during 2016. Four of the five OSCE participating States that were reported on in this chapter of last years edition of the Report are included again this year. The fifth participating State, Armenia, is not reported because the underlying conduct involving failure to provide accurate notification in the appropriate format for a large scale training exercise, which was in the Report edition covering 2014, was not repeated in 2015 or in 2016. Armenia provided the appropriate notification in question in 2015 and in 2016 via its annual calendar in accordance with VD11 requirements. As a result, this issue is considered resolved.

In 2016, 100 inspections and 41 evaluation visits of units and formations were conducted by the participating States under the provisions of VD11, Chapter IX. In addition, 23 inspections and 35 evaluation visits were conducted using VD11 procedures under bilateral agreements, regional measures, or other arrangements that provided additional inspection opportunities to the participants in those arrangements.

The most recent annual VD11 exchange of CSBMs data was held on December 15, 2016, for participating States with military forces in the zone of application, to provide CSBMs data valid as of January 1, 2017.[5]

COUNTRY ASSESSMENTS

THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (RUSSIA)

FINDING

The United States assesses that the Russian Federations (Russias) selective implementation of certain provisions of VD11 and the resultant loss of transparency about Russian military activities has limited the effectiveness of the CSBMs regime. Russias selective implementation also raises concerns as to Russias adherence to VD11.

In 2016, Russias continued occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, Ukraine, as well as its arming, training, and fighting alongside separatists in Eastern Ukraine was contrary to paragraph 3 of VD11, in which the participating States stress the continued validity of commitments on refraining from the threat or use of force contained in the Stockholm Document, as seen in the light of the Charter of Paris and the Charter for European Security.

In 2016, Russia again failed to provide information on its military forces located in the separatist regions of Georgia, as well as on two Russian units in Crimea, Ukraine. With regard to reporting major weapons and equipment in its VD11 data, Russia continued to exclude improperly the BRM-1K armored combat vehicle. Additionally, Russia failed to provide information on one type of combat aircraft and one type of helicopter that were deployed to units in the zone of application.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO COMPLIANCE CONCERNS

Russia has joined the consensus adoption of each version of the Vienna Document (1990, 1992, 1994, 1999, and 2011) and of subsequent Vienna Document Plus Decisions. Russias adherence to the Vienna Document was first addressed in the 1999 Compliance Report.

Russias implementation of VD11, including with respect to Ukraine, continued to be of concern in 2016. On November 12, 2015, Russia used its annual calendar notification to notify OSCE participating States of the Kavkaz-2016 strategic command exercise, scheduled for September 5-10, 2016. Subsequently, in a more detailed notification on July 22, 2016, Russia reported that the exercise would involve 12,600 troops. On August 25, 2016, Russia notified OSCE participating States of a snap inspection of troops and forces from the Central, Western, and Southern Military Districts that began on that same day, noting that, for the troops in the Southern Military District, it was the concluding training stage for the September 5-10 Kavkaz-2016 exercise. Russia indicated that approximately 100,000 personnel would participate in the August 2016 snap inspection overall, but stated that no more than 12,600 personnel were subject to VD11, that the notification provisions did not apply, and that Russia was providing the information about the snap inspection voluntarily in a spirit of good will. No further explanation for the differing personnel figures was provided (none is required under VD11), and it is not clear to the United States which forces were not subject to counting under VD11. The VD11 thresholds for notification and observation are 9,000 troops and 13,000 troops, respectively.

Russias continued occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2016, as well as arming, training, and fighting alongside separatists in Eastern Ukraine, runs counter to the declaration on Refraining from the Threat or Use of Force contained in paragraphs 9 to 27 of the Document of the Stockholm Conference and reaffirmed in paragraph 3 of the VD11.

In its VD11 data valid as of January 1, 2016, Russia again failed to provide information on its military forces located in the separatist regions of Georgia, neither reporting such forces at normal peacetime locations in Russia as it had done from 2008 through 2011, nor identifying normal peacetime locations in the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions. Russia also failed to provide information on two Russian units located in Crimea, Ukraine, that were established in 2014, although it declared the continued presence of other Russian units there.

In its VD11 data valid as of January 2016, Russia continued its practice of improperly excluding the BRM-1K armored combat vehicle. Russia reported the BRM-1K as an armored combat vehicle look-alike in its data as of January 2005 and January 2006, but has not reported it since that time. Additionally, Russia failed to include two types of equipment  the Su-30SM multirole fighter and the Ka52 attack helicopter  in its data as of January 1, 2017, despite their deployment in the zone of application since 2014.

ANALYSIS OF ADHERENCE CONCERNS

VD11, Chapter I, paragraph 9, states that the OSCE participating States will annually exchange information on their military forces in the zone of application concerning the military organization, manpower, and major weapon and equipment systems, including armored infantry fighting vehicle look-alikes. Also, Chapter I, paragraph 11.2, states that a participating State will provide data on new types or versions of major weapon and equipment systems at the latest, when it deploys the systems concerned for the first time in the zone of application for CSBMs, and paragraph 13 calls for exchanging information on plans for the deployment of major weapon and equipment systems.

Russia has failed again to provide information on its military forces in Georgias separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and claims their territory is not part of the VD11 zone of application. However, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are within the internationally recognized borders of Georgia and are considered by all other participating States to be part of Georgia and thus part of the VD11 zone of application.

Russia also failed to provide information on two Russian units in Crimea, Ukraine, in its VD11 data as of January 1, 2016, and did not include these units in its annual data as of January 1, 2017, although it provided information on other units in Crimea, Ukraine. Both units  the 126th Coastal Defense Brigade and the 68th Naval Engineering Regiment  were established in 2014 and featured prominently in military exercises in Crimea during 2016, according to statements by senior Russian military officials and Russian press reports. Russia currently declares one other naval engineering unit located in Kaliningrad.

Russia failed again to report the BRM-1K armored combat vehicle. Additionally, Russia failed to include the Su-30SM multirole fighter and the Ka52 attack helicopter in its data as of January 1, 2016, and did not include them in its annual data as of January 1, 2017. In addition, Russia has not provided data about either system as VD11 requires for new types or versions of major weapon and equipment systems.

VD11, Chapter V, paragraph 38, states that participating States will provide notification in writing to all other participating States 42 days or more in advance of the start of notifiable military activities. Chapter V, paragraph 41, states no-notice exercises that exceed notification thresholds need not be notified in advance, but are to be notified at the time the troops involved commence such activities and are otherwise subject to Chapter V reporting criteria. In addition, Chapter VI, paragraph 58 stipulates that no-notice notifiable activities with a duration of more than 72 hours are subject to observation when such activities continue beyond 72 hours while the VD11 observation thresholds are met or exceeded.

Russia continues to conduct no-notice large-scale exercises, including in its Southern Military District, and to report them as being below VD11 thresholds and thus not subject to VD11 notification and observation requirements. In addition to the August 2016 snap inspection notification indicating that over 100,000 personnel would participate overall, Russia provided information in February 2016 about a no-notice combat readiness inspection of units in the Southern and Central Military Districts, the Airborne Troops, and Military Transport aviation. In June 2016, it provided a separate notification of an inspection in all military districts. Both notifications cited personnel numbers below Chapter V notification thresholds stated that VD11 notification provisions did not apply, and noted that the information was provided in the spirit of good will.

Although the overall personnel numbers of 100,000 troops for the August 2016 snap inspection are well above VD11 notification and observation thresholds, not all forces or types of activity are, in fact, subject to counting under VD11. It is also not clear whether the higher numbers were peak or cumulative, which could affect whether VD11 thresholds were exceeded. There is no explicit requirement for a participating State to account for differences between numbers provided in VD11 notifications and overall personnel numbers otherwise associated with an exercise or military activity, which are likely to include categories of military activity that are not required to be notified under the VD11.[6] Russia did not respond to calls to explain these differences, and it cannot be determined whether the August snap inspection, in particular, met the criteria for notification and observation in VD11.

EFFORTS TO RESOLVE ADHERENCE CONCERNS

During 2016, the United States and other participating States continued to raise in the OSCE the grave issues of Russias attempted annexation of Crimea and Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine, which run counter to OSCE security commitments recalled in VD11. The United States has raised concerns about large-scale snap inspections and no-notice exercises that could be in excess of VD11 Chapter V notification thresholds if they correspond to activities notifiable under VD11 and has called on Russia to provide greater transparency. The United States and other OSCE partners proposed updates to VD11 to provide additional transparency on these types of military activities, but Russia has thus far refused to engage in any serious discussion of these proposals.

REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN (AZERBAIJAN)

FINDING

The Republic of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijan) failed to notify at least one major military exercise or activity for calendar year 2016.

CONDUCT GIVING RISE TO ADHERENCE CONCERNS

Azerbaijan has joined the consensus adoption of each version of the Vienna Document (1990, 1992, 1994, 1999, and 2011) and of subsequent Vienna Document Plus Decisions. Azerbaijans adherence to the Vienna Document was first addressed in the Compliance Report in 1998.

Azerbaijan failed to provide notification of at least one major military exercise or activity during calendar year 2016.

ANALYSIS OF ADHERENCE CONCERNS

VD11, Chapter V, paragraph 38, states that participating States will provide notification in writing to all other participating States 42 days or more in advance of the start of notifiable military activities. Chapter V, paragraph 41, states no-notice exercises that exceed notification thresholds need not be notified in advance, but are to be notified at the time the troops involved commence such activities and are otherwise subject to Chapter V reporting criteria. Per the Vienna Document Plus Decision No. 9/12, at least one major military exercise or activity is to be notified if no military activity meets Chapter V notification thresholds.

Azerbaijan conducts and publicizes exercises, while continuing to fail to provide notification of at least one major military exercise or activity. On June 17, 2016, Azerbaijani press reported that the Defense Ministry was conducting an exercise from June 19-24, 2016, involving 25,000 service members, more than 300 tanks and armored combat vehicles and up to 40 military aircraft. In November 2016, Azerbaijan released a public statement announcing that it would conduct command and staff exercises involving land, air, air defense, and seagoing naval forces from November 12-18, 2016, involving up to 60,000
Never miss the latest local news again by signing up to our Daily Newsletter

Devoted mum Shannon Maguire plans to give her daughter Liberty the best first birthday present ever . the gift of a happy, healthy, life.

At just 22 the Gloucestershire mum of three has asked doctors to carry out a painful, three hour operation so she can donate part of her liver to Liberty who is one next month.

Her first transplant on December 29 2016 went wrong and Shannon is worried that a new donor liver will come too late for the tiny tot who was born without a gall bladder.

Doctors are currently carrying out a barrage of tests on mother and daughter before giving the go ahead to the surgery, which could take place within weeks at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Although she has been warned about the seriousness of the operation, devastated Shannon says she has been left with no choice because not enough donors are coming forward to help children like Liberty who still only weighs 15lbs and does not even have the strength to sit up in bed.

Some parents have been waiting two years for a transplant and I dont want to risk that for Lib, explained Shannon.

A related, live donor will be better for her and give her the best chance of a future. I have spoken to some parents who have been live donors and they said it was very, very painful afterwards, one woman said it was so bad she wanted her husband to shoot her.

But shes my daughter and if I want her to have a future I have to do it. Its a risk because Liberty has more complications this time round, but in this situation you risk losing your child no matter what. She may be stable now but with liver disease, everything can change very quickly.

Obviously Im scared and I am in a difficult position because I have two other children back home, but although its a serious operation and very painful afterwards, I shouldnt be in any danger because Im fit and healthy and will have been through all the tests.

Liberty has been in an out of hospital most of her life after being diagnosed with a rare liver disease and her body started to reject the first donor liver which she received in December almost straight away.

But eventually the tot began to rally and was due to go home to Quedgely four weeks ago when doctors discovered problems on the very day she was due to leave hospital and kept her in for more tests.

It was a major blow for Shannon who has to stay at Birmingham Childrens Hospital, while her mother Lorraine Maguire looks after Libertys big sister Dekota, four, and two-year-old brother Demlie in White City.

Although speaks to the children every night, she believes donating her liver will mean her family can be re-united as soon as possible and Liberty will not face a risky wait.

If all goes well Shannon will be spending her 23rd birthday on May 8 preparing for the operation to save Liberty who will be celebrating her first birthday on May 18.

The most amazing birthday present would be if a donor came forward, said Shannon, who says both adults and children can donate to babies. I know its very, very difficult for families to make that decision but donated organs live on in other people and save lives.

If Liberty does not get a liver in time she will not have a future. She has had a tough start in life, but if it means she can come home and live a normal life, the operation will be worth it. I want us to have many more birthdays together.

Little Liberty is currently in semi-isolation and being fed special food through a tube to build her up for the operation, but Shannon says she still clearly loves life and joins in when musicians come to visit and play with the sick children at the hospital.

Liberty is actually is helping me through all this, she said. Shes a lovely smiley little girl and doesnt let anything faze her.

Youd think with everything shed been through, shed be frightened of adults, but she welcomes whoever comes unto the room with a big smile and loves being around people. Obviously she will still have the disease, but I hope a transplant will mean she can enjoy a normal, happy life.

You can arrange to donate your organs online here, or telephone 0300 123 23 23.
Something went wrong, please try again later.

Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.

Never miss the latest local news again by signing up to our Daily Newsletter

Boxer Tyson Fury could be cleared to fight new world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua by claiming eating the Forest of Dean's famous delicacy - wild boar - led to him failing a drugs test.

According to some reports the Fury camp will tell the National Anti-Doping Panel next month by that Tyson and his cousin Hughie failed anti-doping tests because they eat a whole boar, entrails and all, between them every week.

Sportsmail says they hope to avoid a ban by claiming they were unwittingly tested positive for a banned steroid because the internal organs and entrails of boar had been contaminated by a growth hormone.

Joshua issued a challenge to him straight after his title victory over Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night.

"Fury, where you at, baby?" asked Joshua after he stopped the Ukrainian in the 11th round at Wembley. "I know he's been talking, I want to give 90,000 a chance to see us."

Fury, who has not fought since beating Klitschko on points in November 2015 but released a video clip of him training in Marbella, replied on social media: "Challenge accepted.

"We will give the world the biggest fight in 500 years. I will play with you. You are a boxer's dream. Let's dance."

Both Fury heavyweight boxers were provisionally suspended on June 24 last year after failing tests by UK Anti-Doping. The ban was lifted in August ahead of an NADP hearing next month.

Hughie, 22, and Tyson, 28 strenuously deny using drugs to boost performance and according to Sportsmail their lawyers are set to argue that eating the liver of an animal that has been fed steroids to enhance its growth can leave traceable amounts in a human body.

It's not clear where the boar came from but a supplier is said to be willing to testifiy so it is more likely to be a farmed animal rather than the meat of those culled in and around the Forest of Dean woodlands which are becoming popular with Gloucestershire gourmands.

They are sent to a central Forestry Commission centre for butchery.

In 2009 Tong Wen, an Olympic gold medal-winning judoka from China, blamed pork chops when she tested positive for the steroid clenbuterol and was cleared due to 'procedural failure' in the laboratory tests.

But in December 2011 UKAD issued a warning advising athletes against eating liver due and cyclist Alberto Contador failed to stop a ban when he blamed steak for a positive test.

The Fury camp and UKAD director of communications Emily Robinson told Sportsmail they could not comment on ongoing cases.
Something went wrong, please try again later.

Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.

Get our weekly round-up of the best things to do and see with What's On in Gloucestershire

Gloucester Docks has a long and wonderful history of interesting watercraft visiting the main basin.

From canal boats to tall ships, paddleboards to dragon boats and even a submarine.

Yes really. A submarine.

But now the docks is set for some high powered, fast and furious action with the news that wakeboarding will be taking place in the main basin for the first time.

Industry Pro Tours are bringing a leg of their exciting new competition to Gloucester to coincide with the Tall Ships Festival.

The organisers say: "The Industry Pro Wakeboard Tour is back in 2017 after an incredible first year of the most explosive wake park riding seen on UK shores.

"In 2016 the Pro Tour's inaugural year, thousands were witness to the biggest wakeboard tour of it's kind in the UK.

"The Foxlake Outdoor Festival in Scotland, Liverpool's International Mersey River Festival and Glass Butter Beach on the Welsh Llyn Peninsula were the stages on which the UK's biggest names battled it out on bespoke, purpose built wakeboard courses situated in the heart of the large festivals.

"With big money up for grabs at every stop along with the overall title as well as the prestige that comes with being crowned the Industry Pro Tour Champion, the competition was fierce.

"This year, with four stops making up the series, two new locations, more cash and more riders wanting in on the action, the 2017 series will up the ante yet again in British and European Wakeboarding."

We can't wait.
Something went wrong, please try again later.

Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.

Never miss the latest local news again by signing up to our Daily Newsletter

Hugely popular food chain Wagamama have applied for a drink's licence in a former Cheltenham charity shop and objectors have until May 17 to complain.

The popular noodle bar have asked for Cheltenham Borough Council for permission to start serving booze and playing music in the former British Heart Foundation shop on Clarence Street in the town centre.

After years of rumours company announced in October 2016 that they wanted to open a restaurant in the Regency Town but have been coy about the details.

Many thought it was a toss up between the former British Foundation Furniture and Electrical Store in Cheltenham House on Clarence Street, or the Former County Court building, which Jamie's Italian recently moved out of.

But now a notice has appeared in the window of the empty charity shop confirming the company has applied for various licences needed to open a restaurant there.

The company are asking for permission to play music and serve drinks and food between 10am and midnight on Monday to Saturday and 11.30 on a Sunday.

According to the notice, the opening hours of the restaurant will be between 10am and 12.30am.

But it's not a done a deal and objectors have until May 17 to complain to the council about granting the licence on the street which has several food and drink establishments already.

Fans of Wagamama, who currently have to travel 26 miles to the nearest branch in Swindon, will be delighted that things seem to be moving along nicely.

The Japanese chain restaurant chain caused a stir when it tweeted: "We are absolutely hoping to open in Cheltenham in the near future but we are not in the position to confirm anything at this stage."

When the Gloucestershire Citizen were able to confirm the rumours earlier this month, fans were delighted.
Lori Edwards described Avery James Edwards as her  precious little boy.

My gift from God who I always called my little angel, now has his wings, Edwards wrote in a letter read at a candlelight vigil Friday evening in Ballou Park.

My heart is now aching knowing that Ill never be able to nurse, snuggle, kiss and hold him again, the letter read.

The candlelight vigil was organized by Haven of the Dan River Region for Avery James Edwards, a 20-month-old infant who died April 14 in Wisconsin.

At 6:24 p.m. that day, Oneida County Sheriffs Office deputies received a 911 call about Edwards breathing becoming very shallow, according to a news release.

Avery was transported to the St. Josephs Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and died, the release continued.

Ellen Tran, 28, of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, is charged with second-degree reckless homicide in the death of the child.

Lisa Caviness, executive director for the Haven of the Dan River Region, said Friday was a time to honor his memory, and to show community support to all individuals and their families that have experienced child abuse.

Haven was contacted by the Tri-County Council on Domestic Abuse in Wisconsin to reach the mother, Caviness said.

Lori couldnt attend the candlelight vigil held in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, but another one was held in Danville.

More than 80 people came to pay respect to the family. Right now, were relying on the strength of God and the love of our tremendous family, friends and this community, said Debbie Schiel.

Schiel also mentioned the Rhinelander community that has just overwhelmed our hearts with so much love and support.

At the end of the vigil, colleagues of Lori Edwards from the Carolina-Virginia Animal Hospital presented a painting of Avery to the family.

The painting replaced a picture of Avery on a big picture stand.

Next to the stand was a small table covered with a light blue tablecloth, with Avery spelled out in alphabet blocks on it.

Behind that was a table selling Justice for Avery wristbands. All proceeds go to Lori Edwards, a sign read.

Everyone in attendance held a small candle, and they were lit as Godspeed by the Dixie Chicks played.

Godspeed little man/Sweet dreams little man, the lyrics went.
Jerry and Patricia Rigney wore gray T-shirts with We Love North Danville in yellow writing to the Third Avenue precinct ribbon cutting Saturday morning.

The couple said they were excited about the police precinct in North Danville. Wed be glad to talk to officers as well, Jerry added.

Members of the Danville Police Department and City Council cut the ribbon Saturday morning in front of a crowd of North Danville residents.

I think its great, said Peggy Parsons, president of the Reservoir Heights Neighborhood Watch.

We welcome the citizens of these neighborhoods who are close by to stop by and speak to officers, Danville Police Chief Philip Broadfoot said Saturday morning.

Vice Mayor Alonzo Jones told the crowd that partnership is absolutely vital to fighting crime.

Jones said to the crowd of more than 30 people that Danville police officers will become your neighbors.

The Third Avenue precinct interior is simple: tables, chairs and two bathrooms.

The precinct is for officers to stop and rest, interview people and to be reachable.

Jones said in his speech that City Council established three areas they wanted to work with Danville City Manager Ken Larking to address immediately: violent crime, education and economic growth.

Strategies were discussed on seeing violent crime decrease, and one of those ideas was the Third Avenue precinct, Jones said.

Before it became the precinct, the building belonged to the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Its a good location for officers to get anywhere in North Danville quickly.

After the ribbon cutting, the crowd was invited inside for a tour of the precinct and lunch.

A moon bounce and water slide were setup for kids to play in as the adults talked.

The ribbon cutting comes hours after two people were shot on Motley Avenue.

A 34-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy were taken to Danville Regional Medical Center for gunshot wounds, and the two were later released.

The events last night, just a block away, show the need for that partnership between the community and police, Broadfoot said.

I had asked City Council a couple of years ago if we could look into possibly having smaller neighborhood precincts, sometimes known as pop-up precincts, said city councilmember Lee Vogler.

The purpose is the presence, not necessarily to have a big, elaborate building, Vogler said.

Pastor Shevi Sloane of Third Avenue Congregational Christian Church said North Danville has good hearted, good-spirited people who dont want to live in fear anymore.

Sloane briefly quoted Acts 20:35 in the invocation, saying you must help the weak . it is more blessed to give than receive.

It is becoming increasingly harder to be a police officer in our day and time, Sloane continued. Yet, they show up everyday to be first responders, to be on the scene  whenever we look for somebody to help, they are always there.

The precinct is well needed, Jerry Rigney said.
Danville City Council is forming a special committee to review proposals from Averett University and General Aviation to provide fixed-based operations at Danville Regional Airport.

The operators of General Aviation, which has been the airports based operator since 1948, say the company is being pushed aside following a vote by the Danville Regional Airport Commission to recommend Averett University become the new operator there.

I dont think its right that Averett can come in here and just close us up just because they want it, said Elizabeth Rembold, who runs General Aviation Inc. at the airport with her husband, Mike Rembold, who owns the company.

Its the oldest fixed-base operator in Virginia, they said.

But the chairman of the Danville Regional Airport Commission said there is no bias against General Aviation and that Averett had a better proposal for operating the airport.

They had a  well-planned, well-thought out and strong business plan, Chairman Gene Jackson said of Averetts proposal.

The city owns the airport, but has a contract with General Aviation for operator services such as fuel sales, aircraft maintenance, flight instruction and other services. The current lease, which includes an option for a one-year renewal, expires June 30.

***

Lease negotiations between General Aviation and the airport commission took place between April and October 2016 but failed to reach an agreement. After they couldnt reach an agreement, the commission sent out a Request for Proposals, which is a legal notice to solicit bids for entities to provide fixed-based operations at the airport.

General Aviation and Averett University both responded by the March 10 deadline and after reviewing the proposals, the eight-member airport commission voted on April 10 to recommend Averett to City Council, which has final say.

The special committee will review the two proposals. Committee members also will interview commission members and parties who have had recent dealings with the airport. They will also likely talk to representatives from Averett and General Aviation, said Danville Mayor John Gilstrap.

City Council is forming a special committee to review the proposals from Averett and General Aviation.

The special committee will include councilmen Fred Shanks and Gary Miller, as well as three community members who are non-biased and have no connection to the airport, Gilstrap said. It will be up to City Council whether Averetts proposal is approved.

***

General Aviations proposal was outdated  a document from 2001 that had the dates changed and was submitted as current, Jackson said.

The document is 16 years old and does not in any way accurately reflect their business today, he said.

The commission has given General Aviation the benefit of the doubt, Jackson said. Its submitted proposal was from 2001, and included references to businesses that no longer exist, such as Sir Richards Restaurant and Lounge.

It also included letters of endorsement and thanks from individuals who are dead or no longer in the positions listed in their letters. They included a 1999 letter from then-acting city manager Lyle Lacy, who died in 2010, and a 1996 letter of thanks from Newt Gingrich, then a U.S. Representative from Georgia and Speaker of the House.

General Aviation owner Mike Rembold said the proposal may be older but the information was still pretty much current. Though letters may be outdated or their writers no longer alive, their statements still apply to the business, Rembold said.

Rembold told the Danville Register & Bee during an interview at the airport April 20 that the company lost transit and experienced hurt fuel sales during runway construction in 2013. Weve lost jets because of that construction, Mike Rembold said.

City officials have never sat down and talked to the Rembolds to discuss a lease agreement, Elizabeth Rembold said.

The city has only heard the commissions side of the story, she said.

City Manager Ken Larking said there is a paper trail from negotiations with General Aviation. A paper trail ensures an accurate reflection of what transpired between the parties, Larking said.

Jackson said the commission did its best to get the company to come to a lease agreement before sending out the RFP.

This commission has gone above and beyond to help General Aviation stay in business, Jackson said, adding that he has been friends with the Rembolds since 1993.

***

Averetts proposal includes a Feb. 21 letter of endorsement from VIR owner and CEO Connie G. Nyholm.

Aaron Howell, chief financial officer at Averett, said the university sought to provide operations at the airport in case a competing school offered a proposal.

Averetts current activities at the airport include its aviation program for its students, Howell said. The school has a hangar, a fleet of eight or nine aircraft and classrooms at the airport, he said.

The arrangement enables Averett to offer hands-on experience for the schools aviation majors, Howell said. If Averett becomes the fixed-base operator at the airport, the school would be able to also offer real-world instruction for its students in aviation management, as well, he said. The university currently does not offer that for its management majors.

When we saw the RFP come out and talked about it, we saw it was in our best interest to put in a proposal, Howell said.

The school would  if they become the fixed-base operators  offer fuel and oil sales, inspection and maintenance of aircraft, courtesy car and connecting clients and visitors with rental cars, Howell said.

Averett has been providing flight training through its aviation program since 1980.

***

The proposals were judged on their business plan and qualifications, financial fitness, level of insurance and reference letters.

Mike Rembolds father, Paul Rembold, was involved in starting General Aviation in 1948 and later bought out the company. Mike and Elizabeth became the operators when his father died in 1988, Mike Rembold said.

This is all I know, he said. I grew up out here.

He said he would like to be in business at the airport for another four or five years.

General Aviation leases space from the city, including the pilots lounge and office, for $558 a month, and the shop building for $612 a month, Elizabeth Rembold said. The company pays for its own utilities, she said.

If the city is not willing to renew the lease with General Aviaiton for another five years, the Rembolds would like to be given another 18 months to recoup their losses from the shutdown of the runway during construction four years ago, Elizabeth Rembold said.

The company had to lay off employees and borrow money to stay afloat, she said. She did not specify how many employees were let go.

General Aviation provides fuel sales, airplane maintenance, flight training, aircraft rental, and help for the traveling public.

Richard Bailey, who also rents from the Rembolds for his business, Southwood Realty and Auction Co., said he is being forced out and that Averett does not have the experience of running a business like General Aviation. He praised Averetts aviation program.

Averett does a fantastic job operating the aviation school, Bailey, who works as a flight instructor at the airport, said.

Howell said the school would hire an experienced person to assist Averett in learning to run the airport and have a consultant help with the transition phase.

Bailey suggested that the city could take over operations after the Rembolds retire and operate it through the Danville Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority.

Mike Rembold runs a first-class operation, he said.

If it aint broke, dont fix it, Bailey said. Let the Rembolds do what they do best.

The commission unanimously voted to recommend Averett on April 10, with commissioner member Hampton Wilkins abstaining because he serves on the schools board of trustees, Jackson said.

Gilstrap said he hopes the committees work is done in the next few weeks so City Council can make a decision on the matter by early June.

I want to put this behind us quickly, he said.
Brock Long will be the next FEMA administrator. This is the word coming out of a National Emergency Management Association meeting happening in Alexandria, Va. The buzz there is that Long, now with Hagerty Consulting and a former Alabama emergency management director is the final selectee now being vetted for the job. I have to say that none of the above is official in any sense of the word, but his is the only name verbally in play for the position. He is evidently the final and only selection whose name has been sent to the White House by the Department of Homeland Security.Why Brock? Well, there is the Alabama connection and the United States Attorney General was a U.S. Senator from that state. I don't know of any other direct political connection to the Trump Regime.His LinkedIn profile lists these jobs before working for Hagerty:Director, Alabama Emergency Management AgencyDates Employed Jan 2008  Jan 2011 Employment Duration 3 yrs 1 moBeck Disaster Recovery IncSoutheast Regional Director Beck Disaster Recovery IncDates Employed Feb 2007  Feb 2008 Employment Duration 1 yr 1 moFederal Emergency Management AgencyHurricane Program ManagerFederal Emergency Management AgencyDates Employed Nov 2001  Jan 2006 Employment Duration 4 yrs 3 mosGeorgia Emergency Management AgencyStatewide Planner/School Safety CoordinatorGeorgia Emergency Management AgencyDates Employed Sep 1999  Nov 2001 Employment Duration 2 yrs 3 mosThe good news from the above is that he brings state emergency management leadership experience and he must have lived through Katrina as the Hurricane Program Manager at FEMA. He knows what bad looks and feels like.Not knowing him as a person myself, at least the resume is one that is better than some political hack who can't spell FEMA and he has "walked in our shoes" as an emergency manager.I have to say, being the FEMA administrator and telling the truth about a situation might be "very interesting" in the future should things go poorly during a disaster response involving FEMA. He should get used to using the words: fantastic; tremendous; wonderful; super; sad; failing; wrong; and, it's a disaster!3/28/17 Update: Several more sources have confirmed that his name is under consideration.
McLaren and Mercedes have denied claims they are teaming up for 2018.

Amid the Honda performance crisis, rumours are sweeping the Sochi paddock that a deal for a reunion of the old McLaren-Mercedes partnership is in the works.

The rumour was proudly announced by former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan, to which McLaren team boss Eric Boullier replied: "I can only say that Eddie is wrong."

Stoffel Vandoorne was also asked about the rumour in Russia, but a McLaren PR spokesperson intervened to declare: "Next question."

And Mercedes' Toto Wolff is quoted by Italy's Autosprint: "Honda and McLaren are two famous and historical brands, and they don't need us.

"I'm sure they will be able to get out of their situation together."

Nonetheless, it is clear that the missing piece at McLaren in 2017 is the engine.

Fernando Alonso said in Sochi: "I like the way the car behaves in the corners, and the new cars suit my style. I would like to think that with a normal engine we could be fighting with the leaders."

(GMM)
Monisha Kaltenborn says she is confident Honda will make a big step forward in formula one for 2018.

It was announced on Sunday that Sauber, currently a customer Ferrari team with a year-old power unit, will switch to Honda next year.

Honda, having notably struggled since returning to F1 in 2015, confirmed that the McLaren partnership will continue.

"We will continue our challenges so that our fans will enjoy seeing a Honda with dominant strength as soon as possible," said a Honda communications spokesperson.

Sauber boss Kaltenborn said that despite Honda's problems with McLaren, she is confident good times are ahead.

"Do I think they will improve? I am sure of it," she told Russia's Championat.

"I remember the situation with other manufacturers and we see where they are now. Honda will be no different," said Kaltenborn.

There has also been speculation Honda will get help in catching up, possibly from Mercedes but also from the FIA, with the governing body having concluded a performance parity analysis.

But the FIA's Charlie Whiting is quoted by AS newspaper: "It (the analysis) was not about helping anyone, but showing that the measures that were put in place, like eliminating the tokens, helped the convergence. And it did."

(GMM)
Russia-based SCF Group (Sovcomflot) recently signed an agreement with Shell Western LNG B.V. for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel the first Aframax crude oil tankers in the world to be powered by LNG.

The agreement calls for Shell to provide the LNG fuel for the new generation of SCF Groups 114,000 deadweight ice-classed Aframax tankers that are scheduled to come into operation beginning in Q3 2018. They will be the first LNG-fuelled Aframax tankers and will operate primarily between the Baltic and Northern Europe transporting crude oil and petroleum products.

Shell will fuel the vessels from a specialized LNG bunker vessel at the Gas Access to Europe (GATE) terminal in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and other supply points in the Baltic. Each LNG-fuelled tanker will have an ice class 1A hull enabling year-round export operations from the Russian Baltic.

This is an important next step for gas as part of the energy mix. The decision to work with SCF Group to power the worlds first LNG-fuelled Aframax crude oil tankers is evidence of Shells commitment to LNG as a transport fuel. LNG will increasingly play a larger role in helping the shipping industry meet new emissions regulations. Maarten Wetselaar, Integrated Gas and New Energies Director at Shell

The signing of this milestone agreement marks the fulfilment of an MOU signed between Shell and SCF in September 2015 to develop Marine LNG fuelling for large-capacity tankers.

Engines running on LNG release more than 90% less SO x , more than 80% less NO x and more than 15% less CO 2 than engines burning standard marine fuels. In addition, the selection of the low pressure X-DF dual fuel engine for these tankers will minimize particulate matter emissions. Further, the engines will be fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to comply with Tier III regulations governing NO x emissions when in fuel mode.

The concept for these tankers was developed jointly by technical specialists from SCF Group and shipbuilders, including the Far Eastern Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Centre and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the technology partners of Zvezda shipbuilding complex (Primorsky region of the Russian Far East). The concept was developed as part of the preparation for the construction of such vessels at Zvezda. It is envisaged that by 2021 the construction of such large-capacity tankers will commence at Zvezda.
Mona OBryant and Terri Harris have been friends since 1988.

Harris began working as a clerk at Smith Moore Leatherwood law firm three years after OBryant joined the firm.

Their bond strengthened when both became pregnant with their sons in 1996. The working mothers even shared a nanny when their sons were young. OBryants son, James, and Harris son, Mitchell, practically grew up like brothers. They remain friends today.

But the bond between OBryant and the Harrises is even stronger now. OBryant has developed a lifelong connection to Terris husband, George. Literally. She has one of his kidneys.

They have been family for a long time, OBryant says. Terri and George have always supported me, and it did not surprise me when George made the offer.

Harris is mostly recovered from the transplant, which was completed Jan. 10. OBryants recovery has taken longer, but she has more energy and recently returned to the law firms office.

OBryant is one of four sisters  all of whom have received a diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease, or PKD. The disease causes cysts to form and grow on the kidneys, eventually impeding kidney function. Theres no cure for it, and the cysts never go away.

Their father, who also had PKD, had a kidney transplant in 1983. He has since died. PKD is an inherited disorder, so their children also have a 50 percent chance of having it. Because of this, most family members couldnt be considered as kidney donors.

OBryant, who learned in the mid-1980s that she had PKD, began talking with her doctors about a kidney transplant in early 2016. They predicted that she could need a transplant in two to five years. But her creatinine levels escalated significantly in the following months.

Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule generated from muscle metabolism. Its transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where its disposed of in the urine. High levels indicate poor kidney function. Those levels increased so much that by the end of the summer, OBryant began discussing dialysis treatment with her doctor.

Then Harris made his offer.

It can take years to find a match for people needing kidney transplants. Regionally (in the Carolinas, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee), 44.4 percent of donors were genetically related to the recipient, according to Betty Crandall, the administrative director of transplant services for Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Some people in need of transplants spread the word through social media.

Crandall says there are increasing numbers of donors and recipients who have met that way. Each year, a few people also decide to donate a kidney anonymously to anyone on the list, she says.

OBryant would rather not draw attention to herself and did not solicit donors, but Terri Harris generated an email campaign among their co-workers and friends.

Her husband jokes that he offered his kidney to OBryant because he didnt think his would be selected.

I was thinking lots of people would want to be tested (to be a donor), he says. I was thinking that I would lead the charge.

Other people were interested, but the testing process for donors can be extensive. Living donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in good health. They should not have had high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney or heart disease. They also undergo phone interviews and a series of visits that include blood work, X-rays and meetings with various members of the living-donor team.

They kept asking if wed ever had a disagreement, Harris recalls. I finally asked, Why do yall keep asking me that? 

It was to make sure that he wasnt offering his kidney out of guilt or obligation.

Harris says he doesnt consider his generosity anything out of the ordinary and even jokes that he did it because I think (Mona) will put in a good word for me at the Pearly Gates.

But something else also motivated this father of two:

I gave Mona the kidney knowing that James needed his mother to be healthy and happy.
BURLINGTON  Police are investigating the death of a man Saturday that they say is suspicious.

Police and firefighters responded about 12:15 p.m. to a cardiac arrest call at 431 Sellars St., police said in a news release. Firefighters found 67-year-old Daniel Lee Paul unconscious on the living room floor. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives in the Criminal Investigation Division are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Burlington Police Department at 336-229-3500 or Alamance Countywide Crimestoppers at 336-229-7100.
GREENSBORO  He was born in a hospital in one of the poorest communities in the country, which is also one of the places where he now sees patients.

Decades separate the kid who was called Little Man from Dr. Sampson Davis, the emergency department physician and joint author of three New York Times bestsellers based on a promise he and two friends made in high school to all become doctors.

Its not easy, Davis, 44, said of poverty. Its mental, its physical, its crushing.

Its like being stuck in quicksand.

But hes quick to add that it can be done with a bit of discipline and hard work.

Davis will share his story of growing up in a struggling single-parent household in Newark, N.J., as the keynote speaker for the United Way of Greater Greensboros 2017 Community Speakers Series, which is hosted by its African-American Leadership group.

The nonprofit invited the motivational speaker as it focuses much of its resources locally on helping families break the cycle of poverty.

Davis will also speak to local school kids many of whom grew up in a mirror environment to his.

We like to bring someone in that these kids can relate to, to show them that theres more than your current circumstances, Peggy Blackwell, the leadership group chairperson, said of the invitation.

Davis is the youngest physician to receive the National Medical Associations highest honor, The Scroll of Merit.

And he and those friends have been entertaining pitches to put their story on the movie screen.

Oprah Winfrey deemed them premiere role models.

After a presentation at their high school, Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins made their pact to earn their medical degrees. All were raised in single-parent households. No one in their families had ever gone to college. Most of the people in their families had never graduated from high school.

They started as freshmen together at Seton Hall University.

They probably looked at us and laughed  These boys probably wont last a semester,  Davis said.

They made it a ritual to share whatever they learned: This is the person you want to take for calculus. I just found out about this scholarship. I heard that we should take physics in the summer instead of the fall.

But they also held each other accountable.

They graduated together with degrees in biology, and then it was on to medical or dental school.

The friends would later together author three bestselling books, The Pact, We Beat the Street, and The Bond.

They also created the Three Doctors Foundation, with free programs focused on health, education, leadership and mentoring.

You cant tell me that this formula doesnt work because we were not supposed to be there, Davis said of their approach. We want young people to realize that you have it in front of you. Grab Jake and grab Michelle and you guys form your team, form your pact.

Going back home to practice was intentional and a way to help transform lives there and elsewhere.

Davis story focuses on the power of perseverance and dreaming big. And needing a second, and maybe a third chance.

Davis said he stumbled along the way. A good student growing up, he wanted to excel in class. But he also had to navigate the streets of his neighborhood.

Hes seen the inside of a jail cell but also had amazing grace offered to him.

I decided at an early age that I wanted to make something of my life  and I held on, Davis said.

Some others in his situation might not be as motivated or lack a support system.

Many children are in survival mode from an early age, he said.

Some steal or sell drugs to get groceries to feed younger siblings.

Others suffer self-esteem issues that result in bad choices.

Its easier from the sidelines to say, Why would someone want to do that?  Davis said of the ones who seemingly cant get it right.

Davis appreciates having an audience with those who try to inspire young people and provide opportunities for them to reach their potential.

Theyre doing  as my mother would say  the Lords work.
When Donald Trump assumed the presidency Jan. 20, he pledged to tackle a list of tasks before his 100th day in office. Among them: repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, securing funding for a wall along the border between the United States and Mexico, and renegotiating or withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Saturday marked 100 days, and the presidents results are mixed.

Trump succeeded on some fronts (the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch) and failed on others (federal courts halted implementation of two travel bans; Mexico wont be paying to build a border wall).

He dropped the mother of all bombs in Afghanistan and authorized a missile strike on Syria.

He oversaw the implosion  and possible resurrection  of a bill to repeal and replace the ACA and began work on tax reform.

Rumors of infighting plagued Trumps administration, as did rumors about his campaigns ties to Russia.

As president, Trumps overall approval ratings have remained relatively low. As of Friday, about 42 percent of voters nationwide approved of his performance. His approval rating in North Carolina is identical, according to an Elon University Poll released last week.

But Trump is faring far better among those who elected him. Nationally, 86 percent of Republicans approve of his work, compared with just 9 percent of Democrats, according to the most recent Gallup Poll.

In North Carolina, 87 percent of Democrats disapprove of Trumps performance  but 88 percent of Republicans approve.

Locally, many of those supporters say they believe Trump is working hard every day to fulfill his campaign promises only to be stymied by an ineffective Congress and a hostile media.

The News & Record interviewed seven of those supporters  three women and four men, ranging in age from 19 to 84, who span from moderate to far right on the political spectrum. Their viewpoints vary, but 100 days into Trumps presidency, all seven say they still support him and believe that he is doing his best.

Fran Rafanovic, 84

retired accountant, High Point

Political background: I have always been a Republican, but I did vote for JFK.

On Trump the candidate: I liked him right away. I felt that he would not owe anyone because he wouldnt accept money from PACs or from lobbyists. He was a businessman and a negotiator. He was tough. He took $1 million from his father and made billions out of it, which was not easy. He was fair and honest. As he began to campaign, I just listened to what he said. I felt like it was God that was putting him in that position. I still feel that way.

Proposed health care bill: I was not totally in favor of the replacement plan. I thought we should repeal it fully and then replace it later by bringing back what we had before. I thought they should talk to experts and get other opinions. I was disappointed, but I blamed them all.

Missile strike on Syria: That started with Obama, who said he would do it. He drew that line in the sand and then he didnt do it and it got to the point where someone had to do something. And it wasnt Trumps decision alone. He said that when he campaigned  that he would let the military make those decisions, and I think he has done that.

On Trump the president: I dont want to give the wrong impression that I think he can do no wrong. I think he is trying to do what he said he could do. I still believe that he loves America and that he will at least try to do what is good for America. He will try to make America first.

Tony Moschetti, 76

Vietnam veteran (Air Force), retired sales rep, High Point

Political background: I identify as a conservative rather than a Republican. I believe exactly what George Wallace said about the two political parties: Theres not a dimes worth of difference between them. I am not a registered Republican, but I tend to vote that way.

On Trump the candidate: The first thing I said was, Donald Trump, are you kidding me? I was not originally planning to vote because I thought that Hillary was a cinch to win  thats what the media kept telling us. She had the media on her side. And none of the Republican candidates resonated with me. As Trump later proved, they were all lightweights. When he started smashing Hillary ... was when I really started to like him.

Trumps Twitter usage: I love it. It gives him the opportunity to skip the media and then let them put their own spin on it. He can say what he wants. Has he overstepped or gone too far? Sure. But the media hates it, and anything the media hates, I like.

Border wall: I thought the wall was a metaphor. I am surprised he is actually pursuing it. Im pretty ambivalent about the wall and I dont care if we have to pay for it.

Health care bill: I was really upset with the Freedom Caucus when they didnt vote until I found out why. The conservatives dont believe in that, in the governments involvement in health care. The Freedom Caucus had legitimate gripes about what was in this plan, but they should have known the final bill would look nothing like that. It bothered me that they dug their heels in before the actual, final version of a plan came before them. I understand now, but they still should have voted. Its not Trumps failure.

Actions in Syria and Afghanistan: Im all for it. The morale in the military is up because theyve finally got a commander in chief who is not full of crap. He didnt make all these blustery lines in the sand. He didnt even say anything. He just did it.

On Trump the president: Nothing daunts him. He just trudges on forward and I think there will be more like him. There is optimism in this country again for the first time in many years, in the business community and the military community.

Al Bouldin, 53

co-owner of Rapid Response Management (an emergency response services company), McLeansville

Political background: I was a conservative Democrat until Obama was running for his first term. He seemed to be very apologetic about American exceptionalism and the wars that happened prior to today. And I get it. Weve obviously done things were not so proud of but he seemed to just accentuate the negative. I started making phone calls as a Democrat for John McCain. I changed my registration later.

On Trump the candidate: Marco Rubio was my guy. Just weeks before the election, I was struggling with it because I was not a big Trump fan. I was legitimately concerned that he was a plant by the Clintons to get Hillary elected. Nobody thought he would win, but then he started catching more traction, doing better in the polls, and that sort of proved that it wasnt just a flash in the pan. It was probably in the last month when I decided, Im going to do it. With Hillary, I knew what we were going to get and I didnt like it. With Trump, I was afraid of what we might get, but there was possibility there.

Missile strike on Syria: I dont think we can just sit back and allow a genocide-type effort in another country. We cant be the police in the world all the time, but if we see such evil and do nothing, thats a problem. I know he campaigned against that type of intervention, but I think that as you sit in the seat, your beliefs will evolve. It needs to be a case-by-case scenario. I dont want us trying to react to every little thing that happens in the world, but this was so evil.

Travel ban: Long-term, I would not support a travel ban, but I understand a temporary stop. We dont have good vetting practices in place so it makes sense to just call a timeout and say, We need more ability to weed out those who do harm. 

Trumps Twitter usage: Im conflicted. If it were me, I would continue the tweeting but not do it personally. Id leave it up to people in my administration. But its just Donald Trump being Donald Trump. Thats part of what you elected.

Ilinca Scalco, 19

political science major on pre-law track at UNC-Greensboro, president of UNCG College Republicans,

originally from Romania

Political background: I was 11 when we moved here and the party system in Romania is very different. We moved here right when President Obama took office and after the election, my dad was very conservative and my uncle was very liberal, so I had these two examples that were complete opposites. I kind of wanted to make my own idea of it. The big issues that I stand on are getting the government out of my life and also the pro-life movement. Those are the main things that draw me to being a conservative.

On Trump the candidate: I was originally for Ted Cruz. After the primaries, I said, Im not going to let this go to Hillary. Theres no way. So I joined the Trump movement. I did my research because I wanted to know what I was going to say if anyone asked me if I was a Donald Trump supporter. I looked back at Ronald Reagans presidency. He wasnt popular. He was a liberal before he was a conservative. The media wasnt fair to him, but he had good ideas. I saw that Donald Trump had good ideas, too.

Border wall: With Mexico, I do think a border wall would add some control and help with the drug problems that we have and also with human trafficking. People seem to forget about that, but human trafficking has increased and a lot of that happens through the border. I dont know if the wall is necessarily going to be the answer, but if it is, I want him to go through with it. I want a solution. Im tired of talking about what doesnt work. We need to do something.

Investigation into Russian ties: This is the dumbest thing Ive ever heard. The media will take anything and spin it, and I think its so dumb that the Democrats are taking what the media is saying and going with it. I dont see any proof that Russia has any ties with Donald Trump. Its so ridiculous. Theres no proof.

On Trump the president: Hes lost so many things just so he could become the president of the United States. He has more money and power than anybody could ask for, and hes choosing this to serve his country and at least make an attempt and try to make America better, or what it used to be.

Cameron Macdonald, 21

political science major at High Point University, Massachusetts

Political background: I first started getting interested in politics in eighth grade, around the time of the 2008 election. We were talking about it in class one day and I would talk about it with my dad. I wasnt really on either side. I was more of an observer. My dad leans more right and in talking to him I started to develop my own understanding of it.

On Trump the candidate: Originally, I was working with Dr. Ben Carsons campaign and then I switched to Ted Cruz. I didnt support Trump until after the convention, and I was pretty much just supporting him because he was the nominee. I was for anybody but Clinton.

Investigation into Russian ties: Honestly, I dont have any concerns about that at this point. Before it was about 50-50, but the recent actions in Syria and the fact that Russia was vehemently opposed to them kind of stopped any real concerns I had. If he was working with the Russians, he wouldnt want to irritate them that much.

Immigration: The first travel ban had problems with it but the second was perfectly acceptable. I like the idea of the wall, but I know the payment is something that people have a problem with. If the United States taxpayers would pay for the wall, it would end up saving us in the long run based on how much illegal immigrants end up costing us in taxes every year. It obviously wouldnt completely solve illegal immigration, but its a step.

On Trump the president: Its pretty much what I thought it was going to be. I didnt expect him to get a whole lot done in the first 100 days because he doesnt have a lot of experience with politics, and some of the things he said he was going to do were always stretches. I love the Supreme Court pick of Judge Gorsuch, but he hasnt really done a whole lot besides that.

Chris McCoy, 37

owner of Strategic Red (a political consulting firm), Jamestown

Political background: Im Republican mostly because of my parents, particularly my dad, who has always been a Republican. I have always voted for Republicans for president.

On Trump the candidate: A lot of campaigns come down to name recognition and Trump already had that. Rubio was my guy, but I never had anything against Trump. I always found it amusing that everyone was losing their minds over him. I dont think weve had a polarizing figure like that who has also been a serious candidate.

Actions in Syria and Afghanistan: The U.S. has always been this pillar of strength. No one really messed with the U.S. because they knew wed strike back and I think weve lost some of that in recent years. With Syria, they had an opportunity to showcase a weapon. I see it as a show of force but also as a warning shot. Whether its right or wrong is hard to tell because we just dont have all the information that they do, but I do think its important as far as re-establishing the United States on the international stage.

Investigation into Russian ties: Id like to see it out there and get it over with. Hes not going to get impeached. If you look hard enough, youll see a lot of different connections to a lot of different countries through a lot of past administrations. I do think itll always be an underlying storyline, kind of like the Benghazi stuff, but eventually people will get tired of it. Youre starting to get to the point already where its just the fringes still talking about it.

Proposed health care bill: It was a messaging failure. They probably should have said, Well get to work on it in the first 100 days rather than promising to repeal and replace the whole thing in that time frame. Its complicated, and anytime you give someone a benefit, taking it away is exceedingly difficult. I dont see it as a failure for Trump. They just werent smart in the way they played it.

Travel ban: I believe in taking the time and putting a stop to it temporarily to make sure that the right protocols are in place and that youre not letting the wrong people into the country. When youre trying to do background checks on people coming in and theyre coming from unstable countries or places that have had regime changes, you just dont know who they are. A lot of countries in this world arent as organized as the United States. Many of them dont even keep birth records. Its important that we take a little bit of time to protect the U.S.

On Trump the president: I think hes doing a good job. Hes finding his way, getting the right people into positions. Im of the school of thought that you give somebody the benefit of the doubt and well see where it ends up. I want Trump to succeed because if Trump succeeds, we all do well.

Darlene Schadt, 67

retired Realtor, High Point

Political background: I registered as a Democrat when I was in my 20s because I really loved Jimmy Carter, but I always liked politics. I switched my registration with Reagan, because I didnt like Jimmy Carter anymore. What I really know is that Im a fiscal conservative. This outlandish spending really freaks me out.

On Trump the candidate: I just listened to him. I didnt like some of the things he had to say, but hes a street fighter. He knows how to win, and it wasnt pretty but he did it. And I think hes capable of doing that with anything.

Proposed health care bill: It needed work because it didnt have some of the things they promised us, like selling insurance across state lines. I think the Freedom Caucus was right about that. I believe it was rushed, and Id rather they go back to the drawing board and get it right.

Trumps Twitter usage: It got him the presidency. He doesnt have to wait for the media and it really is the only way he can get right to the American public. Hes not a politician so he doesnt act like one, but Id rather him pick his fights.

Investigation into Russian ties: There isnt anything. They keep saying the same things. I dont know why were still looking. Its a narrative that liberals want to keep going.

On Trump the president: Ive never seen anyone work so hard. I think hes doing the best he can with all the resistance thats out there, whether it be Congress, the media or the organized protesters.
GREENSBORO  The Walk for Recovery event will lead to intermittent road closures from around 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown on Sunday.

According to a police news release, portions of North Elm Street, North Greene Street and Fisher Avenue will close so officers can protect participants. There will be no full road closures.

Motorists are reminded that an officers hand and arm signals take precedence over all other traffic control devices.
Emergency departments are being recommended to prioritize non-opioid therapies for treating pain and provide counseling to patients as part of guidelines released Friday by the N.C. Hospital Association.

The guidelines, endorsed by the N.C. College of Emergency Physicians, are designed to balance care providers duty to treat pain and decrease the risk of opioid dependence, addiction and diversion in the emergency medicine population.

Participating in putting together the guidelines were emergency physicians and pharmacists from NCHA-member hospitals and health systems.

Emergency providers are well-positioned to address these issues, as they see firsthand the impact of opioid overprescribing, the NCHA said.

During 2016, emergency departments in North Carolina treated more than 4,100 opioid overdoses, an average of 11 per day.

While the number of N.C. fatalities for 2016 was not disclosed, the State Center for Health Statistics reported that in 2015, commonly prescribed opioid medications were involved in more than 500 deaths.

Inappropriate prescribing can, unfortunately, lead to addiction, said Julia Wacker, NCHAs vice president of community and behavioral health.

Establishing consistent policies and practices in our health systems will help prevent new cases of opioid abuse.

Dr. Christopher Griggs, emergency physician at Carolinas HealthCare System and work group member, said that for some patients, similar or better pain relief for acute and chronic pain can be achieved with non-opioid therapies.

These guidelines are an important first step, but it is ultimately up to each health system to develop appropriate policies to address the unique needs in their communities.

The guidelines were made while House Bill 243, known as the STOP Act, awaits action in the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Republican lawmakers and Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, passed the House on a 114-0 vote April 11.

According to bill sponsors, there are more than 705 million pain pills prescribed to North Carolinians, with four individuals dying from overdose each day, while 36 are hospitalized and 64 are taken to the emergency department.

HB243 would put new restrictions on medical providers who prescribe and dispense opioid drugs, such as OxyContin and morphine, including requiring electronic prescription filing, and limit their public supply. It also clarifies funding for syringe exchange programs.

The bill includes $20 million over two years for local substance abuse treatment and recovery services.

Gov. Roy Coopers budget would provide community health funding of $12.7 million in fiscal 2017-18 and $11.5 million in fiscal 2018-19 toward opioid prevention initiatives.

Coopers office said the funding would go to serve about 2,500 individuals statewide experiencing opioid addiction. There also would be $2 million for the Governors Crime Commission to provide grants to local law enforcement efforts targeting criminal activity related to opioids.

On Friday, the governors office said North Carolina has been chosen as one of eight states to participate in a learning lab on addressing opioid addiction among prison inmates.

Finding innovative ways to treat opioid addiction in prison can lead to more productive lives for ex-inmates, better treatment options for other North Carolinians who suffer from addiction, and safer and healthier communities for all of us, Cooper said.

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.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Reactions to the so-called repeal of HB 2 show one reason why Democrats are already in trouble for the 2018 and 2020 elections.

They had hoped this year would be a time of unity to mobilize opposition to the mis-administration of the other party in Washington and the state legislature.

Instead of strengthening their party and bringing it together for successfully ridding the state of much of the damage from HB 2, the repeal has brought about more disappointment and disunity.

Instead of unifying and celebrating the achievement of their partys leader, Gov. Roy Cooper, Democrats have broken into angry factions.

Many of the states more important and influential figures have attacked the governor for selling out by accepting a compromise, which is, so they say, worse than HB 2 itself.

Mark Joseph Stern, writing for Slate, noted, As soon as the compromise bill was revealed, however, LGBTQ groups lined up against it, arguing, in essence, that the cure would be worse than the disease. They are absolutely correct. The measure, HB 142, would be an unmitigated disaster for LGBTQ rights. It substitutes the old anti-trans policy for a new, equally cruel one  and prevents cities from protecting their own LGBTQ residents. This bill is not a compromise. It is a capitulation.

The editorial board of The Charlotte Observer joined the chorus criticizing Cooper, calling his actions a betrayal of the promises the governor made to the LGBT community.

Chris Sgro, executive director of Equality North Carolina, wrote that he was bitterly disappointed in a man I truly believed was the future of North Carolina.

One radio caller, angry with Cooper and the compromise, said she would rather carry the burden of HB 2 for a lifetime than accept a compromise or anything other than the laws unconditional repeal.

At least this caller recognized the choices that were then available to Cooper:

1) Negotiate a compromise with the legislators who passed HB 2 in the first place, who still supported it, and who still had control of the legislature, or 2) live with HB 2 indefinitely, at least until, when and if, the political situation in changes.

Most Republicans were not eager to repeal HB 2. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest defended it and opposed the compromise: Im proud of the stance weve taken. Im proud of the work we did to protect women and kids in bathrooms. Im proud of the work we did to uphold the Constitution. I think that the only thing that was wrong with HB 2 was the false narrative and the negative narrative from the left, from the media, from the leftist groups out there.

Forests comments are a reminder that legislative supporters of a full repeal were a minority against a steadfast majority unwilling to support and vote for an unconditional appeal.

To get HB 2 repealed, a compromise was needed.

It is certainly fair to criticize the compromise and work for an expansion of protections for gay and transgender rights. But now is not the time to turn on Cooper just because he did not get it all.

There will be other chances after elections in coming years. But Democrats who are trashing Cooper and those who supported the compromise are jeopardizing their partys unity and its chances to do well in those upcoming elections.
North Carolinas public school calendar was set for economic and political considerations, not for academic reasons. Its time to try a more sensible approach.

A bill that passed 104-6 in the state House of Representatives would authorize 20 school systems, including Guilfords, to begin the academic year more than two weeks earlier in August than they do now, starting in 2018 or 2019. The bill then would direct the State Board of Education and N.C. Department of Commerce to study the academic effects and impact on travel and tourism after three years and report findings to the legislature.

That idea should have been implemented more than a decade ago, before the legislature meddled in school calendar decisions in the first place.

In 2004, the state enacted a law that set the opening and closing dates of the school year at approximately Aug. 26 and June 11, depending on weekend dates. Some flexibility was allowed, primarily for schools that operated on year-round schedules.

This was in response to a trend that saw some school districts starting their school years earlier and earlier. They did it for academic reasons. Beginning earlier allowed them to complete their fall semester before the Christmas holiday. And shortening the summer break was meant to help children retain more of what theyd learned during the year.

But strong opposition emerged. A well-organized and effective parents group called Save Our Summers lobbied for a longer break. It was allied with the travel and tourism industry, which was concerned about the loss of family vacation time and the difficulty in hiring high school students for summer work. They prevailed in pushing the legislature to override the authority of local school boards to set the schedules they thought were best to serve the academic interests of their students.

This was disturbing for the reasons that academic considerations should come first, and that locally elected school boards should make such decisions.

A third concern received less attention: Was there enough hard data to determine the relationship between summer breaks and academic achievement and the economic impact on vacation communities? Probably not, and that didnt matter to the legislature at the time.

House Bill 389, which now awaits action in a Senate committee, seeks to generate the information that was lacking in 2004. Will students return to school with more knowledge if their summer break is shortened to eight weeks instead of 10? And exactly how much economic harm will coastal communities suffer if families have to squeeze their beach vacations into eight weeks instead of 10? How many summer jobs will go unfilled?

With more information in hand, school boards and legislators could make better decisions about setting calendars.

We hope legislators would not insist on a longer summer break if they learn that students take significantly more time to catch up in September, and especially if the economic benefit is slight. The experience might show different results in different communities  more reason to allow local decisions.

The school systems named in this bill, including Guilford Countys, arent required to participate in the three-year research project. But it sounds like a good idea, especially for schools where students tend to struggle and arent well-served by a long summer break.

Children should have time off in the summer, whether for family vacations, church camps, goofing off at home or the pool or, for teens, summer jobs. But they dont need to regress academically. Finding the right balance is important, and it requires information to determine what that is.

The Senate should join the House in approving a bill that could produce real benefits.
Seven-year-old Philip Carter, who suffers with a type of epilepsy that can cause up to 100 seizures a day, received some good news this spring.

About a year ago, the Reidsville boys family began raising money for Philip to get a seizure alert service dog from 4 Paws for Ability, based in Ohio.

Philips school and church have organized fundraisers, and individuals and corporations have also given to Philips cause, said his mother, Stacy Carter. They have raised more than $15,000, which will cover most of the cost of Philips new companion.

However, there are so many other costs besides the cost of the dog: travel, food, lodging.

It adds up  anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000, Carter said of the need to travel to Xenia, Ohio, for two weeks in March 2018 for training at 4 Paws.

The home well be staying in is $2,000  and well have to take time off of work, Carter said.

When Reidsville resident and Delta Air Lines flight attendant Gwenn Metzler heard about Philips journey, she felt inspired to give back.

Metzler emailed Deltas chief executive officer to request help for Philip and his family, and was thrilled at the quick response. Delta will fly Philip and his family to Ohio next spring for the training and to retrieve their new friend.

I was very fortunate that Delta just said Yes, we absolutely will help,  Metzler said.

We didnt budget for flying, and I had no idea, I mean, I was just shocked when she came up there and gave me the news the other day, Carter said. I couldnt even process it. It was amazing. Were just really thankful.

Philip is excited that his dog gets to fly on the airplane with him.

Hes just tickled to death by the whole deal, his mom said.

When we go up to Ohio for the two weeks, well be doing a lot of training, she said. Well be going out to public places with the dog, restaurants and the mall.

Philip also exhibits mild traits of autism, so his dog will be a multipurpose dog providing emotional support, companionship and the ability to track Philip if he is away from the dog and in need of assistance.

Philips grandmother, Gracie Rowland, said this dog is a gift that just keeps on giving.

Not only will Philips new companion provide life-saving assistance and companionship to Philip, but this special superhero will provide peace of mind for everyone in Philips family.

Well all probably be able to sleep better at night, Rowland said.

Right now, Philips older brother, Luke, is a bit like a personal protector or superhero for his little brother.

When they play, Luke is always on guard and ready to assist Philip if he has a seizure.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Carter said, There are just so many to thank. ... Weve already paid the $15,000 to 4 Paws, but we didnt pay it, the community paid it.
These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
The Galaxy S8 once again occupied the news in the past week. The main reason were some issues with red tint on the display and fast-charging troubles with old charging pads. We also heard more of the refurbished Galaxy Note7 that is allegedly coming out in June.

In other news, a phone named iPhone 8 appeared on Geekbench, but just two days later a rumor from Foxconn hinted that we might not see an anniversary iPhone at all. A KGI statement backed such info since the OLED iPhone supply might not be on schedule.

We also heard Huawei is once again the leader on the Chinese smartphone market, and Google might present three phones with Snapdragon 835.

Check out the top 20 most-read articles for the past seven days below.



iPhone 8 allegedly runs Geekbench, destroys the competition Past iPhones, Samsung's newly released Galaxy S8 duo - none even come close to the results obtained by the next iPhone's chipset.





OnePlus 5 renders leak showing dual rear camera The next "flagship killer" will allegedly keep the metal construction of its predecessors from 2016.





In case you were wondering, The Galaxy S8s Always-on home button wont burn-in A little investigation with some business cards confirms that the Galaxy S8 has implemented a mechanism to prevent the button from burning it into the pixels.





Moto E4 and E4 Plus full specs leak along with pricing info We must be very close to the launch of these two, since today every possible detail has been outed.





Samsung says nature of AMOLED displays causes red tint The company says it has conducted thorough inspection of the device.





No iPhone 8 this year, according to Foxconn gossip An insider allegedly spilled the beans that Cupertino only placed an order for iPhone 7s and 7s Plus units.





Samsung and Qualcomm in talks over Snapdragon 845 for the Galaxy S9 The next generation flagship chipset may or may not be built at Samsung's 10nm fabs.





Galaxy S8 US pre-orders were record-breaking for Samsung The company has reiterated that it's working on a software update that should fix the infamous 'red tint' issue on some S8 devices.





Sony Xperia XZ Premium gets a new color: Bronze Pink The yet to be released flagship gets a pop of color to go with its Black and Chrome options.





Gionee M6S Plus is official with more RAM and twice the storage The M6S Plus is here, building on the the M6 Plus formula with 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.





Samsung confirms Galaxy Note8 in quarterly financial report A flagship launch in the second half of this year will help maintain profitability.


Job Archive July 2021 (524) June 2021 (681) May 2021 (698) April 2021 (659) March 2021 (688) February 2021 (615) January 2021 (698) December 2020 (714) November 2020 (671) October 2020 (631) September 2020 (690) August 2020 (713) July 2020 (713) June 2020 (690) May 2020 (713) April 2020 (690) March 2020 (713) February 2020 (667) January 2020 (713) December 2019 (713) November 2019 (687) October 2019 (711) September 2019 (689) August 2019 (711) July 2019 (707) June 2019 (688) May 2019 (2002) April 2019 (1978) March 2019 (2039) February 2019 (1688) January 2019 (2251) December 2018 (2095) November 2018 (1932) October 2018 (1984) September 2018 (1914) August 2018 (39) July 2018 (72) June 2018 (44) May 2018 (76) April 2018 (65) March 2018 (16) February 2018 (32) January 2018 (201) December 2017 (352) November 2017 (381) October 2017 (600) September 2017 (1211) August 2017 (1655) July 2017 (1590) June 2017 (1506) May 2017 (1902) April 2017 (1965) March 2017 (1417) February 2017 (1808) January 2017 (1807) December 2016 (1593) November 2016 (1376) October 2016 (1408) September 2016 (1317) August 2016 (1499) July 2016 (1504) June 2016 (1421) May 2016 (1391) April 2016 (1340) March 2016 (1476) February 2016 (1396) January 2016 (1474) December 2015 (1409) November 2015 (1367) October 2015 (1478) September 2015 (1441) August 2015 (1467) July 2015 (1465) June 2015 (1410) May 2015 (1057) April 2015 (1269) March 2015 (1132) February 2015 (1151) January 2015 (1152) December 2014 (1156) November 2014 (1267) October 2014 (81)
By Lisa Espinosa | Published on 2017/04/29

Although "Man to Man" doesn't have too much substance yet, I can genuinely say that I'm having a blast watching it. Park Hae-jin is winning; Park Seong-woong has wry comedy down pat; and Kim Min-jung, despite her annoying character, has impeccable delivery. Of course, the quality of the production is high and the writing is witty. I'm looking forward to how this show rolls out.

Advertisement

Storywise, the main characters are shoved together and have to get used to each other. Woon-gwang's ego is a tool used for plot manipulation, moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity, and also to juxtapose his sincerity in caring for those around him. As a foil to his funny man, Seol-woo is a dashing straight man whose almost superhuman ghost spy skills keep Woon-gwang in check. This includes mocking the wrist grab the slow-mo run down the street, standing closely together in an alleyway, and spending copious amounts of time together. Do-ha functions almost as a third wheel to this budding bromance, sparking suspicion of Seol-woo in those around her and especially Woon-gwang. She's determined to have Seol-woo fired, jealous of his new relationship with her Oppa Woon-gwang. But there is also a spark of interest in Seol-woo regarding Do-ha, so this could be an interesting love triangle.

Seung-jae continues to be an imposing presence (and part of that is owed to Yeong Jeong-hoon, a perpetually fantastic actor). His dangerous partnership with Congressman Baek (Cheon Ho-jin), who is equally ambitious and perhaps more ruthless, starts to flesh out as we see the lengths they will go to in order to secure political power. Both this pair and Seol-woo and his organization are after wood carvings that will lead them to a powerful secret. There is definitely a confrontation between the parties brewing.

Seung-jae's wife, Mi-eun, definitely harbors feelings for Woon-gwang. She constantly puts herself in his path and Seung-jae is no fool - he has cottoned onto her interest and doesn't like it one bit. His ego and tendency to do anything to get what he wants foreshadows a tense relationship between him and Woon-gwang that probably won't result in anything good.

Much in the line of many action films, the end of the episode ends in an epic car chase with Seol-woo driving maniacally to save lives and prevent everyone from careening over a steep cliff to a most certain demise. Although I'm a critic who loves some substance, it was pretty exciting to watch. I'm anxious to see what happens, which means "Man to Man" is doing it's job as a television show.

Written by: Lisa Espinosa AKA Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Man to Man" is directed by Kim Sang-ho-I and Lee Chang-min-I, written by Kim Won-seok-II, and features Park Hae-jin, Kim Min-jung, Park Sung-woon, and Yeon Jung-hoon.

Watch Episode 2 on Netflix!
By William Schwartz | Published on 2017/04/29

South Korea's 2012 Presidential Election has become rather notorious of late mostly because it put such an astonishingly incompetent and corrupt leader into power. What you may not know (and what I didn't know either prior to watching "The Plan - Documentary") is that there is a not insignificant chance that Park Geun-hye's victory was the result of vote rigging. Oh don't go salivating. Director Choi Jin-seong does not name names or insinuate a conspiracy. "The Plan - Documentary" is largely a technical exercise in explaining the relative ease with which elections can be rigged, and how a lot of numbers from the 2012 South Korean Presidential Election don't add up.

Advertisement

The technical part, now that's simple. Most votes are fed into computers which do the counting for us. Computers can be reprogrammed. Multiple ominous scenes in "The Plan - Documentary" show mock simulations wherein someone attempts to rig an election, and succeeds rather easily without anyone noticing, even the official election observer, because everything is being fed into the machine and aside from the programmer no one actually knows how the machine works.

As "The Plan - Documentary" transitions to the results of the 2012 South Korean Presidential Election, we see troubling election night inconstencies which bear the mark of funny business. For one thing, the votes are counted really, really fast. So fast, that the news media projected Park Geun-hye as the winner several minutes before time stamps on the machines indicate the votes had actually been counted- which implies that the results came out before the ballots were counted, because the machines were told to disregard the latter data.

That's just one of many, many examples. Even at the time the 2012 South Korean Presidential Election was going on people were suspicious that exit polling was so off compared to the final tallies. But having the actual full raw data right in front of us, and seeing that Park Geun-hye's vote tally spiked right in the minutes leading up to her announcement as the winner, and promptly took a massive dip afterwards...statistically, this goes way beyond the realm of mere coincidence.

"The Plan - Documentary" was orignally available for free on the Internet. Director Choi Jin-seong just wanted as many people to be aware of the controversy as possible. "The Plan - Documentary" quickly proved so viral that it obtained a theatrical release in short order, and it's easy to see why. It's the kind of movie that, especially coming out in the days before an election, sends a major message that this can not be allowed to happen again.

If there's any weakness in "The Plan - Documentary" it's that some of the sources and allegations are questionable. But the real meat of the story here is in the data which can't be explained away so easily. Or for that matter, just the general question of why exactly it's so difficult to hand count votes in South Korea just as verification. The corrupt Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administrations no doubt played a fairly big hand in this. Thank goodness those days are over.

Review by William Schwartz

"The Plan - Documentary" is directed by Choi Jin-seong.

Note : go to 19:19 for the actual film
Published on 2017/04/30 | Source

More than half a million graduates are unemployed for the first time this year, according to first-quarter data from Statistics Korea on Sunday. And the so-called economically inactive population with university degrees -- who are not looking for jobs or have given up -- exceeded 3.5 million for the first time.

Advertisement

Out of 1.17 million people classed as unemployed, i.e., still looking for jobs, 543,000 or 46.5 percent had bachelor degrees or higher. Some 451,000 completed high school, and the rest left school earlier.

Only the number of unemployed high school finishers went down compared to a year ago, by 9.1 percent, but all the other groups increased.

The highest unemployment rate was among people who had only completed elementary school at 5.3 percent, but the second highest was university graduates at 4.4 percent.

The economically inactive population, which includes housewives, numbered 16.5 million, and over 3.5 million of them were university graduates.

The reason for the increase in unemployed graduates is mainly a mismatch between available jobs and the aspiration of jobseekers. Many graduates opt to improve their resume or take more courses to better their chances of landing a good quality job in a big corporation rather than working for a smaller firm.

An official at Statistics Korea said, "The fact that many young graduates are taking civil service exams also contributes to the high unemployment rate of people with higher education".

Read this article in Korean
From Hawaii Family Forum, April 28, 2017

Final Decking of Fiscal Bills

Today, April 28, 2017 is the deadline for submitting fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers. Fiscal bills include appropriation or spending bills, tax credits, etc. that emerge from the fiscal committee (House Finance, Senate Ways and Means) of their respective originating chamber.

"Bully Bill" Makes it Out of Conference at the Last Minute

SB 501 passed out of conference today, April 28, 2017 in a Conference Draft which is not available at this time. (UPDATE: Now available HERE.) We will send out another detailed analysis once local ADF allied attorney Jim Hochberg has a chance to review and comment. The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS.

The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows:

3 in SUPPORT(s): Senator(s) Baker, Keith-Agaran, K. Rhoads;

1 NO: Senator Kidani;

and 1 Excused: Senator Tokuda.

The votes of the House Conference Managers were as follows:

3 in SUPPORT: Representative(s) Belatti, Nishimoto & Kobayashi

1 SUPPORT WITH RESERVATION: Representative Thielen

Upcoming Legislative Dates:

MAY 4, 2017 -- ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE - In Latin, "sine die" means "without a day specified for future meeting." Adjournment sine die occurs on the 60th legislative day of a regular session, and indicates a suspension of the business of the legislature indefinitely. From this point, the Legislature will certify bills whose form both chambers have agreed to, and will transmit or "enroll" those bills to the Governor. Contact PAR for information regarding the Governor's deadlines.

JUST RELEASED



2017 Economic Outlook Ranking

Hawaii ranked at 43 Overall

Hawaii ranked at 26 Economic Performance

HFF Signs National Letter to HUD Regarding Safety & Privacy of Women

April 27, 2017

"We write to urge you to amend 24 C.F.R. Part 5, to protect the safety and privacy of women in need of shelter due to homelessness or violence. We are a diverse group of women and organizations allied in a common cause: mothers, feminists, women of faith, lesbian and bisexual women's rights activists, and concerned neighbors, convened through the Hands Across The Aisle Coalition, to request your consideration for our sisters without stable housing." | Read full letter here.

What's Coming Up?

National Day of Prayer - Hawaii Style!

Governor David Ige signed a Proclamation in Recognition of the National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 4, 2017. National Day of Prayer Resources can be found at the official website.

In Hawaii, these events are scheduled on Thursday, May 4th:

KAUAI- Mo'ikeha Building Rotunda

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Click here for more information

BIG ISLAND - Wailoa RiverState Park

11:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Concerned Women for America (Hawaii)

Click here for more information

OAHU - State Capitol Auditorium

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Hawaii Christian Coalition

Click here for flyer | Contact Cheryl Witbeck for more information

You Can Stop Assisted Suicide: Presentation Information

SB 1129, the assisted suicide bill, did not make it out of the Health Committee. We are grateful that the discussion of safeguards made a difference to the committee, while even some local experts in the medical field expressed deep concerns about its passage. This bill, and any other like it, is not what the people of Hawai'i want. Come to this workshop and find out why suicide is never a solution.

May 9, 2017 (Tuesday)

Immaculate Conception Church

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Click here for flyer.

May is National Foster Care Month
Lucas Santos estimates that hes applied at 200 companies and sent more than 260 job applications since last October.

The 21-year-old, who graduated Saturday from King University with finance and information technology degrees, tried to submit two a day. If he had practice for the universitys swim team or a busy week of tests, hed put it off until the weekend, when he sent out a dozen or more.

Of course, as the months go by and you get close to graduation, that tension comes a little more, Santos said of the prospect of not having a job post-graduation.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that colleges and universities expect to award 1.9 million bachelors degrees this year. Many of the students holding those diplomas will likely have felt the same tension Santos did at one time or another: What comes next?

Among King, the University of Virginias College at Wise, East Tennessee State University and Emory & Henry College, about 3,000 students will graduate by May 6. Kings graduation ceremony was Saturday, while the three other institutions will hold graduation next Saturday, May 6.

The national job market for those students looks promising. An annual survey by the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University notes that the college labor market has enjoyed six years of steady improvement in job opportunities for new graduates since the depths of the recession between 2009 and 2010.

For the 2016-17 school year, more than 80 percent of surveyed employers described the overall new college labor market as good to excellent. The survey also found that total hires across all degree levels will be up 23 percent over last year.

Santos was aggressive in his job search in ways other than his application blitz. He attended a Bristol Tennessee Chamber of Commerce breakfast and connected with a vice president, Amy Shuttle, who helped him secure one job offer.

The key is to just connect, Santos said. You need to know people, you need to be looking around and letting everybody know that youre looking for a job.

Part of Santos motivation for finding a job differs from American students: He came to school from Santos, Brazil, and needed to gain employment to remain in the country.

He wants to build his career in the U.S. and he did land a job: Hell be working in IT at the Atlanta branch of MJV, an innovation and technology company.

Some of the burden of finding a job after graduation is eased by field of study. Cassidy Ayers, 22, will graduate from the UVa-Wise nursing program. Ayers, along with her 18 nursing peers, all have jobs lined up.

From the Giles County area of Virginia, Ayers is headed to Norfolk General Hospital to work in a surgery unit with patients who have epilepsy or have undergone neurological surgeries and orthopedic traumas. She said she was never too worried about finding a job.

I looked for about a month trying to pick the best hospital, she said.

Even so, Ayers echoed Santos advice: Start looking early.

She said she started preliminary searches in December and started applying in February.

Another big piece of the post-graduation puzzle for many students is navigating student loan repayment.

At ETSU, the average debt for graduating students is $34,296, which includes both undergraduate and graduate students. In the spring 2016 ceremony, 1,003 students graduated with loan debt.

At UVa-Wise, about 65 percent of students have some type of loan. The national average for indebtedness in the schools public liberal arts category is $34,150; the average at UVa-Wise is $12,496, according to Kathy Still, the schools director of news and media relations.

At Emory & Henry, 77 percent of four-year bachelors degree students graduated with loans in the 2015-16 school year. The median amount of debt was $27,000.

A King University spokeswoman said the school does not provide debt information. A 2014 U.S. News & World Report ranked King as having the lightest student debt load among southern universities.

Gabrielle Smith, a UVa-Wise math major, will graduate with less than $9,000 in debt from student loans.

Before she went to college, her mother and sister were already using financial aid and loans, so she knew that would be part of the deal.

I was prepared to work as many jobs as I needed to get through college, but thankfully I really didnt have to coming here, Smith said.

Smith, who is from Manassas, Virginia, said the relatively low amount doesnt worry her. And for good reason: Her resume is long, including student teaching at Union High School, tutoring in math and Spanish during her time on campus. She has been accepted to begin a doctorate program in genetics, bioinformatics and computational biology at Virginia Tech University.

With a degree in a field in STEM  science, technology, engineering and math  Smith is confident shell enjoy job security and a comfortable salary.

Her advice to students who need financial aid is to look for scholarships that apply to their area of study. For example, she received a federal TEACH grant, which provides $4,000 a year to students who agree to teach for four years at a low-income school in an academic area of high need.

She will also deliver the UVa-Wise commencement address, giving a speech she has framed around the idea that perfection isnt necessary to succeed.

It doesnt take being the best to make positive changes, Smith said.
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.
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.
Veteran actor Asha Parekh backs fellow actor Rishi Kapoors angst against the young lot of actors in Bollywood for not attending Vinod Khannas funeral last week. I am aware of what he (Rishi Kapoor) said, and he is right. They (younger generation) dont give that much importance to such things, says Parekh, who is in Delhi for the launch of her biography, The Hit Girl.

Expressing his anger, Rishi Kapoor had recently tweeted:

Shameful. Not ONE actor of this generation attended Vinod Khanna's funeral. And that too he has worked with them. Must learn to respect.  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) April 27, 2017

He even took at jibe at the industrys mindset saying they couldnt attend the funeral but could make it for actor Priyanka Chopra bash.

Parekh, however, has no complaints when it comes to the younger generation respecting their seniors. She says she has always been treated with respect whenever she has met a junior actor. I am not close to anyone from the present crop of actors as such. But whenever they meet me, they do so with a lot of respect, says Parekh.

Remembering the late Vinod Khanna  her co-star in films such as Aan Milo Sajna (1970), Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Adha Din Adhi Raat (1977) and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978)  the septuagenarian says: He was a wonderful person.... a handsome and macho guy. He had a beautiful smile. It was nice working with him. He was such a warm person to be around, she says.

AAMIR KHAN LAUNCHES ASHA PAREKHS BIOGRAPHY, THE HIT GIRL

Meanwhile, actor Aamir Khan was also in Delhi to launch Parekhs memoir. Referring to her as Asha aunty, the Bollywood actor reminisced spending time with her. I have amazing memories with Asha aunty. She worked with Nasir Saab (filmmaker Nasir Hussain) on a number of films. She was very often part of the household. My first memory of Asha Aunty was from the sets of Karwaan where we were shooting in Panchghani. Now there is a hotel there, but at that time there was only mud and I was running and I hurt myself. My mother saw me and panicked. I was rushed to the local doctor as I was bleeding profusely. That time we went in Asha auntys car. I still remember she had a small poodle stuff toy in the car, said Aamir.

Aamir Khan said: Asha aunty is a huge inspiration.

Talking about Parekhs career graph, Aamir added that she is a huge inspiration. I think Asha Aunty has had such a prolific career that all of us want to know more and more about her.

Did you know Parekh was removed from her first film, Vijay Bhatts Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959)? Calling this a great learning for all actors, Aamir added: The last time when I met her, she was telling me about her first film, where she shot for two days and was then removed from the film. Aadmi itna crush ho jata hai. Actors are very fragile and getting rejected like this is a big blow. But this teaches us that early set backs dont mean we have to give up.

Parekh also got talking about the biography, and shared that she was initially hesitant to go ahead with the idea of a memoir. When I was first asked about the prospect of doing a biography, my instinctive response was Why on Earth? I was like, Let it be Asha, Teri kahaani Ka kya USP hai, kaun sunega guzare huye zamaane ki baatein? Perhaps this first response was of sheer fright of looking back at a bygone era when cinema meant something else all together, she said at the launch.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Often with stardom comes a feeling of loneliness, but not for Priyanka Chopra, as the actor says her loved ones are always by her side.

After starting out with a Tamil film in 2002, Priyanka worked in Bollywood before making her way to the West with her song and then the American crime-thriller Quantico. I am not at all lonely. I have incredible support, from friends, family and colleagues. Thats why I can do so many (things). Most of my career choices are a gamble. Doing Aitraaz (a negative role) as one of my first few films, doing Fashion when no one was doing women-oriented films. I did Barfi where everyone said you wont look glamorous. Music, Quantico, no ones done that. I can only do that because I have so much support, said Priyanka.

The 34-year-old says she knows there will be a time when things might go downhill, but she will continue to work as long as people want to see her. Ive known that (about downfall) since I did my first film. There are somethings that are very constant in the world. Birth, death, up, down. Itll happen to everyone, to me, to you, to the biggest of actors. Its meant to happen at some point. As long as people watch me, Ill work, she says.

Priyanka says be it her show or her upcoming Hollywood debut Baywatch, she did not want to prove a point, but simply explore other possibilities. When I was new, I worked hard and have finally reached a stage where people know me because of my work. In America, people know me now because of the show. It was never that I wanted to go there and jhande gaad doon. I only wanted to work.

Priyanka says like any other artiste, she has to go and audition for her roles as there is no one handing out work to her in Hollywood. I have no patience. I dont know if it is a guy or a girl thing but I dont wait. But nobody is standing there (Hollywood) in a queue to get a role. Your agents send you scripts and you audition. Patience and perseverance is needed in every industry, she adds.
Filmmaker Sajid Khans film Housefull, the first instalment of the franchise, was a laugh riot not only on-screen, but off the sets too. The film starring actors Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Riteish Deshmukh, Lara Dutta, Jiah Khan and Boman Irani, completes seven years today. It might not have garnered great reviews then, but did well at the box-office.

I was very sure that Housefull will do well, though I was surprised to see that it did this well. People say that my film Humshakals (2014) got bad reviews, but so did Housefull. These movies are fun cinema, where logic takes a back seat, says Sajid.

Filmmaker Sajid Khan and Riteish Deshmukh would often imitate actor Akshay Kumar on the sets of the film.

As far as Akshay and Riteish are concerned, Sajid shared a good rapport with them since Heyy Baby (2007) days. Since we had already worked together, so I wasnt nervous. In fact, I feel lost if its not ensemble star cast, says Sajid, as he goes on to narrate an incident, I remember Riteish and I would always mimic Akshay and hed be like meri nakal kyu kar rahe ho!. I remember, once we were shooting in a small house in London suburbs. We had no make-up rooms or vans and we just used one room of the house to sit. Deepika, Lara, Akshay and Riteish told me that they wanted to discuss something, so when they called me, they made me sit on a stool. Now this stool was broken and I fell off, and they all immediately clicked me and posted the pictures on Twitter, which was fairly new at that time.

Filmmaker Sajid Khan says the film was no less than a travelogue for the actors as they shot in London and Italy.

The 46-year-old filmmaker says that the best part of the film was the exotic locations, where it was shot. The film was like a travelogue for us. It was a paid holiday. We travelled from London to Italy and there was a sudden change of weather. We just didnt want to come back home and even asked Sajid Nadiadwala [producer] to let us stay for a few more days. He, of course, was like are you mad! This has cost me a lot, says Sajid.

Housefull was also the last film that [late] actor Jiah Khan acted in, before she allegedly committed suicide in 2013. Stating that he shared a great equation with her, Sajid recalls, She was like a kid sister. I was very fond of her. But I remember that she was a little lost.

Trivia about the film

* Actor Chunky Pandeys role was actually written keeping comedian Rajendra Nath in mind. However, the comedian died before the shoot started. Chunkys wife Bhavna Pandey, who was Sajids rakhi sister, convinced him to take him on board.

* Sajid has a day-by-day documentation from the shoot of the film and this is available on Youtube

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Last Sunday, the Niti Aayog held the third meeting of its governing council where vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya presented a 15-year vision statement that seeks to transform India into a prosperous, highly educated, healthy, secure, corruption-free, energy-abundant, environmentally clean and globally influential nation by 2031-32. The presentation drew from a speech Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered in Kozhikode in September, when he listed eight key features of economic development he would like to see in times to come.

Few would disagree with the goals Panagariya outlined at the meeting that was held under the prime ministers chairmanship, with several senior Cabinet ministers and chief ministers from all but two states in attendance. The goals pursued by successive governments in the past have been no different, but the outcomes have often fallen short of the stated objectives, because either the strategy was flawed or its implementation was inadequate.

Can Niti Aayog help Modis government buck the trend?

Besides the vision statement, the Aayog was mandated to design a seven-year strategy and a three-year action plan effective through this fiscal year. The strategy is yet to be framed, but a draft of the three-year-plan was circulated at Sundays meeting and has since been posted on the Aayogs website. Perhaps, the first blunder has been committed: Of putting the cart before the horse.

The plan for 2017-18 to 2019-20 has turned out to be an exercise in incrementalism and a document full of wishful targets, which are neither backed by past trends nor supported by sound economic logic. It doesnt reflect any strategic thinking because there is none. For any vision to come true, there has to first be a strategy, and then an action plan. And for an action plan to be effective, the strategy must have a buy-in from the political class.

That said, lets turn to the vision statement and see if it is good enough to guide the formulation of an appropriate strategy.

As Pronab Sen, an economist who spent 15 years in the Planning Commission being the strategic thinker behind several Five-Year Plans, argues: A good vision statement must capture the imagination of the nation, should be seen to have full political commitment, especially at the highest level, and it must force the strategic thinkers and technocrats to go beyond mere extrapolations. In a research paper to be published in the Economic and Political Weekly, Sen draws parallel between Modis sabka saath sabka vikas slogan with Indiras Gandhis garibi hatao campaign  overarching vision statements that have had a powerful impact on the collective psyche, but not quantitative in their character.

In Gandhis case, once the campaign was coined, policy makers were forced to first define garibi (poverty) in a measurable, politically-acceptable manner, and then recast the planning model to include poverty reduction as a specific target, Sen points out. The result: The fifth Five-Year Plan, which made garibi hatao its centrepiece, was one of the most successful among the 12 Five-Year Plans that the Planning Commission rolled out before Modi decided to scrap it.

In contrast, Niti Aayog has failed to provide substance to Modis vision. According to Panagariyas power point presentation, the only publicly available document on the 15-year roadmap, Indias economy can grow more than three-fold because Chinas economy did so in the past 15 years. Worse, it goes on to argue if per capita income grows three-fold by 2031-32, nearly all Indians will have access to two wheelers/cars, air conditioning and other white goods.

Panagariya might just have leaped beyond even possible statistical imagination here. Only 20% of Indians currently earn more than Indias per capita income, while 60% earn less than a third of it. And, in a country where more than half still lack access to basic amenities, Dipti Jain, writing in Mint, might have rightly accused the Niti Aayog of selling fantasies. But the real question could be even more diabolical: Has the messenger (Niti Aayog) killed the message (the Prime Ministers grand vision)?

@RajeshMahapatra

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The higher education department of Uttarakhand is mulling over increasing the tenure of the students union office bearers elected in various colleges to two years from the present one year.

For this, the student union representatives from the Kumaon region would be called to the Uttarakhand Open University campus on May 7 to discuss the matter. The voices and suggestions emerging from the meeting would be noted by the minister of state (independent charge) higher education, Dhan Singh Rawat, who would be present at the venue. A similar meeting is scheduled to be held in Dehradun on May 9 that would cater to the students union office bearers from the Garhwal region.

Speaking to HT, Rawat said that there had been demands for increasing the tenure of the student unions elected in various colleges of the state. Many student union representatives have said that the one year period given to them is not enough as most of the time is spent in preparing for the examinations and other activities and thus they are not able to work properly. A two-year tenure would ensure that they would have ample time to fulfill their promises, Rawat said.

Asked what would happen if a final year student of some course gets two year tenure, the minister said that such issues would be discussed in the meeting with the student union office bearers and nothing would be done against their wishes.

Neeraj Mehra, president of Haldwanis MB (PG) college students union, said that there was an urgent need to discuss such issues. Yes, the there is a time constraint for the students union. It is good that such a discussion would be held among the student union representatives, he said. He also said that several other issues might be discussed during the event, which would prove beneficial for the students in the long run.
Three people died and four others were injured in separate fires that broke out across the national capital over a period of 12 hours.

The first fire occurred around 8.20 pm on Saturday, when a gas cylinder exploded while two men were preparing dinner in a hut at a slum colony on Gurudwara Road, Sriniwaspuri. The victims  Vasudev and Arjun  were rushed to the Trauma Centre in an autorickshaw, and admitted with burns.

Fire gutted down a godown in Begumpur. (HT Photo)

Around 2.50 am on Sunday, the fire control room was alerted to another blaze at a godown in Begumpur, Malviya Nagar. As many as 25 tenders were rushed to the spot, but the fire had already spread to around 24 scrap godowns nearby. It took the authorities nearly three hours to douse the blaze.

Fire officials said they rushed two people  Ashok Kumar (50) and Malkan Singh (46)  to the Trauma Centre. Kumar, who was employed as a guard-cum-supervisor at the godown, died soon afterwards.

A woman searches for her belongings after fire razed down a godown in Begumpur. (HT Photo)

In the third incident, a woman and a child died in a fire that broke out at Budh Vihar in Sultanpuri around 4.40 am. A three-year-old girl was hospitalised with burns.

Identifying the deceased as Anjali (28) and Aditi (13), police said the fire was caused by a short circuit in the house. It took fire department officials around two hours to douse the blaze.
Aam Aadmi Party national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal warned those who are showing that there is a rift between him and senior leader Kumar Vishwas and said they were enemies of the party.

Putting to rest the speculations of any rift, Kejriwal said Vishwas was his younger brother and no one can separate them.

Kumar is my younger brother. Some people are showing that there is a rift between us, they are enemies of the party. They should refrain from this. No one can separate us, he tweeted.

            ,      !          Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 30, 2017

Kejriwals tweets came hours after AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan took to social media alleging that Vishwas was trying to take over the party and has been asking MLAs to make him the national convener.

Khan is also a member of the partys Political Affairs Committee (PAC)  the apex decision-making body in AAP.

Vishwas is calling MLAs to his place and telling them to either make him the convener or join BJP, which is willing to give Rs30 crore to each MLA...., Khan said in message shared on WhatsApp.

He alleged it was being done at the behest of the BJP. Four MLAs have been tasked with this. They take other MLAs to Vishwas place. Ten MLAs have told me this. Yesterday (Friday) a meeting of these four MLAs happened at a ministers place, he said.

Rubbishing the allegations, culture minister Kapil Mishra said, There is no question of Kejriwal leaving the post of party convener. The reports about rift between him and Vishwas are baseless. Amanatullah should apologise for his statement.

Vishwas and some other leaders had raised concerns over Kejriwals stand to only blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for defeat in the municipal election.

Kejriwal on Saturday issued a statement attributing the losses to the partys 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 Vishwas, challenged the partys official line besides raising a host of other issues related to party functioning.

Vishwas told TV channels that the party has lost connect with grass root workers. Vishwas could not be reached for a comment despite numerous calls and text messages.
or those who missed Delhi College of Arts and Commerces annual cultural fest, Ambrosia, dont worry, you havent missed much. The fest, which marked the end of this years fest season, saw meticulous efforts from students in decorating and promoting the events. But, that didnt get reflected in the number of visitors of the fest. Some blamed the heat, some blamed the authorities for being busy preparing for the NAAC ratings and others felt that the fest was set too close to the exams. There were however a few saviours of the otherwise dud fest like the performance by multi-genre Hindi band Astitva and some in-house competitions. Here is a look at all that happened (or did not).

KAHA HAI FEST?

Students sit around an empty registration desk waiting for the performances to begin. (AMAL KS/ HT Photo)

On entering the campus, one couldnt say that a fest was going on. On the second day, students themselves were seen cracking jokes about the lack of attendance. Prateek Singh, a student, said, When I entered the campus to hear the bands perform, the field was empty. Khaali area dekh ke dimaag mein question aaya ki, kaha hai fest?

DHOOP NE HI MAAR RAKHA HAI

Students seek refuge from the sun as the bands perform on stage at the fest. (AMAL KS/ HT Photo)

Most students attending the fest were either seen chilling under trees, a small tent set up in the college grounds or in the classes. Kaun jaayega bahar jab kuchh ho hi nahi raha. Jab Astitva perform karega to chale jaayengey dekhne, abhi to dhoop ne hi maar rakha hai humein, said Amey Suri, a student, adding, Kuchh kuchh cheeze jo acchi thi, unke liye nikal liye they hum class se. Do teen to game waale stalls hai, who bhi kitna hi khel lengey.

YOU NEED GUTS TO PERFORM WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING

A band performs for the limited crowd during the Battle of the Bands at Ambrosia. (AMAL KS/ HT Photo)

About 20 people were seen watching the bands perform at the Battle of Bands, while others were seen searching for shade. The bands however, gave some amazing performances. You need guts to perform when no one is watching you. These guys look so dedicated about what they play and they deserve better than this, said Ravindra Singh, a student.

WELL MAKE SURE WE STILL HAVE ALL THE FUN

Students at the fest pose for a photograph. (AMAL KS/ HT Photo)

The overall mood of the fest did pick up, but only in the evening of the second day. Though still less as compared to the usual footfall of a DU fest, students poured in to join the celebration and were seen clicking selfies, making videos, chatting and jamming around the college. Nikita Singhal, a student at the fest said that she was attending just to de-stress and get a break from the exam pressure. It doesnt matter if people didnt turn up. They missed out on having a cool day out with their friends, which everyone needs, specially when exams are almost here. Ive come with my group of friends and well make sure we still have all the fun. said Singhal.

ASTITVA SAVED THE DAY FOR US

Hindi band Astitva performs for the crowd at the last day of DCACs annual fest, Ambrosia. (AMAL KS/ HT photo)

The second day saw a relatively better footfall. Students enjoyed Astitvas performance and a flash mob that brought back the vibes of the 90s with its selection of songs. Upping the energy,the band Astitva belted out some hit Bollywood renditions and their original tracks. Astitva saved the day for us. I thought, koi nahi aayega aaj. But bahaut log aa gaye, and everyone had a great time! said Deepak Marskole, a student of the college.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A dummy dead body is propped on a chair behind VC Misras desk at his home. There is a mini model of a human skeleton; next to it are myriad instruments such as ultra violet lights, microscopes, and magnifying glasses. Then there are books on handwriting identification, including one by Albert Sosborn -- considered father of the science of questioned document examination.

Misra, 62, is one of Indias better known handwriting experts and claims to have cracked about 5,000 cases involving questioned documents, signatures and fingerprints. He teaches forensic science at a private university in Noida during the day and examines questioned documents and signatures received from courts, individuals and law firms at night.

Its 10 pm when we meet Misra. He is busy examining a signature on cheque with a digital microscope. Sitting next to him is Manas Mishra, 32, his son, also a handwriting expert.

Ours is a little-known profession. If lawyers are like doctors, we are the pathologists of the legal system. There are hardly 150 professional handwriting experts in the country, says Misra, who also appears in courts to give evidence both in India and abroad. I am one of the few who can examine handwriting and signatures in multiple languages.

Most handwriting experts, including Misra, see themselves as detectives, an avatar of the famous character Sherlock Holmes, who could interpret handwriting and documents with great dexterity. In fact, handwritten documents figure in as many as nine stories where Holmes deciphers the gender and the character of a person through handwriting. In The Reigate Squires, Holmes observes that two related people -- the Cunninghams, father and son -- wrote the note jointly and are the culprits. Similarly, in The Norwood Builder, Holmes cracks the mystery of a fraudulent will.

Frauds and forgeries that Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, imagined in 1903 continue to happen even today.

Misra says he has been getting a lot of cases relating to forged wills over the past few years. A lot of them, he says, are being forged by women settled abroad. They are doing it under pressure from their husbands who want them to claim their right to ancestral property. Their families settled abroad long ago and never thought of laying claim to their ancestral properties in India. But now their husbands force them to demand their share as the prices of such properties have gone up manifold in the past decade, says Misra. These days Misra is also hired by many colleges in Delhi during admission. They want us to check the authenticity of documents submitted by students. Most forged documents are OBC certificates, he says.

Coping with challenges in digital age

Shruti Gupta, one of the few women handwriting experts in India, specialises in graphology -- detecting the personality of a person through handwriting. Handwriting mirrors your personality; it can tell a lot about ones state of mind and criminal tendencies. This plays an important role in busting crimes, especially in cases relating to anonymous threat letters and suicide notes, says Gupta.

Recently I got a case where a man had practised the handwriting of the person he murdered and wrote a fake suicide note to make it look like suicide, says Gupta. Graphology is now becoming an important part of forensic science in India, says Gupta.

Read: Delhi Metro turns muse for writers on the move

Gupta says her profession is facing new challenges in digital age. She is already getting cases of forged digital signatures. A person can cut, crop and paste your digital signature. It is called transplantation forgery. Recently I got a case from a foreign institute, where an Indian student had submitted a fake recommendation from a referee with the latters forged digital signature, says Gupta.

Young handwriting experts, she says, must learn new tools and be able to detect soft copy transplantation and e-document forgeries.

Digital signatures are not fool-proof; they are basically pixels on screen. Handwritten signatures involve dots per inches. It is easy to forge digital signatures. But forgery in digital signature can also be detected--- there are always natural variations in signature of a person whether it is signed with pen on paper or on a digital screen, says Misra.

Every time a person signs, Misra says, there would be natural variations in his signature because of many internal and external factorshis mood, haste, the posture of writing, the supporting surface, condition of the pen. Variation in your signature he says, is the proof of its authenticity. The freehand simulated forgery is the most difficult to detect because the forger copies original signatures with freehand practice, says Misra.

Ashok Kashyap, an expert examiner of forensic finger prints, handwriting, forgery and questioned documents, at his office at Kashmere Gate. (Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO)

Identifying forged signatures

Ashok Kashyap, who runs perhaps the citys oldest forgery detection firm at Kashmere Gate, says his science involves enlarging and comparing allegedly forged signatures and handwritings of people with authentic specimens in direct light, oblique light, and at times under transmitted light with the aid of a variety of lenses, magnifiers and microscopes. It is essentially a comparison of handwriting characteristics, their physical features and geometrical proportions, says Kashyap. No two persons can have similar signatures, and understanding variations in a persons signature is key to identifying forged signatures, says Kashyap, sitting in his first-floor office in a 150-year-old building on Nicholson Road.

His office is quite a quaint space. There are high wooden shelves stacked with musty files arranged year-wise. Many magnifiers, enlargers, microscopes and an ultraviolet lamp stand on a side table. The walls have framed black-and-white enlargements of fingerprints, signatures and handwriting samples

Its pretty cool inside on a blistering April afternoon. The only sound is the hum of an old air conditioner. Kashyaps figure is dramatically in focus under tube lights hanging from the high ceiling. No two people can have identical fingerprints. Fingerprint ridges dont change in a lifetime, he says. Kashyap is consulted on questioned documents by courts, banks, government undertakings, corporate houses, lawyers and common people, both from India and abroad.

Read: Mahipalpur: Delhis urban village is now the capitals latest hotel hub

Kashyap claims to have handled 7,000 forgery cases, many of them involving forged signatures of several high-profile people, including top politicians.

No more expressing love in writing

At 72, his zeal for what he calls detecting forgeries has not dimmed. Every day, he spends hours detecting forged wills, fake bills, and property documents. In the past, I used to get a lot of love letters too. Fathers would often come to me with mushy love letters written to their daughters to identify writers. But in this digital age, love seems to be happening online. Lovers are communicating through e-mails and apps, says Kashyap.

But Manas, 32, says these days a lot of people write I love you notes to embarrass people rather than to express love. Recently, he says, his services were sought by a school principal who wanted to know the identity of someone who scribbled I love you addressed to a female teacher on the schools notice board. The principal sent us the handwriting of the male teacher who was suspected of writing this. But his handwriting did not match with that on the notice board. We asked the principal to send handwriting samples of all the staff. We found that it was a female who wrote the message for her colleague to embarrass her. It was a case of jealously.

Kashyap learnt the basics of his profession from his father Ugrasen Kashyap, a well-known handwriting expert in his time, who also started the magazine Document Disputes in the mid-1930s. Later, Kashyap, who joined his father in 1967, also trained at the Police Department Training Bureau in Miami, US.

This year marks his 50 years in profession.

So, what has he learnt about life and society? He takes off his spectacles, his face becomes pensive and then speaks in a slow, soft tone: Relationships are very fragile; people are indulging in fraud and forgery like never before; there is a staggering fall in moral values. Forgery is being executed with so much more finesse. This was not so when I started in this profession.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
As many as 40 semi-automatic pistols made in illegal arms factories of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh were seized by the Delhi Police on Sunday. This is the third such incident this month, since the seizure of 30 sophisticated pistols and carbines on April 22 and 20 guns on April 21.

The recovery was made from the possession of Deepak Kumar Saha, 34, a native of Munger in Bihar and his associate, Sajid of Meerut, UP. Police said Saha is the leader of an interstate arms racket which supplies guns made in illegal factories to criminals in Delhi-NCR, western UP towns and other parts of the country.

Senior crime branch officials said the guns are popular among criminals because their manufacturing standards are high and they are cheaper than legal guns of the same make and caliber. The cost of one such gun could be Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000, said a police officer.

Saha is running the racket for the past 10 years and has supplied more than 400 sophisticated illegal weapons to hundreds of criminals in Delhi and other states, said Madhur Verma, deputy commissioner of police (crime branch).

Verma said the members of the gang bring the weapons to Delhi-NCR and UP by train. Most of their members travel First Class to escape police scrutiny, said Verma.

Investigations into a series of incidents in Delhi-NCR led the police to probe the source of the guns being used by the criminals. Verma said a team of interstate police officers was organised to hit at the source of supply of these illegal weapons.

We had been tracking Deepak Saha who supplied firearms to criminals in Delhi-NCR. On Saturday, Saha was caught with Sajid and 40 guns from Anand Vihar railway station in a train coming from Bihar, said the DCP. He said the consignment was for a notorious gangster based in Delhi.

Saha told the police that he had been running guns since 2006 when he met a Munger-based arms supplier, Guddu. Soon, he evolved into an independent arms supplier with his own list of clients. He also laid a network of his henchmen who would receive and deliver weapons to the buyers.

The entire sum had to be paid in advance. To escape technical surveillance, the demand for weapons used to be communicated on WhatsApp. Saha used to send pictures of the guns to his client over WhatsApp and once the deal is clinched, the client paid the money in advance and was given the weapons, an investigator said.

The police are probing if the money is paid through hawala operators, the officer said.
Police have registered FIRs against real estate group Amrapalis chairman and four directors of Jaypee Group in Greater Noida for allegedly cheating homebuyers.

The FIR against chairman-cum-managing director of Amrapali Group, Anil Sharma, was lodged on Sunday at Bisrakh police station for allegedly cheating hundreds of homebuyers of its housing project Leisure Park in Greater Noida. He has been booked under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Indian Penal Code.

Police said the FIR was registered on Sunday after they received a complaint from two people  Srikant Halder and Rajat Mittal. They filed the complaint on behalf of hundreds of homebuyers, who have allegedly been cheated by Amrapali.

The case was registered after the two complainants along with 30 other homebuyers protested outside the Bisrakh police station, demanding action against Sharma. The agitating homebuyers told police that they had already given a complaint against Sharma on February 12, but no action was initiated in the matter.

As per the FIR, as many as 2,000 homebuyers booked their flats in July 2010 at Leisure Park in Greater Noida and were assured possession by December 2013. However, no allottee has been given possession so far.

The FIR also states that the homebuyers have paid 90%-100% of the cost of flat. Complainants alleged that there are no signs of construction being in progress at the site and there no flats were handed over in the last seven years.

Station house officer of Bisrakh police station, Vinod Pandey, said, We have registered a case against Anil Sharma on the basis of the complaint. The matter will be investigated thoroughly and action will be taken accordingly.

Despite several attempts, Anil Sharma could not be contacted as his phone was switched off. However, Shiv Priya, director of Amrapali Group, said, We are running behind schedule as there was a case in Allahabad High Court from April 2011 to June 2015. Farmers had filed the suit regarding land acquisition at Pathwari. We got only 24 months to work and we are working to complete the project.

Meanwhile on Saturday, a case of cheating was registered against three directors and other officials of Jaypee Group for allegedly cheating homebuyers, who had booked flats in Jaypees Aman project in Sector 151.

Police said the complainants maintain that the basic structures of 26 towers have been erected after which construction stopped at the site. They said the possession of their flats has been delayed. Around 3,900 homebuyers were scheduled to get their flats in 2012.

When contacted, Ashok Khera, vice-president of Jaypee Group, said he has no knowledge of the matter and refused to comment on the allegations levelled by the homebuyers. I have no knowledge and cannot comment, Khera said.

Senior superintendent of police, Gautam Budh Nagar, Luv Kumar confirmed the registration of cases against Jaypee and Amrapali. He said, The cases have been registered after complaints were received. The accused persons will be contacted soon in the matters.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Ten days after 19-year-old speech impaired Sunita went missing from Adarsh Nagar Metro station, the Delhi Metro police are yet to file an FIR or trace the woman.

Though a daily dairy (DD) entry, an official record, was made at the Kashmere Gate Metro police station, police are yet to register an FIR.

Jitendramani Tripathi, deputy commissioner of police (Metro), said that the missing person was an adult and the complaint filed by her family did not say that she was kidnapped.

The missing complaint was received and all requisite formalities to locate a missing person were followed to safely track down the woman and reunite her with her family members. We have already scanned CCTV footage of the Jahangirpuri Metro station where her mother lost her and of the Adarsh Nagar station where she was seen exiting through gate number-2, said the DCP.

Had the woman been below 18 years of age, we would have certainly converted her missing complaint into a case of kidnapping, said Tripathi adding that different police teams are trying to trace the young woman.

A senior Delhi Metro police officer on the condition of anonymity said that the incident could have been averted had the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, who are entrusted with security on Metro premises, or Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) staff of the Adarsh Nagar station reacted after seeing Sunita attempting to exit through one of the automated fare collection (AFC) gates. The CCTV footage at the station showed Sunita exiting with other passengers hurriedly without using the Metro token. Police said the CCTV also showed Sunita attempting to exit through the gates without using the token,

Sunitas father Ram Saran blamed the Metro staff and security personnel for his daughters plight. In the video footage, my daughter is seen making four attempts to exit through the gate with other passengers. But as she was not carrying the token, all her attempts failed and the gate locked before she could exit. After sometime, she is finally seen exiting through the gate with another passenger, Saran told HT.

The father alleges that no security alarm was raised and no security or Metro staff stopped his daughter when she made four failed attempts to exit through the AFC gate. Everything was being captured on the camera but nobody reacted, he said.

On the allegations, a CISF spokesperson said, CCTV footage and necessary documents have been given to the police who are looking into the matter.

Sunita was returning to her Haidarpur residence in the metro with her mother Suman and sister Laxmi after visiting Lok Nayak Hospital. As the train was to terminate at the Jahangirpuri station, one stop before Haidarpur, the family had to de-board and wait for another train. While Suman and Laxmi stepped out, Sunita remained inside, as the door closed and left the station.
The election commission (EC) has cleared Delhis deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and party colleague Surinder Singh of allegations of holding an office of profit, a charge that could have disqualified them as legislators.

The complaint against Sisodia and Aam Aadmi Party MLA Singh was forwarded to the poll panel by the presidents office but was found to be untenable, sources said.

The poll panels findings have been sent to President Pranab Mukherjees office . Sources said the President has to accept the ECs recommendations.

The decision comes at a time when the election commission is hearing a similar complaint against 21 AAP legislators, who were appointed parliamentary secretaries to assist various ministers of the Arvind Kejriwal government. The appointments were struck down by the Delhi high court.

The poll panels decision, which can have a bearing on the stability of the government, is likely to be announced by May 15.

BJP leader Vivek Garg wrote to Mukherjee, demanding Sisodias membership of the Delhi assembly be cancelled as there was no provision for the post of deputy chief minister in the NCT of Delhi act, which deals with government formation, assembly and other such subjects.

Sisodias appointment amounted to holding an office of profit, Garg had said.

Members of Parliament and state assemblies cant accept government positions that offer money or other benefit such as office space or even a car. A violation can lead to the disqualification of a lawmaker under the office of profit rules that are meant to ensure independence of legislature and guard legislators from executives inducements.

Singh was accused of benefitting from his membership of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation by illegally occupying four government flats.

Delhis ruling party has been at loggerheads with the poll panel. Stung by a series of poll defeats, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and several colleagues have raised doubts over the electronic voting machine, alleging EVMs were tampered with to benefit the BJP.

Kejriwal even questioned impartiality of election commissioners OP Rawat and AK Joti. Rawat has recused himself from hearing all cases and complaints related to the AAP, saying it was important to protect ECs credibility.

In 2006, Congress president Sonia Gandhi quit her Lok Sabha membership after the Opposition accused her of holding an office of profit when she was appointed the chairperson of the national advisory council, a body set up in 2004 to advise prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan will not find India falling short of its traditions of atithi satkaar and mehmaan nawaazi during his visit to New Delhi, but Turkeys president would be well advised to keep his end of the bargain by playing the gracious guest. This would require him to curb his rhetoric about the West, which has turned bilious in recent years, in tandem with Mr Erdogans declining popularity, at home and abroad.

When Mr Erdogan last visited India, in 2008, he was welcomed as a leader of growing global stature, an example for all those who aspire to democracy. The president who arrived on Sunday is a pale shadow of that man, a leader so frightened of his shadow that he has imprisoned tens of thousands of his own countrymen, including more journalists than any totalitarian dictatorship.

In recent months, he has been on a tear about what he claims is the Wests open enmity towards all Muslims. This is not paranoia so much as politics: having lost his previous status as a beacon of democracy in the Muslim world, and blown Turkeys chances of joining the European Union, Mr Erdogan is apparently trying to reinvent himself as a champion of Islamism. He seems determined to undo the proud secular traditions of his own country, and last months controversial referendum  whose results were uncomfortably close and tainted by credible complaints of tampering  has given him to power to do so. Mr Erdogans bluster towards imagined enemies may win him some admiration among fellow-paranoiacs in the Arab world, but they would not be welcome in India, which greatly values its relations with Europe and the United States. It is to be hoped that the president knows better than to stir up anti-Western feelings here.

Another challenge for Mr Erdogan will be to mind his manners  and his business  on matters relating to India and Pakistan. A friend of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs, Mr Erdogan has repeatedly expressed support for Islamabads positions over Delhis, and this has come in the way of deeper ties between India and Turkey. He also backed the position of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (another outfit in which he hopes to have a bigger say) on the subject of Kashmir. In an interview ahead of his visit, he pointedly suggested India and Pakistan had equal right to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a false equivalence if ever there was one.

Given Turkeys longstanding closeness with Pakistan, it may be too much to expect relations with India to be more than formal and principally economic in nature. Mr Erdogan could even deepen such ties as exist, but only if he keeps his grievances to himself.
LUCKNOW Getting students placed with good organisations speaks of a universitys popularity with hirers, but the newly set up placement cell of the University of Lucknow (LU) seems to have taken things too far. Students have been taken in by organisations for internships - LU in turn claims they have been placed.

The placement cell on April 25 issued a press statement claiming that 249 students had been placed in various organisations. It said 24 students from the department of journalism and mass communication had been hired by a private TV news channel.

The fact, however, was that the students of journalism had been interning with the TV news channel without receiving any offer letter or pay packages. Other students too have been similarly taken in by companies as interns, not employees.

The director of counselling and placements, Prof Madhurima Lall, when contacted, told this correspondent: Normally students who are interns in different organisations are absorbed and get final placement there. We are hopeful that many of our bright students will be recruited there soon.

By Prof Lalls own submission, out of the 249 students who she claimed were placed, there were 40 students who were interns. The number of students who are doing internship are much less. Majority of the students got placement in good companies and are doing very well, she said.

When informed about the matter, Prof SP Singh, university vice chancellor, said he would speak to the placement director. He was of the opinion that it was unethical to claim that students who were interns had actually been placed. I will ensure that in future university should pass on correct information about final placements, he said.

LU has been without a good placement cell for quite some time. The newly set up unit is headed by Prof Lall, who is also head of applied economics department, LU.

An April 25 press statement of the placement cell said LU had produced high quality students every year. At present, dozens of companies are waiting to take up more and more of our students. Placements at various organisations are taken up as a costly affair but here at LU, we are able to assist our students in getting jobs/internships without incurring any extra fees or charges from the students.

The statement also said that students from all streams were being targeted for proper placements in their respective areas. The campus placement has been done for those departments where so far placement had not happened.

LU had said that two placements had been done from anthropology department, while 12 students from psychology, 60 from applied economics and commerce, 70 from business administration, 24 from journalism and mass communication, nine from IMS, 11 from social works, 13 from MSc QTM, nine from MSc chemistry and 11 from BEd had been placed.

But the matter of fact remains that nearly 20% of the students have been interning with companies which have so far made no commitment to retain them.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The residents of Samaspur village and Freedom Park Condominium in Sector 57 protested on Sunday demanding removal of a liquor vend in their locality.

The residents complained that the liquor vend so close to the residential complex has been a cause of concern for them and it has become difficult for them to move about in the area. They alleged people near the shop drink in the open and the residents often cannot step out for fear of running into them.

The protest was held at 6pm and the residents blocked roads near the village demanding removal of the liquor vend. Around 25-30 women blocked the roads venting their ire over the opening of the liquor shop in a residential area. Later, another 70-80 people joined the protest.

Read I Gurgaon CyberHub pubs may escape SC highway liquor ban

A lot of nuisance is created due to the presence of the liquor shop in the residential area. People are also drinking out in the open and the residents cannot step outdoors for fear of being confronted by them. The shop was expected to be shifted elsewhere, but it didnt happen. We had filed a complaint with the civic agencies to take some action, but they did not do anything. We had no other option but to come out and protest today, said Satprakash Yadav, a resident.

Another resident, Pramod Yadav said that they had been protesting against the opening of the liquor shop and even met government officials over the issue. They said the also lodged a complaint at the chief ministers window for posting grievances.

Samaspur is considered a model village located in Sector 51.
Jason George got his first tattoo when he was 17. He is now 25, has about 400 tattoos and holds the Limca Book of Records title for most brand logo tattoos. He has no regrets, he says.

All the logos have some connection to my life  my favourite TV channel, my first bicycle, my favourite fast-food chains, he says.

Unlike him, there are many who change their minds after theyve got inked  either because theyre bored of the design, for professional reasons, or because the person immortalised in the tattoo is no longer in their lives.

Tattoo removal is not a quick-fix solution; scars or ink pigments are always left behind, says Dr Shehla Agarwal, consultant skin specialist and director of Delhis Mehak Skin Clinic. The tattoo rarely disappears completely to leave the skin smooth and unblemished.

DO YOU REALLY WANT IT?

Too many people get tattoos on an impulse, doctors say. They think itll be cute or unique to have a ladybug inked on them, or a butterfly, or a line from a favourite song or poem  only to grow out of it and find that they must spend more money to erase the emblem.

I also get several people who want to get their tattoos removed because they feel its hampering their professional growth, says Dr Agarwal.

As the number of people getting tattoos rises, so is the number of people wanting them erased. Dr Sama Rais, says consultant cosmetologist at Mumbais Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital gets about four cases a week, up from one or two a year ago. Dr Parag Telang, cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Fortis SL Raheja Hospital, Mumbai, has seen an increase of 30% over the same period.

Jason George has about 400 tattoos and so loves them that he became a tattoo artist. But even he has limits. Most people want a tattoo where they can easily flaunt it. But a chunky tattoo on your neck, for instance, may not be acceptable in many corporate environments. Almost all of my tattoos get covered when I wear a T-shirt and jeans, he says. (Bachchan Kumar / HT Photo)

Think carefully before you get a tattoo because exposing your skin to chemicals too frequently is not a great idea, advises Dr Rais. And avoid getting a tattoo in the same place where youve had one removed.

This is what Jason tells the people coming to him. He loves tattoes so much that he became a tattoo artist after he graduated, and runs a studio in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.

Whenever someone comes to me, I ask them to think it through. A tattoo is a very personal thing, but in India it has become a trend  everyone wants generic tattoos like stars on their wrists or angels on their ankles, he adds.

CAN YOU LIVE WITH IT?

I thought a butterfly would represent my free-spiritedness, but then I started noticing that every second person had the same design, says advertising executive Sarika Agarwal, 27.

Last month, less than two years after she got the tattoo, she began the process of having it removed.

She approached Mumbais Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital rather than a tattoo studio because she wanted to avoid side-effects such as burn marks and blisters. It took three sessions and wasnt painful, but it cost Agarwal Rs 20,000. And I had already spent Rs 13,000 getting inked! she says, laughing.

Chetna (name changed), 26, is currently admitted at Delhis Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital for skin grafting. She has five tattoos, all of which she got on an impulse.

You might think a butterfly or a ladybird seems original and cute right now. But for a tattoo to stay relevant for life, it must have a real connection with your journey. Jason George holds the Limca Book of Records title for most brand logo tattoos but says he has no regrets. All the logos have some connection to my life  my favourite TV channel, my first bicycle, my favourite fast-food chains, he adds. (Bachchan Kumar / HT Photo)

I went to a tattoo studio with my friends and decided to do it because everyone else was. I ended up getting five because of the competition. Initially, I was okay with it. But, after a month or so, when my parents, relatives and friends started commenting on how bad it looked, I became sad and wanted them gone, she says.

Chetna had an added misadventure when she tried to get rid of the tattoo cheaply.

She went to a neighbourhood quack who gave her an ointment that started burning her skin. I would cry all night but still kept applying it because I really wanted to be rid of the tattoos, she says. After the blisters broke, she realised her skin had been burnt.

Someone had given her an acid that literally burnt away the tattoo, but now we have to do skin grafting to remove the burn marks along with whatever is left of the tattoo. Her skin will never be completely scar-free, said Dr Samik Bhattacharya, burns and plastic surgeon at RML.

Though he works in a public hospital, Dr Samik Bhattacharya removes three or four tattoos a month. And we get only the complicated ones that are referred after the skin has been burnt or damaged, so you can imagine the total number of people opting for removal, he says.

WILL IT AFFECT YOUR CAREER?

If youre getting a tattoo, ask yourself whether it is likely to interfere with your career. After all, you cant be a pilot with a spider on your face.

Most people want a tattoo where they can easily flaunt it. But a chunky tattoo on your neck, for instance, may not be acceptable in many corporate environments. Almost all of my tattoos get covered when I wear a T-shirt and jeans, says Jason.

Sixty percent of the tattoo removals that Dr Shehla Agarwal does are on women. There is obviously the marriage pressure. But many women also use tattoos as a form of rebellion. Since parents tell them not to get it done, they get it, and get it when they are emotional. Then they find the tattoos tacky and want them removed, she says.

Work and marriage are the most common reasons why people want tattoos removed. People who have tattoos are considered medically unfit for defence, but nowadays, even multi-national companies tend to reject candidates with visible tattoos, says Dr Bhattacharya.

People who want careers in aviation, hospitality or the merchant navy comes to us to erase their tattoos, so do people with names of their exes on them, says Dr Telang.

If you are sure you want a tattoo, it is safest to choose a simple line drawing of a single colour.

Line-drawings are easy to remove because there is less ink involved. Green and red are the worst colours to get off the skin. And fluorescent colours tend to cause severe reactions when touched by a laser, says Dr Agarwal.

HOW A LASER GETS RID OF YOUR INK

During laser treatment, the intense light is absorbed by the dye in the tattoos, which causes a reaction, leading to the bodys immune system removing the pigments over time.

Numbing creams and advanced technology have made tattoo removal easier. The number of sessions needed depends on the tattoos size, age and the colours used, Dr Rais adds. All-black tattoos are the easiest to remove; multi-coloured ones are the most resistant. Keeping the tattooed area covered and cool is very important to avoid a permanent burn mark.
While the whole world is still going gaga over his witty speech at TED Talks, Shah Rukh Khan is spending some quality time with his closed ones in LA.

But this time, he was accompanied by a Hollywood legend.

The 51-year-old-actor took to Twitter and shared a photo about his meeting with his favourite star Warren Beatty.

After a whirlwind travelling spree spent a quiet evening with friends in LA & met one of my fav starsWarren Beatty. pic.twitter.com/LPC4IIwrCE  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 30, 2017

The legendary Hollywood actor is known for his iconic roles in Bonnie and Clyde, Reds, Splendor in the Glass and McCabe and was recently in news for the infamous Oscars Best Picture goof-up between La La Land and Moonlight at 89th annual Academy Awards.

On the professional note, King Khan will be next seen in Imtiaz Alis upcoming movie opposite Anushka Sharma.
Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) national president Amit Shah on Sunday met leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and discussed the ongoing violence in Kashmir.

Since he is on a two-day visit to the state, it was a courtesy visit to the RSS leaders at Vir Bhawan this morning, said a BJP leader.

He solicited their opinions and suggestions about the prevailing circumstances, he said.

Shah also inaugurated Nana Ji Deshmukh Library at the BJP headquarters on Sunday.

The BJP president has also asked party leaders to reach out to people of Kashmir and Ladakh to address their issues.

Besides meeting a select group of media persons, Shah would meet BJP legislators, 11 party ministers and Speaker of the legislative assembly Kavinder Gupta late Sunday evening before returning to New Delhi.

No meetings with PDP, a partner in the ruling alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, ministers or legislators have been planned in Shahs itinerary, which is being seen by political pundits as an indicator of the shape of things to come.

Meanwhile, the SC also asked the Centre to reach out to all stakeholders in the Valley.

Valley youth join BJP expansion drive

Thirty Muslim youth from Kashmir on Sunday joined BJPs expansion programme. Shah also shared a picture of the Muslim youths on Twitter. They have decided to give six months for partys expansion programme. I welcome them all. This initiative is encouraging for the BJP, Shah tweeted

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Days after his all is fair in love and war comment stirred a political storm in Kashmir, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Ram Madhav met chief minister Mehbooba Mufti at her Fairview residence here on Sunday.

The details of the meeting however were not known. After the 30-minute meeting, the BJP leader refused to speak to waiting mediapersons.

The meeting comes in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation in the Valley and reports of a rift between the coalition partners over statements by Madhav and state industries minister Chandra Prakash Ganga.

Ganga had stoked a controversy by calling for use of bullets on protesters in the valley. He later expressed regret.

The PDP was also unhappy with Madhavs comments complimenting an army officer who had tied a man to the bonnet of a jeep to escape stone-pelting in a Kashmir village.

Meanwhile, a local news portal quoted a BJP source saying that Madhav had come with a message from BJP president Amit Shah saying that he (Shah) was misquoted as saying that the BJP is preparing for the next election in J&K with only Jammu and Ladakh in mind.

The visit also comes a day after Madhav ruled out any possibility of talks with Kashmiri separatists and accused them of playing politics of sentiments over dead bodies. The Centre had told the same to the Supreme Court on Friday.

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, he told reporters in Delhi.

The PDP-BJP coalition government in the state has come under criticism for its inability to control the violence that has taken the shape of street protests by school and college students, including girls.

The Mehbooba Mufti-led government has banned high speed internet for a month in the Valley, hoping to clamp down on the spread of videos and images that officials believe fan tension. Eleven civilians were killed in the past one month in forces firing on demonstraters.

Meanwhile, Opposition Congress and National Conference have been demanding that Mehbooba steps down and make way for governors rule in the state for restoration of peace.

Earlier this week, Mehbooba also met Union home minister Rajnath Singh and assured that the situation in Kashmir will improve within two-three months.

(With PTI inputs)
The next time you receive an e-mail from a business associate, double check the address to ensure someone is not attempting fool you by using a near-replica address in an impersonation trick.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began on Friday a probe into an email scam that fooled two jewellers, one in India and the other in Singapore, into diverting approximately Rs 16 crore by using an email address that was almost the same as one being used in their communications, save for an extra letter.

On December 18, 2013, Tamil Nadu firm RKR Gold struck a deal to sell 6,700 gms of gold to Valuemax Precious Metals for $2,576,801.

According to the CBIs first investigation report, the deal went through proper channels and the companies were in touch with each other over e-mail. The Indian firm used jk.rkrgold@gmail.com to correspond with sally@valuemax.org.

In these communications, it was decided that the money would be sent to RKRs Bank of India account opened in Chennai.

But the money never came.

Nearly a month later, when RKRs general manager P Hari visited his partner firm in Singapore, he was told they had transferred the money within 12 days of their deal going through.

When Hari probed, he found out that his partner firm had received an email from jk.rkrgolds@gmail.com informing that the amount be sent to an HSBC account owned by one Grace Tann.

Valuemax officials did not notice the extra S in the email address, which belonged to the scam suspect. They duly sent the money to the HSBC account, whose purported owner Grace Tann is now the named suspect in the CBI case.

It was later discovered that RKR Gold too received a similar email from the same suspects, confirming the money had been paid. The fake address in this case was usedsally@valuemax.com.sg, close to the original sally@valuemax.org.

Such scams are known as confidence tricks, where victims are fooled into believing they are communicating with a trusted associate.

The CBI has filed a criminal case under IPC sections for cheating and the IT act against Tann, whose address is suspected to be in Woodlands Avenue area of Singapore. Officials of the probe agency are likely to travel to Singapore for investigations.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SITAMARHI Upset that her husband continued to consume liquor and abused her, even after complete prohibition was imposed on Bihar over a year ago, a woman in Sitamarhi district of north Bihar took the unusual step of reporting him to the police.

Acting swiftly on her complaint, the police recently arrested the accused, Anil Paswan, from a shop near the Town police station in Sitamarhi district, about 120 km north of Patna. The police also seized a bottle of liquor the man was carrying with him.

If convicted for violation of Bihars stringent prohibition law, Paswan may end up spending 10 years in jail.

The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016 , which came into force on October 2, 2016, is the most draconian in India as it prescribes a minimum 10-year jail as punishment for consumption of liquor.and even capital punishment in certain category of cases.

Asked why she had reported her husband in a matter that might leave him facing an extended term in jail, the complainant, Mamata Devi, 25, a resident of Lohia Nagar village in Sitamarhi, said she was fed up with her alcoholic husband.

Liquor has ruined my conjugal life. Since my marriage in 2014, my husband has been drinking and abusing me. I have now decided to return to my parents, she said.

Mamata is not alone. Official sources said during the past fortnight, two other women from the same locality in Sitamarhi had got their alcoholic spouses behind bars, for liquor law violations.

Sunita Kumari (name changed), who, too, got her husband arrested for consuming liquor, said she did not regret her decision .

My husband did nothing for my children or for me in the last three years. He would spend his money on liquor whatever he earned and did more harm to us than good, humiliating us in a drunken condition, almost every other day, she said.

Officials confirmed a third woman did the same but insisted her identity could not be revealed.

The police are, not surprisingly, pleased.

Such cases of courageous women siding with the law to get their alcoholic husbands arrested, are rare. These women must be rewarded for their bold initiative, said SK Mishra, sub-inspector of police of the Sitamarhi Town police station.

Confirming the lodging of FIRs in all the three cases, Sitamarhi superintendent of police Hari Prasath S said: We have even uncovered two country made liquor manufacturing units in the district since the booze ban that came into force on April 5, 2016.

The district police and the excise department officials have arrested more than 200 people since the ban, either for consumption or for sale of liquor.

Praising the complainant women, social activist Nagendra Kumar Singh said, The government should take firm steps to contain sale of liquor, which is still available at many places despite the ban.
The chief election commissioner (CEC), SNA Zaidi, announced that all future elections, including that of Himachal Pradesh assembly, will now be held with voter-verified paper audit trail machines (VVPATs).

The HP elections are slated for end of this year.

Zaidi was at Panjab University (PU) on Saturday to address the 13th annual National Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms, held by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

In paper trail machines a voter could see their vote being cast to the candidate they pressed the button for. Two government public sector units will manufacture them.

India would be the first country to use them. We have got the funds and VVPAT machines would boost the voters confidence, Zaidi said.

All-party meeting called to discuss EVMs

On the recent questions that have been raised on the EVM being compromised, he said that election commission had called for an all-party meeting. AAP, BSP and Congress had called for return to the ballot paper system after they alleged tampering of EVMs in the recently concluded assembly elections of five states.

On paid news, he said a proposal had been sent to the government to make it an offence.

When law ministry returned ECs proposal thrice

Regarding RK Nagar bypoll in Tamil Nadu, Zaidi said abuse of money power altered voters choices. There were widespread allegations of corruption over bribing of voters in institutionalised manner large number of FIRs were lodged. The income-tax department seized documents showing withdrawal and disbursement of 90 crore to voterswe intervened and countermanded the polls.

The EC used powers vested under Article 324 of the Constitution. The elections were to be held on April 12.

In the recently held elections to 5 states, EC had seized Rs 350 crore.

He added, The figures indicate seriousness of the issue. It is a tip of the iceberg we have recommended to the law ministry the amendment in Section 58 (b) of People Representation Act, 1951 for countermanding the poll in case of bribing of voters. They have disagreed with us thriceAfter RK Nagar, we are hoping for another push.

On action against candidates for bribing of voters, he said, After conviction under Indian Penal Code (IPC) for bribing of voters, a person gets disqualified for 6 years. So, we have recommended that a person stands disqualified at the stage of framing of charges, he said. The proposal is pending.

On the transparency of candidates, he told audience that two weeks ago they had brought changes in Form 26 to be filled at the time of nomination where they now had to tell the source of income of self and spouse. He said that earlier only profession used to be asked and candidates used to write social work, though their assets were worth Rs 200 crore-Rs 300 crore.

He said that on April 7, an amendment had been brought in nomination form where a candidate had to give information on eight counts of disqualification. Recently, an elected candidate in Uttar Pradesh was disqualified, only two weeks before his tenure, as he was holding a large number of government contracts, he said.

He said that their recommendation for reducing the anonymous contribution limit to political parties from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000 had not been approved and on the other hand electoral bonds would be issued, which would mask the identity of corporate houses who buy them.

Regarding holding the assembly and general elections simultaneously, he said that wide debate was needed on it.
With images of Ganesha and Radha-Krishna on the wedding invitation card and a Jain menu for the feast, a Muslim family has sought to allay apprehensions of communal tension in their small town in Madhya Pradeshs Jhabua district.

Mohammad Shabeer Makrani, father of the groom and resident of in Ranapura area of the district, termed the marriage, held on Wednesday, a Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, a phrase used to signify social harmony among different communities.

The decision to organise the marriage in this manner was taken by the bridegroom Mohammad Saleem and his elder broth Mohammad Arif, especially to send out a message to miscreants trying to create communal tension in the region.

About a month ago, a clash took place between Hindus and Muslims over a trivial issue. A large number of people were injured in stone pelting. The tension after the incident was palpable. So, I decided to have my marriage with a fusion of all elements representing different religionsHindu, Jain and Muslimto teach a lesson to anti-social elements who are out to disturb the peace, Saleem said.

When Saleem decided to print the invitation cards with the images of Lord Ganesha and Radha-Krishna, his father and elder brother supported him.

Initially, my father was concerned about how our relatives and community would react upon it. Some relatives did raise objections to it but my family stood by me and my decision, Saleem said.

When I heard that Saleem wanted to get invitation cards in sync with Hindu religion, I told him why not a pure vegetarian menu according to Jains for the reception. My family agreed to that suggestion also, Saleems brother, Arif said.

Even, people who attended the marriage appreciated the effort.

A guest, Arun Jain said the marriage revived the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb in the area. In our religion, there are a lot of restrictions on taking food items so I seldom eat at marriages. But in this marriage, I enjoyed the food.

Another guest, J S Parihar said it was a commendable step by Saleems family. In future, we will also try to do something like this, he said.

(With inputs from CB Singh)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested on Sunday changing VIP to EPI or every person is important, underscoring the need to change peoples mindset over snobbish symbols of power such as red beacons that his government has banned.

The government decided this April to ban red beacons or the coveted lal batti atop cars of the President, Prime Minister and down to the bureaucrats from May 1, ending a privilege that was seen as the ultimate status symbol since the British rulers introduced it.

The exit of the red beacon is part of a system. But we have to make efforts to cleanse it out of our minds. If we collectively strive to do it with eternal vigilance, it surely can be flushed out, said Modi in his Mann Ki Baat radio address.

Only emergency services such as ambulance and fire engines have been exempted from flashing beacons to cut through traffic.

In a way it had become a symbol of the VIP culture. Whereas the red beacon used to be fixed atop the vehicle, slowly and steadily it permeated into the psyche and got firmly entrenched in the mindset, Modi said.

The red beacon is gone for good but nobody can say with certainty that the same in the mindset has also disappeared.

He narrated a message from one of his followers to point out how people are happy that now they dont have to stop for anyone or get caught in traffic snarls because of VIP movements.

The Prime Minister said in the country theres a general atmosphere of disdain towards the VIP culture. But that it runs so very deep, I just experienced, when the government recently decided that no person, whatsoever his status might be, will move with a red beacon atop his vehicle.

He linked the mantra of treating every person important to his idea of New India.

And he asked all to warmly accept that each of the 1.25 billion Indians is a person of importance and possesses a sagacious aura, Mahaatmya, in a unique manner.

In place of VIP, more priority should be accorded to EPI. And when Im saying EPI in place of VIP, the essence of my sentiment is clear, every person is important. The divine greatness of a hundred and twenty five crore Indians and well garner strength of immense magnitude. We have to do this together.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Bombay High Court granted anticipatory bail to a woman journalist booked for abetting the suicide of an army jawan after observing that prima facie no offence is made out against the accused.

Justice Revati Mohite Dere on April 26 granted anticipatory bail to Poonam Agarwal, a senior journalist with The Quint who was also booked under the Official Secrets Act, and retired soldier and war veteran Deepchand Singh.

Last month, the Deolali Camp police in Nashik registered a case against Agarwal and Singh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including abetment of suicide of the jawan from Kerala, Roy Mathew.

The scribe was also booked under sections 3 (spying) and 7 (interfering with officers of the police or members of the armed forces of Union) of the Official Secrets Act.

Agrawal is accused of entering Heig Lines in Deolali camp without the permission of authorities and filming the premises besides carrying out a sting operation on Mathew and other jawans on February 24 in which she is said to have asked leading questions.

The case was registered after Mathew (33) was found hanging from the ceiling of a room in an abandoned barrack in Deolali cantonment on March 2.

According to the police, Mathew featured in the sting operation exposing the buddy (Sahayak) system in the army and had committed suicide over fear and shame.

Agarwal and Singh approached the high court after a sessions court rejected their anticipatory bail pleas.

Senior counsel Amit Desai, appearing for Agarwal, argued that the sting operation was carried out in public interest and to expose the malaise in the Indian Army.

The high court after hearing the arguments said, After viewing the said clip, it appears that the purpose of the sting operation was to show that the Sahayaks were made to do menial work like taking their seniors dogs for walks, taking their seniors children to schools and so on.

Prima facie at this stage, taking the prosecution case as it stands it is doubtful whether any offence under IPC or Official Secrets Act is attracted in the peculiar facts of the case, Justice Dere said. Merely because the sting operation was done in a prohibited area would not automatically attract provision of the Official Secrets Act.

The court granted Agarwal and Singh anticipatory bail on a surety of Rs 25,000 and directed them to appear before the police on three days -May 2, May 3 and May 4 - for recording of their statements and questioning.

The court also directed Agarwal to surrender to the police the raw footage of the sting operation.

Mathew had joined the army 13 years ago and was working as an artillery gunner with the Rocket Regiment 214 in Nashik camp for the last one year.
The Karnataka state unit of the BJP announced late Saturday it was relieving four senior functionaries of their responsibilities within the party, ostensibly with the backing of the partys central leadership.

The move came on a day when Muralidhar Rao, in-charge of the BJPs affairs in Karnataka, arrived in Bengaluru to begin consultations to stop a factional feud that has taken centre stage in the party state unit.

Party functionaries MB Bhanuprakash, Nirmal Kumar Surana, MP Renukacharya and G Madhusudan were relieved of their posts, according to the announcement. Bhanuprakash and Surana were state vice-presidents, while Renukacharya was leader of the farmers cell, and Madhusudan a spokesperson.

Simmering factional feud boiled over on Thursday after a group of 24 party leaders held a Save BJP conference, where many criticised the leadership of state unit president BS Yeddyurappa. The critics of former chief minister Yeddyurappa alleged that he was favouring his aides over those who had worked their way through the ranks.

On Sunday, the BJP warned the state unit leaders not to speak to the press without permission. In a statement, the party also distanced itself from the Rayanna Brigade, an organisation of Other Backward Classes formed under the supervision of KS Eshwarappa, former state president of the party. This brigade is perceived to be the cause of the rift between Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa.

Attempts, however, seem to have been made to placate both sides because the four leaders relieved of their posts apparently belong to both factions. A party source who did not wish to be named said, Bhanuprakash and Surana were punished for attending the Save BJP meet, while Madhusudan and Renukacharya, a close aide of Yeddyurappa, were punished for criticising BL Santosh, national joint general secretary (organisation).

Eshwarappa who spoke at the Save BJP meet  and is being seen as the leader of the faction critical of Yeddyurappa  told HT on Sunday it was unfortunate that senior leaders such as Bhanuprakash and Surana were being punished. These are people who have been pracharaks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and whose children are now working in the RSS.

Surana said he had not yet received a copy of the order relieving him of his post. I will be able to comment once I receive it.

Karnataka is the first southern state in which the BJP came to power on its own  in the 2008 elections  and is scheduled to go polls in May next year. On a winning spree this year, the BJP is keen to launch its battle for south India from here.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Lingayat strongman BS Yeddyurappa has earned a much-needed reprieve, with the BJPs central leadership throwing its weight behind him in a conflict that was threatening to tear the partys Karnataka unit apart.

BJP head honchos on Saturday evening decided to take disciplinary action against four senior functionaries from both the factions in what was seen as a tough measure to resolve the intra-party feud between Yeddyurappa and former state unit chief KS Eshwarappa. Two of them  Bhanuprakash and Nirmal Kumar Surana  were state vice-presidents known to be close to Eshwarappa as well as BJP national joint general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh.

In a balancing act, the apex leadership also asked Raitha Morcha vice-president MP Renukacharya and spokesperson G Madhusudan to step down for allegedly targeting Santhosh.

The move came on a day when BJP general secretary Muralidhar Rao, also the in-charge for Karnataka, arrived in Bangalore to hold parleys with both sides. This is a big victory for Yeddyurappa and a setback for Santhosh, a close aide of the Lingayat strongman told HT.

Yeddyurappa has accused Santhosh of encouraging Eshwarappa to organise a Save BJP convention on Thursday, where as many as 24 sulking leaders took turns to flay the partys state leadership. They even accused Yeddyurappa of favouring sycophants over those who have worked their way through the ranks.

The rivalry between the two factions dates back to 2008, when Yeddyurappa was the chief minister and Santhosh was the BJPs sangathan mantri for Karnataka. The RSS leader had even opposed Yeddyurappas entry into the party ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

Yeddyurappas detractors in the party finally felt emboldened enough to strike when the BJP was decimated by the Congress in the bypolls to two assembly seats in Karnataka recently. They accused him of running the party like a private company by not consulting other senior members.

I repeat and reiterate that there is no need for anybody to float any organisation outside the BJP, be it a forum brigade or any other. This is an instruction from the central leadership, a statement issued by Rao said.

Karnataka was the first southern state to get a BJP government in 2008. It is scheduled to go to the polls in May next year.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Tragedy often inspires great deeds. When a family member died around 20 years ago due to lack of blood, Rakesh Vaishnav had only thought in mind if only someone had volunteered to donate blood, a life could have been saved.

Then a 19-year-old, he took an oath to donate blood regularly. He has already donated blood more than 24 times. His mission touched a high point Saturday, when two of his sons, all dressed for their later in the day, and several members of the marriage procession --- from both the grooms and the brides side --- donated blood at a camp he had organized at the wedding venue.

The unique event was witnessed at Ramganjmandi town of Kota in Rajasthan. To make the event a success, when Vaishanv sent out invitations for the wedding of his sons --- Arun and Alpesh --- he made sure to call the invitees and tell them about the blood donation drive. Even the wedding invitations carried the message Uphaar ho to aisa, raktdan jaisa (no better gift than blood donation). He, however, made it clear that any blood donation that was to take place had to be voluntary.

I started a group called Raktdata Jeevandata Samooh in 2012. It is connected with voluntary blood donation organisations in nine states and provides blood to the needy people, Vaishnav said.

One of the members of Vaishnavs group confirmed that they had collected 26 units of blood by the afternoon. The number was likely to go up when others guests were scheduled to arrive in the evening.

Rahul Vaishnav (21), a cousin to the grooms, too donated blood at the wedding venue. He said he was inspired by his uncles work and the noble cause. Several other family members donated blood at the venue.

A wedding guest, Saroj Sharma (39), said she had made the decision to donate blood the day Vaishnav sent her the wedding invite. I have donated blood for the first time today, she said.

Vaishnav himself could not go for the noble act as he had donated blood around two months back. As per doctors, there should be a gap of three months between two blood donations, the Hindustan Zinc Limited employee said.

.
As far as wedding presents go, this is as bizarre as it gets.

Madhya Pradeshs panchayat and rural development minister Gopal Bhargava has presented washing bats to newly-wed women, asking them to put the wooden plank to good use if their husbands come home drunk.

If your husband or any other member of family comes home drunk, treat him with it, he said, addressing brides-to-be at a mass-marriage ceremony he hosted in his hometown of Garhakota on Saturday.

Across Madhya Pradesh such weddings were organised on Akshay Tritiya, an auspicious day for Hindus and Jains, on Saturday. The states backward and parched region of Bundelkhand, where women are campaigning against liquor, too, saw such marriages.

Bhargava presented some household items to the couples to help them set up home. The gift basket had a special present for the bride - a message scribbled washing bat.

Sharabiyon ke sutara hetu bhent (a gift to keep drunks in check), reads a message printed in bold blue.

The minister seems to have thought things through. Putting to rest fears of punishment for use of violence, the message on the reverse side in red assures, Police nahi bolegi (Police will not say anything).

He asked the women to check brewing of illicit liquor in their areas and asked them to use bats if they failed to get help from officials.

A mass-marriage ceremony was hosted by the minister in his hometown of Garhakota on Saturday. (HT Photo)

The ministers message seemed to have hit home.

I am happy that the minister thinks of empowering women against ill effects of liquor. In many villages, husbands beat up their wives when drunk and ruin their family life, Hari Bai, one of the brides, said.

Grooms, too, swore off liquor and other intoxications.

There is a political message as well.

The ministers son, Abhishek, has been at the forefront of an anti-liquor campaign in Bundelkhand, much to the discomfort of the state government.

He has demanded a complete ban on liquor in the state. In the last one month, Bundelkhand has seen several demonstrations, mostly led by women protesting against the shifting of liquor vends from national and state highways and banks of the Narmada river to residential areas.

Liquor is one of the biggest sources of revenue but some states have banned or restricted its sale.

The Supreme Court has banned liquor vends within 500 metres of national and state highways to prevent drink driving. Several states have renamed roads to circumvent the top court order that aims to make Indias notoriously accident prone roads safe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 31st edition of the monthly radio address Mann ki Baat.

The program will be broadcast in regional languages immediately after its Hindi broadcast.

In his previous address, the Prime Minister spoken on a range of issues directed at young Indians, including mental health, depression, pressure on students and more.

He has spoken on national initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat mission and food wastage, apart from achievements ISROs historic launch of 104 satellites in his earlier addresses.

Follow live updates here:

11:30 am: PM concludes his address.

11:27 am: PM says on May 5, India will launch South Asia Satellite.

On May 5, India will launch South Asia Satellite.It is important step by India to enhance cooperation with entire South Asia: PM #MannKiBaat  ANI (@ANI_news) April 30, 2017

11:26 am: I am glad to be joining the Vesak Day celebrations in Sri Lanka, where I will interact with leading Buddhist scholars, says PM.

11:25 am: PM says tomorrow is May Day and mentions that contribution of Bhim Rao Ambedkar towards labour rights is worth remembering.

When people mark Labour Day on 1st May, we remember Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and his role for the welfare of workers: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/hXeMZfC3OQ  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2017

11:22 am: He says we should always recall our culture, history as it gives us energy. He mentions about Ramanujacharya who fought battles against social evils like untouchability.

11:20 am: PM talks about VIP culture and governments move to remove beacons on vehicles. PM says people should try to get rid of the VIP culture from their minds. The concept of New India is EPI- Every Person is Important- instead of VIP.

11: 19 am: People can earn through digital app. If people recommend about Bhim app to others, they can earn money.

I urge my young friends to get more and more people of the BHIM App during these holidays: PM @narendramodi #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/TQ34M7UdHg  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2017

11:14 am: PM tells young people to think out of box. He says, I am sure there is so much to learn...and people have so much to teach. He says India is full of diversities and young students should try learning a new language. They can take up a new hobby like learning to swim or draw.

11:10 am: PM says he has noticed that people are getting inclined to live within their comfort zone. Talk about how students should spend their vacations. He urges people to explore and have new experiences.

11: 08 am: PM says it is necessary that we take care of birds and animals during summers. He tells to offer water to people who visit our homes ...postmen, milkmen, vegetable sellers...specially during summers.

11:06 am: Talks about climate change. PM says the heat earlier experienced during the months of May and June is being felt in the month of April.

11:03 am: PM wishes both Gujarat and Maharashtra on their respective statehood days and mentions that they have contributed greatly to Indias development.

11:00 am: PM Modi starts the address. Talks about suggestions he received on food wastage that he talked about in his last radio message. He said the suggestions, inputs which come in Mann Ki Baat are analysed in detail.
Two suspected cattle thieves were lynched by a mob in Nagaon district of central Assam on Sunday.

Police said the incident took place at Kachamari Pathar, nearly 130 km from the state capital, when a group of people intercepted two youths on suspicion of stealing cows and attacked them.

The victims were chased by the mob on suspicion of stealing cows from a grazing field and beaten severely. They died while being brought to hospital, superintendent of police Debraj Upadhyay told HT.

Post mortem of the victims identified as Abu Hanifa and Riyazuddin Ali, both in their 20s, revealed that they sustained grievous external injuries as a result of the attack.

By the time the police reached the spot the victims had already sustained lot of injuries. We have registered a case of murder and are investigating. No arrests have been made yet, Upadhyay added.

Read more: Alwar lynching: PUCL calls for nationwide stir on May 3

In some border areas of Assam, cattle are smuggled into Bangladesh.

In Assam, the slaughter of cows is banned except on issuance of fit for slaughter certificate at designated places under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act. According to the Act, cows of any age can be slaughtered in the state on the occasion of Id-ul-Zuha.

Hindu groups have been demanding a ban on cow slaughter in various places in Assam, particularly after the BJP swept to power in the state last year.

While simmering tension over beef have not spilt over so far, the arrest of three Muslim youth, including a juvenile in Jorhat in Upper Assam earlier this month for possessing beef had vitiated the atmosphere.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed will remain under house arrest here for 90 more days after the expiry of his three- month detention period on Sunday night.

Pakistans Punjab government on Sunday decided to extend the duration of the house arrest of Saeed and his four aides under the countrys anti-terrorism act and the notification for it will be issued soon, an official of the Punjab governments home department said.

The government has decided in principle to extend the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Ubaid for another 90 days under preventive detention, he said.

The official said a consultative meeting on Saeeds detention was held under interior minister Chaudhry Nisar in which the decision was taken.

The government on January 30 put Saeed and the four leaders under house arrest in Lahore for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security. The house arrest was made for a period of 90 days ending on Sunday night.

According to media reports, the Nawaz Sharif government had detained Saeed after the Trump administration, which had just taken over, had told Pakistan that it might face sanctions if it did not act against JuD and its chief.

The JuD, the front group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, and its sister organisation Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), had also been put under terror watch on the basis of a report sent by the ministry of foreign affairs.

Saeed, along with his four aides, have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging their detention through senior advocate AK Dogar.

During the previous hearing on the petition earlier this month, the Punjab government had told the Lahore High Court that no violation of law had been made in their detention as it had reasons to believe that JuD and FIF are engaged in activities which can be prejudicial to peace and security.

Saeed and his aides allege in their petition that the government detained them without any legal justification. He was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, but he was freed by a court in 2009.

He has a bounty of $10 million on his head for his role in terror activities.
The Niti Aayog has suggested a synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and state assembly polls from 2024 so as to ensure minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance.

Outlining the details, the policy think-tank has said implementing the proposal may necessitate a maximum one-time curtailment or extension of some state assemblies.

It has made the Election Commission the nodal agency to look into the suggestion and recommended setting up of a working group of stakeholders for deciding a road-map for synchronised elections.

A report in this regard need to be finalised within six months and final blue-print will be ready by next March, as per draft three-year action agenda for 2017-18 to 2019-20.

The draft report was circulated among the Governing Council members (consisting of chief ministers of all states and others) of the Niti Aayog on April 23.

The recommendation assumes significance as President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls.

All elections in India should happen in a free, fair and synchronised manner so as to cause minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance. We may begin work towards switching to a synchronised two-phase election from the 2024 election to the Lok Sabha, the Niti Aayog draft report says.

This would require a maximum one-time curtailment or extension of some state assemblies, it said.

To implement this in the national interest, a focused group of stakeholders comprising constitution and subject matter experts, think-tanks, government officials and representatives of various political parties should be formed to work out appropriate implementation-related details.

This may include drafting appropriate Constitution and statutory amendments, agreeing on a workable framework to facilitate transition to simultaneous elections, developing a stakeholder communication plan and various operational details, the draft report says.

Mukherjee in his speech on the eve of this years Republic Day had favoured holding Lok Sabha and assembly elections together.

The time is also ripe for a constructive debate on electoral reforms and a return to the practice of the early decades after Independence when elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies were held simultaneously.

It is for the Election Commission to take this exercise forward in consultation with political parties, the president had said.

Modi had in February made a strong pitch for simultaneous elections.

It (simultaneous polls) will cause some loss to all, including us, he had said, and asked political parties to not look at the idea through narrow the prism of politics.

One party or a government cannot do it. We will have to find a way together, he had said.

Elections are being held all the time somewhere or else in the country and continuous elections lead to lot of expenditure, Modi had said replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents address.

The prime minister had said over Rs 1,100 crore was spent in holding the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and the expenditure shot up to Rs 4,000 crore in 2014.

He had said that over a crore government employees, including a lot of teachers, are involved in electoral process and the continuous exercise thus causes maximum harm to the education sector.

Security forces also have to be diverted for electoral works across the year even while enemy country keeps plotting against the nation and terrorism remains a strong threat, Modi had said.
Inspired by Beijing, which has its own local search engines and social networking sites, with servers in China, an RSS affiliate has started work on setting up similar services that will cut the risk of data leaks.

The Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal (BSM), a Sangh affiliate that focuses on the education and research sector, has begun work on developing digital infrastructure that will complement the BJP-led NDA governments Digital India campaign and address concerns of cyber security.

Contours of the project, still in its nascent stages are still being shaped; but it will be carried out in collaboration with universities, private companies and with some assistance from government-aided bodies.

Talking to HT, Mukul Kanitkar all-India organising secretary of the BSM said India needs to reduce its dependence on service providers such as Google and Facebook that have servers abroad.

All our data is out there somewhere. Today we have friendly ties with these countries, but it is possible that there could a problem in the future, leaving our data vulnerable. Apart from software design, we need hardware capability too, he said.

Like China, which has a local search engine Baidu; Ren Ren as the alternative to Facebook and Sina Weibo as a challenger to Twitter, BSM wants India to develop similar options for its people.

BSM is eyeing tie-ups with IITs and universities to create secure spaces for data.

This is not the first time that a Sangh affiliate has batted for indigenous platforms; former RSS leader K Govindacharya knocked on the doors of the Delhi High Court, asking for companies such as Facebook and Google to establish their servers India.

He also asked the government to refrain from using social media platforms and Google mail for official purposes.

Cyber security is a major issue. The government and the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) are working in this area, but more needs to be doneour IITs and other centres of excellence must get involved, Kanitkar said.

To drive the Sanghs Swadeshi (indigenous) campaign, BSM is also getting ready to launch incubators for universities and researchers. It says, these centres would nurture students who have ideas, but not enough logistical support. The only rider here is that the intended research must be relevant to society and the nation, Kanitkar said.

The Sangh offshoot that campaigns for Indianised education system and is accused of attempting to saffronise the sector is also in the process of setting up a repository of data for researchers.

It has already signed up with universities to ensure that PhD guidelines make it mandatory for applicants to prove the applicability and social relevance of their projects.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress President Sonia Gandhi is likely to convene a meeting with leaders of non-NDA parties to pursue plans for putting up a common candidate for the Presidential elections scheduled in July.

The conclave  planned in May second half  will work out an outreach plan to mobilize support with leaders of state parties.

As part of the plan, Gandhi will establish contact with the Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, while leaders such as Sitaram Yechury, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Sharad Pawar would be entrusted the task of ensuring the support of the BJD, AIADMK and Shiv Sena respectively for the Opposition nominee, sources said.

We expect that an agreement will be formalized shortly, Janata Dal (U) spokesman K C Tyagi said.

Despite the BJPs thumping win in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the saffron party remains short of the halfway mark in the Electoral College that will elect a new President before Pranab Mukherjees term expires on July 25.

Sensing the possibility of upstaging the BJPs plans to elect its nominee as the next President, Opposition party leaders including Nitish Kumar (Janata Dal-United), Sitaram Yechury (Communist Party of India-Marxists) and D Raja (Communist Party of India) discussed the issue at individual meetings with the Congress President last week.

Approximately short by 21,000 votes in the Electoral College, the ruling coalition will need support from parties such as the AIADMK or BJD to ensure that its Presidential nominee gets through.

In March, the BJPs griping ally Shiv Sena, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwats name should be considered for the next President of India. The Shiv Sena had said that if the dream of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation) has to be fulfilled, then Bhagwat should be made President. But Bhagwat himself said he was not interested in the Presidents post.

Read more: Sharad Pawar meets Sonia Gandhi amid talks of joint Prez nominee by Opposition

As a precursor to the bigger conclave being planned in May second half, Opposition party leaders are coming together on the same platform on Monday at a function to mark the 95th birth anniversary of late socialist leader Madhu Limaye.

The function  to be inaugurated by Leftist historian Irfan Habib - will be attended by leaders including Sharad Yadav (JD-U), Digvijaya Singh (Congress), Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), D P Tripathi (NCP), Atul Kumar Anjaan (CPI), Kamal Morarka (SJP) and Kunwar Danish Ali (JD-S).

The conclave (Madhu Limaye function) is about the Presidential elections and also about Opposition unity. The countrys pluralistic, democratic traditions  the secular principles enshrined in our constitution  are under serious threat because of the BJPs communal agenda. The need for Opposition unity has never been bigger, CPI leader Atul Anjaan said.
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...
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is all set to examine whether the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) gave jobs meant for tribals, whose land was acquired for setting up the plant, to those who were ineligible.

Following a complaint from 163 displaced people, who were assured jobs as part of the rehabilitation policy of the government, the NCST has summoned the chief secretary of Odisha, the secretary of the ministry of steel and the senior management of the plant.

A review meeting, to be chaired by the new chairperson, Nand Kumar Sai, will be held in the Capital on May 16.

The issue has been simmering in the state which goes to polls in 2019. It is likely to be drummed up by the BJP, which is hopeful of expanding its footprint in the coastal state.

Read: Rourkela Steel Plants ED held for taking Rs 1 lakh bribe

In 2016, it came to the NCSTs notice (based on complaints) that the RSP had provided incorrect information about giving jobs to those whose lands had been acquired; and given employment to individuals who did not meet the hiring conditions.

According to sources in the tribal affairs ministry, under which NCST is a statutory body, the former chairman Rameshwar Oraon, held a hearing in November 2016, and in a scathing observation said either the RSP had not been honest in giving details or there were irregularities in employment.

Authorities at RSP informed the Odisha government that employment had been offered to 6,000 displaced people. But when the list was checked, only 3,000 were found to have been employed. Among them, many had no link to the displaced families, a source said.

It came to the NCSTs notice that the company also failed to verify the land records of about 2,211 individuals who had claimed the jobs, claiming displacement.

In 1995, while hearing the case, the Supreme Court had identified a list of 1,098 families who had to be rehabilitated; it was mentioned that the number of people on the list would not be increased.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday asserted that triple talaq is not a religious issue as it has no sanction in Shariat amid a raging debate on the issue.

He also hit out at the Congress for keeping silence on the matter for past several years.

Triple Talaq is not a religious issue as it has no sanction in Shariat. It is a matter of right of equality and right to live with dignity of Muslim women along with other women.

Why this discrimination...this must be put to an end and it should not be politicised, Naidu, who holds the portfolio of Information and Broadcasting, told reporters here.

On senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge charging Prime Minister Narendra Modi with politicising the triple talaq issue to gain political mileage, Naidu said, What the PM said yesterday is that the Muslim society should think on this.

You (Congress) say you are champions of minorities. You dont have concern for women among the minorities. It is a question of inequality and discrimination against the women on the basis of religion. Why you kept silent for all these years. They should answer this, he said.

To another query, he said the prime minister has already spoken against self-styled cow vigilantes.

Some political leaders have selective amnesia and keep on speaking anything, he said.

Accusing the Opposition of pursuing an obstructionist agenda, the minister claimed that they are pursuing a disinformation campaign on each and every issue.

They (Opposition parties) are not able to digest the mandate of the people. Come out with an alternative agenda. It is an obstructive and negative agenda thats where the people are worried.

While India is getting connected in this way under PM Modi, some Opposition parties are not able to digest this and are indulging in a negative disinformation campaign on issues and non-issues as well, he alleged.

He said the common challenge before the people and the political class is to make a New India that can realise its true potential by which aspirations of all sections and particularly, the poor and the youth could be met.

Our nation cannot afford negative politics. Recent election results have highlighted this message, he said.

The BJP leader appealed to all political parties to take a resolve to put an end to this negative politics and join constructive and positive politics so that the energies of the country and the people could be put to better use.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in New Delhi on Sunday and will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on key bilateral and regional issues, including Indias NSG membership bid and ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and trade.

This is Erdogans first foreign visit after winning a controversial referendum on April 16 that further consolidated his executive powers.

Apart from his wife Emine Erdogan, the Turkish President is accompanied by senior cabinet ministers and a 150-member business delegation that will take part in a meeting of the India-Turkey Business Forum.

Ahead of his visit, India had played down proximity between Turkey and Pakistan as well as Ankaras statements on Jammu and Kashmir, saying the government is aware that Turkey has a very close relationship with Pakistan and it is their bilateral matter.

We have always emphasised that India-Turkey relations stand on their own footing and, we believe, the Turkish side reciprocates our sentiment, Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, said, adding that Indias position on the state of J&K is very well known that it is an integral part of the country.

However, she did not respond when asked if India will raise the issue.

With Turkey being a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the issue of Indias membership bid for the elite group is likely to figure during the talks between the two leaders.

We remain engaged with Turkey, she had said when asked if the Indian side will raise the countrys NSG bid during talks.

Turkey is not directly opposed to Indias NSG membership but has been maintaining that the powerful bloc should come out with a system to consider the entry of the countries which are not signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as also supporting Pakistans case, diplomatic sources said.

The two sides were also expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism during the presidential visit here.

After a failed coup in July last year to topple Erdogan, Turkey had blamed Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) for it and said the outfit has infiltrated India. Turkey had also asked India to take action against the organisation.

Asked about the action taken by India so far, she said Turkey had raised it with the government, which has noted their concern.

Calling the FETO a secretive transnational criminal network with presence around the world, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, during a visit here last year, had said, Unfortunately, the FETO has also infiltrated India through associations and schools.

Issues relating to regional security, situation in the Middle East, particularly Syria, are likely to figure during talks between Modi and Erdogan.
Hours before arriving in India for an official visit, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a multilateral dialogue with Turkeys involvement to resolve the Kashmir issue.

The remarks, made during an interview with WION news channel, are expected to ruffle feathers in New Delhi, which has consistently said Kashmir is a bilateral issue that must be settled through talks with Pakistan.

Expressing concern at the stand-off between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, Erdogan offered to get involved in settling the issue.

We should not allow more casualties to occur and by strengthening multilateral dialogue, we can be involved, and through multilateral dialogue, I think we have to seek out ways to settle this question once and for all, which will benefit both countries, he said.

Some foreign policy mandarins in New Delhi believe Turkeys stance on Kashmir is closely aligned to Pakistans position on the issue. Erdogans remarks will strengthen this impression.

The remarks came against the backdrop of continuing unrest in Kashmir and the stalling of India-Pakistan diplomatic contacts since a string of terror attacks in 2016.

Responding to a question on whether the OICs references to self-determination as a means to resolving differences over Kashmir were valid, and whether self-determination should be universally applied to other crises such as Tibet, Taiwan, Balochistan or even the Kurdish issue, he said the OIC represents a certain population.

It (OIC) has its area of influence. It has economic and political strengths, it has a say in global matters and it can contribute to world peace. If something has been approved by all member-states, it should not be criticised or questioned. OIC members also have weight in the United Nations. Turkey supports India to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Erdogan said he hopes to boost bilateral trade and investment during his visit to India, including joint investments in third countries. Reducing the trade deficit with India would also be a priority.

I visited India in 2008 as the Prime Minister of Turkey. Since then, India has emerged even stronger: it is respected by all. For its part, Turkeys voice is easily heard all over the world. My visit will deepen Turkey-India relations, he said.

Bilateral trade is currently about $6.5 billion, up from about $4 billion in 2010, with the balance in Indias favour.

I want a win-win situation and a favourable trade balance. We opened consulates at Mumbai in 2011 and Hyderabad in 2013, so it confirms the importance Turkey attaches to India. Turkey can take greater steps to export to India. A 150-strong business delegation will accompany me to India. Maybe Turkish and Indian companies can invest in third countries, Erdogan said.

On the issue of Indias bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Erdogan said he favours both India and Pakistan being admitted.

Both India and Pakistan have the right to aspire for NSG membership. I think India should not assume such an attitude. If Turkey was fair enough to support Pakistan, it was fair enough to support India. We are very objective and positive to the NSG process, he said.

Erdogan also accused the West of being aggressive towards Muslims. The Hijab is necessitated by faith i.e. Islam. The West has been aggressive towards Muslims. You can see it in the burning down of mosques, vandalizing the walls of a mosque with the Swastika sign, banning Hijab, etc, he said.

We are not against any faith. We protect synagogues or churches from possible terror attacks but the West needs to reciprocate but it is not doing so.

Asked about the way forward in Syria, where Turkish troops are engaged in operations against the Islamic State, Erdogan said the US and its allies Saudi Arabia and Qatar must join forces with Russia, Iran, and Turkey to eradicate the terror group.

The Islamic State is a remotely located terrorist organization. Of course, we are fighting the Islamic State but the coalition forces are not fighting the Islamic State as committedly (sic) as us, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has cited Pehlu Khan lynching incident to slam the Centre and Rajasthan for giving a free run to cow vigilantes who are killing people and terrorising minority communities.

HRW, with headquarters in New York City, is an international non-governmental organisation that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.

Criticising the response of the Rajasthan home minister and the role played by the state police after the fatal assault on Pehlu Khan, HRW has urged the Indian authorities to promptly investigate and prosecute self-appointed cow protectors who have committed brutal attacks against Muslims and Dalits over rumours that they sold, bought, or killed cows for beef.

Self-appointed cow protectors driven by irresponsible populism are killing people and terrorising minority communities, said Meenakshi Ganguly, HRW South Asia director. The government should condemn this violence and take prompt action against those responsible for these attacks or face allegations of complicity, she added.

Mentioning the link between Hindutva groups and the BJP, the report said, 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.

Citing Pehlu Khans lynching, HRW said, The mild admonitions from BJP leaders when Muslims and Dalits are lynched over cows send a message that the BJP supports this violence.

On April 1, 2017, a mob in the northwestern state of Rajasthan brutally assaulted a 55-year-old dairy farmer, Pehlu Khan, and four others with sticks and belts. Khan died two days later from his injuries. Three of the six accused have been arrested. The states BJP-led government did not condemn the killing. Rajasthans home minister sought to defend the so-called cow protectors by blaming the victims, HRW stated.

Instead of filing a complaint against the attackers, the police first registered a complaint against Khan and the other victims under the Rajasthan Bovine Animal Act, 1995, for exporting cattle and showing cruelty to the animals. The police waited two hours before filing a complaint against the unidentified mob, the rights body said.

Even as BJP leaders failed to condemn attacks on Muslims and other minorities, they have announced new policies for cow welfare and made strong statements about the need to protect cows. Since May 2015, a violent vigilante campaign against beef consumption has led to the killing of at least 10 Muslims, including a 12-year-old boy, in seven separate incidents of mob violence, the report stated.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have criticised the Rajasthan government for its response after Pehlu Khan lynching. On April 23, a group of former IAS officers wrote to chief minister Vasundhara Raje, urging her to take action against the people accused of lynching Pehlu Khan. Two days later, the chief minister said, such incidents will not be tolerated in Rajasthan. However, the Alwar police is yet to arrest the main accused named in the FIR.

The Rajasthan government is doing nothing to rein in cow vigilantes. We have announced a nationwide stir on May 3 to demand justice for Pehlu Khan, said Kavita Srivastava of Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Celebratory gunfire claimed yet another life, this time in in Sujawalpur village of Kasganj district, about 100 km from the city of Taj when an eight-year-old boy succumbed to gunshot wounds on Sunday.

Rehan was hit by a bullet in the head when he was watching celebrations in a nearby house where the bridegrooms party was leaving for Delhi for the marriage of Muzammil, a resident of the village.

The boy was rushed to the community health centre (CHC) from where he was referred to the district hospital in Kasganj. However, the childs condition deteriorated and he succumbed later.

Saira Bano, mother of deceased lodged an FIR at Ganjdundwada police station against Kallu, Nooran, Momin and Narool and their other unidentified relatives who were allegedly involved in the firing.

Read more: One killed, 2 injured in celebratory firing in Uttar Pradesh

She also alleged that despite her son being hit, the bridegrooms party showed no concern and proceeded to the wedding.

We got the information about the incident from community health centre (CHC) and reached the district hospital. Those named in the FIR have gone to Delhi with the baarat, which is to return after the marriage. Efforts are being made to nab the named persons, stated Suresh Chandra, in-charge of Ganjdundwada police station in Kasganj.

The boys father Babu Khan is a rickshaw puller. The latest casualty has once again underlined the danger of celebratory firings at weddings.
You could well be spoilt for choice if you have a complaint to make in Uttar Pradesh. Thats because virtually everyonefrom district magistrates and police chiefs to lawmakers, ministers and even the chief ministeris encouraging people to report their problems.

From May 1, International Workers Day, the ministers of the Yogi Adityanath government will take turns at the party office in Lucknow, to listen to the problems of the people.

Senior party leader and agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi will be available at the party office opposite the Assembly from 10 am to noon on May 1 and will be followed by other ministers who will come in turns on a daily basis.

Soon after the swearing-in of Adityanath government, UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh had told HT that the government will get the ministers to hear plaints at the party office dailya practice that is already followed at the BJP office in Delhi.

The availability of ministers at the BJP office will help take the crowd pressure off the CMs janata darbar (peoples court) where about 30,000 complaints, including those of land grabbing, indifferent police response in cases of rape, have been received last month.

Also, victims of triple talaaq have been regularly turning up at the CMs court.

But, if you have missed the Darbar, one of the ministers would be waiting to hear from you at the party office about three kilometres away. Not to forget the local BJP corporator and lawmaker who have been tasked with a similar exercise.

Besides public representatives, the district magistrates and senior superintendents too have been asked to meet people from 9 am to 11 am. The CM could test their availability by making surprise calls on their office landline phones, said UP minister Shrikant Sharma.

On Saturday, several government servants were seen in their offices well before 9 am.

All arrangements have been made to ensure that the common man is not put to any inconvenience. At the party office, arrangements for cool drinking water and other basic arrangements have been made for the convenience of the visitors, says party spokesman Shalabh Mani Tripathi.

BJP leaders in the districts too will be tasked with a similar role to indicate that the party and the government stand together for the common man. We are a peoples government and hence we are doing everything to make the common man believe that we are here to work for them, UP BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said.

The CM is also the head priest of the Gorakhnath temple of Gorakhpur. Here, a two-room office has come up to address complaints. Before becoming the CM, Adityanath used to hold his own janata darbar here on a daily basis, a practice he now wants district authorities to carry on.

Gorakhpurs chief development officer Mannan Akhtar said every day between 9 am and 11 am, complaints from people in the region would be addressed here.

Since Yogiji became the CM, the number of applicants at the temple office has increased manifold. Earlier, the temple officials used to coordinate with administrative officials concerned to resolve the issues. Now, things will be little easier, he added.

In fact, some feel the Gorakhpur temple office could well become a mini-chief ministers office (CMO) like the mini PMO that functions Ravindrapuri colony in Prime Minister Narendra Modis Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.

Party lawmakers and mayors too have been asked to hear peoples complaints between 11 am and 2 pm on all working days.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
LUCKNOW Police raids against petrol pumps in Lucknow which were dispensing under-measured fuel to customers have refreshed the 12-year-old ghastly murder of IIM- Lucknow graduate Manjunath Shanmugam (2003 batch). Manjunath, sales officer of the Indian Oil Corporation, was murdered in Lakhimpur Kheri on November 19, 2005 by a petrol pump owner and his accomplices for launching a crusade against adulterated fuel.

Raghavendran, younger brother of Manjunath told HT on phone from Bengaluru, The onus is on the petrol companies to raid pumps. They should take help of the police and carry out such raids. For years, pump owners have cheated customers. Good to see there is some action in the state capital of Uttar Pradesh.

A hero and a role model Manjunath, an IIM-L alumnus and a sales officer of the Indian Oil Corporation, was murdered in Lakhimpur Kheri on November 19, 2005 by a petrol pump owner and his accomplices for launching a crusade against adulterated fuel. His body was recovered from a secluded area on the border of Lakhimpur Kheri and Sitapur district. He had warned the pump owner that his filling station would be sealed for selling adulterated diesel. On the day of his murder, Manjunath had gone to the check the oil quality at the pump. Senior advocate IB Singh contested the Manjunath murder case and got the culprits convicted. The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court had pronounced life imprisonment to seven people, including the petrol pump owner in 2009.

Senior advocate IB Singh, who contested the Manjunath murder case and got the culprits convicted, said the motive behind Manjunaths murder was exactly the same, as he had launched a drive against malpractices at filling stations. The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court had pronounced life imprisonment to seven people, including the petrol pump owner in 2009.

Singh said the government and enforcement agencies should consider such malpractices as heinous crime and should initiate stern measures to curb them.

Read more| UP petrol pump racket: Tampered dispensers, less fuel, Rs 200 cr profit a month

A few years after Manjunaths death, an eponymous biopic Manjunath, aiming to drive home a strong message against corruption, gained media attention. Sandeep A Varma, director of the film told Hindustan Times that police action against the petrol pumps dispensing less fuel was a welcome move. The government needs to do much more. We all know the pumps were engaged in foul practices. But it was Manjunath who made it national news by taking bullets in his body, director said.

The student community is keeping a close tab on the development in Lucknow. Sharath, a fresh graduate from IIM-L of 2017 batch said, Manjunath is IIM-Ls pride. He is a hero and a role model for the B-School.

Read more: Electrician who installed electronic chips nabbed

Manjunath Shanmugam was an executive of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) at Lakhimpur Kheri and was shot dead at a petrol pump in the same district. His body was recovered from a secluded area on the border of Lakhimpur Kheri and Sitapur districts. Manjunath had warned the pump owner that his filling station would be sealed for selling adulterated diesel. On the day of his murder, Manjunath had gone to the check the oil quality at the pump.

Read more: Uttar Pradesh police form SIT to probe multi-crore petrol pump scam
Pressure appears to be building on the Congress to end the alliance with Samajwadi Party (SP) ahead of the Uttar Pradesh urban local body elections scheduled in June and July.

Party general secretary and in-charge of UP, Ghulam Nabi Azad and state Congress president Raj Babbar are likely to brief the party high command and seek fresh guidelines on the issue.

Azad and Babbar on Saturday held a closed door meeting in Delhi with party candidates who lost the assembly election and sought their opinion on whether the party should contest the civic polls on its own or in alliance with the SP.

A consensus emerged that the party should contest the urban local body poll on its own, said state Congress spokesman Dwijendra Tripathi in a press statement.

Sources said the party leaders would submit a report about deliberations at the meeting to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and a decision in this regard would be taken soon.

The Congress leadership will soon release extensive guidelines for election to urban local bodies. The party will go to poll with these guidelines, said Tripathi.

The Congress had earlier convened a meeting of district and city unit presidents (west UP) in New Delhi and in Lucknow (rest of UP) on April 15 and 16. The partys district and city unit leaders too had opposed continuing the alliance with the SP.

Among other issues, there was a demand for action against those who contested the 2017 assembly election despite directives to withdraw from seats left for the Samajwadi Party, said a senior party leader who did not wish to be named.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
After repeated allegations of lapses in police investigation, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Lucknow, Deepak Kumar on Saturday constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case against former minister Gayatri Prajapati for gang raping a Chitrakoot woman and attempt to rape her minor daughter.

Kumar told HT that the SIT was being formed to maintain transparency in the police probe and provide a helping hand to the main investigation officer (IO) in the case. He said the SIT would be led by a deputy SP Radhey Shyam Rai, presently posted as circle officer (CO) of Chowk. He said the team would comprise an inspector and two sub-inspectors, who would assist Rai.

The case was earlier transferred from the two previous IOs, deputy SP Amita Singh, who was the then CO Alambagh and now CO Bakshi Ka Talab, and the second IO Avinish Mishra, CO of Hazratganj, over alleged lapses in investigation.

Amita Singh was removed as the IO after the complainant had lodged FIR against her and two other people on April 6 for forcibly getting the judicial statement of the victims minor daughter recorded. The probe has now been transferred to the SIT from Avinish Mishra after his alleged lapses in the probe on the basis of which Prajapati and his two aides Vikas Verma and Amrendra Singh alias Pintu Singh weer granted bail from the court of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on April 25. Special judge of POCSO court, OP Mishra was also suspended by the Allahabad High Court, questioning his role in granting bail to Prajapati and his aides.

Read more: Judge suspended after granting bail to SP leader Gayatri Prajapati in haste

The inquiry over alleged lapses in the probe by two previous IOs was also ordered after Prajapati and his two aides were granted bail. Earlier, this inquiry was given to superintendent of police (SP) West, Jai Prakash Yadav but on Saturday the SSP transferred it to SP North, Anurag Vats as the SP West himself expressed his inability to conduct it due to extra work pressure. Moreover, the SP West transfer is also likely as he is being promoted to IPS cadre.

To recall, a 42-year-old woman from Chitrakoot accused the former minister and his six accomplices of gang raping her and attempting to rape her minor daughter. The woman had alleged that she was raped when she met the former minister in 2013 for a mining contract. She alleged the accused took her obscene photos and raped her multiple times for three years by threatening to make the pictures public.

The woman had first submitted a police complaint against Prajapati and his aides with DGP headquarters in October 2016 but no FIR was lodged. The FIR was lodged with Gautampalli police on February 18 after Supreme Court order in the matter on February 17.

Read more: POCSO court grants bail to Gayatri Prajapati in rape case
The Dutch, Australians and Swedes have emerged the most adventurous travellers in the world in a new ranking that aims to identify which countries are more likely to sign themselves up for running off a cliff or jumping out of a plane and embodying the spirit of adventure.

For the Global Adventure Ranking, analysts looked at eight popular adventure activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, surfing and rock climbing on Google.

For each country, findings were calculated based on the search volume of keywords associated with these activities in the last 12 months. An average was made per 100,000 citizens in each country.

The results show that the Netherlands ranks highest for total searches of adventurous activities per capita, followed by Australia and Sweden.

The ranking was compiled by ShareaCamper, a peer-to-peer motorhome rental platform based out of Australia, New Zealand and Germany.

The Swiss are most interested in the idea of free-falling off a bridge or bungee jumping, claims new study. (Shutterstock)

The report also breaks down the adrenaline-pumping activities that are most popular around the world.

For example, per capita, the French are most inclined to hit dirt roads on their BMX bikes.

Hiking is the most popular activity in India, while the Swiss are most interested in the idea of free-falling off a bridge or bungee jumping.

And per capita, Aussies topped the ranking for expressing the most interest in skydiving, surfing and rock climbing.

Rounding out the activities is caravanning.

A second list was also compiled to reflect a ranking of countries by the overall number of searches, which is led by the US, Germany and France.

Here are the top 10 most adventurous countries in the Global Adventure Ranking:

1. The Netherlands

2. Australia

3. Sweden

4. Germany

5. France

6. Denmark

7. Norway

8. UK

9. USA

10. Austria

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more
Egyptian Eman Ahmed, once considered to be the worlds heaviest woman, will take a day or two to be shifted to Abu Dhabi for further treatment, said officials from Saifee Hospital. While a medical evacuation team visited Eman on Saturday, they are yet to submit the date and time of her departure to the doctors treating her.

An air ambulance team visited Eman on Saturday. But, they are yet to tell us when she will be shifted, said Dr Aprna Govil Bhaskar, section head, bariatric surgery, Saifee Hospital.

Doctors from Saifee Hospital said they were preparing for the transfer of their celebrity patient. Five folders containing 10,000 medical records will be given to experts from VPS Healthcare.

Doctors said had also prepared a detailed report of Emans health. The report is to be signed by officials from VPS Healthcare. We prepared these documents as part of the procedure to sign over Emans treatment to doctors from VPS Healthcare. Amid all the controversies, they will stand as proof that Eman is leaving India healthy and hearty, said a doctor from the hospital.

Medical experts from VPS Healthcare are in the process of selecting a chartered aircraft to transfer Eman. Officials had said they were committed to transporting her by May 1.

She will need a chartered aircraft. We are examining the best options, said Sanet Meyer, director, Medevac, VPS Healthcare. Meyer said a special hydraulic stretcher had been imported from Italy to transport Eman. Officials are in the process of looking for an ambulance to take her from Saifee Hospital to the Mumbai airport.

Meyer said she will head a team of nine experts, including an intensivist, paramedics and nurses, who will accompany Eman on her way to Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi. We have a number of specialised rooms at the Burjeel medical facility, where Emans neurological and physiological needs will be attended to, said Meyer.
For the past five months, Dombivli resident Vaishu Joshi has been preserving plastic waste. The 45-year-old will not even get rid of used plastic cutlery because she does not want her family to add to the citys garbage woes.

On Sunday morning, she came together with about hundred others in front of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation with bags full of used plastic products, which was donated to be decomposed into polyfuel  a fuel similar to diesel.

It is better to recycle plastic than send it to dumping grounds. This way, we can get rid of it without polluting the environment, said Joshi.

Over two tonnes of plastic waste was collected in the drive conducted in Dombivli and Thane. According to Urjaa Foundation, the organiser, a large number of people had come up to donate their plastic waste.

The response was good in our first drive, conducted in December 2016. As the word spread, more people began to turn up at our centres with plastic waste, said a member of the foundation.

The waste collected included milk packets, shampoo sachets, medicine strips, toys, bottles, food containers, biscuit wrappers and more.

The waste will be sent to Rudra Environmental Solutions, a company in Pune, which uses plastic to produce polyfuel.

Medha Tadpatrikar, co-founder of the company, said that it would take a day for them to convert the plastic collected from Thane and Dombivli into fuel. It will take about four hours for the waste to reach us and once it is put into the decomposing machine, polyfuel can be generated within seven to eight hours, she said.

She added that 100kg of plastic could produce about 50 to 70 litres of fuel, which is sold to villagers in Pune at Rs38 a litre as an alternative to kerosene, wood and coal.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Computer education in Mumbai schools will become cheaper from this year. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has revised the class 10 and 12 Information Communication and Technology (ICT) syllabus to include teaching of open source software and operating systems (OS), instead of only Microsoft Windows and Office.

A notification issued by the board states that only one operating system shouldnt be authorised with the monopoly to run the education system. This means that schools can teach students using open source software, which are available for free or less expensive than proprietary software like Microsoft.

So far, schools were spending nearly Rs15,000 per computer, because the textbooks were based on Microsoft operating systems only. On an average, each school  having at least 30 computers  spent more than Rs4.5 lakh annually for the software.

The Consumer Guidance Society of India had demanded that consumers (schools) should not be forced to purchase a particular software, but should be allowed to choose whichever they want according to their budget.

We observed that ICT textbooks used to publish screenshots of the Microsoft software and questions were based on it, so schools had no choice but to buy it, said M S Kamath, secretary, CGSI. The changes have already been made in the class 10 textbooks, but class 9 textbooks are still to be updated, said Kamath.

Additionally, Kamath said that teaching only Microsoft was restricting students knowledge. We found that students faced problems in their work place as they were unfamiliar with any other software, said Kamath.

Government aided or rural schools welcomed the move as they could not afford to buy expensive software and were opting for unlicensed versions of the software. But over the last two years, they have been receiving notices to purchase original software. ICT expenses are not covered under non-salary grants provided by the government to aided schools. Our fees are low so we cannot even collect the money from parents, said Father Jude Fernandes, principal, St Marys (SSC) School, Mazgaon, which is a partially aided school.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Swati Maliwal, on Sunday met the seven-year-old who was raped and tortured in Loni. She also met her family at the Delhi hospital that the victim has been admitted to.

The girl had gone missing from a wedding on the evening of March 27 at Loni in Ghaziabad and was found semi-conscious in a nearby field the next morning.

The DCW chief said she will be writing to the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab for their intervention. The family hails from Punjab and had come to Loni to attend a wedding.

The girl was found in a pool of blood. She was brutally raped and severely beaten. She underwent a long operation and is fighting for survival. The doctors said her situation is critical and she would need a long time to recover if she survives, Maliwal said.

The culprit, who is absconding, deserves the death penalty. He must be traced immediately by the police, she added.

I will appeal and write to the chief ministers of UP and Punjab to take cognizance of the incident and ensure strict punishment for the culprit. Since the family comes from a weak financial background, the victim should be given proper compensation so that her family can take care of her while she goes through the long recovery, she said.

The alleged incident took place at a residential colony under Loni Border police station area where the family had gone to a relatives house to attend a wedding. The girl went missing around 7pm a day before the wedding when the hosts and guests were busy with rituals. She was found nearly 10 hours later at an adjacent field and was rushed to a hospital.

Bahut ganda shahar hai (It is a very bad city). Coming here was our biggest mistake and we saw such brutality with my daughter. She has been operated twice and the doctors said her condition is critical. She is in a state of shock and is hardly able to speak, said the girls father.

He had lodged an FIR for rape and under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act at Loni Border police station on Friday. Police said medical reports are yet to be received, but doctors have told them what happened with the victim.

Srikant Prajapati, circle officer (Loni), said, She told police that she was assaulted by one person, but she doesnt know his name. Once her condition improves, we will ask her to identify the man from pictures and videos shot at the wedding. Till then, we will have to wait. She also said that she was semi-conscious and was not able to shout for help when she was lying at the spot (where she was found) at night.

She has suffered major internal injuries. The perpetrator of the crime is expected to be a relative or a wedding guest, he added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Ghaziabad crime branch on Sunday arrested two members of a gang that used a private ambulance to flee after allegedly burgling a house in Nehru Nagar in Ghaziabad. The alleged incident took place in February when the residents were away and the gang escaped with over one kilogram of gold and silver items and Rs12 lakh in cash.

Crime branch officials said the ambulance was operated by gang member Adesh Singh from Auraiya who stayed at Vijay Nagar in Ghaziabad. They said they had used the ambulance for the first time in the Nehru Nagar burglary. The other arrested member is Manoj Kumar from Mathura who also stayed at Vijay Nagar. The police recovered gold and silver items and the ambulance that bears a Madhya Pradesh registration number from them.

One of the other gang members is absconding and teams are trying to track him. More stolen items are expected to be recovered from him. The gang used the ambulance with sirens and zoomed past check posts, barriers and toll plazas as ambulances are not generally checked and are allowed smooth passage, said HN Singh, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Ghaziabad.

The occupants of the Nehru Nagar house had gone to the Dwarkadhish temple in Gujarat on February 17. They returned on February 25 to find their house burgled and valuables missing. A case was registered at Sihani Gate police station and the investigation handed over to the crime branch.

We scanned CCTV footage from cameras and used electronic surveillance to track the culprits. The discovery of ambulance was surprising. With the help of the stolen cash, Adhesh had purchased the ambulance for Rs5.5 lakh. He had earlier taken it on rent and operated it in Delhi-NCR. This burglary was the first time they had used the ambulance and they were happy with the rich dividends the vehicle had paid in the first attempt itself, said a crime branch official.

Police said during the day Manoj helped his accomplices conduct a recce of houses that were locked and had newspapers lying outside.

They targeted houses where dust had collected and newspapers lay uncollected, as it indicated that the occupants were not at home. They targeted the Nehru Nagar house after a similar recce, the official said.

Police said Manoj has four previous cases of thefts registered against him while Adhesh has two cases against him in Ghaziabad. SSP Singh said he has directed officials to find the criminal history of the two and their accomplices.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The injectable medicines which have been banned by the government are giving a new high to the young drug addicts in Chandigarh.

This is evident from the seizures made by the police in 2017 as till now, around 2,750 banned injections have been recovered from the drug peddlers.

Faizal Khan, a resident of Phase 6, SAS Nagar, was arrested near Manimajra vegetable market on April 16 with 20 such injections.

Similarly in January, Satish, a resident of Sector 56, was nabbed from near government school in Sector 56 with police recovering 50 banned injections from his possession.

In 2014, the police had seized 1,834 such injections; in 2015, 79 injections were seized and in 2016, 1,685 injections were recovered, signifying that use of banned injections is on rise in city, especially in the slum areas and colonies in the periphery of city beautiful.

Even the police report submitted before the Punjab and Haryana high court in February 2017 had pointed out the increase in the substance abuse, particularly of the synthetic drugs.

As per the sources in police, most of the drug addicts are doubling as drug suppliers to the addicts in case of injections. Police claim that margin of profit is very high as the drug suppliers buy these injections at throw away prices and sell them at much higher rate.

Police sources claim that sale of banned injections in the city has witnessed an increase with a rise among drug addicts in colonies and villages, who are from fairly economically-weaker background. The banned injections in city are sold at price ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 300.

Slums, colonies becoming dens for drugs: Police

Chandigarh Police in its report submitted to Punjab and Haryana HC had mentioned that villages, colonies in Chandigarh and adjoining towns of tricity are source of drugs being supplied into Chandigarh.

The report was submitted on the directions of HC, to identify the source of drugs. It said that banned substances were being manufactured in the parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Punjab.

The report was prepared by a special investigation team (SIT) of the city police. The report said that victims were purchasing drugs from slum areas of the city which include Dhanas village, Milk Colony in Dhanas, Dadu Majra colony, Sector-38 (West), Sector-56, Bapu Dham colony, Manimajra, Mauli Jagran and other outer-inner areas of the city.

Police had said that contraband (non-synthetic) are mostly manufactured at the higher locations of Himachal Pradesh such as Manali, Kullu, Manikaran and Mandi. Thereafter, the drugs are supplied to Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and other parts of country, the report mentioned. It further said that synthetic drugs were being manufactured at Haridwar and Dehradun in Uttarakhand, Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district of Himachal and Vadodra in Gujarat.

The police have listed SAS Nagar, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ambala towns as adjoining places of Chandigarh from where, many of the suppliers are operating from.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Clad in manly attires like trousers, jeans and shirts, thousands of tribal women, armed with traditional weapons, on Saturday took to the streets on a hunting spree in different tribal dominated districts of Jharkhand to celebrate Jani Shikar, an annual commemoration of a famous victory against the Mughals some 500 years ago.

The tradition of Jani Shikar, which takes place every 12 years, has been observed for centuries when the womenfolk attired in mens dress, leave homes to hunt for animals, mostly goat and hen. At night, they organize a feast to celebrate the day.

Panic-like situation was created at Ranchis Pithoria area when hundreds of tribal women armed with lathis and traditional weapons stopped vehicles near Ambedkar Chowk and forced the drivers for donation. The act scared a few people, while some lodged complaints with the local police. The police reached the spot but allegedly avoided any action, knowing it was a part of a tribal festival. Similar scene was witnessed at Ranchi s Kanke and Morabadi area.

RClad in manly attires and armed with traditional weapons, tribal women on a hunting spree to mark their traditional festival Jani Sikar on Saturday in Ranchi (Diwakar Prasad/ Hindustan Times)

Dayamani Barla, a tribal rights activist, said that Jani Shikar was a symbol of tribal empowerment. Feminist movement might have actively surfaced in the 1960s but the hinterlands of Jharkhand has experienced women power 500 years ago, when tribal women defeated Mughals in two consecutive battles, Barla said.

Narrating the history, Barla said around 1610, Mughals had launched an onslaught against tribal settlements at Rohtasgarh, now in Bihar but the attackers found it hard to conquer the local people.

Then a spy advised the Mughals to attack them on the morning after Sarhul as most of the people would be in slumber after partaking of alcohol during celebrations at night. The womenfolk got a tip-off of the secret strategy. Then, they dressed as men not only resisted the attack but also defeated them twice, Barla said, adding, the women, however, lost the third battle after Mughals came to know that they were fighting with women, not men.

Since then, the tribal people have been commemorating women power as Jani Shikar at an interval of 12 years by hunting animals.

We hunt animals that come in the way. Basically, chicken, hen and goat are killed and no one resist us as village people know about the celebration. We take the killed animals to our village and enjoy a feast at night, said Barsha Devi, a participant in the hunting group.

Like other festivals, the Jani Shikar has also seen changes over the time. Earlier, womenfolk used to wear traditional dhoti and pagris. Now, they wear jeans and t-shirts. Besides, taking donation forcefully was also not part of the tradition, said Sadhulal Munda, general secretary of Maharaja Madra Munda Kendriya Parha Samiti, Pithoria.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Karan Tacker enjoys being on stage. And, after hosting multiple reality and award shows, he feels it is fun being live on stage. Instead of playing a character in a fiction show for two years, representing yourself to an audience is interesting. Hosting a show also means shorter schedules that leave you with more time for yourself, says Karan who loves being an anchor, as he can be trendy, fashionable and experiment with clothes.

He explains, When you play a fictional role, you have to stick to its theme and look. That is interesting too. I enjoyed playing roles in my three daily soaps. It made me the person and the actor that I am today. Yet, TV can be restrictive.

Be you're own inspiration. #nofilter needed. #fitnessfriday #friday A post shared by Karan Tacker (@karantacker) on Apr 27, 2017 at 11:31pm PDT

Usually, actors want to play a variety of roles and reinvent themselves, not just as a personality, but as an actor too. Thats why the Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai (EHMMBH) actor is glad that there are different seasons and finite series on TV of late, which give actors the opportunity to play a role for six months and then move on to different one. Karan says, Usually, on TV, more often than not, characters are either black or white, or vamp or villain. We rarely find grey roles. My first serial Love Ne Mila Di Jodi ended in nine months, while the next one, Rang Badalti Odhani, wrapped up in a year. But, EHMMBH went on for two years, which is when I realised that playing the same role for so long gets monotonous. Thats why I started hosting reality shows which were interesting and fun.

A carfie a day, keeps a smile on my face, always! Share yours with #Selfiestan for a chance to win a Gionee A1 every week @gioneeindia A post shared by Karan Tacker (@karantacker) on Apr 21, 2017 at 8:44am PDT

Karan is currently focusing on films. So, does this affect the work he gets in the TV industry? God has been kind to me. I still get good offers for TV serials. But, the genre of shows are mythology or historical or supernatural. So, either you wear a mukut (crown) or become a rakshasa (monster). I think historical shows are a great space for actors to perform. Hrithik Roshan was a gorgeous Akbar in Jodha Akbar (2014). But, it is great if you are playing the role for six months for a film and not 12 hours daily for a year or more. It takes a toll on you.

Tune into @starplus right now to watch us slay it in #NachBaliye8  A post shared by Karan Tacker (@karantacker) on Apr 16, 2017 at 7:31am PDT

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Indias electronic visa scheme has been hailed by British travel agents  more tourists use the e-visa now than the regular one  but its success has raised issues about reciprocity as well as concern over fraud websites offering e-visas.

The United Kingdom is one of the countries where the e-visa was extended in 2015 at a time when there was some resentment among tour operators over every applicant needing to attend a visa application centre as part of the process.

The easier procedure and cheaper cost of e-visa has not only increased the number of tourists and other categories of visitors, but also affected the business model of VFS Global, Indias private partner that collects and delivers the traditional visa.

Official figures show that more e-visas were issued in 2016 than the regular visas through VFS Global: 2,39,410 e-visas and 1,50,652 regular visas. VFS Global has 13 application centres across the UK to receive and process visa applications.

The company did not respond to queries about the impact of the e-visa scheme, but sources told Hindustan Times that concern has been expressed since its operations are based on the number of application processed. Lower applications affect the model adversely.

India is one of the favourite destinations of British tourists and travel agents are delighted with the e-visa. A spokeswoman of the Association of British Travel Agents told Hindustan Times: Experience with British travellers going abroad is that a visa process that is either costly or arduous can deter travellers from visiting a country and so ABTA welcomes measures to streamline the process for holidaymakers.

Feedback suggests that holidaymakers travelling to India have embraced the introduction of the e-visa. Around 800,000 British nationals visit India every year, she added.

An e-tourist visa costs around 58 pounds (plus 2.5% transaction charge), while the fee of the regular one is 119.44 pounds. India now allows two entries in a 60-month period for e-tourist visa and e-business visa. Biometric information is obtained when visitors with e-visa land in Indian ports.

The visa obtained through VFS application centres is of a longer duration (six months) and multiple-entry, but tourism industry sources say that most tourists and visitors are happy with the duration (60 days) and visits (double entry) offered under the e-visa.

The e-visas success also raises the issue of reciprocity that is key to relations between two countries. It has made easier for British nationals to visit India, but there is no similar facility extended to Indian nationals visiting the UK, who need to cross several hoops for a visa.

Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs say that there is much concern over websites fraudulently offering e-visa to unsuspecting applicants. Indian missions face their ire when they have a bad experience of seeking the e-visa through such websites.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A new polymer 5-pound note issued by the Bank of England in September 2016 has been much in the news: from its supposed indestructibility to the use of beef tallow in its production to rare serial numbers  now a new one concerns grammar in its text.

Fans of the iconic Winston Churchill say he would not have minded what the British news media called a major grammatical blunder, but quite a few grammar fundamentalists dont quite like the fact that his famous quote in the notes text does not include quotation marks.

This is the latest example of objections to the ways in which the English language is used in public and official discourse. A Bristol grammar enthusiast was recently in the news for furtively going around correcting apostrophes and commas in signs and shop boards.

It seems not many can pardon the respected Bank of England for using Churchills words in his inaugural speech to the House of Commons as the prime minister on May 13, 1940: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat -- without the quotation marks.

As the British news media went to town on how nobody had noticed it, a spokeswoman for the National Literacy Trust said: If you are referencing a quotation word-for-word, use double quotation marks at the start and end of the quoted section.

But Lisa Appignanesi of the Royal Society of Literature believes the mistake probably wouldn't have bothered Churchill: I don't know, orator that he was, whether he would have noticed the missing punctuation.

Alan Smithers of the University of Buckingham told The Daily Telegraph: We are living in a post-punctuation world created by big institutions. Some people may dismiss omissions as pedantry, but they have lost sight of the fact that precision of expression reflects precision of thought.

According to Tara Stubbs, English lecturer at the University of Oxford, such omissions were condescending and accused the Bank of England of trying to dumb down grammar: It is a bit peculiar because it looks like its the Five Pounds thats speaking and not Winston Churchill.

But Geoff Pullum of the University of Edinburgh dismissed the claim that the text in the note was grammatically incorrect as a silly myth, and added: The general principle that a full stop is required applies to connected prose. Quote marks would be serving no purpose on the note as its obvious that the quote belongs to the great Sir Winston.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
With just 15 days to go for local level polls in Nepal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi resigned on Sunday, apparently dissatisfied with a move to impeach Chief Justice Sushila Karki without his knowledge.

The countrys two ruling parties, Nepali Congress and CPN(Maoist Center), registered an impeachment motion against Karki earlier in the day, in the first such move in Nepal's history.

Karki, the first woman chief justice of Nepal who is retiring after one month, was automatically suspended from the post after the registration of impeachment motion.

A recent dispute between government and Supreme Court over the appointment of Nepal police chief is considered the tipping point, with allegations that Karki tampered with the performance evaluation of candidates for the post.

Nidhi, who leads the Nepali Congress in the cabinet, said he had serious reservations about the move to impeach Karki. I was not aware about the impeachment motion registered in the Parliament...the impeachment motion is related to IGP (inspector general of police) appointment and I am not consulted, he said.

The appointment of the police chief falls under home ministry led by Nidhi, who was dissatisfied due to protocol-related issues with his partys boss Sher Bahadur Deuba and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.

A total of 249 lawmakers from ruling parties who favoured the impeachment motion accused Karki of interfering in the jurisdiction of executive and failing to issue verdicts without being prejudiced. According to Nepals constitution, an amendment motion can be filed at the parliament by securing the support of at least one-fourth of the total number of lawmakers.

The resignation of Nidhi has put in limbo the fate of local elections, planned to be held in two phases on May 14 and June 14. For his part, Nidhi said he was committed to the constitution amendment proposal to address the grievances of the Madhes-based parties and to the polls, assuring support for the elections.

Attorney General Raman Shrestha said it was necessary to impeach the chief justice as she tampered with the work performance evaluation of the police chief candidates during the recent controversy over the promotion of Nepal police chief.

She has been accused of breaching the sanctity of the court and principle of separation of powers, propping up groups and nepotism in the court, failing to execute fair justice and putting unnecessary pressure in the court and fellow colleagues.

As soon as Pracahanda-led government appointed Jay Bahadur Chand as new police chief, his competitor, Nawaraj Silwal had knocked the door of Supreme Court claiming seniority over Chand. Later the court ruled the government to appoint Siwal as per the merit and seniority. After the dispute, the government appointed a third person, Prakash Aryal, as new inspector general of Nepal police.

Siwal again moved court last week and the impeachment move came a day ahead of the final verdict on the case. Fearing that the court may rule in favour of Silwal, the two ruling parties decided to register impeachment motion, which means Karki would no longer serve in the bench.
South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills on Sunday, but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered dire threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running sky- high for weeks, with signs that the North might be preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear test - and with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response.

The massive Foal Eagle drill, which the defence ministry in Seoul said was ending as scheduled on Sunday, involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops.

Another annual joint exercise known as Key Resolve ended last month.

Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature, despite Pyongyangs claims that they are provocative rehearsals for invasion.

Their conclusion normally signals a period of relative calm in North-South tensions, but this year the situation looks set to remain highly volatile.

US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible major conflict while Pyongyang has carried out a series of failed missile tests, including one on Saturday, and a massive live- fire military exercise.

The South Korean defence ministry confirmed Sunday that a joint naval drill with a US strike group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, was still ongoing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The exercise, aimed at verifying the allies capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, is expected to continue until sometime next week.

Through state media, North Korea has threatened to attack the Carl Vinson, and a state-sponsored website on Sunday also warned of a possible strike against a US nuclear-powered submarine despatched to the area.

China is putting pressure on its ally North Korea to curb its weapons programmes, Trump told the CBS television networks Face the Nation programme.

If North Korea carries out another nuclear test I would not be happy, he said.

And I can tell you also, I dont believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either, Trump said in excerpts of the interview released yesterday.

Asked if not happy signified military action, Trump answered: I dont know. I mean, well see.

Pyongyangs show of defiance included a failed missile test on Saturday that 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 said.

China has repeatedly pushed back at the idea that it alone holds the solution to curbing the Norths nuclear ambitions, and warned that any use of US force would only lead to bigger disasters.

Pope Francis this weekend called for negotiations to resolve tensions over North Korea.
President Donald Trump celebrated 100 days in office Saturday with a campaign-type speech that will be parsed around world capitals for the attack on the Paris Climate Accord, which he said was one-sided, and for accusing India, Russia and China of not paying enough towards mitigation of greenhouses gases.

Also of interest to the world outside of the United States, specially to the government, businesses and people in India, was his reaffirmation of commitment to protectionism, listing for his supporters at a rally in Pennsylvania his Buy American, Hire American executive order among the achievements of his term.

On the climate change accord the president said, Our government rushed to join international agreement where the United States bears the costs and bears the burden while other countries get the benefit and pay nothing and this includes deals like the one-sided Paris Climate Accord. where the United States pays billions while China, Russia and India have contributed, and will contribute, nothing.

As the crowd booed, he asked them if the accord reminded them of the Iran deal  that beauty  an agreement driven by President Barack Obama to stop Irans nuclear weapons programme that has been widely greeted by much suspicion and derision among conservatives.

He went on to say that he will be making a big decision on the Paris Accord over the next two weeks and  we will see what happens and said the accord fit a pattern of global theft and plunder of American wealth at the expense of the American worker.

Trump argued, citing an estimate, that full compliance with the accord will shrink American Gross Domestic Product by $2.5 trillion over 10 years that means factories and plants closing all over our country  (but) not with me, folks.

And that was the theme of his pitch on jobs. We are ending the offshoring and bringing back our beautiful, wonderful and great American jobs, Trump added, continuing on that theme. His administration has launched a series of steps recently aimed at preventing loss of American jobs in the IT sector.

With the same overarching goal of protecting local jobs, Trump signed last week an executive order that seeks a review of the H-1B temporary visa programme for high-skilled foreign workers that are used heavily by Indian IT firms, which were directly and unequivocally accused by senior White House officials of gaming the system.

Trump skipped the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in DC, as he had announced earlier, to address a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a state hit by loss of manufacturing jobs, to talk about his achievements in 100 days in office. The first 10 minutes of his 58-minute speech were devoted to eviscerating news media outlets  CNN, MSNBC and the New York Times, using many of his old attack lines.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday invited his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte to Washington in a friendly call in which the leaders discussed the threat of North Korea, the White House said.

The announcement comes amid rising tensions over Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programs following its latest test-fire, as well international criticism of Dutertes drug crackdown that has claimed thousands of lives.

It was a very friendly conversation, in which the two leaders discussed the concerns of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding regional security, including the threat posed by North Korea, the statement said.

The leaders also discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries throughout the world.

The Philippine president 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 last year branded then US president Barack Obama a son of a whore for criticizing the drug war, and more recently called European lawmakers crazies for issuing a statement condemning the killings.

The White House said Trump enjoyed the conversation and looks forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November.

President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction.

There has been concern about Dutertes efforts to loosen the Philippines long-standing alliance with the United States as he looks to court China.

Vice president Mike Pence had announced earlier this month that Trump would attend the Asian meetings as a sign of unwavering commitment to the region.

Philippines version

President Rodrigo Dutertes spokesman says US President Donald Trump has called the Philippine leader and expressed Washingtons commitment to their treaty alliance and his interest in developing a warm, working relationship with Duterte.

Presidential spokesman Ernie Abella said Sunday that Trump mentioned he was looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November to attend an East Asia summit that Duterte will host with several world leaders. Abella said Trump also invited Duterte to visit the White House.

Abellas remarks reflect the friendlier attitude Duterte has taken toward Trump versus the antagonistic stance he had toward President Barack Obama, who he once asked to go to hell for criticizing the Philippine leaders bloody anti-drug crackdown.
The White House press corps gathered on Saturday for its annual black-tie dinner, a toned-down affair this year after Donald Trump snubbed the event, becoming the first incumbent US president to bow out in 36 years.

Without Trump, who scheduled a rally instead to mark his 100th day in office, the usually celebrity-filled soiree hosted by the White House Correspondents Association took a more sober turn, even as it pulled in top journalists and Washington insiders.

Most of Trumps administration also skipped the event in solidarity with the president, who has repeatedly accused the press of mistreatment. The president used his campaign-style gathering to again lambaste the media.

I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away, he told a crowd in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, calling out The New York Times, CNN and MSNBC by name.

In Washington, WHCA president Jeff Mason defended press freedom even as he acknowledged this years dinner had a different feel, saying attempts to undermine the media was dangerous for democracy.

We are not fake news, we are not failing news organizations and we are not the enemy of the American people, said Mason, a Reuters correspondent.

Instead of the typical roasts  presidents of both parties have delivered their own zingers for years  the event returned to its traditional roots of recognizing reporters work and handing out student scholarships as famed journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of Watergate-fame presented awards.

Thats not Donald Trumps style, NBC News Andrea Mitchell told MSNBC, referring to the self-deprecating jokes presidents in the past have made despite tensions with the press.

Instead, the humour fell to headline comedian Hasan Minhaj.

Welcome to the series finale of the White House correspondents dinner, Minhaj, who plays a correspondent on Comedy Centrals The Daily Show program, told the crowd.

He also joked about Trump, despite organizers wishes, saying he did so to honour US constitutional protection of free speech: Only in America can a first-generation, Indian-American Muslim kid get on this stage and make fun of the president.

In a video message, actor Alec Baldwin, who has raised Trumps ire playing him on NBCs Saturday Night Live program also encouraged attendees.

Few other celebrities graced the red carpet, although some well-known Washingtonians, such as former secretary of state Madeleine Albright and republican representative Darrell Issa of California, appeared.

Trump attended in 2011, when then-President Barack Obama made jokes at the expense of the New York real estate developer and reality television show host.

In an interview with Reuters this week, Trump said he decided against attending as president because he felt he had been treated unfairly by the media, adding: I would come next year, absolutely.

In Pennsylvania, Trump told supporters the media dinner would be boring but was non-committal on whether he would go in 2018 or hold another rally.

Late night television show host Samantha Bee also hosted a competing event  Not the White House Correspondents Dinner  that she said would honour journalists, rather than skewer Trump.
Celebrating the first 100 days of his administration, Donald Trump on Saturday attacked the media for misleading the people with fake news as he skipped the very boring White House Correspondents Dinner to become the first president in over 30 years to boycott the gala.

I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, spending my evening with all of you with a much, much larger crowd and much, much better people. The media deserves a very big, fat, failing grade, Trump said sarcastically over the medias coverage of his achievements during his first 100 days in office.

He said a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in the nations capital right now, referring to the annual black-tie dinner at a luxurious hotel which was sold out to more than 2,600 guests, comprising whos who of nations political players, and top journalists along with celebrities and diplomats.

They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents Dinner without the President, 70-year-old Trump told his cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally at Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, a state which played a critical role in his electoral victory last November.

He told supporters that he was keeping one promise after another, dismissing criticism as fake news by out of touch journalists.

This is for the first time in decades that a serving US president decided against attending the annual event of journalists who cover him round-the-clock.

None of the White House staff were present on the occasion in support of the Presidents decision.

The last president to miss the White House Correspondents Dinner was Ronald Reagan back in 1981, and that was because he was recovering from an assassination attempt.

In his address, Trump said his rally to celebrate the completion of his first 100 days in office drew a much larger crowd and better people too.

They would love to be with us right here tonight. Theyre trapped at the dinner, which will be very, very boring, Trump said, but indicated that he would be present at the Correspondents Dinner next year.

Next years dinner might be more exciting, he said. But we have a good chance showing up here again next year.

The last time Trump attended the dinner was in 2011, when he was a New York real estate mogul and reality-TV star who had just jumped into politics by getting involved in the birther movement, calling for President Barack Obama to release his birth certificate. Trump ended up being the butt of the jokes that night from comedian Seth Meyers and Obama himself.

In his speech, Trump slammed newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Tension between the President and news organisations has been a hallmark of his early administration.

Several media organisations withdrew from the dinner in protest of Trumps treatment of the media before Trump decided he would not attend. Vanity Fair and Bloomberg, which usually co-host an exclusive, star-studded after-party, have cancelled that gala.

More than 100 miles away from Harrisburg, journalists led by White House Correspondents Association President Jeff Mason slammed the US President for attacking the media.

We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do, Mason said.

Freedom of the press is a building block of our democracy. Undermining that by seeking to delegitimise journalists is dangerous to a healthy republic, he said to a standing ovation.

Masons speech was quickly followed by Indian-American stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj.

The leader of our country is not here, and thats because he lives in Moscow, Minhaj said amidst laughter from the audience.

Its a very long flight, its a Saturday. As for the other guy, I think hes in Pennsylvania because he cant take a joke, said the Indian-American, whose parents are from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.


Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST

Michael Jung (GER) and fischerRocana FST are back on top of the leaderboard after cross-country at the 2017 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Its a familiar position for the pair, who won the competition in 2015 and 2016, but he didnt begin today thinking he had it in the bag for 2017.

I felt in the warmup that fischerRocana was not feeling perfect with the weather, Jung said.That made me a bit nervous before the start, but then she jumped everything so powerfully. It was a good feeling. Some situations are not very clear for me and the horses, but we have a very good partnership and I think thats the most important thing in eventing: The rider knows the horse and the horse knows the rider and you trust each other.

Get Our Free Weekly Enewsletter About Horses

Jung stood in second behind Clark Montgomery (USA) and Loughan Glen after dressage, but after two refusals on course, Montgomery dropped all the way to 34th position by the end of the day. Jungs closest competitors are two fellow Europeans.



Maxime Livio and Qaloa Des Mers

Maxime Livio (FRA) and Qalao Des Mers went clear and within the time today in their first-ever Rolex outing. This left them with just their dressage score, which at 44.6 is 5.9 penalties behind Jung.

I am super happy with my horse, said Livio. He started how he likes to start every time: Very fast and very strong. I tried not to fight much at the beginning and let him go. The horse was very happy and the conditions were very nice.

Livio added that while he had to make some changes from his original plan on the fly, his horse responded well and did everything he asked.



Zara Tindall and High Kingdom

Two points behind Livio is Zara Tindall (GBR) and High Kingdom, who were also among the few to complete with no time or jumping penalties today. Tindall has individual WEG gold and an Olympic team silver in her collection, but she has yet to complete Rolex; she came to compete in 2015 but had to withdraw High Kingdom due to a minor injury he sustained in the stall just before he was set to perform his dressage test. This year, so far, has gone much better.

I had a great ride, said Tindall. I was pretty happy to get through my dressage and the cross-country today; two years ago, I didnt do any of it. It was great to be out there. The ground was incredible. I was very happy for the rain last night. [High Kingdom] loves this phase. He was good in all the combinations and we did pretty much what we planned to do the whole way round.



Matthew Brown and Super Socks BCF

Another member of the double-clear club from todays cross-country is Matthew Brown with Super Socks BCF. They currently sit in fourth overall and are the top-placed American pair, putting them in contention for the USET Foundation Pinnacle Cup.

I was obviously really happy with Super Socks today, said Brown. My only plan going out was to take each exercise at a time. I realized after jumping through the head of the lake that I just needed to trust my horse and know that hes going to jump whatevers in front of him. It got easier to do that as we went through the course.

Unfortunately he jumped out of both of his front shoes somewhere before the head of the lake, Brown added. I think there were a few jumps where I thought I saw a good distance to it and he sort of backed off. Knowing what I know now, I think he made good decisionsThat horse is nothing if not all heart.



Erin Sylvester and Mettraise

Only five pairs out of 57 that started today finished with no jumping or time penalties. Erin Sylvester (USA) and Mettraise finished dead on the optimum time. This earned Sylvester the Land Rover Best Ride of the Day award, an honor that comes with the prize of a two-year lease on a 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The pairs solid ride today helped propel them up the rankings, from 38th after dressage to 13th heading into tomorrows stadium jumping.

I was really pleased with Missy today, said Sylvester. This was her first four-star. Shes always been a super bold cross country horse, but not always the most rideable. She wants to get out and gallop and jump. The conditions were really good for her. She likes to have deeper going; it seems to make her more confident.

For complete scores, visit www.rk3de.org.

Tap here to view all of our Rolex 2017 coverage. To watch the livestream visit usefnetwork.com.



Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection



Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive



Doug Payne and Vandiver



Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott



Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality



Boyd Martin and Cracker Jack

Leslie Potter is a writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. www.lesliepotterphoto.com




Much of the rap game is currently feeling for Kodak Black and Kevin Gates, who both got hit with guilty verdicts last week. The artists who have been incarcerated, and those who have seen their past lives jeopardize their legal music careers, have been especially supportive of both Southern rappers. Their misfortune has inspired some powerful new raps from Meek Mill, who knows the perils of the system all to well.

The Philly Dreamchaser shared the inspiring lyrics on Instagram:

Look what they did to Lil Kodak and Gates, I cant lose faith / I just wanna shine like the stars in my Wraith

Its unknown if Meek has drafted the rest of the verse, but those lyrics definitely belong on a track.

Gates was given 30 months in an Illinois prison for an outstanding weapons charge, just as he had finished up his sentence for the battery charge that sent him to jail in October. Kodak, whos been in prison since February, was found guilty of violating his parole. He is set to return to court on May 4, when prosecutors will seek to sentence him to up to six years in prison.

Meek Mill
BTY YoungN, a New Orleans rapper closely affiliated with Birdmans Rich Gang, was shot and killed on Airline Highway in Hollygrove Saturday night. The artist, whose real name was Desmone Jerome, was 27 years old.

According to The Advocate, the shooting that resulted in Jeromes death occurred at approximately 11PM Saturday night. The shots were fired at a gas station at the 9200 block of Airline Highway. The rapper was found with multiple bullet wounds, and was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.

While the police have not released the identity of the victim, friends and family members, including Jeromes cousin, Glen Bell, have confirmed the tragic news, reports NOLA.com. He was a very uplifting individual, Bell said. A very positive individual. Very impactful.

YoungNs career appeared to be on the rise through his affiliation with Birdman and his Rich Gang collective. Last November, he appeared in a viral clip in which Birdman showed off his gold toilet.

In February, YoungN released his project 2nd Feed Up.

A message regarding YoungNs death has been posted on his official Facebook page. It requests that the privacy of the rappers friends and family be respected at this time, and asks for further information on Jeromes murder. Read it below.

RIP BTY YoungN.

BTY YoungN
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Facebook Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Mansfield Jail Show More Show Less



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.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

A North Texas man chose to sunbathe nude near a middle school. Police, the neighbors and the courts took a dim view of this activity.

And, Davis found out last week he can't sue over being arrested for going alfresco.

Officers arrested Mayford Kenneth Davis Jr., of Weatherford, Texas, on Oct. 26, 2014 after someone called to report him wearing no clothes and sitting naked on some lawn chairs behind Tilson Middle School.

VANISHED: Police: Missing officer faked death, fled country

Well, Davis denies being unclothed, saying in a lawsuit he was wearing nude colored women's panties, but was charged with disorderly conduct-indecent exposure. He went to trial in December 2014 and the school bus driver represented himself.

Davis was convicted and had a trespass warning issued against him, keeping him away from the school grounds.

None of this sat well with Davis, who sued the police officers involved, accusing them of lying during the trial. He sought $5 million from each of the police officers, cited a long list of cases and, for good measure, the Magna Carta, the famous English peace treaty between the King and a batch of rebel barons in 1215.

Suffice to say, the U.S. judiciary proved unimpressed.

BUSTED: 106 arrested for DUI in Houston early in 2017

U.S. District Judge John McBryde bounced the lawsuit in November 2015. And, for good measure, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans found itself equally unpersuaded by Davis.

In an unsigned opinion, the court held that the officers involve enjoy immunity from lawsuits and determined that Davis hadn't sited a single case or law that would overcome the immunity.

So, for now at least, Davis is left with no cover, legal or otherwise, to contest the nude sunbathing conviction.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the most frivolous lawsuits of 2016
Back in 1938, San Antonio was the pecan capital of the world - in the same way that Bangladesh today is the cheap T-shirt capital of the world.

Shelling factories were run like sweatshops while thousands of workers, mostly women, were forced into inhumane conditions. Toilets were unsanitary, compensation was meager and, due to the pecan shell dust, tuberculosis rates in San Antonio were nearly triple the national level. But it was a pay cut that set workers over the edge and sparked the famous 1938 pecan strike. Around 10,000 workers marched off the job and organized a union led by Emma Tenayuca - also known as Las Pasionaria, or the Passionate One, for her work with the poor.

Don't be surprised if you see her face on one of the signs at today's May Day March and Rally at Sesquicentennial Park in celebration of International Workers Day.

Workers were arrested, the strike received national attention, and the American Civil Liberties Union took its first step into Texas to defend protesters. San Antonio's wealthy Anglo ruling class was desperate to shut down the whole uprising out of fear that the Mexican-American workers would come to realize their potential political power.

Those fears came to fruition. A fusionist ticket elected New Dealer Maury Maverick to San Antonio's City Hall and the strikers eventually hashed out a deal with the factory owners - a perfect Texas-style May Day tale.

But the story doesn't end there. Shortly after the strike ended, Congress created the national minimum wage and set it far above what the pecan shellers earned. More than 10,000 San Antonio shellers were replaced by machinery over the next three years. That Depression Era story should resonate with today's changing labor markets. More than 60,000 retail jobs have been lost in the past two months alone. For comparison, the entire coal industry employs just 76,000 people.

If you want to know where those jobs went, just look to the massive warehouses that Amazon is building.

New vocational education programs are key to preparing people for the jobs of the future, Robert Kaplan, president of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, told the Houston Chronicle editorial board last month. But more education doesn't answer bigger questions about how longtime workers fit into a society that increasingly replaces their jobs with automation, or demands that productivity gains go exclusively to the stock market instead of employees' paychecks.

Texas still grows tons of pecans, but much of the labor has been replaced by machines and the biggest buyers are in China.

The world of work is changing, and we need to keep up.
Three steps

Regarding "For Prop. 1" (Page A29, April 23), I think it is becoming painfully clear that Houstonians need to band together and do three things for our schools:

First, we need to vote "for" Proposition 1 on May 6 because it takes the least amount of money away from the Houston Independent School District.

Second, we need to enthusiastically support HB 21, the public-school reform bill offered by House Public Education Committee Chairman Dan Huberty. If any reform plan can pass the Legislature in Texas in a single session without a push from the Supreme Court, there is undeniable momentum in Austin.

Third, as a community, we need to push legislators to change the state's Robin Hood laws. House Speaker Joe Straus, a Republican from San Antonio, said it best last fall: the Legislature never intended for large school districts like HISD to be subject to recapture. The school district certainly should not suffer because our economy has done well. And then there's the irony that Robin Hood is taking money from a school district that serves predominantly low-income youth. That just doesn't make sense.

I am proud to say that I serve on the board of the Greater Houston Partnership and have served as the chairman of the education policy committee. The partnership is prepared to work with other Houston leaders and with the board and superintendent of HISD to develop and advocate for a school-funding proposal that works for all Houston kids and for the state overall. HISD currently serves more than 215,000 kids. They are our future workforce, and all children simply deserve the best education we can provide. Period.

Scott McClelland,president, HEB, Houston Division
Farsighted leadership

Regarding, "Missteps on Houston land plan cost McRaven political capital" (Page A1, April 23), I know many legislators, and they admire UT Chancellor Bill McRaven and his UT System record. In fact, House Speaker Joe Straus provided a lengthy statement praising McRaven for his remarkable credentials, outstanding leadership and character and for having a clear vision for the UT System, which the Chronicle article boiled down to "doing an outstanding job."

McRaven has taken a hands-on approach to leading UT institutions. He has addressed several critical issues and fixed existing problems with a measured, deliberate, but ultimately decisive approach. That kind of leadership is why McRaven has received scores of honors and is in great demand by faculty and student groups, business and community organizations, and philanthropists across the state.

McRaven's forward-thinking vision was the driving motivation behind the idea to create an innovation hub in Houston. For charging ahead quickly and not building consensus on the project, he has apologized many times. He stopped the project because he recognized and took responsibility for failing to earn buy-in from important stakeholders.

The Chronicle's own editorial board has opined that by resisting the project, "Houston made a mistake." The editorial board called for "farsighted men and women with ambitious ideas about this city's future, a future that includes a greater UT presence."

McRaven is a farsighted leader who continuously seeks opportunities to better serve the students of The University of Texas. He deserves credit for his vision for the Houston Project. He deserves credit for major strides that have been accomplished on behalf of higher education and health care, the relationships he has forged and continues to build, and the ambitious goals he has set for the UT System.

Larry West, Houston, past chairman, University of Texas System Chancellor's Council

Benefiting all students

Regarding "Why black and brown students need black and brown teachers" by Leah Binkovitz (Page A2, Wednesday), as an African-American male teaching high school for over 20 years, I am fully aware of the need for black students to see themselves and their stories reflected in their daily experience. Black teachers are a constant reminder that black success in not an exception, but rather, it's inherent in our race! Moreover, white students also benefit from being taught by black educators. Sadly, too many white students have limited exposure to black knowledge and competence.

Diversifying the nation's teaching force benefits all students! Administrators and school leaders everywhere must make teacher diversity a top priority.

Julian Kenneth Braxton, Boston Mass.

Clearcut hypocricy

Regarding "Conservatives back revised health care bill," (Thursday, A8), one cannot help noticing the discrimination against the sickest of us, the elderly, and pregnant women. This will occur through higher insurance premiums or limitation of coverage. I'd bet that most, if not all, the conservatives that support this approach to health care insurance subscribe to the Judeo-Christian mandate to care for the sick and elderly.

Furthermore, our infant mortality and maternal mortality rates are abominable in many states. I would say to these legislators and the others that support this bill, "If you support this bill, then do not bother to show your face in a synagogue or church." These may be places for sinners, but they are not places for those who intentionally ignore the cry of the needy.

John T. James, founder, Patient Safety America, Houston

Improper vetting

Regarding "Lawmakers say Flynn may have broken law" (Page A9, Wednesday), Michael Flynn's latest troubles are only surprising in that they took so long to become a problem.

He's been busy giving speeches in and serving as an agent for foreign countries like Russia and Turkey or anyone with a bank account large enough, so these charges shouldn't be a shock.

Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, however, revealed a heretofore brilliant streak of absurd humor with his statement that " to ask for every call or contact that a national security advisor made is pretty outlandish, if you will."

Isn't that called a background check?

Bob Gayle, Houston
There's no question Texans are suspicious of government. That's why virtually everyone who ran for the Legislature last year sang the patriotic song of transparency.

Unfortunately, campaign season is now a distant memory. Lawmakers have spent four months in the company of lobbyists who are good at convincing legislators that the interests of their clients are more important than open government.

A tabernacle-sized choir singing the chorus of transparency has dwindled to a small combo that could rehearse in a two-car garage. It's time for the others who once sang in the choir to remember the music.

Six bills must pass to restore Texas to what it once was - a state with some of the strongest open government laws in the nation. Citizens need to tell legislators now's the time to deliver on their transparency promises. Then you can judge for yourself whether they walk the walk.

Last year the speaker's office urged transparency advocates, governmental groups and other stakeholders to hammer out transparency measures they could unite behind. After 11 months, these three bills were among the measures they agreed to support:

HB 2670 by Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, would close a loophole that enables officials to get away with hiding otherwise-public records on their private electronic devices.

HB 2710 by Hunter would restore access to dates of birth in governmental records after the 3rd Court of Appeals ruled them off limits. Without dates of birth, it can be impossible to determine which John Smith is which. This hinders the work of mortgage companies, background check firms, data collectors such as LexisNexis and the media, which rely on dates of birth to specifically identify people arrested by police. It also will hamstring citizens seeking information on child-support evaders and sex offenders.

HB 3848 by Hunter includes provisions of the previous two bills, and also would require a governmental entity to notify a citizen seeking information if there's nothing available. If the governmental entity has information but refuses to release it, the entity would have to explain why. Currently, the entity can elect to say nothing, fostering even more distrust.

Agreed-upon bills normally sail through committee hearings, but these three met stiff opposition from members of the House Government Transparency and Operation Committee on Monday. Now their fate is uncertain at best.

Here are three other crucial bills pending in the same committee:

SB 407 by Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and its companion, HB 792 by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, would repair damage done by a Texas Supreme Court ruling allowing businesses and governments to withhold information about their contracts with each other by claiming release of the information might put them at a competitive disadvantage. As a result, city officials in McAllen sealed information on how much they paid Enrique Iglesias to sing in their holiday parade. And the city of Denton sealed details on the largest project in the city's history - a quarter-billion-dollar power plant being built with taxpayers' money. SB 407 has already passed the Senate.

SB 408 by Watson and its companion, HB 793 by Capriglione, would undo another bad Supreme Court ruling - that a non-profit organization paid by the city of Houston to perform economic development work wasn't subject to the public information act. Taxpayers can no longer see how that money was spent. SB 408 has passed the Senate.

HB 3581 by Capriglione would give a citizen who requests governmental information the ability to receive it in the original format. It also would provide details on how the data is organized and the heading of each column. (Some entities respond to requests by providing charts with no headings, leaving the requestor to guess what the numbers mean.)

A democracy without transparency is not a government run for the people, but one run on the backs of the people. The people can put a stop to that by telling their legislators what they think.

You'll find contact information at www.legis.state.tx.us.

Baggett is executive vice president of the Texas Press Association.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Look, I'm the guy who once called her a "viperous harridan," OK?

That was 11 years ago in this space. I described her as such after she savaged four widows whose husbands died in the Sept. 11 attacks, denouncing them as "witches" and "broads" who were "enjoying their husbands' deaths."

So I don't need to be convinced Ann Coulter is a bad person. But for as much as readers with whom I have been sparring on Twitter the last few days might wish otherwise, her character is not the issue here.

"Here" meaning last week's standoff between the abrasive conservative pundit and the University of California, Berkeley. As you may know, Coulter was invited to speak on the famously liberal campus, but UCB first restricted the time of day she could do so, then tried to convince her to switch to a day when classes are suspended as students study for finals. When Coulter refused, the school canceled the event.

Berkeley, you should know, has been the site of recent political street fighting. A February riot, orchestrated by about 100 black-clad punks, caused $100,000 in damage and succeeded in preventing an appearance by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannoupolos. UCB said there was a credible threat of a repeat performance if Coulter spoke.

She had vowed to show up anyhow and appear, if need be, in Sproul Plaza, an open public concourse that was, not incidentally, the 1964 birthplace of the free-speech movement. Wednesday, under pressure from UCB, the two conservative groups that were sponsoring her visit rescinded the invitation, and Coulter said she would not come.

Many of my more liberal Twitter followers, loathe to support Coulter on ... well ... anything, have resisted - sometimes with desperately creative logic - the notion that this is an issue of free speech. Here are some of their arguments and my answers:

Them: The First Amendment applies only to government censorship.

Me: You're right. And UCB is a public institution, supported by taxpayer money, which makes this a government issue.

Them: She's milking this for publicity.

Me: Maybe. So what?

Them: She doesn't care about free speech. She's getting paid.

Me: I get paid when I speak, too. Again, so what?

Them: UCB never actually said she couldn't speak.

Me: The courts have held that you may not "unduly burden" the right of free speech, i.e., impose special requirements upon a controversial speaker. That's why the city of Miami lost in federal court in 2003 after it billed a promoter for the cost of extra security required to bring a band loathed by some in the Cuban exile community to the Miami Arena.

Here's the bottom line: I don't care whether it's Castro's favorite band playing in downtown Miami or a viperous harridan speaking at Berkeley. It wouldn't matter if it were Louis Farrakhan at Ole Miss or Bernie Sanders at the High School of Economics and Finance just off Wall Street. The right to free expression is either secured for all or it's guaranteed to none.

So here is what should offend you even more than Coulter, particularly if you live in a place like Berkeley, with its 121,000 people and 170 police officers. A bunch of thugs just established that you can bully a public institution in a relatively small town into disinviting a controversial speaker. Which of our other freedoms will they come after next?

Coulter called Wednesday "a sad day for free speech." This next sentence will cause physical pain for some of you to read, but you need to just the same:

Ann Coulter was right.

Pitts is a columnist for The Miami Herald. Readers may contact him via e-mail at lpitts@miamiherald.com.
No one believes in the "rule of law" more than the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Texas Major Cities Chiefs, which besides Houston include Austin, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio. We work tirelessly to make our communities safer, within the confines of the U.S. Constitution, by arresting those who commit criminal actions that threaten our communities. We specifically target those individuals committing violent crimes and arrest anyone who threatens the safety of our communities, regardless of their immigration status.

Police chiefs across the state work extremely hard to develop law enforcement agencies that build and maintain trust, communication and stronger relationships with minority communities through community-based policing and outreach programs. So we know well that no good can come of Senate Bill 4, which the state House of Representatives, joining the state Senate, passed last week.

SB 4 requires local law enforcement to take a more active role in immigration enforcement; this will tear down what we've worked so hard to build up. 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. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone.

Distrust and fear of contacting or assisting the police has already become evident among legal immigrants. Legal immigrants are beginning to avoid contact with the police for fear that they themselves 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 who victimize our immigrant communities, we are also allowing them to remain free to victimize the rest of us.

Law enforcement in Texas works cooperatively with federal law enforcement agencies, including ICE, to disrupt violent street gangs and others who threaten our communities. If federal agencies file criminal charges or obtain judicially reviewed warrants on any person, local law enforcement officers arrest the person regardless of immigration status.

Senate Bill 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, gun 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 agency's ability to focus its limited resources on the unique needs of the community it serves.

Immigration enforcement is first and foremost a federal obligation. Any immigration reform must begin with the federal government. 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 comprehensive immigration reform; rather it is political pandering that will make our communities more dangerous.

If the Legislature is serious about removing undocumented persons, there are better ways. One would be to address businesses that hire undocumented workers, the primary reason undocumented persons enter this state. The Texas Major Cities Chiefs and the Texas Police Chiefs Association respectfully request that the Legislature reconsider SB 4. This legislation will make our communities more dangerous for all.

Acevedo is chief of the Houston Police Department. McLaughlin is executive director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association. Other chiefs supporting this commentary are listed at houstonchronicle.com/opinion.
Historic high water closed numerous highways and damaged property Saturday in Texas County before rain quit on Sunday.

Texas County activated its emergency management operations center at about 5 p.m. Saturday at the Texas County Administrative Center on Grand Avenue. Numerous highways in the county were impassable, and water rescues occurred Saturday. Missouri is under a state of emergency. A Kansas City Fire Department rescue team also was deployed locally.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a special response team was sent early Saturday evening to southeast Texas County near Pleasant Hill and Panther Road. South Highway 181 at Cabool was closed after a propane tank was seen floating. Cabool firefighters were sent.

Significant flooding  not seen before  was reported throughout south-central Missouri. At Houston, the Heralds rain gauge shows 11.3 inches beginning Friday through early Sunday.

Damage is widespread in Howell County. Near West Plains, an ambulance was called after a mother was in labor at roadside. A trooper rescued occupants, including a three-year-old child, on U.S. 63 near the West Plains Country Club.

Earlier, a rescue of four people and a dog were reported on the Big Piney River.

Flooding began early Saturday morning

Heavy rain began falling Friday overnight on already saturated ground. In the city of Houston, Brushy Creek was out of its banks and a Walnut Street/Highway F bridge was closed. At 11:30 a.m., the south end of Highway 17 from the Dogs Bluff Bridge was reported one foot over the roadway.

About 9:30 a.m. the Houston Rural Fire Department responded to Elk Creek Drive, where a man was trapped in a truck that was being moved by rushing water. He managed to escape and make it to dry land. The location was off Highway H, authorities said.

City of Houston Fire Department personnel were called to flooded areas at Brushy Creek, Main Street and Walnut Street at about 8:05 a.m. There was some damage reported in the area. Houston City Administrator Larry Sutton said Saturday night that the wastewater sewer plant near Brushy Creek was still operating.

Property damaged

Owners of businesses at U.S. 63 and Walnut Street in Houston scurried Friday in the middle of the night to save as much inventory as possible, stacking livestock feed and home improvement items in an attempt to prevent them from being overcome by the immensely swollen waters of Brushy Creek.

I lost just about everything, said Ozark ReSale Co. owner Mike Brannan. I hope I can recover from this.

I stacked up as much feed as I could and I moved my aluminum trailer at about 3:30 to make sure it didnt float away, said Beasley Feed owner Randy Beasley.

After another heavy downpour at about 3 p.m., a frequent trouble spot resurfaced: Brushy Creek. A propane tank and dumpster were seen floating down the stream near Oak Hill Drive and Highway F (Walnut Street). Sharp Shooters, a pawn shop, had water in the structure and a propane tank seemed to be in danger of floating away, firefighters said. At one point, the water was seen coming in the front door.

Here are the latest road conditions

Water rescues reported

Earlier Saturday morning, authorities reported the Boiling Springs campground had already been evacuated and persons sent to higher ground. Just before 2 p.m. a water rescue was reported at Boiling Springs. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported those affected were brought to dry ground.

At about 4:30 p.m., a water rescue was reported at Montgomery Lake at Cabool. At 4:55 p.m. a rescue was underway at Panther Road and Highway AM near Cabool, where water surrounded a trailer home with occupants in it. Three persons were rescued. Damage to a bridge was reported on Highway HH. No one was injured.
Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.
As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content.

When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to.

After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS!

OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK

The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those.
For many organisations the future will no longer see employees clocking in and clocking out. It is predicted that the workplace philosophy will move, almost wholesale, from an hours focus to a deliverables focus. Employers will require employees to deliver an outcome, rather than compelling its employees to work for a set number of hours.

The new generations set to hit the workforce will have different expectations about the way in which they will work. This is great news as they will bring a fresh perspective to the workplace (as all new generations do). This means that leaders, with HRs support will have to be willing to listen to everyone, even the most junior members of a team, and adapt to new approaches. In fact, while junior staff may be less experienced in the workplace they will be more experienced with technology, social media and digital communication which businesses will need to maximise. This will increasingly mean that employees will have to be fully aware of the dos and donts of social media in the workplace.

Wellbeing and work/life balance in the digital world

Balance will be generated through organisations empowering and trusting employees to work where they want and when they want, provided outcomes are achieved. Employees more than ever will require time within the traditional working day to meet their social, emotional and physical needs. The use of new technologies and flexible working arrangements will facilitate this and have a positive impact on peoples wellbeing at work. However, businesses will need to facilitate and support new ways of working, including where human interaction becomes less and less as a result of agile working and digital platforms.

The future self-enabled workforce
While Briggs says there is no shortage of companies walking the talk and making meaningful strides towards equality, she says theres still significant room for improvement.

There is still a very real pay gap  the average was 13.6 per cent last year so we know theres still a hell of a long way to go, she says.

Last year, it was revealed that there were no women in the pay survey of chief executives in the top 50 NZX listed companies and private sector boards in New Zealand only had 17 per cent representation of women.

That is just one small indicator but it really highlights the urgency needed and the further work that is required, says Briggs. New Zealand knows its got a gap and needs to do more to accelerate the speed to close that gap.

Although some companies are throwing their weight behind equal pay and fair opportunities, Briggs says there are still too many employers taking a back seat.
Alissa Golob went to her first anti-abortion protest when she was 13. A pen pal invited her to go on tour with Show the Truth, a group that displays photos of aborted fetuses outside of schools.

Even though I dont advocate for all 13-year-olds to see these images, it was both motivating and shocking to me, Golob, now 30, told HuffPost Canada in an interview. That was the beginning of my involvement.

Today, Golob runs RightNow, an anti-abortion organization that she says will bring the movement into 2017. Its ultimate goal is to fill Parliament with abortion opponents, so that laws can be passed to restrict the procedure, make it easier to adopt, and provide more support for parents.

Advertisement

Women often feel like they have to choose between having a baby and their career, Golob said. So equal pay, equal opportunities in the work force, flex time, proper child care ... all of these things can help advocate that women dont need to choose between being parents and having a career.

RightNows first fight: voting in a Conservative leader who is against abortion. Or, at the very least, one who wont quash debate on the issue.

Before going on tour with Show the Truth, Golob had heard the term abortion but didnt understand what it meant, she said. Her mother said that when she got pregnant  as a 19-year-old first-year university student  it was the first thing the doctor suggested.

Advertisement

She didnt want to tell her parents right away so she went to the nearest hospital and the doctor came in and said, Yes, you are pregnant. And the very next words out of the doctors mouth were Im pro-baby and everything, but I can schedule you an abortion, Golob said.

I realized there was a void in the pro-life movement. Much of what they were doing was things that they were doing 30 years ago.

I think its really important for women to have all the facts about their pregnancies, and to be part of the decision  The very first reaction shouldnt be Lets have an abortion.

Golob grew up in Sarnia, Ont. and attended Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy and Redeemer University, two post-secondary schools that focus on Catholicism and Christianity. After working for Campaign Life Coalition for six years, Golob left to start her own organization in 2016.

Advertisement

I realized there was a void in the pro-life movement. Much of what they were doing was things that they were doing 30 years ago, Golob said.

You shouldnt be able to leave abortion to the individual person. If abortion was really just about a womans body then she would abort herself  but thats not the case  shes in fact aborting another individual inside of her body, she said. Those people should have just as equal rights as the woman should.

Laws and technology have changed drastically since a ban on abortion was struck down as unconstitutional in 1988. Canadas anti-abortion movement needed an update, she said.

Thousands of Conservative party memberships sold

RightNow uses Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach out to pro-lifers across Canada. Golob said the group sold close to 5,000 Conservative memberships to abortion opponents. Thats comparable to what some of the candidates themselves sold, Golob said.

Both Kevin OLeary and Kellie Leitch claimed they sold more than 30,000 memberships for the party. By comparison, Lisa Raitt and Michael Chong tallied their sales around 10,000. The party has revealed that nearly 260,000 members will be eligible for the leadership vote which began on Friday. Results will be announced on May 27.

Advertisement

So if were able to  not meet that  but come close to that, then were actually making a significant difference and it will show the Conservative Party that pro-lifers are part of this process, you cant shut them out and you have to hear their voices.

RightNow is supplying its supporters with the exact ranked ballot they can vote with for party leader. In the top spot is Pierre Lemieux, a former MP for the Ontario riding of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell; second is Andrew Scheer, the current MP for Regina-Qu'Appelle; and third is Brad Trost, MP for Saskatoon-University.

First and foremost I think its crazy that were one of the only countries in the world with no restrictions on abortion, the other countries are China and North Korea, Golob said, so I do think that because polls consistently show the majority of Canadians do want restrictions on abortion, that needs to be discussed and that needs to be addressed.

Polls show an unclear picture of Canadians views

Last year, RightNow commissioned a study from Insights West that found a majority of Canadians support some limits on abortion, including 53 per cent of people between the ages of 18 and 34. Respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement: There should be some restrictions placed on when women can have an abortion. Overall, 54 per cent said they either strongly or somewhat agreed.

Advertisement

The online survey asked 1,122 Canadians about their views over six days in May 2016. The margin of error was 2.9 percentage points.

Other polls paint a different picture. According to one conducted just three months before the RightNow poll, nearly 60 per cent said a woman should be free to choose abortion whenever she wants. The Ipsos poll, published exclusively on Global News, surveyed 1,002 Canadians between Jan. 22 and Feb. 5, 2016. The online survey was accurate within 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

A Conservative Government will not support any legislation to regulate abortion.  2014 policy declaration

In Parliament, the issue is generally considered settled.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said before the 2015 election that he wouldnt allow anti-abortion candidates to run under the Liberal banner. And while Conservative MPs are generally allowed to vote as they choose on so-called votes of conscience, the party has a policy against scaling back a womans right to abortion.

A Conservative Government will not support any legislation to regulate abortion, states a policy declaration from 2014.

Advertisement

We dont want to reopen that particular issue, former Conservative prime minister, Stephen Harper, said of abortion in 2014. This is my view, this is the view of our party.

But two of the candidates RightNow is supporting  Lemieux and Trost  have indicated that as prime minister, they would do just that.

Lemieux opened his run for Tory leader by coming out against sex-selective abortion.

"I believe that politicians should have the courage to debate these issues in an open and respectful way, he said at the time.

He told RightNow in an interview that, there are millions and millions of Canadians that would like a discussion on life issues and would like to see it debated in Parliament.

Advertisement

He and Trost both told RightNow that they would support certain types of legislation regulating abortion. They also said theyd allow their MPs to vote freely on the issue. And Trost said he would create advertising campaigns to encourage people not to have abortions.

There are millions and millions of Canadians that would like a discussion on life issues and would like to see it debated in Parliament.  Pierre Lemieux, Conservative leadership candidate

For his part, Scheer said hed allow MPs to vote their conscience on abortion bills, but wouldnt support restrictive laws himself.

Ive always voted in favour of pro-life legislation, Scheer told RightNow. I can assure you that I support the right to individual MPs to speak out ... but our party policy is clear on that and I think in order to maintain unity of our caucus its important that the Prime Minister respects that.

A representative for Scheers campaign did not respond to a request for clarification.

Electing a Conservative leader who is open to debate on abortion rights is a small stepping stone for its opponents, Golob said. I dont necessarily think that the leader will be the be all and end all of this issue.

Advertisement

Regardless of whether a government puts forward a piece of legislation, or a backbencher puts forward a piece of legislation, the only thing that matters is whether or not we have enough MPs to vote for it from both parties, she said. Opponents of abortion need to get involved in the political process, so that the next time a law is introduced, we dont automatically expect it to fail but we actually have enough politicians in the House of Commons to allow it to pass.

Also on HuffPost
German researchers are testing a powerful, artificial light to see if it can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels.

In March, researchers at the German Aerospace Centre turned on "Synlight," the world's largest artificial sun.

Advertisement

The light is made up of 149 xenon lamps (the same kind that are used in a movie theatre) that, combined, are 10,000 times as intense as normal solar radiation and can reach temperatures of 3,000 C. The light is so powerful that it's housed in a radioactive chamber  anyone who enters it while the lamps are turned on would burn.

"We are looking for chemical applications ... mainly to produce hydrogen, hydrogen as a storage fuel which can be used for any application we know today," Bernhard Hoffschmidt of the German Aerospace Centre told Al Jazeera.

Hydrogen is often hailed as a green alternative to fossil fuels, as it burns without producing any carbon dioxide. One drawback is that it can take a lot of energy to produce. Researchers hope that one day it will be done with solar power  a process that's already been tested at a small scale in the laboratory and they hope to reproduce with "Synlight."

Advertisement

Sunlight can be unreliable in northern Europe, so the artificial sun's brightness and reliability make it an easier option for researchers to test the hydrogen manufacturing process.

Wed need billions of tonnes of hydrogen if we wanted to drive airplanes and cars on CO2-free fuel, Hoffschmidt told The Guardian.

The project took CA$5.2 million to build, Phys.org reported, and uses as much energy as the average four-person household consumes in one year in just four hours.

Follow The Huffington Post Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Also on HuffPost

Renewable Energy Installations See Gallery
Today, Labour has announced a wide-ranging plan to strengthen workers' rights and turn the tide of the Conservative's attacks on working people. What has been proposed by Labour is a plan to transform employees' rights, which could change the lives of millions of working people for the better.

Over the past seven years, the Conservatives have ushered in an era of low pay and insecure work. Six million people are currently earning less than the living wage and, according to the Trussell Trust, the number one cause of foodbank usage is low pay.

Advertisement

After years of government failure, our country is crying out for a different and better approach - strengthening rights at work, making sure new jobs are good jobs, and ending the race to the bottom in pay, conditions and job security. It's time to rebalance our economy in favour of the many, put a stop to the fall in living standards and put more money in people's pockets.

These are just some of the key issues on which the election should be decided.

Today's announcement shows that the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn understand the need to build a different and better world of work. That means trade unionists continuing to play a vital role in representing people at work, tackling inequality and campaigning and negotiating for decent pay, safe workplaces and good employment conditions.

So as UNISON General Secretary, I welcome Labour's commitment to repealing the Trade Union Act, rammed through by the Conservatives, which represents the most serious attack on the rights of trade unionists in a generation and undermines the ability of workers to organise collectively in defence of their jobs and livelihoods.

Theresa May and her government have shown through their attacks on working people whose side they are really on.

Advertisement

In contrast, the Labour Party's plan places it squarely on the side of working people. For all the Prime Minister's rhetoric, it's Labour who's really on the side of those who are 'just about managing'.

Raising the minimum wage to the level of the living wage so that no one in work gets poverty pay.

Ending the public sector pay cap so our vital public servants receive the wages they need and deserve. Amending the takeover code to ensure every takeover proposal has a clear plan in place to protect workers and pensioners. These are serious policies that will make a real difference to the lives of millions of workers.

When Labour wins, it's the nurses, the care workers and the teaching assistants who win. Not unscrupulous bosses who seek to exploit Britain's workforce.

With a million people on zero-hours contracts, Labour's commitment to banning them will come as a huge relief to the many people who have no idea how many hours they will work and how much they will earn from week to week. Such precarious employment practices make any prospect of saving or getting a mortgage impossible. Exploitative contracts that give unscrupulous bosses the freedom to use and abuse their staff should have no place in our UK economy.

And banning unpaid internships will help equalise opportunities for those starting out on their careers. It cannot be fair for some to get a leg up while others can't afford to take those same opportunities because they have no support to pay for food, rent or travel while they work for free.

Advertisement

Britain's workers deserve a share in the wealth they create, but the Conservatives and Theresa May will never let that happen. The government's priorities are clear, on the side of big businesses and a wealthy few at the expense of ordinary people.
fotyma via Getty Images

Accustomed as I am to reading the attention-seeking articles and tweets from Katie Hopkins with a sharp intake of breath, her online antics this week have taken me even closer to an apoplectic asthma attack than usual.

Few of you will need reminding of the tweet I am referring to:

"Explosion in France, shooting at a German hospital, knife attack in London. And Ramadan has not yet begun. Without food these sods get nasty."

Advertisement

It is important to put some context into this. This isn't an isolated example of a journalist having a strong opinion and expressing it unwisely, this is the latest in a garrulous and spiteful sequence of online hate tweets, abusive newspaper articles and bigoted radio appearances displaying mockery and cruelty to people from different community groups to Ms Hopkins herself. It is, in my opinion, hate speech.

Ms Hopkins rejects the idea of online hate speech. She claims: "There is no such thing as online hate crime. Just cowardice and illiteracy from intolerants." Ms Hopkins is wrong. Hate speech is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as "Abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice against a particular group, especially on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation."

It is my belief that all these tweets published by Katie Hopkins fit this definition of hate speech:

Katie Hopkins: "Islamic extremism and the failure of the wider Muslim community to condemn acts of terror took us on this path."

Katie Hopkins: "Muslim men raping white women is consistent with the teaching of Islam. Revoke their citizenship and deport the bastards. Asian my arse."

Advertisement

Katie Hopkins: "Don't preach to me 'acts of extemism don't represent Islam'. I am sick of hearing it."

Katie Hopkins: "Jihaidism is a major issue in the vote." No. No @BBCnews. Islam. Islamism. Stop twisting the truth."

Katie Hopkins: "Oi @piersmorgan? We're all in this together? No we bloody aren't. Modern Islam supports the extermination of Jews. Quit drinking the Kool-aid."

Katie Hopkins: "Don't tell me halal meat is pre-stunned. What is Islam without inflicting maximum pain and suffering?"

The laws of the country relating to hate speech are clear. The 1986 Public Order Act states:

"A person who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or displays any written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, is guilty of an offence if they intends thereby to stir up racial hatred or having regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby".

Advertisement

This was amended with the 2006 Racial and Religious Hatred Act to add: "A person who uses threatening words or behaviour or displays any written material which is threatening, is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred."

I would argue that this recent tweet by Katie Hopkins and indeed many of the older tweets in her Twitter time line are in clear breach of UK law.

There are good reasons why we have laws against hate speech. The laws are there to protect the persecution of innocent people and to promote safety and security in society by prohibiting speech that may incite public violence. When we allow Katie Hopkins (or anybody for that matter) to openly, consistently and publicly flout the laws of the land we are risking not just the security of the people but the integrity of the UK legal system itself.

I would be prepared to bet that Katie has no stronger personal views on the Islamic celebration of Ramadan than she has on any of the topics she so freely espouses with her trademark venom. She jumps on the bandwagon of controversy with any topic in the news (see her disgusting comments on the parents of Madeleine McCann) and sees making cheap Islamophobic jibes as a way to raise her profile. Such hate rhetoric is ignorant and dangerous enough when spouted by the small fry Twitter accounts that Resisting Hate often get suspended. Talk like that coming from a journalist employed by the Daily Mail, the most read newspaper in the country, takes danger to simply unacceptable levels.

Many people say the only way to deal with Katie Hopkins is to ignore her. I disagree. I am not willing to ignore hate speech published in the newspapers and social media. I am not willing to allow our Muslim communities to be slandered with these lies and hate inciting tweets. I am not willing to turn my back on this rubbish and neither should you be. We have laws in this country for a reason. This woman has broken these laws time and time again and she needs to be held accountable for her actions.

Advertisement
Lucas Jackson / Reuters

Let's see if, just for a moment, you can tear yourself away from the election campaign and avert your gaze from Brexit.

And then let's see if you can bear to consider the scarily dangerous game of chicken that's currently being enjoyed -- if that's the right word -- by political leaders in Washington and Pyongyang.

Advertisement

As you may recall, when President Obama sat down with Donald Trump following his election victory last November, the then president named North Korea as the number one foreign policy issue that would be faced by his successor.

Since then, Mr Trump has torn up the Obama doctrine of 'strategic patience' and replaced it with a doctrine that could be summarised as 'Don't you bloody dare.'

To which the North Korean response has been, more or less: 'Just watch us.'

Watch us test another long-range ballistic missile. (Sure, the last one blew up as soon as we had launched it but, hey, that's what tests are for.)

Watch us conduct another nuclear test. And then, Mr President, Bring It On.

None of this leaves me feeling very happy. As the security analyst Fred Kaplan of Slate.com wrote a couple of days ago: 'A mix of mutual bluff, bluster, ego, and insecurity -- fueled by heavy firepower and an itchy trigger-finger or two -- makes for a potentially lethal concoction.'

Advertisement

Between them, Kim Jung Un, his father and grandfather have ruled North Korea for nearly 70 years. That is quite an achievement for a modern dynasty, although admittedly, it's not quite as impressive as the Japanese royal family which claims a dynastic line going back more than two and a half thousand years.

The current Kim has no intention of being last in the line. And he is convinced that nuclear weapons are the dynasty's best guarantee for survival. After all, look what happened to Saddam Hussein of Iraq and Muammar Gaddafi of Libya as soon as they abandoned their own nuclear weapons programmes. They are not examples designed to enable brutal dictators to sleep easy in their beds.

In a fascinating essay in Foreign Policy this week, the Russian Korea analyst Andrei Lankov wrote that North Korea's political leaders 'believe that without nuclear weapons they are as good as dead. That's a disaster for the region, but a perfectly logical choice by the Kim family.'

Perhaps some of this is what President Xi Jinping of China tried to explain to Mr Trump when they had their cosy little chat over dinner in Florida earlier this month. Perhaps President Xi also tried to explain why China is not over-keen to see the end of the Kim dynasty just yet.

Imagine what a unified Korea would like like from Beijing. A staunch US ally, host to more than 20,000 US troops, on its border? An open, pluralist, capitalist democracy, on its doorstep? And if the Kim regime were to collapse in chaos -- perhaps as a result of economic melt-down caused by yet more international sanctions -- how many hundreds of thousands of desperate North Koreans would want to seek refuge in China?

Advertisement

When President Trump summoned all 100 US senators for a North Korea briefing this week, he left them distinctly underwhelmed by the clarity of his strategy. The (Republican) chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bob Corker, called it 'an OK briefing.'

Sen. Jeff Merkley (Democrat, Oregon) said: 'We learned nothing you couldn't read in the newspaper.' Sen. Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, Illinois) said: 'It felt more like a dog and pony show to me than anything else.'

But you know what? I was pleased. Despite all the bluster, the Trump administration seems in reality to be prepared to wait a bit. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said as much on Fox News on Thursday: 'We'll wait as long as it takes.' Just don't call it strategic patience, because that was Obama's idea and was, obviously a Very Bad Thing.

Kim Jung Un is as ruthless and determined as Mr Trump is mercurial and unpredictable. One false move from Pyongyang and all bets are off. After the US president's decision to launch cruise missiles against Syria, and then to authorise a massive bomb strike against the Islamic State group in Afghanistan, I just hope he isn't developing a taste for theatrical gestures involving terrifying amounts of high explosive.
Since Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer laid out Labour's Brexit strategy on Tuesday, the party has been pilloried in the press and by its political opponents as being too subtle (to quote the BBC headline) on the details of exiting the European Union. Critics contend there weren't enough hard stops on things like free movement, membership in the single market, and a second referendum - as though offering nuance and detail on what is the most complex set of negotiations and constitutional reforms since the Second World War is a bad thing. However, if you tune out the bias and Conservative Party talking points and actually listen to what Sir Keir had to say, you'll find that Labour is offering a clear alternative to what he rightly called a "reckless Tory Brexit."

Brexit is happening, whether we like it or not. The people have spoken and, even though those of us who supported Remain may have been heartbroken by the result, their will must be respected. The Liberal Democrats would ignore the democratic vote of the British people, while the Tories pretend the EU Referendum gives them carte blanche to dismantle the protections and turn the UK into an offshore tax haven for the wealthy. Neither of these options are in the interest of the British people, nor can they be allowed. Only Labour can guarantee Brexit while also making sure it works for all.

Advertisement

The most striking, and possibly important, difference between the Tories' and Labour's Brexit plan is that the Great Repeal Bill will be scrapped in favour of enshrining EU rights and protections into British law. This is vitally important for workers, who depend on laws governing Britain's membership in the EU. The Great Repeal Bill will give the government the ability to repeal workers' rights without the approval of Parliament.

Frances O'Grady, the General Secretary of the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) laid out just how high the stakes are following the release of the government's white paper last month: "The protections affected could include your rights to full holiday pay, equal pay for women, stopping indirect discrimination because of your race or gender, and help for workers when they are outsourced to a new boss." Furthermore, ministers would be allowed to "scrap or water down rights like protections from excessive working hours, equal treatment for agency workers, and redundancy protections."

Obviously the Tories cannot be allowed to have free reign to scrap the protections British workers rely on. This is why Labour's promise to scrap the Great Repeal Bill altogether, and instead protect the hard-won rights of British workers, is a promising and stark contrast to Theresa May's attempt to circumvent Parliament and sell out employees for corporate interests and profit margins.

Still, Labour's Brexit strategy includes recognising the needs of business. It commits to putting the economy - not xenophobia - first and foremost by retaining the benefits of the Single Market and Customs Union. This is especially vital when 45% of the nation's exports are bound for the EU, while fully half of imports come from Europe. This further makes access to the customs union, which will allow for free trade between Britain and EU member states, vital to the British economy. If tariffs rise, the cost of goods rise - something the British people simply cannot afford.

Advertisement

While historically access to the single market has been predicated on free movement of people, Labour is promising that - as the British public clearly demanded in the referendum - free movement of people is coming to an end. What is not being ruled out, unlike with the Tory plans, is free movement of labour. Gone are the days of European migrants coming to Britain without a job, but industries from agriculture to hospitality to the NHS depend on workers from the EU staffing them.

By retaining free movement of labour, British workers could find employment abroad. At the same time, domestic industries so reliant on foreign labour would not have to suffer as a result of Brexit while the country continues to recruit the best and brightest from Europe and beyond. Meanwhile, control of British borders will return where it belongs: Parliament.

Parliamentary sovereignty is at the heart of Labour's Brexit strategy, with the party promising to give Parliament a say in any deal it brings back from Brussels. This is a far cry from Theresa May, who is looking to receive a mandate for an extreme Hard Brexit without any parliamentary oversight - and contrary to the wishes of the British people, who made clear through the EU referendum that British laws should be made not by bureaucrats or unelected executives but by the British parliament.
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.
RECORDER REPORT



KARACHI: The weather report on Sunday (February 28, 2021) and the forecast for Monday (March 1, 2021).



==================================================================



CITIES TODAY TOMORROW



==================================================================



Hyderabad 18-20 (C) 70-80 (%) 18-20 (C) 70-80 (%)



Karachi 16-18 (C) 60-70 (%) 16-18 (C) 40-50 (%)



Lahore 28-14 (C) 70-00 (%) 28-14 (C) 70-00 (%)



Larkana 15-17 (C) 60-70 (%) 16-18 (C) 60-70 (%)



Mirpurkhas 15-17 (C) 60-70 (%) 15-17 (C) 55-65 (%)



Muzaffarabad 21-07 (C) 85-30 (%) 21-07 (C) 80-00 (%)



Peshawar 09-12 (C) 75-85 (%) 09-12 (C) 75-85 (%)



Quetta 00-(-3) (C) 60-70 (%) 00-(-3) (C) 60-70 (%)



Rawalpindi 26-12 (C) 80-00 (%) 26-12 (C) 80-00 (%)



Sukkur 17-19 (C) 55-65 (%) 17-19 (C) 55-65 (%)



==================================================================



Karachi



------------------------------------------------------------------



Sunset: 6:34 pm (Today)



Sunrise: 6:53 am (Tomorrow)



==================================================================



Copyright Business Recorder, 2021




Planning Board candidates Karen L. Shepard and incumbent Chris Winters appear at a forum last week hosted by the League of Women Voters.

Williamstown Planning Board Candidates Participate in Forum

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The two candidates in the only contested race on May 9's town election ballot made their case to the voters last week in a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Incumbent Chris Winters is being challenged by newcomer Karen L. Shepard for his five-year seat on the Planning Board.

Shepard, a Williams College alumna and senior lecturer in the English department, and Winters, an associate provost at the college, each talked about the role of the Planning Board and the priorities that each candidate saw for the town going forward.

Winters asked voters to let him continue to help the board work for positive changes to move the town forward.

"The Planning Board can make it harder or easier for people to do things," Winters said. "Sometimes, it's a homeowner who wants to turn their garage into an in-law apartment. Sometimes, those people are entrepreneurs.  Through zoning, we either encourage or discourage those things.

"My position is that reasonable people should be allowed to do reasonable things on their property."

Shepard said the town's bylaws can make "reasonable allowances to entice businesses but still protect our residents," and portrayed herself as a can-do problem solver who can strike that balance.

"I have a terrier type of mentality about problem solving," Shepard said. "I've begun to see how the Planning Board can make a difference in terms of protecting open space, affordable housing, economic development and health care.

"I've talked to people way more knowledgeable than I am  and begun to get a clear sense of what makes sense for the town. Everything I've read suggests we've already made enormous progress, and I'm excited to help make things better."

Shepard bemoaned the lack of people willing to serve on town boards and committees.

"It was the election of last November that inspired me to be more involved," Shepard said in her opening statement. "After the election, I encouraged my children and Williams students to get more involved. I decided it was time to practice what I was preaching and get involved myself."

Later in the hourlong forum, Shepard attacked Winters for parts of his record of service to the town, which includes 11 years on the Planning Board and stints on the Conservation Commission and Finance Committee.

Specifically, she went after him for his vote earlier this year on the marijuana zoning bylaw the Planning Board has sent to the annual town meeting and his suggestion that town voters be asked whether they want to continue Williamstown's involvement in Community Preservation Act, which the town adopted in 2002.

Shepard said she found it "troublesome" that Winters was the lone member of the Planning Board to vote against banning marijuana retail establishments in the Village Business District and the Limited Business District.

"Given that there were all these people saying it was dangerous to have it in areas that might be easy for minors to access, we should restrict it," Shepard said. "I was a little troubled that Chris voted against that."

Likewise, in response to a question about the Community Preservation Committee, which Winters serves as the Planning Board's representative, Shepard challenged the idea that the town ought to reconsider the 2 percent property tax surcharge that funds historic preservation, open space and recreation and affordable housing initiatives.

"I think the CPC is really important, and it seems like something that our town has consistently and vociferously supported," Shepard said. "I think it's odd that someone who is so enthusiastic about being on the committee is someone who wants to at least raise the idea about eliminating it.

"I wouldn't want to eliminate it."

Winters sought and received permission from the moderator to respond to the latter charge.

"First of all, I am not advocating eliminating it," he said. "I am advocating giving voters the opportunity to express their opinion. It's unclear to me how the town has vociferously stated its support because we've never given the town the opportunity to do that.

"This is a democratic suggestion that allows the town to express its interest."

Winters did not directly address Shepard's comment on the proposed marijuana bylaw. But at Planning Board meetings, he expressed the belief that the now legal drug should be treated by the town like alcohol, which is currently sold in both Village Business and Limited Business. And, like liquor stores, recreational marijuana dispensaries would be regulated by the commonwealth if any chose to locate in Williamstown.

He alluded to the 4-1 vote on the pot bylaw in his response to the Community Preservation Act discussion.

"I think this town need people on boards who can think a little differently than everyone else," he said. "That's a value I've added not only to the CPC but to the Planning Board."

In response to a question about economic development, both candidates expressed a desire to encourage growth, but each put a slightly different spin on the idea.

"One thing that is a current disincentive [to development] is the tiny proportion of Williamstown that is currently zoned for business uses," Winters said. "It's a fraction of a percent of the land. That presents a problem.

"We have a ton of land. We have a supply problem because we create artificial shortages  by reducing amount of buildable land that is zoned for commercial or retail use."

Shepard emphasized the need to keep development centralized while maintaining the open space that helps draw tourists to town.

"You want to develop more in the center  not just Spring and Water streets but also Planned Business  so you're preventing the kind of sprawl we've seen in towns across America," she said. "Tourism, I think, is our second biggest revenue maker."

In her closing statement, Shepard returned to the idea that Winters' positions on marijuana and the Community Preservation Act are out of touch with the majority in town and portrayed herself as someone who will follow her constituents.

"I'm open to hearing what people want, and I'm open to being persuaded by the will of the majority," she said.

Winters stuck to the themes of economic development and housing diversity. He lamented the fact that while he looks forward to day his two school-age daughters return to their hometown to visit, he has no illusions about them coming back to Williamstown to find jobs.

"As a community, we raise our children for export," Winters said. "Doesn't that seem strange?

"Thriving communities  are not net exporters of people. Why do more people want to leave here than want to come? How long can that sort of net exportation be maintained before it threatens the very concept of community?"
Lenox Named Best Northeastern Small Town

LENOX, Mass.  Lenox has been voted the Best Northeastern Small Town in USA Today's Best Small Town contest.

This town of 5,000 will be promoted across USA Today Travel Media Group's digital and mobile products, as well as via social media. Nominees are also promoted across the USA Today travel sections and other Gannett Media outlets.

"We all knew that Lenox is a special place and the best small town, but to hear a national outlet like USA Today and their many readers agree is a great feeling and a big win for us," Spaulding said. "This award, combined with the recent acknowledgement by Expedia, who named Lenox one of the top 26 luxury travel destinations in the world, is a great example of just how many people love Lenox."

Lenox features Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Gilded Age cottages, luxury hotels and resorts, historic properties such as Edith Wharton's The Mount, unique shops and restaurants.

Lenox won the most votes out of four weeks of online voting against nine other Northeast Communities. The initial list of more than 80 towns with populations under 10,000 was compiled by USA Today's 10Best editorial team. That list was winnowed down to 20, with readers asked to determine the "10 Best," a set of lists of top 10 picks that USA Today promotes.

Deborah Fallows (American Futures), Anna Hider (Roadtrippers), Jenna Intersimone ( MyCentralJersey.com ) and our team of 10Best Local Experts were chosen based on their knowledge and experience of Northeastern travel.

"Since your nomination was carefully made by an expert panel, and the public voted for this honor, you have earned some serious bragging rights," USA Today editors said in an email to Spaulding announcing the win.

The top 10 in order are:

Lenox, Mass.

New Hope, Penn.

Clinton, N.J.

Woodstock, Vt.

Essex, Conn.

Cape May, N.J.

Rockport, Mass.

Eastport, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine

Meredith, N.H.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday approved appointments of Pakistans ambassadors to various world capitals including replacing the spokesman for foreign office Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri.



According to details, the prime minister approved the appointment of Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri as a high commissioner in Australia as the outgoing ambassador would now serve as ambassador in Norway.



Seljuk Tarar is appointed as an ambassador in the Netherlands, while the outgoing ambassador Shujaat Rathore was appointed as the countrys envoy in Spain.



Furthermore, Amir Shaukat is posted as an ambassador in Switzerland and Ameer Khurram Rathore as a high commissioner in Canada. The outgoing envoy from Canada, Raza Bashir was posted at the foreign ministry.



In other changes, Ahmed Naseem Waraich was posted as envoy in Portugal, Amjad Ahmed Ali and Moazzam Ali as counsel generals in Iraq and Melbourne respectively.



In a similar reshuffle made in October 2018, the government announced a major reshuffle in the diplomatic assignments abroad, including the proposed appointments of two career diplomats Dr Asad Majeed Khan and Nafees Zekria as Pakistans new ambassador and high commissioner in Washington and London.



Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said at that time that the appointments of career diplomats as new Pakistani envoys at Washington (USA), London (UK), Ottawa (Canada), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar), Rabat (Morocco), Belgrade (Serbia), Havana (Cuba) and Dubai (UAE) was decided after a detailed discussion with Prime Minister Imran Khan.



Giving the details of proposed appointments, the Foreign Minister said Raza Bashir Tarar would be appointed High Commissioner Ottawa, Raja Ali Aijaz Ambassador in Riyadh, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah Ambassador in Doha, Hamid Asghar Khan Ambassador in Belgrade, Sahibzada Ahmad Khan Ambassador in Havana, and Ahmad Amjad Ali Consul General in Dubai.NNI




RECORDER REPORT



LAHORE: Subsequent to successful completion of the annual maintenance, Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Plant (NJHP) resumed electricity generation, as it was synchronized with the National Grid last night.



National Power Control Center (NPCC) had allowed shut down to National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) on February 28 onwards for maintenance of its 525 KV Rawat and Naukar Transmission Lines during the low flow season to minimize the generation losses.



Accordingly taking advantage of this shutdown, NJHP Company also planned annual maintenance of its Power House Complex generating units besides maintenance of water regulation related sensitive mechanical and electrical equipment and instruments at Dam site. NTDC and NJHP Company successfully completed the annual maintenance of the transmission lines and the plant within stipulated time. Thereafter, NJHP went into operation last night.




Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

How do you hold the White House Correspondents Dinner, a long-running tradition of roasting the president, when the president is so famously bad at taking a joke?

With Donald Trump declining to attend this year's event, host Hasan Minhaj of The Daily Show was apparently asked by organisers not to poke fun of the president (via Page Six), with the president of the White House Correspondents' Association Jeff Mason stating: "I was not looking for someone to roast the president in absentia."

"Its a very different dinner without the president there. We will be focused on the First Amendment and journalism and the importance of a free press... That doesnt mean there cant be some jokes about the president, but just that there should be some jokes on the press."

Recommended Baldwin is lobbying to stand in for Trump at White House press dinner

Thankfully, it's a warning Minhaj paid absolutely no mind to, exercising his own press freedom by ripping straight into the heart of Trump for the majority of his hilarious opening speech.

"Welcome to the series finale of the White House Correspondents' Dinner," he began with. "My name is Hasan Minhaj, or as I'll be known in a few weeks, number 830287."

No one wanted to do this, so of course it landed in the hands of an immigrant, Minhaj joked about the fact hosting a president-less Correspondents Dinner wasn't exactly the hottest gig in town, before re-iterating the idea he'd been told not to go after the Trump administration.

"We've got to address the elephant thats not in the room. The leader of our country is not here. And thats because he lives in Moscow," he later stated, adding that Trump was probably, "in Pennsylvania, because he can't take a joke."



"Historically the president usually performs at the White House Correspondents Dinner, but I think I speak for all of us when I say, hes done far too much bombing this month," he continued

He later joked that Trump, who is sober, would only continually tweet at 3am because, "that's 10 a.m. in Russia, that's business hours." He added that, "The news coming out of the White House is so stressful, I have been watching House of Cards just to relax."

The absence of Trump was the first since Ronald Reagan skipped the event in 1981, missing the gathering after his infamous assassination attempt, though he still gave his regards via telephone.

Trump or no Trump, the dinner still sold out.
Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Dating reality show Take Me Out was hit with unexpected tragedy when it was revealed one of its contestants, Charlie Watkins, had passed away after filming.

Two episodes featuring Watkins were aired in dedication to him, with his family having given ITV permission to air both: one in which the 22-year-old descended the lift in hopes of being paired off with another contestant, and a second which saw him on a date with Jo-Tara.

Travelling to the Isle of Fernandos, Watkins enthused at the time, "I couldn't think of an awesomer first date", while also naming it as, "definitely the best first date I've ever had". He described himself as a "bit of a big kid", who loved comics and video games. He was a criminology student at York University and worked at a chocolate factory.

Recommended Take Me Out host wants a gay version of dating show

A spokesperson for the family has stated: "We have lost a very special young man who sadly never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother when he was only nine 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."

Furthermore, a fundraising page has been set up in Watkins' memory, with proceeds being donated to mental health charity, 'Mind'. So far, more than 10,000 has been raised.

Charlie Watkins and Jo-Tara depart for their date on the Isle of Fernandos (ITV)

The show's host, Paddy McGuinness, tweeted a tribute before the show aired: "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." He also refrained from live-tweeting the show as he would usually, out of a sign of respect to Watkins and his family.

A spokesperson for Take Me Out added: "It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic news regarding Charlie. Our thoughts and best wishes go to his family and friends. We ask that you respect the familys privacy at this time."

*If you are worried you or a loved one may be suicidal or having suicidal thoughts, phone Samaritans on 116 123*
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

UK universities must push back against Theresa Mays crackdown on international student numbers, the president of Europe's top international university has said.

Professor Michael Ignatieff, president and rector of the George Soros-founded Central European University (CEU) and former Canadian Liberal Party leader, warned the British Prime Minister must learn from political unrest taking place in Hungary and ensure the rights of students and academics are upheld post-Brexit.

In an interview with The Independent, he said tightened visa controls presented a direct threat to academic freedom, along with the political correctness stifling freedom of speech on modern campuses.

His comments come amid increasing pressure being placed on the British Government to remove foreign students from immigration figures and abandon plans to tighten restrictions on student visas.

Supporting the Drop the Target campaign led by The Independent and the Open Britain group to persuade the Prime Minister to scrap her goal of reducing net migration figures, the university leader said educating foreign students is one of the greatest things that the UK does.

Any university has to be respectful of a sovereign states right to review all people coming into the country on security grounds. No university can contest that, he said.

The issue is when governments start to use visa scrutiny as a way of abridging the freedom of universities to recruit who they want.

If you ask whats a live in academic freedom right now, visa controls is one of them. We all need to be aware of that.

Prof Ignatieffs comments come at a time of great uncertainty for his Hungarian-based international university.

Earlier this month, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Budapest in protest against new legislation that could force the CEU  set up with funding from billionaire philanthropist George Soros  to close its Hungarian campus.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

A bill passed in parliament by the ruling right-wing party targeted the university by setting out a number of tough new measures for foreign institutions in the country, it has been claimed.

Speaking to The Independent, however, the CEU rector said the university would close under no circumstances.

But the problem is we are faced with legislation that could make it impossible to continue functioning, he said. One of the restrictions potentially relates to visas for students.

Home to students from 120 countries, CEU is one of the most diversely populated universities in the world, and was just this week named by Times Higher Education as the second most popular institution for international students.

Around 100 refugees and asylum seekers are educated at CEU each year, but the university cannot and does not offer education services to anyone residing in Hungary illegally.

Last month, the government passed strict new laws allowing all asylum seekers to be detained, however, as part of a crackdown on immigration.

What is concerning us is those who are waiting to have their asylum claims heard being camped, said the professor, himself born in Canada to Russian refugees.

The direct implication to that is we are not yet clear as to whether we can still have access to them to continue their learning, he said.

While international states should reserve the right to assess people coming into the country, he said, visa controls are a balancing act and run the risk of being used as a vehicle for social or racial selection.

Citing US visa restrictions put in place this year, he said: You dont want to slide into a situation where the [Government] is basically using that as a throttle to say, were not going to take Muslim students in or whatever.

There are lessons for Britain  Britain will have to balance border control with obligations under the refugee commission.

 Hungary votes on EU refugee quota referendum

One of the greatest things that the UK does is educating foreign students, he added.

Its just a matter of getting the balance right and for a university to push back when they get a sense the Government is beginning to use the student visa controls as a throttle.

When they do that they are abridging the academic freedom institution.

Prof Ignatieff is currently in the UK to launch a pioneering programme offering free degree courses to refugees and asylum seekers.

Much like the CEU, the future of the scheme  known as The Open Learning Initiative  remains unclear, however, since its funding comes from the EU-funded pan-European Erasmus programme.

Speaking to The Independent at the University of East London, where the course is based, Prof Ignatieff said he had some concerns about the future of British universities post-Brexit.

When Britain leaves the EU it may well be cut off from crucial sources of European research funding, he warned.

Labour has called for Britain to remain in the Erasmus programme. I think its right  British universities are European universities as far as Im concerned.

Whatever happens with Brexit, universities should keep doing this.

We are very anxious that UK universities not be cut off from Europe. Institutions are squirming about this and theyre right to be, he said.

Thank god research doesnt care about frontiers. It would be terrible if Britain was cut off from all of that."

Agreeing that there was a responsibility on Ms May to ensure academic freedom of movement is protected, he said: These are the chickens that are coming home to roost. I understand why people voted for Brexit but these are some of the really negative consequences.

Britain is a scientific and research powerhouse and anything that reduces its capacity to be in partnership with Europe weakens Britain and also weakens Europe.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, where she is expected to press royals on a number of sensitive issues, including taking in refugees, while also boosting important business ties in her first visit to the country in seven years.

Merkel met King Salman in the Red Sea city of Jiddah and is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates on Monday. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are Germany's largest trading partners in the Middle East.

During her talks with Gulf leaders, Merkel is expected to press them to do more to take in refugees and provide humanitarian relief for those fleeing conflict in Muslim-majority countries. Her country has provided refuge to hundreds of thousands of people from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.

Merkel is also expected to raise the issue of Saudi Arabia's funding for religious institutions that may be spreading a fundamentalist version of Islam around the world, including in countries such as Mali and Niger, said senior German officials who spoke on customary conditions of anonymity.

Saudi Arabia recently closed several institutional establishments in Germany following pressure from Berlin, including the private King Fahd Academy in the southern suburbs of Bonn. German authorities had previously expressed concern the school might be used to spread fundamentalist ideology.

Like other high-profile female visitors, Merkel did not cover her hair or wear a traditional flowing black robe upon arrival in the kingdom. She is expected to meet Saudi businesswomen during her two-day visit in a sign of support for women's rights.

Angela Merkel addressing the Bundestag in Berlin on 27 April (EPA)

Merkel herself backs a ban in Germany on civil servants wearing face veils and on the face cover being worn in public schools, courts and while driving. Most Saudi women wear the full face veil, known as the niqab, in line with the kingdom's conservative Wahhabi interpretation of Islam.

Merkel is traveling with a business delegation that includes CEOs of major German companies. The kingdom is seeking to attract investment and diversify its economy away from oil, the backbone of its economy.

The official Saudi Press Agency reported the two sides signed a number of memorandums to enhance cooperation in the fields of technology, energy, business and security.

Despite a drop in oil prices that has forced the kingdom to curb spending, Saudi Arabia remains among the world's top spenders on defense equipment. While there is no German moratorium on weapons exports to Saudi Arabia, the German government does review deals on a case-by-case basis to ensure any defense equipment sold cannot be used for internal repression.

Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen is also expected to feature in Merkel's talks with the kingdom's royals. For more than two years, the kingdom has been bombing Yemeni rebels aligned with Saudi Arabia's regional Shiite rival, Iran.

Saudi Arabia and Iran also back opposite sides of the conflict in Syria. Germany was one of six international powers that negotiated a nuclear deal with Iran that Saudi Arabia objected to.

------

Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Frank Jordans contributed from Berlin.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

The woman shot in a police raid in north west London on Thursday has been discharged from hospital and arrested on suspicion of terror offences.

The unnamed 21-year-old was injured during the raid in Willesden in which six others were arrested.

Scotland Yard said they were acting to prevent an "active terror plot" after a period of surveillance.

The force says the operation was unconnected to the attempted attack on the Houses of Parliament by Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali, who was tackled by police in Whitehall while carrying a backpack full of knives.

Officers did not arrest the woman at the time due to her condition, but she remained under armed guard in hospital.

One of those arrested was a 16-year-old boy. In addition to the London raid, a similar operation was carried out in Kent where a 43-year-old woman was arrested.

Witnesses described hearing screams and shouts coming from the house in London as armed police in gas masks burst in.

One eyewitness, Ruth Hale, told the London Evening Standard she had seen the woman lying on the ground in hijab shouting don't touch me, dont touch me at medics and police as they tried to help her.

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

She said: She had a wound on the left of her torso. There was a white bandage on it. They wanted to cut her clothes to treat it. She wouldnt let them, she was angry. She was wearing a hijab  she was in black.

A male in a grey jumper was also arrested, two policemen were frogmarching him. There was another woman there as well in a black dress and scarf. It was very shocking.

The Mets Deputy Assistance Commander Commissioner Neil Basu, who serves as Senior National Coordinator for counter terrorism policing, said at the time of the raid: Due to the arrests made, I believe we have contained the threats that they posed.

With the attack in Westminster on 22 March so fresh in peoples minds, I would like to reassure everyone that across the country officers are working around the clock to identify those people who intend to commit acts of terror.

I would also like to thank the public for their continued help and support. We will continue to work with all communities to defeat terrorists together.

The woman has been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Police were granted warrants to hold the six previously arrested suspects for questioning until 2 and 4 May at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

A list of police questions which Madeleine McCanns mother Kate refused to answer three months after her daughter disappeared has re-emerged in the media as the 10 year anniversary of her disappearance approaches.

In an interview with Fiona Bruce, Madeleines father, Gerry McCann, hit out at fake news and the hurt that speculation and conspiracy theories have caused to the family.

But the list of 48 questions Mrs McCann refused to answer has made headlines again a decade after the four-year-old vanished from the familys holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal.

A transcript of the interview from 7 September 2007  three months after Madeleine disappeared in June  was included in extensive police files released to the public in 2008.

Ms McCann, a former GP, was told she was a suspect  or arguido  by Portuguese police and questioned in detail over an 11-hour period about the night Madeleine went missing.

She was asked about Madeleines relationship with her younger siblings, who are twins, her method of parenting and whether she routinely medicated her children.

The Madeleine McCann case Show all 25 1 /25 The Madeleine McCann case The Madeleine McCann case Madeleine McCann One of the last photos of Madeleine before her disappearance EPA The Madeleine McCann case Madeleine McCann Madeleine McCann was three when she was abducted during a family holiday in 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Top worn by a man that detectives investigate with connection to disappearance of Madeleine McCann A computer generated image of the distinctive burgundy long sleeve top worn by a man that detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are looking for The Madeleine McCann case Apartment in Portugal from where Madeleine went missing An aerial view of the Ocean Club apartments and pool where Madeleine McCann went missing Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images The Madeleine McCann case Kate McCann Kate McCann speaks to the press outside the court house in Lisbon on 12 September 2013 following the first audience of the McCann couple's libel proceedings against former inspector Goncalo Amaral for a book written about the case of their missing daughter The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Kate McCann and Gerry McCann before the start of the 'Miles for Missing People' charity run in Regent's Park in London, 2011 The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann make an appeal at a press conference in the holiday resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal 7 May 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann The McCann's give an interview with a Spanish television channel at their home in Rothley The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Madeleine McCann was abducted in Portugal in May 2007 AP The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Preliminary forensic analysis on samples recovered from the McCanns' hire car raised the possibility of a match with Madeleine's DNA profile, according to the leaked report Getty Images The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Pope Benedict XVI blesses a photo of four-year-old abducted British girl Madeleine McCann, while meeting her parents Gerry and Kate McCann, after his weekly general audience at the Vatican, 2007 Reuters The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Gerald McCann and Kate McCann speak to the press on 4 May 2007 at the Ocean club appartement hotel in Praia de Luz in Lagos after Madeline vanished while her parents were out to dinner The Madeleine McCann case Portuguese police search for Madeleine Dozens of Portuguese police aided by dogs search for missing three-year old British girl Madelaine McCann in front of the Ocean club appartment hotel in Praia de Luz in Lagos The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann Gerald McCann and Kate McCann walk holding their two other children outside the Ocean club apartment hotel in Praia de Luz in May 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Madeleine McCann Madeleine McCann pictured at the age of three, left, and as she might have looked aged nine PA/Teri Blythe The Madeleine McCann case Kate and Gerry McCann The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have described as "pure speculation" reports in the Portuguese press suggesting that a chief suspect in the disappearance of their daughter was killed in a tractor accident four years ago. PA The Madeleine McCann case Tribute for missing Madeleine in Rothley, Leicesteshire Three year old Cally prepares to add a yellow ribbon to a floral tribute for missing Madeleine McCann in Rothley in Leicesteshire, 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Support for the missing Madeleine Everton captain Lee Carsley (L) leads his team onto the field, followed Mikel Arteta (C) and Manuel Fernandes (R) wearing Tshirts bearing a message of support for the missing British toddler Madeleine McCann, prior to the English Premiership match between Chelsea and Everton, at Stamford Bridge in London, 2007 The Madeleine McCann case Madeleine McCann A poster appealing for information about Madeleine McCann at a Spanish railway station PA The Madeleine McCann case BBC's Crimewatch reconstruction of Madeleine McCann's disappearance Former porn star Mark Sloan (L) was cast in the BBC's Crimewatch reconstruction of Madeleine McCann's disappearance BBC The Madeleine McCann case Clarence Mitchell holds two artist's impression of the new suspect McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell holds two artist's impression of the new suspect on 20 January 2008 in London. The description has come from British woman Gail Cooper, who was staying with her family close to the McCann's apartment in Portugal The Madeleine McCann case Image of a woman sought in the case Clarence Mitchell, the press spokesman for the McCann family, releases a photofit image of a woman sought in the search for missing Madeleine McCann Getty Images The Madeleine McCann case Suspect in disappearance of Madeleine McCann Police released two e-fits of suspect in disappearance of Madeleine McCann Getty Images The Madeleine McCann case Raymond Hewlett Convicted paedophile Raymond Hewlett, who is being sought in connection with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann PA The Madeleine McCann case A picture of a suspect An artist's impression of a suspicious man seen by a witness apparently watching the McCann family's apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, the day before Madeleine McCann went missing Channel 4

The questions Ms McCann refused point blank to answer were:

1 On May 3, 2007, around 22:00, when you entered the apartment, what did you see? What did you do? Where did you look? What did you touch?

2 Did you search inside the master bedroom wardrobe?

3 (Shown two photographs of her bedroom wardrobe) Can you describe its contents?

4 Why was the curtain by the sofa near the side window tampered with? Did someone go behind the sofa?

5 How long did your search of the apartment take after you detected Madeleines disappearance?

6 Why did you say Madeleine had been abducted?

7 Assuming Madeleine was abducted, why did you leave the twins to go to the Tapas and raise the alarm? The supposed abductor could still be in the apartment.

8 Why didnt you ask the twins then what happened to their sister or why didnt you ask them later on?

Madeleine McCann(Family handout/PA) The little girl as she looked when she disappeared a decade ago (PA)

9 When you raised the alarm at the Tapas what exactly did you say  what were your exact words?

10 What happened after you raised the alarm there?

11 Why did you go and warn your friends instead of shouting from the verandah?

12 Who contacted the authorities?

13 Who took place in the searches?

14 Did anyone outside the group learn of her disappearance in those following minutes?

15 Did any neighbour offer you help?

16 What does we let her down mean?

17 Did Jane Tanner tell you that night shed seen a man with a child?

18 How were the authorities contacted and which police force was alerted?

19 During the searches, with the police there, where did you search for Maddie, how and in what way?

20 Why did the twins not wake up during that search or when they were taken upstairs?

21 Who did you phone after the occurrence?

22 Did you call Sky News?

23 Did you know the danger of calling the media, because it could influence the abductor?

24 Did you ask for a priest?

25 By what means did you divulge Madeleines features, by photographs or by any other means?

26 Is it true that during the searches you remained seated on Maddies bed without moving?

27 What was your behaviour that night?

28 Did you manage to sleep?

29 Before travelling to Portugal, did you make any comment about a foreboding or a bad feeling?

30 What was Madeleines behaviour like?

31 Did Maddie suffer from any illness or take any medication?

32 What was Madeleines relationship like with her brother and sister?

33 What was Madeleines relationship like with her brother and sister, friends and school mates?

34 As for your professional life, in how many and which hospitals have you worked?

35 What is your medical speciality?

36 Have you ever done shift work in any emergency services or other services?

37 Did you work every day?

38 At a certain point you stopped working. Why?

39 Are the twins difficult to get to sleep? Are they restless and does that cause you uneasiness?

40 Is it true sometimes you despaired at your childrens behaviour and it left you feeling very uneasy?

41 Is it true that in England you even considered handing over Madeleines custody to a relative?

42 In England, did you medicate your children? What type of medication?

43 In the case files, you were shown canine forensic testing films. After watching them, did you say you couldnt explain any more than you already had?

44 When the sniffer dog also marked human blood behind the sofa, did you say you couldnt explain any more than you already had?

45 When the sniffer dog marked the scent of corpse coming from the vehicle you hired a month after the disappearance, did you say you couldnt explain any more than you already had?

46 When human blood was marked in the boot of the vehicle, did you say you couldnt explain any more than you already had?

47 When confronted with the results of Maddies DNA, carried out in a British lab, collected from behind the sofa and the boot of the vehicle, did you say you couldnt explain any more than you already had?

48 Did you have any responsibility or intervention in your daughters disappearance?

Ms McCann answered just one question put to her by the police during the interrogation, when she invoked her right to remain silent in protest at being treated as a suspect. She later said that she refused to co-operate because she thought the police treating her as a suspect was distracting them from the work they should have been doing to find Maddie.

Senior detectives in Portugal and the UK have said repeatedly the McCanns are no longer suspects in the case while the couple, from Leicestershire, have always denied they had any involvement in the disappearance of their daughter.

Their Portuguese lawyer has described the idea that the couple were guilty of any wrongdoing as unfounded and absurd.

Claiming they had been demonised in industrial doses and describing them as human beings experiencing deep suffering, he said the far more logical explanation was that she had been snatched.

Scotland Yard chief Mark Rowley confirmed last week that Madeleines parents  who had their suspect status removed in July 2008 when the original Portuguese police probe was archived  were no longer seen as possible suspects.

He said: The parents involvement was dealt with at the time by the original investigation by the Portuguese.

Were happy thats completely dealt with and there is no reason whatsoever to re-open that or start rumours that thats a line of investigation.

Mr McCann, a cardiologist, said in the interview with Ms Bruce for the BBC: I think in this era of fake news it is extremely topical and I think people just need to think twice before they write and the effects it has.

Ms McCann said she and her husband stay away from social media and try to shield their twelve-year-old twins as much as possible.

The couple have received years of abuse because of their decision to leave their children sleeping alone in the apartment while they spent the evening in a nearby tapas bar with friends, taking turns to check on the children..

Mr McCann said of the abuse and accusations: Im 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 dont use social media, although we have used it in Madeleines campaign.

But for our twins who are growing up in an era where mobile technology is used all the time, we dont want them not to be able to use it in the same way that their peers do.

The couple, who are Catholics, said they still believe their daughter is alive because there is no evidence that she is dead.

Artists have produced impressions of how Maddie might look today, approaching her fourteenth birthday.

The McCanns hold up an image of how their daughter might look today, as a young teenager (LEON NEAL/AFP/GettyImages)

Four Metropolitan Police officers still work full-time to try and solve the case, which has attracted criticism from some that the force should not be spending so much money ten years on from the disappearance.

Ms McCann, who revealed she is working in medicine again although not as a GP, said she believes progress is still being made as there have been fresh lines of enquiry in the past five years.

Just keeping in mind actually how much progress we have made and you know nothings ever going to be quick enough from our point of view but the last five years, weve come a long way and there is progress and there are some very credible lines of enquiry that the police are working on and whilst theres no evidence to give us any negative news, you know, that hope is still there.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

A British spy plane was monitored through a mobile phone app as it carried out surveillance on Russian air defences.

Plane spotters were able to watch the 650m Rivet Joint through Flightradar24.com or Planefinder as it flew near the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, the Daily Mail reported.

They were able to monitor the aircrafts speed, flight number and route as it flew off the coast.

Radar pictures shared on social media suggest the RAF aircraft, which was accompanied by US spy planes and F-35A stealth fighters, flew within 60 miles of the Russian base at a speed of 478 knots.

Justin Bronk, from the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, told the paper the plane would have been 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 said.

He said the aircraft would have been monitoring Russian air defences and taking readings of their search radars.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The 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.

It comes after revelations more Nato fighter jets have been scrambled to monitor and intercept Russian planes than at any time since the Cold War.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Police forces are allowing perpetrators of domestic violence to escape justice by pushing responsibility for prosecutions on to victims, rather than building cases themselves, the police watchdog has warned.

Officers need to get on with their jobs and track down evidence so they can pursue cases against offenders without relying on vulnerable victims to provide testimony, according to Zoe Billingham, who leads on domestic violence for Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).

Forces are failing to use their powers to protect abuse victims, with the variations in standards between counties described by Ms Billingham as astonishing.

Recommended Thousands of domestic violence victims withdrawing from legal action

Her comments come after The Independent revealed that the numbers of domestic violence cases dropped by police after victims withdrew their support for prosecution rose dramatically last year.

Figures showed that more than 160,000 cases were dropped in 2016  a number that soared by almost 40 per cent on the previous 12 months.

The revelations prompted fears that cuts to policing and support services were undermining attempts to convict perpetrators of domestic violence.

Dire warnings about the treatment of vulnerable people by the police in previous years have led to officers taking a more victim-centred approach  a direction the HMIC broadly praised in a review of the nations policing published last month.

But Ms Billingham has now warned that taking this approach with victims of domestic violence was backfiring, inadvertently increasing the burden on vulnerable people.

We need to stop pushing responsibility onto the victim, Ms Billingham told The Independent.

The police need to be taking their responsibilities seriously and getting on with it.

They wouldnt tell a victim of burglary: Do you want us to do something about this? Would that ever happen? So why should that question be put  and we know it still is  to victims of domestic abuse?

She added: This balance between listening to what the victim says and actually getting on and doing your job is clearly being distorted in some areas and leading to all sorts of outcomes. The police have got to do their job. They have powers ... they need to use those powers.

Prime Minister Theresa May announced a review of the handling of domestic abuse cases in February, promising 20m in extra funding for specialist support services and pledging to transform the way the problem was addressed.

The Independent has highlighted a series of failings in the system, including the numbers of police charges being brought falling dramatically, as well the sharp increase in victims withdrawing their support for prosecutions.

In Hampshire in 2016, 63 per cent of victims dropped out from pressing charges, and in three other counties  Kent, Cleveland and North Yorkshire  more than half of victims did the same, information obtained from 34 of 39 police forces under freedom of information laws showed.

Meanwhile, in Derbyshire, only six per cent of victims withdrew their support for police action in 2016.

Ms Billingham said the disparity between regions demonstrated that cuts to police funding were not entirely to blame.

Recommended Police charges for domestic abuse plummet in one year

We are very worried about the number of victims not supporting police action and the variation [between police forces] is astonishing. Its clearly not acceptable, she said.

She called on the College of Policing, an organisation that sets policing standards to be much more clear about the guidance given to officers in cases where victims were unwilling or unable to cooperate and said police needed to get better at building cases against offenders.

Evidence from witnesses; forensic evidence and photographic evidence  we want to see more forces pushing for that and taking responsibility off the victim, the inspector said.

She added that body-worn cameras should be mandatory when police attend domestic violence incidents. Trials of the technology by the College of Policing have shown a significantly higher proportion of violent offenders charged when officers filmed their attendance at crime scenes.

Despite increased focus on protecting victims, there are still five forces that the HMIC considers inadequate in their handling of victims, and the watchdog says problems continue nationwide.

Abuse of authority for sexual gain by police officers was widespread, the HMIC said in a report released last week, with all but one force having at least one reported allegation. Over a third of these allegations  39 per cent  involved victims of domestic abuse.

Evidence has also emerged of officers downgrading the severity of domestic violence cases into less urgent categories, to ration resources.

In response to statements from Ms Billingham about the polices reliance on survivors testimony, Polly Neate, chief executive of Womens Aid, said: The job of the police is to build the case for the victim, not the other way around.

In domestic abuse cases, often too much weight is placed on the victim making a statement and then giving evidence, when the police have not taken advantage of other forms of evidence  for example, footage from body-worn cameras taken at the scene of the crime.

A woman may well feel unsafe to give evidence, and she may be right: it is very usual for abuse from the perpetrator and his network to continue even after separation. The first response a woman gets from the police  if it is the right response  can be the difference between life and death.

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

Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe, National Police Chiefs Council lead for domestic abuse, said officers must ensure that people are not being intimidated into dropping cases by abusive partners.

Where there is evidence of abuse we should be seeking to prosecute and, with the Crown Prosecution Service, we have tried and tested ways of supporting victims who are reluctant to progress with a prosecution, she said.

We have known for some time that many victims only report after suffering sustained abuse and we have now got much better at recording this accurately. Our data is improving and we are working to understand the issues identified by Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary.

If you think you may be experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone. Visit www.refuge.org.uk for support and information.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

A bed-ridden stroke victim was told to use food banks after an administrative error left him and his wife facing extreme poverty.

Alan Buchanan, 65, has been bed bound after suffering several major seizures since he had his first stroke 15 years ago, and the once successful businessman is now entirely dependent on his wife Heather and the occasional visits of carers.

The couple, from the small Scottish town of Callander, near Loch Lomond, said they now fear homelessness after their benefits were stopped because of an administrative error.

Earlier this year, Ms Buchanan said an inspector from Atos  a company contracted to provide independent assessments on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)  arrived two hours early for an assessment with Mr Buchanan, despite her phoning and specifically telling them not to arrive before 11am.

A lady came to the house at about nine in the morning. She said she was from Atos. I explained to her that I had asked for an appointment at 11am, because Alans carers are here before that," Ms Buchanan told The Independent.

I did ask her if shed like to come in, basically to show her that he was there, in his bed. She could see his wheelchair and everything else sitting about because we live in a very small flat. She said no its alright, well reschedule. Then she went away."

But Ms Buchanan said the inspector never called to rearrange the appointment and two weeks later, a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) arrived, cancelling Mr Buchanans benefits.

It said they would be getting nothing in their PIP, because they hadn't provided "a good enough reason for Mr Buchanan, who cannot get dressed or go to the toilet independently, "not attending" to the assessment.

Three days later, Ms Buchanan received another letter from the DWP saying her husband's Attendance Allowance, designed to help with personal care for disabled people aged 65 or over, would also be stopping.

Letter informing Ms Buchanan that her husband's Attendance Allowance would also be cancelled

They made a claim to the DWP to have the case reconsidered, and when Ms Buchanan asked officials for advice on what they should do if they were struggling, they were told to use the local food bank.

I couldn't believe it. I called up the DWP and asked what we should do in the meantime, because the money stopped, everything stopped, and I thought thats it, because the flats paid for through DWP benefit," said Ms Buchanan.

Its really difficult to communicate with the service because you speak to different people every time you phone, and they all seem to give out different information. The girl on the phone said she could only suggest that we ask for social welfare and use the local foodbank.

"My stomach hit the floor. Weve never asked for anything in our lives. Alan had his own business for 30 years. He travelled abroad, selling computing products in Indonesia, China, Turkey  everywhere.

Recommended People with mental health problems left behind due to benefit changes

He brought a lot of revenue into the country. And yet hes now really struggling, and its such a shame."

A week later, Ms Buchanan received another letter from the DWP, stating that it had looked again at the facts and evidence and considered the points [Ms Buchanan] raised and any new information provided, but that the DWP was unable to change the original decision.

It proceeded to state that if Ms Buchanan still disagreed with the decision, she appeal to an independent tribunal.

Despite pressure from Mr Buchanan's GP and social workers, the DWP did not reconsider until the case was raised in Parliament earlier this week by the couple's local MP, the SNP's Steve Paterson, who quizzed the Prime Minister on why the Government was "punishing vulnerable people" such as Mr and Ms Buchanan.

My constituent Mr Buchanan suffered several serious strokes and requires extensive care," Mr Buchanan told the House.

Recommended Disabled people more than two times as likely to live in food poverty

"He was deemed to have missed his Atos assessment appointment when the Atos inspector arrived earlier for that appointment, and his carers hadnt got him up yet.

His benefits were stopped. Why is this governments welfare regime punishing vulnerable people like my constituent?"

Responding, Theresa May admitted there had been "some issues" with the way the system of assessing people applying for benefits had operated, but insisted the DWP was looking "very carefully" to ensure "proper assessments" were taking place.

Mr Paterson told The Independent Mr Buchanan's case was a "damning indictment" of the "brutal benefits regime" under the current government, which he said left vulnerable people facing "uncompromising bureaucracy".

The fact that the UK Governments Department of Work and Pensions refused to allow any flexibility in dealing with Mr Buchanan's case is a damning indictment of the brutal benefits regime being administered by the Tory Government," he added.

The stopping of lifeline benefits seems to be the first and only step they are willing to take, and vulnerable people facing the most difficult of situations caring for loved ones are left to fight an uncompromising bureaucracy no matter how genuine their need.

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

My fear is that there are many others who have suffered the injustice of losing the benefits to which they are entitled due to the patently unfair and ruthless way in which the benefits system is run under the Tories.

Following Mr Paterson's action, Ms Buchanan was informed by the DWP who informed her that the matter will be resolved within a week, although she said she wasn't "holding out hope".

Close to tears, Ms Buchanan said: Its really hard. Alans condition as deteriorated rapidly in the last four years. Its not nice to see him like that. If we were without the benefits for the coming months, I would need a lot of help.

Had I not shouted about this, I wouldnt have known what to do or how to do it. You hit brick walls every way you run. The people you speak to at Atos can be very rude. It made me feel as if I was asking for something that we didnt deserve. It makes you feel very guilty.

Some of the people I see at support groups have given up. They dont go any further because of the stress and the strain. They say theyre at the lowest of the low. Nobody knows where to turn.
Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Conservatives have taken the lead over Labour in its traditional strongholds of Scotland and London, a new poll shows.

It suggests a surge for the Tories in Scotland, with 27 per cent of support against 16 per cent for Jeremy Corbyns Labour. The Scottish National Party (SNP) remains well ahead of both parties.

In the 2015 general election, Labour received 24 per cent of the vote, leaving the Conservatives in third place with 15 per cent.

The poll by ORB International for The Sunday Telegraph also shows Theresa Mays Conservatives is appealing to voters in other traditional Labour areas, with the Tories now ahead in London.

While Labour won 44 per cent of the votes in the capital in the last general election, the poll suggests the party will receive just 32 per cent of votes on 8 June, with 43 per cent for the Conservatives.

It comes after Ms May made her first appearance in Scotland as part of the election campaign on Saturday.

Addressing party activists in Aberdeenshire, the Prime Minister said the SNP was seeking to disrupt our Brexit negotiations by disrupting this election. She repeated now is not the time for a new vote.

Instead, she said that, if elected, she will be able to adopt a strong position in the Brexit negotiations, which will also benefit Scotland.

My message to the people of Scotland is clear  every vote for me and my team will strengthen my hand in the Brexit negotiations.

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

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, she said.

Research by YouGov for The Times echoed the ORB poll, putting support for the Conservatives in Scotland on 28 per cent, behind the SNP on 41 per cent.

The research also shows the proportion of Scots intending to vote Conservative is almost double the proportion that voted for them in 2015, pushing Labour back to third place with 18 per cent of voting intentions.

Projections indicated the Conservatives could win eight seats in Scotland, up from one at the moment.

The number of SNP MPs could also fall from 56 to 47 with the partys deputy leader Angus Robertson's own seat under threat.

YouGov expects Labours sole MP in Scotland Ian Murray to retain his Edinburgh South constituency.
Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Labour has gained in at least three polls just weeks before the general election, slashing the Tories' lead by as much as 10 points.

Jeremy Corbyns party is up by four points in the last week to 30 per cent support, found Opinium, while a separate YouGov poll between 27 and 28 April found that Labour was up two points to 31 per cent  both figures contributing to a smaller gap between the Tories and the Opposition.

A third poll for the Sunday Times showed the Tories had a 13-point lead with 44 percent of the vote, yet a YouGov poll gave the Tories a 23-point lead last week, showing a dip of 10 points.

When Theresa May announced a snap election from the steps of Downing Street she was cruising to victory, with a massive lead of 21 points over Labour, but a YouGov poll found last week that gap had already shrunk by seven points. Her current 17 point gap, down by two points from last week, still points to a sweeping victory come 8 June.

The changing numbers follow Ms Mays refusal to appear in any one-on-one televised debates with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, despite more than 119,000 people signing a petition calling on her to do so.

A Labour spokesman told The Independent: "Theresa May is hiding from the public and is too scared to debate Jeremy Corbyn.

"Labour is campaigning across the country, putting forward popular policies which will transform Britain in the interests of the many, not the few."

A comment from the Conservatives was not immediately forthcoming.

Mr Corbyn has been campaigning hard over the past couple of weeks, determined not to be accused of complacency as he was during the EU referendum. He has strived to show how his party would be different to the Conservatives regarding Brexit negotiations, and has offered a pay rise for NHS staff as well as an extra four bank holidays.

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

Ms May, who has repeatedly urged the UK to vote for a strong, stable Government, still holds the lead in the polls. Opinium showed she has 47 per cent voter support.

In a bid to ward off growing support for Labour, however, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson slammed Mr Corbyn as a threat to national security and said Mr Corbyn had no grasp of the need for Britain to be strong in the world.

Support for Liberal Democrats has dropped by three points to 8 per cent. Leader Tim Farron said at a campaign event this weekend that Mr Corbyn was the worst leader in history and vowed his party could replace Labour as the Opposition.

 Jeremy Corbyn slams Conservative and Ukip leaders in passionate speech

He told The Independent: I am proud that the Liberal Democrats are alone among parties in fighting Theresa Mays hard Brexit to keep Britain open, tolerant and united.

The Lib Dems have promised voters a second EU referendum before the final deal with EU states is signed.

His leadership, however, has also garnered controversy. Mr Farron, a Christian, was criticised for failing to give a direct answer to several news outlets as to whether he believed homosexuality was a sin. He has since said he does not believe it is a sin.

Ukip has been dropping in the polls week on week as voters defect to the Tories. The Opinium poll found the party has 7 per cent support, down two points over the last week. The right-wing party has rolled out its burqa ban proposals, which prompted outrage and accusations of racism, while leader Paul Nuttall was mocked for not applying the same ban to scarves in winter or balaclavas. He has since announced he will stand in the pro-Brexit constituency of Boston and Skegness. It is yet to be seen whether he can gather four million votes as the party did in 2015.

Meanwhile the Womens Equality Party, which has more than 65,000 registered members and supporters, is vying to oust Conservative MP Philip Davies from his seat in Shipley to gain its first seat in Parliament
Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

The Labour Party will end zero-hours contracts and unpaid internships if they win the general election, leader Jeremy Corbyn and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell have announced.

The public sector pay cap which has left workers facing a 1700 drop in annual pay by 2020 will also be scrapped, while the minimum wage will be raised to match the national living wage, or at least 10 per hour by 2020.

In a twenty-point plan published by LabourList, Mr Corbyn and Mr McDonnell lay out a raft of progressive policies to improve conditions for British workers and end what they call the "rigged economy".

Source: ONS

Public sector employees and workers in companies bidding for public contracts are told they will benefit from a new maximum pay cap under a Labour government, meaning the highest earners can earn no more than 20 times the salary of their lowest-earning employees.

Temporary and part-time employees will be granted the same legal rights as their full-time co-workers, the party leadership promises, while paternity leave will be doubled to four weeks and paternity pay increased.

Source: ONS

Mr McDonnell said: The cornerstone of the next Labour governments programme to bring an end to the rigged economy that many experience in workplaces across Britain.

The scandal of six million people earning less than the living wage and four million children growing up in poverty are not inevitable. It only takes a change of government to bring these outrages to an end.

Other policies in the plan include four new bank holidays across the UK, which currently has the fewest public holidays of any EU country, and measures giving trade unions more power to collectively bargain on behalf of workers.

The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Show all 11 1 /11 The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He called Hezbollah and Hamas friends True. In a speech made to the Stop the War Coalition in 2009, Mr Corbyn called representatives from both groups friends after inviting them to Parliament. He later told Channel 4 he wanted both groups, who have factions designated as international terror organisations, to be part of the debate for the Middle East peace process. I use (the word friends) in a collective way, saying our friends are prepared to talk, he added. Does it mean I agree with Hamas and what it does? No. Does it mean I agree with Hezbollah and what they do? No. Reuters The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn thinks the death of Osama bin Laden was a tragedy Partly false. David Cameron used this as a line of attack at the Conservative Party conference but appears to have left out all context from Mr Corbyns original remarks. In an 2011 interview on Iranian television, the then-backbencher said the fact the al-Qaeda leader was not put on trial was the tragedy, continuing: The World Trade Center was a tragedy, the attack on Afghanistan was a tragedy, the war in Iraq was a tragedy. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He is haunted by the legacy of his evil great-great-grandfather False. A Daily Express expose revealed that the Labour leaders ancestor, James Sargent, was the despotic master of a Victorian workhouse. Addressing the report at the Labour conference, Mr Corbyn said he had never heard of him before, adding: I want to take this opportunity to apologise for not doing the decent thing and going back in time and having a chat with him about his appalling behaviour. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn raised a motion about pigeon bombs in Parliament This one is true. On 21 May 2004, Mr Corbyn raised an early day motion entitled pigeon bombs, proposing that the House register being appalled but barely surprised that MI5 reportedly proposed to load pigeons with explosives as a weapon. The motion continued: The House believes that humans represent the most obscene, perverted, cruel, uncivilised and lethal species ever to inhabit the planet and looks forward to the day when the inevitable asteroid slams into the earth and wipes them out thus giving nature the opportunity to start again. It was not carried. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He rides a Communist bicycle False. A report in The Times referred to Mr Corbyn, known for his cycling, riding a Chairman Mao-style bicycle earlier this year. Less thorough journalists might have referred to it as just a bicycle, but no, so we have to conclude that whenever we see somebody on a bicycle from now on, there goes another supporter of Chairman Mao, he later joked. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn 'Jeremy Corbyn will appoint a special minister for Jews' False so far. The Sun report in December was allegedly based on a rumour passed to the paper by a Daily Express columnist who has written pieces critical of the Labour leader in the past. The minister did not materialise in his shadow cabinet. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn wishes Britain would abolish its Army False. Another gem from The Sun took comments made at a Hiroshima remembrance parade in August 2012 where Mr Corbyn supported Costa Ricas move to abolish it armed forces. Wouldnt it be wonderful if every politician around the worldabolished the army and took pride in the fact that they dont have an army, he added. The caveat that every politician must take the step suggests Mr Corbyn does not support UK disarmament just yet. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn stole sandwiches meant for veterans False. The Guido Fawkes blog claimed that the Labour leader took sandwiches meant for veterans at at Battle of Britain memorial service in September but a photo later emerged showing him being handed one by Costa volunteers, who later confirmed they were given to all guests. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He missed the induction into the Queens privy council True. After much speculation about Mr Corbyns republican views and willingness to bow to the monarch, his office confirmed that he did not attend the official induction to the privy council because of a prior engagement, but did not rule out joining the body. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn refuses to sing the national anthem. Partly true. The Labour leader was filmed standing in silence as God Save the Queen was sung at a Battle of Britain remembrance service but will reportedly sing it in future. Mr Corbyn was elusive on the issue in an interview, saying he would show memorials respect in the proper way, but sources said he would sing the anthem at future occasions. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cheese True. The group lists its purpose as the following: To increase awareness of issues surrounding the dairy industry and focus on economic issues affecting the dairy industry and producers.

Recent YouGov polling puts Labour 13 points behind the Tories, on 31 per cent to their rivals 44 per cent. That puts Labour at about the same share of the vote they picked up during Ed Milibands unexpected defeat in 2015, but the Tories are projected to make gains thanks to a collapse in support for Ukip.

Several of the policies in the new economic platform echo promises made by Mr Miliband in the run-up to the previous election. For example, he promised workers would have a legal right to a full contract after 12 weeks of work, vowing to end the epidemic of zero-hours contracts.

Speaking on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, Theresa May gave her clearest indication yet that she could scrap the Tory pledge not to raise certain taxes.

 John McDonnell claims Labour will only raise income tax on highest earners

The Prime Minister told Marr: We have absolutely no plans to increase the level of tax but Im also very clear that we dont want to make specific proposals on taxes unless Im absolutely sure that I can deliver on those.

But it would be my intention as a Conservative government and as a Conservative prime minister to reduce the taxes on working families.

And if you've got strong and stable leadership that's absolutely what you can do.

The British public will have their say when they go to the polls on 8 June.
Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Labours Clive Lewis and Rachael Maskell have called for a second referendum on the final terms of the UKs exit from the European Union, putting themselves directly at odds with the party leadership.

Mr Lewis, who is seen as a potential future leader, and who voted against holding the general election, wrote in a joint article with the shadow Environment Secretary in The Guardian that holding a second referendum would heal divisions.

We understand why the Labour frontbench does not want to commit to [a second vote] now, they wrote.

That destination is only now beginning to appear on the horizon. Its one in which we are likely to endure severe economic consequences for leaving the single market with no EU trade agreement, while we pursue a pumped-up free-market alternative with Donald Trump. How many leave voters envisaged that?

So giving the British people a chance to seal the deal with a vote on the final terms of the Brexit negotiations is not asking the same question twice. How can it be? We stand on the precipice of a new and vastly changed political and economic reality. If they really believe their own rhetoric, even Tory Brexiteers should welcome a chance to put their Brexit before the people and get their support.

Mr Lewis had been shadow Defence Secretary, but resigned shortly after it came to light that his conference speech had been amended without his knowledge to remove the commitment to renewing Trident, an official party policy that had been voted on at conference.

When Mr Corbyn launched Labours election campaign last week, his office issued a statement which said: A second referendum is not our policy and it wont be in our manifesto.

The article goes on to state: We believe a Labour deal with the EU would be very different from a Tory Brexit in terms of national security, jobs, workers rights, environmental protections and tariff-free trade at the very least. But we should not arrogantly assume the deal we secure is what the British people want  and the public may want the final say over a Labour Brexit too.

So we believe that they should be given the choice of which direction their country takes, once our alternatives can be clearly seen. Anything less will see our country hopelessly divided long into the future  something that surely no government would want.
Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Theresa May is facing fresh accusations of hiding from voters after a campaign event held in Scotland was publicly listed as a childrens birthday party.

Bemused locals in Aberdeenshire had been unable to find the location of the Prime Ministers visit, which was not advertised in advance.

It was only after Ms May spoke to assembled supporters at Crathes village hall that they discovered it had been booked out as a child party between 10am and 5pm.

Kevin Newell, 34, said he was shocked to find the listing on the venues website hours after attempting to put serious questions to the Prime Minister.

There were a whole load of us who wanted to go and question her on a lot of important policies and issues, he told The Independent.

Its been so secretive, they are supposed to be holding these big rallies but all shes doing is hiding in little village halls, not saying they are going to be there.

So theres no one apart from local Conservative activists standing there and boosting her ego even more.

Its quite pathetic really  for the Prime Minister of the UK to be hiding in a village hall in rural Aberdeenshire.

On Sunday morning, the Prime Minister restated her position that she would not be taking part in TV debates, telling ITV's Robert Peston: The sort of campaign I want to run is one that is about getting out and about getting across the whole country, meeting people from all sorts of communities, communities that have felt people have ignored them, and not taken their concerns seriously.

Asked specifically about concerns that local people in Crathes were ignored even when the Prime Minister had visited the community yesterday, a party spokesperson told The Independent: The Prime Minister has visited cities, large and small towns and yesterday she visited a rural community. She has been in the three nations of Great Britain since the start of the campaign. In contrast Corbyn yesterday ventured all of two miles from his own house to give a speech about himself.

The event came just days after Jeremy Corbyn accused Ms May of hiding from the public at another engagement in Derbyshire, after it emerged that staff were barred from the workplace for the rally.

The Labour leader said Ms Mays refusal to face real voters on the campaign trail was showing contempt for the public and suggested she was scared of them.

Prime Minister Theresa May delivers a speech while on the election campaign trail in the village of Crathes, Aberdeenshire. (PA)

Theresa May is hiding from the public  she wont take part in TV debates and she wont talk to voters, Mr Corbyn added.

Refusing to debate Labour in this election isnt a sign of strength, its a sign of weakness. What is she afraid of?

Recommended Poll gives Conservatives lead over Labour in Scotland and London

The Prime Minister only faced questions from journalists at Clay Cross in Derbyshire, before she was taken to an event at a business centre in Leeds  after staff had left for the day.

Photos from Crathes showed the small village hall seemingly packed with supporters, including several holding placards bearing election slogans.

The Conservative Partys press office had hailed the event on Twitter, also saying the Prime Minister had managed to visit the three nations of Great Britain since calling the snap election.

Ms May told the crowd they were approaching the most important election of her lifetime, hitting out at the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Labour for disrupting Brexit negotiations.

Describing her leadership as stable eight times, the Prime Minister said the Tories would help Scotland flourish as much as other parts of the UK.

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

We want to ensure that we build a more secure and united nation, she added.

That means taking action against the extremists who would divide us and standing up against the separatists who want to break up our country.

The location for the Prime Ministers pitch was so remote that television channels were unable to broadcast live and journalists complained of a lack of mobile signal.

Despite a surge led by Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson in the Scottish Parliament, there is still only one Conservative MP in Parliament  but Ms May is hoping to increase the number amid poor poll showings for Labour.

Nicola Sturgeon reacted to Ms 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.

Mr Corbyn accused the Prime Minister of slipping into a presidential bunker mentality, reliant on sound bites and squeezing dissent while claiming her attitude could lead to damaging mistakes for the country.

The Conservative Party could not immediately be reached for comment.
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Theresa May was publicly accused of hiding" from the people during her visit to Scotland to urge voters to choose a Conservative government and stay part of the UK.

Video footage shows the Prime Minister getting out of her car and meeting Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, and they smiled for the cameras while ignoring the calls of a group of protesters.

"May, meet the people," they called out.

Ms May told Ms Davidson in a video, filmed privately behind a fence, "Its great to be in Scotland because as we look ahead to this general election, really, it is, I think, the most important general election the UK has faced in my lifetime. Every single vote is going to count.

Ms May has refused to appear in one-on-one televised debates with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and her other rivals, despite more than 119,000 people signing a petition which calls on her to participate.

Ms Mays visit to oil and gas companies in Aberdeenshire will have done little to thaw frosty relations with Scotlands SNP leadership and voter base which is battling against a Tory-led government in Westminster.

Her party has seen increased support among the voter base in Scotland, however, with a third of Scottish voters claiming they would back the Conservatives in the election, according to a Panelbase poll. The poll surveyed 1,029 resident adult voters between 18 and 21 April.

My message to the people of Scotland is clear - every vote for me and my team will strengthen my hand in the Brexit negotiations, Ms May told a group of supporters at the Scotland campaign event.

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.

The Panelbase poll found that support for independence in Scotland is at 45 per cent, the same level as in 2014, while 41 per cent of those surveyed favour independence if Scotland remains inside the EU.

While the Tories retain a 17-point national lead in the polls over Labour, the margin of victory has narrowed in the past two weeks, according to research by YouGov and Opinium.

Ms May has been widely criticised by the Scottish National Party and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for not granting the Scots permission to hold a second independence referendum between 2018 and 2019. Ms May claimed that now was not the time, and within weeks she had announced a snap election on 8 June, arguing that Westminster must be "unified" before Brexit negotiations begin.

A Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times Scotland found that 52 per cent of voters believe the Ms May should not block a referendum if Ms Sturgeon retains a majority of seats for promising such a vote in her manifesto.

The last time the two leaders met to discuss Brexit, the Daily Mail produced its infamous Who won Legs-it? front page, which Ms Sturgeon called out for proving how far women had to go before they achieved equal rights, but which Ms May described as a bit of fun.

Nicola Sturgeon clashes with Ruth Davidson over a second independence referendum

Her party has also been criticised for instating the new two-child cap for families receiving child tax credits, and invoking the so-called rape clause, which means a woman can still receive credits if she claims that she conceived her third child as a result of sexual assault. The clause was branded as disgusting by Ms Sturgeon and the issue was debated in Holyrood last week while their colleagues in Westminster mostly remained silent.

The most recent SNP gripe with the Conservatives has been the party's use of the fishing industrys demise, one reason people voted to leave the EU, as a bargaining chip in Brexit negotiations.

In the wider UK context, the fishermen must be regarded as expendable, Ms Sturgeon quoted the Conservatives.

The SNP stands up for fishing, the Tories sell them out, she said.

The SNP also grilled Ms May in Westminster last week over whether the Prime Minister would ensure the triple lock guarantee on state pensions, arguing a failure in this regard would disproportionately impact women pensioners.

Ms May insisted under her Government that incomes for pensioners would increase.
Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Tony Blair has admitted he finds it hard to be hated by some people. The former Prime Minister, who swept to power on a surge of popularity 20 years ago, also insisted the image of him concentrating on making money around the world since he left office in 2007 was wrong.

Asked how he felt about being considered toxic by some and hated by others, Mr Blair told GQ magazine: "Yep, it's hard. It's all about coming to terms with the fact that when you're running for power you can be all things to all people.

"But when you achieve power you have to make decisions and when that happens, and the process of government is your life, you become less popular."

The former PM said he should have communicated more after he left power because his silence had allowed others to portray him in a bad light. "That was definitely a mistake. If you read about what I have been doing these last 10 years you'd think I have just been going round the world making money when I have spent the vast bulk of my time in the Middle East, in Africa, on the things I believe in."

Mr Blair, who has been widely criticised over the Anglo-American invasion of Iraq in 2003, described the current situation in Syria as a "hideous blot" on Western foreign policy.

"When the Arab Spring began, what I said to people was be very careful because you have been through a situation in Iraq and Afghanistan where you have removed a dictatorship but then the problems begin.

Recommended Tony Blair puts on bizarre Italian accent on TV talk show Unspun

"So, if you can evolve a transition, do that. My view on Syria and Libya was it would have been better to have agreed a process of transition, so if you could cut a deal, which I think you could have, with Gaddafi, or Assad, for transition, that would be better.

"Then having said you wanted them to go, you had to get them out. And the problem with what we have done in Syria is that we have insisted he go, but then not made him go. And the inevitability therefore of a civil war as a result of that was, I'm afraid, very clear.

"He was going to fight to stay and then the Russians and the Iranians came in on his side and propped him up. But what has happened in Syria in my view is a hideous blot on Western foreign policy."

The most iconic images from the war in Iraq Show all 20 1 /20 The most iconic images from the war in Iraq The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman HM1 Richard Barnett, assigned to the 1st Marine Division, holds an Iraqi child in central Iraq, March 29, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An explosion rocks Baghdad during air strikes March 21, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi woman watches U.N. weapons inspectors leave Saddam airport in Baghdad March 18, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi girl holds her sister as she waits for her mother (R) to bring over food bought in Basra March 29, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. Marine Corp Assaultman Kirk Dalrymple watches as a statue of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein falls in central Baghdad's Firdaus Square, April 9, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq US Marines kick in a door while securing a building next to the main hospital in central Baghdad April 15, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq A soldier of U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division (Task Force Ironhorse) searches through dense vegetation around the Diala river where Iraqi militants are hiding outside Baquba early November 13, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi detainee gestures toward U.S. soldiers through bars of his cell at Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad May 17, 2004 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq Mays, a young Iraqi Shi'ite girl, cries after a mortar shell which landed outside the family's home in a Najaf residential area injured her uncle August 18, 2004 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. Marines carry an injured colleague to a helicopter near the city of Falluja, November 10, 2004 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi man suspected of having explosives in his car is held after being arrested by the U.S army near Baquba, Iraq, October 15, 2005 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq A wounded Iraqi woman is helped after several bomb attacks in central Baghdad, July 27, 2006 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq A man runs down a street warning people to flee shortly after a twin car bomb attack at Shorja market in Baghdad, February 12, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi girl holds her hands up while U.S. and Iraqi soldiers search her family house in Baquba early June 30, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi woman tries to explain that she has nothing to do with illegal fuel as soldiers from the 2nd battalion, 32nd Field Artillery brigade patrol search for illegal fuel sellers in Baghdad August 6, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. President George W. Bush (L) walks in front of Humvees with Defense Secretary Robert Gates (C) and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice following remarks to the press after nightfall at Al-Asad airbase in Anbar Province September 3, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. soldiers blindfold an Iraqi man after arresting him during a night patrol at the Zafraniya neighborhood, southeast of Baghdad September 4, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi baby lies in a cradle while a woman argues with U.S. soldiers of 1/8 Bravo Company searching for weapons, explosives and information about militants in the area during a foot patrol in a neighbourhood of Mosul June 26, 2008 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq Policemen cry during a funeral of their colleague a day after a bomb attack in Baghdad's Jihad district November 3, 2010 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq Staff Sgt. Keith Fidler kisses his wife Cynthia, as their son Kolin looks on, during a homecoming ceremony in New York, April 8, 2011 for the New York Army National Guard's 442nd Military Police Company's return from Iraq Reuters

The ex-PM criticised people who compare US President Donald Trump to some of history's worst dictators. "The comparisons with Hitler and Stalin are ridiculous. However, as I said openly during the campaign, I would have backed Hillary Clinton. You can assume what my views are."

Mr Blair also warned Scotland about opting to break away from the UK, stating: "I do not think independence is sensible for Scotland even if Brexit happens."

Press Association
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Labour could win an election at any point it wants to, Tony Blair has said, as he mounted a passionate defence of his record in government and urged his party to return to the centre ground.

The former prime minister was speaking days before the 20-year anniversary of New Labours 1997 landslide election victory that delivered the party a majority of 179.

It comes as opinion polls forecast a huge Conservative win in the general election on 8 June. While the gap is closing, the Tories currently have a lead of between 15 and 20 points.

Recommended Tony Blair says Theresa May will win general election

Mr Blair warned Labour must not return to the point in 1983 where people spoke about the Labour Partyas if the gods had decreed that, unfortunately, there can now only be Tory governments.

One of the remarks that really made an impact on me in the 1980s was when Michael Heseltine was asked whether Labour would win again, the former prime minister told The Observer.

And he said: Labour will win when it wants to. And I thought at the time that was a very profound remark because the Labour party can win at any point in time it wants to get back to winning ways. Its just got to make a decision that its going to do it.

Its certainly true we dont have a God-given right to carry on as a competing party of government. But theres no reason why Labour cant become the repository of that new coalition of progressive forces that is available to us in todays society and which is basically the same progressive coalition that brought us to power in 1997.

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

In an apparent reference to Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Blair said forcing people to choose between a hard left Labour Party and a hard Brexit Tory party would leave many voters homeless.

For progressive politics to win, its got to be constantly modernising the application of its traditional values, he said. In a world thats defined by accelerating change, the progressives have got to be the leaders of that change. The New Labour attitude, the New Labour mindset is not just as relevant today, its even more relevant today.

He highlighted the rise of centrist Emmanuel Macron, who polls suggest will be elected as the next French president in the 7 May run-off, as an inspiration for Labour.

The broad lesson is the centre ground is still strong and if you provide people with a progressive centre-ground alternative theyll vote for it, he said.

Mr Blair insisted he was proud of his record in government and listed a number of Labours achievements during his time in office. He bemoaned the tragedy of people within the party criticising its record rather than highlighting its successes.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trump invited Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte to the White House during a phone call on Saturday that also addressed concerns over North Korea, the White House said in a statement.

The White House gave no details of when the leaders would meet in Washington to discuss their alliance, but said Mr Trump looked forward to visiting the Philippines in November as part of two summits with other Asian nations.

Mr Duterte's spokesman says the US President called and expressed Washington's commitment to their treaty alliance and his interest in developing "a warm, working relationship" with Mr Duterte.

Presidential spokesman Ernie Abella also said on Sunday that Mr Trump mentioned he was looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November, and that Mr Trump invited Mr Duterte to visit the White House.

mr Abella's remarks reflect the friendlier attitude Mr Duterte has taken toward Mr Trump versus the antagonistic stance he had toward President Barack Obama, who he once told to "go to hell" for criticising the Philippine leader's bloody anti-drug crackdown.

Reuters, AP
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

The former US Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden has described the moment he claims he shot the al-Qaeda leader dead.

Robert ONeill, who claims to have fired the fatal bullets, has for the first time published a detailed account of the mission that lead to the 9/11 mastermind being gunned down in a secure compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in May 2011.

In a dramatic extract from his new book, The Operator, published in the Mirror, the former Seal described the moment he fired two shots at Bin Laden and split open his head.

I turned to the right and looked into an adjoining room, he said. Osama bin Laden stood near the entrance at the foot of the bed, taller and thinner than Id expected, his beard shorter and hair whiter.

He had a woman in front of him, his hands on her shoulders. In less than a second, I aimed above the womans right shoulder and pulled the trigger twice. Bin Ladens head split open and he dropped. I put another bullet in his head. Insurance.

Mr ONeill also recounted the tense moments as the elite Seal team landed outside the compound under the cover of darkness. One of the helicopters carrying the unit was forced to make a crash landing, and the team initially failed to break into the compound.

Within seconds of jumping from the chopper, the breacher attached a seven-foot charge of C-6 to the gate in front of us and blew it, he said. The metal gate peeled open like a tin can. Behind it was a solid brick wall. The breacher said: Failed breach. This is bad. No, this is good, I said. Thats a fake door. That means hes in there.

As we entered, it was all dawning on me: Holy s***, were here, thats Bin Ladens house. This is so cool. Were probably not going to live, but this is historic and Im going to savour this.

Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with US national security officials as soldiers carry out the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden (White House)

The Seal team advanced through the three-floor compound, tying up any women and children they encountered. It later emerged that Bin Ladens four wives and 17 of his children were living there.

Revealed: The CIA mastermind who cornered Bin Laden Show all 2 1 /2 Revealed: The CIA mastermind who cornered Bin Laden Revealed: The CIA mastermind who cornered Bin Laden 620672.bin AP Revealed: The CIA mastermind who cornered Bin Laden 620716.bin AP

At one stage, while making their way through the house, the team encountered Bin Laden's youngest son, 23-year-old Khalid, on a landing, before he ran behind a banister.

He did not know that the intruders were American, so, ONeill said, the Seal team leader whispered to him in Arabic, saying: Khalid, come here.

As he poked his head round the corner and said What?, he was shot in the head  a moment Mr ONeill recounted in graphic detail.

That was his final word, he said. The point man shot him in the face. The bullet entered above the chin and exited out the back of his head. Khalid dropped.

Mr ONeill also described the anxieties of the soldiers carrying out the raid. At one point, a Seal shot a woman who he said had jumped in front of a man he was firing at. Am I going to be in trouble?, the soldier asked his friend.

Mr ONeill said that, after firing the shots that killed Bin Laden, his mind went blank until one of his colleagues, arriving in the room, turned to him and said: You just killed Osama bin Laden.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Tom Hanks has explained why he donated an espresso machine to the press corps at Donald Trump's White House, continuing a personal tradition which dates back to 2004, in an effort to help reporters "keep up the good fight for truth, justice and the American Way".

Speaking on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Hollywood star said: "I've done that for Democrats and Republican administrations because those poor b******* need coffee."

The show's host replied: "I think this president might be keeping them up anyway."

Mr Hanks continued: "I have a feeling the problem now is there's an awful lot of spit coffee on people's laps..." He then impersonated a shocked journalist spitting out a mouthful of hot drink, gasping: "'Are you kidding me?' I think that might be happening."

The machine was accompanied with a typewritten note, addressed "to the White House Press Corps" and urging them to keep up the "good fight... especially for the truth part".

It was the third time the Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump and Toy Story actor has made such a gift. He first made a donation when touring the White House under George Bush's presidency in 2004, professing himself baffled at the lack of a decent coffee machine in the press room.

Returning in 2010 during Barack Obamas first term in office., he reportedly asked: How is it holding up? Do you need another one? Im going to get you another espresso machine. Let me see what I can do for the poor slobs of the Fourth Estate here.

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

Earlier this year, a crowdfunding campaign to send pizza to newsrooms across the nation tasked with holding the new President to account raised nearly $8000 (6000) in two days.

Recommended Watch the White House Correspondents Dinner host tear into Trump

A mission statement for the campaign said: "There are awards and paychecks and recognition, but many times those forms of compensation fail to match the level of dedication and sacrifice that goes into the work."

But these stunts have attracted a wave of criticism for being self-indulgent, with the Washington Post's Mike Madden saying: "What a waste of money. Don't buy pizza for well-paid journalists."

President Trump and the mainstream press have been at loggerheads since the billionaire tycoon took office 100 days ago. His Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, used his first meeting with the press corps to lecture reporters for "engag[ing] in deliberately false reporting", and refused to take any questions.

This week, the President was absent from the White House Correspondents Dinner, in a near-unprecedented break with tradition.

The event normally involves light-hearted jokes from both the President and reporters, but President Trump refused to attend for the first time since Ronald Reagan was forced to skip the dinner following an assassination attempt.

White House Correspondents Association head Jeff Mason told the crowd: "We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do. We are not fake news. We are not failing news organisations. And we are not the enemy of the American people."
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

President Donald Trump has said that he believes China's president has been putting pressure on North Korea as it pursues its missile and nuclear weapons programmes - but when asked about whether another nuclear test would mean a military response from the US, Mr Trump said "I don't know...we'll see".

In an interview with CBS programme Face the Nation Mr Trump said 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, Mr Trump responded: I don't know. I mean, we'll see.

Recommended North Korea threatens to sink US nuclear submarine

Asked about the failure of the recent missile tests, Mr Trump said: Perhaps they're just not very good missiles. But eventually, he'll have good missiles.

Refusing to elaborate on US military options because we shouldn't be announcing all our moves, Mr Trump added: It is a chess game. I just don't want people to know what my thinking is.

He called the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un a pretty smart cookie for being able to hold onto power after taking over the reclusive Asian nation at a young age.

People are saying, 'Is he sane?' I have no idea.... but he was a young man of 26 or 27... when his father died, " Mr Trump said. He's dealing with obviously very tough people, in particular the generals and others.

And at a very young age, he was able to assume power. A lot of people, I'm sure, tried to take that power away, whether it was his uncle or anybody else. And he was able to do it. So obviously, he's a pretty smart cookie, Mr Trump added.

On Saturday, a North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch, the third test-fire flop this month but a clear message of defiance. 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 potentially the US mainland.

In pictures: North Korea military drill Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: North Korea military drill In pictures: North Korea military drill North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video

The launch comes at a point of particularly high tension in the region. Mr Trump has sent a nuclear-powered submarine and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters and North Korea last week conducted large-scale, live-fire exercises on its eastern coast. The U.S. and South Korea also started installing a missile defence system that is supposed to be partially operational within days and their two navies are staging joint military drills.

Residents in the village of Seongj, where the missile defence system is being installed, scuffled with police on Sunday. About 300 protesters faced off against 800 police and succeeded in blocking two US Army oil trucks from entering the site, local media reported. A few residents were injured or fainted from the scuffle and were transported to a hospital.

The Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD), remains a controversial topic in South Korea and presidential front-runner Moon Jae-in even has vowed to reconsider the deployment if he wins a presidential election in May. He has said that the security benefits of THAAD would be offset by worsened relations with China, which is the country's biggest trading partner and is opposed to its deployment.

Mr Trump raised eyebrows in South Korea last week when he said would make Seoul pay $1 billion for the missile defence system. Seoul's presidential Blue House said on Sunday that White House National Security Adviser HR McMaster confirmed that the U.S. will not be seeking money for the system.

North Korea didn't immediately comment on its latest missile launch, though its state media has reiterated the country's goal of being able to strike the continental U.S.

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 UN Security Council and others if it continues to reject denuclearisation and play with fire in front of the world, the ministry said.

 Donald Trump warns major, major conflict with North Korea is absolutely possible

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 44 miles (71 kilometres) 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 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 travelled about 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 on 16 April, 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 on 5 April, which US officials identified as a Scud variant, also might have been a KN-17. That missile is said to have 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, Mr 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 Saturday's missile was fired in the west, from an area near Pukchang, just north of the capital, Pyongyang.

Pope Francis warned that a good part of humanity will be destroyed if tensions with North Korea escalate, and he called for diplomacy and a revived United Nations to take the lead in negotiating a resolution.

Pope Francis was asked as he travelled back to Rome from Egypt about North Korean ballistic missile tests and U.S. warnings of catastrophic consequences if the world fails to stop them.

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 said.

Associated Press
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

The stand-off between the US and North Korea could be like a Cuban missile crisis in slow motion according to Senator John McCain, with Donald Trump once again dancing around the subject of military action.

Mr McCain and Mr Trump were two of a number of politicians and Trump Administration officials to make appearances on US television on Sunday  a day after a North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch, the third test-fire failure in April.

That launch has been seen as a clear act of defiance, after weeks of rising tensions in the region over the threat posed by North Korea.

Ballistic missile tests by the country are banned by the United Nations because they're seen as part of the North's push for a nuclear-tipped missile that can eventually hit the US mainland. The threat of such missiles also has North Koreas regional neighbours, South Korea, China and Japan, on high alert.

Mr Trump  speaking in an interview with CBS programme Face the Nation - said that he believed Chinas President Xi Jinping, North Koreas major ally in the region, was putting pressure on the regime in Pyongyang, but was coy about the use of US military force against the country.

Mr Trump said that he did not say North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un should not test a missile, but that Mr Kim knows further such action would not make the US happy, or, he believes, Mr Xi either.

Asked if that means military action if it happens, Mr Trump responded: I don't know. I mean, we'll see.

Asked about the failure of a number of the missile launches, Mr Trump also refused to give much away. He said he would rather not discuss [the launches]. But perhaps they're just not very good missiles. But eventually, he'll have good missiles.

In pictures: North Korea military drill Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: North Korea military drill In pictures: North Korea military drill North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video

Mr Trump also told the show he was not going to talk about US military options with North Korea because we shouldn't be announcing all our moves. It is a chess game. I just don't want people to know what my thinking is. So eventually, he will have a better delivery system. And if that happens, we can't allow it to happen.

Turning his attention to Mr Kim, Mr Trump called the North Korean leader, a pretty smart cookie for being able to hold onto power after taking over at a young age. However, the President added: People are saying, 'Is he sane?' I have no idea.

 President Trump coy on possibility of military action against North Korea

In a nod to the fluctuating rhetoric of the President and his team  which has moved from bombast to varying degrees of caution  Mr McCain told CNN that it might be better at times to watch what the President does, rather than what he says. Although he agreed that China was the key to averting conflict.

China can put the brakes on this", Mr McCain said, because he does not believe Kim Jong-un will do this by himself.

Asked if he thought Mr Trump was preparing a pre-emptive strike on North Korea, Mr McCain said: I dont think so but, as somebody said, this could be a Cuban missile crisis in slow motion.

Speaking to Fox News, Mr Trumps national security adviser, Army Lt. Gen. HR McMaster, said North Korea's most recent missile test represents open defiance of the international community. He says North Korea poses a grave threat not just to the United States and its Asian allies, but also to China.

Mr McMaster added that it was important for all of us to confront this regime, this regime that is pursuing the weaponisation of a missile with a nuclear weapon. This is something that we know we cannot tolerate.

Mr McMaster said that Mr Trump has made clear that he is going to resolve this issue one way or the other, and what we prefer to do is to work with others.

That means, he said, working with partners in the region and globally on enforcing current UN sanctions and perhaps ratcheting up those sanctions even further. And it also means being prepared for military operations if necessary.

Mr Trump spoke with the leaders of Singapore and Thailand on Sunday, inviting both to the White House. Mr Trump also spoke to Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte about North Korea on Saturday, according White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, adding that Mr Trump was in regular contact with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and that the president had become very close to Mr Xi.

Mr Priebus said the conversations were prompted by the potential for nuclear and massive destruction in Asia and eventually in the United States.

The North Korea missile launch comes after Mr Trump sent a nuclear-powered submarine and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters.

 John McCain calls Kim Jong Un 'a crazy fat kid'

The US and South Korea also started installing a missile defence system that is supposed to be partially operational within days and their two navies are also staging joint military drills.

The Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence system (THADD), remains a controversial topic in South Korea and presidential front-runner Moon Jae-in even has vowed to reconsider the deployment if he wins a presidential election next month.

Mr Trump raised eyebrows in South Korea last week when he said he would make Seoul pay $1bn for the missile defence system, but Seoul's presidential Blue House said on Sunday that the White House National had confirmed that the US will not be seeking money for the system.

Analysts say the missile apparently fired by North Korea on Friday was a KN-17, a new Scud-type missile developed by North Korea. The North fired the same type of missile on 16 April, just a day after a massive military parade where it showed off its expanding missile arsenal, but US officials called that launch a failure, just as another launch on 5 April was.

The two earlier launches were conducted from an eastern coastal area, but Friday's missile was fired in the west, from an area near Pukchang, just north of the capital, Pyongyang.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Protesters were kicked out of a Donald Trump after they threw Russian flags into the air as he began a speech marking his 100th day as President.

Speaking in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mr Trump celebrated his initial achievements and lashed out at critics.

As the President attacked the "incompetent, dishonest" media, protesters waved Russian flags emblazoned with the word "Trump."

The protesters were later dragged out of the protests.

"That's right get 'em out of here," Mr Trump said. "Get 'em out."

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 Trump's campaign is currently under investigation for alleged ties to Russia.

Protesters have previously waved Russian flags as he gave a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington.

 Donald Trump reads poem 'The Snake' to warn of danger of accepting immigrants

The President used his speech to compare immigrants to a treacherous snake that bites its host.

Mr Trump read the lyrics of Al Wilson's 1968 song "The Snake," in which a woman takes an ill snake into her home only for it to bite her once it has recovered.

He also paused to point out to his audience it was a metaphor for "the border."

Mr Trump told the crowd he was just getting started on meeting his campaign promises and said the media were not telling the truth about his administration's accomplishments.

"My administration has been delivering every single day for the great citizens of our country," he said.

"We are keeping one promise after another, and frankly the people are really happy about it."

The rally occurred on the same day as a climate march at which thousands of protesters surrounded the White House, and it also coincided with the annual black-tie White House press dinner in Washington.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

US President Donald Trump has said that he has 'no idea' if North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un is sane, amid escalating tensions over the threat from the country's nuclear weapons programme.

But, speaking to CBS, Mr Trump said that Mr Kim must be a "pretty smart cookie" to keep hold of power in his country.

People are saying, 'Is he sane?' I have no idea.... but he was a young man of 26 or 27... when his father died. He's dealing with obviously very tough people, in particular the generals and others.

And at a very young age, he was able to assume power. A lot of people, I'm sure, tried to take that power away, whether it was his uncle or anybody else. And he was able to do it. So obviously, he's a pretty smart cookie, Mr Trump said.

The comments come after North Korea launched a mid-range ballistic missile on Saturday, which broke up a few minutes after launch, the third test-fire that failed in April. The programme's repeated failures over the past few years have given rise to suspicions of US sabotage.

In pictures: North Korea military drill Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: North Korea military drill In pictures: North Korea military drill North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video

In the interview with Face the Nation, the President was asked why North Korea's rockets keep blowing up.

I'd rather not discuss it, Mr Trump said. But perhaps they're just not very good missiles. But eventually, he'll have good missiles.

He added: And if that happens, we can't allow it to happen.

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 weapon that can hit the US mainland. North Korea's regional neighbours South Korea, China and Japan are also on high alert.

 President Trump coy on possibility of military action against North Korea

Elsewhere, Mr Trump's National Security Adviser, Lt. Gen. HR McMaster said that Trump has made clear that he is going to resolve this issue one way or the other, but that the President's preference is to work with China and others to resolve it without military action.

That means, Lt. Gen. McMaster said, working to enforce current UN sanctions and perhaps ratcheting them up. And it also means being prepared for military operations if necessary, he added.

The blitz of television coverage comes amid weeks of escalating tensions over the actions of North Korea, with the Trump administration never decisively saying that military action would be forthcoming.

When asked, Mr Trump said Mr Kim will eventually develop better missiles, and we can't allow it to happen.

But, the President would not discuss the possibility of military action - saying "I don't know...we'll see" when asked if another missile launch by North Korea would mean retaliation. He added: It is a chess game. I just don't want people to know what my thinking is.

Agencies contributed to this report
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

The veteran journalists who first uncovered the Watergate scandal have spoken out against Donald Trumps attacks on the media, warning the US President against undermining the countrys free press.

Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodwards investigations led to the indictments of a number of White House officials and, eventually, the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.

Speaking at length at the White House Correspondents Dinner, the duo talked about the growing tension between the White House and the media, with Bernstein emphasising the importance of strong reporting especially now.

Donald Trump was not present to hear the comments, instead holding a rally of his supporters. It was the first time a President has not attended the first White House Correspondents Dinner of their tenure since 1981. Then, Ronald Reagan was recovering from an assassination attempt  but he still managed to make some comments over the phone.

Recommended Watch the White House Correspondents Dinner host tear into Trump

Carl Bernstein opened with remarks about President Nixons demonisation of the media in what had been an attempt to take attention away from his and many of his administrations misconduct.

Richard Nixon tried to make the conduct of the press more the issue in Watergate instead of the conduct of the President and his men. We tried to avoid the noise and let the reporting speak.

He continued by talking about the Nixon administrations record of lying. Almost inevitably, unreasonable government secrecy is the enemy and usually the giveaway about what the real story might be. When lying is combined with secrecy, there is usually a pretty good road map in front of us.

In the course of their speeches, they largely refrained from making direct parallels with the Trump administration. Nonetheless their comments struck a chord with the audience, who applauded rigorously.

Bernstein commented on the nature of the Watergate sources. Almost all of our sources in Watergate were people who had, at one time or another, been committed to Richard Nixon and his presidency.

Mr Trumps fledgling presidency has also been stalked by leaks from the White House, the result of which meant that unflattering private conversations and meetings were brought to public attention. Press Secretary Sean Spicer reportedly ordered that all staff hand in their phones to be checked in an effort to plug the leaks.

Bob Woodward challenged the Presidents continued accusations that the media propagate fake news, and said: The effort today to get this best obtainable version of the truth is largely made in good faith.

Mr President, the media is not fake news. Lets take that off the table going forward.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trumps national security adviser assured South Korea that the US would pay for its missile defence system days after the President said the US would not cover the cost.

General H R McMaster said on a phone call to his South Korean counterpart, Kim Kwan-jin, that the US would honour its 2016 agreement to foot the $1 billion bill for the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) anti-missile system.

Yet on Thursday Mr Trump told Reuters he wanted South Korea to pay for the protection.

I informed South Korea it would be appropriate if they paid. It's a billion-dollar system, he said.

It's phenomenal, shoots missiles right out of the sky.

South Korean officials said it was up to the US to pay, as per their agreement.

In pictures: North Korea military drill Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: North Korea military drill In pictures: North Korea military drill North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video

There is no change in South Korea and the United States position that our government provides the land and supporting facilities and the U.S. bears the cost of THAAD systems deployment, operation and maintenance, the countrys defense ministry said in a statement.

The U-turn comes shortly after the US sent a fleet of battleships and a nuclear-powered submarine to waters off the North Korean coast and conducted joint military operations with South Korea in a show of defiance against northern dictator Kim Jong-un.

North Korean state-run media said as recently as Saturday that their goal was to build a nuclear missile which could reach US shores, and spent last week carrying out launches of such missiles on their eastern coast.

The latest missile test flew about 44 miles and failed, falling onto an inlet which is part of North Korea.

Mr Trump has already changed his stance on whether China should help to tackle North Korea. He first insisted China should pay up, but after he met this month with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he tweeted that the US could handle the situation on its own if necessary.

China is South Koreas biggest trading partner and it is opposed to the THAAD missile system.

In an interview with CBS' Face the Nation, Mr Trump said neither he nor, he believed, President Xi, would be happy if North Korea conducted a nuclear test.

 Donald Trump warns major, major conflict with North Korea is absolutely possible

Asked if that means military action, he responded: I don't know. I mean, we'll see.

The President has made a string of demands on foreign countries and allies to pay more money towards defence and national security.

He repeatedly insisted that Mexico would pay the estimated $21 billion for the border wall along the US-Mexican border  a key campaign pledge  but President Enrique Pena Nieto refused and consequently cancelled his first scheduled trip to the White House.

Mr Trump also claimed during the campaign that Nato was obsolete, but this message was countered by his Vice President Mike Pence as he engaged in diplomatic tours. Mr Trump then reversed his claim.

 Donald Trump says NATO is no longer obsolete

Mr Trump said he wants Nato members to all pay 2 per cent of their GDP towards the alliance, but members responded the target was not mandatory.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel denied Mr Trumps claim that she had received an invoice for Nato costs from him.

Agencies contributed to this report.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

North Korea has threatened to sink a US nuclear submarine deployed in South Korean waters.

The moment the USS Michigan tries to budge even a little, it will be doomed to face the miserable fate of becoming an underwater ghost without being able to come to the surface, the Norths propaganda website Urminzokkiri said.

The urgent fielding of the nuclear submarine in the waters off the Korean Peninsula, timed to coincide with the deployment of the super aircraft carrier strike group, is intended to further intensify military threats toward our republic.

 Donald Trump warns major, major conflict with North Korea is absolutely possible

The guided missile submarine USS Michigan has been joined by the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group in waters near the Korean peninsula.

The website added that whether its a nuclear aircraft carrier or a nuclear submarine, they will be turned into a mass of scrap metal in front of our invincible military power centred on the self-defence nuclear deterrence.

The aircraft carrier group began exercises with the South Korean navy on Sunday after it completed drills with the Japanese navy.

The dispatch of the Carl Vinson was 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.

In pictures: North Korea military drill Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: North Korea military drill In pictures: North Korea military drill North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) is seen in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) KCNA/Handout via REUTERS In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video In pictures: North Korea military drill This image made from video of still images broadcast in a news bulletin by North Korea's KRT, shows what was said to be a 'Combined Fire Demonstration' held to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the North Korean army, in Wonsan, North Korea. KRT via AP Video

It comes after the hermit kingdom test-fired another ballistic missile in a clear message of defiance aimed at Washington and its allies.

However, US officials said the medium-range ballistic missile disintegrated mid-flight, minutes after launch, and fell into the Sea of Japan.

President Donald Trump, asked about his message to North Korea after the latest missile test, told reporters: Youll soon find out, but did not elaborate on what the US response would be.

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 15 April anniversary of its state founders birth.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

As the US and other western countries weigh up the costs of intervention in North Korea and the potential humanitarian calamity of nuclear war, one expert has mentioned a cost that has mostly been pushed aside.

If the dictatorship of Kim Jong-un is broken down and he and his family are forced to seek refuge  most likely in China, Russia or South America  then experts have predicted the most likely outcome would be reunification between North and South Korea, a concept which has stalled since 2008.

That leaves a North Korean population of 30 million, who have long suffered under a brutal regime of curfews and forced labour, at risk of more uncertainty and possible exploitation.

Recommended North Korea threatens to sink US nuclear submarine

According to Australian National University researcher Leonid Petrov, that historic move would have a cost of around $3 trillion, and it would take at least a decade for the two populations to integrate.

Both countries have been isolated from each other, they speak different dialects, understand the world differently, he told news.com.au, adding that South Korean authorities might discriminate against their neighbours and treat them as second class citizens.

South Korea doesnt need its impoverished, aggressive, poorly educated brothers to inundate South Korea, he said.

 Donald Trump warns major, major conflict with North Korea is absolutely possible

But South Koreas economy is on the brink of crisis and is in need of cheap resource and labour, he added, which it would have to balance with a possible case of mass immigration,

Mr Petrov told the publication the reunification of East and West Germany was a walk in the park compared to the two Asian countries.

Who would pay the estimated $3 trillion cost of unification and repair of a country after a war?

US President Donald Trump recently changed his stance on providing US money in the North Korea fall-out, first arguing that other countries needed to help pay the bill, but after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping he said that the US could handle the situation alone if necessary.

The US and South Korea sent a fleet of battleships to the North Korean coast this month, and have conducted joint military tests in a show of unity against the hostile neighbour.

North Korea has tested the launch of several ballistic missiles in recent months, and is reportedly developing a nuclear missile that, if launched, could reach the shores of the US.

North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!, Mr Trump tweeted on 28 April.

Mr Trump, who has already detonated bombs in Syria and Afghanistan, and has carried out a botched raid in Yemen, claimed that a major, major conflict between the US and North Korea was "absolutely possible" but no other western ally has been so open about that possibility.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Twenty-one-year-old Zahra Cooper was born biologically female. She began the process of transitioning to male, but less than a year later stopped and chose instead to revert back to her gender of birth.

Speaking to The New Zealand Heralds Kirsty Johnson, she explains that being diagnosed with borderline Aspergers syndrome helped her come to terms with her gender dysphoria. It also compelled her to put a stop to the transitioning process.

Zahra, born in Kaitaia, a town in the Far North District of New Zealand, first felt different at the age of 14. She despised her body. In the beginning, Zahra thought she was gay, but research on the internet led her to conclude that she felt trapped in the wrong body.

There are, according to the NHS, no physical symptoms of gender dysphoria, but people who suffer from it may experience feelings of extreme distress related to physical changes brought about by puberty, and in many cases a feeling of a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity.

Recommended HSBC bank offers trans customers choice of gender neutral titles

At the age of 18, this led her to adopt the name Zane, and use male pronouns. The first doctor she saw with the intention of taking male hormones to formally start her transition, refused to discuss the issue with her. She began seeing a councillor, who referred her to a second GP. By the end of the year 2015, a psychiatrist diagnosed her with gender dysphoria, she met with an endocrinologist, and was prescribed testosterone.

She said: "I started getting really angry from the testosterone, which is a side effect. But then I started getting depressed. I was like, why am I depressed? I should be happy."

Zahra isn't the first person to experience this confusion. Actor and model Ruby Rose revealed to Access Hollywood that though she had decided on transitioning, and changed the way [she] dressed and talked, in the end she chose not to pursue it. She said: I just wanted to be comfortable in my own skin.

Zahra was growing facial hair, her voice became deep (an aspect of her transition that remains with her to this day) and she often struggled with anger.

Eight months later, her grandfather Victor Rakich  whom she had been living with at the time  found her after an attempted suicide.

Recommended This advert celebrating a trans mother will give you chills

She attempted to take her own life twice, and eventually saw another mental health specialist, who diagnosed her with a mild form of autism.

She said: "That's when everything clicked. And that's when I started doing some deep thinking."According to Stonewall, 48 per cent of Trans people under the age of 26 said they attempted suicide.

After some time, Zahra decided to stop taking testosterone, delete all photographic evidence of Zane and be a woman again. Her partner Tyson Kay, a transgender man who had begun seeing Zahra when she was in the midst of transitioning, supported her decision, although at first it did upset him.

"Being transgender you go through a lot of struggles to be who you are today, and then someone switches back and people think you're going to do that. The duo have moved past it, and are currently living together.

If you would like to talk to someone about gender identity issues, you can call the Gender Trust on 01527 894 838 .
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Saudi Arabia without a headscarf for talks with the oil-rich kingdom's monarch.

Ms Merkel was greeted by King Salman and other top officials upon her arrival at the western city of Jiddah.

Like other recent female Western visitors, the German Chancellor did not cover her hair upon arrival in the conservative Islamic kingdom.

Prime Minister Theresa May also eschewed the strict dress code for women when she arrived in Riyadh, after saying she hoped to be an inspiration to oppressed women in Saudi Arabia.

 Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for burka ban

Saudi Arabia enforces a conservative dress code in public, requiring women to wear a full-length robe and cover their hair, in keeping with other restrictive laws including a guardian system limiting women's movement and a ban on driving.

Foreign visitors have not always followed the protocol, and Ms Merkel follows the footsteps of Ms May, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.

Ms Merkel has called for the burqa to be banned in Germany, saying it was "not acceptable in our county". "It should be banned, wherever it is legally possible," Ms Merkel said.

Last week, the German parliament voted for a draft law banning women working in the civil service, judiciary and military from wearing full-face veils. Burqas and niqabs will be prohibited in selected professions as part of the legislation, once approved by the Bundesrat state parliament.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

The German leader is expected to press Gulf leaders to do more to take in refugees and provide humanitarian relief for refugees fleeing conflict in Muslim-majority countries.

Her country has provided refuge to hundreds of thousands of people from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.

She is scheduled to travel to the neighbouring United Arab Emirates after visiting Saudi Arabia.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Emmanuel Macron, the neoliberal candidate widely tipped to beat far-right Marine le Pen to the French presidency, first met his now-wife Brigitte when he was 15 and she his 39-year-old teacher.

And the pair weathered town gossip, the fury of Mr Macron's parents and an enforced separation, according to a forthcoming book by French journalist Anne Fulda which casts new light on their unorthodox relationship.

After spending months collaborating on a school play when the former Rothschild Bank employee was still aged only 16, the Daily Mail reports they shared a kiss on the cheek which sparked their decades-long love affair.

Before turning 17 Mr Macron was dating his still-married teacher, against the express wishes of his parents. Mr Macron is now 39, and his 64-year-old wife was by his side as he celebrated his victory in the first round of the presidential elections last week.

 Emmanuel Macron pays tribute to wife Brigitte during speech after entering round two

Brigitte was still married herself when she met the young academic star, and one of the three children she had with then-husband Andre-Louis Auziere was in Mr Macron's class at the Lycee La Providence in Amiens. Her oldest son, Laurence, is two years older than the man who is now his step-father.

But her husband's work in international finance often took him away from the northern French city, and the teacher then known as Mme Auziere would reportedly meet her pupil for trysts at luxurious homes belonging to her well-heeled family.

Mr Macron's parents were troubled by the rumours flying around about their son's infatuation with a woman twice his age, and according to Ms Fulda's expose they staged a meeting at which Mme Auziere was reduced to tears but refused to back off.

When that intervention and attempts at match-making with a family friend failed to cool the affair, the neurologist and paediatrician decided to dispatch their son to Lycee Henri-IV in Paris, which was both one of the top secondary education institutions in France and a respectable 90 miles (145km) from Amiens.

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

But Mr Macron continued to make clandestine trips back to his hometown to visit the older woman, and in 2006 Brigitte underwent an acrimonious divorce with her husband. She married Mr Macron 18 months later, at which time she was 54 and he 29.

The unusual relationship has not attracted an excessive amount of attention in France, where sexual impropriety is often seen as a fact of political life. This is despite the fact that the age of consent between teachers and pupils is 18, as opposed to 15 among members of the general public.

Incumbent President Francois Hollande was unruffled when he was caught having an affair with Julie Gayet, an actress nearly two decades his junior, while former President Nicholas Sarkozy infamously left his wife for the actress, musician and model Carla Bruni.

Shortly after being elected in 1974, Valerie Giscard dEstaing was involved in a dawn collision with a milk float while driving home a woman who wasnt his wife, and Jacques Chirac earned the nickname "five minutes, shower included" for his brisk approach to extramarital romance.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Frances presidential candidates have been pushing their rival views of Europe, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen calling the euro dead and centrist Emmanuel Macron visiting a Holocaust memorial and urging unity.

A day after European Union leaders nailed down their negotiating stance over Britains departure, attention is now on France as its voters decide on May 7 whether to choose Ms Le Pen, whose anti-EU stance could unravel post-war unity, or Mr Macron, who wants greater European cooperation and trade.

I think the euro is dead, Ms Le Pen was quoted as saying in Le Parisien. While she was sticking to plans for a referendum on Frances membership in the EU, MS Le Pen offered to allow big companies that operate internationally to continue using the euro while ordinary citizens would use a new franc.

Ms Le Pen was also trying to win over those worried about the worried about the environment and paid a surprise visit to a factory whose waste is at the heart of a political debate on the Mediterranean coast.

Unlike a factory visit last week when Ms Le Pen upstaged Mr Macron and took selfies with workers, her visit to the Alteo plant in the town of Gardanne appeared to fall flat. She did not meet with workers and quickly left after making a statement to a local TV crew.

In remarks carried on LCI television, Ms Le Pen accused the factory of being an example of savage globalisation. The factory has worked to clean up its waste but remains politically controversial.

Mr Macron, meanwhile, was visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Paris in his second campaign event in three days aimed at reminding voters of the anti-Semitic past of Ms Le Pens National Front party. Ms Le Pen has tried to detoxify the party and has broadened her support base.

Mr Macron also won a new ally with an endorsement from once-prominent centrist Jean-Louis Borloo. Mr Macron called, in the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, for a new arch reaching across left and right to rebuild French politics.

Associated Press
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has become the most prominent foreign leader to criticise Ivanka Trumps role in her father's administration, culminating in her visit to Berlin as part of the W20 summit on womens empowerment.

Speaking to the German media group Funke, Mr Gabriel described Ivankas advisory role to President Donald Trump, her father, as nepotism, The Local reports.

He said: "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."

This isn't the first time Ms Trump has faced accusations of nepotism. In March, Norman Eisen, the chief ethics counsel for Barack Obama, told CNN that her appointment as adviser to the President was a violation of nepotism laws. This generally prohibits a federal official, including a Member of Congress, from appointing, promoting, or recommending for appointment or promotion any relative of the official to any agency or department over which the official exercises authority or control.

Jason Miller, the chief spokesperson for Mr Trump's presidential campaign, previously defended Ms Trump by saying that it isn't nepotism because her role is on a voluntary, non-paid basis.

Critics would say she is still receiving benefits paid for by the US taxpayer, however. Ms Trump already has her own West Wing Office, as well as security clearance and a government-issued phone.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

It was Mohamed Khaleuf's third attempt to cross the Greek-Macedonian border hiding in a freight train and he had no plans to give up trying. I promised myself I would try five times. If I'm not successful, I will try to cross from somewhere else, said Khaleuf, a migrant from Morocco in his early twenties.

Khaleuf is among dozens of migrants, mostly young Moroccans, Tunisians and Algerians, who arrived in Greece in the last year and found shelter in old rusting carriages around a station in the outskirts of Greece's northern city of Thessaloniki.

Recommended Pregnant woman survives boat disaster that killed 16 refugees

From there, they monitor freight trains heading to central Europe. Whenever trains stop in the station, the migrants try to sneak into their compartments or jump in between wagons. If they're lucky, they make it across unnoticed. Some said they plan to get off before the border and continue on foot. Often, they are arrested by Macedonian guards and sent back to Greece. No one can say how many have made it. A Greek government spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

More than a million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe in 2015, landing in Greece from Turkey and then streaming through the Balkans, heading north to Germany or Austria. But that route shut in March last year following an agreement between the EU and Turkey, stranding about 60,000 people in makeshift and formal camps across Greece.

Migrants ride railroads to seek better future Show all 10 1 /10 Migrants ride railroads to seek better future Migrants ride railroads to seek better future Habib, 22, from Algeria with his friends on an abandoned railway wagon. They boarded a freight train in an effort to cross the Greek-Macedonian border without documents. They were arrested in Macedonia and returned back to Greece Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future A migrant jumps on a freight train in an effort to cross the Greek-Macedonian border in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future An Algerian migrant has a picture of fellow migrants in Macedonia. According to the migrant, his mobile phone was broken by Macedonian police when he was arrested and returned to Greece Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future Algerian migrants are seen on a freight train before its departure in the northern city of Thessaloniki Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future Anise, 21, an English teacher from Algeria, rests in an abandoned railway wagon used as a shelter by stranded migrants in Thessaloniki Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future Algerian migrants lay on the railway tracks as they wait for a freight train to depart Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future An Algerian holds up his injured hand. He was injured in his effort to jump on a freight train Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future Migrants walk between railway wagons in the northern city of Thessaloniki Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future An Algerian smoking inside an abandoned railway wagon used as a shelter by stranded migrants Reuters Migrants ride railroads to seek better future A migrant with his belongings waiting for a freight train to depart Reuters

In the abandoned trains where Khaleuf and others live, conditions are grim, without electricity or running water. For food, they queue up at a nearby camp in a former toilet paper factory. People come and go, leaving piles of garbage behind. Some carriages burned down in accidents when migrants tried to warm up in freezing winter temperatures. Here we live like animals, said Habib, a 22-year-old Algerian who crossed from Turkey to the island of Rhodes and then hid under a truck on a ferry to Athens.

Together with a friend, he had made an attempt to leave Greece days earlier, leaping on to a train with his blue rucksack. Without documents, the pair were arrested in Macedonia and sent back. Despite the dire conditions, many migrants choose the carriages over the camps as they can keep an eye on passing trains, they said.

Mustafa, a 32-year-old Algerian who arrived in Greece last October and in Thessaloniki in March, hoped to get out of there soon. Tomorrow I hope to be in Macedonia! he said.

Reuters
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

A Spanish warship has entered Gibraltarian waters for the third time this month amid ongoing tensions between the UK and Spain over the British territory.

It came hours before an EU meeting at which European leaders agreed that Spain would be given a veto over any Brexit deal that would affect Gibraltar. A separate agreement between London and Madrid would be needed to approve any deal relating to the Rock.

The Spanish corvette "Cazadora" entered Gibraltarian waters at around 9.00am on Saturday, according to The Telegraph. It was met by Royal Navy boats and local police vessels, which escorted it southwards, out of the three-mile zone that Britain claims to be Gibraltars territorial waters.

The incident marks the third time in less than a month that Spanish vessels have entered Gibraltarian waters, which Spain does not recognise as legitimate.

On 4 April, the Gibraltarian government complained of an illegal incursion into its waters by the Spanish patrol ship Infanta Cristina. On 13 April, the same boat was ordered to leave by the Royal Navy.

Commenting on the latest incident, a spokesperson from the Foreign Office 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.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

It comes weeks after a row between Britain and Spain that was triggered when Lord Howard, the former Conservative leader, predicted that Theresa May would defend Gibraltar in the same was that Margaret Thatcher defended the Falklands during the 1982 war with Argentina over the status of the islands.

That led Alfonso Dastis, Spains foreign minister, to say his government was surprised by the tone of comments coming out of Britain and claim that someone is losing their cool in the UK.

On Saturday EU leaders unanimously agreed a series of guidelines for negotiations with the UK over Brexit. These will give Spain the right to veto any trade deal that would have in impact on Gibraltar.

After the United Kingdom leaves the Union, no agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom may apply to the territory of Gibraltar without the agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom, the guidelines state.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

At least 352 civilians have been killed in US-led strikes against Isis targets in Iraq and Syria since operations began in 2014, the Pentagon has said.

The Combined Joint Task Force, in its monthly assessment of civilian casualties from the US coalition's operations against the jihadi group, said it was still assessing 42 reports of civilian deaths.

It added that 45 civilians were killed between November 2016 and March 2017. It reported 80 civilian deaths from August 2014 to the present that had not previously been announced. The report included 26 deaths from three separate strikes in March.

Recommended US deploys troops to stop fighting in Syria between two of its allies

The military's official tally is far below those of other outside groups. Monitoring group Airwars said more than 3,000 civilians have been killed by coalition air strikes.

Included in Sunday's tally were 14 civilians killed by a strike in March that set off a secondary explosion, as well as 10 civilians who were killed in a strike on Isis headquarters in the same month.

We regret the unintentional loss of civilian lives ... and express our deepest sympathies to the families and others affected by these strikes, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The report did not include findings from an ongoing investigation into a 17 March strike targeting Isis fighters in the Iraqi city of Mosul. That strike resulted in more than 100 civilian deaths, according to reports from residents. Last month, the U.S. acknowledged coalition planes conducted a strike at the location corresponding to allegations of civilian casualties, but did not confirm the reports of high civilian casualties.

Coalition officials have declined to give a time frame as to when the investigation into the incident will be complete.

In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Isis' weapons factories In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A mortar round fin manufactured by Isis in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis rocket components discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, Iraq in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortars discovered near Karamlais, Iraq, in November 2016 CAR In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis rocket launch frame in Qaraqosh, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A memo from Isis' COSQC on quality control at a manufacturing facility in Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Electrically-operated initiators manufactured by Isis in forces Gogjali, Mosul, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Isis mortar tubes at a manufacturing facility in Karamlais, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis mortar production facility discovered in Gogjali, Mosul, in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories An Isis weapons manufacturing facilities near Mosul in November 2016 Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories Stocks of French-manufactured Sorbitol, Latvian potassium nitrate and Lebanese sugar at an Isis weapons factory in Iraq Conflict Armament Research In pictures: Isis' weapons factories A destroyed Isis weapons facility in Qaraqosh, Iraq, November 2016 Conflict Armament Research

The 17 March strike sparked outrage in Iraq and beyond with calls from local government officials as well as the United Nations for greater restraint in the fight against Isis for Mosul. The United Nations reported nearly 2,000 civilians have been treated for trauma since the fight for western Mosul began in February following the formal launch of the operation to retake the city in October 2016.

Iraqi forces declared Mosul's eastern half fully liberated in January, but have since struggled to retake the city's western side. Claustrophobic terrain and tens of thousands of civilians being held by the extremists as human shields have bogged Iraqi and coalition forces down.

The US began the campaign of air strikes against Isis in 2014 after the extremists pushed into Iraq from Syria, overrunning Mosul and large swaths of Iraq's north and west. Since then Iraqi forces have slowly clawed back territory. Now a cluster of western Mosul neighbourhoods are the last significant urban terrain under Isis control in Iraq.

Reuters and AP
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

At only 26 and 24 respectively, Jack Morris and his girlfriend Lauren Bullen are Instagram sensations.

The young couple live an incredible life travelling the world, while earning six-figure salaries promoting brands and locations through their photo feeds.

Between them they have racked up more than 3 million Instagram followers under the names of their successful travel blogs -- Morris, who is originally from Manchester, is behind the blog Do You Travel, while Australian-born Bullen writes Gypsea Lust.

The loved-up duo, who celebrated their one-year anniversary two weeks ago, met in Fiji while working together on a job. They now live in Bali, Indonesia.

Morris told Cosmopolitan he once earned $9,000 (7,200) for a single post on Instagram, while Bullen has received $7,500 (6,000) for one photo. Morris added that he won't post for less than $3,000 (2,400).

Deals with international brands are the ones that really add up, however -- a phone company once paid Morris $35,000 (28,105) for two days of filming and five Instagram photos. "You can see how it racks up pretty quickly," he said.

Bullen caused a media storm with a November 2016 blog post, where she claimed she had discovered a copycat Instagrammer who was following her around the globe imitating her images. For some, the story didn't quite add up, causing speculation over whether the whole thing was a publicity stunt.

No matter what the story is, the pictures are pretty incredible.

Scroll down for a sneak peek at their insane life, which has taken them to some of the most stunning destinations in the world.

Meet Jack Morris, 26, and girlfriend Lauren Bullen, 24, the couple who earn six-figure salaries by promoting products and locations on Instagram as they travel the world.

Brands and tourist boards are willing to pay big for a post.

The couple, who met in Fiji in March 2016, have achieved a lot in a short amount of time -- they celebrated their one-year anniversary two weeks ago.

The pair have racked up more than three million followers between them by sharing stunning photos in incredible settings.

They are also both successful bloggers. Morris, who now runs the blog "Do You Travel," left school at 17 and worked a nine to five carpet cleaning job before packing it in at 21 and buying a one-way ticket to Bangkok, where his adventure began.

He took a chance on Instagram as a way of making money when his savings started to run out, and started a business reposting images of niche brands from different accounts, he told Cosmopolitan.

The accounts grew fast, but Morris got tired of being tied to his phone and decided to sell all but one of his accounts, which by this point already had hundreds of thousands of followers.

He used the money from the sale to continue travelling, and began to post his own photos to his own account. As his follower base grew, brands and tourist boards began to approach him for sponsored content jobs.

One of these jobs took him to Fiji, where he met Bullen, who was doing the same thing. They instantly clicked. Bullen, who is from northern New South Wales, Australia, has a deep passion for travelling and photography, which is clear in her blog Gypsea Lust.

Morris wrote on his blog: "We got on so well from day one and were inseparable throughout the whole trip. On our last night in Fiji I asked her to come to Bali with me, she said yes and we've been together ever since!"

Their work has taken them to some idyllic locations where they stay in luxury retreats, like this treehouse villa in Phuket, Thailand.

The couple recently travelled to Kenya to celebrate Bullen's 24th birthday where they had breakfast with giraffes.

They've also seen some stunning Mediterranean destinations, such as Santorini.

When they're not travelling, they live together in Bali.

They won't post a photo on Instagram for less than $3,000 (2,400), they told Cosmopolitan. The most Morris has earned for a single post is $9,000 (7,200), and for Bullen it's $7,500 (6,000).

Source: Cosmopolitan

Morris has also worked on some major deals with international brands. One paid him $35,000 (28,105) for five Instagram pictures.

Source: Cosmopolitan

So how do they take such stunning photos? Not with any apps or filters -- "I edit using Lightroom on my MacBook Pro," Morris said.

Source: Do You Travel

As far as his advice for first time bloggers, he says: "Don't plan too much. If you're gonna go backpacking book a one-way flight and a room for your first night. Be sociable and meet new people."

Read more:

 This job will pay you $10,000 a month to travel the world in luxury

 How Uber became the world's most valuable startup

32 architectural masterpieces everyone should see in their lifetime

Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2017. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Just as Pope Francis was holding a mass for 25,000 Coptic Christians in a Cairo stadium this weekend, around 30 Muslim schoolgirls arrived at the Coptic Museum in the old centre of the capital. They took photographs of each other and selfies against the facade of the museum. For the front wall of this magnificent building was constructed by Marcus Simaika Pasha in 1910 to resemble the facade of a mosque. This was a quite deliberate decision by Simaika: his idea was to illustrate in stone how intertwined are Egypts Christians and Muslims, not only in religion but in culture.

But that was then. It was, of course, the Popes message this weekend, along with that of the Sheikh of al-Azhar, Ahmed al-Tayeb. Their message of peace was broadcast around the world. Their far more striking remarks  in almost identical words  about the evils of arms manufacturers who sell their products to the Middle East, was predictably ignored. Journalists understandably went for the most obvious story: both Muslim and Christian leaders condemned (no name mentioned, of course) the Isis Caliphate  which Pope Francis excoriated in the memorable phrase the incendiary logic of evil  and the attacks on Christian churches by the Egyptian variety of the Isis cult. Yet the problems of Egypts Christians go rather deeper than this.

I went to see an old Egyptian friend, a Muslim called Ahmed  his real name, although it tells you a lot about the Egyptian regime that he insisted I did not identify his family name  who lives near the Coptic quarter of Cairo, fringed by the rail tracks to Helwan and the remains of one of the great Roman gateways to the Babylos city of ancient Cairo, built by the Emperor Trajan. And this is what he said about his neighbours: I tell you I have many Christian friends. They are real friends and very dear to me. They are my brothers. But the problem is that many Muslims see how close they are to the government  the government of President al-Sisi  and they blame the Christians for anything that goes wrong. Today, whenever a dispute arises between a Muslim and a Christian  about property, a shop, prices, any argument  it becomes a Muslim-Christian argument. In other words, it becomes a sectarian argument.

 37 killed in Islamic State bomb attacks on Egyptian churches

Dethroned president Mubarak always emphasised his affection for the Christians. His assassinated predecessor, Anwar Sadat feuded with the Coptic church, imprisoning its Pope and sensationally and foolishly claiming that he was a Muslim president for a Muslim people  which didnt greatly please the Christians. Mubarak actually encouraged the impressive restoration of the Coptic museum. Then when Sisi staged his coup against the elected president Mohamed Morsi, there was the Coptic pope in one of the first post-coup photographs, standing next to Sisi.

Its not difficult to spot the problem here. As a minority (maybe 10 per cent of Egyptians), Christians naturally need the regime to protect them. Their fear  that the government deliberately failed to guard their churches (untrue) and the ignorant attacks on them by equally untrained, untaught Muslim preachers in upper Egypt (sadly true)  drew them closer and closer to Sisi. They became associated with the regime itself.

Christian minorities have suffered in the same way all over the Arab world. Christians in Syria largely support the Assad government because it tries to protect them. The most recent footage of Bashar al-Assad shows him visiting a Christian monastery north of Damascus. When the Maronite patriarch of Lebanon, conscious of his fellow Christians in Syria, failed to condemn the Assad regime, Barack Obama  in one of his holy moments  refused to see him in Washington. Christians in Iraq always felt they had special protection from Saddam; and within months of Saddams overthrow at the hands of the Americans, they were fleeing for their lives.

Another longstanding friend (again, a Muslim but this time unwilling even for his first name to be revealed) agreed with Ahmed but thought the foreign media had done much to embitter relations between Muslims and Christians. They like simple stories, he said. That means persecuted Christians. It also means that even the police who are here to protect Christians are frightened of journalists. More frightened of reporters, I dare say, than they are of Isis. With good reasons? But my friend also saw another pattern in the life of Egypt. It has turned into a Muslim Brotherhood army fairground, he said. Its like Turkey: you get Islamists in charge and then the army returns to save the people. It happened here. And it will happen when Turkey decides to get rid of Erdogan  the army will return.

The Egyptian philosopher Farag Fouda, murdered by Islamists in 1992, had a similar point of view. He predicted at the 1992 Cairo book fair that there could be a horrifying cycle in which the military rule will lead to a (Muslim) religious one and (this) will not be removed except by a military coup which in turn will hand power to another form of religious ruling, and so forth. Egyptian journalist Sara Abou Bakr wrote only four years ago that Fouda had anticipated what was then happening in Egypt: the Muslim Brotherhood under Mohamed Morsi came to power after the militarys undeclared candidate lost the election and might soon lead to a coup. It did.

Foudas death  this is just to reinforce the ignorance of the Muslim killers  almost certainly came about because he had condemned the religious state and challenged his book fair audience to name a single democratic religious state. During the trial of one of Foudas killers, one of them was asked why he committed the crime. Because of his books, he said. Asked which particular book had upset him, the youth replied: I dont know how to read. Morsi was later to pardon one of Foudas killers.

All this was a subtext to the Popes long speech this weekend at the International Peace Conference in Cairo which he shared with Sheikh al-Tayeb. He spoke of the incivility of conflict, the need for religious leaders to unmask the violence that masquerades as purported sanctity. Vatican speech writers, who used to be poor on history but good on politics, are now good on politics  though less good on history if the former Pope Benedicts ridiculous performance at Regensburg was anything to go by  surely got it right, however, when they had Pope Francis condemn the arms trade, the murky manoeuvrings that feed the cancer of war. What is most instructive, however, is that the Western nations who so often condemn attacks on Egyptian Christians, had absolutely nothing to say of these remarks, nor of al-Tayebs comments on the enriching of individual arms manufacturers.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Of course they did not. Because the Trumps, Mays, Merkels and other leaders of our civilised West  not to mention our Russian friends  are the primary beneficiaries of this vile trade. We need to keep the arms flowing to the Middle East  so we do. And if we wish to play innocent, who can deny that much of Isis firepower has come from US weaponry captured from the Iraqi army in Mosul. Ive seen some of it on Syrias front lines, including newly destroyed US missiles and American M1A1 Abrams tanks.

But here we should perhaps return to the beautiful Coptic museum in Cairo. It contains remarkable Christian icons and columns, gowns and texts which clearly show Pharaonic, Roman and Islamic influence. Some bibles are written (by hand, of course) in both Arabic and ancient Coptic. Some of the texts are written on clay or stone because papyrus was too expensive for most Egyptians of the time. Of the 6,000 papyrus works, the most important are perhaps the Psalms of David, found lying in a grave beneath the head of a dead little girl. What mourning hands put this text beneath her?

It is all a long way from the present Pope, from Sheikh al-Tayeb, from Isis and president Sisi and the gross misuse of the Popes visit to prove that Egypt is safe. And a long way from the modern arms trade. The trouble is that the descendants of that long-dead child are now sandwiched between the regime and the majority Muslim people of Egypt. Its not their fault. Its not the fault of the Muslims. Its what happens when Christians need local protection from local rulers.
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

On 23 June last year, three million British citizens across Europe could not vote in the EU referendum because of a ban on voting for Brits who have lived overseas for more than 15 years. They were denied the opportunity to vote on their own futures, when they are amongst the most likely to be badly affected by the outcome. To say that many people were upset and angry is a gross understatement. I was disenchanted with the failings of this supposed democratic exercise and as a result became the Chair of Bremain in Spain, to campaign for our rights as British citizens in the EU.

Little did I know almost one year on we would be in the same position. We were relieved last October when the Government said it would keep its pledge to allow Votes for Life in time for the next election. We were not prepared to take this promise at face value and continued to lobby on the subject, including communicating directly with Chris Skidmore, MP. We said that, even if our voting rights were fully restored in time for the next election in 2020, what would happen if a second referendum occurred on any Brexit deal in the meantime, or heaven forbid there was a snap election? The only answer we received was that we would have the vote before the 2020 election. You can imagine our shock when Theresa May announced the early election.

 General Election 2017: What you need to know

If Britons living in the EU were angry about not voting in the referendum last year, can you imagine how they feel about being denied their democratic right once again? Some see it as a deliberate ploy by the Government to ensure that we cannot vote, in case we act against its own vested interests. Although this idea is a little misguided since many Brits living overseas did vote to leave. (Turkeys voting for Christmas springs to mind). In any case, that still leaves us disenfranchised yet again, at a time when more people are more politically aware and involved than ever before and absolutely want to have their say.

What is particularly galling is the urgency of this election. With more time in hand, we could have pushed for a short bill to resolve the Votes for Life matter but I fear its impossible now.

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

With the election just six weeks away, also concerned about the short amount of time available to vote from overseas for those still able to. Voting from outside the UK involves a lead time: obtaining voting papers alone can take weeks. I strongly urge Britons based overseas to vote by proxy rather than by post.

Whatever happens on 8 June, we will fight to protect the rights and freedoms we enjoy as EU citizens  not some rights and freedoms, all of them. It seems that the EU agrees that we should keep all our existing rights and freedoms for life. I am waiting for the day when we hear the same reassurances from the UK government. I am not holding my breath.

Sue Wilson is Chair of Bremain in Spain
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

With or without Donald Trumps help, Kim Jong-un could easily plunge the planet into its third world war inside a century. Of course this one would be vastly more destructive than the Great War, where even the use of aircraft was in its infancy  though sadly not chemical weapons  or World War II, which ended with the first and so far only use of nuclear weapons in war.

To date Donald Trump has played a strong hand. He has installed anti-missile defences against the North inside South Korea. He is doing, more or less, what President Kennedy did in the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, and what President Reagan did in the Cold War in the 1980s: practising brinkmanship, demonstrating strength, displaying resolve. The South Koreans are having elections now, and their new government, after 9 May, may not be as resolute as its predecessor and the Trump administration. Yet while Pyongyang has the capacity to raze Seoul to the ground  even without nuclear weaponry  they may not protest too loudly.

Like Kennedy and Reagan, Trump could prevail. Yet it is not tricky to see how things could spin out of control. Feeling abandoned and exposed, Kim could loose off a few missiles of his own, maybe towards Japan  always a popular target. True to recent form in Afghanistan (the MOAB job) and Syria, President Trump could retaliate with a surgical and proportionate strike on some North Korean facility. Then what? North Korea sinks a South Korean war ship. There are skirmishes on the ground. Some North Koreans manage to get themselves shot to ribbons. He chucks another missile over the border and it kills American troops. Trump escalates to bombing  conventionally  government buildings and those absurd statues of Kims dad and granddad. Kim sees his regime lethally threatened. He now sees no alternative, nothing to lose. A rat cornered, he unleashes his huge conventional forces, supported by Chinese and Russian diplomacy, hoping to get the Americans to back off and leave him in power. Tanks overwhelm the DMZ, American troops are massacred. The US is drawn in. China is faced with gigantic floods of refugees and refuses to permit American troops beyond a certain point near its border. What happens if Japanese, Australian, Nato and other troops fight to defend South Korea? What would Vladimir Putin do?

 Donald Trump warns major, major conflict with North Korea is absolutely possible

The Second Korean War will have begun, with the Third World War not far behind; the long-delayed playing out of the last legacies of the Second World War and the Cold War.

Theres no shortage of ammo. In that corner of the world meet the planets biggest and most powerful military forces. The US, pre-eminently, but also Russia, so far content to be more of an observer than a player for now, but another nuclear power. It has long since dropped away from being the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas ideological mentor and economic support (dating from when Khrushchev denounced Stalinism, when Mao did not; Pyongyang never looked back). Still, it has a land border with North Korea.

The third nuclear power and the DPRKs more recent Communist friend, China, is more intimately concerned. Taking Donald Trump at his word, it is worried enough to publicly chastise North Korea and push for harsher sanctions. There is South Korea too, rapidly growing its armed forces, and of course North Korea, with a vast army and whatever nuclear and missile technology it has been able to develop. Japan too, though technically limited to self-defence has substantial armed forces. It would not take this advanced rich power long to develop nuclear technology if the need arose. In the whole of human history there has never been a bigger powder keg. Nor men so strange playing with a box of matches near to it.

Kim Jong-un is not crazy. He, like his dad, is not a nutty despot portrayed so amusingly in Team America or The Interview. He is ruthless though, and paranoid, as we have seen with the elimination of his rivals and critics. If he thinks he has nothing to lose; if America is set on deposing him just the same as Saddam or Gaddafi, and he thinks he will end up being publicly hanged or dismembered anyway, then what is there to stop him taking a few million Koreans and Japanese, plus a few thousand Yankee soldiers, with him?

That is where the danger for President Trump lies. Trump has cleverly made some noises about America not wanting regime change in Pyongyang. But what use are words to Kim? The reason Kim wants his nukes and enjoys playing with them so much, like a cunning kid with matches or fireworks, is precisely to freak out the grown-ups all around him, leaders who actually do care about human life and the future of their nations. What Kim sees is a world where America  plus cronies such as South Korea, Japan, the EU and even China or Russia in this case  will get rid of you if you are dumb enough to disarm yourself, or let them interfere with your weapons programmes. So that is why Gaddafi and Saddam are no longer with us; but why Kim and the Iranians are still sitting pretty.

The danger is not so much Trump personally, but what any American president must do if they feel the vital security of the US is at stake, and past policies have failed. And that is to get involved in a gigantic game of chicken. I hope that is not trivialising it. Basically, though, what we are talking about here is the sacrifice of South Korea and Japan in order to eliminate some threat of a North Korean missile murdering Americans sometime in the next five years or so. That threat can be assessed as possible, probable or certain, and will shift over time, but seems unlikely to disappear of its own volition, e.g. through massive economic collapse (which is perhaps what the policy of strategic patience pursued under Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama was secretly all about). It is not a prospect that any president can feel comfortable with however. No president can allow a hostile state to be in a position to hit San Francisco with a nuclear-tipped ICBM if it can stop it from happening.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

If Trump felt he had no alternative but to make a surgical strike, the consequences are incalculable. Like Kim has in the past, Trump could opt for a low level act of aggression  sinking a North Korean warship, say, or dropping a big conventional bomb on some North Korean facility. It is just impossible to know if Kim would react in kind, escalate matters or just shout a lot. If escalation did begin then when would it go critical? How many lives would be destroyed? How much misery? How much contamination? How much damage to the global economy?

For sure, the costs in human life and treasure would be unprecedented.

We know that, dont we? I wonder. The UN Security Council reminded the world yesterday that the East Asia region now accounts for about two-fifths of the worlds population and GDP  so it is bigger than the United States or the European Union. Depending on how hairy things get, millions will die, more will be injured and entire economies laid waste. If to think that two consecutive quarters of negative growth constitute an economic recession, terrifying governments, and that a slump is something that lasts for years, consider the prospect of whole nation states and their industrial and financial activities being wiped out for ever. Whereas Germany, Russia and Japan rebuilt after the Second World War, and the two Koreas did so after the horrific wars on their territory that (sort of) ended in 1953, there will be no rebuilding on the decimated toxic nuclear winter that may be left behind in Japan and South Korea this time round. It would make the last financial crisis look tame. Such are the economic relationships between China and the US  the global imbalances where the Chinese keep lending the Americans the cash to live beyond their means  it could wreck America too, financially if not physically. Our world, apart from the odd hermit state such as North Korea, is more interdependent than ever before in more ways. That would also make World War III the most global of conflicts.

The major players, even North Korea have much to lose in all this. And yet the situation, with its threats and escalations, its mobilisations and skirmishes, its rhetorical gestures and misunderstandings resembles nothing so much as the Balkans in the volatile months and years leading up to 1914. Weve even had the assassination of a near-heir to a throne  albeit this time Kim Jong-uns brother, Kim Jong-nam, rather than Archduke Franz Ferdinand. No-one should draw the parallels too closely, but if Donald Trump has been compared to Kaiser Wilhelm II  proud, unpredictable, outspoken and gripped by an inferiority complex  then Kim has no simple parallels in the Edwardian era. Thats not good. Watching the fairly calm currency and stock markets and the orderly proceedings of the United Nations, it is plain that, as in 1914, the world has not woken up to what is happening in a perplexing region where the background noise of perpetual crisis is so loud and has been going on for so long that weve simply learned to ignore it. President Trump has shown that he is not ignoring it, but he has no good choices. Let us hope he is a skilful brinkman.
Health Minister Simon Harris will travel to up to eight European capital cities as part of the Ireland's bid to relocate the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to Dublin post-Brexit.

The Sunday Independent has learned that the high-profile delegation will include officials from the IDA and senior members of the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

The relocation of the EMA, which houses more than 900 staff, is the subject of an intense bidding war and is one of the most sought after relocations following Britain's decision to leave the European Union. Yesterday, the leaders of the 27 remaining EU states met to decide on the negotiating mandate for the bloc ahead of talks with the British.

The timeline for the relocation of the facility was discussed at the meeting.

Addressing EU ambassadors and diplomats in Brussels on Friday, Minister Harris said there were two "world-class" office spaces in Dublin for the regulatory body, adding he was "absolutely convinced" that relocating to Dublin is the best choice. "I say this not only for Dublin or Ireland but as genuinely the best choice for Europe," said Minister Harris following the launch of a dedicated website, emadublin.ie. The European tour comes as several major international banks are set to finalise their Brexit relocation plans.

It has emerged that last month Taoiseach Enda Kenny met with senior executives from Morgan Stanley in the United States.

Kenny met with the executives during his recent trade mission to the US including the tradional St Patrick's Day visit to the White House.
A shopping centre in the heart of Dublin's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) lay vacant, until the former CEO of Coca-Cola saw its potential.

Co Down millionaire Neville Isdell may have left the country for Zambia when he was a child, but he still maintains that his nationality is important to him.

In 1966, Isdell (now aged 73) began working for the Coca-Cola company in a local bottling company. A mere six years later, he became general manager of Coca-Cola Bottling in Johannesburg, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Africa.

Over the years, he rose through the ranks and was eventually made CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, which he worked as from 2004 to 2008. He is now based in Barbados with his wife and daugher.

According to the Sunday Independent Rich List, he is worth 75m, but he tells Independent.ie he doesn't want to get carried away with the title he used to have.

"I realise that it's sort of tattooed on my forehead that I was Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola. I don't like people who feel that they've now become so much better than everyone else," he said.

Expand Close I left at 10 but still felt very Irish, says Neville Isdell of his experience as an expat / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp I left at 10 but still felt very Irish, says Neville Isdell of his experience as an expat

"I still hang out with my buddies. I still drink a beer - actually I drink wine these days, so maybe a bit of sophistication around it."

Investing in Ireland

The Downpatrick native decided to return to Ireland and invest in the economic recovery soon after the Fine Gael and Labour coalition took power in 2012.

"I believed that Ireland was really changing that they were putting in the right policies and the right responses to the crash. Although that was painful for the Irish people, history already said that Ireland did it right. If you look at some of the others, they didn't do it the same way," he said.

For years the CHQ Building only housed four cafes, with Mr Isdell adding most people visited the centre "just to get out of the rain".

One day, Mr Isdell's step brother and his investment advisor stopped into the centre's Starbucks. Noticing the centre's potential and that it was for sale, they decided to let Neville know.

"It was losing money and it was 25pc occupied, but this is a very special building and I decided it was a gamble.

"This is a very special building. I decided it was a challenge, but I'm stupid enough to take on a challenge - even in retirement."

Not long after, Mr Idsell, who now also acts as chair of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), said he was "captivated by the building" and decided to ignore they naysayers who tried to talk him out of the deal. In the Summer of 2013, the CHQ Building was sold to Mr Isdell for 10m. Only a few years previous, it had been redeveloped at a cost of 45m.

Expand Close The historic CHQ building / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The historic CHQ building

"You only do good investments when most people think they are not good investments. This was seen as a failed shopping centre and no one had any idea what to do with it.

"That's why you get it at the right price.

"If you couldn't do something with this building, then you weren't worth your salt."

In recent years, the building's popularity among IFSC workers has skyrocketed. The centre houses a number of popular cafes, office space and EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, which apts tells the stories of Ireland's emigrants who proved successful abroad, at varying degrees.

Despite its success, Neville is constantly thinking about further innovation and is looking forward to the centre's newest installation.

"In the second or third week of June, there's going to be a gastropub here. They're building it right now. We've just got approval to put in a fitness studio too.

"Getting that mix right is very important. We keep thinking."
Silage time can put real pressures on an agricultural contractor who is fighting not only the weather but also a short harvest period.

Last season, when Co Derry agricultural contractor James Stewart, owner of W&J Stewart Agri Contracts, was facing a 34 miles trip one way to haul silage for a customer, he decided to take a rather unconventional short-cut to speed the process up.

James is based in Limavady and works for customers within a 20 mile radius of his base, which often takes him across the border into Donegal. He contracts with his father William and has a young son Norrie who is also very keen to help.

One of James's customers is a farmer from Quigley's Point in Donegal, who also rents land in Magilligan - which sits on the other side of Lough Foyle in Northern Ireland.

Expand Close James Stewart (left) contracts with his father, William, and son, Norrie in Limavady. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp James Stewart (left) contracts with his father, William, and son, Norrie in Limavady.

The problem for James was the trip around the lough from the rented land to the customer's farm was 34 miles in one direction.

Added to the dilemma was the fact that there was a total of 26 acres to harvest, which meant potentially over 100 loads of grass!

After studying the situation and calculating how many tractor and trailer combinations he would need to complete the job, James realised the solution was staring him right in the face. The distance from Magilligan to Greencastle in County Donegal, in a straight line across the lough, is just less than two miles, a route that is serviced by the Lough Foyle ferry.

It's normally a ferry for private cars but with the grass needed on the other side, James and his team decided to make use of the vital transport link.

James said: "The rented parcel of land is only one mile from the ferry and the farm is only 11 miles from the ferry on the Greencastle side of the lough, so it made much more sense to travel over the water.

"We were harvesting whole crop which did in fact yield around four good loads to the acre.

"The ferry was able to hold five tractors and trailers and took only 20 minutes to cross the water.

"It sails every half hour, so we managed to get quite a number of crossings in during a day. It was quite a sight to see all the tractors on the ferry crossing Lough Foyle."

James has been contracting for the past 11 years and, together with his team of three full-time staff and other casual staff, carry out various types of agricultural work including most grassland, slurry and tillage operations.

The Stewart family has around 50 regular customers including 15 for whom they carry out all of the machinery operations on the farm from slurry spreading to seeding to silage harvesting.

The team runs a fleet of John Deere tractors and self-propelled silage harvesters, the majority of which are purchased new.

The last two tractors purchased were bought new without trading any other tractor in against them in a bid to build up the fleet.

Heading up the current tractor fleet is a 2016 John Deere 6150. This is followed by a 2014 John Deere 6125R, two 2012 John Deere 6930s, a 2011 John Deere 6830 and a 2000 John Deere 6910.

The self-propelled harvesters are also both John Deere, a 2008 John Deere 7700 and a 2000 John Deere 6750. When spreading slurry, James uses a SlurryKat umbilical system, an Agquip 12 metre dribble bar and slurry tankers made by Heron, Redrock and Joskin.
Independent News & Media's new agri-digital content and advertising product FarmIreland.ie celebrated an extremely strong initial performance this week.

FarmIreland.ie, a dedicated agri website and app, which has already been downloaded more than 6,000 times, is the market leader less than six months after its launch last October.

The digital product is now consistently hitting more than half-a-million unique users on a monthly basis and has had over 8.7 million impressions since its launch in October 2016.

An official launch of the product saw Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan engage in a Brexit debate.

The event, which took place at the Marker Hotel in Dublin, also featured a panel discussion on an exclusive survey of Irish farmers which was hosted by Brendan O'Connor and included Group Business Editor Dearbhail McDonald, FarmIreland.ie Editor Margaret Donnelly and chef Richard Corrigan.

FarmIreland.ie is the first sponsorship-based website and app model INM has launched and it has been well-received by the market.

According to FarmIreland.ie editor Margaret Donnelly, the model offers a unique experience to both audience and brands while disrupting a market that was ready for change.

The permanency secures 100pc share of voice for sponsors with category exclusivity allowing brands to strategically plan to achieve high engagement, she said.

"The measure of any news outlet - be that print, radio, TV or online is not just its numbers, it's the quality of the news and the respect it has for its readers," said Donnelly. "FarmIreland.ie delivers that and in return is rewarded with the largest agri audience figures in the country."

A survey of 1,000 farmers by FarmIreland.ie showed that 71pc of farmers with children do not know if they have anyone to take over their farm.

The figures also show that 35pc of respondents over 65 years of age do not have any children working on the farm or planning on going into farming. It also shows that 47pc of farmers in Ireland would not encourage their children to go farming.

FarmIreland.ie is owned by INM, publisher of this newspaper.

At last week's event, INM Group Editor-in-Chief Stephen Rae said the launch of FarmIreland.ie was a reflection of the Independent's commitment to digital innovation.

He said the new content-led platform has enjoyed a hugely positive response from users. "The agricultural and business community have really embraced FarmIreland making the app the Number One digital product in the industry," he said.
'In a response, Revenue said that it had assured people in the letter that if their tax returns were correct and complete, no further action was required.' (Stock picture)

The country's accountancy bodies have clashed with the Revenue Commissioners over a letter campaign which targeted 500,000 self-employed people.

In a letter to Revenue chairman Niall Cody the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies-Ireland (CCAB-I), an umbrella group, said its members were "encountering an unprecedented volume of communication from their clients who are unnecessarily concerned that their tax returns are incorrect".

The letter was in relation to a deadline this week after which time greater penalties will apply to people with undisclosed offshore assets.

Paul Dillon chairman of CCAB-I's Tax Committee said: "We understand that the purpose of the letter is to inform taxpayers of the changes to the disclosure regime on foot of Finance Act 2016.

"However, the wording of the letter appears to suggest to the taxpayer that there is something wrong with his/her tax return," he added.

"The message that penal measures will apply to those with tax irregularities from offshore sources is confused with a suggestion that tax returns are incorrect."

He said that there had been no prior warning given to accountants. "It is regrettable that Revenue's intention to issue these letters was not discussed in advance with the professional representative bodies," he said. "Consultation on the matter may have resulted in a more focused communication and less time-wasting for self-assessed taxpayers who are, in the majority, tax compliant."

In a response, Revenue said that it had assured people in the letter that if their tax returns were correct and complete, no further action was required.

The letter, sent on behalf of Cody, said that Revenue wished to communicate with taxpayers with timely, clear and understandable information.

In his reply, Dillon reiterated that prior consultation would have reduced confusion.
'INMs board, led by Leslie Buckley, has been in the spotlight after INM CEO Robert Pitt made a complaint under new whistle-blowing legislation to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE).' (stock photo)

Independent News & Media (INM) has confirmed that two of its non-executive directors are no longer considered independent following a board review undertaken by accounting and consultancy group Deloitte.

INM, which publishes newspapers including the Sunday Independent and Irish Independent, said that non-executive directors Allan Marshall and Triona Mullane have now been reclassified as non-independent.

In its annual report published on Friday, INM said Marshall provided consultancy services to it between 2013 and 2016 via a company called ComputerCallUK.

Marshall received additional remuneration from ComputerCall.

"The board is satisfied that Marshall has always demonstrated independence at board and committee but has determined that Marshall should not be considered independent due to the materiality of this additional remuneration," it noted.

ComputerCall was paid 77,000 by INM last year and 158,000 in 2015. The INM contract with ComputerCall ended last year.

As previously disclosed by the group, Mullane provided consultancy services to INM in 2013. She is also the founder and chief executive of mAdme Technologies.

That firm has received a 280,000 investment from a company introduced to mAdme by a relation of Denis O'Brien, INM's single biggest shareholder.

The technology firm also has a contract with Digicel, which is owned by O'Brien.

INM's board, led by Leslie Buckley, has been in the spotlight after INM CEO Robert Pitt made a complaint under new whistle-blowing legislation to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE).

The complaint prompted the company law watchdog to seek records in relation to the possible acquisition by INM of radio station Newstalk.

INM generated a pre-tax profit of 41.8m last year, an almost 12pc increase on the 2015 figure. Its revenue was flat at 323.4m.

The company intends to hold its annual general meeting on August 23. It had previously intended to hold it on May 31.
Ash Technologies in Naas, Co Kildare was co-founded in 1994 by Hugh Maguire to design and manufacture a range of electronic magnifiers for people with visual impairment. When that market became overly competitive, Hugh decided to pivot the business.

Today, with a staff of 29 and an annual turnover of more than 4m, he has repositioned the company to become a leading supplier of digital microscopes and measurement equipment to industrial clients across a wide range of sectors, from medical device and electronics, to life sciences, automotive, aerospace and engineering - anywhere high magnification and precision measurement are required.

"In the medical device sector, you can imagine just how small and intricate items such as cardiovascular stents and pacemakers are. To be able to properly inspect these items, manufacturers need high-quality magnification tools to inspect, verify and record, and that's where our specialist equipment comes in," says Hugh.

Among the company's growing list of customers are leading names such as Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Apple, Flextronics, Analog Devices, Lockheed Martin and FoxConn (China). They also work in the conservation space with the likes of the Chester Beatty Library and The National Museum Dublin where their equipment is used to inspect rare and precious documents. They even supply Formula One racing companies such as Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, which use their equipment to examine small but extremely expensive engine parts.

"When I sit back and wonder how I ended up here, I'd have to say it was anything but planned," says Hugh. "It has been a real rollercoaster of survival with occasional outbreaks of success thrown in. However, we survived because we succeeded in changing our business model and entering a whole new sector." Impressively, today 90pc of all their products are exported to more than 35 countries around the world including the UK, US, China and Japan.

Hugh's journey has been an interesting one.

He grew up in Dublin's Templeogue where, from an early age, he developed a curiosity in taking electronic devices apart. He went on to complete a diploma in electronics and telecommunications in DIT before getting a job with Fujitsu in Tallaght, where he worked on the production line as an assembly technician. He moved to Braun in Carlow. Then, in 1984 he moved to the Irish manufacturing division of US company Visualtek, which supplied video-reading devices for people with low vision. He remained there for the next 10 years until the US parent company decided to close down its Irish operation.

"Having gained significant experience in the sector, myself and two of my colleagues joined forces and set up Ash Technologies with a view to designing our own range of low-vision electronic magnifiers," says Hugh. Their business grew until 2011, when new entrants meant that it became increasingly difficult to complete against cheaper, lower-quality imported items. "We were manufacturing high-quality products but couldn't match these lower prices without sacrificing quality, so we realised we needed to find a new business model," says Hugh.

Serendipity intervened and later that year, they were exhibiting at a trade show in the NEC in Birmingham when visitors in the hall next to theirs dropped over to view their products and began to question Hugh and his colleagues about the potential of using Ash Technologies' magnifiers as inspection devices in an industrial context.

"That's when we had our light-bulb moment," says Hugh. "We realised that there might be better opportunities in supplying industrial clients rather than individual users and so we switched our focus in that direction instead."

They immediately moved to develop a range of rapid prototypes which were exhibited in Germany. When he returned home from the show with over 300 enquiries for his new products, he knew they had made the right decision. "With the low-vision market drying up, it was like finding an oasis in the desert," says Hugh. "However, changing from a B2C to a B2B business model while still trying to keep revenues coming in from our existing products often felt akin to trying to change a plane's engine while still flying.

"After all our years supplying low-vision products, it wasn't easy to give up making these but we couldn't do both. We had come to the realisation, as the Chinese proverb puts it: 'He who chases two chickens catches neither'. We had to choose one. At the time it felt somewhat akin to drowning your favourite pet. But it was our only option if we wanted to survive and thrive".

Having completed a Masters' Degree in Management Science in IMI and Trinity College, Hugh was invited to participate in a management-development programme in the famous IMD business school in Lausanne, Switzerland, as part of the Enterprise Ireland supported Leadership for Growth programme. It was then that he really came into his own as a business leader. "It totally changed my perspective on business and gave me the opportunity and the tools to think more strategically. That's when I decided to restructure, buy out my remaining business partner and drive the business forward myself," he says.

Hugh put in place a whole new senior management and began to focus on creating a new company culture based around innovation and teamwork. "Up to that point, I had always found it hard to define or articulate what I thought culture actually was," says Hugh. "When you are in survival mode, your focus tends to be on winning the next big sale in order to keep the organisation alive and the wolves away from the door.

"However, from my involvement in the programme, I began to realise the important role that culture plays when you are trying to lead, transform and grow an organisation. Now, I understand that 'culture is what people do when you are not there'. So I believe we have now succeeded in embedding a positive culture in the organisation and one that is performance driven and supports innovation but at the same time also promotes the self-development and empowerment of its people. Having changed direction, the key to our long-term growth and sustainability now lies in making sure that we are always adding value to both our customers and our team," says Hugh.

For further information see www.ash-vision.com
Securing an appointment at this south Dublin salon is something clients have travelled cross-country for - and the success of the brand is now making an impact on the international stage.

Having established a well-known hot wax on these shores - and teaching those who use it their own methods - the ladies behind Waxperts are set on making the product globally recognised.

Now mother-of-one Ellen Kavanagh set up a salon in Dun Laoghaire in 2008 right at the height of the recession, and was joined after several months in the business by friend Trish O'Brien.

"Myself and Ellen met in a waxing salon and we bonded over similar client care and wanted to make the treatment, that is normally considered a painful experience, a little bit gentler and something that catered for the client a little more," Trish told independent.ie.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Louise Kelly applying Wax at Waxperts, pictured at their offices in Dun Laoghaire. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Louise Kelly applying Wax at Waxperts, pictured at their offices in Dun Laoghaire.

"Not just a wax on, wax off service."

"We wanted to put the same amount of effort into a wax treatment that there is in nails or facial treatments."

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Wax at Waxperts pictured at their offices in Dun Laoghaire. Waxperts products, pictured at their offices in Dun Laoghaire. Applying Wax at Waxperts / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Wax at Waxperts pictured at their offices in Dun Laoghaire.

Coming up with the right formula took some time but the Waxperts products are now being used now in over 1000 salons throughout Ireland, nationwide in the UK and across Europe.

"We tried brands from Australia, the US and the UK but none of them gave us the comfort that we wanted for our clients," said Trish.

Looking for a flexible wax that never broke during treatment and that melted that a lower temperature than usual products, the duo turned to a wax refinery and a "baffled" chemist.

"The client we had in mind was a typically Irish client, somebody that has coarse stronger hair but really gentle pale skin," she said.

"We wanted something that was strong enough to pull the hair out but soft enough on the skin that it left no blemish."

Fast forward almost a decade, with products such as award-winning Waxperts In-Grown Hair Pads, Pre- and Post- Wax Oil, and their own brand Cleanser on the market, it is the firm's experienced methods that are being adopted just as much as their innovative offerings.

After recent celebrating five years in business - Waxperts officially launched as a professional brand for salons and spas in 2012 - the firm is now teaching a new course at its office in Dun Laoghaire, 'Waxperts Waxing for Beginners'.

"We designed a couple of waxing courses as I'm mad for education [Ellen is centred on the product] so I wanted the Academy to mould waxers into better therapists."

Every salon should have high standards - from the methods adopted to the products used"

Waxperts has been successful working with UK distributor Sweet Squared since 2015 "and they have basically taken over the market with Waxperts".

"We are now launching into other European countries so Slovenia is next; we're going to a trade show in Dubai in May to meet up with other distributors."

"We've had a lot of interest from the Middle East and other European countries so we'll have a few meetings, showcase our product and look to expand our export market."

Sales at the business - assisted by Ellen's strong following on social media - soared 700pc in the first two years of operation. Now at five years old,what's the plan for the next five?

"We want people walking into salons around the world, not just asking for a wax, but asking for a Waxperts was, because we've set the standard."
As role models go for women in engineering, Peggy Johnson is one of the best. Microsoft's executive vice-president of business development drives the software giant's M&A strategy and was in UCD in Dublin last week with the aim of inspiring schoolgirls to consider a career in science, tech, engineering or maths (Stem).

And while Johnson, who was recently named the most powerful female engineer in the US, was primarily in Dublin to speak to students, she must also have inspired some of the many teachers in the 800-strong audience.

"I was just telling someone about my fifth-grade teacher who was really the one who helped me through a few horrid classes in math and she said 'You can do it'," Johnson said.

"She gave me the confidence to keep at it and it was really a turning point for me. My fifth-grade teacher was super-encouraging and kept me on course and it changed the direction of my life."

Clearly, Johnson had an aptitude for maths but no one in her schooldays ever suggested engineering as an option for her. That changed in 1981, when she was a business major in San Diego university. When dropping in a delivery to the engineering department, the two female administrative assistants expressed their delight in seeing a woman coming down the hallway.

"They said 'Are you here to sign up?' and I said 'No I'm just here to deliver that'." However, the women went to work extolling the virtues of engineering.

"They explained it in such a way that it just made it so exciting. They talked about solving puzzles, you know, really every one of these big jobs that engineers do, it's all about solving a puzzle," says Johnson. It convinced her to take the plunge and she switched her major the next day.

Since joining Microsoft in 2014, she has overseen several acquisitions, with around 10 deals completed last year including the buyout of business-networking site Linkedin.

Johnson was in Ireland last week for a short trip but has many connections with the country. Her father's parents were Irish and her daughter completed her degree at Trinity.

She is impressed with Ireland from a professional standpoint.

"We have very been, obviously, super happy with it," she says. "We've been here almost 32 years, so our roots are very deep in the country and it has served us well for many years. Just recently we have expanded the team here even further with the centring of our Inside Sales group."

The company announced in February that it was opening its EMEA Inside Sales division in Dublin, leading to the recruitment of 500 staff. Another 100 are also being recruited across the company, which will bring total employment numbers to 1,800.

"It's an interesting site for us because we have sales and marketing and development and a data centre and now our Inside Sales, it's quite a mix," she says of the Irish operation. "It probably is the site that looks closest to our Redmond campus (Washington) with the diversity of jobs that we have here in Ireland."

In an uncertain global political environment when concerns about foreign direct investment (FDI) are on the rise, Microsoft continues to see Ireland as a key part of its future.

"We have no plans to change the current course and speed," says Johnson.

There may be more opportunities coming for Irish startups. Microsoft Ventures has invested in close to 30 companies last year and will now be looking internationally for new projects.

"We launched a Microsoft Ventures Early Stage Fund last year and we just recently put somebody in London who will look after this region for us. We'll be looking for early-stage startups to invest in that are in line with our ambitions."

There are several exciting areas which Johnson is keen on.

"The areas are artificial intelligence and machine learning, business SaaS (software as a service)," she says.

"Security is another area of focus for us." "And, you know, there's quite a dynamic community of startups here in Ireland. So it's of great interest to us."

Johnson told students last week that artificial intelligence and augmented reality were two of the most promising areas of development, with its HoloLens product allowing people to mix reality and computer-generated images.

The potential uses are vast, with Johnson outlining how the product will be used for training future surgeons. "We think business applications will be some of the most innovative because we've already had a number of companies integrating it into their workflow," she said.

"One of them is ThyssenKrupp, the elevator company. If you can imagine you're an elevator maintenance man, and you go to the elevator and it may be a different model than you're used to, you could put the HoloLens on and it can augment an image around the elevator and show you 'this is the part you're looking for and you want to turn this area and you might want to tighten that'.

"In the past, the maintenance person would log onto their computer and maybe bring up schematics and flip through it."

Although there would be plenty of consumer uses for the HoloLens, it does seem as though Microsoft is increasingly concentrating on business customers rather than consumers.

However, Johnson says it is focused on both. "Clearly, we're an enterprise-focused company but we also have gaming," she says. "Gaming provides us with some very good signals about consumers and what they're interested in. We have our Xbox but also our Xbox Live subscription service."

Another development in Europe is a recently opened Internet of Things lab in Munich. "Companies can come into our insider lab and they can share just an idea. They might have a prototype. They might have something that's nearly finished and we can walk them through different stages of support. We can do 3D printing. We can help them with a printed circuit board to test out hardware. We can help them on the software side.

"We had a company in China, and it took weeks and weeks off their development time because they can come in, and in an very accelerated fashion, build what they were envisioning. It made sense to put one in Munich - it's sort of in the centre of the automotive area."

Johnson, who grew up just outside Los Angeles, worked at General Electric in San Diego on anti-submarine warfare technology before joining Qualcomm as a software engineer in 1989. She moved up the ranks during 25 years with the telecommunications equipment company, eventually taking up a senior role in sales and business development.

"I just got a call out of the blue from Microsoft. I was very curious because it was this 40-year-old company. From the outside looking in, they were having a massive change with all sorts of new and exciting programmes and a new and exciting ceo.

"But I said 'I just am not sure' because my family is all there in southern California and I have four dogs, three kids, two cats and one husband."

Joining Microsoft also meant a much higher personal profile. "It's the world stage type thing you could say and I'm naturally introverted," she says. In a corporate world where weakness or insecurity is rarely shown, Johnson is happy to share her self-doubt.

"Microsoft is a much bigger company than Qualcomm, a much bigger company, and there were a few days where I thought 'I don't know if I can do this, it's huge'.

"My job was to come into the company and grow new businesses and I thought 'I'm not sure' but it's all worked out pretty well," she says.

Tech in particular has come under fire for being a difficult space for women, with reports of female engineers suffering sexism making the headlines in recent months. However, Johnson does not believe sexism in embedded in the sector. "It's just an example of an environment that if we made it more diverse, it would be more comfortable and then it could be more welcoming."

From a personal point of view, Johnson believes her career progressed when she stopped trying to act like male colleagues.

"I was in a field of nearly all men, I rarely saw women on my teams and so I was encouraged a lot to speak up more and be like the guys. They would say that in my reviews, 'You should be more like the guys' and I would try to do that and I didn't do a very good job of it.

"I would try to be super-assertive in meetings and, you know, pound my hand off the table and it never ended well. People would say 'What are you beating the table for'?

"It's not natural for me. It was kind of a turning point in my career because I kept thinking I have to be this more assertive person to move up. When I finally just gave up on that, that's when my career actually started to take off.

"I focus a fair amount of my time on ensuring that we have a good funnel of females coming into the company and then that we're retaining that as well and making sure that we have comfortable environments for them to be successful in."

Her advice to the girls in UCD was to stick with maths and ignore the doubters.

"If some day you're struggling with math and you think 'I don't think I can do this', you can - you actually can. Everybody has their hard days - I definitely had mine - and you get through them and you learn from that stumble and then you're onto the next problem."
According to Bloomberg's ranking of billionaires, Amazon CEO, chairman and founder, Jeff Bezos, had a total net worth of around $80bn (74bn) after the retail behemoth reported a net income of $724m (664m) for the first quarter of this year.

That compared with $513m (470m) in the same period last year, sending shares soaring.

Yesterday, shares largely held onto those gains, meaning that they've now added around 40pc over the past 12 months.

The upswing means that in terms of net wealth, Bezos is slightly ahead of Amancio Ortega, the Spanish owner of a retail empire that includes Zara, and only around $7bn behind Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. Last month Bezos leapfrogged hedge fund veteran Warren Buffett to take third spot in the popular ranking.

Amazon's expansion has been meteoric in recent years and has centred on products like the Amazon Prime subscription service, Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service, its Kindle e-reader and the Amazon Echo home assistant.

Last month the Seattle-headquartered group launched Amazon Business in the UK, aimed at doing for businesses what it already does for individual customers, by offering a marketplace where companies can buy everything from industrial machinery to paper clips and janitorial equipment. It's also in the process of expanding its UK workforce by 5,000 to 24,000.

According to Bloomberg data, Bezos's net worth has increased by $14bn so far this year alone, one of the steepest rises among the top 10. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who currently has a net worth of around $63.5bn, putting him in fifth spot, has seen his fortune increase by around $13bn, making him another one of the biggest gainers of the year so far.
Jonathan Demme, who died of cancer last week, was a film director whose work seemed to encompass almost every genre, but he was best known for The Silence of the Lambs (1991), the horror-thriller adaptation of Thomas Harris's novel, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Director and delighted audiences with the monstrous Dr Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), who ate his victim's liver "with some fava beans and a nice chianti".

One of several proteges of the independent filmmaker Roger Corman, the ebullient Demme was already an established director in Hollywood when he took on The Silence of the Lambs. But his back catalogue was varied to the point of quirkiness, including the 1984 Talking Heads concert film, Stop Making Sense, and in 1987 Spalding Gray's strange monologue, Swimming to Cambodia.

It was, however, Demme's range, humour and his fascination with human nature that made The Silence of the Lambs more than just a pulp-thriller. He teased out of Hopkins one of the most memorable and menacing performances in cinema history. Jodie Foster, moreover, reinvented herself in Hollywood's eyes as the plucky trainee FBI agent Clarice Starling, who is assigned to interview Lecter - a cannibalistic psychiatrist turned serial killer - to help her track down Buffalo Bill, another serial killer who is "skinning" female victims.

In Demme's hands the grisly elements of the book were ever-present but not exploited. Much of the story became about Lecter and Starling's connection - which has hints of a diabolical parent-child relationship - and the torments suffered by the film's other villain, the transsexual Jame Gumb (Ted Levine), who screams "You don't know what pain is!" at one of his victims. Demme's lingering close-ups challenged viewers to look into the eyes of both victims and villains, and the scene in which Gumb films himself dancing naked is as daring for its humour as it is for its grisly portentousness.

Expand Close Anthony Hopkins in 'Silence of the Lambs' / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Anthony Hopkins in 'Silence of the Lambs'

The film won five Oscars in total, although it caused some controversy for what was seen as insensitivity in its portrayal of the female victims and the transgender Gumb.

Demme's response two years later was to make Philadelphia, one of the first big Hollywood films to treat the subjects of Aids and homophobia. Starring two Hollywood superstars, Tom Hanks and Antonio Banderas, as an Aids-stricken lawyer and his lover, it suffered from accusations by the gay community that it soft-soaped the story with chaste kisses and not a single scene in bed, but it contains some of Demme's best work, including a wonderful opening shot as the camera rolls through the city streets, and an awkward encounter between Hanks and an ambulance-chasing lawyer played by Denzel Washington. For many, it was Demme's most profound and sensitive work.

The son of an airline publicist, Robert Jonathan Demme was born in Baldwin, Long Island, on February 22, 1944. He was educated locally and then at a Miami high school, where his father was working for the Fontainebleau Hotel and where young Jonathan took a part-time job as a cinema usher. Harbouring ambitions to become a vet, he did a stint after school at an animal hospital and enrolled at the University of Miami to study Veterinary Science before realising that he "couldn't hack" the course's chemistry requirement. It was then that he offered his services as film critic to the college newspaper, the Florida Alligator. His first review was of the 1963 Peter Sellers comedy caper, The Wrong Arm of the Law.

As Demme later recalled, the job began to open his mind to the possibilities of film. His father introduced him to Joseph E Levine, producer of Zulu, about which Demme had rhapsodised in print, and Levine offered him a job as a publicist for his company Embassy Pictures.

For two years he worked for Embassy in New York and made his first film, a 16mm "short" called Good Morning, Steve. He spent some time in Britain producing TV commercials and in 1970 was interviewed for the job of unit publicist on a film being shot by the renowned director of countercultural exploitation pictures, Roger Corman, in Ireland.

It soon transpired that Corman, who was immediately sympathetic, was looking for a writer. He asked Demme if he liked motorcycle movies, to which Demme assented, mentioning Corman's 1966 film The Wild Angels. "Do you want to write one?" responded Corman. With his chum, the commercials director Joe Viola, Demme wrote a sex-and-violence motor-cycle gang picture based on Kurosawa's Rashomon, titled Angels, Hard as They Come. He produced it on a shoestring budget, with Viola directing, in 1971. The next year the pair again shared duties making The Hot Box, which Demme summarised as "about nurses who become captured by a revolutionary band in a small deprived nation".

Demme's debut as director was Caged Heat in 1974, another exploitation film, this time in the "women-in-prison" subgenre, slightly tongue-in-cheek and with some Freudian symbolism thrown in for good measure. The action-comedy Crazy Mama (1975), about a family on a crime spree, was the film in which he began to move towards the mainstream, demonstrating as one critic put it, his "strong sense of community".

In quick succession came Fighting Mad (1976), a rural crime drama starred Peter Fonda; Handle With Care (1977, originally released as Citizens' Band), a comedy on a theme of fashionable CB radio, which flopped; and in 1979 Last Embrace, for United Artists, a thriller, slickly directed by Demme with a strong central performance from Roy Scheider.

Video of the Day

Demme's breakthrough film was a sympathetic comedy-drama of ordinary America, Melvin and Howard, in 1980. Based on the story of a "Mormon will" supposedly left by the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, it had its premiere at the Venice film festival. Demme won wide plaudits for his sensitive direction and Mary Steenburgen the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award. The critic Pauline Kael praised Demme and his writer Bo Goldman for entering "the soul of American blue-collar suckerdom".

After a lean period his next film was Swing Shift in 1984, a wartime comedy starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Demme and his lead actors disagreed over what sort of film they were making but the result was generally considered a success.

A devotee of the band Talking Heads, Demme brilliantly edited footage of three performances into Stop Making Sense, which was hailed as "coolly iconoclastic". He would go on to make more than a dozen documentaries over the years, including three with Neil Young. He also used many underground bands on his soundtracks, including The Feelies - and most notably, The Fall, whose 1982 track Hip Priest formed the backdrop to the pursuit of Jody Foster's Agent Starling through the blacked out torture chamber in the tense climax of The Silence of the Lambs.

His films tended to be skilfully directed and polished, many of them drawing fine performances from female leads, such as Something Wild (1986) with Melanie Griffith, Married to the Mob (1988) with Michelle Pfeiffer, and The Silence of the Lambs.

Among his later pictures were, in 2004, a remake of The Manchurian Candidate starring Denzel Washington, with a superb turn by Meryl Streep as a senator; and the intimate Rachel Getting Married, for which Anne Hathaway won a Best Actress Oscar. His last film was the comedy Ricki and the Flash, of which Meryl Streep was the high point, playing a middle-aged woman pursuing her dream of becoming a rock star.

"There's nothing I'd rather do than direct," Demme observed, "because directing combines three of my favourite things in life: people, imagery, and sound - not just music, but the sounds of life."

Jonathan Demme is survived by his wife Joanne Howard, an artist, and their three children Jos, Brooklyn and Romona.
The vinyl frontier: Karl McCrone from Sandyford and Angie Sheehan from Stoneybatter at the Tower Records outlet in Eason's on O'Connell Street for Record Store Day Photo: Tony Gavin

In a way there's something heartening about Record Store Day, a series of events held last weekend around the world - including in Dublin, where there were DJs and live music in several of the biggest shops.

The idea was partly to promote the importance of physical records in a digital age, which is something many people in their 30s and older might get excited over. Even those who aren't music nerds will hark back to a time when browsing through dusty record shops was part of the thrill of fandom. The rich sonorities of vinyl were never replicated in MP3s and the meditative process of actually putting the record on the deck, with that beautiful pause of crackling expectation before the music began, was all but lost to a generation.

But none of this is why Record Store Day is so significant this year. Its appearance instead highlights that society has come to an impasse with music and how we consume it. Relatively speaking, records are actually doing OK, but the music industry as a whole is barely staggering along. Like media, it's not that people aren't consuming music, it's that the channels through which it is monetised are more inequitable than they have ever been.

Incredibly, more money was made from vinyl sales in the UK and US last year than from all the billions of views of videos on YouTube put together. The BPI, the record labels' association that promotes British music, this week said that YouTube exploits the "value gap" between what it makes from online advertising shown around music videos and what finds its way to the artists' pockets.

As if to add insult to injury, news of the paltry level of payouts came a day after figures showed that Google, and subsidiary YouTube, took home the lion's share of the 10bn spent on internet advertising in the UK last year.

Spotify and other paid services, which have a fraction of the users of YouTube, generate billions for the music industry, while YouTube is estimated to only generate for the record industry about $1 per year, per user, of the site.

Expand Close The vinyl frontier: Karl McCrone from Sandyford and Angie Sheehan from Stoneybatter at the Tower Records outlet in Eason's on O'Connell Street for Record Store Day Photo: Tony Gavin / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The vinyl frontier: Karl McCrone from Sandyford and Angie Sheehan from Stoneybatter at the Tower Records outlet in Eason's on O'Connell Street for Record Store Day Photo: Tony Gavin

The tech giants are aware that this doesn't look great and have begun crafting a counter narrative. In December, YouTube said it had paid more than $1bn globally last year to the music industry from advertising that is positioned around videos on the site. It claims it is generating money from "light" users who would never subscribe to a paid-for music service, so this is, in effect, money labels and artists would not otherwise see. It also says it is generating revenue from identifying and putting ads around fan uploads, which now account for half of the industry's YouTube revenue, and is a bonus.

"YouTube is working with the music industry to bring more money to artists, labels and publishers," said a spokeswoman. "YouTube is contributing a meaningful and growing revenue stream for the industry."

This is, on the face of it, a persuasive argument to the average consumer, who enjoys the free treasure trove of music that YouTube offers. Aren't there still plenty of spoiled, rich young pop stars?

For all the nostalgia that surrounds it, Record Store Day, also serves as a reminder of the horrible old days when you had to buy a whole CD of dross just to get to the one track you wanted. We wouldn't want to go back to that. And there were always industry fat cats, so why should we care if they are smooth talking tech CEOs or Simon Cowell?

The answer is that as bad as the old system was, it ended up being a fairer deal for the people who make the sounds we gorge on for free. Artists still made very little on each record (Michael Jackson had one of the highest percentages historically, Tracy Chapman one of the lowest). The way the current system operates, where there is almost no real transaction between artist and fan, and artists in effect work as free advertisers for Google, is slowly ruining music for everyone.

This may look like a victimless crime. But when you turn a profession into something that one has to do for free - in hope or expectation of future payment - you limit those who can enter that profession to the wealthy and the sure bets.

Video of the Day

Almost all creative work, from writing, to music, to comedy, has been transformed by the internet in this way. It has meant that publishing has become more celebrity driven (sure bets) and that pop music has become more obvious and predictable and slowly middle class. This is partly why we see private schoolboys like The Coronas and Hozier beginning to dominate the Irish charts and less of the working-class boys - the Thin Lizzys and Undertones - of yesteryear.

When that process is complete, something will be lost. You only have to listen to those four acts to know what that might be.

The war between the music industry and YouTube is set to reach its climax in Europe later this year. The industry believes YouTube unfairly takes advantage of "safe harbour" laws, which protect it from liability for the massive amount of copyrighted material illegally uploaded by its users, so long as it is removed on request. The labels believe YouTube's ability to make money from videos without a licence puts it in a position of power. (Services such as Spotify need a licence before they can make music available.)

Last year, the European Commission proposed to make YouTube and other such services subject to the same copyright rules as other streaming services. The EU parliament will vote on the reform this summer, though YouTube is lobbying against it.

As much as we depend on the tech firms, and as much as we are addicted to the free treasure trove of YouTube, we should hope the company (owned by Google) fails in this.

Ireland is heavily invested in music. We have a unnaturally high quotient of pop music geniuses. And the fact that there is no money in selling music any more has had one nice knock-on effect - it has meant many of these legends have continued to gig heavily. But what it will also do is eventually ensure that we never secure the pipeline of brilliance.

And in the future, when the charts are the preserve of boy bands and private schoolboys, we'll understand that not paying for something that was always free was the ultimate philistinism.
Heres What Drunken Crayfish Are Telling You Not to Do This Weekend

If youve ever been at an office Christmas party with crayfish, then you already know this: Social crayfish get drunker faster than loner fish.

Such is the finding of Jens Herberholz and colleagues at the University of Maryland, College Park, who recently published a study on said crayfish in the venerable Journal of Experimental Biology (which, incidentally, dates back to 1923, the year Time magazine was founded).

Herberholz, who runs the UMDs Laboratory of Crustacean Neurobiology & Behavior, and colleagues put some juvenile crayfish in tanks by themselves for up to 10 days, or until they were effectively isolated from a social standpoint. Other crayfish, meanwhile, were kept in communal tanks. Both sets were then exposed to 200-proof ethanol baths-and the research team then recorded the behavior for 180 minutes of research fun.

In follow-up experiments, the scientists also measured intracellular responses via tiny electrodes placed on the crayfish abdominal ganglia in order to assess how neurons were activated under the conditions of drunkenness and sobriety. But while thats surely the kind of fancy science that peer-review committees tend to admire, perhaps more telling was simply the crayfish behavior-which could be observed through the not-so-fancy science of watching.

When Procambarus clarkii are three sheets to the wind they flip their tails (<

And, in this case, the social crayflies started-a-tail-flippin at significantly lower concentrations of alcohol than the socially left-out.

Although somewhat speculative at this point, wrote the studys authors, it is tempting to suggest that the reduced sensitivity to alcohol we observed in socially isolated crayfish underlies the increase in drinking behavior that has been widely reported in socially isolated mammalian species. If social isolation causes a suppression of the alcohol-induced acute neurobehavioral response, it would be reasonable to expect that humans and non-human animals increase drinking after social isolation (or exclusion) as a result of the lower sensitivity to the cellular effects of alcohol.

Story continues

Although Herberholz and team were reluctant to generalize about whether crayfish neural circuits and behavior are likely to apply to those of mammals, the UMD study is thought-provoking-particularly given how elusive the cellular mechanisms of alcohol intoxication are, they wrote. While other drugs of abuse have specific receptors in the brain, alcohol does not, but instead exerts its effects by targeting multiple neurotransmitter systems.

In any case, the paper reminded me of a 2014 study of zebra fish, demonstrating that not only do drunken fish swim faster and more erratically, but also-importantly-that sober fish tend to follow them.

It seems we humans not only drink like a fish, as the expression goes, but also socially support the drunken behavior of our fish friends. Not sure how to turn that into a popular expression, but open to suggestions.

Have a great weekend-and try to keep the tail-flipping to a minimum. Remember, somewhere out there theres a scientist watching.

This essay appears in todays edition of the Fortune Brainstorm Health Daily. Get it delivered straight to your inbox.

This article was originally published on FORTUNE.com
A little known Irish actress could become a major star thanks to the new EastEnders offshoot Redwater which is about to explode across our TV screens.

Susan Ateh was snapped up for a leading role in the BBC drama set in a tiny Irish coastal village full of dark secrets.

The six-part thriller, which will also be shown on RTE from May 14, revolves around EastEnders characters Kat and Alfie Moon, played by Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie, who arrive in Ireland to look for her long lost son.

Susan, 38, plays Bernie Kelly, a mother of two who is expecting her third child with garda husband Andrew, played by Love/Hate star Peter Campion.

The drama, which was filmed in Dunmore East, Co Waterford, and Dublin, also stars heavyweights Fionnula Flanagan, Ian McElhinney, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Angeline Ball and Stanley Townsend.

Susan said she was thrilled to win a part in such a big production, directed by Jesper W. Nielsen who won worldwide acclaim for the Danish series Borgen.

"The shoot was amazing and I saw parts of Ireland I had never been to before," said Susan, whose mother Teresa is from Monaghan and father is from Cameroon, West Africa.

"The locations were absolutely stunning and it was so nice to be home and actually working. Dunmore East had incredible weather and I felt very blessed to be home and working - and working with very, very gifted actors and a great crew."

Susan's previous TV experience included several episodes of Fair City playing a lapdancer, Holby City and The Clinic opposite heart-throb Aiden Turner. In 2008 she starred in RTE's Hollywood Trials, a fly-on-the-wall series which followed 10 would-be Irish stars as they tried to launch their careers in Tinseltown.

They included former Boyzone star Mikey Graham, Chris Newman who now plays a corrupt cop in Red Rock and stylist Holly White.

That resulted in Susan, who trained in drama at Dublin's DIT Rathmines, getting an American agent, Vincent Cirrincione, who looks after A-lister Halle Berry. Susan moved to Los Angeles in 2010.

She said a friend saw an advert by Redwater producers looking for a mixed race actress for a leading role.

Video of the Day

"I sent in an audition tape and 10 days later I was invited to interview on Skype with the director, producers and casting director.

"A few days later I got the part. I was delighted. It is the biggest thing I've done and a great opportunity."

When she accepted the part she did not know the story or who was in it.

"When I read the script I was blown away. I thought it was incredible and it was such an interesting plot with so many great characters popping out of the script.

"When I saw the rest of the cast I thought 'oh my God!' I was so excited.

"I hope it will do really well. It looks beautifully shot. They had great writers and everyone worked very hard."

Meanwhile, Susan says she has no plans to leave Los Angeles where she does a lot of theatre work but hopes Redwater will raise her profile.

"I love LA. You can have a really good lifestyle and the weather is very appealing with beautiful sunshine," she says.

"I go hiking, and the beach is just a 20 minute drive.

"There are amazing restaurants and food. I have a nice close knit group of friends which can be hard to get. Once you have a place to live, car, friends, it's a great place to live.

"The only drawback is it's far from home."

Redwater starts on RTE One on Sunday, May 14th at 9.30pm
Angry passengers face spending the weekend in Dublin after their Aer Lingus flight was cancelled on Saturday.

The Chicago-bound flight was forced to do a U-turn just south of Iceland yesterday afternoon when a medical emergency was declared on board.

Flight EI-123 was two hours into the flight when a decision was made to return to Dublin.

The diverted flight was then cancelled and passengers had to remain in Dublin until alternative arrangements were made for them.

Not all passengers were able to secure seats on flights departing on Sunday and some were informed that they would have to wait until Monday before they could fly out.

"They were putting people on Monday flights and some people waited three hours just to get booked into hotels. They were then told that they would need to return the following morning to re-book their flights," a passenger told Independent.ie.

"There were only three people at the counter helping the 200 people that were waiting in line," she added. "People took photos and a woman took a video to show how crazy the lines were after two hours of waiting but she was told that 'this is not America' and she was not allowed to film."

An Aer Lingus spokesperson said Saturday's flight was cancelled due to operational reasons arising from its diversion to base. Guests were accommodated into hotels and booked onto flights, where possible, on Sunday, April 30.

The airline explained that it took longer than usual to accommodate everyone due to the "lack of availability of seats on alternative routings during a busy Bank Holiday weekend".

The Bank Holiday weekend also meant that there was limited local accommodation available and this contributed to further delays.

"Aer Lingus ground operations staff worked throughout the evening to accommodate as many guests as possible with flight and hotel bookings and advised those who could find available hotel rooms, through their own means, that Aer Lingus would refund their accommodation costs.

"Some guests who had secured accommodation were advised to return to the airport on Sunday where they would be rebooked onto alternative flights. This was to allow the ground operations staff to focus on assisting those who still required overnight accommodation.

"Aer Lingus apologises sincerely for the inconvenience caused by this disruption in service."
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern arrives to address the Seanad Select Committee on Brexit at Leinster House earlier this month Photo: Tom Burke

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has cautioned against any move to 'force' a border poll a day after EU leaders recognised that Ireland should have a special status ahead of the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

The ex-Fianna Fail leader was speaking to Ivan Yates on his Newstalk radio show this afternoon.

Mr Ahern also weighed in on the Brexit negotiation stance adopted by EU leaders in Brussels on Saturday, which positioned Ireland as one of the red-line issues in the negotiations.

The Irish Government welcomed the fact the move and the inclusion of the reference to Ireland.

However, echoing the sentiment of some commentators, Mr Ahern said the inclusion of a commitment to recognise the Good Friday agreement was a given.

"The fact that all of Europe re-iterate that the Good Friday Agreement is an international agreement... I'd be very disappointed if any of them said it wasn't.

"No it's not [a big deal]. It's a fact of life," he said.

"The idea of a border poll.... was put there when I was conceding articles two and three of the constitution and we were giving up the territorial right of the north and I wanted to copper-fasten in that if the day came where on the principle of consent people in the north - of all traditions - voted for a united Ireland then we would have an agreement on that," he said.

"It was not for some kind of a sectarian vote or a day that the nationalists and Republicans could outvote the unionists and loyalists... if you want trouble again in the north play that game. It's a dangerous game,"," he said.

He said the Custom's Union, the right of citizens of Northern Ireland to rejoin the EU in the event of a border poll, the right of UK and Irish citizens to work in each other's countries and the maintenance of the common travel areas are all areas where working papers should be considered he said.

He also said that it was unlikely his former party would consider entering a coalition with Sinn Fein.

But suggested that deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald taking over the leadership role in the party might help.

That could change the game," he said.

"I don't think that can just happen, where Mary Lou comes in and then all of a sudden it changes - I think she would have to be there for a period

The former TD also said he would have liked to do a deal with Labour while he was in office.

On the issue of his leaving Fianna Fail he said he felt he had been treated badly and said it was the "easy cop-out".

However, the 66-year-old, ruled out a return to the party which he spent 44-years as an active member.
Two leading Irish modelling agencies have warned people about bogus social media accounts soliciting 'bikini pictures' from aspiring models.

Dublin based agencies Assets and 1st Option have both taken to their legitimate social media accounts in recent days to advise people that they do not scout for new talent by asking for pictures on social media.

1st Option management warned that an individual is using various platforms, including Snapchat, to ask "children, young girls and teenagers" to send photographs.

"The individual is also contacting parents of young girls through websites.

Expand Close A warning posted by 1st Option on their Facebook page / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp A warning posted by 1st Option on their Facebook page

"If you are approached by anyone, saying they are from 1st Option, please report them immediately.

"We have never, nor will we ever, sign up or give modeling contracts via social media or third party websites, without meeting in person first.

"We will never contact parents of children, young girls and teenagers for photographs unless they have contacted us first."

Meanwhile, Assets Model Agency, also issued a similar warning on their Facebook page on Friday.

The company stressed that no agency "will contact you through social media asking for bikini pictures for representation".

"If you are interested in modelling, be it child, commercial or fashion modelling, please do not email polaroids in bikini's or underwear to any social media account pertaining to work in an Agency or scout for an Agency," the warning continues.

We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference

"Please do a little research and contact the agencies directly. We are always here to answer questions and help as best we can. We also do not ask you to email in bikini polaroids and usually do these from our office which are sent in strict confidence to clients or agencies abroad on request.

"Social media has so many benefits but unfortunately some people use it for the wrong reasons. A person that you may think looks completely authentic may be the complete opposite."

Model boss Derek Daniels of Assets told Independent.ie that anyone who has any suspicion at all should contact the agency directly.

"People can make an appointment with reputable agencies... we hold open days.

"We would never ask people to send pictures via Instagram or anything else," he added.

Mr Daniels said he often advises girls who are travelling abroad on how to ensure that they are using a reputable agency but pointed out that there are only a handful of agencies in Ireland and they are well-known.
A fleet of high-powered 'spy drones' have been bought by the Irish Army from an Israeli defence company for 1.9m - despite claims the deal may damage Ireland's 'honest broker' role in Middle East peacekeeping duties.

The Defence Forces have defended the purchase on the grounds of cost.

They also stress the primary objective is to provide the "greatest possible force protection" to Irish troops.

They also emphasise that they tendered internationally to get the best possible deal.

In the past there has been criticism of the military authorities here purchasing military equipment from Israeli companies.

Israel plays a pivotal political and military role in a number of key locations where Irish soldiers operate as UN peacekeepers.

Now, new figures obtained by the Sunday Independent, show the Irish Army's overall arms package sourced from Israel has soared to 5.8m since 2012.

Four Orbiter I and Orbiter II drones were purchased from the same company between 2007 and 2009.

And last year each model was upgraded to the highly sophisticated 'next generation' Orbiter 2B.

Military analysts state this technology provide 'eyes in the sky', enabling units to monitor activity deep in enemy terrain.

The drones are made by Aeronautics Defence Systems Limited, an Israeli company, and have been used in conflict zones ranging from Africa and Iraq to Afghanistan.

Internal records also show a ground surveillance radar programme, which provides 'real-time situational awareness' in particular environments, was bought for 2.3m.

A 'fire control computer system' and 'surveillance and target acquisition suite' cost a further 710,000.

Israel is seen as a key player in the provision of military hardware in this sector. Its armed forces extensively resort to the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and the targeted assassination of militants.

Drones have also been widely used in Iraq and Afghanistan for surveillance, and more recently, direct attack using missiles.

The Irish army's new fleet of covert technology is designed to provide close-range monitoring of a particular target. They will provide a valuable 'over the hill' surveillance asset for troops on peacekeeping missions.

Unmanned miniature spy planes can be directed over target areas by remote control

The new models are fitted with night-vision gear for 24-hour operations - but are light and small enough to be carried in a backpack. They can be assembled and ready for action in 10 minutes.

The Irish Army has been using unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, since 2007.

In a statement, the Defence Forces said the drones significantly enhance "force protection".

"They are an information asset - they do not carry weapons. The UAV aids the commander's decision-making process. Their employment is an integral element of the Defence Forces capability mix in all theatres of operations."

The drones were bought to enhance the capability of the Army to carry out surveillance and "target acquisition", it added. "They provide a low-cost, low-risk means to increase capabilities and enhance force protection, by performing missions which do not demand the use of manned aircraft."

The Irish Army has been deployed to South Lebanon on three separate occasions. The first deployment was between 1978 and 2001, with another between 2006 and 2007. A third deployment took place in May 2011.

The 109th Infantry Battalion, consisting of 336 members of the Defence Forces, are currently serving a six-month tour of duty in South Lebanon.

Declan Power, a security analyst, who has served oversees in the Irish Army, says the type of drone currently used by the Defence Forces is primarily for intelligence and reconnaissance.

"It provides the ability to know what's happening in a much wider area. It also improves force protection and diminishes the level of threat.

"It means you can observe a hostile force, without that hostile force being aware of your presence.

"It provides a commander on the ground, in the likes of Chad or Liberia, greater choice as to how they utilise their forces."

He also described as "facetious nonsense" suggestions that the purchase of arms from Israeli companies undermines our peacekeeping role in the Middle East.

"The people who make those kind of statements demonstrate their lack of knowledge about such matters. They are hugely politicised and know nothing about operational reality.

"All international democratically accountable militaries purchase their equipment from a variety of different countries, in trying to get the best deal for the best quality equipment.

"Israel is not North Korea; it is a democratically accountable state, that is seen as a responsible vendor of these goods. We purchase equipment from the US. Are we supposed to down tools because some group of political extremists and malcontents have an issue with that? Where do you draw the line?"

Among those who have criticised the purchase of military equipment from Israeli companies, by the Irish Defence Forces, have been members of Sinn Fein.
The trial of seven men, including TD Paul Murphy, for the alleged false imprisonment of former Tanaiste Joan Burton was always going to be a politically charged occasion.

Labour's involvement in the coalition which brought in water charges was widely seen as the catalyst for the party's decimation in the 2016 General Election.

Solidarity TD Murphy was among those leading the charge against Labour, seeking to vacuum up the support it once held in left-leaning communities left punch drunk by years of austerity.

While he and six other men, including two county councillors, were in the dock at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, they weren't the only ones under scrutiny during the opening days of the trial last week.

Read More

Much of the focus was drawn by defence barristers towards the policies implemented by Ms Burton while she was in government.

She was the first major witness in the case and outlined in an assured, if occasionally emotional, manner the sequence of events which she says befell her after she attended a graduation ceremony in Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014.

She spoke of being "terrified" and feeling as if she was running for her life after she and her special adviser Karen O'Connell were trapped in a Garda car and a Garda jeep over the course of three hours.

Ms Burton spoke of feeling "menaced" as protesters surrounded them, banged on the vehicles and shouted obscenities. She described in vivid detail how one woman was "baying" and "wishing illness and death" on her.

Her evidence was powerful, but she was soon placed on the defensive.

Each defendant has their own legal team, comprising a solicitor, senior counsel and junior counsel. Five of the senior counsels cross-examined Ms Burton last Thursday and Friday. The remaining two are expected to do so this coming week.

Sean Guerin SC, counsel for Paul Murphy, was the first defence barrister to quiz her.

Read More

He put it to Ms Burton that the debate around water charges became "a lightning rod" for people to express their dissatisfaction with austerity. The barrister went on to describe policies implemented by Ms Burton and how these had affected disadvantaged areas such as Jobstown.

There had been cuts to child benefit and reductions in the income of the working poor. Ms Burton acknowledged there had been some painful cuts, but said the Government had been faced with one of the worst crises in the history of the State.

Raymond Comyn SC, representing Cllr Mick Murphy, quizzed Ms Burton on her views about the right to protest. She told him she believed it was a sacred right, but her absolute conviction was that protest should be peaceful.

Then came Kerida Naidoo SC, representing Cllr Kieran Mahon, who repeatedly asked Ms Burton if she was aware of the level of anger that had existed in Tallaght about austerity. Ms Burton did not agree that everyone in the Dublin suburb was angry, but acknowledged that some were.

The exchanges between the two were somewhat strained, with Mr Naidoo accusing Ms Burton of making long and self-serving political speeches when short answers would do.

All this was watched by a packed court, with many onlookers forced to stand at the back. Those present included Ms Burton's husband, Pat Carroll, and their daughter Aoife, family members of the accused men, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett, Solidarity TDs Ruth Coppinger and Mick Barry and former Socialist TD and MEP Joe Higgins.

Read More

With the political landscape having been dealt with during Thursday's cross-examination, questioning last Friday largely moved on to the events at the centre of the case.

Padraig Dwyer SC, for defendant Frank Donaghy, spent much of the day pointing to evidence he alleged contradicted aspects of Ms Burton's account. He did this using footage secured by gardai from sources such as YouTube and recordings Ms Burton made on her own phone.

Ms Burton had claimed the only political chant she had heard while trapped in a Garda jeep were the words "peaceful protest" said through a megaphone. But a clip played for the court showed a variety of other slogans being loudly chanted by the crowd as it blocking all sides of the Garda vehicle. The first of these was: "You can stick your water meters up your arse."

Ms Burton did not accept that this was a political slogan and said that if she had heard the other ones, she had forgotten about them.

She said her hearing was not great and sitting inside the vehicle she could mainly hear just "hubbub and noise".

She admitted they "could have been saying a hundred other things", but that was what she had heard.

Read More

Other footage was played from inside the car. Although Ms Burton could not be seen, she could be heard laughing and exclaiming, "You must be joking", when a Garda helicopter pilot circling overhead sent a radio message to the driver of the jeep suggesting he reverse instead of trying to inch the vehicle forward through the crowd. By that stage the incident had been going on for more than an hour.

Mr Dwyer put it to her that far from being terrified she was quite relaxed. But she insisted she had been "extremely apprehensive" and had "laughed in apprehension".

Ms Burton also told the court she sought to keep her demeanour "as pleasant as possible" as she felt this might "lower the anger of the people". Under further questioning she admitted reading an article from The Irish Times about Michael Collins after picking up a page of the newspaper in the back of the jeep.

"To be honest, I read the article and I asked myself what Michael Collins would make of this," she said.

Ms Burton's cross examination continues on Tuesday. The trial is expected to last six weeks.
They were brought to appear before the Dublin District Court on Monday.

A man who escaped an attempt on his life when he was shot five times has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

Christopher Maguire (38) was arrested by gardai at a property in Dun Emer Place in Lusk, north county Dublin, shortly before 11am today.

Gardai from Balbriggan attended the scene and Maguire was brought to Balbriggan garda station where he is currently being detained.

He is expected to appear before Dublin District Court in relation to the charges.

Maguire has made a miraculous recovery after he was shot multiple times in the head and chest as he sat in a car in the Dun Emer Place estate.

He was left in a coma and at one point it was feared the dad-of-two would not survive.

Expand Close Gardai examine the scene of Christopher Maguires shooting. Picture Colin Keegan / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Gardai examine the scene of Christopher Maguires shooting. Picture Colin Keegan

However he went on to make a full recovery.

It is believed that the shooting was connected to a money dispute.

Gardai made a public appeal for information in relation to the incident and were said to be following hundreds of lines of inquiry.

A man was arrested in connection with the shooting in March.

He was later released without charge and the investigation is ongoing.

A garda investigation is ongoing in relation to the incident.

Separately Maguire is also facing charges in relation to the alleged false imprisonment of a couple and their son, in 2014.

He and two co-accused, Declan Duffy, from Hannover Street West in Dublin and Daniel Kane Hollycourt in Ballybrack will face trial at the Special Criminal Court.

A garda spokesman told Independent.ie: "Gardai attended the scene of a dispute at Dun Emer Place Lusk shortly before 11am this morning. A 38-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage at the scene and taken to Balbriggan Garda Station. He is expected to appear before Dublin District Court, charged in connection with the incident."
Under-pressure: Dr Peter Boylan in his south Dublin home. His personal and family life were not up for discussion during the interview Photo: David Conachy

According to a story told by Dr Peter Boylan, he and Dr Rhona Mahony were not always so divided on the future of the National Maternity Hospital. Dr Boylan, a former master of the hospital, and Dr Mahony, the current Master who also happens to be his sister-in-law, had offices beside each other in the crumbling Holles Street building.

The plan to move the hospital to a new state-of-the-art building co-located on the grounds of St Vincent's Healthcare Group's Elm Park campus had started and stalled. St Vincent's, which is owned by the Religious Sisters of Charity, wanted ownership and ultimate control of the maternity hospital.

St Vincent's was playing "hardball", insisting the National Maternity Hospital submitted to ownership and control. "We had a lot of discussions about negotiating with St Vincent's who were playing very hardball. Minister [Leo] Varadkar was very supportive of the National Maternity Hospital position," said Dr Boylan. "But then after Simon Harris was appointed [last year], that all seemed to change. Minister Harris, on his first weekend, said: 'I will deliver this hospital.' That was all fine. He appointed Kieran Mulvey [a professional mediator]."

Read More

Dr Boylan claims that in May last year, Dr Mahony asked him to write to the Minister for Health and to the board of St Vincent's Healthcare Group "expressing concerns about the nuns' potential involvement" in the National Maternity Hospital. He says he was asked to write because he was chairman of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Dr Boylan says he duly wrote the letters. But since the agreement was drawn up last November, he and Dr Mahony are no longer on the same side of the fence. "It would appear her concerns have been allayed by the proposed agreement. Mine have not obviously," says Dr Boylan.

Dr Mahony denies this ever happened. In a statement to the Sunday Independent, she says she did not ask him to "write to St Vincent's Hospital or the minister in relation to nuns. The correspondence referenced and other public statements made by the institute at that time were not made on behalf of the hospital and this was made clear publicly at the time". The statement says she had asked him in his role as chairman of the institute to give his opinion on governance structure being proposed by St Vincent's, and that was in March last year.

Dr Boylan is in the sunny, book-lined kitchen of his south Dublin home. Harry, the Irish terrier, bounds in after his morning walk with Jane, who is Rhona's sister.

He insists that his personal and family life is strictly out of bounds. He is friendly and speaks with calm and level delivery, which probably belies the personal toll of this row. He says he never wanted it to become personal, but personal it has become.

He is at the end of a two-week storm which began with him giving a radio interview expressing his fears about religious interference if the Sisters of Charity are given ownership of the maternity hospital.

Dr Mahony and Nicky Kearns, the National Maternity Hospital's deputy chairman, shot back, accusing Dr Boylan of spreading inaccuracies and misinformation, and stressing the urgent need for a new building.

Things came to a head last Sunday when Dr Boylan texted Dr Mahony and Kearns, claiming they had been misled by St Vincent's. Kearns texted back, asking him to resign. He did after last Wednesday's board meeting when the executive directors overwhelmingly endorsed the terms of agreement - including the obstetricians. Dr Boylan, a Sinn Fein councillor and a Labour Lord Mayor were the only three against. The day after the vote, Dr Boylan resigned.

"What's in it for me is pressure, stress. You know, the easiest thing would be to say nothing, to go home. It is interfering in my life in a major way. So there is nothing in it for me. This is for women," he says.

"I spent my entire career trying to make things better for women's healthcare. To have spent my entire professional life in Holles Street and then to see it given over to the Sisters of Charity just breaks my heart. These are important issues. What has helped me is the overwhelming support from right around the country and abroad. It's just overwhelming."

Shortly after he became master of Holles Street in 1991, Dr Boylan was once summoned by Desmond Connell, the late Archbishop, and ordered to stop performing tubal ligations.

"I went up with the matron at the time. We got out of the car and we were shown into a room with Archbishop Connell and I think it was Bishop Moriarty sitting across the table from us. He said: 'You can't do tubal ligations.' I said: 'We can'."

He recalls Archbishop Connoll then said: "Well, you're to stop" - to which he replied: "Well, we're not."

Few obstetrician would disagree with Dr Boylan's view that healthcare should be provided without religious restriction. Where he and Dr Mahony vehemently differ is in whether the terms of agreement that will underpin the relocated hospital in St Vincent's will ensure religious influence is kept at bay. The terms of agreement - revealed first by the Sunday Independent last weekend - were hotly debated last week.

Read More

Under its terms, St Vincent's will have 100pc ownership of the new National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park. Decisions affecting the hospital's clinical independence can only be altered with a unanimous decision by the board of directors, plus the agreement of the health minister.

The nuns will own the building and the company but it can only be used as a maternity hospital - they can never sell it or use it as collateral against a loan because the State will have a lien on it. Dr Boylan has gone through it line by line and taken issue with most of it. The question he keeps asking is why do the nuns want to own a hospital that would be required to perform procedures that are at odds with their Catholic ethos?

One source close to the talks insists St Vincent's requires ownership for the smooth operation of the vast campus at Elm Park - it fears having a separate legal entity on its own grounds could have serious implications for the campus's future development, by objecting to planning applications, for instance.

Dr Boylan claims St Vincent's is interested in the 300m it will get on its balance sheet. He claims there's no reason why the footprint of the hospital could not be transferred into the ownership of the State. As it is, St Vincent's doesn't own the Breast Check building on its grounds.

Sources close to the negotiations say that the National Maternity Hospital did raise this in negotiations. St Vincent's insisted that it was a small, peripheral building on the boundary of the campus that didn't really impact on its activities. The National Maternity Hospital, on the other hand, would be right at the heart of its campus.

Dr Boylan claims the board's independence is also "fragile" - a director approved by St Vincent's will effectively hold the casting vote.

Does he trust any of the provisions in the terms of agreement? He pauses for a second and laughs: "No."

With the endorsement of the board of the National Maternity Hospital and similar unanimous backing from the board of St Vincent's last week, the deal appears to be going ahead. The terms of an agreement will be worked into a legal document in the coming weeks, under the auspices of the Department of Health.

Pressure is mounting on Simon Harris - whom Dr Boylan claims sided with St Vincent's in the talks, enabling it to play hardball - to revisit the issue of ownership.

Sinn Fein will be tabling a motion demanding public ownership of the hospital this week and Micheal Mac Donncha, a Sinn Fein councillor on the NMH's board who voted against the agreement last week, says: "The ball is now in Simon Harris's court."

Dr Boylan hasn't had much public support from his colleagues. Two former masters, Sam Coulter Smith of the Rotunda and Professor Chris Fitzpatrick at the Coombe, have supported him. Prof Fitzpatrick was on the development board overseeing the National Maternity Hospital move. He resigned that post last Thursday in solidarity with Dr Boylan, describing the arrangement with St Vincent's as a "forced marriage".

Read More

Dr Coulter Smith told the Sunday Independent that there is no ethical interference in the three maternity hospitals now and that must be maintained. "There is a huge swathe of opinion, a lot of people, who have difficulties with a religious order having ownership of a maternity service. In an ideal world, this would not happen," he says.

One obstetrician claims that doctors don't have a great record of challenging the status quo, particularly the HSE and the minister. Dr Boylan says he understands: "A lot of people are reluctant to put their head above the parapet because if they do, the next thing you know you have a lot of journalists ringing you."

Meanwhile, the wave of public concern continues to gather momentum.

Krysia Lynch, of the Association for the Improvement of Maternity Services Ireland, said the association has been "inundated" with calls from women looking for clarity over the role of the Sisters of Charity in the hospital.

Niall Behan, chief executive of the Irish Family Planning Association, told the Sunday Independent it was questionable for publicly funded institutions such as hospitals to have "conscientious objections" about certain services.

The Sisters of Charity could help ease concerns. The order has made no public statement, bar an ambiguous quote obtained by The Irish Times from Sister Agnes Reynolds, a 79-year-old nun who is on the board of the St Vincent's Group, who declined to say whether her order's ownership of the maternity hospital would influence medical care.

A Sisters of Charity document dated 2010, which was unearthed by one newspaper last week, makes things clear. It outlines the sisters' hospital rules: no morning-after pill, no vasectomies, no sterilisations of women; no invitro-fertilisation and a commitment that "life" is to be protected from conception onwards.

The agreement shows no signs of being thrown off course. After a brief wobble on St Vincent's part, both sides seem more united than ever in driving through the much-needed facility. The cabinet has endorsed it, despite Dr Boylan's misgivings. Lawyers are poised to begin work on turning the agreement into a legal document.

The argument is no longer just about whether the National Maternity Hospital can offer independent medical care to women on the St Vincent's campus. It is a broader one of religious influence on taxpayer-funded heath facilities. The National Maternity Hospital's plans for co-location don't have to be sacrificed to in this debate. The nuns could relinquish ownership, says Dr Boylan. "That would solve everything."
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Apr 27, 2017) - Entree Gold Inc. (ETG.TO)(NYSE MKT:EGI)(EKA.F) ("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.

Story continues

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.

This News Release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to corporate strategies and plans; requirements for additional capital; uses of funds; the value and potential value of assets and the ability of Entree to maximize returns to shareholders; potential financial and other benefits of spinning-out the U.S. Projects; timing and approval for a spin-out of the U.S. Projects; the future prices of copper, gold, molybdenum and silver; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the realization of mineral reserve and resource estimates; anticipated future production, capital and operating costs, cash flows and mine life; capital, financing and project development risk; completion of an updated technical on Entree's interest in the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property; a potential strategic development partner for Ann Mason; the potential impact of future exploration results on Ann Mason mine design and economics; the potential development of Ann Mason; potential types of mining operations; construction and continued development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine; potential size of a mineralized zone; potential expansion of mineralization; potential discovery of new mineralized zones; potential metallurgical recoveries and grades; plans for future exploration and/or development programs and budgets; permitting time lines; anticipated business activities; proposed acquisitions and dispositions of assets; and future financial performance.

While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee of Entree's future performance and are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies, local and global economic conditions, legal proceedings and negotiations and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the status of the Company's relationship and interaction with the Government of Mongolia, Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill. With respect to the construction and continued development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine, important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information include, amongst others, the timing and cost of the construction and expansion of mining and processing facilities; the timing and availability of a long term power source for the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine; the ability of Oyu Tolgoi LLC to draw down on the supplemental debt under the Oyu Tolgoi project finance facility and the availability of additional financing on terms reasonably acceptable to Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Turquoise Hill and Rio Tinto to further develop Oyu Tolgoi; delays, and the costs which would result from delays, in the development of the underground mine; projected copper, gold and silver prices and demand; and production estimates and the anticipated yearly production of copper, gold and silver at the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine.

Other uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements and information include, amongst others, Entree not obtaining all necessary shareholder, Securityholder, Court and regulatory approvals of a spin-out of its U.S. Projects into Mason Resources; the market valuing Entree and Mason Resources in a manner not anticipated by Entree; unanticipated costs, expenses or liabilities; all conditions precedent to the Plan of Arrangement not being satisfied or waived and the Plan of Arrangement not becoming effective; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; the size, grade and continuity of deposits not being interpreted correctly from exploration results; the results of preliminary test work not being indicative of the results of future test work; fluctuations in commodity prices and demand; changing foreign exchange rates; actions by Rio Tinto, Turquoise Hill and/or Oyu Tolgoi LLC and by government authorities including the Government of Mongolia; the availability of funding on reasonable terms; the impact of changes in interpretation to or changes in enforcement of, laws, regulations and government practices, including laws, regulations and government practices with respect to mining, foreign investment, royalties and taxation; the terms and timing of obtaining necessary environmental and other government approvals, consents and permits; the availability and cost of necessary items such as power, water, skilled labour, transportation and appropriate smelting and refining arrangements; and misjudgements in the course of preparing forward-looking statements.

In addition, there are also known and unknown risk factors which may cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Entree to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to international operations, including legal and political risk in Mongolia; risks associated with changes in the attitudes of governments to foreign investment; risks associated with the conduct of joint ventures; discrepancies between actual and anticipated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; global financial conditions; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; inability to upgrade Inferred mineral resources to Indicated or Measured mineral resources; inability to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves; conclusions of economic evaluations; future prices of copper, gold, silver and molybdenum; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining government approvals, permits or licences or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; environmental risks; title disputes; limitations on insurance coverage; as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk" in Entree's most recently filed Management's Discussion & Analysis and in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Entree's Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2016, dated March 10, 2017 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws.
One in six hospital beds in America is Catholic-owned or affiliated (stock photo)

Ireland is not the only country grappling with a Catholic influence on public healthcare. So are our American cousins.

One in six hospital beds there is Catholic-owned or affiliated, as are four of the top 10 healthcare systems in America, according to a report published by the Catholics for Choice organisation.

The Catholic bodies operate to "directives" written by the Church hierarchy and circulated across all states that forbid procedures ranging from abortions to sterilisations. The Catholic influence on the sector is expanding as Catholic organisations merge with secular facilities, according to the report called Is Your Health Care Compromised?.

Commenting on the US experience, Jon O'Brien, the Irish-born head of Catholics for Choice, told the Sunday Independent: "There is a bit of a problem when you have a religious authority whose antiquated, outdated, unscientific and sectarian perspectives on what services should be provided to whom, get in the way of people getting the services that they need.

"There is a major, major problem globally when religious institutions, with extreme views that are not represented by the majority of the population, take our taxpayer money and want to have their cake and eat it."

O'Brien's organisation describes itself as a "voice for Catholics" that advocates that a woman should be free to "follow her conscience" on sex and reproductive health. Its report, issued earlier this year, outlined how those reproductive choices are constrained at Catholic hospitals.

"Catholic facilities do not provide a full range of reproductive healthcare services and often don't follow accepted medical standards.

"Instead, they follow the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (the Directives), a set of guidelines mandating that health professionals and hospitals follow standards set by popes, bishops and Vatican councils," the report says.

It adds that there are 72 directives that explicitly forbid Catholic facilities from providing procedures ranging from abortion, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and modern forms of contraception.

According to the report, the "sheer size of Catholic healthcare in the US" means the directives have a "far-reaching impact" on patients and doctors.

It outlines the 2010 case of a nun who was brought before an ethics committee and later excommunicated for authorising an abortion at a Catholic hospital in Arizona.

That was despite the fact that the termination was necessary to save the woman's life.

Just last week, a lawsuit was filed against a Catholic hospital in California for refusing to perform an elective hysterectomy on a woman who identifies as a man and is undergoing gender realignment.
Murder scene: The bullet-riddled minibus in which the 10 Protestant workmen had been travelling in January 1976 Photo: PA

Ballistics evidence from weapons used to murder 10 Protestant workmen in south Armagh in January 1976 and used in up to 76 other IRA killings and attacks is due to be revealed this month.

The evidence is being given to relatives in preparation for the renewed inquests into the deaths of 10 Protestant workmen who were lined up in a ditch and shot by the South Armagh IRA. The IRA tried to cover up its responsibility by issuing a fake claim on behalf of a non-existent organisation, the 'South Armagh Republican Action Force'. The IRA has never admitted it was responsible for the killings.

The ballistics evidence, which has been known about but never officially made public, will show the IRA was responsible for one of the worst single sectarian atrocities of the 30-year Troubles.

The Kingsmill Massacre was the culmination of a bloody tit-for-tat sectarian war in Armagh. The day before the 10 workmen were forced from their minibus, lined up against a ditch and shot, six members of two Catholic families, the Reaveys and O'Dowds, had been shot dead by the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Their families are also seeking the release of secret British intelligence files which links the Armagh UVF to members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and part-time military force, the Ulster Defence Regiment.

But the conclusive evidence that all the weapons used at Kingsmill were used in other IRA attacks will pose major issues for Sinn Fein in its continued public displays of reverence of the IRA. Next weekend the party's northern leader Michelle O'Neill is to address a commemoration for eight IRA men who were shot dead by the British Army's Special Air Services regiment at Loughgall, Co Armagh, in May 1987. The IRA men were shot after they planted a large bomb at the local part-time police station. The bomb exploded as the SAS opened fire on gang members as they tried to escape. One RUC officer was severely injured by the bomb.

The families of the IRA's victims at Kingsmill have accused the Garda and the Government of refusing to hand over evidence which could support their case.

Alan Kane QC for the Kingsmill Victims told a Belfast preliminary hearing: "There is a level of concern based on the failure of the southern authorities to meaningfully engage with the requests, which really have fallen on deaf ears."

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has said Dublin is in "direct contact" with the coroner conducting an inquest into the killings.

But Mr Kane said: "The system that has been established to deal with this aspect of legacy in Northern Ireland is being obstructed by the failure of the Irish Republic to do anything meaningful to assist."

All 10 victims at Kingsmill were innocent workmen on their way from a mill to their homes in Bessbrook. One man, Alan Black, survived despite being shot 18 times.

The ballistics evidence being supplied to the Kingsmill victims' families was collected from investigations into other IRA murders in the South Armagh area. It is understood the weapons were used in attacks from the early 1970s, including after the IRA called its 'cessation' in 1997. The same IRA group also murdered innocent local man Paul Quinn in 2007.
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are due to visit Ireland in May.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend events in Dublin, Kildare and Kilkenny as part of their second formal visit here in less than a year.

Senior garda officers have been notified of a series of road closures, including around Glasnevin cemetery where the Royals are due to attend a function.

Its expected the couple will hold a meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and other senior government figures during their visit.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the trip, however, sources say it has been scheduled since March.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has acknowledged public outcry over the ownership of the proposed NMH.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has acknowledged the public outcry over the ownership of the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) but said he's confident the matter will be resolved in the coming weeks.

Speaking on RTE's This Week in Politics, Mr Flanagan said there are a number of alternative options available, including a long-term lease, as controversy over ownership of the 300m hospital continues.

He said that public outcry over the Sisters of Charity's ownership of the land where the new hospital is due to be built on the same campus as St Vincent's Hospital, will be addressed.

Mr Flanagan said the government "will move toward a position of clarification" in the coming weeks.

"I acknowledge the element of public concern and I also acknowledge that there is an urgency regarding this hospital," he said.

He said that there are a number of alternative solutions and he is confident that the option of long-term lease will be looked at.

Mr Flanagan also stressed the importance of separation between church and state within the context of the NMH.

"There should be a separation of interest between church and state," he said and called for "clinical discretion and clinical independence" in the NMH with a focus on the "best practice for mothers and babies in this country".

On Tuesday, Dr Peter Boylan, former master of Holles Street, resigned from the board of the NMH over the issue.

His departure was followed by Professor Chris Fitzpatrick, former master of the Coome Hospital, who stood down on Friday in support of Dr Boylan.
Gardai outside an apartment in Waterford City where a womans body was discovered on Friday (Image: Mark Condren)

Gardai outside an apartment in Waterford City where a womans body was discovered on Friday. Pic:Mark Condren

Gardai have launched a murder investigation after a young woman was found dead in her apartment in Co Waterford.

The discovery was made on Friday afternoon after friends raised the alarm when they were unable to get in contact with her.

The woman, who has been named as Samantha Walsh (31), was found dead in her apartment at Thomas Court in Waterford city.

Ms Walsh was pronounced dead at the scene before she was transferred to University Hospital Waterford for a post-mortem.

She was from the Lisduggan area in Waterford city.

Gardai said they are following a number of lines of inquiry in connection with the death.

Speaking at Waterford garda station this evening, Superintendent Christopher Delaney said: "We are appealing to any member of the public who may have any information in respect of this crime to contact us and in particular any persons who were in the area of Thomas Street or its environs on Thursday night 27th April 2017 into the early hours of Friday morning who witnessed anything and may have any information which may assist us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford garda station on 051-305300 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Two teenagers who were tragically killed in a car crash on Saturday morning have been described as the "funniest, kindest two boys you would ever meet".

"Best friends" Nathan Fullerton (17) and Nathan Farrell (18) died when the car they were travelling in struck a wall.

The accident happened between Quigley's Point and Whitecastle in Co Donegal at around 3.35am on Saturday morning.

Three other teenagers were also injured in the singe-vehicle crash but are described as being in a stable condition.

Expand Close Two young men tragically lost their lives in the accident at Quigley's Point in Donegal Photo: Trevor McBride / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Two young men tragically lost their lives in the accident at Quigley's Point in Donegal Photo: Trevor McBride

Friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to the pair, who were both from Buncrana.

"Shocking news to wake up to, two of the funniest lads there was," one friend wrote.

"Two good men taken from us too soon," another said.

"Two of the nicest wee boys you would ever meet...hope the other boys make a speedy recovery," another posted.

The accident happened at a well-known black spot where five men died in a car crash back in 2005.

Councillor Rena Donaghy (FF), who knew the two men that died, said it is "another terrible blow" for the community.

"The community is devastated. It's such a tragic story and it's so sad that two young lives had to end like this," she told Independent.ie.

"They were two young lads who had everything to live for. We want to offer our condolences to the families involved and just hope that they will find the strength they need during this difficult time.

"I know one of the boys' father very well and I spoke to him earlier today, he is absolutely heartbroken," she said.

Ms Donaghy said the boys had been "travelling home from a teenage disco" when the accident happened.

The Sunday World reports that one of the boys, Nathan Fullerton, had secured a job on a building site in Scotland and the friends were out for a farewell celebration.

One of the young men was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The other occupants were taken to Altnagelvin and Letterkenny Hospital.

Mickey Doherty, who is involved in the local community centre, also expressed his condolences on behalf of the community.

"It's an absolutely terrible tragedy and so sad to think there are two families left devastated at the loss of their two sons," he told Independent.ie.

The deceased and the other three teenagers injured in the accident are from the Buncrana area.

Speaking to BBC Northern Ireland, parish priest Fr Francis Bradley said it is a "terrible loss".

"Its another terrible blow to our community, our Parish, and a terrible loss for the families involved.

"Why our little community should make the headlines so often, in terms of tragedy, is difficult to cope with," Fr Bradley added.

Gardai in Buncrana are investigating and the road is currently closed to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place.

"Gardai wish to appeal for witnesses and in particular anyone who may have travelled this road between 3am and 3.40am this morning to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074- 9320540, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station," a garda spokesman said.
Business case: Taoiseach Enda Kenny gave a joint press conference yesterday during the EU leaders' summit at the Europa building, the main headquarters of European Council and the Council of the EU in Brussels. Among the topics he covered, he recognised the unique challenges facing Ireland Photo: JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images

Businesses need to prepare to operate in a full customs environment after Brexit according to Tony Buckley, assistant secretary and deputy director general of Customs, who is the Revenue lead on Brexit issues.

He believes there will be Customs requirements as a result of the UK leaving Europe, although it may not mean a land frontier with the UK. He said: "You have to have Customs because otherwise we will have no way of knowing what the patterns of trade with the UK are and we will have no way of measuring the impact of any policy changes the UK government introduces after Brexit."

Speaking at a seminar organised in Dundalk by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA), he added: "What does that mean in terms of a border, a land frontier? The answer to that is I don't know."

He said that it may be possible to have Customs without a border. He compared it to monitoring of immigration which can be done, saying "not at the border but at various points of business, places of business, welfare payments In a modern world physical obstructions serve little or no purpose".

He added: "Is there going to be a physical border (between) the North and South? I don't know is the simple answer, but I do know the Government's priority is the continuation of the existing unhindered movement of people and within the island and between the two islands and also the freest possible movement of goods.

"That means whatever solution we come up with, we are challenged to ensure that Customs does not delay the process, in other words the flow of goods should be free and timely in so far as possible as timely as it is at the moment."

Addressing the Irish Exporters Association Supply Chain Initiative meeting on Brexit in Dundalk last week, Mr Buckley said businesses should start preparing now for Brexit.

"Prepare for a situation where you will have to operate in a full customs environment. There really isn't any practical benefit in assuming anything else.

"There may be simplified procedures agreed with the UK, but you will still need the infrastructure."

The IEA said the meeting is the first in a series of four large supply chain seminars which will take place around the country as part of a new supply chain collaborative initiative. More than 90 exporters and manufacturing companies from across the region attended the meeting.

Simon McKeever, chief executive of the IEA, said: "The north-east of the country is an extremely important export location. It has the distinct advantage of being nationally connected with rail and road networks and internationally connected with access to Dublin Port and Dublin Airport, proximity to Northern Ireland and the Midlands.

"With an abundance of thriving ICT, life sciences, food and drink, manufacturers and international business services across the region, our supply chain initiative will provide a network for our corporate members across all sectors to interact and exchange information on challenges, industry requirements and best practice, while keeping up to date with local, national and international issues affecting the export industry supply chain."
Fianna Fail is set to put huge pressure on the Government to prioritise wage hikes for doctors and nurses working in under-pressure public hospitals when pay talks begin next month.

The party will insist Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe urgently addresses the critical number of vacancies in the health service due an ongoing brain drain crisis in the sector.

Last night, a source close to Donohoe said the next public sector pay deal would be "collective".

"There will be no sectoral specific wage deals," he added.

However, it is understood there could be some focus on individual sectors in the soon-to-be-published Public Sector Pay Commission Report.

Fianna Fail public expenditure and reform spokesman Dara Calleary said the minister should focus on areas where there are serious staff shortages in the public sector.

"We have to ask ourselves why is it we can't fill positions in the health service and do we have to look at specific salary packages for areas where we cannot fill positions," he told the Sunday Independent.

The Mayo TD said other areas of the public sector where there are staff shortages, such as pilots for the Air Corps, should also be at the top of the agenda when pay talks begin.

"A collective agreement is all very good but if there are areas that need to be able to make specific offerings, then that has to be examined in the interest of public services," he said.

"Where there is competition with the private sector for positions, public service vacancies are high and that means we cannot give people the public service they are looking for."

Fianna Fail is also anxious to ensure new entrants to the public sector are not discriminated against in their pay and conditions. The Public Sector Pay Commission is due to report to Donohoe in the coming days.

The report will focus on the unwinding of emergency legislation which enforced pay cuts in the public sector during the financial crisis.

Kevin Duffy's report is expected to make any recommendation relating to individual groups such as doctors and nurses.

However, the commission will not provide comparative figures for health service workers in other jurisdictions. The commission may address the salary comparison in a future report.

Irish-trained doctors and nurses have been emigrating in huge numbers since the recession due to the promise of better pay and conditions in other countries.

The Sunday Independent previously revealed the Government was considering benchmarking the pay of nurses and doctors against international competitors to stop them emigrating to Canada, Australia and the UK.

Donohoe is understood to have told Cabinet colleagues last week that the next round of public sector pay talks would be the most difficult in the history of the State.

Last week, the minister met with representatives from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' executive council to discuss pay negotiations. The meeting included representatives of both public and private sector workers.

Sources said the meeting focused on pensions, social dialogue and low pay. They said Brexit "featured heavily" in discussions and there was agreement among all in attendance that Britain's decisions to leave the EU posed major challenges for Ireland.

"It's a huge challenge for this economy made worse by the fact we don't know what it will look like and probably won't know for a long time," a source at the meeting said.

Last week, the minister insisted he would seek to ensure public sector workers continue to do extras hours agreed in previous pay deals when talks begin.

However, unions have said the 15 million free hours worked by public sector workers should be abolished as part of a new pay deal agreed with the Government.
A new government audit reveals that NASA is running low on spacesuits and new ones might not be available in time.

Astronauts have been using the same suits since 1981. The suit were only designed to last 15 years, but NASA was able to extend the lifetime during Shuttle era by returning the suits to Earth for regular repairs.

Without the Shuttles, NASA has no way or returning the suits so they are kept on the space station. And recent incidents show that these suits are well past their due date.

The biggest problem is the primary life support systems, which are the large backpacks that astronauts wear during spacewalks. In 2013, one of the units malfunctioned while an astronaut was in space.

First Italian astronaut, Luca Parmitano, had a leak in one of the units that supplied water water to the suit. The water spilled over into his ventilation, which caused his helmet to start filling with water.

By the time he reached safety back on the station, over a liter of water had filled his helmet, entering his mouth, ears, nose, and eyes. Ultimately, he was unharmed.

In recent years, NASA has had 2 other water-related incidents, though not as severe as Parmitanos. Today, only 11 of the 18 life support systems are considered safe to use. But those units may not even last long enough.

NASA plans to continue sending astronauts to the ISS to at least 2024. These astronaut will need safe, functioning spacesuits to perform spacewalks that are critical for maintaining the space station. The main concern is that the remaining 11 life support systems will not last to 2024.

Over the last decade, NASA has invested nearly $200 million toward developing new and better spacesuits. However, because NASA's budget and missions mainly rely on government funding, its focus has changed numerous times over the years from Moon-focused to Mars-focused.

And since different environments in space require different types of spacesuit protection, it was impossible for the space agency to stick to just one spacesuit design.

Story continues

As a result, NASA divided its funding across three companies: $135.6 million toward the Constellation Space Suit System, $51.6 million to Advanced Space Suit Project, and $12 million for the Orion Crew Survival System.

None of the three companies have had enough funding to complete and develop a new spacesuit, yet. The report recommends that NASA develop a formal plan that fits their immediate needs. It also suggests that NASA determine if current spacesuit designs can meet the agencys needs, or if next-generation suits are necessary.

The clock is ticking. NASA has already scheduled 17 spacewalks between now and 2020.

Follow Tech Insider: On Facebook





More From Business Insider


Taoiseach Enda Kenny last night ruled out a national vote on Irish unity saying the conditions for a referendum do not currently exist.

His comments followed the formal acknowledgement by EU leaders of the possibility for Northern Ireland rejoining the EU as part of united Ireland post-Brexit.

A statement in the minutes of the EU's first official Brexit summit yesterday said that if Northern Ireland voted in favour of a united Ireland in future, then "the entire territory of such a united Ireland would thus be part of the European Union".

The text refers to the possibility for such a vote outlined in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, and echoes statements made by UK Brexit secretary David Davis in a letter last month.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the text was "hugely important in order to dispel any doubt or any uncertainty" but added that it did not mean a united Ireland was on the cards.

"The only new thing here is Brexit and it's 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. "I've been very consistent in my view that the conditions for a referendum do not currently exist."

However, Greece raised concerns that it could set a precedent for citizenship claims from non-EU citizens.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who recognised that Ireland has a "special status" with the UK "that has to be maintained", 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 EU's official Brexit negotiating stance, which is contained in a nine-page document approved unanimously, without discussion yesterday.

In it, leaders took what European Council president Donald Tusk described as a "firm and fair" stance, with red lines on citizens' rights, a financial settlement 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.

Citizens' rights are the bloc's first priority, with leaders calling for "real guarantees" for people to work, live and study after Brexit.

"In order to achieve sufficient progress, we need a serious British response," Mr Tusk said.

The UK will be handed a single bill covering its remaining financial obligations to the EU, and while no figure has yet been agreed, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it would be "substantial".

French President Francois Hollande said there must be "a price and a cost" for the United Kingdom leaving the bloc, which, behind closed doors, has been estimated at around 60bn.

"It shouldn't be punitive, but at the same time it's 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.

The comments are likely to further antagonise British Prime Minister Theresa May, who 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. We are not ganging up on Britain," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel

The EU's negotiating 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.

It refers to the need for "creative and imaginative solutions" to ensure that no militarised customs post or long queues ensue as a result of Brexit.

"It won't all be as calm and as measured as today," Mr Kenny said of future talks.
Parents of sick children who wake up "screaming in pain" and face long waiting lists for treatment, have criticised the HSE for not allocating a special rheumatology unit in the new children's hospital.

Wendy Costello from Co Tipperary set up the Irish Children Arthritis Network (ICAN) two years ago to offer support to parents whose children are suffering from athritis.

Wendy's daughter, Niamh (18) was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) when she was three-years-old and suffers from pain in her joints.

Wendy said the parents were given new hope when they heard about plans for the new children's hospital but these dreams were quickly dashed when it was announced earlier this week that there would be no special unit for children suffering from arthritis.

Expand Close Ciara and Zoehave both been to England for stem cell treatment as their disease was so aggresive / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ciara and Zoehave both been to England for stem cell treatment as their disease was so aggresive

"The HSE has forgotten about our kids. It's as if they just don't exist. We saw some light at the end of the tunnel with the new hospital but the news is disappointing for our families. We feel very let down.

"It's heartbreaking to watch our kids in pain and know that nothing is being done to improve the situation. The kids are waiting in pain to be seen."

Wendy said that more than 1,200 children with arthritis are facing long waiting lists to get access to treatment.

"There aren't enough pediatric rheumatology consultants in Crumlin hospital and kids are waiting months to be seen. There are 1,200 children in Ireland with JIA waiting to see these consultants."

She said that it's "frustrating and heartbreaking" for parents to see their children on waiting lists as their condition deteriorates quickly but can be prevented.

"These kids are waking up screaming in pain because they're stiff and sore. Some can't walk to school, some can't open their lunchboxes. My daughter Niamh said it was like somebody was jabbing sewing needles into her legs."

ICAN are calling for more to be done so that children have access to treatment sooner.

"There are new drugs out there that would help our kids and reverse some of the damage.

Expand Close Joshua and Tanisha Brady / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Joshua and Tanisha Brady

"We need to raise awareness of JIA so that when kids are crying with pains in their legs or hands and end up in A&E, they know what they are suffering from. The last thing a parent thinks their child has is arthritis."

Bernie Brady from Co Wicklow said that her two kids Tanisha (12) and Joshua (7) are also suffering from arthritis and face long waiting lists for treatment.

Expand Close Tanisha and Joshua Brady / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Tanisha and Joshua Brady

"Joshua was eventually diagnosed at four years of age and he is on chemotherapy injections weekly and Humira biological injection every fortnight. I am now in the process of having my older daughter Tanisha seen by the rheumatologist and waiting for a diagnosis also.

"The waiting list to be seen is now over two years so you can only imagine if we don't get a department in the new hospital how much damage is going to be done to our children who have arthritis."

In a statement from Children's Hospital Group said:

"Rheumatology is predominately an outpatient and day care based service. Clinical examination rooms in one of the Outpatient suits in the new children's hospital are assigned to Rheumatology as are day beds in the Day Care Unit for rheumatology treatments. Admissions to inpatient will be accommodated in the medical ward."

Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC) said it has submitted a business case to the HSE for more resources for rheumatology services at the hospital.
They say that what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas. Being a clean-living boy, I'm not quite sure what that means, but driving the Audi Q2 in Vegas Yellow last week brought such head-swivelling attention that I quite wished the colour had stayed in the place for which it was named.

However, on the other hand, when we came back to the massive Crone car park last Sunday after a walk in the Dublin Mountains, there was no missing just where our vehicle was parked. The only competition was the gorse which is now coming into its own and was indeed "yellow on the heath".

When I was growing up in Cornwall, the coming of the gorse was a big deal and on May 1 a sprig of it was a traditional gift between young lovers. Whatever about love, it probably wasn't the car to be seen in in the august surrounding of All Hallows College last Tuesday when attending the alumni meeting of the DCU MA in Ethics.

When I was doing the course a few years back, I normally would cycle up to lectures. The jibes about ethics, motoring correspondents and never the twain shall meet were a bit hard to take. But last Tuesday I threw caution to the wind, much to the amusement of a few of my fellow alumni.

For the much-awaited Q2 was a delight to drive and being a small SUV, it is just the size I like. It is impressively built with great attention to detail and feels like the premium car it is. And it should. The biggest let-down with the Q2 is the price. The company might like to claim that prices start at 30,100 - or 309 per month on a PCP - (20,790 in the UK) but extras start to push that into the stratosphere. The test car was the 1.4TFSI 150bhp S-Tronic and with a lot of spec on board, came in at 45,448. Now that is out of reach of the normal family, however it might suit "golden generation" executive downsizers who still want the premium feel of an Audi, but now they are retired, are happy with something that sits between a SUV and small saloon.

It is light years away from cars like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur but not such a family car as popular offerings like the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Qashqai. It claims to be a five-seater but it isn't except for very short journeys as the child or small person in the centre seat will be very uncomfortable indeed.

Yet the luggage area is very good indeed and adaptable. It probably can rightly claim to be the best car of its type on the market, although the Peugeot 3008, which is much more an all-round family SUV, has a massive premium feel about it.

The test car's responsive automatic took eight seconds to reach 100kmh and it's great to drive, although it is very harsh over bumps even under all the different settings. And the bigger the wheels, the worse it will be, although the big alloys give the car real presence. Consumption is good and I think 45 mpg is realistic. The satnav on the test car was brilliant with aerial views of the mountains through which we were travelling. There's no doubt that the Audi Q2 will stand out in the crowd even without being in its garish colours. It is a refined, well-designed car. Pity about the price.

And don't forget what day it is tomorrow. As Charlotte Smith wrote: "The hawthorn soon will bear the wreath, The silver wreath, of May." But on the other hand, seize your moment, for remember "kissing's out of fashion when the gorse is out of blossom".

Drive safely this bank holiday weekend.
Premium

Gene Kerrigan Opinion Fr Sean Sheehy is the voice of Irelands dead and unmourned past

At first, it seemed a bit mad. A bishop and a priest squaring up for a bout of ecclesiastical fisticuffs. A turbulent priest in Listowel, Co Kerry, took to the altar and spouted out of him about gays, contraception, abortion and transgender matters. He left us in no doubt that he alone has the courage to denounce this sinful carry-on.
Premium

Mary Kenny Opinion If men want to yammer on about sport, then let them  it helps them connect emotionally

I was travelling on a train from Dublin to Cork, and near me sat two Dublin men. Throughout the entire journey they managed to keep up a fluent dialogue about English football teams. From Aston Villa to Sheffield Wednesday, from Crystal Palace to Manchester City the conversation flowed eloquently. I was in awe at the minutiae of their knowledge and expertise. And if the topic of their discourse lacked a certain variety, it was nonetheless better than sitting in sullen silence, or glued to their phones.
Stella Maxwell: "I have an Irish passport. I go back every summer and Christmas, and sometimes I pop over during the year to say hi, and, of course, celebrate St Patricks Day"

Stella Maxwell attends the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after party on November 30, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret)

Stella Maxwell attends the Daily Front Row's 3rd Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards at Sunset Tower Hotel on April 2, 2017 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Model Stella Maxwell walks the runway at the Jeremy Scott fashion show during MADE Fashion Week Spring 2015 at Milk Studios on September 10, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Joe Kohen/Getty Images)

Stella Maxwell attends the Daily Front Row's 3rd Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards at Sunset Tower Hotel on April 2, 2017 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Model Stella Maxwell presents a creation during the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Grand Palais in Paris, France

You've got to hand it to Stella Maxwell - she knows how to command attention.

The Irish supermodel (26), whose parents hail from Belfast, was recently hailed the Model of the Year at the LA Fashion Awards and she has landed yet another coup - her fourth international Vogue cover.

Maxwell, who is dating American actress Kristen Stewart, appears on the latest edition of Vogue Brasil entirely nude, save for her strategically placed hands.

She previously appeared alongside fellow models-of-the-moment Taylor Hill, Martha Hunt and Jasmine Tookes for Vogue Spain last year, a solo cover for Vogue Germany and in January, she starred on the latest issue of Vogue Japan.

We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference

Her rise in the fashion world has been a meteoric one, while some of her peers might have better mainstream name recognition, she has been busy with numerous runway shows and campaigns and became a Victoria's Secret Angel alongside a crop of fresh faces in 2015.

While we might claim as her our own, she was raised in Australia, Belgium and New Zealand, but Ireland holds a special place in her heart.

Expand Close Stella Maxwell walks the runway during the 2017 Tommy Hilfiger Runway Show in Venice, California, U.S., February 8, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Stella Maxwell walks the runway during the 2017 Tommy Hilfiger Runway Show in Venice, California, U.S., February 8, 2017. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

"My parents are both from Belfast. I have an Irish passport and a British passport, and I go back every summer and every Christmas, and sometimes I pop over during the year to say hi, and, of course, celebrate St Patrick's Day," she told Life magazine.

"All my family look Irish. They act Irish. My sister even has red hair... it's crazy. I'm the one that doesn't seem Irish. None of the kids in my family, my siblings, speak with an Irish accent we've never lived there full-time, we weren't born there, we just go there once or twice a year. It's weird. Our parents sound Irish, but we don't."

And while she might be in a relationship with one of the most famous women in Hollywood, you'd be hard pressed to find her or Stewart courting publicity - only a seemingly endless array of paparazzi shots of them.
donald trump rally pennsylvania

President Donald Trump railed against the media at a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, just as the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner was set to begin in Washington, DC.

A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now, he said. They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents' Dinner without the president.

He continued: And I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, spending my evening with all of you and with a much, much larger crowd and much better people.

Although presidents typically attend the White House Correspondents Dinner and deliver a monologue, Trump had announced in February he wouldnt participate.

To raucous booing from the crowd, Trump trashed outlets such as CNN and MSNBC as "fake news" and called the wider Washington media elite "a disgrace." He ripped the "totally failing New York Times," which he said was getting gradually smaller and would soon "look like a comic book."

Saturday marked Trumps 100th day in office, and in his speech he proposed rating the medias first 100 days as well.

"Here's the story: if the media's job is to be honest and tell the truth, I think we can all agree the media deserves a very big fat failing grade," Trump said. "Very dishonest people."

Trump also slammed the media for being critical in its coverage of his recent meeting with Chinas president, Xi Jinping. Although Trump had repeatedly in his campaign called the country a currency manipulator, he backed off the claim upon meeting Xi, saying it was important that China help the US in dealing with North Korea.

"China is helping us possibly or probably with the North Korean situation. Which is a great thing," Trump said. "I think it's not exactly the right time to call China a currency manipulator right now  do we agree with that?"

Story continues

Trump also used the rally to boast of his successes during his first 100 days in office, which he said were 100 days of action.

He said his administration has begun ending the offshoring of American jobs, and is eradicating criminal gangs and cartels by cracking down on border security.

Trump said in order to understand the progress his administration has made, the public should look at the situation he inherited. He went on to slam several global agreements he has either criticized or pulled out of  including the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which he withdrew the US from, and the Iran nuclear deal, which is under review.

Ill be making a big decision on the Paris accord over the next two weeks and we will see what happens, Trump said, referring to the multinational climate agreement to reduce carbon emissions.

Theyre all part of a broken system, he said.

NOW WATCH: A Yale history professor explains how governments can use disasters and tragedies to control society





More From Business Insider


Claire, from Co Kildare, met James from Lancashire shortly after she moved to Doha, Qatar, to teach. In 2014, the lovebirds crossed paths at a social function and soon discovered they shared a passion for art and photography. James swiftly bagged a date with Claire at Doha's Museum of Islamic Arts and the rest is history.

When they headed to Ireland for their summer holidays in 2015, the plan was to travel the Wild Atlantic Way - but little did Claire know what James had in store. On the night of a meteorite shower, he proposed with his great-grandmother's antique engagement ring.

Knowing they had only a week left in Ireland before returning to Doha, the couple quickly set about finding a venue, and the Cliff at Lyons in Celbridge, Co Kildare, was the only real contender. Close to Claire's family home, the venue was ideal for their rustic-chic wedding and The Orangery lit up their elegant humanist ceremony.

Despite the fact that 80pc of the wedding was organised from Doha, crafty Claire designed and hand-painted the couple's floral wedding invites, as well as hand-painting all of the guests' placecards and a wish tree instead of a guestbook. The pair named their tables after their favourite whiskeys, planting an empty bottle as a vase on each one.

The bride's Halfpenny London dress was sourced in The White Gallery in Co Down, while the groom let his Scottish roots shine through on the day by wearing his family tartans, which he had made in Glasgow.

Claire and James embarked on a fitting mini-moon, travelling through Scotland, and later honeymooned in the Maldives.

* Words by Dee Finnerty. Photography by Corrine Crennan; visit corrinecrennanphotography.com

If you would like your wedding featured here, email weddings@independent.ie
Within seconds of arriving at the North Korean border, a US army soldier leapt on to the tour bus and started barking orders.

"No drugs," he said, glowering at the group of mainly US tourists. "No alcohol. No weapons of any kind, not even penknives. And do not, under any circumstances, attempt to communicate with the North Korean soldiers you are about to see."

He marched up and down, checking passports, before spinning around again.

"Another thing," he added, "and this is not a joke - are any of you considering defecting to North Korea?"

After answering, "No", the group was marched in single file into the Demilitiarised Zone (DMZ), a twisting snake of barbed-wire fences, watchtowers and minefields that bisects the Korean peninsula.

Tensions here have been near boiling point since the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un threatened "imminent" war against the US.

Last Friday, Jong-un tested another intercontinental ballistic missile, which exploded just after take-off. US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened Jong-un with a "major" military response unless he ceases nuclear weapons tests, said the move "disrespected the wishes of China", North Korea's only ally.

Perhaps surprisingly, the US president's tough stance seems to have gone down well with many South Koreans.

"When Trump was elected everyone thought he was crazy, but now some think maybe he is the right person to improve things," said one DMZ tour guide.

There were few signs of complacency in the DMZ. The bleak, mountainous landscape is dotted at 100-metre intervals with guard towers manned by stern-looking soldiers who keep their rifles trained on the North. At the heart of the zone lies the "truce village" of Panmunjom, a cluster of blue huts where the North has been invited to take part in peace negotiations with the UN.

Though large swathes of this joint security area are on lockdown due to the tensions, visitors yesterday were allowed to briefly enter North Korean territory inside one of the huts, which straddles the official border known as the military demarcation line.

Stepping through the door at the end of the hut towards the North Korean countryside is strictly forbidden, with two taekwondo-trained soldiers stationed outside to deter any would-be defectors.

But a small window at the rear offered a view of a grim military building where a sullen North Korean soldier in a brown uniform stood guard.

"That guy's gonna be standing there for the next 12 hours at least," observed one US army escort. "That's North Korea for you." Though North Korean propaganda presents Jong-un as having absolute control, regime insiders have said his grip on power is slipping.

"We are seeing more and more members of the Pyongyang elite such as military commanders defect to the South," said Kang Cheol-hwan, head of the defector-led North Korean Strategy Centre.

"They are telling us that some have become tired of his recklessness and unpredictability. They say some generals might decide to remove Kim Jong-un with a military coup," added Cheol-hwan, who spent 10 years as a political prisoner in a North Korean labour camp before fleeing across the Chinese border in 1992.

That some North Korean chiefs would consider a rebellion used to be unthinkable, partly because of Jong-un's brutal purges of disloyal cabinet members. In 2013, Jong-un (33) infamously had his own uncle Jang Song-thaek executed with an anti-aircraft gun.

Back at the DMZ, the tour guide - who has followed North-South relations for 50 years - said he feared he would not see the peninsula reunited in his lifetime.

"It would be harder than it was to reunite east and west Germany," he said. "Even if it happened, the collapse of the regime, and the financial burden it would put on the South, would cause chaos. It is sad because though we are split in two we have the same culture, the same language, even the same alphabet.

"But if I lived for another 200 years, I still don't think I'd see us brought back together."

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
A storm spotter inspects the damage done to the I-20 Dodge dealership after a tornado hit Canton, Texas (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

At least seven people have died in severe storms rolling across the US.

Four deaths happened in Texas with fatalities also reported in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi as a line of tornadoes brought flooding and heavy rains to the Midwest and the South.

In Texas, the storms left a trail of overturned vehicles, mangled trees and damaged homes.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a 72-year-old woman drowned despite her husband's efforts to save her as their vehicle was swept away by rushing waters on Saturday near Clever in south-west Missouri.

In Arkansas, a 65-year-old woman was killed when a tree was blown into her home. N umerous roads were closed after more than three inches of rain fell in some areas.

Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said multiple tornadoes that began on Saturday afternoon left "heartbreaking and upsetting" destruction over an area 35 miles long and 15 miles wide.

East Texas Medical Centre Regional Health Care Systems spokeswoman Rebecca Berkley said 56 people have been treated at three area hospitals. Six remained in hospital, two in a critical condition.

AP
Leading opposition figure Nikolai Statkevich has been arrested and jailed in Belarus on the eve of a planned protest, his wife has said.

Maria Adamovich said Sunday that she was informed by police on Saturday that her husband had been jailed for five days. She said that police did not say why.

Statkevich is one of the most prominent figures in Belarus' beleaguered opposition.

Authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, in office since 1994, suppresses opposition and independent news media.

Statkevich ran against Lukashenko in the 2010 election and was arrested after a large demonstration protesting against the results. He spent the next five years in prison.

An unusually widespread wave of protests broke out in Belarus this year and another has been called for Monday in the capital, Minsk.

AP
For eight years, Front National leader Marine Le Pen has been in a relationship with Louis Aliot (pictured), the party's vice president and deputy leader Photo: PASCAL GUYOT / AFP / Getty Images

Le Pen's mate would be very close to the throne should Macron fail in the French presidential run-off, the traditional office of the First Lady - the Elysee Palace's Salon Bleu - could be filled with a musky scent and blokeish trappings of a Premier Homme.

For eight years, Front National leader Marine Le Pen has been in a relationship with Louis Aliot, the party's vice president and deputy leader. Not that he's measuring the palace drapes just yet. Aliot has indicated that if Le Pen wins, he would not work from its official residence, and has still not confirmed if he'd even live there - a move we now know as "doing a Melania".

Born in Toulouse to parents of Algerian and Jewish descent, Aliot (a divorced father of two) is, at 47, a year younger than his "domestic partner", a twice-divorced mother of three. As a young man, he put his 6ft 5in frame to use playing rugby (not a right-winger, but a flanker) and trained as a lawyer.

Both of Le Pen's ex-husbands - Frank Chauffroy and Eric Lorio - are also former National Front colleagues.

In 2014, when a magazine wondered if her relationship with Aliot was on the rocks, Le Pen tweeted a photo of the pair furiously locking lips in a flower market.

But it was not the most embarrassing thing to happen to him that year. In May, two gay rights activists put laxative in his wine at an official Front National event. Aliot was said to have been enraged - but if you're prepared to be Marine Le Pen's number two in life and work, c'est la guerre.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
If, as has been widely predicted, 39-year-old Emmanuel Macron makes it to the Elysee Palace, he will be France's youngest leader since Napoleon and, to many, "France's answer to JFK". Beside him will be the woman who has been his greatest champion since he was a schoolboy: his wife and former teacher Brigitte Trogneux.

In 1993, following his star turn in a school play, Trogneux planted a tender kiss on the cheek of 14-year-old Macron in front of the parents and pupils at a private Jesuit school in Amiens. Two years later, he declared his intention to marry her.

On Sunday night, Trogneux was on stage again in Paris, blowing kisses to a roaring crowd, as it was announced that her husband - some 25 years her junior, and leader of France's progressive En Marche movement - had beaten the country's two long-established main parties to join Marine Le Pen in the final round of the presidential election.

The couple waved and grinned broadly for the cameras, before giving the crowd the photo opportunity they wanted - a good, old-fashioned kiss.

Dressed in an elegant pale grey suit, which showed off her impressive tan, with her blonde hair expertly coiffed, the woman who could be France's next first lady looked every inch the part. Clever and stylish, with sparkling blue eyes and a Hollywood smile to match her husband's, Mme Trogneux - at 64, a mother-of-three and grandmother-of-seven - is the picture of a modern first lady. She would also be the second oldest, behind Bernadette Chirac, if Emmanuel is elected.

Add to that the fact that Brigitte divorced the father of her three children to be with Macron, and you have all the makings of some classic real-life French political drama.

Typically, though, the quasi-scandalous backdrop of their marriage is something the rest of the world has made a great deal more fuss about than the French themselves.

When it comes to what goes on behind closed doors, the French are, as in most areas of life, altogether cooler about it than the rest of us. What's more, the French press has been historically unwilling to delve into the private lives of its ruling class. Former president Francois Mitterrand had an affair for 32 years, which produced an illegitimate daughter (and possibly a son from another relationship, too), but such matters were written about in French newspapers only after his death.

Current president Francois Hollande parted ways with his mistress and de facto first lady Valerie Trierweiler, in 2014 after it was revealed that he had also been having an affair with Julie Gayet, an actress 18 years his junior.

Following his first-round win last Sunday, Macron did come under fire - but only for celebrating too lavishly when he hosted a glitzy dinner for his supporters. Which goes to show that, in France, it is more controversial to be flash than to marry your schoolteacher.

The couple have, nevertheless, managed to pique the interest of the French press. Mme Trogneux gave a somewhat regrettable interview to Paris Match last year in which she let in some light on the early days of their relationship. She was quoted saying: "At the age of 17, Emmanuel said to me: 'Whatever you do, I will marry you!'"

The interview was quickly brushed off by the politician's camp, with Macron saying: "My wife doesn't understand the media. She regrets it profoundly.

"It was a mistake, a mistake we both made. My relationship, my family, it's what I care about the most, there is no strategy to exhibit them, it is without a doubt a blunder. I take full responsibility and it won't be something we will be repeating."

So why are we intrigued by her? Is it the deliciously controversial circumstances of their relationship? Is it because Macron himself has pledged to carve out an official role for her in his administration? Or is it simply because of her magnificent "forme olympique", as described by one French magazine?

As far as Macron's biographer is concerned, the couple's relationship was written in the stars in a rather uncomfortably Freudian way. The young Emmanuel enjoyed a provincial, bourgeois family life, with parents who were both doctors and worked a lot, and it was his grandmother, Manette, who was his biggest influence growing up. Manette, also a teacher, was "demanding and determined" and "opened the door to reading and culture for him", writes French journalist Anne Fulda. He would call her every night, and says of her: "She helped me believe in my political destiny."

So, well before he married his own teacher, clever, cultured women were a huge influence in the young Macron's life.

"He wasn't like the others," Trogneux told a French documentary last year. "He wasn't a teenager. He had a relationship of equals with other adults."

At 16, Macron, who as a young man wanted to be a novelist, left his prestigious but provincial school to finish his education in Paris, vowing to marry his former teacher. "We'd call each other all the time and spend hours on the phone," she remembered. "Bit by bit, he defeated all my resistance, in an amazing way, with patience." And sure enough, Trogneux - still married, and with three children (her eldest daughter, Laurence, is the same age as Macron, and was his classmate) - left her husband and began a relationship with her former pupil, marrying him in 2007.

For years, they avoided the public eye, presumably aware that their unconventional marriage risked overshadowing Emmanuel's lofty political plans. But since launching his presidential bid last year, having previously served for two years as industry minister in Francois Hollande's unpopular socialist government, something has shifted.

His biographer told the BBC: "He wants to give the idea that, if he was able to seduce a woman 24 years his senior and a mother-of-three children, in a small provincial town, without opprobrium and mockery, he can conquer France in the same way."

And if he does beat Le Pen, it will be with Trogneux by his side. She has been quoted as saying she is "the president of his fan club", and is often seen attending high-level meetings with him; at his campaign launch, she could be seen taking notes in the front row.

As France's first lady, and with her husband's blessing, she will play a big role in helping him realise his dreams to revitalise the country.

Even more thrilling for some is how Trogneux has turned heads with what Vogue magazine described as her "chic-bobo aesthetic". With her slim-cut navy tailoring, low-heeled shoes, and immaculately highlighted but not overly styled hair, she is the quintessential femme d'un certain age, with a dignified but cool sense of style, which the French respect.

Why did everyone like Carla Bruni-Sarkozy? Because, unlike her husband with his distinctly dodgy platform shoes, she looked wonderful in a grey Christian Dior suit and a pair of Louboutins.

Delphine de Canecaude, a Paris-based art director, told L'Express magazine recently: "She's rock 'n' roll. Not for a second does she say, 'I'm 63, so I cannot wear short skirts'. Twelve-inch heels, sleeveless dresses, leather trousers, she dares everything. She is a mega wonder woman."

Whatever happens when the French go to the polls on Sunday, Trogneux will be by Macron's side all the way.

"She will have the role that she always had with me," he told French radio station RTL.

"She will not be hidden, because she shared my life, because her opinion is important, and because the presidential position carries something of a personal dimension.

"She has always been by my side; she's my equilibrium."

Macron had better watch out that the brilliant Brigitte doesn't soon eclipse him altogether.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Family team: US president Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka talk via video conference with International Space Station Commander Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer on the Space Station last Monday, from the Oval Office of the White House Photo: AP Photo/Susan Walsh

'Who do you represent, Ivanka? Your father, the American people or your business?"

As an opening gambit, the question put to the First Daughter at the start of last Tuesday's W20 Summit certainly echoed what people at home were thinking. There the 35-year-old businesswoman sat, flanked by the political heavyweights Angela Merkel and Christine Lagarde, betraying the merest hint of nerves as she embarked on the first foreign event in her new official capacity: adviser to the president.

The W20 summit, designed to promote women's economic empowerment, was a coming-out of sorts for Ivanka, and a high-pressure one at that. Imagine being seated alongside two of the most powerful women in the world, before a crowd steeled against any charm offensive? But when the audience began booing and hissing at Ivanka for describing her father as a "tremendous champion of supporting families", any tremulousness vanished.

"I know from my personal experience," she said - emboldened by the catcalls - "and the thousands of women who have worked with and for my father are testimony to his enormous belief in women's potential and the ability to do the job as well as any men. As a daughter, I know he encouraged me and enabled me to thrive. I grew up in a house where there were no barriers."

Minutes later she was drawing cheers. Ivanka had turned it around. "If you underestimate her," wrote one German commentator, "you've already lost."

Like many determined to write her off through lazy prejudice, I too underestimated Ivanka. As I rode up Trump Tower's gilded elevator to meet her for the first time back in 2012, part of me was expecting a Bergdorf Blonde playing at business in the corner office opposite daddy's.

The preconception overrode everything I'd been told about the smart Wharton Business School graduate, but women can sometimes have a stubborn mistrust of beautiful members of their sex. It took me minutes to realise how wrong I was about this startlingly bright and determined businesswoman. But at the end of Ivanka's first 100 days "in office", is the world ready to reassess its opinion of her, too?

"Ivanka appears poised to be an adviser, advocate and hostess all at once," says Kate Andersen Brower, author of First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies. "Which could revolutionise the role and make her the most powerful First Lady ever."

Of course, there is already a First Lady - a certain Slovenian spitfire who has been married to the president for more than 20 years. But Melania Trump hasn't exactly hit the ground running. Still holed up in her $100m penthouse in New York with her 10-year-old son, Barron (at private school nearby), she has been elusive enough to be dubbed "Rapunzel, the beauty locked in a tower" by stylist Phillip Bloch, who has known the Trumps for two decades.

Certainly, the form of soft power traditionally epitomised by the First Lady - she usually has the president's ear over their morning granola and then last thing at night - seems to be absent in this scenario. And according to CNN political pundit Angela Rye, the "power vacuum" created by a missing Melania has left Trump with no choice but to parachute in his daughter as a kind of de facto First Lady. As senior adviser to the president, as she was officially named in March. The title does nothing to assuage Rye's concerns that "there's nothing to hold her accountable to in terms of benchmarks and she can tiptoe into conflicts of interest without any issue.

"We all know what role Ivanka is playing," she maintained, "and that's the role of First Lady because Melania is not checking for Donald."

In a detailed piece in this month's Vanity Fair, an anonymous member of the First Lady's fashion clan describes a growing mass hope that Melania "will leave him, and become this great feminist icon. She will walk into the middle of everything and say: 'He's crazy. This is nuts. I don't know what I was doing!'"

But I wouldn't hold out for a Rapunzel-themed tell-all - My Escape from Trump Tower? It seems more likely that this intensely private woman, who many say never wanted to be First Lady, will happily take a back seat while her stepdaughter fills "the power vacuum". Something she's already doing very efficiently.

She, her husband Jared Kushner, also a senior adviser to Trump, and their three children moved to a $5.5m house in Washington DC. For the first two months of her father's presidency, Ivanka lay low, giving CBS News a single interview. But she quietly began carving out an expanded role for herself well before she was given a formal title.

Trump's call in early March for affordable childcare, paid family leave and help for female entrepreneurs was widely seen as bearing Ivanka's signature, and it is said that both she and Kushner have intervened in the wording of executive orders on climate change and LGBT rights.

Last week the First Daughter dismissed her supposed influence on Syrian strikes as a "flawed interpretation", yet no one would deny that, in the past two months, Ivanka has emerged as a fixture in high-level meetings, sitting across from her father at a meeting with Homeland Security.

Yet, while she's successful in softening the edges of her father's agenda, it's her seat at the table - beside Merkel and Lagarde - that seemed to jar most.

While she is clearly "a bright woman", said Jeremy Mayer, a professor at George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government, "nothing in her background suggests an aptitude for policy or politics at this level."

Couldn't the same be said of her father?

The fact remains that Ivanka's job is exactly what it was when I met the "executive vice president of development and acquisitions" at the Trump Organisation five years ago. She was her father's right-hand woman then, back when Trump's presidential ambition was a dinner party joke (made by him), and she's his right-hand woman now. Only the job description is more onerous - and subject to a lot of scrutiny.

This is also not the first time a daughter has fulfilled a First Lady-like role. Thomas Jefferson's daughter Martha Jefferson Randolph was said to have considerable influence over her father, as had Sarah-Yorke Jackson, daughter of Andrew Jackson, Mary Elizabeth Bliss (daughter of Zachary Taylor) and Mary Harrison McKee (daughter of Benjamin Harrison).

Ivanka was only eight when her father and mother split up, and despite tabloid reports that he had cheated on Ivana with model Marla Maples, Ivanka remained very close to him.

According to a family friend, when the coltish 15-year-old schoolgirl was at Choate Rosemary Hall boarding school in Connecticut, she would call her father every day - collect - from a pay phone in a janitor's closet. Meanwhile, colleagues remember Trump, ever the proud father, often bringing his daughter along to construction sites.

"My parents were the golden couple of New York," Ivanka told me back in that Trump Tower corner office in 2012.

"They were young, they were good-looking, they were charismatic and there was tremendous interest in covering them in the media. So I knew very early on that, no matter what I accomplished, there would always be someone saying: 'She would never have been able to do that without her parents.' And you know what? I can't argue with that, because it's a hypothetical."

Here I remember Ivanka pausing before resuming in a more strident tone: "Anyway, rather than dwell on it, I decided that what matters to me is that I'm respected by people I interact with, not people who have decided to dislike me.

"I do think that there is a binary outcome for the children of accomplished parents: either you're paralysed by the accomplishments of your parents and so afraid of failure that you don't put yourself out there at all, or you say: 'I am going to use this as motivation to work harder, try harder and learn more as I grow up.'"

All of which makes me wonder what Ivanka Trump will be doing in another 100 days' time.

I won't be under-estimating her this time.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
'In reality, the Trump administration should be more feared as a danger to world peace at the end of his first 100 days in office than it was at the beginning' Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Politicians and establishment media have greeted what they see as President Donald Trump's return to the norms of American foreign policy. They welcome the actual or threatened use of military force in Syria, Afghanistan and North Korea, and praise his appointment of a bevy of generals to senior security posts.

A striking feature of Trump's first 100 days was the way in which the campaign to demonise him and his entourage as creatures of the Kremlin was suddenly switched off like a light as soon as he retreated from his earlier radicalism.

In reality, the Trump administration should be more feared as a danger to world peace at the end of his first 100 days in office than it was at the beginning. This is because Trump in the White House empowers many of those who, so far from being "a safe pair of hands", have led the US into a series of disastrous wars in the Middle East in the post 9/11 era. There is no reason to think that they have changed their ways or learned from past mistakes.

This point is understood better in the Middle East than in it is in the US and Europe. In Baghdad, for instance, people are worried because they see the US building towards a renewed confrontation with Iran, possibly reneging on the nuclear agreement with Tehran and trying to curtail or eliminate Iranian influence in Iraq. Jim Mattis, the Secretary for Defence and former Marine general, and HR McMaster, the National Security Adviser and a general with combat experience in Iraq, are both volubly anti-Iranian. For soldiers like McMaster, the US failure in Iraq was unnecessary and self-inflicted and they intend to reverse it.

A US-Iran confrontation is bad news for Iraq because it may not mean an all-out war (though this is perfectly possible), but will be fought out on Iraqi territory by local proxies and allies. "Iraq really cannot take any more violence," says one Iraqi commentator, "and there would be no clear winner." He argues that the experience of the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88, when 500,000 Iranians were killed, is seared into the minds of Iranian leaders and they will never permit a hostile foreign state to become dominant in Iraq.

Many Western commentators were jubilant over Trump's missile strike in Syria on April 7, interpreting it as a return to a US policy that demands Assad's departure as part of a peace deal. But this policy has long been dead in the water because Assad has no reason to go. Trump's Syrian policy during the presidential election campaign always made more sense than that of Hillary Clinton as the voice of the US foreign policy establishment.

The great dilemma for ordinary Syrians and the Western powers is that if Assad goes or is weakened, then the main beneficiaries will be al-Qaeda and Isil. The choice is between very bad and even worse. There have been propaganda efforts to pretend that the Syrian armed opposition is not overwhelmingly led by Salafi-Jihadi groups. But these attempts are dying away as Jabhat al-Nusr mops up its last opponents in northern Syria.

An influential piece of propaganda has been to claim that the Syrian government is either complicit with Isil or not doing anything to fight it. But this is contradicted by a new analysis by the monitoring group IHS Markit, revealing that over the last year, Isil has fought the Syrian government forces more than any other opponent.

Between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017, 43pc of Isil fighting in Syria was directed against Assad forces, 17pc against the US-backed but Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces and 40pc against other groups, most notably Turkish proxies reinforced by the Turkish army north of Aleppo.

"It is an inconvenient reality that any US action taken to weaken the Syrian government will inadvertently benefit the Islamic State and other Jihadi groups," says Columb Strack, senior Middle East analyst at IHS Markit.

"The Syrian government is essentially the anvil to the US-led coalition's hammer. While the US-backed forces surround Raqqa, the Islamic State is engaged in intense fighting with the Syrian Government around Palmyra and in other parts of Homs and Deir al-Zour provinces."

If Isil was to capture Deir al-Zour, the largest city in eastern Syria, this would rejuvenate the group even if it loses Raqqa and Mosul.

The Trump administration says its priority is still to eliminate Isil. But the resurgent influence of the US foreign policy establishment along with that of Israel and the neo-cons, despite their dismal record in Iraq and Syria, is good news for Isil.

Washington is seeking closer relations with Sunni states like Turkey and Saudi Arabia which have shadowy links to Salafi-jihadi groups and were at odds with President Obama.

People and policies gaining the power to make decisions in the Trump administration are the very same as those who helped turn the wider Middle East from Hindu Kush to the Sahara into an arena for endless wars. They have no idea how to end these conflicts and show little desire to do so.

There is a more general reason why Washington may in future be more inclined to employ the threat or use of military force to project its power. This is because its political, economic and ideological power is declining relative to the rest of the world.

The rise of China and the return of Russia as an international player cramps its ability to act unilaterally. The election of Trump is evidence of a deeply divided society.

As a military power, the US can still claim predominance: international derision of Trump was instantly muted when he fired 59 Tomahawk missiles into Syria, dropped a big bomb in Afghanistan and claimed, falsely as it turns out, that a US armada was sailing towards North Korea.

The lesson of recent US foreign interventions is that it is difficult to turn military power into political gains, but this does not mean that Washington will not try to do so.

Trump will have learned over the last month that minimal sabre rattling abroad produces major political dividends at home.

Leaders down the ages have been tempted to stage a small short successful war to rally their country behind them.

Frequently they have got this absolutely and self-destructively wrong and these wars have turned out to be large, long and unsuccessful.

Trump campaigned as an isolationist, which should protect him from foreign misadventures, but he has never had many isolationists around him.

The architects of America's failed military interventions since Afghanistan are still in business. Strip Trump of his isolationism and what you have left is largely jingoistic bravado and bragging about a return of American greatness.

In future crises, both these impulses will make compromise more difficult and war more likely.

Independent
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)

Source: www.justearthnews.com
For people who love alcohol, especially beer, here's a piece of good news. Medical researchers have found out that two alcoholic drinks are way too effective than a paracetamol.

vancouver

They have also found out that blood alcohol content of approximately .08 percent produced 'a small elevation of pain threshold' and a 'moderate to a large reduction in pain intensity ratings'. The logic is simply laid on the fact that it lowers the sensation of pain and that it calms us down, lowering the perception of pain.

We have found strong evidence that alcohol is an effective painkiller," Dr Trevor Thompson, who headed the study at Londons Greenwich University, told The Sun.

denverite

It can be compared to opioid drugs such as codeine and the effect is more powerful than paracetamol," he said. However, too much of alcohol can obviously be bad. Regular use of booze can cause other health issues too.

Moderation is a key to healing pain. Cheers!
The racket of using electronic implants to short-change consumers at petrol pumps could be worth as much as Rs 250 crore annually, if one assumes that 10% of the motor fuels sold in the country are being under-delivered by unscrupulous dealers.

BCCL

According to oil ministry data, as many as 3.5 crore consumers buy petrol and diesel worth Rs 2,500 crore a year from 59,595 petrol pumps of state-run fuel retailers. With such a big pie at stake, people familiar with the fuel retail business said the racket busted by the Special Task Force of the UP police on Friday could be the tip of an iceberg. The STF raided seven petrol pumps where implants were being used to manipulate fuel deliveries.

While the customers were paying for the quantity shown by the dispensers, they were getting 10-15% less fuel. An indication of the magnitude of the problem came from the prime accused, Ravinder, who confessed to having installed implants on 1,000 dispensing machines at various petrol pumps in UP.

The STF has set up a team to probe the matter. Five more petrol pumps were raided in the state's Moradabad district and two engineers detained late on Saturday.

BCCL

On his part, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated the UP STF for busting the racket and said strict action will be taken against the guilty. What is worrying is the use of technology for manipulating sales at outlets, which is perhaps a first and poses a new challenge for oil marketers who believed that replacing mechanical dispensers with electronic ones would check under-delivery.

While underdelivery was a problem during old days, adulteration became the main focus after the advent of the new machines. Ironically, it was in UP's Lakhimpur Kheri that a young field officer of IndianOil, S Manjunath, was killed by the adulteration mafia in November 19, 2005.

BCCL

Industry insiders said manipulation of dispensing machines could be more widespread than is believed. This is because nearly all pumps now have electronic dispensing machines which are vulnerable to such manipulations due to easy availability of technology.

"There is need to increase the security of the dispensing machines, perhaps through better encryption and other measures," a senior marketing executive working with one of the oil companies said. But the truth is automation itself is not working on the ground because it is not seamless. "Fuel quantity in a tanker is still measured with a dip-stick before decanting into pump's storage," one dealer said.
In an advance warning or alert, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, BS Dhanoa, has asked IAF commanders to maintain a state of combat readiness for a possible 10-day war with Pakistan and a possible 15-day conflict was China. The necessary instructions were issued during an IAF commanders conference held in New Delhi last week.

Reuters/Representational Image

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. The story came in Deccan Chronicle.

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.
If you ask the youth today where they see themselves a decade later, theyd want to flock to greener pastures, study abroad and live their dreams in a first world country. However, there are those who live that dream, but wish to come back home. Not for a better opportunity, but simply for the love of the country, or the city they live in. Kuber Shah is one of the expats of those who decided to come back to India after spending more than a decade of his life in Germany.

Kuber Shah : Facebook

Shah lived in Berlin for about 15 years where he pursued Industrial engineering and worked there as a power plant consultant and later switched to being a law firm consultant. It was a fantastic life and like living a dream, but I missed home too much. I wanted to come back for my family, but also for the city. Having grown up in Mumbai, I have a very special bond with the city. It's a part of me and I realised it did not want to be anywhere but Mumbai, Shah tells us.

The 37-Year-Old's love for photography one day got him a place in the Markisches Museum in Berlin. Its a funny story actually, Shah shares, When I was in Berlin, my house was robbed, and all my memories which were in my laptop and hard disk, were stolen. This was the time when I was preparing to come back to Mumbai, he said.

Shah says that after the incident, he brought a camera and began documenting the city of Berlin and his memories in it, all over again. The image that was displayed during the reopening of the museum was of contemporary Berlin with a lady standing on Potzdamer Platz, which holds an important place in the history of the city. This was when Shahs journey on Instagram began, and he is now one of the well known photographers on the photo sharing platform. In his free time, Shah conducts workshops and guides young photographers.

A post shared by Kuber  (@thekuber) on May 9, 2014 at 6:00am PDT

The above picture was displayed in the Markisches Museum

Once he was back home, Shah began exploring the facets of Mumbai that make it look like another world altogether. His romance with the city is evident in his pictures as he clicks the architecture of Mumbai and even began a series of photos called Doors of Mumbai which was exhibited at the Kala Ghoda Festival two years ago. To have such a platform on social media is great for all photographers where they can get a feedback from the community, as well as connect with them, which is why I worked as a social media consultant as well, to bind the community together, Shah said. While photography remains his first passion, Shah now works as a photo editor in a reputed magazine.

Here are some pictures of Mumbai by Shah:

#Mill #Mumbai A post shared by Kuber  (@thekuber) on Sep 17, 2015 at 4:42am PDT

Probably the last #puddlegram of the season. #Mumbai #MyMumbai #EverydayMumbai #MumigersPicks #wwim12mumbai A post shared by Kuber  (@thekuber) on Oct 3, 2015 at 1:19am PDT

You can check out more of Kuber Shah's work on his Instagram profile.
UPs Yogi government has offered help to the family of Captain Ayush Yadav, the martyr who lost his life in the Kupwara terrorist attack. UP Cabinet Minister Satish Mahana wrote a cheque of Rs 25 lakhs, which the martyrs mom refused to accept.

ETV

On seeing Yadavs mom refusing the cheque, Mahana touched her feet and told her that he is like her son. After cajoling by his entourage for the next 15 minutes, the family finally obliged and took the cheque.

Mahana assured the heartbroken mom that the UP government is with her and that they would support her and the family when help and support are needed.

ETV

Its a humble move on the ministers part who cajoled the martyrs mom to accept the financial help.
Two BJP leaders from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh have have stirred up a controversy by demanding a ban on carrying of mobiles by school girls.

TOI/Representational Image

Aligarh mayor Shakuntala Bharati and MLA, Sanjeev Raja, speaking at an event at Uday Singh Inter College at Barah Dwari, said young girls did not need mobile phones and they should be prohibited from possessing the devices. The BJP leaders went on to claim that excessive use of mobile phones was one of the reasons why "Aligarh girls were going in the wrong direction".

Bharti and Raja, also raised objections about girls covering their faces while travelling in scooters and walking on the street. "What is the need for girls to cover their faces," Bharti said, adding that parents should ensure that their daughters refrain from such acts.

Reuters/Representational Image

Raja also advised parents not to give mobile phones to their daughters, as it was not needed.

"They have to go to school and then back home so what is the need of a mobile phone."

The issue of ban on mobile phones for girls was raised by the MLA and the mayor seconded it while addressing the gathering.

Mayor Bharati is not new to such controversies.

Last year she had forced the shutdown of the canteen in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) accusing it of selling beef.

By her own admission she has two goals in life, - protect cows from being slaughtered and protect Hindu girls from love jihad.
The sensational story of the surrender of a Pakistani spy in New Delhi on Friday is likely to turn into a damp squid.

BCCL/ Representative Image

Authorities who questioned Pakistani national Muhammad Ahmad Sheikh Muhammad Rafiq, is convinced that he cooked up the story to gain asylum in India, the Hindustan Times reported.

On Friday, Muhammad Rafiq who was travelling to Nepal from Dubai approached an officer in Indira Gandhi International Airport and claimed that he was working for ISI and wanted to give it up.

He was then taken into custody and interrogated by intelligence agencies, however they are said to have found nothing suspicious.

BCCL/ Representative Image

According to his passport, Muhammad Rafiq was born July 9, 1978 and his residence in Gulshan Colony of Faisalabad.

His future in India is still unclear as he hasn't violated any Indian law.
Family of Yahya, a Kerala resident, who had allegedly joined the Islamic State last year, said they received a message saying he as been killed in Afghanistan.

The family members got a message last night about his death on Telegram. The sender of the message, Asfak, said Yahya was martyred in the US attack.

He was killed while fighting the US forces, the message read. It, however, does not specify as to when he was killed.

Yahya, whose real name is Bestin Vincent, had converted to Islam a couple of years ago along with his two brothers who are also believed to be currently in Afghanistan.

Their wives who also converted to Islam are among the 21 people who disappeared from Kerala last year under mysterious circumstances.

A fortnight ago, family of Murshid Muhammed had received message that he was killed in a drone attack in Afghanistan.

In a related development, Abu Tahir, another Kerala youth who went missing in the middle east has reportedly been killed in Syria.

ANI

Tahir, a resident of Palakkad, who was working as a journalist had gone for Umrah in 2013 did not come back. He is believed to have joined the Al Nusra front in Syria. Tahir who is believed to have been in the war front, was active on Facebook with multiple IDs, and was campaigning for 'jihad'.

The news of his death was conveyed to a relative working in Sharjah earlier this month.
A Dalit man's decision to hire a band and play music at his wedding has turned out to be a costly affair, not just for him, but to an entire village.

When Chander Meghwal, a resident of Agar Malwa district in Madhya Pradesh married off his daughter last week, there was music and band at the event, against the diktat of the upper caste villagers.

Screengrab

Infuriated over a lower caste man defying their order, the upper caste villagers allegedly poured kerosene in a well used by Dalits, rendering it useless.

"Soon after the marriage, we found that someone poured kerosene into the well that supplied water to around 100 families of the lower caste," Chander Meghwal told The Times of India.

BCCL

With their only source of drinking water now becoming useless, the dalit families have been forced to draw water from Kalisindh river, 4 km from the village.

BCCL

As tensions remain high in the village, police have taken note of the matter and have registered a case against unknown persons.

"A team of administrative officials was immediately rushed to the village. The water was drained out and the well cleaned. Now the water from the well can be consumed," Agar Malwa district collector DV Singh told The Times of India.
The government, today, told the Supreme Court that it is ready to talk to recognised parties in Jammu and Kashmir to resolve the crisis, denying to talk to separatists demanding azaadi.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi made it clear that the government would come to the negotiating table only if the recognised parties participate in the dialogue and not the separatist elements.

AFP

He made the submissions before a bench, comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul, while rubbishing the claim of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association that the Centre was not coming forward for discussion and dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Rohatgi said recently the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of the state held a meeting to discuss the situation.

AFP

The Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association wants the Centre to hold talks with Hurriyat leaders.

During the last hearing on April 10, the Centre had told the Supreme Court 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 as a last resort to quell violence in the Valley.
Parents of a Christian 16-year-old girl are crying out for help following the decision of a Sharia court sitting in Erena to forcefully marry their daughter Janet Habila, to her Muslim tailor boss, Nasiru. According to Sun News, this happened in Erena district of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

Janet was an apprentice in Nasirus tailoring institute in Erena, where her father, devoted church leader with the United Mountain of Grace in Shundna village, had enrolled her in 2016 to learn the trade after she refused to further her education beyond primary school.

Janet until recently was the leader of the Sabo Rayi (new life) group in the church. Her parents as a way of empowering her, enrolled her to learn the tailoring trade but were shocked to receive a notification of her marriage through a Sharia court in Erena. Nasiru, a Nigerien national who settled in Erena, was said to have approached the court to join him and Janet as husband and wife without seeking the consent and approval of the parents.

According to a source close to the family of the girl, Nasiru was said to have craftily organized some Muslim men and women in the area to stand as the parents of Janet in court to enable the marriage to take place.

Habila Gambo, Janets father told Sunday Sun that unless the decision by the Sharia court, presided over by Umar Shehu to forcefully marry his daughter out to her Muslim boss without his consent was reversed, it will eventually lead to a possible religious crisis in Erena. Gambo warned that even if such illegality had happened elsewhere and they get away with it, Erena and its environs would be thrown into confusion and possible anarchy by the practice of forced conversion and marriage.

Narrating what happened further Gambo said: To my surprise, on March 16, 2017, I came back home and met a court summon, asking me to report at the Sharia Court, Erena. On getting to the court, I was told that my daughter had converted to Islam and that her marriage had been fixed for 2:00pm that same day. I told the Sharia court judge that as a father of Janet, I was not aware of such arrangement because my daughter never discussed anything like that with me. Therefore, I was not going to accept it and I would not be part of it.

But to my surprise the judge told me that the court only wanted to inform me and that was all. He said that the marriage would go on as planned even without my consent. My daughter had never told me that she wanted to convert to Islam not to talk of marrying a Muslim, I paid a lot of money to train her and I would not allow this to happen while I am alive.

Gambo reported the matter to the Niger State Police Command through a formal letter, urging the police to intervene and rescue his daughter from what he called an unlawful marriage. Following his complaint, the police promptly arrested Nasiru and detained him at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Minna. Janet who was as asked to narrate what transpired, Janet told the police that she could not recall what actually happened but that she discovered that she was taking every instruction from Nasiru.

I was confused, I didnt know what happened, but I was taking every instruction from him (Nasiru). I was afraid to let my parents know because of the consequences and I was equally afraid to turn down Nasirus love advances even though inside me I didnt like the idea.

After taking her statement, Janet was handed over to the parents and were asked to return to the police after five days while investigation into the matter continued. Shockingly, when they returned to the police headquarters, Janet demanded that she should be allowed to say something, which, according to her, had been bothering her since she was handed over to her parents. She declared that she was not returning home with her parents as she was ready to join her husband, Nasiru.

Her father broke down in tears and wept uncontrollably as he watched his daughter being handed over to Nasiru by the police because the court had earlier pronounced them husband and wife and it was only the same court that could dissolve the marriage. He has now promised to challenge them with the last drop of his blood blood, saying This will never happen in my life time. My daughter is not a stray animal, and even a stray animal has owner. Nobody can take my daughter from me for free without my consent.

Janets mother, Asabe Gambo was also assaulted by Nasirus relations when she went to visit her daughter,also narrated her experience, she said: I only wanted see my daughter when the women in the house gathered and started beating me and calling me unbeliever who should not be welcome into the house. They told me that my daughter was now a Muslim and, therefore, did not need any unbeliever around her. They didnt allow me to even sight my daughter with my eyes.

I am seriously in pain, as a mother who carried her pregnancy for nine months, she lamented. I want God to take my life instead of experiencing this kind of situation as a mother. This is quite unfortunate, I dont want to believe that this is happening to me. My daughters sudden change of attitude is not ordinary. As a Christian, I strongly believe that God will surely pass his judgement over this unfortunate experience. My daughter will surely regain her senses and return back home.
The authorities of Saudi Arabia have sentenced a man to death for renouncing Islam and made disparaging remarks about the prophet Muhammad.

The authorities became aware of Ahmad Al-Shamri in 2014 after he uploaded a series of videos reflecting his views on social media. He was subsequently arrested on charges of atheism and blasphemy, faced trial and was sentenced to death in February 2015.

Al-Shamri is reportedly in his early 20s and comes from the city of Hafar Al-Batin, located in Saudi Arabias Eastern Province.

The defendant initially pleaded insanity, saying that he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he made the comments, Hala Dosari, an advisory board member of Human Rights Watch (HRW) told the Washington Post.

She added that his trial focused heavily on Quranic law and little on any mitigating mental illness. As a result, Al-Shamri has been sentenced to death for being an atheist.

After a lengthy appeals process, Saudi Arabias Supreme Court ruled against Al-Shamri on Tuesday (25 April).

According to Amnesty International, the Gulf oil giant carried out at least 154 executions in 2016. The country has been habitually criticised by human rights groups over its human rights record, but it is still a member of the UNs Human Rights Council. Its term expires in 2019.

Leaving Islam is punishable by death in the ultra-conservative kingdom.

The conservative religious folks have full control of the justice system, said Adam Coogle, Middle East researcher at HRW.

Judges come from religious seminaries in Saudi Arabia. They see themselves as preservers of Saudi Arabias character as an Islamic state, he added. And they come down hard on people who step out of line.

Saudi Arabia was ranked third by Amnesty International for recorded executions in 2016 behind China (which was in the thousands) and Iran (567+). The true figures are thought to be significantly higher as the figures only cover the judicial use of the death penalty.

Those sentenced to death are killed by beheading or shooting.

Social media users were divided over Al-Shamris death sentence, with some saying such an extreme course of action is unjustified. Others, however, appeared to celebrate the verdict and even went as far as saying they wished there could be live streaming when the execution is carried out.

Source: ( PM News )
Immediate past governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido have been arrested by the police in Kano State.

The arrest was due to the ex-governor allegedly inciting his supporters to stop the conduct of local government elections organised by the current administration of Governor Muhammad Badaru.

The council elections are fixed for July 1.

According to reports from the PREMIUM TIMES, Lamido, who was arrested at his Sharada Kano home on Sunday morning, was whisked away to the Zone One Command of the Nigeria Police in Kano.

As at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, the former governor was still being held by the police who are yet to make any official statement on the matter.

Our reporter who was at the Zone One Command saw about six vehicles of the former governor filled with his aides who waited patiently for the release of their boss.
Governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said the state government will set up a panel to probe the cause of the sudden death of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was a serving senator and the first civilian governor of the state.

This is contained in a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Sunday by the media aide to the governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon.

The governor described Adeleke as a man of peace, who he said defected from the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the August 2014 governorship poll in the state because he could not stand violence.

The governor said the administration had planned a befitting state burial for the late politician but he said this was scuttled by some person  crying more than the bereaved who unleashed terror on dignitaries, who came to honour the departed soul.

The statement read, Senator Adeleke was a man of peace. He preached peace and lived it through his life. He left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he could not stand violence. This was after he was beaten up by some leaders of the PDP during a meeting in a hotel in Osogbo.

It is a profound irony and most unfortunate therefore that a few disgruntled elements purporting to protest his death desecrated his funeral with violence and attacks on innocent persons. They dishonoured him and did his memory a great disservice by keeping his friends, political associates and well-wishers away from his burial.

The best we could do in the circumstance was to declare three days of mourning throughout the state and fly national, state and our partys flags at half-mast in his honour.

The State Government of Osun, using the instrumentality of the law, is setting up an inquest to unravel the circumstances of this unfortunate and sad incident, in order to put the record straight on his death.

We continue to mourn the untimely death of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. He is irreplaceable in our hearts. We commiserate with his family, the good people of Ede, associates, friends, constituents and generality of our peopleon the passage of this patriot. As we pray for the repose of his soul, we equally pray for the strength to bear this heavy loss.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Police Command in Borno said on Sunday that it had arrested a driver, Modu Mustapha, suspected to be purchasing fuel and food items for Boko Haram insurgents.

Damian Chukwu, the Commissioner of Police in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri that the suspect was arrested after a tip-off by members of the public.

The police have received information that one Modu Mustapha of Jumptilo village was a terrorists collaborator, who buys fuel and food for them, at Alagarno and other hideout.

The police descended on the suspect, who has confessed to the crime, he said.

Mr. Chukwu alleged that the driver usually fetched firewood in the bush, from where he was suspected to have met the terrorists.

He said that he had been buying things for the insurgent group.

We recovered N10, 000 from the suspect, which the terrorists gave him to buy bicycle spare parts for them, said the commissioner.

The commissioner said the suspect also named 15 other firewood vehicle drivers, who engaged in similar crime.

According to him, the police are yet to establish the motive of the driver buying things for the insurgents.

We have not been able to establish his reasons for buying things for them, whether he is under the influence of spell, coerced into doing it, or doing it willingly as their collaborator, said Mr. Chukwu

He said that because of the nature of the alleged crime, it would be transferred to the military for further action.

Mr. Chukwu said the police also arrested three men who specialised in adulterating grind-pepper, mixing it with sawdust and flower waste and selling same to public as pepper.

Those arrested included Bukar Masona, Babakura Umar and Ali Muhammad.

The adulterated pepper they sell to the public is poisonous and unfit for human consumption, he said.

The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, for further investigation.

(NAN)
Nigerian youths must be taught life skills and empowered so they can contribute more to the economy and society, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija has said.

Alakija, who is one of the richest black women in the world, spoke during a youth empowerment programme, which was organised by a non-governmental organisation, the Rose of Sharon Glorious Foundation, in partnership with Stresert Services and the Lagos State Empowerment Trust Fund, on Saturday.

Alajika, who is also the founder of SGF, said, If we dont ensure that the next generation is empowered with skills, what is going to happen to the economy and the society? Not everybody is going to work in corporate organisations. There are different skills and different people in the world. It is very essential to empower all human beings, not just youths. We also empower widows. We decided not to give them fish but to teach them how to fish. We fund them to learn skills and even go back to school.

We have quite a number of widows that we are sponsoring in the university. We also take care of their medical expenses. We used to have some doctors working with us and were still looking for new partnerships. We also recently started working with the Lagos State Empowerment Trust Fund and they would be providing funds, from N200,000 to N5m, to some of the alumni of our skills acquisition classes though this is just our first major training session.

Alakija further called for more corporate partnership in areas of education and health.

She said, We are looking for other organisations that would be able to work with us in areas where we do not have the capacity to empower our beneficiaries. As an example, we dont have the capacity to impart technological skills, so it would be helpful if an IT organisation can partner with us; also in medicare, and other such areas. We can only encourage others to try to reach out and touch the under privileged.

Speaking further, she also commended the Federal Governments anti-corruption war.

I believe that this current government is doing the right thing as far as anti-corruption is concerned. When the erring ones are found, they have to be punished to serve as examples to others. If there is no serious deterrent, corruption will continue. All the money generated in this country is only going into the pockets of few people and it shouldnt be so, she said.

The event featured different sessions by human resources professionals who gave the attendees tips on self-empowerment and how to secure good jobs.

Other speakers at the event included Sola Gbobaniyi, Grace Iruene, Olisemeka Nwachukwu, Toluwalase Ayeni and Shade Paul-Rotua.

Source: Punch
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed claims by respondents in a book written by the Chairman of the Editorial Board of ThisDay, Mr. Segun Adeniyi.

Jonathan, who stated this in his twitter handle on Saturday, faulted claims by respondents in the book, Against the Run of Play.

He said many of those that responded to issues surrounding the 2015 presidential election made distorted claims.

He said, I have just read Segun Adeniyis new book, Against the Run of Play which has so far enjoyed tremendous reviews in the media. My take on it is that the book as presented, contains many distorted claims on the 2015 presidential election by many of the respondents

There will obviously be more books like that on this subject by concerned Nigerians. However, I believe that at the right time, the main characters in the election including myself will come out with a true account of what transpired either in major interviews or books.

Among respondents in the book are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; ex-Senate President, Senator David Mark; Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima; a former Niger Governor, Babangida Aliyu and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Mark was reported to have said that he envisaged Jonathans defeat and even warned him but all warnings fell on deaf ears.

On his part, Obasanjo said he warned Jonathan against running and also alleged that the ex-President used Boko Haram problem to rape the treasury.

He further said Jonathan was incompetent and was too small for the presidency from the outset.

Shettima said Jonathan only called me once for a meeting over Boko Haram. He lamented that Jonathan was not committed to the efforts to fight Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

On his part, Aliyu said if Jonathan had not reneged on his promise not to pursue a second term, Peoples Democratic Party would not have lost.

The ex-Rivers State Governor, Amaechi, attributed the cause of his grudge with Jonathan to illegal and excess deduction from the federation account by the former president.

He said, I could not surrender my mandate to a woman (Patience) in Abuja, even if such a person was the wife of the President. That basically was my sin with Dame Patience Jonathan.

Polls, a credit to Nigerians  UK

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has denied an allegation by Jonathan that it supported President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 presidential election.

The UK High Commission, in a statement on Saturday by its Press and Public Affairs Officer, Joe Abuku, said the 2015 elections were a credit to Nigerians.

It said, Prior to the 2015 elections in Nigeria, the UK engaged with Nigerian political parties and their leaders to urge them to run a fair, non- violent campaign and allow Nigerian voters to decide who their future political leadership would be.

The UK congratulated President Jonathan on having handed over power peacefully in 2015 having lost the Nigerian presidential election.

The elections were a credit to the Nigerian people and a truly historic moment for Nigerian democracy. This process further strengthened Nigerias democratic tradition.

The United Kingdom welcomes the assessment of independent observers, including the EU, that Nigerias elections were largely peaceful and conducted in accordance with recognised international democratic norms, and that there was no evidence of systemic manipulation of the process.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Lanre Gentry, an American returnee who is into the hospitality business (he also sells cars) was said to have had three women, who all bore children for him before meeting and marrying Mercy Aigbe.

Though his first wife is divorced from him, he was said to have impregnated one Opeyemi Amuda, who had his first son, Lanre, for him.

Opeyemi, then a young girl was said to be a sister to his first wifes friend. Gentry was said to have started dating the young girl who later became pregnant.

His first wife had just daughters then and he named Opeyemis son, Lanre. It was gathered that the boy is 18 years old, lives with his grandparents in Egbeda, Lagos while his mum is abroad and remarried with two other children.

Lanre, after Opeyemi, dated and married an Igbo policewoman who had also packed out of the house.

According to reliable sources, Mercy started dating him after his spilt from the policewoman and must have decided marrying him when he spoilt her silly with gifts and money. In fact, he was said to have gifted her with two cars (a Honda Element and Honda CRV) on the same day!

They were officially married in 2013.

Meanwhile, Mercy had always said in interviews that she was the second wife.

How can she be the second wife when she is the fourth to bear children for him? He has children from different women and when Mercy had Juwon, Lanre called all his baby mamas that they should bring all his children to come and live under same roof with one another in his house but those women declined. The many responsibilities must have also contributed to his financial misfortune because he is not as rich as when Mercy met him, a reliable source said.

One of the reasons that caused fracas in his marriage to Mercy was infidelity from his part. It was gathered and alleged that Lanre was dating Opemititi, a young lady, who lives in Abeokuta but comes to Lagos regularly.

The lady also known as Queen Stunner was said to be very close to Mercy and visited her at home. There are allegations that the estranged husband of Mercy is having an affair with Opemititi.

For now, Mercy is said to have been separated from Lanre and moved out of the home.

Source: Jamie Naija
Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe today stepped out looking gorgeous without any evidence of physical assault. She does not look like someone who has skull fracture! She only shared the photos on Instagram but did not make any comment on the marriage crash saga.

Source: Instagram
The World Bank has told Nigerian rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that it cannot locate any additional information on the projects executed with recovered stolen public funds by the late General Sani Abacha.

SERAP deputy director, Timothy Adewale, made this disclosure in a release sent to SaharaReporters few hours ago.

According to the response sent to SERAP, the World Bank Access to Information Appeal Committee said, In response to your request under case number AI4288 (related to your initial request case number AI3982), we wish to inform you that we have thoroughly searched our records and databases but have not been able to locate any additional information that is responsive to your request beyond what we have already shared with you. Therefore, we are unable to fulfill your request.

It would be recalled that the World Bank last year asked for more time to release details on the spending of recovered loot by Abacha when SERAP requested for detail of how Abacha loot was spent.

When the Bank failed to provide additional information, SERAP later sent open letter to the Banks president Dr. Jim Yong Kim requesting him to use his good offices and leadership position to urgently address the public perception that the World Bank is seeking to distance itself from responsibility over alleged mismanagement in the spending of recovered Abacha loot.

Specifically, the organization asked Dr Kim to establish a Special Inspection Panel on Nigeria to visit locations across the country to verify whether or not the projects reportedly executed by the Nigerian government with the funds were actually executed.

In the letter dated 28 April 2017 and signed by Mr. Adewale the organization expressed concern that the apparent lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of recovered Abacha loot and the fact that the Bank has now come to the conclusion that it has no more information to provide on the status of the projects reportedly executed with the funds have impacted negatively on the communities across the country who are victims of corruption.

The organization argued that, Using technicalities under the Banks Access to Information Policy to refuse to answer outstanding questions on the projects reportedly executed with recovered Abacha loot would leave communities across the country that have been negatively affected by the mismanagement of the funds without any effective remedies.

The letter read in part: Getting to the root of how Abacha loot was spent would demonstrate that the World Bank is willing to put people first in the implementation of its development and governance policies and mandates, as well as remove any suspicion of the Banks complicity in the alleged mismanagement of the recovered public funds.

This disclosure may have put the lid on further investigation regarding how Abacha loot was expended.

Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), in January said Nigeria risked losing another $550m recovered from the Abacha family to the United States contrary to the earlier promise by the U.S. to return same to Nigeria.

Sagay said the stringent conditions for repatriation being given by the USA and other countries in which some of the nations stolen wealth was stashed contradicted the earlier promises made.

Source: SaharaReporters
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday directed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Abubakar Malami, to call the Nigeria Police to order by warning the security arm of the consequences of treating courts with levity.

Kolawoles reaction followed the failure of the police to appear in a case of enforcement of fundamental human rights instituted against it and four others by the Incorporated Trustees of the Peace Corps of Nigeria.

At the resumed hearing of the suit, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigerian Police Force, who are the major defendants in the court action, were not in court and gave no cogent reason.

The AGF, the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services and its Director-General, who are the other defendants in the suit, were represented by Mr Terhemba Agbe.

Kanu Agabi, (SAN), Counsel to the Peace Corps and its National Commandant, had urged the court for an order restraining the police from further taking steps against the plaintiffs in the pending court action.

Agabi had specifically pleaded with the judge to order the police to vacate the corporate headquarters of the Peace Corps in Abuja, which had been sealed off since Feb. 28.

He also asked for an order of the court to facilitate the release of the vehicles and other properties of the corps carted away by the police when the office was invaded.

Justice Kolawale expressed displeasure over the absence of the police in court without justifiable reason.

The judge said that the police who were the antagonist in the matter ought to have realised that a case for the enforcement of fundamental human rights ought to be treated with deserved urgency.

It is an affront to the court for a party in a pending court action to take any further step in such a manner that may affect the foundation of the case.

To take a further step in a pending court matter outside the court is nothing but self-help and the consequence of such action is contempt of proceedings, Kolawole said.

The judge said that his ruling should be served on the police through the office of the AGF to enable the police realise the consequences of treating the court with levity.

He therefore, ordered the AGF and three other defendants to file processes within five days in response to the originating summons of the Peace Corps.

The court adjourned hearing in the matter until May 15.

Source: NTA
The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has expressed confidence that President Buhari is healthy enough to run for a second term in office come 2019. Amaechi said this while responding to questions in a recent interview with Channels Television.

He said, If you look at the president since he came to the country, you will see there is a huge improvement. Hes regaining his weight.

He said, This is a 74-year old man, he is no longer a 58 years old man. He is not 50. He is not a young man. I will advise that he should. The president is fit enough to govern and if he makes the decision to run again, if he does, I dont think there is anything wrong in supporting him.
Recent studies show that the African continent is attracting a growing amount of investments from foreign multinational enterprises, but this positive development also increases the number of challenges for businesses and governments.

The economic boom in the African continent is occurring during an epoch of changes in the international taxation landscape, triggered by the outcome of the BEPS Project. Within this context, transfer pricing legislations plays an important role, but African tax administrations have identified transfer pricing as one of the most significant risks to their tax base.

During a four-day workshop in March 2017, the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), together with the Minerals and Energy for Development Alliance and the World Bank, delivered the first of two regional workshops on transfer pricing in Africas mineral sector.

Charles Akong of the AMDC noted that transfer mispricing represents one of the key issues which contribute to African countries missing out on the full benefits of their minerals. Ensuring that transactions between multinational mining companies and their affiliates are conducted as independent entities through applying the arms length principle remains a key challenge facing tax administration authorities across the continent.

On the other hand, there are several transfer pricing risks that MNEs should consider when structuring investments into selected countries across the continent.

BonelliErede is partnering with International Tax Review to present a webinar on the main transfer pricing issues to consider when structuring investments into Egypt and Ethiopia. Experts will discuss the legal framework and transfer pricing rules in these countries, the applicable transfer pricing methods and international standards and the available tools available to MNEs to manage their transfer pricing risks.

The discussion, moderated by Anjana Haines, editor of International Tax Review and led by Stefano Simontacchi, managing partner at BonelliErede in Milan, will be broadcast live at 3.00 pm GMT on Wednesday April 19 2017.

Register for the webinar here: https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/720/251421.
La crisi in Venezuela, e le tragiche notizie che giungono da ogni parte del mondo, occupano il centro della riflessione del Regina Coeli di questoggi. Papa Francesco lo recita direttamente dal sagrato della basilica, in piazza San Pietro, al termine dellUdienza fatta ai membri dellAzione Cattolica, in occasione dei 150 anni della fondazione del movimento.

Cessi la violenza in Venezuela

Non cessano di giungere drammatiche notizie circa la situazione in Venezuela e laggravarsi degli scontri, con numerosi morti, feriti e detenuti, esordisce il Pontefice, che spiritualmente si unisce al dolore dei familiari delle vittime, per le quali assicuro preghiere di suffragio. Bergoglio rivolge poi un appello accorato al governo e a tutte le componenti della societa venezuelana affinche venga evitata ogni ulteriore forma di violenza, siano rispettati i diritti umani e si cerchino soluzioni negoziate alla grave crisi umanitaria, sociale, politica ed economica che sta stremando la popolazione. Il Santo Padre affida alla Santissima Vergine Maria lintenzione della pace, della riconciliazione e della democrazia in quel caro Paese. La preghiera del Papa si estende anche a tutte le nazioni che attraversano gravi difficolta, tra cui, anche la Repubblica di Macedonia.

La beatificazione di Leopoldina Naudet

A Verona, ieri, e stata proclamata Beata Leopoldina Naudet, fondatrice delle Suore della Sacra Famiglia. Il Papa ne ricorda la storia, facendo notare come ebbe fin da ragazza una forte vocazione alla preghiera, ma anche al servizio educativo. Si consacro a Dio e, attraverso diverse esperienze, giunse a formare a Verona una nuova comunita religiosa, sotto la protezione della Sacra Famiglia, che ancora oggi e viva nella Chiesa  aggiunge il Pontefice -. Ci uniamo alla loro gioia e al loro rendimento di grazie.

La formazione cattolica

Nel proseguire il suo discorso, Bergoglio ricorda che oggi in Italia si celebra la Giornata per lUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore: Incoraggio a sostenere questa importante istituzione, che continua a investire sulla formazione dei giovani per migliorare il mondo. La formazione cristiana si basa sulla Parola di Dio. E proprio per questo al Papa piace ricordare anche che oggi in Polonia si svolge la domenica biblica: nelle chiese parrocchiali, nelle scuole e nei mass media viene letta pubblicamente una parte della Sacra Scrittura.

I saluti

In fine, rivolgendosi alle migliaia di persone dellAzione Cattolica, che affollano la piazza, afferma: Al termine di questo incontro vi ringrazio di cuore per la vostra presenza! E tramite voi saluto tutti i vostri gruppi parrocchiali, le famiglie, i bambini e i ragazzi, i giovani e gli anziani. Andate avanti!. I saluti si estendono poi ai pellegrini che a questora si sono uniti a noi per la preghiera mariana, specialmente a quelli venuti dalla Spagna, dalla Croazia, dalla Germania e da Puerto Rico. Insieme ci rivolgiamo a Maria nostra Madre. Nel concludere il suo discorso, Bergoglio ringrazia la Madonna per il viaggio apostolico in Egitto appena compiuto: chiedo al Signore che benedica tutto il popolo egiziano, tanto accogliente, le autorita e i fedeli cristiani e musulmani; e che doni pace a quel Paese.
9.45am: Female Voice Choirs, Male Voice Choirs & Irelands Choir of the Year - Cork City Hall

This national competition will name Irelands top Male, Female, and Overall choirs, and is sure to thrill and entertain. There is free admission for this event.

1.45pm Light, Jazz, and Popular Music - Cork City Hall

There will be something for everyone at this diverse and exciting performance. From old Irish ballads to Broadway showstoppers and everything in between, this event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. There is free admission for this event.

1.30pm  6pm: Afternoons in the Atrium, Clayton Hotel

Afternoons in the Atrium provides a day of energetic and entertaining performances by national and international choirs in the fresh, modern setting of the Clayton Hotel, Lapps Quay.

Its the perfect setting for families and festival goers who want to relax in the hotels bright atrium and experience the festival atmosphere in full flow. There is free admission for this event.

5.15pm: The 2017 Cork International Choral Festivals Awards Ceremony, Cork City Hall

The 2017 Cork International Choral Festivals Awards Ceremony will take place in Cork City Hall.

8pm: Closing Gala - Cork City Hall

The Closing Gala Concert will take place in Cork City Hall with International choirs presenting choral music representative of their musical and cultural backgrounds in a joyful celebration of song and colour. This is always a highlight of the week.

For the full festival programme see www.corkchoral.ie.
Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart said: "We are known to be a safe community here on the Island but we need to do our part to ensure it stays that way by being alert to any strange activity or individuals in our midst and if in doubt to report our concerns to the police.





"I will be meeting with our emergency planning team to give them my full support for any plans and actions they need to take to ensure the Islands on-going safety.





"Most importantly, we must not let these individuals disrupt our way of life and so we must do all we can to protect ourselves and our Island community," said Cllr Stewart.





In a statement this morning (Thursday) Mark Rowley, the national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing and the Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said: "Greater clarity is now developing regarding the casualty figures as we have now collated information from the public and five hospitals  the latest figures I have are that there are currently four dead and 29 people were treated in hospital.
SHANKLIN Chine celebrated its 200th anniversary as an attraction on the Island with the launch of a new exhibition.

The Island's Lord Lt, Maj Gen Martin, accompanied by new Isle of Wight High Sheriff, opened the new bicentenary exhibition to celebrate the chine's landmark in a ceremony.

Anne Springman, who owns and manages the attraction, spoke to the 170 guests who attended.

The new exhibition is a celebration of its early days as a draw to Victorian and Edwardian visitors - especially artists, writers and poets of the eras - for its dramatic scenery and the emergence of geology as a science and studies into the natural environment.

The chine is steeped in wartime military history, with its cliffs used by the Royal Marines for training in preparation for the Dieppe Raid of 1942, and as a route for the PLUTO (Pipeline Under the Ocean) project, which carried fuel 65 miles to Cherbourg, to support the Allied invasion of France in 1944.

There are several items of interest in the exhibition, which includes Roman coins, trench art from the First World War and an eagle owl carved by Niton chainsaw artist Paul Sivell.

Mrs Springman said: "The exhibition takes the chine on to the next stage of its journey. The chine is considered to be a very special and spiritual place by so many and it continues to enrich our lives with its magic.

"Even after 40 years of managing it, I continue to learn and the chine is about to open a new door in its journey by becoming a conservation trust and charity for its future protection.

"This will include the preservation and maintenance of the chine's Heritage Centre and 40 Royal Marine Commando memorial."


Kendra Reid should have been finishing up another academic year at Winston-Salem State University.

Instead, the Ram family was mourning her death.

Circumstances involving her death were unclear Sunday around noon. A Winston-Salem State official said that the Lexington Police Department was handling her case. Contacted by a reporter, a police official said that a news release would be issued but did not know when.

Reid, 20, a Winston-Salem State sophomore, apparently died early Sunday morning, according to a news release posted on the universitys Facebook page.

As a past member of the Red Sea of Sound, Kendra was an active member of the Ram community. She is remembered for her passion for music and her dedication as a student. We are deeply saddened by her passing, said the news release, signed by Elwood Robinson, the chancellor.

Check back at JournalNow.com for updates.
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 ...
JURIST Guest Columnist Mohamed Abdelaal, a professor at Alexandria University School of Law and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, discusses how the revival of the Emergency Law No. 162 of 1958 can negatively impact the rule of law in Egypt.

Egypts longtime former president Hosni Mubarak, who was forced to step down during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, ruled the country under the grip of emergency law for almost three decades, restricting individuals freedoms and suspending several constitutional rights. Egypts Emergency Law, Law No. 162 of 1958, was first imposed during the Egypt-Israel War in 1967 and was suspended after the 1973 War before being reactivated following the assassination of President Anwar Al-sadat in 1981 and has been in effect for almost 30 years during the regime of President Mubarak.

During the 2011 Revolution, one of the most key reforms demanded by the protesters was to put an end to the state of emergency and to revoke Law No. 162 of 1958 [pdf]. However, the Egyptian Supreme Council of Military Forces (SCAF), which assumed power after President Mubarak was forced from office pending the designation of an acting president until a presidential election is to be held, extended the emergency state before repealing it on May 31, 2012. In August 2013, the emergency law was restored when the acting president Adly Mansour declared the state of emergency for only one month to counter sabotage done by the supporters of the now ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood.

On April 10, 2017, following the recent Egypt church bombings by Islamic militants, Egypts current President Abdul Fattah Al-sisi issued the Presidential Decree No. 157 of 2017 [in Arabic] reinstating the state of emergency for three months, which was later approved by the House of Representatives pursuant to Article 154 of Egypts current Constitution of 2014 [pdf], which reads [T]he President of the Republic declares, after consultation with the Cabinet, a state of emergency in the manner regulated by law. Such proclamation must be submitted to the House of Representatives within the following seven days to consider it.

The Presidential Decree No. 157 of 2017 contains five short articles, among them Article 4 is of a great significance. Specifically, Article 4 of the Decree punishes by imprisonment whoever violates the orders issued by the President of the Republic pursuant to Law No. 162 of 1958 regarding the state of emergency. Law No. 162 of 1958 authorizes the president to take the required precautions to restrict the freedom of meeting, movement, residence, arrest suspects or those who threat public security and public order, to inspect people and places notwithstanding the provisions of the Criminal Procedures Law. (Art. 3(1)) [pdf]. It also entitles the president to order surveillance on any kind of messages, monitor, confiscate and close newspapers, leaflets, publications, fees and all means of expression, propaganda and advertising before its publication. (Art. 3(2)) [pdf]. Further, under this law, the president determines the opening and closing times of public stores, withdraws weapons licenses and evacuates or segregates certain regions. (Art. 3(3), (5), (6)) [pdf].

Accordingly, a cursory examination of Article 4 [in Arabic] of the Presidential Decree No. 157 of 2017 reveals that it brings Law No. 162 of 1958 back into effect after it was last applied in 2013, a move which is likely to represent a major step back towards the proper application of the rule of law in Egypt.

Below, I discuss how the revival of the Emergency Law No. 162 of 1958 can negatively impact the rule of law in Egypt. In doing so, my analysis centers around two main points.

Firstly, the case could be dated back to 2013, when the Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC) invalidated [the Courts ruling in Arabic] Art. 3(1) [pdf] of the Emergency Law No. 162 of 1958, which allowed the President a great deal of discretion in imposing restrictions on some fundamental rights such as, the freedom of meeting, movement and residence. The article [pdf], further, authorized the President to order the arrest and search of people as well as private places without being bound by procedures and safeguards mentioned in the Criminal Procedures Law No. 150 of 1950 as amended by Law No. 95 of 2003 [pdf in Arabic]. The Court ruled the article unconstitutional [pdf in Arabic] reasoning that,

Article 3(1) of Law No. 162 of 1958, in authorizing the President of the Republic to arrest and search persons and places without judicial warrant, infringes fundamental freedoms of the citizens and represents an assault on the sanctity of their homes and private places, and thus violates the rule of law which is the basis of governance in the State.

Given the fact that, in the context of the Egyptian legal system, decisions of the SCC bind the state authorities since the last word on constitutional questions rests with the Court, Egypts House of Representatives vowed to abide by the Courts aforementioned ruling when considering the merits of the Presidents declaration of emergency.However, such vow is only as good as the intention of the House of Representatives itself which fulfills it. Precisely, in approving the Presidential Decree No. 157 of 2017, which declared the emergency state and restored Law No. 162 of 1958, the House of Representatives announced its intention to amend Law No. 162 of 1958, a step which has been seen by many as an attempt by the House to show its commitment to abide by the SCCs decision in ruling Art. 3(1) of the law unconstitutional. However, the House approved a minor amendment [in Arabic] introducing a new article to the law which reads

with exception to the provisions of other laws, when the state of emergency is being declared, law enforcement officers are authorized to arrest any person if evidence indicates he may have committed a felony or a misdemeanor and searching his place of residence, and any place where there is a suspicion that he hides any dangerous or explosive materials, weapons or ammunition, or any object or instrument that might be the product of a crime, and he may be detained, after obtaining the permission of the public prosecutor, for a period not exceeding 7 days for evidence gathering.

In fact, the language of this amendment cannot be described to mean anything but an attempt by the House of Representatives to bypass the SCCs ruling which invalidated Art. 3(1) of Law No. 162 of 1958 for violating the rule of law and individuals fundamental rights when authorizing the arrest and search of people and private places without a judicial warrant and without following the procedures mentioned in the Criminal Procedures Law. A careful reading to the language of the new amendment shows that the House of Representatives decided to adopt the content of Art. 3(1) of Law No. 162 of 1956 using different words.

Apart from the requirement to have the permission of the public prosecutor in order to detain the suspected person, the language of the amendment is so evident that procedures concerning arrest, search and confiscation are excluded from the protection pack that might be provided in other laws, including the Criminal Procedures Law. That being said, it is obvious that the House of Representatives failed to honor the SCCs ruling adopting an amendment that is likely to be construed as an attempt to circumvent the Court ruling.

Secondly, an equal significantly failure to the rule of law in Egypt is evident in the attempt of Egypts authorities to recall Emergency Law No. 162 of 1958 back from its deep slumber, a step that I regard as no more than a poor legislative redundancy. Specifically, in 2013 and 2015, Egypt adopted the Protest Law (Law No. 107 of 2013) [pdf] and the Anti-Terrorism Law (Law No. 94 of 2015) [pdf] respectively. Interestingly, both laws contain punitive provisions that address most of the areas Emergency Law No. 162 of 1958 tries to cover. The two laws for instance, punish for crimes that are similar to mentioned in Law No. 162 of 1958 such as the possession of weapons and explosives, the dissemination of false news and information and the joining of an armed group. Further, both laws resemble Law No. 162 of 1958 in punishing the publication, broadcast or promotion of false news or statements regarding terrorist attacks committed within the country or operations associated with fighting terrorism that differ from official statements by the Defense Ministry.

Also worth noting is the fact that Egypts Penal Code of 1937 [pdf] includes a broad range of acts regarding which acts shall be considered an act of terrorism, a matter that is likely to put the Penal Code in conflict with the Emergency Law, the Protest Law and the anti-terrorism law since they all contain provisions defining acts of terrorism.

Egypts path in seeking stability and security after the toppling of two defiant regimes in 2011 and 2013 respectively necessitates the deterrence of those who create chaos and spread terror. However, this should not be done at the expense of the certainty of the rule of law. One should not argue against the approach of the Egyptian authorities in designating a law to help counter terrorism and violence. However, in designating such law, decisions of the SCC as well as fundamental rights and freedoms must be maintained and respected. In fact, the approach of the Egyptian House of Representatives in evading a SCCs ruling to readopt a provision that had been ruled unconstitutional is undoubtedly a stab to the rule of law in Egypt. Likewise, the methodology adopted by the Egyptian authorities in issuing new laws that govern issues already governed by existing laws is likely to create discrepancies in courts regarding which law is to be applicable, which harms the predictability of law and thus, constitutes a threat to the rule of law.

Mohamed Abdelaal joined Alexandria University Faculty of Law in Egypt in the Fall of 2009 and became Assistant Professor of Constitutional and Administrative Law in 2014. Abdelaal also teaches political sciences at the American University in Cairo on an adjunct basis. He focuses his teaching and scholarship on the areas of Constitutional Law; Administrative Law, Islamic Law, Islamic Constitutional Law, International Human Rights. Abdelaal joined IU McKinney School of Law in Spring 2015.

Suggested citation: Mohamed Abdelaal, Emergency Declared: Stabbing the Rule of Law in Egypt, JURIST  Forum, April. 29, 2017, http://jurist.org/forum/2017/04/Mohamed-Abdelaal-rule-of-law-in-egypt.php.

This article was prepared for publication by Yuxin Jiang, a Senior Editor for JURIST Commentary service. Please direct any questions or comments to her at commentary@jurist.org
The Mexican Chamber of Deputies [official website, in Spanish] approved [materials, in Spanish] a bill on Friday allowing the use, production and distribution of marijuana for medical and scientific purposes. The bill was approved [AFP report] by the other chamber of the legislature in December and will now be sent to President Enrique Pena Nieto for his signature. The change in policy came after a national debate and organized forums on narcotics, which has been a hot topic for years, because of the widespread organized crime connected to narcotics in Mexico. The bill stopped short of allowing recreational marijuana [Reuters report].

Countries and US states are starting to slowly remove [JURIST commentary] long standing prohibitionary policies against marijuana possession that still exist undisturbed at the federal level. In April, the Canadian government announced a plan [JURIST report] to legalize recreational use of marijuana by July 2018. In February the lower house of the Dutch parliament approved a bill [JURIST report] that would permit the cultivation of cannabis. In December 2015 Colombias President signed a bill legalizing [JURIST report] medical marijuana.
South African President Jacob Zuma signed the anti-money laundering Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment (FICA) [text, PDF] on Saturday to combat tax evasion and money laundering in the country. The global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) [official website] organization had threatened to oust South Africa if the amendment had not been passed before June 20. Supporters say the law is a tool against international financial crime, making it easier to identify the actual owners of accounts around the world and would apply to Zuma and other prominent figures in South Africa. The legislature passed the bill last year, but Zuma originally refused to sign it, citing concerns about its constitutionality [Bloomberg report]. In February the Legislature approved changes to the bill to meet Zumas concerns.

The South African president has been connected to corruption on several occasions. In November 2016 the High Court of South Africa ordered the release [JURIST report] of a report on corruption allegations against Zuma, that he had attempted to block from release. In June 2016, a South African court denied [JURIST report] Zumas appeal of a prior court ruling that he should face nearly 800 corruption charges. In March 2016, the South Africa Constitutional Court ordered [JURIST report] Zuma to personally repay the amounts determined by the National Treasury, as they relate to the non-security upgrades to his private residence
We value your privacy.

Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
FILE - In this April 12, 2017 file photo, U.S. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley address the Security Council after a vote on a resolution condemning Syria's use of chemical weapons failed, at U.N. headquarters. Haley didnAot wait to take office as AmericaAos envoy to the United Nations to break with the Trump administrationAos foreign policy stances. At her Senate confirmation hearing, Haley bluntly accused Russia of being complicit of war crimes in Syria _ going against the president-electAos talk of warmer relations with Moscow.(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
143 Shares Share

I have fond memories of my first class in the anatomy laboratory. It was the Monday of my first week at medical school. Id spent the last night pouring over my newly purchased anatomy textbooks. I wondered how I would ever appreciate the countless anatomical details of the human body. But as I stood around the benches with a body donor, everything changed. Suddenly all the organs, vessels and tissues that Id read about in the textbooks were put into context in a way that would not have been possible without the generosity of a body donor.

I remember my teacher pointing out the appendix in one donor. It was a small finger-like organ arising from the bowel down in the lower right side of the abdomen. You cant always find it, he told us. I remembered reading in a textbook that, although the appendix no longer served a function, it was still prone to becoming infected and causing fever, loss of appetite and a nasty abdominal pain.

I returned home with a renewed enthusiasm for learning. The donors had sparked a candle inside me that burned brightly into the night. I poured over the same textbooks but this time with a renewed vigor. These extraordinarily generous donors, were my first patients, my first teachers and a source of inspiration.

Three years later, I was driving along the highway past the shifting sands and spinifex grass, onto my first clinical placement with a general surgeon in rural Australia. On my first day, the surgeon led me to the emergency department. We had been called to see an 18-year-old man presenting with abdominal pain. The surgeon examined his abdomen and discovered an area of exquisite tenderness  right where I remember finding the appendix in the body donors years ago.

Hours later, I watched in awe as the surgeon performed an operation to remove his appendix. It was exactly where I expected it to be. And yet, its appearance bore no resemblance to the healthy appendixes I remembered from the body donors. This mans appendix was large, red and angry. No wonder he was in such pain, I thought to myself. I remember seeing him the morning after his operation. Hed had a miraculous recovery. He sat upright in bed, eating breakfast, delighted when we told him he could go home.

And now, for my first three months as a doctor, I have been working as an intern on a surgical unit. Every day, I rise at the crack of dawn to attend our morning ward rounds. We see the patients who have presented to the emergency department overnight. Except that now it is me who is examining them, ordering pain relief, charting antibiotics and even assisting with their operations. And as I do, I am often reminded of the donors. They taught me to appreciate the human body and gave me the utmost respect for human life.

To the families and friends of the donors, it takes a lot to do what your loved ones have done. It takes bravery, conviction and a passion for educating the next generation of health professionals. On behalf of all past and present medical students, I thank them for the precious gift they have given us. Their legacy will forever remain within us as our first patients, our first teachers, and an eternal inspiration.

Adapted from a speech given at the Annual Memorial and Dedication Service at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

Joshua Inglis is an intern who can be reached on Twitter @inglisjosh.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
DUBAI, April 30 (Reuters) - Petrochemical shares helped lift the Saudi Arabian bourse in early trade on Sunday after strong first-quarter earnings in the sector. Neighbouring stock markets were mostly lower.

Saudi Kayan Petrochemical surged 7.9 percent after it swung to a net profit of 265.5 million riyals ($70.8 million) from a loss of 195 million riyals in the prior-year period. Analysts at NCB Capital had expected a profit of 121 million riyals.

"This is the highest net income since inception. We believe the variance is due to higher-than-expected operating rates and gross margin," NCB Capital said.

The positive mood spilled into shares of other producers, most of which have not yet posted quarterly earnings. Saudi Arabia Fertilizers (SAFCO) rose 2.2 percent after it reported net income of 423 million riyals, at the high end of forecasts; the consensus estimate was 406 million riyals.

The Saudi stock index was up 0.6 percent after half an hour of trade.

Dubai's index was flat, staying near a 4-1/2 month low, as 12 shares declined and 11 rose. Second- and third-tier shares, which are often traded by local day-traders, were the top movers, with GFH Financial Group jumping 4.8 percent but builder Arabtec was down 0.8 percent.

In Abu Dhabi, the index edged up 0.3 percent with support from blue chips; telecommunications operator Etisalat rose 1.2 percent and real estate developer Aldar Properties added 0.5 percent.

Qatar's largest petrochemical maker, Industries Qatar , rose 0.7 percent after news that one of its units, QAPCO, had signed an agreement with state-owned Qatar Petroleum to supply the low-density polyethylene producer with additional ethane gas.

Other Qatari shares sagged, however, dragging the index 0.2 percent lower. Vodafone Qatar was the worst performer, down 1.4 percent.

(Reporting by Celine Aswad; Editing by Andrew Torchia and David Evans)
Claire Trevett profiles Mark Mitchell:

Monday was a very good day for Mark Mitchell  he was promoted to Defence Minister and his runaway dog Stig was found after five days AWOL. Mitchell made a video for his Facebook page to mark the occasion. He spoke of the privilege and honour of being in Cabinet but spent most of the time talking about the return of Stig, a black Labrador his family had since it was a puppy in 2011.

Pets are family, and losing one (even temporarily) is awful.

Mitchell, 48, is a genial, unassuming bloke who looks like a big softie. Do not be fooled. A former police Dog handler, he spent 14 years in the Police Force, dealing with the Mongrel Mob in Gisborne and getting painfully acquainted with the blade of a samurai sword in Rotorua. He quit in 2003 and intended to pursue a gentler career training polo ponies. Instead he ended up in the Middle East, working in the volatility of Iraq in 2004 straight after the invasion of Iraq by US-led forces. All up he spent eight years in the Middle East, first working for a British contractor providing security to the Coalition Provisional Authority and training Iraqi security forces.  Mitchell eventually set up his own security firm based in Kuwait but working across the Middle East and further afield, where he developed expertise in kidnap and ransom negotiations, as well as extricating hostages.

This almost understates what Mark did. He set up the Threat Management Group of Agility Logistics, and grew it from eight to 500 staff. He was involved in over 100 hostage negotiations. Might be a useful skill if National ends up in coalition with NZ First!

That time in his life has attracted criticism from some, including Auckland Peace Action spokesperson Virginia Lambert who said Mitchell had been a mercenary fighter during the bloodiest period of the US occupation. Mark Mitchell not only went freely and willingly to fight in an illegal war of aggression, but he made a profit out of it. It is disgusting, she wrote in a press release after the announcement of Mitchells position. Such comments frustrate Mitchell, who says he was not a mercenary and has no qualms now about the work he did. I wouldnt change anything Ive done. Im quietly proud, Im not someone that shouts it from the rooftops  Im a Kiwi after all. But Im proud of the difference we made in peoples lives in terms of their security and ability to get on with their lives. He points to work he did such as opening mass graves with scientists from the Hague gathering evidence for the war crimes trial of Saddam Hussein. When youre opening mass graves and youre finding the remains of babies clinging to mums, its a pretty clear reminder of the atrocities which were taking place. That was a very, very tough job for everyone involved. Instead of questioning why we were there, all it does is provide more resolve in terms of knowing there had to be changes made.

Protecting scientists working to gather evidence of war crimes is something a peace group should be praising.

Share this: Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Reddit

WhatsApp

More

Pinterest

Print



Tumblr


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.
USS Zephyr/US Coast Guard Team Seize $22.5 Million Worth of Cocaine

By Casey J. Hopkins, U.S. Navy







CARIBBEAN SEA (April 20, 2017) - Sailors assigned to the Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship USS Zephyr (PC 8) on-load 750 kilograms of cocaine seized by the embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement (LEDET) personnel. Zephyr 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey J. Hopkins/Released)



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. Published April 29, 2017
Jeon In-kwon, far right, performs during a candlelit peace demonstration demanding Park Geun-hye's resignation at Gwanghwamun Square last November. / Korea Times file



By Ko Dong-hwan

Rocker Jeon In-kwon is heading to Germany to offer a settlement after claims that his signature song "Don't Worry, My Dear" plagiarized Black Fooss' "Drink doch eine met" from the 1970s.

After netizens made the accusation on Wednesday, Jeon said he would talk with the German band and arrange some type of royalty deal if this was wanted.

"I'm going to Germany soon. First, I will accept the stance of the person who wrote that song and do whatever that person wants," Jeon said on Facebook.

Jeon, 62, former lead vocalist of Korean rock band Deulgukhwa, composed and released the song in 2004 as the title track of his fourth solo album.

The past hit was revisited with nationwide popularity during the candlelit peace demonstration at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square from October 2016 to March.

Jeon sang the song in front of crowds during the weekly protests that led to the ousting of former President Park Geun-hye in March on charges of corruption and accepting or demanding bribes.

The song also was used in the tvN drama "Reply 1988" in 2015.

Jeon said he would pay royalties under the guidance of the Korea Music Copyright Association if an amount was agreed upon.

He said he would like to tell the German band that he believed the lyrics of "Don't Worry, My Dear" may be better than those of "Drink doch eine met."

Jeon denied the plagiarism charge, saying the similarities were "a mere coincidence." He said he would "do my best to make sure the song beloved by so many is freed of shame."

This month, Jeon publicly endorsed Ahn Cheol-soo from the People's Party, the No.2 poll-leading candidate ahead of May 9 presidential election.

Online supporters of front-runner Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea criticized Jeon for his endorsement.


The Mayor'

Aspiring to become Seoul's first mayor to win a third term, Byeon Jong-gu (Choi Min-shik) works hard to capture the people's hearts. However, a series of unfortunate events happen, threatening his dream. Directed by Park In-je.







The King's Case Note'

In the Joseon period, mysterious incidents happen in Seoul, evoking fear among the people. Together with his servant, a wise and intelligent King Yejong (Lee Sun-kyun) tries to solve the mystery by himself. Directed by Moon Hyun-sung.







Denial'

David Irving (Timothy Spall) sues famous historian Deborah E. Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz) for libel, denying the fact that the Holocaust existed. Deborah endeavors to prove the historical truth, in collaboration with veteran lawyers. Directed by Mick Jackson.





Pride'

In the summer of 1984, U.K, the National Union of Mineworkers goes on a long-term strike. A group of gay activists offer their help to the miners, showing the power of solidarity. Directed by Matthew Warchus.





The Fate of the Furious'

The leader of a crew of street racers, Dominic (Vin Diesel) gets allured into the world of terrorism by a mysterious woman. The rest of the crew tries to stop him. Directed by F. Gary Gray.
By Lee Hyo-sik



"Korean companies could move their headquarters to the United States if it makes more sense businesswise."



This is what Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) Vice Chairman Kwon Tae-shin said Friday, while commenting on the Donald Trump administration's recent announcement to slash the U.S. corporate tax rate to 15 percent from the current 35 percent.



Kwon said the U.S. tax cut will lead to a significant drop in economic growth and the number of jobs created in Korea as more domestic firms choose to invest in the U.S. rather than here.



This will also discourage foreign businesses from investing in Asia's fourth-largest economy, which is set to raise the corporate income tax rate to 25 percent from the current 22 percent.



"The U.S. and other major economies are competing to create a more business-friendly environment by cutting taxes and easing regulations to attract investment and generate new jobs," the FKI vice chairman said.



"But unfortunately, Korea is the only economy that is heading in the opposite direction. In addition to higher taxes, if Korea's labor costs continue to rise and the government introduces more regulations, local companies will choose to invest abroad, not here. Some may even decide to move their headquarters overseas."



Kwon then criticized major presidential candidates, including Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea and Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party, who have vowed to hike the nation's corporate tax rate to 25 percent if elected president, May 9.



"What the next president should do is to create jobs and make things better for people. But higher tax rates will not help them achieve such goals by forcing local firms to head overseas and discouraging foreign businesses from buildings plants and other facilities here," the FKI vice chairman said. "The incoming administration's top priority should be to create a business friendly environment."



The Korea Economic Research Institute, affiliated with the FKI, estimated the U.S. tax cut will cause Korea's gross domestic product (GDP) to shrink 1.9 percent over the next 10 years as local firms invest more in the world's largest economy rather than at home.



The think tank also projected that inbound foreign investment into Korea will decline by an annual average of 3 percent for the next decade, eliminating 107,000 jobs here.



The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) echoed the FKI's view, saying that presidential hopefuls should rethink their pledge to make companies pay more income taxes.



"Political parties must remain very careful about raising taxes. They should first study thoroughly whether higher taxes will help generate jobs and improve the livelihoods of middle-class families," said Lee Young-sang, head of the KCCI's research division.



"It is natural that businesses will choose to build plants and hire workers in places where the tax burden is low. If doing business in Korea is not attractive because of high taxes, they will go somewhere else. It is not the time for the nation to increase corporate taxes when the economy has just begun showing signs of bouncing back."




By Yoon Ja-young

U.S. President Donald Trump's remark that he wants to renegotiate or undo the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (KORUS FTA) means that he will demand South Korea make greater concessions.

The latest threat will force the Korean government to prepare for all possibilities involving the trade deal, analysts said Friday.

Trump told Reuters that he would "renegotiate or terminate" the free trade agreement, calling it a "horrible" deal.

Trump has been denouncing major free trade deals including the KORUS FTA as "job killers" since the presidential campaign last year.

Analysts said the odds for renegotiation are obviously increasing.

"When U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Korea last week, he said that Washington will reform the deal. Since President Trump mentioned a revision and even termination, the possibility has increased," said Lee Dong-bok, director in charge of FTAs at the Institute for International Trade.

However, he said Trump isn't likely to demand termination.

"It is still uncertain whether it is an official determination or just rhetoric. In the case of NAFTA, he previously mentioned scrapping it, but has now toned down this to a revision through negotiation. The situation regarding the KORUS FTA is likely to be the same. The United States has nothing to gain by scrapping the deal."
SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son delivers a keynote speech at a press event in this file photo. Son believes the singularity will be coming soon in which the intelligence of robots overtakes that of people, triggering runaway technological growth. / Yonhap



By Park Hyong-ki





Sean Lee

Humanity's future with robots is often portrayed and projected as the apocalyptic end of humankind.



In science fiction movies and novels such as "The Matrix" and "Robopocalypse," super-intelligent computers or artificial intelligence (AI) become rulers of the earth, and humans become enslaved by them.



Even in reality, many scholars and experts predict some sort of doomsday amid the rise of the machine.



Forecasts include the loss of human jobs and people's expertise in certain areas such as finance and middle management soon becoming irrelevant.



Calls to adopt measures or rules such as scientist Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics or robot taxes are growing to safeguard the future of the human race.



However, optimists say robots will further enhance human lives.



Robotic technology can help the development of medicines that can ease pain and even cheat death, or help people become superhuman.



Whatever the future of humankind holds with robots, SoftBank Group Chairman Masayoshi Son believes the age of robots is at hand.



Like the internet and other innovative technologies before it, AI can also improve lives, which is in line with SoftBank's vision  bringing happiness to people through innovation in information, communication and technology (ICT).



Sean Lee, a partner and managing director of SoftBank Ventures Korea, said AI is keeping Chairman Son up at nights, imagining and drawing the future in his head about the age of the "singularity"  the pivotal point when the intelligence of robots will exceed that of humans.



The chairman, known as Son Jeong-ui here, believes it will begin in 2018, and by 2041, one processor will be able to exceed the intelligence of all humankind.



"SoftBank is looking mainly at two things for the future  AI and the internet of things (IoT). We all know AI led the chairman to postpone his retirement," Lee said in a recent interview at his office in Gangnam, southern Seoul.



"The acquisitions of ARM Holdings, a chip design company, and a telecom company, Sprint, are all part of Son's preparations for the singularity."



SoftBank Ventures Korea, a venture capital fund of the Japan-based telecommunication group, is also seeking investment opportunities in the startup world, aligned with Son's vision, Lee said.



Eyeing AI, media



When the internet was introduced in the market and became mainstream, SoftBank Ventures sought out startups that had the potential to win by both using and benefiting from the technology. Then, it invested in Nexon, which became the country's biggest online gaming firm.



With the introduction of smartphones and mobile technology, the venture capital fund also used the same strategy as before and invested in startups such as SundayToz and Devsisters. The former is known for its successful puzzle game "Anipang," and the latter created the hit game "Cookie Run."



"We are seeking startups that can use the potential of AI and come out as a winner. There are some things traditional players can do, and there are some areas within AI where startups can excel. We are trying to find those startups," Lee said.



Last year, SoftBank Ventures Korea and Naver, the country's largest search engine, set up a fund to invest in startups in AI and media in the United States.



"The U.S. currently has the world's most aggressive AI developers. It is kind of scary to see how fast AI is growing there. Naver sees itself as a small company in AI when compared to U.S. tech companies," he said.



He added that the two are also interested in new media in the U.S. for investment.



"Along with AI, we are looking to invest in media startups like Snapchat and Line. In the new age, we can no longer see one technology alone. We should see its potential to converge with other technology. AI can be converged with media, and vice versa," Lee said.



In Korea, SoftBank Ventures has separate funds that not only seek to invest in AI startups but also those in other ICT areas.



Unlike other in-house corporate venture funds such as those of Samsung Electronics, Intel and Qualcomm, SoftBank makes investments with partners including the National Pension Service, KB Insurance and Nexon, which provided capital to SoftBank's venture capital funds.



"But lately, we have become more worried about the future because IoT will make national borders meaningless. Can Korean startups survive the competition in a borderless world? We need to begin seeing this world differently," Lee said.



New world



AI, IoT and other innovative technologies will further connect the world and make borders obsolete.



The days are gone when Korean companies felt safe and gained an edge here without having to worry about competing with foreign players.



"But things are different. Look at Google, YouTube, Facebook. Google is No.1 everywhere except in four countries  Korea, Japan, China and Russia. In Japan, Google is rapidly catching up with Yahoo," Lee said.



"Startups and entrepreneurs have to think differently and create services that can appeal globally through risk-taking and innovation. Otherwise, their future looks dim with a lot less chance of becoming a unicorn."



In Korea, startups that had the potential to become a unicorn, or a company valued at billions of dollars, consisted of team members in their mid-30s.



Those who had some experience in managing people and decision-making had a higher chance of running a successful startup here.



Lee said startups need tenacity to change fast in accordance with consumers' needs everywhere in the world, not just in their homeland.



"The risk-taking culture has to change as well. I think the Asian financial crisis and the global financial crisis in 2008 made young Koreans take less risks and seek more stability after seeing their parents lose their businesses and suffer," Lee said.



On the other hand, the U.S. and China refocused their energy away from financial places like Wall Street to innovation hubs such as Silicon Valley, further encouraging innovation through risk-taking even after failures.



"This culture creates a lot of differences because at the end, it will create more success," Lee said.



"SoftBank Ventures Korea has invested in more than 200 startups since it was established here in 2000. Most of them failed. But one successful startup has always made up for the other nine failed startups we invested in. It has never seen success without investment, even including failed ones," he said.




By Park Hyong-ki





The global and local courier services market is becoming more crowded for any enterprise looking to further snatch share from others, industry insiders and analysts said Thursday.



The only logical way for existing and new players to gain an edge in this tight delivery sector would be to expand through mergers and acquisitions (M&As).



The delivery market is getting more competitive, but its growth will continue and drive more M&As amid the increasing popularity of online purchases.



CJ Korea Express, Korea's largest courier company, and UPS, the world's third-largest package deliverer, are using this inorganic growth strategy to win in the market.



CJ Korea Express announced this week it has acquired significant stakes in two logistics companies abroad.



It acquired a 51.02 percent stake in Ibrakom FZCO in the United Arab Emirates. CJ also bought a 50 percent stake in Darcl Logistics in India.



Along with CJ Korea Express's previous deals in Asia, it acquired them to expand its delivery network and become the top Asian logistics company and the world's fifth by 2020.



It will continue to pursue M&As, equity investments and joint ventures to meet that goal, a company spokesperson said.



This is in line with CJ Group's plan to generate 70 percent of its subsidiaries' sales in overseas markets by 2020.



"M&As in the global logistics sector have been a common trend. DHL, which was founded in the United States, was acquired by Deutsche Post in Germany. FedEx acquired TNT last year," the CJ spokesperson said.



"We have done eight deals so far since 2015, beginning in China, then in Southeast Asian markets including Malaysia and Indonesia. More deals  M&As, joint ventures or equity investments  are in store for the company."



Global courier giant UPS is said to be in talks to finalize a deal to acquire Logen from Hong Kong-based Baring Private Equity for about 260 billion won, according to news reports citing investment banking sources.



Baring bought Logen, Korea's fifth-largest parcel delivery company, from Mirae Asset Private Equity four years ago.



Baring's Shuttle Holding owns Logen, according to the latter's audit filing. Logen owns KGB, a local logistics group.



UPS Korea declined to comment, while Logen could not be reached.



Analysts say the UPS deal with Logen is not expected to have an immediate impact nor will it affect leading players in the market.



"It will take at least a year for UPS to integrate its systems with Logen, and generate potential synergy," said Park Kwang-rae, an analyst at Shinhan Financial Investment.



"Also, Logen is operating in a different market segment where it takes fees from delivery transactions between private deliverers and owners of goods, whereas others provide direct services to consumers."



The acquisition of Logen is not going to make it easy for UPS to compete with other players even if the global courier seeks to move into others' turf, given CJ Korea Express, Lotte Global Logistics and Hanjin Transportation's price competitive advantage, the analyst added.



CJ is the leader with a market share of 44 percent in parcel deliveries, followed by Lotte's 15 percent, Hanjin's 12 percent and Korea Post's 8 percent as of last year, according to the Korea Integrated Logistics Association and Shinhan Investment.



Logen has a 7 percent market share. Lotte Group acquired Hyundai Logistics, and renamed it Lotte Global Logistics.



Logen had an operating profit of 24 billion won last year, up from 23 billion won in 2015. Its sales reached 302 billion won in 2016, up from 285 billion won the previous year, according to its audit filing.




Samsung Fire accused of spreading fake hype



This is the first of three-part series highlighting the financial status of Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance and the management of its CEO Ahn Min-soo at a time when insurance companies are struggling.  ED.



By Nam Hyun-woo





Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance CEO Ahn Min-soo

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance CEO Ahn Min-soo's pledge to nurture the insurer as an international player with 100 trillion won in assets is seemingly unviable, casting criticism that he spread hollow hype without any proper estimation of the market situation.



On March 20, 2014, Ahn held a press conference on his inauguration as the head of Korea's largest non-life insurance firm and said the company's total assets would double to 100 trillion won in 2021, adding that the firm would focus on asset management.



According to the firm's earnings report Friday, however, the pace of asset growth has significantly slowed, which poses questions over the viability of the 100 trillion won pledge.



In March 2014, the insurer's assets stood at 50.17 trillion won and quickly soared to 59.57 trillion won in March 2015. That was because its assets grew by 3.1 percent to 5.7 percent every quarter. Despite a following plummet in its growth rate, it managed to increase the amount to 67.9 trillion as of the end of last year.



But the quarterly growth rate was a mere 1.8 percent for the first three months of this year and the pace is feared to further slow. If the slump continues at a time when the whole insurance industry is faltering, Samsung Fire will not realize the 100 trillion won target by 2021.



Market watchers attributed Samsung Fire's recent struggle to its "overly conservative" approach in asset management.



On a yearly basis, Samsung Fire's investment income last year increased to 1.69 trillion won, up 0.7 percent from 1.68 trillion won in 2015. However, the increase was mostly from real estate  it sold its offices in Seoul to earn 90 billion won.



Despite the one-off revenue boost, its investment yield declined to 3.1 percent in 2016, down from 3.3 percent in 2015, because of plunges in its investments in bonds, loans and overseas assets.



This is compared to other insurers, which are putting more emphasis on their asset management revenue, as insurance premium income is not strong because of the lingering economic downturn of Asia's No. 4 economy.



A majority of them are lowering dependency on conventional investment destinations, such as treasury and corporate bonds, and loans, while increasing the proportion of alternative investments.



Samsung Fire's rival Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance recently made a 62 billion won investment into a buyout fund worth 9 trillion won raised by BC Partners. In contrast, Samsung Fire raised the portion of loans in its entire investment asset portfolio to 30.7 percent in 2016 from 27.3 percent in 2015, displaying its dependency on a conventional investment strategy.



It is understandable for insurers to have conservative investment strategies because they have to pay insurance to their customers over the long term. But observers point out that Samsung Fire is overly conservative, incurring huge opportunity costs.



Ahn would be by no means happy with the results as he is serving his third term after earning a reputation at Samsung Fire's asset management department.



Another broken promise is about the firm's global presence. In his inauguration speech, he said he would increase the number of Samsung Fire's overseas subsidiaries, branches and offices significantly.



Since then, the company has managed to expand the number of overseas outfits by just three to 22 in 11 countries, from 19 in as many nations.



In addition, he has yet to keep his promise announced at the end of 2014 that the company would acquire a foreign insurer in Southeast Asia.



When contacted, a Samsung Fire official said that employees are very cautious about discussing Ahn's 2014 promises and refused to comment further.
Author calls for deregulation on banking sector

By Park Jin-hai

Lee Suk-geun "Fintech Revolution; A Game Changer for the Financial Industry" by Lee Suk-geun

Lee Suk-geun, an endowment professor at Sogang University and former presidential economic adviser, has released a book that details Korea's place in the fast-evolving financial technology (fintech) industry and how it can lead the sector.

In the 193-page book, "Fintech Revolution; A Game Changer for the Financial Industry," the financial expert, who has worked at various global consulting firms and most recently consulted for financial IT infrastructure firm Telco Systems, and the government in formulating a fintech strategy, warns that the Korean financial industry is facing real and serious challenges stemming from heavy and obsolete government regulations _ some dating to 55 years ago.

"Compared with Korea's strong IT infrastructure, the competitiveness of Korean banks ranked below 50 for years," Lee said during an interview with The Korea Times, citing Bankers and World Economic Forum data. "Old and dysfunctional regulations limit the financial industry. But, more importantly, the financial industry, which was slow to catch up with global trends because of a lack of effort to renovate and restructure the industry, can wreak havoc on the overall economy, considering the financial industry is a vein to the whole economy."

In order for the country to become a fintech powerhouse, the book suggests that a roadmap and vision for the fintech industry should be led by the ICT sector, not by the government.

"Smartphone banking is the way to go and this is something Korea can do well at as long as regulation allows Telco and other IT firms to enter the financial industry to reform it," he said. "That can encourage fintech startups to develop creative financial technology to renovate financial institutions and to provide cheaper and better services for customers."

Regarding K bank, which was founded by local telecom operator KT and started services early this month as the country's first internet-only bank _ eight years after the initial idea was conceived _ Lee said it will instigate competition in the financial industry and lower service fees for customers.

"Within three weeks of its launch, K bank's deposits reached $250 million and the number of customers exceeded 240,000. No existing banks have ever achieved such a record, and this is an encouraging sign that can make the Financial Services Commission consider the approval of at least two other internet banks, including Kakao bank," Lee said. "This will fuel competition in the financial industry and lower service fees for customers."

To make this happen, he said there are issues to be resolved. Under the current Banking Act, no non-financial business operators are allowed to have 4 percent or more of the stocks of a bank to prevent its control over it.

"KT can only have 4 percent of K-bank consortiums, which include Woori bank, GS retails and so on. This regulation will negatively affect further investment by KT on K bank and will impede the growth of internet banks."
Hyundai Card Cooking Library in southern Seoul offers some 10,000 books related to food and cooking. / Courtesy of Hyundai Card



By Kwon Mee-yoo

The latest addition to Hyundai Card's famous library series hits the bullseye once again with a cutting-edge space for the global trend, gastronomy.

The Hyundai Card Cooking Library, located near Dosan Park in southern Seoul, opened Friday, is going to be a hot place where people can enjoy and experience all things food.

Lee Mee-young, vice president of the company's brand division, said the four-story library aims to organically connect diverse experiences of cooking gratifying the five senses.

The library has a deli on the first floor, a library on the second and third floors, kitchens on the third and fourth floors and a greenhouse-themed dining space on the fourth floor.

The building, designed by Choi Wook of One O One Architects, who also designed the company's Design Library, aims to maximize the sensory experiences of cooking.

"Hyundai Card wanted to create a space where people read books, smell savory food and see cooking at the same time. So I thought of old-fashioned houses where the smell of cooking rises up," Choi said.

Tim Mutton, CEO of British studio Blacksheep which designed the library's interior, said the studio had three values  time, tactility and craft  for the designing the space.

"The quote which inspired us to design the Cooking Library was 'Out of water came life, out of life came love.' We want the guests to experience the love and art of cooking," Mutton said.

Mutton said working with the Cooking Library was like a dream come true as the studio specialized in food-and-beverage experience. "What is important for us in designing interior is to respect the architecture," he said.

The library reflects the spirit of a European factory through details such as woodblock flooring reminiscent of a butcher's cutting board and terracotta reminiscent of kitchen pots and utensils.



Visitors to Hyundai Card Cooking Library can cook in the two kitchens.



Ready to cook

The library has about 10,000 carefully-selected books all related to food and cooking.

It boasts a collection of award-winning books, which includes all the winners of the James Beard Award and the International Association of Culinary Professionals Cookbook Award, two of the most prestigious awards given to food-themed books.

The books are categorized by region, ingredients, techniques and other sub-themes and are to provide in-depth knowledge on cooking.

"Gastronomy has become a global trend and people are interested in cooking, but the interest lacks depth. So we provide these books to give more profound information and inspire people to cook," Lee of Hyundai Card said.

To encourage guests to cook by themselves, the library offers two kitchen spaces. Currently, the Self Cooking program is underway and visitors who are interested in recreating a meal from a cookbook can choose from the prepared kits to actually cook them.

The Self Cooking kits are chosen by the library for relatively quick and easy and seasonal recipes such as buttermilk chicken tacos with onion and radish salsa.

The library plans to offer more professional cooking classes and private dining services at the Greenhouse later this year.



The Ingredients House offers samples of various spices and other ingredients used for cooking.



Artistic touch





A David Shrigley sculpture at Hyundai Card Cooking Library

Another thing to watch for is contemporary artwork installed at the library.

A small terrace sticking out of nowhere from the wall, complete with fallen leaves on it, is European artist duo Elmgreen & Dragset's "Mind over Matter." "A terrace is a private space but also exposed to the public, just like cooking," a Hyundai Card official explained.

Three pieces from Rirkrit Tiravanija's "HOW TO COOK A WOLF" series are on display on the third floor. Tiravanija is known for using cooking as a means of contemporary art and the library thought her artwork, inspired by M.F.K. Fisher's food essay "How to Cook a Wolf," goes well with the venue.

British artist David Shrigley's sculptures, commissioned for the Cooking Library, are installed at the restroom booths.

The Hyundai Card Cooking Library opens from Tuesday to Sunday. Only Hyundai Card holders can enter the library and admission is free. For more information, visit library.hyundaicard.com/cooking.
By Park Si-so



The mid-air explosion of a North Korean missile on Saturday morning was deliberate, not a failed launch as claimed, South Korean government officials say.

It is believed the North was testing a warhead explosion, an essential step toward testing a nuclear warhead explosion.

"We don't believe the mid-air explosion was an accident," cable news channel YTN quoted a government official as saying. "It's believed the explosion was a test to develop a nuclear weapon different from existing ones."

The nuclear-armed isolated country fired a ballistic missile on Saturday morning from near Pukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province).

The missile climbed to 71 kilometers before exploding within North Korean territory, according to the South Korean and U.S. defense ministries.












By Park Si-soo



Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday called on North Korea and the United States to show restraint.

The outspoken leader made the call during a news briefing at the end of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

"We have to caution everybody, we would give the advice to the two power players because if they release their warheads, to just show restraint," said Duterte, when asked about North Korea's nuclear weapons tests and ballistic missile launches.

"It behooves upon America, which wields the biggest stick, to be prudent and patient," he said.

Duterte expressed "grave concern" about North Korea's missile tests.












The movie, "Liberation Day," which is about Laibach's experiences during their stay in the North Korean capital, will premiere May 1, at the Jeonju International Film Festival. / Courtesy of Morten Traavik



Movie about rock concert in Pyongyang will premiere today

By Choi Ha-young





Morten Traavik

Norwegian director Morten Traavik is visiting South Korea with a rare movie featuring Slovenian rock band Laibach that held a concert in Pyongyang, Aug. 15.

The movie, "Liberation Day," which is about the band's experiences during their stay in the North Korean capital, will premiere today at the Jeonju International Film Festival with the catchphrase "All art is propaganda, and all propaganda is art."

In an interview with The Korea Times, Friday, Traavik, who also organized the Laibach concert in Pyongyang, said he still vividly remembers the volatile situation on the Korean Peninsula last summer following a deadly landmine incident in the border area.

"When we were setting a loud speaker up in a theater in Pyongyang for a performance, the two Koreas were installing loud speakers on the border for propaganda. Now, the North and the United States are quarreling with each other," Traavik said.

In South Korea, the band, which is accompanying Traavik, will give a rare opportunity to a South Korean audience  performing a set of North Korean propaganda songs with its own rock rhythms.

"The core message of this movie is  anything is possible," he said. "As you will see lots of compromises in the movie, we cannot do everything, but we can do something," he said. "If you are patient and prepared, you can actually achieve what nobody thinks possible."

As a cultural envoy between Pyongyang and the outside world, he has his own view to put an end to the "unnecessary" conflict on the peninsula. "Korean people should start talking to each other, directly."

"The members of the so called six-party talks are the least qualified. Koreans talking directly to each other without outside interference is the only logical way for a better relationship."

The artist is aware that inter-Korean relations kept worsening during the administration of former Prersident Park Geun-hye. Asked about the ongoing debate during the presidential race here about whether North Korea is our "main enemy" or not, he commented straight forwardly.

"The conservatives are those who benefit from such a controversy," he said. "Conservative generals in Pyongyang are those who benefit from the conflict. The conservative forces on both sides are helping each other."

To the next president who will be elected May 9, the artist gave some witty advice.

"Meet your counterpart with a bottle of soju and see what happens. That is actually possible. If you argue too much where to hold such a meeting, you can come to Norway."

Traavik is envisioning a joint art exhibition in Pyongyang in August. He is planning to gather painters, illustrators and video artists from North Korea and foreign countries and let them collaborate for the show.

He believes art can make different societies think outside the box. "Even the strictest dictator should be interested in having a joker who can say no; and they are artists," he said.
Children participate in a session at a child care center in Seoul. All major presidential candidates are promising to provide a monthly allowance to parents for childcare./Yonhap



By Kim Se-jeong

No matter who becomes the next president, parents will start receiving a monthly allowance for childcare. The amounts and beneficiaries will differ depending on which of the five leading candidates wins the presidential election.

Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea, the frontrunner in the race, has promised to give 100,000 won per month for children up to five years old. Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party pledged 100,000 won a month for children up to 11 years old; but, only parents whose income level is in the lowest 20 percent will be eligible to receive it.

Parents with a new-born baby are currently receiving a sum of money to help with childcare expenses, but the allowance is something new.

Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party said she will also give 100,000 won for all children up to 11 years old. Hong Joon-pyo of the Liberty Korea Party said he will give 150,000 won but only to those in elementary and middle schools and the parents' income should be in the lowest 50 percent. Yoo Seong-min of the minor conservative Bareun Party promised 100,000 won per month for all students from elementary through high school.

The promise of a child allowance reflects the socioeconomic challenge facing Korea.

The nation's birthrate is among the lowest in the world, diving to around 1.2 per woman recently. Despite the push to improve the situation, chances of improving this are low because of the tough environment to raise children.

The candidates also threw out generous maternity-leave promises.

Currently, women can take a paid maternity leave for three months and they are fully paid. Those who want to take longer maternity leave can receive 40 percent of their regular pay. All candidates have pledged to increase the proportion.

Moon and Hong promised to double the amount. Ahn, Yoon and Sim promised a rate increase to 60 percent.

Besides maternity leave, women can also take leave  up to one year per child  before the child is eight years old, for childcare. Sim promised to extend the period to 16 months, while Yoo vowed to make it three years.

Park Soon-young, a working mother in Seoul, who runs a Facebook group for working mothers, said she is not keeping her hopes up about the promises. "The fact that you can take childcare leave doesn't necessarily mean everyone can take it," Park recently told the Hankyoreh newspaper. "The environment is different at work." She also said the too generous offers worry her too. "Because then, companies will stop hiring women."
A protester holds up a card during a rally to oppose a plan to deploy the U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Saturday. / AP-Yonhap



Seoul likely to come under pressure to pay more for defense costs

By Yi Whan-woo

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remark on billing South Korea for the deployment of a U.S. missile shield signals that Seoul will come under greater pressure to share more of the cost of stationing American forces here, analysts said Sunday.

With just nine days before the May 9 presidential election, the White House call to charge South Korea is stirring up concerns over a possible clash between the incoming government and the Trump administration.

True, the unpredictable Trump may want something else and may be intimidating South Korea over the cost of the ongoing installation of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to reach his goal.

But whatever his motives are, the next government will face a tricky job of resolving Trump's complaints about Seoul, according to the analysts.

They said Seoul will also need to ensure that the U.S. commitment to deterring North Korea's military threats will remain unchanged.

In an apparent bid to appease these worries, Cheong Wa Dae said Trump's national security adviser H. R. McMaster reaffirmed the Seoul-Washington agreement reached over THAAD in a phone conversation with National Security Office chief Kim Kwan-jin, Sunday.

Under the deal, South Korea is responsible for providing the land and necessary infrastructure, such as electricity, for the THAAD installation. The U.S. will bear the costs for its deployment and operation.

The telephone dialogue came after Trump told Reuters and the Washington Times in separate interviews, Friday, that "it would be appropriate" if South Korea paid for the THAAD system, which he priced at $1 billion.

Calling the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) "horrible" and "bad," Trump also said he will either renegotiate or terminate the deal that took effect in 2012.
Finnish Ambassador to Korea Ero Suominen, center, talks with participants of the "Finland Lifestyle & Design Fair," organized by Finpro at the Around Studio in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, April 20. / Courtesy of Embassy of Finland





By Rachel Lee

Following last year's fashion week in Seoul, Finland brought some of its lifestyle and fashion brands here under the theme "Real Finnish Home" on April 20-23.

The "Finland Lifestyle & Design Fair," organized by Finpro at the Around Studio in Gangnam-gu, introduced nine lifestyle brands and eight fashion labels, including Vallila, Pelago, Aarikka, Rosafox and Ivana Helsinki.

Finpro is a public organization that helps small and medium Finnish companies go international, encourages foreign direct investment in Finland and promotes travel to Finland.

The promotion aimed to "present Finland's design through business-to-business meetings but also by directly communicating with local consumers," Finpro said.

Paola Suhonen, a Finnish designer, artist, entrepreneur and filmmaker, known for her fashion brand Ivana Helsinki, was one of the participants. She founded the company with her sister Pirjo Suhonen in 1998.

"First time visiting Korea, the impression was what a fascinating combination of Asian and Western culture," Suhonen told The Korea Times.

She said Seoul was "modern, full of colors and life and friendly people."

"Seoul is one of those hot spots' now where the most avant-garde and latest fashion trends are created and born. Koreans are very stylish and trendy."

Suhonen has collaborated with and designed for many Finnish and international brands, including Coca-Cola, Uniqlo, Swarowski, Topshop and Google.

Finpro also organized the "Late Night Gathering" event from April 21-22, which offered party space for two selected groups of visitors.

With more Koreans switching to Scandinavian-made products, Finnish fashion designers came to Seoul last May for the first time to show what they can offer and discover more about the Korean market.

The organization hosted the "Finland Fashion Week  Design in Nature," which unveiled some of the country's leading designers  Marita Huurinainen and Samuji  at the Lotte Department Store in Jung-gu. The Finish Embassy launched the promotion to coincide with Economy Minister Olli Rehn's visit.

Through the event, the organization introduced Finnish designers' boldness and practical combination of new materials based on Northern Europe's minimal and practical sensibilities. The Finnish fashion experts were impressed by the diversity and development of Korean fashion and regarded Seoul as one of the hottest fashion capitals in the world.
By Rachel Lee

Bangladeshi expatriates celebrated Bengali New Year-1424  the biggest Bengali festival of the year  in Seoul on April 16.

The Embassy of Bangladesh arranged the event that a large number of Bangladeshis, Koreans and other foreigners attended.

Mongol Shovajatra  meaning procession for wellbeing  an intangible cultural heritage declared by UNESCO, was the main attraction, the embassy said.

Some participants were in traditional Bengali attire. Colorful posters, festoons and banners lined the streets that were filled with people singing, dancing and chanting.

"Bemused by a show of Bengali color and festivity, unseen before in Seoul, the Koreans and foreigners along the streets got equally curious," an embassy spokesperson said.
Welcome to followthemedia.com The article or material you have chosen...

Michael Hedges May 1, 2017 -

Illustrating the precipice upon which media freedom across the world sits, Reporters sans Frontires (RSF) warned of an approaching 'tipping point' in its recently released annual World Press Freedom Index (April 26). The accompanying report is gloomy, 'an ever darker world.' Societies adhering to a free-flow of truthful information, once-hopeful, have been plunged into dystopia by dictators, autocrats and thugs. Later the same week (April 28) US-based NGO Freedom House released its annual World Freedom of the Press 2017 report. The reports are strikingly similar: the dark side is winning. Dictators Celebrate, Autocrats Preen, Press Freedom FallsMichael Hedges May 1, 2017 - Follow on Twitter Illustrating the precipice upon which media freedom across the world sits, Reporters sans Frontires (RSF) warned of an approaching 'tipping point' in its recently released annual World Press Freedom Index (April 26). The accompanying report is gloomy, 'an ever darker world.' Societies adhering to a free-flow of truthful information, once-hopeful, have been plunged into dystopia by dictators, autocrats and thugs. Later the same week (April 28) US-based NGO Freedom House released its annual World Freedom of the Press 2017 report. The reports are strikingly similar: the dark side is winning. ...is available for restricted access. You may access this specific article or material for 4 If you are an ftm Member, please go to the home page HERE and log in ftm Members can access all site material at no additional charge. You can JOIN ftm here The ftm newsletter available at no charge to all with registration To register click here.
South Korea and the United States on Sunday wrapped up their two-month combined defense drills amid unrelenting tensions on the Korean Peninsula.



"The Foal Eagle exercise is ending today as scheduled," a South Korean military official said.



The allies kicked off the annual Foal Eagle drills, a major field-training exercise, at the start of March involving more than 10,000 American troops including those from military bases abroad. Hundreds of thousands of South Korean soldiers joined in as well.



The U.S. troops from outside of the peninsula will soon return to their bases, added the official.



A host of strategic assets from the U.S. took part in the training, such as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, F-35 stealth fighter jets and B-1B bombers, as a show of force.



This year's exercise came amid North Korea's continued provocations, which include ballistic missile launches and war threats.



The Vinson is on its way back to waters near Korea reportedly for another round of joint drills with South Korean warships.



"Despite the end of Foal Eagle, there will be no change in the defense posture of the South Korean and U.S. militaries," the official said. (Yonhap)




By Lee Han-soo





John Kirby

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State under the Obama administration, has blasted U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks that South Korea should pay for the U.S. THAAD missile defense system.

Saying that Trump did not understand the "contours of our alliance with South Korea," the retired Admiral wrote in an opinion piece on CNN that Trump should not view the THAAD deployment as a real estate deal.

Referring to Trump's ambiguous price tag on the missile defense system, Kirby also said the THAAD deployment was not sold but deployed by U.S. forces in Korea.

"THAAD deployment is just that, a deployment. And like every other military deployment, while we may need the use of certain domestic facilities and physical sites, it's still our stuff and using it is still our responsibility," wrote Kirby. "It's not clear at all where the President got his $1 billion figure. That's about what the system costs us [United States.] to buy, but operating costs are much lower. And since we aren't selling it to anyone, it doesn't make much sense to slap a price tag on it."
The man broke into Gangnam Subway Depot and drew graffiti on a subway car. / Courtesy of Suseo Police Station



By Lee Han-soo

An Australian, whose identity is unknown, has been arrested for defacing a subway car, according to Suseo Police Station Sunday.

According to police, the man, 22, and his girlfriend arrived on Mar. 27, and stayed at a hotel near Hongik University.

The man broke into Gangnam Subway Depot and drew graffiti on a subway car on Apr. 1, after being told wrongly he could do this.

He left for Japan the next day, but was arrested on Sunday after stopping at Incheon International Airport for a flight back to Australia.

He allegedly told police he committed the offence on impulse.




By Lee Kyung-min







Millions of travelers packed expressways nationwide Sunday, raising the traffic volume to its highest amid the "golden holiday" period between April 29 and May 7.



According to the Korea Expressway Corp. (KEC), some 4.13 million vehicles hit the country's expressways nationwide including 380,000 and 420,000 leaving and coming into Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province, respectively.



Heavy traffic and bumper-to-bumper conditions will continue throughout the week, the KEC added.



On Saturday, the number of vehicles using the expressways nationwide increased to 4.87 million, up about 100,000 from a week earlier.



The traffic in many sections of the expressways connecting Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, Gangneung and Mokpo has been heavy from early morning, with travel time expected to be considerably longer than usual.



The traffic volume, the KEC said, is expected to reach its peak between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and will decrease afterwards. The volume will return to normal at about 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.



Meanwhile, almost 175,000 people traveled from or to Incheon International Airport, Sunday alone, up 11 percent from a year earlier.



The Incheon International Airport Corp. said nearly 2 million people will travel via the airport during the holiday period.



About 90,000 people left the country on Saturday alone, with the largest number of about 95,000 outbound travelers, expected Wednesday and inbound travelers, May 7, at the gateway.



Many local workers will be off on Labor Day (Monday), Buddha's Birthday (Wednesday) and Children's Day (Friday).



For those who are able to take a day off, May 8, the vacation can be extended to May 9, a temporary holiday designated for the presidential election.



However, workers at small- to medium-sized companies said this week's holidays are only for those working at large companies.



"Many people who are self-employed or workers at small firms are not at all guaranteed the same holidays. Many are asked to work additional shifts even," an internet user with the ID "rosemary" said.



According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the pleasant sunny weather is expected to continue through next week, with morning lows remaining over 13 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country and midday highs reaching 28 degrees.








By Kim Hyo-jin





Ahn Cheol-soo

South Korea must reconsider its sanctions-only policy toward North Korea because it is not effective in curbing the latter's nuclear and missile threats, according to People's Party presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo.

In an interview, Ahn said the country's next government should be ready to hold talks with the North any time, while maintaining pressure in coordination with the international community.

"Sanctions against North Korea should not be the only means to deal with the Kim Jong-un regime. Historically, we can find no example showing sanctions led to the collapse of a regime," Ahn said.

"Seoul should always be ready to resume talks with Pyongyang if they are aimed to denuclearize the country, while maintaining tough sanctions."

Ahn indicated that he will soften the country's policy toward the North if he is elected to the top office. However, he made it clear that such a change will be made in close coordination with the U.S. and China.

"Coordination with the international community is the priority in handling the North," he said. "Most of all, I will closely cooperate with President Donald Trump based on the spirit of the Seoul-Washington alliance."

He said an inter-Korean summit is meaningless if it is only for the sake of "a meeting."

"The Kim regime is unpredictable as we have witnessed. An inter-Korean summit should not be the aim of our policy," he said.

Ahn earlier dropped his long-standing opposition to the deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, saying Seoul needs to adapt to the changing situation.

Seeing it an inevitable option, he said the country should set its sights on resolving the row with China. He vowed to make active diplomatic efforts to persuade Beijing, projecting confidence in deterring its economic retaliation to the THAAD deployment.

A possible withdrawal of the battery can even be discussed to placate Beijing's antipathy, he said.

"We will have to make Beijing understand it is a choice for our survival and an inevitable outcome of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," he said.

"Further, I plan to stress the fact that we can consult with the U.S. for the withdrawal of the system if there are improvements in the North Korean nuclear conundrum."

The runner-up contender in the presidential race has voiced ideas about reformation of the economic environment, including rooting out the cozy relations between politicians and conglomerates and correcting unfair business practices.

But he prefers the idea of having a small government in pushing for reform, differing from frontrunner Moon Jae-in who stresses the importance of high-level government involvement.

"In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the government has no ability to govern and respond well in every sector. I don't think we need a big government in clearing out corruption, irregularities and social evils. I will make a reformative, private sector-supporting government," he said.

"Minimum actions, like the launch of an investigative body to look into corruption cases involving senior government officials and strengthening the functions of the Fair Trade Commission, should be enough to achieve the necessary reforms."

He said, if elected, he would prioritize stabilizing state management by minimizing the restructuring of government ministries, a typical move that has been done to delete the legacy of predecessors when a new president takes office.

But he would reduce the size of the presidential office, mindful of the negative public sentiment toward the body since the impeachment of the scandal-ridden former president.

"At least, Cheong Wa Dae should be reduced for more effective operation. I'd also seek to move it to Sejong City, the administrative town, through a revision to the Constitution."
Contenders apart on how much gov't should intervene



By Jung Min-ho



The first industrial revolution was about harnessing steam power and taking advantage of machines. The second was driven by electricity and more advanced machines. The third was powered by digital technology and the internet. How about the next one?



All major presidential candidates agree that one of the most critical tasks for the next leader is guiding Korea in the new wave of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but they remain apart on how  especially in terms of the government's role in it.



Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party has been most vocal about the issue. The former doctor and computer security company CEO believes that the government should play a supporting role, not be the director of innovations.



He repeatedly criticized the Democratic Party of Korea's Moon Jae-in, the frontrunner in the race, for making pledges for "too much direct intervention" by the government, saying he will focus on reforming the nation's education system that is "failing to develop appropriate talent."



Ahn wants to reorganize the current 6-3-3 (elementary, middle and high school) education system to a 2-5-5-2 (kindergarten, elementary and middle school, and career exploration). Under his plan, children will also be able to receive software education as soon as they start school. The reform plan is expected to cost about 20 trillion won ($17.5 billion), according to the Korean Educational Development Institute.



Moon said that would be "a massive waste of money." Instead, he has promised to create a presidential body dedicated to paving the way for future technologies.



He said his government will increase investment in setting up infrastructure for electronic cars and an emerging network known as the internet of things, the inter-networking of not just computers and smartphones but also more objects to collect and exchange data.



Moon has also vowed to double the amount of investment for basic science by 2020, saying the country needs more original data to become a first mover. Meanwhile, his government will pour more money into nurturing software experts.



The Justice Party's Sim Sang-jung, a longtime activist for workers' rights, stressed the need for more government intervention than any other candidate.



She criticized other candidates, especially Ahn, for focusing largely on advancing technology while overlooking workers who are in fear of losing their jobs, during TV debates.



Sim emphasized that it will be creative people, not machines, who will lead the era. She vowed to strengthen the social safety net for those who might lose their jobs to machines, and not to let a few companies reap the fruit of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.



According to a recent survey by the Korea Press Foundation, 89.9 percent of respondents said they believe more jobs will disappear in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, while 76.5 percent said their jobs were in danger. More than 85 percent said they believe the gap between the rich and the poor will widen as a result.



The two right-wing candidates  Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party and Hong Joon-pyo of the Liberty Korea Party  are skeptical about too much government intervention in making innovations too. They said they will focus more on creating a proper environment for those who innovate.








Photo artist Han Sung-pil's 2016 work, "Weight of Time," showcases the melting glaciers in the Arctic Ocean off the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard near the North Pole.



Photo artist warns of global warming

By Kang Hyun-kyung

Unbeknown to himself, Han Sung-pil became a cause-driven photo artist while photographing natural wonders in several parts of the world over the past decade.

Han, 45, was first shocked by the indiscriminative use and ensuing deforestation of the Indonesian rainforest of Kalimantan and the effects on residents during his photo project there in 2004. Global companies' profit-seeking and farmers' use of the jungle to grow vegetables and crops took a toll on the ecosystem and wildlife.

In the central French region of Loire in 2005, Han witnessed a rare coexistence of technology and Mother Nature  ceaseless steam was being released from the cooling tower of a nearby nuclear power plant behind the peaceful vineyard in the Loire Valley. He felt the scenery stretching before his eyes was something ironic and "surreal" because farmers grew grapes near the nuclear power plant. The safety of nuclear reactors was seriously questioned after the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in 2011.

The defining moment of his transformation from observer to concerned artist, however, came last year when he travelled to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard near the North Pole. He saw first-hand the results of global warming there and realized that climate change was real and happening much faster than he had thought.

The weather there in October 2016 was above zero Celsius and it rained throughout his three-week photo project on the remote islands through an Arctic Circle residency program. He and about 30 artists, scientists and educators from around the world had explored the natural wonders of the Arctic aboard a specially equipped vessel.

That was his second visit to the region. His first was in October 2013 through the same residency program. His two experiences over three years on the same itinerary enabled him to compare what happened.

"Global warming is real," he said. "My experience there last year was something alarming. In 2013, the weather there was very cold and we had lots of snow. The areas we visited were covered with snow and glaciers. But those glaciers had been melting visibly last year. I remember one day the temperature rose to five or six degrees Celsius and we had lots of rain."

According to a Financial Times article, temperatures in the Arctic region in November 2016 were as high as almost minus five Celsius, which is almost 20 degrees higher than during the same period in previous years.

Danish scientist Rasmus Tonboe was quoted as saying, "We've been processing this data since 1958 and we haven't really seen anything like this at this time of year."

Intrigued by global warming and its visible impact on the Arctic region, Han said he felt that doing nothing was not an option. "People read or hear about climate change mainly through the media and so their experiences are indirect," he said. "But I was privileged to watch it in person because I took photos in many parts of the world. I felt that there's a role that I could play to let the public know about it and so they can join hands to stop climate change."

He was determined to share his experience. Since April 27, the photographer has been displaying his 37 works under the theme of "Intervention" at Ilwoo Space gallery in Central Seoul. Enlarged images of the Arctic region, glaciers and coal mining there and the whaling base in Antarctica are being exhibited until June 14.

The images trace humans' centuries-old struggles and greed to obtain energy sources at the expense of Mother Nature.

The exhibition commemorates his winning of an Ilwoo Award for photographers last year. Iwoo is the nom de plume of Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho and the company presents the awards to talented photo artists.

Unlike other photographers who perform little to no alterations to their photos, Han uses the facades technique to turn his images into art. He drew media attention in 2015 for his "Harmonious Havana," a massive image of a stone pagoda in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. The image was installed on the Editora Abril building during the 12th Havana Biennale in May, 2015.

Han's 2016 work, "Weight of Time," showcases the melting ice in the Arctic Ocean in the Svalbard region  a project that vividly shows the real impact of global warming on the region.

"I think one of our roles as artists is to address certain issues or send messages through our works," he said. "We are the people who throw a stone in the lake to disturb its peaceful surface to cause a stir and to alarm those who live in the neighborhood to ponder about the issue we are raising. I think artists are not the people who give direct answers to those issues."

Han said that during his decades of work as a photo artist, he tried to raise the topic of humans living between safety and danger. The topic is reflected in the photos he took in Indonesia and France.

Global companies' logging and agro-business rapidly destroyed the lush Indonesian rainforest of Kalimantan, home to rich flora and fauna. Data shows more than half of the jungle there has been deforested in recent years.

"I saw how the rich rainforest was destroyed," he said. "Global companies' production of vegetable oil for Western consumers and local farmers' fire-fallow cultivation to secure agricultural territory were responsible for deforestation there.

"As the rainforest was destroyed because of humans' greedy uses and development, the ecosystem was negatively affected and caused wildlife species to dwindle. Hunting led to the extinction of wildlife species and damaged the ecosystem. Baby animals were traded as pets, which was sad."

People developed the rainforest to provide goods for them, but this ironically ended up threatening their lives, he said. This was what Indonesian people were now going through, he said.

His visits to the French region of Loire in 2005 and 2015 resulted in a similar lesson. Farmers grow grapes near a nuclear power plant along the Loire River. If properly managed, nuclear energy is a clean and sustainable energy source with almost no emissions. But a disaster occurs when there is a nuclear crisis, as the world witnessed in 2011 when the Fukushima nuclear meltdown ravaged the north-eastern part of Japan.

"I felt the Loire region was a symbolic place showing people living between safety and danger," he said.
By Yi Whan-woo

The incoming South Korean government is expected to be in sync with President Donald Trump's administration over policies on North Korea, given that the latter is surprisingly open to dialogue with Pyongyang, according to analysts, Thursday.

Dampening talk of military action against the North, the U.S. suggested "tightening economic sanctions and pursuing diplomatic measures" against the reclusive regime in a statement issued Wednesday.

Summarizing a White Housing briefing before Congress, the statement also suggested that the Trump administration remains "open to negotiations" regarding the Kim Jong-un regime's denuclearization, while being fully prepared for self-defense.

Jointly issued by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and National Intelligence Director Dan Coats, the statement finalizes the Trump government's doctrine on Pyongyang.

"This is believed to be in line with the two leading presidential candidates' North Korea policies," said Kim Yong-hyun, a professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University.

The two candidates  Moon Jae-in and Ahn Cheol-soo  have called for a two-track strategy of maintaining sanctions on while simultaneously resuming dialogue with North Korea.
North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Saturday, which apparently exploded minutes after liftoff, according to South Korean and U.S. militaries.

"North Korea fired an unidentified missile from a site in the vicinity of Pukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province) in the northeastern direction at around 5:30 a.m today," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. "It is estimated to have failed."

The U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) also said it detected the launch from an airfield there.

"The missile did not leave North Korean territory," its spokesman Cmdr. Dave Benham said. "The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America."

The allies are analyzing additional information.












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)
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. Tourism stakeholders gathered to support the development of the Western Silk Road in Alexandroupoli, Greece for 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.

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.
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.
Sean Blakeley, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea, poses in this file photo. The chamber is stepping up its activities with British companies looking to advance into the Korean market. / Courtesy of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea



By Kim Ji-soo

The allure of all things British  from classic luxury fashion brands and iconic beauty brands to the beloved royal family  has had Korean consumers spellbound for many years.

But as U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May started last month the two-year negotiations for the country to leave the European Union, following the "Brexit" vote last year, many economic partners, including South Korea, are seriously pondering British prospects in terms of trade and investment. Sean Blakeley, the CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK), sees this uncertainty as an opportunity.

"Post-Brexit, Korea was one of the first countries to come out and say it was keen to have a bilateral trade agreement with the U.K., which was very positive," Blakeley said during an interview in the chamber's office in downtown Seoul, adding that the British government also confirmed Korea to be among the priority countries for bilateral trade agreements. "The signs are positive between the two countries, and I think it is more of an opportunity than a concern."

Last December, Korean Industry Minister Joo Hyung-hwan and U.K. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox agreed to work toward a bilateral free trade agreement that would be uninterrupted in the wake of Brexit and be at least at the level of the South Korea-European Union Free Trade Agreement. They also agreed to set up a trade working group that would meet four times a year.

"Because trade has increased under the Korea and EU agreement, any bilateral agreement that will be produced can add features to make it stronger," Blakeley envisioned. He saw significant potential in the areas of renewable energy and nuclear decommissioning.

And with regard to concerns about London losing its financial hub status, Blakeley assured that nothing will change, that London remains in the same time zone necessary to deal with the United States and Asia, and that there are top services to support institutions that have global or European headquarters. "Also, the British government said it will work keenly on the passporting issue," which benefits foreign banks that have subsidiaries in the City of London by giving their employees access to the EU market through the issuing of passports.

In addition, fintech is an area where synergy between South Korea and the United Kingdom can be high, he said.

"Last year, Level 39, a financial accelerator space, said it would set up its Asia hub office here through XN Tree, and discussions are ongoing," he said. Level 39 has a 7,400-square-meter fintech accelerator space in Canary Wharf, London, and more than 200 fintech startups as members.

The U.K. government is moving aggressively to ease any short-term uncertainties, he said. But overall, any short-term uncertainties should be addressed in the long term.

"It is hard to change the fact that the United Kingdom has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe, 19 percent, among the G7 countries, the highest transparency grades in the European Union, and the world's top talent in multiple industries, and the fact that is a still huge innovator across sectors," he said.

Korea and the U.K. have vital ties; Korea is the U.K.'s 15th-largest trading partner and third-largest consumer market. The trade volume between the two countries holds at around $13 billion.

The two governments also work together through the Korea-U.K. Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO), which serves as a ministerial-level forum and has held annual meetings in the past couple of years. The last JETCO meeting in December 2016 confirmed the establishment of a trade working group to discuss a potential bilateral trade agreement, and it will now hold quarterly meetings led by John Alty, director general of trade policy in the Department for International Trade from Britain, and his Korean counterparts at the ministry of trade, industry and energy.

Should consumers be worried about possible price hikes in British products including luxury brands such as Burberry?

"If you look at statements made by the British government, there should be no interruption in the trade between the two countries, and if you think of it this way, any rise in a Bentley car means a rise in a Hyundai car going to U.K.," Blakeley said, explaining why there is no benefit in price increases for either party.

Blakeley said the attractiveness of the Korean and the U.K. markets to each other is very clear.

Blakeley, who earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds, has lived in Korea for the past 12 years, including when he earned his master's degree in international relations with a focus on the North Korean economy at Seoul National University. Before joining the chamber 18 months ago, he was director of business development at a Korean publishing company, the managing director of a British consulting company, and worked at GE Capital U.K.

The BCCK, a nonprofit organization in which a majority of members are British companies, has become much bigger now and has a more extensive role in volume-trade areas. The chamber helps British companies in all sectors that are looking to enter the Korean market, while the strategic value trade in energy and defense contracts are still handled by the British embassy, Blakeley said.

An expert of both the Korean and U.K. markets, Blakeley has worked with companies across a broad range of sectors, including electronics, retail, consumer goods and food and beverages.

He said the Korean market is growing in fashion, retail and consumer products, music and creative industries, and it is a very trend-driven market with significant trade potential with China, Japan and South Asia.

"Also, Korea has strong conglomerates globally and in third-party countries, so if you can secure a relation with Samsung or LG, you can sell products in India, Africa and South America. The global reach of Korean companies has been growing," he said.

There are certain similarities between the peoples of the two countries, he said: "both are conservative outside but have a hidden passion and eccentricity on the inside."

One of the chamber's events to watch for this year is the black-tie ball with a British theme on May 27 at Grand Hyatt Seoul to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's 91st birthday. For more, visit www.bcck.or.kr.




Independent lawmaker Kim Jong-hoon speaks in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Thursday, after filing a complaint against acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, Defense Minister Han Min-koo, National Security Office chief Kim Kwan-jin and Foreign Affairs Minister Yun Byung-se. The lawmaker claimed they gave up the national interest by allowing the deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, which he said should have been left to the next government. / Yonhap



By Kim Rahn

Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and Defense Minister Han Min-koo face strong criticism for hastening deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here.

Critics say the rush is aimed at completing the installation before the next government is launched following the May 9 election, so the deployment decision cannot be reversed. As THAAD is a key security issue in the election, they say Hwang and Han may have attempted to interfere in the election, failing to maintain their political neutrality.

Key elements of the anti-missile system, including the AN/TPY-2 X-Band radar and mobile launchers, were brought to the site in Seongju County, North Gyeongsang Province, early Wednesday morning through a sudden overnight operation. They were transported only six days after the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) secured the land from the South Korean government and even before due procedures such as an environmental inspection, had been carried out.

The ministry also said Thursday the system will soon be put into actual operation without testing.

It was expected that the installation and operation decision would be handed over to the next government, as the presidential election is only weeks away. The ministry said on April 17 that the deployment was unlikely to be completed in a short time, implying it would not be finished before the election. The previous day, a White House foreign policy adviser also said the installation was up to Korea's next president.

Critics say the government ignored due procedure and the opinion of the South Korean people by taking advantage of public attention being diverted to the election. Considering the leadership vacuum here following former President Park Geun-hye's removal from office, they say Hwang and Han may be just following the U.S. timetable for the installation.
By Kim Bo-eun



Brookes Bell, a U.K. marine consultancy, is seeking to begin an inspection of the Sewol ferry, after Yonhap News Agency reported Friday that it submitted plans to the inspection committee.



Brookes Bell plans to look into why the vessel lacked stability, thus causing its sinking _ it will examine the steering room, hold, machinery room and stabilizers.



It will also seek to clarify suspicions that the sinking was caused by an external collision with a submarine or internal explosion. Last December, a "netizen investigation team" named Zaro raised suspicions that the Sewol sank after colliding with a Navy submarine, which the Navy denied.



Meanwhile, the school uniform of one of the missing passengers was found in the vessel, at Mokpo New Port, Thursday, signaling the likelihood that remains will be found inside.



A shirt bearing the name tag of Park Young-in, a Danwon High School student, was found in a cabin on the fourth deck of the vessel.



The fourth-deck accommodation near the bow had been occupied by boys, and that at the stern by girls of the school, who had been on an excursion to Jeju Island. The school lost 295 students and 11 teachers after the ferry sank in seas off Jindo, South Jeolla Province, April 16, 2014.



Search authorities said Korea Salvage, a local contractor hired for the search, submitted plans to cut out parts of the vessel's fifth deck, where the remains of missing passengers could possibly be found.



Nine passengers remain missing _ four students and two teachers of Danwon High School and three others.



Along with the shirt, a travel suitcase, cosmetic pouch and other items were also recovered.



As of Friday, 500 animal bone fragments and 290 objects have been recovered since the salvage operation began.



Workers continue to remove mud and obstructive objects from the vessel through multiple entrances they have made on the third and fourth decks. It is the 12th day since the search inside the ferry began last Tuesday.



The last time remains of missing passengers were found was in October 2014.




From left are Kim Jung-sook, wife of Democratic Party of Korea contender Moon Jae-in; Kim Mi-kyung, wife of People's Party candidate Ahn Cheol-soo; and Lee Seung-bae, husband of Justice Party candidate Sim Sang-jung. Presidential candidates' spouses visited traditional markets, welfare centers, colleges and religious facilities to meet with voters and promote their candidate spouses. / Yonhap



By Choi Ha-young

Presidential candidates' spouses are as busy as the contenders ahead of the May 9 election, meeting voters to highlight their partners' strengths and make up for their weaknesses.

Kim Jung-sook, wife of Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), has been serving as the frontrunner's "special envoy to the Honam area." Since last fall, she has visited every corner of the region that includes the Jeolla provinces and Gwangju, to counter anti-Moon sentiment there.

Residents in the liberal stronghold overwhelmingly voted for Moon in the 2012 presidential election, but have been complaining about the former DPK chief's "betrayal" since then. To win their hearts and minds again, his wife has visited local welfare centers, washed at public baths and cooked for elderly citizens.

"I could sympathize with the pain of the Jeolla region and Gwangju," she said in an interview, April 11, in Gwangju, the historical city with a legacy of bitter pro-democracy struggles. "Since my husband is too busy, I often deliver Honam voters' messages to him, so he can keep up with their needs," she added.

Due to her efforts, Moon has regained Honam residents' support that once leaned toward People's Party's candidate Ahn Cheol-soo. Moon's support stood at 55.1 percent compared to Ahn's 31.6 percent according to a survey by the Hankook Ilbo and The Korea Times, Tuesday.

Recently, Kim is moving with the wives of the DPK's former presidential hopefuls who lost to Moon  Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, South Chungcheong Governor An Hee-jung and Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon  to show the largest party's will for integration.

The three are supporting Moon on behalf of their husbands who are banned from campaigning as public servants. From An's family, not only his wife but also his 25-year-old son has joined Moon's campaign team.

Embroiled in scandal

Ahn and his wife, Seoul National University (SNU) professor Kim Mi-kyung, have been role models among young couples because of their outstanding career paths as experts. Kim, who was a medical professor, headed for the United States to study law, while Ahn successfully transformed himself from a doctor to an IT expert.

"My husband has always shared what he achieved, from medical volunteer work to free computer virus vaccines," she said March 19, when Ahn declared his presidential bid.

However, amid swirling smear campaigns, it was alleged that she had Ahn's aides run her private errands. She further incurred public anger from another allegation that she obtained tenure at SNU thanks to Ahn's influence.

The wife of Hong Joon-pyo, the presidential nominee of the far-right Liberty Korea Party, is busy smoothing over Hong's rough words. He has drawn fire for his sexist remarks and his involvement in an attempted rape during his college days.

"I am proud of my husband who is confident in front of top dogs and modest in front of the weak," Lee Soon-sam, said in a televised speech. "Even though he is straightforward, my husband has never spoken falsely. His confidence without fear has made him what he is."

Nation's 1st first gentleman?'

Lee Seung-bae, husband of Justice Party candidate Sim Sang-jung, dreams of becoming first gentleman for the first time in Korean history. "It's such an honor to live as Sim's husband," he said in an interview. Lee is campaigning for Sim, the sole female candidate.

He has been a breadwinner and a house-husband for decades to back up Sim's labor movement. "After meeting her, my perception of gender roles was broken," he said. "Helping my wife contribute to the society is the meaning of my existence."

With such remarks breaking gender stereotypes, he has emerged as a superstar among young women. An internet user's comment has gone viral: "Scientists should reproduce Lee and distribute him to every household."
By Kim Hyo-jin



Korea's presidential candidates voiced their opposition, Friday, to U.S. President Donald Trump's call for Seoul to pay for a missile defense system being deployed here.



They agreed that according to a previous agreement, the United States is supposed to pay the cost of installation and operation.



The leading presidential hopefuls were engaged in a fifth televised debate a few hours after President Trump's comment that he wanted Seoul to pay $1 billion for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, caused a stir on the political scene.



Sim Sang-jung of the progressive Justice Party opened her remarks with a question to the top contender Moon Jae-in of the largest liberal Democratic Party of Korea on how he would respond to the request.



In response, Moon reaffirmed his original position that the THAAD deployment should be handed over to the next administration to seek parliamentary approval.



"Now that THAAD is giving us a tremendous fiscal burden, amounting to 1.1 trillion won, it is a matter that needs the National Assembly's ratification," he said.



Sim criticized the former President Park Geun-hye administration for pushing ahead with the deployment in the first place, saying it was courting U.S. interests.













She took it further saying: "The anti-missile system should be withdrawn and we have to firmly ask this of the U.S." Moon, however, remained silent on whether he agreed to the call for a withdrawal.



Meanwhile, Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party dismissed Trump's remark as a "mere bluff," opposing Moon's argument that parliamentary approval was necessary.



"The deal has been done already so we don't need to pay the cost. I can persuade the U.S. on this," he said.

Yoo said the two countries should abide by the original contract, which was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense earlier in the day.



The ministry said there has been no change in the basic position that the government would provide a site for the THAAD battery and related facilities under the Status of Forces Agreement, and the U.S. would shoulder the burden for installation and operation.



Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party echoed the same view, saying, "We don't have to pay for it. We just stick to the original conditions of the deal."



"Rather, the Korea-U.S. trade deal is of more concern. The next head of state's priority should be to bring up and negotiate all contentious bilateral issues through a Korea-U.S. summit."



The five-way debate was probably the last defining moment in the build-up to the May 9 presidential election.



This was the last debate for which the public's response can be reflected in opinion polls. Though the final debate is slated for May 2, it could have a limited impact given the announcement of survey results will be banned from May 3.



Moon has emerged as the potential victor following the series of debates, while his closest rival Ahn has tumbled in popularity. Ahn's support fell sharply from the mid-30 percent range to a low of around 20 percent, trailing Moon who has reached 40 percent plus, over the past two weeks.



Conservative voters, who have been left bewildered following the removal from office of former President Park, are flocking back to Hong Joon-pyo of the far-right Liberty Korea Party, dealing a blow to Ahn, according to analysts.
2 rescued miners detail how they survived against all odds
By Andrei Lankov





The relations between China and South Korea are bad. In March a poll indicated China overtook Japan as Korea's most disliked foreign nation. The reason is simple: the South Korean decision to deploy the THAAD missile defense system annoyed China which reacted with introducing the "unofficial" but biting sanctions against South Korean companies. This is the worst situation since 1992.

But hang on, why do we mention 1992 as a starting point? Is not it the case that for millennia Korea and China have lived side by side, maintaining sometimes uneasy but always close relations?

Yes, the history of relations between the two goes back a few thousand years, and it will be only a major exaggeration to say the Korean state emerged and grew in the giant shadow of China, under its immense influence. However, after the Opium Wars of the 1840-60s, China became a victim of Western imperialism and disintegrated in the collapse and chaos, only to be reunited by Mao's Communists in 1949 as a poor authoritarian country.

Throughout the Chinese "century of crisis" Koreans lost much of their interest in Chinese culture. Gone were the times when a perfect command of written Chinese was a major prerequisite for a successful career. From the 1890s on, educated Koreans were obsessed with the West, which came to be seen as an embodiment of progress, while China, especially classical China of Confucian classics, became a symbol of conservatism and backwardness, a country few were seriously interested in.

Things became more complicated in 1948-49 when both Korea and China were divided between the communists and right-wing nationalists. In Korea the nationalists took a poorer part of the country which, however, had a larger population, but in China the division was very uneven: the nationalists managed to cling only to a small island province of Taiwan, while nearly all China's land and population after 1949 were under control of the victorious communists.

The division led to a peculiar situation: Communist China and Communist North Korea established formal diplomatic relations, but Mao's China did not recognize the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea, too, maintained diplomatic relations only with the nationalist government in Taiwan, formally supporting its improbable claim of being the only legitimate government of all of China.

Until the late 1980s, South Korea behaved as if "Red" China did not exist. Even President Nixon's famous 1972 trip to China and subsequent improvement of Sino-American relations (actually, as a part of their de facto alliance against Russia) failed to impact the position of Seoul which steadfastly clung to the "One China principle," the "China" in question being Taiwan, of course.

But times were changing. In the 1960s and 70s, under President Park Chung-hee's dictatorial but efficient rule South Korea transformed itself into a booming economy. Under Deng Xiaoping's China, to a large extent, repeated what South Korea did a decade or two earlier, also succeeded economically under its own variety of a "developmental dictatorship" (communist in rhetoric and government structure, unsurprisingly capitalist in economic policy). In the new world, old feuds of the Cold War ceased to matter while market size began to matter enormously.

In August 1992, China (the People's Republic of China, that is), established formal diplomatic relations, to the great dismay of both Taiwan and Pyongyang. The results were impressive: in the early 2000s China overtook the U.S. and Japan as Korea's largest trading partner. It also became a major destination for outbound tourists and a major source of Korea's inbound tourism (last year, 48 percent of visiting tourists came to Korea from China). Many Koreans  largely businesspeople and technicians  moved to China, while even a larger number of Chinese nationals  largely unskilled and semi-skilled migrant workers  moved to Korea.

In one regard Korea has differed from other countries of the region: it did not see the rise of China as a challenge or security problem. Since 1992, political conflicts and tensions were rare, and most Koreans looked on China lightly, perceiving it as a producer of low-priced consumer goods, a large playground and provider of cheap labor. The thought of possible political complications seldom, if ever, crossed the minds of Koreans, many of whom, frankly, did not take China too seriously.

But now things are changing  for the time being, at least. In a sense, the THAAD crisis made Koreans aware that a powerful and pushy aspiring superpower happens to be located nearby, and the relations with this superpower are not going to be easy. Surprisingly, for many Koreans it looks like revelation.





Andrei Lankov was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and teaches at Kookmin University in Seoul. Reach him at anlankov@yahoo.com.
Presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo, second from left, from the conservative Liberty Korea Party, poses with American Chamber of Commerce Korea (AMCHAM) Chairman James Kim, left; former AMCHAM Chairman Jeffrey Jones, third from left; and Oh Young-jin, Korea Times chief editorial writer, before a question and answer session at the Lotte Hotel, Wednesday. The session  the second after one with Moon Jae-in, the frontrunner in polls ahead of the May 9 presidential election  was AMCHAM's effort to transform the business lobby into a strong advocacy group for the two nations' relationship. AMCHAM has planned to take Korean firms along on its "door knock" trip to the United States for extensive contacts with the government, business community and academia there. / Yonhap



By Oh Young-jin





Let's get ahead of ourselves and predict what will happen after the May 9 presidential election.

If Moon Jae-in holds onto his lead and becomes president and "shy conservatives" fail to rebel, the chance is that his celebration would only last a day or two.

Why? Because the conservatives are rising above the shame associated with their ideology after their standard bearer Park Geun-hye's fall from grace, and are regrouping.

Signs are plentiful amid polls that show Moon, the candidate from the liberal Democratic Party of Korea, is strengthening his lead. But also notable is Hong Joon-pyo of the conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP) enjoying a rise in his numbers as well. The LKP is composed of Park's supporters from its predecessor the Saenuri Party, after anti-Park lawmakers left to form the Bareun Party in the aftermath of the parliamentary passage of an impeachment bill against Park.

I had a chance to get up close and personal with Hong, while hosting a question-and-answer session organized by the American Chamber of Commerce Korea (AMCHAM), Wednesday.

The former prosecutor, whose career was captured by a popular television drama in the 1980s, Hong has been tugging the heartstrings of the shamed conservatives  and it has worked.

First, he talked about a strong ROK-U.S. alliance that is the bedrock for national defense here, saying that a leftist president would spell disaster for this.

This is the conservatives' standard issue that strikes a contrast to Moon, who has inherited the notion of diplomatic equidistance between the United States and China. Moon was driven into a corner and had to drop his opposition to the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system in Korea because of popular concern about his leftist stance compromising national security.

Second, Hong went further by arguing the liberals' collaboration with Pyongyang would damage the alliance with the U.S. Already, Hong seized on a recent revelation by a former foreign minister under the late President Roh Moo-hyun, Moon's boss, that Moon followed the North's request for the South to cast a nay vote on a United Nations' bill on North Korea's human rights.

Third, he said that the candlelit protests were a show of mob rule rather than democracy  and that former President Park and Samsung Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong should not be on trial over bribery allegations.

Fourth, he needs only four fifths of voters who supported Park to back him to win the May 9 presidential election.

Now, the veracity of Hong's claims is disputable. His electability is still low with conservatives turning into a herd of lost lambs, but he is emerging as their new shepherd with Park gone. Few are emerging from the right side of the ideological spectrum to challenge him.

In a recent survey by Real Meter, 13 percent of respondents supported Hong. That is despite calls for his resignation as a candidate over a revelation that he had conspired in a date rape with his friends in college. Yoo Seong-min, the conservative candidate from the Bareun Party, has support of 5.4 percent. Compared with a week before, Hong was up 2.5 percentage points, while Yoo was up 0.5 points.

Ahn Cheol-soo, the centrist from the People's Party, had 22.8 percent, down 5.6 percent. Ahn's popularity once threatened Moon because conservatives turned to him for the lack of a candidate they could rally around, but they have started to regain their ideological compass with Hong.

Now it remains to be seen whether the shy conservatives will come out of the closet and support Hong. Still, it is expected that he will tighten the gap with Moon at the cost of Ahn; but it is a long shot for Hong to overcome this.

If Hong gets a big slice of votes and loses, he would find himself in an advantageous position to lead the merger of conservatives  the LPK with 93 lawmakers and the Bareun Party with 33 to make 126 seats. Moon's DPK has 119 and Ahn's People's Party has 39. From day one for the new president, the conservatives could thwart Moon's agenda, starting with the appointment of Cabinet ministers and others to key political posts.

A couple of months of a standstill may sap the fresh spirit of the new government, making the ideological rivalry bitter again. With their agendas poles apart, the new president should reach out to the other side for help but a spirit of cooperation has rarely been seen in the annals of Korean political history. The likelihood is that the liberals' eagerness to roll back the past 10 years of conservative rule will clash spectacularly with the conservatives' vengeance to go with tooth-and nail for their version of the candlelit protests. This should serve as a cautionary tale for the new leader.





Oh Young-jin is The Korea Times' chief editorial writer. Contact foolsdie5@ktimes.com and foolsdie@gmail.com.
By Shim Jae-yun





Chinese President Xi Jinping triggered public wrath here by allegedly saying, "Korea used to be a part of China" during his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on April 7. Most Koreans appear perplexed at Xi's remark as it is totally senseless. Experts share the notion Xi might have made such statement to secure China's interests in the controversial Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) issue.



Contrary to Xi's claim, many documents and data show some areas in today's China had been a part of Korea's ancient kingdoms. For instance, Gojoseon (ancient Joseon)'s territory covered the western part of current Beijing, according to historian Shim Baek-kang, renowned for his in-depth lifelong research on Korea-China history.



Siku Quanshu, comprising 79,337 books, is China's largest and most complete collection of history books, recognized globally. Quoting this, Shim cites the stream flowing through the current northwestern part of Beijing was called the "Joseon River." Taipung Huanji, the world's oldest geographic book compiled during the Song Dynasty, also testifies to this, confirming the existence of Joseon Castle in today's Hubei Province.



"Korea's first kingdom ruled today's Beijing." This was the headline of The Korea Times' 2014 Sept. 15 edition. This article was based on an interview with Shim. The "provocative" article however drew no protest from Beijing apparently because the allegation was based on the Chinese history books including Siku Quanshu, written by Chinese historians during the Qing Dynasty.













The Sui Dynasty (581-619) of China collapsed after it repeatedly and unsuccessfully invaded Goguryeo (BC 37-668), an ancient Korean kingdom. Emperor Taijong of the Tang Dynasty mobilized one million soldiers to conquer Goguryeo only to face a humiliating defeat. He got injured in the eye and in his last will, said "never try to invade Goguyeo."

From that time on, the Chinese people harbored fear of then Goguryeo leader Yeon Gaesomun. He appears as a fearful character in the Chinese traditional play called "Gyeonggeuk."



The Chinese history books also show that another ancient Korean kingdom, Baekjae's territory, was extended to the eastern coastal area of China including Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces. The history book of Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) shows Kim Ham-bo from the Silla Kingdom of Korea was the ancestor of Jin Dynasty founder Agolata. The Jin Dynasty is the predecessor of the Qing Dynasty. They also prove the founder of the Qing Dynasty, Nurhaci, was also a descendent of the Silla Kingdom.



All these and other historical facts show that Korea has never been a part of China at all. Rather, some areas of China had been part of Korea. Japan ruled Taiwan for 50 years and occupied China in the early 20th century. But no one claims China used to be a part of Japan. Ancient Rome occupied Britain in B.C. 54. But no one says Britain used to be a part of Italy.



Xi's remark seems to have come from China's need to prepare for the possible military conflict on the Korean peninsula. China has been pursuing the Northeast Project, claiming Goguryeo as part of its history, which is total nonsense.



Regrettably enough, the history of the ancient kingdom of Korea had largely been disregarded during Japan's colonial rule of Korea (1910-1945). Japan attempted to whitewash Korea's ancient history, annihilating most documents and even lobbying many pro-Japan scholars into distorting history in its favor. President Trump needs to exactly grasp and clearly understand the history in Northeast Asia. This is the basis for him to deal with the current crisis properly including North Korea's nuclear program.



President Xi, for his part, needs to clarify what he had said during the summit and apologize to the Korean people if he actually made such an "ignorant" remark. The historical facts should not be distorted and leaders, including Trump and Xi, in particular, need to get the truth of the history between Korea and China. For the Korean people, it is high time to regain national pride and authenticity by squarely establishing history. As historian Lee Am of Goryeo Kingdom put it, "Nation is body and its history is soul."
Copa Airlines, subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A., and Turkish Airlines, both members of Star Alliance, signed a Codeshare Agreement which will offer passengers more flight options with seamless connections through Copas Hub of the Americas, in Panama City, and Turkishs seamless gateway to Europe through the companys Hub, in Istanbul, Turkey.

The strategic Hub of the Americas of Copa Airlines, in Panama City, will allow passengers coming from Istanbul fast and efficiently connect to 74 destinations in America and the Caribbean, including the most important cities of the region. Also with this codeshare agreement, the Latin American passengers traveling with Turkish Airlines through its uniquely positioned hub, Istanbul, that bridges the East and the West, will have more entry options to Europe also Africa, Asia/ Far East and Middle East.

Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines said; This agreement between Copa Airlines and Turkish Airlines has great importance since it contributes to strengthen the connectivity between Latin America with Istanbul and the rest of Europe. Passengers from both hemispheres will benefit from world-class services and seamless connections through the hubs of the codeshare partners.

Initially, Turkish will place its code on Copa flights between Panama City and David in Panama; Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo in Brazil; Santo Domingo and Punta Cana in Dominican Republic; Guayaquil and Quito in Ecuador; San Salvador in El Salvador; Asuncion in Paraguay; Lima in Peru. On the other hand, Copa will place its code on Turkish operated flights between Panama and Istanbul. Progressively, as government approvals are granted, Turkish will also place its code on Copa flights to Cancun, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; Managua in Nicaragua; San Jose in Costa Rica and Montevideo in Uruguay in order to expand the range of these codeshare flights into the region.

We are delighted to begin codeshare cooperation with Copa Airlines, which will improve our partnership as Star Alliance partners and also provide unique travel opportunities to the passengers through the far-reaching flight networks of both airlines. Especially, with our flights to Panama City operated from our incomparably positioned hub, Istanbul, passengers would enjoy to travel all around the continent with Copa Airlines flights from Panama City. said Bilal Eksi, Turkish Airlines Deputy Chairman & CEO.

This agreement, which complements and expands the route networks of both airlines as well as the connectivity between the continents, will also improve and promote bilateral opportunities for tourism and commercial developments between two countries.

Passengers of Copa and Turkish will enjoy the multiple benefits offered by Star Alliance, including reciprocity between the frequent flyer programs of both airlines and global recognition of the Star Alliance Gold and Silver status through the large route network that includes 1,300 airports in 190 countries.
Trump's efforts add up to smooth' regime change





U.S. President Donald Trump has designated North Korea's nuclear and missile threat as his country's top national security priority. Trump has persuaded Chinese President Xi Jinping to ditch China's old friend. Mao Zedong once said that China-North Korea relationship was as inseparable as that of lips and teeth.



The U.S. president called in representatives of the 15 United Nations Security Council member countries in a coalition-building effort to the White House. Then, he organized a briefing for the full Congress on the North. His top security aides issued a joint statement calling on the North to give up its weapons of mass destruction, clarifying the U.S. is ready to use military options against Pyongyang. At the same time, assembled close to the Korean Peninsula is an impressive U.S. armada, comprised of the USS aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, the nuclear-powered submarine USS Michigan. Separately, the USS Ronald Reagan, an aircraft carrier battle group, is on standby in Japan together with tens of thousands of U.S. forces in Japan and more in Korea.



What do these unusual shows of force, both diplomatic and military, add up to?



It is called Trump's policy of "maximum pressure" on the North with its most likely result being to trigger a regime change. The regime change as we know has often been associated with a messy collapse of the North. That scenario has it that once the head of its dynastic regime _ now led by its third generation leader 30-plus-years-old Kim Jong-un _ is decapitated, the nation goes out of control _ sending millions of North Koreans north into China in a major refugee crisis.



Trump obviously sees an alternative. The North settled for self-contained fireworks with 300 self-propelled guns and rockets _ the same type that target Seoul _ on a beach in Wonsan, the North's eastern seaport. Unrealized has been the much feared sixth nuclear test and launch of a long-range missile. This shows a dilemma Kim faces. If he presses ahead with them, he could invite a surgical strike by the U.S. or a cutoff of oil supplies from China _ both of which would be a devastating blow to the North's existence and Kim's rule. If he tries to forgo them, it would mean a loss of face in the eyes of his people and a sign of weakness that can invite the elite, so far scared by Kim's brutality, rise against him.



There are three possible outcomes from Trump's maximum pressure.



First, Kim could come back to the negotiating table in the hope of outliving the Trump presidency and getting back to the North's hostile path _ a tactic that has worked for the past 20 years or so since the 1994 Geneva nuclear agreement.



Second, there can be a coup by those against Kim and subsequent emergence of an alternative leadership. With Trump's nudging, China has seen the North pass a tipping point with Kim turning into a major liability. With an incessant series of purges, the chances are that Kim's hold on power is not so solid and the elite are ready to get rid of him. Despite Jang Song-thaek, Kim's pro-Chinese uncle, being executed, China likely has its sympathizers among the North's leadership so any new regime after Kim would likely be pro-Chinese, a "smooth" transition that Xi wouldn't object to.



The third is an all-out counterattack by the North, if the U.S. mounts a surgical pre-emptive strike. It is not certain whether Kim would do so at the risk of losing all he has, especially when he can recover and hold on to power. It is where the interests of Seoul and Washington diverge because millions of Koreans would be put at risk of annihilation.




Internet users are urged to remain wary of big data and artificial intelligence, as platform giants  such as Google and Facebook  rapidly collect too much personal information.

Google, Facebook hoard too much private data

By Lee Min-hyung

Concerns are rising over the dominance of Google and Facebook as the world's biggest data collectors, as the two platform business operators continue to expand their presences both in the real and virtual worlds.

Few would refute that Google and Facebook users have taken advantage of the firms' advanced and convenient technologies whose key driving force has been billions of global users.

For instance, Google Maps offers geographical information for almost every corner of the planet, allowing tourists to pinpoint any specific location with only a smart device.

But at the same time, however, people are more than shocked when realizing that the platform titans can trace their activities in detail through GPS tracking, including what users do not want to remember for long.

Even if users change their smartphones, Google Maps remembers everywhere they visited in the past, sometimes sending unexpected notifications for some places they may want to erase from memory.

What might be scarier is that the web-mapping and location-tracking service is just one part of the big data-collecting machine, as Google is also a dominant leader for a variety of other services  including its search portal, email and Android app marketplace.

The firm interconnects those daily-use services to strengthen its dominance as the world's most-influential platform service provider. For instance, if a Gmail user pays for an airline ticket, Google can link the relevant information  including the departure time or airport gate number  to the Google Calendar app. All these processes are done automatically through Google algorithms.

This makes their trips a lot more convenient than when they only had paper tickets to check their flight information. But they are less likely to notice their private data is stored in Google's database, enabling the company to become a powerful "big brother" of the modern era.

For a similar reason, global technology magnates such as Tesla founder Elon Musk and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates expressed deep concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) which is based around a vast amount of big data.

"I think the biggest risk is not that the AI will develop a will of its own," Musk said last year in a media interview. "But rather it will follow the will of people that establish its utility function."

He said AI and data-based platforms may start with good intentions to make more accurate predictions about certain tasks, but no one knows if they may generate unexpectedly bad outcomes as they grow and develop in unpredictable ways down the road.

Facebook is another industry-leading platform generating tens of billions of dollars in revenue each year by analyzing datasets from users. The firm's major revenue source is its on-demand ad platform. The company boasts a systemized target customer analysis tool that can fit advertisers' needs.

Due to this practical and highly effective promotional tool, startups with low budgets often put top priority on Facebook ads, rather than other traditional ad platforms such as conventional mass media.

How could the U.S.-based social network giant develop such an accurate data analytics platform? The secret lurks in its huge global subscriber base  the number of monthly users approaches 2 billion people, which makes the "Republic of Facebook" the world's most populous place even compared to China.

By collecting their datasets, the company can provide a specific user-centric analytics algorithm system.

But it also has its downsides, in terms of the right to be forgotten.

Even if a user creates his or her second Facebook account without any overlapping basic data from the original account such as phone number and email address, Facebook can spot the original and inform the first account of a possible friend.

The algorithms operated after analyzing data from the firm's user base may raise concerns the platform is also blocking the right to be forgotten.

"There needs a certain level of vigilance for the rapid rise of big data and AI amid the lingering concerns over the modern version of big brothers, even though such info-tech powerhouses' services are for the good and convenience of people," an info-tech industry source said.

"No one can be free from the records of whom I was in the past, as data keeps piling up and remains somewhere on the web such as the Google search portal or internal databases of other platform giants. That would be good for some but terrible for others."
By Lee Min-hyung



Samsung Electronics regained its title as the world's largest smartphone vendor in the first quarter of the year, beating arch-rival Apple by a large margin, according to market researcher IDC.



This came only a quarter after the Seoul-based tech titan narrowly yielded its leading status to Apple during the October-December period last year.



In the first quarter, Samsung sold 79.2 million smartphones across the globe, with Apple coming in second with 51.6 million, the market researcher said.



The gap is expected to widen in the coming quarters, as Samsung's flagship Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus hit the shelves this month. The premium handsets are gaining enthusiastic market responses, posting a series of sales records in the firm's key revenue markets  Korea and the United States.



The outlook for Samsung appears bright for the time being, as Apple reportedly does not have plans to unveil its new flagship iPhone 8 until the third quarter.



IDC cited Samsung's diverse product lineup as a key driving force for the decent quarterly sales.



"The Galaxy J and A series drove significant volumes in both emerging and developed markets thanks to their flagship-like design and more affordable price," said the market tracker.



It expects Samsung to continue to report firmer smartphone sales in the second quarter.



"An early positive response to the recently launched S8 and S8 Plus looks promising, as it may have finally put Samsung's Note 7 fiasco to bed."



Earlier this month, the Samsung flagship smartphones stunned the local mobile industry by setting a record pre-order of some 1 million here. Pre-orders for the S8 and S8 Plus also reported 30 percent growth year-on-year, compared with its predecessor, the Galaxy S7, in the United States.



Market analysts here also say that the new smartphones will prop up Samsung to set a record profit in the second quarter.



"Samsung Electronics is expected to post more than 12 trillion won ($10.52 billion) in operating profit in the April to June period, driven by a sharp increase in its mobile unit's earnings," Dongbu Securities analyst Kwon Sung-ryul said.



Samsung's mobile division reported 2.07 trillion won in operating profit in the first-quarter, down 46.8 percent from a year ago.



This reflects the global recall of the Note 7, with Samsung failing to chalk up outstanding mobile profits since the second half of last year.



But the S8 and S8 Plus will likely help the mobile unit bounce back in the upcoming quarters, according to observers.



Eugene Investment & Securities analyst Lee Jeong said: "Samsung's handset division will report an outstanding profit growth in the second quarter with the arrivals of new flagship devices."



He expected the company to report 13.56 trillion won in second-quarter operating profit, up 37 percent quarter-on-quarter.




By Park Jae-hyuk





Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin

Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin has left for the United States for business trip after a local court lifted an overseas travel ban on the owner of the retail and confectionery giant, according to the group Sunday.

He is expected to meet executives of the Hershey Company, including CEO Michele Buck, and IBM during his stay in the U.S. this week. The Lotte chief will also be checking on its operations there, including The Lotte New York Palace Hotel on Madison Avenue.

A Lotte official declined to further disclose Shin's travel plan.

Shin's U.S. trip comes after a 10-month travel ban imposed over allegations he embezzled money and gave financial support to Choi Soon-sil, a close associate of ousted President Park Geun-hye.

He is expected to sit down with Lotte's partner Hershey CEO Buck to share and discuss possible measures against China's suspension of their Lotte Shanghai Foods' chocolate plant.



The company is a joint venture between Lotte Confectionery and Hershey, and produces chocolate and cocoa products, generating about 80 billion won ($70 million) in annual sales.

China has shut down Lotte's chocolate factory and retail stores after Korea's fifth-largest conglomerate provided land for the U.S. anti-missile system here.

The Lotte chief will also likely meet IBM Chairwoman Ginni Rometty to talk about Watson, IBM's artificial intelligence (AI) project.

The retail giant signed a contract with IBM Korea last December to deploy the AI at the Lotte Department Store and other retail chains to provide personalized services to its customers through Watson's data analysis and cognitive computing technology.

Lotte plans to make Watson interact with customers, and use it to analyze market data in confectionery, food and beverages for new product development. Lotte Data Communication is seeking to build and operate an AI platform to integrate Lotte's businesses within five years.

Shin may also meet executives of Axiall, with which Lotte Chemical will establish a JV and build an ethane cracker in Louisiana by 2018.

Then, the chairman will check on the operations of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. Lotte purchased the famous 55-story luxury hotel in Manhattan for $805 million in August 2015.

Before his departure, Shin looked around the firm's Lotte Duty Free store at Incheon International Airport. Lotte recently won a license to operate a new duty free store and sell liquor and cigarettes in the airport's second passenger terminal.
By Yoon Sung-won



KT posted 417 billion won ($367.2 million) in operating profit in the first quarter, up 8.3 percent from a year ago, the company said Friday.



Since 2012, it is the first time for the telecom company to record over 400 billion won in operating profit in the first quarter.



KT chalked up 5.61 trillion won in sales and 224.3 billion won in net profit for the quarter, up 1.8 percent and 4.3 percent from a year before, respectively. In the first quarter of 2016, KT racked up 385.1 billion won in operating profit, 5.51 trillion won in sales and 215.1 billion won in net profit.



KT attributed the increase in profitability to Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu's drive to cut expenses as well as growth in media businesses such as its internet protocol television (IPTV) service.



The company's media and content divisions generated 519.7 billion won in sales, up 16.6 percent from a year ago.



"The growth in media and content businesses is based on expansion in premium IPTV service subscribers and success in platform areas such as the pay-per-view model, advertisements and home shopping," KT said. "We expect that this will give momentum to better profitability in the IPTV business, which is one of our major goals for 2017."



In the wireless telecom service sector, KT attracted 342,000 new subscribers. But the sales from this segment settled at 1.79 trillion won in the quarter, down 3.1 percent year-on-year, as the gains from handset security services were excluded following a new accounting standard, the company said.



KT's fixed-line business sales were 1.25 trillion won, down 1.9 percent from a year ago, following a decrease in usage of fixed-line telephone services.



Chairman vows for profitability



After the earnings release, the KT chairman met with analysts and institutional investors in Seoul and pledged to take leadership in the era of fifth-generation (5G) networks and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.



He also said the company will focus on five new growth engines  media, smart energy, financial transactions, safety and public and corporate value services.



"KT is no longer just building networks and collecting telecom fees. We are changing into a provider of unprecedented services based on new technologies," Hwang said. "We will continue to foster 5G intelligent networks and platform businesses to meet market expectations for profitability."




By Kang Seung-woo



Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee sat atop the Forbes list of the 50 wealthiest Koreans, Thursday, for the ninth straight year. The annual report also welcomed three newcomers.



According to the U.S. business magazine, the 75-year-old tycoon's net worth was $16.8 billion (19 trillion won) as his wealth rose by $4.2 billion over the past year mainly thanks to an over-60-percent spike in Samsung Electronics' stock price. Its shares have continued to hit record highs, with its market capitalization topping 300 trillion won.



AmorePacific Group Chairman Suh Kyung-bae remained second although his wealth shrank $1.7 billion to $6.7 billion due to China's economic retaliation, triggered by the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system here.



Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics and the only son of the bed-ridden Samsung Chairman Lee, came in third with $6.2 billion which remained flat for the year, followed by Smilegate Holdings CEO Kwon Hyuk-bin with $6.1 billion. Smilegate is an online gaming company.



Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo rounded out the top five with $4.5 billion, down from $4.8 billion a year earlier.



Notable mentions in the list included No. 6 SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won at $3.6 billion; No. 26 Chung Mong-joon, a former chairman of Hyundai Heavy Industries, at $1.3 billion; and No. 34 Naver founder Lee Hae-jin at $1.12 billion.



Among the 50 richest, Kim Bom, CEO of Coupang, the nation's leading e-commerce player, was the youngest at 38, while Hankook Tire Chairman Cho Yang-rai was the oldest at 79. Kim ranked 41st with $950 million and Cho was at 35th with $1.08 billion.



Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Boo-jin, whose net worth was $1.66 billion, was the richest woman, followed by Samsung C&T President Lee Seo-hyun at $1.55 billion. Both are daughters of the Samsung chairman.



New to the list are Netmarble Games founder Bang Jun-hyuk at 24th with $1.43 billion; Ham Young-Joon of instant food giant Ottogi at 47th with $725 million; and Hyosung President Cho Hyun-sang at 49th with $700 million.



According to Forbes, the list was compiled using information obtained from the individuals, stock exchanges, analysts, private databases, government agencies and other sources.




By Jhoo Dong-chan



Tesla Korea is set to build 14 supercharger stations in Korea this year.



Tesla Global Sales & Service President Jonathan McNeill confirmed during his visit to the company's local affiliate headquarters in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, that it will build six supercharger stations in Seoul, three at highway service stations and the remaining five in other major Korean cities.



The Tesla supercharger is the U.S.-based electric vehicle maker's high-speed device that can charge more than 50 percent of its Model S 90D's battery in 20 minutes. One charging station can accommodate six to eight cars at a time.



Tesla has established 14 supercharger stations in Japan since it entered the market in 2014, but it is expected to take only two years to have the same number in Korea.



Tesla Korea said it will first build three supercharger stations in the Gran Seoul building in Jongno-gu, the Grand Intercontinental Hotel in Gangnam-gu and the Tedin Resort near Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, by the end of June.



It is also reviewing its plan to build a supercharger station in Pyeongchang by the time the Winter Olympics are held.



Tesla Korea said last month it has almost completed the destination chargers in the Shinsegae Department store in Gangnam and the Yeoju Premium Outlets in Gyeonggi Province. The destination charger is Tesla's low-speed charging device.



With five or six destination chargers now being built, the Gangnam Shinsegae Department store is expected to become the nation's largest Tesla charging station. The Yeoju Premium Outlets are expected to have three destination chargers.



Tesla vehicles have a high-capacity battery that takes more than 10 hours to charge fully with existing 7.7 kilowatt chargers. But it takes just 20 minutes to charge a battery to 50 percent with the high-speed supercharger and 40 to 60 minutes to fully charge it.



Tesla Korea has started finalizing the purchasing process for customers who ordered its Model S 90D sedan. Delivery is expected to start in June.



The Ministry of Environment has certified that the Tesla Model S 90D has a range of 378 kilometers when fully charged. The car's price starts at 121 million won ($106,937) and is expected to reach 161 million won for the full-option package.








By Jhoo Dong-chan



Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun is heading to China for a market inspection, a measure believed to aim at studying the carmaker's sales loss after the Chinese government carried out trade retaliation against Korea over the planned deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here.



According to a Hyundai Motor official, Monday, Chung is scheduled to visit the headquarters and production plants of the carmaker's local joint venture, Beijing Hyundai Motor Company.



Chung's move is considered a follow-up measure to examine the on-site market atmosphere and motivate local employees in China amid contrived anti-Korean sentiment.



He previously visited the carmaker's overseas production plants in Alabama and Georgia as well as its sales unit in the United States to inspect its sales performance there. Chung then joined the carmaker's showcase for its new models at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.



He missed the 2017 Shanghai International Motor Show, but industry observers say his visit to China this time has significant implications for Hyundai Motor's future sales operations in the country since the carmaker's performance nosedived, which has been attributed to the Chinese government's trade retaliation and anti-Korean sentiment among consumers.



According to data, Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors sold 72,032 cars in China last month, down 52.2 percent from a year ago. Hyundai Motor sold 56,026, down 44.3 percent, and Kia Motors 16,006, down 68 percent.



This was the first time that the two carmakers' monthly sales in the world's most populous country have fallen below 100,000 since February 2016.



Protesting the Korean government's decision to deploy the U.S. anti-missile system, Chinese consumers have boycotted Korean products while some of its competitors have provoked nationalism among the Chinese people to rack up their own sales.



"It is a critical moment for Hyundai Motor," the official said.



"Hyundai Motor is expected to open its fifth production plant soon in the country in Chongqing. A series of Chung's visits to the company's two largest markets will help review its future overseas business operation."



China is currently Hyundai Motor's largest overseas market with its global sales share of 23.5 percent while the ratio stands at 21.5 percent for Kia Motors.



As a part of its efforts to ease Chinese consumers' anti-Korean sentiment, Hyundai Motor unveiled three vehicle models sold exclusively in the country during this year's Shanghai Motor Show.



In order to decrease its sales dependency on China, the nation's carmaker's duo is also diversifying its overseas business operation.



Kia Motors said it will build its first production plant in India, aiming to offset its poor sales performance in China while Hyundai Motor is enhancing its promotion operation in other markets like Europe and Russia.



According to sources, Hyundai Motor sold 57,710 cars in the European market last month, up by 8 percent compared to the same period last year. It was also a monthly record in the market.








Park Sam-koo,

Kumho Asiana Group chairman

By Lee Hyo-sik

Double Star Tires, the preferred bidder for Kumho Tire, won't be able to use the Kumho trademark after acquiring Korea's second-largest tire maker, the head of the embattled Kumho Asiana Group said Friday.

Kumho Chairman Park Sam-koo told reporters that Kumho Industrial will not allow the mid-tier Chinese tire maker to continue using the Kumho brand, a move to derail the ongoing negotiations between Double Star and the Korea Development Bank (KDB), which has a 42.01 percent stake in Kumho Tire.

Kumho Industrial owns the trademark rights and is controlled by the Kumho chief. Park and eight other individuals hold a 66.5 percent stake in Kumho Holdings, which has a 46.1 percent share in Kumho Industrial.

Last month, KDB and Double Star signed a stock purchase agreement (SPA) under which the latter would acquire the 42.01 percent stake for 955 billion won ($840 million).

The state-run bank guaranteed that the Chinese company can use the Kumho trademark for 20 years if it paid 0.2 percent of Kumho Tire's sales as brand royalties. Kumho Tire has been paying about 6 billion won in brand royalties annually to Kumho Industrial.

However, Park has said Kumho Industrial never agreed to permit Double Star to use the trademark, calling the SPA legally flawed and urging creditors to hold another bid.

"We cannot agree to let Double Star use the Kumho brand," Park said. "The creditors of Kumho Tire have been handling the matter poorly. If they cannot keep their promises concerning the use of Kumho brand, the deal will not go through."

On April 18, the Kumho chief informed the KDB that he decided not to exercise his buyback right, blaming the bank for not allowing him to form a consortium.

The next day, the state-run bank and Double Star resumed sales negotiations to iron out differences on the detailed terms of the SPA. Both sides have to finalize the deal over the next five months.

"It makes no sense for the KDB to promise that Double Star can use the Kumho trademark for 20 years without gaining consent from Kumho Industrial," a Kumho Asiana Group official said. "We are willing to come to the negotiation table if the creditors ask us to do so. But if we cannot come to terms with the KDB, we will not permit the use of our trademark by Double Star."

KDB officials said they will soon hold talks with Kumho officials over the use of the brand, adding that if Double Star does not want to acquire Kumho Tire without the trademark right, the sale will not be completed.

"There is no doubt that the Chinese tire company wants to use the Kumho brand. The chances are high that if it cannot, it will decide not to buy the stake," a KDB official said. "Kumho Industrial should work faithfully to reach an agreement with us because it is not Park's private company. It has to think about other stakeholders."

The official then called on Kumho Tire to work harder to facilitate the successful completion of the sales negotiation between the KDB and Double Star.

"Kumho Tire, which has not been exerting its full potential in recent years, needs to find a new majority stakeholder who is willing to invest to strengthen its corporate competitiveness," he said. "The company will be better off if Double Star acquires its controlling stake."
China's first domestically built carrier, known only as the Type 001A, at its berth in Dalian city in Liaoning province



As PLA Navy marks 68th anniversary of its founding, preparations are made to send off the still-unnamed sister ship to the Ukraine-built Liaoning



By Minnie Chan

China was making final preparations to launch its first domestically built aircraft carrier as it marked the 68th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Navy on Sunday.

The scaffolding around the ship, temporarily named the Type 001A, was removed and the deck was cleared, Shanghai-based news portal thepaper.cn reported, suggesting that the launch date was getting close.

However, experts said tidal conditions yesterday were not conducive for a launch to mark the navy's birthday, and expected a ceremony to take place in the next few days.

Enthusiasts flocked to the pier in Dalian, Liaoning province and pictures online showed naval officers having rehearsals for the launch ceremony.

The new carrier, with a displacement of 70,000 tonnes, is 315 metres long, 75 metres wide and has a cruising speed of 31 knots.

It is slightly larger than the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, which was refurbished from the semi-completed Soviet carrier Varyag, which Beijing bought from a Ukrainian shipyard in 1998.

From the successful refitting of the Liaoning in 2011 and its commission a year later, China spent just five years to produce the 001A. Even though its layout is almost the same, the new carrier features the latest equipment, including a bigger hangar to carry more J-15 fighters and more space on deck for helicopters and other aircraft.

Commentaries published by party mouthpiece People's Daily on the PLA Navy anniversary yesterday said a strong maritime force was crucial.

"Facing the increasingly complicated maritime security and sovereignty struggle, a strong navy is necessary to protect national sovereignty and maritime rights, overseas interests and take part in international cooperation," one of the opinion pieces said.

Another commentary said the nation's aircraft carrier fleet had participated in training in the western Pacific last year, and that the launch of a new carrier was a sign that China was mastering naval technology.

But military observers said the launch of the new carrier represented only modest progress in China's military modernisation, given the technological gap between the PLA Navy and its most powerful rival in the Asia-Pacific region, the US Navy.

The Pentagon claimed it would shift 60 per cent of US naval assets to the Asia-Pacific region by 2020 under the so-called pivot to Asia under the administration of former US president Barack Obama. His successor, Donald Trump, so far has not repudiated that strategy, and has even proposed a 10 per cent increase in defence spending this year, with a long-term goal of adding 60,000 troops to the army and expanding the US Navy to 350 ships from 272 today.

Hong Kong-based military analyst Liang Guoliang said that with the launch of the Type 001A, China would still only have two carriers, with the new ship requiring two or three years before it was put into full service. He noted that the US has 10 carrier strike groups, with at least four deployed in the Asia-Pacific region.

"The US navy has 9.5 million tonnes of shipping, while China has just 400,000 tonnes, or 4 per cent of the US capability. The US also has different kinds of carrier-based fighters, including its advanced carrier variants of the F-35 fighter ... while China just has the J-15," Liang said.

"Meanwhile, the US has more than 200,000 marines, while China is just trying to expand its force to 100,000.

"I think the Chinese military should realise that there are still huge gaps in both hardware and software between the two countries' maritime capabilities."
Having brought together 70 galleries from 20 countries and over 1,500 artworks by 520 artists in its 11th year, Contemporary Istanbul continues its preparations for its next edition with an exclusive event in New York during Frieze New York.

On May 2nd, Contemporary Istanbul and Leila Heller Gallery will co-host the dinner reception in honor of the 12th edition of Contemporary Istanbul and in celebration of the exhibition "Exilic Pleasures" with kind support of H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioglu, Ambassador of Turkey to the United Nations and Herrick Feinstein.

The event will gather prominent collectors, art professionals as well as press members across the globe to discuss the occasion of the 12th anniversary of Contemporary Istanbul and will soon be complemented by a series of other exclusive events in several international hubs for contemporary art.

Having worldwide recognition as a pioneer in promoting creative dialogue and exchange between Western artists and Middle Eastern, Central and Southeast Asian artists, Leila Heller Gallery is among the leading participating galleries of the 12th edition of Contemporary Istanbul.

This year, Contemporary Istanbul will take place between 14-17 September (with the VIP Preview Day on September 13) and once again aims to bring together leading international galleries for art enthusiasts and to contribute to Istanbuls status of art capital of the future.
Construction work underway on China's first home-built aircraft carrier in Dalian.



By Julia Hollingsworth





China is about to launch its first homebuilt aircraft carrier, once the tidal conditions are right at the dock where the vessel has been under construction in Dalian.

Weighing 70,000 tonnes and 315 metres long and 75 metres wide, the still unnamed carrier is slightly larger than the Liaoning, China's only other aircraft carrier, which was made in Ukraine.

Although the launch has been heralded by some as a sign that China is mastering naval technology, other military observers have noted China still only has about four per cent of the United States' naval capability.

China's new carrier will not be heading off into the seas alone when it is fully operational. Carriers operate in a formation, with the main vessel at the centre while other air and sea vessels provide defence and support.

So how does China's aircraft carrier formation stack up against other military powers?

CHINA

Aircraft carriers: one in service, one due to launch

The Liaoning has been conducting take-off and landing drills in the South China Sea this year.

The formation comprised three guided missile destroyers, three frigates, one supply ship, plus J-15 fighter jets and several ship-borne helicopters, according to a report by the Japanese news agency Kyodo, citing the nation's defence ministry.

China's state news agency Xinhua quoted a source as saying that despite challenging weather, the drills provided important experience to build-up the combat capability of the aircraft carrier formation.





The USS Carl Vinson pictured during training in the East China Sea last month.



UNITED STATES

Aircraft carriers: 10 in service

Not only does the United States have the largest military in the world, but its navy also has over 75 years' worth of carrier aviation experience.

A United States "carrier strike group"  the largest operational unit in the United States navy  is usually made up of an aircraft carrier, 7,500 personnel, a guided-missile cruiser for long-range strike capability, a flotilla of six to eight destroyers or frigates used for protecting against air attack, an attack submarine for destroying enemy submarines and ships, an ammunition and supply ship, plus 65 to 70 aircraft.

The 333-metre long, 101,000-tonne, nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier began patrolling in the South China Sea in February. The strike group was earlier this month ordered to move closer to the Korean peninsula amid escalating tensions over North Korea's nuclear programme. The strike group includes a carrier air wing and two guided-missile destroyers, plus a guided missile cruiser, the military said.

According to the US navy website, the carrier strike group can be used to protect economic or military shipping or protect a marine amphibious force.

The US has previously said it would shift 60 per cent of American naval assets to the Asia-Pacific region by 2020 under the Obama administration's pivot to Asia policy. Trump pledged during his election campaign to upgrade the US military's hardware and manpower, including building 80 advanced warships.





The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth under construction at the Rosyth dockyard in Scotland last year.



BRITAIN

Aircraft carriers: two under construction

Britain currently has no operational aircraft carriers, but is constructing two 67,000 tonne Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the largest the nation has ever built. The first, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is 280m long and was launched in 2014. It is expected to be completed and ready for operational use in 2021. The second carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, is about two years behind it in construction.

The carriers are designed to carry up to 36 F35B stealth fighters, four Merlin helicopters and can also hold Chinooks and Apache gunships. Each carrier's strike group will also comprise of stealth fighters, an air wing, destroyers, frigates and probably a submarine.





The INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier (left) pictured during a deployment in the Arabian Sea three years ago.



INDIA

Aircraft carriers: one in operation, two under construction

India formally launched the refurbished 44,570-tonne carrier INS Vikramaditya in 2013, a Russian-built vessel.

India is also building the 40,000 tonne carrier INS Vikrant, which is expected to be completed in 2023 and is the first carrier to be completely built in India. It will have the capacity to carry 30 aircraft, including helicopters, The Times of India reported last year.

India is also constructing the 65,000-tonne carrier INS Vishal, which will be powered by a nuclear reactor, according to the current affairs magazine The Diplomat. It will be able to carry 55 aircraft, including 35 fixed-wing combat aircraft and 20 rotary wing aircraft.

The new carriers will replace the UK-built INS Viraat, formerly the world's longest-serving warship, which was decommissioned in March after spending nearly 30 years in service in the Indian Navy. Prior to that it served in Britain's Royal Navy.
By Julia Hollingsworth





It was supposed to be a visual celebration but an official poster to mark the 68th anniversary of the Chinese navy has instead been a massive Photoshop fail for the Ministry of National Defence.





The official poster from the Ministry of National Defence with what appears to be a Russian aircraft on its deck and two US amphibious vessels alongside.

The poster of the Liaoning, the country's first aircraft carrier, was produced by the ministry and shared on its official microblog on Sunday.

It pictured the carrier sailing the ocean waves with a flotilla and under a bright blue sky, declaring: "Happy birthday, People's Liberation Army Navy!"

But online commenters were quick to point out that instead of a Chinese jet crowning the vessel's deck, the poster showed a Russian MiG-35 fighter aircraft.

On top of that, three jets pictured shooting off into the glorious skies were J-10 aircraft used by the country's land-based forces  not the J-15s designated as carrier-based aircraft.

The errors were compounded by the decision to cut and paste in two ships sailing alongside the Liaoning  those vessels are US amphibious assault ships, not Chinese vessels.



Online commenters were quick to weigh in on the visual misfires.

"This picture shows everyone at the propaganda department is mentally deficient," one wrote on the popular Chinese social media site Weibo.

Another said: "The officials are wrong! Go die! We are so patriotic in vain!"

Yet another complained about the overall quality of presentation.

"This poster is the standard of a street photocopy shop," the commenter said.

The navy's anniversary is particularly important for China as it coincides with the planned launch of its new domestically built aircraft carrier, an attempt by China to show off its naval and military strength.

The new aircraft carrier, which is still unnamed, will be launched once the tidal conditions are right at the dock in Dalian, China.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is preparing guidelines on accepting refugees while blocking terrorists. / Korea Time file



By Eom Da-sol

Japan will set guidelines to block terrorists entering the country with refugees if war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, according to the Mainichi Daily on Friday.

With North Korea continuing to provoke the U.S, and the U.S. announcing retaliatory measures, Japan is putting in place guidelines to approve Korean refugees and foreigners entering the country.

Japan reportedly assumes that thousands of refugees will arrive if North Korea hits the South first. Under this scenario, Japan will decide the main ports to accept refugees. Immigration control officers will carefully examine the identities and luggage to prevent North Korean spies and terrorists from entering. Japan also plans to build refugee camps near the ports.

"The government is setting up protocols for aircraft landings, refugee camps and guidelines to screen refugees," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the House of Representatives last Monday.

According to guidelines released so far, Japan plans to enhance maritime security with stricter daily patrols, and to provide food and water to refugee camps guarded by national police. The refugees will also receive physical check-ups.

Foreigners who have families or acquaintances in Japan, who can be acknowledged as refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention, and who are in transit from the nation to another will be allowed to enter.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit China in the second half of this year, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai was quoted as saying.



Cui made the remark during a film screening event held at his embassy on Friday, saying the envisioned visit by Trump will be the most important event in relations between the two countries in the second half, according to the China Daily.



The envoy did not mention any specific dates.



Trump agreed to visit China later this year when Chinese President Xi Jinping invited him during their first summit talks in Florida earlier this month.



Japan's Mainichi Shimbun reported that Japan and the U.S. are looking into the possibility of Trump visiting Tokyo when he travels to the Philippines for the East Asia Summit in November.



U.S. Vice President Mike Pence revealed Trump's travel plans when he visited the secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta.



During the Asia trip, Trump will also visit Vietnam for an annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Pence said.



The EAS is scheduled for Nov. 13-14, while the APEC summit is set for Nov. 11-12.



The announcement has raised speculation that Trump could also visit other Asian nations as part of the trip, such as China, Japan and South Korea. (Yonhap)




By Lee Han-soo



France's presidential election has advanced to a run-off between pro-Europe centrist Emmanuel Macron vowing to battle the "threat of nationalism" and far-right populist Marine Le Pen vowing to "liberate the French People."



The candidates want two drastically different futures for France, with Macron wanting closer ties with the EU and Le Pen wanting to leave it. The election outcome could change France's relationship with the EU in years to come.



Macron, 39, an investment banker, is in the lead with 23 to 24 percent support, while National Front Party president Le Pen, 48, enters the runoff as underdog with 21 to 23 percent support, according to a local poll agency.



The presidential election also signals a major change in France's political landscape as the candidates are not from the two major parties -- Socialists and the Republicans -- that have governed France since World War II.



Defeated candidates Francois Fillon, Bernard Cazeneuve and Benoit Hamon urged their supporters to back Macron.



"Le pen's program will bankrupt France and throw the EU into chaos," said Fillion, the republican candidate, who was third runner-up. "Le Pen's far-right National Front Party also has a long history of violence and intolerance."



Meanwhile, Le Pen -- portraying the run-off as a duel between "patriots" and "wild deregulations" -- has dubbed the runoff as for the survival of France. She claims that if she loses there will be major job losses overseas and a mass immigration problem that could lead to freely roaming "terrorists."



The final round of the election will be on May. 7.



















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, the 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.

Hunting 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.

 Paul Alexander and Nafees Takar wrote this for the Voice of America
Eugenio Derbez is an icon in his home country of Mexico, known for countless popular films and television shows. But here in the U.S., Derbez often walks down the street with few people recognizing him. This makes it easier for him to get around Los Angeles, where he moved a couple of years ago, but then, an actors career thrives on name and face recognition.

Granted, he is the co-writer, star and producer of 2013s Instructions Not Included, which became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film released in North America and the fourth-best performing foreign-language film in the U.S. Still, he has yet to become the breakout star hed like to be  prompting him to produce his latest film, How to Be a Latin Lover, in theaters Friday.

Ive realized that the only way to succeed is to employ yourself and give yourself opportunities, Derbez says. Hopefully this will be my vehicle to cross over.

Advertisement

Eugenio Derbez stars in the new movie How to Be a Latin Lover. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The best way to break down a stereotype is to make fun of it.  Eugenio Derbez

How to Be a Latin Lover follows Derbezs Maximo, an aging former ladies man who must move in with his sister (Salma Hayek) and her son (Raphael Alejandro) when he falls on hard times. As he attempts to get back on his feet, he realizes that the six-pack abs and luscious black locks that got him through his early years have been replaced with a beer belly and gray hair. The comedy, which also stars Rob Lowe, Kristen Bell and Raquel Welch, is the first title from Derbezs 3Pas Studios, which he created with producer Benjamin Odell.

Its edgy and irreverent, but its family-friendly, Derbez says. You can bring the kids and the abuelitas.

He admits, though, that at first glance, his character might appear be rooted in cliche.

When I first saw the script, I thought it was a stereotype, and it is actually, he says. But I realized that the best way to break down a stereotype is to make fun of it, especially since every time I wear a suit or tuxedo someone here in America says, You look like a Latin lover.

Derbezs outsized character is what attracted actor Ken Marino to the directing chair for his first feature film.

I like movies that have larger-than-life characters, like Tootsie or The Big Lebowski, Marino says. When I saw this character, I thought it would be fun.

But he wanted to make sure the comedy of it was rooted in something.

I wanted these two characters, who grew up in Mexico, to be real, the director says. Thats why parts of the film are in Spanish with English subtitles.

Derbez agrees, saying that he wanted the characters to speak in both languages because in real life, [Hayek and I] are Mexican and when its just us by ourselves, we speak Spanish, he says. The rest of the time when were in front of everyone else, we speak English.

The film is ultimately about 85% in English, which means the use of subtitles is noticeable. Derbez hopes American audiences wont be turned off and will take a page out of his home countrys book.

We always laugh in Mexico when we see a Hollywood movie that happens in Russia but everyone is speaking English, or in China and everyone is speaking English, he says, because thats not the way it is.

How to Be a Latin Lover, with its use of both languages, is, in this bilingual world, true and honest.

As Derbez continues to develop movies and television shows, true and honest is what hes trying to bring to the industry, especially in terms of its stories about and featuring Latinos. And it seems to be working: 3Pas has an exclusive first-look deal with Latin Lovers distributor, Pantelion Films (a Latino-specific studio under Lionsgate and Grupo Televisa) and is developing a TV adaptation of Cuban American author Meg Medinas Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass for Hulu, in partnership with Jane the Virgins Gina Rodriguez.

We need to be honest with the storytelling, he says.

Ironically, thats also part of the solution to Hollywoods diversity issue, he continues.

Tell the story and if youre honest with it, you dont have to hire an actor of every race  but if you are portraying a Mexican and using a white guy, thats not honest.

Get your life! Follow me on Twitter (@TrevellAnderson) or email me: trevell.anderson@latimes.com.

ALSO

RuPaul, the worlds most famous drag queen, on pushing boundaries and getting political

All Eyez on Me star on the movie that offers a Tupac you cant see anywhere else

Disproving the black films dont travel Hollywood myth
Comedian and late night host Samantha Bee on Saturday skewered President Trump  and the 24/7 broadcast news media who cover him  at the Not The White House Correspondents Dinner.

The event, held a stones throw from the White House at DAR Constitution Hall, was more than just a roast of the 45th president, who marked his 100th day in office on Saturday. While the commander in chief took quite a few shots, the evening was primarily a celebration of the brand of scrappy, muckraking journalism that feeds topical comedy shows like Bees Full Frontal on TBS.

Offering a blistering critique of Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, and other insiders of the Washington press corps, the dinner, which was taped for broadcast a few hours later, was an alternative to the annual schmoozefest of the White House Correspondents Association Dinner later that evening.

Advertisement

The opening salvo was a pre-taped sketch featuring Allison Janney  who played a presidential press secretary on The West Wing  fielding increasingly ludicrous questions from the White House press corps. You are the dregs of a free society, she told the faux reporters in the spoof.

Then Bee, dressed in a symbolically potent white tuxedo, took to the stage. We came here to Washington, D.C., to celebrate the press, she told the audience of several thousand fans, journalists and celebrities. She promised that at a later date, I will get Mexico to pay for your drinks.

Full Frontal correspondents, including Allana Harkin and Ashley Nicole Black, acknowledged the work of journalists at outlets as varied as the Weather Channel, Slate, Teen Vogue and NPR. Bee also touted the $200,000 raised by the black-tie event, which will be donated to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Another correspondent, Amy Hoggart, wore an old-fashioned newsboy cap and urged the audience to support journalism by buying newspapers, such as the Flint Journal, which helped uncover the water crisis in that Michigan city.

In a segment greeted by raucous cheers at the arena, Bee contrasted that kind of investigative journalism with what she characterized as the bombastic sparring that has become a staple of cable news.

One of her key targets was Jeff Zucker, president of CNN  which happens to be a corporate cousin to Bees home network, TBS. She accused Zucker of populating the channel with loyal partisan hacks who make us measurably dumber in a mercenary effort to turn politics into sport.

Some CNN personalities, including Don Lemon and Van Jones, were in attendance, but didnt seem to mind the barbs. In fact, one bit featured anchor and chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper grilling Bee for offering paltry finger foods at a party billed as a dinner, a humorous poke at his reputation as one of the networks more probing reporters.

Since the November election, Bee has been arguably late nights most vociferous Trump critic. Her weekly show takes an unapologetically feminist point of view, which was reflected Saturday by an all-female band wearing shirts emblazoned with feminist and free press.

Bee hammed it up in a pretaped bit imagining an alternative universe in which Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton had won the election. Sponsors included Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America.

So it was no surprise when Bee addressed the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News. The former Daily Show correspondent commemorated two media titans who were taken from us far, far too late  the departed Roger Ailes and the recently fired Bill OReilly.

She saved most of her venom for 21st Century Fox Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch, describing him as a sentient liver spot whod fostered the hyperpartisan media climate at the network owned by his corporation.

The evenings running gag, inspired by the often breathless cable news coverage of Trumps campaign on cable news, involved a camera cutting away to tease an impending appearance by a surprise guest at a lectern surrounded by American flags.

The surprise guest turned out to be Will Ferrell, reprising his popular impression of George W. Bush.

Channeling the former president, the comedian paid tribute to Trump  sort of.

How you like me now? he asked the audience, who welcomed him with a standing ovation. For the longest time, I was considered the worst president of all time. That has changed. And it only took 100 days.

Ferrell also offered Trump some sartorial tips: A big, long tie that goes past your mid-thigh does not mean what you think it means

Not The White House Correspondents Dinner took place on a hectic day on the political calendar. As Trump crossed his 100th day in office, thousands of protesters marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in near-record heat to raise awareness about climate change, snarling traffic throughout the district.

Across town, a quieter version of the actual White House Correspondents Assn. Dinner, the event that inspired Bees counter programming, took place as scheduled at the Washington Hilton, hosted by Hasan Minhaj, a correspondent for The Daily Show With Trevor Noah.

Trump made sure he was out of earshot of all the criticism, commemorating the 100-days milestone with supporters at a rally in Harrisburg, Pa.

Or, as Bee put it, trying to win Pennsylvania.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

meredith.blake@latimes.com

Follow me @MeredithBlake
One of the first things youll likely learn when you visit the new exhibition at the Fowler Museum at UCLA is that the story of African fashion is the story of fashion worldwide and through the ages.

The museum organized African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style to illustrate the origins, significance and globe-trotting history of these colorful designs. The exhibition has sections on history of the prints, vintage photography, regional fashions and contemporary uses of the fabric, and will travel to three other U.S. museums. The Fowler will print a companion book with contributions by the exhibitions four co-curators and additional scholars.

Visitors will come away understanding that African-print cloth didnt originate in Africa. Instead, the print style was inspired by Indonesian batiks and evolved through centuries of international trade. The free exhibition, which opened late last month, is a reminder that contemporary fashions mashup of eras, cultures and influences is an ancient, enduring phenomenon.

Advertisement

Though todays African prints have direct lineage to Indonesian batiks of the 1890s, they also had origins in the Indian textile industry, which traded similar fabrics as far back as the 4th century, said guest curator Suzanne Gott, an associate professor in the critical studies department at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. Indian traders sold their fabrics to the British and Dutch, who in turn sold them to Africans.

Africans eventually adopted them and made them their own, Gott said. Afrocentric colors and symbolism emerged on the surface of the fabrics, and the cloth can indicate region, status and cultural heritage, and, of course, be to define personal style.

Unlike clothing in the West, African fashion is not off-the-rack, Gott said. Instead, shoppers select fabric and then commission a seamstress or tailor to construct a particular style, often chosen from a poster or calendar illustration of styles. I call it grass-roots fashion, Gott said.

African[s] have been very cosmopolitan and very fashion conscious for many years and in all dimensions, she said, walking past a display of prints in the exhibition.

The printed designs, a hybrid of storytelling and fashion, portray world events, hairstyles, celebrities, technology (theres a laptop print), nature and political heroes. Former President Obama and Queen Elizabeth appear along with a tribute to Michelle Obamas style with prints featuring the former first ladys handbags and shoes.

Visitors to the Fowler display may learn a second point. The history of African print fabrics and Dutch textile manufacturer Vlisco are very much woven together. Vlisco, established in 1846, is the last major manufacturer of African wax (batik) prints in Europe, Gott said, and 90% of the companys sales of its signature, colorful batiks are sold to Africans. Chinese textile producers now make less expensive replicas, leaving shoppers to choose the pricier, original wax-print fabrics for special occasions, she said.

The last 20 years have been a time of rapid change in African fashion, Gott said. For example, Africans easy access to custom clothing allows a style to speed from a social media photo to a real garment in the time it takes to find a dressmaker and a few yards of fabric, creating a new kind of fast fashion. The vivid prints also are steadily attracting a global array of designers who take them to another level and audience.

Taken together, the exhibitions fabrics, fine art, photos and clothing represent a story of stories, each woven into cloth and fashioned into personal, fashionable expressions.

African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style, Fowler Museum at UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Los Angeles. Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Through July 30. www.fowler.ucla.edu

image@latimes.com

@latimesimage

ALSO

Here are four labels that will help you add bright and bold African prints to your wardrobe

Why did Ty Dolla Sign and Joel McHale check into a Hollywood motel? The answer is more stylish than seedy

Sofia Carson and Bruno Tonioli onhand as Los Angeles Ballet Gala raises nearly $1 million
Big, expressive and colorful prints echo through the fall 2017 fashion collections in an international hybrid of themes that stretches across centuries and continents. Veteran labels such as Dolce & Gabbana, Etro and Erdem embrace the trend, which also encompasses the bright, batik-style of African prints.

Emerging designers also are expanding the reach of traditional and contemporary African prints by using them rather unconventionally. Theyre cut into floor-sweeping prom dresses, playful rompers, glittering evening gowns and exquisitely tailored mens suits.

In what would be called a coincidence anywhere but in fashion, African prints are having a major moment. A new exhibition at the Fowler Museum at UCLA, African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style, puts the prints in perspective, illustrating how theyve come to be an enduring, adaptable style that has enticed designers for decades.

Advertisement

Here are labels and a retailer bringing a modern spin to the historic cloth.

Kiki Clothing: London-born Titi Ademola established Kiki Clothing in Ghanas Accra Mall, where international customers buy her collection of premade, African-print styles (ready-to-wear is a rarity in Africa).

I want people from around the world not to feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the prints or the colors, she said.

kikiclothing.com

Dent de Man: Alexis Temomanin, designer of Dent de Man menswear, has sold his African-print collection internationally to upscale stores including Barneys New York.

Temomanins clothing isnt just fashion. Its autobiography. The Cote dIvoire-born designer said the patterns, such as a spider caught in a web, reflect his search for healing from a difficult life journey.

www.dentdeman.com

Zuvaa: During the new exhibitions weekend opening, the Fowler had a pop-up shop of African print designs from online marketplace Zuvaa, which gives dozens of African designers on the continent and in the diaspora access to a global marketplace for their contemporary and one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories for men, women and children.

zuvaa.com

Zuri: In Malibu, a recent independent pop-up shop featured Zuri, a collection by California designers Sandra Zhao and Ashleigh Miller, who sell simple shift dresses cut from distinctive, almost Pop-art versions of African prints.

Something previously associated with Africa we are translating for the American eye and the European eye, Zhao said. We think of ourselves of fitting into this larger story of these textiles, given that we are not African. The story of these textiles is that of a larger, global narrative.

www.shopzuri.com

image@latimes.com

@latimesimage

ALSO

Forget about the knockoff Ikea bag and those faux muddy jeans. Discover why bold African prints are fashions real standout

Why is Mr Porter serving up palm trees and surf vibes? To celebrate California style

Why did Ty Dolla Sign and Joel McHale check into a Hollywood motel? The answer is more stylish than seedy
Sheriffs detectives on Sunday were trying to determine what prompted a wild string of shootings in Whittier and the surrounding community that left one person dead and two others injured.

Officials said the random attacks appeared to be tied to two carjackings allegedly committed by a man and woman. Two people who might be linked to the shootings were arrested Sunday.

This crime was unprovoked, and the victim of the homicide appeared to be a completely innocent person, Lt. Rodney Moore of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Homicide Bureau told reporters at a news conference Saturday night. This seems to be a senseless act of violence, and there is no reason for this act of violence to have occurred that we can find at this time.

Advertisement

The string of shootings began Saturday afternoon when the pair armed with a gun stole a car in Pico Rivera, said Sgt. Vincent Plair of the Sheriffs Department.

They opened fire twice in Whittier and twice in the neighboring city of La Mirada, fatally wounding one person and injuring two others, Plair said.

The man killed in La Mirada was later identified as Jose Sahagun, 44, of Norwalk, according to the Orange County coroners office.

Yesterday our brother was callously murdered in front of his family while waiting at a stoplight, Manuel Sahagun, a relative, told KABC-TV. We are shocked and devastated.

His family members called on the public to come forward if they have information about the assailants.

The victim of the carjacking was unharmed, said Deputy Ryan Rouzan of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

The suspects abandoned the stolen car, a green Nissan Pathfinder, in Amelia Mayberry Park in Whittier, where deputies found the vehicle around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Plair said.

Two hours later at a motel in Whittier, police responded to reports of a shooting. A man and a woman matching the description of the suspects were found with a gun in a different stolen vehicle, said Sgt. Mike Ellis of the Whittier Police Department. One or both had gunshot wounds, Ellis said.

The pair were arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto and are being held at the Whittier Police Department.

Sheriffs detectives have not concluded whether the man and woman arrested by Whittier police are suspects in the Saturday afternoon shootings.

Authorities do not know who shot the duo that Whittier police arrested, but law enforcement officers were not involved in that shooting, Plair said.

frank.shyong@latimes.com

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

MORE LOCAL NEWS

25 years after racial tensions erupted, black and Korean communities reflect on L.A. riots

I am desperate to find my son: Father pleads for boy missing for a week

How many people are being shot? L.A. sheriffs watchdog decries lack of transparency

UPDATES:

Sunday, 7:05 p.m.: This story was updated with statements from law enforcement officials.

Sunday, 11:20 a.m.: This story was updated with new information about arrests that may be connected with the shootings.

8:30: p.m.: This story was updated with new information about the two suspects at large.

7:15 p.m.: This story was updated with information that authorities are now looking for more than one suspect, and that they had discovered the carjacked vehicle abandoned by the suspects.

6:40 p.m.: This story was updated to reflect the death of one of the shooting victims.

This story was originally posted at 6:05 p.m.
A coalition of immigrant rights, womens and religious groups, labor unions and LGBTQ advocates will take to the streets of Los Angeles Monday for a series of May Day marches with a message aimed squarely at President Trump.

The message we want to send him is that we are united, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. When he thinks that immigrants are isolated and that others will not stand up for our immigrant communities, hes wrong.

More than 100 groups, representing a wide range of issues, will be part of this years rally organized by The May Day Coalition of Los Angeles. In past years, typically about 30 or 40 groups were represented, said CHIRLA spokesman Jorge-Mario Cabrera.

Advertisement

The march, one of dozens of May Day demonstrations scheduled across the country, will start with an 11 a.m. rally at MacArthur Park followed by a march to L.A. City Hall.

Organizers expect about 100,000 marchers and have been coordinating for months with police to ensure that the event is peaceful, he added.

About 300 people will act as monitors, some to ensure that the crowd moves smoothly through the streets and others as legal monitors to document any incidents, Cabrera said.

Los Angeles police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman said police expect large crowds downtown and are encouraging marchers to come prepared for a warm day. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 70s, according to the National Weather Service.

Its going to be a hot day, Eisenman said. Use sunscreen, bring plenty of water and, if possible, take public transportation.

May 1, which has long been a day of protest for the labor movement, has in recent years also come to represent a day of protest for immigrant rights.

Ashley Yu, a spokeswoman for the Korean Resource Center, a nonprofit community group, said this years march has taken on a special importance because of Trumps executive orders on immigration and his efforts to dramatically ramp up deportations.

This year specifically, a lot of our communities  immigrants, working people, Muslims  we feel like the current administrations policies have been attacking us, she said. We felt it was really important for us to show up at this years march.

paloma.esquivel@latimes.com

For more Inland Empire news follow me @palomaesquivel
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 Trumps 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 citys Federal Plaza to Trump Tower.

Advertisement

We are here because there is no Planet B, the Rev. Mariama White-Hammond of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal 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 objected to Trumps 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 EPAs budget by almost one-third, eliminating more than 3,000 jobs.

Thousands of demonstrators gather at Civic Center Park for the Peoples Climate March during a spring snow storm in Denver. (Jason Connolly / AFP/Getty Images)

John OGrady, 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 statehouse in Augusta. Speakers included a lobster fisherman, a solar company owner and members of the Penobscot Nation.

Ive 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 lobster fisherman Richard Nelson of Friendship, Maine.

Saharlah Farah, a 16-year old immigrant from Somalia who lives in Portland, Maine, talked about how climate change could have a bigger toll on marginalized groups that have fewer financial resources.

But I see untapped power here today, she said.

A demonstration stretched for several blocks in downtown Tampa, Fla., where marchers said they were concerned about the threat rising seas pose to the Gulf Coast city.

People gathered on the Boston Common carried signs with slogans such as Dump Trump. Handmade signs at Seattles march included the general  Love life  and the specific  Dont kill otters.

ALSO

Trump stumbled on healthcare and immigration, but hes been a wrecking ball on the environment

Trump order could open California coast and the Arctic to new oil and gas drilling

At Trumps EPA, going to work can be an act of defiance
On April 7, Gov. Jerry Brown officially declared Californias long drought over. On Echo Summit in the high Sierra, where the governor stood on bare ground two years earlier to announce mandatory water restrictions, there is now about 8 feet of snow. Up and down the state, reservoirs are brimming at capacity, and as much as 1 million acre-feet of water  nearly twice the amount Angelenos use annually  may run into the Los Angeles Aqueduct system in the Owens Valley as the snow in the eastern Sierra melts during this spring and summer. The expected surfeit led the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to expedite plans to refill the Silver Lake Reservoir. Last Tuesday, nonpotable water began to rise up the concrete banks of the 776-million-gallon lake.

Completed in 1908, when the Los Angeles Aqueduct was still under construction, the William Mulholland-designed reservoir was the last hurrah of L.A.s dependence on local water resources. The reservoir was decommissioned in 2008 (and the smaller adjacent Ivanhoe Reservoir was later taken offline) after the federal Environmental Protection Agency ordered municipalities to stop storing drinking water in open-air facilities. Two years ago, the DWP drained the lake to install a new pipeline along the weedy concrete bottom  and created what many see as more than just a physical hole in the heart of the community.

Turning Silver Lakes tap back on finally ended what has been a local obsession since the reservoir was drained: When will it be refilled? Now we have an answer, but the better question would have been: Should it be refilled at all?

Advertisement

Demanding precious water for an outdated, offline reservoir  largely for aesthetic reasons  is the ultimate version of complaining about the neighbors dead lawn. The water seeping into the lake may be nonpotable, but such water can still be actively used elsewhere  even for recharging local aquifers, creating drinking water for the future. And with ambitious plans to remake the concrete basin under consideration, it is simply wasteful to fill up the reservoir now only to drain the water again at a later date. Better to live  temporarily  with an empty pit as a symbol of permanent scarcity.

A city of green frontyard lawns and shimmering-blue backyard pools, L.A. never had a truly healthy relationship with water. But when mandatory water restrictions were put in place two years ago, things began to change. L.A.s consumption dropped by 20% compared with 2014 levels. Many in L.A. embraced brown grass, dusty cars, shorter showers and drought shaming. When the rains returned, drenching the Southland with record storms, it felt like the city had survived something together, and we seemed closer to understanding that conservation must remain a way of life, as Brown said in early April.

So much for that in Silver Lake.

Whats especially frustrating is that dueling local groups Silver Lake Forward and Refill Silver Lake Now both want to naturalize the reservoirs concrete banks.

Demanding precious water for an outdated, offline reservoir is the ultimate version of complaining about the neighbors dead lawn.

Artist renderings of a reimagined reservoir put out by Silver Lake Forward show a boardwalk zig-zagging along the waters edge, and amphitheater-style seating set along a stretch of naturalized bank. Silver Lake Forward board member Mia Lehrer, whose landscape architecture firm came up with the renderings back in 2011, has said that only 20 or 30 feet of water could suffice for such a vision. With an array of berms, wetlands and other landscaped areas designed to improve water quality, the reservoir could capture and clean runoff and distribute it through existing DWP pipelines to Echo Park and MacArthur Park lakes, the L.A. River and perhaps infiltration basins, increasing local groundwater supplies. Its a vision aligned with Californias water future, not its past  and its the kind of approach residents, the city and the DWP should champion.

And yet neither Silver Lake Forward nor Refill Silver Lake Now spoke out against refilling the reservoir as a stopgap  an incredibly shortsighted decision. (In fact, the groups issued a joint statement against delaying the refill start date.) I doubt Im the only one who worries that, once the reservoir returns to the status quo ante, therell be no energy for an ambitious, ecologically thoughtful overhaul.

Elsewhere in L.A., projects such as Sun Valley Park are capturing and cleaning storm water that can be used for municipal purposes in the future. The DWP plans to increase local water resources to 30% of ratepayer consumption by 2035. And a multibillion-dollar effort to break the Los Angeles River out of its concrete banks is inching toward reality. By relining the 51-mile L.A. River with willow banks and seasonal wetlands, and designing spaces such as the proposed park at Piggyback Yard  where 60% of the 125-acre space will be floodable  L.A. is showing how California can not only survive but thrive in its drought cycle.

Theres no telling what next winters rainy season will bring, but the climate research suggests that dry spells will become drier, and wet years will be wetter. Just because theres hundreds of millions of gallons of extra water there today doesnt mean there will be tomorrow. A full, static reservoir is a symbolic and practical affront to that reality.

Willy Blackmore is a freelance journalist who covers food, culture and the environment. Hes on twitter @willyblackmore.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

MORE FROM OPINION

Confederate monuments give the finger to New Orleans

The debate over police tactics spurred by the Rodney King beating still rages on

Why are cities allowing bicycle theft to go virtually unpunished?

Meet the architectural menace threatening to ruin downtown L.A.'s rebirth
Last year my high school students and I took a Hidden History tour of New Orleans French Quarter with historian Leon A. Waters. He showed us overlooked, unmarked sites of African American and civil rights history among the neighborhoods T-shirt shops and famed cast-iron balconies. The second-to-last stop was the Liberty Monument, an obelisk stashed away between the garage of an upscale shopping mall and a floodwall of the Mississippi River.

As my students read the plaque, they were visibly shaken: It honored the Reconstruction-era paramilitary White Leagues attack on local government, killing more than 100 people, including several black police officers. They were even more shocked to learn that some residents were still fighting to preserve it.

Over the years, the white supremacist monument had been relocated and its wording modified, but it was still standing until last week, when it was finally removed  the first of four Confederate monuments that the New Orleans City Council voted to take down. Because of death threats received by contractors, and the volatile nature of the public debate, it was dismantled in the dead of night by masked workers in flack jackets, snipers at the ready. The other monuments depict Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Gen. Robert E. Lee, and Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, and unlike the Liberty Monument, all are positioned on prominent thoroughfares.

Advertisement

It looks as though the removals might continue to take place under cover of darkness by masked and armed men. Which feels altogether wrong.

One persistent argument for preserving such monuments is that they are part of the landscape we grew up in, our history, our memories  and thus part of who we are. As a white New Orleanian who spent an unquestioning childhood seeing movies at the Robert E. Lee Theater and riding the Jefferson Davis Parkway, I might once have agreed. But just one afternoon of walking the French Quarter with someone who has a radically different relationship to our built environment helped me understand the depth of pain these memorials have inflicted on fellow New Orleanians.

New Orleans was already more than 150 years old when a minority of moneyed white men seeking to rehabilitate the image of the defeated Confederates installed these monuments against the best interests of much of the citizenry. They are ideological symbols meant to assert power over our public spaces, a fact that became palpable during a contentious City Council debate on the removal plan. When a gray-haired preservationist in a bow tie stood up and gave the finger to removal advocates, I understood that those statues, just part of our landscape, high up on plinths and columns, have been giving the finger to the majority of New Orleanians for generations. Giving the finger to the people who create our vibrant culture and drive our economy, to our celebratory and joyful customs, to the true heart of a diverse, if sometimes fractious port city. To our past and our future.

The legacy of slavery is very much still a part of our citys landscape: poverty, the persistent segregation of our public schools, pay inequity, lack of affordable housing, our high incarceration rates. I was hoping to take my children to see the Lee monument removed, alongside other New Orleanians, so we could share a rare and badly needed moment of civic reckoning. Share one of the most important moments of a generation: a public, ceremonial dismantling of these monuments to racism, in broad daylight.

Instead, because of security concerns, fear and politics, it looks as though the removals might continue to take place under cover of darkness by masked and armed men. Which feels altogether wrong. As the citys tricentennial approaches next year, we have the opportunity to choose which values to honor, create the landscape that will shape future generations, replace divisive symbols of revisionist history with more inclusive landmarks truer to the citys spirit and its past. While the mayor has shown surprise at how the community has torn itself apart over the issue, theres been little transparency from city government, and so far we have only vague public plans for what replaces the monuments, no clear process for healing.

The final stop on Waters tour was another monument some are calling to remove: U.S. Justice Edward Douglass White in bronze, tent-like robes. A former Confederate and member of the White League, which was responsible for black voter suppression and countless black deaths, he voted with the majority on the U.S. Supreme Court against local civil rights pioneer Homer A. Plessy in the landmark separate but equal decision.

This fall, Homer A. Plessy Community School, an open-access public school whose racial make-up reflects the city, is moving to the French Quarter. My son is a student there, and Im eager for his class to take Waters tour, be inspired by the bravery, accomplishments and struggles they encounter on it. My hope is that their generation will grow up with a more honest and informed relationship to the citys history than I had, will help move the city into a better future. I wonder what their thoughts will be when they arrive at Whites statue, just blocks from their school.

Anne Gisleson is the author of The Futilitarians, forthcoming from Little, Brown.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

MORE FROM OPINION

The debate over police tactics spurred by the Rodney King beating still rages on

In L.A., more racial harmony, more economic inequality

Berkeley has become the place where political extremists come to throw punches

Offering lawyers to immigrants facing deportation is a worthwhile way to spend public money
Last week, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, a loyal Republican, disclosed that President Trumps former national security advisor probably broke the law when he accepted money from an arm of the Russian government. Thats a big deal  and not only because of what it says about the advisor, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. As happens so often, the cover-up may be worse than the crime.

Here are the facts: In 2015, before he joined Trumps presidential campaign, Flynn accepted $33,750 from Russia Today, a Russian government television network, to give a speech in Moscow. As a retired Army general, Flynn needed to get formal permission from the Defense Department before working for a foreign government agency. Theres no evidence that he did so; the Pentagon has launched an investigation.

Even worse, Flynn apparently failed to disclose his Russian income when he renewed his U.S. government security clearance in 2016. If that omission was willful, it could be a felony.

Advertisement

Trump fired Flynn after only 24 days on the job  not because of his Russian income, but because he lied to Vice President Mike Pence about another set of contacts with Russia.

Republicans are hedging their bets. Nobody wants to be the next Nunes.

But this is about more than the presidents bad judgment in choosing his first top foreign policy advisor. Flynn is one of the key subjects of several investigations of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. His once-secret contacts with the regime of Vladimir Putin are a matter of public record; the question is whether anything more nefarious occurred. Now Flynn faces a Pentagon investigation that could lead to criminal charges.

So what did the White House do when the House committee asked for documents about the generals foreign contacts?

It rejected the inquiry entirely, saying most of its records were none of the committees business. White House spokesman Sean Spicer called the request outlandish.

To use a word from an earlier scandal, the White House resorted to stonewalling  in defense of a disgraced aide whom the president fired more than two months ago. It makes the White House look as if its trying to protect Flynn  or, worse, persuade him not to talk. By doing so, it has gotten crosswise with Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, who until now was one of Trumps staunchest defenders.

In an odd way, thats good news. Its one of several signs that the GOP-led congressional probes arent as somnolent as they look.

The House Intelligence Committees investigation nearly collapsed last month when its chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), made a fool of himself defending Trumps bizarre charge that President Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower.

Now that probe has a new leader, Rep. K. Michael Conaway, a Texas Republican whos highly respected in both parties.

Were back on track, said Adam B. Schiff of Burbank, the top Democrat on the panel.

The Senate Intelligence Committee is moving slowly ahead, too. After news organizations revealed that it has only seven staff members working part-time on the case, its embarrassed chairman quickly announced that hes hiring more. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has launched a mini-investigation in another committee, just in case the intelligence panel slows down.

So it looks as though the Trump administration has stimulated healthy competition among members of Congress to see who can run the best investigation.

Whats really going on, though, is that Republicans are hedging their bets. Nobody wants to be the next Nunes. Even loyalists like Chaffetz are unwilling to defend the White House on all fronts, because they dont know what else may be out there.

In that sense, Nunes unwittingly performed a public service with his Keystone Kops counter-investigation: He showed his GOP colleagues what not to do.

The congressional probes still need bigger staffs. Even with the new hires, the main Senate investigation will still have only nine people, most of whom will also be working on other issues.

Thats why it would be a better answer to set up a special committee on foreign interference with the 2016 election. A special panel could devote more investigators to the job. (The House special committee on Benghazi, for example, had 46 staff members.)

Meanwhile, the FBI is still investigating, and its director, James B. Comey, has a reputation to salvage.

And an outside watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, is pressing a lawsuit against Trump for deriving income from foreign governments through his private businesses.

Could anything more go wrong for the Trump clan? Sure: Ivanka just announced that shes launching an Ivanka Fund to promote female entrepreneurship. The White House had to scramble to say the first daughter doesnt plan to solicit donations or run the project herself, which  since shes a federal employee  might have been illegal.

Its still sensible to worry that the unanswered questions about foreign interference in the 2016 election will be swamped by other issues  or that loyalist Republicans will be tempted to drag their feet.

But the last week suggests that while the investigations arent moving very fast, theyre increasingly serious  even, in some measure, bipartisan. Trumps scofflaw habits are keeping them alive.

doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com

Twitter: @DoyleMcManus

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

MORE FROM OPINION

Why Im trying to change how the FCC regulates the Internet

Trump needs a better approach to immigration because bullying isnt cutting it

Trumps tax plan would reward the wealthy and balloon the federal debt

Seven different ways to look at President Trumps first 100 days
President Trump on Saturday skipped the White House Correspondents Dinner to mark his 100th day in office doing what got him there: taking his populist message directly to an adoring audience, this one in Pennsylvania, the state he credits with delivering his surprise electoral college win in November.

Trump revived the racially charged speech that infused his election campaign, lashing out at immigrants and promising to jail or deport anyone who doesnt belong in the United States.

He also promised to restore coal mining jobs, though without detail about how that would happen.

Advertisement

We are not going to let other countries take advantage of us anymore. From now on its going to be America first, Trump said.

The rally unfolded like a greatest hits of Trumps most polarizing refrains. He prompted loud cheers for promising to keep radical Islamic terrorism out of the country, deport immigrants in the country illegally and build a wall along the border with Mexico.

When Trump hammered the media, people in the crowd turned around to jeer and boo at reporters typing on their laptops in the press area on the arena floor.

Among the many signs seen in the crowd were: Promises made. Promises kept, Drain the swamp and Women for Trump. Young girls could be heard chanting We want Trump! The sound system played a rendition of My Way.

The rally coincided with an event staged by one of Trumps favorite foils, the White House press corps, which held its annual dinner Saturday night in Washington  one of the first such dinners in more than three decades not attended by the sitting president.

Trumps speech started at the same time as the White House Correspondents Dinner, but administration officials said it wasnt scheduled to take attention away from the event, sometimes called the nerd prom.

I respectfully suggest that its not just about the Correspondents Dinner; its rather an opportunity for him to talk to voters that elected him and what hes been able to accomplish in the first 100 days, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters Friday.

The media were favorite targets of Trump during the campaign, and he went after them Saturday in Pennsylvania, once again accusing them of reporting fake news and adding that they deserve a big, fat, failing grade. Alluding to the dinner he was skipping in Washington, he predicted the black-tie event would be a very, very boring affair.

I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, spending my evening with all of you and with a much, much larger crowd and much better people, right? the president said.

The rally took place at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 50 miles from where Trump made his 100-day compact with voters in October, and Trump recounted what he touted as major accomplishments in the first 100 days of his presidency.

Chief among them: He placed a conservative Justice Neil M. Gorsuch on the Supreme Court, revamped orders to allow immigration agents to deport more people in the country illegally, and initiated a program to roll back regulations on businesses and environmental protection.

But more than half of his 30-plus executive orders simply told Cabinet agencies to study a problem and come up with recommendations. Trump hasnt repealed and replaced the Affordable Care Act or torn up the North American Free Trade Agreement or the Iran nuclear deal, as he pledged last year.

After talking tough on Chinese trade practices, he has agreed not to name China a currency manipulator as he promised. And his efforts to ban travelers from select Muslim-majority nations have been blocked in court.

The White House announcement last week of an ambitious plan to cut taxes was rolled out as a one-page document with bullet points, not as a policy proposal to Congress.

Trump, who had no government or military experience before he ran for president, acknowledged this week that running the government is tougher than he expected.

This is more work than in my previous life. I thought it would be easier, Trump told Reuters in an interview Thursday.

During that interview, he handed out maps showing which parts of the country he carried in November. His advisors say he is still fixated on the daily news cycle and often asks how a decision will play in the media before he chooses a path forward.

The 100th day of his presidency on Saturday also triggered protests around the country by tens of thousands of demonstrators who denounced the administrations rejection of scientific claims on climate change and its action on other environmental issues.

Participants in the Peoples Climate March said they objected to Trumps rollback of restrictions on mining, oil drilling and greenhouse gas emissions at coal-fired power plants, among other things.

Trump is the first sitting president to skip the White House Correspondents Dinner since Ronald Reagan, who didnt attend in 1981 because he was recovering from being shot the previous month.

At the 2011 dinner, Trump was roasted by then-President Obama after several weeks of the billionaire businessmans appearing on news shows spreading the false conspiracy theory that Obama wasnt born in the United States. People close to Trump, who was in the audience that night, have said his humiliation that night spurred him to seriously consider a White House bid.

brian.bennett@latimes.com

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett

ALSO

Trump stumbled on healthcare and immigration, but hes been a wrecking ball on the environment

Why 100 days? Trump thinks the benchmark is lame. Is he right?

100 days in, Trumps supporters back him, but some doubts have begun to show
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) takes the stage in July 2016 to speak during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (Paul Sancya / AP) (Paul Sancya / Associated Press)

Rep. Maxine Waters knows what throwing shade means now. She urges people to stay woke.

In the past few months, young people have embraced 78-year-old Waters and her acerbic comments about President Trump, bringing the Los Angeles Democrat national fame in her 14th term, and a new nickname: Auntie Maxine.

Its unusual for elected officials to step outside of the box, Waters said in an interview. The millennials keep telling me for the most part theyve never heard someone talk like that before.

Since refusing to attend Trumps inauguration, Waters, the longest-serving black woman in the House, has achieved icon-level status. Her image and quotes appear on T-shirts and posters. Twitter and Facebook are full of people rubbing their virtual hands in glee at what she might say next.

When I grow up, I want to be @MaxineWaters. Thank you, Rep. Waters, for being unafraid to speak the truth, Crystal Webb, a young Twitter user, posted.

On a different note, @MaxineWaters clap black game is sooooo strong!! #goals, said another.

Anyone think Auntie @MaxineWaters is a hero?, asked another.

Young black activists in particular see a powerful and familiar figure in the impeccably dressed older woman expressing her opinion, even if it might be painfully honest, said Rashad Robinson, who leads the New York-based Color of Change, a progressive civil rights group.

Maxine Waters has given us the viral videos to go along with our rants, Robinson said. People are shaking their heads when she talks, and they are saying, Thank God someone said that.

I think for many young black folks, they have that sort of auntie or matriarch in their family that sort of says it like it is, Robinson said.

The congresswomans sudden popularity has led to interview after interview in the likes of Teen Vogue, Jet, Elle, Essence, Cosmopolitan and millennial-focused news sites like Mic and BuzzFeed, with headlines like, Maxine Waters Is Back and Shes Not Here to Play.

Southern Californians have long been familiar with Waters, who lives in the Vermont Knolls section of South Los Angeles and is not known for holding her tongue.

In 1994, she was gaveled off the House floor when she refused to stop loudly criticizing a Republican member she felt had badgered a female witness during a hearing. In 2011, she accused President Obama of neglecting black communities, then a week later, said the tea party could go straight to hell.

Nobody should be surprised about me, she said.

But her derision of Trump goes far beyond previous criticism of political foes, and the new, norm-breaking president has energized her in a way other Republicans shes opposed have not. In an age when the call from many on her side of the aisle is Resistance, Waters has become a de facto leader of the charge.

She couldnt fathom Trumps rise during the election, she said, pointing to his insulting comments about former presidential rivals Carly Fiorina and Hillary Clinton, the lewd Access Hollywood video in which he bragged about grabbing women and his mocking imitation of a disabled reporter.

I cant get it out of my head, she said. Ive never seen anybody as disgusting or as disrespectful as he is.

The attention began when Waters refused to go to the presidential inauguration. She also stayed away when Trump gave his first speech to Congress, telling the Los Angeles Times, I dont honor this president. I dont respect this president. And Im not joyful in the presence of this president.

She has been saying she thinks Trump is headed for impeachment since even before he was sworn in. At an anti-Trump tax march in April, she said shell fight every day until he is impeached. She refers to his staff as the Kremlin Klan and has pushed for an independent investigation into Russian interference in the election and possible collusion by the Trump campaign.

Waters has made it clear she doesnt want to be in the same room with Trump, much less extend the courtesies commonly afforded the president, regardless of party. She has put politeness aside.

Newsflash to Trump: Republicans control Washington. Russians control you, she tweeted in late April.

Waters has always been a target of conservative media, but the attacks have increased since she began in January to speak of impeachment. Last month, the far-right news magazine American Thinker called her unhinged and the poster child for Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Now-ousted Fox News host Bill OReilly joked earlier this month that he was too distracted by her James Brown wig to hear her comments on the House floor about patriotism under Trump. He later apologized.

Waters responded on MSNBC: Let me just say this: Im a strong black woman, and I cannot be intimidated. I cannot be undermined. I cannot be thought to be afraid of Bill OReilly or anybody. Her comments quickly went viral.

Rep. Maxine Waters responds to Bill O'Reilly's comments about her hair.

The congresswoman says shes just being herself.

Some people see me as a rabble-rouser. Some people see me as someone who does not care about what other people think about me. Some people see me as someone who makes other people look bad.  I often get a feeling most people dont know who I am, or have a clue, and I live with that, Waters said. I dont try to prove anything by talking.

Amid a black population that has receded in Los Angeles, Waters is one of the last powerful black politicians in Southern California and is known for her ability to rally South L.A. voters. Her endorsement has long been sought by seasoned and novice politicians alike, and shes played a leadership role in the national Democratic Party for decades. Jewett Walker, who ran the campaigns of several South Los Angeles politicians and is now a Baptist pastor at a church near the border of Waters district, said he expects her endorsement to carry even more weight in 2018 because of the attention shes getting now.

You dont walk up to Auntie Maxine and ask for an endorsement without having some really important things to say about what you hope to accomplish and what qualifies you to run at this time, Walker said. When Maxine gets on board and the community realizes that she is supporting a particular candidate, that brings a lot of sway to a particular race, if everything else is equal.

Waters, the fifth of 13 children raised by a single mother in St. Louis, began working in factories and restaurants at age 13. After high school, she moved with her family to Southern California, where she began her career in public service as a teacher and a volunteer coordinator of the newly created Head Start program. She went on to earn a bachelors degree at what is now Cal State L.A. and served as chief deputy for then-City Councilman David S. Cunningham.

She won her first election for a state Assembly seat in 1977, where she became long-time Speaker Willie Browns right hand. Waters led the drive to force the state pension system to divest billions of dollars in shares of companies with business in South Africa. She also helped pass legislation ending police strip searches for nonviolent misdemeanors and sponsored legislation to create a state program to help keep children safe from sexual assault.

In the state Legislature, she could get anything through, anything done, said Fernando Guerra, director of Loyola Marymount Universitys Center for the Study of Los Angeles. Some people try to depict her as a left-wing bomb-thrower. Shes also the ultimate insider, knowing how to move things.

Guerra said in South Los Angeles, Waters endorsement remains second only to that of L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti .

Waters was elected to Congress in 1991. The following April, her district was besieged by riots triggered by the acquittal of four white police officers in the beating of Rodney King. She brought food and diapers to the area and said it wasnt right to characterize what happened as riots.

I maintain it was somewhat understandable, if not acceptable. So I call it a rebellion, she said at the time.

Waters has been criticized because her daughter charged candidates a fee to appear on Waters sample ballots  mailers she sends to hundreds of thousands of residents listing candidates she supports. She came under fire in 2009 when the House Ethics Committee investigated allegations she helped a bank in which her husband owned stock receive bailout money during the financial crisis. The committee unanimously decided Waters did not break any rules, clearing the way for her to become the top Democrat on the Financial Services Committee in 2013, a position shes held since.

Controversy has not hurt her standing in the district shes championed over the past four decades. She has consistently been reelected with more than 70% of the vote.

In the district, shes helped found organizations that promote black women and provide job training to young people in public housing. A technical and adult education center serving Watts bears her name.

A former chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Waters spent the 1990s calling for investigations into whether U.S. intelligence agencies contributed to the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles, and helped create funding to treat the spread of HIV in minority communities.

She also helped write the Dodd-Frank act, which instituted broad new oversight of the banking industry after the 2008 market collapse.

Her time on the Financial Services Committee has given her the chance to work on homelessness, housing and poverty. Waters has said she often stops along skid row when shes at home, a consistent reminder of why shes in Congress.

Ive seen a lot of poverty  coming up as a young child, lost hopes and dreams and people that never had a chance to have a decent quality of life. I believe we can do a lot greater than that, Waters said.

Rep. Karen Bass, a Democrat who represents the district next door to Waters, isnt shocked her colleagues forthrightness seems to have made her a millennial darling.

Shes been consistent, and its playing a very important role right now, said Bass, who met Waters when she organized marches in Los Angeles in the 1980s to oppose South African apartheid. Shes a fighter, and thats what people are looking for: the resistance. People want to see somebody fight.

Waters said theyre just looking for someone who speaks honestly. For them, its quite refreshing, she said.

At a time when many progressives are looking for the next head of their movement, Waters said shes hoping to use the surge in attention to act as a magnet for the Democratic Party.

Im not their leader, she said. Im an enabler.

sarah.wire@latimes.com

Follow @sarahdwire on Twitter

Read more about the 55 members of California's delegation at latimes.com/politics

ALSO:

Sen. Kamala Harris sees a path out of the wilderness for Democrats  but can she sell it to them?

Rep. Adam Schiff, Trump's public prosecutor, says he must be a 'guardian against the worst abuses'

Updates on California politics
Records show ex-Trump campaign chief Paul Manaforts firm received payout from Ukraine ledger under investgation

Last August, a handwritten ledger surfaced in Ukraine with dollar amounts and dates next to the name of Paul Manafort, who was then chairman of Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

Ukrainian investigators called it evidence of off-the-books payments from a pro-Russian political party  and part of a larger pattern of corruption under the countrys former president. Manafort, who worked for the party as an international political consultant, has publicly questioned the ledgers authenticity.

Now, financial records newly obtained by the Associated Press confirm that at least $1.2 million in payments listed in the ledger next to Manaforts name were actually received by his consulting firm in the United States. They include payments in 2007 and 2009, providing the first evidence that Manaforts firm received at least some money listed in the so-called Black Ledger.

The two payments came years before Manafort became involved in Trumps campaign, but for the first time bolster the credibility of the ledger. They also put the ledger in a new light, as federal prosecutors in the U.S. have been investigating Manaforts work in Eastern Europe as part of a larger anti-corruption probe.

Separately, Manafort is also under scrutiny as part of congressional and FBI investigations into possible contacts between Trump associates and Russias government under President Vladimir Putin during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. The payments detailed in the ledger and confirmed by the documents obtained by the AP are unrelated to the 2016 presidential campaign and came years before Manafort worked as Trumps unpaid campaign chairman.

In a statement to the AP, Manafort did not deny that his firm received the money but said any wire transactions received by my company are legitimate payments for political consulting work that was provided. I invoiced my clients and they paid via wire transfer, which I received through a U.S. bank.

Manafort noted that he agreed to be paid according to his clients preferred financial institutions and instructions.

Previously, Manafort and his spokesman, Jason Maloni, have maintained that the ledger was fabricated and said no public evidence existed that Manafort or others received payments recorded in it.

The AP, however, identified in the records two payments received by Manafort that aligned with the ledger: one for $750,000 that a Ukrainian lawmaker said last month was part of a money-laundering effort that should be investigated by U.S. authorities. The other was $455,249 and also matched a ledger entry.

The newly obtained records also expand the global scope of Manaforts financial activities related to his Ukrainian political consulting, because both payments came from companies once registered in the Central American country of Belize. Last month, the AP reported that the U.S. government has examined Manaforts financial transactions in the Mediterranean country of Cyprus as part of its probe.

Federal prosecutors have been looking into Manaforts work for years as part of an effort to recover Ukrainian assets stolen after the 2014 ouster of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, who fled to Russia. No charges have been filed as part of the investigation.

Manafort, a longtime Republican political operative, led the presidential campaign from March until August last year when Trump asked him to resign. The resignation came after a tumultuous week in which the New York Times revealed that Manaforts name appeared in the Ukraine ledger  although the newspaper said at the time that officials were unsure whether Manafort actually received the money  and after the AP separately reported that he had orchestrated a covert Washington lobbying operation until 2014 on behalf of Ukraines pro-Russian Party of Regions.

Officials with the Ukrainian National Anti-Corruption Bureau, which is investigating corruption under Yanukovich, have said they believe the ledger is genuine. But they have previously noted that they have no way of knowing whether Manafort received the money listed next to his name. The bureau said it is not investigating Manafort because he is not a Ukrainian citizen.

Still, Manaforts work continues to draw attention in Ukrainian politics.

Last month, Ukrainian lawmaker Serhiy Leshchenko revealed an invoice bearing the letterhead of Manaforts namesake company, Davis Manafort, that Leshchenko said was crafted to conceal a payment to Manafort as a purchase of 501 computers.

The AP provided to Manafort the amounts of the payments, dates and number of the bank account where they were received. Manafort told the AP that he was unable to review his own banking records showing receipt of the payments because his bank destroyed the records after a standard seven-year retention period. He said Tuesday the computer sales contract is a fraud.

The signature is not mine, and I didnt sell computers, he said in a statement. What is clear, however, is individuals with political motivations are taking disparate pieces of information and distorting their significance through a campaign of smear and innuendo.

Leshchenko said last month the 2009 invoice was one of about 50 pages of documents, including private paperwork and copies of employee-issued debit cards, that were found in Manaforts former Kiev office by a new tenant.

The amount of the invoice  $750,000 and the payment date of Oct. 14, 2009, matches one entry on the ledger indicating payments to Manafort from the Party of Regions. The invoice was addressed to Neocom Systems Ltd., a company formerly registered in Belize, and included the account and routing numbers and postal address for Manaforts account at a branch of Wachovia National Bank in Alexandria, Va.

The AP had previously been unable to independently verify the $750,000 payment went to a Manafort company, but the newly obtained financial records reflect Manaforts receipt of that payment. The records show that Davis Manafort received the amount from Neocom Systems the day after the date of the invoice.

Leshchenko contended to AP that Yanukovich, as Ukraines leader, paid Manafort money that came from his governments budget and was stolen from Ukrainian citizens. He said: Money received by Manafort has to be returned to the Ukrainian people.

Leshchenko said U.S. authorities should investigate what he described as corrupt deals between Manafort and Yanukovich. Its about a U.S. citizen and money was transferred to a U.S. bank account, he said.

A $455,249 payment in November 2007 also matches the amount in the ledger. It came from Graten Alliance Ltd., a company that had also been registered in Belize. It is now inactive.

The AP reported last month that federal prosecutors are looking into Manaforts financial transactions in Cyprus, an island nation once known as a favored locale for money laundering.

Among those transactions was a $1-million payment in October 2009 routed through the Bank of Cyprus. The money was deposited into an account controlled by a Manafort-linked company, then left the account on the same day, broken into two disbursements of $500,000, according to documents obtained by the AP.

The records of Manaforts Cypriot transactions were requested by the U.S. Treasury Department Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which works internationally with agencies to track money laundering and the movement of illicit funds around the globe.

Dozens of Ukrainian political figures mentioned in the Black Ledger are under investigation in Ukraine. The anti-corruption bureau, which has been looking into the Black Ledger, publicly confirmed the authenticity of the signature of one top official mentioned there. In December, the bureau accused Mykhaylo Okhendovsky of receiving more than $160,000 from Party of Regions officials in 2012, when he was Ukraines main election official.

The bureau said it would identify more suspects in the coming months.
Area school officials expressed concern Friday about a federal judges order that allows plaintiffs in a lawsuit access to data derived from demographic and personal information of California public school students dating to 2008.

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District notified parents Thursday about U.S. District Judge Kimberly Muellers order  issued in Sacramento this month  and about how they can request that their childrens information, including Social Security numbers, home addresses and behavior and disciplinary records, not be disclosed.

The Morgan Hill Concerned Parents Assn. and California Concerned Parents Assn. filed a joint lawsuit in 2012 alleging that the California Department of Education was failing to monitor and enforce the rights of children with special needs. The groups requested the records of all public school students for a statistical analysis to see if it will prove their claim.

Information in the Department of Educations databases include demographics, course information and special-education evaluations.

No specific school districts are named in the lawsuit. But local parents and school officials cited the importance of protecting personal information.

Im personally astounded at the judges decision, Newport-Mesa board member Martha Fluor said. Yes, the information is only available to the courts statistical analysis, but the rights of all children are being violated.

Laguna Beach Unified School District Supt. Sherine Smith said in an email that she was dismayed by the ruling.

We believe it is crucial to protect student data privacy, Smith said. This ruling is counterproductive and against the best interests of our students.

As part of Muellers order, the parent groups must either return or destroy the data once a decision or settlement in the lawsuit is reached. The court retained an expert in cyber security and data breach to try to ensure that representatives of the parent groups  fewer than 10 people  who have access to students data will not leak it to the public, according to the California Concerned Parents Assn.

The information the groups say they hope to derive relates to students who identify as having a disability, whether they are in special or general education classes and services they may be using or are available to them.

The plaintiffs want to see, for example, whether African-American students identified as intellectually disabled were disproportionately in special day classes as opposed to general education classes, or whether children diagnosed with behavioral issues had a behavioral management plan in place, Christine English, vice president of California Concerned Parents, told USA Today.

Thinking of the bigger picture of our case, its large pieces of data that are being looked at, not individual data, English told the Daily Pilot on Friday. Were not asking to look at individual information, but the derivative, aggregated data.

But Suzanne Guantlett, parent of a Corona del Mar High School student, still had doubts.

If this information is released to this group, how can people be assured that its safeguarded? she said. This involves millions of students over an eight-year period and minors who dont even have a voice in the matter.

State Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said in a statement this week that we have fought vigorously to protect students privacy rights and will continue that fight.

Parents, guardians and current and former students 18 and older can submit a form objecting to the release of their or their childrens records. It must be mailed by April 1 to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento.

Our district PTA is taking action, asking parents to fill out the objection form if thats what theyd like to do, said Vanessa Hatch, president of the Newport-Mesa districts Harbor Council PTA. We understand parents do not want that information released.

Newport-Mesa plans to call all district parents and guardians Monday to further inform them about the judges order and about the objection forms, Fluor said.

Laguna parent Kris Howson filled out the opt-out form because of the amount of information available to the Morgan Hill and Concerned Parent groups.

At first I didnt care about who sees my kids test results, but sharing personal info such as a Social Security number, [the plaintiffs] dont need that stuff, Howson said. If my [childs] info helps kids with disabilities get [classes] then I would do it, as long as its not sharing the Social Security number.

For more information or to obtain an objection form, visit cde.ca.gov/morganhillcase.
In 1966 and 1967, Disneyland added four new attractions: Its a Small World, The Primeval World, New Orleans Square and The Pirates of the Caribbean. The four attractions cost $20 million, or $3 million more than the cost of the original park.

In a Los Angeles Times story on the new attractions, staff writer Dave Felton reported:

When Walt Disney opened his animated, bigger than real life amusement park in Anaheim 11 years ago, he remarked, Disneyland will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

Advertisement

New Orleans Square will feature mainly shops, coffeehouses and sidewalk cafes of the famous French Quarter, all suitably historic and selling contemporary wares.

From the square, boats will leave for Pirates of the Caribbean, by far Disneylands longest and rowdiest ride. The cruise will begin and end with a waterfall ride.In between, scores of bloodthirsty electronic pirates will engage in gunfights with ammunition flying overhead. Stores will be looted and a jail burned.

Not very attractive ladies of the town will be willingly auctioned off, said one guide. The children should love it.

Walt Disney passed away on Dec. 15, 1966. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride opened on March 18, 1967. The ride recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Check out this recent Los Angeles Times story: Thats a lot of yo-hos: Disneylands Pirates of the Caribbean ride is 50.

This post was originally published on May 20, 2011.

See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here
Vice President Mike Pence issued a blunt warning to North Korea about its nuclear program Monday, saying the United States would no longer adhere to a policy of strategic patience and that the authoritarian state should take a lesson from the Trump administrations recent actions in Syria and Afghanistan.

The era of strategic patience is over, Pence said, referring to President Obamas nonconfrontational approach to North Korea. President Trump has made it clear that the patience of the United States and our allies in this region has run out and we want to see change. We want to see North Korea abandon its reckless path of the development of nuclear weapons, and also its continual use and testing of ballistic missiles is unacceptable.

Pences comments came as part of a full-court press by the Trump administration to intensify pressure on North Korea.

Advertisement

North Korea has in recent weeks stepped up its testing of ballistic missiles  part of its overall goal of building a nuclear program capable of striking the U.S. mainland.

The vice president, in Seoul as part of a 10-day swing through Asia, said North Korea should remember that the United States recently bombed targets in Syria and Afghanistan, suggesting the Trump administration might be willing to take similar military action in the face of continued nuclear provocation from Pyongyang.

North Korea would do well not to test his resolve  or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region, Pence said of Trump.

At the same time, U.S. officials appear to be leaving the door open to diplomacy.

Susan Thornton, the acting assistant U.S. secretary of State for East Asian affairs, said the U.S. continues to hope that China will take a leading role in pressuring North Korea to abandon its nuclear proliferation efforts.

At a teleconference briefing with reporters Monday, Thornton also opened the door for possible negotiations with the North Korean government  but only if it showed tangible change in the way of freezing its nuclear program.

She wouldnt specify what Pyongyang had to do to get the U.S. to engage in talks, but said launching additional missiles, as North Korea did over the weekend, was not the way to go.

The vice president spoke during a meeting with acting South Korean President Hwang Kyo-ahn on Monday, a day after he spent Easter Sunday with some of the 28,000 U.S. troops stationed on the peninsula. His comments were also delivered a day after North Korea unsuccessfully attempted to test launch a ballistic missile, in violation of international resolutions.

Also on Monday, Pence said the Trump administration remained committed to the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in South Korea  an antimissile system designed to protect American allies in the region from the Norths medium-range missiles.

We will continue to evolve a comprehensive set of capabilities to ensure the security of South Korea, he said. We will defeat any attack, and we will meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective response.

Pences visit and remarks come in the broader context of escalating tensions between the United States and North Korea. The communist state on Saturday paraded dozens of missiles and other military hardware in a show of its advancing military capability.

North Korea and South Korea maintain a tense relationship under a decades-old armistice. Some analysts fear an American strike could rekindle the deadly Korean War. About 25 million people live in and around Seoul, and its suburbs are within striking range of the Norths artillery.

Previous presidential administrations have struggled since the early 1990s with how to prevent the North from building or proliferating nuclear weapons. Those efforts have largely failed, with many security experts believing the country now has more than a dozen nuclear devices and an expanding capacity for delivering them from land- and sea-based missiles.

Obamas strategic patience approach relied on a combination of pressure tactics, such as international sanctions, and covert actions to curb the Norths program. Although Pence said that era was over, he didnt detail a new policy during his short remarks with the South Korean president.

At every step of the way, North Korea answered our overtures with willful deception, broken promises, and nuclear and missile tests, he said.

Pence said he was heartened by signs that China would use the extraordinary levers it has to pressure North Korea into giving up its nuclear ambitions. But he also reiterated Trumps warning that the U.S. will act unilaterally if China fails to assist.

White House officials said they are encouraged that China, North Koreas biggest benefactor, appears to be prepared to take a more aggressive role.

China this year suspended coal imports from the isolated nation. The Communist-run Global Times has recommended China also support sanctions to cut off oil supplies to North Korea if it conducts a sixth nuclear test.

Beyond the coal ban, officials have not stated what, if any, measures they have taken to rein in their rogue neighbor.

We think that theyve [the Chinese] gotten the message about increasing pressure, Thornton said. But its still quite early. It takes time.

Although China formally has agreed to U.N. Security Council sanctions against the North Korean government, it tends to bust those prohibitions and continue trade.

At his daily briefing, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Trumps efforts to push China to use its influence on North Korea are paying off, after a face-to-face meeting between the president and Chinese President Xi Jinping this month in Florida.

I think you see China playing a much more active role, he said. Theres a lot of economic and political pressure points that I think China can utilize. And weve been very encouraged with the direction in which theyre going.

Thornton, who spoke at an on-the-record teleconference briefing by a senior State Department official that has become rare since Trump came to power, stressed the urgency of the threat.

The rate of testing and launching illegal technologies currently far surpasses anything that weve seen previously, she said. So there is a feeling that this is a very urgent and not just a local or a regional threat, but actually a global threat at this point.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Monday repeated his countrys calls for negotiations and a peaceful solution to escalating tensions.

China is not the initiator of this issue, he said, emphasizing that Chinas desire for talks has been a consistent approach, not something beginning today.

The countrys top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, spoke by phone with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Sunday and exchanged views on the Korean peninsula situation, according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry.

The White House declined multiple opportunities Monday to further characterize the presidents thinking on North Korea, and refused to rule out any diplomatic or military response.

He holds his cards close to the vest, and I think youre not going to see him telegraphing how hes going to respond to any military or other situation going forward, Spicer said when asked if the president had a red line in mind that might prompt a military response.

Trump, speaking earlier in the day on Fox News, similarly declined to outline his thinking.

I dont want to telegraph what Im doing or what Im thinking, Trump said. Well see what happens. I hope things work out well.

Everybody has been out-played by North Korean governments, he added.

In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, speaking to a parliamentary session Monday, called for added pressure on North Korea, and urged China and Russia to play more constructive roles.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov issued a muted statement urging calm.

Our position is well-known and consistent. We are urging all the sides for restraint and urging all the countries to avoid any actions that could be qualified as a provocation. And we stand for continued coordinated international efforts in existing formats to settle the North Korean problem, Peskov said, according to the Tass news agency.

Pence travels next to Tokyo followed by Jakarta, Indonesia, and Sydney, Australia.

Stiles reported from Seoul, and Wilkinson from Washington. Special correspondent Jessica Meyers in Beijing and staff writer Michael Memoli in Washington contributed to this report.

ALSO

Why a North Korean leader called a gleaming new neighborhood more powerful than 100 nuclear warheads

North Korea puts its long-range missiles on parade in massive military show

Former Defense Secretary William Perry on why we didnt go to war with North Korea

UPDATES:

2:00 p.m. This article was updated with comments from the State Department, White House spokesman Sean Spicer, and President Trump.

9:35 a.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from China.

6:45 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting.

3:55 a.m.: This article was updated with information about Pences trip to Panmunjom on Monday.

This article was originally posted at 12:55 a.m.
Tensions rose Saturday along the Turkish-Syrian border as both Turkey and the U.S. moved armored vehicles to the region and Turkeys 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 on bases of Syrian Kurdish militia, Washingtons main ally in combating Islamic State militants in Syria.

More U.S. troops were seen Saturday in armored vehicles in Syria in Kurdish areas. Kurdish officials describe U.S. troop movement as a buffer between them and Turkey.

Advertisement

But Turkey views Syrias Kurdish Peoples 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 whos 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 30 miles from Syrias 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 Turkeys 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 the 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.

We hope that this military mobilization is not meant to provoke our forces or for another purpose linked to entering Syrian territories.  Redur Khalil, spokesman for Syrias Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, known as YPG

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 groups expansion along its borders.

The issue has been a source of tension between Ankara and Washington that threatens to hamper the fight against Islamic State. 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 the militant group.

Erdogan is due in Washington on May 16 for his first meeting with President Trump.

Claiming that his country is leading the most effective campaign against Islamic State, Erdogan said: Let us, huge America, all these coalition powers and Turkey, let us join hands and turn Raqqa to Daeshs grave, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

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 dont 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.
For six tumultuous years, Jordan has weathered the war in neighboring Syria by walking a fine line: supporting the U.S.-supported rebels seeking to overthrow President Bashar Assad, but also cooperating with Assads closest ally, Russia.

But as the Trump administration pursues a more muscular stance toward both Assad and Islamic State militants, it threatens to upend Ammans tightrope act at a time when the Islamist threat against the kingdom has never been greater.

In the last few months, as Islamic State has lost ground near its self-proclaimed capital cities of Mosul, Iraq, and Raqqah, Syria, a new offensive has been launched by rebel forces, trained in and equipped in Jordan with U.S. help. The operation has begun to clear the jihadists from the Hamad Desert, territory that includes Syrias southeastern corner.

Advertisement

As the jihadists face more pressure in Mosul and Raqqah, many fear the Islamists will forge a path to the Hamad. A longtime smuggling route, it has become a vital supply line for Islamic State, said Tlass Salama, commander of the Jaish Usood al Sharqiya, or the Lions of the East Army.

Salama said rebels there have fought as comrades in arms with members of U.S. and Norwegian special forces to repel Islamic State attacks at the desolate garrison in Tanf, a one-time agricultural facility roughly 10 miles from the Jordanian border that has been converted into a base. These opposition factions, said the coalition in a statement this month, have been instrumental in countering the ISIS threat in southern Syria and maintaining security along the Syria-Jordan border.

Working with other U.S.-supported rebel factions, Salama said his 1,300-man group has already clawed back hundreds of miles from Islamic State stretching toward the central desert province of Homs.

Reports have also emerged of Jordanian and U.S. troops on the section of the Jordanian border opposite southwest Syria, a possible prelude to a campaign in which rebels, supported by Jordanian and coalition forces on the ground, would overrun Islamic States pocket in the Yarmouk basin, near southwestern Syrias borders with Israel and Jordan.

Syrian refugees at the Zaatari camp, which shelters about 80,000 Syrians on the Jordanian border with war-ravaged Syria. (Thomas Coex / AFP/Getty Images)

The news kicked up a war of words with Jordan, Russia and Syria.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov this month asked for clarification from Amman. Less than a week later, Assad, in an interview with the Russian Segodnya news agency, criticized Jordan as part of the American plan since the beginning of the war in Syria.

Assad said Jordan was acting at the behest of the Trump administration.

Jordan is not an independent country anyway, whatever the American wants, it will happen, so if the Americans want to use the northern part of Jordan against Syria, theyre going to use it, Assad said, according to a transcript released by Syrian state news operator SANA.

We dont discuss Jordan as a state; we discuss Jordan as land in that case, because its the United States who defines the plans, who defines the players, and who endorses everything regarding Syria coming from Jordan.

Jordan rejected Assads remarks as fabricated allegations, according a statement by Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Momani. He added that Jordan had long reiterated the importance of preserving the territorial unity of Syria and fighting terrorist organizations.

The increased tension comes after a period of cautious recalibration between the two countries. Amman, activists say, had over the last two years largely scaled back support for anti-Assad rebels and stopped them from launching attacks on Assads forces in Syrias southern provinces, which abut Jordan.

In November, Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, Jordans top military commander, said in an interview in with the Arabic-language arm of the BBC that since the beginning of the crisis, we never operated against the regime at all, our relations with the regime have remained, and our diplomatic relations with Syria have also remained.

He acknowledged that Jordan has trained rebel groups, but, he insisted, the rebels were tasked with defending Jordans borders from Islamic State and fighting the group in the Hamad Desert.

But Jordans change of tone in recent weeks, which comes on the heels of a recent White House visit by the Jordanian monarch, King Abdullah II, is a reflection of the shift in U.S. policy, said Oraib Rintawi, head of the Al Quds Center think tank, which is based in Amman.

Jordan cannot veer far from U.S. policy [on Syria] in this regard, Rintawi said. He explained that although the U.S. has made fighting Islamic State a priority, a closer look at the policies of the U.S. shows that the restriction of Iran takes a higher priority on the U.S. agenda. One lingering question is what role Jordan might play in U.S. policy with Iran.

Rintawi pointed to recent statements by Abdullah against Iran. In an interview with the Washington Post this month, Abdullah warned that Iran was trying to forge a geographic link from Tehran to Beirut via Syrias eastern desert once Islamic State was removed. The U.S., Rintawi said, was instead trying to fill the expected vacuum with forces friendly to the U.S.

Jordans increased involvement has also been noted by Islamic State. In early April, the group issued a 21-minute video vowing to conduct attacks in the country. The threats were delivered by five Jordanian members of Islamic State, all from prominent tribal families that are thought to be loyal to Jordan.

Jordanian soldiers keep watch near an informal refugee camp at the Jordan-Syria border. Jordan sealed the area in the northeastern part of the country in 2016 following a jihadist attack that killed seven Jordanian border guards. (Jamal Nasrallah / EPA)

We must hurt this arrogant regime and make it taste some of the flames of war tasted by those it had trained in Jordan, says Qutaibah Majali, a shaggy-haired jihadist who left Jordan more than three years ago to join Islamic State in Raqqah.

Later, the scene shifts to Majali brandishing a knife.

Our knives will get your necks and that of every Crusader in Jordan. And our bullets will bore your rotten heads, so receive good tidings of that which hurts you, he says before kicking down a prisoner, said to be a spy recruited by Jordanian intelligence, and slicing through his neck.

But Rintawi, the analyst, said his main fear was not Islamic State, but whats left in its aftermath. Would Syrian pro-government forces allow rebels supported by Jordan to hold ground they had taken from the extremist group? How would Jordan react when Syrian forces and the rebels clash once Islamic State is out of the picture?

Complicating the situation further is the presence of Irans Revolutionary Guard, which is stationed in Syria less than 50 miles from the Jordanian border.

U.S. policy is set for a grand confrontation with Iran. Were going to have a four- and five-year confrontation where the Americans dont pay, but we do, Rintawi said. They fight now using Syrians, Yemenis, and others. I hope it wont be with us as well.

Bulos is a special correspondent.

ALSO

Pope Francis leaves Egypt after high-stakes, two-day visit

Even the stones reek with sadness: Here is whats left of Aleppo

Across the Middle East, Christians are heading for the exits
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Apr 29, 2017, 4:59pm ET

Tesla CEO unveils idea for underground network of car tunnels

The Boring Company will take traffic from 2D to 3D

Despite its name, the Boring Company proposes a rather exciting idea: strapping your car into an underground sled that can go around 130 mph.

Speaking at a Vancouver TED Talk this week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed in a video his plans for The Boring Company. The company seeks a solution to the problem of traffic, described as a 2D problem because cars can only move along 2 axes. The Boring Company would dig a vast network of tunnels beneath the city, as many as 30 layers, adding a third dimension along which the cars can move.

Cars on the surface would park on a sled, which then takes an elevator below ground. There, the sled, which rides on rails, autonomously merges with a network of rails shuttling cars along pre-determined routes like an amusement park ride.

The Boring Company is currently testing this theory in at their Los Angeles area headquarters. The company does not need permits to drill beneath their own property, but to actually build such a system across Los Angeles would require government cooperation.

Drilling underground tunnels is a costly endeavor, but Musk believes he can develop a new type of boring machine that is four to five times faster than existing ones. The solution is a single machine that will drill and build supports as it goes. Existing machines have to be backed out of the tunnel to create reinforcements.

Musk also said he spends only about 2 to 3 percent of his time on The Boring Company, so the realization his tunnel network is still a ways off. The rest of the time, he's heading Tesla, SpaceX, working on solar panels, battery "gigafactories," and the launch of his latest company, Neuralink, which is developing computer-brain implants.
Bethlehem Township police are searching for a couple they say are persons of interest in a purse theft at Panera Bread.

This pair are people of interest in a Bethlehem Township theft case. (Courtesy photos)

The victim reported her purse was stolen at the Panera Bread restaurant in the Southmont shopping center sometime April 22.

Within minutes after the theft, the thieves used credit cards from the purse to buy items at Best Buy-- also in the Southmont shopping center, police said.

Police are searching for a man and woman as persons of interest in the case. Video surveillance footage shows the man as white and wearing a dark sweater with a lighter collared shirt underneath, denim jeans and brown shoes. The woman is white wearing a blue jacket with a lighter shirt underneath and blue pants. The woman also was carrying a brown bag on her shoulder and her dark hair was in a ponytail.

Those with information are asked to call Inspector Anthony Stevens 610-814-6473 or email astevens@bethlehemtwp.com. Those wanting to stay anonymous also can text TIP BETHLEHEMTWP followed by a message to 888777.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A man was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct Saturday afternoon after causing a stir outside Hotel Bethlehem, city police said.

A man Saturday, April 29, 2017 protested over a Confederate flag inside a window of Hotel Bethlehem for a private wedding. (Photo courtesy of Leo Atkinson)

Police Chief Mark DiLuzio said the Confederate flag was placed inside the window of the hotel, 437 Main St., in the early afternoon hours for a private wedding.

The couple had met during a Civil War re-enactment and their wedding was themed for the period, DiLuzio said.

"There were people dressed in long dresses, there were uniforms," DiLuzio said, noting the Confederate flag was placed next to an American flag in the window. "They just wanted their theme to be of the Civil War era. There was no political message."

The flag, which is associated with racism, was not meant to offend anyone, the chief added.

A man passing by then spotted the Confederate flag and began yelling loudly and shouting obscenities in protest, according to the chief. Main Street at the time was crowded with people and small children.

"He was freaking out, screaming and yelling," DiLuzio said. "He created a very aggressive and disorderly scene."

Fountain Hill resident Leo Atkinson was walking along Main Street Saturday when he also heard the man shouting expletives. He said traffic was blocked in both directions as police intervened.

"I didn't know why he was yelling, then I saw the flag," Atkinson said, noting he later learned there was a wedding being held at the hotel.

When officers arrived, the man continued shouting obscenities, ignored commands to stop and had to be carried away, DiLuzio said. He did not immediately have the identity of the man being charged.

Hotel Bethlehem later took down the flag and was cooperative. DiLuzio said the hotel had no issues with the flag.

"If his behavior wasn't offensive and he walked inside the hotel and in a civilized manner asked the flag to be taken down, I'm sure the hotel would have apologized and taken it down," DiLuzio said.

Dennis Costello, general manager at Hotel Bethlehem, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Bethlehem resident Jack Burke thinks that every senior citizen should spend time volunteering in their neighborhood school.

And that's not just because he is a retired Bethlehem Area School District teacher and principal.

There's a natural connection between senior citizens and children that reaps dividends for young and old, the 86-year-old said while sitting at Moravian Village one day last week.

"Keeping your mind going and being active, it gives you longevity," Burke said. "Things like this pick you up."

Burke and his wife, Patricia, are part of a group of roughly 20 Moravian Village residents who volunteer as reading buddies twice a month at nearby Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. The partnership is part of the retirement community's JOY -- Joining Older and Younger -- program, which seeks to pair retirees with the young.

"It's sharing of wisdom, it's sharing of skills," said Sue Lorenzetti, Moravian Village's director of life enrichment.

The Bethlehem Education Association is honoring the JOY readers for volunteerism on May 4 at its 2017 Friends of Education dinner.

Two times each month, Moravian Village buses the volunteers to the school where they read with three different second-grade students in rotating one-on-one sessions. The school tries to pair the kids with the same buddy each week, so bonds can develop.

Then a few times a year, like on Friday, Moravian Village hosts the entire second grade for a day of themed special activities. In a nod to Earth Day, Friday's theme was "honoring the worth of the Earth" with a special presentation from Hawk Mountain and a craft activity where kids painted pandas.

Then the students got to each lunch at Moravian Village, which is often a highlight of the visits.

Great day for our students and our J.O.Y. Readers at Moravian Village @TJeffersonBASD #communitypartnerships pic.twitter.com/stVq3Zizm5  Tracey Hirner (@TraceyLHirner) April 28, 2017

The program has roots to 2013 when Carole Schachter, who is now the district's supervisor for English-as-a-Second-Language, was teaching at Thomas Jefferson. She realized that reading with someone was one of the best ways for her students to become fluent in English.

Both of her parents were living at Moravian Village then, and Jack Burke kept saying they should be partnering with the school. So Schachter turned to the retirees for help.

"We got so many volunteers we added a whole grade level," Schachter said. "They have become very attached over the years."

Second-grader Brian Washington, 8, said he liked when his reading buddy would suggest to bring back the same book.



"I have fun reading," he said as he painted a panda Friday.

Another student, Jacob Nievens, 8, said he liked when his reading buddy would help him when he had a trouble with a word. They always encouraged him to bring another book.

The students benefit from the individual attention, said Patricia Burke, who was once a reading specialist at Thomas Jefferson.

The first visit back to the school was funny for her, but now it is wonderful to find a way to still be involved in the school district, she said.

"It's our background," Patricia Burke said. "We love kids, we love teaching. You feel good after you leave there."

The students walked over from Thomas Jefferson on Friday and the volunteers lined up in the lobby to greet them.

"It's wonderful," said Pat Ender, a resident and volunteer. "It's really a blessing for us and the children."

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The March of Dimes held its biggest annual event in the Lehigh Valley Sunday morning at Dorney Park in South Whitehall Township.

Thousands participated in the non-profit organization's March for Babies, which included both a 5K run and a walk. The organization in part advocates for research to help treat premature babies.

"Each year in Pennsylvania, 13,291 babies are born prematurely," the March of Dimes says in a news release. "Premature birth is the leading cause of death for babies and those who survive often face serious and lifelong health problems, including breathing problems, vision loss, cerebral palsy and intellectual delays."

The local sponsors for this year's event were Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Sanofi Pasteur, Good Shepherd Pediatrics, RMA of PA, ESSA Bank & Trust, Air Products, Cedar Crest College and QNB Bank.

Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Over the last few years, legislative attempts to privatize Pennsylvania's state-controlled liquor system have morphed from an all-or-nothing movement to a "death-by-a-thousand-cuts" strategy.

By opening a once-monopolistic market to thousands of restaurants, convenience stores and supermarkets -- some private stores could be selling hard liquor as well as beer and wine, under proposed legislation -- majority Republicans in Harrisburg are methodically dismantling the resistance to full privatization.

It's working.

Slowly.

It may take several more years of steep budget deficits -- and acclimatizing consumers to buying alcoholic beverages as other Americans do -- to finally divorce the state from the liquor-selling business. Last week several bills aimed at further liberalizing wine and liquor sales were adopted by the House and sent to the Senate. As reported by pennlive.com, these measures would:

Allow restaurant license holders to sell up to four bottles of hard liquor, in addition to wine.

Establish "franchise licenses" to allow private stores to sell wine and spirits.

Allow grocery stores to qualify for wine-sales permits without having to go through the charade of setting up tables and chairs. Retailers with an "R" license could buy wine through private wholesalers in addition to the state's wholesale unit.

Begin weaning the Liquor Control Board of its exclusive wholesale market, allowing private distributors to compete in the state.

While the changes are far from revolutionary, they're part of an inexorable march toward a more customer-friendly approach to alcohol sales.

Some opposition Democrats in the House say the state shouldn't be making liquor more accessible at a time when the state is preparing to legalize internet gambling. Another issue, they say, is the annual revenue the LCB returns to the state treasury, the loss of which would make the plugging of billion-dollar budget deficits that much harder.

We've said this before: A free-market approach to sales, with state enforcement of alcohol laws and licensing (not unlike New Jersey's system) is the way to go. Pleading budget poverty disguises the reality that other states have financial crises, too -- based mostly on pension debt, not the relinquishment of Prohibition-style alcohol control.

The one Democratic voice that matters on this issue is Gov. Tom Wolf -- and he remains opposed to total privatization. Yet last year Wolf joined Republicans (and some Democrats) in liberalizing six-pack beer sales, permitting wine sections in supermarkets, letting consumers order wine from private wholesalers. State liquor stores began expanding hours to fit the schedules of consumers instead of the bureaucracy.

We hope the state Senate will approve these efforts by House, or expand upon them. The march toward a private liquor market is ploddingly incremental, but with each yearly advance it begins to look inevitable.
It was touch and go whether Irish Grand National winner Our Duke would even take part in the race.

Billy Cooper from Clonbrock, near Rathangan, whose family own and bred the seven year old chaser, said that a final decision to take part was made only an hour before the race on Easter Monday, April 17

Even Robbie (jockey Robbie Power) wasn't sure and even when we decided to let him take his place, Robbie said he would see what he was like and if he wasnt right he would take him out after three or four fences, Billy told the Leader.

In the end the Jessica Harrington-trained winner had the most comfortable of wins (14 lengths) .

Our Duke won as the 9/2 favourite, but was available at a much bigger price some weeks before the race. I didnt have a cent on him myself; although we knew he would give it a good go if his jumping held out.

Some of my friends got 14/1 on him two months before the race. Hes a horse that has improved greatly, added Billy.

If the sun came out for any length of time that day we'd have taken him out because the ground would have been too hard.

The course was excellently prepared; I walked it and it was consistent all over. I couldnt get over how well he won. Robbie said afterwards he couldnt believe how well he was going with six fences to jump to the finish

Billy has lived in Rathangan for about twenty years now and he also farms at Clonbrock, which is just inside the Co. Offaly border but has a County Kildare postal address.

If you wrote Co. Offaly on an envelope it would take a month to get here.

The race which had a record total prize fund of 500,000 was worth 275,000 to this years winner. Our Duke is on leave from racing now and its not likely hell be raced again until the prestigious Lexus Chase which is run as part of the Christmas festival at Leopardstown (December 28).

This is a race wed like to take part in. But in this game you never know what is going to happen next, starting with unforeseen injuries. In racing youre up today and down tomorrow said Billy.

Beyond next December, Our Duke may be aimed towards the blue riband of National Hunt horseracing - the Cheltenham gold Cup.

If Our Duke landed this prize, it would represent a second successive Gold Cup triumph for Jessica Harrington, who trained Sizing John to win this years instalment.
Family Carers Ireland with CarePlus Pharmacy has launched their CarePlus Pharmacy Carer of the Year and Young Carers of the Year Awards.

Sponsored by CarePlus Pharmacy, the awards recognise the dedication of Irelands invisible workforce. People from across Leitrim are being urged to put forward nominees who are providing unpaid care to a loved one that has demanding medical or social care needs.

This year, the awards form part of Family Carers Ireland national year long Share the Care Campaign. It is hoped the awards will also provide an opportunity for people to self-identify as carers and seek support. At present it is estimated there are over 1,000 family carers in Leitrim. This figure is expected to show a dramatic increase with the publication of the 2016 Census results due to be published in November.

While it was previously thought that family carers save the state 4 billion per year, new figures indicate the saving to be far greater. It is now estimated they are propping up the Irish healthcare system by an extra 6 billion per year in avoided health and social care costs. This means family carers provide an annual saving of 10 billion.

The majority of family carers individually provide 45 hours and over of unpaid care to a loved one each week. The impact financially, socially or in terms of their own physical and mental health can be immense.

Nomination forms are available in CarePlus Pharmacies nationwide and in Family Carers Ireland nationwide resource centres, the Freephone Careline on 1800 24 07 24 or online at www.familycarers.ie.The CarePlus Pharmacy Carer of the Year Awards will be presented in Dublin in November.

Family Carers Ireland is a merged organisation of The Carers Association and Caring for Carers, who provide a range of supports and services for family carers and advocate fairness for carers.

Pictured above at the launch are Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan with, from left, Ulster Young Carer of the Year 2016 - Sean Collins from Smithboro, Co. Monaghan, Dublin Young Carer of the Year 2016 - Una Mc Nicholas is from Lucan, Co. Dublin, Leinster Young Carer of the Year 2016 Seunfunmi Solanke from Slane, Co. Meath and Munster Young Carer of the Year 2016  Craig McSweeney is from Wilton in Cork. At the launch of the CarePlus Pharmacy Carer of the Year Awards today new figures released reveal that family carers save the state 10 billion annually. Once again, the role of young carers will be acknowledged in its own right with a separate awards category as its also revealed there are over 50,000 young people providing unpaid for care across Ireland. For more information please go to www.Familycarersireland.ie. Photo: Mark Stedman
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Tim Farron has been on the Andrew Marr Show this morning. Theresa May was on as well, although not at the same time. It was like Durham in 1992 all over again.

He set out his pitch to be the strong opposition to Theresa Mays Government:

"There is a vacancy for the leader of the opposition" @timfarron says the Lib Dems are the opposition that Britain desperately needs #marr pic.twitter.com/2WJLAckLpZ  The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) April 30, 2017

And he explained why people should spoil Mays coronation by turning to the Liberal Democrats

"Theresa May is heading for a colossal coronation on June 8th" says @timfarron #marr pic.twitter.com/j5GUYLMMBd  The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) April 30, 2017

He appealed to young people to vote for the Lib Dems to avoid a hard Brexit that could damage us for generations to come.

He came across very well and got in our campaign messages along the theme of the only way to avoid a hard Brexit is to vote for the Liberal Democrats.

Interestingly, he brought up his own resignation over an EU matter back in 2008 as evidence that he was up for campaigning for reform to all levels of government. We are not a party who simply accepts the way things are. If the established way isnt working for people, we will push for change.

All in all it was a very good performance.

Rachel Johnson, who joined the Lib Dems this week, was also on, explaining why she had signed up:

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
Back in 2005, there was a very dignified photo-op during the election campaign that had then Scottish Lib Dem Leader and Jo Swinson during her first election on a canal barge. It was played time and time again on the news.

Yesterday, Willie Rennie and Jo Swinson launched her campaign to win back East Dunbartonshire on a boat in Kirkintilloch.

The image from that is a bit more fun and perhaps not quite as classy as the 2005 event.

That made it into the Times Red Box briefing.

And there are signs that the Scottish Lib Dem press office are rivalling their London counterparts in the sass department.

Don't know what film you had seen but we were recreating the meerkat advert. https://t.co/5IPo1QRqja  Scot Lib Dems (@scotlibdems) April 29, 2017

Heres that Meerkat Moment.

And heres the video that Willie and Jo made to launch her campaign:

Yesterday we kicked off the campaign in East Dunbartonshire. It's full steam ahead! pic.twitter.com/nZHVSpCYqK  Scot Lib Dems (@scotlibdems) April 30, 2017

At the same time, Theresa May was in Scotland at on of her tightly controlled events where shes allegedly meeting ordinary people so that she doesnt need to subject herself to the scrutiny of millions on a tv debate. Willies had this to say about her visit:

This upcoming election is a chance to change the direction of this country.

If voters are left with a choice between the divisive nationalist SNP and the equally damaging hard Brexit Conservatives its no wonder people are feeling dismayed at the current state of politics. These two options are as bad as each other. But there is another option and Liberal Democrats offer a progressive alternative future. A future that would keep Scotland at the heart of the UK and the UK at the heart of Europe.

The SNP are seeking to tear us out of our UK family while the Conservatives are seeking a hard Brexit which will paralyse our economy and leave us disconnected from our family in Europe. It is the Liberal Democrats that are speaking for the majority.

Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote against a hard Conservative Brexit and a divisive second independence referendum and is a vote for a more open, tolerant and united Britain.

* News Meerkat - keeping a look-out for Liberal Democrat news. Meerkat photo by Paul Walter
Paul has already shown us the pictures of Bonnie, the gorgeous cockapoo who delighted everyone on Tim Farrons visit to Cambridge the other day.

But Bonnie had a starring role in one of the funniest events of the week:

From ITV

Video footage showed Mr Farron approaching the dog, which was wearing a yellow Liberal Democrat rosette, before saying: Smell my spaniel. Mr Farron owns a black and white springer spaniel called Jasper, and often posts pictures on social media of the two of them together. It appears Mr Farron may have been suggesting that the campaigners dog could smell Jaspers scent on his clothes. We are finding Tim is going down very well in this election with canines and canine owners, one of his aides said. Jasper is up in the constituency at the moment, no doubt undertaking his Liberal Democrat delivery round with his usual diligence. We dont rule out, however, that he could be unleashed at some point nationally during the campaign as one of our secret election weapons. Jasper believes passionately that Britain should remain open, tolerant and united.

This attracted the attention of Scottish Tory Leader Ruth Davidson  to which someone we know responded:

But what of the delightful Jasper?

Here is Jasper my springer spaniel. He wants you to know that his family are standing by him at this difficult time pic.twitter.com/L6Xt6GNnWn  Tim Farron (@timfarron) April 27, 2017

* Newshound: bringing you the best Lib Dem commentary in print, on air or online.
China is at a political crossroads with a nuclear-tipped Mack truck driven by a suicidal North Korean juvenile threatening to plough into its side with disastrous consequences for Beijing and the rest of the world,

President Xi Jinping can avoid the crash. It is not inevitable. But to do so requires a major change of direction in Chinese foreign policywith some help from America

Koreas 38th Parallel is the Asian relic of the Cold War. It is also a highly visible and symbolic border which determines whether China or the United States is the major 21st century power in the Asia-Pacific region.

It was China that saved North Korea from defeat at the hands of the American-led UN forces in the early 1950s. It was China that signed a mutual defence treaty with North Korea in 1961 and it is China that provides the food and energy that enables the hereditary communist country to continue oppressing its 25 million citizens and threatening the world with nuclear holocaust.

Why? Not because of any love for Kim Jong-un or his ancestors or because North Korea is communist.



China supports North Korea because it knows that without Chinese support the Kim family business would collapse and American troops wouldit believes move from the 38th Parallel to the banks of the Yalu River and the border with China. This would be a major loss of face for Beijing and be a major blow to its bid for Asian dominance.

Chinese communism has its roots in the battle against Western Imperialism and American postwar hegemony is seen as its logical extension and the network of American military alliances and trade agreements is viewed as a thinly viled attempt to contain the Chinese dragon.

Asia for the Asians, President Xi has repeatedly said. Of course an Asia for the Asians would be an Asia dominated by Asias most populous, prosperous and militarily powerful countryChina.

Chinese support for North Korea was logical in the 50s, 60s and even the 70s when China pursued an extreme form isolationist communist. But when Deng Xiaopeng shifted China onto the capitalist road the Chinese and North Korean routes began to diverge.

China now has a major stake in the maintenance of the present world order. For a start, the United States owes Beijing more than a trillion dollars. In Beijings eyes, American has become too big to fail.

But at the same time its history has left it tied to a legacy of anti-Americanism and propping up North Korea is viewed inside and outside of China as an integral part of that policy.

Of course, successive American administrations have made it difficult for Beijing to shift from its anti-American stand. Washingtons various alliances since 1949 have indeed been a clear attempt to contain China in the same way that Americas policies in Europe were an attempt to contain the Soviet Union. And as for Obamas proposed Trans Pacific Partnership, well, Chinese exclusion only confirmed Beijings views.

President Xi can stop the crash. He can tighten the squeeze by refusing food and energy supplies to North Korea. He could even renege on the 1961 Mutual Defence Treaty as it contains a clause which commits both parties to pursue policies which maintain peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, which North Korea is clearly failing to do.

But to make the right choice the Chinese leader wants Washington to share power with Beijing in Asia Pacific. The US has refused to show willingness to do so, and Donald Trump less likely than his predecessors to be willing to do so.

It is clear that Pyongyang and Washington are indulging in dangerous brinkmanship. So are Beijing and Washington.

* Tom Arms is foreign editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and the author of The Encyclopedia of the Cold War and the recently published America Made in Britain that has sold out in the US after six weeks but is still available in the UK.
Cast your minds back to last year, when anyone travelling ulong Corstorphine Road, one of the main routes into Edinburgh, passed two offices with enormous portraits in them. In one, Alex Cole-Hamilton told people that only he could beat the SNP (and he was right). In the other, a giant image of the First Minister took centre stage.

A year on, and on Friday night, Edinburgh West members selected journalist, former special adviser and LDV contributor Christine Jardine to be their candidate in the General Election. Chosen from a 3-strong all women-shortlist, Christine has a proven record of being a fantastic communicator and campaigner.

Yesterday, her team moved into their new campaign office  the old SNP campaign hub, which is now in Lib Dem hands.

Their first job was to do some Spring cleaning:

The banner comes down on the former SNP Edinburgh West campaign HQ, as LibDems take over. Vote Christine Jardine #GE2017 . #LibDemFightBack pic.twitter.com/dFTZdhQhod  Martin Veart (@Martin_Veart) April 29, 2017

@scotlibdems took occupation of the former SNP office today. We take back rest of Edinburgh West on June 9 pic.twitter.com/zYf8mt7O6z  christine jardine (@Cajardine) April 29, 2017

It's official! We've set up #GE2017 campaign HQ in the old @theSNP office in Corstorphine, felt great to peel the FM's photo off the window! pic.twitter.com/A4qJqOCwKR  Alex Cole-Hamilton (@agcolehamilton) April 29, 2017

Any resemblance between the Nicola poster and Theresa Mays strong stable leadership narrative is, of course, entirely coincidental. The SNP and the Tories take a lot out of each others playbooks these days.

The Edinburgh West team have not stopped campaigning since the 2015 General Election. It is to be hoped that Thursdays council elections return several Lib Dem councillors to the City Chambers, including Alexs best friend and campaign manager Kevin Lang. He is standing in the Almond ward, one of the only ones where we are fielding two candidates. The decision was taken to do so only a few weeks ago, with Kevins sister Louise now standing with him. Louise was a councillor between 2007-12 and we are hopeful that they will both be elected on Thursday.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
AROUND-IRELAND sailor Chris Egan will be re-uniting with his sailing buddy Dave Bevan this weekend to recreate the odyssey they completed in 2013, a 1200-kilometre sail around Ireland.

And they will set off at high-tide from the Limerick docks this Monday during RiverFest.

Four years ago, the two men were inspired to take on the round-Ireland challenge because of their personal experience of cancer. Chris, from Ardagh, had just come through treatment for Hodkins lymphoma while Dave, from Bruff, decided to get involved because of his wifes breast cancer and his own colon cancer. And although the trip took longer because Dave, at the time, was still undergoing chemotherapy, they completed it in eight weeks and raised almost 25,000 for two cancer charities and the RNLI.

Now, the intrepid duo are off again, although Chris is now registered as officially blind, having been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosis two years ago. The condition affects the rods and cones at the back of the eyes and Chris has lost most of his vision at this stage.

It is gradual but my peripheral vision is very poor now, he explained. If I look at someone I will see either their right side or their left side but not both. I cant perceive depth or distance.

But another sailor, Jim Humphreys from Limerick has volunteered for the trip and Chris is also hoping that other sailing friends from Foynes Yacht Club will volunteer for different stages.

I am as ready as I will ever be, Chris said in advance of the weekends launch.

But as in 2013, fund-raising and personal experience is at the heart of the trip. Earlier this year, Chris began trained for a guide dog with the Irish Guide Dogs Association and discovered they were hugely reliant on donations for their work.

And it was a reasonably quick step from that to doing the round-Ireland sail, especially as Foynes Yacht Club was keen to promote sailing for people with disabilities.

A series of fund-raisers since has raised almost 11,000 for the Guide Dogs and Chris is hoping this will be boosted through fund-raisers at stops along their journey. And he is delighted Dave is now going to join him. Dave is a great campaigner.

Next Monday, about 11am at Steamboat Quay, Limerick, Chris and Dave will begin the first leg of their journey, to Foynes from where they will set off again on May 6.

Donations can be made to Gangway for Guide Dogs on the Irish Guide Dogs Association website.
THREE journalism students from the University of Limerick have secured Google News Labs Fellowships in national media organisations.

Three out of five places on offer in Irish newsrooms went to UL students.

The students, who are studying BA and MA in journalism and new media programmes in UL, will complete eight-week placements at The Irish Times, The Irish Independent and The Journal.ie.

The UL students were chosen for the Google News Lab Fellowships from hundreds of applications from journalism students across Ireland.

The Fellowships offer those excited about data driven journalism in particular opportunities to research and write stories and create timely data to accurately frame debates about issues in Ireland and around the world. Jennifer Purcell, Rosbrien, will spend her placement with The Irish Times; Cillian Sherlock, from Mayo, will work with The Irish Independent, and Andrew Roberts, originally from Melbourne, Australia, will work with The Journal.ie.

Matt Cooke, Google News Lab lead for UK, Ireland & Nordics, said they received over 1,000 student applications from across Europe. This was the first time weve offered Fellowships in Ireland specifically and hundreds of Irish students applied, said Mr Cooke.

The UL students will complete their placements this summer and receive a stipend of up to 6,000 as part of the placement.

We are thrilled to see our students win what were very highly sought-after fellowships. These positions will provide excellent launchpads for three very talented young journalists as they seek to establish themselves in the industry, said Fergal Quinn, UL journalism school.
AN Taisce in Limerick has lodged a formal objection to the 150m Northern Distributor Road, claiming if it goes ahead it will be detrimental to the centre.

With councillors set to decide next month whether to vary the development plan to allow the orbital route go ahead, the heritage body has added its voice to the opposition.

When the plan came before members in 2015, it was resoundingly defeated. But since then, the architects behind the scheme have made changes, and sources have indicated it will be more warmly received by councillors.

The road will open up Coonagh, Moyross, then cross the Shannon, bypass Corbally and traverse the Mountshannon Road before continuing to the Cappamore Junction and the Dublin Road.

A spur is proposed across the Mulcair River to provide a link to the National Technology Park, while the Northern Distributor Road would eventually continue and connect to the Mackey roundabout to allow access to the M7 motorway.

But An Taisce believes this road is only an easy fix to alleviate city centre traffic congestion, but is not backed by best practice in transport planning.

Research has consistently shown that construction of such roads does not actually lead to a reduction in congestion due to the phenomenon of induced demand.

An Taisce Limerick says, We have plenty of examples in Limerick already. Peak time congestion on the Dock Road and Condell Road has not been significantly alleviated by the construction of the Limerick Tunnel. Chronic traffic congestion at peak times still is a feature of the Childers Road, despite the construction of various distributor and link roads and the M7 east of the city.

An Taisce add the building of the road will bring increased car dependency and urban sprawl.

We believe that a peripheral ring road will inevitably encourage development on the outskirts of the city, instead of encouraging development at its heart.

But at a meeting last week on the proposed Limerick-Cork motorway, Caroline Kelleher of the Limerick Chamber pointed to an unprecedented intervention from the IDA, and bosses of three of the biggest firms in the National Technology Park at Plassey stating its need.

She said: I think its very clear its a necessary piece of infrastructure for Limerick. We have seen a number of key businesses citing it as necessary to develop Limerick. If we are talking about attracting foreign direct investment and supporting the jobs market in Limerick, its crucial. Take a look at the National Technology Park. That will not be developed further [at present] due to the congestion. We have a serious problem with that  its the regions largest business park.

Ms Kellehers comments came after Cathal McCarthy, who is opposed to the scheme questioned its need.

Referring to both projects, he said: This is an either/or choice. We have to make our mind up about what we really need. Lets pick one we definitely need and put the other on the back burner.
Apr 30, 2017, 4 AM

Unraveling the origins of the design of the Georges Guynemer stamp of 1940 leads to this 1917 photograph, taken only two days before the military flyer disappeared in combat.

Classic Stamps of the World  By Kathleen Wunderly

Its difficult to overestimate the contemporary French publics admiration for Georges Guynemer, the national hero and fighter pilot known as the Winged Sword of France during World War I.

Frances Rene Fonck was number one as far as aerial victories, but despite his 75 successes he was viewed as a self-serving braggart. Guynemer had 53 or 54 victories (depending on the source), but the physically small, frail and very young aviator was first in the hearts of his countrymen when he vanished in action in 1917.

Georges Marie Ludovic Jules Guynemer was born Dec. 24, 1894, into a wealthy family of aristocratic heritage and was sickly from childhood into young adulthood. Rejected for military service at age 20, he persisted until acceptance as an apprentice mechanic at the aviation school at Pau. After sweeping the garage and changing cylinders from August 1914 until the following January, Guynemer was accepted as an apprentice pilot.

Connect with Linns Stamp News:

Sign up for our newsletter

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Natural talent and drive propelled him through flight training, and he was licensed in mid-March 1915, joining the Escadrille (squadron) MS.3 in June. He had his first aerial victory July 19, 1915, and received his first medal. Eventually, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre, the Legion of Honor, and distinguished service medals from half a dozen nations.

By December 1915, the squadron was flying new airplanes, Nieuport 10 fighters, and renamed Escadrille N.3, known as the Storks. Guynemer had his fifth victory in February 1916, was promoted to lieutenant in March, and soon after to captain. By the end of 1916, he had 25 victories and was so influential the company making Spad fighter planes developed two new models based on his advice.

Flying a Spad VII Feb. 8, 1917, Guynemer became the first Allied pilot to shoot down a German twin-engine, heavy bomber plane. In May 1917, he brought his victory total to 45, and his father urged him to switch from flying to training pilots. He refused, not wanting to be accused of quitting because he had won all the awards.

Guynemer definitely was not a quitter; one of his famous sayings was, If one has not given everything, one has given nothing. He continued to fly, despite suffering from tuberculosis and what is now called post-traumatic stress disorder.

Guynemer, Intrepid Aviator, Goes Missing

Around 8:30 on the foggy morning of Sept. 11, 1917, Guynemer took off from Dunkirk, after which the story becomes unclear. The one certainty is that the 22-year-old aviator did not come back.

Lt. Jean Bozon-Verduraz had taken off with Guynemer and returned to Dunkirk several hours later. He reported seeing Guynemer pursuing a German observation aircraft, but then became distracted by his own battle with several Fokker planes. On Sept. 25, the French War Department in Paris officially announced that Guynemer was missing in action.

A German pilot shot down behind Canadian lines and captured Sept. 29 swore he had witnessed the crash of Guynemers plane and saw his corpse, with a bullet wound in the head and other injuries. The prisoner said the Germans who found Guynemer were driven away by Allied artillery fire before they could bury or remove his remains.

An American Red Cross report said, based on information received, the death of Capt. Guynemer was definitely confirmed, and had taken place at Poelcapelle, in Flanders, Belgium, about five miles northeast of Ypres.

The Red Cross said identification was made from a photograph on the license found in the aviators pocket, and according to a Belgian who had escaped the Germans, burial took place at Brussels in the presence of a guard of honor, composed of the 5th Prussian Division.

Burial was intended at Poelcapelle, but bombing preceding the British attack at Ypres led the burial party to flee, taking the body with them to Brussels in a special funeral car. This tale includes details about floral tributes and volleys of rifle salutes, but omits the location of the alleged gravesite.

No traces of Guynemers body or his airplane were ever found, and some found it impossible to believe that the heroic airman truly was gone.

A newspaper in Logansport, Ind., printed a story March 6, 1918, datelined Paris, Feb. 15, stating that the intelligence bureau here believed Guynemer was a prisoner in Germany, injured in the crash of his plane and confined in the hospital of a German fortress near the Russian front.

Officially, hope was given up months earlier. On Oct. 19, 1917, the French legislature eulogized Guynemer at length, and unanimously voted to mount a plaque in his honor in the Pantheon in Paris, where some of Frances greatest luminaries are buried or memorialized. The plaque calls Guynemer the purest symbol of national ideals, for his indomitable tenacity of purpose, his ferocious verve and sublime gallantry [translation].

Replying to a query from the Spanish ambassador, the German Foreign Office stated Nov. 8, 1917, that Georges Guynemer had crashed near Poelcapelle at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11. His body, identified by a surgeon, had sustained injuries including a bullet wound in the head and a broken leg. The sector authorities communicate that the shelling had plowed up the entire district, the German officials said, and that no trace could be found on September 12 of either the body or the machine.

The grim truth is that Guynemer is among the several hundred-thousands of French, German, and British soldiers whose remains are still officially missing in Flanders.

World War I was not, of course, the war to end all wars, and on June 14, 1940, the Germans entered Paris and France was under Nazi occupation. In World War I, the French government had encouraged public adulation of young, handsome Georges Guynemer as a means of boosting morale. Guynemer had never been forgotten, and postal officials seem to have decided, in 1940, he was needed again to lift morale and inspire the people.

The History of the Georges Guynemer Stamp

A two-volume collaboration, published in 1998-99 under the direction of Jean-Francois Brun, titled Le Patrimoine du Timbre-Post Francais (Heritage of the French Postage Stamp) gives the history of the stamp issued in autumn 1940 to honor Georges Guynemer (Scott 396).

The original intent was to include a Guynemer stamp in a set of semipostal stamps issued May 1, 1940, whose surtax would fund war charities. A design was prepared with a denomination of 1 franc (+50 centimes), but the decision was made to focus the set instead on World War I heroes who became marshals of France.

Thus, the designs portray Joseph J.C. Joffre (Scott B97), Ferdinand Foche (B98), Joseph S. Gallieni (B99), and, incongruously, a roughly drawn design of a woman behind a plow pulled by oxen (B100).

A Guynemer regular-issue postage stamp was authorized June 6, 1940, according to Le Patrimoine, to replace the 50-franc stamp issued June 16, 1938, honoring pioneer airman Clement Ader (Scott 348), to be withdrawn from sale Nov. 25, 1940.

A group of German philatelic officials protested against the appearance of a stamp honoring a hero of the struggle against Germany, during the time of the occupation, Le Patrimoine states [translation]. But the decision had been made before the German occupation, and the stamp had been issued by the time the protest was made, so the matter ended there.

The stamps vignette usually is described as designed and engraved by Achille Ouvre (1872-1951), who began designing French stamps at the age of 62, and based on an oil painting in Frances national military museum, Le Musee de lArmee in Paris. The museum lists the 1919 painting as a posthumous portrait of Guynemer, the work of J. Cousin Lawrence. The correct name is John Cousins Lawrence, a British painter.

Thanks to the Internet, it has been possible to piece together the rest of the story of this Guynemer image.

Lawrences portrait actually was a very literal rendering in oils of a photograph of the aviator, published in the magazine LIllustration of Sept. 29, 1917.

The caption [translated] reads, This photograph  perhaps the last portrait of the glorious aviator  was taken on September 9, two days before his disappearance, during a brief stopover which, as a result of a gasoline breakdown, he made in a Belgian aviation camp on the Flanders front.

(The magazine in question has been digitized and is available for public use through the Hathi Trust website.)

Further, the Gossip Shop column in The Bookman: A Review of Books and Life, April 1919, noted the following: The American publishers of Bordeauxs Georges Guynemer: Knight of the Air have sent the Gossip Shop a photograph of a life-size portrait in oils painted by J. Cousins Lawrence (silver medalist of the London Academy and president of the Portsmouth Art Society) from a small snapshot taken two days before Guynemers last flight. France has accepted the gift of this portrait, which will hang in the Le Musee de lArmee at Paris. The Guynemer family say it resembles the original more than any likeness they have.

The Guynemer stamp was printed by engraving in sheets of 25, in ultramarine ink color, and perforated gauge 13. It apparently was much in demand, because several France specialized stamp catalogs list it as reprinted six times between Sept. 16, 1940, and Dec. 17, 1941, for a total quantity of 937,500. The issue date is variously reported as Oct. 12, Nov. 7, or Nov. 12, 1940. It was withdrawn July 25, 1942.

Considering the quantity printed, the values cited for the Guynemer stamp in the 2017 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 are somewhat surprising: $16 for a mint example and $9 for used; $77.50 on cover, and $240 on cover as a single franking.

In relevant anniversary years, France has saluted Georges Guynemer, the nations Winged Sword of World War I. There surely will be a ceremony this Sept. 11 for the centenary of the death of one of Frances most esteemed heroes.
Between their hard shells and strong pincers, American lobsters are built to fight and keep other creatures away. But does this combative, standoffish nature extend to mating?

There are two general groups of animals called lobsters: clawed lobsters, which live in high-latitude, cold-water regions; and spiny lobsters, which are clawless and live in warmer sub-tropical waters. Clawed lobsters and spiny lobsters are not closely related.

Clawed lobsters, including the American (Maine) and European lobsters, typically live in small, hierarchical groups, said biologist Jelle Atema, who studies American lobsters at Boston University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Males vigorously fight each other to be the dominant male of the group, though its a short-lived title given that lobsters remember whom they've fought for no longer than a week.

For the most part, these contests establish which crustacean gets the best shelter  something also important for females. "Females fight just as much as males," Atema told Live Science. "We think they have a dominance hierarchy, as well."

The soap opera

Female lobsters will usually mate only after they molt, which typically occurs during the warm, summer months, particularly the middle of June. If a female were to mate with her hard shell on and then molt sometime afterward, she may lose stored sperm, which she keeps in a receptacle at the bottom of her thorax, or she could even lose fertilized eggs, which she holds underneath her tail.

How often a female will molt  and be receptive to mating  depends on her size, with the smallest of mature females molting every year and the largest every several years, Atema said.

As the female nears molting time, she will search for a suitable partner. While sitting in their rock shelters, males will use the swimmerets (appendages resembling small fins) under their abdomens to create powerful currents that shoot out into the environment. These currents are loaded with chemical cues that attract females looking to mate.

Females appear to know who is the dominant male in a group, possibly by his odor or physical size, Atema said. If a female impatiently decides to go into the shelter of a subordinate male (because the dominant male is already shacked up with another female, for example), the dominant male may eventually come by and kick the subordinate male out of his home, possibly resulting in the female losing out on her mating chances or from being protected while she molts.

"It's sort of like a soap opera," Atema said.

Lobsters, by nature, are aggressive and territorial, but females have a crafty weapon up their shells: pheromones, which not only reduce male aggression but also reflexively close males' claws.

After wafting her pheromone-laced urine into the dominant male's shelter, the female will eventually work up the courage to enter his domain. In the male's shelter, the pair will playfully "box" or tap each other's claws, and then hang out peacefully until the female is ready to molt, possibly a few days later.

A tender affair

Mating among lobsters is a tender, human-like affair.

"When it's time to molt, the female does something very remarkable," Atema said. "She will go up to the male and place her claws on his so-called shoulders  next to the eyeballs on top of the carapace  and then take her claws back." This gentle act tells the male that she is ready to molt and mate.

The female will then lie on her side, shrink her soft body away from her exoskeletonshell, and then slip out of her shell, a process that takes about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, the male stands over her, touching her with his antennae and smelling her.

Once "undressed," the female will lie down right-side up with her abdomen and claws stretched out. The male will carefully begin to mount her and, using his walking legs and mouth parts, will turn the female over so that she is splayed out on her back. He'll then insert his first pair of spinnerets into the female's seminal receptacle cavity for a few second to pass his sperm to her.

After mating, the female will absorb water to grow in size and prepare for her new, larger shell to harden over. She'll spend the next week or so in the male's den while her shell hardens. Once armored, the female leaves the male's home, making way for another female to take her turn.

Many months later, the female will push thousands of eggs out of her ovaries and through the sperm receptacle, where they're fertilized. She'll carry these eggs, glued to the bottom of her tail, for the next 9 to 11 months.

Follow Joseph Castro on Twitter. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+.
Cultures without numbers, or with only one or two precise numbers, include the Piraha (shown here), who live along the sinuous banks of the black Maici River in Amazonia.

This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

Numbers do not exist in all cultures. There are numberless hunter-gatherers embedded deep in Amazonia, living along branches of the world's largest river tree. Instead of using words for precise quantities, these people rely exclusively on terms analogous to "a few" or "some."

In contrast, our own lives are governed by numbers. As you read this, you are likely aware of what time it is, how old you are, your checking account balance, your weight and so on. The exact (and exacting) numbers we think with impact everything from our schedules to our self-esteem.

But, in a historical sense, numerically fixated people like us are the unusual ones. For the bulk of our species' approximately 200,000-year lifespan, we had no means of precisely representing quantities. What's more, the 7,000 or so languages that exist today vary dramatically in how they utilize numbers.

Speakers of anumeric, or numberless, languages offer a window into how the invention of numbers reshaped the human experience. In a new book, I explore the ways in which humans invented numbers, and how numbers subsequently played a critical role in other milestones, from the advent of agriculture to the genesis of writing.

Numberless cultures

Cultures without numbers, or with only one or two precise numbers, include the Munduruku and Piraha in Amazonia. Researchers have also studied some adults in Nicaragua who were never taught number words.

Without numbers, healthy human adults struggle to precisely differentiate and recall quantities as low as four. In an experiment, a researcher will place nuts into a can one at a time, then remove them one by one. The person watching is asked to signal when all the nuts have been removed. Responses suggest that anumeric people have some trouble keeping track of how many nuts remain in the can, even if there are only four or five in total.

This and many other experiments have converged upon a simple conclusion: When people do not have number words, they struggle to make quantitative distinctions that probably seem natural to someone like you or me. While only a small portion of the world's languages are anumeric or nearly anumeric, they demonstrate that number words are not a human universal.

It is worth stressing that these anumeric people are cognitively normal, well-adapted to the environs they have dominated for centuries. As the child of missionaries, I spent some of my youth living with anumeric indigenous people, the aforementioned Piraha who live along the sinuous banks of the black Maici River. Like other outsiders, I was continually impressed by their superior understanding of the riverine ecology we shared.

Yet numberless people struggle with tasks that require precise discrimination between quantities. Perhaps this should be unsurprising. After all, without counting, how can someone tell whether there are, say, seven or eight coconuts in a tree? Such seemingly straightforward distinctions become blurry through numberless eyes.

Children and animals

This conclusion is echoed by work with anumeric children in industrialized societies.

Prior to being spoon-fed number words, children can only approximately discriminate quantities beyond three. We must be handed the cognitive tools of numbers before we can consistently and easily recognize higher quantities.

In fact, acquiring the exact meaning of number words is a painstaking process that takes children years. Initially, kids learn numbers much like they learn letters. They recognize that numbers are organized sequentially, but have little awareness of what each individual number means. With time, they start to understand that a given number represents a quantity greater by one than the preceding number. This "successor principle" is part of the foundation of our numerical cognition, but requires extensive practice to understand.

None of us, then, is really a "numbers person." We are not predisposed to handle quantitative distinctions adroitly. In the absence of the cultural traditions that infuse our lives with numbers from infancy, we would all struggle with even basic quantitative distinctions.

Number words and written numerals transform our quantitative reasoning as they are coaxed into our cognitive experience by our parents, peers and school teachers. The process seems so normal that we sometimes think of it as a natural part of growing up, but it is not. Human brains come equipped with certain quantitative instincts that are refined with age, but these instincts are very limited. For instance, even at birth we are capable of distinguishing between two markedly different quantities  for instance, eight from 16 things.

But we are not the only species capable of such abstractions. Compared to chimps and other primates, our numerical instincts are not as remarkable as many presume. We even share some basic instinctual quantitative reasoning with distant nonmammalian relatives like birds. Indeed, work with some other species, including parrots, suggests they too can refine their quantitative thought if they are introduced to the cognitive power tools we call numbers.

The birth of numbers

So, how did we ever invent "unnatural" numbers in the first place?

The answer is, literally, at your fingertips. The bulk of the world's languages use base-10, base-20 or base-5 number systems. That is, these smaller numbers are the basis of larger numbers. English is a base-10 or decimal language, as evidenced by words like 14 ("four" + "10") and 31 ("three" x "10" + "one").

We speak a decimal language because an ancestral tongue, proto-Indo-European, was decimally based. Proto-Indo-European was decimally oriented because, as in so many cultures, our linguistic ancestors' hands served as the gateway to realizations like "five fingers on this hand is the same as five fingers on that hand." Such transient thoughts were manifested into words and passed down across generations. This is why the word "five" in many languages is derived from the word for "hand."

Most number systems, then, are the by-product of two key factors: the human capacity for language and our propensity for focusing on our hands and fingers. This manual fixation  an indirect by-product of walking upright on two legs  has helped yield numbers in most cultures, but not all.

Cultures without numbers also offer insight into the cognitive influence of particular numeric traditions. Consider what time it is. Your day is ruled by minutes and seconds, but these entities are not real in any physical sense and are nonexistent to numberless people. Minutes and seconds are the verbal and written vestiges of an uncommon base-60 number system used in Mesopotamia millennia ago. They reside in our minds, numerical artifacts that not all humans inherit conceptually.

Research on the language of numbers shows, more and more, that one of our species' key characteristics is tremendous linguistic and cognitive diversity. While there are undoubtedly cognitive commonalities across all human populations, our radically varied cultures foster profoundly different cognitive experiences. If we are to truly understand how much our cognitive lives differ cross-culturally, we must continually sound the depths of our species' linguistic diversity.

Caleb Everett, Andrew Carnegie Fellow, Professor of Anthropology, University of Miami

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
A suspected drunk driver was arrested after allegedly leading Laredo police on a chase, authorities said.

Anthony Nieto, 49, was charged with evading arrest with a vehicle and driving while intoxicated, refusal.

At 1:25 a.m. Tuesday, an officer said he saw a black sport utility vehicle speed through the traffic light at Santa Maria Avenue and Park Street. A chase ensued when the driver refused to stop, according to police.

At one point, the driver drove the wrong way along Santa Rita Avenue. Police momentarily lost sight of the vehicle. A backup officer caught up to the vehicle while traveling east on Park Street.

The driver stopped at the intersection of Poggenpohl Street and San Eduardo Avenue. Police identified him as Nieto. His breath smelled of alcohol and he had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, according to police.

Nieto refused to take a field sobriety test as well as the Breathalyzer, LPD said.
A woman landed behind bars after her 4-year-old son climbed onto the roof of a home while she was asleep, according to Laredo police.

Karina Belen de la Cruz, 32, was charged with endangerment of a child by criminal negligence.

At 8:39 a.m. Wednesday, a Laredo police officer responded to reports of a child playing with electric wires on the roof of a residence in the 600 block of Bruni Street.

Upon arrival, he saw a boy covered in mud on top of a cement porch with no railings. The officer noticed a balcony led to an open window from a room.

He asked the child to go back inside through the window. The child complied. He could hear the child scream several times in Spanish, Mom, the police is outside, according to reports.

The boy opened the door for the officer and told him his mother was upstairs asleep.

Police said they found her and a man. Both appeared to be under the influence, according to LPD.

Police said the boy ran to give his mother a hug.

The female seemed unresponsive for a few seconds and unaware that the child was covered head to toe in mud, states the LPD report.

De la Cruz was taken into custody. Her son was turned over to relatives, according to police.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The sound of gunshots and cannon fire were heard on the morning of April 29 at the Oak Shade Cemetery in Cleveland as a group gathered to honor two Civil War veterans in a grave dedication.

They honored the lives of Corporal David Crockett Ellington and Private James Kirkham, both of whom served the Confederacy and are ancestors of the Kirkham family.

"They were both prisoners of war," said Kem Arnold, whose father Lloyd Kirkham is a member of the Company D Spaight's Battalion Camp 2241. "April is Confederate heritage month and that is when they do their grave dedication."

Spaight's Battalion is a group under the Sons of Confederate Veterans. They are based in Silsbee, Texas, and do reenactments of Civil War era war practices.

The ceremony began with Arnold giving information about James Kirkham's life and time serving the Confederacy.

Kirkham enlisted in the Confederate army on April 10, 1862, at the age of 21 in Company F of Spaight's Battalion. He was discharged in May of 1865 in Liberty, Texas, and died in 1912.

"James was captured at the Battle of Fort Hudson at Port Hudson outside of Vicksburg in 1863 and was among 30,000 soldiers that [Ulysses] Grant paroled because he didn't have the ability to keep the captured soldiers or send them north," said Arnold.

Edie Lang discussed Ellington's life, from his birth on Feb. 14, 1838 in Jackson, Miss., and enlistment on March 15, 1862, in Company E 25th Regiment of the Texas Calvary.

Ellington was among the Confederate soldiers captured at Ft. Hindman, Ark., and was eventually returned to his regiment in December 1864. He was discharged the following year and died in 1923.

Larry Figley of T. J. Gore Camp 2129 led part of the ceremony and discussed the importance of the first portion known as the Black Rose Ceremony.

The Black Rose Ceremony is named after Rose O'Neal Greenhow in honor of her service to the Confederacy as a spy.

A group of women dressed in black including veils placed roses and paid their respects on the graves of Kirkham and Ellington, representing the mourning of those who lose a loved one to war.

"We feel the loss by each woman," said Figley.

Camp 2241 Commander Herbert Jacks led a group of his company to honor the veterans by firing their rifles three times. A small cannon was also fired after each round of rifle fire.

The next ceremony is the Canteen Ceremony with two members of Camp 2241 taking turns sipping water out of a canteen before pouring the rest of the water onto the graves to signify the "last drink" for the soldiers.

"It's a sign of compassion and respect," said Jacks.

Lloyd Kirkham thanked everyone for coming out to the grave dedication and concluded by asking God to bless the south.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

There was a feverish scramble in the halls of Liberty Middle School last Friday. Students and their teachers were working quickly around the cleaning crew to finish last-minute details and posting displays in preparation for their Fifth Annual Fine Arts Gala. The faculty practically turned the school upside down with their many artistic displays of as many arts presentations they could cram into a 90-minute time frame.

"This is the combination of visual and presenting arts coming together to put on a big evening showcasing all of our student's talents and the things they have been able to accomplish throughout the year," said Melissa Waller, computer graphic arts teacher - yes, computer.

Waller was quickly assembling the final display and stapling students work as quickly as she could to get prepared for the flow of parents and community members attending the gala.

Why is a computer class part of a fine arts gala?

"We do a lot of graphic design - things on the computer where we create artwork digitally. It's really quite difficult to do," Waller said.

The relatively new genre requires students to think in a different way - digitally.

"We contribute fractured landscapes where they use a paint software program. They'll use the line or pencil tool to draw different shapes to make it look like stained glass, but digitally," she said.

In addition, the students use a desktop publishing program called Microsoft Publisher to create movie posters using images they find on the internet.

"We manipulate them, crop them, remove backgrounds, take bits and pieces from 10-plus images to create one unique image," Waller said.

Students do their research and add the movie credits to the poster as well.

Students also took photography classes where they learned landscapes, portraits and macro photography.

"They had to learn the elements of photography and then go out and take the portraits and then we put them into a photo editing software program called Photos that comes with Microsoft Windows," the teacher described. "They're able to manipulate the photos changing tones, levels, saturation, brightness, contrast and more. Then they add vignettes which are basically faded black borders around the corners to enhance the visual effect of the photo."

This year she added DVD cases or jewel box covers.

The students brought a DVD case from home and then created their very own DVD case for an existing movie.

"It's similar to the movie posters, both going hand in hand, but showcases a different side of graphic design," she said. "They have to be very precise in where they put the design on the spine so when you fold it it's in the correct spot."

Waller also set the standard high telling her students that the design had to look professional, not like what a middle-schooler might do.

Students were also required to do a three-dimensional drawing of the wild west. Some included hitching rails or water towers in their photos.

"I introduce the project and then I give them some parameters on what they must include," Waller said.

For the wild west challenge, they had to include three buildings, a sidewalk, a background and a foreground and five other elements - windows, wood texture to walls, water tower, sign, cactus, tumbleweed, horse or a person or a watering trough. Any of those could be included in the scope of the project.

The students in Angela Brooks art classes are learning line art, water colors, oils, and pastels among the many art skills in drawing and painting.

Brooks was finishing up a display featuring the Feathered Friends Contest sponsored by the Trinity River Wild Life Refuge.

"All of them were free-handed and the students could get their ideas off the Internet or from wildlife itself," Brooks said.

She explained a representative from Trinity River Wildlife Refuge came out and spoke to the students about migratory birds. The criteria were to pick a bird that was native to North America that migrated back and forth. Students had to give the name of the bird in their submissions and complete the project within a one week time period.

Reese Campbell won first place in the Feathered Friends contest with his cardinal, while Perla Perez grabbed second place and Manuel Freeman third place.

Brooks is in her first year as art teacher for the middle school and enjoying every bit of it.

"My degree is in art. I'm from Louisiana and went to Louisiana State University (LSU). When I came to Texas, not only did I get an art certification, but a generalist certification so I was hired to teach sixth and seventh grade social studies," she said.

Now she has returned to her first love.

"I love it! This is my joy. I love being creative and adding color to my classroom and the school," she said.

The Feathered Friends contest was only one of four the students participated in. They also competed in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Contest, the Texas State Fair Art Contest, and the Trinity Valley Exposition art contest.

Brooks boasts 120 students in her art classes while Waller has 90 in computer graphic arts. Waller also has the yearbook and newspaper classes.

The showcase featured every aspect of fine arts throughout the school including live performances by the jazz band and the choir.
As a musician, Mohammed Fairouz travels to other countries frequently.

Usually, there's no problem.

But recently, after getting off an eight-hour flight from London, immigration officials at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York stopped him, Fairouz said. He was told to go into a room, where he stayed for several hours without knowing why he was there.

Fairouz, an American who was born in the United Arab Emirates, told The Washington Post that he was given no reason for his detention, other than his Muslim name.

In a statement, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the agency cannot talk about individuals but said people entering the United States, including American citizens, must prove that they're eligible to enter or re-enter the country.

The agency added that customs officers "strive to treat all people arriving in the country with dignity and respect."

But for Fairouz, detaining someone for hours without explaining why isn't "an ideal way to treat people."

"Other countries have a dedicated line for their citizens and residents. Those lines are designed to expedite the process of getting passports stamped so that entry is as seamless as possible. The stamp is often punctuated by someone saying 'Welcome home,' " Fairouz wrote in a column published Friday by the Independent, a British online newspaper. "Indeed, many have this experience in the United States - but not me. The behavior that I experienced and witnessed is behavior that distinguishes the United States in the most embarrassing way possible."

Fairouz said he arrived at the New York airport about 11 p.m. Monday after spending a few days in Britain, where he recorded a string orchestra.

As he made his way out of the airport, he walked to a machine on which he scanned his passport and entered his fingerprint. A customs officer then told him he needed to go through additional screening and escorted him to a room. There, he and dozens of other people waited, while officers told them periodically that nobody could leave without clearance, Fairouz said. They were not allowed to use their phones or access their belongings.

When he was allowed to leave almost four hours later, he still did not know why he was detained, Fairouz said. All he was told, he said, is that his name is "super common."

"Yes, my name is common but my fingerprints are not," Fairouz wrote in his column. "So I didn't feel like I was getting the whole story."

In February, Muhammad Ali Jr., son of the late boxer Muhammad Ali, and his mother were detained at a Florida airport and asked about their religion after they returned from Jamaica. A family spokesman told The Washington Post that the two were stopped by officers with Customs and Border Protection because of their "Arabic-sounding names."

The following month, Ali was detained again, this time at Reagan National Airport outside Washington. Ali and his mother had come to the District to lobby against racial profiling - a response to what happened to him in Florida.

The incidents involving Fairouz and the Alis happened not long after President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning citizens of some predominantly Muslim countries from coming to the United States. Many found themselves trapped at airports across the country after the president signed his order in January. Federal courts have since blocked enforcement of Trump's entry ban, as well as a watered-down version of it.

Fairouz said he does not want to jump to conclusions or blame the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies for his detention. He believes the problem is more systemic than racial.

"I am not attacking Donald Trump. I'm pretty sure this was happening during the Obama administration," he said. "I'm not making a racial argument. What I'm saying is that we have a f----- up system and they're treating people very, very badly."

He said the experience has left him feeling more sad than angry that it happened in the United States, his home.

"It is very distressing when you're in the middle of it. It causes a lot of stress, a lot of exhaustion and a lot of humiliation to people," he said. "I just don't think people should be going through this when they travel if they don't have any criminal intent, no criminal record, and have never been arrested before."

Since Fairouz, who is based in New York City, spoke out about his experience, some on social media have accused him of seeking his 15 minutes of fame.

"Fake news," a Twitter user said.

But Fairouz, an internationally renowned composer whose music has been performed at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center, said he wants to shed light on a problem.

Fairouz's work has been reviewed by The Post, the New York Times, CNN, the Los Angeles Times and the National, a United Arab Emirates publication.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

CARACAS, Venezuela - 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, he's 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 Castillo's block supports the government anymore, she said. "Now, those who remain 'chavistas' are just the radicals."

As the country's 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 Venezuela's economic collapse and the government's increasingly authoritarian rule. But Venezuelans from longtime chavista strongholds are starting to join them, at considerable risk. Residents of Castillo's neighborhood protested openly against Maduro for the first time this week.

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 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 it's already happening.

On several occasions this month, a pattern has emerged, in which mostly middle-class Venezuelans and student activists swarm the capital's 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 like electricity and water are frequently shut off, residents built barricades of flaming debris in the streets this 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. "There's 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 people's lives."

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.

With the world's largest oil reserves, Venezuela used to be one of Latin America's most prosperous nations. Now it's 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 country's leading universities found three-fourths of Venezuelans lost weight last year, by an average of 19 pounds.

Aware that mass hunger will hasten Maduro's 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, whom the government 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 you're an opposition activist, it's very risky to dissent in the barrios."

The government is losing the hearts and minds of Venezuela's 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 88 percent of Venezuelans are unhappy with the government.

"The Venezuelans living in those neighborhoods want change, too," Leon said. "But they don't 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 Caracas's 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 Venezuela's 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 won't make a difference.

"We're almost reaching a month of protests, and it's done nothing," said Xavier Hernandez, 23, a motorcycle-taxi driver who lives in El Guarataro. "I'm not going to risk my life for it," he said.

---

Miroff reported from Bogota, Colombia.
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Things went very well for President Rodrigo Duterte as the Philippines put on the 30th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which ended early Sunday morning in Manila.

None of the other nine members of the regional bloc chose to press the host on a brutal drug war that has led to thousands of deaths, as Amnesty International urged them to do this week. On the contrary, he was able to bask in the spotlight as he hosted a press conference late Saturday, cracking jokes and posing for selfies as he casually bragged that he expected a call from President Donald Trump after dinner.

On the thorny issue of Chinese expansion in the South China Sea, ASEAN released a statement with no reference to a 2016 U.N. ruling against Beijing, signaling many of Southeast Asia's leaders agree with Duterte's warmer approach to China.

Then, the White House itself delivered the piece de resistance in Duterte's show of power and influence, confirming Trump had spoken with Duterte and invited him to the White House. Rather than mention the estimated 8,000 dead in the drug war since Duterte took office or widespread accusations of extra-judicial killings, the White House said in a statement that the two leaders discussed "the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries around the world."

Analysts said that many of Duterte's neighbors are willing to go along with his approach because they put the economic benefits Beijing can offer above geopolitical concerns, and it's still not clear to many leaders how the Trump's government will actually interact with the region.

On a recent visit to Indonesia, the largest country in Southeast Asia, Vice President Mike Pence announced that Trump will attend an ASEAN meeting in November, which the Philippines will also host in its role as rotating chair.

"Given the structure of ASEAN, it was never likely that other members would publicly take a stand on Duterte's alleged abuses," said Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, a professor at Ateneo de Manila university studying regional geopolitics, pointing out that respect for human rights and democracy was far from universal in the Southeast Asia. "But the South China Sea issue is a fundamental issue for ASEAN, and Duterte's more conciliatory tone resonates with a number of countries. First, there are obvious economic benefits to working with China, while we don't know which of Trump's rhetoric will lead to real policy here. At the same time, direct confrontation and even a successful (U.N.) arbitration process did not actually stop China from expanding just as they intended, and there's some loss of confidence in the capability of the U.S. to provide regional security."

It is unlikely there was unanimous support for soft-pedaling Chinese land reclamation and militarization, however. Agence France-Press reported Saturday that Duterte was facing pushback on the final statement, which was released much later than planned. "It can't be seen that ASEAN has totally given in to Chinese pressure," one diplomat reportedly told AFP.

Vietnam has traditionally been the most vocal in opposition to Chinese expansion, while Singapore, Indonesia and sometimes Brunei have more quietly expressed concerns, said Evan A. Laksmana, an international security researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Jakarta.

The White House statement, released just as Duterte apparently pushed his region closer to China, has been hard to interpret here.

"Given the hugely controversial nature of Duterte's approach to eradicating drugs, the White House statement could be seen as implicit support, but perhaps is better understood as offering common ground for engaging with Duterte," said Natalie Sambhi, a research fellow at the Perth USAsia Center in Australia. "The ASEAN Chairman's statement will no doubt be disappointing to the Southeast Asian states looking for a stronger and more united front on China's militarization."

As the U.S. and China grapple for influence in the 21st century, Southeast Asia may be facing a choice between a known and an unknown quantity, Laksmana said.

"Many countries in the region deeply feel the need for infrastructure and economic development," which is something China can provide, he said. "But Washington is in a holding pattern, and Southeast Asia has noticed that Washington is in a holding pattern."
WASHINGTON - It was late April, but Molly Gibbs still wasn't quite sure.

"I think I'll be OK, either way, with whatever school I go with," Gibbs said. "And I think I'll find the school that's right for me. But it's just, I'd like to find the best school for me. And it's such a stressful decision."

Gibbs, 19, from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was trying to decide between Syracuse University in upstate New York and George Washington University in D.C., where she was visiting that day. They are very different schools, offering two very different experiences. And Gibbs, who intends to study photojournalism, was torn.

"I have no clue," said Gibbs, when asked which way she was leaning. "I thought I was going to go to Syracuse, and now I could toss a coin. Which I might do."

For college-bound teenagers across the country, this might sound familiar. Students spend months - years, even - working to present the best version of themselves to colleges. And in the spring of their senior year of high school, things change. They know where they are accepted. They know the options available to them. Now, they just have to pick one by Monday, May 1, the deadline for sending a deposit to secure a seat in most selective schools.

"We've made our choice," said Costas Solomou, GWU's dean of admissions. "Now it's their turn to make their choice."

For some, that is harder than it sounds.

This is the closing stretch for colleges and universities, too, a time when some try to showcase what they offer. GWU holds events for admitted students like Gibbs, welcoming them and their families to campus.

The private university, with about 11,100 undergraduates, allows admitted students a chance to scope out its urban campus, meet with members of student organizations and sit through lectures. School officials say their goal isn't really to convince kids to attend GWU. It's to give an authentic representation, so students can make a good choice.

"I wouldn't call it a pitch, right? Because I think, this isn't a sales experience," said Laurie Koehler, the university's vice provost for enrollment management and retention. "This is students making decisions that are really important in their lives. And so what we try to do is present a lot of different aspects of life at GW to help them assess whether it feels right to them."

The stakes are high for colleges as they wait to see whether offers of admission lead to enrollment deposits. At GWU, federal data show that 28 percent of students offered admission in 2015 accepted a slot. That is known as the yield rate. In 2011, GWU's yield was higher: 35 percent.

Asked why the university's yield declined, Koehler said the university is recruiting stronger and more diverse group of students these days. She also said that college-bound students across the country are applying to many schools. When students have more offers, the yield will drop.

"They are key drivers of what appears to be a decline in the percentage of students accepting our offers," Koehler said. "Now would I love it if we had all those things going on and our yield was going up? Absolutely. I think our focus has been on making sure we're presenting an authentic representation of GW to prospective students and their families and the world."

She said the yield dip was "absolutely something that I pay attention to, and I'm aware of."

The federal data show that the yield rate has declined at other schools too: Reed College's yield fell from 31 percent in 2011 to 22 percent in 2015, and the yield at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill fell from 52 percent to 43 percent yield in that time.

In recent years, GWU has surveyed admitted students and found that a growing share are applying to 10 or more schools.

"That's a trend nationally also: students applying to more schools," Koehler said. "So we're seeing it in the real world, and what impact does that have on predicting yield, predicting behavior? Because you don't know if you're no. 1 on their list or no. 10 on their list. So that's always a challenge."

More than 27,000 students applied to GWU to join its freshman class in the fall, the university said. As of March 31, 11,000 had been admitted. The target size for the class of 2021 was between 2,500 to 2,600 students. In April, about 2,000 students attended programs for those offered admission.

When high school juniors visit a campus, colleges are trying to introduce themselves and hope that the students will apply. But when admitted students visit, the calculations change. Colleges know that they are in the running. They want students to find the best fit - and maybe that will happen on their campus.

"And so there is a level of pressure," Koehler said. "You pray for good weather, all the things you can't control. So I think that does exacerbate the level of pressure we feel. But also, it's really fun."

At these events, admissions officers get to meet students whose names and stories they recognize from files they had pored over. When students say they are ready to make a deposit, "that's really exciting," Koehler said.

During these events, GWU tries to encourage the admitted students to meet with current students and with faculty. Parents peel off so that their children can feel comfortable asking questions without mom or dad hovering. That helps the parents, too. They can raise any concerns without embarrassing their kids.

"We want them engaged in ways they can see themselves doing research, being in the classroom, engaging their peers," Solomou said. "We want them to have that experience."

One April morning, that experience included a lecture on Senate filibusters from Sarah Binder, a political science professor.

Binder played a clip from "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," and footage of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn. She asked questions, and the teens, who were paying attention to the presentation, answered.

"I have a pretty good idea that I do want to go to this school," said Robert Carter, an 18-year-old in the audience who was wearing a tie. "So I'm just looking to have that confirmed and be confident that yes, this is where I want to go."

Carter, from Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, said he had also been accepted at the University of Florida. He plans to major in criminal justice - not politics, an obvious selling point for GWU - but said he "loved" the lecture. He thought the school had "great programs" and could help him find employment after he graduated.

Reached by phone a few days later, Carter said that he had submitted a deposit and was "definitely" going to GWU.

In fact, he said he had submitted the deposit before going to the event. The day on campus clinched it for him. "I was just trying to make sure, you know? I had a good idea I was going there, so I put in the deposit. I just wanted to make sure."
French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's attempt to offer reassurances on her euro exit policy shows how voter attachment to the single currency represents one of her most difficult electoral hurdles.

With a week to go in the campaign, Le Pen appeared to step back from her single most distinct policy, saying Saturday that there was no rush on a euro exit. Then Sunday, in an interview with Le Parisien newspaper, she said "the euro is dead" and that she still wants to have two currencies -- one for daily use by the population and one for international trade.

In fact, if anything has changed, it's timing. National Front lawmaker Marion Marechal-Le Pen said that her aunt would wait until after Italian elections next year before pulling France out of the euro.

"The only thing that's changed is the timetable," Bernard Monot, one of Le Pen's top economic advisers, said in an interview. "The goal is to recover competitiveness of about 20 percent between France and Germany that was stolen when the euro was created."

After months of campaigning, Le Pen and pro-European centrist Emmanuel Macron became the finalists in France's presidential race last week. Voters face a choice between them on May 7 to replace Francois Hollande as head of state.

Though Macron has consistently led in the polls, his margin has slipped in recent days as Le Pen pulls out all the stops to secure the first-ever presidential election victory of the far-right party built up by her father since 1972. Macron, a 39-year-old former economy minister, currently has the support of 59.5 percent of voters, compared with 40.5 percent percent for Le Pen, according to Bloomberg's composite of French polls.

For Le Pen, who has sought to distance the National Front from its roots in racism and Holocaust denial, opposition to the euro may effectively create a glass ceiling. Polls regularly show that more than 70 percent of the population want to retain the currency.

"The euro is a real thorn in her side," said Jean-Yves Camus, a researcher with the Fondation Jean Jaures. "It's what keeps a lot of traditional right-wing and older voters from backing her."

Macron's allies and officials sought to drive home the danger of an anti-European Union approach in radio and television interviews Sunday.

"She wants to demolish the euro," Pau Mayor Francois Bayrou said on RTL radio. "No secondary questions should distract us from that."

The late attempt to reassure voters on the policy is a political sham, he said. "Her entire program rests on a single idea: returning to a French central bank that can infuse money into the economy," he said. "It's crazy but there is a certain logic behind it. Then seven days before election, all of sudden the candidate tries to remove this piece of the puzzle."

Monot downplayed concerns, noting that Le Pen wants to re-create the European Monetary System so that national currencies would float against each other within given bands. The newly created franc would be issued at parity to the euro, he said.

"It can all be done without radicalism, without brutality," he said. French voters' savings will be intact and the country will escape the "totalitarian" demands of euro membership, in Monot's view.

For many economists, the end result is the same.

"What it would mean would be that the European Union would explode, that's the logical conclusion," said Philippe Waechter, chief economist at Natixis Asset Management in Paris.

Both Le Pen and Macron are scheduled to appear in separate interviews on France 2 Television during the 8 p.m. newscast Sunday.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Istanbul

Tensions rose Saturday along the Turkish-Syrian border as both Turkey and the U.S. moved armored 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 armored vehicles in Syria in Kurdish areas. Kurdish officials describe U.S. troop movement as a "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.
Reviving a controversial theme that President Donald Trump brought up on the campaign trail, Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Sunday that the administration has "looked at" potential changes to libel laws that would make it easier for Trump to sue news organizations that criticize him.

"I think it's something that we've looked at," Priebus told Jonathan Karl on ABC's "This Week."

"How that gets executed or whether that goes anywhere is a different story," he added.

Priebus criticized "articles out there that have no basis or fact" and alluded to reports on cable news stations about contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russia.

Priebus said the media needs "to be more responsible with how they report the news."

Priebus' statements were aired just hours after the White House correspondents' dinner, an event Trump boycotted.

Trump is a public official - the most public of officials in the world. To sue, he would have to meet a high bar to prove that journalists, their news organizations or anyone else had met the judicial standard of actual malice when criticizing him.

But he has been talking about changing the law for months.

On the campaign trail, at a rally in Texas, Trump initially floated the idea to "open up" federal libel laws, making it easier to sue journalists and outlets that criticize him - like the New York Times and The Washington Post. In June, he banned Post reporters from campaign events.

As The Post's Callum Borchers wrote after that rally, changing libel laws is a long shot, and something the president can't unilaterally do:

"It's hard to imagine any serious debate about an attempt to alter libel laws, however; such an effort would clearly exceed Trump's - or any president's - authority.

"Alternatively, Trump could simply use the bully pulpit to promote a culture of frivolous libel suits that ultimately wouldn't go anywhere but would force media companies to spend precious resources on defending themselves. If his goal is to cause news outlets to lose money, Trump could conceivably achieve that objective without changing any laws at all.

" Through judicial appointments, Trump could theoretically reverse decades of legal precedent that requires a public figure like him to prove 'actual malice' in a libel case."

Trump has threatened legal action against news organizations before. As a candidate, he warned that he would sue the New York Times after the newspaper printed stories about unwanted sexual advances Trump was accused of making toward several women.

In a response, the newspaper's attorney wrote: "We did what the law allows: We published newsworthy information about a subject of deep public concern. If Mr. Trump disagrees, if he believes that American citizens had no right to hear what these women had to say and that the law of this country forces us and those who would dare to criticize him to stand silent or be punished, we welcome the opportunity to have a court set him straight."

Read more:

The president accused Obama of 'McCarthyism.' But Trump's mentor helped enforce it.

This beauty queen was the face of a fake news website. She says she had no idea.

Nixon's former attorney sees 'echoes of Watergate' in President Trump's first month

'Morning Joe' host says Kellyanne Conway was banned because 'everything she said was disproven'
President Donald Trump did not appear to be ruling out military action against North Korea if the communist country pushes forward with another nuclear test.

In an interview with CBS News's John Dickerson that aired Sunday on "Face the Nation," Trump said he would not be pleased if North Korea takes that step.

"He's going to have to do what he has to do. But he understands we're not going to be very happy," Trump said of the country's leader, Kim Jong Un.

Pressed by Dickerson on whether he means there could be military action, Trump did not confirm, but he also did not deny.

"I don't know," he said. "I mean, we'll see."

The president also emphasized China's role in putting pressure on North Korea and said he has established a good relationship with President Xi Jinping.

"I don't think they want to see a destabilized North Korea. I don't think they want to see it. They certainly don't want to see nuclear on - from their neighbor," he said of China. "They haven't liked it for a long time. But we'll see what happens. The relationship I have with China, it's been already acclaimed as being something very special, something very different than we've ever had. But again, you know, we'll find out whether or not President Xi is able to effect change."

Trump's comments come at a time when North Korea continues to flaunt signs of military strength, including missiles that are, theoretically, powerful enough to reach the United States.

Meanwhile, conflicting ideas on how to deal with the threat from North Korea have emerged from Washington and China.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday walked back from statements of possible U.S. military action, even offering aid to North Korea if it would end its nuclear weapons programs, the Associated Press reported. Tillerson's suggestions also included restarting negotiations with North Korea and fully enforcing economic sanctions on Pyongyang.

Despite Tillerson's statements about imposing sanctions, China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, did not talk about punitive steps his country might consider, according to the AP. Instead, he raised the possibility of North Korea suspending its nuclear and missile activities, and the United States and South Korea halting military drills in the region. The two countries rejected the idea.

Shortly before Trump's CBS interview aired, North Korea fired another ballistic missile - the 75th since Kim Jong Un assumed power in 2011 - early Saturday morning, but it exploded almost immediately. Trump then took to Twitter, saying North Korea "disrespected" China's wishes.

Asked about North Korea's recent failed missile launch attempts, Trump said he'd rather not discuss the matter, because he does not want to reveal his next move. But he said the United States cannot allow North Korea to have a better nuclear arsenal.

"It is a chess game. I just don't want people to know what my thinking is. So, eventually, he will have a better delivery system. And if that happens, we can't allow it to happen."

Trump also praised the North Korean leader, describing him as a "pretty smart cookie" who, as a young man in his 20s, assumed control of an entire country. But, the president added, Kim must be stopped.

"We have a situation that we just cannot let - we cannot let what's been going on for a long period of years continue," Trump said. "And, frankly, this should've been done and taken care of by the Obama administration. Should've been taken care of by the Bush administration. Should've been taken care of by Clinton."

In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Trump said he prefers a diplomatic approach to settle tensions over North Korea's nuclear program but warned that a conflict is possible.

"There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely," Trump said. "We'd love to solve things diplomatically, but it's very difficult."

---

The Washington Post's Anna Fifield contributed to this story.

---

Video: President Trump said Kim Jong Un is a "tough cookie," while administration officials and other Republicans weighed in on North Korea's latest missile test. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

URL:

http://wapo.st/2qsSzmH

Embed code:

<iframe width="480" height="290" scrolling="no" src="//www.washingtonpost.com/video/c/embed/b47066e0-2dc8-11e7-a335-fa0ae1940305" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
UPPER THUMB  Two health departments are prepping for another free human trafficking and Internet safety program early next month.

The Huron and Tuscola County Health Department Abstinence Programs will be hosting a free parent program: Human Trafficking and Internet Safety.
UPPER THUMB  World Heritage a Non-Profit Organization is looking for host families to bring the world together by hosting a foreign exchange student.

World Heritage Student Exchange Program, a public benefit organization, is seeking local host families for high school students from over 30 countries: Spain, Germany, Thailand, Denmark, Portugal, South Korea, Italy, France, The former Soviet Union Countries, Norway and more.
As architects, we believe that the Alamo Master Plan in its final form can restore both the Alamo and the integrity of this historic place in our city. We applaud this incredible effort. All the residents in our city and our state want this plan to succeed.

To be a vital destination for everyone, it is equally important to have the plaza be a dynamic and welcoming civic space as it has been for the past 200 years  perhaps the most memorable place in the state.

More Information The architects who signed the letter David Lake, Ted Flato, Gregory S. Papay, Andrew Herdeg, Robert Harris, Matthew K. Morris, Karla Greer and Kim Monroe, all partners at Lake/Flato Architects. Irby Hightower, Billy Lawrence, Mike Lanford, Mike McGlone, Jerry Lammers, all principals at Alamo Architects. Jim Bailey and Ariel Chavela, associate principals at Alamo Architects. Lawrence W. Speck, professor, School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. Madison Smith, Richard Archer, Tim Blonkvist and Robert Shemwell, all principals at Overland. Debra J. Dockery, president, Debra J. Dockery, Architect. Michael G. Imber, principal, Michael G. Imber Architects. Jim Poteet, principal, Poteet Architects. Jeffrey C. Fetzer, president, J. Fetzer LLC. John Grable, owner, John Grable Architects. Paul Kinnison Jr., Architect Emeritus. Darryl Ohlenbusch, UTSA College of Architecture, Construction and Planning. Sinclair Black, Black + Vernooy Architecture and Urban Design. Elaine Kearney, principal, TBG. Boone Powell, FAIA. David Bogle, principal, SYNCRO Architecture Studio. See More Collapse

The purchase by the state of Texas of the plazas western historic buildings and their eventual adaptation into a museum is a brilliant part of the master plan. The removal of the cenotaph and the raised planters around it will create a stronger plaza and will more successfully recall the spirit of the Alamo grounds. However, the removal of large old oaks, themselves an integral part of the history of Alamo Plaza, will create a very hot and unwelcoming place. As you may know, Alamo is cottonwood in Spanish, and as such perhaps the proposed acquia could irrigate a grove of Los Alamos.

Mission courtyards were the center of community activity and Mision San Antonio de Valeros must remain a part of ours: open, welcoming and inclusive.

The plaza, as it is currently envisioned with a glass wall separating the Alamo grounds from the rest of the city, creates a walled destination for Alamo visitors and inhibits the use of the space for the public. Being able to freely move into the plaza from any direction is a pivotal character in all great plazas. We feel that the plaza should be both a historic place and a vibrant public space fully connected to the city. The city must undertake a broader study of downtowns streets and plazas, implementing a solution that keeps downtown connected north to south and east to west for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians.

Like all good master plans, the first plan is the beginning of the conversation. We should honor the Alamo and Alamo Plaza by having a thoughtful listening period to allow the plan to get better (building upon the successes of the River North, Broadway, Hemisfair and South Town Master Plans). Alamo Plaza should be a memorable place for residents and visitors to return to again and again. A place that strengthens our city.

On May 11, we hoped the City Council will approve the master plan conditional on the need for a continuing process that keeps the plaza as a connected civic space rather than a controlled-access outdoor museum. The plaza must be a welcoming and integral part of our city, balancing the historic aspects of the Alamo with the civic needs of the plaza.

The master plan process should enable residents of the city and state, together with stakeholders, to thoughtfully consider and then shape a plan, which ultimately creates the vibrant heart our downtown deserves. For over 200 years, the Alamo and the plaza have been shaping our community and our residents. The Alamo is truly the heart and soul of our city, welcoming everyone to honor our history and our vibrant culture.

We congratulate the Alamo Commission, the city of San Antonio and the Texas Land Office for a great beginning to a plan that should lead to a transformative place.

This letter was sent to the San Antonio City Council.
If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option.
Top Oil launched its new national CSR charity initiative and the following charities were chosen for the 2017/2018 programme: ALONE (Dublin); Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (North East); Irish Autism Action (West); BUMBLEance (South).

Top Oil employees were asked to nominate charities in each region to support as part of the new CSR initiative.

Top Oil will continue its national partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland and a national Volunteering day is also planned for the summer.

The charity chosen for the North East region is Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is a voluntary organisation that was set up by parents in 1963 to improve the treatment and facilities for people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland will receive support from Top Oil in the form of fundraising initiatives coordinated locally by Top Oil employee volunteers throughout the year.

Gerard Boylan, Chief Executive of Top Oil, commenting on the new CSR programme, said: Top Oil is a company with its roots in the local community. For this reason, we are delighted to announce that our partner for the North East region is Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland was chosen as our charity for the North East region by our employees and they will be actively involved in fundraising activities for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland from now until April 2018.

Fergal Smyth, Fundraising Manager, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, said: CF Ireland has been fortunate to have a number of close partnerships with businesses and corporate organisations over the years. We are delighted to now benefit from the support of Top Oil  this type of fundraising is a vital area of income for CF Ireland and one that we need to maintain and grow as we continue our work to support and advocate for people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland.



The charity chosen for the Western region is Irish Autism Action.



Brian Murnane, CEO, Irish Autism Action, said: Irish Autism Action is delighted to benefit from the support of Top Oils CSRprogramme. As a charity that does not receive any state funding, 97% of our annual income is raised through a variety of different fundraising events and projects, while the remaining 3% is grant funded. Without the support of organisations like Top Oil, we would not be able to continue to provide our vital services to families throughout Ireland."



The announcement aligns with Irish Autism Actions National Blue nose day and will see the Top Oil Fleet and its company mascot Mr. Ted wear a blue nose in support of Irish Autism Action, as well as blue noses for sale across Top Oil depots and forecourts in the West.
Theatre legends Des Keogh and Derry Power will star in Malachy McKennas The Quiet Land at the Backstage Theatre on Wednesday May 17, and Roscommon Arts Centre on Wednesday May 3.

Two elderly farmers, Eamon and Nashee, meet at a gate on a remote hillside. These men are old friends, old rivals, old neighbours. They are men of heart, of humour, of hardness.

Their conversation is a throwback to a gentler time, when silence was as telling as declaration, and meaning was more often found between the lines than on them.

But theres nothing gentle about todays conversation.

In facing the bitter reality of their remote defiance, Eamon and Nashee have grown feargul and desperate.

Now they are forced to confront each other with some heartbreaking truths that test their friendship to its limit. After today, will they ever again talk on this hillside?

The Quiet Land is a celebration of the humour, resilience and endearing innocence of an exiled generation as it struggles to survive in the isolated rural Ireland of today.

This is a heartfelt tribute to a rare breed of forgotten men who live a long way in off the road.

Tickets are 18/16 and available from backstage.ie (phone: 043 33 47888) for May 17, or roscommonarscentre.ie (phone: 09066 25824) for May 3.

Showtime is 8pm.
Fianna Fail TD for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has given a guarded welcome to the development of a natural wilderness area and renewable energy project at the Mount Dillon area of County Roscommon.

Deputy Murphy was reacting to the announcement by the Minister for Communications Denis Naughten in relation to a new joint initiative by Bord na Mona and ESB to build four large solar farms in the Midlands area.

It will see the construction of solar panels across 5,000 acres of land in Roscommon, Offaly and Kildare.

The Minister has indicated that Roscommons Mount Dillon site which spans over 18,000 hectares, will be able to accommodate renewable energy projects, between solar farms and biomass, as well as flood relief measures and plans for the natural wetlands wilderness tourism venture.

"It is important to point out that this is a very long term development and I dont feel that this development can be a catch all solution. It is also imperative that proper engagement and consultation with local communities takes place along each step of the way-there must be an open and transparent engagement with any landowners or households adjacent to the proposed development in Mount Dillon, said Deputy Murphy.

You may also be interested in reading:

Huge solar farm for Mount Dillon in 500m ESB and Bord na Mona plan

Proposed Derryadd wind farm could affect tourism in Longford
Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, at the United Methodist Church in Garner with the Rev. Paul Evans officiating. A private family burial will be at Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday at the United Methodist Church in Garner and will resume one hour prior to services at the church. Cataldo Funeral Home, Garner is in charge of arrangements.
Two Pakistani Taliban commanders were among seven jihadists reportedly killed in a suspected US drone strike that took place on April 29 in Pakistans tribal agency of North Waziristan, according to reports from the region. The strike would be the second inside Pakistan since the US killed Taliban emir Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour in an attack in May 2016.

The strike took place on a compound in the village of Lawra Mandi in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, according to AFP, which quoted Pakistani security officials. Seven jihadists, including two militant commanders known as Abdul Rehman and Akhtar Mohammad, were reportedly killed in the attack.

The Taliban and other jihadist organizations such as al Qaeda that are known to operate in the Datta Khel have not announced the deaths of any senior leaders, commanders, or operatives. The Hafiz Gul Bahadar Group, which is allied with many jihadist organizations operating in the region, administers the Datta Khel area.

The compound is thought to have been used by the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan, which wages war against the Pakistani state as well as against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Datta Khel is a terrorist haven

The Datta Khel area in North Waziristan, where yesterdays drone strike took place, is a nexus of Taliban, Haqqani Network, and al Qaeda activity. Some of al Qaedas top leaders have been killed in drone strikes in Datta Khel, including Mustafa Abu Yazid, the groups former general manager; Abdullah Said al Libi, the emir of the Lashkar-al-Zil; and Zuhaib al Zahibi, a top Lashkar-al-Zil general. [See Foreign militants reported killed in latest US drone strike in Pakistan, for more details on Datta Khel and senior al Qaeda leaders killed there.]

Most recently, on Jan. 4, 2015, the US killed Qari Imran, a member of al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinents leadership council, in a strike in Datta Khel.

The Pakistani military claimed in Sept. 2014 that it cleared Datta Khel of jihadist groups during Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which began on June 15, 2014. But the operation targeted only the so-called bad Taliban, such as the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan  or the Talbian factions that also wage war against the Pakistani state. The Haqqani Network and the Hafiz Gul Bahadar Group were not targeted in the operation, despite Pakistani military claims to the contrary.

The Pakistani state does not consider terrorist organizations such as the Haqqani Network and the Hafiz Gul Bahadar Group to be a threat as they do not openly advocate attacks against their government or military. The problem is the so-called good Taliban shelter and support al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, such as the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan.

Second strike reported in Pakistan this year

Yesterdays strike is just the second reported in Pakistan this year, and the second since the US killed Afghan Taliban emir Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour in an attack in Baluchistan province in May 2016.

The US is thought to have launched another operation in Pakistan on March 2, when drones killed two jihadists as they rode a motorcycle in the tribal agency of Kurram. An Afghan Taliban commander known as Qari Abdullah Subari was reportedly killed in the strike, according to Reuters.

Drone strikes in Pakistan have tapered off significantly since the peak of operations against al Qaedas leadership and allied jihadist groups in 2010 (117 recorded strikes). By 2015, the US launched just 11 attacks, and by 2016, only three  with the last raining down on Mansour in May.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The body of Salahadin al Uzbeki, as released by jihadist channels on Telegram

The leader of the al Qaeda-linked Uzbek group, Katibat Imam al Bukhari (KIB), was assassinated earlier today in the northwestern province of Idlib. Connected jihadists on social media blamed an undercover member of ISIS for the assassination.

The assassination of Salahadin al Uzbeki was first reported by Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), al Qaedas joint venture in Syria. HTS Al Eba News Agency reported that the infiltrator who assassinated Salahadin, the emir of Katibat al Bukhari, and his companions has been arrested in Ariha, Idlib today. Reports suggested that three other jihadists were assassinated alongside Salahadin. Photos of the alleged assassin have also been released by jihadists on Telegram.

Salahadin was often seen in KIBs propaganda, however, usually with his face blurred. A YouTube channel ran by KIB and dedicated to his speeches uploaded a new speech just two days ago. KIB has yet to officially comment on the death of its leader.

According to RFE/RL, Salahadin is a veteran of the jihad in Afghanistan who was sent to Syria by the Taliban and Sirajuddin Haqqani, one of the Talibans top deputies and leader of the powerful al Qaeda-linked Haqqani Network. KIB maintains a branch inside Afghanistan where it fights alongside the Taliban and several al Qaeda-linked groups, such as the Islamic Jihad Union.

In Syria, the group maintains loyalty to the Taliban leadership and has predominately been an independent group. Some reports have suggested that it was part of Ahrar al Sham, however, this was never promoted by the group itself. KIB took part in the al Qaeda-led 2015 offensive that took over Idlib Province, as well as the al Qaeda-led offensive in the southern Aleppo countryside and renewed clashes in Latakia last year. It has also advertised its training camps in the country, including at least two for children.

It has often fought alongside another Uzbek jihadist group in Syria, Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ). KTJ, while operating as an independent group for a time, has long been within al Qaedas structure inside Syria. In Sept. 2015, it officially joined al Qaedas Al Nusrah Front. Members of KTJ and KIB have been seen in each groups respective propaganda videos.

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Backed by the Iraqi air force, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)  an umbrella organization for Iraqi paramilitaries  launched an offensive this week southwest of Mosul in Nineveh Province to capture territory from the Islamic State. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has embedded operatives in the PMF and supports a number of its component militias.

Abu Mahdi al Muhandis  the PMF operations commander and designated global terrorist  announced the launch of Operation Muhammad Rasulollah (Muhammad, Prophet of God) on Tuesday. Proclaiming the capture of the ancient town of Hadr on Wednesday  after meeting light resistance  he claimed the area serves as launching pad to advance northwest towards the town of Baaj near the Syrian border, as well as creating more maneuvering space around Tal Afar  a town to the west of Mosul that has been besieged by the Iraqi forces, the PMF and IRGC-backed militias since November.

Muhandis is close to Major General Qassem Soleimani, the chief of the IRGC extraterritorial branch Qods Force whom the US has also designated as a global terrorist. Soleimani, Muhandis and Qods Force operatives were instrumental in the PMFs formation in 2014.

IRGC forces have embedded among Iraqi paramilitaries during the Mosul campaign. Although IRGC chief commander has claimed the Iranian presence in the campaign is limited to advising, evidence belies that claim. In the past two months, an IRGC Ground Forces commander and a sniper were confirmed killed during operations near Mosul. Iraqi media last month reported IRGC operative Mojtaba Sardad was killed near Tal Afar, though Iranian media did not report this.

Last month, an Iranian media outlet posted an interview with an Iranian sniper near Mosul. The interview was conducted in October of last year, several days following the launch of the Mosul campaign, according to the report. While the operative may have been exaggerating when he claimed to have killed over 40 militants, his activity is another piece of evidence that Iranian activity in the Mosul campaign extends beyond advising. His IRGC affiliation was not immediately clear, though Qods Force field operatives are not known to give media interviews.

The Iranian was carrying a Russian-made Orsis T-5000 sniper rifle, according to a weapons expert who spoke with The Long War Journal. The rifle has been spotted in Iraq among IRGC-backed Shiite militias and security forces since 2014, according to ARES.

The confirmed presence of two Iranian snipers indicates the IRGC has dispatched operatives with that specialized skill to augment Iraqi paramilitaries in combat. The Iranian in the interview was wearing the arm patch of the Abbas Fighting Division, which is tied to the Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala and is loyal to Iraqi-Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani. The sniper killed last month was photographed wearing the arm patch of the Hezbollah Brigades, a US-designated terrorist group.

Since the 2014 Islamic State incursion into Iraq, regular Iranian forces have deployed to augment the Qods Force.

The PMF has announced the units participating in the latest operation. In an attempt to formalize the PMF, a number of militias have been given unit numbers, though groups continue to don their militia affiliations. Participating units include:

2 nd Brigade, linked to the Imam Ali Combat Division, which is tied to the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf and is loyal to Sistani.

Brigade, linked to the Imam Ali Combat Division, which is tied to the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf and is loyal to Sistani. 8 th Brigade, linked to the Ashura Companies, led by Ammar Hakim, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq party. The groups military commander, Kazem al Jaberi, has expressed affinity for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Brigade, linked to the Ashura Companies, led by Ammar Hakim, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq party. The groups military commander, Kazem al Jaberi, has expressed affinity for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. 11 th Brigade, linked to the Ali al Akbar Brigade, which is tied to the Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala and is loyal to Sistani.

Brigade, linked to the Ali al Akbar Brigade, which is tied to the Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala and is loyal to Sistani. 13 th Brigade, linked to the Ali al Akbar Brigade.

Brigade, linked to the Ali al Akbar Brigade. 14 th Brigade, linked to the IRGC-controlled Seyyed al Shuhada Brigades.

Brigade, linked to the IRGC-controlled Seyyed al Shuhada Brigades. 18 th Brigade, linked to the IRGC-controlled Khorasani Companies.

Brigade, linked to the IRGC-controlled Khorasani Companies. 26 th Brigade, linked to the Abbas Combat Division.

Brigade, linked to the Abbas Combat Division. 42nd Brigade, linked to the IRGC-controlled Asaib Ahl al Haq.

The 2nd and 11th brigades entered the Sunni-Arab town of Hadr on Wednesday, according to PMF announcement and footage posted online. Footage from inside the town, however, also showed the Ashura Companies flags. It appears that some of the IRGC-backed Iraqi militias that have earned a reputation of sectarian abuse against Sunnis initially stayed on the outskirts to reduce tension with the local population.

The PMF has remained on the outskirts of Mosul city as Iraqi security forces have been leading the grueling assault on the Islamic States stronghold. The PMF has cut off the Islamic States escape route to Syria.

IRGC-backed forces, however, have participated in the battle for the city of Mosul via the Federal Police, which is fighting in west Mosul. The Badr Organization, a prominent Tehran-backed Iraqi group, controls the Interior Ministry, which oversees the Federal Police  the ranks of which have long been infiltrated by Badr militiamen.

The Iraqi government last year passed measures enshrining the PMF into a military bureaucracy. IRGC-backed Iraqi militias are now the dominant formations in the PMF, which includes militias loyal to Sistani, the leader of the Iraqi-Shiite clergy who hold significant political and social influence  and many members of which do not share the vision of Tehrans system of theocratic rule.

Per the order of Sistani, PMF units have provided humanitarian assistance for displaced civilians surrounding Mosul.

Tehrans strategy in Iraq post-Mosul campaign is to use the vehicle of the PMF to portray itself and IRGC-backed elements as legitimate partners that can assist the state establish security, thereby increasing leverage and embedding themselves deeper into the state structure.

Amir Toumaj is a independent analyst and contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Like David Jamieson in Fiji, visitors to French Polynesia could well consult long-resident Etienne Boutin of Tahiti Ocean. He and David have recently linked up with the Asia-Pacific Superyachts network, and Etienne, who plans stepping back a little, recently also opened Noumea Ocean in French-speaking New Caledonia.

A casual inquiry about the current crop of charter vessels elicited information about the sport fisher Ultimate Lady, Miss Kulani, Cosmos II, Senses, Ethereal, Ohana et al, but he also mentioned not to overlook the stately 33 metre motor yacht Askari, for which he is the port agent.

Captain Claude Aker, and his chef and wife Emma received the Fraser Yachts award for Best Charter Crew Under 50m at Monaco Yacht Show last year, he said. She is a successful charter yacht in Tahiti since 2006, and has had record bookings for the South Pacific in the past decade.

She is the perfect exploration yacht for French Polynesia, accommodating ten guests in comfort, and she has plenty of toys and diving gear to help explore remoter islands of the Tuamotus. Their central agent is Patricia Codere at Fraser Yachts in Fort Lauderdale.

Fraser Yachts confirms that indeed Askari is available for charter in the Society Islands or Les Isles Sous Le Vent, where Raiatea and Bora Bora are located, and in the Tuamotus. In fact, says marketing executive Marie-Lea Dubourg, Askari is very open to cruising other unique South Pacific waters.

Although built in 1971, she has been kept in very good condition, as the photos show. Principal tender is a 17 foot 100 HP Caribe Jet, and there is also a 20 foot Caribe diesel jet RIB. Toys include double and single kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel and fishing gear, waterskis, wake board, kite boards, and jet skis only on request. A dive guide is required at the charterers expense, and the vessel carries a Capitano compressor.

For more information, do visit Fraser Yachts.
In what otherwise is a busy, productive legislative session, Iowa lawmakers this year have failed to address what should be the important priority of extending the one-cent school infrastructure sales tax.

With the session nearing an end, the need for extension of the school tax, which sunsets in 2029, appears to have been forgotten or ignored.

That's disappointing.

As we have said before, we have an almost proprietary interest in this tax because Woodbury County was the first county in Iowa to approve a 10-year, local-option sales tax for public school infrastructure (the tax first passed in 1998; county voters approved a 10-year extension in 2005). The benefits of this tax speak for themselves in the form of school improvements across the state, but arguably no school district in Iowa has benefitted more from the tax than our local system. With revenue from the tax, the Sioux City school district has built new elementary schools, new middle schools, and three high school science wings, and a new Bryant Elementary School is under construction.

A variety of future infrastructure challenges remain for the local school district. For example, more elementary schools await replacement and by the time the tax sunsets, Sioux City's high schools will be nearly 60 years old.

To plan and bond today for the critical infrastructure projects of tomorrow, the Sioux City school district and districts across Iowa need an end to uncertainty about the future of the school infrastructure tax.

The issue didn't get the attention it deserved this year. As a result, we urge our local lawmakers to take the lead in pushing extension of the one-cent school infrastructure sales tax to passage during next year's legislative session.

This editorial appeared in the April 19 edition of the Sioux City Journal, another Lee Enterprises publication.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > The Indo-US nuclear deal is dead. Amen

The Westinghouse companys bankruptcy filing underscores that the entire range of criticism that was levelled by the Left in our country against the Indo-US nuclear deal has been proven right. The people who were lionised by the Indian media for negotiating the deal have gone into hiding. There is a saying that success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan.

Fundamentally, what went wrong was that a decision was taken by the Indian ruling elites without due deliberation or national debate to accept the offer made by the US to conclude a nuclear deal with India. President George W. Bush surprised our then PM Mnmohan Singh with the stunning proposal when they met in the White House in 2005. We impromptu accepted the proposal. Whereas the objectives of such a deal ought to have been examined first, the decision to conclude the deal somehow became the priority. That decision, in turn, was predicated on the conviction that India and the US were natural allies.

The strange concept of natural allies was the brainwave of the Bharatiya Janata Party Government led by Atal Behari Vajpayee. But the Congress Party was only too happy to adopt it. It is only we Indians who regard folks in another country as natural allies. Not even the Anglo-Saxon countries say such absurdities about each other.

The breakdown of the US-India nuclear deal exposes a comprador mentality. The mother of all ironies was that the greedy Americans extracted out of us an additional promise as well that we would import reactors exclusively from their vendors to manufacture 20,000 MW of power. In sum, we promised to be a captive market for their vendors in the downstream of the nuclear deal. Now their vendor is pulling down shutters and claiming bankruptcy. This must be Gods wrath.

Then, apparently to justify the deal to the US Congress, Washington enacted a legislation known as Hyde Act, which virtually outlined Indias future foreign-policy trajectoryspecifically, that Indians are good guys because they are agreeable to stymie their relations with Iran. We simply began mothballing the Iran-India gas pipeline project.

In retrospect, what are the gains of the nuclear deal? For the Americans, it opened the door for lucrative arms exports to India. They have done exceedingly well. The US is now the number one vendor of weapons to our country. But what have we got? Has there been any global recognition of India as a nuclear weapon state? Do we have access to cutting edge reprocessing technology? Have we generated even 1 MW of power additionally, thanks to the nuclear deal? Our governments claim that the nuclear deal was necessary to ensure Indias energy security turns out to be baloney. (China will smirk if we still maintain energy security is what drives us to seek membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.)

In political terms, too, the parting of ways between the Congress and the Left in 2008 proved a watershed event in Indian politics. The Congress partys renewed mandate in the 2009 poll became a Phyrrhic victory insofar as without the Lefts moderating influence, UPA-II took to neo-liberalism with gusto and the scams that followed inevitably became its legacy, spelling doom for Congress in the 2014 elections, from which the party is finding it difficult to stage recovery. The ascendancy of Right-wing politics ensued.

Some Indian papers have taken seriously the claim by the Westinghouse that it still intends to go ahead with setting up nuclear power plants in India. Let us hope that the government now doesnt offer a multi-billion dollar bailout to the Westinghouse! To be sure, it will be anti-national to touch Westinghouse even with a barge pole.

This is a moment for reality check. We should take a fresh look at nuclear energy. In the context of Kudankulam, robust public opinion had surfaced regarding the inadvisability of setting up nuclear power plants, but we smothered it.

The Fukushima disaster highlighted the grave dangers. Besides, new factors have appeared, necessitating a fresh cost-benefit analysis of the countrys energy mix. The rapid progress in technology in other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, the sharp fall in oil prices and the expansion in gas projects as a viable and clean alternative are compelling factors. Simply put, nuclear power balance-sheet makes no sense today in the changed circumstances. In fact, the only guys selling reactors in the world of tomorrow might be the Russians and the Chinese. The geopolitics of nuclear commerce is phenomenally trans-forming.

The bottom-line is that the ideological foundation on which the nuclear deal was erected itself has become shaky with the ascendancy of Donald Trump as the US President. In Trumps scheme of America First, there is simply no space for natural allies. This becomes a moment for the BJP and Congress to jointly organise the last rites of the India-US nuclear dealamidst Vedic chants, of course.

Ambassador M.K. Bhadrakumar served as a career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service for over 29 years, with postings including Indias ambassador to Uzbekistan (1995-1998) and to Turkey (1998-2001).
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Almost unnoticed, our democracy is getting abridged; is perpetual one-party (...)

IMPRESSIONS

Fact No. 1: Donations by companies to political parties is the biggest contributor to corruption in India. All parties acknowledge this.

Fact No. 2: Elimination of corruption has been a top priority with the BJP Government. After the currency demonetisation, government leaders even claimed that black money and corruption had been virtually stamped out.

Fact No. 3: The Finance Bill rushed through Parliament two weeks ago made nonsense of the governments stated positions. It actually legalised unlimited donations by companies, that too, anonymously.

Fact No. 4: Brazenness characterised the governments move to promote the interests of the ruling party. If new rules also promoted corruption and black money, so be it, seemed to be the official stance.

Consider the audacity on display. Companies were allowed to contribute to parties 7.5 per cent of their average net profits of the previous three years. The Finance Bill abolished that limit. A company can now contribute any amount of money to political parties regardless of whether its own balance-sheet shows profit or loss. Ominously, they do not have to disclose to whom they have given the funds. Thus, the new policy position boils down to: Unlimited and anonymous. So much for the policy of transparency the government swears by.

This is in addition to the electoral bonds idea introduced in the Budget earlier. The Finance Minister claims that this system will bring in clean money. How can it be clean when neither the donor company nor the favoured party has to declare the transaction? In fact the legally permitted secrecy make it a profound boost to crony capitalism. The power of business houses to influence policies has always been a feature of our democracy. Now it can be exercised without even the vexatious paraphernalia that Niira Radia had to organise for her clients.

If things were clean, then what was the need to introduce the Finance Bill with non-money amendments in violation of parliamentary convention? Those amendments should normally have gone through the Rajya Sabha voting as well. But the BJP does not have a majority in the Upper House, so the short cut of money bill with non-money amendments was resorted to. The Opposition objected to the irregularity and walked out, and clauses that would alter the character of Indian democracy were passed by voice-vote.

Corporate donations to political parties always help the party in power more than others. The Association of Democratic Reforms reported that in 2015 the BJP had received contributions totalling Rs 437.35 crores, more than twice the aggregate declared by the Congress, the NCP, the CPI and the CPM put together. Donations received by all political parties that year showed a 151 per cent increase over the previous year. As much as 94 per cent of the donations declared by the BJP came from corporates. These figures point to developments not anticipated either by the Constitution-makers, or indeed by the voters.

The Finance Bill 2017 altered as many as 40 existing laws. One example should suffice to highlight the scary potential of the changes. Under the new amendments, an Income Tax official can now raid your house or office, carry out a search and seize things without giving any reason. This is reminiscent of the powers that Indira Gandhi acquired under the Emer-gency. Just as she did, the authorities today can "legally" intimidate political opponents and subjugate critics. A perilous future awaits those who try to exercise the rights they imagine they have in a democracy.

The picture gets grimmer with the contro-versy that has arisen over voting machine malfunctioning. People like Mayawati and Arvind Kejriwal have zero credibility. When they complained about machine-tampering, it was dismissed as the cry of the loser. Subsequently, however, official tests found that the machines could indeed record votes in favour of one party whichever button was pressed. Following the demo in Bhind under the supervision of the Chief Electoral Officer of Madhya Pradesh, three government officials including the District Collector had been transferred. The State Government resisted any further transfer of officials, but under the pressure of the Election Commission, two more Revenue Officers were transferred.

Only the dumb will fail to understand the implications of these disturbing developmentsof money flowing anonymously to the coffers of a party, of laws getting amended conveniently, of self-opinionated voting machines. We may be witnessing the historical spectacle of a people governed by one of the worlds most enlightened Constitutions electing through constitutionally prescribed channels the same party continuously for ever and ever. Amen.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Another Futile Attempt

It was the then Home Minister, Gulzarilal Nanda, who brought the question of Hindi to the fore. This time, it is Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju who has done so. Many people in Tamil Nadu then immolated themselves alive to register their protest. Thank God, it has not come to that stage yet. Nanda had advised the Central Government departments to write notes on the files in Hindi to express their opinion.

The latest is that DMK leader M.K. Stalin has accused the Centre of trying to relegate people who dont speak Hindi to second-class citizens and of pushing the nation into becoming Hindia. The controversy had been generated after President Pranab Mukherjee accepted the recommendation of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language that all dignitaries, including the President and Ministers, especially those who can read and speak Hindi, may be requested to give their speech or statement in Hindi only.

The President has accepted several other recommendations, including making announce-ments on board aircraft in Hindi followed by English. However, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the allegation that Hindi was being imposed is completely false and the government has no intention of imposing any language, particularly Hindi, on anyone.

The sharp reaction by leaders, particularly Stalin, indicates that at least Tamil Nadu is not yet ready to switch over. The issue is several decades old and yet it has not found any satisfactory solution. The non-Hindi-speaking States repeat Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus assurance that the switch over to Hindi from English will take place only when the non-Hindi-speaking people say that they are ready for it. His categorical statement disappointed Hindi fanatics but the nation on the whole heaved a sigh of relief that India had retrieved from the brink.

The anti-Hindi movement gained momentum in the then Madras State where college students demonstrated against the switch-over in 1965. Soon after, a full-scale riot broke out in Madurai sparking off a minor altercation between the agitating students and Congress Party members. The riots spread all over the State and continued unabated for a couple of months.

They were marked by acts of violence, arson, looting, police firing and lathi-charges. The then ruling Congress in the State had to call in paramilitary forces to quell the agitation. But their involvement resulted in deaths of nearly 70-odd people including some policemen. To normalise the situation, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri reiterated Nehrus assurance that English would continue to be used as the official language as long as the non-Hindi-speaking States wanted. The riots subsided after Shastris promise, as did the student agitation.

But then the agitation had led to major political changes in the State. The DMK captured power in the 1967 Assembly elections and thereafter the Congress never came to power in Tamil Nadu. The Official Languages Act was eventually amended in 1967 by the Congress headed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to guarantee the indefinite use of Hindi and English as official languages. This effectively ensured the current virtual indefinite policy of bilingua-lism of the Indian Republic. There were also two similar but smaller agitations in 1968 and 1986 which had varying degrees of success.

In fact, within the very first fortnight of Prime Minister Narendra Modis regime, the Central Government offices had received a circular that Hindi should be used on social media. This was an attempt to enter through the backdoor. The non-Hindi-speaking States spotted the fugitive move and protested against it. New Delhi readily withdrew its step and declared that the circular was meant only for the Hindi-speaking States.

The latest statement by Home Minister Rijiju has only rekindled the fears of non-Hindi-speaking people. And they are afraid of what may happen tomorrow. I am convinced that Modis government is guided, if not goaded, by the Hindi chauvinists. The BJP has several liberal leaders who realise that the pace of switch-over to Hindi would have to be slow, keeping in mind unity and diversity. Apparently, they do not have much say.

The India of today is very different from what it was 50 years ago, with each linguistic group asserting its identity. The turmoil during the States Reorganisation process should be a warning. The idea of India can be jeopardised. The entire fabric can get torn if the sensitivities of the people are not allayed. What is the hurry? A few more decades wait is too small a price to pay for preserving the nations cohesion.

India has gone through large linguistic riots in the late 1950s and early 1960s following the Home Ministry instructions to different depart-ments to make preparations for a switchover from English to Hindi as laid down in the Constitution. I wish this bilingualism should continue without anyone tinkering with it. But then Modis men seem to be hastening the process without considering the sentiments of non-Hindi-speaking people. The government wants to restrict the use of English to certain fields.

Yet, they realise that their haste can tell upon the countrys unity. The non-Hindi-speaking States, particularly Tamil Nadu, have accepted the constitutional provision that Hindi is the Indian Unions language. But they want time to learn it and come up to the standards of people living in the Hindi belt like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan.

No doubt, Modi feels at home with Hindi and his sweep in elections is primarily because of the campaign he led in Hindi, somewhat Sanskritised for northern Indians. But he should remember Nehrus promise made in 1963 that both Hindi and English would continue to be the link languages for administration throughout the country. Nehru did not fix any deadline for the exclusive use of Hindi.

Heritage is linked with languages and therefore leaders all over the country will have to devise ways and means whereby regional languages get succor. Without a long-term plan to reinvigorate them, some regional languages would fall by the wayside as the days go by. How many regional languages will survive 50 years hence is anybodys guess.

The author is a veteran journalist renowned not only in this country but also in our neighbouring states of Pakistan and Bangladesh where his columns are widely read. His website is www.kuldipnayar.com
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Terrorism and Militancy: Are they quite the same?

Maoists (or Naxals, according to some) ambushed a 100-strong CRPF road-opening patrol (ROP) on April 24 in Chintagufa Police Station limits of Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, killing 25 CRPF personnel and wounding six. The Maoists were reportedly around 200 in strength, and they ruthlessly continued engaging the pinned-down CRPF patrol for about one hour. The killing and wounding of CRPF personnel, causing irreparable loss not merely to their families but to the CRPF as well, is both condemnable and utterly sad. The Maoists reportedly captured some weapons, but their losses will only be known later if at all, through intelligence sources.

ROP is for sanitising a route, and the most important factor here is intelligence, meaning knowledge of the terrain (including precise locations where ambush is likely) and of the movements and strengths of the opposing (in this case, Maoist) force. It is only to be expected that a ROP may be ambushed, since it is necessarily on a precise route, and only the time and strength of the ROP will not be known to the Maoists unless their intelligence is exceedingly good. To be able to lay an ambush with 200 strength speaks for the Maoists intelligence, counter-intelligence and training.

In this hour of loss and mourning, it is still necessary to make a few points on what is not generally known to civilians.

First, what is ambush? It is a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a hidden position. It is an age-old operation conducted by armies, regular forces as well as irregular forces and militants, against other armies, regular forces and irregular forces. Indeed in all armies, patrolling is an operation of war, which is studied and for which rigorous training is imparted on how to plan and conduct patrols (field intelligence, routes, drills, procedures, briefings, etc.) including planning and laying ambushes, and also practising drills of what members of a patrol have to do when ambushed, without commands being issued.

The ruling principles in patrolling and ambushing are intelligence, surprise, stealth, speed and offensive action, with the aim of inflicting maximum damage. Patrolling is risky and difficult, and ambushing is its flip side and not cowardlythese are the harsh realities of armed combat. Good intelligence and rigorous training can minimise casualties among a patrol which is ambushed.

The tiger always ambushes the deer, approa-ching it stealthily, waiting motionless in hiding until its quarry is within striking range, and then striking with deadly speed. Every infantry-man is an expert in patrolling, with real-time experience. Others, even though not from the infantry, like this writer, nevertheless have the knowledge and training and even some experience. None of these would ever describe an ambush as cowardly or describe the killings as murder. Indeed the use of these words assigns a sort of victimhood to the slain and detracts from learning lessons from failures. People who use the words cowardly and murder are victims of their own rhetoric.

There is no element of terror in patrolling even though there may be fear of being ambushed. A soldier may and usually does experience fear, but he is never terrorised. In fun, late Field Marshal S.H.F.J. Manekshaw, himself a decorated soldier from the Gorkha Regiment, famously said: If a soldier says he does not know fear, he is either a liar or a Gorkha. Team spirit and rigorous training in field craft inculcates confidence and eliminates fear.

Second, there is confusion between the terms terrorist and militant, and hence between terrorism and militancy. All terrorists are militant, but all militants are not terroristsa person can be a militant without using firearms or weapons, only using strong language or, like boys in Kashmir, pelting stones. Of course, such militants can and often do graduate to using firearms and explosives. Militants strike at hard targets by all sorts of means including ambush, use of deception by disguise, concealment, etc.

Terrorists, on the other hand, strike delibera-tely at soft targets of unsuspecting, uninvolved, innocent people. By detonating a bomb in a public place, a terrorist aims at causing maximum casualties and destroying as much property as possible. A suicide attack using an explosive belt detonated amidst a crowd is another kind of terrorist attack. Terrorist attacks are certainly cowardly, and terrorists can only and must only be put down by use of all possible forceful police and/or military means and measures. Deadly force is undoubtedly the only and unequivocal answer to terrorism. However, in dealing with militancy, force is necessary but not sufficient. Force needs to be calibrated to specific situations, along with suitable political and social action, which includes diplomacy and dialogue.

Reverting to the Maoists ambush of the CRPFs ROP, the reason for the large number of casualties could be some combination of intelligence failure, inadequate training and shortfall in leadership at the higher levels of command. Only an honest inquiry will reveal the causes, and it is neither necessary nor desirable to make the reasons public, although it would be vital to implement the lessons learned at all levels. As for dealing with Maoists, it needs to be recognised that they are militants who have to be tackled with a combination of force and political-social means which can only flow out of good and honest governance.

Major General S.G. Vombatkere, VSM, retired as the Additional DG, Discipline and Vigilance in the Army HQ AGs Branch. With over 520 published papers in national and international journals and seminars, his area of interest is strategic and development-related issues.
OCALA, Fla., April 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pet owners should be aware of the benefits of a thorough dental cleaning for a beloved pet. Pets are put under for dental cleanings for their safety and so that they can receive a comprehensive cleaning experience. Dental disease can impact the oral health and general health of a pet. There are misconceptions surrounding anesthesia-free pet dental cleanings and the staff at Town & Country Animal Hospital wants pet owners to have the details needed to make an informed choice about their pet dental cleanings.



The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) recommends putting pets under anesthesia for their dental cleaning. Some veterinarians offer Anesthesia Free Dentistry or No Anesthesia Dentistry (NAD), however, pet owners should be aware that this approach may not be the best choice for a pet. In many cases anesthesia is the only way to preform dental procedures such as, scaling and remove the plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line. Reaching and removing tartar that breeds bacteria commonly seen in pets with periodontal disease. In addition, pets go through unnecessary stress and potential danger when restrained during a NAD cleaning session. Even with a high level of restraint, it is impossible to restrict all movement creating more risk around sharp dental tools. Anesthesia keeps pets safe with minimal stress by allowing them to wake up after all the cleaning is complete. The American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and the AVDC all agree that no pet should have anesthesia free dental cleanings.

Pet owners experience a false sense of security when their pet receives an anesthesia-free dental cleaning. Pets do not receive the deep cleaning necessary for a complete evaluation and are still susceptible to the development of periodontal disease. Teeth look whiter, but plaque, tartar, and bacteria may continue to exist just below the gum line. As periodontal disease progresses, it may be necessary to address loose teeth, discomfort, and other pet health issues.

Pet owners need to know of the difference anesthesia can make during a pet dental cleaning, said Dr. Kelly Culbertson, DVM. Gum disease is far too common. In order to effectively prevent and treat gum disease, pet owners should schedule a cleaning under anesthesia for a beloved pet.

Dr. Kelly Culbertson, DVM and the staff at Town & Country Animal Hospital, serve pets and owners in Ocala and the surrounding areas. They offer high-quality pet wellness care, pet surgery, veterinary dermatology, and more. Services include puppy and kitten care, pet dental, pet surgery, and wellness care.

Call (352) 840-7020 to learn about anesthetic pet dental cleaning services at Town & Country Animal Hospital or to schedule an appointment. Visit http://www.bestocalavet.com/ for more information.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2017 > Statement by the Concerned Citizens Group for Kashmir

The news of recurrence of violence, student protests and the video war on social media in Kashmir ought to disturb every right thinking Indian. Both the government and the Kashmiri protestors need to recognise that in democracies the world over, peace in disturbed areas has never been achieved through more violence or by retributive measures.

Whether it is the death of eight protestors on April 9 during the Srinagar by-poll, the 200 including troops injured in the accompanying violence and now the student protests, the situation in Kashmir is only deteriorating by the day. Already we have witnessed far too many deaths, maiming and blindings in the Kashmir Valley last summer.

Nobody in his right mind should want a repetition of the events of 2016not the government and certainly not the Kashmiri civilians.

The worst ever voter turn-out of a meager seven per cent in Srinagar bye-poll is a warning of the extent of disillusionment prevailing in the Kashmiri voters mind. An erosion of faith in democratic processes may eventually threaten the legitimacy of the State itself. This process needs to be stemmed and corrective measures taken.

Dialogue with those who hold differing views is the only civilised way that democratic societies know of reconciling differences. Indias heart is large enough and its Constitution flexible enough to accommodate the aspirations of all its citizens, the people of Jammu and Kashmir included.

Conditions conducive to a dialogue that can restore reason, calm and sanity must be enabled. For this, the government of J&K and the Central Government need to show exemplary restraint in either deploying force or adopting innovative measures which can backfire in dealing with protesters. The protesters must also understand that the path they have chosen is counter-productive. Stone-pelting or intervening in anti-militancy operations of the security forces will make them easy targets of violence. Even one civilian death is too many in the present sensitive situation in Kashmir.

The Government of India needs to carefully fashion a strategy of outreach to the people of Kashmir. Such an outreach should include not only leaders of Kashmiri civil society, opinion-makers, public intellectuals and other stakeholders in the State but also the separatist leadership as promised in the agenda of alliance between the BJP and PDP.

We urge the Central Government to urgently initiate a political dialogue to prevent the recurrence of violence in Kashmir and restore the faith of the Kashmiri people in democratic processes to resolve their grievances. A continued reliance on military measures alone to sort out a problem which is entirely political is short-sighted, to say the least and a great disservice to the nation.

Justice (r) A.P. Shah,

Yashwant Sinha, Wajahat Habibullah, Salman Haidar, Nirupama Rao, Aruna Roy, Shekhar Gupta, Prem Shankar Jha, Ramchandra Guha, S. Irfan Habib, Kapil Kak, Badri Raina, John Dayal, Bharat Bhushan

,

Sushobha Barve
Munnar: Protesting members of the Pombilai Orumai called off their fast but said they will continue their strike till Electricity Minister M.M Mani apologises and resigns.

Pombilai leaders Gomathi, Kausalya and Rajeshwari were arrested and admitted to a hospital yesterday afternoon after their health deteriorated. At the hospital, they refused to be put on drip and returned to the protest site by that evening. Following this, their hunger strike was called off though the protests continue.

The hospital authorities said that the women returned to their protest site on their own will.
LONG GROVE, Ill., April 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- May is Healthy Vision Month, and Forsight Vision, Ltd. is taking this opportunity to celebrate by reminding residents of the Long Grove area of important steps that need to be taken to maintain healthy eyes and spot problems before they become catastrophic. These steps include getting comprehensive eye exams, protecting the eyes from direct injury, and maintaining good overall health.



"Comprehensive, or dilated, eye exams are one of the first lines of defense against eye problems. They allow eye doctors to spot emerging issues long before they become obvious to patients. Often, this early detection is essential to preventing permanent loss of visual acuity or even blindness. Eye exams, however, are just one part of a good overall vision health strategy," said Dr. Todd Cohan, O.D. of Forsight Vision, Ltd.

Other vision protection steps need to be taken outside of the eye doctor's office. One of the most important is to take steps to keep the eyes safe from direct injury. Safety glasses should be worn when engaged in any activity that can result in objects flying into the eyes, such as working with power tools, hammering, or playing certain sports. When going outside during the day, wear sunglasses with polarized lenses to block UV rays. To protect your eyes from harmful blue light emitted by digital devices, opt for a pair of special blue light blocking lenses if you use a computer for prolonged periods and purchase Eyesafe screen protectors for your smartphones and tablets.

"Maintaining good general health is also important for keeping eyes in top shape. People should eat well, avoid smoking, and generally take good care of themselves. Good eating will help prevent diabetes, making the habit doubly beneficial. Diabetes is a leading cause of sight loss as well as being harmful to the rest of the body. Smoking is also hazardous to the eyes. It narrows the capillaries, and this makes it harder for the eyes to get the circulation they need. The smoke itself is also hard on the eyes, as anyone who has felt the stinging after getting smoke in their eyes can attest," Dr. Cohan explained.

Finally, people should make sure to know their family health history with regard to eye disease. Many problems have a genetic component, and if there is a known history of eye disease in a family, optometrists will watch for early symptoms during exams.

About Forsight Vision, Ltd.

Forsight Vision, Ltd. offers a personalized approach to eye care that makes patients feel comfortable and welcome. Their office provides comprehensive eye care, carries fashionable eyeglass frames, and uses the latest technologies for exams and treatments. They are operated by Drs. Todd Cohan, O.D. and Emily Pott, O.D.

Visit their website for more information at http://forsightvisioncare.com/.
STUART-After 13 years, the annual Cpl. Jonathan W. Bowling Memorial Scholarship Ride still is riding high.

Bowling, a Martinsville police officer and Marine Corps reservist, was killed Jan. 26, 2005, when his units convoy was ambushed in Iraq. That same year, his father Darrell Bowling and others planned a memorial motorcycle ride to raise funds to send two Patrick County High School graduates to Patrick Henry Community College each year.

Weve been doing it ever since, and well be doing it as long as Im alive, Darrell Bowling said.

On Saturday, hundreds of riders gathered at Patrick County High School, then rode from the high school down Route 58 East toward U.S. 220 North. From there, the riders stopped at the Bassett Fire Department for a break and refreshments before traveling to Patrick County to conclude the ride at Jonathan Bowlings gravesite in the Goblintown area.

Its not about sadness, Darrell Bowling said. But we talk about what he did  what so many people have done  and we start planning for next year.

Saturdays ride had almost 300 motorcycles participate, and the event raised $10,300.

Over the last 13 years, the ride has raised tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money. The excess money is given to Patrick Henry Community College to be put into a trust, so that the scholarship can continue to be offered well into the future, Bowling said. The ride is such a successful fundraiser that in the future, he hopes that the scholarship can be extended to more than two students per year.

In addition to generate funds for the memorial scholarship, Darrell Bowling said, the ride also brings tourism dollars into Martinsville and Henry County, as the riders stay at area hotels and motels and eat at area restaurants.

It was a little strange last night, Bowling said with a laugh on Saturday. I didnt know it was going to happen, but about 40 of us walked into a restaurant, and two of the guys from Canada had bagpipes, and they started playing their bagpipes.  We have a ball.

The riders from Canada ride their bikes all the way from Ottawa each year, Bowling said, picking up additional riders as they travel down the eastern seaboard. Theyre far from the only ones who travel across multiple states to take part in the ride.

Weve got four guys here from San Antonio, Texas, that rode all the way up here, Bowling said. They never knew Jon, they never met Jon, they just heard about Jon. Thats what were doing.

A large number of veterans participate in the ride each year as well, Bowling said, including people who served in his sons unit in Iraq.

Ill be honest, nobody came back from over there without problems, Bowling said. This is helping them, I think, as much as anything. They talk about it, they prepare for it, and they look forward to it all year long.

Darrell Bowling said that people often ask him if the ride is difficult for him emotionally, since its devoted to his late son. However, he said, its no more difficult than any other day.

People ask questions like that, he said. Theyll ask you, how is it at Christmas? How is it at his birthday? Those days are just like any other day. Its no big thing to me. Every day, hes missed. I dont need anything to remind me.

When he lost his son in Iraq, Darrell Bowling said, he felt two overwhelming emotions: Sorrow and pride.

When he sees the hundreds who turn out to ride in his sons memory, Bowling said, that pride only grows stronger.

Im very proud of what he did, and Im proud of what hes still doing, he said.
Dutch English

Regulated information

Nazareth (Belgium)/Rotterdam (The Netherlands)1, 30 April 2017

Fagron announces today that there are no changes in the Guarantor List in accordance with the Guarantee Declaration dated 12 June 2012 regarding the  225,000,000 4.75% Bond with maturity date 2 July 2017. The Guarantor List, in accordance with Article 10.4 of the Guarantee Declaration, is available at investors.fagron.com.

In accordance with Condition 10 (b) of the Bonds a new Compliance Certificate is published. The Compliance Certificate is available at investors.fagron.com.





In case of inconsistencies, the Dutch press release prevails.





Please open the link below for the full press release:
TODAYS WORD is quisling (kwiz-ling). Example: Vidkun Quisling, who headed the government of Norway after the country was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, was such a contemptible quisling that they named the concept after him.

FRIDAYS WORD was endling. It means the last surviving member of a species. Example: Lonesome George, the endling Pinta Island tortoise, passed away in 2012, taking his entire species with him.

Looking for classmates

The May 1992 Registered Nurse class from Patrick Henry Community College wants to get together to celebrate their 25th reunion on May 19. But in between the years, the group has lost contact with a few people and need to contact them. Theyre looking to talk to Shirley Artis, Kathy (Church) Gauldin, Maggie Irvin-Davis, Sylvia Donovant, Anne Felts, Brenda Goode, Dan McNichols, Karon Southerland, Ruby Stultz and Paula Terry. If you any information on these individuals, please contact John Phillips at jphillips32@radford.edu or 276-806-5022.

Building Blocks

Theres going to be a free parent/child playshop called Building Blocks on May 6, over at the Blue Ridge Regional Library on Church Street. Parents will have time to play with their kids, as well as talk to Betsy Haskins, a former music teacher and Miss Janet, the childrens librarian. The event starts at 10 a.m. and pre-registration is required, so they know how many people to expect. You can do that by calling (276)-403-5444.

TODAY IS: National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Today is a great day to add a new member to your family by adopting a shelter pet. There are thousands of pets waiting to be adopted from animal shelters nationwide. On Monday morning, the SPCA of Martinsville-Henry County will open at 10 a.m. If youd like to adopt a new furry friend, give the SPCA a call at 638-7297 or drop by their location at 132 Joseph Martin Highway.

Ladies Auxiliary

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Ridgeway District Volunteer Fire Department will host a Vera Bradley Bingo on Saturday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Rich Acres fire station on Joseph Martin Highway. The cost is $25 for 22 games of Bingo and a door prize ticket. The doors open at 6 p.m., and concessions will be available.

TRIVIA QUESTION: In the late 1950s and early 1960s, aluminum Christmas trees made from shiny tinsel instead of fake pine needles were a massive fad. Around 1965, however, sales of aluminum trees tanked and the fad was dead. What destroyed the aluminum Christmas tree industry?

FRIDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: Up until the 1970s, G.I. Joe and other action figures stood nearly a foot tall. Beginning in the late 1970s, action figures shrunk to just four inches tall, and they have remained roughly the same size ever since. What happened to the towering G.I. Joes of the past? The answer: Oil shortages. When the oil crisis of the 1970s put a massive dent in the global oil trade, it made it prohibitively expensive for toy manufacturers to continue cranking out large action figures, since plastics are made from oil. Hasbro was the first company to shrink their action figures to save money, and other manufacturers followed in their footsteps virtually overnight.
SCT_PELLEGRINO__4249635.JPG

Retired Judge Joseph A. Pellegrino

(The Republican file photo)

SPRINGFIELD Judge Joseph Pellegrino and his son, attorney Raipher Pellegrino, 1954 and 1984 Classical High School graduates, respectively, will speak at Classical Condominiums about their legal careers.

Historic Classical Inc. will host the Sunday, May 7, event from 2 to 4 p.m., at the former high school at 235 State St. in Springfield.

"Law is a topic of interest because it is the career that both these Classical graduates followed in their lives, and their careers have been exceptional," commented Teresa E. Regina, a Historic Classical Inc. board member and past president. "Both Judge Pellegrino and Attorney Pellegrino have established remarkable legal careers -- father as judge in the juvenile system on cases ranging from petty theft to murder. The son is known for some landmark decisions, notably a sleepwalking case and the Boston tunnel case, and has a highly successful firm in Springfield. The son has also been involved in important historic preservation projects in Springfield."

The elder Pellegrino is a retired justice of the Massachusetts Trial Court and is currently a senior partner at Raipher, PC. He has a wealth of experience and years of legal expertise as an attorney and jurist.

His son is managing partner of Raipher and an experienced litigator and businessman.

Historic Classical Inc. is a non-profit entity created and dedicated to preserving the legacy of the former Classical High School.

This lecture is part of a series of programs featuring Classical graduates and their accomplishments both locally and throughout the country.

Other programs on other accomplished graduates have included:

+Howard P. Drew, a 1913 graduate of Springfield (Central) High School, a sprinter who broke world records, a 1912 Olympic athlete, a scholar, lawyer and judge;

+Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), a 1920 graduate and renowned author of children's books and;

+Wilma Parker, a 1959 graduate and accomplished artist.

Classical sweatshirts, T-shirts, coffee mugs and other items will be available for purchase at the upcoming event with all proceeds benefiting the Historic Classical series of programs and events as well as the continued funding and operation of the Historic Classical Memorabilia Museum located in the school building.

This event is free, but donations are appreciated.

Light refreshments will be provided, and ample free parking is available in the adjacent Central Library/Springfield Museums parking lot.

For more information go to historicclassical.org.
NORTHAMPTON - Former Longmeadow native and current Nashville resident, Matthew Szlachetka performed at Northampton's Parlor Room Saturday, April 29, 2017. Szlachetka's new release "Heart of My Hometown" is due out in the summer.

Szlachetka was featured in April's Rolling Stone magazine and named one of the magazine's "10 New Country Artists You Need the Know."

For more information about Szlachetka visit the artist's website.
OSTON Boston police said they have arrested two men in connection with the April 21 shooting death of 17-year-old Yanuel Viloria. Viloria was pronounced dead at the Ruggles Street shooting scene.

Nineteen-year-old Robert Silva-Prentice of Boston and Malik Phillips, 18, of Waltham were arrested Saturday following an intensive investigation, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said.

Viloria was found shot multiple times, including at least once shot to the head, near 180 Ruggles St., just before 9 p.m. Friday, April 21. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation remains open despite the arrests police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Boston police on their Crimestoppers line at 1-800-494-8477 or Boston Homicide detectives at 617-343-4470.
agawam police.jpeg

AGAWAM - A car struck a pole on North Westfield Street Sunday afternoon, forcing police to close the road for more than three hours.

The accident happened around 2 p.m. and the street, also known as Route 187, remains closed while the pole is being repaired, police said.

The street is closed between the intersection of Northwest Street and Provin Mountain. It is unknown when the road will be reopened, police said.

Police did not immediately say if anyone was injured in the accident and did not release details about the crash.

Masslive will update when more information is available.
massachusetts state police.JPG

(Jeanette DeForge/The Republican)

LAKEVILLE - A 61-year-old man from East Freetown was killed when the van he was driving burst into flames after an accident Saturday night.

The victim has been identified as Frederick Maxfield. He was alone in the vehicle when it crashed, Massachusetts State Police officials said.

Maxfield was driving north on Route 140 in a 2015 Ford Transit van at about 6 p.m., when he lost control of the vehicle. The van rolled over and caught fire, trapping Maxfield inside, police said.

"Several concerned motorists were able to free him and rendered emergency medical aid," police said.

Maxwell was brought to Morton Hospital in Taunton where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Crime Scene Services Section are continuing to investigate the reason Maxwell lost control of his vehicle. State Police were assisted on scene by Lakeville Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Freetown Police, and Massachusetts Department of Transportation at the accident scene.
SPRINGFIELD - Several hundred people turned out for the march for "climate justice" in Springfield on Saturday afternoon.

The march, which, is considered by its organizers to be a "sister march" to the much larger "People's Climate Movement" march that was held in Washington D.C., on Saturday.

Both were designed to call attention to a need for federal action to mitigate the effects of global climate change.

The march was sponsored by the local Springfield Climate Justice Coalition and Climate Action Now, and was co-sponsored by more than 30 other western Massachusetts community, activist, and labor organizations.

Marchers made their way from the Federal Courthouse to the steps of City Hall, where a rally was held and a number of speeches were made.

One of the more notable speakers was Bishop Talbert Swan, who decried the political climate in Washington D.C., where he felt the scientific legitimacy of global climate change's existence was being questioned.

"It's a shame when, in America, young, impressionable minds don't listen to real science but listen to talking heads who have a political agenda," Swan said, to thunderous applause.

Another key speaker at Saturday's event was Jesse Lederman, activist with Arise for Social Justice and a current candidate for the seat of Springfield City Council At-Large.

For Lederman, it wasn't just an opportunity to discuss the importance of political action, but to announce some concrete news concerning an initiative to drastically decrease Springfield's level of pollution in the coming years.

"In 2013, at the end of a climate justice conference, we said we wanted a climate action plan from the city, to figure out how to reduce pollution, how to improve public health--especially among the most vulnerable," Lederman said.

"Today, I came to this rally from the final community engagement meeting for the Springfield climate action plan," Lederman announced. "That plan is being implemented in this city over the next six months, and when it's implemented it will reduce pollution in the city of Springfield by 80 percent over the next 30 years," he declared.
A 30-year-old Massachusetts man accused of sexually abusing a 3-year-old girl he was babysitting is facing sexual exploitation of minor charges in New York after investigators in Arkansas claim the man sent them pictures of the alleged abuse.

Michael McCann of Haverhill, Massachusetts was arrested at his home last week on the charge, according to investigators.

The case against McCann began to unfold in January. Authorities said a person contacted an undercover investigator for the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office in Arkansas regarding sexual contact with underage children, the sheriff's office said in a news release. The investigator was working with a Federal Bureau of Investigation task force.

The conversation took place over a networking website where people discussed bondage, domination, fetishes and sadomasochism, authorities said.

The person, who said he lived in Massachusetts but wanted to travel to Arkansas to have sex with an underage child, was later identified as McCann, according to federal court records filed in New York.

Authorities claim McCann told undercover investigators that he had sexual contact with a 3-year-old girl. McCann, according to court records, knew the child's family.

"The suspect provided photos of the sexual contact and stated he possessed additional photographs of the encounter," the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office said.

The alleged conversation took place in mid-April, according to federal records. McCann told the undercover agent he was babysitting the child when the sexually explicit photographs took place, records said.

FBI investigators and the New York State Police were able to identify the girl as a resident of Herkimer County in New York. McCann was at the family's home during Easter weekend, authorities learned.

Authorities worked with officials in Massachusetts and a warrant out of federal court was obtained to arrest McCann. He was arrested at his Haverhill home last week.

Investigators said McCann admitted to taking the sexually explicit photograph of the child. A search warrant was executed at McCann's home. The investigation is ongoing.
HOLYOKE -- The city's first medical marijuana facility could be functioning by November if the City Council grants its expected approval Tuesday.

The Council at 7 p.m. at City Hall will consider a 5-0 recommendation from its Ordinance Committee in favor of granting a special permit to GTI Massachusetts NP Corp. to run a medical marijuana cultivation and processing facility at 28 Appleton St.

With even the plan's most vocal critic, Council President Kevin A. Jourdain, pledging a yes vote, based on the special permit holding to GTI Massachusetts to certain conditions, Council approval would trigger immediate movement.

"My understanding is that 'if/when' they get approval from the full City Council, they'd be able to complete predevelopment tasks (construction blueprints, getting building permits) by mid-summer and complete the build-out by the fall, with a target start of growing operations in October or November," said Marcos A. Marrero, director of the city Planning and Economic Development Department.

GTI Massachusetts officials have said the company will put $8 million into planning and building the medical marijuana facility.

Councilors and business leaders praised the plan for the 25 to 30 jobs the facility would provide in its first year and 100 jobs over three years. Entry level wages would be $14 an hour with room for advancement.

The company also is negotiating a host-city agreement with Mayor Alex B. Morse that will entail yearly payments of $50,000 to $100,000 a year into the city general fund and $15,000 in grants to community groups.

Such medical marijuana facilities are required to be nonprofit in terms of registering with the state, which means the building and land are not subject to taxation but the equipment in such a facility can be taxed.

Putting it all into action will begin within days if the Council grants the special permit, GTI Massachusetts told The Republican in a statement Friday.

The company will apply to the Building Department for a building permit. Architects and engineers are ready to begin designing the facility that would occupy the second floor of a large, red-brick building in a general industry zoning district at Appleton and Canal streets, the company said.

Construction drawings would be done by mid- to late-June. Retrofitting the space is expected to take four to five months. Then GTI Massachusetts would need to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the city and final certificate of registration from the state Department of Public Health, the company said.

Hiring and training staff will take place in the months leading to the opening. The company will work with CareerPoint, a Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center at 850 High St., and neighborhood leaders to focus on providing jobs to residents of Wards 1 and 2, the company said.

"Given the time needed to grow and harvest the plants, further staffing and training will be ongoing as operations begin. So there will be a lot of simultaneous work and action going on all at one time," the company said.

The special permit conditions were recommended for attachment after the Ordinance Committee received nearly four hours of public hearing testimony over two nights, April 25 and March 28.

Here are the conditions attached to the special permit the City Council would grant to GTI Massachusetts, as listed on the Council's Tuesday agenda:

1. Initial operations of the RMD will be limited to a single employee shift with the usual hours of operation being from 7:00am to 12:00am

2. No exterior signage will be posted or displayed at the RMD except as may be required by Massachusetts DPH and by Zoning Ordinance Section 7.10.5(2)(e) which required a sign be posted at each entrance to the RMD which reads as follows: "Registration Card Issued by the MA Department of Public Health Required" in text two inches (2'') in height

3. GTI will improve a portion of the City owned parking lot on Canal Street directly across from the RMD to coincide with the number of employees working at the facility. The scope and timing of improvement work to be completed by GTI will be in accordance with and upon the mutual agreement of Holyoke Dept. of Public Works

4. This Special Permit for is for medical marijuana only not recreational marijuana. This Special Permit is for an RMD that acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes (including development of related products such as food, tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes marijuana and products containing marijuana at 28 Appleton St.. are all pursuant to applicable State laws and regulations. Any requested change to this scope of permitted uses at the RMD will require a new Special Permit from the Holyoke City Council.

5. Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the RMD, a detailed ventilation plan will be approved by the Building Inspector and meet the standards identified in the Building Code and Zoning Ordinance

6. GTI will comply with 105 CMR 725.105(O) which will cover the removal of all marijuana and products containing marijuana from the RMD in the event that GTI files for protection under the bankruptcy laws, or GTI otherwise ceases operations at the RMD without removal of all such materials.

7. GTI will obtain any and all permits or approvals necessary for the secured enclosure located in the loading area of the RMD as required by the Holyoke Chief of Police. Additionally in the even that there are changes to the approved security plan any changes, or alterations to the security plan be reviewed and approved by the Holyoke Chief of Police

8. If the applicant enters into a waste water agreement with the Holyoke Dept. of Public Works for the purpose of metering its waste water discharge or therewise, a copy will be provided to the City Council
The parents of a 2-year-old boy face several charges in court after authorities say the boy's mother took the child during a supervised visit in New Hampshire causing an Amber Alert to be issued.

The boy's mother, 26-year-old Erika Wallace is accused of taking her son Friday during a supervised visit at a mall in Manchester, New Hampshire. The boy is in the custody of New Hampshire's Division of Youth, Children and Families.

An Amber Alert was issued after the boy was taken.

Tewksbury Police said detectives were conducting drug surveillance near the Motel 6 in town Friday when they saw a vehicle matching the description of a van issued during the Amber Alert.

"Detectives approached the vehicle and conducted an investigation which resulted in the two-year-old child being located in good health," police said. "The child was returned to the custody of New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth, and Families."

Erika Wallace, 26, of Raymond, New Hampshire was charged with parental kidnapping, obstruction of justice and conspiracy. She had several arrest warrants as well.

Joshua Wallace, 27, of 6 Raymond, New Hampshire was charged with parental kidnapping, obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Erika and Joshua Wallace both had warrants out of Lawrence District Court of drug possession and child endangerment.

Police also arrested Nicolette Russell, 24, of Georgetown, Massachusetts on obstruction of justice, providing a false name to police and conspiracy.
LONGMEADOW - The Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee hosted its 29th annual Democrat of the Year brunch on Sunday morning. The popular gathering filled the banquet room at the Twin Hills Country Club with politicians and colleagues from around the Commonwealth.

The event honored President of the Massachusetts Senate, Sen. Stan Rosenberg as "2017 Democrat of the Year." A UMass Amherst graduate and long-time local politician, Rosenberg, D-Amherst, represents the Hampshire-Franklin District.

Congressman Richard Neal , D-Springfield, was recognized as the LDTC "2017 Democrat of Distinction," the first time such an award has been given. Neal, an American International College alum, is the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Keynote speaker for the gathering was Secretary of the Commonwealth, William Galvin. Galvin, who has been Secretary since 1994, spoke to the audience about voter turnout and continuing to foster fairness and justice within the party.

Since the inaugural "Democrat of the Year" award was given in 1989, its recipients have ranged from former Gov. Michael Dukakis to Longmeadow State Sen. Eric Lesser.

Last year, the group honored Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healy, citing her commitment to issues that affect Western Massachusetts.
Worcester federal court

(MassLive file photo)

Sisters from Rhode Island, who along with their mother scammed area immigrants out of over $700,000, were sentenced to serve federal prison time on wire fraud charges.

Indranis Rocheford, 28, a dual national of the Dominican Republic and St. Kitts living in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and Alba Pena, 26, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, were sentenced last week in U.S. District Court to 33 months and 35 months in prison, respectively.

The two women will be placed on three years of supervised release and pay $739,850 in restitution. Rocheford will be subject to deportation hearing after serving her sentence, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The sisters were found guilty after a 15-day trial in February.

Investigators said Pena, Rocheford and their mother, Patria Zuniga, ran a fraud scheme that targeted undocumented immigrants seeking to legalize their status. The trio told victims Zuniga was either a lawyer or worked for immigration and could help them become lawful permanent residents.

"They charged the victims between $8,000 and $14,000 for Zuniga's services," authorities said. "After the victims made the initial payments, Zuniga extorted thousands of dollars more by threatening to have them deported if they refused to pay."

The sisters recruited clients, assisted in making sales pitches, prepared phony immigration paperwork and took money from victims. The family stole more than $700,000 from several victims.

Several victims were from the Worcester area. A Boston area immigration lawyer tipped off investigators after clients said the family defrauded them.

Last year, Zuniga was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison and pay over $700,000 in restitution.
"It is incomprehensible to me that we walk out of this session again without a general infrastructure bill," Bullock said at a press conference. "Im disappointed that some legislators put partisan politics over Montana jobs and the strength of our communities."

Bullock went on to say, "Those precluding infrastructure from passing yet again, they dont need to answer to me. The Republicans voting against infrastructure need to answer to every contractor in the state and the employees that work for those contractors that expected that theyd get a general infrastructure bill through."

The Montana Legislature adjourned Friday after the House failed again to pass an $80.3 million bonding infrastructure bill.

The House also didnt approve a bill that would have provided $41 million in loans for rural water projects, a measure that usually passes handily.

After these bills failed, the House adjourned for good this session, and the Senate followed shortly thereafter to conclude Montanas 65th legislative session. The adjournment came on the 88th of the allotted 90 legislative days.

By Chuck Johnson Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/mtleg/legislature-ends-without-passing-infrastructure-bonding-bill-bullock-calls-vote/article_2a2624f8-fd80-544f-9656-c11f56539deb.html
The Missoula Writing Collaborative http://www.missoulawritingcollaborative.org/ , created in 1994, has brought creative writing instruction to approximately 39,000 students in 28 schools in western Montana.

Our writers teach 2,000 students each year in settings ranging from a two-room school in Ovando to multi-classroom Missoula elementary, middle and high schools.

We teach writing in schools shadowed by the Mission Mountains on the Flathead Reservation of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Our 13 published, professional writers teach 12-week writing residencies and compile school anthologies featuring a poem from every student.

CAROLINE PATTERSON [email protected]

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/territory/missoula-writing-collaborativepoetry-saves-lives/article_44919048-7582-5313-9722-fe090d03e570.html
When it comes to generating business startups and converting research into commercially viable enterprises, the University of Utah leads the nation, according to the Milken Institutes 2017 rankings of the Best Universities for Technology Transfer.

Between 2012 and 2015, the University of Utah generated more than $210 million in licensing income and seeded 69 new businesses, a production rate the report describes as a "remarkable accomplishment" in light the schools location in a smaller metropolitan area.

By Art Raymond

Full Story: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865678899/U-tops-nation-for-tech-startups-innovations.html
Want to live longer, enjoy life more and actually find that elusive happiness?

Among the dozens of big ideas shared this week at the international TED conference  from a robot that could outperform students on college exams to an ultraviolet light that could kill superbugs  were some simpler, almost obvious, life improvements we should all prioritize to live better lives. While the ideas themselves might not be all that surprising, the explanations for how and why they better your life served as powerful reminders that we might be prioritizing the wrong things, and undervaluing that which makes life worth living.

By Colby Itkowitz

Full Story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2017/04/28/prioritizing-these-three-things-will-improve-your-life-and-maybe-even-save-it/?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories_inspired-prioritizing-1048am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.ac6ef5dc7ae1
No amount of pleading or arm-twisting could wrest 67 votes for state and local infrastructure out of the Montana House last week. The Legislature adjourned Friday after failing to muster votes needed for $43 million in borrowing for regional water projects and $80 million in facilities projects including university and K-12 buildings and a veterans nursing home.

Senate Bill 367 fell three votes short at 9 a.m. and again at 10 a.m., as the majority of House members struggled to gain approval for the bill backed by Gov. Steve Bullock and the Montana Senate.

Billings Gazette Opinion

http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/editorial/gazette-opinion/gazette-opinion-no-money-for-montana-school-buildings-again/article_4de20cae-8dd0-54ad-b9e1-41f257698c3d.html
About two weeks after a taxi passenger allegedly hit his driver and then stole the man's turban, police have released a picture of the suspect and are asking for the public's help in identifying him.

Police say that the suspect in the photo got into an argument with the cab driver, Harkirat Singh, when he dropped the passenger off at Jerome Avenue and 165th Street in the Bronx on the morning of April 16. Singh is Sikh, and after the suspect allegedly punched him in the arm, the man allegedly stole Singh's turban. The man then fled on Jerome Avenue towards 164th Street.

It was previously reported that all four passengers in Singh's cab were intoxicated, and became aggressive as they told him he drove them to the wrong location. Singh then called 911, which is when one of the passengers allegedly assaulted him.

The NYPD previously said they were investigating the incident as a robbery, and it is still being investigated by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force. The NYPD described the suspect as between 20 and 30 years old, 5'9" tall, 160 pounds, with a light complexion and clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a tan jacket with blue denim jeans and red sneakers.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
On May 1, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art will become the world's most vertiginous red carpet, as the museum's Art Costume Institute's annual gala will be held, with a bevy of celebrities and the fashion industry's A-list: The party, for the new exhibition, about Rei Kawakubo and her line, Comme de Garcons, is co-chaired by Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour.

The gala is known as the "Party of the Year," and the Times explains, "Ms. Wintour, the editor of American Vogue and the artistic director of Conde Nast, took over as chairwoman of the gala in 1999. Since then, she has been instrumental in transforming a local philanthropic event into the ultimate global celebrity/power cocktail: Take a jigger of famous names from fashion, add film, politics and business, and mix. Its such a heady combo that President Trump proposed to his wife, Melania, during the gala in 2004. (In case you are wondering: No, they are not expected this year.) It is among the hardest party tickets of the year to get  and thus, intensely coveted."

Don't start your #FOMO yet: Page Six helpfully explains, "[j]ust because you have the pedigree and money  tickets start at $30,000 per person and, according to sources, go as high as $50,000  doesnt mean youre invited."

Thats true even if youre one of the 100 members of the Friends of the Costume Institute, the committee that helps raise funds for the center. Anna is extremely restrictive on who can buy a ticket, said a socialite, who has attended the event for years. Many people I know who are Friends, [and] who have the money to pay, have been turned down. Anna decides they cant go. Period. Now, there arent as many tickets for them, she said. Plus, the Friends tickets cost more. I think [the Gala team is] more concerned with getting celebrities to fill the seats. [Vogue contributing editor] Lauren Santo Domingo and [Estee Lauder creative director] Aerin Lauder will get to go. But I know at least 10 people who are Friends who were told no. I know people [on the Friends committee] who get really frustrated that they cant bring their husbands, added Cameron Silver, founder of luxe vintage shop Decades in Los Angeles, who has been to the gala five times. It becomes a very expensive girls night out.... Project Runway star Tim Gunn dished on E!s Fashion Police that his invitation was rescinded when he told The Post in 2006 about watching Wintour being carried down five flights of stairs at a fashion show by two bodyguards. After being asked by Vogue flacks to make a retraction  and refusing  Gunn claimed he had officially become persona non grata: Weve had an open war ever since.

But it's totally fun to be at homebecause you can make memes!

 more #METBALL for you guys xx I knoooow I'm super late on this #MARFAJOURNAL A post shared by MARFA JOURNAL (@marfajournal) on May 5, 2015 at 3:57am PDT

Or wait for gossip to come out the next day. The most famous post-Met Gala incident is, of course, the surveillance footage of Solange attacking Jay Z in the elevator of The Standard Hotelwith Beyonce observingas they headed to a post-Met Gala party.

The video shattered the image of Beyonce and Jay Z's seemingly happy marriage. But then Beyonce literally made Lemonade from the situation... so things worked out okay? (Except for the fired Standard employee who leaked the tape, though he/she probably got money from TMZ.)

Last year's Met Gala is also where Hiddleswift was sparked, and it may also be where Tom Hiddleston's dreams of becoming James Bond died.

In the end, the night is really to promote fashion (or cutting-edge floral maternity wear), and Kawakubo is the rare living designer to be honored with a show (the last was Yves Saint Laurent in 1983). Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton called her "one of the most important and influential designers of the past 40 years. By inviting us to rethink fashion as a site of constant creation, recreation, and hybridity, she has defined the aesthetics of our time."

Rei Kawakubo / Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4 and runs through September 4. There is a members' preview on May 2 and May 3.
Names and faces

Avery Smith has joined Stahly Engineerings Site-Civil Department as a full-time staff engineer. Smith received a B.S. in civil engineering from Montana Tech/UM. She is versed in multiple engineering software platforms and provides engineering design for land development, water and sewer projects managed by the department. During college, Smith served as president of the Associated General Contractors club and participated in the Associated Schools of Construction Bidding Competition.

Kacey Gollehon has also joined the Stahly team. She earned a bachelors degree in communication studies and political science from Carroll College and comes to Stahly from state government. Gollehon specializes in technical writing and marketing and has been involved in marketing campaigns in previous positions. She assists in business development, proposal preparation, talent recruitment and branding efforts. Gollehon is a Montana native.

News and notes

Child safety seat checkup Wednesday

The Tri-County Buckle Up Montana Coalition is partnering with the Montana Department of Transportation and Costco to host a free child safety seat checkup event from 24 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, at the Helena Costco. Everyone who transports children is encouraged to stop by the event, located at 2195 E. Custer Ave., where trained child passenger safety technicians will inspect car seats for correct model, size and installation.

According to the Montana Department of Transportation, four out of five child safety seats are not correctly installed, which can result in children suffering severe or fatal injuries during a crash.

Bring your vehicle, car seat, and child who uses it to the safety seat checkup event.

For those who are unable to attend the event, appointments can be made with Tracie Kiesel by calling 406-324-1072 for a full inspection.

***

West Mont announces management transition

West Mont, a provider of services for the developmentally disabled, has announced that its president, Kris Bakula will step down on June 30, as she transitions toward retirement. The Board of Directors has appointed Nick Zullo to be the company's next president. Zullo is the former executive director at Family Promise and will begin his job at West Mont on May 15. Zullo brings more than 20 years of management and operations experience to the organization. He received his bachelors degree in administrative studies from the University of Southern California and holds masters degrees in both mental health counseling and public administration. West Monts administrative management team will also stay in place and have a combined total of 122 years of experience with the organization.

Bakula began her career at West Mont in 1998. Over the years, she has held a variety of positions including and in 2010, became president of the organization. Under her leadership, West Mont has grown to meet the increase in demand for services for the developmentally disabled. This has included building Caldwell House, Rons Place, a new group home for medically fragile clients, the sale of an older group home in the Helena valley and purchase of a newer in-town facility, and the expansion and relocation of West Mont Flower & Trading Company, its floral vocational program. In 2016, West Mont was recognized by the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2015 Business of the Year.

***

Guidelines

The IR welcomes reports of hiring, promotions, awards, recognition, learning opportunities and other news from local companies and nonprofits. We accept press releases and photos (digital images at 300 dpi or more are preferred, but we can also use regular photos; we dont guarantee return of these). Email your information to irstaff@helenair.com.

There is no charge for items appearing in the Business Briefcase. Items are run on a space-available basis, and we reserve the right to edit and use information as we see fit.

The deadline is Tuesday at noon to be considered for publication the following Sunday.
BUTTE  Its safe to say twin sisters Jennie Nielsen and Jamie Offutt have a lot in common.

Both like to style their hair in off-beat colors like red and blue. They wear quirky, playful clothes and talk with a quick, upbeat pace. The two are also self-described nerds who say it wasnt always easy being different in the small town of Twin Bridges where they grew up.

But aside from sharing the same DNA, Nielsen and Offutt also share a love for all things anime.

Its precisely this passion that led the duo to open the Geek Emporium on Broadway Street in Uptown Butte last January.

Residents of the Mining City, Nielsen and Offutt chose the name Geek Emporium because its all-encompassing.

We thought about Twisted Sisters but apparently theres already a Twisted Sisters in town, said Nielsen. So we didnt do that.

The store features a variety of geek finery, as the window display proclaims, and offers horror, fantasy, anime, sci-fi and video-game memorabilia based on tales of magic and mayhem.

The sisters took The Montana Standard on a tour of the store, where they demonstrated costumes, jewelry, posters, clothes, toys, novelty knives and various odds and ends.

Its a geek curiosity shop, said Nielsen, who earlier showcased a set of tights designed to make the wearer look like a robot.

Offutt held up a time-turner necklace, an hourglass suspended by two concentric rotating rings. Its a reference to the Harry Potter series of books, Offutt said, in which characters use the magical object to travel through time.

Although Geek Emporium is a new enterprise, this isnt the first time Offutt and Nielsen have dabbled in the curiosity trade.

The started their journey selling hand-beaded jewelry at farmers markets across the state. Later on, the two said, they took their business in a geek direction by selling fandom at festivals like Missoulas MisCon and GobCon in Butte.

Nielsen and Offutt said they sold a lot of trinkets at the markets and festivals, which gave them confidence a store could do well.

We thought, we can do this, said Offutt.

They transitioned into brick and mortar by working at O'Donna's New and Used, 129 Broadway St., in exchange for shelf space. They eventually negotiated with shop owner Donna Devine to take over half of the building, where Geek Emporium now resides.

So far interest in the shop has been growing steadily, Nielsen and Offutt said.

Were getting some fans coming in, said Offutt, noting that otaku, a term used to describe anime fans, have been especially enthusiastic about the store.

Theyre so excited, and were so excited when they come in said Offutt. Were like, yes, well geek out together and well show you everything.

The two said theyre lucky to have launched months after the Harrison Avenue Hastings closed, noting an overlap between their inventory and what was featured at the media-based store.

As for their interest in anime, Nielsen and Offutt said that goes back to high school.

We grew up watching Legend, Princess Bride and Labyrinth and all the great Jim Henson movies, said Offutt. I just loved being sucked into a different world.

When asked what they like about the genre, the two said it all comes down to artistry and storytelling.

Anime has just such a beautiful art style, said Nielsen They deal with darker subjects at times.

When it comes to fantasy, those stories offer flawed characters that are more human than they are superheroes, Nielsen and Offutt said.

It has an in-depth story about people who are broken at the core, said Nielsen of the fantasy TV series Game of Thrones. People want to watch someone who is human.

Offutt agreed.

The humanity brings you in, but the fantasy brings you away, she added, noting that the magical aspects allows viewers to encounter heavy subjects without getting broken themselves.

Nielsen and Offutt demonstrate a few more items from their store.

They pulled out a mug that reads nerds rule and a T-shirt stamped with an image of a female, warrior like character and the phrase nerd princess."

The Montana Standard asked what it means to be a nerd or a geek. The two said geek simply refers to an outlier.

Someone who loves something passionately but isnt necessary mainstream, said Nielsen.

Perhaps thats what makes Butte an ideal locale for a store that derives its name from geek.
Error 404 Not Found

You may have mis-typed the URL. Or the page has been removed. Actually, there is nothing to see here...

Click on the links below to do something, Thanks!

Take Me our of here


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.
As of now, Bill Gates net worth is $87.2 billion. Man, thats a lot of money! You would think the thought of living in poverty would not even cross his mind. But, apparently, it has and he has written quite a detailed blog post about it.

So, the question is what would Bill Gates do to improve his life, if he was living on $2 a day?

He has one simple answer  he would raise chickens. Yes, chickens!

Giphy

He wrote: "There's no single right answer, of course, and poverty looks different in different places."

"But through my work with the foundation, I've met many people in poor countries who raise chickens, and I have learned a lot about the ins and outs of owning these birds. It's pretty clear to me that just about anyone who's living in extreme poverty is better off if they have chickens."

 Twitter

The main reasons he lists behind this, kind of bizarre choice, is that chickens are inexpensive and easy to take care of, making them a good investment. Also, chickens and eggs are good for your health. The main reason, though, is that they generate quite a good income. Looks like Bill knows how to make money even when the situation looks bad.

 Twitter

Tech Insider reporter Chris Weller expanded on Gates' business plan, saying: "Through research and trips to West Africa, Gates has found that after a period of three months, a typical owner of eight to 10 chickens can yield a flock of 40 chicks. With a sale price of $5 per chicken, which Gates notes is typical in West Africa, an owner can earn over $1,000 a year. The extreme-poverty line, meanwhile, hovers around $700 a year."

Giphy

Well, he will actually never, ever have to live on $2 a day, as in January, it was estimated that Gates would become the world's first trillionaire. So yeah, theres that small fortune in the way.
Much of the Corn and Wheat Belts received a blast of heavy rains or even snow this week, leaving planting equipment idle in the shed. The unusually wet weather makes fields too muddy to enter and could drown corn seeds even if the fields could get planted.

Meanwhile, the winter wheat crop is threatened by freezing temperatures that are descending across the Plains States, which could threaten the grain that will begin to be harvested next month. Fears of frost damage helped boost July Kansas City wheat futures near a two-week high at $4.39 per bushel on Friday.

Trump embraces NAFTA

This week, President Trump reversed his stance on leaving the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), stating that the U.S. has no immediate plans to withdraw from the trade deal.

During his presidential campaign, and again last week, Trump threatened to leave the agreement in order to protect U.S. jobs and business. However, the withdrawal from NAFTA and implementation of tariffs could result in higher prices throughout the continent, most notably in agriculture, auto manufacturing, and textiles.

In phone calls on Wednesday with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump decided to not leave the agreement but insisted that a renegotiated deal must be reached.

Beginning in 1994, NAFTA has become one of the worlds largest free trade zones, accounting for over $1.1 trillion in trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Impact of trade deals hits home

Despite the plan to remain in NAFTA, President Trump made big waves this week in the lumber and milk markets as he began changing trade deals with Canada.

The administration has claimed that Canada is unfairly subsidizing its domestic milk and lumber production, which is hurting U.S. producers. As a result, the U.S. Commerce Department implemented a retaliatory tariff on Canadian lumber, and President Trump indicated similar measures could be put in place to support U.S. dairy farmers.

These actions would likely raise prices in the U.S., hurting consumers while helping domestic producers of the commodities.
Democratic House candidate Rob Quist is accusing opponent Greg Gianforte of having secret Russian ties, based on Russian stocks in the Republican House candidates stock portfolio.

Gianforte reported the index funds to the U.S. House in March shortly after becoming the Republican candidate to replace Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke as Montanas only representative. His Democratic opponent in the Thursday, May 25 election is Rob Quist. Mark Wicks is the Libertarian candidate. The financial disclosure statements are required of U.S. House candidates.

The Quist campaign, in an emailed statement, said the index funds are shady Russian investments Gianforte should have exited because of Russian aggression.

Montana voters deserved to know why Greg Gianforte held onto his shady Russian investments after repeated Russian aggression against the United States and why he kept his Russian ties secret during his failed run for governor.

Reporting the investments wasnt a requirement to run for governor.

The Gianforte campaign said the high-tech entrepreneur who employed hundreds of people at RightNow Technologies in Bozeman filed detailed investment information with the U.S. House to be as transparent as possible. The report listed his net worth in a range of $65 million to $315 million.

"Montanans know that Greg can't be bought. Greg has already promised Montanans that, if elected, he will place his assets into a blind trust to guarantee there is never any conflict of interest, said Brock Lowrance, campaign manager. Greg will take those actions to provide a guarantee that his investments will not influence his decision making. Montanans are the ones who influence his decision making.

An index fund is a bucket of investments in a number of companies. Because an investors share is spread over several companies, losses in any particular company doesnt sink the entire fund.

The funds are managed by someone other than the investor, which is important in understanding the relationship between someone like Gianforte and businesses in the fund, said Ed Ulledalen, of Raymond James financial services.

Gianfortes investments include $92,400 in IShared MSCF Russia ETF Fund and $150,000 in VanEck Vectors Russia ETF. Included are Russian energy companies like Gazprom and Rosneft, which have been under U.S.-backed international sanctions since 2014 and the Russian invasion of Ukrainian Crimea.

Ulledalen told The Gazette its a stretch to suggest index fund investors have ties the companies included in the index. Investors dont have a say in index decisions made at the discretion of a professional manager and probably arent aware of what companies are involved.

Its pointless to bring it up, Ulledalen said. If its a discretionary managed account, he would not able to make changes. Hes not going to be calling up a guy like me, hey, Ed, what do you think of the energy markets?

Index funds focused on Russian companies arent uncommon in portfolios of investors big and small. Ulledalen said the retirement accounts for thousands of Montana public employees as well as state university faculty would probably have investments in Russian companies.

The Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration includes Russian investments in a Developing Markets Fund managed by Oppenheimer Funds. Among the listed companies targeted by the 2014 international sanctions are Sperbank of Russia and Magnit PJSC, which has a supermarket chain. Magnit PJSC is also part of the Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund, another funding source for state employee retirement funds.

The Montana University System Retirement Program includes the TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Fund, which lists Sberbank Russia among it's top 10 holdings.

Democrats first began emailing the Gazette regarding the Russian stocks issue in early April. It wasnt until Friday afternoon that The Guardian, a British daily newspaper, first reported the story, which the Quist campaign circulated about an hour later.

The Guardian headline read Republican candidate for Congress has ties to U.S.-sanctioned Russian companies. In the article Richard Nephew, a Brookings Institute foreign policy program senior fellow specializing in sanctions, said of Gianfortes investments: Theres definitely a question here, but my initial reaction is that this is not something to freak out about.

Nephew, who worked in the State Department during the Barack Obama presidency, went on to say that index funds are excluded from a sanctions perspective because the ownership stake per person is incredibly small. Nephew called "betting on Russias economy" problematic for a U.S. representative.
Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain.

Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred.

For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here.
Greg Gianforte, the Republican running to fill Montanas empty U.S. House seat, would support taking away funding for Planned Parenthood, and his Democrat opponent Rob Quist supports the legalization of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use.

Those issues and many others were the topics of a Great Falls debate between the men vying to be Montanas next congressman.

Over the past week, the two faced off several times, including editorial board meetings held by the Independent Record, Montana Standard and Billings Gazette, some of which were livestreamed on Facebook. Quist and Gianforte were joined by Libertarian candidate Mark Wicks, an Inverness rancher, in a televised debate Saturday night.

On May 25, a Thursday, voters will decide who will fill a position vacated by Ryan Zinke, who left his U.S. House seat after President Donald Trump selected him to be Secretary of the Interior.

Gianforte is a wealthy former businessman who started a high-tech company in Bozeman that he later sold to Oracle for $1.5 billion. Quist, from Creston, is a musician and poet who was a part of the popular Mission Mountain Wood Band.

Quist, who kept on his trademark cowboy hat for the debate, has been criticized the last few weeks for past performances at a nudist colony and his financial history, which includes a 16-year trail of debt and a lawsuit over an unpaid loan and liens filed to collect delinquent taxes.

Gianforte has been scrutinized for financial ties to Russia; he owns shares in two index funds that include interests in Russian companies under U.S. sanctions. A gopher hunt with Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., also brought negative attention.

Ties to Russia came up at the Saturday debate, though not through a direct question.

When asked about escalating tensions with North Korea, Quist pivoted to Russia. Earlier in the day media outlets around the state ran stories about Gianforte's investment in the index funds. A financial services expert told The Billings Gazette on Saturday it was a stretch to suggest the funds linked Gianforte to the companies in any meaningful way.

Gianforte responded by saying:

We have a broad range of investments. Anyone who invests in emerging markets around the world has investments in Russia. This is a tiny portion of our portfolio.

He also added state and university system employees would have similar connections if the retirement money invested on their behalf included funds built around emerging markets.

Acknowledging his significant wealth, Gianforte vowed to remove himself from any direct involvement with his finances if elected.

Gianfortes response to a debate question about whether he supports de-funding Planned Parenthood -- a nonprofit that provides reproductive health care to women, as well as abortions in some clinics -- mirrored the answer he gave during a joint appearance with Quist at the Independent Records editorial board meeting Friday.

I dont think that  tax dollars should be used to pay for abortion.  I dont believe that organization has been a particularly good steward of resources, so yes I would, he said at the editorial board meeting.

Gianforte said the only time abortion should be allowed is when a womans life is in jeopardy. I dont think the government should get in between that. But thats the only exception I would make.

Quist, on the other hand, said there needs to be a resistance to the assault on womens reproductive rights.

I think those decisions are between a woman and her faith and her doctor and no one else. No one else has the right to know.

The candidates were also asked about Trumps recent executive order to review any national monuments created since 1996 that are at least 100,000 acres. That includes the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument in north-central Montana.

Quist said he views Trumps move as a way to make the lands available for private development.

People have worked on these monuments and some of these wilderness areas for years at a time and theyre great economic boons for the areas that have them. I really have deep concerns about this process and I think the people of America are going to stand up against it.

Gianforte characterized Trumps order as an initial review.

What were asking for is local input from the people. This review process allows local input to occur.

Gianforte said he is a supporter of natural resource development, but said there are places where he thinks its not appropriate. I think you can develop natural resources and protect the environment, but not every place is the right place for a mine.

Wicks agreed with Gianforte in saying the monuments were created with little public input. He also criticized former President Barack Obama's action to create a new monument in Utah at the end of his presidency.

"Congress hasn't done its job keeping the president in check, keeping the judges in check."

Through the debate Saturday, Gianforte worked to align himself with Trump, as well as more conservative values. Quist tried to play up his long history in the state, referencing his childhood near the Rocky Mountain Front. Wicks said he would be a different voice for Montana, who he said for too long has sent either Republicans or Democrats to Washington, D.C., without results.

The candidates were also asked about their positions on marijuana use, both medicinal and recreational. In 2004 Montana voters legalized medical marijuana, but the 2011 Legislature imposed strict limitations on access. Last fall a ballot initiative to lift some of those restrictions

Gianforte said medical marijuana should be available to people in chronic pain, under the care of a doctor. He does not support recreational marijuana, saying the state has problems with drug addiction.

I think we have other states doing experiments with it and we should let them carry on with that.

Quist said he supports the legalization of marijuana.

To me the war on drugs has been an abject failure, he said. I think the majority of Montanans and Americans agree they would like to see the decriminalization go forward and not criminalize people for something that should not be criminal.
BUTTE -- G.G. Verone is ready to come home to southwest Montana. And after years of legal wrangling, the Montana Supreme Court has brought her a giant step closer.

Ever since her aunt, Helen Edwards, died in 2013, Verone, a Butte native who has lived in California for decades after a Hollywood acting career, has been fighting over a will that left almost all of her aunt's $3 million estate, including a ranch near Sheridan, to a caretaker and a handyman, in essence disinheriting Verone, Edwards' only living relative.

Even after Verone won a jury trial in Madison County District Court that found the 2012 will had been made when Edwards, then 95, was under "undue influence, fraud or duress," District Judge Loren Tucker refused to admit the previous will, in Verone's favor, to probate.

Last week, a five-justice panel of the Montana Supreme Court unanimously upheld the jury verdict and found that Tucker had erred in not admitting the earlier will to probate and in refusing to award attorney fees and costs to Verone.

***

Verone was raised in Butte, but her uncle Jim and aunt Helen were like a second set of parents to her. Ranching at that time west of Butte, Jim Edwards in particular was close to his niece, whom he regarded as a daughter.

"He taught me to ride, to put up hay, to tend the chickens and milk the cows," Verone remembers.

Verone stayed in Butte through high school, participating in drama and winning a scholarship to the Pasadena Playhouse, where her acting career took off. She appeared in numerous movies and television shows, including "Blue Hawaii" with Elvis Presley and the '60s TV hits "My Favorite Martian" and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."

She stayed close to her parents -- and her aunt and uncle.

In 2007, within a single day, she lost both her mother and her uncle Jim Edwards. Helen Edwards was then all the family Verone had left -- and vice versa. Verone visited the ranch when she could, and the two talked by phone constantly.

A few years later, Edwards broke her arm, and Verone knew she needed some help caring for her aunt. She hired Nancy Schulz, wife of then-Madison County Commissioner David Schulz, as a caretaker.

Soon afterward, Verone says, she noticed a different tone in phone calls with her aunt, and after a time Helen Edwards changed her will to leave the ranch and most of the estate to Nancy Schulz and Paul Degel, a handyman and family friend who stayed on the ranch. The new will left Verone $25,000.

The following year, Edwards died, and the fight over the will led to Madison County District Court.

***

After the jury found that the 2012 will had been the result of fraud or duress, Verone and her attorneys, Ward "Mick" Taleff of Great Falls and Timothy Strauch of Missoula, found themselves stymied. They had won -- but Tucker's refusal to admit the earlier will to probate presaged an ugly, protracted fight in his courtroom.

So they took an almost unprecedented step. Even though they had won, they appealed to the Supreme Court.

Taleff said he's been practicing law almost 41 years, and "This is the first time I've ever won a jury trial and then been the one to appeal."

After reading the Supreme Court decision, Taleff said, "We're very pleased. The only thing crazy is that we had to go to the Supreme Court to get this result."

Now, he said, "there shouldn't be any real question" the rest of the way for his client. "Once the will is admitted to probate," he said, "all that's left is to administer and close the estate."

In the meantime, Tucker has retired. Judge Luke Berger has replaced him in Montana's Fifth Judicial District.

Of the high court's decision on fees and costs, he said, "The district judge will have to decide on the amount, but there isn't any leeway in the decision. She will be awarded fees and costs."

Stephanie Kruer of Sheridan, attorney for Schulz, said in a statement Friday, "We are disappointed in the outcome of the appeal, as well as the trial, since the district court did not appoint a personal representative for Helen Edwards to represent her estate. So there was no one at trial to represent Helen or her will.

"Nancy Schulz's only goal at trial and on appeal was to stand up for what Helen wanted."

Kruer added, "We are reviewing the Supreme Court opinion to determine whether a rehearing can be requested under the rules of appellate procedure."

Taleff said his understanding is Kruer and Lyman Bennett, attorney for Degel, have 15 days to request a rehearing, but "the justices would have to have either missed a dispositive fact, or applied a wrong principle, or there would have to be new case law ... I believe none of those are going to remotely apply here."

Verone said she's decided it's time to come home to Montana. She owns her childhood home in Uptown Butte, in the 900 block of West Broadway. But she said she'd prefer to live on the ranch, and turn it into a horse-rescue facility in memory of her uncle.

"I would like to do something with the land that will be an expression of thanks for all the good he did in his life," she said, but added, "I don't know if I'll be able to. It depends on what's left" after the issue of attorney's fees is dealt with.

Regardless, she says, "I feel very good that I ... stuck it out. I can see Uncle Jim smiling."
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...
South Korea said Sunday the U.S. reaffirmed it would pay for the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system, days after President Trump said Seoul should pay for the near $1 billion-battery.

The South Korean presidential office said Trump's national security adviser H.R. McMaster reassured South Korea's chief national security officer Kim Kwan-jin that the U.S. alliance with South Korea is its top priority in the Asia-Pacific region, Reuters reported.

The reassurance comes after Trump said last week that he wanted Seoul to pay for the THAAD deployment, which immediately raised questions about the relationship between the two nations.

South Korea said it was Washington's cost to bear under the bilateral agreement.

"National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster explained that the recent statements by President Trump were made in a general context, in line with the U.S. public expectations on defense cost burden-sharing with allies," Seoul said in a statement.

The anti-missile system is set to be operational soon. Major elements of the system were being moved into Seonjgu, located in the southern part of the country, this week. The U.S. and South Korea contend that the battery is only to guard against North Korean missiles, despite concerns expressed in China.

Meanwhile, North Korea attempted to launch another ballistic missile early Saturday, but it appeared to have failed. The test drew international condemnation.

Related Video:

2011 Test Firing: THAAD Shoots Down Ballistic Missiles
Zone 1.jpg

Creative Dining Services operates dining facilities for businesses, colleges, senior living communities, conference centers, K-12 schools and camps.

(Courtesy | Creative Dining Services)

ZEELAND, MI -- Creative Dining Services, a food service provider launched by Hope and Calvin colleges nearly three decades ago, will grow into a $100 millioncompany this year.

Spurring that growth is Creative Dining's acquisition of smaller rival, Premiere Food Service, a family-owned Lansing area based company with revenues of about $9 million.

The combined companies will be managed by the executive team and staff at Zeeland-based Creative Dining, housed in a commercial complex at 1 Royal Park Drive.

The addition of Premiere won't impact Creative Dining's workforce, the company said in a statement announcing the deal, which is being described as merger. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Creative Dining's Chief Executive Officer Jim Eickhoff will helm both operations, which together will have a workforce of 1,800 employees serving 70 clients in 12 states. Premiere co-founder Larry Mourey will step down as his firm's CEO, but continue in a consultant role.

Eickhoff described the companies as a "remarkable philosophical match."

Premiere brings eight more customers to Creative Services' customer base. All are business and industrial firms in states where Creative Dining already operates: Michigan, Colorado, Indiana and Tennessee.

Pooling the expertise of the two firms allows Creative Dining to offer customers more options, Eickoff said.

Premiere offers a collection of recipes and culinary production methods for a "clean" and healthier lifestyle focusing on gluten free, Paleo and Organic menu selections, while Creative Dining distributes produce and other products from local farms to its clients.

Zeeland-based Creative Dining Services is housed in a commercial complex at 1 Royal Park Drive.

Creative Services, the 27th largest food services company in the U.S., reported revenues of $91 million in 2016. The firm operates dining facilities for businesses, colleges, senior living communities, conference centers, K-12 schools and camps.

Eickoff joined the 26-year-old privately-held hospitality management company in 2015 when founder and part-owner Stephen Hiligan retired. He previously worked in the for-profit educational sector. Both firms got their start in Zeeland around the same time.

Creative Dining began in 1990 when Christian college rivals Calvin, in Grand Rapids, and Hope, in Holland, teamed up to create a company that would provide their campuses with more personalized food service.

The operation turned into a revenue generator for the colleges as the business attracted more clients. The model was different from other food-service companies by charging for the management services, rather than billing on a meals-per-day basis. Clients pick up food and payroll costs themselves, allowing them to adjust expenditures to meet enrollment figures.

In the late 90s, Hope and Calvin owned a 60 percent-stake in the company while the management teams held the remainder, according to a story published in the Grand Rapids Press in 1997. The colleges continue to have majority ownership in the company, a spokeswoman confirmed to MLive and The Grand Rapids Press.

Two years after Creative Dining was launched, Premiere was created at the request of Haworth. The Holland furniture-maker recruited Mourey to provide food service for its area facilities. He later relocated the company to Williamston from Zeeland.

Mourey co-founded the firm with his wife, Lori, who has served as Premiere's chief financial officer. She will retire in June, after she and Mourey help with the transition.
YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI - Officers from multiple Washtenaw County police agencies have spent the month going in circles - literally - but officials hope a month-long roundabout enforcement effort will have a lasting effect on area drivers.

The cooperative effort between the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, the Ann Arbor Police Department and the Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety led deputies, troopers and police officers to swarm the 18 traffic circles in the county throughout the month of April, including April 10 when Washtenaw County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremiah Richardson took Ann Arbor News reporter Darcie Moran on an enforcement ride along in Ypsilanti Township.

"It's more about education," Richardson said, while driving near the roundabout at Stony Creek and Whittaker roads. "A lot of people don't know how to navigate roundabouts."

Police have said most crashes take place because drivers fail to yield when entering the roundabout or turn off the roundabout using the wrong lane.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, the correct way to go through a roundabout is to:

In a short 2.5 hours, Richardson stopped about 10 vehicles for various offenses - aside from roundabout usage, a few people were stopped for alleged texting while driving, speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign, and not wearing a seatbelt - issued a few tickets, and handed out flyers with information about how to properly use a roundabout.

Richardson has worked on traffic enforcement off-and-on throughout his five years as Washtenaw County Sheriff's deputy, as more and more roundabouts were constructed throughout the county.

He's seen motorists attempt to drive through the construction in the past and, on April 10, watched as they stopped mid-roundabout when they saw his police vehicle.

One man pulled over by Richardson said he simply didn't see another vehicle when he failed to yield at the Stony Creek and Whittaker roads roundabout and subsequently stopped in a middle lane. He said the other vehicle was going too fast.

"It's very dangerous," the man told Richardson, who reminded him of the speed limit in the area before letting him go.

But the danger of roundabouts might be a misconception.

Mark McCulloch, senior project manager at the Washtenaw County Road Commission, has overseen the development of roundabouts in the county and said statistics show roundabouts are safer compared to conventional intersections. He also noted there is a difference between crash-prone intersections and dangerous intersections.

The U.S. Department of Transportations has cited data from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials that roundabouts reduce the types of crashes where people are seriously hurt or killed by 78 - 82 percent when compared to conventional stop-controlled and signalized intersections.

McCulloch said when information was released that the State Street and Ellsworth Road roundabout in Ann Arbor was recorded to have the most crashes of any intersection in Michigan in 2014, area officials began to take a closer look. As part of the inquiry, an online questionnaire revealed many motorists believed further education was needed.

This month's roundabout enforcement detail is just one aspect of solving that larger issue, McCulloch said.

Since the questionnaire results came back, McCulloch and the heads of multiple agencies have been working to develop a plan to increase awareness around roundabout usage.

Aside from law enforcement, the department hopes to execute a plan - though still under construction - including the development of instructional videos - a few that have already been prepared by Saline High School students - in hopes they may be used as sponsored ads on social media, and a cooperative effort between Saline Area Schools and the All Star Driver Education and Driving School to make sure parents who take their children to driver education classes also see roundabout education videos, McCulloch said. In addition, an effort funded by the Ann Arbor-based Kemner Iott Benz insurance agency will give "swag bags" with educational information to students, with the hope parents will also see the roundabout tips.

Aspects of the project - including funding for portions and which classrooms will allow the gift bags to be distributed - are still being developed. However, McCulloch said the cooperative nature of the project may be a novel idea.

"The results are going to be, frankly, in crash statistics," he said. "But if we stay the course and do nothing, nothing's going to change."

While the exact success of the project may not be known immediately, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Sgt. David Archer, who helped organize the detail, said mid-month that half of all the roundabout instruction pamphlets had already been given to drivers.

"The real objective of these is high-visibility enforcement," Archer said. "It affects you psychologically."

It appeared to be working, as drivers slowed to see three cars pulled over by different police agencies along one quarter-mile of road April 10.

While information on the number of tickets written and pamphlets issued during the April enforcement effort weren't immediately available, Archer said the true focus of the detail has been education - not ticket-writing.

"That's really what we're trying to do is make people more aware (that) we're out here, to drive cautiously and to drive within the law," he said.

For more information on Washtenaw County roundabouts, click here.
11162012_NEWS_US23walk_JT

Stamp Out Hunger, the nation's largest, single-day food drive, will take place Saturday, May 13, 2017, with all donations in Washtenaw County benefiting Food Gatherers.

(MLive File Photo)

ANN ARBOR, MI - County residents are invited to help fight hunger by participating in Stamp Out Hunger, the nation's largest, single-day food drive, on Saturday, May 13.

To participate, residents need only leave bags of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on the day of the drive.

Letter carriers will take it from there, collecting donations as they deliver mail along their postal routes and coordinating delivery of the donations to Food Gatherers, the county's food rescue program and food bank.

Stamp Out Hunger, which is hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers, will send residents an orange plastic grocery bag with which to make their donation a week prior to the food drive, though any sturdy bag may be used.

The drive is looking for donations of non-perishable foods such as canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meat and fish, pasta, peanut butter, rice, beans and cereal. Food in glass jars cannot be accepted.

According to Food Gatherers, one in seven county residents faces hunger.

"The National Association of Letter Carriers is working with Food Gatherers to ensure that families don't have to choose between putting food on the table and paying vital bills," a release from the food bank said.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Storytellers including a formerly homeless man who defied the odds to graduate and a deaf graduate of Ann Arbor Public Schools will share their experiences at an upcoming fundraiser for the Student Advocacy Center.

The Students Advocacy Center's annual "Telling Tales Out Of School" storytelling event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on May 5 at Washtenaw Community College's Towsley Auditorium in the Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are currently on sale for $25 for general admission, although larger donations to the Student Advocacy Center are welcome. Advance tickets for high school and college students is $10. At the door, general admission will be $30, and the price remains $10 for students.

Refreshments provided by Zingerman's, Beezy's, Patty Maher and Rob Hoffman will be served.

"Each and every story will be meaningful," said Student Advocacy Center Executive Director Peri Stone-Palmquist, in a press release. "This is a really unique opportunity to build community, to connect, to listen to stories that must be heard."

Stone-Palmquist is particularly excited to see DaQuann Harrison, an 18-year-old graduate of Ypsilanti Community Schools, up on stage.

"He is such a light and has accomplished so much, despite just enormous life challenges," she said.

Harrison said he hopes others are inspired by his story.

"The power of life and death is in the tongue," he said. "I spoke victory over my situation that would've had me either dead or in jail, but I came out victorious and now I can say that no matter what the situation is you have victory."

Storytellers include:

Derrick Jackson, director of community engagement for the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, social worker, certified LEO and community volunteer.

Patti Smith, a teacher, author, local celebrity and storyteller known for her humor and candor.

DaQuann Harrison, a graduate of YCS through the Washtenaw Alliance for Virtual Education and a current student at Washtenaw Community College.

Sada Imran, a graduate of Ann Arbor Public Schools. She is a deaf student who has overcome many roadblocks to educational success and is going into a physician's assistant program.

Eastern Michigan University's Applied Theater Class will perform two pieces they wrote based on interviews with two families who went through expulsion hearings.

Host Gordie Wykes, a Student Advocacy Center mentor and advocate.

The Student Advocacy Center of Michigan is a unique organization with a 40-year history of helping vulnerable students stay in school or get back into school. Services include youth-driven, collaborative education advocacy and support, a statewide helpline, an evidence-based academic mentoring program that lasts at least two years and a leadership after-school program called Youth Action Michigan, which gives students most impacted by school pushout the skills, connections and supports they need to spark systems changes.

The advocacy center particularly focuses on students experiencing foster care, homelessness, mental illness and the negative impacts of harsh school discipline. Many of their referrals come from schools and other community partners.

For more information, visit www.studentadvocacycenter.org.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -Catholic Central High School students celebrated a magical night inspired by the "Enchanted Forest''-themed prom Saturday, April 29, at Studio D2D.

The historic former Steelcase factory complex was transformed into a fun, whimsical wonderland for students to explore.

Students showcased impeccable fashion flair in fancy dresses and gowns and sharp suits and tuxedos.

MLive's The Grand Rapids Press was there to was there to capture all the joy and glamour in photographs from laughing and socializing with friends to dancing to popular songs.

Prom season is underway in West Michigan through May, and we will cover as many as possible to highlight the annual rite of passage.

MORE:
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Forest Hills Eastern students celebrated prom Saturday, April 29, with the theme "Masquerade," which made for a fun and elegant night.

More than 300 students arrived at the Watermark Country Club for an evening of dinner and dancing.

Seth Lemke and Madison Pullen were crowned prom king and queen.

The festivities from the location to the D.J. to the menu were planned by the students.

MLive's Grand Rapids Press was there to celebrate with them and capture moments from a special night.

Prom season continues through the end of May in West Michigan, and The Grand Rapids Press and MLive will cover as many as possible to highlight the annual rite of passage.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Overlooking the Grand River and downtown cityscape, Zeeland East High School students celebrated prom in style Saturday, April 29, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

The ladies looked glamourous in the hottest prom fashions and the guys were stylish as they strolled through "The Streets of Old Grand Rapids" exhibit and enjoyed a fun ride on the popular carousel.

Students embraced the "Old Hollywood'' theme for a fun-filled night of laughter, dancing and socializing with friends. MLive's Grand Rapids Press was there to capture all the joy and glamour in photographs.

Prom season is well underway in West Michigan. We will cover as many as possible through the end of May to highlight this annual rite of passage.

MORE:
GRASS LAKE, MI -- The Dale Fisher Gallery transformed into an "Enchanted Forest" and was filled with high school students dressed to the nines.

Nearly 170 students attended Grass Lake High School's 2017 prom on Saturday, April 29.

The event included portrait sessions, a photo booth, snacks and a DJ.

Prom King and Queen titles went to Luke Coppernoll and Kali Presson.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Hackett Catholic Prep students celebrated their 2017 prom on Saturday, April 29.

The school's dance was held at the Kalamazoo Country Club.

Hackett Catholic Prep won the Kalamazoo Gazette's Prom of the Week poll for April 29. The Kalamazoo Gazette was there to photograph the prom-goers Saturday evening.

If you have your own photos you'd like to have included in our photo gallery, email them to kznews@mlive.com. Include your name, names of the students pictured and the school.

See coverage of proms around Michigan.
You have questions. I have some answers.

Q: I enjoyed the campy show Devious Maids and knew another season was filmed and should have been on. What happened to it? It was much better than some of the awful shows currently on Lifetime.

A: The series, inspired by telenovelas, ended with its fourth-season finale in August 2016. While the ratings were OK, Deadline.com reported that the series was left over from the old regime at Lifetime, and the new team was changing direction toward shows such as UnREAL, the edgy drama set behind the scenes at a Bachelor-like show. I dont know if UnREAL is what you consider an awful show. I very much liked what I saw of it during the first two seasons  and a third is coming.

'Celebrity Name Game'

Q: I love Celebrity Name Game, but it has been nothing but reruns for the last several months. Has it been canceled or are they just on a game show hiatus?

A: The makers of the syndicated series hosted by Daytime Emmy-winner Craig Ferguson announced in December that the show would not go past its current, third season. Low ratings were reportedly the reason. The shows online auditions and studio-ticket forms are already inactive. But, as with many TV formats, it could return in some fashion; one of the producing partners told the Hollywood Reporter that while we are not renewing in syndication at this time, it is a format we believe in.

'Orange is the New Black'

Q: Could you tell me if there will be a fifth season of Orange is the New Black and when the fourth season will be on DVD?

A: The fifth season arrives on Netflix on June 9, picking up from the big events in Season 4. I wont spoil anything in case you cant see the fourth season until it arrives on DVD and Blu-ray on May 9.

1960s TV

Q: I need to track down DVDs of two television shows from the early 60s. One is Peter Gunn and the other is T.H.E. Cat. I would appreciate it if you would tell me where to obtain them.

A: Created by Blake Edwards, Peter Gunn starred Craig Stevens as a super-cool private eye and boasted music by Henry Mancini. It originally aired from 1958 to 1961. Timeless Media Group released a complete-series box set on DVD (with a bonus CD of music from the series) in 2012. It is still available, including via Amazon.com. There was also a big-screen Gunn reuniting Edwards and Stevens in 1967, and a 1989 Peter Gunn TV-movie, also with Edwards in charge, but with Peter Strauss as the private eye. The Strauss production is on DVD; the big-screen Gunn is hard to find.

As for T.H.E. Cat, one of the favorites of my youth, it starred Robert Loggia as a cool, uh, cat and crimefighter, and ran for a single season in 1966-67. I do not know of an authorized DVD and do not recommend unauthorized ones. You can find some old episodes of so-so viewing quality on YouTube.
PORTAGE, MI - A Wednesday public hearing will address special assessments for Gourdneck and Hogsett lakes property owners for a five-year weed treatment program.

Gourdneck Lake

The 7 p.m. May 3 hearing by the Gourdneck Lake Governmental Lake Board is at Portage City Hall. Notices were mailed and hand-delivered to the nearly 375 property owners of the two lakes, nearly all of them living on or having access to Gourdneck Lake.

The Gourdneck/Hogsett Lakes Improvement Feasibility Study and Management Plan is designed to improve the water quality of the lakes, which straddle the city of Portage and Schoolcraft Township.

The five-year treatment plan will cost about $75,500 the first year and $55,000 the following years, said Terry Urban, chairman of the Gourdneck lake board and a Portage city councilman who served several years on the Long Lake board.

It is similar to weed treatment programs that have been used on other area lakes including Long, West and Sunset.

Properties that have frontage or access on the two lakes have been divided into four categories: frontage, canal, access and limited access. The proposed annual assessments for the four categories: frontage, $436 the first year and $318 for years 2018-21; canal, $288 first year, $210 after; access, $87 and $64; limited access, $44 and $32.

The costs include treating Hogsett Lake if the lake board receives permission from the Department of Natural Resources and Kalamazoo County. The county is contributing $4,000 the first year and Portage is contributing 8.66 percent of the total budget.

Wednesday's hearing will address the special assessment roll, and property owners are invited to comment. The Gourdneck Lake board will decide either at that hearing or after. Residents can appeal the decision within 30 days to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

A lake board, by state law, has the power to levy special assessments for improvement projects such as weed control and acts as an independent governing group.

Gourdneck Lake has been experiencing issues with Eurasian water milfoil, an invasive species common to lakes that chokes off other plants and habitat and damages the lake's ecosystem.

The proposal calls for herbicide applications to control invasive native and non-native species. It does not include an aeration project such as the one the past five years on nearby Austin Lake. The Austin Lake Governmental Lake Board has a May 10 hearing on whether to continue aeration.

The Gourdneck Lake Governmental Lake Board was approved last year by both the Portage City Council and Schoolcraft Township Board at the request of lake residents led by the Gourdneck Lake Association. The association has been working since 2014 to establish the governmental lake board to deal with Eurasian water milfoil and other undesirable exotic and native aquatic plants and weeds.

A December 2016 report by Restorative Lake Sciences provides details of the two lakes weeds and other issues. The report, along with other information about the proposal, can be found at http://www.gourdnecklakemi.com/
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Three Rivers High School students celebrated their 2017 prom on Saturday, April 29.

The school's spring formal was held at Loft 310 in downtown Kalamazoo. The theme was "Cities."

The Kalamazoo Gazette was there to photograph the prom-goers Saturday evening.

If you have your own photos you'd like to have included in our photo gallery, email them to kznews@mlive.com. Include your name, names of the students pictured and the school.

See coverage of proms around Michigan.
MUSKEGON, MI -- A woman's new boyfriend was shot by her ex during a domestic incident Saturday night in Muskegon Township.

According to Chief Dave Wypa, the incident occurred at 9:51 p.m. at Quail Meadows Apartments. A mother and her boyfriend came to pick up a child from the woman's ex, who began arguing with the pair.

The men with "bad blood" pulled out handguns, Wypa said, causing the 30-year-old ex-boyfriend to shoot the woman's 27-year-old boyfriend twice in the leg. The child was inside the residence during the shooting.

Muskegon Township Police, assisted by Muskegon County sheriff's deputies and the Michigan State Police, responded to the scene. The victim was transported to Hackley Hospital by ProMed Ambulance.

The shooter was arrested and lodged in the Muskegon County Jail for felonious assault.

Stay with us for more as this story develops.
MUSKEGON, MI - The report of an armed robbery at a downtown gas station earlier this month has resulted in a larceny charge and an embezzlement investigation, according to the prosecutor's office.

The Muskegon Police Department was called to the Shell station at the corner of Muskegon Avenue and Third Street around 4 a.m. April 5.

The clerk reported a male suspect indicated he had a gun when he entered the store and demanded property, police said at the time.

Following an investigation, a judge signed an arrest warrant for Dontae Lamarr Lashley, 33, to face a charge of larceny in a building, said Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat. It's alleged that he took money, cigarettes and lottery tickets, Maat said.

As a result of the probe into the reported robbery, the clerk, an associate of Lashley's, was investigated for alleged embezzlement, Maat said. The prosecutor's office expects to file charges of embezzlement between $200 and $1,000, alleging that she stole two money orders, one for $300 and one for $500, from the store, Maat said.

Lashley has a lengthy criminal record and is being charged as a four-time habitual offender, which increases the potential penalty on the larceny charge from four years to 15, Maat said. He currently is wanted on a probation violation for third offense domestic violence and a fail-to-appear warrant for his arrest also has been issued, Maat said.

The Michigan Department of Corrections lists Lashley's abscond date as April 6, the day after the robbery report.

Lashley's felony convictions include fleeing police in 2006 and 2011, resisting and obstructing police in 2003 and 2006, delivery of a controlled substance in 2003, escape while awaiting felony trial in 2001 and the third offense domestic violence in 2015, according to the corrections department web site.
MUSKEGON, MI -- Holton High School students celebrated a golden age at prom 2017.

The April 29 prom was held at the Frauenthal Center on the third floor of the Hilt Building. This year's theme was "Golden Age of Hollywood."

About 130 students attended the event, which was planned by a group of approximately 10 students.

Students snacked on finger foods and danced the night away at the Hilt Building, which is new venue for the school. Last year's prom was held at The Loading Dock in Shelby.

Two other Muskegon-area high schools held proms this weekend, Muskegon High School and Ravenna High School.
SPRING LAKE, MI -- Ravenna High School students walked the red carpet Saturday night at prom 2017.

The April 29 prom was held at Trillium Catering and Event Center in Spring Lake. This year's theme was "Red Carpet Hollywood."

Prom was planned by a group of between five to 10 students. About 200 students attended the event.

Dinner was served at Ravenna's prom, which isn't something the school does every year.

Two other Muskegon-area high schools held proms this weekend, Holton High School and Muskegon High School.
BAY CITY, MI - More than 270 Birch Run High School students and guests attended their 2017 prom at Bay Valley Conference Center, 2470 Old Bridge Road in Bay City on Saturday night.

After finishing their dinner, students took silly photos in front of a green screen and then danced the evening away to music provided by a DJ.

The theme was "A Night of A Thousand Lights."
Luka Dziubyna

Luka Dziubyna poses for a photo at the Temple Theatre in Saginaw.

(Heather Khalifa | MLive.com)

SAGINAW, MI -- A former Saginaw resident plans to debut a documentary focused on addiction, with a strange - if not troubling - twist at the end.

Luka Dziubyna, 37, said his addiction could have saved a local high school from a tragedy larger than the massacre at Columbine High School in 1999.

Now a documentary maker who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Dziubyna is taking a look in his film SaginAddict at how drug and alcohol addiction affect people throughout Saginaw County.

The film shows some graphic scenes, including a heroin user preparing and injecting the drug, footage from the Columbine shooting and Dziubyna being treated for his cancer.

Dziubyna was asked if the film was appropriate for a 12-year-old.

"If one person age 12 in America died of an overdose, then it's appropriate," he said.

In the film, Dziubyna is shown in pictures he says were taken of him in a bar when he was 13. And though he doesn't identify as an addict, Dziubyna admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking daily as well as taking opiates for an injury he suffered while serving in the military.

The film features times from Dziubyna's life, politics, drug counselors, random clips from the internet and a ranting, homophobic pastor who hates the Obama family.

Dziubyna said the pastor's speech is an example of accepted and protected speech.

"Popular speech doesn't need protection, and yet people don't want to talk about addiction," Dziubyna said.

Dziubyna hopes the film promotes a conversation about addiction.

"I hope to get people talking and start to break the stigma," he said. "Also, to show how close a few misdirected kids could've taken many lives."

Dziubyna and two other guys planned to carry out a mass shooting at Heritage High School to take place in 1997 during the beginning of his junior year, he claims. Those plans never panned out when one of the conspirators was killed and another was jailed for some unrelated incident Dziubyna said he doesn't recall.

Dziubyna said that he had forgotten about planning the attack 20 years ago until recently when some recorded tapes resurfaced.

However, it was Dziubyna's addiction that may have halted the plan even without his two cohorts.

Dziubyna said that he spent a lot of time trying to escape reality by drinking beer until he would pass out.

"In a way, my addiction saved quite a few people," Dziubyna said. " As long as I was going home and drinking myself into oblivion, I wasn't shooting up a school."

The film premieres on May 6, at the Temple Theatre in downtown Saginaw. The first showing is at 3 p.m. and the second at 5 p.m. The film lasts approximately an hour and 45 minutes.

Tickets cost $12 or $10 with student ID and can be purchased at the Temple; Cebula's Jewelry, 112 N. Michigan; Pasong's, 114 N. Michigan; and White's Bar, 2609 State. For additional information, visit the Facebook page SaginAddict Film Premier.
KOCHVILLE TWP, MI - The nifty '50s was the theme this year at the John Glenn High School prom, which was held at Saginaw Valley State University's Conference Center on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Coca-Cola glasses filled with pink and white flowers sat on top of vinyl records, while the DJ played classic rock'n'roll songs from the era.

Check here throughout the night as we update this page with photos.
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) -- Famed Swiss climber Ueli Steck was killed Sunday in a mountaineering accident near Mount Everest in Nepal, expedition organizers said.

Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks said Steck was killed at Camp 1 of Mount Nuptse. His body has been recovered from the site and been taken to Lukla, where the only airport in the Mount Everest area is located.

Steck's family said the exact circumstances of his death were still unclear.

"The family is infinitely sad and asks that the media refrain from speculating about his death out of respect and consideration for Ueli," it said in a statement on Steck's website. "As soon as reliable information about Ueli Steck's death becomes available, the media will be informed."

Steck was planning to climb 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) Mount Everest and nearby Mount Lhotse next month.

He was the first casualty in the spring mountaineering season in Nepal that began in March and will end in May. Hundreds of foreign climbers are on the mountains to attempt scale Himalayan peaks in May when there are a few windows of favorable weather.

The 40-year-old Steck was one of the most-renowned mountaineers of his generation. He was best known for his speed-climbing, including setting several records for ascending the north face of the Eiger, a classic mountaineering peak in the Bernese Alps that he climbed in two hours and 47 minutes without using a rope.

In 2013 he achieved the first solo climb of the Annapurna south face in Nepal after almost losing his life in a fall there in 2007. For that he received the "Piolet d'Or" -- considered the Oscar of mountaineering -- the following year.

In 2015, Steck decided to climb all 82 peaks in the Alps higher than 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) traveling between mountains by foot, bike and paraglider only. He completed the feat in 62 days, helping cement his reputation as the "Swiss Machine."
WASHINGTON  There's a shift taking place in Missouri and Illinois, and it has nothing to do with the New Madrid fault line.

Four of the nation's 19 congressional districts with the biggest shifts toward Republicans between the 2012 and 2016 elections either encompass or come close to the St. Louis suburbs.

Based on a comparison of those voting for Republican Mitt Romney in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016, the 15th Congressional District in Illinois, represented by veteran Republican John Shimkus, saw one of the biggest shifts.

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, like 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 non-partisan Cook Political Report, quadrennially ranks shifts in political allegiances in all 435 congressional districts.

His latest assessment, released earlier this month, showed the district represented by 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 highest 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. Shimkuss 15th Congressional District, for instance, has a PVI of Republican 21, meaning that in the last presidential election, in the 15th 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 Shimkuss moving almost eight 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 up-state voting. Down-state, 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, like 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 onto an act to guarantee permanent health care for retired mineworkers whose health care was threatened by bankrupt coal companies, joining Democratic House members and Democratic senators 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. "You've seen that slow shift when they realize that ... the people that are now the head of the Democratic Party don't really talk their talk any more."

Jeremy Walling is a political scientist at Southeast Missouri State University, which is in Smiths 8th District that 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 people's House represents a district where he or she must equally try to satisfy people of different partisan beliefs in in order to get re-elected.

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 responsible is people's 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 the 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 Daviss sits virtually in the middle of the 435-member House, leaning 3 points toward the GOP.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of "Black Sunday" on Lake Superior, a storm system that spawned a tornado outbreak in Minnesota and Iowa. The accompanying wind gusts whipped up 20-foot waves on Superior - leading to the deaths of three teenage brothers who were chasing the waves, and a U.S. Coast Guard rescuer from Michigan who tried to save them.

On April 30, 1967, winds were blowing up to 45 mph and Lake Superior's water temperature was just 36 degrees.

It was about 7:45 p.m. when witnesses saw brothers Eric, Arthur and Nathan Halverson - two 16-year-old twins and a 17-year-old - running on a pier in Duluth, Minn. The boys had driven to the pier after a church gathering, their parents later said.

One boy was swept off by the crashing waves, and the other two were stranded on the pier near a lighthouse, according to Coast Guard reports.

Volunteers went out to rescue the boys, including three Coast Guard members: Boatswain's Mate First Class Edgar Culbertson, 31, of Ferndale; Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Richard Callahan, 21, of Cicero, Ill., and Fireman Ronald C. Prei, 21, of St. Francis, Wis.

"The crew tethered themselves together using a rope, with 25-foot spacing and set out searching the pier with only a hand lantern to light the way," according to a Coast Guard account of the rescue attempt. "The rope would help ensure their safety if one of the men was swept off the pier the others could pull him to safety, they thought.

"The men shuffled their way out to the lighthouse without incident, but also without finding the missing boys.

"On their way back, Culbertson was knocked off the pier by a large wave causing him to fall below onto the rocks along the shores of the lake. Fellow coast guard member and rescuer, BM2 Richard Callahan suffered a severely broken wrist as he tried to hold on to the rope along with a third man; Coast Guard Fireman Ronald Prei.

"Despite their best efforts, BM1 Edgar Culbertson perished to the storm of the mighty Lake Superior."

The three young brothers also died in the storm.

Culbertson's body was later found on the beach. A memorial plaque on the pier nearby was placed as a testament to his bravery.

A short time after their deaths, all three men were awarded the Coast Guard Medal - the highest peace time medal awarded for heroism, the military said.

Pier fencing later was installed as a safety measure.
We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message.
Czech automobile firm Skoda is eyeing 25 percent sales growth in India this year on the back of enhanced customer service, two new upcoming models and upgrades of existing offerings.

The company's arm Skoda Auto India had reported sales of 13,370 units last year as against 15,457 units in 2015, down 13.5 percent.

"We have been on a drive to improve our sales and after- sales service for the past few years. Last year's sales was as per expectations but this year we are looking at 25 per cent growth," Skoda Auto India Chairman and Managing Director Sudhir Rao told PTI.

Elaborating on the company's confidence of clocking such a high growth, he said Skoda Auto India has been able to address issues that its customers had faced in the past few years with its concerted effort by interacting with them closely.

The company had even reduced its number of dealerships from around 100 in 2013 to 65 at present to align service quality across India with its global standards.

"Today, we are looking forward to growth and expansion. Already in the first quarter of 2017 we have grown by 8 per cent," Rao said.

When asked about the company's product launch plans, he said there would be two new models -- SUV Kodiaq and premium sedan Octavia RS, which are expected towards the later part of the year.

"Along with the existing models, we expect these two new models to contribute to our sales growth this year," Rao said.

Both the new models will be produced from the company's Aurangabad plant.

There will be upgrades of two of its existing models. Skoda sells sedans Rapid, Octavia and Superb in India currently.

When asked if the company's erstwhile hatchback Fabia could make a comeback, Rao said: "There is a space for it in the premium hatchback segment in India but we do not have a definite timeline for it".

On sales network expansion, Rao said this year the company is looking to scale up again to around 70-75 by the end of the year, up from 67 at present.

Rao also said Skoda is taking steps to increase level of localisation in its models by tapping tier II and III vendors in India.
In April 2014 and July 2014, residents of Gndevaz and Jermuk communities together with several environmental NGOs in Armenia submitted two complaints to CAO with regard to IFC's investment in Lydian International Limited, a mining company sponsoring the exploration and planning exploitation of the Amulsar gold mining project. The complainants highlighted concerns about project impacts on the local water basins' quality, risks with uranium deposits near the mining sight, red-listed species and a local tourism center. Other issues raised included criticisms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted and alleged violations of IFCs Performance Standards and national regulations.

IFC has been involved in Amulsar mining project since 2007; it is a 7.9% shareholder of Lydian International and has invested over 13 million USD in multiple stages. Meanwhile, Lydian International is an offshore based company, registered in Jersey, Channel Islands in 2006. The company has no mining experience whatsoever. It intends doing its first ever project in Amulsar, Armenia, which is situated in a geologically complicated area and therefore, is prone to substantial environmental and social risks. Since 2008, Lydian International is registered in Toronto Stock Exchange; however, this adds little transparency to Lydian with regard to revealing information about its shareholders, as the overwhelming majority of them are intermediary stock management companies and no information about the real shareholders is available. Nevertheless, a recent investigation discovered connections among several stakeholders in Amulsar project which involve corruption and money laundry risks. Amulsar gold mining project is only planned for 10 years and it will face serious opposition in case it starts. An ongoing petition with nearly 3500 signatures demands to stop financing the project.

The new Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was commissioned by Lydian Armenia (Geoteam) and approved by the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia in April 2016. Currently, representatives of Gndevaz village community and 2 environmental NGOs are disputing in the Administrative Court of Armenia the approval of the ESIA by the relevant ministries of Armenia; they state that the government has approved the mining project without carrying out due legal procedures and without due expert analyses of the documents presented by Lydian Armenia. At the most recent court hearing (March 16, 2017), the plaintiffs demanded that a new environmental and social impact assessment be carried out by independent experts. The stance of the Armenian government and Lydian Armenia on this issue announced on the next hearing on April 18, 2017. Meanwhile, information is published about how Armenian government accommodated the national legislation specifically to create more favourable conditions for gold mining in Amulsar breaching environmental standards and ignoring other more effective economic options for the development of the region: animation 1 and animation 2 present abstracts from an investigatory film on this issue.

Hereby, we would like to present to the IFC the most concerning unmanageable risks connected with gold mining in Amulsar and factors which may lead to the failure of the project. We urge that IFC refrains from any involvement in this project.

Affecting water resources and the risk of acid drainage

Amulsar is a sulphide mine (also stated in Geoteams early mineral exploration documents), therefore the water flowing through sulphide rocks will turn into reactive acid water creating acid drainage. The open mine area will be exposed to snow, rain and artificial watering, the streams originating in the open mine area will flow over the surface of the stripped area and downstream the mountain and will penetrate deep into the ground. Amulsar mountain is formed of cracked volcanic rocks and there is no method or technology to stop the water from penetrating into these rocks and thus flowing further into the ground. The latter will not only erode the iron concrete construction of the Vorotan-Arpa water tunnel that is located in the immediate vicinity of the planned mining area, but will also infiltrate into the water flowing through the tunnel into Lake Sevan and will ultimately alter the lakes chemical composition. Lake Sevan is a unique large fresh water reservoir and a strategic water resource from the entire region of South Caucasus. This risk is also confirmed by a fact that not far from the mining site, right on Amulsars slope there is a small natural pond of diluted acid.

Another risk for water resources is associated with Jermuk, a health resort town famous for its healing mineral waters, only 12 km away from the mine and not even included in the ESIA until 2016. Lydian excludes any negative impact of the mining activities on the mineral waters and insists that an isotope analysis confirmed that these waters have no physical connection to Amulsars hydrological systems. However, scientific data (source: Geomorphology of Armenian SSR, 1986, pp. 134-145) (source 1, source 2) states the opposite: in relatively recent geological past, this area was the paleochannel of the Arpa-Vorotan river basin. Vorotan river has been connected to the Arpa river basin, they were one river (upper pliocene-lower quaternary geological period). Vorotan rivers upper basin and Arpa river were separated after Amulsars lateral raise. This means that deep mineral and underground waters are still connected.

The ESIA has numerous other gaps regarding the assessment of impact on water resources. These gaps are mentioned in detail in the petition of 8 environmental NGOs to the government of Armenia, dated March 10, 2017 (available only in Armenian yet). The NGOs and their experts exposed a number of methodological errors in the ESIA, contradictory facts presented in different documents of Lydian and a lack of grounded expert assessment which should prevent such a project from being carried out.

2. Heap leaching with sodium cyanide

The usage of sodium cyanide for heap leaching (1000 tons annually) contains primary and secondary risks, which are often unmanageable and uncontrollable. Primary risks include fires in cyanide storehouses, accidents in technical structures, leaks of highly hazardous substances, natural disasters, terrorist and military actions, and other similar accidents with grave effects on people, as well as nature. Secondary risks have even more complex origins and their impacts may last forever. Ore containing gold and silver is crushed as a result of which all elements (or metal and non metal compounds) in the ore are separated. This substance is processed with water and cyanide mixture, and as a result of chemical reaction the gold is separated. However the reaction takes place not only between cyanide and gold but also between cyanide and other elements in the ore, including heavy metals, as a result of which nitrates and other chemical compounds are formed. There are many more heavy metals in the ore in Amulsar than gold, including cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, mercury, zinc, wolfram, bismuth, chromium, lead, as well as poisonous substances such as arsenic, selenium, tellurium, beryllium, cadmium, which will seriously pollute and threaten nature, ecosystem and humans health if they remain in the waste. Risks of pollution cannot be ignored in the case of Amulsar, because its territory is located in a seismic area, in a tectonically active and landslide zone. Even a few millimeters of ground movement annually will be enough to destabilize the protective layers and structures and to cause an ecological disaster in Vayots Dzor region. Similarly, risk exists in case of technical problems and leaks that may also occur in the heap leach facility that will be located on the shores of Arpa river and some 1000 meters away from Gndevaz village (case of Bellavista mine is well known for us to understand the risks). From year 5 of the project activity, Lydian plans to extract the remains of cyanide from the heap-leach water and release it to Arpa river; the same solution is planned in case of technical accidents. The company hides information about the fact that this water will contain not only cyanide but also a large number of heavy metals (see more details in the next point).

Another risk related to this topic is that sodium cyanide will be transported to the mining site by road (there is no railway there) which means that dozens of towns and villages on the way to Amulsar will be at risk in case of any accidents of leak of cyanide during its transportation to the mining site. Note, the cyanide route, transportation and handling have not been part of ESIA and have not been duly examined and approved.

3. Communities downstream Arpa river

The mining project contains risks towards communities living downstream Arpa river. According to the ESIA of Lydian Armenia, these communities are not even considered to be affected communities. However, as the mining project states, the company will collect all the industrial waters for 5 years, afterwards, they will carry out a cyanide treatment and release the water to Arpa river. While cyanide can indeed be neutralised in water, other heavy metals will remain. What is going to happen to arsenium, zinc, and other metals available in the industrial waters? The project lacks any mention of treatment for heavy metals before releasing the water to Arpa river. Meanwhile, Arpa is the main source of irrigation water for at least 5 large villages which are among largest agricultural and wine producers in the country, and some local producers have even certified their products as organic. These people have not at all been informed about the grave risks to which they will be exposed in case mining in Amulsar happens. Risks of contamination of Arpa river and therefore, also massive agricultural lands are ignored in the ESIA.

4. A risk for World Bank funded projects in Armenia

The gold mining project in Amulsar contradicts other investments and projects of the World Bank in the same area in Armenia. The first one is Community Agricultural Resource Management and Competitiveness (CARMAC) Project for Armenia: The CARMAC project is designed to improve productivity and sustainability of pasture based livestock farms in 55 mountainous communities by increasing milk production, improving pasture management, and enhancing farm sales of livestock products. For example, this project includes Gorayk community which is now known for its best pastures in Armenia and is listed in CARMAC communities, but it is also one of the communities directly affected by Amulsar gold mining. The second contradiction is with the South Corridor Tourism Development Strategy which involves Jermuk as one of the main strategic places for tourism development but which will be affected by mining in Amulsar. Given the number of unmanageable risks mentioned above, mining in Amulsar will be incompatible with tourism or agriculture; these risks have not been duly assessed and, as referred in point 1 above, independent experts have revealed a number of methodological errors in the ESIA.

5. Active opposition and protests

The environmental community in Armenia and beyond, as well as local communities are actively opposing to the project. As soon as information about exploration in Amulsar became public, there has always been opposition towards this project in Armenia. The local communities were totally against the mine which was clear from the public hearings (more public hearing), from protest actions and refusal to sell lands for years (the state eventually declared eminent domain over those lands, who were not selling them). Independent experts and even the state expert committee on Lake Sevan have given negative opinions about mining in this area. Since 2011-2012, there have been numerous protest actions in Yerevan and Jermuk, discussion, critical articles, petitions, court appeals (in Armenia and Aarhus committee).

The opposition is becoming even more vocal and organised now. In the recent 6 months the issue has again raised high on the public agenda. In November 2016, after a local bank (Ameriabank) announced about giving a loan for Amulsar project their online public rating in the social networks dropped from nearly 5 star to 2.2 with hundreds of comments stating public discontent about this decision. There was a protest action in front of the bank headquarters, and dozens of individuals closed their accounts in Ameriabank as a sign of protest. Another protest action took place at the 30th anniversary reception of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia in December 2016; environmentalists disrupted the gathering with a speech and gifted the Minister mine-contaminated water. In March 2017, the environmental activists disrupted the presentation of EBRD, EU and Swedish Government joint project titled Business woman exposing how Amulsar mining (also supported by EBRD) is going to affect the demography in Jermuk town, depriving women of their sustainable jobs in tourism and health resorts and increasing the risk of sexual violence and sexually transmitted diseases as hundreds of male mine workers will move to the town (ESIA, 2016, chapter 6.12, chapter 6.18). After this intervention social media ratings of EBRD too dropped and received dozens of critical comments and questions; 2 days later EBRD removed the review/rating bar to hide the criticism. In March, residents of Gndevaz physically stopped Lydian Armenia from starting explosions at the village where heap leaching facility is planned to be constructed; a couple of days later, they blocked the road and stopped the cars of the Prime Minister of Armenia who was visiting the region for his electoral campaign and expressed their concerns and discontent about Amulsar gold project; as a result, the prime minister proposed that Lydian Armenia organizes a meeting in the village on March 16 (which is now postponed till April 6, after the elections) with the participation of experts from the government in order to address the questions of the local residents. Moreover, during the past 6 months numerous articles, expert opinions and investigations have been published in Armenian and foreign media revealing dangers and corruption with regard to Amulsar gold project.

Considering these, as well as previously mentioned concerns, we urge IFC to withdraw from Amulsar project and stop supporting it in any way.

Armenian Environmental Front (AEF) civil initiative

Mining Watch Canada

Greens Union of Armenia

"Ecological Academy" NGO

EcoLur Informational NGO

Jermuk Development Center NGO

"Environmental Public Society" NGO


US President Donald Trump

Celebrating the first 100 days of his administration, US President Donald Trump attacked the media for allegedly misleading Americans as he skipped the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner in the capital.

"I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washington's swamp, spending my evening with all of you with a much, much larger crowd and much, much better people. The media deserves a very big, fat, failing grade," Trump said amidst a cheering crowd at Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, a state which played a critical role in his electoral victory last November.

He said a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in the nation's capital right now, referring to the annual dinner at a luxurious hotel which was sold out to more than 2600 crowd, comprising whos who of nations political players, and top journalists along with celebrities and diplomats.

"They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents' dinner  without the President,' Trump told his supporters.

This is for the first time in decades that a serving US President decided against attending the annual event of journalists who cover him round the clock.

None of the White House staff were present on the occasion in support of the President's decision.

The last president to miss the White House Correspondents' Dinner was Ronald Reagan back in 1981, and that was because he was recovering from an assassination attempt.

In his address, Trump said his rally to celebrate the completion of his first 100 days in office drew a much larger crowd and better people too.

"They would love to be with us right here tonight. Theyre trapped at the dinner, which will be very, very boring," Trump said, but indicated that he would be present at the Correspondents' Dinner next year.

Next year's dinner might be "more exciting", he said. "But we have a good chance showing up here again next year."

In his speech, Trump slammed newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

More than 100 miles away from Harrisburg, journalists led by White House Correspondents' Association president Jeff Mason slammed the US President for attacking the media.

"We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do, Mason said.

"Freedom of the press is a building block of our democracy. Undermining that by seeking to delegitimize journalists is dangerous to a healthy republic, he said to a standing ovation.

Masons impressive speech was quickly followed by Indian American stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj.

"The leader of our country is not here, and that's because he lives in Moscow," Minhaj said amidst laughter from the audience.

"It's a very long flight, it's a Saturday. As for the other guy, I think he's in Pennsylvania because he can't take a joke," said the Indian-American, whose parents are from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Flexible and dynamic policy regimes are robust and work best for the industry, according to Principal Economic Adviser Sanjeev Sanyal in an interview to Network18.

Sanyal, is also an economist with enormous experience under his belt, stressed on the importance reacting quickly to any situation. When you make a policy, you dont try and work out every outcome and pre-empt them, because you dont know what they are. The emphasis is on flexibility: Its more important to react fast to an evolving situation, he said in the interview, his first since he took charge as Principal Economic Adviser.

Complex laws eventually make systems opaque and rigid, he said, adding: Flexibility is important and this is the most important driving principle for me. Complex adaptive systems work best for policies, he said.

The English language is a complex adaptive system; Hinduism is a complex adaptive system; a successful city like London is a complex adaptive system. There is enormous flexibility in the English language, thats why its a robust system, what Nicholas Nassim Taleb calls anti-fragile, Sanyal said

Sanyal pointed out to cities like Chandigarh where plans have been strictly adhered to and such cities have gone sterile, he said.

Elaborating on the tenets of Hinduism and drawing parallels with complex adaptive systems, Sanyal said: In most other religions, the terms religion, faith and belief are interchangeable. In Hinduism, they are not. Hindus are seekers, they are not believers. Hinduism is a religion, which is concerned with the meaning of life, ethics and so on, like other religions. But it does not give you one particular belief.

It is perfectly fine for a Hindu to believe in one god, many gods, or to be an atheist or an agnostic. If you can think of a new way of doing it, Hinduism allows you to add to it. It provides tradition and community, and it is a living religion. Hinduism allows you to write new texts, Sanyal said.

Sanyal, whose books include the Land of the Seven Rivers: A Brief History of Indias Geography, The Indian Renaissance: Indias Rise After a Thousand Years of Decline, The Incredible History of Indias Geography and The Ocean of Churn, serve as the deputy to Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian.
Busine

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 news 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. (AFP) .
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.
Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity
Shant Khayalyan left Aleppo when the situation in Syria grew tense. First, he moved to Jordan, then, in 2013, to Armenia, which he claims to be his final destination. He reluctantly admits being 41-years-old, joking that hes afraid girls wont talk to him when they know hes that old.

Despite being a programmer by profession, he decided to start a shampoo and soap making business in Armenia. It was a hobby of his back in Aleppo, where he learnt by watching his grandma.

Taking a loan to start a business, he named his production Beauty Products. At first, he was making only four kinds of soaps - carrot, oregano, parsley and chamomile - and he was delivering them to the shops by his own car. At present, his products can be found online as well as in different supermarkets and shops.

His range of soaps has grown to 20, and he makes 16 kinds of shampoos. Various oils, types of clay, wax, hair and skin creams are also in production.

Raw materials, with the exception of olive and coconut oil, are local and natural. For example carrot soaps are made from Aramus carrot. Despite this, the product is not considered organic, because in that case it must go through a special process for getting licenses, which, according to Shant, will increase the price. "In reality, it is organic, as we can use materials all these materials in food or daily household chores, too, but not having "organic" in the name permits having more affordable prices,Shant explains.

Shant prepares everything by himself. Hes up from early morning until late at night to prepare about 120 soaps daily. "When they say, this is for the night, this is for day, this is to be used before shower, this one - after shower its all for cheating people. When Im asked how to use a shampoo, I simply advise people to go to the bathroom and apply it, Shant adds with a smile.

The production now takes place in Ijevan, but Shant plans to expand his activities, and has rented a new place in Yerevan. He organizes free soap and shampoo preparation training for the disabled in Vanadzor and Ijevan. He plans to send 120 soaps monthly to Artsakh military units starting in May.

Shant plans to stay in Armenia. Moreover, he plans to help his two sisters and parents move here from Syria and Lebanon. The only obstacles he has are financial, but he manages to overcome those.

In his opinion, a hardworking person can always find work. "When you do your job properly, you dont need to lie, and no one will stand in your way. Its easy for people to blame the state for all their misfortunes, but one should do his own best to be able to work."





Willing to improve the product quality, Shant plans to continue his studies at the University of Ijevan, in order to study organic chemistry.

video by: Hovhannes Ishkhanyan and Tatev Khachatryan
Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive.

To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research.

Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Cloudy skies. High 69F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with occasional light rain late. Low 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

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
Community participation is a powerful tool, and its shaping up to finish a project Midlanders have wanted for years.

The Midland Development Corp. board at its monthly meeting Monday will vote on an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to see the conversion of the intersection of Loop 250 and county roads 1150 and 60 into a freeway-grade overpass.

According to a copy of the agreement received by the Reporter-Telegram in advance of the meeting, the total curvilinear overpass project cost is nearly $29.5 million. Construction alone costs $21.5 million, but the long-sought completion of the eastern portion of Loop 250 is getting closer  all because the MDC is chipping in a bit of money.

The MDC will contribute $2 million toward construction. In return, all indications are that the overpass project will begin in the near future.

The Transportation Commission and TxDOT administration recognize that local funding is difficult to achieve. Because of the MDC contribution, weve moved the project up to take advantage of that donation as quickly as possible, TxDOT Odessa District engineer John Speed said via email. We truly appreciate the vision and generosity of the MDC.

More for you MDC Chairman forms strategy to get transportation projects finished faster

The contribution is part of a larger leveraging effort headed by MDC Chairman Brent Hilliard, and its not the only step for completing Loop 250. Hilliard told the Reporter-Telegram recently that the citys Type A economic development group is also in talks with TxDOT to help construct an overpass at CR 1140, southeast of the CR 1150/60 project. And it doesnt stop there.

These projects represent what we hope is a good beginning point for the next 10 years of projects we do together with TxDOT, the city and the MDC, Hilliard said.

A 10-year plan is in the works to address where the MDC and city believe growth is going to happen. Were not making decisions in a vacuum. Were looking at roads, water, sewer  everything, Hilliard said. There will be city, county and state projects. City projects will include federal money when available, and county projects will include cooperation with Midland County officials to address areas where city and county roads meet.

Having a plan could mean cost savings in the long run by taking advantage of economies of scale, Hilliard said. Once you have all of those projects together, you have more buying power because you have more predictability, whether its with an engineering firm or contractor.

This is particularly true with road projects. According to the construction index, every year that passes, the construction cost increases 4 percent, though the city manager says its upward of 15 percent per year, he said.

Using $2 million to leverage funds and speed up progress on a long-wanted project is a good investment, Hilliard said. Where can we get the biggest return for our investment? Usually, that strategy is tied to high-risk decisions. In this case  assuming the federal government or state government doesnt fail or theres a catastrophic event  this first project is going to be built with a minimal amount of risk of not being completed. When you look at the leveraging side of it, any time you can put up $2 million and get $23 million back, thats unheard of.

Hilliard said the CR 1150/60 and CR 1140 overpass projects represent a good beginning point for future cooperation between TxDOT, the city of Midland and the MDC.

Those two opportunities for Midland and TxDOT represent a culmination of, one, a lot of work; two, the right timing because state and federal funds are available; and, three, the willingness of TxDOT representatives locally and in Austin, our City Council and leadership at the city of Midland and leadership at the MDC to coalesce around the opportunity and to seize the moment, he said.

The agreement between TxDOT and the MDC is only one component of the project. The overpass is still subject to approval by the Permian Basin Metropolitan Planning Organization policy board. The MPO programs federal and state funding for transportation projects within its boundaries, which include the cities of Midland and Odessa and part of Martin County. The federally mandated agency is currently reworking its master transportation plan, which is the list of top priority projects.

MPO Executive Director Cameron Walker said the funding agreement demonstrates the power local contributions  even small ones  can have on moving transportation projects forward. TxDOT Odessa District public information officer Gene Powell echoed that sentiment and said local contributions free up money to work on other projects, which, in turn, can get them completed faster.

The MDCs monthly meeting begins at 10 a.m. Monday in the City Hall basement conference room.

Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes.
Seniors have a number of major decisions to make during their golden years, but none may be more important than when to claim Social Security benefits.

Your claiming age plays a big role in determining what you're paid monthly

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the data is very clear: Retired workers depend heavily on their benefits to help cover their monthly expenses. A little over 60% of all retired workers and 71% of all unmarried elderly retired workers count on their benefits for at least half of their monthly retirement income.

One of the biggest contributing factors to what you'll be paid once you do decide to claim Social Security is your claiming age. Sure, your 35 highest-earning years, and therefore your work history, will play a role in determining your full retirement age benefit (your full retirement age is the point at which the SSA deems you eligible to receive 100% of your monthly payout). But when you decide to file for benefits can arguably have an even bigger impact.

Seniors can begin taking Social Security as early as age 62 or at any age thereafter. However, the SSA offers quite the incentive to wait. For each year a person hold off on claiming benefits, their eventual payout will grow by about 8%. This means if you waited all the way until age 70, the age at which benefits stop accruing, your monthly payout could be up to 76% higher than if you signed up for Social Security at age 62.

However, everything is determined first and foremost by your full retirement age. For those born in 1955 (i.e., this year's newest retirees eligible for Social Security benefits), your FRA is 66 years and two months. If you were to file for Social Security benefits at any point between age 62 and the month before your personal FRA, you'd be accepting a permanent reduction in your monthly payout that could be as high as 25% to 30%. Conversely, if you claimed benefits at any point between a month after your personal FRA and age 70, your monthly payout could be 24% to 32% higher than what you'd have received at your FRA

An illustration of what the average American would be paid by claiming Social Security at age 62

The system very clearly incentivizes seniors to wait, but that's not often what happens. Data from the Centers for Retirement Research at Boston College has shown that three in five seniors claim Social Security benefits before hitting their FRA, with age 62 being the most popular of all ages. As of 2013, 42% of men and 48% of women claimed Social Security at age 62.

However, for those born in 1955, claiming at age 62 means accepting a 25.8% permanent reduction in your monthly payment relative to what you'd receive had you waited till age 66 years and two months, the FRA for someone born in 1955.

What might this payout look like over time? Let's take a look at what the average American claiming at age 62 and born in 1955 would receive in lifetime benefits. For our example, we'll use the average monthly retired worker payout of $1,363.66, per the February 2017 snapshot from the SSA, as our full retirement age baseline, and we'll also assume that the average benefit increased annually by 2%. Cost-of-living adjustments have averaged around 2% over the past two decades, so this seems like a fair real-world estimate.

As you can see above, the advantage of claiming at age 62 is that you'll begin receiving income immediately. The downside, of course, is that your payout will be reduced substantially compared to those who patiently wait to claim later.

By age 79, which is roughly the average life expectancy in the U.S., the average American born in 1955 and claiming at age 62 would have netted almost $260,000 in lifetime benefits. If he or she makes it to age 90, they'll have collected more than $471,000 in lifetime Social Security benefits. By comparison, if they had waited to claim until age 65, they would have been paid over $29,000 more in lifetime benefits by age 90 relative to the age 62 claimant.

Claiming at age 62 makes sense in these instances

Despite giving up at least 25% per month of what they'd have received by waiting till they reached their FRA, some seniors probably have a very good reason for claiming benefits at age 62. Here are a handful of reasons when claiming at age 62 makes sense.

If your health is an issue: Though none of us knows our expiration date with any certainty, we can use our personal and family health history to somewhat predict how long we'll live. If you expect to live to your 80s and beyond, waiting to claim is often the smarter move. But if your health isn't great, claiming early and netting that guaranteed income may be a wiser way to go.

Though none of us knows our expiration date with any certainty, we can use our personal and family health history to somewhat predict how long we'll live. If you expect to live to your 80s and beyond, waiting to claim is often the smarter move. But if your health isn't great, claiming early and netting that guaranteed income may be a wiser way to go. If you're wealthy: If Social Security income is just icing on the cake and you won't at all be dependent on it, claiming early, so long as the added income doesn't bump you into an even higher tax bracket, may make sense.

If Social Security income is just icing on the cake and you won't at all be dependent on it, claiming early, so long as the added income doesn't bump you into an even higher tax bracket, may make sense. If you can't generate income or find work: If you're struggling to find work and need income to pay your bills, claiming benefits early may make sense. Plus, Form SSA-521 acts as a mulligan for the first 12 months, allowing you to undo your claim if you do find work, so long as you repay every cent in benefits received from the SSA.

If you're struggling to find work and need income to pay your bills, claiming benefits early may make sense. Plus, Form SSA-521 acts as a mulligan for the first 12 months, allowing you to undo your claim if you do find work, so long as you repay every cent in benefits received from the SSA. If you're the lower-earning spouse: It generally also makes sense for a lower-earning spouse to claim Social Security benefits early. A lower-earning spouse won't see as big of an increase in their payout by waiting as the spouse who had a higher income during their lifetime. However, the household probably needs to generate some income while the higher-earning spouse allows his or her benefit to grow. Having the lower-earning spouse claim early generates income for the household while allowing the higher-income benefit to really pack a punch later in life.

And the one time you absolutely shouldn't consider claiming at age 62 is if you have little or nothing saved for retirement. Claiming early and generating income might seem tempting, but permanently reducing your payout if you're going to have to rely heavily on Social Security income isn't a smart move.

Your claiming decision is a personal one, but this breakdown should hopefully make it that much easier.

The $16,122 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook

If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,122 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
It's been a whirlwind 2017 for ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP). The oil and gas driller has been selling off assets in the last few months and streamlining its operations. You almost can't keep up with all the company's news.

Luckily for investors, we can get a full update on all these activities when the comany reports Q1 2017 earnings on May 2. Here's what to listen for in the first quarter...and what lies beyond.

Sell, sell, sell

Conoco has divested some major holdings in recent months, in particular a major portion of its Canadian oil sands assets on March 29. It followed up with the sale of its dry gas field in the San Juan Basin on the Colorado/New Mexico border on April 13. These are the first major sales announced since the company unloaded three deepwater exploration blocks off the coast of Senegal in October.

These sales are part of the company's broader focus on asset disposition as it looks to improve free cash flow and reduce its debt. With these sales, Conoco is executing its overall strategy of selling its less-profitable assets. Deepwater exploration is expensive and risky, heavy crude from oil sands is more costly to extract and refine than light crude from shale, and dry gas is currently less valuable on the open market than liquid fuels like oil.

It's important to remember that we won't be seeing a huge influx of cash from these transactions in Q1; the Senegalese transaction was recorded in Q4 2016 and the more recent sales aren't anticipated to close until the second or third quarter 2017. But investors should listen for any hints about what additional assets the company might be considering selling.

Ahead of the curve

The asset sales in March and April will bring in a collective $13.3 billion in cash, along with an additional $2.7 billion of stock in oil sands specialist driller Cenovus, to which the Canadian assets were sold.

But Conoco's asset disposition plan, as announced last year, was much more modest. CEO Ryan Lance had announced plans to sell $5 billion to $8 billion in assets over the next two years. Conoco is not only way ahead of schedule, but ahead of its monetary goal as well. In April, Conoco released an update stating it expected $16 billion in asset sales in 2017, which -- including the Cenovus stock -- seems to indicate that the expected 2017 asset sales are completed, but I'll be listening for clarity on that point.

Conoco has been very clear about how it plans to divvy up the cash from the Canadian transaction ($7 billion toward debt reduction and $3 billion in additional share repurchase authorization). We'll want to learn how it plans to deploy the $2.7 billion from the San Juan Basin transaction, and also for when the planned activities will occur. Whether management opts for additional debt relief, additional share repurchases, or something else (perhaps a special dividend or additional capital expenditures?), it will give insight into the company's priorities moving forward.

Cash is king

The last thing I'll be watching for is simple: profitability. Conoco is undertaking these major portfolio adjustments with an eye toward boosting free cash flow. It has boasted that once these asset sales are completed, its average cost of supply will drop from $40 per barrel to $35 per barrel, which should improve profitability and lead to improved cash flows.

With oil prices above $50 a barrel for much of Q1, the earnings report will give investors a chance to see if cash flow positivity was achieved, or even if ConocoPhillips is able to report a profit. If so, then the company is looking good moving forward, as the changes to its portfolio will affect these metrics in a positive direction. If the company is still cash flow-negative and unprofitable, on the other hand, that would be a red flag.

ConocoPhillips has been cash flow-neutral with oil prices between $45 and $50 per barrel. In fact, management projected $6.5 billion in operating cash flow for 2017 with oil at $50 per barrel. So if the company isn't cash flow-positive with prices above that mark -- absent some sort of one-time issue -- that would signal that management's projections aren't coming to fruition, which should be very concerning to shareholders.

Investor takeaway

ConocoPhillips has been moving quickly to execute its plans for transforming the company. But we still only get financial updates once per quarter. With so much change going on at ConocoPhillips, pay close attention to management's plans for the cash from its asset sales, and the timeline for those plans. Also, look closely at the company's performance in Q1 -- particularly its profitability and cash flow -- to make sure that its actual results are matching up with management's expectations.

This is going to be a critical year for ConocoPhillips, and energy investors will want to pay very close attention to how it's going.

10 stocks we like better than ConocoPhillips

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 ConocoPhillips wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017

John Bromels has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

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.

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
Steve Campbell

The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday announced Golden Pass Products LLC can export domestically produced liquefied natural gas to countries that do not have a free trade agreement with the United States.

Golden Pass can export up to the equivalent of 2.21 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from the Golden Pass Terminal in Jefferson County. The terminal is near Sabine Pass, according to a press release.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Permian Basin operators are successfully coaxing more crude to the surface, and the Energy Information Agency is forecasting the region will raise its output to 2.4 million barrels a day in May.

The Permian will produce 662 barrels per rig next month, unchanged from April, according to the agencys Drilling Productivity Report. Production from new wells will increase 205,000 barrels per day, offsetting a 129,000-barrel-per-day decline from legacy wells by 76,000 barrels per day.

The rise in Permian oil production is remarkable, Faouzi Aloulou, industry economist with the EIA said in an email. In addition to increases in drilling activity, production has benefited from improvements in drilling efficiency and drilling and completion technology.

Jesse I. Esparza, petroleum engineer in the agencys Office of Petroleum, Natural Gas & BioFuels, listed four specific moves producers have made that have increased production.

First, tighter well spacing, he said in an email. Tighter well spacing has resulted in an increase in the number of wells being drilled per pad and thus reduced the cost and time of moving rigs and completion equipment.

Second, he cited improved production design and operations efficiency.

By working in conjunction with completions, reservoir and drilling teams, the production team has improved well designs and target zones to maximize production, he said.

Third, there is the operators trend toward drilling and recompleting vertical wells to offset natural declines.

Rather than spending capital on drilling new horizontal wells, companies are focusing on drilling and recompleting older vertical wells at a cost of around $1 million per well, compared to new horizontal wells at $5 million to $9 million, Esparza said.

Finally, he said the drop in oil prices prompted oil and natural gas companies to focus on their best assets -- i.e. areas with higher production rates and, more importantly, high rates of return.

Aloulou and Esparza, along with Naser Ameen, were the principal contributors to the EIAs report on Permian production.

Aloulou pointed to the agencys short- and long-term outlooks for domestic production, which anticipate continued growth for Permian production.

In January, the EIA predicted domestic production would rise from 8.9 million barrels per day in 2016 to 9.3 million barrels per day in 2018, led largely by tight oil-producing states, primarily Texas and North Dakota. The agency said Permian production rose 5 percent in 2016 over 2015 levels to average 2 million barrels a day, and that increase is expected to increase into 2018, when it should average 2.5 million barrels a day.

In its Annual Energy Outlook 2017 issued in February, the agency said Permian production will remain relatively high through 2040.

The biggest challenge facing Permian producers, in addition to oil prices, is midstream infrastructure additions that will limit production. According to Drillinginfos forecast, it is expected that production will exceed current takeaway capacity by the end of this year. Presently, Permian takeaway and refining capacity stands at 2.6 million barrels a day, Esparza said.

Aloulou, Esparza and Ameen noted that between January 2016 and March 2017, oil production in the Permian rose in all but three months, providing a growing share of domestic production, while production in other regions fell amid low oil prices.

As of April 21, the number of rigs in the Permian Basin reached 340, or 40 percent of the 857 total oil- and natural gas-directed rigs operating in the United States. The Permian rig count reached as high as 568 in late 2014 before falling to a low of 134 in spring 2016.

The land area over the Permian Basin covers more than 75,000 square miles in 43 counties of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, the EIA analysts said. However, they pointed out that more than half of the rigs that have been added in the Permian are concentrated in just five counties: Reeves, Loving, Midland, and Martin in Texas and Lea County in New Mexico. Oil production from these five counties averaged 882,000 barrels a day as of November and accounted for approximately 42 percent of total Permian Basin oil production, which was 2.1 million barrels a day that month. As more rigs continue to be moved to these counties, production from these areas is expected to continue to increase, which will drive the increases in total Permian production.

They also cite last Novembers report from the U.S. Geological Survey that estimated technically recoverable oil and shale gas resources in the Midland subbasin  specifically the Wolfcamp  could exceed 20 billion barrels of oil, 16 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 1.6 billion barrels of hydrocarbon gas liquids.

The International Energy Agency said that even those riches may not be enough to meet future demand.

The agency reported global oil discoveries fell to a record low of 2.4 billion barrels in 2016, compared to an average 9 billion barrels per year over the past 15 years. Conventional resource development fell to 4.7 billion barrels, down 30 percent from 2015 levels as the number of projects that received funding dropped to the lowest level since the 1940s. Exploration spending is expected to fall again this year.

Even as conventional projects were declining, U.S. shale investments and production rose as production costs have fallen 50 percent since 2014. Of the 85 million barrels per day of global oil output, conventional oil production is 69 million barrels, accompanied by 6.5 million barrels per day from U.S. shale plays and the remainder from other natural gas liquids and unconventional sources such as oil sands and heavy oil.

The IEA said that as global demand is forecast to grow 1.2 million barrels a day per year over the next five years, that decline in investment could lead to tight supplies.

The agency puts the average break-even price in the Permian at $40 to $45 per barrel, with production from U.S. shale plays expected to rise by 2.3 million barrels a day by 2022 at current oil prices. It could be a larger increase if prices are higher.

The key question for the future of the oil market is for how long can a surge in U.S. shale supplies make up for the slow pace of growth elsewhere in the oil sector, Fatih Birol, IEA executive director, said in a statement.
Michael Short/The Chronicle

A Half Moon Bay man on early morning bicycle ride was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Highway 1 Saturday.

The 44-year old man, whose name was not released., was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Another Half Moon Bay resident, Angel Gabriel Gongora, 29, was arrested nearby and detained. According to a report by the California Highway Patrol, Gongora had apparently been driving north on Highway 1 approaching Furtado Lane when he struck the bicyclist. The bicycle was dragged away under Gongoras 1999 Ford SUV, officers added.
STAMFORD  A city committee kept next years spending plan nearly intact with a symbolic cut of $150,000, while blaming the ongoing budget meltdown in the state Legislature for the local financial uncertainty.

We face a very uncertain year in whats going to happen from the state of Connecticut  more uncertain than I remember, perhaps, in my lifetime, city Rep. Keith Silver said Saturday during a meeting of the Board of Representatives fiscal committee.

Silver said the reduction is perhaps symbolic, but it encourages officials to cut waste.

It holds a little bit of a sword over the administration to know where they can have some savings, even if its a small saving in supplies in any one department across the spectrum of the city, he said.

The overall $554.7 million operating budget now goes to the full board for a vote Tuesday. The plan represents a 3.2 percent spending increase and poses an estimated 2.75 percent tax hike.

The committees vote on Saturday comes days after the Board of Finance made much larger reductions to the budget, cutting nearly $1 million from the city side and about $1.7 million from the education plan.

Some on the committee criticized those cuts, with most of them expressing frustration with state legislators inability to agree on a budget before municipalities have to set their tax rates. It is the first time in nearly 30 years that the legislative Appropriations Committee has failed to present a budget proposal, causing widespread uncertainty in municipalities that rely heavily on state funding.

The fact that we have an uncertain future with the state is extremely unfortunate and I think clouded... a lot of what our thought process was, committee Chairman Monica Di Costanzo said at the meeting.

The $150,000 reduction, proposed by Silver, gives Mayor David Martin discretion to apply the cut where appropriate, with the exception of outside agencies.

The cut came after a party-line, 7-3 vote. All three Republicans in the room  Frank Cerasoli, Mary Fedeli and Joseph Coppola  wanted to cut $4 million from the citys budget.

But the vote to keep the education budget intact was unanimous. It came moments after Superintendent of Schools Earl Kim told the committee the Board of Finances cut will likely result in about 20 layoffs in the district and the reduction of some critical intervention services.

The finance board left the schools proposed budget at $269.7 million, a 2.2 percent increase over what was originally allocated for the current year. The rate is even lower, 1.6 percent, when considering recent adjustments to this years budget.

The citys portion of the budget is $279.9 million  an increase of $11.4 million, or 4.1 percent  over current spending. Those figures reflect a recent $7.3 million increase to the current year budget, which came after wage settlements with police, firefighters and a municipal employees union.

Cerasoli said the discrepancy between the percentage increase for the schools and the city is too large.

When you look at the two side by side, the increase on the city side is significantly more, he said.

Fedeli said a larger cut would address unnecessary personnel spending.

When you look at things like an additional bureau chief, which (the Board of Finance) cut, and some other positions that may not be needed, instead of adding the bigger salaries, they should be adding laborers and other things so that people can actually see the service, she said.

Silver said the percentage increase on the city budget may be high, but the money spent is addressing systemic problems like unfunded liabilities.

Were getting tremendous value, he said.

Martin, who gave a brief speech urging the panel to approve the budget without further cuts, said his administration has addressed long-term issues that others never did.

He also said Stamford does not have some departments and positions, including chief administrative officer and a legislative affairs office, like other major Connecticut cities.

Martin brushed off recent criticism that his office spends too much by noting a list of the citys top-100 earners in 2016 does not include anyone in his department. He said his staff costs less than the town clerks office. The mayor is seeking $1 million for his office while the town clerk requested $1.2 million.

Fedeli called the comparison bizarre.

I guess were in a political season, she said, appearing to refer to rumors that Town Clerk Donna Loglisci, a Republican, is considering challenging Martin in the November election.

City Rep. Matthew Quinones said he supports the budget plan largely because of the uncertainty in Hartford.

Its looming over us like a dark cloud, he said. Its been very disappointing.

noliveira@stamfordadvocate.com, 203-964-2265, @olivnelson
Long before the swearing in on Jan. 10, we began working on issues important to HD 18. Now, even though most of my efforts are spent in committee hearings or on the House floor, there is still a lot of preparation and research being done to prepare for the wide range of issues we address daily.

This is not a job for a single-issue person. We are also busy in the district meeting with constituents. Often we get asked about things that we aren't able to remedy, but sure don't mind finding out who can help and sharing that information. I have learned so much about a wide variety of concerns and needs not just in HD 18, but across our state. It sure puts things in perspective. The wheels of the legislative process are turning! If we can help you in any way, please let us know.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

WASHINGTON - 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 Donald Trump's 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 District of Columbia'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 movement's message.

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, New York, 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 week's 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 Saturday's 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 who'd 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."

"It's beautiful," said Allison Dale, a geologist from Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. "It's 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 week's March for Science in its focus and also its participants - only 1 out of 8 contingents of Saturday's 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.

But there was plenty of overlap between the marches. Ken Hunter, 78, traveled from Charles Town, West Virginia, 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 Women's March in Florida.

"Hell, I haven't 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 Obama's 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 Trump's Cabinet picks are advising against following through on his campaign pledge to "cancel" the accord.

It all adds up to a big contrast with the original People's 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 year's 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 People's Climate Movement, said the event was planned "before the election."

For Ethan Fekete, Saturday's 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.

"It's 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.

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."

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, 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.

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 needn't have bothered. The recycling cans already were filling up. Many protesters had brought extra plastic bags, to cart away any extra trash.

"I'll 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, Maryland, 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 it's 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 expected 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 train.

In addition to tying an all-time heat record for April 29, this month also is the warmest April on record for the District.

- - -

The Washington Post's Lori Aratani and Jason Samenow contributed to this report.

---

Video: On April 22, seven of the 21 kids who are suing the federal government for failing to address climate change attended the March for Science in Washington, D.C. (McKenna Ewen/The Washington Post)

URL

http://wapo.st/2pRmDsF

Embed code

<iframe width="480" height="290" scrolling="no" src="//www.washingtonpost.com/video/c/embed/b36356e0-27d8-11e7-928e-3624539060e8" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
James Brousse plans to spend a good chunk of the next few weeks "protecting" New Orleans' Confederate monuments from impending demolition, and the 81-year-old has a message for police who will try to keep the peace: You can leave the snipers at home.

Brousse, the commander of the local chapter of Sons of Confederate Veterans, is part of a group of about a dozen people who have stood vigil for the past week at three monuments honoring the Confederacy - landmarks that city leaders say are mostly out of touch with how most residents see their city.

Brousse was at the first protest, surrounded by what he called an "overblown" police presence, holding candles and watching quietly as workers disassembled a monument honoring rebels who tried to overthrow the New Orleans city government after the Civil War.

And Brousse and his ad hoc group (some are members of Sons of Confederate Veterans, though the group has not officially endorsed the protests) are vowing to continue "protecting" the remaining monuments, which honor Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, a Louisiana native.

The desire to deconstruct the monuments came as the city began rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The anti-Confederate sentiment intensified in New Orleans, as it has elsewhere, after nine black churchgoers were killed June 17, 2015, at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, in a racially-motivated massacre. The killer, Dylann Roof, was seen on one website holding a gun in one hand and a Confederate flag in the other.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, D, has contended that memorials to the defenders of slavery are out of touch with the opinions of most of the city's residents. The monuments also put some of the most divisive parts of the city's past in some of its most prominent places, he has said.

"As we began to rebuild our city and think again about who we were and what we were, these monuments popped just right up," Landrieu said April 24 on The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. "And (we) said why do we have monuments that are revering the Confederacy right in the heart of the most prominent places in the city - in places of reverence."

As The Washington Post reported, the workers who removed the first memorial on the morning of April 24 wore masks, flak jackets and Kevlar helmets. They were protected by police snipers perched in a nearby building.

The mayor said the extra protection was needed because of threats made to contractors hired to remove the monuments. Shortly after the city announced that David Mahler's company received a contract, his $200,000 Lamborghini was torched, according to Lafayette, Louisiana, CBS-affiliate KLFY.

"I don't know if this has anything to do with a job he was recently CONTRACTED to do and decided not to take or if there is another reason but it makes me sad that someone would go this far," his wife wrote on Facebook after the incident, according to the news station. "The hate in this world is too thick, so I'll be the bigger person and only spread love back. This has to stop!!"

Brousse told The Post Saturday that the rumors or threats and violence had been overblown and that the protests have been peaceful.

Sons of Confederate Veterans is passionate about the memorials, but they've spent two years working for change in the court system and in Louisiana's legislature.

The group has also asked like-minded people to boycott the city, said Tom Strain, the commander in chief of Sons of Confederate Veterans. They're planning a news conference in the next week.

Brousse said the group hasn't been responsible for any violence behind the mock reenactments of Civil War battles. "We're not violent people," Brousse said. "I'm a citizen of New Orleans."

Brousse said the monuments are a testament to the city's history - even if it is a blemished past - and that they shouldn't be brought down just because they're out of step with modern viewpoints. In the monuments, he said, he sees honor for the sacrifice of his great great uncle, Jean Brousse, a veteran of the Civil War. "This is our history."

He and others protesting the removal of the monuments worry that these four memorials are just the first step in erasing uncomfortable aspects of the city's history. City fathers have floated the idea of renaming streets named after prominent Confederates and even removing a statue of President Andrew Jackson, he told The Post.

He believes those fights are on the horizon, even as the monument battle draws to a close.

Mayor Landrieu wouldn't give the date the city plans to take down the other monuments, but he said it's coming soon.

"The thing that makes New Orleans really wonderful and beautiful that everybody experiences when you get here and that is our diversity," he said. "That's the gift that New Orleans has given to the rest of the country and these statues are an aberration."
Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and former Congressman Tom Perriello saved their harsh words for President Donald Trump on Saturday, making the first debate of Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial primary a largely positive, gentlemanly affair.

Northam and Perriello generally agreed on policy and exchanged only a few, gentle jabs during the hourlong forum moderated by NBC4 reporter Tom Sherwood. The debate, the first of five, was held in Fairfax County - important territory in voter-rich northern Virginia.

Perriello, who upset Virginia's Democratic establishment with his unexpected entry into the race in January, took pains to several times to praise term-limited Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), who is backing the lieutenant governor.

"I think McAuliffe has done a tremendous job," Perriello said in response to a question about whether this is a "change election."

Sherwood gave each candidate the opportunity to ask the other a question - something that Perriello said caught him off guard. He went first, with a softball: "The question I would ask is: What do you think you have learned most from your great service as lieutenant governor?"

When Northam was up, he lobbed something harder. He asked Perriello why he took campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association while in Congress, noting that was after the 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech.

Perriello, who got an "A" rating from the NRA when he ran for Congress, responded by noting that he is no longer in the group's good graces. "I called them a 'nut job extremist organization and compared them to the John Birch Society," he said. "I don't imagine those checks are in the mail."

Northam, 57, is a pediatric neurologist from the Eastern Shore, who graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and, as an Army major, treated wounded soldiers during Operation Desert Storm. He said he grew up with an appreciation of hunting but after treating toddlers harmed by gunshots, knew that "assault weapons have no place on our streets."

He also spoke about taking on the tobacco industry as a legislator when he pushed through the state's ban on smoking in restaurants, and how he skewered Republican efforts to require women to get a transvaginal ultrasound before obtaining an abortion.

Perriello, 42, grew up outside Charlottesville and got his undergraduate and law degrees from Yale. He won election to Congress in 2008. During his single term, he won stature within the party for supporting the Affordable Care Act despite his conservative district. He lost re-election in the tea party wave of 2010, in part because of his support for the health care law - something that endeared him to President Obama.

But Perriello also has drawn fire from liberals for advocating an amendment to the ACA that would have prevented federal subsidies for insurance plans that cover abortion. Asked by Sherwood about abortion, Perriello made no mention of his past. Instead, he presented himself as a strong advocate for abortion rights but also said abortion services should be made more accessible, noting some places around the state lack clinics that provide that service.

Perriello went on to repeat his call for publicly financed campaigns. Northam said he favors comprehensive campaign-finance reform.

The debate did not dwell on Trump, but Northam vowed to "stand up to the narcissistic maniac on the other side of the Potomac."

And in his closing statement, Perriello framed his candidacy as part of a swelling tide of Democratic activism triggered by the election.

"Just a few months ago, most of us were busy crying," he said to laughs. "We were paralyzed. We didn't know what had become of a country that had elected a person who had run the most overtly racist campaign of my lifetime. ... But all of you, and millions of others across the country, decided to get up off of our couch and organize and resist."

There was no real discussion of the three Republicans running for governor, but Perriello tossed out a reference to the front-runner, former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie. He criticized Gillespie for not speaking out against Trump.

There were no obvious gaffes during the event, which drew about 300 people to Lanier Middle School in Fairfax. The crowd included many Democratic state legislators, all of them backing Northam.

Early polls show the two candidates running about even, with most Virginians saying they are undecided. Supporters for both rallied boisterously but good naturedly outside the school ahead of the debate.

A few Republicans also showed up, including James Gaines of Chantilly. He held a sign that sought to needle Perriello for opposing two oil and natural gas pipelines planned for rural Virginia. "Tom Perriello says this isn't a real job," read the sign, which bore a photo of a man working on a pipeline. Northam has not come out against the pipelines - which McAuliffe backs as a big source of jobs - but says they must be subjected to strict environmental review.

Asked who he supports in the GOP's three-way primary, Gaines drew a blank. "I don't even know who's in it to tell you the truth," he said. On the Republican side, Gillespie, Prince William County Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart and state Sen. Frank Wagner (Virginia Beach) are vying for their party's nomination. That contest also will be decided in a June 13 primary. The general election takes place Nov. 7.
April 28, 2017

Mike Leary, Senior Vice-President and Editor

Opinion & Editorials

San Antonio Express-News

The Texas Major Cities Chiefs consisting of Austin, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TMCC & TPCA) would like to 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 which 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 themselves 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 agency's 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.

Brian Manley, Interim Chief of Police

Austin, Texas

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.

Will Johnson, Chief of Police

Arlington, Texas

My 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.

David Pughes, Interim Chief of Police

Dallas, Texas

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.

/ s / Joel Fitzgerald, Chief of Police

Fort Worth, Texas

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.

Art Acevedo, Chief of Police

Houston, Texas

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, Texas

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.

James McLaughlin, Chief of Police (Retired)

General Counsel/Executive Director

Texas Police Chiefs Association

RELATED: Read the letter directly here.
Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.
'It wasn't meant to be': Chandler Smith comes up short in third Chandler Smith talks about what more was needed tonight and what could've been done differently as he puts a cap on the season.
Dayl Cronin from Clerihan, Clonmel was celebrating after he was crowned Ireland's Most Stylish Man at the Peter Mark VIP Style Awards held at The Marker Hotel in Dublin.

The 23 year-old, who made a great impression on RTE's Dancing with the Stars earlier this year, beat off strong competition from the other nominees who included Conor McGregor, Keith Duffy and Al Porter to win the award.

Dayl captured the countrys imagination when he reached the semi-final of Dancing with the Stars with his professional dance partner Ksenia Zsikhotska.

He was in the third year of his course at the Leicester College of Performing Arts in England, where he studied singing, dancing and acting, when he successfully auditioned for Louis Walsh's boyband HomeTown.

The band recently took a break to pursue individual projects.

Dayl attended primary school at St. Oliver's and Clerihan NS before moving to Cashel Community School.

He was well prepared for the challenge that Dancing with the Stars presented, as he has been dancing since he was 7 years of age when he joined the On Your Toes Dance Academy in Clonmel and received tuition for ten years from the Hewitt sisters, Gillian and Majella.
Sunday, April 30, 2017 by: Earl Garcia Tags: NASA , pipelines , power lines , railways , Space This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) Solar flares may negatively impact the planets power grids, railway systems, and underground pipelines through a phenomenon called geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), a recent study found. These effects may disrupt food logistics, manufacturing, electronic transactions and internet functions, experts warn.

To examine how solar storm-induced GICs affect the planets structures, scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) collaborated with heliospheric scientists, magnetospheric physicists, power engineers, and emergency management officials from various research institutions and industries during a pair of intensive week-long workshops in 2016.

According to researchers, the sun regularly ejects a stream of magnetic solar material called solar wind, as well as occasional huge clouds of solar material known as coronal mass ejections. The research team said these solar materials interact with the planets magnetic field, which in turn leads to temporary changes. As a result, geomagnetically induced currents are formed just under the planets surface.

The team also noted that long, thin, metal structures near the planets surface  including underground railroads, power lines and pipelines  may serve as conductors for these GICs. This means that electric currents may easily travel underground, the researchers said. In effect, GICs may negatively affect all these structures, the experts added.

How GICs affect power systems, railways and pipelines

The research team cautioned that GICs may be more challenging to manage in affected power systems, as they require careful control of electric currents to keep the power on. According to the researchers, GICs from strong solar activities may also lead to voltage collapse. Voltage collapse can cause temporary blackouts in certain areas, and may affect various industries such as transportation, health care, and commerce. However, researchers noted that GICs were unlikely to cause major power system damages. (Related: Know more about the latest developments in space science at Space.news).

For permanent transformer damage to occur, there needs to be sustained levels of GICs going through the transformer. We know thats not how GICs work. GICs tend to be much more noisy and short-lived, so widespread physical damage of transformers is unlikely even during major storms, said Antti Pulkkinen, a Space Weather Researcher at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The study also found that GICs may interfere with railway signals. As per the research team, these railway signals typically operate on an automated closed/open circuit system, which determines whether a train is on the track. The study revealed that GICs may alter these signals, which in turn may prompt the system to detect a train when there is actually none. The study also showed that GICs flowing in pipelines may produce false signals. In turn, this may prompt pipeline workers to inspect otherwise normally functioning pipelines.

The teams previous research on GCIs have lead to the adoption of new standards in preventing blackouts. In fact, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission now requires power companies to prepare for potential GIC disruptions.

The findings were published in the journal Space Weather.

Chinese study demonstrates how GCIs affect power grids

A Chinese study published in 2008 has shown how GCIs impact power grid operations. According to the researchers, unknown severe transformer vibration and increased noise have been noted in certain parts of Guandong, China when two power transmission lines  the Yang-Huai power transmission system and a 500 kV long-distance transmission line  started operating in 2001. To determine the mechanism behind the phenomena, the research team compared more than ten magnetic storms and examined data on transformer neutral currents. The experts then concluded GCIs caused the disturbances.

In addition, the research team also noted that GIC levels in Guangdong Power Grid was much higher compared with those of Yang-Huai power transmission system. However, grid structure and coast effect may have contributed to this, the experts said. The findings were published in the Chinese Journal of Geophysics.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

NASA.gov

OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com
(Natural News) On March 26 of this year, a newborn at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Medical Center tested positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a superbug that cannot be treated with conventional antibiotics. According to hospital officials, the baby has since tested negative. However, it was revealed that the infant was one of 10 babies infected with MRSA between August 2016 and March 2017 while being treated in the neonatal intensive care unit.

All of the infants have been successfully treated and none have died, hospital officials said. John Murray, a hospital spokesman, has insisted that the infection was contained to a single unit and that no new uninfected babies have since been admitted to that ward.

The source of the virus has yet to be identified, reported the DailyMail.co.uk. Although all 220 staff members have undergone preemptive measures to kill any potential MRSA bacteria, the outbreak continues. The most recent MRSA case was detected in March and involved four staff members testing positive for the virus; all four have since tested negative.

Of the outbreak among infants, county officials told the LATimes.com that they did not inform the public because they saw no evidence that the infants being treated the neonatal unit (NICU) of the UCI Medical Center were at higher risk than infants admitted anywhere else. We do not have evidence that infants admitted to UCIs NICU are at higher risk than infants admitted elsewhere, so a public notification would not serve to prevent or lower the risk of infection transmission [emphasis added], stated Murray.

The outbreak only came to light after Marian Hollingsworth, a board member of Californias Healthcare Associated Infection Advisory Committee (HAI-AC), filed a complaint with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

According to Hollingsworth, she became aware of the outbreak in August after a friend who works in the UCI Medical Center complex informed her about it. Im a mom of four. Id be outraged if no one told me. I think hospitals have a lot to learn yet about infection control, and everyone needs to be on it to help prevent it, Hollingsworth said.

A state inspector visited the UCI Medical Center to investigate the outbreak on March 20, after Hollingsworth filed her complaint. The investigation was completed on April 3 and, in a letter to Hollingsworth, state officials found that the hospital had not broken any state or federal laws. In a statement, Hollingsworth noted that it appeared as though the UCI Medical Center and government officials were attempting to handle the outbreak internally.

Lisa McGiffert, Director of the Consumers Union Safe Patient Project, has commented that these kinds of outbreaks were oftentimes uncovered by the media or discussed in medical journals, but many were kept secret. McGiffer continued by saying that the public had the right to know about all outbreaks, as the disclosure would result in hospitals working harder to prevent any future infection incidents.

This wouldnt be the first time hospital officials and staff failed to inform patients or the public about what was truly going on behind closed doors. In the same state, doctors attempted to hide the body of a baby who died after receiving eight vaccinations almost all at the same time. There have even been claims that the government has been helping hospitals cover up cases of superbug infections, because Government authorities are clueless about how many infections there are, or how many patients are dying, wrote Betsy McCaugher for RealClearPolitics.com. (Related: Read more on hospital- and healthcare-related news by visiting Medicine.news)

Its like McGiffert told the LATimes.com: Patients have a right to know.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

ABCNews.go.com

LATimes.com

BeckerHospitalReview.com

RealClearPolitics.com
(Natural News) A recent survey published by the Morning Consult noted that more than half of all Americans  51 percent  say that national political media is out of touch with everyday Americans, while just 28 percent  not even one-in-three  said the same media understands the issues everyday Americans are facing.

In addition, just 38 percent said they have a lot or some trust in the media to cover the Trump White House fairly, while 52 percent said they have little faith or no faith the mainstream media would cover the president in an unbiased manner.

And almost on cue, CNN proved why this is the case: The network, in a new report, is pushing transgenderism, as if its the most normal thing in the world, providing advice to parents and others about how to start a conversation with kids who think they are a different sex. (RELATED: Ten more states file suit against Obamas transgender bathroom nonsense)

The report began:

What happens when you bring a group of sixth-graders together to meet  for the first time  someone who is transgender? You get an easy and honest conversation that speaks volumes about how we can talk to our kids about gender and how much we can learn from their openness.

Hennessy, a 32-year-old transgender male, recently participated in a workshop held by SheKnows Media a leading womens lifestyle company.

What gender do you think I am? Hennessy asked 11 sixth-graders in New York City who are members of SheKnows unique Hatch program, which focuses on teaching digital literacy and citizenship to the next generation. The program is in its fourth year.

It doesnt just stop with the Alt-Left madness of confusing our children about sex, sexual identity, and what is (and is not) considered normal, which of course is one of the main objectives of all this. But the effort seeks to introduce additional nonsensical behavior, such as changing the English language: No longer should kids use the pronouns he, his, her, and hers. No  its garbage talk like Ze and Zir.

The Left insists upon teaching our children a language that doesnt even formally exist. But it gets worse: They insist upon meting out scorn and derision as punishment to anyone (including children) who fail to use such idiotic references. As the purveyors of political correctness to the extreme, they are under the impression that the Left gets to decide what behaviors all of society must adhere to, even if it is to cater only to a tiny fragment of the population.

If you dont treat it like a gross, icky, weird, evil thing, they dont treat it like a gross, icky, weird, evil thing, Hennessy told CNN, which continued:

When kids as young as 4 or 5 years old use female pronouns when they meet him, he tells them, Oh, no, Im a boy, at which point they often ask, What, youre a boy?

He then explains to them what being transgender is. And boom, they get it right away, he said.

Newsflash, genius: Boom, kids dont get it right away. While they may be polite and accommodating in your presence, the fact is on the inside, theyre telling themselves that youre about the weirdest thing theyve ever seen, and they dont know how to process it or you, at least not yet. Even the American College of Pediatricians thinks so.

And by the way, here are some general inquiries for the Left: What gives you people the right to confuse and disrupt childrens minds in this way? Do you not think that being a child in todays hypersexualized pop culture environmental (which is also the Lefts fault) is difficult enough without your confusing them about what sex people are/ought to be? What gives Left-wing educators the right to subject the children of parents who want no part of this PC lunacy to such people?

Like it or not, we dont all agree on whether this kind of behavior is right or wrong, normal or abnormal, mainstream or outside of the mainstream, typical or atypical. Our common sense tells us that when less than 1 percent of Americans identify as the opposite sex, thats not a common thing, hence, it doesnt fall within the textbook definition of normal. That doesnt mean such people should be persecuted or shunned  but it does mean we ought to be very careful how we present this issue to our very impressionable children, most of whom are already struggling with things like self-confidence, identity, social acceptance and a hundred other emotions. (RELATED: Bill Nye goes FULL LUNATIC with vulgar transgender music video singing about moist vagina and how transgenderism is evolution)

CNN, in its never-ending attempt to be the most Left-wing kook media outlet on the planet, continues to fail because like the rest of the mainstream media outlets it still hasnt figured out the content it believes is cutting edge and important isnt to the vast majority of Americans.

Recent surveys (once again) bear that out.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

NPR.org

CNN.com

CampusInsanity.com
A 10-year-old golden retriever from Colorado named Chance got sick after eating edible marijuana. Her owner, Patty Moore, is calling pot users to be more careful.

According to Moore, Chance found the leftover edible marijuana after a 4/20 rally when she was walking the golden retriever in a neighborhood park. After the dog consumed the weed, she showed strange behavior such as the inability to stand as if "her legs didn't work at all," CNN reported.

She couldnt get back downstairs. It was like her legs didnt work at all," Moore told CBS Denver. We really thought there was something seriously wrong with her."

Chance's vet also confirmed that she ingested marijuana. The golden retriever showed some telltale signs of marijuana consumption such as drunkness, depression, and looking stupefied. Other effects of weed on animals include unsteady gait, dribbling urine and saliva, and oversensitivity to sound, light and movement.

According to Dr. Allison Jenkins of the Highlands Animal Clinic, stoned pets is not a rare occurrence. In fact, there are about five to six pets accidentally getting high from marijuana every week. Dogs eating marijuana is not that dangerous and has lighter side effects than consuming ibuprofen or other prescription drugs. However, it may be fatal if they consumed concentrated amounts of THC or large quantities or marijuana products.

The buzz from the marijuana usually lasts for several days, and vets could induce vomiting if the weed was taken in edible forms. A previous report from the A.S.P.C.A.'s animal poison control center also revealed that there has been a 144 percent increase in the number of pet dogs experiencing marijuana overdose from 2010 to 2015.

"We always used to joke about treating marijuana with fluids and Doritos and Pink Floyd," Tina Wismer, director of the animal poison control center, said. "But we have had some serious intoxication - animals that become comatose, with extremely low blood pressure."

Chance has fully recovered, but in light of the recent incident, Moore calls for marijuana users to be more responsible.

Just so that people are more aware how their habits can affect other people and animals," she said.

READ: Keep Marijuana Away From Dogs, Vets Say
Tuition might be expensive, but attending the University of California, Berkeley provides the most bang for your buck, according to a new Forbes report.

The East Bay university topped the list of Forbes' "America's Best Value Colleges" list, which calculates what schools are worth the financial investment. Southern California's University of California, Los Angeles and the East Coast's Princeton University rounded out the top three, respectively.

UC Berkeley wasn't the only institution in the area labeled as a school worth the investment. Stanford University checked in at No. 7 on the list while University of California, Davis grabbed the No. 9 spot.

Not to be left out, Santa Clara University (No. 63), San Jose State University (No. 140), University of San Francisco (No. 176), San Francisco State University (No. 210), Saint Mary's College (No. 234), California State University, East Bay (No. 240) and Sonoma State University (No. 300) also nabbed a spot on the list.



The annual list takes into account "tuition costs, school quality, post-grad earnings, student debt and graduation success," according to Forbes.

An interesting trend noted in the report indicates that roughly 70 percent of the schools listed in the top 100 are research universities, meaning that the education is centered around science, technology and engineering. A STEM-oriented education is defined by Forbes as being increasingly valuable because that's where the jobs are in this day and age.
One man died and another was injured Friday night in a crash involving a stolen vehicle on Chicago's South Side, according to police.

About 8:45 p.m., officers who were responding to a call of shots fired saw a white Ford driving off from the 12700 block of South Halsted in the West Pullman neighborhood, police said.

The Ford drove west, running a red light before striking a red Toyota Corolla at the intersection of 127th Street and Throop, police said. The impact caused the Toyota to crash into a 2003 Saturn.

The 18-year-old man driving the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. He was identified as Tevin J. Jones-Rogers of the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

A 20-year-old man in the passenger seat alongside Jones-Rogers was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Police said he was expected to survive. No one else was hurt.

One suspect was in custody early Saturday, and the white Ford had been reported stolen, police said. The police Major Accidents Investigations Unit is handling the case.
Coventry police have identified the victim killed in a crash involving a motorcycle and a sedan on Saturday.

According to police, around 4 p.m. a motorcycle was involved in crash with a sedan at the intersection of Bread and Milk Street (Route 31) and Zeya Drive.

The operator of the motorcycle, identified as 28-year-old Jeremy Gonyaw, of Coventry, was pronounced dead on scene. His passenger, a 20-year-old woman from Coventry, was airlifted to Hartford Hospital with serious injuries.

Police said both were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

The driver of the sedan, a 42-year-old man from Coventry, was taken to Hartford Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Witnesses told police that the motorcycle illegally passed a vehicle and was speeding at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.
What to Know 7 tornadoes confirmed; 4 EF-0s (65-85mph), 1 EF-2 (111-135mph), 1 EF-3 (136-165mph) and 1 EF-4 (166-200mph).

Four people were killed and more than 50 reported injured; two people reported missing have been found.

The American Red Cross of NTX is responding and two shelters have been opened to assist victims.

Four people are dead and scores more are injured after seven tornadoes left a trail of damage in three North Texas counties east of the Dallas-Fort Worth area Saturday evening.

On Monday, all four victims killed in the tornadoes were identified; 57-year-old Kenneth Hughes, of Van Zandt County, 51-year-old Russell "Rusty" Barlow, of Canton, 39-year-old James Clayton Young, of Alba and 49-year-old Lucretia Sykes, of Fort Worth.

The National Weather Service issued their final update on Saturday's storms on Tuesday, confirming seven tornadoes, four EF-0s (65-85 mph), an EF-2 (111-135 mph) and EF-3 (136-165 mph) and an EF-4 (166-200 mph), touched down in Van Zandt, Henderson, Rains and Hopkins counties.

Tornado 1 - an EF-0 near Grand Saline left a brief track at about 4:15 p.m.

- an EF-0 near Grand Saline left a brief track at about 4:15 p.m. Tornado 2 - an EF-0 near Canton left a brief track at about 5:10 p.m.

- an EF-0 near Canton left a brief track at about 5:10 p.m. Tornado 3 - an EF-4 that left a long track from Eustace, in Henderson County, into Van Zandt County west of Canton between 5:29 p.m. and 6:09 p.m.

- an EF-4 that left a long track from Eustace, in Henderson County, into Van Zandt County west of Canton between 5:29 p.m. and 6:09 p.m. Tornado 4 - an EF-2 that left a long track east of Tornado 3 from Eustace, in Henderson County, into Van Zandt County west of Canton between 5:41 p.m. and 6:04 p.m.

- an EF-2 that left a long track east of Tornado 3 from Eustace, in Henderson County, into Van Zandt County west of Canton between 5:41 p.m. and 6:04 p.m. Tornado 5 - an EF-3 that left a 51-mile-long track from Van Zandt County, through Canton and into Rains County from 6:08 p.m. to 7:28 p.m.

- an EF-3 that left a 51-mile-long track from Van Zandt County, through Canton and into Rains County from 6:08 p.m. to 7:28 p.m. Tornado 6 - an EF-0 near Cumby that touched down from 5:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

- an EF-0 near Cumby that touched down from 5:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. Tornado 7 - an EF-0 southwest of Canton that left a brief track around 7:13 p.m.



During a news conference Monday afternoon, Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said response teams are now transitioning from search and rescue mode to recovery mode. There were a handful of areas crews wanted to double check for possible victims and survivors, but that work is expected to wrap up by Monday night.



She added two people reported missing during the storms have been accounted for and there are currently no reports of any other missing people.



Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett and Van Zandt County Judge Don Kirkpatrick gives an update Sunday morning on the devastating tornadoes that struck three East Texas counties Saturday evening. At least four people were dead from the storms, but Everett cautioned that the number could rise.

At least 4 confirmed tornadoes. Two EF-3 and two EF-0. All ratings are preliminary. Surveys will continue tomorrow. #txwx #etxwx pic.twitter.com/YKN9KHZ8bi  NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) April 30, 2017

Everett said the multiple tornadoes that began late Saturday afternoon left "heartbreaking" and "devastating" destruction about 35 miles long and 15 miles wide.

[NATL-DFW] Tornadoes Leave Trail of Damage Across Three Counties

Texas Task Force 2 has been sent to help the Canton & Van Zandt areas respond to weather. #txlege @TexasTaskForce2 pic.twitter.com/bBYdI1DS5Z  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 30, 2017

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott toured the damaged areas on Sunday. The day before, he activated Texas Task Force 2 to respond to the area and offer assistance.



Power has since been restored in Canton. As a result, the city is no longer in conserve water mode. A triage center that was set up at Canton High School has now been closed.



Rebecca Berkley, spokeswoman for the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, said 56 people have been treated at three area hospitals in Tyler, Athens and Cedar Creek Lake. Six remained hospitalized Monday morning and one person was in critical condition.

Everett told reporters Monday the city is aware of at least two patients who remain in the ICU  a man being treated in Tyler, and a 2-year-old child being treated at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.

At least 4 confirmed tornadoes. Two EF-3 and two EF-0. All ratings are preliminary. Surveys will continue tomorrow. #txwx #etxwx pic.twitter.com/YKN9KHZ8bi  NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) April 30, 2017

NBC 5's Katy Blakey reports as daylight sheds light on the damage left behind along Interstate 20 after a tornado tore through Canton, Texas.

Canton officials asked people to stay away from the area because of the danger of downed power lines and debris.

Canton  in Van Zandt County  appeared to be hardest hit. NBC 5 Chief Meteorologist David Finfrock said the Canton tornado was on the ground for 51 miles, long enough to hit Fruitvale and Emory.

Another tornado touched down outside the town of Eustace in Henderson County. Jody Vincik captured the tornado outside Eustace during a Facebook Live video.

NBC 5 Meteorologist Grant Johnston was in Texas Thunder Truck as the truck's video feed captured at least one tornado on camera in Canton.



Texas Thunder Truck captured a tornado on the ground in Canton on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Johnston reported dozens of cars overturned east of Canton on Interstate 20.

"We have a lot of injuries," said a dispatcher at the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office. The dispatcher said there was "a lot of damage" before hanging up.

A building in Canton appears to be destroyed by the severe weather that hit the area Saturday evening.

Damage was also reported in Grand Saline and Fruitvale in Van Zandt County, as well as Emory in Rains County.

NBC 5's Meredith Yeomans reported U.S. Highway 80 at Texas 19, west of Fruitvale, was shut down.



The First Baptist Church of Fruitvale reported that while the church building is without electricity, there was a lot of damage in the area and that some houses have been destroyed and others damaged. The school across the street from the church was being used as an emergency command center.

NBC 5 Storm Tracker Sam Barricklow captured an 18-wheeler overturned on Highway 80 between Fruitvale and Grand Saline in Van Zandt County on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Dallas Fire-Rescue sent 28 people and four canines to Canton to help firefighters there in the wake of the storm. The Rowlett Police Department and Rowlett Fire-Rescue also said crews were also en route to Canton.

City of Canton officials said residents would be under curfew from dusk Sunday until dawn Monday and that the Canton Independent School District would be closed Monday.

NBC 5's Scott Gordon spoke to Guadalupe and Shauntae Garcia who said they saw and heard the tornado that hit Canton on Saturday, April 29, 2017. They took shelter with their son Dudley.

The American Red Cross of North Texas will also be responding. Two shelters are now open. One at the First Methodist Church Life Center at 600 S. Buffalo Street in Canton. The second is at the Emory Civic Center at 735 N. Texas Street in Emory.



The Tyler Fire Department reported crews were dispatched to Canton to help with a hazmat situation. According to Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley fuel and unknown chemicals were released when the tornado hit a warehouse facility.

NBC 5 / Telemundo 39 crews were just east of Canton Saturday evening along U.S. Highway 64 moments after the tornado hit. In this video you can see people rushing to help others that had just been thrown from the storm.

Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As this story is developing, elements may change.
Texas Sky Ranger is touring areas of North Texas damaged by tornadoes on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Texas Sky Ranger tours areas of North Texas damaged by tornadoes on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

The National Weather Service reports at least four tornadoes touched down in Henderson, Van Zandt and Rains counties.

Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett confirmed there have been at least four deaths but cautioned that number could rise Sunday as crews continued their searches of overturned vehicles and destroyed homes.

Van Zandt County has signed a disaster declaration and first responders have descended on the area from as far as 100 miles away.

[NATL-DFW] Tornadoes Leave Trail of Damage Across Three Counties
You cant miss it. Every time theres a king tide, coastal areas of South Florida flood. From Fort Lauderdale to South Beach, streets and parking lots and lawns are inundated. The city of Miami Beach is spending millions of dollars on pumps and construction projects to fight the rising seas.

The most important thing for this century is to get ahold of climate change, we will have a catastrophe on our hands if we dont, said Harold Wanless, the chair of the University of Miami Department of Geological Sciences and a recognized expert on climate change. Its not going to turn around, were in for tens of feet of sea level rise and the only question about climate change is how fast is that going to occur?

The projected climate catastrophe, and the Trump Administrations denial of climate science, were perhaps the primary reasons thousands of scientists marched in cities around the world last weekend. Philip Stoddard of FIU was among them. In addition to being a professor at Florida International University, Stoddard is also the mayor of the city of South Miami.

What the White House does today matters, what the EPA does today matters, does the EPA regulate greenhouse gasses as pollutants or do they just open the gates, thats the question, Stoddard said. If we dont cut down on carbon dioxide emissions and methane emissions in our atmosphere, were going to cook ourselves.

President Trump famously said climate change is a Chinese hoax and he appointed a climate denier, Scott Pruitt, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Pruitt is among those who dont believe the burning of fossil fuels is causing global warming, he has said the United States should back out of the Paris Climate Treaty, and he supports Trumps proposal to cut his own agencys budget by 30%.

Wanless says thats a horrible idea. Hes been studying sea level rise for 50 years.

Government does get too big sometimes and were way in debt in our government and we have to do something about it, but this climate change thing is going to totally overwhelm us so we have to be so careful, Wanless said.

President Trump has kept his promise to reverse Obama-era environmental regulations on clean power, signing an executive order to boost the coal industry. Critics say all it does is allow coal mines to once again dump pollution into streams.

I am taking historic steps to lift the restrictions on American energy, to reverse government intrusion and to cancel job-killing regulations, Trump said when he signed the executive order.

Coal jobs have been declining for decades, critics say, and theyre not coming back because the market has shifted to natural gas. So its smarter, some say, to boost the clean energy sector. Meanwhile, Arctic sea ice is melting at unprecedented rates, last year was the hottest ever recorded, and warming oceans are killing coral reefs worldwide.

Slashing the budgets of the EPA and of NOAA means less capacity to enforce existing environmental laws, fewer resources to monitor the planet to track climate conditions, and much less research into climate change and possible solutions for it.

Federal spending into those areas supports thousands of jobs, which could also be lost in the proposed cutbacks.

In our back yard, sea level rise driven by climate change is threatening the Everglades and our drinking water supply. Salt water is intruding into the aquifer on which civilization here depends.

Our communities are threatened by this silent rising of the water tables underneath us, at least on Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale you can see it coming, people in in the suburbs have no idea whats rising beneath them and what its going to do to them, Stoddard said, citing his own citys issues with a rising water table.

In South Miami, rising water could lead to unusable septic tanks.

So advice for President Trump? Environmental advocates are begging him to heed the science. They say the United States doesnt have to choose between job creation and conservation, it can do both things simultaneously.
From Sept. 6, 2016, through March 15, 2017, Madison Police Department Chief Koval incurred $21,953 in legal fees to defend himself before the PFC in three separate complaints from community members. The City Council will decide whether or not the fees are covered by the city of Madison.
As if the last few weeks of commuting haven't been harrowing enough, New Jersey Transit is warning riders of expected delays this week.

Travelers going to and from Penn Station should expect 15-minute delays on weekdays and 30-minute delays on weekends, New Jersey Transit said Sunday.

The delays are blamed on track maintenance work and inspections and "are effective immediately and continuing until further notice," the train service announced Sunday.

Some commuters have threatened to refuse to pay for rides in May in protest of the poor service. A #NoPayinMay campaign has been circulating on social media.

A spokesman for New Jersey Transit said it was a "very complicated request."

"In our history, decisions to waive fares and refund consideration go through a very thoughtful, deliberate and careful review," spokesman Jim Smith said.



New Jersey Transit will even offer you a note if you're late to work.

"If you have experienced delays that have compromised your work situation, please stop by one of our Customer Service offices and pick up a delay letter for your employer," NJT Executive Director Steve Santoro said in an open letter posted on the railroad's website. (Customers can also use the "Contact Us" form on the NJT website to ask for a tardy note.)

The letter follows a laundry list of problems in recent weeks, including derailments in late March and early April and multiple instances of trains getting stuck in tunnels for prolonged periods.

Amtrak, which controls New York Penn Station, said Thursday it would launch a much-needed makeover to its tracks and other infrastructure beginning in May, resulting in summer-long disruptions for the hundreds of thousands of commuters who travel through the transit hub.
Protesters in New York City marked Donald Trump's 100th day in office by gathering in front of his Fifth Avenue home to proclaim that he's a failure as president.

On Saturday, they joined a nationwide day of action called "100 Days of Failure." Activists highlighted policies they say are not only failing Americans, but also endangering people around the world.

Neil Mitchell says the president "has the House, he has the Senate, he has the White House, and he hasn't been able to do anything." The Bronx resident says Trump is an example of what he called "blind incompetence."

New York participants created signs that detailed 100 ways they say the Trump administration is reversing progress in areas including climate change, immigration, health care, foreign policy and women's rights.

In New Jersey, several hundred people took part in climate change marches.

Participants voiced their concerns that Trump's environmental policies will cause problems not only now but also in the future.

Roughly 150 people marched in Maplewood, chanting "No exchanges, no refunds. Climate change can't be undone." Many said they had never taken part in a protest march before, but felt they had to get involved in this effort because it's too important an issue to ignore.

Among them were John and Rosemary Howlett. The Maplewood residents said they are "terrified" about what state the environment will be in for their grandchildren's grandchildren if action is not taken now to reverse climate change.

Similar marches were held in five other communities across the state, including Princeton and Hackensack.
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 New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez.

Dr. 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, unless he offers or accepts a deal before his sentencing, scheduled for July 14.

The senator denies any wrongdoing.

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.

He showed no reaction when the verdict was read and was immediately taken into custody. Several of his family members burst into tears outside the courtroom.

"It's not fair," said his wife, Flor Melgen. "He's a good doctor."

Defense attorney Kirk Ogrosky said he's considering an appeal.

"He cares very deeply about his patients and tried very hard to help them," Ogrosky said. "He had hopes the jury would see it differently."

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Benjamin G. Greenberg said in a statement that Melgen will "be held accountable for perpetuating a massive fraud scheme that caused millions of dollars in losses."

The senator's defense attorney, Abbe Lowell, said he spoke with Menendez after the verdict, "and he is saddened for his long-time friend and is thinking of his family on this difficult day."

"As we have known for the past two years, the issues involved in Dr. Melgen's case in South Florida had no bearing on the allegations made against the Senator, and this verdict will have no impact on him," Lowell's statement said.

Melgen and Menendez face trial on Sept. 6 in New Jersey on charges the doctor bribed the senator for favors, including intervention in a billing dispute with Medicare.

Prosecutors convinced jurors the doctor stole up to $105 million from the federal medical insurance program between 2008 and 2013 by performing unneeded tests and treatments on mostly elderly and disabled patients.

Melgen's attorneys argued that the Dominican-born, Harvard-trained doctor was a kind and caring physician. They acknowledged that he made billing and treatment mistakes, exposing him to potential lawsuits and possibly losing his medical license. But they said they were unintentional, and therefore not a crime.

Prosecutors countered that anybody can make an occasional mistake, but Melgen's actions were too numerous to be honest. For example, the doctor frequently billed Medicare for tests and treatment of prosthetic eyes.

Prosecutors also pointed to tests run in seconds that were supposed to take five minutes or more. That made the tests unusable for diagnosis, but enabled him to bill Medicare up to several hundred dollars each for as many as 100 patients a day.

He pocketed millions more by splitting single-use vials of an expensive eye drug into four doses and billing the government for each one, they said.

Melgen became politically active in 1997, when he treated Florida Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles, who appointed him to a state board.

He was soon hosting Democratic fundraisers at his 6,500-square-foot (605-square-meter) North Palm Beach home. That led to his friendship with Menendez, during which Melgen paid for trips he and the senator took to France and to the doctor's home at a Dominican resort.

Menendez reimbursed Melgen $58,500 after the trips became public knowledge.

Federal prosecutors say Melgen's gifts to Menendez were actually bribes. In return, they say, the senator obtained visas for the married Melgen's foreign mistresses, interceded with Medicare officials investigating his practice, and pressured the State Department to intervene in a business dispute he had with the Dominican government.

"Dr. Melgen's case focused solely on the day-to-day operations of his medical practice and the private care of his patients - specifics of which the Senator could not be aware, nor has it ever been suggested otherwise," Lowell's statement said.

"From the beginning, Senator Menendez has been clear that he has always acted in accordance with the law and in his appropriate legislative oversight role as a member of Congress. When all of the facts are heard, he is fully confident that a jury will agree and he will be vindicated."
Its not right for pro-life Americans to pay  $500 million a year for the killing of babies, Patricia Hansen, co-organizer of the El Cajon anti-Planned Parenthood demonstration, told NBC 7 Saturday.

Hansen and other pro-life activists in San Diego gathered in solidarity with 133 other demonstrations organized by #ProtestPP in 36 states to protest tax dollars going to the health care centers.

Right now that is the issue what were protesting today is our tax dollars going to abortion, and were out here praying for the defunding of Planned Parenthood, but this evil organization that hurts women actually  and abortion is not health care we have to stress  abortion is not womens health care, Hansen says.

#ProtestPP wants funding that would go to Planned Parenthood to instead be given to health centers that do not perform abortions.

Planned Parenthood defunding was included in the American Health Care Act bill that was withdrawn before a vote in the House of Representatives in March due to dwindling support.

You can have choice, but we taxpayers dont have to pay for your choice to kill a baby. Thats just common sense, says Hansen.

Along with the El Cajon demonstration, protesters also gathered in Escondido.

Pro-choice advocates are concerned about losing women's health services.

Earlier this month, president Trump signed legislation that gives states the option to deny funding for Planned Parenthood.

Although around $500 million a year in federal tax dollars does go to Planned Parenthood, they say that in 2014 only about three percent of its services were abortion-related.

Title X, a federal family planning program does not allow federal funds to go to abortions, but Medicaid, a mix of federal and state funding, does in very restricted cases.

Under the Hyde Amendment federal Medicaid funds can be used for abortions only in the case of rape, incest or the life of the mother.
Howard County police are suspending a ground search for a prisoner convicted of attempted murder that escaped from a hospital on Friday.

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.

Authorities searched for Watson in the area surrounding the hospital from Friday through Saturday morning using bloodhounds, K-9 units and helicopters with heat-seeking technology, police said.

"There are no indications that Watson remains in the area, and there have been no sightings," the police department said on Facebook.

The investigation remains active as officers from Howard County, U.S. Marshals Service and Maryland State Police continue to follow up on leads in the area, and in Wicomico County, Maryland, and Delaware, where Watson also has ties, police said.

Police believe Watson managed to get out of his handcuffs and waist chain inside the van, Howard County Police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said Friday. It's unclear whether his legs were shackled.

Police do not know whether he planned the escape or had any help.

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.
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of Virginia as high wind gusts and possible hail head for the area.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southwestern Loudoun County, north central Fauquier County and northwestern Prince William County until 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

A severe thunderstorm was spotted on radar and could produce 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, according to the NWS.

Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles.

Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

Get the latest weather from NBCWashington.com:

Download our free weather apps for iPad and iPhone. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our e-mail newsletters.
Police say a man was found dead following a police standoff for hours on Sunday in Lewiston, Maine.

State and local authorities responded to the standoff, which reportedly started at a Motel 6 on Pleasant Street Sunday morning, according to WCSH6.

When the state's tactical team obtained a warrant, officers with that unit broke down the hotel room's door and found a man dead from an apparent suicide.

It's unclear what started the standoff.

No other details about the suspect were immediately released.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police were seen communicating via megaphone with an unidentified person or people inside the motel, whom they asked to pick up a telephone.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has not found merit in a petition seeking disqualification of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia as a legislator for allegedly holding an office of profit.

In a recommendation sent to President Pranab Mukherjee recently, the Commission has said that Sisodia cannot be disqualified as an MLA for being Deputy Chief Minister.

The Commission said several states have posts of deputy chief minister and it cannot be construed as an office of profit.

"He cannot be disqualified on this ground. The recommendation has been sent to the President," a Commission functionary said. To a question, he also pointed out that the President has "no discretion" on the issue and is "bound" by the recommendation of the poll watchdog.

Last year, a BJP leader, Vivek Garg, had approached the President with a petition seeking disqualification of Sisodia. As per laid down procedure, the matter was referred to the Commission.

The Commission is already hearing two separate cases related to office of profit concerning AAP MLAs. While the first case related to 21 MLAs is in the advanced stage, the other related to 27 legislators is in the preliminary stage.

Article 102(1)(a) of the Constitution makes the holding of an office of profit by a member of Parliament or a legislative assembly or legislative council a ground for disqualification from the membership.

The disqualification is the result of breach of the theory of separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has not found merit in a petition seeking disqualification of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia as a legislator for allegedly holding an office of profit. In a recommendation sent to President Pranab Mukherjee recently, the Commission has said that Sisodia cannot be disqualified as an MLA for being Deputy Chief Minister. The Commission said several states have posts of deputy chief minister and it cannot be construed as an office of profit. "He cannot be disqualified on this ground. The recommendation has been sent to the President," a Commission functionary said. To a question, he also pointed out that the President has "no discretion" on the issue and is "bound" by the recommendation of the poll watchdog. Last year, a BJP leader, Vivek Garg, had approached the President with a petition seeking disqualification of Sisodia. As per laid down procedure, the matter was referred to the Commission. The Commission is already hearing two separate cases related to office of profit concerning AAP MLAs. While the first case related to 21 MLAs is in the advanced stage, the other related to 27 legislators is in the preliminary stage. Article 102(1)(a) of the Constitution makes the holding of an office of profit by a member of Parliament or a legislative assembly or legislative council a ground for disqualification from the membership. The disqualification is the result of breach of the theory of separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.
We are fighting the war the way they (Naxal) want us to fight. We are confused about what we want to do against a ragtag army of 10,000-15,000 ultras spread across the 10 states. It is clear that the present strategy authored by the top leadership with all its advantage and disadvantages to kill a small enemy is not working. Give us a clear mandate, well kill them all, says a serving paramilitary officer.

The paramilitary commandant was a wiry man, going prematurely grey at the temples. He recounts armed confrontations between the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Naxalites in the jungles of Chhattisgarh with the dispassionate air of a surgeon; a veteran of many operations.

CRPF soldiers killed by terrorists in an attack on their

bus in Kashmir'sPampore in July 2016;video

grabs of Kashmiri youths heckling CRPFpersonnel on their

way to poll duty in Srinagar on April 9 (below)

Until he describes the footprints in the mud. Naxals had captured a patrol of his men, shot their kneecaps out and flung them into a ditch alive, leaving them to bleed to death.

When their bodies were found after an extensive search two days after, the ground of the ditch had been churned up and scourged. Since the incapacitated soldiers couldnt stand, they could only flail at the earth desperately with their feet.



This story of sadism and futile bravery captures the tragic war Indias under-equipped, poorly fed and paid paramilitary forces are fighting in the small towns and villages of Kashmir and the Maoist-infested jungles of India. Despite the numbers of red terrorists killed298 between 2016 and April 2017the ultras are outmaneuvering the paramilitary forces, revealing gaping holes in Indian counter-insurgency operations.

After the massacre of the 25 CRPF jawans in Sukma last week, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh offered to review the Naxal strategy and called a meeting of top officials in Delhi on May 8. But who is to blame?

BLAME GAME AS USUAL

A section within the security establishment immediately pointed fingers at the paramilitary forces themselves, mainly poorly treated CRPF footsoldierswho fight carrying loads of 25 kg on their backfor not following the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) in anti-Naxal operations.

The home ministry has deployed 108 battalions or 124,308 jawans from CRPF, Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Naxal-affected areas. Insiders reveal there is no single piece of SoP to guide them in the killing fields, either during Rambo-style operations or standing their ground for area domination and being martyred like in Sukma.



In Kashmir, where paramilitary forces form the mainstay of anti-terror and anti-street fight action, the CRPF is a dispirited body of fighting men.

In spite of being humiliated and attacked, they have to exercise restraint. In a video that went viral last week, a mob of locals was shown hitting and kicking paramilitary soldiers on election duty in Srinagar, trying to provoke them. Later, Bhavesh Chaudhary, CRPF spokesman in Srinagar, said:

When someone slaps you, the instant reaction would be retaliation but see how our jawans stay patient despite being armed. Restraint is a political decision in a highly volatile area, which doesn't make the soldiers job any easier. One of the injured CRPF men was seen in the video carrying a rifle, which he did not use, in spite of being kicked on the shins and beaten on the head.

So far, in 16 years of insurgency, 212 paramilitary soldiers have been killed and 2,400 injured in encounters against terrorists in Kashmir. On June 25 last year, militants fired on CRPF jawans in Lethpura and killed eight and wounded 22. There have been several attacks on CRPF convoys in Kashmir Valley, especially on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

The 78km stretch between Jawahar tunnel to Srinagar witnesses on an average one attack in two months on paramilitary convoys; 647 CRPF vehicles have been damaged by stone pelters this year while their number in 2016 was 618. More than 200 vehicles have been targeted by mobs in the Valley since 2010. The CRPF is buying bulletproof buses to protect its men in transit.

Most paramilitary soldiers die because of the lack of adequate bulletproof jackets against fire from small arms and assault rifles. In anti-Maoist operations between 2005 and 2017, home ministry records show, around 1,900 jawans and 2,994 civilians were killed, while only 2,600 Maoists were neutralised; one Naxalite for every two persons they kill.



Why this tremendously poor kill ratio? Is there a place for indecisive leadership in the jungle or the Valley?

STORY OFNEGLECT

In 2016, a total of 66 paramilitary soldiers were killed in anti-Naxal operations. During deliberations within the security establishment, questions flew thick and fast on intelligence capacity and whether the forces have been able to dent the Naxals fighting capability.

Naxals being trained in guerrilla warfare



Says a senior paramilitary officer, Yes, the Naxalite movement was weakened momentarily after we killed around 250 armed guerillas last year. But we failed to make inroads among the people they draw their strengths from, and to get at their cadres and finances.

Despite the large force we have on the ground, we havent been able to pinpoint their weaknesses. Its easy to blame the jawans, who are duty-bound to leave the camps at 5 in the morning fed on stale bread and watery daal with not enough water to drink and the fear looming over their heads that they may not be returning to camp in the evening.

Ironically, BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav, who posted a video on the poor quality of food served to soldiers and alleged corruption of officers in his regiment, was dismissed after an internal inquiry pronounced him guilty of making false accusations against his superiors.



The disparity within the fighting forces of India reveals a story of casual neglect of the paramilitary forces. The 10,000-odd Group A officers of Central Para Military Forces (CPMFs) such as the CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB do not fall in the category of Organised Services, which hobbles their careers, affecting financial benefits. The ultimate casualty is the morale of the cadre officers who are the ones leading from the front, whether on the Indo-Pak border or in the hinterland.

Though created through Acts of Parliament, CPMFs are not considered armed forces of the Union. They have no immunity from prosecution under the Armed Forces Special Powers Acttheir personnel are often booked for action during bona fide duties by the Jammu and Kashmir government under the Ranbir Penal Code for casualties/injuries sustained by stone pelters.



The officers are not allowed to form an association. Their grievances go unheard by the government. Associations of retired paramilitary personnel are fighting a legal battle in the Supreme Court to get their dues. As a result, long periods of continuous postings in difficult areas often lead to stress and health ailments, sometimes resulting in suicide.

Many officers often proceed on voluntary retirement or simply resign. In bizarre disparity, paramilitary forces are denied gallantry awards as commonly given to the Army, Air Force and Navy. Under the new pension scheme, pension amount is deducted monthly from the salaries of paramilitary staff unlike the defence forces. They do not receive military service pay like army personnel do.



Meanwhile, the Army is demanding One Rank One Pension stating the lower retirement age. In central paramilitary forces, jawans and officers both retire between 57 and 60 years of age. In the Army, jawans start retiring between 37 and 50 years, and officers retire at different ages depending on rank from 54 to 60 years.

According to home ministry data, 329 Naxalites surrendered to the security forces in the last four months. During 2014-16, 3,552 Naxalites gave up arms. So, how do Maoists keep getting fresh recruits?

INTEL DISASTER

Information on the ground has been so poor that there is so far no evidence or intelligence inputs available on the recruitment strategy and firepower of Naxalites. India has not been able to chock the supply gauntlet of arms and ammunition through the Northeast, Pakistan and China. Paramilitary forces deployed in the Naxal-infested districts are tasked to carry out five types of missionsshort range patrols, long range patrols, road opening, area domination and providing security to infrastructure development work like roads.

However, they are supposed to launch Kill operations only in cases when specific intelligence has been furnished to the forces. Last month when 12 jawans of the 219th Battalion of the CRPF were killed in a Maoist ambush at a road-opening mission, top officials were grilled over the poor intelligence. They privately admitted there was no specific input and the ones provided were not area-specific.

The martyred jawans and officers were once again blamed for not having followed SoP! According to a senior CRPF official in Chhattisgarh, road opening patrols and the security of road construction activities are carried out at the convenience of the contractors without changing the timings, exposing the pattern of the paramilitary movement and deployment to the Naxals.



Often the intelligence given to troops in the morning before they set out on missions is insufficient. In many cases, the ambushes have happened in a different area than the one suggested. Sometimes patrols dont even find any signs of the Naxals; not even the telltale signs of their presence like boot prints or evidence of cooking. In paramilitary lexicon, this is called jungle bashing.



Both the security and intelligence officers are sending jawans on wild goose chases on the basis of information collected from fringe sources. Due to lack of actionable intelligence, anti-Naxal operations are about taking chances. Most of the successful encounters have happened when the ultras had misjudged the situation and not because the troops surprised them by surrounding the camps. The war in the jungle cannot be won by jingoism, but leaders need to have a solid strategy to fight the enemy, said an officer with expertise in anti-Maoist operations.



Poor intelligence plagues our fighting forces across the line. A Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs has exposed the intelligence failures during the terror attacks in Pathankot, Uri, Nagrota, Pampore and Baramulla. It has asked the home ministry to conduct a post facto analysis to check repeats of such attacks. It said, The Committee takes note of the fact that more than a year has passed since the Pathankot attack occurred.

However, the investigation of that attack has not been completed by National Investigation Agency (NIA). Moreover, no analysis seems to have been done into the failure of the intelligence agencies to provide credible and actionable inputs regarding attacks at Pathankot, Uri, Pampore, Baramulla and Nagrota.

The Committee feels that these attacks have exposed the deficiencies of our intelligence agencies. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the ministry should instruct the NIA to complete the investigations of these at the earliest so as to identify the loopholes in the intelligence set up in the border areas.

So, are paramilitary soldiers merely cannon fodder?



LACK OFPOLITICAL WILL

A home ministry official said since the last one decade, the discussions within the security establishment are about achieving clarity on operations and creating a strong dedicated leadership well trained in jungle warfare. Unfortunately, both the issues remained unanswered.



If you have the troops on the ground, then why are we shying away from using air power? One argument is that it could inflict maximum casualties. So, you have the dialogue option, which is not possible in the present circumstances. Isnt this confusing? Be clear whether you want to eliminate the enemy or desire to have a conversation. If its decided tomorrow to finish them off at all costs, it can be easily done. Psychological warfare methods such as playing jingles on the radio will not work, says a home ministry official.



The top leadership can be blamed for a series of blunders. In 2007, the security forces decided to go hi-tech for anti-Naxal operations. Within the next few years, the top officers decided to deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to expose their targets and finish them.

Except in one or two cases where jungle foliage was sparse, UAVs did not produce any actionable input to mount ops. Similarly, instead of buying and deploying commando mortars and demolition primer grenades against Naxals, they have been busy procuring tractors to pull out the plated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on roads.



We are too dependent on technical intelligence and fringe sources that have no penetration in Maoist ranks. The senior officials are forcing their men to fight the enemy without foreknowledge, the official further adds.

The Naxalites have forced the paramilitary forces to fight on grounds of their choosing. The Naxalites can never match the firepower of the paramilitary forces, which is precisely the reason they refuse to fight like a conventional army. Their objective is not to seize the ground but to fire when the situation is in their favour. Fire and run, says the officer.



EXCUSE SYNDROME

Even official explanations on ambushes, like the one in Sukma last week, are faulty. Contradicting the official report that hundreds of Naxalites had mounted an U-shaped ambush to attack the CRPF, sources said it was an L-shaped well-executed ambush closing all retreat routes to the soldiers. Even a well-trained soldier in conventional warfare may find it tough to get out alive from such ambushes.



The only way to defeat the ambush perfected by Maoists is to deny them knowledge of your movements, says a middle-rank officer, who served in specialised CoBRA force.



The soldiers on the ground must be trained to shun predictable timings and routes on missions. Those moving on foot must be trained to move in arrowhead and spearhead formations avoiding the skyline to prevent being taken out with automatic fire. A closed-up unit is vulnerable to even a small ambush, he explains.



Poor training is another weakness that plagues paramilitary forces engaged in anti-Naxal ops. They are provided only rudimentary training in guerilla warfare and countering ambush before being deployed. In a difficult terrain like Sukma, foot patrols must be highly trained in counter-ambush tactics and armed with smoke grenades to create screens and take cover to launch a counter-attack.



Naxals have the ability to conceal themselves perfectly before an ambush. Its high time we trained our forces on flanking movements with standard drills and took out terrorists using normal visual search and pinpointing incoming fire. Remember, you are fighting on unfavourable ground and only a well-trained unit has a chance to come out alive to tell the tale, the CoBRA officer further adds.



As the week passes into history as one of the bloodiest punctuation marks in Indias war against insurgency, the paramilitary soldier continues to risk his life as the forgotten hero of countless campaigns.

We are fighting the war the way they (Naxal) want us to fight. We are confused about what we want to do against a ragtag army of 10,000-15,000 ultras spread across the 10 states. It is clear that the present strategy authored by the top leadership with all its advantage and disadvantages to kill a small enemy is not working. Give us a clear mandate, well kill them all, says a serving paramilitary officer. The paramilitary commandant was a wiry man, going prematurely grey at the temples. He recounts armed confrontations between the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Naxalites in the jungles of Chhattisgarh with the dispassionate air of a surgeon; a veteran of many operations. CRPF soldiers killed by terrorists in an attack on their bus in Kashmir'sPampore in July 2016;video grabs of Kashmiri youths heckling CRPFpersonnel on their way to poll duty in Srinagar on April 9 (below)Until he describes the footprints in the mud. Naxals had captured a patrol of his men, shot their kneecaps out and flung them into a ditch alive, leaving them to bleed to death. When their bodies were found after an extensive search two days after, the ground of the ditch had been churned up and scourged. Since the incapacitated soldiers couldnt stand, they could only flail at the earth desperately with their feet. This story of sadism and futile bravery captures the tragic war Indias under-equipped, poorly fed and paid paramilitary forces are fighting in the small towns and villages of Kashmir and the Maoist-infested jungles of India. Despite the numbers of red terrorists killed298 between 2016 and April 2017the ultras are outmaneuvering the paramilitary forces, revealing gaping holes in Indian counter-insurgency operations. After the massacre of the 25 CRPF jawans in Sukma last week, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh offered to review the Naxal strategy and called a meeting of top officials in Delhi on May 8. But who is to blame? BLAME GAME AS USUAL A section within the security establishment immediately pointed fingers at the paramilitary forces themselves, mainly poorly treated CRPF footsoldierswho fight carrying loads of 25 kg on their backfor not following the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) in anti-Naxal operations. The home ministry has deployed 108 battalions or 124,308 jawans from CRPF, Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Naxal-affected areas. Insiders reveal there is no single piece of SoP to guide them in the killing fields, either during Rambo-style operations or standing their ground for area domination and being martyred like in Sukma. In Kashmir, where paramilitary forces form the mainstay of anti-terror and anti-street fight action, the CRPF is a dispirited body of fighting men. In spite of being humiliated and attacked, they have to exercise restraint. In a video that went viral last week, a mob of locals was shown hitting and kicking paramilitary soldiers on election duty in Srinagar, trying to provoke them. Later, Bhavesh Chaudhary, CRPF spokesman in Srinagar, said: When someone slaps you, the instant reaction would be retaliation but see how our jawans stay patient despite being armed. Restraint is a political decision in a highly volatile area, which doesn't make the soldiers job any easier. One of the injured CRPF men was seen in the video carrying a rifle, which he did not use, in spite of being kicked on the shins and beaten on the head. So far, in 16 years of insurgency, 212 paramilitary soldiers have been killed and 2,400 injured in encounters against terrorists in Kashmir. On June 25 last year, militants fired on CRPF jawans in Lethpura and killed eight and wounded 22. There have been several attacks on CRPF convoys in Kashmir Valley, especially on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. The 78km stretch between Jawahar tunnel to Srinagar witnesses on an average one attack in two months on paramilitary convoys; 647 CRPF vehicles have been damaged by stone pelters this year while their number in 2016 was 618. More than 200 vehicles have been targeted by mobs in the Valley since 2010. The CRPF is buying bulletproof buses to protect its men in transit. Most paramilitary soldiers die because of the lack of adequate bulletproof jackets against fire from small arms and assault rifles. In anti-Maoist operations between 2005 and 2017, home ministry records show, around 1,900 jawans and 2,994 civilians were killed, while only 2,600 Maoists were neutralised; one Naxalite for every two persons they kill. Why this tremendously poor kill ratio? Is there a place for indecisive leadership in the jungle or the Valley? STORY OFNEGLECT In 2016, a total of 66 paramilitary soldiers were killed in anti-Naxal operations. During deliberations within the security establishment, questions flew thick and fast on intelligence capacity and whether the forces have been able to dent the Naxals fighting capability. Naxals being trained in guerrilla warfare Says a senior paramilitary officer, Yes, the Naxalite movement was weakened momentarily after we killed around 250 armed guerillas last year. But we failed to make inroads among the people they draw their strengths from, and to get at their cadres and finances. Despite the large force we have on the ground, we havent been able to pinpoint their weaknesses. Its easy to blame the jawans, who are duty-bound to leave the camps at 5 in the morning fed on stale bread and watery daal with not enough water to drink and the fear looming over their heads that they may not be returning to camp in the evening. Ironically, BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav, who posted a video on the poor quality of food served to soldiers and alleged corruption of officers in his regiment, was dismissed after an internal inquiry pronounced him guilty of making false accusations against his superiors. The disparity within the fighting forces of India reveals a story of casual neglect of the paramilitary forces. The 10,000-odd Group A officers of Central Para Military Forces (CPMFs) such as the CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB do not fall in the category of Organised Services, which hobbles their careers, affecting financial benefits. The ultimate casualty is the morale of the cadre officers who are the ones leading from the front, whether on the Indo-Pak border or in the hinterland. Though created through Acts of Parliament, CPMFs are not considered armed forces of the Union. They have no immunity from prosecution under the Armed Forces Special Powers Acttheir personnel are often booked for action during bona fide duties by the Jammu and Kashmir government under the Ranbir Penal Code for casualties/injuries sustained by stone pelters. The officers are not allowed to form an association. Their grievances go unheard by the government. Associations of retired paramilitary personnel are fighting a legal battle in the Supreme Court to get their dues. As a result, long periods of continuous postings in difficult areas often lead to stress and health ailments, sometimes resulting in suicide. Many officers often proceed on voluntary retirement or simply resign. In bizarre disparity, paramilitary forces are denied gallantry awards as commonly given to the Army, Air Force and Navy. Under the new pension scheme, pension amount is deducted monthly from the salaries of paramilitary staff unlike the defence forces. They do not receive military service pay like army personnel do. Meanwhile, the Army is demanding One Rank One Pension stating the lower retirement age. In central paramilitary forces, jawans and officers both retire between 57 and 60 years of age. In the Army, jawans start retiring between 37 and 50 years, and officers retire at different ages depending on rank from 54 to 60 years. According to home ministry data, 329 Naxalites surrendered to the security forces in the last four months. During 2014-16, 3,552 Naxalites gave up arms. So, how do Maoists keep getting fresh recruits? INTEL DISASTER Information on the ground has been so poor that there is so far no evidence or intelligence inputs available on the recruitment strategy and firepower of Naxalites. India has not been able to chock the supply gauntlet of arms and ammunition through the Northeast, Pakistan and China. Paramilitary forces deployed in the Naxal-infested districts are tasked to carry out five types of missionsshort range patrols, long range patrols, road opening, area domination and providing security to infrastructure development work like roads. However, they are supposed to launch Kill operations only in cases when specific intelligence has been furnished to the forces. Last month when 12 jawans of the 219th Battalion of the CRPF were killed in a Maoist ambush at a road-opening mission, top officials were grilled over the poor intelligence. They privately admitted there was no specific input and the ones provided were not area-specific. The martyred jawans and officers were once again blamed for not having followed SoP! According to a senior CRPF official in Chhattisgarh, road opening patrols and the security of road construction activities are carried out at the convenience of the contractors without changing the timings, exposing the pattern of the paramilitary movement and deployment to the Naxals. Often the intelligence given to troops in the morning before they set out on missions is insufficient. In many cases, the ambushes have happened in a different area than the one suggested. Sometimes patrols dont even find any signs of the Naxals; not even the telltale signs of their presence like boot prints or evidence of cooking. In paramilitary lexicon, this is called jungle bashing. Both the security and intelligence officers are sending jawans on wild goose chases on the basis of information collected from fringe sources. Due to lack of actionable intelligence, anti-Naxal operations are about taking chances. Most of the successful encounters have happened when the ultras had misjudged the situation and not because the troops surprised them by surrounding the camps. The war in the jungle cannot be won by jingoism, but leaders need to have a solid strategy to fight the enemy, said an officer with expertise in anti-Maoist operations. Poor intelligence plagues our fighting forces across the line. A Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs has exposed the intelligence failures during the terror attacks in Pathankot, Uri, Nagrota, Pampore and Baramulla. It has asked the home ministry to conduct a post facto analysis to check repeats of such attacks. It said, The Committee takes note of the fact that more than a year has passed since the Pathankot attack occurred. However, the investigation of that attack has not been completed by National Investigation Agency (NIA). Moreover, no analysis seems to have been done into the failure of the intelligence agencies to provide credible and actionable inputs regarding attacks at Pathankot, Uri, Pampore, Baramulla and Nagrota. The Committee feels that these attacks have exposed the deficiencies of our intelligence agencies. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the ministry should instruct the NIA to complete the investigations of these at the earliest so as to identify the loopholes in the intelligence set up in the border areas. So, are paramilitary soldiers merely cannon fodder? LACK OFPOLITICAL WILL A home ministry official said since the last one decade, the discussions within the security establishment are about achieving clarity on operations and creating a strong dedicated leadership well trained in jungle warfare. Unfortunately, both the issues remained unanswered. If you have the troops on the ground, then why are we shying away from using air power? One argument is that it could inflict maximum casualties. So, you have the dialogue option, which is not possible in the present circumstances. Isnt this confusing? Be clear whether you want to eliminate the enemy or desire to have a conversation. If its decided tomorrow to finish them off at all costs, it can be easily done. Psychological warfare methods such as playing jingles on the radio will not work, says a home ministry official. The top leadership can be blamed for a series of blunders. In 2007, the security forces decided to go hi-tech for anti-Naxal operations. Within the next few years, the top officers decided to deploy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to expose their targets and finish them. Except in one or two cases where jungle foliage was sparse, UAVs did not produce any actionable input to mount ops. Similarly, instead of buying and deploying commando mortars and demolition primer grenades against Naxals, they have been busy procuring tractors to pull out the plated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on roads. We are too dependent on technical intelligence and fringe sources that have no penetration in Maoist ranks. The senior officials are forcing their men to fight the enemy without foreknowledge, the official further adds. The Naxalites have forced the paramilitary forces to fight on grounds of their choosing. The Naxalites can never match the firepower of the paramilitary forces, which is precisely the reason they refuse to fight like a conventional army. Their objective is not to seize the ground but to fire when the situation is in their favour. Fire and run, says the officer. EXCUSE SYNDROME Even official explanations on ambushes, like the one in Sukma last week, are faulty. Contradicting the official report that hundreds of Naxalites had mounted an U-shaped ambush to attack the CRPF, sources said it was an L-shaped well-executed ambush closing all retreat routes to the soldiers. Even a well-trained soldier in conventional warfare may find it tough to get out alive from such ambushes. The only way to defeat the ambush perfected by Maoists is to deny them knowledge of your movements, says a middle-rank officer, who served in specialised CoBRA force. The soldiers on the ground must be trained to shun predictable timings and routes on missions. Those moving on foot must be trained to move in arrowhead and spearhead formations avoiding the skyline to prevent being taken out with automatic fire. A closed-up unit is vulnerable to even a small ambush, he explains. Poor training is another weakness that plagues paramilitary forces engaged in anti-Naxal ops. They are provided only rudimentary training in guerilla warfare and countering ambush before being deployed. In a difficult terrain like Sukma, foot patrols must be highly trained in counter-ambush tactics and armed with smoke grenades to create screens and take cover to launch a counter-attack. Naxals have the ability to conceal themselves perfectly before an ambush. Its high time we trained our forces on flanking movements with standard drills and took out terrorists using normal visual search and pinpointing incoming fire. Remember, you are fighting on unfavourable ground and only a well-trained unit has a chance to come out alive to tell the tale, the CoBRA officer further adds. As the week passes into history as one of the bloodiest punctuation marks in Indias war against insurgency, the paramilitary soldier continues to risk his life as the forgotten hero of countless campaigns.
John Nichols: The right way to amend the Constitution
By PTI

Vice President Hamid Ansari today 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 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.

Vice President Hamid Ansari today 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 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.
By PTI

MEERUT: At least 117 kg nilgai meat, animal skin, ivory and 40 guns have been seized from the house of a retired army officer here during a 17-hour-long joint raid conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and the forest department.

A team of DRI officials reached the Civil Lines residence of Colonel (retd) Devindra Kumar yesterday in the afternoon and the raid continued till 3:30 AM.

Kumar's son Prashant Bishnoi is a national-level shooter.

A DRI official said the raid was conducted in connection with a disproportionate assets case. 117 kg meat of nilgai, Rs 1 crore in cash, 40 guns, five skulls of deer, horns of sambar deer, antlers of antelope and black buck, animal skin and ivory were seized from a makeshift warehouse in Kumar's residence.

Chief Conservator of Forests Mukesh Kumar said: "The meat of blue bull was seized from a refrigerator. A sample was taken and it will be sent to laboratory for testing."

Action will be taken against the retired army officer and Bishnoi under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 though no case has been registered against them yet, he said.

MEERUT: At least 117 kg nilgai meat, animal skin, ivory and 40 guns have been seized from the house of a retired army officer here during a 17-hour-long joint raid conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and the forest department. A team of DRI officials reached the Civil Lines residence of Colonel (retd) Devindra Kumar yesterday in the afternoon and the raid continued till 3:30 AM. Kumar's son Prashant Bishnoi is a national-level shooter. A DRI official said the raid was conducted in connection with a disproportionate assets case. 117 kg meat of nilgai, Rs 1 crore in cash, 40 guns, five skulls of deer, horns of sambar deer, antlers of antelope and black buck, animal skin and ivory were seized from a makeshift warehouse in Kumar's residence. Chief Conservator of Forests Mukesh Kumar said: "The meat of blue bull was seized from a refrigerator. A sample was taken and it will be sent to laboratory for testing." Action will be taken against the retired army officer and Bishnoi under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 though no case has been registered against them yet, he said.
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: Haryana police are planning to launch a fortnight-long crack-down, beginning May 1, on illicit liquor, narcotics and weapons, crimes against women, drunken driving and over-speeding. All possible entry points would be plugged to stop gangsters from sneaking into Haryana from Uttar Pradesh, and focus would be laid on redress of complaints during the campaign.

Haryana director general of police (DGP) BS Sandhu said, Operation Durga, aimed at checking eve-teasing in the State, would be carried out at places like schools, colleges, bus-stands and railway stations. It would be a continuous movement. He clarified that the anti-Romeo operation would not be an act of moral policing and the innocent would not be humiliated.

If a couple is sitting in a park and talking they will not be harassed, he said.

Sandhu said that the deciding the number of teams for the operation has been left to the district superintendent of police (DSP) and police commissioners. It will depend from district to district, and big districts like Gurugram will have a larger team. Police personnel will be in both civil clothes and in uniform including women personnel.

Sandhu also added that CCTV cameras and cameras mounted on police vehicles will be installed outsides places like girls colleges and busy markets to keep a tab on such elements. Operation Durga was carried across the State for only one day, now it will be a daily feature, he said.

He also said, on a question on cow smuggling, that violation of the 'Gau Sanrakshan Avam Gau Samwardhan' law would not be allowed, and action would be initiated against anyone taking the law into their own hands. There has been a reduction in cases of cow smuggling after the law came into force.

Referring to the supply of drugs, he said an eye would be kept on educational institutions and drug suppliers and distributors would be nabbed.

Sandhu said that directions have been issued to keep a check on the entry of gangsters in Haryana from Uttar Pradesh, who could sneak in when the water level in the Yamuna river goes down in April, May and June. Directions have been issued to keep a check on pucca roads as well as on other routes used by gangsters to enter.

On a question regarding the proposed agitation by INLD leader, Abhay Singh Chautala, from July 10, Sandhu said in a democracy, every political party had the right to present its viewpoint, but action would be taken if it took the law in its own hands.

He said that the order had been placed with the Haryana State electronics development corporation limited (HARTRON), to provide online e-challan machines to effectively implement the e-challan system in all districts. Presently, more than 100 such machines are available in the State.

Asked about women police stations, Sandhu said the working of women police stations would be reviewed and the shortcomings removed. Replying to another question, he said there was a shortage of 14,000 police personnel but recruitment process of 5,000 constables, including 1,000 women and 1,000 ex-servicemen, was under process.

Regarding the zero tolerance policy he said the registration of cases of crimes against women had increased.

Referring to cyber crime, he said, "It is a sensitive matter and a cyber cell is operational to deal with such cases. Soon a cyber police station would be set up at Moginand in Panchkula district, which would deal with cyber related cases."

Budgetary allocation has already been made and staff with specific qualifications would be recruited through outsourcing. Police rules will also be reviewed to further improve the departments efficiency.

Sandhu said action would be initiated against police officers and other officials in the job who use electricity connections in an unauthorised manner, and their house allotment would be cancelled. "Initially such officers and officials would be warned, but if they persist, their allotment would be cancelled," he added.

Asked about illegal mining in Haryana, Sandhu said departments like transport, police, mining and the district administrations would work together to ensure implementation of the Act to stop this menace. Effective checking is being done and instructions for night checking have been issued. He also added that a complete check has been put on illegal mining.

CHANDIGARH: Haryana police are planning to launch a fortnight-long crack-down, beginning May 1, on illicit liquor, narcotics and weapons, crimes against women, drunken driving and over-speeding. All possible entry points would be plugged to stop gangsters from sneaking into Haryana from Uttar Pradesh, and focus would be laid on redress of complaints during the campaign. Haryana director general of police (DGP) BS Sandhu said, Operation Durga, aimed at checking eve-teasing in the State, would be carried out at places like schools, colleges, bus-stands and railway stations. It would be a continuous movement. He clarified that the anti-Romeo operation would not be an act of moral policing and the innocent would not be humiliated. If a couple is sitting in a park and talking they will not be harassed, he said. Sandhu said that the deciding the number of teams for the operation has been left to the district superintendent of police (DSP) and police commissioners. It will depend from district to district, and big districts like Gurugram will have a larger team. Police personnel will be in both civil clothes and in uniform including women personnel. Sandhu also added that CCTV cameras and cameras mounted on police vehicles will be installed outsides places like girls colleges and busy markets to keep a tab on such elements. Operation Durga was carried across the State for only one day, now it will be a daily feature, he said. He also said, on a question on cow smuggling, that violation of the 'Gau Sanrakshan Avam Gau Samwardhan' law would not be allowed, and action would be initiated against anyone taking the law into their own hands. There has been a reduction in cases of cow smuggling after the law came into force. Referring to the supply of drugs, he said an eye would be kept on educational institutions and drug suppliers and distributors would be nabbed. Sandhu said that directions have been issued to keep a check on the entry of gangsters in Haryana from Uttar Pradesh, who could sneak in when the water level in the Yamuna river goes down in April, May and June. Directions have been issued to keep a check on pucca roads as well as on other routes used by gangsters to enter. On a question regarding the proposed agitation by INLD leader, Abhay Singh Chautala, from July 10, Sandhu said in a democracy, every political party had the right to present its viewpoint, but action would be taken if it took the law in its own hands. He said that the order had been placed with the Haryana State electronics development corporation limited (HARTRON), to provide online e-challan machines to effectively implement the e-challan system in all districts. Presently, more than 100 such machines are available in the State. Asked about women police stations, Sandhu said the working of women police stations would be reviewed and the shortcomings removed. Replying to another question, he said there was a shortage of 14,000 police personnel but recruitment process of 5,000 constables, including 1,000 women and 1,000 ex-servicemen, was under process. Regarding the zero tolerance policy he said the registration of cases of crimes against women had increased. Referring to cyber crime, he said, "It is a sensitive matter and a cyber cell is operational to deal with such cases. Soon a cyber police station would be set up at Moginand in Panchkula district, which would deal with cyber related cases." Budgetary allocation has already been made and staff with specific qualifications would be recruited through outsourcing. Police rules will also be reviewed to further improve the departments efficiency. Sandhu said action would be initiated against police officers and other officials in the job who use electricity connections in an unauthorised manner, and their house allotment would be cancelled. "Initially such officers and officials would be warned, but if they persist, their allotment would be cancelled," he added. Asked about illegal mining in Haryana, Sandhu said departments like transport, police, mining and the district administrations would work together to ensure implementation of the Act to stop this menace. Effective checking is being done and instructions for night checking have been issued. He also added that a complete check has been put on illegal mining.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: India embarks on space diplomacy like never before. For the first time, New Delhi is flexing its prowess of space technology by embarking on an unprecedented and unchartered 'stratospheric diplomacy' through a special Rs 450 crore gift for south Asians. India is carving a very unique place in the universe, this week New Delhi will 'gift' a heavyweight bird in the sky to its neighbours through the 'South Asia Satellite'.

India is opening its heart out to its neighbours, explains External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay, adding "neighbourhood first is now being extended beyond the stratosphere". It seems this 'gift' of a communications satellite for use by neighbours at no cost has no parallels in the space- faring world, all other current regional consortia are commercial for-profit enterprises.

So it seems Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a known visionary space buff, is placing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in a new orbit by providing this space- based platform that would cost the participating nations almost USD 1,500 million over the 12-year life of the satellite.

Prashant Agarwal, an IIT Kanpur-trained engineer and the point-person in the Ministry of External Affairs piloting the project, says, "Prime Minister Modi has actually extended his slogan 'Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas' to India's neighbourhood essentially to service the needs of the poor in South Asia."

On May 5, the skies above the island of Sriharikota on the coast of the Bay of Bengal will be lit up as the Geo- synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) also called the 'naughty boy of ISRO' on its 11th mission will carry a message of peace like never before.

The nearly 50-m-tall rocket that weighs about 412 tons will carry what is now dubbed as the 'South Asia Satellite' or what the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) still prefers to call GSAT-9.

The 2230-kg satellite has been fabricated in three years and is purely a communications satellite costing Rs 235 crore.

The uniqueness of this satellite is that it will have a footprint that extends all over South Asia and India is gifting this heavenly messenger to its neighbours who according to India's assessment could be helped in better utilising these space based technologies.

The South Asia Satellite has 12 Ku band transponders which India's neighbours can utilise to increase communications. Each country will get access to at least one transponder through which they could beam their own programming and there could be common 'south Asian programing' as well.

Each country has to develop its own ground infrastructure though India is willing to extend assistance and know-how.

According to the government. the satellite will "enable a full range of applications and services to our neighbours in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting applications viz. television, direct-to-home (DTH), very small aperture terminals (VSATs), tele-education, telemedicine and disaster management support".

The satellite also has the capability to provide secure hot lines among the participating nations in addition since the region is highly prone to earthquakes, cyclones, floods, tsunamis, it may help in providing critical communication links in times of disasters.

In this unusual message of peace, India's most hostile neighbour Pakistan has fully opted out. Rest of the seven nations part of the South Asian Association for Regional Co- operation (SAARC) are already on-board with Afghanistan still to ink the deal with some minor technical details still to be fixed in Kabul. Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have agreed to be part of this mission, confirms Baglay.

When Prime Minister Modi was just a fresher and just four weeks into his new position on June 30, 2014, he surprised the world while speaking to the scientists at ISRO in Sriharikota as he asked "the space community to take up the challenge of developing a SAARC satellite that we can dedicate to our neighbourhood as a gift from India".

The proposal emerged directly from Modi and the leadership at ISRO was stunned into silence not knowing what this space animal will look like.

A highly-impassioned Modi, who had just witnessed a successful launch, said "I believe that the fight against the poverty of the countries of SAARC is the fight against illiteracy, the fight against superstitions, the challenge of moving forward in the scientific field is the possibility of providing opportunities to young people of SAARC countries.

"Our dream of this SAARC Satellite will work in the welfare of all our neighbouring countries. And that's why I have proposed in front of you today that we offer a valuable gift to our SAARC countries through a SAARC Satellite launch so that we also become partners in their welfare."

Modi reinforced this idea five months later when speaking in Kathmandu at the SAARC Summit on November 26, 2014. He said, "India's gift of a satellite for the SAARC region will benefit us all in areas like education, telemedicine, disaster response, resource management, weather forecasting and communication.

"We will also host a conference in India for all South Asian partners next year, to strengthen our collective ability to apply space technology in economic development and governance. And, we plan to launch our satellite by the SAARC Day in 2016."

Modi's sincere efforts got a jolt when even after participating in the planning meeting on June 22, 2015, Pakistan decided to 'opt out' from the proposed SAARC satellite suggesting that 'Pakistan has its own space program'.

So the project was renamed to 'South Asia Satellite' but sources say Pakistan was not allowed to veto the development project. Meanwhile frequency co-ordination activities took longer than expected and the launch got postponed by almost six months.

Among India's neighbours, three nations already possess full-fledged communication satellites with Pakistan and Sri Lanka having been helped by China; Afghanistan also has a communication satellite actually an old India-made satellite acquired from Europe.

Bangladesh is likely to have its first bird in the sky later this year made with help from Thales. Essentially, it is the tiny nations of Bhutan and Maldives that may benefit in the long run. Incidentally, Nepal has already floated a tender to acquire two communications satellites.

Experts say "Pakistan has missed an opportunity" since its own space program is currently in a primitive stage as compared to India's. This is despite the fact that Pakistan actually launched its first rocket five years ahead of India and its space agency Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is older than ISRO.

Pakistan has had five satellites in space but today lacks heavy duty launchers and satellite fabrication facilities.

But will India's strident regional space diplomacy yield results? There is no doubt that through the South Asia Satellite India is actively trying to counter China's growing influence on its neighbours. But in the 21st-century Asian space race, China already has the first mover advantage.

Better late than never is prevailing mood and for this unique space diplomacy it is almost certain that India is likely to get applauded by the world's powers for this one of a kind friendly confidence building measure.

Hopefully friendly skies can result in reduced hostilities on Earth.

NEW DELHI: India embarks on space diplomacy like never before. For the first time, New Delhi is flexing its prowess of space technology by embarking on an unprecedented and unchartered 'stratospheric diplomacy' through a special Rs 450 crore gift for south Asians. India is carving a very unique place in the universe, this week New Delhi will 'gift' a heavyweight bird in the sky to its neighbours through the 'South Asia Satellite'. India is opening its heart out to its neighbours, explains External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay, adding "neighbourhood first is now being extended beyond the stratosphere". It seems this 'gift' of a communications satellite for use by neighbours at no cost has no parallels in the space- faring world, all other current regional consortia are commercial for-profit enterprises. So it seems Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a known visionary space buff, is placing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in a new orbit by providing this space- based platform that would cost the participating nations almost USD 1,500 million over the 12-year life of the satellite. Prashant Agarwal, an IIT Kanpur-trained engineer and the point-person in the Ministry of External Affairs piloting the project, says, "Prime Minister Modi has actually extended his slogan 'Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas' to India's neighbourhood essentially to service the needs of the poor in South Asia." On May 5, the skies above the island of Sriharikota on the coast of the Bay of Bengal will be lit up as the Geo- synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) also called the 'naughty boy of ISRO' on its 11th mission will carry a message of peace like never before. The nearly 50-m-tall rocket that weighs about 412 tons will carry what is now dubbed as the 'South Asia Satellite' or what the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) still prefers to call GSAT-9. The 2230-kg satellite has been fabricated in three years and is purely a communications satellite costing Rs 235 crore. The uniqueness of this satellite is that it will have a footprint that extends all over South Asia and India is gifting this heavenly messenger to its neighbours who according to India's assessment could be helped in better utilising these space based technologies. The South Asia Satellite has 12 Ku band transponders which India's neighbours can utilise to increase communications. Each country will get access to at least one transponder through which they could beam their own programming and there could be common 'south Asian programing' as well. Each country has to develop its own ground infrastructure though India is willing to extend assistance and know-how. According to the government. the satellite will "enable a full range of applications and services to our neighbours in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting applications viz. television, direct-to-home (DTH), very small aperture terminals (VSATs), tele-education, telemedicine and disaster management support". The satellite also has the capability to provide secure hot lines among the participating nations in addition since the region is highly prone to earthquakes, cyclones, floods, tsunamis, it may help in providing critical communication links in times of disasters. In this unusual message of peace, India's most hostile neighbour Pakistan has fully opted out. Rest of the seven nations part of the South Asian Association for Regional Co- operation (SAARC) are already on-board with Afghanistan still to ink the deal with some minor technical details still to be fixed in Kabul. Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have agreed to be part of this mission, confirms Baglay. When Prime Minister Modi was just a fresher and just four weeks into his new position on June 30, 2014, he surprised the world while speaking to the scientists at ISRO in Sriharikota as he asked "the space community to take up the challenge of developing a SAARC satellite that we can dedicate to our neighbourhood as a gift from India". The proposal emerged directly from Modi and the leadership at ISRO was stunned into silence not knowing what this space animal will look like. A highly-impassioned Modi, who had just witnessed a successful launch, said "I believe that the fight against the poverty of the countries of SAARC is the fight against illiteracy, the fight against superstitions, the challenge of moving forward in the scientific field is the possibility of providing opportunities to young people of SAARC countries. "Our dream of this SAARC Satellite will work in the welfare of all our neighbouring countries. And that's why I have proposed in front of you today that we offer a valuable gift to our SAARC countries through a SAARC Satellite launch so that we also become partners in their welfare." Modi reinforced this idea five months later when speaking in Kathmandu at the SAARC Summit on November 26, 2014. He said, "India's gift of a satellite for the SAARC region will benefit us all in areas like education, telemedicine, disaster response, resource management, weather forecasting and communication. "We will also host a conference in India for all South Asian partners next year, to strengthen our collective ability to apply space technology in economic development and governance. And, we plan to launch our satellite by the SAARC Day in 2016." Modi's sincere efforts got a jolt when even after participating in the planning meeting on June 22, 2015, Pakistan decided to 'opt out' from the proposed SAARC satellite suggesting that 'Pakistan has its own space program'. So the project was renamed to 'South Asia Satellite' but sources say Pakistan was not allowed to veto the development project. Meanwhile frequency co-ordination activities took longer than expected and the launch got postponed by almost six months. Among India's neighbours, three nations already possess full-fledged communication satellites with Pakistan and Sri Lanka having been helped by China; Afghanistan also has a communication satellite actually an old India-made satellite acquired from Europe. Bangladesh is likely to have its first bird in the sky later this year made with help from Thales. Essentially, it is the tiny nations of Bhutan and Maldives that may benefit in the long run. Incidentally, Nepal has already floated a tender to acquire two communications satellites. Experts say "Pakistan has missed an opportunity" since its own space program is currently in a primitive stage as compared to India's. This is despite the fact that Pakistan actually launched its first rocket five years ahead of India and its space agency Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is older than ISRO. Pakistan has had five satellites in space but today lacks heavy duty launchers and satellite fabrication facilities. But will India's strident regional space diplomacy yield results? There is no doubt that through the South Asia Satellite India is actively trying to counter China's growing influence on its neighbours. But in the 21st-century Asian space race, China already has the first mover advantage. Better late than never is prevailing mood and for this unique space diplomacy it is almost certain that India is likely to get applauded by the world's powers for this one of a kind friendly confidence building measure. Hopefully friendly skies can result in reduced hostilities on Earth.
YATISH YADAV By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The humiliating defeat of the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi local body polls has left its Vice President Rahul Gandhi unfazed. Furious debates are on at his home on 12 Tughlaq Lane and the Congress War Room at 15 Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Road over saving the organisation and stopping the exodus of panicked Congressmen who see Rahuls captaincy as the main reason for the partys rout.

State leaders are vocal over Rahuls failure in developing trust beyond selected groups of leaders. There is no clear direction. Its as if we do not wish to fight the BJP anymore, a party insider said. He feels strategic aimlessness has afflicted the leadership since April 13.

Leaders, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say the top leadership has failed in formulating sustained campaigns on farmers suicides, cow vigilantism and corruption.

Rahul, in turn, has decided to turn to the past to redeem the partys future. Placing experience over PowerPoint enthusiasm, strategic meetings over countering the Modi surge are being mentored by veterans like P Chidambaram, Ahmed Patel and K Raju, thereby junking Rahuls plans to replace them with new generation lackeys.

According to sources, he held a recent meeting of former state presidents, senior Congressmen and former MPs to chalk out the roadmap ahead.

He also called a meeting of all candidates-successful and defeated-in the UP polls on April 29 to discuss methods to recapture the Hindi heartland.

On May 1, he will address a rally in Gujarat which goes to the polls early next year. Sources said Rahul could take over the reins of the Congress as party president from mother Sonia Gandhi by October 15.

Meanwhile, with revelation of Priyanka Gandhis name in the Justice SN Dhingra Commission report for windfall gain from a property, the Congress now fears attack by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Congresss first family.

So far, Modi has not attacked Priyanka and only took jibe over daamad to target the Gandhi family over corruption issues. Congress insiders say the party has big plans to unleash Priyanka in 2019 polls and emergence of her name in a corruption scandal is certainly a blow to the party, which is seriously introspecting after repeated poll debacle.

It is a major blow, as the party has high hopes from Priyanka, said a senior Congress leader.

NEW DELHI: The humiliating defeat of the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi local body polls has left its Vice President Rahul Gandhi unfazed. Furious debates are on at his home on 12 Tughlaq Lane and the Congress War Room at 15 Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Road over saving the organisation and stopping the exodus of panicked Congressmen who see Rahuls captaincy as the main reason for the partys rout. State leaders are vocal over Rahuls failure in developing trust beyond selected groups of leaders. There is no clear direction. Its as if we do not wish to fight the BJP anymore, a party insider said. He feels strategic aimlessness has afflicted the leadership since April 13. Leaders, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say the top leadership has failed in formulating sustained campaigns on farmers suicides, cow vigilantism and corruption. Rahul, in turn, has decided to turn to the past to redeem the partys future. Placing experience over PowerPoint enthusiasm, strategic meetings over countering the Modi surge are being mentored by veterans like P Chidambaram, Ahmed Patel and K Raju, thereby junking Rahuls plans to replace them with new generation lackeys. According to sources, he held a recent meeting of former state presidents, senior Congressmen and former MPs to chalk out the roadmap ahead. He also called a meeting of all candidates-successful and defeated-in the UP polls on April 29 to discuss methods to recapture the Hindi heartland. On May 1, he will address a rally in Gujarat which goes to the polls early next year. Sources said Rahul could take over the reins of the Congress as party president from mother Sonia Gandhi by October 15. Meanwhile, with revelation of Priyanka Gandhis name in the Justice SN Dhingra Commission report for windfall gain from a property, the Congress now fears attack by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Congresss first family. So far, Modi has not attacked Priyanka and only took jibe over daamad to target the Gandhi family over corruption issues. Congress insiders say the party has big plans to unleash Priyanka in 2019 polls and emergence of her name in a corruption scandal is certainly a blow to the party, which is seriously introspecting after repeated poll debacle. It is a major blow, as the party has high hopes from Priyanka, said a senior Congress leader.
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The BJPs ideological patron, the RSS, has won the GM (genetically modified) crop war with the governments premier policy think-tank NITI Aayog.

In the first authoritative indication, the planning bodys draft on the three-year action plan  a copy of which is with Express  admits that other alternatives (to GM crops) should be explored.

NITI Aayog officials reached out to senior RSS functionaries for an open debate on the issue, but all efforts proved to be futile, said a senior member. The RSS has been opposed to the introduction of GM crops for many years. As NITI Aayog began to champion GM crops to meet the needs of Indias growing population, the RSS dug its heels in, emerging as the principal stumbling block. RSS general secretary Bhaiyaji Joshi had said the strong counter-arguments to the scientific communitys espousal of GM crops could not be brushed aside.

In its defence, NITI Aayog furnished scientific approval for GM crops.

Public policy on agriculture research and development is facing a serious dilemma. The scientific community by and large favours the development and use of transgenic and GM crops to address future agri-food demands and other challenges, NITI Aayog wrote in the action plan circulated to State governments during the Governing Council meeting on April 16, but added, However, there is a strong public sensitivity towards the health and environmental safety aspects of these technologies in India and in most of other countries, which cannot be ignored.

The Gujarat government had rejected NITI Aayogs requests for GM crop trials soon after the National Democratic Alliance came to power in 2014.

In India, only GM cotton is cultivated. Activists have been raising the issues of seed monopoly by multinational companies and pest-affected crops leading to losses for farmers.

NEW DELHI: The BJPs ideological patron, the RSS, has won the GM (genetically modified) crop war with the governments premier policy think-tank NITI Aayog. In the first authoritative indication, the planning bodys draft on the three-year action plan  a copy of which is with Express  admits that other alternatives (to GM crops) should be explored. NITI Aayog officials reached out to senior RSS functionaries for an open debate on the issue, but all efforts proved to be futile, said a senior member. The RSS has been opposed to the introduction of GM crops for many years. As NITI Aayog began to champion GM crops to meet the needs of Indias growing population, the RSS dug its heels in, emerging as the principal stumbling block. RSS general secretary Bhaiyaji Joshi had said the strong counter-arguments to the scientific communitys espousal of GM crops could not be brushed aside. In its defence, NITI Aayog furnished scientific approval for GM crops. Public policy on agriculture research and development is facing a serious dilemma. The scientific community by and large favours the development and use of transgenic and GM crops to address future agri-food demands and other challenges, NITI Aayog wrote in the action plan circulated to State governments during the Governing Council meeting on April 16, but added, However, there is a strong public sensitivity towards the health and environmental safety aspects of these technologies in India and in most of other countries, which cannot be ignored. The Gujarat government had rejected NITI Aayogs requests for GM crop trials soon after the National Democratic Alliance came to power in 2014. In India, only GM cotton is cultivated. Activists have been raising the issues of seed monopoly by multinational companies and pest-affected crops leading to losses for farmers.
By Express News Service

If you were an atheist and disliked any religious restrictions, which countries would you avoid living in, if you had the choice? According to the Pew Research Centres annual report on religious restrictions, 2017, India would be one of them.

Among the 25 most populous countries in the world, Russia, Egypt, India, Pakistan and Nigeria had the most government restrictions and social hostilities involving religion in 2015.

And which country would you prefer to live in? Again as per the Pew report, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Ethiopia and the Philippines, would be the ones as they have the fewest restrictions and hostilities due to religion.

The Pew reports social hostilities index puts India in the fourth spot after Syria, Nigeria and Iraq while Pakistan stands tenth.

The Government Restrictions Index measures government laws, policies and actions that restrict religious beliefs and practices. The GRI is comprised of 20 measures of restrictions, including efforts by government to ban particular faiths, prohibit conversion, limit preaching or give preferential treatment to one or more religious groups.

The Pew reports Social Hostilities Index (SHI) measures acts of religious hostility by private individuals, organizations or groups in society. This includes religion-related armed conflict or terrorism, mob or sectarian violence, harassment over attire for religious reasons or other religion-related intimidation or abuse. The SHI includes 13 measures of social hostilities.

The fact that none of the 25 most populous countries fell into the low social hostilities category may indicate that large populations carry an inherently greater risk of incidents of social hostilities, simply because there are more people.

The obstacles for minorities

According to the report, members of the lowest Hindu castes, known as Dalits, often faced obstacles to basic government institutions and services such as education and health care. The United Nations also reported systematic abuse of Dalits by individuals, and many of the perpetrators of these crimes were not prosecuted by the government, the report added.

Minority leaders and the laity often attribute Indias decline in religious freedom and communal harmony to the discriminative campaigning during the 2014 general elections that was swept by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

State government also contributed to such restrictions in their own way. The beef ban in Maharashtra in 2015 that affected a majority of Muslims, and the crackdown on abattoirs (slaughterhouses) in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, hitting both Dalits and Muslims, were examples of such restrictions.

 Indias pluralistic tradition faces serious challenges in a number of its States. During the past few years, religious tolerance has deteriorated and religious freedom violations have increased in some areas of India. To reverse this negative trajectory, the Indian and state governments must align their laws with both the countrys constitutional commitments and international human rights standard ,  chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Thomas. J Reese, SJ said.

Meanwhile, social hostilities like mob-incited violence or clashes also surged dramatically between 2015 and 2017. Some key incidents include the Dadri lynching, where a Muslim man in Bihars Bishara village was lynched by a 1000-strong mob for allegedly stealing and killing a cow and the thrashing of three Dalit youth by cow vigilantes in Una, Gujarat, in July, 2016.

Minority groups and leaders claim inaction by the police and other responsible officials, despite pleas for intervention. The laxity by the judiciary to ensure and implement effective measures has been largely questioned and raised, only to be drowned by the spread of a saffron wave.

Key highlights of the Pew Research Centres report

 Government restrictions on religion and social hostilities involving religion increased in 2015 for the first time in three years.

 The share of countries with high or very high levels of government restrictions  i.e., laws, policies and actions that restrict religious beliefs and practices  ticked up from 24% in 2014 to 25% in 2015.

 The percentage of countries with high or very high levels of social hostilities  i.e., acts of religious hostility by private individuals, organisations or groups in societyincreased in 2015, from 23% to 27%.

 While the Middle East-North Africa region continued to have the largest proportion of governments that engaged in harassment and use of force against religious groups (95%), Europe had the largest increase in these measures in 2015

 In 2015, 23 of the 198 countries in the study had very high levels of government restrictions up from 16 countries in 2014. Few countries  like China, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran  have had very high levels of restrictions every year since 2007, the first year for which data are available.

 At the end of 2015, the study showed that Egypt followed by China topped the chart on very high levels of government restrictions, while Pakistan ranked fifth and India 19 th, in this category.

 Among the most populous countries, Egypt, Russia, India, Pakistan and Nigeria had the highest levels of overall restrictions, government imposed laws and policies, on religion in 2015. While the study looked at 25 of the worlds most populous countries, it was noted that the levels of government restrictions and social hostilities differed for the five billion people living in these countries.

When witchcraft was targeted in Africa!

People accused of practicing witchcraft were targeted in a number of cases. In the Republic of Congo, two elderly men were killed after being accused of witchcraft. In Burkina Faso, elderly women were often accused of witchcraft and barred from their villages. A Roman Catholic Church-operated organization in the capital, Ouagadougou, supported 260 women accused of witchcraft in 2015, and another government center sheltered 84 women. During the year, people accused of witchcraft also were targeted in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia.

Abuse on albinism

People practicing witchcraft rituals targeted individuals with albinism. In Malawi, there was an increase in the demand for body parts of people with albinism; the Association of People Living with Albinism in Malawi reported 19 cases of abuse, including eight deaths, in 2015.47 In Tanzania, one child with albinism was killed, and three other cases were reported involving abduction, mutilation and dismemberment of bodies.

Source: Pew Research Center

If you were an atheist and disliked any religious restrictions, which countries would you avoid living in, if you had the choice? According to the Pew Research Centres annual report on religious restrictions, 2017, India would be one of them. Among the 25 most populous countries in the world, Russia, Egypt, India, Pakistan and Nigeria had the most government restrictions and social hostilities involving religion in 2015. And which country would you prefer to live in? Again as per the Pew report, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Ethiopia and the Philippines, would be the ones as they have the fewest restrictions and hostilities due to religion. The Pew reports social hostilities index puts India in the fourth spot after Syria, Nigeria and Iraq while Pakistan stands tenth. The Government Restrictions Index measures government laws, policies and actions that restrict religious beliefs and practices. The GRI is comprised of 20 measures of restrictions, including efforts by government to ban particular faiths, prohibit conversion, limit preaching or give preferential treatment to one or more religious groups. The Pew reports Social Hostilities Index (SHI) measures acts of religious hostility by private individuals, organizations or groups in society. This includes religion-related armed conflict or terrorism, mob or sectarian violence, harassment over attire for religious reasons or other religion-related intimidation or abuse. The SHI includes 13 measures of social hostilities. The fact that none of the 25 most populous countries fell into the low social hostilities category may indicate that large populations carry an inherently greater risk of incidents of social hostilities, simply because there are more people. The obstacles for minorities According to the report, members of the lowest Hindu castes, known as Dalits, often faced obstacles to basic government institutions and services such as education and health care. The United Nations also reported systematic abuse of Dalits by individuals, and many of the perpetrators of these crimes were not prosecuted by the government, the report added. Minority leaders and the laity often attribute Indias decline in religious freedom and communal harmony to the discriminative campaigning during the 2014 general elections that was swept by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). State government also contributed to such restrictions in their own way. The beef ban in Maharashtra in 2015 that affected a majority of Muslims, and the crackdown on abattoirs (slaughterhouses) in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, hitting both Dalits and Muslims, were examples of such restrictions. Indias pluralistic tradition faces serious challenges in a number of its States. During the past few years, religious tolerance has deteriorated and religious freedom violations have increased in some areas of India. To reverse this negative trajectory, the Indian and state governments must align their laws with both the countrys constitutional commitments and international human rights standard, chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Thomas. J Reese, SJ said. Meanwhile, social hostilities like mob-incited violence or clashes also surged dramatically between 2015 and 2017. Some key incidents include the Dadri lynching, where a Muslim man in Bihars Bishara village was lynched by a 1000-strong mob for allegedly stealing and killing a cow and the thrashing of three Dalit youth by cow vigilantes in Una, Gujarat, in July, 2016. Minority groups and leaders claim inaction by the police and other responsible officials, despite pleas for intervention. The laxity by the judiciary to ensure and implement effective measures has been largely questioned and raised, only to be drowned by the spread of a saffron wave. Key highlights of the Pew Research Centres report Government restrictions on religion and social hostilities involving religion increased in 2015 for the first time in three years. The share of countries with high or very high levels of government restrictions  i.e., laws, policies and actions that restrict religious beliefs and practices  ticked up from 24% in 2014 to 25% in 2015. The percentage of countries with high or very high levels of social hostilities  i.e., acts of religious hostility by private individuals, organisations or groups in societyincreased in 2015, from 23% to 27%.  While the Middle East-North Africa region continued to have the largest proportion of governments that engaged in harassment and use of force against religious groups (95%), Europe had the largest increase in these measures in 2015  In 2015, 23 of the 198 countries in the study had very high levels of government restrictions up from 16 countries in 2014. Few countries  like China, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran  have had very high levels of restrictions every year since 2007, the first year for which data are available. At the end of 2015, the study showed that Egypt followed by China topped the chart on very high levels of government restrictions, while Pakistan ranked fifth and India 19th, in this category. Among the most populous countries, Egypt, Russia, India, Pakistan and Nigeria had the highest levels of overall restrictions, government imposed laws and policies, on religion in 2015. While the study looked at 25 of the worlds most populous countries, it was noted that the levels of government restrictions and social hostilities differed for the five billion people living in these countries. When witchcraft was targeted in Africa! People accused of practicing witchcraft were targeted in a number of cases. In the Republic of Congo, two elderly men were killed after being accused of witchcraft. In Burkina Faso, elderly women were often accused of witchcraft and barred from their villages. A Roman Catholic Church-operated organization in the capital, Ouagadougou, supported 260 women accused of witchcraft in 2015, and another government center sheltered 84 women. During the year, people accused of witchcraft also were targeted in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia. Abuse on albinism People practicing witchcraft rituals targeted individuals with albinism. In Malawi, there was an increase in the demand for body parts of people with albinism; the Association of People Living with Albinism in Malawi reported 19 cases of abuse, including eight deaths, in 2015.47 In Tanzania, one child with albinism was killed, and three other cases were reported involving abduction, mutilation and dismemberment of bodies. Source: Pew Research Center
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today suggested a multilateral dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue to ensure peace in the region.

Erdogan, who arrived here this evening ahead of talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also favoured India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) besides that of Pakistan, saying India should not have objection to it.

"We should not allow more casualties to occur (in Kashmir). By having a multilateral dialogue, (in which) we can be involved, we can seek ways to settle the issue once and for all," he told WION news channel in an interview.

The Turkish leader said that it is in the interest of India and Pakistan that they should resolve this issue and not leave it for the future generations who will have to suffer.

"All around the world, there is no better option than keeping the channel of dialogue open. If we contribute towards global peace, we can get a very positive result," he said.

Erdogan said India and Pakistan were both friends of Turkey and he wanted to help strengthen the dialogue process among the stakeholders for resolving the Kashmir issue which has been festering for the last 70 years.

Replying to questions on the Kurdish problem in Turkey, he said it could not be compared with the Kashmir issue.

"We have no problem with the Kurdish people. We have a problem with a terrorist organisation," he said.

"It (the Kurdish problem) is a territorial dispute. In Jammu and Kashmir, the situation is different. Let's not make the mistake of comparing them," he said.

NEW DELHI: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today suggested a multilateral dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue to ensure peace in the region. Erdogan, who arrived here this evening ahead of talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also favoured India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) besides that of Pakistan, saying India should not have objection to it. "We should not allow more casualties to occur (in Kashmir). By having a multilateral dialogue, (in which) we can be involved, we can seek ways to settle the issue once and for all," he told WION news channel in an interview. The Turkish leader said that it is in the interest of India and Pakistan that they should resolve this issue and not leave it for the future generations who will have to suffer. "All around the world, there is no better option than keeping the channel of dialogue open. If we contribute towards global peace, we can get a very positive result," he said. Erdogan said India and Pakistan were both friends of Turkey and he wanted to help strengthen the dialogue process among the stakeholders for resolving the Kashmir issue which has been festering for the last 70 years. Replying to questions on the Kurdish problem in Turkey, he said it could not be compared with the Kashmir issue. "We have no problem with the Kurdish people. We have a problem with a terrorist organisation," he said. "It (the Kurdish problem) is a territorial dispute. In Jammu and Kashmir, the situation is different. Let's not make the mistake of comparing them," he said.
Prabhu Chawla By

In democracy, the ballot and not the bullet is the wonder weapon best suited to resolve conflicts and replace governments. When those rejected by ballots resort to murder and mayhem to destabilise an elected establishment, the bullet becomes the most preferred means to erase the threat. The Narendra Modi government has to stand firm on a-bullet-for-a-stone policy to save Kashmir from dangerous demons disrupting democracy. Last week, the Supreme Court decided to step in where successive governments at the Centre and the state have failed in 27 years. It directed all stakeholders to visualise the roadmap for a meaningfully inclusive dialogue. It also asked the government to refrain from the pellet policy if the agitators stopped hurling stones at the security forces.

Numerous dialogues, both formal and informal, have happened in the past to restore normalcy in Kashmir. Many free-and-fair elections have been held with record turnouts. European Parliament, a symbol of pluralism and liberalism, sang paeans to Indian elections. Soon after the last J&K election, it issued a statement: The high voter turnout figure proves that democracy is firmly rooted in India. The EU would like to congratulate India and its democratic system for conduct of fair elections, unmarred by violence, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The European Parliament also takes cognisance of the fact that a large number of Kashmiri voters turned out despite calls for the boycott of elections by certain separatist forces.

Perhaps, stung by this endorsement and the rise of a first-time government with nationalist participation in J&K, saboteurs of the democratic process with lucrative side benefits are running amok in the state. Stone pelting is their bloody, money-spinning sport, where the prize is defeating the collective will of the people. In 2016, there were 2,690 incidents of stone pelting as against 1,157 in 2015a rise of almost 250 per cent. Almost half of these occurred in North Kashmir, followed by 875 in South Kashmir and 567 in Central Kashmir. The year 2016 was also the bloodiest for the security forces since 200887 uniformed personnel martyred until last December compared to 51 in 2014. More than 20 have been killed since January. Last year, 165 terrorist scalps were takenalso the highest count in the past eight years.

Local factors have less to do with the ominous surge in violence than the liberal financial and ideological support to separatists and their agent provocateurs from across the border. Ironically, New Delhi has given J&K the status of a most preferred state. According to official sources, between 2006 and 2016 it received per capita Central assistance of Rs 91,300 as against Rs 43,000 for Uttar Pradesh. This mega munificence has forced the percentage of people living below the poverty line in J&K to drop to a minimum of 3.48 per cent as against 25 per cent in 1980. Over 26 per cent live above the poverty line in the rest of India. Kashmirs per capita income has been growing at about 12 per cent. Recently, the Centre allotted Rs 19,000 crore of the Rs 80,000 crore development packages announced by PM Narendra Modi to J&K. But Kashmir is also the valley of illusion. The unrestricted river of rupees flowing from Delhi to Srinagar has only helped fatten the assets of the double dealers who have made terrorism and extortion Kashmirs cottage industry.

Their scruples are shallower than the Dal Lake in a summer of discontent. Since containing terror and protecting unarmed civilians pose a threat to economics, politics and crossborder detente, the sharks of separatism spread fear by attacking peacekeeping forces by using women as human shields and stones as weapons. For the past three years, Modi has kept his mantra for Kashmir close to his chest. He has maintained a significant silence on the Valleys precarious state of affairs. With his predilection for springing surprises, he is expected to make a move, which will make or mar his image of leader with a mission and vision. Some of the proposals on his table are:



 Act on a second surgical strike to destroy all training camps. Modi is unlikely to face international hostility as most of the Western world is fighting terror.

 Appoint a strong governor to keep a check on the state government. The sell-by-date of current incumbent N N Vohra (81) is past. This member of the pro-dialogue cabal is instrumental in adopting a soft line. Modi is under pressure to send a younger person with an Army background to the Raj Bhavan.

 Treat unrest in the Valley as treason and a law and order issue. Use force to contain it at any cost by deploying the BSF in large numbers. Security experts are peeved with the state government for removing Army bunkers from strategic points. Militants and terrorists are scared of the power of Indias military, if it is given operational freedom and modern weapons.

 Create fully-trained armed women battalions to deal with misguided female stone pelters.

 Break the nexus of local cops, separatists and terrorists responsible for the spurt in attacks on uniformed forces by insulating the state police from ISI infiltration.



 Move all the terrorists and stone pelters in Kashmirs jails to faraway states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat etc. This prevents them from establishing contact with their local masters. Terrorists and their supporters in local prisons have access to modern communication equipment.

 Withdraw or downsize the security cover of Hurriyat leaders who attend prayers with youngsters waving IS flags and raising pro-Pakistan slogans.

 Create special jobs for Kashmiri youth in BJP-ruled states to stop them from joining the burgeoning brigade of stone pelters.

To be the Samson of Srinagar, Modi has to flex his muscles against the devious doves who have infiltrated his system and are pushing for dialogue with Pakistan in private and in public. Even those retired officials, rewarded with insignificant sinecures, are writing articles pleading for engagement with Pakistanthe fount of terror. Modi can win the Kashmir war only if he takes the less-trodden path ignored by his predecessors. He has junked the old style politics and politicians. The time has come for him to also dump professional peaceniks, free junketers and Pak-friendly chatteratti and adopt disruptive diplomacy and a determined defence strategy to bring Kashmir back on track.

Prabhu Chawla

prabhuchawla@ newindianexpress.com

Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla

In democracy, the ballot and not the bullet is the wonder weapon best suited to resolve conflicts and replace governments. When those rejected by ballots resort to murder and mayhem to destabilise an elected establishment, the bullet becomes the most preferred means to erase the threat. The Narendra Modi government has to stand firm on a-bullet-for-a-stone policy to save Kashmir from dangerous demons disrupting democracy. Last week, the Supreme Court decided to step in where successive governments at the Centre and the state have failed in 27 years. It directed all stakeholders to visualise the roadmap for a meaningfully inclusive dialogue. It also asked the government to refrain from the pellet policy if the agitators stopped hurling stones at the security forces. Numerous dialogues, both formal and informal, have happened in the past to restore normalcy in Kashmir. Many free-and-fair elections have been held with record turnouts. European Parliament, a symbol of pluralism and liberalism, sang paeans to Indian elections. Soon after the last J&K election, it issued a statement: The high voter turnout figure proves that democracy is firmly rooted in India. The EU would like to congratulate India and its democratic system for conduct of fair elections, unmarred by violence, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The European Parliament also takes cognisance of the fact that a large number of Kashmiri voters turned out despite calls for the boycott of elections by certain separatist forces. Perhaps, stung by this endorsement and the rise of a first-time government with nationalist participation in J&K, saboteurs of the democratic process with lucrative side benefits are running amok in the state. Stone pelting is their bloody, money-spinning sport, where the prize is defeating the collective will of the people. In 2016, there were 2,690 incidents of stone pelting as against 1,157 in 2015a rise of almost 250 per cent. Almost half of these occurred in North Kashmir, followed by 875 in South Kashmir and 567 in Central Kashmir. The year 2016 was also the bloodiest for the security forces since 200887 uniformed personnel martyred until last December compared to 51 in 2014. More than 20 have been killed since January. Last year, 165 terrorist scalps were takenalso the highest count in the past eight years. Local factors have less to do with the ominous surge in violence than the liberal financial and ideological support to separatists and their agent provocateurs from across the border. Ironically, New Delhi has given J&K the status of a most preferred state. According to official sources, between 2006 and 2016 it received per capita Central assistance of Rs 91,300 as against Rs 43,000 for Uttar Pradesh. This mega munificence has forced the percentage of people living below the poverty line in J&K to drop to a minimum of 3.48 per cent as against 25 per cent in 1980. Over 26 per cent live above the poverty line in the rest of India. Kashmirs per capita income has been growing at about 12 per cent. Recently, the Centre allotted Rs 19,000 crore of the Rs 80,000 crore development packages announced by PM Narendra Modi to J&K. But Kashmir is also the valley of illusion. The unrestricted river of rupees flowing from Delhi to Srinagar has only helped fatten the assets of the double dealers who have made terrorism and extortion Kashmirs cottage industry. Their scruples are shallower than the Dal Lake in a summer of discontent. Since containing terror and protecting unarmed civilians pose a threat to economics, politics and crossborder detente, the sharks of separatism spread fear by attacking peacekeeping forces by using women as human shields and stones as weapons. For the past three years, Modi has kept his mantra for Kashmir close to his chest. He has maintained a significant silence on the Valleys precarious state of affairs. With his predilection for springing surprises, he is expected to make a move, which will make or mar his image of leader with a mission and vision. Some of the proposals on his table are:  Act on a second surgical strike to destroy all training camps. Modi is unlikely to face international hostility as most of the Western world is fighting terror.  Appoint a strong governor to keep a check on the state government. The sell-by-date of current incumbent N N Vohra (81) is past. This member of the pro-dialogue cabal is instrumental in adopting a soft line. Modi is under pressure to send a younger person with an Army background to the Raj Bhavan.  Treat unrest in the Valley as treason and a law and order issue. Use force to contain it at any cost by deploying the BSF in large numbers. Security experts are peeved with the state government for removing Army bunkers from strategic points. Militants and terrorists are scared of the power of Indias military, if it is given operational freedom and modern weapons.  Create fully-trained armed women battalions to deal with misguided female stone pelters.  Break the nexus of local cops, separatists and terrorists responsible for the spurt in attacks on uniformed forces by insulating the state police from ISI infiltration.  Move all the terrorists and stone pelters in Kashmirs jails to faraway states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat etc. This prevents them from establishing contact with their local masters. Terrorists and their supporters in local prisons have access to modern communication equipment.  Withdraw or downsize the security cover of Hurriyat leaders who attend prayers with youngsters waving IS flags and raising pro-Pakistan slogans.  Create special jobs for Kashmiri youth in BJP-ruled states to stop them from joining the burgeoning brigade of stone pelters. To be the Samson of Srinagar, Modi has to flex his muscles against the devious doves who have infiltrated his system and are pushing for dialogue with Pakistan in private and in public. Even those retired officials, rewarded with insignificant sinecures, are writing articles pleading for engagement with Pakistanthe fount of terror. Modi can win the Kashmir war only if he takes the less-trodden path ignored by his predecessors. He has junked the old style politics and politicians. The time has come for him to also dump professional peaceniks, free junketers and Pak-friendly chatteratti and adopt disruptive diplomacy and a determined defence strategy to bring Kashmir back on track. Prabhu Chawla prabhuchawla@ newindianexpress.com Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla
Hemant Kumar Rout By

Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: BrahMos Aerospace Limited is finally getting ready to conduct the maiden test of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles air version soon. This world class weapon system, which can surprise enemies with its manoeuvring capability, will be fired from an aircraft in June.

Defence sources said the integration of the weapon with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft is near complete. After a couple of drop tests, it will be fired against a live target.

Sukhoi has successfully demonstrated its integration with the missile. If everything goes according to the plan, the missile will be launched from the aircraft in June. Two aircraft have been earmarked by air force for the initial trials, said a BrahMos Aerospace official.

If test-fired successfully, BrahMos will be first weapon system in the world to have such capability. As of now, there is no such weapon available in the world which can be fired from land, sea and air platforms. The Navy had recently conducted a test of the missiles land attack variant after its range was extended from 290 km to 450 km following Indias membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

Jointly developed by India and Russia, the 8.4-meter BrahMos missile, fastest in the world, can carry warheads up to 300 kg. Having devastating power at a supersonic speed of Mach 2.8, it is capable of delivering warhead with high-precision.

Defence sources said the BrahMos Aerospace has reduced the weight of the air version of the missile as it will be launched from a moving platform unlike its land and sea versions. Some modifications have also been made in its design to easily integrate with Sukhoi aircraft.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has also made some structural changes to Sukhoi for the finest integration of the missile. The design changes have been validated through various tests including most important ground vibration test, the official added.

Equipped with an inertial navigation system and global positioning system, the missile can effectively engage ground targets from an altitude as low as 10 meters for surgical strikes at terror training camps across the border without causing collateral damage.

BrahMos is the only supersonic cruise missile-possessing this advanced capability in the world providing an edge to the user with a precise hit. The Army and Navy have already inducted the missile system.

BHUBANESWAR: BrahMos Aerospace Limited is finally getting ready to conduct the maiden test of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles air version soon. This world class weapon system, which can surprise enemies with its manoeuvring capability, will be fired from an aircraft in June. Defence sources said the integration of the weapon with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft is near complete. After a couple of drop tests, it will be fired against a live target. Sukhoi has successfully demonstrated its integration with the missile. If everything goes according to the plan, the missile will be launched from the aircraft in June. Two aircraft have been earmarked by air force for the initial trials, said a BrahMos Aerospace official. If test-fired successfully, BrahMos will be first weapon system in the world to have such capability. As of now, there is no such weapon available in the world which can be fired from land, sea and air platforms. The Navy had recently conducted a test of the missiles land attack variant after its range was extended from 290 km to 450 km following Indias membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Jointly developed by India and Russia, the 8.4-meter BrahMos missile, fastest in the world, can carry warheads up to 300 kg. Having devastating power at a supersonic speed of Mach 2.8, it is capable of delivering warhead with high-precision. Defence sources said the BrahMos Aerospace has reduced the weight of the air version of the missile as it will be launched from a moving platform unlike its land and sea versions. Some modifications have also been made in its design to easily integrate with Sukhoi aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has also made some structural changes to Sukhoi for the finest integration of the missile. The design changes have been validated through various tests including most important ground vibration test, the official added. Equipped with an inertial navigation system and global positioning system, the missile can effectively engage ground targets from an altitude as low as 10 meters for surgical strikes at terror training camps across the border without causing collateral damage. BrahMos is the only supersonic cruise missile-possessing this advanced capability in the world providing an edge to the user with a precise hit. The Army and Navy have already inducted the missile system.
Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy
By Express News Service

SALEM, PALAKKAD: He was on the run after he came under the police radar a few days ago, following the murder of Om Bahadur, a security guard at former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaas sprawling Kodanad estate. But Kanagaraj ran out of luck in life, when he met with an accident at Santhanagiri junction in Salem-Chennai NH late on Friday.

A special police team was in Vadapalani on Friday in search of Kanagaraj, the prime accused in the case, when they learnt that he had already left for Edappadi, his native village, in Salem.

It seems that after reaching Edappadi, Kanagaraj went to his aunts house in Sakthi Nagar on his motorcycle. He also met some friends in the locality and consumed liquor. Around 9 pm, he was on his way to Attur to buy liquor, when he rammed his motorcycle against a car heading towards Perambalur district from Bengaluru.

Kanagaraj, who has been working for a private cab as acting driver ever since he left the job at Kodanad Estate, suffered serious injuries in the accident and died on the spot. On information, Attur Police reached the spot and sent the body to Attur GH.

During investigations, the police identified the deceased as Kanagaraj and alerted higher officials. They also registered a case under Section 279 (rash driving) and 304 (to cause death by negligence) of the IPC and detained car driver Rafiq, a resident of Tammampatti in Salem, for investigations.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Kanagarajs elder brother Dhanapal said they suspected foul play. We went to the accident spot, but did not find any evidence that could suggest that it was an accident. Further, the police are delaying the postmortem, he said.

Later in the day, around 4.45 pm, the postmortem was performed. Around 6 pm, the body was handed over to the relatives.

Police sources told Express that this was clearly an accident. While we inquired with the car driver, he told that the deceased drove the bike in a rash manner and rammed the car. He alone was there on the bike and no one followed him. There was no chase by police. It is just a rumour, sources said. The deceased is survived by wife Kalaivani and one-year-old daughter.

In another incident, second accused in the case and Thrissur native Sayan K V was grievously injured when the car he was driving met with an accident at Kannadi in Palakkad in Kerala. Palakkad South Traffic Police said he was going to Thrissur with his family when the vehicle rear-ended a container fish lorry that was parked near a workshop due to a technical snag, around 5.30 am on Saturday.

SALEM, PALAKKAD: He was on the run after he came under the police radar a few days ago, following the murder of Om Bahadur, a security guard at former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaas sprawling Kodanad estate. But Kanagaraj ran out of luck in life, when he met with an accident at Santhanagiri junction in Salem-Chennai NH late on Friday. A special police team was in Vadapalani on Friday in search of Kanagaraj, the prime accused in the case, when they learnt that he had already left for Edappadi, his native village, in Salem. It seems that after reaching Edappadi, Kanagaraj went to his aunts house in Sakthi Nagar on his motorcycle. He also met some friends in the locality and consumed liquor. Around 9 pm, he was on his way to Attur to buy liquor, when he rammed his motorcycle against a car heading towards Perambalur district from Bengaluru. Kanagaraj, who has been working for a private cab as acting driver ever since he left the job at Kodanad Estate, suffered serious injuries in the accident and died on the spot. On information, Attur Police reached the spot and sent the body to Attur GH. During investigations, the police identified the deceased as Kanagaraj and alerted higher officials. They also registered a case under Section 279 (rash driving) and 304 (to cause death by negligence) of the IPC and detained car driver Rafiq, a resident of Tammampatti in Salem, for investigations. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Kanagarajs elder brother Dhanapal said they suspected foul play. We went to the accident spot, but did not find any evidence that could suggest that it was an accident. Further, the police are delaying the postmortem, he said. Later in the day, around 4.45 pm, the postmortem was performed. Around 6 pm, the body was handed over to the relatives. Police sources told Express that this was clearly an accident. While we inquired with the car driver, he told that the deceased drove the bike in a rash manner and rammed the car. He alone was there on the bike and no one followed him. There was no chase by police. It is just a rumour, sources said. The deceased is survived by wife Kalaivani and one-year-old daughter. In another incident, second accused in the case and Thrissur native Sayan K V was grievously injured when the car he was driving met with an accident at Kannadi in Palakkad in Kerala. Palakkad South Traffic Police said he was going to Thrissur with his family when the vehicle rear-ended a container fish lorry that was parked near a workshop due to a technical snag, around 5.30 am on Saturday.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: The special session of the State Assembly to be held here on Sunday to make amendments to the State land acquisition bill as suggested by the Centre is likely to witness protests from Opposition on chilli farmers woes.

The issue of chilli farmers ransacking Khammam agricultural mrket yard seeking remunerative prices for their crop took a political hue on Saturday with the state government suspecting role of opposition parties

behind the incident.

Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, while taking part in the Assembly Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting held here to finalise the agenda for Sundays Assembly session, reportedly accused the opposition parties of provoking chilli farmers in Khammam to stage violent protests.

The protests were held at the behest of Opposition to tarnish the image of the government. We will not allow the culprits to go scotfree, Rao is understood to have told the Congress members, at the BAC meeting.

According to Congress MLA G Chinna Reddy, who attended the meeting, the chief minister had rejected their proposal to discuss the chilli farmers issue in the House on Sunday, as the session is intended for amending land bill.

Earlier in the day, R & B Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, who hails from Khammam

district, said, I myself am a farmer. No farmer will ever torch his agricultural produce. It is the handiwork of TDP and Congress leaders. We are investigating into it.

TJAC chief M Kodandaram found fault with the government for chilli farmers protests and demanded release of all the arrested farmers.

HYDERABAD: The special session of the State Assembly to be held here on Sunday to make amendments to the State land acquisition bill as suggested by the Centre is likely to witness protests from Opposition on chilli farmers woes. The issue of chilli farmers ransacking Khammam agricultural mrket yard seeking remunerative prices for their crop took a political hue on Saturday with the state government suspecting role of opposition parties behind the incident. Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, while taking part in the Assembly Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting held here to finalise the agenda for Sundays Assembly session, reportedly accused the opposition parties of provoking chilli farmers in Khammam to stage violent protests. The protests were held at the behest of Opposition to tarnish the image of the government. We will not allow the culprits to go scotfree, Rao is understood to have told the Congress members, at the BAC meeting. According to Congress MLA G Chinna Reddy, who attended the meeting, the chief minister had rejected their proposal to discuss the chilli farmers issue in the House on Sunday, as the session is intended for amending land bill. Earlier in the day, R & B Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, who hails from Khammam district, said, I myself am a farmer. No farmer will ever torch his agricultural produce. It is the handiwork of TDP and Congress leaders. We are investigating into it. TJAC chief M Kodandaram found fault with the government for chilli farmers protests and demanded release of all the arrested farmers.
Rajitha Sanaka By

Express News Service

What do you do when every pot has come to the only well and theres just a mossy puddle to draw from?

RATNAPUR: Ratnapur lies up on a hill and Pendur Ramchander is guiding me to it this afternoon. We take the snaking path up a steep gradient strewn with loose rock.

Under a 45-degree sun, 100 metres is a long time up this path. I stop for a swig of Aquafina Purity Guaranteed and notice that my nickel silver bangle has burnt a welt into my skin. I wince and I look at my guides face for a trace of amusement. Im a city girl, what the hell!

Residents of Ratnapur village, located

on top of a hillock in Adilabad, have

to tread through a rocky path to a well

at the foot of the hill to get a drum of

drinking water | Sathya Keerthi

Imagine going up this path with two pots of water on the head, madam, he says. Ramchander is forty-fiveish, a Telugu teacher in a government high school for girls up above.

Ratnapur is a Gond village about 30 km from Adilabad, the district HQ. Its a village of 80 families and 400 people. It has produced three famous sons, two home guards and one teacher, which is Ramchander. It can only be reached via uphill path.

Up in the village, we head straight to the first sign of activity. Its the village well, the only one, a 100 m from the dwellings. Here now in the midday sun, the whole village, every pot in every house, seems to have assembled at the well.

I go to the edge and peer down as a dank smell wafts up from all the frenetic bailing thats been going on here. Its about 9m deep, a hole in the earth with its entrails showing  rocks and sand and dirt. Water is a few mossy puddles.

Look at the water level, said a 60-year-old man. It will be over in the next three or four days.

When Ratnapurs well dries up, as it surely will, everyone has to do the trudge down to the new well at the bottom of the hill and struggle Sisyphus-like back up that precipitous path with two pots balanced on your head. Acrobatics is a useful skill in Ratnapur.

Im 50 now, said a woman guarding an orange plastic pot at the edge of the well. I have struggled for drinking water every day of my life. I know that my children will also die the same way.

Ratnapur is down to the dregs but its still a democracy. When the dry months begin, the elders ration water from the well to all the households. Each family is apportioned a set number of pots they can fill.

Its a summer tradition of the Gonds, says Ramchander.

Gudi lo prasadam panchinattu, neellu panchutaru, madam (its like distributing prasadam at the temple, madam, he says.

When the well dries, the trudge to the one at the foot of the hill begins. Women in each family do the trudge at least five times a day. While most of the villagers have no choice than to go up and down, those who are slightly better off use bullock carts to heave 200 litre drums up and down that snaky path. We have to make at least two trips a day, says Athram Sowmitra.

Aiyyo, what will the government do?

Theres a government out there of course, good to dig a few borewells. Noticing the plight of Ratnapur, babus came by back in 2004, dug 10 borewells. Five struck water but went dry not a long time later. Ratnapur is back to its lone well.

Pendur Birsha, president of the Village Tribal Development Authority, says hes despaired of telling the government that borewells dont help for theres just no ground water on that hill. It wasnt until 2016 that the government heard him and then they decided to dig a well at the foot of the hill and pump the water up.

For Ratnapurs 80 families, this was heavy engineering and it promised to help. The well was dug and a motor was fixed and an overhead tank was built in Ratnapur.

But then the pipeline has not been laid and the entire set up is just wasted, says Pendur Birsha, slapping his forehead in the classical aiyyo gesture.

Droughts dire deeds

In an iconic essay written in November 1989, the late human rights activist K Balagopal threw light on eternal scepter of drought in rural India. Little has changed since then.

An excerpt from Balagopals essay in the Economic and Political Weekly. There was a near total failure of both the Kharif and the Rabbi crops, for as you all know, it rained too much in the first season and not at all in the second.

And soon the peasants  especially the tribals, many of whom do not have title deeds for the land they cultivate and therefore cannot raise loans from banks  were close to starvation.

They started selling their cows and bullocks at the weekly fairs. The Jainur fair soon started looking like an exclusive cattle fair.

A man needs a moral reason for doing selfish things, as we all know, and tribals would say they are selling the cattle because there is no fodder to feed them with, but in reality the selfish fellows are selling the dumb animals, just so that they can feed themselves.

What do you do when every pot has come to the only well and theres just a mossy puddle to draw from? RATNAPUR: Ratnapur lies up on a hill and Pendur Ramchander is guiding me to it this afternoon. We take the snaking path up a steep gradient strewn with loose rock. Under a 45-degree sun, 100 metres is a long time up this path. I stop for a swig of Aquafina Purity Guaranteed and notice that my nickel silver bangle has burnt a welt into my skin. I wince and I look at my guides face for a trace of amusement. Im a city girl, what the hell! Residents of Ratnapur village, located on top of a hillock in Adilabad, have to tread through a rocky path to a well at the foot of the hill to get a drum of drinking water | Sathya KeerthiImagine going up this path with two pots of water on the head, madam, he says. Ramchander is forty-fiveish, a Telugu teacher in a government high school for girls up above. Ratnapur is a Gond village about 30 km from Adilabad, the district HQ. Its a village of 80 families and 400 people. It has produced three famous sons, two home guards and one teacher, which is Ramchander. It can only be reached via uphill path. Up in the village, we head straight to the first sign of activity. Its the village well, the only one, a 100 m from the dwellings. Here now in the midday sun, the whole village, every pot in every house, seems to have assembled at the well. I go to the edge and peer down as a dank smell wafts up from all the frenetic bailing thats been going on here. Its about 9m deep, a hole in the earth with its entrails showing  rocks and sand and dirt. Water is a few mossy puddles. Look at the water level, said a 60-year-old man. It will be over in the next three or four days. When Ratnapurs well dries up, as it surely will, everyone has to do the trudge down to the new well at the bottom of the hill and struggle Sisyphus-like back up that precipitous path with two pots balanced on your head. Acrobatics is a useful skill in Ratnapur. Im 50 now, said a woman guarding an orange plastic pot at the edge of the well. I have struggled for drinking water every day of my life. I know that my children will also die the same way. Ratnapur is down to the dregs but its still a democracy. When the dry months begin, the elders ration water from the well to all the households. Each family is apportioned a set number of pots they can fill. Its a summer tradition of the Gonds, says Ramchander. Gudi lo prasadam panchinattu, neellu panchutaru, madam (its like distributing prasadam at the temple, madam, he says. When the well dries, the trudge to the one at the foot of the hill begins. Women in each family do the trudge at least five times a day. While most of the villagers have no choice than to go up and down, those who are slightly better off use bullock carts to heave 200 litre drums up and down that snaky path. We have to make at least two trips a day, says Athram Sowmitra. Aiyyo, what will the government do? Theres a government out there of course, good to dig a few borewells. Noticing the plight of Ratnapur, babus came by back in 2004, dug 10 borewells. Five struck water but went dry not a long time later. Ratnapur is back to its lone well. Pendur Birsha, president of the Village Tribal Development Authority, says hes despaired of telling the government that borewells dont help for theres just no ground water on that hill. It wasnt until 2016 that the government heard him and then they decided to dig a well at the foot of the hill and pump the water up. For Ratnapurs 80 families, this was heavy engineering and it promised to help. The well was dug and a motor was fixed and an overhead tank was built in Ratnapur. But then the pipeline has not been laid and the entire set up is just wasted, says Pendur Birsha, slapping his forehead in the classical aiyyo gesture. Droughts dire deeds In an iconic essay written in November 1989, the late human rights activist K Balagopal threw light on eternal scepter of drought in rural India. Little has changed since then. An excerpt from Balagopals essay in the Economic and Political Weekly. There was a near total failure of both the Kharif and the Rabbi crops, for as you all know, it rained too much in the first season and not at all in the second. And soon the peasants  especially the tribals, many of whom do not have title deeds for the land they cultivate and therefore cannot raise loans from banks  were close to starvation. They started selling their cows and bullocks at the weekly fairs. The Jainur fair soon started looking like an exclusive cattle fair. A man needs a moral reason for doing selfish things, as we all know, and tribals would say they are selling the cattle because there is no fodder to feed them with, but in reality the selfish fellows are selling the dumb animals, just so that they can feed themselves.
By PTI

BEIRUT: Airstrikes struck a center of Syria's rescuers known as the White Helmets in a rebel-held area in the country's center, killing eight volunteers, opposition activists said. Yesterday's 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 centers 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.

Separately yesterday, Syria's 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, criticising 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. Yesterday, activists reported a heavy air campaign against the area's Qaboun neighbourhood.

BEIRUT: Airstrikes struck a center of Syria's rescuers known as the White Helmets in a rebel-held area in the country's center, killing eight volunteers, opposition activists said. Yesterday's 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 centers 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. Separately yesterday, Syria's 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, criticising 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. Yesterday, activists reported a heavy air campaign against the area's Qaboun neighbourhood.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said Chinese President Xi Jinping has been putting pressure on North Korea but nothing seems to be happening, days after Pyongyang carried out another provocative missile test which heightened tensions in the Korean peninsula.

"He (Xi is going to have to do what he has to do. But he understands we are not going to be very happy," Trump told CBS News.

"And I will tell you, a man that I've gotten to like and respect, Xi, I believe has been putting pressure on him (North Korean leader Kim Jong-un) also. But so far, perhaps nothing has happened and perhaps it has. This was a small missile. This was not a big missile. This was not a nuclear test, which he was expected to do three days ago. We'll see what happens," he said.

The US president said he would not be happy if North Korea conducts a nuclear test.

"If he does a nuclear test, I will not be happy. And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," he said without elaborating further.

"I don't know. I mean, we'll see," he said when asked about the possibility of a military action in the wake of a nuclear test. In an interview to ABC news, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Trump will never make his decisions public.

"The president is someone who's made it very clear that he's not going to telegraph his next moves. He's not going to put out the plan for North Korea in 'The New York Times' or 'The Washington Post'.

"He's working with (Defence Secretary) general (retd) James Mattis. He's working with (Secretary of State) Rex Tillerson. He's working with (National Security Adviser) general (retd) H R McMaster and his team and making determinations of how to move forward in a pretty delicate, complicated matter," he said.

Priebus alleged that previous US administrations had "have just watched this transpire, watched North Korea build the capability it has today", watch them put missiles into mountainsides.

"We have got a president that means business. He has used his negotiating skills very wisely, befriending and becoming very close to President Xi in China, working with China to put pressure on North Korea, working with our allies. Yesterday, he had a conversation with the president of the Philippines. Today, he'll talk to Singapore and Thailand," he said.

Trump is in a close contact with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Priebus said.

"This is a mission-driven president who spends a lot of time working with our allies and talking to his experts on how to handle the situation and do it wisely and do it the right way for the American people and actually for the people around the world," he said.

Priebus defended the decision to putting some issues like human rights on backburner with China in order to deal the North Korean behaviour.

"It does not mean that human rights don't matter but what it does mean is the issues facing us developing out of North Korea are so serious that we need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get to make sure we have our ducks in a row. So if something does happen in North Korea, that we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area," he said.

"When you have North Korea, and you have them flagrantly talking about developing nuclear war heads, which they have already done, and putting out videos of how they're going to launch these things to the US and across the globe, that has to remain at the highest level," Priebus said.

"But when it comes to human rights, look what president Trump and his team did in Syria. I mean, that was matter of human rights. And the president said enough was enough. And he wanted to make a statement to Assad and the rest of the world that there are some lines you don't cross. So, the president's shown his willingness to stand up for human rights," he added.

North Korea yesterday test-fired a ballistic missile from an area north of Pyongyang but it failed seconds after it was launched, the third such failed test-fire this month.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said Chinese President Xi Jinping has been putting pressure on North Korea but nothing seems to be happening, days after Pyongyang carried out another provocative missile test which heightened tensions in the Korean peninsula. "He (Xi is going to have to do what he has to do. But he understands we are not going to be very happy," Trump told CBS News. "And I will tell you, a man that I've gotten to like and respect, Xi, I believe has been putting pressure on him (North Korean leader Kim Jong-un) also. But so far, perhaps nothing has happened and perhaps it has. This was a small missile. This was not a big missile. This was not a nuclear test, which he was expected to do three days ago. We'll see what happens," he said. The US president said he would not be happy if North Korea conducts a nuclear test. "If he does a nuclear test, I will not be happy. And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," he said without elaborating further. "I don't know. I mean, we'll see," he said when asked about the possibility of a military action in the wake of a nuclear test. In an interview to ABC news, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Trump will never make his decisions public. "The president is someone who's made it very clear that he's not going to telegraph his next moves. He's not going to put out the plan for North Korea in 'The New York Times' or 'The Washington Post'. "He's working with (Defence Secretary) general (retd) James Mattis. He's working with (Secretary of State) Rex Tillerson. He's working with (National Security Adviser) general (retd) H R McMaster and his team and making determinations of how to move forward in a pretty delicate, complicated matter," he said. Priebus alleged that previous US administrations had "have just watched this transpire, watched North Korea build the capability it has today", watch them put missiles into mountainsides. "We have got a president that means business. He has used his negotiating skills very wisely, befriending and becoming very close to President Xi in China, working with China to put pressure on North Korea, working with our allies. Yesterday, he had a conversation with the president of the Philippines. Today, he'll talk to Singapore and Thailand," he said. Trump is in a close contact with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Priebus said. "This is a mission-driven president who spends a lot of time working with our allies and talking to his experts on how to handle the situation and do it wisely and do it the right way for the American people and actually for the people around the world," he said. Priebus defended the decision to putting some issues like human rights on backburner with China in order to deal the North Korean behaviour. "It does not mean that human rights don't matter but what it does mean is the issues facing us developing out of North Korea are so serious that we need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get to make sure we have our ducks in a row. So if something does happen in North Korea, that we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area," he said. "When you have North Korea, and you have them flagrantly talking about developing nuclear war heads, which they have already done, and putting out videos of how they're going to launch these things to the US and across the globe, that has to remain at the highest level," Priebus said. "But when it comes to human rights, look what president Trump and his team did in Syria. I mean, that was matter of human rights. And the president said enough was enough. And he wanted to make a statement to Assad and the rest of the world that there are some lines you don't cross. So, the president's shown his willingness to stand up for human rights," he added. North Korea yesterday test-fired a ballistic missile from an area north of Pyongyang but it failed seconds after it was launched, the third such failed test-fire this month.
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: Health care is complicated. China can be a useful ally. NATO isn't obsolete. Being president is hard.

Over the course of his 100 days in office, President Donald Trump has been startlingly candid about his public education in the ways of Washington and the world.

He's been blocked by the courts and befuddled by a divided Republican Party that's running Congress, and his first months on the job have left the long-time reality-TV and real estate tycoon struggling for major governing victories and searching for a new approach to many of his campaign promises.

His "America first" campaign rhetoric has bumped up against the challenges of conflict overseas. His ambitious declarations on health care and immigration have run into the limits of Congress and the courts.

A president who prides himself on his ideological flexibility has struggled to manage a novice political team, split between moderate and conservative advisers, and he's found himself reaching out to the friends and business associates from the world he left behind.

On foreign policy, Trump has been persuaded by foreign leaders and has leaned heavily on a national security team with more governing experience than his political advisers. He's looked for lessons in his biggest victory: putting a conservative judge, Neil Gorsuch, on the Supreme Court.

"I really just see the bigness of it all, but also the responsibility. And the human responsibility," Trump said in an Associated Press interview, assessing the difficulty of the presidency.

"This is tougher than what he thought," said Trump friend and business partner Phil Ruffin, who has visited the president twice since he took office Jan. 20. "In business, you make a decision and it happens. In government, it's not like that."

Just days into Trump's presidency, the courts rejected his first travel ban. Since then, they've pushed back on his rewritten travel ban and his attempt to cut federal money for cities that harbor people who are in the United States illegally. But Trump's roughest lesson has come from Congress, which has balked at his attempt to repeal the Obama-era health law his party campaigned against for years.

During the campaign, Trump said the Affordable Care Act would be gone on his first day in the White House. In the weeks after his inauguration, the realities set it.

By February, he told a group of governors that "it's an unbelievably complex subject," adding: "Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated."

For Trump, the health care battle was a rude introduction to the complicated internal politics in the Republican-run House, which includes hard-liners in the Freedom Caucus and moderates in the Tuesday Group. When the White House made concessions to conservatives, it pushed some moderates away, and vice versa.

Unable to cut a deal in late March, House Republicans pulled the health bill from consideration. Trump lashed out at Freedom Caucus leaders on Twitter and indicated he would seek retribution come campaign season.

Trump's team tried to pick up the pieces but hasn't gotten there yet. A renewed burst of momentum this past week, buoyed by hopes the House would vote before Saturday, Trump's 100th day, petered out. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said he would not be rushed by the president's deadline.

The contrast between the scuttled first attempt on health care and the relative smooth sailing of Gorsuch was a learning experience. The takeaway: working behind the scenes with outside groups, which lined up solidly behind Gorsuch, and lawmakers can pay dividends.

"Outreach to partner organizations starting sooner is helpful and I think that you will see that," said Marc Short, the White House legislative director. "Probably we were a little bit surprised when we engaged some of the conservative groups on health care that they felt they'd been left out of the conversation from the Hill."

None of Trump's top advisers had deep experience in legislating. Now they've begun to compensate with outreach. The White House has hosted 230 members of Congress, and there have been 10 bowling sessions in the Executive Mansion's basement. But no amount of bowling can overcome the division in the Republican Party.

The president has seemed taken aback.

In the AP interview, Trump said there was "a pretty vast area" between the approach by the most conservative members of his party and those who are more moderate.

To bridge the divides, Trump's advisers have worked to moderate between the factions as his team tries to revive the health bill. The White House is taking a similar approach on the president's tax plan.

Restless in Washington, Trump is working at "breakneck speed," chief of staff Reince Priebus told reporters. Sometimes so quickly that his own advisers can't keep up.

The president's declaration last week that his team would release a tax proposal before the 100 day mark startled some in the White House, who scrambled to put together the one-page outline that was released Wednesday.

The proposal lacks the details about making taxes simpler and more efficient in ways that don't add to the federal government's mounting debt. Those are core Republican principles that would require lawmakers to eliminate or reduce precious tax breaks enjoyed by millions of people.

Trump did meet his goal of starting work on the plan in his first 100 days, but another tough challenge awaits on Capitol Hill as he still contends with health care.

Trump's frustration with a lack of progress has sometimes erupted in anger  and sometimes in the direction of his political advisers. He's frequently blamed his team for being unable to quash negative stories. He was particularly incensed by the steady drip of revelations about his campaign's possible ties to Russia.

After Attorney General Jeff Sessions stepped aside from Russia investigations because of his own undisclosed contacts with a Russian ambassador, Trump unleashed on his top advisers in an Oval Office meeting. Sessions' decision overshadowed Trump's well-received first address to Congress days earlier; it was a speech the White House hoped would give the president a burst of momentum.

But ultimately it was Trump himself who created the biggest distraction. The morning after his Oval Office row with his staff, he tweeted a series of inflammatory accusations about his predecessor wiretapping Trump's New York skyscraper.

One of the lowest moments of Trump's young administration was the forced resignation of national security adviser Michael Flynn, who misled the White House about his Russia ties. Flynn's departure cleared the way for a well-received overhaul of the National Security Council.

Trump has relied heavily on Flynn's replacement, Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, who has formed an alliance of experience with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. The president has largely heeded their advice on major foreign policy decisions and given the Pentagon vast control over military operations around the world.

It's been Trump's evolution on foreign affairs that's perhaps been clearest to track.

Confronted by with photos of injured children, victims of a chemical attack in Syria, Trump quickly pivoted from what he billed as an "America first" policy during the campaign in favor of intervention.

After listening to European leaders make the case for NATO, he stopped saying it was obsolete.

And after pleas from business executives and warnings of economic turmoil from foreign leaders, Trump just this week abruptly abandoned plans to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Each shift has different forces behind it.

On Syria, Priebus said he said sees a "Trump Doctrine" coming into focus: a combination of putting America first but not sitting around while world injustices, such as the Syrian government's alleged use of chemical weapons, go unanswered.

In some cases, Trump has acknowledged he was ill-informed during his campaign. As a candidate, he dismissed the NATO alliance without knowing much about it, he told AP last week. "Now I know a lot."

He had pledged to label China a currency manipulator, part of his tough-on-China populist rhetoric. But after a particularly warm visit from President Xi Jinping, Trump acknowledged the downside to a alienating a power that could be useful partner in curbing North Korea's nuclear program.

"The bigger picture, bigger than even currency manipulation, if he's helping us with North Korea," he said. "What am I going to do, say, 'By the way, would you help us with North Korea? And also, you're a currency manipulator.' It doesn't work that way."

Trump has proved to be open to persuasion, particularly from world leaders and outside forces. When news spread Thursday that Trump was considering triggering the U.S. withdrawal from NAFTA, the leaders of Mexico and Canada launch a diplomatic full-court press to persuade Trump to rethink the plan. It took only a matter of hours before the president relented.

WASHINGTON: Health care is complicated. China can be a useful ally. NATO isn't obsolete. Being president is hard. Over the course of his 100 days in office, President Donald Trump has been startlingly candid about his public education in the ways of Washington and the world. He's been blocked by the courts and befuddled by a divided Republican Party that's running Congress, and his first months on the job have left the long-time reality-TV and real estate tycoon struggling for major governing victories and searching for a new approach to many of his campaign promises. His "America first" campaign rhetoric has bumped up against the challenges of conflict overseas. His ambitious declarations on health care and immigration have run into the limits of Congress and the courts. A president who prides himself on his ideological flexibility has struggled to manage a novice political team, split between moderate and conservative advisers, and he's found himself reaching out to the friends and business associates from the world he left behind. On foreign policy, Trump has been persuaded by foreign leaders and has leaned heavily on a national security team with more governing experience than his political advisers. He's looked for lessons in his biggest victory: putting a conservative judge, Neil Gorsuch, on the Supreme Court. "I really just see the bigness of it all, but also the responsibility. And the human responsibility," Trump said in an Associated Press interview, assessing the difficulty of the presidency. "This is tougher than what he thought," said Trump friend and business partner Phil Ruffin, who has visited the president twice since he took office Jan. 20. "In business, you make a decision and it happens. In government, it's not like that." Just days into Trump's presidency, the courts rejected his first travel ban. Since then, they've pushed back on his rewritten travel ban and his attempt to cut federal money for cities that harbor people who are in the United States illegally. But Trump's roughest lesson has come from Congress, which has balked at his attempt to repeal the Obama-era health law his party campaigned against for years. During the campaign, Trump said the Affordable Care Act would be gone on his first day in the White House. In the weeks after his inauguration, the realities set it. By February, he told a group of governors that "it's an unbelievably complex subject," adding: "Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated." For Trump, the health care battle was a rude introduction to the complicated internal politics in the Republican-run House, which includes hard-liners in the Freedom Caucus and moderates in the Tuesday Group. When the White House made concessions to conservatives, it pushed some moderates away, and vice versa. Unable to cut a deal in late March, House Republicans pulled the health bill from consideration. Trump lashed out at Freedom Caucus leaders on Twitter and indicated he would seek retribution come campaign season. Trump's team tried to pick up the pieces but hasn't gotten there yet. A renewed burst of momentum this past week, buoyed by hopes the House would vote before Saturday, Trump's 100th day, petered out. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said he would not be rushed by the president's deadline. The contrast between the scuttled first attempt on health care and the relative smooth sailing of Gorsuch was a learning experience. The takeaway: working behind the scenes with outside groups, which lined up solidly behind Gorsuch, and lawmakers can pay dividends. "Outreach to partner organizations starting sooner is helpful and I think that you will see that," said Marc Short, the White House legislative director. "Probably we were a little bit surprised when we engaged some of the conservative groups on health care that they felt they'd been left out of the conversation from the Hill." None of Trump's top advisers had deep experience in legislating. Now they've begun to compensate with outreach. The White House has hosted 230 members of Congress, and there have been 10 bowling sessions in the Executive Mansion's basement. But no amount of bowling can overcome the division in the Republican Party. The president has seemed taken aback. In the AP interview, Trump said there was "a pretty vast area" between the approach by the most conservative members of his party and those who are more moderate. To bridge the divides, Trump's advisers have worked to moderate between the factions as his team tries to revive the health bill. The White House is taking a similar approach on the president's tax plan. Restless in Washington, Trump is working at "breakneck speed," chief of staff Reince Priebus told reporters. Sometimes so quickly that his own advisers can't keep up. The president's declaration last week that his team would release a tax proposal before the 100 day mark startled some in the White House, who scrambled to put together the one-page outline that was released Wednesday. The proposal lacks the details about making taxes simpler and more efficient in ways that don't add to the federal government's mounting debt. Those are core Republican principles that would require lawmakers to eliminate or reduce precious tax breaks enjoyed by millions of people. Trump did meet his goal of starting work on the plan in his first 100 days, but another tough challenge awaits on Capitol Hill as he still contends with health care. Trump's frustration with a lack of progress has sometimes erupted in anger  and sometimes in the direction of his political advisers. He's frequently blamed his team for being unable to quash negative stories. He was particularly incensed by the steady drip of revelations about his campaign's possible ties to Russia. After Attorney General Jeff Sessions stepped aside from Russia investigations because of his own undisclosed contacts with a Russian ambassador, Trump unleashed on his top advisers in an Oval Office meeting. Sessions' decision overshadowed Trump's well-received first address to Congress days earlier; it was a speech the White House hoped would give the president a burst of momentum. But ultimately it was Trump himself who created the biggest distraction. The morning after his Oval Office row with his staff, he tweeted a series of inflammatory accusations about his predecessor wiretapping Trump's New York skyscraper. One of the lowest moments of Trump's young administration was the forced resignation of national security adviser Michael Flynn, who misled the White House about his Russia ties. Flynn's departure cleared the way for a well-received overhaul of the National Security Council. Trump has relied heavily on Flynn's replacement, Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, who has formed an alliance of experience with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. The president has largely heeded their advice on major foreign policy decisions and given the Pentagon vast control over military operations around the world. It's been Trump's evolution on foreign affairs that's perhaps been clearest to track. Confronted by with photos of injured children, victims of a chemical attack in Syria, Trump quickly pivoted from what he billed as an "America first" policy during the campaign in favor of intervention. After listening to European leaders make the case for NATO, he stopped saying it was obsolete. And after pleas from business executives and warnings of economic turmoil from foreign leaders, Trump just this week abruptly abandoned plans to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Each shift has different forces behind it. On Syria, Priebus said he said sees a "Trump Doctrine" coming into focus: a combination of putting America first but not sitting around while world injustices, such as the Syrian government's alleged use of chemical weapons, go unanswered. In some cases, Trump has acknowledged he was ill-informed during his campaign. As a candidate, he dismissed the NATO alliance without knowing much about it, he told AP last week. "Now I know a lot." He had pledged to label China a currency manipulator, part of his tough-on-China populist rhetoric. But after a particularly warm visit from President Xi Jinping, Trump acknowledged the downside to a alienating a power that could be useful partner in curbing North Korea's nuclear program. "The bigger picture, bigger than even currency manipulation, if he's helping us with North Korea," he said. "What am I going to do, say, 'By the way, would you help us with North Korea? And also, you're a currency manipulator.' It doesn't work that way." Trump has proved to be open to persuasion, particularly from world leaders and outside forces. When news spread Thursday that Trump was considering triggering the U.S. withdrawal from NAFTA, the leaders of Mexico and Canada launch a diplomatic full-court press to persuade Trump to rethink the plan. It took only a matter of hours before the president relented.
By Associated Press

ISTANBUL: 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.

ISTANBUL: 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.
By AFP

RAMALLAH: US President Donald Trump meets Mahmud Abbas Wednesday for their first face-to-face talks, with the Palestinian leader hoping the billionaire businessman's unpredictable approach can inject life into long-stalled peace efforts.

Abbas makes the trip to Washington while politically unpopular back home, but hoping Trump can pressure Israel into concessions he believes are necessary to salvage a two-state solution to one of the world's oldest conflicts.

Palestinian officials have seen their cause overshadowed by global concerns such as the Syrian war and Islamic State group jihadists, and want Trump's White House to bring it back to the forefront.

"Palestinians are hoping that Trump's unpredictability might play in their favour," one Jerusalem-based European official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"They are going to be very disappointed. They can't be sure of anything."

Examples were seen early on, with Trump backing away from the US commitment to the two-state solution when he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February.

He said he would support a single state if it led to peace, delighting Israeli right-wingers who want to see their country annex most of the occupied West Bank.

Trump also vowed to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem, a prospect that alarmed Palestinians but which has been put on the back burner for now.

At the same time, he urged Israel to hold back on settlement building in the West Bank, a longstanding concern of Palestinians and much of the world.

One of Trump's top advisers, Jason Greenblatt, held wide-ranging talks with both Israelis and Palestinians during a visit in March.

Abbas and Trump spoke by phone on March 11.

Pressuring Hamas?

Trump's unpredictability is far from Abbas's only concern, with polls suggesting most Palestinians want the 82-year-old to resign.

Abbas's term was meant to expire in 2009, but he has remained in office with no elections held.

The bitter split between Abbas's Fatah party, based in the West Bank, and Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, has also taken a new turn in recent days.

Some analysts say it seems Abbas is seeking to increase pressure on Hamas in the impoverished strip, but he risks being blamed for worsening conditions in the enclave of two million people.

Israeli officials say the Palestinian Authority dominated by Abbas's Fatah has begun refusing to pay Israel for electricity it supplies to Gaza.

Rights activists say exacerbating an already severe power shortage in the strip under an Israeli blockade for 10 years could be catastrophic.

The reported move comes after the PA announced earlier in April it would temporarily cut stipends to its Gaza civil servants.

The PA said it was forced into cutbacks by falling foreign aid, but others alleged it could be aimed at stirring discontent in Gaza and destabilising the Hamas administration there.

Regional support

With those difficulties in mind, Abbas may face demands from Trump that could be "political suicide" for him to implement, the European official said.

Such demands may include stopping payments to families of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a policy heavily criticised by Netanyahu as encouraging further violence.

Doing so could further open Abbas to accusations of bending to Israel's will, particularly with one of his rivals in Fatah, Marwan Barghouti, leading a hunger strike involving hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails since April 17.

Barghouti is serving five life sentences over his role in the second Palestinian intifada, but he is popular and polls suggest he could win the Palestinian presidency.

Trump has spoken of reviving the idea of a regional peace initiative, pulling in countries such as Egypt and Jordan, the only two Arab nations to have signed peace treaties with Israel.

Both Abbas and Trump have recently met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II.

After meeting Abbas on Saturday, Sisi urged Washington to help restart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Jamal Shubaki, Palestinian ambassador to Egypt, said Abbas, Sisi and Abdullah shared the same goal of explaining "to the new American administration their attachment to the Arab peace initiative".

The proposal made in 2002 holds out normalised ties between Arab nations and Israel in exchange for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Abbas's visit also comes amid speculation about when Trump will visit Israel.

An Israeli official confirmed that talks on a visit were under way, but no date had been set. Israeli media reports have said it could occur in late May.

RAMALLAH: US President Donald Trump meets Mahmud Abbas Wednesday for their first face-to-face talks, with the Palestinian leader hoping the billionaire businessman's unpredictable approach can inject life into long-stalled peace efforts. Abbas makes the trip to Washington while politically unpopular back home, but hoping Trump can pressure Israel into concessions he believes are necessary to salvage a two-state solution to one of the world's oldest conflicts. Palestinian officials have seen their cause overshadowed by global concerns such as the Syrian war and Islamic State group jihadists, and want Trump's White House to bring it back to the forefront. "Palestinians are hoping that Trump's unpredictability might play in their favour," one Jerusalem-based European official told AFP on condition of anonymity. "They are going to be very disappointed. They can't be sure of anything." Examples were seen early on, with Trump backing away from the US commitment to the two-state solution when he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February. He said he would support a single state if it led to peace, delighting Israeli right-wingers who want to see their country annex most of the occupied West Bank. Trump also vowed to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem, a prospect that alarmed Palestinians but which has been put on the back burner for now. At the same time, he urged Israel to hold back on settlement building in the West Bank, a longstanding concern of Palestinians and much of the world. One of Trump's top advisers, Jason Greenblatt, held wide-ranging talks with both Israelis and Palestinians during a visit in March. Abbas and Trump spoke by phone on March 11. Pressuring Hamas? Trump's unpredictability is far from Abbas's only concern, with polls suggesting most Palestinians want the 82-year-old to resign. Abbas's term was meant to expire in 2009, but he has remained in office with no elections held. The bitter split between Abbas's Fatah party, based in the West Bank, and Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, has also taken a new turn in recent days. Some analysts say it seems Abbas is seeking to increase pressure on Hamas in the impoverished strip, but he risks being blamed for worsening conditions in the enclave of two million people. Israeli officials say the Palestinian Authority dominated by Abbas's Fatah has begun refusing to pay Israel for electricity it supplies to Gaza. Rights activists say exacerbating an already severe power shortage in the strip under an Israeli blockade for 10 years could be catastrophic. The reported move comes after the PA announced earlier in April it would temporarily cut stipends to its Gaza civil servants. The PA said it was forced into cutbacks by falling foreign aid, but others alleged it could be aimed at stirring discontent in Gaza and destabilising the Hamas administration there. Regional support With those difficulties in mind, Abbas may face demands from Trump that could be "political suicide" for him to implement, the European official said. Such demands may include stopping payments to families of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a policy heavily criticised by Netanyahu as encouraging further violence. Doing so could further open Abbas to accusations of bending to Israel's will, particularly with one of his rivals in Fatah, Marwan Barghouti, leading a hunger strike involving hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails since April 17. Barghouti is serving five life sentences over his role in the second Palestinian intifada, but he is popular and polls suggest he could win the Palestinian presidency. Trump has spoken of reviving the idea of a regional peace initiative, pulling in countries such as Egypt and Jordan, the only two Arab nations to have signed peace treaties with Israel. Both Abbas and Trump have recently met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II. After meeting Abbas on Saturday, Sisi urged Washington to help restart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Jamal Shubaki, Palestinian ambassador to Egypt, said Abbas, Sisi and Abdullah shared the same goal of explaining "to the new American administration their attachment to the Arab peace initiative". The proposal made in 2002 holds out normalised ties between Arab nations and Israel in exchange for the creation of a Palestinian state. Abbas's visit also comes amid speculation about when Trump will visit Israel. An Israeli official confirmed that talks on a visit were under way, but no date had been set. Israeli media reports have said it could occur in late May.
With few brick and mortar movie rental businesses still operating around Madison, the public library remains a viable alternative for people who enjoy browsing aisles of films.

A big advantage the public library has over its dwindling pay-to-rent peers: it's free to borrow most movies on a library card. Madison library card holders can check out a majority of titles in the library's collection for seven days, while just-released titles can be rented for two days at $3.

"It was easy to notice that as the rental stores closed, people checking out movies did go up," said Liz Amundson, who manages the Madison Public Library's video collection. The library owns nearly 86,000 DVD and Blu-ray discs, with titles from recent Hollywood blockbusters to documentaries.

In 2016, DVD and Blu-ray discs represented 1,016,187 checkouts, or 27 percent of the nearly 3.8 million items borrowed from the Madison Public Library's nine locations.

Pixar's "Inside Out" was its most-circulated movie in 2016. Other popular films were blockbusters "The Martian," "Minions" and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Amundson said she receives between 30 and 40 special requests from customers monthly. Keeping collections updated with the newest movies and integrating educational materials can prove challenging with limited budgets.

"We've received some grants and gifts from the (library's) foundation, but it is a wonderful task to order new things and re-order those items that people like to watch over and over again."

Preserving the library's disc collection is a priority.

Software used by the library alerts staff to pull titles for young viewers if played 100 times and other titles, mostly popular mainstream films, if played 200 times. Amundson said these discs are examined by staff and if deemed still usable are rehabbed with a restoration buffer.

"It helps us prolong the life of some of our media, which has been helpful especially for the the items that are out of print," Amundson said.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low around 55F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Since it was founded in a one-room Madison sublet in 2004, the Memory Project has recruited tens of thousands of teenage artists  on six continents  to create more than 100,000 personalized portraits of children living in orphanages, refugee camps and other difficult circumstances around the world.

But as impressive as those numbers are, they still do not prepare one for the sight of the tenderly beautiful children's faces rendered as paintings, drawings or sketches, and stacked on Ellen and Steve Broeckert's dining room table.

About once a month this time of year, the Broeckerts' Middleton dining room becomes headquarters for sorting hundreds of Memory Project portraits being sent overseas to the children who inspired them. The Broeckerts are the retired aunt and uncle of Memory Project founder Ben Schumaker, whose nonprofit gets plenty of volunteer support from family: Another aunt and uncle also help, and Schumakers' parents, Jim and Debbie, often log the miles as couriers, hand-carrying the precious finished portraits in special duffle bags to points around the world.

In February, they and Schumaker's Aunt Ellen carried portraits of 800 Syrian children from Middleton to a refugee camp in Jordan where those children live. In early April, Schumaker's parents also went to Ukraine, along with Ukraine native Tamara Tsurkan of Madison, to deliver portraits there.

Last week two other Memory Project travelers took 3,200 portraits (a set of four for each child) to 800 children in Bolivia, including 34 done by art students at Middleton High School and another 13 by students at Madison's Toki Middle School. Portraits by Toki students already have made their way this year to Ukraine and Colombia.

More than a decade after it was featured on the CBS Evening News, the Memory Project  which recruits talented young artists to turn photos of children in some of the world's poorest countries into keepsake portraits for them  has only grown in scope. In May it is partnering with UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, to connect with 1,000 more Syrian children in the refugee camp in Jordan. It is also talking with UNICEF about doing a similar project in Haiti.

"We're trying every year to represent kids from all continents, trying to respond to timely concerns," Schumaker said.

But "I would say that in a dozen years of doing this, the delivery to the (Syrian) refugee camp was probably the most connected I felt to any particular project  just because so much of the news right now is so negative about refugees in particular, and people from the Middle East in general," he said.

"For us to be able to bring this really positive story to these kids and really respond to them with friendship rather than fear I thought was just terrific."

No childhood photos

Schumaker, who earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and master's degree in social work at UW-Madison, founded the Memory Project in graduate school after a trip to help in an orphanage in Guatemala. There, he met a man who'd grown up in the same orphanage.

"He looked at me taking pictures with my camera of the kids, and said, 'When you go home you should develop those pictures and send the photos back to the kids,'" said Schumaker, now 35. The man himself had no photos of himself as a child, no visual record of his childhood.

"The project started very much with that focus on orphanages, with the idea that many kids in those situations don't have photos," Schumaker said. "Now, a decade later, things are different.

"Smartphones are everywhere. You can take a picture of a kid in rural Africa and show it to them on a screen and they'll do this," he said, demonstrating how a child knows how to manipulate a picture on a phone.

"Even kids in really difficult situations are used to seeing themselves on screens. But I think it's neat that this project still persists by being about art, and a handmade gift. And kids these days may be even less likely to have printed photos, because everything is digital."

A joyful time

Images in the Memory Project go both ways: When an art student finishes a portrait for a child abroad, the student can attach his or her own photo to the back and write a very basic bio. (Only first names and countries are given; The Memory Project works to safeguard the privacy of the youths on both sides, and has no social media presence to prevent sharing of photos or other information.)

"This project is about one person in one country making a handmade gift that is going to a child that they've never met," he said. "I think when the kids receive these gifts, they are just as interested in turning it around, looking at the back and wanting to know about the art student (who made it)  just being amazed that 'This person spent hours making this for me  and they don't even know me?' I think that's the heart at the center of the project."

When Memory Project couriers hand out the portraits, "The smiles and laughter of the children are so great to see," Miraj Pradhan, head of communications for UNICEF Jordan, wrote in an email.

"It's really a joyful time," agreed Ellen Broeckert.

"The girls and boys would just laugh and giggle in anticipation of what they were going to get. And when the portraits were given out, it is just like you would imagine any U.S. kids: They were excited, a little embarrassed, a little shy," she said. "And the laughter, the smiles  to me, took away everything else in their lives they were contending with for that moment."

An exhibit with copies of the portraits sent to Syria soon will travel to children's museums around the U.S. "to help humanize Syrian children and inspire feelings of shared humanity and international friendship," Schumaker said.

A 'cool experience'

The Memory Project is self-sustaining through a $15 fee paid by each art student who participates. Often schools, PTOs or even art teachers themselves pick up the cost.

The fee covers administrative costs, shipping materials, airfares for travelers taking the portraits, and a donation of around $5,000 unique to each program. In the Syrian refugee camp, $5,000 went toward purchasing art supplies for children there. In Ukraine, $6,000 went to an art therapy program designed to help children who had experienced wartime conditions.

The program does no advertising beyond a simple postcard sent each year to high school art teachers (10,000 last fall).

"As long as there are art students here interested in doing this  we're essentially all sharing in the cost," said Schumaker, who is the Memory Project's only full-time employee.

Being part of the Memory Project "is a really cool experience," said Elora Becker, a Middleton 10th grader who painted a portrait of a 10-year-old boy in Bolivia named Eusebia.

"For me I feel I'm making a difference in someone's life. Even if it's a small difference, you're still impacting their life," she said. "It feels like a powerful thing."

Lauren Robertson, a Middleton senior, picked a photo of a Bolivian boy named Cristian from the pile of images placed face-down in her classroom by her art teacher, Peter Ludt. She made Cristian's likeness come alive with chalk, watercolor and pen, and added his name vertically on the side.

"It's cool to realize there are so many different people out there, and so many different looks, and so many different backgrounds," Robertson said. "Mr. Ludt could have said, 'We're going to take a picture of a famous person off the Internet' (to do a portrait), and it has no meaning, but with these kids it has meaning. It's meaningful to us, and it's meaningful to them. I think that's very important."

Art making a difference

Schumaker said he came up with the idea of using high school students for the Memory Project because, as a student himself, he enjoyed making portraits in art class. Too often, he said, wonderful student artwork ends up stored in someone's closet  instead of out in the world, where it can make a difference.

Since launching the Memory Project, Schumaker has become a father himself (his wife, Abha Thakkar, is executive director of Madison's Northside Planning Council). He now works from a small home office in Middleton, where portraits  20,000 this year  are shipped in from schools as far away as Australia and South Korea, England, Canada and across the U.S.

Someday he'd like to expand the Memory Project to provide portraits for low-income children in U.S. schools, he said.

"The project hasn't lost any of its magic for me," he said. "I'm just as excited about it if not more" than a decade ago.

"So much the unspoken purpose of the project is really just trying to build peace by bringing people face to face in a special way," he said. "That's really the ultimate goal."
Ara Tekian, professor and associate dean of international education at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, will receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a ceremony in New York.

The award is given to those who "have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their knowledge, courage and compassion, while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America," according to the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, the group that gives the award. Past recipients include six U.S. presidents, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Frank Sinatra, Elie Wiesel and Rosa Parks. The 2017 awardees include astronaut Buzz Aldrin, cardiologist Annapoorna Kini and CNN anchor Fareed Zakaria. The awards will be presented May 13 at a dinner reception on Ellis Island.

Tekian was born in Beirut, Lebanon. He received his PhD in neuroscience from the American University in Beirut 1981 and earned a master's in health professions education at UIC in 1983.

"This was a very unique degree at the time, and UIC was one of the only universities in the world to offer it," Tekian said.

He returned to the Middle East that year and became the founding director of the medical education department at King Saud University College of Medicine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He later consulted for the World Health Organization and the Ministries of Health and Education to ensure that medical schools in the Middle East were adequately preparing their students to provide care in their respective countries.

In 1990, with the civil war still ongoing in his native Lebanon, Tekian left the Middle East and moved to the U.S.

Tekian joined UIC in 1992 as a visiting assistant professor of medical education and was instrumental in building UIC's international programs. Since then he has consulted in more than 45 countries and helped establish more than a dozen medical education departments or centers.

"When I moved to the U.S., I knew that I wanted to do everything I could to help the Lebanese and Armenian communities that I joined here in America," he said. "When you have a shared history with people, and when you are an immigrant yourself, you have a very strong desire to help your people."

Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

For Tekian, that desire took the form of assisting Armenian and Lebanese students seeking to further their medical education in this country. To them and their families, he became known as "the Contact Person." His extensive contacts at universities in the U.S., the Middle East and Europe helped him direct students to educational opportunities in graduate and post-graduate work. He established the UIC College of Medicine's international medical education program in 2009.

"Dr. Tekian put UIC on the map in terms of medical education," said Dr. Robert Barish, vice chancellor for health affairs at UIC. "He is one of the main reasons why we are known as innovators in medical education around the world."

Tekian has been widely involved in the Armenian and Lebanese communities in Chicago and throughout the U.S. and holds many leadership roles. He has been active in the Armenian General Benevolent Union Chicago Chapter for the past two decades and served as chair of its Saturday School from 1994 to 2005. He has also served as president of the regional chapter of the alumni association of the American University of Beirut from 1997 to 2001, and president of its North American chapter from 2002 to 2004. Tekian served as president of the division of education in the professions of the American Educational Research Association from 2009 to 2012.

He is currently one of the 100 Pillars of the American University of Armenia, having donated generously to fund student scholarships. He raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Armenian and Lebanese communities recovering from disasters, including the 1988 earthquake in Armenia.

Other awards include the 2012 Association for the Study of Medical Education Gold Medal Award, one of the most prestigious awards in medical education. In 2014, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Armenian American Medical Society, and in 2015 he was named Faculty of the Year by the UIC department of medical education.
MD, and co-author Rosa Schnyer, PhD, LAc propose that elements of classical acupuncture "are related to important 21st century advances in physiology and medicine, including systems biology, cross-system integration, matrix biology and mechanotherapeutics." Their commentary appeared in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine website until May 29, 2017.

Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

In "Reconnecting the Body in Eastern and Western Medicine," Langevin and Schnyer write that "Western medicine is beginning to recognize the body's interconnectedness... and its dynamic function as a mechanosensitive whole body system." The authors note that this connectivity is found through exploring the philosophy and practice of classical acupuncture as distinguished from modernized Traditional Chinese Medicine which may have left behind potentially valuable experiences and information.

"Much of the alternative and integrative medicine dialogue and controversy surrounds issues related to whole person and whole systems research and practice and this important exploration suggests an exciting convergence," says The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Editor-in-Chief John Weeks,
A leopard skin was also reportedly recovered from the residence of Colonel (Retd) Prashant Bishnoi, who was said to be absconding.

Chief Conservator of Forests Mukesh Kumar said: "The meat of blue bull was seized from a refrigerator. A sample was taken and it will be sent to laboratory for testing."

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) raided the residence of a retired colonel in Meerut and seized Rs 1 crore cash, 40 pistols, 50,000 live cartridges and 117 kg nilgai meat on Sunday.Animal skin and ivory was also seized from the house of Colonel (retd) Devindra Kumar during a 17-hour-long joint raid conducted by the DRI and the Forest Department.The raid began at the retired armymans Civil Lines residence on Saturday afternoon and continued till 3:30 am on Sunday.Kumar's son Prashant Bishnoi is a national-level shooter.A DRI official told PTI the raid was conducted in connection with a disproportionate assets case and that 117 kg meat of nilgai, Rs 1 crore in cash, 40 guns, five deer skulls, horns of sambar deer, antlers of antelope and black buck, animal skin and ivory were seized from a makeshift warehouse in Kumar's residence.Action will be taken against the retired army officer and his son under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 though no case has been registered against them yet, Kumar told PTI.(With PTI inputs)
The ground was muddy on Mifflin Street even before the rain clouds came in.

As the Mifflin Street partygoers, who were mostly UW-Madison undergraduate students, walked from house to house, Madison police would make them dump any open containers of alcohol, soaking the grass along the sidewalk.

Mifflin Street Block Party began 48 years ago as a "street dance" that devolved into a riot after the city denied students a permit but has become a booze-filled celebration for the end of the school year.

Apartments on the 400 and 500 blocks of West Mifflin Street open their doors and yards to anyone walking by, creating a continuous party down the two blocks.

The block party has cemented itself as a rite of spring for UW students. Its a way to celebrate the end of the school year and take a break from studying for final exams, which are just one week away.

Even though its based on drinking, were all coming together, UW junior Rachel Sweet said. Its definitely part of the culture.

Thousands of people crowded the apartments, porches and sidewalks, making it hard to move. Partygoers would spill out onto the street, only to be coaxed back up to the curb by Madison police officers trying to keep the street open to traffic.

The Madison Police Department estimated more than 12,000 people were at the block party during its peak in the afternoon, nearly triple the peak attendance of last years party, then rain moved many people indoors. Central District Police Capt. Jason Freedman said the police hoped for more rain to help disperse the crowd.

But the cold and the drizzle certainly helped people move onto something else, Freedman said. He also said the light rain helped keep people inside and on porches rather than in the street.

The block party is well known, even to those from out of state. Graduate student Bryce Sandlund, who went to Iowa State University, was just an attendee of this years party, but last year, he leased an apartment on Mifflin Street.

It wasnt a big factor in our decision to rent the apartment, Sandlund said, but we knew about Mifflin.

Sandlund said the block partys status as a tradition is what makes it a special event for the school.

This was the first time in four years UW hadnt sponsored an alternative to the party since Revelry, the music festival, silently went away this year.

Revelry was never really an alternative to the Mifflin Street party, Sweet said. It might be an option after the parties end on Mifflin Street, Sweet said, but it was never a serious diversion from the parties.

While it was a rowdy crowd, police spokesman Joel DeSpain said the police department was pleased overall with the festivities. He did say there were a few blemishes, mostly related to people overcrowding balconies or throwing beer cans from the upper floors of the apartments.

Were disappointed with a few, but when you have 12,000 people, not everyone is going to be on their best behavior, DeSpain said.

At least 70 arrests were made and 90 citations issued as of 9 p.m. Saturday for various crimes like alcohol use, the glass ban and public urination, Madison Police said there werent any violent incidents to report from the block party. Three people had to be sent to detox, and three people were treated for injuries  one person fell out of a tree, another hit his head after falling from a curb and someone had a cut on her hand  but none of the injuries were serious.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the description of the first block party in 1969.
Jammu: BJP national president Amit Shah on Saturday said the government would not tolerate any attempt to "demoralise" the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that it stood solidly behind them.



Expressing concern over the security situation in the state, he said the BJP and the government was committed to restoring peace and normalcy. He also asked party cadre and leadership in the state not to get demoralised.



The visit assumes significance in view of the deteriorating security condition in the state and tension between coalition partners, the BJP and the PDP.



"The party and the government stand solidly behind the security forces and no attempt to demoralise them will be tolerated," Shah told party leaders and workers during a meeting.



He was received by BJP state President Sat Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, state Cabinet ministers among others at the airport and was taken to the state guest house.



In his maiden visit to Jammu, Shah was accompanied by national general secretaries--Ram Madhav, Anil Jain, Ram Lal, and Union minister Jitendra Singh.



Immediately after his arrival, he held an interaction with party MLAs, MPs, state team members and others and exhorted them to develop a positive outlook so that they can carry a positive message to the karyakartas and general public.



He expressed his appreciation for the party workers for their struggle and sacrifices which, he said, have contributed immensely towards the growth of the party. He also paid homage to Shyam Prasad Mookerjee and Prem Nath Dogra.



Shah said that he was proud to be BJP's national president at a time when it was expanding by leaps and bounds. Recounting the party's electoral successes, he said the BJP was proud to have 1,397 MLAs, 310 MPs, 13 party-ruled states and four coalition governments in the country.



Recalling the party's massive victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Shah said it was for the first time since Independence that a non-Congress party secured absolute majority in the Upper House.



He also praised the three-year achievements of the Narendra Modi government and said it had lived up to the expectations of the people and was committed to fulfil the promises made to them.



Shah reiterated the BJP's Mission 44 plus and asked everybody to work towards its achievement. In the evening, he held an interaction with the prominent citizens of the winter capital at the Jammu Convention Centre.



It was organised by Pandit Deendyal Upadhyaya Shatabadi Samaroh Samiti and was addressed by Nirmal Singh, Jitendra Singh as well. About 600-700 prominent citizens representing different walks of life attended the meeting.



Shah said that the BJP was one of the 1,650 parties in the country which had come to the centre-stage of the national politics by the hard work of its workers. He said the key to the BJP's steady growth and progress is that it is an ideology-based party.
CM @Naveen_Odisha proposes state sharing 50% of project cost for new rail line from Puri to Konark to boost tourism potential in #Odisha 1/3 pic.twitter.com/5tt2r0Ma3P  CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 28, 2017

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

It took railway minister Suresh Prabhu just three minutes to accept a proposal for a new railway line in Odisha. The approval came through on Twitter as soon as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted an offer to share half the project cost.Patnaik had proposed the new line between Puri and Konark on the microblogging site at 10.05 pm on Friday night and it was approved at 10.08 pm."CM @Naveen_Odisha urged upon Union Min @sureshpprabhu for early sanction of this project & signing an MoU for timely completion," the CM's tweet said.Prabhu immediately tweeted back saying:Patnaik also said that with state's contribution, the rate of return would be more than 20 per cent for the railways, PTI reported.
The students were from Balgurghat Law College in Malda, affiliated to the University of Gour Ganga.

One of the students had penned "Tu shayar hai, main teri shayari" while the other lamented how his girlfriend refused to listen to him, IANS reported.

"This is sheer nonsense. They can take readmission in the same course at the end of two years and appear again," Das said.

At least 10 students were suspended for writing poems, songs and abuses in their semester exams in West Bengal.Sanatan Das, Controller of Examinations (Additional Charge) told IANS, A fact-finding committee was formed to probe this and the guilty have been suspended for two years."He added the students appeared for their third semester examination. "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.""Usually the suspension duration is one year in case of disciplinary action but what they have done is extremely objectionable and defeats the purpose of examinations. We extended it by a year."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.
Jammu: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said the worsening security situation in Kashmir Valley would be "controlled" soon as the Centre accorded top priority to ensuring peace in the state.



"The government has taken cognisance of the situation and I am sure that the Centre in collaboration with the state administration would soon come to grips with it," Singh, who is the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), said.



About the students, especially girls, bunking schools and colleges and resorting to stone-pelting on security forces, he said, "I think very soon we will get over it."



He declined to comment on the central government's refusal to hold talks with separatists in the valley.



However, he said, "We have a mechanism that has been put in place. The Union Home Ministry and the respective agencies are there that take into account all the aspects of the situation and accordingly take a decision. So it is better for us not to comment on such issues."



The Union minister was talking to reporters after the launch of Nanaji Deshmukh library and e-library by BJP national president Amit Shah at the BJP headquarters here on Sunday.



He also took a dig at National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah and said he is a man who changes his statements day and night. "The meanings of his statements change from Srinagar to Jammu and in Delhi," he said.



"We should refrain from making comments that demoralise security forces as we are indebted to them for safety and security of the country," Singh said.



"We should refrain from selective condemnation of violence. A killing is a killing and if a soldier gets killed, it is the biggest martyrdom for which the nation shall always remain indebted to the sacrifice of that soldier whether he is killed in an encounter with terrorists in Kashmir Valley or with the Naxals," he said.



On the two-day programme of BJP chief here, the Union Minister said Shah had come to Jammu and Kashmir to "guide" us about the party strategies and its working.



"It was an honour for us that he has come on a maiden visit to the state after the formation of the government. He reviewed the working of the party and various departments of BJP", he said.



"Shah's visit to Jammu and Kashmir as a part of 95 days country-wide Vistar Yatra justifies that how much Jammu and Kashmir is important to the BJP party and the Narendra Modi government," Singh said.



Asked whether talks were held on Kashmir issue and the situation there, he said that all issues were discussed. To a question about BJP chief's directive to the party ministers and the leadership to reach out to the people in the state, he replied, "Shah wants the normalcy to return. He is keen that the peace should be restored in the state so that he becomes part of the development journey led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
New Delhi: A united Opposition candidate for the presidential elections will be the beginning of unity among the non-BJP parties to take on the BJP, senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, seen as one of the probable Opposition choices, said on Sunday.



Having met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi last week as part of efforts to put up a joint Opposition candidate for the high-stakes polls, the former JD(U) president said the success of this exercise could go a long way in arresting the BJP's surge across the country.



He said unity in the Opposition ranks is the need of the hour as a division in the non-BJP votes has been a key reason behind the saffron party's win in the recent assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi civic elections.



Asked about the likelihood of major Opposition parties agreeing to back a common candidate against the BJP-led NDA's choice,

he told PTI that he was "hopeful" that it will happen.



"We are making efforts to get as many Opposition parties as possible on a common platform for the presidential election. A joint candidate will be the beginning of the coming together of Opposition parties against the BJP," he said.



The Rajya Sabha member and former Union minister noted that even in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP won an unprecedented 312 seats out of the total 403, the combined votes of the Samajwadi Party, the BSP and the Congress were much more than it.



Asked who could be the Opposition candidate for the presidential polls, he said names would be discussed at a later stage as the first priority is to bring these parties together.



With his vast parliamentary experience, Yadav is seen by some as one of the probable choices for a common Opposition candidate for the presidential polls. He declined to comment on this.



JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also met Gandhi and the Left parties have also spoken in favour of having an Opposition candidate.



The choice of NDA candidate could play a crucial role in these efforts as somebody with a pronounced Hindutva leaning can give the Opposition parties, many of whom are locked in bitter political battle in different states, a solid reason to close ranks.



The electoral college clearly favours the NDA choice for the top constitutional post, more so after the BJP's emphatic win in Uttar Pradesh. Though it is still short of a clear majority but its leaders are confident of getting the required support.



Many Opposition leaders believe that putting up joint candidate irrespective of the outcome of the elections will mark the coming together of a larger alliance against the BJP in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
There couldnt have been bigger snub for a leader of Digvijaya Singhs stature from the Gandhi family.

Digvijaya pushed the envelope too far. The party should have stepped in and expressed disagreement with his views on some issues. Muslims didn't trust the Congress, nor did the Hindus care for us. Na maya mili na ram," a senior Congress general secretary told News18.

I am loyal to the party and Nehru Gandhi Family, and owe my position to the party and to them," Digvijaya Singh said after being sacked.

Digvijaya Singh has never shied away from a controversy. He once told a journalist that it is important for a politician to remain in news. Once again, he is in news, but for a reason even he wouldnt like to face.Congress has taken away the charge of Karnataka and Goa states from him. While Karnataka, the last big state with Congress government, goes to Assembly polls in less than a year; in Goa, BJP managed to form government through quick manoeuvring after the recent polls even as Congress, despite emerging the single-largest party, came across as a lame duck.After losing an almost-won battle in Goa, Congress drew criticism from across the political spectrum. In a rare sight, some Congress workers blamed Rahul Gandhi for failing to form government in the state despite a mandate from people.Some Congress leaders from Goa complained to the party high command that Digvijaya Singh was inaccessible after the election results, while BJP rushed in its national leaders to negotiate with the smaller parties and the Independents to form the government.According to sources, Digvijaya Singhs failure in Goa is not the only reason why the party has decided to sideline him.Ahead of the crucial polls in Karnataka and BJP's aggressive planning for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the party is reworking its strategy.After the Uttar Pradesh results, the party conducted an internal survey which blamed its image of 'minority appeasement' for the loss. The Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance was seen as pro-Muslim by many.According to Congress sources, the party had lost 2014 Lok Sabha polls as Muslims had abandoned it.In 2013, when Digvijaya Singh had said that Batla House encounter was a fake one, the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had met him and suggested that a commission of inquiry could be set up. Digvijaya Singh's reference to Osama Bin Laden as 'Osamaji' had led to a huge controversy. This had given Modi an opportunity to accuse the Congress of being soft on terrorism. But the Congress didn't pull up Digvijaya Singh for his remarks.In fact, he drew clout from the perception that he was close to Rahul Gandhi. Digvijaya Singh was one of the most powerful general secretaries in Congress and his room was always packed with visitors. Even his critics used to say that if someone had asked Digvijaya Singh for a favour, he would get the things done.But times have changed. After the Goa episode, when Digvijaya Singh attacked the BJP for not letting the Congress form the government, his own party didn't support him.Despite Digvijaya Singh calling himself a devout Hindu, his pro-Muslim image became a burden for the Congress.Congress is facing anti-incumbency and an aggressive BJP in Karnataka. The party has made KC Venugopal, a Rahul Gandhi loyalist, the state in-charge. Venugopal is less controversial and his experience of floor management in Parliament may help the party negotiate with all factions.Also, with Gujarat and Rajasthan polls next in line, the Congress wants to appear as an inclusive party. Digvijaya Singh may find it difficult to make a comeback anytime soon.
Harrisburg (Pennsylvania): US President Donald Trump hit the road on Saturday to celebrate his first 100 days in the White House with cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally, touting his initial achievements and lashing out at critics who have given his tenure poor marks.



Trump told a Pennsylvania crowd he was just getting started on meeting his campaign promises. He repeatedly attacked an "incompetent, dishonest" media, saying they were not telling the truth about his administration's accomplishments.



"My administration has been delivering every single day for the great citizens of our country," Trump said in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "We are keeping one promise after another, and frankly the people are really happy about it."



The rally occurred on the same day as a climate march at which thousands of protesters surrounded the White House, and it also coincided with the annual black-tie White House press dinner in Washington.



Trump and his staff chose to skip the press dinner because of what he said was unfair treatment by the press. Trump said he was thrilled to be away from the "Washington swamp".



"A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now," Trump said to loud boos from the crowd. "If the media's job is to be honest and to tell the truth, the media deserves a very, very big fat failing grade."



Trump listed what he said were some of his key early accomplishments, including the successful confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court of Justice Neil Gorsuch and clearing away many regulations on the environment and business.



He also listed his approval of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, killing a pending Asian trade pact, and enhanced security measures that have led to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings at the southern border.



"The world is getting the message: if you try to illegally enter the United States, you will be caught, detained, deported or put in prison," Trump said.



He shrugged off his failure to score major legislative victories on his core campaign promises, such as repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act and construction of a Mexican border wall. Trump's ban on visitors from some Muslim nations was blocked in court.



He blamed Democrats for the legislative failures so far and said all of his promises would be kept eventually.



"We'll build the wall people, don't even worry about it," he said.



Some supporters in the crowd said they were willing to give Trump more time.



"I voted for him and I'll give him a year. That's enough time to whip Congress into shape and get some deals done," said Michael Casciaro, 54, a civilian contractor for the military.



Trump said he reversed course on promises to name China a currency manipulator because he wanted China's help in trying to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile development. Trump has said all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists in its nuclear development.



In an excerpt of an interview with "Face the Nation" of CBS, set to air on Sunday and Monday and conducted during the trip to Pennsylvania, Trump said he would "not be happy" if North Korea conducted a nuclear test. Asked if that would mean military action, Trump said "I don't know, I mean we'll see."



Reveling in the cheers in Harrisburg, Trump made reference again to his upset victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, which he said "carried us to a big, beautiful win on November 8."



Trump left Washington as another in a series of protests against his administration was winding up. Thousands of marchers made their way through Washington's streets during the People's Climate March, a protest against Trump's moves to roll back environmental regulations.



Asked by reporters accompanying him to Pennsylvania what he had to say to the climate change protesters, Trump said: "Enjoy the day, enjoy the weather."
"It was a very friendly conversation, in which the two leaders discussed the concerns of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding regional security, including the threat posed by North Korea," the statement said.

Duterte last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticizing the drug war, and more recently called European lawmakers "crazies" for issuing a statement condemning the killings.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday invited his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte to Washington in a "friendly" call in which the leaders discussed the "threat" of North Korea, the White House said.The announcement comes amid rising tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs following its latest test-fire, as well international criticism of Duterte's drug crackdown that has claimed thousands of lives.The leaders also "discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries throughout the world."The Philippine president 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.The White House said Trump "enjoyed the conversation" and looks forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November."President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction."There has been concern about Duterte's efforts to loosen the Philippines' long-standing alliance with the United States as he looks to court China.Vice President Mike Pence had announced earlier this month that Trump would attend the Asian meetings as a sign of "unwavering commitment" to the region.
WASHINGTON  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. So 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, though 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 about 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 nor 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 Trump has failed to meet many of his own expectations, as well as deliver on promises. The House punted on health care again Friday.

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 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, is a corrected view: The 100-day sprint to transform the world is absurd. There was no way, as predicted often in this column, 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.
Herrres..... Aunty Giggles

Years later, she would get serious about her clowning and delight children with her character, Aunty Giggles.

Bangura told Sunday Newsday she was born and raised in San Juan and is one of four children. While attending Newtown Girls RC School and Providence Girls Catholic School she was always the class clown.

All about having people laughing and grinning in class rather than doing work. When her mother would go to Parent Teacher Association meetings the teachers always reported that Kayleen would prefer to have the class in stitches than doing (school)work. Sometimes she would run into some of her former teachers, who are never surprised when they find out about her profession.

She graduated with three Ordinary Level passes and had to repeat some subjects at San Juan Government Secondary. She then attended the Stenotype College, a secretarial school, where she continued to be the class clown. I really do like to see people laugh. The few seconds they forget their troubles of life is all worth it. She said that she likes people to belly laugh and really enjoy the joke.

After she completed secretarial school she went on to work at various law firms and her bosses were confused as to why she was always laughing. I could not fit in. She worked in the insurance industry and then at a doctors office until she got married and became a stay-at-home mom to two boys, who she home-schools. Bangura thought about ways in which she could generate income and recalled seeing a number of people doing face painting and balloon twisting.

In December 2012, she purchased a Santa Claus suit from Amazon and played the character for events at the Tunapuna Presbyterian School and a number of preschools. She had difficulty speaking in a male voice so the character was silent. She recalled there was one boy who realised she was female and shouted Is a lady! She eventually added cotton candy and popcorn to her act. But with so many people doing this type of business she needed to do something to stay ahead of the pack. That was when she began incorporating a kids comedy magic show in her act.

A sign language interpreter for over two decades, she explained that she had a background of being creative and was always good with her hands so she was able to quickly pick up the tricks she saw on YouTube. She also learned balloon twisting from watching videos online. The balloon twisting evolved into a balloon show, where the balloons become characters in a story. Her stories for the show includes the nursery rhyme The Old Lady Who Swallowed the Fly and The Three Little Pigs.

It is fun for the kids. One of her specialities is her balloon candy cups - cups with treats topped with balloon decorations - which are an alternative to party bags.

Asked about the name Aunty Giggles, which she began using three years ago, Bangura recalled that her teachers used to ask her why she was always giggling and this inspired the name. She said sometimes even while out of costume going about her business children would recognise her and shout Aunty Giggles! She said the kids really get into her shows and some adults say they enjoy the show even more than the children. She performs at childrens parties, church events, baby showers and does balloon twisting for corporate events.

She really loves what she does and every time she puts on her costume she gets excited like it is the very first time.

As Aunty Giggles she would love to visit hospitals and perform for children for free as they could do with a little laughter. She also hopes to take her act regionally in the future.

Its a real joy. I wouldnt trade this job for sitting down behind a desk. On Facebook she can be found at Aunty Giggles Balloon Candy Cups n Belly Buddies or contacted via telephone at 774-3377.
Art is Trini too

Speaking on the removal and destruction of several wooden sculptors by artist Damian Agostini from around the Queens Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, artist Gail Pantin said while she believes art is important, nothing lasts forever.

She pointed out that historical art pieces were being destroyed in all over the world, either deliberately or accidentally, and advised Agostini not be a victim but to continue to work, and do even more. The focus, she said, should be the disrespect of the Port-of-Spain City Corporation and its municipal police by dumping and destroying his work. She told Sunday Newsday there were vagrants and garbage around the savannah but the police did not remove those, nor did they clean up any other part of the savannah.

Pantin said she personally paints and sketches every day, and knows other artist who do the same, whether or not they had an exhibit. Therefore, they had a lot of work on hand. What artist needed, she continued, was a place to showcase their work as art galleries were too expensive for many, even if they could get their work into a gallery.

She suggested a space in the savannah, possibly on the paved area opposite Memorial Park, where tents could be erected once a month. There, artists and craftsmen could book a spot in advance for a small fee and showcase their work.

Artist Ozy Merrique had a similar suggestion of a space where, once a week, artists could get together and support each other. He said at the moment, artists were showing support for Agostini as well as sending a message that artists were not pleased with the kind of policies and enforcement that would end up with an artists work being thrown away.

The space, he said, should be one where artists could work on, display, and sell their pieces.

However he admitted, The vending aspect may get out of hand when you have to decide who gets picked and where they would set up. Then it may turn out to be craft, of which there are enough spaces and opportunities, rather then fine art. He said the priority of such a space should be more about contact with other artists and the general public rather than the sale of pieces. It should be an opportunity for people to come to see the process, engage with artists, for artists to be more accessible. More than that it is about the authorities having sensitivity with respect to understanding how important art is. This, he said, included the authorities revisiting the use of art in libraries and other public spaces, or museums that had the same art on display for years.

Diana Mahabir-Wyatt too believed a space could be found around the savannah or around Memorial Park where artists could be encouraged to hang their paintings. She said this could be done similar to Hyde Park in London where, on weekends, artists display their work during the day and remove them on evenings.

In this way, artists a chance to show their work as well as sell it.

It would be an absolutely wonderful addition to the beauty of Port-of-Spain, the activities that are available for the public, and it would help people to learn about art, she said.

I would have thought that, if there is anybody in the Ministry of Culture or Tourism, that they could build on what their natural talents are as something that would attract tourists and also make Trinidad and Tobagos creative production known all over the world. Speaking of Agostinis plight, Mahabir-Wyatt said she could not understand the mentality of anyone who would destroy artistic work of merit, whether they understood the art or not.

She added that tourist buses and tour guides used to stop to see Agostinis sculptures just as they stop to view the local paintings displayed around the Queens Park Oval. She said tourists who saw his work appreciated it because they understood the architectural principles used to build the sculptures.

This was not just a craft thing.

It was real artistry.
Look, Im the guy who once called her a viperous harridan, OK?

That was 11 years ago in this space. I described her as such after she savaged four widows whose husbands died in the Sept. 11 attacks, denouncing them as witches and broads who were enjoying their husbands deaths.

So I dont need to be convinced Ann Coulter is a bad person. But for as much as readers with whom I have been sparring on Twitter the past few days might wish otherwise, her character is not the issue here.

Here meaning last weeks standoff between the abrasive conservative pundit and the University of California,Berkeley. As you may know, Coulter was invited to speak on the famously liberal campus, but UCB first restricted the time of day she could do so, then tried to convince her to switch to a day when classes are suspended as students study for finals.

When Coulter refused, the school canceled the event.

Berkeley, you should know, has been the site of recent political street fighting. A February riot, orchestrated by about 100 black-clad punks, caused $100,000 in damage and succeeded in preventing an appearance by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannoupolos. UCB said there was a credible threat of a repeat performance if Coulter spoke.

She had vowed to show up anyhow and appear, if need be, in Sproul Plaza, an open public concourse that was, not incidentally, the 1964 birthplace of the free-speech movement. Wednesday, under pressure from UCB, the two conservative groups that were sponsoring her visit rescinded the invitation, and Coulter said she would not come.

Many of my more liberal Twitter followers, loathe to support Coulter on ... well ... anything, have resisted  sometimes with desperately creative logic  the notion that this is an issue of free speech. Here are some of their arguments and my answers:

Them: The First Amendment applies only to government censorship.

Me: Youre right. And UCB is a public institution, supported by taxpayer money, which makes this a government issue.

Them: Shes milking this for publicity.

Me: Maybe. So what?

Them: She doesnt care about free speech. Shes getting paid.

Me: I get paid when I speak, too. Again, so what?

Them: UCB never actually said she couldnt speak.

Me: The courts have held that you may not unduly burden the right of free speech, i.e., impose special requirements on a controversial speaker. Thats why the city of Miami lost in federal court in 2003 after it billed a promoter for the cost of extra security required to bring a band loathed by some in the Cuban exile community to the Miami Arena.

Heres the bottom line: I dont care whether its Castros favorite band playing in downtown Miami or a viperous harridan speaking at Berkeley. It wouldnt matter if it were Louis Farrakhan at Ole Miss or Bernie Sanders at the High School of Economics and Finance just off Wall Street. The right to free expression is either secured for all or its guaranteed to none.

So here is what should offend you even more than Coulter, particularly if you live in a place like Berkeley, with its 121,000 people and 170 police officers.

A bunch of thugs just established that you can bully a public institution in a relatively small town into disinviting a controversial speaker. Which of our other freedoms will they come after next?

Coulter called Wednesday a sad day for free speech. This next sentence will cause physical pain for some of you to read, but you need to just the same:

Ann Coulter was right.
Breach of trust

She failed to inform the JLSC of her part-heard matters and that is a breach of trust that ought not to be treated lightly, he told Sunday Newsday.

I mean, a persons holding such high office as Chief Magistrate, in my view, has forfeited any integrity to be reappointed, having not disclosed those facts which were within her knowledge.

So that withholding those facts showed that she either wilfully or deliberately did so. Lalla argued that trust and confidence was a key ingredient in the job of a magistrate or judge in the High Court.

The public reposed in her that trust and confidence and having failed to do what is right and misled the JLSC by failing to disclose very fundamental and important facts shows that you have breached that process of integrity, which is crucial to be appointed a judge or magistrate, he said, adding that the issue must be properly challenged.

It is unclear whether Ayers-Caesar will resume her position as Chief Magistrate this week following her resignation on Thursday in the wake of vociferous complaints from prisoners about having their matters heard in a timely fashion.

Chief Justice Ivor Archies response to her resignation late on Thursday merely stated: Given Mrs Ayers-Caesars commitment to address her outstanding matters and having regard to the hardships likely to be experienced by accused persons, witnesses and the legal fraternity should matters be restarted, the JLSC has met and agreed to restore Mrs Ayers-Caesar to the Magisterial bench. Acting Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle is hearing matters in the Eighth Magistrates Court.

Attorney and Opposition senator Gerald Ramdeen, at a news conference on Friday, called on the Chief Justice and the JLSC to come clean on the issue. He argued that there was no consultation with the stakeholders on the fraternity on the decision to reinstate Ayers-Caesar to the magistracy.

Lalla yesterday wondered whether Ayers-Caesar could still be seen as someone with integrity if she is reappointed as Chief Magistrate.

The Judiciary is the third limb of our democracy and it has always been regarded for its integrity and non-political stance. It is supposed to ne an institution without bias. He also wondered if Ayers-Caesar would have been appointed a High Court judge if the JLSC was apprised of her unfinished case load in the magistrates court or did she mislead the commission into making the appointment.

Lalla also said the CJ and the JLSC were equally guilty of gross dereliction of duty in the controversial matter.

They had failed to request a report from the Chief Magistrate of the status of cases when she was being considered for the position of High Court judge. So the error is more theirs than hers, he said.

Attorney Keith Scotland reasoned that Ayers-Caesar can be restored to the position of Chief Magistrate in circumstances where there is an initial resignation and not an expiration of time when you are a sitting as a magistrate. So, in those circumstances it can be dome but its an area in the magistracy which may need some clarification.

But I know that the JLSC would have thought it through and it seem to be plausible and legally possible, he said.

It seems to be the correct approach to be taken in order to alleviate the hardship caused by the demitting of office
Grossly exaggerated

I will give that report a three on a scale of one to ten, Abdullah said on Thursday in Sunday Newsday interview in Chaguanas.

Excepts of the study, which was posted online, was compiled by political scientists Andy Knight and John Mc Coy, after the formers visit to the alleged site during his stint as Director of the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies, some five years ago.

Knight is currently the head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta, Canada.

In the study, Knight wrote that during his tenure as IIR director he was asked by a Muslim scholar to visit what he claimed was an al-Qaida sleeper cell.

Knight, the study said, also was taken to what appeared to be a self-sustaining gated community near to the airport in Trinidad.

It looked like a normal little Trinidadian village. I didnt see anything at all unusual, except that there were many women in hijab, he wrote in the study. Knight said, however, he was told that under the surface, weapons were stored under the floorboards for military training. According to the study, Knight and Mc Coy began to take a deeper look at radicalization in TT, realising it was a hotbed for recruitment to al-Qaida and ISIS. But on Thursday, Abdullah took issue with the timing of the release of the study and also wondered why Knight was selected to visit the site.

Abdullah told Sunday Newsday he knew of the site but declined to reveal where it was located.

He also claimed there was no cache of weapons as was mentioned in the study.

There was some attempt to muster up weaponry but the way it sounded in the article was as though they had a cache of weapons which was not entirely true, he said of the group.

They were struggling, more or less and there was an attempt to establish a community but nothing really came out of as far as I know. Saying he was in contact with some of the individuals on the site at the time, Abdullah claimed many of the people mentioned in the study did go to Syria to be a a part of ISIS.

They were given specific instructions from other quarters of the Muslim community as well and they refused to adhere to those instructions and guidelines, he said. For many reasons that I can list on a paper, that situation went wrong.

Those individuals were obviously misguided to a certain extent but I can give them credit for their honesty and sincerity in going abroad and joining ISIS to fight against the aggressors. The Islam leader said the poor socio- economic conditions in which many of the men existed at the time fuelled their desire to join ISIS.

Those issues seem to be pushing people away from Trinidad and Tobago. And especially when it comes to Muslims who are looking on and seeing what is happening to their Muslim brothers and sisters overseas and want to assist in whatever way they can with regards to that. Abdullah said ordinarily, it would have been difficult to raise and send money to help their foreign counterparts, knowing that it may never reach.

But, what is certain is that if they leave here and they join the group that is fighting against the aggressors, definitely they know that they would have a stake in at least trying to do something about the situation. Taking issue with Knights claim in the study that an estimated 200 people had left to join ISIS, Abdullah said the actual figure could be put at fewer than 100.

He also made it clear that the individuals who left did not return to local shores to commit any crimes. I want to make that absolutely clear. These individuals have never committed any crimes here, he said.

They were before the courts, some of these individuals, for certain crimes.

Those matters were never dealt with to the fullest in the courts so there was no conviction. So, we cant say for sure if these people were actually guilty of something. Describing TT as the flag-bearer of Islam in the West, Abdullah said while there was a strong Islamic and Muslim presence working in communities depending on how that is managed, we could see TT surpassing some of our middle- eastern counterparts in terms of establishing Islam in this country. Abdullah said the Muslim community has an ambitious task ahead.

The Muslim community has to recognise also that we do stand to attract a lot of people to become Muslims and we do stand in a position to attract radicals as well, he said.

Again, I must say that we must be able to manage it, the way we educate, find and position ourselves in the communities to change what is happening. He added: If we do not do these things we are going to see the rise of radicalism because we will not be dealing with the real core issues in the society, which is the breakdown of the home, family structure, society and the influx of negative spaces in our communities.

But, if we have an environment that is conducive to positive growth and we introduce in our communities, positive spaces __ homework centres, sporting centres, areas where people can operate their businesses and develop their skills - these are the things the things we need to incorporate in our societies to drive away the negativity.
Doubt over another new judge

According to sources, the judge in question had a disciplinary complaint against them and it is not certain if the judge was cleared of the allegation .

Sunday Newsday understands a strongly worded report on the issue was written by a now retired judge on the disciplinary tribunal .

However, sources said the final report of the tribunal was never completed by another judge before that person left the Judiciary, but was subsequently written and back-dated .

It is not certain of the complaint was raised before the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) during the recent selection process .

Only last week, former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar resigned as a judge of the Supreme Court less than two weeks after she was on the job amid growing concerns of the number of part-heard cases left on her docket prior to her elevation .

Ayers-Caesars possible reappointment to her former position of chief magistrate has also caused disquiet in the legal fraternity .

Several senior counsel have spoke out on the issue questioning the legality of the move .

Senior Counsel Martin Daly chastised the JLSC .

The Judicial and Legal Services Commission was careless in the first place not to do its own due diligence into what cases the chief magistrate had pending, Daly told the daily Newsday on Friday. According to Daly, putting Ayers-Caesar back on the magisterial bench they will bring the administration of justice into massive disrepute .

If judicial officers dont have to be candid, then why should members of the public have to be candid when they appear before them? They have put themselves in an untenable position, Daly said. Both senior counsel Pamela Elder and Israel Khan were adamant that Ayers-Caesar could no longer resume hearing the cases she left behind .

Khan went further to call for Chief Justice Ivor Archies and the JLSC members resignation .

Also last week, the Law Association called for the process of the selection if judges to be more transparent while Daly described as hollow the assurance the commission gave that rigorous processes had been followed .

Also emerging yesterday, were reports that another appointment is expected to be made in June .

Sources said former deputy director of public prosecutions Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo is expected to take up a position as a High Court judge .

Waterman-Latchoo resigned from the Office of the DPP in 2014 to become a judge in St Vincent .
Bar Ayers-Caesar from being a judge

In a statement yesterday, Abdulah commented on the controversy of Ayers-Caesar resigning as a High Court judge two weeks after her appointment on April 12 due to outstanding cases. Abdulah said described the situation as the most recent crisis in our justice system and one that the MSJ viewed with alarm. The appointment and then almost immediate resignation of Mrs Marcia Ayers-Caesar has severely undermined the already low confidence which the public has in the justice system and the criminal justice system in particular, he said.

He added the MSJ does not accept sanctimonious statements issued on Thursday evening by Mrs Ayers-Caesar and Chief Justice Ivor Archie as being satisfactory explanations for this imbroglio. Abdulah said when hiring employee the employer would ask when the employee would be available to start and this is a daily experience.

These are not matters that require mature reflection as Mrs Ayers-Caesar would want us to believe. It is simply a matter of taking ones responsibilities very seriously. When those responsibilities involve the justice system then the persons who have been given that responsibility must act in a manner that gives confidence to all that he or she is able to discharge their duties properly.

Mrs. Ayers-Caesar has spectacularly failed that basic test. Abdulah said Ayers-Caesar knew what cases were before her as chief magistrate and the implications for the justice system if she no longer sat in that position.

She was fully cognizant of the fact that accused persons would suffer for longer periods in jail awaiting the completion of their preliminary enquiry.

She knew of the increased legal costs to the state and especially to defendants. She knew that years of judicial time  for the courts, attorneys, witnesses - would be lost as matters would have to be re-started.

She was aware that there could be likely constitutional challenges to the process. Yet she simply claims that it would have been preferable that I advise the Judicial and Legal Services Commission of the full slate of my list. No, Mrs Ayers-Caesar it would not have been preferable, it was obligatory! Abdulah said the MSJ believes Ayers-Caesar must never in the future be considered for appointment to the High Court.

Her lack of judgment disbars her from such office. Abdulah said the Chief Justice and the other members of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) are also culpable.

He said the Chief Justice has failed twice: firstly as JLSC chair to ascertain the status of Ayers-Caesars case list, and secondly, to be open about the problems when through the court and protocol officer an attempt was made to bramble citizens with talk of paper committals. Abdulah pointed out that it was only after the affected persons whose matters were being heard by Ayers-Caesar engaged in protest action and persistent criticisms from members of the legal profession, including the Law Association, that the resignation took place.

This latest crisis of confidence in the justice system and the criminal justice system needs to be addressed urgently. Under all the circumstances, the entire JLSC ought to resign. The position of Chief Justice Archie is increasingly becoming untenable.
Indiscipline down in east PoS schools

I am pleased to say and to report that when we have done our analysis, we have found that the incidents of indiscipline and violence among our schools is greatly diminished in the PoS/Laventille/Morvant area. Garcia made the statement at the launch of the Foundation for the Upliftment and Empowerment of Laventille (East Port-of-Spain) (FUEL) spelling competition yesterday at Queens Park Savannah, Port-of- Spain.

He said the competition was part of the School Improvement Project which aims to improve literacy and numeracy, improve the physical infrastructure of schools, increase parental involvement, and improve discipline in schools.

Speaking to the students in the audience he said, We sincerely believe that you are the change and certainly change will come to the Morvant / Laventille community. He added the idea of the spelling competition was to improve the communication skills of students.

Therefore, in order to complement the competition, next month the Ministry would launch a programme seeking to improve the handwriting skills of students across the country.

Recalling how the idea for the competition came about, Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds said he met some primary school students who were excellent in school, especially in spelling and reading.

He realised they could not be the only ones with beauty, innocence, and potential. Therefore, in collaboration with FUEL, he decided to organise the competition to harness that potential, where children could develop new friendships and experiences to last them for a lifetime.

We know that Laventille is a wonderful place with a wonderful experience, and bad and evil only prevails when the good like yo, the parents like you, the guardians like you, the children like you, sit and watch and do nothing. This is our something, said Hinds.

The theme of the competition is Out of a Barrack Yard, a National Festival Bloomed.

Calypsonian Dr Hollis Chalkdust Liverpool gave a brief history of how Carnival emerged from the makeshift settlements made by slaves in East PoS, Laventille and Belmont after the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1834.

He described the conditions of the barracks, explained how the various Carnival traditions arose from the Africans, and sang calinda or stick-fighting songs, as well as excerpts from the songs of other calypsonians.

He said education was different in each country because the culture of each country was different.

He said many politicians, lawyers, doctors and other professionals say there were educated but knew nothing of their culture.

You are not educated unless you bathe in the refinement of your culture, Liverpool told the audience.

The competition would be open to children ages five to nine years who live in the catchment area inside Belmont Boys RC School, Gloster Lodge Moravian Primary School, St Hildas Government Primary School, Escallier Anglican Primary School, and St Barbs Government Primary School.

Preliminaries begin on June 10, with the semifinals scheduled for June 17, and the finals for June 24.




Fate of the Senate

Is Being Decided:

4 Big Races Still

Too Close to Call
Here's something you might not want to forward to your significant other: You're likely to recover from losing him or her faster than you would recover from losing your job. So say researchers at the University of East Anglia and the What Works Center for Wellbeing in the UK, who've reviewed more than 4,000 research papers and tell Bloomberg that while broken hearts heal, the hole on the resume doesn't go away. "After someone loses a partner, [well-being will] take a big dip and then, on average, it'll get back to previous levels," one of the researchers says. "But with unemployment, we just don't see that happening." Well-being includes factors like mental health, life satisfaction, and self-esteem.

The team found that, at least among British men, it takes two years for well-being to return to normal levels after being widowed, while it takes four years after getting a divorce. Losing a job, however, results in a decline that continues for more than four years, and this decline appears to be harder on men than on women. "To have meaning in your life in this society means to be working, contributing, and to have that status," the researcher adds, noting that help from family and friends can soften the blow, while "people who regularly attended church had a buffering effect from the impact of unemployment." (A small city in Iowa claims the lowest unemployment rate in the country.)
In the soon-to-be published contents of a decade-old letter, Harper Lee accused her "oldest friend," Truman Capote, of being an inveterate liar who destroyed their friendship with his jealousy. Wayne Flynt, an Alabama historian and longtime friend of Lee's in his own right, is publishing a book next week about his quarter-century relationship with the To Kill a Mockingbird author, the New York Times reports. According to AL.com, Flynt was one of a handful of people still allowed to visit Lee after she moved into a nursing home in the final years of her life. Flynt tells the Times that Lee, who removed herself from public life in the 1960s, only told him not to write about her while she was alive.

Capote and Lee had been writing partners for years, and she even based a character in To Kill a Mockingbird on him, Bustle reports. But in a 2006 letter to Flynt, Lee said of Capote: "His compulsive lying was like this: If you said, 'Did you know JFK was shot?' He'd easily answer, 'Yes, I was driving the car he was riding in.'" She also said that while their friendship was strained by Capote's drinking and "misery," it was ultimately ruined by jealousy. "I did something Truman could not forgive: I wrote a novel that sold," she wrote. "He nursed his envy for more than 20 years." To Kill a Mockingbird has sold more than 40 million copies. Flynt's Mockingbird Songs: My Friendship With Harper Lee will be released May 2. (Read more Harper Lee stories.)
Thousands of people across the US marched Saturday on President Trump's 100th day in office to demand action on climate change, the AP reports. At the marquee event, the Peoples Climate March in Washington, DC, tens of thousands of demonstrators made their way down Pennsylvania Avenue in sweltering heat. 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 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 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.

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. 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. Some of the marches drew big-name attendees, including Al Gore and Leonardo DiCaprio in the nation's capital and Bernie Sanders in Vermont. "Honored to join Indigenous leaders and native peoples as they fight for climate justice," DiCaprio tweeted. (Read more climate change stories.)
Famed Swiss climber Ueli Steck was killed Sunday in a mountaineering accident near Mount Everest in Nepal, expedition organizers said. Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks said Steck was killed at Camp 1 of Mount Nuptse. "His body has been retrieved and is being brought to Kathmandu," Sherpa told Reuters. Steck's family said the exact circumstances of his death were still unclear. "The family is infinitely sad and asks that the media refrain from speculating about his death out of respect and consideration for Ueli," it said in a statement on Steck's website, per the AP. Steck was planning to climb 29,035-foot Everest and nearby Mount Lhotse next month. He was the first casualty in Nepal's spring mountaineering season that began in March and will end in May. Hundreds of foreign climbers are on the mountains to attempt to scale Himalayan peaks when there are a few windows of favorable weather.

The 40-year-old Steck was one of the most-renowned mountaineers of his generation. He was best known for his speed-climbing, including setting several records for ascending the north face of the Eiger, a peak in the Bernese Alps he climbed in two hours and 47 minutes without a rope. In 2015, Steck climbed all 82 peaks in the Alps higher than 13,100 feet, traveling between mountains by foot, bike, and paraglider only. He finished the feat in 62 days, cementing his reputation as the "Swiss Machine." "A record is broken again and again, and the world keeps on turning," Steck recently mused. "You are getting older and there comes a time when you have to adjust your projects to your age." Asked about the upcoming expedition, Steck told Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger last month: "Of course I want to climb Everest and Lhotse. But that's a very high goal. Failure for me would be to die and not come home." (Steck last year discovered the bodies of two climbers lost in Tibet in 1999.)
President Trump called Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte and expressed his commitment to their alliance and in developing "a warm, working relationship," a Filipino official said Sunday. Presidential spokesman Ernie Abella said Trump mentioned he was looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November to attend an East Asia summit and that Trump invited Duterte to the White House, reports the AP. "The discussion ... was warm, with President Trump expressing his understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippine president, especially on the matter of dangerous drugs," Abella said. A White House statement described Saturday's call as "very friendly" and said the US-Philippine alliance "is now heading in a very positive direction." The remarks reflect a departure from Duterte's antagonistic stance toward former President Obama, whom he once told to "go to hell."

During Obama's final months in office, the Philippine president moved to build closer ties with China and Russia while threatening to end his nation's longstanding alliance with the US. On Sunday, three Chinese navy ships were welcomed in Davao city, Duterte's hometown, by his daughter, city Mayor Sarah Duterte. Abella said without elaborating that North Korea also came up in Trump's talk with Duterte. CNN notes that Duterte suggested earlier Saturday that the Trump administration should back away from standoff with North Korea to avoid risking a nuclear holocaust that could smother Asia. "It would be good for America to just restrain a little bit and if I were President Trump, I'll just back out, not really in surrender and retreat, but just to let the guy realize that, 'Ah, please do not do it.'" Duterte said. "It behooves America, who wields the biggest stick, just to really be prudent." (Read more Rodrigo Duterte stories.)
German police came to the aid of a pizza courier who crashed his car in the southwest German town of Gaggenauby completing his delivery. The AP reports that the 46-year-old driver hit another car early Saturday after failing to yield. Both drivers required hospital treatment in the accident that caused an estimated $22,000 in damage. "The pizzas were still hot and they were close to where they were meant to end up, so we simply completed the delivery," a police rep said, according to German news agency DPA via Deusche Welle. Police said that after dealing with the accident the officers were able to hand over the "shaken but still edible pizzas" to the customers. (Read more pizza stories.)
White House National Security Adviser HR McMaster says North Korea's most recent missile test represents "open defiance of the international community." He says North Korea poses "a grave threat" not just to the United States and its Asian allies, but also to China. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, McMaster says it's important "for all of us to confront this regime ... that is pursuing the weaponization of a missile with a nuclear weapon. This is something that we know we cannot tolerate." McMaster says Trump "has made clear that he is going to resolve this issue one way or the other, and what we prefer to do is to work with others, China included, to resolve this situation short of military action." That means, he said, enforcing UN sanctions and perhaps "ratcheting up those sanctions even further. And it also means being prepared for military operations." A look around the Sunday dial, per the AP:

Seoul's presidential Blue House says McMaster has confirmed that the US won't be seeking payment for the THAAD missile defense system now being deployed in its territory, despite President Trump's vow last week to make the Asian ally pay $1 billion.

In an interview with CBS' Face the Nation, Trump says he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping has been putting pressure on North Korea as it pursues its missile and nuclear weapons programs and wouldn't be happy if Pyongyang conducts a nuclear test. Asked if that means military action, Trump responded: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

Pope Francis is warning that escalating tensions could be catastrophic. "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."

(Read more North Korea stories.)
This week marked the 28th birthday of Tibets Panchen Lama, reinvigorating calls for his release from detention by the Chinese government. Radio Free Asia reports that at just 6 years old, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family were detained when the exiled Dalai Lama named him the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. Chinese authorities swiftly removed Nyima and installed government-backed Gyaincain Norbu to the religious and political position. The role of the Panchen Lama is the second most senior monk in Tibetan tradition, and Gyaincain Norbu remains an unsatisfactory candidate to many Tibetans who consider Nyimas detention a tragedy.

Please know that I think about you every day, and as each year passes, my resolve to find you and restore you to your rightful role becomes stronger, the head of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom wrote in an open letter to the missing Panchen Lama. Little has emerged about him over the last 22 years. According to the Hong Kong Free Press, Chinese officials stated in 2015 that he doesnt want to be bothered and is living a normal life, including attending school. But Beijing has denied the United Nations as well as human rights group's requests to check up on him. Current law dictates that reincarnate lamas must be approved by Beijing in order to discourage a rallying call for Tibetan independence, a process that could instate a new patriotic lama once the current Dalai Lama, who is 81, one day passes away. (Read more Dalai Lama stories.)
The two things Colt Romberger and his father had most in common, the ones that made them best friends as well as father and son, were a deep affection for horses and an equally deep pride in having served their country in times of war. So when Cliff Romberger, a Vietnam War veteran and onetime wrangler of horses on Hollywood film sets, died in 2015 of a brain disease doctors attributed to his exposure to the chemical defoliant Agent Orange, his son knew there was but one way to honor him: He would saddle up his horse and ride it from the Pacific Ocean to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, per the AP. On Monday, the 32-year-old Iraq war veteran will begin that journey through big-city streets, across desert sand, and over mountain ranges and prairies, aboard a handsome gray-and-black 4-year-old quarter horse named Gus.

Along the way he hopes to accomplish several things: raise money for veterans causes through a nonprofit foundation he's established, tell the public about the devastating, deadly effect the use of Agent Orange is having on thousands of aging bodies of Vietnam veterans and, with stops at town halls across the country, let those veterans know they have not been forgotten. "I've spoken to so many Vietnam vets, and they've emailed me. Sometimes it breaks my heart hearing their stories," he says in a voice momentarily choked with emotion. A friend of his late father, Kenny Reichel, will drive a truck carrying supplies and pulling a horse trailer while scouting for places man and horse might bed down for the night. The journey's website is here. (Read more Agent Orange stories.)
A third youth from Kerala in Afghanistan has been killed there

Kasargode : 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.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574.
New Delhi:

Bengali actor Bikram Chatterjee, who suffered serious injuries in a car accident, has been reportedly announced out of danger now. Bikram got badly injured in the accident which killed model-turned-VJ Sonika Chauhan. According to the media reports, Bikram and Sonika had met the horrific accident after the former lost control over his car and rammed into a shop on the pavement.



The two were soon rushed to the nearby hospital where Sonika was declared brought dead. Bikram, who had suffer head injuries was uconscious and was admitted in the ICU. The media reports suggest Bikram's health is stable and is out of danger.

Also Read | Know all about model-turned-VJ Sonika Chauhan who died in car accident

Sonika's death come as deep shock everyone and the Tollywood industry has been mourning over her demise. The diva was a well known face in the modelling world and had even turned as an anchor for Pro-Kabbaddi league. Sonika Chauhan was quite a known face in Bengali industry and was setting herself up in Mumbai as well. In fact she had also hosted Bengali version of Salmans Khans Bigg Boss, titled Bigg Boss Bangla.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The stalker stories are never ending for celebrities. With the increasing fan following, stars also have to deal with some desperate fans who tend to harrass the actors and gain limelight with there misbehaviours.

One such actress of television world got effected by the same.

Popular face of Indian Television Sonarika Bhadoria of Devon Ke Dev Mahadev fame was stalked by a 23 year old man from Kurkheda district of Maharashtra who allegedly sent obscene messages as well as photos to the actress.

According to the reports the person is a first year Bachelor of Arts student who wanted to marry her.

He got the actress's number in OCtober last year and had been sending her objectionable content since then. Sonarika blocked his number but the man kept on sending her vulgar messages from different numbers.

Police reported to Mid-day, "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."

Also Read: Television actor Parth Samthaan charged under POCSO act for molesting a model

Sonarika also told a leading daily, "He was repeatedly messaging me and calling me since 7-8 months. I was fed up and scared by seeing his messages. When I blocked his number, he used other numbers to contact me. He used at least 25 numbers to contact me. 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."

After getting hold of his call records, the police arrested the harasser from his village and brought him to Mumbai on Wednesday.

The stalker is now under arrest by the investigation team. He was produced in court and remanded in police custody till May 1.
New Delhi:

Delhi Crime Branch has found details of five bank accounts linked with former AIADMK general secretary Dinakaran, reports said.



According to sources quoted by a news agency, the Crime Branch has found transactions of huge amounts, mostly to a hawala operator.



The agency report said that the Delhi Police will question the Charted Accountant of the Tamil Nadu leader. Details of communication between Sukesh and Dinakaran have also been reportedly found.



The Delhi Polices Crime Branch team returned to the national capital on Saturday 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.

Read | Delhi Police grills TTV Dinakaran for 11 hours over his alleged attempt to bribe EC official



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.

Read | Panneerselvam says revolt against Dinakaran first success of 'dharma yudh' against Sasikala



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, 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.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Bharatiya Janata Party is likely to decide the names of the three mayors of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi factions and they are going to be all women.



It is a rule under the Delhi Municipal Act that the first year of the new corporation is reserved for women candidates in the position of mayor.



According to a report in an Engish website, BJP will sit down to finaise the names on Sunday.

"It also goes very well with PM Narendra Modi's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign," said a top BJP functionary told India Today.



"The five year charge of the MCD is split into five annual terms. So the tenure of the chosen ladies would be one year. Following this, other prominent men and women councilors will be given the chance to lead the corporations,' he quoted saying.

Read | UP civic polls 2017: Will BJP repeat MCD strategy and field fresh candidates?



Front-runners for the post of mayors in MCDs



Poonam Parashar, Veena Virmani, Urmila Rana, Preeti Aggarwal and Anju Jain from North Delhi

Shikha Rai, Nandini Sharma and Kamaljeet Sehrawat are in the fray from South Delhi



The fight for the top post is between Himanshi Pandey and Neema Bhagat in the East

Read | We made mistakes, time to get back to drawing board: Arvind Kejriwal

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Kasargod:

Missing Kerala man who had allegedly joined the Islamic State in 2016, is believed to have been killed in a US air strike in Afghanistan. Yahyas family members got a message on Saturday night about his death on Telegram, a social media application, said BCA Rahiman, a social worker.



The sender of the message, Asfak, said Yahya was martyred in the US attack. He was killed while fighting the US forces, the message read. It, however, does not specify as to when he was killed.

ALSO READ: Islamic State claims responsibility for fatal shooting in Paris: Amaq



Palakkad Special Branch police could not confirm the?news but made a mention of the message. Yahya, who had converted to Islam, was among the 21 people from the state who had reportedly gone missing after travelling to the Middle East last year and were suspected to have joined the terrorist organisation in Syria.



A fortnight ago, one Murshid Muhammed from Padna in the district was killed in a drone attack in Afghanistan.

ALSO READ: Islamic State claims attack on Egypt; 1 policeman killed, 3 injured

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

An assistant professor at JNU on Saturday alleged some persons vandalised his car and threw stones at his house for organising an event on the varsity campus to condole the death of jawans in Sukma and Kupwara.



My car vandalized and stone-pelted at home at midnight as a reward for organizing condolence meet at JNU and mass gathered for Sukma and Kupwara Martyrs (sic), Buddha Singh tweeted.



Along with the tweet he posted two pictures of the damaged windshield of his car.

Read | Delhi HC extends stay on order upholding JNU's admission policy



I had parked my car near Periyar hostel, which is opposite to the students union office. I do not suspect anyone, but I have filed a case at Vasant Kunj police station, Singh told PTI.



JNUSU in a statement said Singh was trying to gain cheap publicity.



Buddha Singh made a diversionary statement for cheap publicity that his car has been vandalised because he organised a programme rpt programme on Sukma. The RSS always resorts to such tactics to divert attention, so that tough questions are not put to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, JNUSU president Mohit Kumar Pandey said in the statement.

Read | JNUSU files complaint against websites for defaming university



The students union demanded that the matter be inquired properly by the police or the administration.



Delhi Police sources confirmed that a non-cognisable report has been registered in connection with the matter, which means that the complainant can claim insurance for the damage caused.

My Car vandalized & Stone pelted @home @midnight as a reward 4 Organizing condolence meet @JNU & mass gathered 4 Sukma & Kupwara Martyrs pic.twitter.com/A5It1v6tFT  Dr.Buddha Singh (@BuddhaSinghJNU) April 29, 2017

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Much like it happens in most advanced markets, petrol and diesel prices in five cities will be revised on a daily basis from Monday in select towns in sync with international rates.



State-owned fuel retailers Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL), which own more than 95 per cent of the nearly 58,000 petrol pumps in the country, will launch a pilot for daily price revision in five select cities from Monday and gradually extend it to other parts of the country.



A pilot for daily revision of petrol and diesel prices will be first implemented in Puducherry, Vizag in Andhra Pradesh, Udaipur in Rajasthan, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Chandigarh, IOC said in a statement.



State fuel retailers currently revise rates on the 1st and 16th of every month based on average international price of fuel in the preceding fortnight and currency exchange rate. Instead of using fortnightly average, pump rates will reflect daily movement in international oil prices and rupee-US dollar fluctuations.

ALSO READ: Petrol price hiked by 1 paisa, diesel by 44 paisa per litre



IOC said petrol in Udaipur costs Rs 70.57 a litre and diesel Rs 61.23, while in Jamshedpur petrol costs Rs 69.33 a litre and diesel Rs 60.26. A litre of petrol costs Rs 67.65 in Chandigarh and diesel is priced at Rs 57.74. In Vizag, petrol costs Rs 72.68 a litre and diesel Rs 62.81. In Puducherry, petrol is priced at Rs 66.02 per litre and diesel Rs 58.68 a litre.



IOC said customers may verify fuel prices by downloading the company app or visiting its website. Daily price change will remove the big leaps in rates that need to be effected at the end of the fortnight and consumer will be more aligned to market dynamics. While petrol price was freed from the control of the government in June 2010, diesel rates were deregulated in October 2014.



Technically, oil companies have freedom to revise rates but often they have been guided by political considerations. Rates differ by only a few paise between pumps of the three state fuel retailers.



With daily changes, which are unlikely to be more than a few paise per litre, the political pressures for not revising rates particularly when they are to be hiked will go, industry sources said.

ALSO READ: India awards 31 oil and gas blocks to BPCL, HPCL and IOC

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Srinagar:

A strike called by separatists on Sunday affected normal life in Kashmir Valley on Sunday. The strike was called to protest the killing of a civilian in firing by security forces after militants attacked an army camp in Kupwara district on Thursday. Most of the shops, other business establishments and fuel stations were shut.

Public transport was sparse but private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were plying normally in many areas of the city. The weekly flea market was open as many vendors set up their stalls on the TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis along the city centre of Lal Chowk, officials said.

They said the effect of the strike was accentuated because of holiday. Similar reports were received from most other district headquarters of the Valley. Separatists, including chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference -- Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq -- and JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin Malik, had on Friday called for a Valley-wide shutdown against the killing of Mohammad Yousuf Bhat in security forces firing on protesters on Thursday.

The protesters were demanding the bodies of two militants who were killed in retaliatory firing after they attacked an artillery unit of an army garisson at Panzgam. Three soldiers, including an officer, were killed by the militants in the pre-dawn attack before they were neutralized by the security forces.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Hyderabad:

Triple talaq is not a religious issue as it has no sanction in Shariat, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Sunday amid a raging debate on the issue. He also hit out at the Congress for keeping silence on the matter for past several years.



Triple Talaq is not a religious issue as it has no sanction in Shariat. It is a matter of right of equality and right to live with dignity of Muslim women along with other women.



Why this discrimination...this must be put to an end and it should not be politicised, Naidu, who holds the portfolio of Information and Broadcasting, told reporters here.



On senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge charging Prime Minister Narendra Modi with politicising the triple talaq issue to gain political mileage, Naidu said, What the PM said yesterday is that the Muslim society should think on this.

ALSO READ: BJP, RSS trying to create new vote bank through Triple Talaq issue, says Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad



You (Congress) say you are champions of minorities. You dont have concern for women among the minorities. It is a question of inequality and discrimination against the women on the basis of religion. Why you kept silent for all these years. They should answer this, he said.



To another query, he said the prime minister has already spoken against self-styled cow vigilantes. Some political leaders have selective amnesia and keep on speaking anything, he said.



Accusing the Opposition of pursuing an obstructionist agenda, the minister claimed that they are pursuing a disinformation campaign on each and every issue.



They (Opposition parties) are not able to digest the mandate of the people. Come out with an alternative agenda. It is an obstructive and negative agenda thats where the people are worried.



While India is getting connected in this way under PM Modi, some Opposition parties are not able to digest this and are indulging in a negative disinformation campaign on issues and non-issues as well, he alleged.



He said the common challenge before the people and the political class is to make a New India that can realise its true potential by which aspirations of all sections and particularly, the poor and the youth could be met.



Our nation cannot afford negative politics. Recent election results have highlighted this message, he said. The BJP leader appealed to all political parties to take a resolve to put an end to this negative politics and join constructive and positive politics so that the energies of the country and the people could be put to better use.

ALSO READ: PM Modi on Triple Talaq: 'Muslims not to view the issue from a political perspective'

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Gorakhpur:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday drew flak for sharing the stage with murder-accused MLA Amanmani Tripathi at a party event in Gorakhpur. The opposition alleged that it had exposed the real face of the BJP leader who had promised to clamp down on criminals.

Tripathi, an Independent legislator who is facing charge of murdering his wife, sat a few seats away from Adityanath at the programme organised by BJP on Saturday and sought the CMs blessings by touching his feet. He also handed over some papers to the Chief Minister during his brief interaction.

The 35-year-old MLA from Nautanwa assembly in neighbouring Maharajganj district again met the chief minister on Sunday at his Janata Darbar where he listens to peoples grievances, triggering speculation that the controversial legislator could be joining the BJP.

Later, Tripathi told reporters that he was not averse to it.

Maharaj ji is my guardian. His order will be the last word for me, he told reporters outside Gorakhnath Mutt, where the CM was staying.

Asked whether he will join the BJP, he said, Why not? Whatever Maharaj ji tells me, I will do.

Amanmanis father Amarmani Tripathi, who was a minister in the SP government headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav, has been serving life sentence in the sensational Madhumita Shukla murder case.

Opposition parties lashed out at Adityanath, saying his deeds do not match his words. The BJP had made law and order a major election issue and immediately after taking charge, the Chief Minister had said that criminals should leave the state or face consequences.

There is a clear cut difference in the words and actions of Yogi Adityanath. Law and order situation in UP is yet to improve. Ironically the law makers are turning into law breakers. There is no rule of law in the state, Rajendra Chaudhary, chief spokesperson of UP unit of Samajwadi Party, told PTI.

UP Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh said the USP of the BJP is that it possesses a dual face, so that it could easily switch sides. A murder-accused sharing a stage with UP Chief Minister is simply shameful, he said.

Tripathi was denied a ticket by the Samajwadi Party after his name cropped up in his wifes murder case. He was granted bail in March, 2017.

After the row over the issue, BJP workers said they were surprised to see the MLA sharing the stage with Adityanath.

BJPs Gorakhpur unit spokesperson Satyendra Sinha, however, said that, Any public representative can greet the chief minister and touch his feet. There is nothing wrong in it.

State president of Rashtriya Kisan Manch Shekhar Dixit, said, It is ironical that on one hand the UP CM says that he will not tolerate anti-social and criminal elements in the state, but he happily shares the stage with a murder accused.

Tripathi was arrested and sent to jail on November 25, 2016 for his wifes murder and was charge sheeted on February 18.

As he tried to meet the CM today at the Janata Darbar, he was initially stopped by members of Aditynaths Hindu Yuva Vahini as the outfit was holding a meeting at that time.

Also read: Yogi Adityanath meets Governor Ram Naik to discuss state legislature session

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation through his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on Sunday. This is the 31st episode of the monthly radio programme.

The programme was streamed on the YouTube channels of the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and DD News.

Akashwani broadcasts the programme in regional languages immediately after the Hindi broadcast. Regional language versions of the programme will also be repeated at 8 PM.

On his 30th address of Mann Ki Baat after BJPs landslide victory in UP, PM Modi paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and recalled the bravery of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.

ALSO READ: PM Modi on Triple Talaq: 'Muslims not to view the issue from a political perspective'

Highlights of Mann ki Baat:

#Let us devote ourselves towards a transformed India

#I am glad to be joining the Vesak Day celebrations in Sri Lanka, where I will interact with leading Buddhist scholars: PM

#India all set to launch GSAT-9 communication satellite on May 5: PM (Read story about launch here)

#Remembering these fine words of Bhagwan Basaveshwara: PM (Read PM Modi's speech during ceremony to mark Saint's anniversary)



#When people mark Labour Day on 1st May, we remember Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and his role for the welfare of workers: PM



#May 1 marks Labour Day, on this day we need to remember Saint Ramanujacharya, Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Saint Basava: PM

#Govt to release a stamp to mark 1000 years of Saint Ramanujacharya: PM

#We are happy to mark 1000th Jayanti of Shri Ramanujacharya. He contributed immensely to society & social equality: PM



#Removing red beacons on the car is one thing. We are ensuring the VIP culture is removed from the minds of the select few 'VIPs' :PM

#There is anger against VIP culture in India, we need to end this culture and bring EPI culture - Every Person is Important

#I urge my young friends to get more and more people of the BHIM App during these holidays: PM

#Explore new places, experiences; share your pics with #IncredibleIndia: PM

#India is full of diversities. Try learning a language. Go learn swimming or drawing: PM

#I am sure there is so much to learn...and people have so much to teach. These must meet & new skills must be taught and learnt: PM

#Pursue sports in the holidays. Also go play with children of nearby areas: PM

#These holidays, make it about new experiences, go out of your comfort zone: PM

#During summers, many people come to our homes...postmen, milkmen, vegetable sellers...always offer them water (particularly in summers) :PM

#I have noticed children have taken a lead when it comes to putting a bowl of water for birds during the summers: PM

#Temperatures are rising. No wonder this time when I asked for suggestions for Mann ki Baat, people wrote about the summers: PM

#Both Gujarat and Maharashtra have contributed greatly to India's development. Greetings on their respective statehood days: PM

#PM Narendra Modi greets the people of Gujarat and Maharashtra on their respective statehood days.

#Before Mann ki Baat I get so many messages, thoughts & ideas on MyGov, Narendra Modi App, by post: PM





For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Space X will launch its first dedicated classified mission for the US National Reconnaisance Office (NRO) on Sunday at 7 A.M. Space X's Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the spy satellite NROL-76, to orbit from the historic launch complex 39 A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The rocket is slated to lift off between 7 and 9 a.m. EDT (1100 to 1300 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 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.

Space X is trying to make rocket parts cyclable, instead of jettisoning the costly components after each launch. Space X, headed by internet entrepreneur Elon Musk has struggled for years to win the rights to compete for the military's launch business.

It ultimately sued the Air Force, its prospective customer, and broke United Launch Alliance's 10-year monopoly on launching U.S. military and national security satellites SpaceX has also won two launch contracts from the Air Force to put GPS-3 satellites into orbit. SpaceX also has a pair of launch contracts coming up for the Air Force to send GPS satellites into orbit.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The aroma that Biryani creates might make all the biryani lovers go haywire, however the neighbours of this Indian restaurant in the UK didn't shared the same equation.

Owners of an Indian restaurant 'Khushi' in the UK have been fined by a court after neighbours complained of strong 'curry smells' flowing from the eatery.

Khushi, which serves Punjabi dishes and was based in the Red Rose pub, was set in a built-up residential area alongside other businesses.

According to the reports, the Linthorpe restaurant was lacking a 'sufficient filtration system'. A handful of locals had been complaining about the smells, which led to the council's decision.

Read more: Gene variants influence our food choices, says study

Middlesbrough Council fined 'Khushi Indian Buffet Restaurant' owners Shabana and Mohammed Khushi after some residents had complained that the smell of spicy food from the restaurant's kitchen got in through their windows and was overpowering.

The pair were fined 258 pounds each, ordered to pay 500 pounds costs each, and a 30 pounds victim surcharge.

The Khushis had moved into a former pub building so no variation of planning permission was needed and therefore they were never made aware of the type of filters they needed, solicitor Neil Douglas said in their defence.

Shabana, 42, speaking after the case, was quoted as saying, We are relieved that its all over, but we feel let down by the council.

Weve tried to be a good neighbour but we feel weve been targeted by a small minority of people. Others have said they cant smell anything until theyre inside the restaurant, she added.

Read more: Centre directs states to display food grain subsidy at ration shops

Mohammed, 46, said, It has been very stressful. We have had this hanging over us, and we will also have the fine hanging over us and when you start a business, youre trying everything you can to be a success.

However, the Khushis did admit that they failed to comply with an abatement notice, which aimed to stop cooking odours being emitted by the extraction system at said premises, in order to prevent nuisance being caused to neighbouring occupiers, between March and September last year.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Lahore:

Detention period of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeeds has been increased by Pakistans Punjab government and now the extremist Muslim leader will remain 3 more months under house arrest.

Pakistans Punjab government Sunday decided to extend the duration of the house arrest of Saeed and his four aides under the countrys anti-terrorism act and the notification for it will be issued soon, an official of the Punjab governments Home Department told PTI.

The government has decided in principle to extend the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Ubaid for another 90 days under preventive detention, he said.

The official said a consultative meeting on Saeeds detention has already been held under Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar in which a decision to extend the house arrest has been taken.

The government on January 30 had put Saeed and the four leaders under house arrest in Lahore for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security. The house arrest was made for a period of 90 days ending Sunday night.

Also Read: Hafiz Saeed's brother-in-law Makki elevated as head of JuD

According to media reports, the Nawaz Sharif government had detained Saeed after the Trump administration, which had just taken over, had told Pakistan that it may face sanctions if it did not act against JuD and its chief.

The Jamaat-ud Dawah (JuD), the front group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, and its sister organisation Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), had also been put under terror watch on the basis of a report sent by the ministry of foreign affairs.

Saeed, along with his four aides, have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging his detention through senior advocate A K Dogar.

During the previous hearing on the petition earlier this month, the Punjab government had told the Lahore High Court that no violation of law had been made in their detention as it had reasons to believe that JuD and FIF are engaged in activities which can be prejudicial to peace and security.

Saeed and his aides allege in their petition that the government detained them without any legal justification.

Saeed was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, but he was freed by a court in 2009.

He has a bounty of USD 10 million on his head for his role in terror activities.

Also Read: Pakistan's action on Hafiz Saeed a 'mere eye wash': Manish Tewari

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Islamabad:

Pakistan COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa Sunday visited the Line of Control and said his country would continue to support the political struggle of the Kashmiris for the right of self-determination.

Bajwa, who toured the areas in the Haji Pir sector, was briefed about the alleged ceasefire violation by the Indian troops and the state of preparedness of the army to face any aggression.

The army chief said Pakistan would continue to support the struggle of the Kashmiris.

We will always stand by their (Kashmiris) rightful political struggle for the right of self-determination and recourse to basic human rights, Bajwa said in an interaction with troops.

Also Read: Pak army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa asks officers to learn from Indian democracy

He accused India of state-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir.

Bajwa alleged that India was not only involved in aggression against the people in Kashmir but also against the people living on the Pakistani side of the LoC and the Working Boundary.

India has repeatedly rejected Pakistans allegations of rights violations in Kashmir.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington:

As tensions mount over Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programmes, Donald Trump said in an interview to air on Sunday that he thinks Chinese President Xi Jinping is putting pressure on North Korea.

If North Korea carries out a nuclear test I would not be happy, Trump told the CBS television networks Face the Nation programme.

And I can tell you also, I dont believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either, Trump said in excerpts of the interview released on Saturday.

Asked if not happy signified military action, Trump answered: I dont know. I mean, well see.

North Korea test-fired a missile over the weekend in apparent defiance of a concerted US push for tougher international sanctions to curb Pyongyangs 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 communitymost notably Chinafailed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons program.

Trump assailed the failed launch as a show of disrespect toward its ally China.

North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad! Trump wrote on Twitter.

North Korea is seeking to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.

China, Pyongyangs number one trade partner, has repeatedly called for a return to talks on denuclearization but has been reluctant to use economic pressure that could destabilise North Korea.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington:

US President Donald Trump, celebrating the first 100 days of his administration, on Sunday attacked the media for misleading the people with "fake news" as he skipped the "very boring" annual White House Correspondents' Dinner to become the first president in over 30 years to skip the gala.

"I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washington's swamp, spending my evening with all of you with a much, much larger crowd and much, much better people. The media deserves a very big, fat, failing grade", Trump on Friday said sarcastically over the media's coverage of his achievements during his first 100 days in office.

He said a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in the nation's capital right now, referring to the annual black-tie dinner at a luxurious hotel which was sold out to more than 2,600 guests, comprising who's who of nation's political players, and top journalists along with celebrities and diplomats.

"They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents' Dinner without the President", 70-year-old Trump told his cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally at Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, a state which played a critical role in his electoral victory last November.

He told supporters that he was keeping "one promise after another", dismissing criticism as "fake news" by "out of touch" journalists.

This is for the first time in decades that a serving US president decided against attending the annual event of journalists who cover him round-the-clock.

None of the White House staff were present on the occasion in support of the President's decision.

The last president to miss the White House Correspondents' Dinner was Ronald Reagan back in 1981, and that was because he was recovering from an assassination attempt.

In his address, Trump said his rally to celebrate the completion of his first 100 days in office drew a much larger crowd and better people too.

"They would love to be with us right here tonight. They're trapped at the dinner, which will be very, very boring", Trump said, but indicated that he would be present at the Correspondents' Dinner next year.

Next year's dinner might be "more exciting", he said. "But we have a good chance showing up here again next year."

The last time Trump attended the dinner was in 2011, when he was a New York real estate mogul and reality-TV star who had just jumped into politics by getting involved in the "birther" movement, calling for President Barack Obama to release his birth certificate. Trump ended up being the butt of the jokes that night from comedian Seth Meyers and Obama himself.

In his speech, Trump slammed newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Tension between the President and news organisations has been a hallmark of his early administration.

Several media organisations withdrew from the dinner in protest of Trump's treatment of the media before Trump decided he would not attend. Vanity Fair and Bloomberg, which usually co-host an exclusive, star-studded after-party, have cancelled that gala.

More than 100 miles away from Harrisburg, journalists led by White House Correspondents' Association President Jeff Mason slammed the US President for attacking the media.

"We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do", Mason said.

"Freedom of the press is a building block of our democracy. Undermining that by seeking to delegitimize journalists is dangerous to a healthy republic", he said to a standing ovation.

Mason's speech was quickly followed by Indian-American stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj.

"The leader of our country is not here, and that's because he lives in Moscow", Minhaj said amidst laughter from the audience.

"It's a very long flight, it's a Saturday. As for the other guy, I think he's in Pennsylvania because he can't take a joke", said the Indian-American, whose parents are from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
OTTAWA, April 29, 2017 /CNW/ - A team of Globe and Mail reporters has won the inaugural Mindset Award for Workplace Mental Health Reporting. The award was presented tonight at a gala dinner in Ottawa.

The winning series "The Unremembered" commemorated 31 Afghanistan war veterans who took their own lives after returning to Canada. It called into question whether the Canadian government and military had done enough to help them heal from their trauma.

Reporters Renata D'Aliesio, Les Perreaux and Allan Maki collaborated on the work, which was published last November. The series was the unanimous choice of an independent panel of judges appointed by the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma.

One juror said: "I would rank it among the classics of journalism journalism in the public interest at its best." Another described the expose as "minutely explored, carefully elaborated, and powerfully presented."

The Mindset Award for Workplace Mental Health Reporting is linked to Mindset: Reporting on Mental Health / En-Tete : Reportage et Sante Mentale, a bilingual field guide for journalists controlled editorially by the Forum. The project is supported by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, with funds from Health Canada, and by CBC News.

The award is sponsored by the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. It was presented during the annual awards gala of the Canadian Association of Journalists.

All five of the entries chosen as finalists received praise from the judges. One of them said: "The journalism is thoroughly professional and passionate and it's very encouraging to see such great work being produced right across Canada - at a time when the news industry is generally underfunded and in a state of relative turmoil.'"

The jury also picked two finalists for high commendations:

Don Butler , of The Ottawa Citizen, was recognized for a series about the psychological stress endured by workplace whistleblowers who face ruthless institutional retaliation.



of The Ottawa Citizen, was recognized for a series about the psychological stress endured by workplace whistleblowers who face ruthless institutional retaliation. David P. Ball was recognized for his two-month investigation for The Tyee about the struggle of B.C. first responders to persuade WorkSafeBC, the province's workers' compensation board, that their psychological problems should be presumed to be work-related, unless shown otherwise.

The main award includes a cash prize of $1,000, and high commendations bring cash prizes of $250.

Mary Ann Baynton, Program Director for the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace, said: "We commend Renata, Les and Allan and all of the nominees for their integrity in how they tell the stories of people who are experiencing mental health issues in the workplace, and for helping to combat associated stigma so that others feel freer to come forward with their own experiences."

She added: "New research commissioned by the Centre shows that 87.2% of national survey respondents reported improvements in media coverage of workplace mental health issues since 2007."

Our thanks to CNW Group for supporting this announcement.

SOURCE Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma

For further information: Please see the Mindset website http://www.mindset-mediaguide.ca or contact Jane Hawkes, Executive Producer, Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma, 1-519-852-4946, [email protected]
tapnnnyyy.JPG

TAP New York , held each year on the last weekend of April at the Hunter Mountain Ski Resort in the Catskills, is the biggest annual beer fest in the state.

(TAP New York)

HUNTER, NY -- The 2017 winners for best beers and best breweries at New York's biggest annual beer fest covered all regions of the state, from Long Island to Buffalo.

TAP New York president Bill Woodring, left, awards the 2017 Governor's Cup for Best Craft Beer in New York to Jeannie Alexander, Ryan Demler and Ethan Cox of Community Beer Works in Buffalo for The Whale Brown Ale.

The TAP New York Craft Beer and Food Festival, held each April at the Hunter Mountain Ski Resort in the Catskills, named these top winners Saturday:

* F.X. Matt Memorial Cup for

Best Craft Beer Brewery

in New York State

:

of Holbrook on Long Island.

* The Matthew Vassar Brewers' Cup for

Best Craft Beer Brewery in the Hudson Valley:

of Chatham, in the Hudson Valley south of Albany

* Governors' Brewers' Cup for Best Craft Beer in New York State: The Whale Brown Ale from Community Beer Works in Buffalo.

* John Calen Memorial Award for Best English Style Stout in New York State:

Boris the Spider Imperial English Stout from Spider Bite Brewing Co.

The Vassar Cup for best Hudson Valley brewery is legacy of the fest's early years, when it was strictly a Hudson Valley event. The John Calen award is named for one of the fest's founders -- each year the festival designates a different beer style for this award.

This year's festival, the 20th, attracted about 140 breweries from cross the state, a new record. The event continues from noon to 4 p.m. today (April 30) at Hunter Mountain.

In addition to the major prizes, TAP New York awarded these medals for best beers in specific categories:

2017 TAP New York Medal Winners:

Medal - Brewery - Beer

Wheat Beers

Gold - 12 Gates Brewing Co. (Williamsville) - Cherry Vanilla Wheat

Silver - Wolf Hollow Brewing (Schenectady) - Brunette"s Revenge

Bronze - New Paltz Brewing (New Paltz)- Gratzer German Wheat

Light/dark/strong Lagers

Gold - Chatham Brewing (Chatham) - Bock & Bock Dopplebock

Silver - Catskill Brewing (Livingston Manor) - Ball Lightning Pilsner

Bronze - 12 Gates Brewing (Williamsville) - Water Mill Pils

Pale Ales

Gold - Destination Unknown (Bay Shore) - Mosaic Mood

Silver - Peekskill Brewing (Peekskill) - Paramount Pale Ale

Bronze -Seneca Lake Brewing (Dundee) - Baker Street Best Bitter



Light Ales (less than 6 percdent alcohol)

Gold - Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn) - Naranjito

Silver - Lyonsmith Brewing (Penn Yan) - Rhiannon Red Ale

Bronze - Rare Form Brewing (Troy) - Raw Beets

Brown Ales

Gold - Community Beer Works (Buffalo) - The Whale

Silver - Council Rock (Cooperstown) - Leatherstocking Brown

Bronze - Willow Rock Brewing (Syracuse) - Jim

India Pale Ale

Gold - Flagship Brewing (Staten Island)- American Ipa

Silver - Keegan Ales (Kingston) - Fun

Bronze - Hudson Ale Works (Highland) - Citra Mosaic



Strong India Pale Ale

Gold - Big Ditch (Buffalo) - Deep Cut

Silver - Spider Bite Brewing (Holbrook) - Open Wide

Bronze - Sloop (Poughkepsie) - Double Plus Good

Strong Ale (more than 6 percent alcohol)

Gold - Crossroads (Athens) - Barleywine

Silver - Willow Rock (Syracuse) - Rugged Scotch Ale

Bronze - Hopshire Farm Brewery (Dryden) - Shire Scotch Ale

Porter

Gold - The Farmhouse (Owego) - Mama Maple, Etc

Silver - Broken Bow Brewery (Tuckahoe) - Nick's Hazlenut Praline

Bronze - Mad Jack (Schenectady) - Mont Pleasant

Irish Style Stout

Gold - The North Brewey (Endicott) - Sno Clouds

Silver - Hudson Brewing (Hudson) - Tainted Senorita

Bronze - Kings County Brewers Collective (Brooklyn) - What We Don't See Imperial

English Style Stout

Gold - Spider Bite Beer Company (Holbrook) - Boris The Spider Imperial English Stout - The (John Calen Memorial Award)

Silver - Spider Bite Beer Company (Holbrook) - Boris The Spider Barrel Aged Imperial English Stout

Bronze - Big Ditch (Buffalo) - Towpath

Belgian Ale (less than 8 percent alcohol)

Gold - LIC Beer Project (Long Island City)- Ardent Core Saison

Silver - Nedloh Brewery (Bloomfield) - Flx Farmhouse Saison

Bronze - War Horse Brewing Co (Geneva) - Killer Monk Double



Strong Belgian Ale (greater than 8 percent alcohol)

Gold - CH Evans Brewing Co (Albany) - Union Station Quad 2017

Silver - Great Adirondack Brewing (Lake Placid)- Room 237 Flanders Red

Bronze - Catskill Brewing (Livingston Manor) - Freak Tractor Blonde

Barrel Aged Beer

Gold - Matt Brewing Co (Utica) - Basking In Bourbon

Silver - Shmaltz Brewing (Clifton Park) - Funky Jewbalation

Bronze - 42 North (Buffalo) - Borderland Ipa

Sour Beer

Gold - Catskill Brewing (Livingston Manor) - Eye Of Newt Flanders Red

Silver - Brown's Brewing (Troy) - Raspberry Sour

Bronze - Keuka (Hammondsport) - Ghost Of Rita Gose

Don Cazentre writes about craft beer, wine, spirits and beverages for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
Ms. Usman had on Friday 28th April, 2017 filed a N1 billion suit against Breaking Times at an Abuja High Court for allegedly defaming her in a report titled, How El-Rufai and Hadiza Usman bribed APC Chieftains with $25,000 each to make him Vice President.

But in a statement issued on Saturday, April 29, 2017, Anthony Ehilebo, the publisher of the online platform, said that at no point in time did Breaking Times publish the said defamatory report.

The Trent had earlier reported that Ms. Usmans lawsuit is targeted at the wrong platform, a mistake which draws question to her presence of mind and motivations for making Breaking Times a target.

News of the defamation suit therefore comes as not only shocking but deeply embarrassing as the management of Breaking Times has been inundated with calls from friends, family members, business partners and associates as well as numerous clients who are now disengaging from doing business with Breaking Times, the newspaper said.

The full statement which was emailed to The Trent said.

The attention of the publisher and management of Breaking Times Communications Ltd, owners of BREAKING TIMES (TheBreakingTimes.com)  a leading Nigerian online newspaper has been drawn to a report by The Guardian newspaper of Saturday April 29, 2017 with the headline NPA boss slams journalist with N1 billion libel suit.

According to the report, The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman has filed a suit at Federal High Court Abuja seeking for justice against the alleged false publications in an online media, and claiming N1 billion for damages. Usman, who was in court yesterday for the suit filed against Prince Henry Nwazuruahu Shield and thebreakingtimes.com for defamation of character. Usman picked exception to the report published on 22nd March 2017 titled: How El-Rufai and Hadiza Usman bribed APC Chieftains with $25,000 each to make him Vice President.

Suffice it to say, that at no point in time did BREAKING TIMES publish the said defamatory report. News of the defamation suit therefore comes as not only shocking but deeply embarrassing as the management of BREAKING TIMES has been inundated with calls from friends, family members, business partners and associates as well as numerous clients who are now disengaging from doing business with BREAKING TIMES.

Considering that the said defamatory report was published by TheBreakingPostNG  a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT online media organization and a fact that is supported by tweets issued from the official Twitter account of Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman as well as published reports where TheBreakingPostNG reportedly apologized and retracted the report shows clearly that this was a calculated and mischievous attempt with the intent to defame and damage the brand  BREAKING TIMES.

Also, considering the position of Ms. Usman as a senior and active member of Nigerias ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it lends credence to the argument that this was an attempt to destroy the credibility of BREAKING TIMES for its perceived efforts as a rallying point for opposition voices under a democratically elected government where the concept of free press is now a mirage and the freedom of speech for all citizens is no longer guaranteed.

The official Twitter handle of BREAKING TIMES  @BTBreakingTimes is VERIFIED by Twitter; making it easy to be differentiated from other brands.

How is it possible that Ms. Usman with her status as the chief executive of a top-ranking Nigerian government agency as the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) cannot differentiate between BREAKING TIMES and TheBreakingPostNG save for the malicious attempt to label our brand as a purveyor of fake, unprofessional and defamatory news content?

Why was it convenient for Ms. Usman to admit in her tweets that she was defamed by TheBreakingPostNG only to switch to BREAKING TIMES at the point she decided to engage her lawyers to file a N1 billion lawsuit for defamation?

Is Ms. Usman aware of the irreparable damage she has done to our years of painstaking hard work and professionalism as an online news medium?

Let it be clear that the Management of Breaking Times Communications Ltd will not be subdued into silence by the subversive manipulation and ongoing crackdown on the media by government agencies, their officials and other state actors.

In the light of this and as a deterrent to those who are always hasty to intimidate, harass and drag journalists and their media organisations to court over reports they consider unfavorable to them, the Management of Breaking Times Communications Ltd is proceeding to court to seek redress for what it considers an injurious infraction on its rights as a legal entity.

We are suing Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman for defamation to the tune of N2 billion. This is a first step in our efforts to begin the reparation of this malicious damage inflicted on BREAKING TIMES  a media house whose only crime is speaking truth to power.

Signed

Anthony Ehilebo

For: Breaking Times Communications Ltd

The management of Breaking Times, an online newspaper, has announced that it is slamming a N2 billion defamation lawsuit against Hadiza Bala Usman, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
North Koreas military may be armed with obsolete conventional weapons, but at 1.2 million men, it poses a very real threat to its neighbour and nemesis to the south.Equipped with 20,000 artillery pieces, 1,000 short- and medium-range missiles, 70 submarines, more than 400 patrol/missile boats and 563 combat aircraft, the Hermit Kingdoms forces are poised to do maximum damage in a sneak attack against South Korea.Its 10 plutonium-based nuclear warheads and evolving missile technology exists to project power beyond the peninsula, but there is little doubt that the rogue nations first target should it declare war will be South Korea.A strike against Seoul would be devastating. At 25 million people, it is the most densely populated city in the world.Seoul is just 30 miles from the demilitarized zone, the contested boundary between North and South which are still technically at war and restrained only by an armistice in place since 1953.Pyongyang has an estimated 4,000 artillery guns and rockets placed on the heights north of Seoul just across the DMZ, many of them on rails so they can be moved into place in time to avoid detection.Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, said America needs to wield credible combat power all the time to face whatever threats come out of North Korea, I think the lack of a strong, credible combat deterrence is actually an encouragement to Kim Jong Un to do things that are provocative or dangerous or both that threaten those millions who live in Seoul.The U.S. military regularly conducts combat simulations with experts from the private sector and the Pentagon to determine the outcomes of a North Korean attack on the South.Former Army Intelligence Officer Michael Pregent served in rapid response units that would deploy to Korea in the event of a conflict.Now a fellow at the Hudson Institute, he took part in war games that simulated a North Korean offensive against South Korea when he was with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions.Read more: Foxnews
Engineer Bede Obayi, is the Director of Monitoring and Compliance, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). In this interview with Sunday Vanguard, he reacted to the issues raised at a recent town hall meeting on cargo handling charges and SONs regular entry into the sea ports for cargo inspection.The Federal Government gave a standing order, telling some agencies including SON to leave the ports. Today, importers are complaining about what they allege as illegal entry by SONs officials into the ports, even when they are not invited by Customs for examination?To start with, the statement illegal entry is erroneous. How could you say an agency of government created by law with the mandate to perform its statutory functions is entering the ports illegally? In 2011, the Federal Government directed some agencies to stay outside the ports, not to be physically located in the ports, but be invited during inspection of products under their mandate. So, SON responded immediately by opening this office strategically located close to Apapa port, Tincan Island port and other terminals to ensure effective response, to safeguard Nigerians from consuming fake and substandard products. It is a one-stop office where we handle Port inspections, SONCAP verification and enforcement, which is monitoring compliance in all issues relating to port inspections.So, when someone talks about the importance of SON in the ports, you realise that SON must be there to protect Nigerians. Do you know that just one container of fake products can cause havoc in the whole country? It can claim so many lives and even wipe out a whole State. Consider the havoc adulterated fuel can cause. Also, a container of fake goods can cause an outbreak of epidemic in the whole country. A typical example is that of Ebola.Therefore, we need effective regulation to protect our economic environment and innocent Nigerians, which is what SON is doing. So, anyone who tells you that SON stops his cargo wrongly should show documents to prove it. We had cases where containers were declared as food items but the contents were substandard electrical cables. Sometimes substandard tyres are imported into the country, and you can see up to 10 tyres stocked in side one. Another example is the recent seizure of huge substandard tyres and arrest of importers involved.What precisely is the mandate of SON and which agency should invite SON into the ports when its expertise is needed?Our mandate is to ensure elaboration of industrial standards for goods made in Nigeria and products imported into the country, to monitor compliance of these products to the standards, but the major challenge facing SON is false declaration of goods. Since the clearing agents realised that we see things coming into the country through the integrated information system, they will deliberately import SONs regulated products and declare them like that of National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC ) to deceive people. For instance, you see a container carrying SONs controlled goods being declared as food items.They will not do this at the point where NAFDAC can monitor it. They will declare one thing at the point of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) and a different thing at the process where the cargo is going to be released. They will connive and move the container before you know what is happening. You see a situation where you open the single window information system and discover that all the products declared there are not the real contents.The question now is, who is to invite SON when its expertise is needed in the port? Initially, we thought it would be linked to Customs that could give alert. But we started seeing numerous alerts coming in that containers at Tincan were ready for inspection, and we got there to see the Customs Area Controller, he said there was nothing like that. We discovered that there were systems alerts from the head quarter of the organisation, which were not properly coordinated, to ensure that as you get to the port, at a particular time, products are there for examination.Sometime we opened the system and saw over 1,000 alerts and none was effective. So, the alert system became ineffective and SONs work was highly hampered. Nigerians cried out about all manners of substandard goods coming into the country, and asking what SON was doing to curtail influx of such items. Therefore, SON had not been told not to carry out its mandate. When the alert system failed, we restrategised and partnered with Customs to get link into the window of Customs integrated information system, in order to see goods coming in, and to carry out inspection accordingly.In September 2015, SON came on board to link up with the integrated information system. Customs was already there and other agencies entered into the system, making it a single window for monitoring goods coming into the country. The code we are using is an international code from the Federal Government and not from SON. Even with this, SON is faced with a lot of challenges at the ports, for example, false declaration of goods mentioned earlier.SONCAP was launched in 2006, about 11 years now. It shows that for over a decade, SONCAP has become very effective, and when you get it into the system, it is like a bill of lading that tells what is inside a container. Importers do not want to do honest declaration. So, they will falsely declare goods and package them into a container.When they tell you SON is on the high way monitoring, it is when we get information that what they are carrying inside a container is substandard cables and not food items that we act. Often, we track the items but sometimes we dont get all because they will remove the cargo in an hour you may not be there. How many staff does SON have to monitor all the roads and markets in Nigeria? The people criticising SON are those who ought to be blamed for not doing the right thing.What is the way out?The SON Act enacted in 2015 gives the agency the power to prosecute economic saboteurs. Therefore, we will not hesitate to prosecute those guilty of importing fake and substandard products into Nigeria, to the detriment of consumers and the nations economy. Today, we have many cases still pending in court and we must follow them to a logical conclusion.
Janet was an apprentice in Nasirus tailoring institute in Erena, where her father, devoted church leader with the United Mountain of Grace in Shundna village, had enrolled her in 2016 to learn the trade after she refused to further her education beyond primary school.

Janet until recently was the leader of the Sabo Rayi (new life) group in the church. Her parents as a way of empowering her, enrolled her to learn the tailoring trade but were shocked to receive a notification of her marriage through a Sharia court in Erena. Nasiru, a Nigerien national who settled in Erena, was said to have approached the court to join him and Janet as husband and wife without seeking the consent and approval of the parents.

"According to a source close to the family of the girl, Nasiru was said to have craftily organized some Muslim men and women in the area to stand as the parents of Janet in court to enable the marriage to take place.

"Habila Gambo, Janets father told Sunday Sun that unless the decision by the Sharia court, presided over by Umar Shehu to forcefully marry his daughter out to her Muslim boss without his consent was reversed, it will eventually lead to a possible religious crisis in Erena. Gambo warned that even if such illegality had happened elsewhere and they get away with it, Erena and its environs would be thrown into confusion and possible anarchy by the practice of forced conversion and marriage.

Narrating what happened further Gambo said: To my surprise, on March 16, 2017, I came back home and met a court summon, asking me to report at the Sharia Court, Erena. On getting to the court, I was told that my daughter had converted to Islam and that her marriage had been fixed for 2:00pm that same day. I told the Sharia court judge that as a father of Janet, I was not aware of such arrangement because my daughter never discussed anything like that with me. Therefore, I was not going to accept it and I would not be part of it.

But to my surprise the judge told me that the court only wanted to inform me and that was all. He said that the marriage would go on as planned even without my consent. My daughter had never told me that she wanted to convert to Islam not to talk of marrying a Muslim, I paid a lot of money to train her and I would not allow this to happen while I am alive.

Gambo reported the matter to the Niger State Police Command through a formal letter, urging the police to intervene and rescue his daughter from what he called an unlawful marriage. Following his complaint, the police promptly arrested Nasiru and detained him at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Minna. Janet who was as asked to narrate what transpired, Janet told the police that she could not recall what actually happened but that she discovered that she was taking every instruction from Nasiru.

I was confused, I didnt know what happened, but I was taking every instruction from him (Nasiru). I was afraid to let my parents know because of the consequences and I was equally afraid to turn down Nasirus love advances even though inside me I didnt like the idea.

After taking her statement, Janet was handed over to the parents and were asked to return to the police after five days while investigation into the matter continued. Shockingly, when they returned to the police headquarters, Janet demanded that she should be allowed to say something, which, according to her, had been bothering her since she was handed over to her parents. She declared that she was not returning home with her parents as she was ready to join her husband, Nasiru.

Her father broke down in tears and wept uncontrollably as he watched his daughter being handed over to Nasiru by the police because the court had earlier pronounced them husband and wife and it was only the same court that could dissolve the marriage. He has now promised to challenge them with the last drop of his blood blood, saying 'This will never happen in my life time. My daughter is not a stray animal, and even a stray animal has owner. Nobody can take my daughter from me for free without my consent.'

Janet's mother, Asabe Gambo was also assaulted by Nasiru's relations when she went to visit her daughte. Narrating the experience, Asabe said: I only wanted see my daughter when the women in the house gathered and started beating me and calling me unbeliever who should not be welcome into the house. They told me that my daughter was now a Muslim and, therefore, did not need any unbeliever around her. They didnt allow me to even sight my daughter with my eyes. I am seriously in pain, as a mother who carried her pregnancy for nine months, she lamented. I want God to take my life instead of experiencing this kind of situation as a mother. This is quite unfortunate, I dont want to believe that this is happening to me. My daughters sudden change of attitude is not ordinary. As a Christian, I strongly believe that God will surely pass his judgement over this unfortunate experience. My daughter will surely regain her senses and return back home.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is clearly not enjoying the many barbs fired at him by his erstwhile political allies in the book Ag...

Jonathan said: (1) I have just read Segun Adeniyis new book, Against the Run of Play which has so far enjoyed tremendous reviews in the media.



 Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) April 29, 2017



(2) My take on it is that the book as presented contains many distorted claims on the 2015 Presidential election by many of the respondents



 Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) April 29, 2017



(3) There will obviously be more books like that on this subject by concerned Nigerians.







 Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) April 29, 2017



(4) However, I believe that at the right time, the main characters in the elections including myself



 Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) April 29, 2017



(5) will come out with a true account of what transpired either in major interviews or books.



 Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) April 29, 2017

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is clearly not enjoying the many barbs fired at him by his erstwhile political allies in the book Against the Run of Play, written by Olusegun Adeniyi, a former special adviser on media and publicity to the late President Umaru YarAdua.He feels challenged by the development to give his own true account of what transpired either in major interviews or books.And he wants others to do likewise.Jonathan, in a sequence of tweets yesterday branded as distortions, the opinions of some of the respondents in the book about what caused his defeat in the elections.He mentioned no names but the most stinging flak for him are from ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Senate President David Mark, National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, former deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and ex-Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.Some of them do not spare Jonathans wife, Patience, for her public utterances and conduct.Jonathan himself in the book claims his defeat was caused in part by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose chairman at the time, Professor Attahiru Jega, he said failed to make adequate preparation for the polls.Of Jega, he said: I was disappointed by Jega because I still cannot understand what was propelling him to act the way he did in the weeks preceding the elections.As at the first week in February 2015 when about 40 per cent of Nigerians had not collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), Jega said INEC was ready to go ahead with the election. How could INEC have been ready to conduct an election in which millions of people will be disenfranchised?He also accused the chairman of his party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time of the election, Mallam Adamu Muazu of joining in the conspiracy against me.For reasons best known to him, he helped to sabotage the election in favour of the opposition.Jonathan said election results from much of the North were manipulated against him, while the former American President Barack Obama mobilized UK and France to cause his defeat by the opposition.He accused his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, of harassing his family, instead of correcting whatever mistakes I may have made and then carry on from there.His former godfather, Chief Obasanjo said Jonathan from day one was too small for the office of president as he kept looking at otherwise national issues from only Ijaw prism.He said the Jonathan government mishandled the kidnap of the Chibok school girls and turned the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency into an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to enable his cronies have an unrestricted access to public funds.Tambuwal who is now Governor of Sokoto State recalled a particular telephone conversation he had with Patience sometime in 2012.It was in the thick of the faceoff between the Jonathan Presidency and the House of Reps led by Tambuwal.The ex-First Lady allegedly started by ranting: 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.For about five minutes, Mrs. Jonathan allegedly railed against Tambuwal, who was accused of harbouring a sinister agenda against the Federal Government and the President.Tambuwal said he uttered no word and when she paused, he asked: Are you done, Ma? Thank you very much.He dropped the call.Tambuwal approached then Senate President David Mark to mediate.Mark took him and Ihedioha, Tambuwals deputy to the President for a meeting where they gave assurances that they would cooperate and work with the government.It never resolved the crisis as suspicion grew in the presidency that Tambuwal nursed a presidential ambition.Mark said: I guess she had the same fear about me even when she never said it to my face. She once accosted Senator Joy Emordi to say, Joy, I hear you are the manager of David Mark Presidential Campaign Organization, 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 radicalized Tambuwal and turned him into a political foe.Mark said he drew attention to the imminent defeat of Jonathan but his voice was drowned by sycophants around JonathanI saw it and at different times, I pointed out to him and the party that the projections being made by some people around the president about what the voting pattern in the north would be were wrong, Mark said.On his part Ihedioha said Jonathan did not trust many people and he was suspicious of those who meant well for him. And perhaps for that reason, it was difficult to ascertain who was in charge during the election while team efforts were very weak. There was no coordinated campaign programme and he also unwittingly empowered his enemies.The people fighting Tambuwal and myself were PDP members who considered themselves to be foot soldiers of President Jonathan, even when Tambuwal and I discharged our duties patriotically. Besides, it was a wrong way to pay us back for the help we rendered him and the nation at a most defining moment.Amaechi who was governor of Patiences home state of Rivers had a running battle with the former first couple because, according to him, I could not surrender my mandate to a woman in Abuja, even if such a person was wife of the President.He added: Also, I could not possibly grant questionable demands that would make me betray my oath of office. I wont say more than that for now since I am also writing my memoir, but that basically was my sin with Dame Patience Jonathan.Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu says the people of the North have not forgotten how the ex-First Lady kept insulting the North.He recalled a statement by Patience at a political campaign where she said: Our people no dey born children wey dem no dey count. Our men no dey born children thro-way for street; we no dey like the people from that side.And at a campaign in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, she said in pidgin: Wetin him (Buhari) dey find again? Him dey drag with him pikin mate. Old man wey e no get brain, him brain don die patapata. 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!Against the run of play chronicles the events leading to ,and surrounding the 2015 presidential election.It contains interviews with key players in the elections including ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Jonathan, former Senate President Mark, National leader of the ruling APC, Asiwaju Tinubu, former House of Representatives Speaker Tambuwal, former Governor of Rivers State, Amaechi, former deputy Speaker of the House, Ihedioha and Governor Shettima of Borno State.
Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said the state government will set up a panel to probe the cause of the sudden death of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was a serving senator and the first civilian governor of the state.This is contained in a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Sunday by the media aide to the governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon.The governor described Adeleke as a man of peace, who he said defected from the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the August 2014 governorship poll in the state because he could not stand violence.The governor said the administration had planned a befitting state burial for the late politician but he said this was scuttled by some person  crying more than the bereaved who unleashed terror on dignitaries, who came to honour the departed soul.The statement read, Senator Adeleke was a man of peace. He preached peace and lived it through his life. He left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he could not stand violence. This was after he was beaten up by some leaders of the PDP during a meeting in a hotel in Osogbo.It is a profound irony and most unfortunate therefore that a few disgruntled elements purporting to protest his death desecrated his funeral with violence and attacks on innocent persons. They dishonoured him and did his memory a great disservice by keeping his friends, political associates and well-wishers away from his burial.The best we could do in the circumstance was to declare three days of mourning throughout the state and fly national, state and our partys flags at half-mast in his honour.The State Government of Osun, using the instrumentality of the law, is setting up an inquest to unravel the circumstances of this unfortunate and sad incident, in order to put the record straight on his death.We continue to mourn the untimely death of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. He is irreplaceable in our hearts. We commiserate with his family, the good people of Ede, associates, friends, constituents and generality of our people on the passage of this patriot. As we pray for the repose of his soul, we equally pray for the strength to bear this heavy loss.
Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he will not apologise for treading on anybodys toes during his reign as president of the c...

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he will not apologise for treading on anybodys toes during his reign as president of the country between 1999 and 2007.Obasanjo said he did what he had to do and had no regrets.The elder statesman spoke in Lagos on Friday during a reception organised by his close associates to celebrate his 80th birthday.I make no apologies for treading on anybodys toes. If anybody put their toes on my path, I will tread on them, Obasanjo said.He attributed Nigerias woes to inconsistencies in government policies.Obasanjo said the failure of successive leaders to consolidate on the achievements of their predecessors had made governance look like an impossible task.Obasanjo recalled that during one of his visits to Singapore, he asked the countrys former Prime Minister, Harry Lee Kuan Yew, the secrets of the Asian countrys success.The former president said, He (Yew) simply told me their secret was that they did a few things right and continued to do them right. We keep lamenting as if Nigeria is impossible to run or get things rights.I think that during my tenure as president, we did quite a few things right but our failure to continue to do what we have done right is the problem.One of the things we got right was the Universal Basic Education. We said Nigerians had no reason not to have at least nine years of education.On primary healthcare, we did things right because we realised that if we provided basic care for malaria treatment, we would reduce infant and maternal mortality.On anti-corruption, I think we got it right. But did we continue to get things right?Speaking earlier at the occasion, two former governors, Gbenga Daniel (Ogun State) and Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun State) had claimed that Obasanjo trod on their toes during his administration.In fact, Baba almost crushed my toes. But Baba is a great man who cares for the nation and wants things to be done the right way, Daniel said, with Oyinlola expressing the same sentiment.A former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, in his remarks, praised the former president for his leadership achievements in the country, adding that Obasanjo contributed immensely to his personal career.Things really happened during that period and there were a couple of difficult moments because 99 per cent of the people we arrested were Peoples Democratic Party members.He (Obasanjo) exercised self-restraint; he refused to interfere with the day-to-day running of the EFCC. Obasanjo is a living proof that hard work does not kill. I wish he would never retire. You cant afford to retire.Similarly, a former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, while praising Obasanjo during the event, described the ex-president as a bad man who pushed everyone in his team to work hard.Baba is a bad man; even though he was the oldest in the team, he worked very hard and expected others to do as well. I told him I did not have as much strength as he would expect, Baba retorted, Ole, ole! (lazybones; thief!).
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has defended his decision shunning entreaties to make his assets public while in office between 2011 and ...

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has defended his decision shunning entreaties to make his assets public while in office between 2011 and 2015.The former president, whose action is captured in the new book, Against the Run of Play: How an incumbent president was defeated by Segun Adeniyi, argued that he did not believe that declaring his assets publicly could stem the tide of corruption or degrade the level of terrorism in the country. Jonathan said: It is not the President declaring his assets that will end Boko Haram and whether I am criticised from head to toe I will not declare my assets publicly; it is not right; I did not even want to declare my assets as VP but was forced by the then President Umaru Musa YarAdua.The law is clear. A public officer should declare his asset, and if there are issues, then the relevant agencies would have a basis to assess whether you have amassed wealth or not. Pressed further to make public his assets in the spirit of the anti-corruption war and moral basis, the book quotes Jonathan as saying, I dont give a damn about it.The law is clear about it and so, making it public is not issue and I will not play into the hands of people. I have nothing to hide. I declared under Yar Adua because he did it, but it is not proper; it is not the president declaring assets that will change the country, he insisted.The book noted, By refusing to make public his assets declaration, Jonathan easily played into the hands of the opposition that had started to define him as a corrupt leader.That characterisation hounded him throughout his tenure and would become a major campaign point in 2015. But if there was any corruption scandal that did incalculable damage to the credibility of his government, it was the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy funds, the book noted.It went further: And with that, critical stakeholders, including organised labour unions and civil society groups-responded with anger and condemnation, vowing to challenge the Federal Government by calling for a nationwide strike.
Gabriel Jesus marked his return to Manchester City's starting lineup by grabbing a dramatic late equaliser for his side in a 2-2 draw against relegation-haunted Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.Gabriel headed home a Sergio Aguero cross in the 84th minute after Calum Chambers appeared to have secured three priceless points for the hosts in their unlikely battle to beat the drop.Steve Agnew's men led through a first-half strike from former City striker Alvaro Negredo before the visitors drew level in controversial fashion when Aguero netted from the spot.Boro players reacted with fury when Leroy Sane went down under the challenge of Marten de Roon -- but reacted brilliantly to grab back the lead just seven minutes later.But in a thrilling finale Gabriel, back after 10 weeks out with a foot injury, strengthened his side's top-four prospects and left Boro six points off safety with just three games to go.Boro had almost behind in the first 30 seconds, Aguero wriggling into the left side of the box and flashing a shot across the face of goal.Aleksandar Kolarov drove a long-range effort high and wide with three minutes on the clock, and five minutes later Fernandinho's lofted pass fed Aguero who scooped his shot inches over the bar.But Boro survived the early storm and began to flourish, their confidence visibly returning after ending their long winless streak in midweek which boosted their still-unlikely survival mission.Ben Gibson flicked on a Fabio cross in the 12th minute to Negredo, who blazed his shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.De Roon shot wide from long range then the same player just missed the target after latching onto the end of a deep Downing free-kick.Gabriel, who had cut a relatively anonymous figure in the first half hour, came close with his first chance of note when he flicked wide from Nicolas Otamendi's right-wing cross.And Boro grabbed the lead their initiative deserved in the 37th minute when de Roon sent Downing scampering clear down the left flank and when his cross was laid back from George Friend inside the box, Negredo sent a curling left-foot finish past Willy Caballero.After just four minutes of the second half, during which Caballero plucked the ball off the head of the dangerous de Roon, Guardiola had seen enough and threw on both Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling to bolster his side's attacking threat.Inevitably City began to pile on the pressure, Kevin De Bruyne stinging Brad Guzan's hands with a long-range effort before the Boro keeper had to be alert on 65 minutes to tip over a clever lofted effort by Gabriel Navas.Tempers frayed two minutes later when Sane fell under a challenge by de Roon in the box and after referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot the Boro players reacted with fury, with Fabio booked for protesting and Sane having to be pulled away from a confrontation.Aguero dispatched the spot-kick but just three minutes later there was more drama at the other end when Boro substitute Adama Traore burst clear but fell under the challenge of Otamendi on the edge of the box.Downing's free-kick was spilled by Otamendi and after a mighty goalmouth scramble, Negredo managed to squeeze the ball across the face of goal at the second attempt where Chambers poked home.But the drama was not over as Gabriel rose unchallenged in the Boro box to head home an Aguero cross and grab the equaliser with four minutes to go.Credit: ESPN
Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out a controversial Wayne Rooney penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for Swansea City at Old Trafford that damages Manchester United's top-four ambitions.Rooney swept home from the spot moments before half-time after Marcus Rashford had gone to ground under almost no contract from Lukasz Fabianski, but Swansea's set-piece maestro stole a point that could wreck the hosts' hopes of qualifying for the Champions League through domestic competition.United also saw Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly added to their already lengthy injury list just four days ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg against Celta Vigo.Swansea, who are now just two points adrift of safety in 18th place, looked the brighter of the teams for much of the first half but chances were limited before the penalty incident in stoppage time.Jose Mourinho was without injured trio Paul Pogba, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and Shaw and Bailly were forced off in either half to compound their concerns ahead of a crucial run of fixtures that includes trips to Arsenal and Tottenham alongside that European semi-final.United looked likely to hold onto the three points regardless but Sigurdsson's stunning free-kick snatched a draw for the visitors to deny Mourinho's men the chance to move into the top four.A sluggish start from United was made worse when Shaw hobbled off with less than nine minutes played, the full-back indicating discomfort in his left leg.Swansea were by far the better team in the opening quarter of an hour and Fernando Llorente brought a fine reaction stop out of David de Gea from a Tom Carroll cross, before United's shaky defence scrambled the ball clear.First-half goals have been in short supply at Old Trafford this season but Jesse Lingard almost the broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, racing onto Anthony Martial's delivery before seeing his volley expertly blocked by Fabianski.The Swansea keeper saved well again when Martial cut in from the left and drilled low at goal, but De Gea went one better when he stuck out a foot to stop Jordan Ayew after some fine footwork in the area.The visitors' good work was undone in controversial fashion on the stroke of half-time, however. Rashford went down as Fabianski raced out to meet him and referee Neil Swarbrick pointed to the spot, after lengthy consideration.Replays showed the England youngster had gone to ground far too easily and Rooney compounded Swansea's frustrations as he swept the penalty into the bottom-right corner.Rooney thumped a clear chance against Martial's back three minutes after the restart as United pushed for a second, but there was more bad news for Mourinho as Bailly had to be replaced with what looked to be an injury to his right ankle.Sigurdsson wasted a great chance to level on the break, blasting high from the edge of the area, but the Iceland midfielder responded in style with 11 minutes to play, bending a sublime free-kick past the motionless De Gea from 20 yards out.It could have been worse for United had Llorente managed to connect with a Sigurdsson delivery with the goal gaping, but the teams had to settle for a draw that was greeted with huge frustration by the home fans who stayed until the final whistle.Credit: Goal
One week after securing a record 10th title at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Rafael Nadal etched his name in the history books once again, lifting a 10th trophy at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.Nadal's historic conclusion to the month of April extended to home soil, defeating Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1.Nadal has relinquished just one set in posting a staggering 10-0 record in Barcelona finals. He captured a 71st tour-level crown and 51st on clay, firing 14 winners and saving the lone break point faced. He was only broken twice in 47 service games throughout the week.The Spaniard capped a record-breaking two-week stretch, which saw him become the first player to win 10 titles at a tour-level event in Monte-Carlo and repeat the feat on his native clay of Barcelona. He has won 20 of 21 sets thus far on the European clay-court swing.
US President Donald Trump offered some backhanded praise for North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, calling him a pretty smart cookie in a t...

US President Donald Trump offered some backhanded praise for North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, calling him a pretty smart cookie in a television interview that aired Sunday.Trumps almost admiring remarks came amid soaring tensions with North Korea over its missile and nuclear programs, with an alarmed Washington looking to China for help in reining in Kim.Trump said he had no idea whether Kim was sane or not, but said the North Korean leader had faced a formidable challenge in taking over the country at a reported age of 27 after his fathers death in 2011.Hes dealing with obviously very tough people, in particular the generals and others. And at a very young age, he was able to assume power, Trump said in the interview with CBSs Face the Nation.A lot of people, Im sure, tried to take that power away, whether it was his uncle or anybody else. And he was able to do it.So obviously, hes a pretty smart cookie, he said.But we have a situation that we just cannot let  we cannot let whats been going on for a long period of years continue, Trump added.North Korea has kept the West on edge for weeks over signs it may conduct a sixth nuclear test, punctuated by a series of missile tests that have aroused US fears that the regime may be close to developing a ballistic missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead. A chess game The North, defying mounting US pressure, launched its latest missile test on Saturday, which South Korea said failed.Trump refused comment on whether the United States had anything to do with the missile test failure.It is a chess game. I just dont want people to know what my thinking is. So eventually, he will have a better delivery system. And if that happens, we cant allow it to happen.Hours before the North Korean test, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned of catastrophic consequences if the international community does not act more forcefully to sanction Pyongyang.The United States has deployed a naval strike group to the area led by the carrier USS Carl Vinson, which on Saturday began drilling with the South Korean navy to practice procedures for tracking and intercepting enemy ballistic missiles.On Sunday, the two allies concluded a massive annual military exercise called Foal Eagle, which involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops. Betting on China If North Korea carries out a nuclear test, Trump told CBS, I would not be happy.And I can tell you also, I dont believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either, Trump said.Asked if not happy signified military action, Trump answered: I dont know. I mean, well see.So far, Trump has placed his biggest bet on getting China to use its leverage to pressure Pyongyang to change its behavior, a strategy that has failed to produce results in the past.Since meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida April 6-7, Trump has set aside his campaign threats to impose tariffs on Chinese imports and declare Beijing a currency manipulator.I think that, frankly, North Korea is maybe more important than trade. Trade is very important. But massive warfare with millions, potentially millions of people being killed? That, as we would say, trumps trade, he told CBS.Now, if China can help us with North Korea and can solve that problem  thats worth making not as good a trade deal for the United States, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated his declaration that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris plans to kil...

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated his declaration 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 the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim 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 that 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 recenta plot is aimed at silencing him because the Rivers State Government claimed the Ikoyi Billions, which was reportedly left there by the former Rivers State Governor. He decried the pattern that has been adopted in the nations democracy, saying that it will 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 regretted that 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 maintained that Rivers State lawyers are working on the matter, stating that the money belongs to the Rivers State Government.
A Saudi Arabian man who renounced Islam and made disparaging remarks about the prophet Muhammad has been sentenced to death.

A Saudi Arabian man who renounced Islam and made disparaging remarks about the prophet Muhammad has been sentenced to death.Authorities became aware of Ahmad Al-Shamri in 2014 after he uploaded a series of videos reflecting his views on social media. He was subsequently arrested on charges of atheism and blasphemy, faced trial and was sentenced to death in February 2015.Al-Shamri is reportedly in his early 20s and comes from the city of Hafar Al-Batin, located in Saudi Arabias Eastern Province.The defendant initially pleaded insanity, saying that he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he made the comments, Hala Dosari, an advisory board member of Human Rights Watch (HRW) told the Washington Post.She added that his trial focused heavily on Quranic law and little on any mitigating mental illness. As a result, Al-Shamri has been sentenced to death for being an atheist.After a lengthy appeals process, Saudi Arabias Supreme Court ruled against Al-Shamri on Tuesday (25 April).According to Amnesty International, the Gulf oil giant carried out at least 154 executions in 2016. The country has been habitually criticised by human rights groups over its human rights record, but it is still a member of the UNs Human Rights Council. Its term expires in 2019.Leaving Islam is punishable by death in the ultra-conservative kingdom.The conservative religious folks have full control of the justice system, said Adam Coogle, Middle East researcher at HRW.Judges come from religious seminaries in Saudi Arabia. They see themselves as preservers of Saudi Arabias character as an Islamic state, he added. And they come down hard on people who step out of line.Saudi Arabia was ranked third by Amnesty International for recorded executions in 2016 behind China (which was in the thousands) and Iran (567+). The true figures are thought to be significantly higher as the figures only cover the judicial use of the death penalty.Those sentenced to death are killed by beheading or shooting.Social media users were divided over Al-Shamris death sentence, with some saying such an extreme course of action is unjustified. Others, however, appeared to celebrate the verdict and even went as far as saying they wished there could be live streaming when the execution is carried out.
One Isaac Obe has been shot dead by unknown gunmen around Alaode-Eleme in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers state.According to reports, Obe who was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the area until his death was shot dead about 8pm last night at his resident.A source close to the community said the hoodlums stormed the area in a tinted car and shot at their target as he wanted to open his compound gate for those whom he suspected to be visitors.He said the killers of Isaac Obe shot sporadically to make way for themselves after killing their target.In the same vein, one Nna Asor has been killed and beheaded in Omudiogwa community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.The Omudioga Youth President, Chinyere Amadi who confirmed the incident said Asor who was suspected to be member of Dey-Bam cultist was murdered and beheaded by suspected members of the rival Iceland cultist in the area.Amadi disclosed that the recent incident came barely two days after the Deputy Commissioner of Police led some hundreds of men and officers to visit the community after the incident that led to the killing of five persons in the same area.The police are yet to comment on the killings including the murder of an APC chieftain in Eleme Local Government Area of the state.
CAMDEN -- A woman is in stable condition after she was shot in the city early Sunday.

The woman was shot around 12:45 a.m. in the 2100 block of Westminster Avenue, according to Dan Keashen, a county spokesman.

6abc reported that the woman was shot in the torso three times while in a moving car, but Keashen said he could not confirm the information.

A resident who heard the gunshots discovered the woman and was trying to drive her to the hospital herself when an officer arrived, the news station reported. The officer put the woman in his patrol car and rushed her to the hospital, 6abc reported.

For more than two years, the Camden County Police Department has trained officers to take a person with a serious gunshot or stab wound to the hospital in a cruiser if an ambulance is not on scene.

Police Chief J. Scott Thomson said in an earlier interview that waiting a few minutes for an ambulance "could be the difference between life or death."

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
EAST ORANGE -- In the nightmare, Zammeah Bivins-Gibson's phone is ringing off the hook.

She couldn't make payroll, and her staff members at the homeless shelter are calling to demand their checks. They won't be able to pay their bills, they say, and it's all Bivins-Gibson's fault.

"It feels heavy," she said last month. "It feels like literally something is sitting on you and pushing you down."

Bivins-Gibson, the executive director of Isaiah House, has had a lot of these bad dreams recently. The agency has lost more than $2 million in federal funding since 2013, putting a significant strain on operations, she said.

Isaiah House is the only shelter in East Orange. It provides housing, food, support services and financial aid to people battling unemployment, illness, drug addiction, teenage pregnancy or other crises. The nonprofit also subsidizes rent for people who are homeless, mentally challenged or living with HIV/AIDS.

As the shelter has repeatedly tightened its belt in the past few years, Bivins-Gibson has tried to keep its clients from feeling the loss. She put her staff members on furlough, changed insurance carriers and contracted with cheaper vendors.

Still, residents have seen signs of the difficulty. The agency is trying to sell a second building that housed 12 teenage girls, some of whom were pregnant. That program is no longer running.

A lounge on the women's floor of the shelter, meanwhile, was mostly empty for a year after a couch and an armchair got too torn up to use. Bivins-Gibson recently maxed out the organization's credit card to replace the furniture and expects to be reimbursed by a grant.

Loss of funding

The loss of the $2.1 million in federal Housing and Urban Development grants since 2013 has taken a toll on Isaiah House, which opened in 1988. In addition to closing the shelter's program for teenage girls, Isaiah House ended another program for struggling families, Bivins-Gibson said.

"The more it gets cut, the more we have to find ways to cut here," she said. "And we don't have many more ways that we can cut."

A spokeswoman for HUD said the agency changed its funding guidelines in 2015 to prioritize supporting organizations that provide permanent housing, as opposed to transitional housing. Although Isaiah House helps pay rent on apartments for certain marginalized groups, its primary function is as a temporary shelter.

The City of Newark distributes HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS grants to agencies in Newark and surrounding municipalities, including East Orange.

Vickie Donaldson, the city's director of homeless services, said Newark's HOPWA funding has been decreased by about $1.75 million in the past two years. As a result, she said the city has had to reduce funding to all of its programs that receive HOPWA money, including Isaiah House.

"As HOPWA is a competitive grant, there is a process engaged in, including proposal reviews, that ultimately determine grant funding decisions," Donaldson wrote in an email.

Bivins-Gibson said closing the shelter is not an option. She said she is a product of East Orange and is far too invested in the agency's success to watch it fail now.

"My heart is in making sure that we are a viable option for the people in this community who are good people, who are hardworking people, who sometimes just don't have enough," Bivins-Gibson said. "If we are not here to help them, they may not have another option."

Making Isaiah House a home

Deveon Fleming-Robinson, 25, joined Isaiah House's Brothers with Brothers program for homeless young men in June 2008 after a serious argument with his adoptive mother drew the police to their home. A state social worker helped him move into Isaiah House, which he said last month was like being in a college environment without the academia.

During his more than three years in Brothers with Brothers, Fleming-Robinson said he bonded with a staff member who taught him the difference between boldness and crudeness, became close with people he felt loved him unconditionally, and made the agency into a home.

When he went to South Dakota for a few weeks during the program, the director of Brothers With Brothers gave him $100 to spend and threw him a going-away party.

"I couldn't wait to come back," Fleming-Robinson said.

He went on to spend a year at Fairleigh Dickinson University and later transferred to Kean University, where he graduated in 2016 with a communications degree. Isaiah House has a relationship with Kean and has helped about 10 students gain admission.

Now living in Hillside and focusing simultaneously on improv comedy and paying back his college loans, Fleming-Robinson credits Isaiah House with forming his character.

"Now I'm not afraid to say when something is wrong or to call out something that's misjudged," Fleming-Robinson said. "When people feel that they don't have a voice, I'm not afraid to stand up with them and say, 'Let's do something about this.'"

'Shelter from the storm'

Despite the agency's financial struggles, Bivins-Gibson said she is hopeful Isaiah House can stay on its feet.

She gets phone calls from former business executives who say they want to help. Encouraging notes arrive in the mail. Her newly appointed board of directors reaches out to their contacts and connects the agency with fresh resources.

One local woman comes to Isaiah House every month with 15 to 20 bags of groceries, even though she has sometimes struggled to make ends meet herself.

Although Isaiah House is not a religious organization, its name comes from a biblical verse from the Book of Isaiah that references being "shelter from the storm."

Bivins-Gibson said she is determined to keep the agency functioning that way for community members who may not have anywhere else to go.

"I have these moments of clarity, and I feel like we've gotten here not by mistake," she said. "So many things have happened that could have been the end of Isaiah House, and we've gotten through them."

Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati or on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- A man wounded by police in Pennsylvania after a shootout there falsely claimed he was shot in Newark, authorities said Friday.

Newark police were called to a report of a gunshot victim around 1:30 a.m. Thursday at University Hospital, according to city Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

The injured man, Barry Edwards, 31, told officers he was shot at South 20th Street and Springfield Avenue following an argument, authorities said. Detectives, however, discovered that Evans was actually shot in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, more than 100 miles from Newark, cops said.

Newark police charged Edwards with making a false report to police.

In the Pennsylvania shooting, police heard gunfire late Wednesday as shooters in two vehicles opened fire at each other, according to the The Citizens' Voice newspaper of Wilkes-Barre.

Police chased one of the vehicles before it crashed into a parked car, according to arrest reports cited by the newspaper. Edwards allegedly jumped from the wrecked vehicle and ran toward a police officer while carrying a gun.

The officer first managed to hit Edwards with his car door before he fired at the gunman, according to the report. Edwards suffered a non life-threatening hip wound in the confrontation, the report said. It was unclear how Edwards left the scene.

A Wilkes-Barre police spokeswoman did not have details on the incident Friday.

Edwards faces charges in Pennsylvania, including aggravated assault of a police officer, the newspaper reported. Records show he remained held at the Essex County jail Saturday.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The decision allows for applications in the areas of Tore, Isina and Jaba, places which have large ore deposits, and does not include Panguna.

ABG president John Momis made the announcement on Friday after the Bougainville Executive Council carefully considered the implications of developing the capacity of the government to manage exploration applications and the needs of the people of Bougainville.

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has made an historic decision by lifting the mining and exploration moratorium in the province.

Since the development of the Panguna mine more than 40 years ago the rest of Bougainville was been covered by a moratorium on further exploration.

In 2006 the ABG requested the PNG government to provide it with powers over mining, oil and gas, with an agreement being signed in 2008.

It took another seven years for the process to conclude and the ABG enacted its own Mining Act in 2015 paving the way for it to regulate its own mining sector.

The Bougainville Constitution and the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 clearly define the people as the owners of all the minerals found on all the land in Bougainville, President Momis said.

It is important that the peoples consent must be given before any mine is developed under the Mining Act, Dr Momis said.

He added that the Bougainville Mining Act gives the ABG the opportunity to preserve and reserve certain areas in Bougainville from mineral exploration and mining.

The Bougainville Executive Council has the final authority to grant mining licenses and it will scrutinise applicants thoroughly to ensure only genuine investors are granted licenses.

We have learnt our lessons from the Panguna experience and now we have the opportunity to do a better job, Dr Momis said.

On behalf of the people of Bougainville I invite and welcome applications from prospective applicants to invest in our mining sector.

Bougainville is open for business and I look forward to the development of long term economic partnerships to allow Bougainville to fulfil the economic potential she rightly deserves.

The Bougainville Mining Registrar will start accepting applications from 10am Bougainville Standard Time on Tuesday 9 May.

This could be Bougainvilles last PNG election

President Momis has thrown his support behind the National Alliance Party by endorsing four candidates in the South, Central and North Bougainville seats and the regional seat in PNGs forthcoming national election.

This could be Bougainville's final PNG elections depending upon the results of the referendum on independence in 2019.

Dr Momis has previously stated that, since the inception of the ABG in 2005, Bougainville's national MPs have done little to voice the concerns of the ABG and Bougainville on the floor of the national parliament.

He believes that, as the referendum approaches, it is imperative that the new Bougainville MPs lobby support to empower the people's decision about whether to remain with PNG or secede as a new nation.

In the picture, Dr Momis congratulates incumbent South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu after his nomination was witnessed by more than 4,000 people in Buin.
John Steiner, a Miss. man angered by the removal of Confederate monuments in New Orleans, was arrested Thursday (April 27) after calling the Lt. Gov.'s office in Baton Rouge and threatening to shoot Mayor Mitch Landrieu and others. (East Parish Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office)
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.
Community Foundation (PCCF) continued its positive impact. Individuals, families, businesses, governmental entities and nonprofits can give back to their local communities for generations and receive tax credits for their donations, as well as benefit from an additional 10% contribution on top of the donated amount. The addition is funded by a grant from the Iowa West Foundation. Recently, Jerry Mathiasen, President & CEO of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, participated in the annual "Community Foundations on Capitol Hill Day." Mathiasen, who resides in the House District of Rep. Mary Ann Hanusa, visited with various legislators including Hanusa (pictured) about the positive impact of community foundations in Iowa. In particular, he discussed the value of the Endow Iowa tax credit for local donors, who want to give back to the community through PCCF. To learn more about PCCF, visit ourpccf.org or call Mathiasen at 712-256-7007.
Last year saw 34 Iowans wake up, say goodbye to loves ones and go to work as usual  never to return home again.

Those Iowans, along with many more across the nation, died in job-related accidents.

Around 30 of their fellow Iowa workers, union supporters and public officials gathered Friday evening in Bayliss Park to remember them and hope others will become more aware of dangers many workers face on a daily basis.

The Workers Memorial Day ceremony was held Friday, April 28, because it was on that day in 1971 that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created after President Richard Nixon signed it into law several weeks earlier.

OSHAs mission is assure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

This is a national day where we honor workers who died on the job, said Scott Punteney, a local labor spokesman. This is the first time in Council Bluffs weve held this.

During the event, names of those 34 Iowans who died on the job last year were read aloud. Though his death occurred early this year, the name of Council Bluffs resident Salvatore Fidone III, an Omaha Public Works employee killed by a vehicle while repairing a pothole, was among the names remembered.

Those are our mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, said Chris Merk, chapter vice president of Western Iowa Labor Federation. These are people from our communities.

There were also political statements made at the event.

Council Bluffs attorney Jake Peters criticized members of the Iowa Legislature for gutting workers compensation rights.

We had a disastrous year in Des Moines, he said. They immediately went to work and turned on working families. Everybody needs to remember what they did.

Merk said that workers create benefits for businesses every day.

Its important to fight for workers every day, he said.
Many organizations teamed together Saturday with a focused on helping veterans, first responders and their families to spread one message: They are here to help you.

The nonprofit Operation Engage America set up inside the halls of Community of Christ Church at 140 West Kanesville Blvd. to recognize those who served and house a resource fair.

Groups that help with post-traumatic stress, brain injuries offered help to those who sought it, while haircuts, massages and lunch was provided for those who wanted them.

Lisa Naslund, co-founder of Engage, said she was pleased with the turnout  but the event wasnt about numbers.

Even if we only help one person who needs it, weve done something good, she said.

Naslund and her husband, Jeff Naslund, formed the organization after their son, Iowa National Guard Sgt. Dillion Naslund, died by suicide in 2012. The Afghanistan veteran, a resident of Galva, was 25.

There is strong support for veterans here, Lisa Naslund said. These organizations, they make a difference and are passionate about what they do.

Since the death of their son, the Naslunds have sought to prevent more veteran suicides, she said. They, along with Howard and Jean Somers of San Diego, who also suffered the loss of a National Guard veteran son to suicide in 2013, created Engage.

Lisa Naslund spoke that morning of her sons story, joined by Sgt. Alexis Trucke, a friend of Dillions, and Mick Guttau, a Vietnam War helicopter pilot who is chairman of TS Bank in Treynor. It was the first of the organizations events in the metro area.

Previous events have been held in Des Moines, Sioux City, Storm Lake, Iowa City, San Diego and Norfolk, Nebraska, she said.

We simply wanted to do what we could for others. Thats what sparked it. The Somers had a vision and we learned about the resources available, she said. We want them to know there is help.

For more information, go to Operation-Engage-America.org.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: Start. Your. Rotors.

The Kanesville Arena on Saturday was rife with the sounds of whirring propeller blades and the hum of tiny batteries powering aerial machines with the agility of hummingbirds  or a brick, depending on some students luck.

The fifth-annual Anti-Gravity Games, sponsored by Google, brought more than 100 students from 16 area schools to the campus of Iowa Western Community College to test their mechanical, piloting and programming skills in controlling their homemade drones through obstacle courses.

It was a celebration of science, technology, engineering and math skills. Students were pitted against challenges armed with only a $30 kit, provided by Google, that the students had to construct and operate themselves.

In one area, students were busy setting up. They were tweaking their designs or repairing faulty parts as their quadcopters lay on the operating table like patients prepped for surgery  wires instead of veins, microprocessors for a nervous system and propeller blades for wings.

Our first run wasnt so hot, so were fixing things right now, said Lewis Central High School sophomore Cameron Fitzgerald as he labored over their drone with Cameron Houston, a senior.

Fitzgerald said  with the caveat of the upcoming flight going right  the activity is a rewarding one when all the work they pour into their project pays off.

For Houston, the hardest part of the endeavor wasnt building or programing the machines but flying them, he said, using a controller similar to ones used for RC cars or model planes.

Its fun when it works! Houston said with a laugh.

Throughout the hallway, competitors and bystanders alike ogled Googles projects laid out on tables, like Google Cardboard, which let viewers see objects and scenes in 3D using just a cellphone and some lenses wrapped in, well, cardboard.

A 3D printer busied itself creating layer upon layer of plastic to form a toy frog. A robot on wheels rolled around nearby.

Within the gymnasium was the arena, fit with upbeat music and dramatic show lighting for a modern-day quadcopter-ial (instead of gladiatorial) battle.

Wayne Ring, a sophomore at AHSTW from Shelby, stood on the stage, his quadcopter at the ready to fly through several plastic obstacles, like a pole vaulter trying to clear the bar.

His machine took flight and promptly smacked into a pole like a bird to a just-cleaned window, shot up into the air and fell with the grace and dignity of a stone off the stage, shattering on the ground.

Im not good at flying, Ring humbly admitted. Holding his quadcopter in his hands, he surveyed the damage. A friend suggested duct tape.

Duct tape may be the best option, he sighed.

Nearby, Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh, Iowa Western Community College President Dan Kinney and Iowa State Senator Dan Dawson watched the competition together.

Always tremendous to see this each year, Kinney said.

The event is a learning opportunity for young people to gain an appreciation of STEM fields, he added.

We hope it can continue to grow each year and have more students be a part of it, Kinney said.
Eighteen years later, the single word Whiteclay sets loose the crowded impressions in my mind.

I found myself back there the moment I heard that the state of Nebraska had finally  finally  moved to shut down the four beer stores in the tiny town that has fueled alcoholisms ravages on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for so very long.

Just two years after Joan and I left The Telegraph and North Platte for Omaha, I found myself in the midst of the most consequential  and potentially most dangerous  breaking news story of my full-time newspaper career.

My name and my words were on the front page of the Omaha World-Herald on June 27, 1999, telling Nebraskans that a morning rally and afternoon memorial service for two dead Lakota men had exploded into a riot in the town where four beer stores  then and now  supplied between 3 million and 4 million cans of beer a year to residents of the officially alcohol-free reservation.

I was 35 then. Im 53 now. How slowly, frustratingly slowly, humans can take to do even the least they can do. And even then, they so often seek ways to undo it.

A Lincoln judge Thursday overturned the Nebraska Liquor Control Commissions 3-0 vote on April 20 to refuse renewal of the stores licenses. A prompt appeal by the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office means the beer stores have to shut down, for now, when their licenses expire on Sunday.

Historians would rightly point out that the alcohol poisoning of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the tribe of the great leader Red Cloud, has been nearly a century and a half in the making.

The Red Cloud Agency, forerunner of the Pine Ridge Reservation, relocated from near Fort Robinson to its current site in 1878. White liquor merchants wasted little time setting up shop on the Nebraska side. Alcohol has freely flowed northward from there into Pine Ridge virtually nonstop ever since.

Alarm at the liquor trades devastating impact on the Lakota led Washington in 1882 to extend the reservations borders five miles south and 10 miles east and west into Nebraska. But when whites wanted that land, too, President Theodore Roosevelt opened the buffer zone  except for 1 square mile just west of Whiteclay  to settlement in 1904.

Whiteclay sits more than 20 miles north of Sheridan Countys main cities along U.S. Highway 20. Its safe to say that, until the next turn of a century, the misery originating from Whiteclay remained mostly out of sight, out of mind.

That has never been true for me since The World-Herald sent me to write about the deaths of Wilson Wally Black Elk Jr., 40, and Ronald Hard Heart, 39.

Their partly decomposed bodies had been found in an open field just inside South Dakota and near the highway connecting Whiteclay to Pine Ridge village, the Oglala tribal headquarters. No one knew  or said they knew  how they came to be there.

A Lakota leader and relative of the dead men had urged The World-Herald to publicize the mens deaths and their highly likely linkage to Whiteclays alcohol-fueled misery. Just three months into my career at the paper but already known there as a western Nebraska advocate, I was sent west.

Photographer Phil Johnson (since retired) and I had to stay in Chadron, 50 miles south and west, and drive to and around Whiteclay and Pine Ridge. The Lakota leader showed us around and put us in touch with tribal leaders and key observers for a story planned for Sunday.

I interviewed one Lakota man at a generally well-kept convenience store in Pine Ridge village. He told his life story in broken pieces through slurred words. I remember the deep sadness of it all  and the deep stench in the mens room from far too many drunken, unwashed customers.

I remember the long rows of decrepit houses and mobile homes driving out of Pine Ridge village that Friday, but also the stark, intense beauty of the open reservation land along U.S. 18 and 385 back to Chadron. A Lakota radio station played a song on Native American flute. Few pairings of music and landscape better capture the Indian attachment to the land.

I was enchanted but also disturbed. We knew before we arrived that a Pine Ridge rally and march to Whiteclay was planned the next day. But my Lakota guide had been advocating for the return of the old buffer zone. And he had invited his friends in the American Indian Movement, including Dennis Banks and the since-deceased Russell Means, to the rally.

I knew of AIMs 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee, site of the 1890 massacre on the reservation, from my childhood. My guide had been there. I looked at him and asked how much good it could possibly do if things got ugly.

We were sitting in his pickup. He looked down at the floorboard, then looked up at me with a deep pain in his eyes, the work of too many decades of white ignorance and indifference to his peoples plight.

My notes from that interview are long gone. But he said, as best I remember his words: What else can we do?

The next morning, a Saturday, was bright and blue. The beer stores were shut down that morning, but I talked to the owner of one of the towns two grocery stores. He employed Lakota people, and because of that, his store would be protected from what was to come.

I attended the Rally for Justice in the Pine Ridge school gym. There were Means and Banks, vowing before 500 people to reclaim the former Nebraska tribal land  including Whiteclay  that Teddy Roosevelt had taken away.

The march south to Whiteclay began. Some 250 marchers and 150 cars halted near where Wilson Black Elk and Ronald Hard Heart had been found. A select few people crossed the field to the site. I was allowed to observe.

It was sad and beautiful. Lakota holy men prayed and spoke of peace and reconciliation. Lakota chants rose into the sky. AIM member Clyde Bellecourt urged the young people watching to turn away from alcohol and drug abuse. It would have made a poignant lead for the story.

Then we returned to the road.

The marchers walked into and through Whiteclay, then reversed course and gathered at the towns north edge. The rallys leaders started speaking. The crowd got angrier and angrier.

Then protesters tore down the Welcome to Nebraska sign posted at the state line. My Lakota guide cried out: Lets take that Nebraska sign where it belongs  way over there! They carried it to the south edge of town, symbolically taking back Whiteclay.

People started throwing cans at the other grocery store, one where it was said Lakota had been disrespected. I saw smoke rising. People were starting fires.

How could I pull myself away? But I had to let Omaha know what was happening. I left Phil Johnson to take pictures and pulled out my bulky cellphone.

No signal. No luck. And my car was two miles away, parked in another state.

I ran and walked as quickly as I could. Back in Pine Ridge village, I found a phone, called my editors, hopped in my car and hurried back to Whiteclay.

Tribal, county and state law enforcement officers had blockaded the entrance to town. The beer stores were intact. But rioters had looted the grocery store targeted with the cans, then set a fire inside. Firefighters were trying to put it out.

Neither grocery store sold alcohol.

I interviewed as many people as I could, for as long as I could. I hustled back to Pine Ridge and found space to write in the tribal offices. My computer was back in Chadron. I wrote out the story in longhand and dictated it by phone.

I still have the World-Herald front page from the next morning: Looting Ends Indian Rally. I knew I had done good work.

But I felt empty and frustrated. I still do.

Other World-Herald reporters, in subsequent weekends, reported on the same protesters and state troopers facing off inside Whiteclay. President Bill Clinton visited the reservation. Various small steps to boost patrols and relieve suffering were tried and abandoned, year after year.

Still the spigot of alcohol flowed northward into Pine Ridge. For now, at least, it has been shut off. One should not assume it will stay that way.

The deaths of Wilson Black Elk and Ronald Hard Heart, by the way, have never been solved.
A last-gasp Shaun Johnson penalty goal saw the Warriors snatch a 14-13 victory over the Sydney Roosters on Sunday afternoon, in a dramatic contest at Mount Smart Stadium.

With less than a minute remaining on the clock and his side trailing 13-12, Johnson made no mistake with his penalty from 20 metres out, giving the Warriors their first victory in three matches.



Match Draw Widget

[2017] Telstra Premiership - Round 9: Warriors vs Roosters

Just four minutes earlier it had appeared that Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce was going to kick his side to victory for the second week in a row, after he nailed a field goal following two earlier attempts which were charged down by Ryan Hoffman.

As it turned out the would-be hero became the villain for the Roosters, with Pearce the player found to be offside as the Warriors pressed hard inside the attacking 20.

Earlier a pair of Roosters errors had gifted the Warriors with both of their try-scoring opportunities in the first half, with a Blake Ferguson drop resulting in James Gavet strolling over from close range, before Daniel Tupou was stripped one-on-one by Shaun Johnson and then compounded his mistake by committing a professional foul with six minutes to go.

Down to 12 men, the Roosters couldn't scramble in time to stop David Fusitu'a one minute later, with Shaun Johnson adding his second conversion.

In between that the Roosters crossed via Kiwi centre Joseph Manu and earlier saw a chance go begging when co-captain Boyd Cordner fumbled the ball over the line.

With the Warriors up 12-4 at the break, the hosts appeared to have added further points early in the second period, but Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was denied a try on NRL debut after the NRL Bunker found an indiscretion in the lead-up.

The visitors took that piece of good fortune and ran with it, scoring via a Shaun Kenny-Dowall intercept minutes later, which following Michael Gordon's conversion, clawed them back to within two points.

It was at that point that momentum shifted in favour of the Roosters, who would have scored another try a short time later but for a miraculous last-man tackle from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck which denied Jake Friend from a metre out.

After enjoying a glut of possession inside the attacking half, the Roosters opted to take a penalty from in front of the sticks to even things up with 24 minutes remaining.

After Pearce nailed his field goal attempt the Warriors found themselves on the attack as the final minutes clicked over, and appeared to have blown their chance before referee Ashley Klein called play back for the offside penalty which would decide the match.

New Zealand Warriors 14 (James Gavet, David Fusitu'a tries; Shaun Johnson 3 goals) def. Sydney Roosters 13 (Joseph Manu, Shaun Kenny-Dowall tries; Michael Gordon 2 goals. Mitchell Pearce 1 field goal) at Mount Smart Stadium. Half-time: 12-4. Crowd: 13,126
The "day-to-day vibe" of the newspaper business has brought industry veteran John Gregorio to The Times Media Co. as its new advertising director.

Gregorio joined The Times earlier this month after working a short time at Farm Journal Media, which produces print and broadcast products for the agricultural industry. That job followed about 24 years with the Chicago Tribune.

"I just missed the newspaper too much," Gregorio said last week, his second at The Times. "The opportunity to come back and lead sales teams in a great market like Northwest Indiana was an opportunity I couldn't refuse."

Times Vice President of Sales and Marketing Joe Battistoni said Gregorio's experience "will help us serve our local and national advertisers in a whole new way.

"Im very excited we were able to lure John to Northwest Indiana," Battistoni said. "The economic development efforts, friendly business environment and market potential of the Region make this an ideal fit for someone of Johns caliber."

Gregorio's last position at the Tribune was managing director of major accounts. He held that role from 2014 to 2016. In it, he defined print and digital revenue strategies for the company's largest advertisers.

Before that, Gregorio held several management positions in the advertising department after starting there as a real estate sales representative. He had moved to advertising after starting his career on the distribution side of the business.

The Times' new advertising director has watched the newspaper business evolve dramatically over the past quarter century.

"The digital side of the business was scary for awhile, but it's such a good opportunity," Gregorio said. He said he looks forward to working with clients on making the most of that opportunity.

"They need response," he said of business' marketing efforts. "They need people to engage with their brand."

Gregorio, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs and lives in Lisle, Illinois, with his wife and three children, said he gained some familiarity with the Northwest Indiana market while working with the Tribune.

"I saw how strong a brand The Times has," he said. "To me, having that sense of community and being involved like that is very crucial."
Porter County, with its close proximity to Lake Michigan and public transportation for quick access to Chicago, is seeing a boom in real estate developments.

According to statistics released by GNIAR, Porter Countys year-to-date growth from Jan. 1, 2016  Feb. 29, 2016 to Jan. 1, 2017  Feb. 28, 2017, showed an increase in the number of units sold of 3.7 percent and an increase in the median selling price of units sold of 5.9 percent.

I used to live in the Chicago suburbs, says Larry Mudd, vice president of development for Holladay Properties, which is developing the Promenade at Founders Square in Portage, when asked why he thinks many Illinois residents are opting to move to Porter County. My taxes are considerably lower here than there, its a better quality of living and also theres lots to do.

But it isnt only those from out of state who are taking a look at living in Porter County, says Mudd, who says the Promenade at Founders Square will attract residents from all over. Mudd describes an uber urban space with retail, including a dry cleaner and bank on the first floor and sidewalk pedestrian access.

Itll be a community; well have a pool, fitness center, club house and even a dog walk with a dog washing area, he says.

Valparaiso is a great city and Porter County has so much to offer including the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park, says Angela Fielder, vice president of operations for the Lakes of Valparaiso, which currently has 260 apartments available and by the end of the year will have a total of 407. Its easy to see why people would want to live here. Its convenient to everything you could want, but still peaceful and more like country living.

Offering 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and 35 floor plans to choose from, Fielder says their typical occupant is someone who wants the flexibility of renting but the amenities that come with a home. Thats why their apartments feature granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, attached garages and private entrances.

Theyre not renting because they cant afford to buy, she says. Its because we offer an active upscale community including an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse where we host monthly social events. The clubhouse also has a demonstration cooking kitchen where we have cooking classes.

Besides that, theres 24-hour fitness and the pool area has an outdoor kitchen and cabanas.

Porter County offers a carefree and safe lifestyle, says Carol A. Carden, president of Coolman Communities, Inc. The Valparaiso area alone offers all sorts amenities with all the restaurants, recreational facilities, stores and theater. And there are new shops and restaurants continuing to come into the area all the time.

Currently, Coolman Communities is building in two of their new communities. The Prairie is a community with lovely Craftsman-style and cottage type homes, says Carden. We have different sizes of lots so the buyers can have flexibility in home price, size and space. The location is in the county, so that gives it a lower property tax rate than living in the city.

Their other development, Pepper Ridge, which also features Craftsman-style and cottage type homes, is just five minutes from Valparaiso. We are just now starting the development infrastructure there, says Carden. The location is absolutely gorgeous with a tree-lined ridge. We have lots with walkout basements on several of the sites.

Carden says their homes offer a lot of whats trending in the housing market right now. People are looking for home automation, painted cabinets and interior trim, granite and quartz countertops, beverage refrigerator, low maintenance and exterior finishes, she says.

One of the biggest trends in home owning now, says Dan Steiner, of the family owned Steiner Homes, is that people dont necessarily want large lots which require an immense amount of maintenance.

Before, the big trend was one-acre lots, and there are still people who want that, but many people are downsizing to smaller lots with less maintenance, he says. They dont want to shovel snow or mow.

Thats why the Preserve, their new 89-lot subdivision in Chesterton, is so perfect, says Steiner.

All the houses are located through a nature conservancy and almost every house will have woods around them so there will be a real sense of privacy, he says, noting that Steiner Homes and Shinn Builders will be the builders in the Preserve. Its really beautiful.

Which brings up another trend that Steiner says theyre seeingbuyers interested in natural and environmentally friendly settings.

To take advantage of thatand the housing inventory shortageSteiner says theyre also developing a new subdivision in Valparaiso with houses that will range from $350,000 to $550,000.

People are moving to Porter County because of the great schools and because its a beautiful area, he says.

Hatch Lake has turned into such a beautiful neighborhood, says Lori Devereaux of Sunshine Homes about this new subdivision community just five minutes from Valparaiso. Weve had tons of interest and a lot of great future homeowners. Soon we will have several spec homes for sale. The new home market in Porter County and especially Valparaiso is really busy right now. Its a great place to live and we are close to downtown Valpo and in Center Township.

For those lifesizing (formerly known as downsizing), maintenance-free is part of the package theyre looking for, says Kathy Harris, vice president of development for ATG Real Estate, which is developing Easton Park in Chesterton.

The development, which is currently in stage one, features 346 lots ranging in size from 70 feet to over 100 feet, with walkout and daylight availability in a wooded and rolling setting.

Many of our current lots are dedicated to our villa homes, single family dwellings with yard space geared toward empty nesters, says Harris. If youre someone who wants to travel or travels for work, the maintenance package which includes yard care and snow removal is perfect.

Easton Park also focuses on the environment in their landscaping design with an emphasis on native plants and incorporating the natural wetlands in the development.

Were keeping its very naturalized feeling, says Harris.

Noting the desirability of their location, Harris says that Northwest Indiana up into Southwest Michigan is now termed the affordable shore, because its close to Chicago but very affordable.

One of the most distinctive features of Easton Park is that you get an out-of-town feeling, but youre so close to everything including the South Shore station, she says.

What we have here in Porter County are great school districts and great value compared to other communities, says Mudd. I think people now are realizing the value of living here.
Visit your favorite restaurant or experience a new one during Dine Out Day on Wednesday and help feed the Lake Area United Ways mission of helping struggling working families.

Thomas McDermott Sr., co-owner of Tavern on Main in Crown Point, came up with the idea to help raise funds for much-needed services provided by the Lake Area United Way. McDermott teamed up with The Times Media Co. to promote May 3 as United Way Day.

McDermott Sr. and Chris White, publisher of The Times Media Co., signed the letters sent to restaurants asking them to join the effort.

Currently 26 restaurants throughout Lake County have signed up to participate and donate 10 percent of their gross revenue, minus taxes and tips, to help the United Way reach out to struggling working families.

Tom Sr. has done a phenomenal job of gathering key restaurants to participate, almost single-handedly. And Chris White brought the power of the media to this, said Lisa Daugherty, LAUW president/CEO.

Were honored that theyre helping the struggling working families in Lake County, she said. Its a great way to mobilize the community around that effort. Its creative and innovative.

The Times Media Co. is chairing this years fundraising for the LAUW, an effort which begins in the fall. This special day is a way to jump-start that campaign, White said. Over the last 20 years, donations to the United Way have declined as the Regions economy has changed, he said.

Daugherty said the LAUW has experienced a decline in campaign donations. However community conditions have not changed. We had to re-evaluate and we chose to focus on struggling working families, she said. We had to diversify our revenue stream.

Today, the Lake Area United Way applies for grants, arranges sponsorships and partners with businesses rather than rely on employee campaign donations as in the past, Daugherty said.

The LAUW works with partner agencies funded by the United Way to provide services for struggling working families, she said. These services include the following:

Indiana 211 connects Lake County residents with scores of government agencies. The 211 centers are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers needs and refer them to the help they need. Its available 24/7 with multilingual capabilities. The LAUW and Northwest Indiana Community Action partner to provide this resource.

Bank on Northwest Indianas mission is to provide opportunities for individuals and families to begin the path to financial stability by offering access to essential banking services, such as savings and checking accounts, and financial education. This program is a public-private partnership.
LAKE STATION  The recertification of appraisals of Lake Station's Water Department haven't changed the valuation of the utility.

Mayor Christopher Anderson said the appraisals, which indicate the department is worth close to $20.4 million, had to be certified again after a deadline passed for the City Council to make a decision about Indiana American Water's offer of nearly $20.7 million for the utility.

Lake Station took the additional time to submit a counteroffer of $21 million, and the city continues to wait for a written response, Anderson said.

Although Indiana American hasn't indicated if it will accept the counteroffer, city leaders seem close to making a decision about privatizing the Water Department.

During a required public hearing about the recertified appraisals recently, Anderson said the council has a maximum of 60 days to choose if it will sell the Water Department, and the council could vote on the issue by the end of May.

The meeting earlier this week attracted few comments from residents, and the only opinions expressed were favorable of the proposed sale.

Anderson said that meeting likely was the last public forum about the matter unless we get a lot of requests for another session.

If the council approves the sale, it could take six to nine months to finalize Indiana American's acquisition of the utility, Anderson said.

A portion of that process would include the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission reviewing the acquisition before any approval.

Indiana American officials attended the public hearing and fielded questions from the community. A schedule for enhancing aging water infrastructure in Lake Station was among the inquiries.

Matthew Prine, Indiana American's community and government affairs director, said the company has plans for water line upgrades, but initiating those improvements could have to wait until 2018 because the company wouldn't take control of the city's water operation until winter if the acquisition is approved.

If there is an immediate need to complete a water line enhancement this year, Indiana American would do so, Prine said.

He said the company invests between $80 million and $100 million annually in the state to update aging infrastructure. Prine said all communities served by Indiana American have water line improvement needs, and the company has a prioritization schedule to complete infrastructure enhancements.

Prine said Indiana American continues to review if it could remove a water tower at Ripley Street and Central Avenue.

The tower is located on city-owned property Lake Station plans to sell, and the land would be more marketable if the tower was taken down, city officials said.

Prine said if there is adequate water flow to city fire hydrants, it's possible the tower could be removed.
The hiring of Mark Tonevich, 24, is noteworthy because he is the first Lowell officer to have gone through the law enforcement and criminal justice courses at Lowell High School. A Lowell High School 2011 graduate, he will soon have his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Indiana University Northwest.
GARY  The distinct buzzing sound of hair clippers amplified each time Airrion Styles of Lil Lous Beauty and Barber College inched closer to Julius Leonards ears.

As soon as I get out of here, Im going to tell my neighbor about this. He needs a haircut real bad, Leonard said, laughing.

The 73-year-old Gary man said he was passing through the citys Midtown section when he noticed St. John Universal Temple  a small church on 11th Avenue with its gray facade and the bright red doors  offering free haircuts, financial advice, employment help and other services.

They should do more of these, Leonard said. A lot of people need help."

Despite the torrential rainy afternoon, St. John Universal Temple, 2142 W. 11th Ave., opened its doors from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday to a small mix of folks  including those in need of assistance, and volunteers from the business community and social service groups.

Do you need help with a job? Have a problem with housing? Do you need financial advice? What is it that you really need? Those are kinds of questions we are asking, Pastor Jacqueline Fields said.

Much of the advertisement for Saturdays event was by word of mouth. Fields said she plans to host an outreach event once a month through the summer and have additional churches pitch in.

The need is tremendously great in Gary  a urban city center racked by poverty, and high crime and unemployment rates, she said.

A 1997 graduate of Lew Wallace High School, Fields recalled the vibrant downtown Gary of her childhood.

That sort of all fell away, Fields said. If we can make a difference, we will. Maybe we cant make it into what it once was, but make (Gary) into what it could be, Field said.

Health screenings were provided by Okolocha Medical Center and the Indiana Department of Health and Human Services, while a representative from Meals on Wheels was on hand to answer questions.

Consultants were also available to review utility bills for potential savings and free employment assistance was offered by Express Employment Professionals.

NWI Community Action had free children's books and CDs available and a representative from the Gary Housing Authority was available to discuss housing options.

Representatives from Primerica's Merrillville office were on hand to discuss ways to get out of debt, become financially independent and prepare for retirement.
Shirley Heinze Land Trust receives $50K in donations to purchase

Shirley Heinze Land Trust hosted a Partnership Luncheon where more than 80 guests were in attendance to learn about Shirley Heinze Land Trust and to hear updates on plans for public access at the recently preserved Lydick Bog, a 176-acre property west of South Bend that contains one of the last remaining bog habitats in Indiana.

During the program, Executive Director Kristopher Krouse provided an overview of the role of a land trust and the history and work of Shirley Heinze Land Trust. Botanist Scott Namestnik, senior plant biologist at Orbis Environmental Consulting, provided a description of the natural features of a bog.

Northern Indiana Public Service Executive Vice-president and President, Violet Sistovaris presented the organization with a check for $30,000, a gift from the NiSource Charitable Foundation.

"Indiana is blessed to have such a range of diverse habitats and natural resources," said Sistovaris. "Partnerships like this are critical in preserving these areas, which provide such important ecological and societal benefits."

Scholarship applications available

The LaPorte County Sheriffs Office is accepting applications for the Patrolman Neil Thompson Memorial Scholarship. A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to a high school senior who attends school in LaPorte County, will be graduating in the spring of 2017 and will study criminal justice or a law enforcement-related field in college.

Thompson was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 21, 1980 during the pursuit of a stolen ambulance; the only line of duty death in the departments history. In 2015 the scholarship fund, which was created in the 1980s to support family members of sheriffs office employees attending college, was opened up to include one student who is not related to the sheriffs office.

Graduating seniors must complete an application, provide confirmation of acceptance to an accredited college or university and submit an essay of no fewer than 500 words explaining why they want to serve as a police officer. Applications can be picked up at the front desk of the sheriffs office in LaPorte or from any one of the departments school resource officers. Call 219-326-7700 ext. 2327 or via email at mkellems@lcso.in.gov

Duneland Health Council supports PNW Day of Giving

MICHIGAN CITY  The Duneland Health Council joined the Purdue University Northwest Day of Giving festivities by presenting a gift of $30,000 to the university to fund scholarships for students in the College of Nursing.

"Duneland Health Council is proud to support the students in Purdue Northwest's high-quality nursing program," Duneland Health Council Executive Director Camie White said. "It is our honor to contribute to the education of the Purdue Northwest students in LaPorte County who are focused on, and dedicated to, improving the health of our communities."

"We are extremely grateful for the leadership of the Duneland Health Council in supporting higher education and our College of Nursing for more than 19 years," said Regina Biddings-Muro, PNW vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement. "These funds will provide much-needed assistance to students working to complete their nursing degrees. We further appreciate Dunelands ongoing partnership and participation in Purdue Northwest Day of Giving, a 24-hour opportunity for all to join in supporting PNW students."
A day in the life of a kindergartner has changed in many ways. Gone are the days of taking naps and half days. Enter the days of reading, writing and STEM. We live in a fast-paced world. Kindergarten is a gradual learning process filled with new and exciting experiences.

Just as the great late night TV sensation David Letterman was known for his nightly Top Ten List, chock-full of informational gems, Valparaiso Community Schools kindergarten teachers, Julie Dombrowski and Angie Mumaw, also enjoy a good ole Top Ten.

The following is a treasure trove of ways to help your incoming kindergartner have a smooth and successful transition this fall. Remember, its a developmental process for children.

10. Youve got a friend in me. Try and meet other families in your neighborhood whose children attend the same school. These children may be riding the bus with your child, and seeing a familiar face on the bus can be comforting.

9. Take a trip down memory lane. Talk with your child about school. Tell them some fond memories from your school days. Get them excited about meeting new friends and learning new things.

8. Read outside. Read inside. Read all around. Identifying letters and sounds is the foundation of reading. This is a great start to helping your child build on literacy skills. Your child may or may not be reading per se. However, you can foster their reading process by reading to them, listening to them read, and using picture clues to help your child build comprehension. Then talk about the book. After reading, engage your child in a discussion of events which occurred in the book: what happened at the beginning, middle and end of the story. Print concepts are an integral part of becoming an emergent reader. You can better prepare your child by showing him or her how to hold a book properly or pointing out a letter versus a word. For example: Point to the letter C," or Can you find a sight word you recognize?

7. Whats in a name? Starting from day one your childs name goes on everything. Have your child practice writing his or her name using an uppercase letter to start and the rest should be lowercase letters. Fine motor skills are not limited to paper-pencil activities. Go outside and learn; write letters on the driveway with sidewalk chalk.

6. Zipped, snapped and ready to go. Practicing independent life skills such as getting dressed in the morning, putting on shoes and zipping jackets are important everyday tasks. Now take it to the next level: assign your child a task that may challenge their skill set, like opening their own juice box, yogurt or applesauce container. Let them try! Lunchtime at school is limited, and they will need to either be independent or patiently wait their turn and ask for help.

5. Get crafty. Dont be afraid to make a mess. Thats how children learn best. Practice using scissors and glue. Using scissors is like exercise for their fingers.

4. Simon says. Can your child follow multistep directions? This is a great way to manage a gradual release of responsibility. Let them put their own supplies into their backpacks. For example: Put your folder in your backpack, zip it up, and put it on the hook.

3. Shop til you drop. Include your child in back-to-school shopping. Assist them in finding the correct supplies from their list. This will help build excitement for the upcoming school year.

2. Stamina is important. The school day is 6.5 hours long. That can be a long day for a little one. Enforce a proper bedtime for your child so he or she is rested and ready to learn the next school day.

1. Fun in the sun. Remember to enjoy your summer! Have experiences with your child, and make fun memories.
VALPARAISO  The Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a Community Fund Grant from the Porter County Community Foundation. The grant funding allowed them to purchase four Panasonic Toughbook Computers.

The new electronics will be securely placed in each of the departments trucks, enhancing communication with the dispatch center and surrounding agencies.

These computers are capable of adapting to enhancements in the Countys 9-1-1 dispatch system and will help the fire department fulfill its mission to protect life, property and the environment.

Gather. Grow. Give. For Good. The Foundation inspires giving and engages the community to improve lives in Porter County now and forever. To learn more, contact the Foundation at 219-465-0294 or visit www.pccf.gives.
Department supports Rebuild Day

CHESTERTON  Each year, the Chesterton Fire Department supports Rebuilding Together  Duneland (RTD) with the goal of keeping the Duneland community warm, safe and dry in their homes. For this years work day, the Chesterton Fire Department is sponsoring one of the house projects with a monetary donation as well as supplying a team of volunteers to help with the work. Additionally, the fire department will once again be providing and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to any project homes that need them.

RTD has 10 homes and five community projects on the schedule. If you want to support RTD, but missed the volunteer registration deadline, donation checks can be mailed to Rebuilding Together - Duneland, P.O. Box 644, Chesterton, IN 46304 or made through PayPal by selecting the donations tab at rtduneland.org.

Rebuilding Together - Duneland is the local affiliate of the nations largest nonprofit volunteer organization Rebuilding Together, based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of people in the Duneland School District who are physically and/or financially struggling through the rehabilitation of their homes. For more information, call 219-926-3233.
Communities throughout the Hoosier State have been racing to meet Mondays deadline to enact ordinances limiting where small-site 5G wireless communication poles can be placed.

The deadline was imposed as part of Senate Enrolled Act 213 that the Indiana General Assembly passed on April 22.

Senate Enrolled Act 213 is intended to prepare Indiana for the anticipated 2020 rollout of 5G wireless communication, which promises speeds up to 10 times faster than the best available 4G connections today.

For example, a high-definition film that now takes an hour to download using mobile data will take only a few seconds with 5G. However, 5G requires more antennas in more locations to work consistently, similar to existing municipal wi-fi networks operating in South Bend and other Indiana communities.

The primary goal of the legislation is to allow telecommunications companies to install 5G antennas on utility poles and street lights, as they currently can without the need for local approval, as well as expanding the possible installation locations to stoplights and the backside of traffic signs.

The controversial portion of the measure authorizes telecommunications companies to install new utility poles, if necessary, in areas where electricity and other utilities already are carried above ground, with only limited need for local approval.

Any new pole would have to be installed on a public right-of-way and be no more than 10 feet taller than any nearby pole, or 50-feet tall if there are no other poles within 500 feet.

The legislation allows local governments to prohibit installing new utility poles in areas "designated strictly for underground or buried utilities before May 1, 2017 by ordinance.

Communities across Indiana are rushing to designate their entire municipal territory an underground utility zone, even if it is not, to preserve local control over placement of any 5G utility poles.

Over 100 communities are trying to limit the placement of these poles, said Schererville Town Manager Robert Volkmann during Friday evenings emergency meeting of the Town Council.

They (the General Assembly) gave us just nine days to respond to this legislation, Volkmann said. There is no local input. These towers could go in any right of way. We are not trying to prohibit this, but we cant have them plopped in front yard of someones house.

On Friday, the Schererville Town Council passed Ordinance #1904 establishing an underground and buried utility district.

These cell towers could go by the towns lift station, somewhere they are not obtrusive to our residents, Volkmann said.

During a special meeting Saturday evening, the Dyer Town Council passed a similar ordinance establishing an underground and buried utilities district.

In establishing this district, Ordinance #2017-03 states that it will be in effect in all areas of the Town were planned road projects, redevelopment areas and/or economic development areasincluding, but not limited to electric, communication or similar and associated services.

The ordinance provides a mechanism for a waiver to install small-cellular facilities by application to the Dyer Town Council, said Town Attorney William Enslen. Any application by the petitioner would require a public hearing, he said.

Town council members amended the ordinance before adopting it to read that no tower shall be closer than 100 feet to a single-family or multi-family residential structure. The ordinance also has a provision for landscaping around any cell tower poles.

This ordinance is what is being adopted around the state, said Town Manager Tom DeGiulio. Carmel started drafting this ordinance. Some of the ordinances even specify the color of the poles.

State Rep. David Ober, R-Albion, the sponsor of the measure, said enacting a bunch of different local ordinances restricting the rollout of 5G technology could leave those communities behind when it comes to Indiana.

"This is a knee-jerk reaction to the situation in the worst possible way," Ober said.

"What these cities all want is they just want to prohibit it entirely. We're trying to bring a new technology in, that they're afraid of. It's not a big ugly tower; it's a number of antennas that can be attached to buildings, poles and other structures but not if you pass ordinances like this one."

Ober indicated the General Assembly now almost assuredly will have to come back next year to pre-empt any local ordinances that are rushed through before the May 1 deadline.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb still has not decided whether to sign the measure into law. He has until Thursday to approve the proposal, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto it.

The legislation passed the Republican-controlled Senate, 43-7, and the Republican-controlled House, 67-29.

A simple majority, that's 26 votes in the Senate and 51 votes in the House, is all that is needed to override a gubernatorial veto.

Times statehouse reporter Dan Carden contributed to this story.
Police need your help finding a man in connection to a deadly stabbing on the Upper West Side.

Investigators are looking for the man seen in this surveillance video.

The incident happened just before 11 p.m. Thursday.

Police found 24-year-old Special Anthony Stewart with stab wounds outside a restaurant on Broadway near 95th Street.

He was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital where he died.

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.
Long-time member of Offaly Civil Defence Anthony Berry from Ferbane was one of 107 graduates who attended a ceremony held in Civil Defence College Roscrea on Wednesday, April 26.



This years event recognised successful participants from Civil Defence, Defence Forces and National Ambulance Service who successfully completed QQI (formerly FETAC) or PHEEC accredited programmes respectively.



In addition to QQI Voluntary Sector Training Skills, Manual and People Handling Awards the event included 71 graduates from the PHECC Emergency Medical Technician Programme which is a pre-hospital care award.



Visiting guests at the event included Col. Brian White, representing Vice Admiral Mellett Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Dr. Shane Knox, Education Manager of the National Ambulance Service College and Anthony Graham Chair of the Civil Defence Officers Association.



College Principal Roisin McGuire, opening the event, welcomed all and marvelled at their individual achievements. It was, she said, hard enough to find enough time in our lives for work and family without the added challenge of participating on these intensive educational programmes. The participants commitment was a sure sign that volunteerism is alive and active in each community noting that graduates from over seventeen different counties were present at the event.

Stephen Hall, Branch Head of Civil Defence spoke of Minister Paul Kehoes wonderment at the willingness of Civil Defence Volunteers to give over their time to training, participating at community events and responding to emergency events. The Minister had been particularly impressed at the recent Regional Civil Defence Competition hosted in Tara Mines in Co. Meath. Stephen thanked all who had been involved in organising and delivering the programmes to such a high standard; a fact confirmed by the presence of so many graduates from other organisations.

Civil Defence Officer Chairperson, Anthony Graham, spoke on behalf of his colleagues when he emphasised the importance that graduates keep their level of training up to the required standard and not to stop learning. He concluded with his thanks to Civil Defence College for all their hard work in preparing graduates for their various examinations.

Vice Admiral Mellet sent his best wishes to all and in particular the thirteen members of the Defence Forces who were graduating at the event. Col. Brian White, speaking on the Admirals behalf, said it was a great honour to have so many members complete the Emergency Medical Technician programme adding their knowledge and skill were a key component of the Defence Forces capability.

Dr. Shane Knox spoke of the ongoing synergy between Civil Defence and the National Ambulance Service. He drew attention to the large number of paramedics in the National Ambulance Service who are also members of Civil Defence. His comment drew laughter from the room as it was quickly noted Shane himself had recently joined Longford Civil Defence! He commented on recent examples of joint interoperable training between the Ambulance Service and the Colleges QQI Programme Director, Ger Murphy.

Tim OHalloran of Tipperary Civil Defence asked to speak on behalf of graduates. He thanked all who were involved in the programmes and the level of education. Tim commented that it was a challenging learning experience for all however worth it. It, he said, shows you are never too old to learn.

The event concluded with a special mention of graduates Thomas Durney and Catherine Flynn from Waterford Civil Defence who were getting married the following day!
PERU, Neb.  A bobcat bares its fangs. A grinning genie glares at passers-by. A skeleton sneers near a tombstone that boasts of a Golden Arm.

These vivid figures, and about a dozen more like them, adorn the cliff face that follows the Steamboat Trace Trail, which runs along the eastern edge of Peru. Some are easy to miss. Others stand out sharply against an indecipherable backdrop of more amateur etchings, made in the soft sandstone by generations of trail walkers.

Alongside more than one of the elaborate carvings are big block letters: SHERMAN.

For decades  before this was a nature trail, before folks came here to ride bikes and walk dogs  a man named Roland Sherman hiked to these quiet woods with simple tools and made the cliff face his canvas.

But sandstone erodes easily, and the years have diminished Shermans artwork. Some are gone entirely. Others are just barely visible. One day theyll all be gone.

Sherman died in 2006. The 1,000-foot stretch of the trail that features his carvings now bears his name  an unlikely honor for any of todays would-be cliff carvers, trail caretakers said. Sherman, it seems, was the last of his kind.

So who was he? He was a butcher, a knot-tier and an artist. He was, some Peru residents say, an ornery river rat who loved his grandkids and the outdoors.

He was, said his son, Bob Sherman, 65, the kind of guy who didnt carve the cliffs to get noticed, the kind of guy who never minded seeing years of painstaking work disappear.

*****

The sandstone feels more like dirt than rock.

On a recent day, Bob Sherman, visiting the trail for the first time in years, demonstrated just how his dad was able to carve the cliffs: He pulled out a pocketknife and dragged it along the rock face, easily cutting a deep swath.

The knife glided through In

dian Cave sandstone  formed 300 million years ago when sand, gravel and clay filled ancient riverbed.

In the 1870s, railroaders opened a 21-mile corridor between Nebraska City and Brownville. The sandstone cliffs plagued the railroads for years; crews continuously found themselves clearing the line of cliff chunks that fell onto the tracks after heavy rains.

Burlington Northern abandoned the railroad corridor in the 1990s, and it became one of many former railways across the country slated for rehabilitation as a nature trail.

Steve Woerth, former president of the Steamboat Trace Association, remembers those days. Hundreds of volunteers, Woerth said, worked for years to make the trail fit for walking and biking  Roland Sherman among them.

Sherman grew up in Peru, not far from the current site of the towns Steamboat Trace trailhead. He and his wife, Jean, helped construct the trailhead shelter and solicited the communitys support.

But it wasnt until the trail opened in the late 1990s that the public  except for a few who had hunted or explored the area  could see the extent of Shermans investment in the trail, said Bob Hilske, general manager of the Nemaha Natural Resources District, which presently maintains the trail.

Today, no one can be sure when Sherman began carving the cliffs. Bob Sherman thinks his dad started in the 1960s, though many of the carvings from those days are long gone. He remembers his favorite of his dads early work: an elaborate Roman chariot pulled by more than a dozen horses.

Folks sometimes ask why: Why did Sherman come into the woods to carve the cliff face for all those years? How did he choose his subjects? After all, when the corridor was still owned by the railroad, it was mostly out of public view.

His son isnt sure theres a clear answer.

I dont think there was any real reason behind any of it, Bob Sherman said. Anything he felt like doing, he did it.

Today, there are about a dozen visible Roland Sherman carvings along the Steamboat Trace Trail.

For some, Shermans inspiration seems obvious: The Peru State College bobcat. The Sherman family crest. His own version of the State Seal of Nebraska.

But others are more mysterious  or, depending on your take, downright creepy: A grinning genie, hiding in an area off the trail known as 12 Hollow. A sinister-looking skeleton next to a tombstone that reads The Golden Arm ... Rest in One Piece.

Most of the carvings still visible today were done in the early 1990s, around the time the railroad abandoned the corridor. And by that time, Sherman wasnt doing it just for himself.

I was down there with my grandpa for endless hours, said Kim Forbes, 36, Shermans granddaughter.

On weekends after he had retired, the artist used to take his tools to the cliffs with his grandkids in tow. Hed cook vienna sausages and tell ghost stories around the fire. And while the kids played, he carved.

Some of the works were done specifically to entertain his grandkids, Forbes said. The Golden Arm skeleton, she said, illustrated one of her grandpas favorite campfire tales, about a ghost searching for its lost golden limb. Some were initially brightly painted, Forbes said. But the colors have long since faded.

Im glad that I had the chance to see them in their full freshness, she said.

Over the years some have proposed restoring the deteriorating artwork, said Bill Clemente, an English professor at Peru State College who has been documenting the carvings for almost a decade. And there have been some efforts to maintain them; a Boy Scout troop built a railing around the genie, the most well-known carving, to discourage people from touching it, Woerth said. (Still, people have managed to break off some of the genies limbs over the years, Hilske said.)

But those who knew Sherman best say he probably wouldnt have wanted his work restored. He knew the carvings would erode when he made them.

Besides, Bob Sherman said: If somebody went in and cleaned them up, they wouldnt be his anymore.

*****

People who knew him call him Rollie  his name is pronounced RAW-lind  but he didnt care for the nickname.

Ask around about Roland Sherman and youre likely to hear several things that, taken together, may give you pause.

He was a deckhand on a riverboat; he was a butcher in Omaha; he was an artist for an advertising company.

He was an Eagle Scout who passed on knot-tying skills, gained from his days on the riverboat, to local Boy Scouts.

He collected weeds and planted them in his yard. To anyone who asked, he said a weed is just a flower growing in the wrong place.

He collected Indonesian masks. He insisted his children learn another language, buying them Spanish and German tutorial records.

He said he was an atheist, Bob Sherman said, but he read the Bible regularly.

Roland Sherman was a complicated man. As a father, he could be difficult at times, his son said. He seemed to find his niche as a grandfather.

When we were growing up he did everything he could to be a part of our lives, Forbes said. His interest in camping, in birds, in astronomy, in knots  he passed it on to his grandchildren, Forbes said.

Hearing all this, its easy to imagine a guy like Sherman in the woods, scraping away at a cliff face, just for the heck of it.

In 2007, the year after Sherman died, the Nemaha Natural Resources District asked his family if the NRD could name the decorated stretch of trail after the artist.

The district probably wouldnt bestow such an honor today. What Sherman did, Hilske said, could, these days, technically be viewed as vandalism.

We certainly dont want to encourage people going down there and carving their own Mount Rushmore, he said. But when the resources district took over the trail, it inherited the artwork, he said. And its not complaining.

We thought it was unique and it was something worth preserving, Hilske said.

Thousands of people scratch away at the fragile cliff face every season, leaving names, dates, initials. On some stretches, it seems, every inch is covered.

Bob Sherman is surprised at how much of his dads work still exists. He expected much of it would be gone by now. Besides the ravages of time, the unprotected carvings present an easy target for vandals. More than one has been intentionally damaged.

But then you see the delicate contours of the Peru bobcats fur and the small ears of corn on the Nebraska seal. And you realize how impressive it is that theyre still here.

A ways from the trailhead, under a sign reading Roland Sherman Memorial Area, theres a smaller sign: Please Respect the Carvings.

For the most part, it seems, people do.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump so far has garnered praise from Midlands lawmakers for cutting regulations, filling the Supreme Court vacancy and advancing the Keystone XL pipeline.

And at least a couple of them say the new presidents lack of legislative accomplishments has not been entirely of his own making. Instead, they laid the blame for the state of a GOP health care bill, for example, on Capitol Hill.

I think that a lot of people are going to give him very poor marks for working with Congress and getting legislation passed, said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. But he in no way should have to take any responsibility for that because, on two or three key issues, its Congress that screwed up.

Grassley also praised Trump for his foreign policy, noting his strikes against Syria and efforts to persuade China to intervene against North Koreas provocations.

He is reasserting Americas leadership in the world community of nations, Grassley said.

Trumps most popular move among the nine Republican lawmakers representing Nebraska and western Iowa may well have been his nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., was among Trumps most prominent Republican critics during last years presidential election but has often praised Gorsuchs selection.

But Sasse also questioned why the administration wasnt immediately condemning Russian suppression of protesters and was swift to denounce Trumps recent talk of withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Scrapping NAFTA would be a disastrously bad idea, Sasse said in a press release. It would hurt American families at the checkout, and it would cripple American producers in the field and the office. ... Risking trade wars is reckless, not wise.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., lauded Trumps approach on regulations, Gorsuch and foreign policy.

When it comes to international relations, regulations, the Supreme Court  there are some clear successes there, Bacon said.

As for areas of improvement, Bacon said both sides of the aisle could lower the temperature of political discourse.

I think the president could help out with that, Bacon said.

In a statement, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., said Trump was facing competing ideas and constituencies as the country tackled health care, taxes and foreign policy.

I believe we have seen good progress regarding the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, as well as on resetting economic relationships worldwide, he said.

Rep. David Young, R-Iowa, has said Trumps doing a good job, while Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., has touted the presidents moves to cut regulations and hailed his creation of a task force on rural prosperity.

However, some would like to see the president stick to more of his campaign promises.

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, for example, has criticized Trump for not ending President Barack Obamas practice of deferred action when it comes to those who were brought into the country illegally as children.

Trump recently said in an interview that those individuals can rest easy.

Im very concerned that when you see those little signals come out, if nobody steps up and objects, then he finds a safer place to just let it pass into the rearview mirror, King said. The president doesnt want to confront it. He should have done it first day.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, made headlines recently by criticizing Trump for frequent trips to his Florida resort, and she has said that he should release his tax returns.

But she also has made clear that she thinks the president is doing a good job, from appointing Gorsuch to cutting regulations.

This is only the start, and there is a lot more work to be done, from ensuring our veterans receive the care they deserve and strengthening our nations military, to continuing to put forward pro-growth policies that will help our economy to flourish and thrive, Ernst said in a statement.
LINCOLN  At a Thanksgiving dinner in 2014 for those living at Omahas homeless shelters, Terry Berry stood out.

His eyesight was so poor he had to lift his plate to his face to see his food.

Quiet at first, Berry (who had graduated that year from a high school in Humboldt, Nebraska) eventually talked excitedly about old girlfriends. He said little about why he was living at the Siena-Francis House.

One of the coordinators of the charity dinner said she arranged to get Berry, then 19, an eye examination and, ultimately, eyeglasses.

He was very talkative, recalled Lori Hefeli-Schaaf, the social justice manager at Omahas First Unitarian Church, and he would borrow her phone to call a favorite grandfather.

He was a sweet young man, she said. He just grabbed a place in my heart.

Recently, though, she learned to her horror that a teenager she remembered as childlike and naive had died after a brutal attack inside a prison cell.

Berrys cellmate, Patrick Schroeder, who is serving life in prison for the slaying of a Pawnee City farmer in 2006, has been charged with first-degree murder and use of a weapon  a prison towel  to commit a felony.

Berry was the fifth inmate killed inside the Tecumseh State Prison in the past two years, and his slaying has raised questions, from family, friends and state lawmakers, about practices at the states highest-security prison.

Why were two inmates placed in a special management unit cell that was designed for one?

Why was an inmate like Berry, who had a good chance of being paroled in April, housed in the same cell as a convicted murderer who was serving life in prison?

Was double-bunking a solitary confinement cell a consequence of the states chronically overcrowded prisons, which now hold about 1,900 more inmates than they were designed to hold?

Berry was 22 and about to complete a three- to four-year sentence for cashing a $3,900 stolen check, purportedly for three other men, and kneeing a deputy at the Platte County Jail.

Two days after he was attacked on April 15 he was scheduled to meet with the State Parole Board, and there was a good chance he would have won his release. By contrast, his 39-year-old cellmate was likely never going to leave prison.

Solitary confinement, or the special management unit, is where inmates are sent when they break prison rules, or are dangerous or disruptive, or both. As a rule they are not allowed to mingle with other inmates, and their direct contact with corrections officers is limited, to avoid assaults.

Nationally, double-bunking such cells is seen as a risky practice, though several states and county jails do it, mostly to deal with overcrowding and slim budgets.

In Nebraska, double-bunking of SMU cells is used at Tecumseh as well as three other state prisons, in Omaha and Lincoln.

Such restrictive housing or special management units are for the most disruptive and dangerous inmates, who are at risk for additional disruption, according to Gene Atherton, a Colorado prison consultant. It makes it more dangerous and difficult if they have a cellmate, he said.

Atherton, who has testified in court on cases of murders involving double-bunking of SMUs, said he would never double-bunk cells holding the most dangerous and unstable inmates. But other prisoners, even if theyve been sent to solitary for misbehavior, can be placed together under the right circumstances, he said.

Because there are no national standards on inmate pairing, the cellmate decisions often come down to a gut reaction by a unit manager, Atherton said.

Ironically, he said, first-degree murderers can be appropriate roommates. They are sometimes the best-behaved inmates in a prison, who made one traumatic mistake in life that they wont repeat, Atherton said.

But, he added, picking cellmates who can get along in a way small cell is an imperfect science.

Occasionally, information thats important about the pairing of inmates escapes the system and is only considered in the aftermath, Atherton said.

State Corrections Director Scott Frakes has declined to say whether prison overcrowding was the reason Berry and Schroeder were placed in a cell designed for just one inmate.

At a recent briefing with reporters following Berrys death and the March 2 deaths of two other inmates at Tecumseh, Frakes said that confidentiality statutes and the criminal investigation of Berrys death prevented him from commenting in detail about the slaying.

There are cases I know where it would be helpful to you and probably helpful to me if I could simply answer all of your questions, he said. But the statutes are clear ...

A spokeswoman for corrections, Dawn-Renee Smith, said state laws barred the department from revealing why Berry was sent to restrictive housing or why he was placed with a convicted killer.

But Smith said that beginning two years ago, 100 of the roughly 200 SMU cells at Tecumseh were double-bunked. Only about 10 of those cells now hold two inmates, she said.

Smith said that inmates are screened for risks of committing or being a victim of sexual assault under the national Prison Rape Elimination Act. They are also evaluated based on their gang affiliation and on prior prison and criminal history before being placed together. Inmates are also simply asked if they can get along, Frakes told reporters.

Said Smith: Double-bunking in restrictive housing is done in systems around the country. It is a more efficient use of space and it lessens the isolation when another person is in the cell.

Sometimes, Frakes said, it takes several moves by an inmate before finding a compatible cellmate.

A staffer at Tecumseh, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing his job, and a prison inmate who once served time with Berry at the prison both said Berry was a talkative inmate who could be annoying.

Jose Rodriguez, who is now serving time at the Lincoln Correctional Center, said Berry would sit with him at lunch because no other inmates would allow it.

My impression was that he was young and not prisonwise, Rodriguez said in a phone interview. You have to have a certain fortitude and mentality to survive prison.

Rodriguez said that overcrowding means there are fewer options if you have an incompatible cellmate. He added that if you are unpopular with your unit supervisor, requests for a new cellmate can be ignored.

State Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha, a key senator on prison matters, said he had also heard that Berry wasnt the easiest person to be around. But that, obviously, does not justify a slaying, he said.

And, Krist asked, wouldnt prison officials know Berrys personality, and not place him in the same cell with a dangerous cellmate?

We need to get these incidents, accidents, chaos and riots  whatever you want to call them  under control, the senator said. Someone should be accountable.

In light of the recent deaths and disturbances, Krist has called for a reopening of the special legislative investigative committee that probed the woes of the state prison system in 2014-16. And the inspector general for corrections, Doug Koebernick, is already investigating the circumstances surrounding Berrys death.

A look at Berrys life, and interviews with people who knew him before and after he landed in prison, reveal a life of struggles, the loss of loved ones and, finally, homelessness.

Some say the tragedies he faced helped define him.

His mother died in 2004, when he would have been about 9. Three years later he was made a ward of the state while living in Scottsbluff. Court records indicate stays at a youth rehabilitation ranch near Kearney and at Epworth Village in York, where he was examined by a psychotherapist.

By 2009 his fathers parental rights were terminated. That same year Berry was put on probation by a juvenile court judge for assault.

When it came time to attend high school, he moved to the small farming village of Steinauer in southeast Nebraska, living in a house with his grandparents near the towns prominent Catholic church. He attended Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer High.

Townspeople described him as an extremely talkative kid with a strong desire to belong, but as someone who could be easily influenced by others.

If you were working in your yard, Berry might suddenly appear, volunteering to help.

He always wanted to belong to something, said Erma Gyhra, a neighbor in Steinauer who would give Berry work when he showed up. I think he wanted a father figure and a mother figure. His grandparents tried.

Berry also had to deal with the death of an older brother, Justin Kanniard, who killed himself during a police chase near Humbolt in July 2012. Three months later, Berrys favorite grandmother, Betty James, died at age 65.

Just after Berry graduated in 2014, on May 30, he was cited for assault after his grandfather called local deputies to report that Berry was on a rampage, tearing up the house.

After that, it appears, Berry struck out on his own.

He was arrested in November 2014 for disturbing the peace at the Peoples City Mission, the main homeless shelter in Lincoln.

In August 2015 he was charged with trespassing in downtown Lincoln. Later that month he was arrested in Columbus after cashing a $3,900 check stolen from a Columbus auto dealer. He told police he didnt know the check was stolen, and gave the money to three males who provided him the check. Berry had $100 in his pockets.

When he was arrested, Berry listed the Siena-Francis House in Omaha as his home.

He had also lived at the Open Door Mission in Omaha, according to Candace Gregory, the shelters president and CEO.

She said she could not speak specifically about Berry, but people there knew him.

Our hearts are broken, she said. Hopefully something will change so this doesnt happen to the next person.

Hefeli-Schaaf said she had remained in contact with Berry for about two months after that Thanksgiving meeting. Then she was told he had moved on to Lincoln.

Hefeli-Schaaf said she cried when she learned his life had ended violently in prison.

He was a sweet young man who ended up in the wrong place, she said.
LINCOLN  A drizzly day didnt stop more than 350 people from attending the Peoples Climate Movement March in Lincoln on Saturday.

The march was one of about 300 planned around the country under the banner of the Peoples Climate Movement, said John Atkeison, the Lincoln marchs lead organizer. A smaller march also was held in Omaha.

The movements main goals include protecting the environment and a planet we can enjoy and pass on to our children.

But in Nebraska, march attendees also focused on addressing local issues, such as proposed oil pipeline routes and investment in renewable energy.

The nations climate movement marches occurred on the 100th day of President Donald Trumps time in office.

Chelsea Dappen, a student at Nebraska Wesleyan University, said she had been swept up in political activism since Trump won the presidency. On Saturday, she held a sign saying Hell listen when Mar-a-Lago sinks.

She said its ironic that the presidents club is at risk from the rising sea levels predicted by climate change scientists, considering the administrations tendency to prioritize economic policies over environmental ones.

Laurie Witters-Churchill, a hobbyist beekeeper, showed up to march in beekeeper veils with some of her friends, a reference to the threat that climate change poses to pollination and agriculture.

She owns an electric car and tries to conserve energy, but she said more needs to be done by the government to lower carbon emissions and protect the environment.

Until we have larger national policies and global policies, our little part wont be doing any good, she said.

A coalition of Nebraska organizations  including student groups, churches, local businesses, political organizations and unions  came out for the event.

Atkeison said environmental concerns and other social issues go hand in hand, because one affects the other.

The climate changes that are caused by global warming are something that is changing the entire basis for life, he said. If we dont fix this problem, all the other work we do will be for nothing.
WHITECLAY, Nebraska  The doors to the four beer stores in Whiteclay stayed padlocked Sunday, closed signs tacked in windows.

The historic day was an uneventful one in this town.

Whiteclay has been notorious for selling about 3.5 million beers annually, mostly to Native Americans from across the South Dakota border on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. On Sunday, those sales came to an end  at least for now.

Save for the dozen or so people who hung around the edges of the village hoping that the stores would open one last day, the streets of this unincorporated town of 12 residents were emptier than locals ever remembered. Even the wind that often whips through the northwestern Nebraska prairie in the spring was still.

But the quiet in Whiteclay on Sunday was deceiving.

Just 20 miles away in Rushville, the nearest town to the south, the two businesses that sell liquor were seeing a jump in customers  a reality many in Rushville predicted. Most residents have opposed the closing of the Whiteclay beer stores, fearing that the problems the village faced would move to their town.

Rushvilles gas station, which sells beer, saw more than four times as many customers as usual in the afternoon, and the gravel parking lot of Rushvilles only liquor store was full for most of the day. Employees at the gas station and liquor store refused to comment on the increase in business.

Butch Abold, 73, of Alliance said he hopes that the Whiteclay stores reopen.

He worries about drunken drivers and people walking the narrow, winding road between the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and Rushville.

Its going to be a lot more dangerous, he said.

Bryan Brewer, a former Oglala Sioux tribal president who supports closing the Whiteclay stores, said shutting them down wont fix the problem. We know that anyone with money and transportation will find a place to get alcohol, he said. We just hope that the law enforcement in Nebraska will step up to help keep everyone safe.

Just as activists in Whiteclay declared Sunday a new day for the Lakota people, those in Rushville were saying this wont fix the problem, itll only move it.

Had the four beer-only stores in Whiteclay not elected to remain closed Sunday, they would have had to lock up by midnight.

If and when the stores could reopen will depend on what happens next in the legal back-and-forth, which became especially heated last week.

Heres what happened:

The beer stores claimed a legal victory Thursday when Lancaster County District Judge Andrew Jacobsen overturned an April 19 decision by the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to deny the stores their license renewals. In a biting seven-page ruling, Jacobsen called the commissions decision arbitrary and unreasonable and cited a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling that, barring dramatic change to a business, the renewal of liquor licenses should be automatic.

After Jacobsen ruled, the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office filed an appeal, effectively suspending the rule until the State Court of Appeals renders a decision. That ruling may not come for weeks. The beer stores will have to remain closed as they wait.

Andy Snyder, the attorney for the beer stores, said he plans to file legal documents today in an attempt to allow the liquor stores to reopen.

He didnt respond to messages seeking comment about why the stores remained closed on Sunday.

Standing on the shoulder of the Highway 87, Ronnie Sunkawakla, 54, said that today, with the stores in Whiteclay closed, hell get a ride to Rushville for beer. He grew up on the reservation and started drinking when he was about 8.

Alcoholism is everywhere, he said. You cant stop alcoholism.

Alcohol sales and possession are banned on the Pine Ridge Reservation, but alcoholism is rampant, and an estimated one out of every four children is born with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Today, counselors from treatment centers in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be in Whiteclay to talk to people about detox and connect them with services.

Sunkawakla said he thinks the Whiteclay store owners have a right to run their businesses.

What happens on the reservation has nothing to do with these guys, he said, adding that hes worried about increased bootlegging on the reservation. He said he wishes efforts were focused less on alcoholism and more on drug addiction.

Brewer and Winnebago activist Frank LaMere will meet with tribal leaders on Pine Ridge today to discuss a plan to address the alcoholism.

We know the needs, LaMere said. There are tough questions to be asked here and we understand that.

Standing in front of one of the Whiteclay beer stores Sunday, Brewer and LaMere made it clear that Sunday was not a day for celebration. Not yet, at least. The fight isnt over. No victory in the courtroom or closing of a beer store will release the grip of alcoholism on Pine Ridge.

But every battle needs a first step, said Sonny Skyhawk, founder and CEO of American Indians in Film and Television and a board member of Alcohol Justice, a California-based advocacy and alcohol industry watchdog organization.

Someday we will come back here and we will celebrate, Brewer said. Then, he said, will be the time to sing warrior songs, to count coup  touching the stores with a coup staff, a symbolic gesture traditionally seen as the ultimate act of bravery in the face of an enemy.

It will take a generation for us to truly understand the deep wounds that we have inflicted upon the Lakota people at Whiteclay, LaMere said. It will take a lifetime to heal them.
For the past 20 years, Nebraska corrections officials have allowed more than 70 prisoners to defy state law  and potentially delay justice  by refusing to submit a DNA sample that could help authorities clear unsolved crimes.

The way the convicted felons have been able to get around submitting their DNA sample? By just saying no.

Under state law  and corresponding judges orders  all convicted felons are required to submit a DNA sample.

But if a prisoner says no, Nebraska prison administrators have, over the past two decades, done little to force DNA collection, other than writing up the inmates or attempting to extend their sentences.

Prison officials havent held the inmates down and swabbed the inside of their cheek. They havent taken the inmates in front of a judge to try to force the DNA collection. They havent sought obstruction-of-justice charges against the inmates for refusing to comply with the law.

Instead, they have moved on to the next inmate in the hopes that he says yes.

As a result, the resisting prisoners DNA doesnt enter a database that could connect them to crimes across the state or country.

We have a state law  and a court order in each case  that says convicted felons shall provide a DNA sample, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said. I dont know how much more clear that can be. For the state to not collect it ... its tremendously frustrating.

Corrections officials last week did not directly address why they havent forced DNA collections. Their reluctance appears to be rooted in a 1997 Nebraska attorney generals opinion that said state lawmakers hadnt authorized forced DNA collection.

Any reluctance is misguided, Kleine said. A subsequent Nebraska Supreme Court ruling  released two months after the 1997 opinion issued by then-Attorney General Don Stenberg  upheld Omaha polices use of force to extract blood from a serial rapist who refused to give his DNA.

Despite that ruling, the state hasnt sought to forcibly obtain any inmates DNA.

Seventy-three Nebraska prisoners  from gunmen to sex offenders  have refused to submit their DNA samples.

In fact, until recently, Nebraska prison staff gave incoming inmates a form asking them if they would submit a DNA sample through a blood draw or a cheek swab. On the form, inmates had a third choice  a box that they could check that indicated: I dont want to give my DNA.

The revelation of the DNA refusals comes as state senators have contemplated reopening a committee to investigate chronic problems that have plagued Nebraska prisons  overcrowding, understaffing, inmate uprisings. That committee dominated headlines in 2014 after a World-Herald investigation revealed that prison officials had ignored two Nebraska Supreme Court rulings and set early release dates for more than 750 prisoners, including gun felons, habitual criminals and child rapists.

The DNA issue shares patterns with the early-release debacle.

It involves the states most violent felons  prisoners who, authorities believe, might have something to hide.

And, similar to the early-release scandal, it has been marked by inaction in the face of a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling.

That has led prosecutors and crime victims to question who is in control  inmates or the people who guard them.

A state law passed in 1997 says that sex offenders shall submit their DNA samples  and shall pay a fee to have their DNA collected. Later in 1997, the Nebraska Supreme Court upheld law enforcements use of force to collect a DNA sample from the Omaha serial rapist.

Then, in 2010, the DNA collection act was expanded to include all convicted felons  and specified that the DNA samples are supposed to be collected upon the inmates entrance into prison. The statute further says that no inmate shall leave prison unless and until a DNA sample has been collected.

Corrections spokeswoman Dawn-Renee Smith  answering questions posed to Corrections Director Scott Frakes  provided a written statement: The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services is committed to collecting DNA samples pursuant to law.

Smith did not directly address why Corrections hasnt forced DNA collections over the past 20 years.

Corrections officials, she said, order inmates to submit to a swab or blood draw. Inmates who refuse may receive multiple misconduct reports ... may be subject to discipline and loss of privileges, Smith said. They also may lose their good-time credit for behaving  a day off for every day served.

However, any pressure on the inmates hasnt worked to obtain the DNA of those 73 prisoners. In turn, Kleine said, justice undoubtedly has been thwarted for victims reeling from rapes, assaults, shootings or other unsolved crimes.

Kleine and Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer have urged state officials to take prisoners DNA with reasonable force, if need be. Such a process  known as collecting a buccal swab  would amount to using a Q-tip to rub the inside of a prisoners cheek.

Katherine Kadi Knight can attest to the power of that simple process.

In 2013, Anthony Vaughn was on probation for burglarizing the home of a woman who served as his sons Bible study teacher. Vaughn had cast the burglary as his desperate attempt to get money for drugs.

Authorities soon would come to suspect he had a more sinister motive.

As part of his probation, he was required to submit to a cheek swab. The Nebraska State Patrol inserted his DNA profile into a database and connected Vaughn to the sexual assaults of Knight and four other Omaha women from 1999 to 2009.

Authorities also concluded that the burglary that landed him on probation was more than likely his attempt to victimize a sixth woman, the Bible study teacher.

Vaughn, 45, is serving up to 70 years in prison.

For Knight, who was raped in 2005, the collection of Vaughns DNA ended eight years of angst.

Its awful, she said. You have no idea  he could be standing next to you, waiting in line at the grocery store. He could still be watching you. It took years to get myself to stop thinking that way. Its no way to live.

Knight calls it unconscionable that state prison officials have allowed inmates to simply say no.

She wonders how many prisoners have gotten out of prison without giving their DNA.

Someone needs to ask (prison officials), How would you feel if this was your daughter or your sister or your loved one living their lives scared to death?  she said. They havent collected it because of what? The inmates said, I dont wanna? 

Probation officers  such as the ones in Vaughns case  and parole officers are much more likely to get compliance. The reason: They can attempt to revoke probation or parole if prisoners refuse to give their DNA.

But step inside Nebraska prisons, and officials are reluctant to force DNA collections from inmates.

The reasoning is threefold: 1) legal opinions given to them by the State Attorney Generals Office; 2) state senators comments while passing the DNA collection law; and 3) a ruling that disallowed their use of extra prison time to gain compliance.

Nebraska attorney general staff have long advised Corrections that they cannot take DNA by force.

Soon after the DNA collection law was passed in 1997, then-Nebraska Corrections Director Harold Clarke asked the Attorney Generals Office: Can we force inmates to submit their DNA?

In an Oct. 10, 1997, memo, Stenberg and Assistant Attorney General Linda Willard, now retired, traced the legislative history of the DNA collection act and concluded: It is our determination that the Legislature has not authorized the use of physical force in obtaining these DNA samples.

Stenberg and Willard noted that state senators had modeled Nebraskas DNA collection law after Pennsylvanias  with one notable exception. Senators removed a portion of the laws wording that permitted the use of reasonable force by law enforcement or Corrections. Then-Sen. Kermit Brashear of Omaha, a former chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said at the time that the committee removed the language so permission to use reasonable force no longer exists.

If the subject (prisoner) refuses and will not permit, Brashear said, then Corrections and law enforcement personnel will have to proceed otherwise.

For more than a dozen years, proceed otherwise meant do little. Meanwhile, other states, such as Pennsylvania, developed a several-step process that culminated in forced collection, if necessary. Still others, such as Massachusetts, made it a felony if a convict refused.

Nebraska took a different route.

In 2010, the Nebraska Legislature expanded the collection practices to all convicted felons  past or present. The law included a penalty for not providing DNA: The convict would forfeit his good time. In most cases, that meant he would double his sentence.

It didnt take long for inmates to challenge it.

In 2011, George Shepard, a twice-convicted sex offender from Omaha, refused when Corrections officials asked him to submit a DNA sample.

Shepard had been convicted of sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl in his Elkhorn trailer in 1990.

When Shepard refused to give his DNA, Corrections informed him that he would have to serve all of his 50-year sentence. But if he gave the DNA, he would get the typical day off for every day served  and his sentence would be 25 years.

Shepard sued  claiming the loss of 25 years of good-behavior credit was an after-the-fact sanction and, thus, was unconstitutional.

Shepard won, in part. The high court said Corrections could not penalize Shepard with additional prison time because that penalty was added in 2010 and wasnt in existence when Shepard was sentenced. In effect, Corrections can extend sentences only of those inmates who entered prison after the 2010 law and have refused to give their DNA.

But the high court did not rule out Corrections collecting Shepards DNA. Requiring a convicted person to submit a DNA sample does not violate the U.S. Constitution, the ruling said.

In 2015, Shepard left prison without giving his DNA. Court filings indicate he currently resides at the Lincoln Regional Center, though its not clear for how long.

His case wasnt the only time the Nebraska Supreme Court asserted the states right to obtain convicted felons DNA.

In 1994, Omaha resident Thomas Freeman refused an order requiring him to provide blood or saliva samples. So, acting on a judges order, authorities physically held him down, stuck a needle in his arm and extracted his blood.

Freeman appealed  arguing that police violated his rights.

In 1997, the Nebraska Supreme Court rejected his appeal, ruling that, under state law, authorities had every right to take a DNA sample.

It turns out that Freeman had a reason to refuse. DNA tests showed that Freeman had raped eight women in Omaha in 1993. He now is serving a 100-year sentence.

Kleine, who helped prosecute Freeman, said the case proves the point: Guilty parties, especially prisoners, have motive to hide their DNA.

Kleine said hes baffled as to why the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office hasnt adjusted its stance since the Freeman ruling. The 1997 ruling upholding the use of force came out two months after the attorney generals opinion that force cant be used.

If the (Nebraska) Supreme Court said you can hold somebody down and take their blood, Kleine said, certainly you can hold them down and take a cheek swab.

Now, Kleine wonders how many of the refusing prisoners have been released without giving their DNA. Smith, the Corrections spokeswoman, said one inmate refused, lost all of his good-time credit, finished his sentence and has been released to a federal detainer. It wasnt clear whether that federal case was criminal or immigration-related.

Corrections account isnt complete. As mentioned, Shepard also left prison without giving his DNA.

It is not clear if others have. Smith would not identify any of the prisoners who have refused, saying its considered part of the inmates confidential file.

Kleine became aware of the DNA stalemate when he inquired about collection efforts for a sex offender suspected in other crimes.

Waiting on that DNA sample, Kleine called the Nebraska State Patrol, which oversees the statewide DNA bank. Patrol officials told Kleine they had received no DNA from the sex offender.

Kleine contacted state prison officials. They told him that they couldnt collect the DNA for a simple reason: The inmate had refused.

So Kleine and Schmaderer last year contacted Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson  urging Peterson to advise the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services to follow the law.

Peterson, who didnt take office until 2015, has since told the two he is working on the issue, according to Kleine. The attorney general reportedly advised Corrections to stop providing incoming inmates with the form that allows them to check a box to opt out of a DNA test  something Corrections used for years but now does not.

A spokeswoman for Peterson said the office was busy and couldnt provide comment.

To be sure, the estimated 73 inmates who have refused represent a minority.

State officials have collected 37,000 samples from prisoners, parolees and probationers over the past 20 years. And those samples have helped law enforcement agencies solve 408 cases, according to data provided to a national DNA database.

However, Kleine argues, theres little excuse for state prison officials to not have 100 percent compliance. He noted that DNA doesnt just connect a person to a crime; it can serve to free others. Nowhere was that more evident than in the Beatrice Six case, in which a DNA test of an Oklahoma man cleared six people who were falsely convicted of an elderly womans murder.

DNA is such a tremendous forensic tool  it not only implicates, it can exonerate, he said. Its unbelievably powerful.

But only if its collected, Kleine said.

Corrections practice of extending the sentences of recently incarcerated inmates, Kleine said, doesnt accomplish the laws goal: solving crimes through DNA collection. He noted that some of the affected inmates already are serving life sentences, or close to it  so they have little incentive to comply.

He questions why Corrections would wait  and make victims wait.

The law doesnt allow (prisoners) to hide their DNA for years before we get a sample, Kleine said. When Corrections says, Were not going to make you submit, its letting the inmates control the system. That doesnt make any sense to me.

Nor does it to Knight, the 2005 rape survivor.

They have the chance to bring peace of mind to dozens of victims, she said. Its baffling that this isnt being done just because the inmates are refusing. It makes you wonder who exactly is running the show.

World-Herald staff writers Alia Conley and Jeffrey Robb contributed to this report.
Heath Mello earned a reputation as a partisan gunner in his early days in the Nebraska Legislature.

The machine-gun-talking Democrat with the slicked-back hair was 29 when he took office and, he acknowledges, eager to mix it up with Republicans.

He set his sights early on Republican Dave Heineman. Mello had been in office less than two months when he hammered the then-governor for displaying his face on a state website that showed where federal stimulus dollars were being spent.

The man who once worked for the Nebraska Democratic Party was making a name for himself, but not always in a positive way with his Republican colleagues.

Mellos chances of ever winning a leadership position in the GOP-dominated Legislature appeared slimmer than Hillary Clintons chances of winning the Cornhusker State in a landslide.

Four years later, however, Mello pulled off what is arguably one of the biggest partisan upsets in the Nebraska Legislature when he won the chairmanship of the bodys powerful Appropriations Committee. He was the first Democrat in 62 years to lead the budget-writing committee.

Mello said he simply began to value consensus over partisan rancor.

There was a maturity that occurred, said Mello. I was elected to the Legislature as a 29-year-old South Omaha Democrat and left the Legislature eight years later as someone who valued the nonpartisan Legislature.

Now Mello is trying to pull off another upset as he seeks to topple Republican Mayor Jean Stothert. Mello entered the race as a clear underdog but stunned many when he came about 2 percentage points short of winning last months primary.

Mello says he wants a modern city that contains more transportation options, such as more bike lanes and bus routes, and a more technologically savvy City Hall.

By all accounts Mello has made this campaign competitive. Thats despite running into criticism on a number of fronts, including what some perceived as a politically inspired flip-flop on a proposed streetcar project, along with his decision to accept $25,000 from the firefighters union.

Mello can embody the back-slapping politician of yore, with a hearty laugh and a gift for gab. Even Republicans who had policy differences with him in the Nebraska Legislature concede it is hard to hold a grudge against Mello.

His ability to make friends clearly helped him in the Legislature. Several Republicans approached Mello after his third year in office and told him that his partisan ways would cost him leadership positions, Mello said.

One of those lawmakers was State Sen. Bob Krist, a self-described centrist Republican. Krist said Mello had earned the respect of people on both sides of the aisle for his work ethic and his ability to quickly digest and understand complex legislative matters, but some felt he was too eager to engage in partisan warfare to be a committee chairman.

Mello appeared to take the conversation to heart.

I saw Heath Mello go from what you would describe as a young gun to a sheriff in town, Krist said. Heath soon found you can work with anybody in the body and it doesnt have to be us against the world. 

Mello calls his legislative years a Tale of Two Terms. Im not perfect. I make mistakes every day, but I learn from those mistakes, he said.

There are those who question whether Mello isnt still an old-school Democrat with partisan tendencies. His opponent, Jean Stothert, has noted that Mello is following in the tracks of the citys two previous Democratic mayors  Mike Fahey and Jim Suttle  by taking donations from the Omaha firefighters union.

Stothert has said she will not take money from city unions, believing it is not appropriate because mayors have to negotiate labor contracts.

City Councilwoman Aimee Melton, a Republican and Stothert supporter, agrees. I think were at risk of going back to the old ways of dealing with the union that resulted in the huge unfunded pension liability we have now, Melton said.

Mello has said that the unions donation would have no impact on how he handles labor negotiations in the future.

Melton also predicted that Mello would change his tune on the streetcar proposal after the election. Hes saying hit the pause until the election is over, and then once Im mayor, were doing it.

Stothert has supported the project but said she wouldnt go forward without a public vote. In one television ad, Mello calls for putting brakes on the project.

In an interview, he said: Im open to the idea, but first we have to fix our streets and we have to start over and engage the public.

At 37, Mello would be one of the citys youngest mayors. He is a member of the millennial generation who has said he wants a community that readily embraces immigrants, refugees and members of the gay, lesbian and transgender community.

The Omaha of the future, in my mind, is a more welcoming, more connected and more innovative city, Mello says on the campaign trail.

He says one of his first hires would be a chief innovation officer, who would find ways to incorporate new technology into City Hall to make it more efficient and transparent. (Mello says he would use existing resources to hire the officer.)

Like many political challengers, Mellos visions are sometimes broad, with few specifics and no costs attached.

For example, transportation has been a key Mello talking point. He argues that Omaha must begin moving toward a time, about 30 years from now, when cars are not required to get from one place to another. That is a mind shift.

How would he go about implementing that vision?

Mello said he could not support a light rail system at this time, despite saying frequently that he believes Omaha should look to Denver for inspiration. (Denver has light rail.)

He did, however, offer enthusiastic support for a big transportation project that is already a done deal in Omaha. The rapid transit bus line, which will include loading platforms on Dodge Street for easier and faster access onto the bus, is a first step in making the city a more interconnected city, Mello said. He said he would work to make sure that the new commuter bus line, set to operate next year in Omaha between Westroads Mall and downtown, is successful.

Mellos roots in Democratic politics run deep. After college, he went to work for the Nebraska Democratic Party as a fundraiser and, in 2006, went to work on Sen. Ben Nelsons re-election campaign.

In 2010 he married Catherine Leo, a former top aide in Mayor Mike Faheys administration.

Mellos longest job so far has been the eight years he worked for the Metropolitan Community College Foundation and, later, the college itself, helping to coordinate the colleges community outreach, identifying donors and finding opportunities for public-private partnerships.

He left that job in 2014 and started a nonprofit with financial help from Democratic mega-donor Dick Holland of Omaha. The Nebraska Career Education and Innovation Foundation is focused on helping the private sector work with public schools to develop the states next generation of workers. Mello took a leave of absence in January to focus full time on the mayors race.

During his years in the Nebraska Legislature, Mello fought for a variety of issues. One measure pushed by Mello extended the states equal-pay protection law to previously exempt smaller businesses, and he pushed through a bill last year that provided tax credits to child care workers and facilities that met certain training and quality standards.

His efforts, however, to expand Medicaid under the Obamacare law failed.

Mello also led the fight to allow Uber and Lyft  two ride-hailing companies  to operate in Nebraska.

Mello took a lead role in passing legislation that allowed dreamers  those brought to this country illegally as children  to be able to get drivers licenses and professional licenses.

His legislative style was reportedly aggressive in a friendly, high-energy sort of way. One Republican  who did not want to be named because he remains friendly with Mello  said Mello irritated many people with his relentless approach on bills or amendments he wanted passed.

He was like a young Hal Daub. He kept coming and coming and coming. When he was onto something, it was wearing, said the former lawmaker.

Former State Sen. Colby Coash said he realizes that Mello irritated some, but he admired the Omahan for his persistence. He was absolutely dogged about issues he was passionate about. Some people may interpret that as hounding, but he was one of the hardest-working senators I served with, said Coash, a Lincoln Republican.

Mello did make one big enemy in the Nebraska Legislature: Gov. Heineman. Today, Heineman says Mello was one of the most partisan lawmakers he dealt with in the Legislature, and he has accused Mello of being a tax-and-spend liberal. Heineman argued that Mello often led the fight to overturn his budget vetoes at the expense of property tax relief.

For example, in 2014 Heineman vetoed $65 million in spending, but Mello worked to override $61 million of those vetoes.

He was quick to be partisan, and that made it more difficult to find common ground. He tries to hide that, but he is clearly a very strong Democrat, said Heineman, who had sought deeper tax cuts that year.

On taxes in this campaign, Mello has called for a cap on the citys restaurant tax and has said that he would work to ensure that the city does not make a windfall on property taxes if valuations suddenly rise, as they did this year. However, he has not promised to reduce property taxes.

Mello acknowledges that he butted heads with Heineman often in his first four years in the Legislature, but he swatted away the idea that he was too partisan and that he was a tax-and-spend liberal. He noted that in 2014, many Republican senators agreed with him in overriding the governors vetoes.

At the time, Mello said, lawmakers had already approved a property tax relief bill, and a bigger tax cut would have come at the expense of needed state programs.

I was a Democrat in the minority in the Legislature, and we were able to get support to pass a balanced budget and tax relief, Mello said.
The writers are Nebraska state senators. Pansing Brooks represents Legislative District 28 in Lincoln. Schumacher represents Legislative District 22 in the Columbus area.

A disproportionately high number of inmates in Nebraska correctional facilities, both juveniles and adults, are held in solitary confinement, spending 22 or more hours each day alone, usually in a small cell, isolated from staff and other prisoners for days, weeks, or months on end.

Occasionally, those in solitary confinement get a book or Bible. Once a day, they are permitted to exercise outside their cell alone, without anyone else to interact with, in a small space with access to daylight.

Mental health experts know that such conditions are counterproductive. This is particularly problematic for juveniles because it interferes with their healthy growth and development.

Solitary confinement is known to cause serious psychological, physical and developmental harm and can lead to persistent mental illness, suicide and, in too many cases, a volatile and dangerous disposition upon release. These risks are magnified for people with disabilities or histories of trauma and abuse.

National experts recommend that vulnerable people  juveniles, people with mental illness, pregnant women  should never be placed in solitary confinement for more than 24 to 72 hours. Yet reports from state and county facilities show that juveniles in Nebraska are being held for much longer periods.

Recent news reports suggest some corrections staff members believe they need to have the option of solitary as a tool to manage the prison population. Research indicates otherwise.

In fact, according to the Vera Institute of Justice, people who are incarcerated in solitary confinement often respond with more violence.

Studies are finding that our prisons are safer and more likely to rehabilitate people if we use behavioral techniques where inmates earn more privileges for good behavior rather than imposing solitary confinement.

We have introduced Legislative Bills 516 and 560 to ensure safer prisons and better outcomes for incarcerated people and to provide an overall healthier environment for inmates and staff alike.

LB 516 would improve the reporting requirements for juvenile facilities so we have accurate and clear information on how long young people are being held in solitary.

LB 560 would prohibit the use of solitary and would prohibit placing vulnerable populations such as juveniles, pregnant women, people with serious mental health diagnoses and developmental and intellectual disabilities in restrictive housing.

There is a nationwide trend to lessen the use of solitary confinement and a conversation occurring about appropriate treatment for the most vulnerable prison populations.

Well over 90 percent of those incarcerated eventually will return to their communities, and it is time Nebraska modernized and funded practices that will make correctional staff, inmates and society safer.
It has been incredible watching women in my social media world post about why they support Heath Mello for mayor of Omaha. In the last week, friends and acquaintances have shared their unique and deliberative words.

When I packed up after two years in Heaths legislative office, I left with genuine gratitude for the experience. During my pregnancy, he continued to challenge me professionally and treated me with respect and consideration. That is a standard that everyone should experience. But they dont. And that is one of the reasons why it meant so much for me to work for someone who worked to change that.

As a senator, Mello championed the bill that strengthened worker fairness protections and accommodations for pregnant women and new mothers. He secured a step forward on equal pay in Nebraska.

Heath voted to codify a womans right to breastfeed in public and to increase public investments in access to early childhood care and education.

He voted to extend access to family planning and preventative health care to 27,000 low-income women and supported multiple bills to combat human trafficking in Nebraska. And he fought to restore universal prenatal care in Nebraska.

Rachel Meier, Gretna
Want the best view of the solar eclipse? Plan a trip to tiny Tryon in the Sand Hills.

GETTING THERE

Pronounced "Tryn", Tryon is in McPherson County, about 35 miles northwest of North Platte, Nebraska. Take Highway 97.

OFFICIAL SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, AUG. 20

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Prairie tours by horse-drawn wagon ($10 per person), trail rides by horseback ($20 per person). Participants will learn about Sand Hills history, lore and conservation. Discounts for families. Reservations encouraged. Dusty Trails LLC, 308-530-0048, www.dustytrails.biz

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Tepee village and flint knapping demonstrations by mountaineer Tom Eckhoff of Stones & Bones, Hershey, Nebraska.

10 a.m.  Nondenominational worship service at eclipse viewing site in Tryon. Free.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Coffee with a Rancher, McPherson County fair building. Drop in, meet a local and learn about ranching life. Freewill donation.

Noon  Cutting horse, team penning and working cattle dog exhibitions by local cowboys.

7 p.m.  Sand Hills in Music, original musical production with pioneer songs set to narration, Tryon park. Free.

8:30 p.m.  Stargazing at eclipse viewing site. Free.

MONDAY, AUG. 21

9 a.m.  Gates open at official eclipse viewing site. Admission: $15 per person, includes bottle of water and eclipse viewing glasses. Reserved spaces for large telescopes and photography equipment, $25 additional. Secure in advance with check payable to Eclipse in the Sand Hills, 300 E. Highway 92, Tryon, NE 69167. Viewers will need to hoof it three-fourths mile on a gently sloped rock road. Closed-toe walking shoes recommended. Shuttle service available for guests with disabilities.

9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  Prairie tours by horse-drawn wagon, trail rides by horseback. Hourly, $10 and $20; family discounts. Tepee village and flint knapping demonstrations; Coffee with a Rancher repeated from Sunday. (Activities will be suspended for eclipse viewing.)

12:53 p.m.  Two minutes, 34 seconds of Totality in Tryon. The second-longest viewing time in Nebraska. (Beatrice and its nearby Homestead National Monument of America will have two minutes, 35 seconds.)

2 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Food vendors open.

SCHEDULE UPDATES

facebook.com/2017 Eclipse in the Sandhills Tryon, Nebraska

WHAT TO BRING

 Cash  Some vendors may not accept credit or debit cards.

 Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen  the Sand Hills sun burns hot and bright.

 Old blankets, folding chairs  the prairie terrain is rugged.

 Sensible shoes  for protection against sand burs.

 Insect repellent  bugs, flies, and grasshoppers are ever-present.

 Wet wipes  handy for portable toilets.

WHAT TO EXPECT

It's rugged out here, folks

Food vendors will be on site Sunday and Monday. Food-to-go also will be available at Aunt Beas Cafe during regular hours.

Tryon has a gas station, but it likely will be closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Motorists are advised to gas up in North Platte before heading north.

Cell service is spotty. A personal hotspot can come in handy.

Navigation is best by Google Maps.

State troopers will patrol for vehicles parked in non-designated areas. Obey No Trespassing signs.

Open campfires are prohibited. Propane and charcoal grills may be OK with some property owners. Ask ahead, and heed seasonal fire danger warnings.

WHERE TO STAY

 North Platte (with some 1,300 sleeping rooms) is completely booked, according to the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau. Your best bet is to call around and inquire about last-minute cancellations, added rooms, advises Muriel Clark of the bureau.

 Locals around Tryon and Stapleton are opening their ranches to guests. Two that this writer previewed:

 The Kathleen and Wiley Fisher ranch at Ringgold, population 9, maybe 7, depending on the day. Primitive tent camping, RV parking; no electrical hookups. But you can have all the water you want for free. Makeshift showers, portable toilets. On-site meals available. Private solar eclipse viewing area. Space rentals per night: $75, RV camper; $50, tent. www.centerlinecamping.com

 Wanda and Mike Waits ranch north of Tryon on State Highway 97. Limited access to electricity; no generators because we want people to hear the coyotes. Dogs allowed but must be on leashes. City dogs and livestock dont mix. Some catered meals upon request for dining in shop building. Host is known for her sweet rolls with honey-roasted peanuts and white icing. Family friendly; guest experience includes a memorable encounter with black Angus herd. Well take you out in the pasture with a pail of cattle cakes, and the cows will come right up to you and eat them from your hands. $57 per night. Airbnb.com/Tryon, Nebraska
What does the US actually want in Syria?

2 Indians who joined IS, Al-Qaeda killed in US airstrike

India

pti-PTI

Palakkad/Kasargod, Apr 30: Two Keralites, who allegedly joined terror groups last year, have reportedly been killed in Syria and Afghanistan in air strikes by the US.

The deceased were identified as Yahya and Abu Thahir, both hailing from Palakkad, and had reportedly joined Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, respectively, police said. They were among the 21 people, including women and children from Kerala, who had travelled to the Middle East and went missing in 2016.

17 of them were from Kasargod and the rest from Palakkad. Police said they received an information last night about the death of Thahir in Syria. A message received by a social worker in Kasargod said: "Yahya has been martyred while fighting in Afghanistan".

The sender of the message, Asfak, said Yahya was "martyred" in the US attack. "He was killed while fighting the US forces," the message read. It, however, did not specify when he was killed. A fortnight ago, one Murshid Muhammed from Padna in the district was killed in a drone attack in Afghanistan.

PTI
Dawood struggles for life at hospital, IB keeps a watch

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A day after news regarding Dawood Ibrahim's failing health broke out, Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the developments. An IB official confirmed that he is in very bad condition and is admitted at the Aga Khan hospital in Karachi.

It is not looking good for Dawood and he is unlikely to survive an officer monitoring the situation said. He suffered a major heart attack and was shifted to hospital on Friday. Officials also rubbished reports that he was seen last at a function hosted by Javed Miandad. He has crippling gangrene and has not stepped out of his house for a long time.

There is major security outside the hospital and there is ample confirmation that he is being treated out there, officials also said. More proof about his failing health came up when his brother Anees took over the operations of the D-syndicate.

When asked about Chhota Shakeel's byte to the media that Dawood was hale and hearty, the official said the information was incorrect. Why would Shakeel confirm the news and also suggest that he is in Pakistan. Pakistan has long been in denial about the presence of Dawood on their soil and they would not allow anyone to confirm the same.

Moreover, by confirming the news, there could be a succession battle within the D-syndicate. It would be the ISI which would decide on who would succeed Dawood and it will not be the call of the gang members.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, April 30, 2017, 9:59 [IST]
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case

DRI busts illegal poaching racket run by retired Colonel in Meerut

India

oi-PTI

Meerut, April 30: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Wild Life department jointly with Uttar Pradesh police have busted a huge racket of poaching and arms smuggling run by an ex-armyman in Meerut.

As per the reports, DRI officials conducted the raids at Civil Lines residence of Colonel retd, Devindra Kumar on Saturday afternoon and seized 117kg ilgai meat, animal remains, 40 guns during the 17-hour-long raid. Four persons have been arrested in this connection.

The Colonel is said to own a college in Bareily. His son, Prashant Bishnoi, who is a national level shooter has also come under the scanner.

A huge amount of Rs 1 crore was recovered from the Colonel's residence. The seized samples have been sent to wild life institute of Dehradun for forensic examination.

The police suspect involvement of a foreign national in this huge racket. Investigation is underway.

PTI

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, April 30, 2017, 17:43 [IST]
Man who blew his ISI cover was seeking asylum in India

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The man who blew his own cover at the Delhi airport by calling himself an ISI agent is actually a bookie. He wanted asylum in India and hence he staged this drama. Ahmed Mohamamd alias Rafique had landed in Delhi from Dubai and told authorities that he was an ISI agent. He said that he wanted to call it a day and hence was blowing his own cover.

After almost 24 hours of investigation, the Intelligence Bureau has found that he wanted to settle in India and hence had cooked up this story. The IB officer also said that he was a cloth merchant in 2015 and later on became a bookie.

The 38 year old man arrived from Dubai to Delhi and was to take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. However he decided to walk up to the counter and tell the authorities that he was an ISI man.

Officials who have questioned him say that he has illusions and often talks rubbish. He is under medication for neurological problems as he had an accident seven years back. On him the agencies found a Pakistani passport - KF 088779. His date of birth mentioned is July 9, 1978 and his residence is in Gulshan Colony of Faisalabad.

Currently in the custody of the Intelligence Bureau's counter-espionage group, a decision on whether to deport him to Pakistan or not will be taken on Monday. It is a tricky situation, an IB officer said. He has not violated any law. He had a valid passport and visa and is not wanted for any crime in India.

After several rounds of questioning, the agencies have not found anything suspicious about him. He basically wanted asylum in India and hence had cooked up the story, officials also said.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, April 30, 2017, 9:53 [IST]
Mann Ki Baat : Narendra Modi's 31st radio address at 11 am

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

New Delhi, April 30: In his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 11 am on Sunday.

This will be the 31st episode of the monthly programme, which be broadcast on All Indian Radio and Doordarshan. The programme will also be streamed on the You Tube channels of the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and DD News.

The prime minister is likely to talk about the recent Maoist attack in Sukma that claimed the lives of 25 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force on April 24. The upcoming examination results and the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission are other topics that PM Modi is likely to talk about.

PM Modi had shared his vision of a New India in his last Mann Ki Baat episode held in March. Besides, the prime minister had also addressed the issue of depression and food wastage in the country besides speaking about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Digital India campaign.

OneIndia News
India's intellectuals are anti-India, says Australian sociologist who is all praise for PM Modi

PM Modi unveils G20 logo: Significance of the lotus and its seven petals

In pictures, grandeur of Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport which PM Modi will inaugurate

Congress can never give stable govt to Himachal; it is guarantee of instability, corruption, scam: PM Modi

Modi politicising issue of triple talaq: Manish Tewari

India

oi-Madhuri

Amid the ongoing controversy over the issue of triple talaq, Congress leader Manish Tewari on Sunday said that Modi is attempting to politicise issue of Triple Talaq, when it's a matter of gender justice, for lack of a better word is laughable.

PM's attempt to politicise issue of Triple Talaq,when it's a matter of gender justice,for lack of a better word is laughable: M Tewari,Cong pic.twitter.com/RtJOQVYIXD  ANI (@ANI_news) April 30, 2017

Earlier, Modi had espressed hope that the "enlightened Muslims from within the community" will fight to eradicate the unruly practice soon.

He also asked the Muslims to not view the fight against triple talaq through a political lens as it would tarnish the fight against the arbitrary practice.

OneIndia News
Telangana Assembly passes Land Bill amid Congress protests

India

oi-PTI

Hyderabad, Apr 30: Amid din by main opposition Congress members, the Telangana Legislative Assemby on Sunday passed an Amendment Bill to the Land Acquisition Act passed by it in December last year.

The special one-day sitting, called to amend the Land Acqusition Act, concluded in just about 10 minutes without much debate. The amendments to the Act were taken up following a suggestion from the Centre.

As the House met for the day, Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, who handles revenue and related portfolios, moved the Bill. Congress members, who were holding placards, stood up and tried to raise an issue (on farmers problems).

Noting that the Amendment Bill was taken up in the Assembly as per a directive from the President, Speaker S Madhusudanachary asked the Congress members to resume their seats and speak on the Bill.

As Congress members refused to comply, the Speaker asked AIMIM member Ahmed Pasha Quadri to speak. When the MIM member began to speak, but the Congress members raised slogans and some of them entered the well of the House. They were stopped from moving ahead by the marshalls.

Saying that the Congress members appeared not keen on speaking on the Bill, Legislative Affairs Minister T Harish Rao said the Bill be passed. Mahmood Ali urged that the Bill be passed and the Speaker took up the procedures to pass the Bill.

He announced the passage of the Bill and adjourned the House sine die. Opposition BJP and TDP were not part of the proceedings as they were suspended from the House earlier. Talking to reporters after the House was adjourned, Leader of Opposition (Congress) K Jana Reddy alleged that the government adopted an undemocratic and dictatorial attitude in not allowing his party members to raise farmers' problems. Favouring conducting social impact assessment in the process of land acquisition, Congress MLA and state unit president N Uttam Kumar Reddy said his party would meet President Pranab Mukherjee to urge him not to accept the Bill.

Countering Congress allegations, Deputy Chief Minister (Education) K Srihari found fault with the Congress members for not participating in the debate on the Bill. The government is ready to address concerns in the interests of farmers if the Congress pointed out any shortcomings in the Bill, he said.

Meanwhile, Opposition BJP members held a protest, before the Assembly proceedings began, for not allowing them to attend the Assembly. It was undemocratic to not allow them to attend the Assembly though they were suspended in the previous sitting when the Bill for increasing reservation to backward sections among Muslims and STs was passed, the BJP members said.

PTI

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, April 30, 2017, 15:30 [IST]
Turkish Prez Erdogan calls for multilateral dialogue on Kashmir issue

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Apr 30: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday suggested a multilateral dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue to ensure peace in the region. Erdogen, who arrived here this evening ahead of talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, favoured India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group besides that of Pakistan, saying India should not have objection to it.

"We should not allow more casualties to occur in Kashmir. By having a multilateral dialogue, (in which) we can be involved, we can seek ways to settle the issue once and for all," he told WION news channel in an interview.

The Turkish leader said that it is in the interest of India and Pakistan that they should resolve this issue and not leave it for the future generations who will have to suffer. "All around the world, there is no better option than keeping the channel of dialogue open. If we contribute towards global peace, we can get a very positive result," he said.

Erdogen said India and Pakistan were both friends of Turkey and he wanted to help strengthen the dialogue process among the stakeholders for resolving the Kashmir issue which has been festering for the last 70 years.

Replying to questions on the Kurdish problem in Turkey, he said it could not be compared with the Kashmir issue. "We have no problem with the Kurdish people. We have a problem with a terrorist organisation," he said. "It (the Kurdish problem) is a territorial dispute. In Jammu and Kashmir, the situation is different. Let's not make the mistake of comparing them," he said.

PTI
On Google Indians searched for Baahubali 2 the most: What else did people look for

Venkaiah applauds Baahubali 2, says Rajamouli has broken barriers of Indian cinema

India

pti-PTI

Hyderabad, Apr 30: Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday heaped praises on SS Rajamouli's latest release 'Baahubali 2-The Conclusion', saying the film has taken Indian cinema to an entirely new level.

He watched the film and compared it to Hollywood classic 'The Ten Commandments'. "It is a great visual treat... giving the experience of legendary Hollywood films like 'Ben-Hur' and 'Ten Commandments'," Venkaiah told reporters.

"I am amazed by the canvass of the film, courage of director Rajamouli...characterisation, commitment to ensure quality of production and the fine blend of emotion with technology in dishing out such a global quality film," the Information and Broadcasting minister said.

"The film has taken Indian cinema to an entirely new level and coming from regional language (Telugu) team is all the more praiseworthy. I have met Rajamouli. He has proved that he has the capacity to compete with Hollywood directors," he said.

"As I&B minister, I compliment Rajamouli, producers and the entire team for the wonderful Baahubali sequel. We feel proud of them," he added. To a query, the senior leader said in a lighter vein, "The PM (Narendra Modi) is 'baahubali' for me and then the cinema."

On being asked whether regional movies should have Hindi subtitles or be dubbed in that language, he said, "It is not mandatory. Those who want to promote (their film) can put subtitles. "As far as language is concerned, if you go outside (from a state) you have to put subtitles and translate or dub, else people will not be able to enjoy."

PTI
Mumbai attack accused Hafiz Saeed to remain under house arrest for 90 days more

International

pti-PTI

Lahore, Apr 30: Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed will remain under house arrest here for 90 days more after the expiry of his three- month detention period on Sunday night.

Pakistan's Punjab government on Sunday decided to extend the duration of the house arrest of Saeed and his four aides under the country's anti-terrorism act and the notification for it will be issued soon, an official of the Punjab government's Home Department said.

"The government has decided in principle to extend the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Ubaid for another 90 days" under preventive detention, he said.

The official said a consultative meeting on Saeed's detention has already been held under Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar in which a decision to extend the house arrest has been taken.

The government on January 30 had put Saeed and the four leaders under house arrest in Lahore for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security. The house arrest was made for a period of 90 days ending tonight.

According to media reports, the Nawaz Sharif government had detained Saeed after the Trump administration, which had just taken over, had told Pakistan that it may face sanctions if it did not act against JuD and its chief.

The Jamaat-ud Dawah, the front group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, and its sister organisation Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, had also been put under terror watch on the basis of a report sent by the ministry of foreign affairs.

Saeed, along with his four aides, have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging his detention through senior advocate A K Dogar. During the previous hearing on the petition earlier this month, the Punjab government had told the Lahore High Court that no violation of law had been made in their detention as it had reasons to believe that JuD and FIF are engaged in activities which can be prejudicial to peace and security.

Saeed and his aides allege in their petition that the government detained them without any legal justification. Saeed was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, but he was freed by a court in 2009. He has a bounty of USD 10 million on his head for his role in terror activities.

PTI
 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd.

All rights reserved.

One News is a registered trademark

of One News Page Ltd.
Rumble 06 May 2022

It was reported that many correspondents who attended the April 30 White House Correspondent's Dinner now have COVID-19? ..
Wibbitz Top Stories 07 Nov 2022

Facebook Parent Company Meta , Expected To Begin Layoffs Soon.

'The New York Times' and 'The Wall Street Journal' reported the..
Demonstrators rallied through the streets of Manhattan as part of a series of global marches over climate change. The march in New..

CBS News 25 Mar 2021
Eurasia Review 07 Nov 2022

Recent conflicts in Azerbaijan and Ukraine have seen the deployment of armed drones by new suppliers that are dubious (Turkey)..
euronews (in English) 19 Sep 2022

An advert for the anti-LGBT march was also shown on television after gaining the approval of the countrys broadcasting council,..
Business Insider 19 Nov 2020

The meeting is another arm of Trump's chaotic effort to reverse the election results in key battleground states as his court cases..
The M2M, IoT & Wearable Technology Ecosystem: 2015 - 2020 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals and Forecasts

https://www.reporthive.com/request-sample.php?id=773637

As consumer voice and data services revenues reach their saturation point, wireless carriers are keen to capitalize on other avenues to drive revenue growth. One such opportunity is providing network connectivity for M2M (Machine to Machine) devices like smart meters, connected cars, healthcare monitors and digital signage. Despite its low ARPU, M2M technology has helped carriers establish steady revenue streams across several verticals including utilities, healthcare, automotive, transportation, logistics, public safety, retail, and even consumer electronics.Another key opportunity is the monetization of wearable technology. Mobile device OEMs are aggressively investing in wearable devices, in order to offset declining margins in their traditional smartphone and tablet markets. As a result, the market has been flooded with a variety of smart bands, smart watches and other wearable devices capable of collecting, sending and processing data over mobile applications.Eyeing opportunities to route huge volumes of traffic from these wearable devices, many wireless carriers are now seeking to fit wearable technology with their M2M offerings, targeting both consumer and vertical markets. SNS Research expects that M2M and wearable devices can help carriers pocket as much as $116 Billion in network connectivity revenue by the end of 2020, following a CAGR of over 40% between 2015 and 2020.Spanning over 800 pages, 'The M2M, IoT & Wearable Technology Ecosystem: 2015 - 2020 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals and Forecasts' report package encompasses two comprehensive reports covering both the M2M and wearable technology markets:- The Wireless M2M & IoT Bible: 2014 - 2020 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals and Forecasts- The Wearable Technology Ecosystem: 2014 - 2020 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals and ForecastsRequest sample copy at:This report package provides an in-depth assessment of M2M and wearable technology, including key market drivers, challenges, investment potential, consumer & vertical market opportunities, use cases, future roadmap, value chain, deployment case studies, ecosystem player profiles and strategic recommendations. The report also presents forecasts for wearable device shipments, M2M module shipments, M2M connections, and associated submarkets from 2014 through to 2020. The forecasts are further segmented into vertical, regional, technology and country submarkets.The report package comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the two reports.About Us:We are a leading repository of market research reports and solutions from the top publishers and market research companies across globe, catering to various industries. This large collection of reports assists organizations in decision-making on aspects such as market entry strategies, market sizing, market share analysis, competitive analysis, product portfolio analysis andopportunity analysis among others. We also assist in determining the best suited and targeted report from our large repository of global reports, company-specific reports and country-level reports.Our custom research services help clients to meet specific market research requirements by coordinating with our esteemed research partners. Our experienced analysts are always available to cater to your queries pre- and post-purchase. We believe in providing best-in-class after-sales service to our clients and wish to build a long-term and a mutually fruitful relationship.Contact Us:Pune, Maharashtra - 411 014 IndiaEmail: sales@reporthive.comCall: +1-312-604-7084
High School Graduation Rates

Business leaders argue that lawmakers must address Oregon's "runaway" budget, and that spending reforms and new revenue must be tied to specific outcomes, such as increasing the state's high school graduation rate.

(Mark Felix/AP Photo)

Patrick Criteser and Dan Harmon

For more than 15 years, Oregon's major business groups, trade associations and elected officials have worked together to build the Oregon Business Plan. The partnership between business leaders and elected officials has accomplished many important initiatives in education, health care, transportation, water and forest management.

Oregon's economy is thriving right now, outperforming the nation in job growth, one of our key goals. Businesses are growing and hiring. We're seeing rising incomes, reductions in poverty, better healthcare outcomes and as a result, record state revenues.

However, we face a fundamental challenge to our state's fiscal well-being: A structural budget deficit stretching before us for at least a decade. Unless we find a remedy, severe strain on state budgets will impede our ability to provide key services -- education, health care, transportation and more -- that are vital to Oregonians' quality of life and prosperity.

Business leaders have held dozens of meetings since the Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit in December with legislators and other interests concerned about the urgent need to address the toll that runaway costs and expanded services are taking, and will increasingly take, on the state's fiscal well-being. At the summit we outlined a three-part framework for addressing the budget deficit:

Grow the economy. Maintaining Oregon's robust economy is the best way to generate more revenue. Make structural spending reforms to slow the unsustainable growth of government costs and tie spending to outcomes. Adjust the current tax code, including taxes on business, to generate more revenue for investment in key areas such as high school and college completion and workforce development and innovation.

Proposals to curb future budget growth, outlined last week by a bipartisan legislative work group, are encouraging. Those proposals and new restraints on other cost drivers must be translated into lasting structural governmental reform. To build support for new tax revenues, Oregonians must be convinced that new investments will be used to achieve the outcomes all our children deserve.

If structural spending reforms necessary to match existing revenue can be achieved, here are some examples of strategic investments with clear outcomes we would support funding with additional revenues:

The voter-approved Measure 98 to raise high school graduation rates and better prepare students for career opportunities through career and technical education programs.

A K-3 literacy initiative intended to have third graders reading at benchmark level. Students who read well at third grade are much more likely to graduate from high school.

Key investments in post-secondary education to improve affordability, access, student retention, degree completion and align with workforce development programs.

We have no illusions that reining in runaway costs and raising new revenues will be easy.

Our shared responsibility is to be a part of the solution to Oregon's structural spending and revenue issues. That includes holding down public sector health care costs and making sure the public pension system is financially secure for all employees. It also requires that we are prepared to look at additional taxes, including taxes paid by business, with the new revenue targeted at specific outcomes Oregonians want, such as improved high school graduation rates, literacy and classroom attendance time.

As Oregonians we share many values and have worked together for years to achieve results that have made this state great. We said in December we would roll up our sleeves, and we have been doing just that.

Share your opinion

Submit your essay of 500 words or less to commentary@oregonlive.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification.

We remain optimistic that lawmakers in Salem can successfully address both long-term costs and revenues. The alternative is to do neither and kick the can down the road, again. Oregon's economy is robust. Fixing the state's structural fiscal problem in good economic times is far better than waiting for the next recession to decimate our schools and hurt our most vulnerable neighbors.

Patrick Criteser, CEO of Tillamook County Creamery Association, is Chair of the Oregon Business Plan Steering Committee. Dan Harmon, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Hoffman Construction, is the former Chair of Associated Oregon Industries. Both companies are based in Oregon.
1cascade.JPG

A view of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Southern Oregon.

(Bureau of Land Management)

President Trump signed an executive order requiring the Department of Interior to review all national monuments designated under the Antiquities Act after 1996 and encompassing over 100,000 acres of land.

The Antiquities Act, signed by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1906, has been used by nearly every president since to safeguard biologically diverse landscapes and culturally/historically important sites. No president has ever revoked a national monument for good reason: Such an attack on public lands and heritage is deeply unpopular and likely illegal.

This executive order could threaten dozens of national monuments - and the essential natural, cultural/historical heritage they embody, including Oregon's Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The Cascade-Siskiyou national monument was designated in June 2000 and is home to more than 3,500 species of animals, plants, and fungi, several of which are threatened and endangered, whose existence depends on the protections provided by the monument designation.

The monument protects an essential wildlife corridor connecting the Great Plains, Cascades, and the Klamath-Siskiyou's; preserves important cultural/historical sites that offer clues to and affirm our human heritage and yields unrivaled vistas of one of the most geologically complex regions in North America.

It also offers enduring learning opportunities for youth, and provides ready access to the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as other forms of year-round outdoor recreation.

Our federal administration should honor the work, foresight, and wishes of the thousands of scientists and citizens who contributed input regarding the creation of these monuments. Contact Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke (202-208-7351) and tell him, "The people have spoken. Save our national monuments."

Kent Pressman and Susan Roudebush, Bend
Is a new corporate tax in Oregon dead before it is even unveiled?

The Senate's top Republican says so, but a Democratic architect of the plan says no, and the Senate's top Democrat says efforts to cobble together enough votes are still very much underway.

Sen. Mark Hass, D-Beaverton, said his work group's rough proposal to replace the state's corporate income tax with a tax on business sales will be released Tuesday.

But Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day, says it has already been rejected.

"The gross receipts tax is dead," he said in an interview Thursday. "It's a non-starter. It won't go anywhere."

Because it would raise revenue, the tax proposal would need approval by a supermajority  three-fifths  in both chambers. In the 30-member Senate, it would need 18 votes. With a split of 17 Democrats and 13 Republicans, that one GOP vote could be a heavy lift.

"I count votes as well as the next guy," Ferrioli said. "It ain't passing."

Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, said he appreciates Ferrioli's frankness, but warned against counting votes before the details are hammered out.

"We're waiting for the proposal to come forward," he said. "Right now we don't have a clear path (to pass the tax out of the Senate), but we keep trying."

Courtney said Senate Democrats would approve the tax plan, but says there's no point in bringing it to the floor for a vote if it's not going to pass.

The proposal faces a similar challenge in the House, where it heads first after committee hearings. Thirty-six of the House's 60 members would need to approve the plan. Again, with only 35 members, Democrats would come up just short without at least one Republican vote. It's unclear whether any House Republicans would vote for it.

The plan hasn't yet solidified. Hass said in an interview Thursday that the proposal, thus far a product of a closed-door bipartisan lawmaker work group, is about 60 percent complete.

The framework is there, he said, but the details  the rates, for instance  remain to be filled in. A new bipartisan joint committee, led by Hass and made up of members of the House and Senate revenue committees, will tackle this next phase, he said. The committee will consider the tax reform framework at its first meeting Tuesday morning.

In a nutshell, Hass says this is what the plan includes, though it's subject to change:

>> Repealing the state's corporate income tax

>> Enacting a gross receipts tax of .25 to .75 percent, possibly with different rates for different types of companies, on firms' Oregon sales over $1 million

>> Creating tax credits for business owners who pay their business taxes via the personal income tax, so their business income is not effectively taxed twice

>> Reducing the marginal rates for personal income taxes to help offset increased consumer prices caused by the gross receipts tax

"I'm taking a Zen approach," Hass said Thursday of its chance of passing. "I know what Oregonians want, and I know what good policy is, and I know we have to fund our schools."

Republicans are quick to say that Hass' tax is a repackaging of Measure 97, which would have imposed a much heavier tax on corporations' sales over $25 million, and that they oppose it because voters opposed the measure in November.

Hass rejects this.

"It's 180 degrees opposite of what Measure 97 did," he said, noting that "big, more well-known" companies are working with him and fellow lawmakers to craft the tax.

The joint committee is expected to meet twice a week, and Hass said the public will have opportunities to testify on the plan in the coming weeks. The formation of a joint House-Senate committee fulfills the requirement that tax bills originate in the House, while allowing senators to be involved.

Hass emphasized that the tax reforms are only one part of a larger effort to close the state's $1.6 billion shortfall for the upcoming budget cycle. Spending cuts are necessary, too, he said.

The state's top budget committee released a plan that included a temporary hiring freeze and a requirement that public employees pay a larger share of their pension contributions.

Gov. Kate Brown has instituted a two-month hiring freeze and on Thursday released a three-part plan to save the state money, including selling off state assets to pay down the public employee pension fund's liability.

"This is part of the puzzle," Hass said. "We need that cost containment package to be the first thing. I won't vote for this tax measure if the cost containment bill isn't there. It has to be this balance. It has to be both, or it's neither. It can't be one or the other."

-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com

503-294-5911

@annamarum

Save

Save
By President Donald J. Trump

One hundred days ago, I took the oath of office and made a pledge: We are not merely going to transfer political power from one party to another, but instead are going to transfer that power from Washington, District of Columbia, and give it back to the people.

In the past 100 days, I have kept that promise - and more.

Issue by issue, department by department, we are giving the people their country back. After decades of a shrinking middle class, open borders and the mass offshoring of American jobs and wealth, this government is working for the citizens of our country and no one else.

The same establishment media that concealed these problems - and profited from them - is obviously not going to tell this story. That is why we are taking our message directly to America.

We have opened the White House doors to listen, engage and act. We've invited in labor leaders, factory owners, police officers, farmers, veterans and Democrats, Republicans and independents.

The change began with the termination of the Trans-Pacific Partnership - a 12-nation pact that would have shipped millions more jobs to other countries.

But leaving the TPP was only the beginning. We have also launched an investigation into foreign trading abuses and taken steps to protect the production of American steel and aluminum. After years of federal contracts going to foreign bidders, we are ensuring that government agencies enforce "Buy American" rules and give preference to American companies - and that American companies hire American workers.

Crucially, to bring back our jobs, we are going to pursue a complete renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement: We've lost nearly a third of our manufacturing jobs in the 23 years since that terrible deal was approved.

At the center of our economic agenda, we've undertaken the most far-reaching effort in history to remove job-killing regulations. I've ordered that for every one new regulation, two old regulations must be eliminated. We've signed a record 13 Congressional Review Act resolutions to scrap job- crushing regulations, and I've signed 29 pieces of legislation in total - a mark not surpassed in the first 100 days since Harry S. Truman.

Those newly enacted laws include Veterans' Choice legislation - which became law while at the same time we've increased by 42 percent the number of veterans approved to see the doctor of their choosing. And we've provided transparency by publishing all wait times at the Veterans Affairs health system online, backed up by a new Veterans Affairs Office of Accountability.

On energy, the change has been profound. We've canceled restrictions on the production of oil, natural gas and clean coal.

What we've accomplished on immigration and criminal enforcement is nothing short of historic. After decades of unending illegal immigration and mass uncontrolled entry, we've turned the tide as never before - illegal border-crossings are down 73 percent. Visa processes are being reformed to substantially improve vetting and screening, and we've launched prototypes and bidding for the border wall to stop the scourge of drugs, human trafficking and illegal immigrants from coming into our country.

Federal law enforcement has begun a crackdown on sanctuary cities that harbor criminal aliens - because we know the first duty of government is to protect American citizens.

The Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and State, and the director of national intelligence, have formed an inter-agency group for the express purpose of dismantling transnational criminal cartels. The handcuffs have been removed from our prosecutors, and they're targeting the drug dealers and gang members who prey on our citizens - and they're working to eradicate the violent cartel MS-13.

The change on defense has been profound as well. The Defense Department has begun to rebuild and restore our military readiness. We've reasserted American leadership by holding the Bashar Assad regime in Syria accountable for its monstrous use of banned chemical weapons against helpless, innocent civilians. Our successful missile strike enforced the red line that the previous administration drew but ignored, thus restoring our credibility with our friends and our deterrence with our foes. Finally, NATO countries are starting to pay billions of dollars more since I have made clear that the United States expects all of its allies to pay their fair share.

I delivered on one of my biggest promises, appointing and confirming a new justice to the Supreme Court who will be faithful to the U.S. Constitution. This is the first time a new justice has been confirmed in the first 100 days in 136 years.

As we've made these changes - on the border, on our economy, on our security - confidence has soared. And a survey of manufacturing reveals record-breaking optimism in the future. Consumer confidence hit a 16-year high. Thousands of new jobs are being re-shored back to America - including jobs at Ford, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, Sprint, Intel and so many more.

We are proving that Buy and Hire American isn't just a slogan - it's now the policy of the U.S. government. It, along with the many other things we are doing, will Make America Great Again.

No longer will we listen to the same failed voices of the past who brought us nothing but war overseas, poverty at home and the loss of companies, jobs and our wealth to countries that have taken total advantage of the United States.

The White House is once again the People's House. And I will do everything in my power to be the People's President - to faithfully, loyally and proudly champion the incredible citizens who love this nation and who call this God-blessed land their home.

(c) 2017 The Washington Post. President Donald Trump wrote this story.
Clackamas High School celebrated prom Saturday night at Pure Space in Portland. Cole Loboy and Hayley Hunt were named prom king and queen.

Students, staff and parents can add their photos to our mix, too. Use the hashtag #PDXprom on your Twitter and Instagram photos.

This is the fifth year The Oregonian has covered Portland-area proms, photographing all of the excitement and glamour the annual rite of passage brings. From April through May, our photographers will fan out across the metro area as students don evening gowns and tuxedos and step out for the special evening. Follow along all season at oregonlive.com/prom.

Clackamas has been in on the fun for several years now. See photos from proms past:

Clackamas High School 2014 prom

Clackamas High School 2015 prom

Clackamas High School 2016 prom photos

Thanks to Clackamas for inviting us to the party. Look for more photos from Forest Grove, Roosevelt, Wilson and Southridge high schools this weekend at oregonlive.com/prom.
Roosevelt High School students gathered for prom Saturday night at the World Forestry Center in Portland. The theme: Enchanted Forest.

This is the fifth year The Oregonian has covered Portland-area proms, photographing all of the excitement and glamour the annual rite of passage brings. From April through May, our photographers will fan out across the metro area as students don evening gowns and tuxedos and step out for the special evening. Follow along all season at oregonlive.com/prom.

Students, staff and parents can add their photos to our mix, too. Use the hashtag #PDXprom on your Twitter and Instagram photos.

Roosevelt has been in on the fun for years now. Check out photos from proms past:

Roosevelt High prom photos 2013

Roosevelt High prom photos 2014

Roosevelt High prom photos 2015

Roosevelt High prom photos 2016

Thanks to the Rough Riders for inviting us to the party. Look for more prom coverage from the weekend with Clackamas, Forest Grove, Southridge and Wilson high schools. Next weekend, you'll find our photographers at proms for Liberty, Rex Putnam and Sunset High schools.

-- Beth Nakamura
Syria

In this photo taken on late Wednesday, April 5, 2017 and made available Thursday, April 6, World Health Organization experts work as they take part in an autopsy conducted in a hospital in Adana, Turkey. Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said autopsy results show Syrians were subjected to chemical weapons attack in Idlib, Syria, on Tuesday. (DHA-Depo Photos via AP)

PARIS -- France said that the chemical analysis of samples taken from a deadly sarin gas attack in Syria earlier this month "bears the signature" of President Bashar Assad's government and shows it was responsible.

Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said France came to this conclusion after comparing samples from a 2013 sarin attack in Syria that matched the new ones. The findings came in a six-page report published Wednesday.

In Damascus, Syrian opposition activists and a monitor reported Thursday that a large explosion rocked the Syrian capital, followed by a fire near Damascus airport.

The head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Rami Abdurrahman said the explosion was heard across the capital, jolting residents awake. He said the explosion is reported to have occurred near the Damascus airport road.

Activist-operated Diary of a Mortar, which reports from Damascus, said the blast near the airport road was followed by flames rising above the area. The pro-government site Damascus Now said the explosion was near the city's Seventh Bridge, which leads to the airport road.

Russia, a close ally of Assad, promptly denounced the French report Wednesday, saying the samples and the fact the nerve agent was used are not enough to prove who was behind it.

Assad has repeatedly denied that his forces used chemical weapons and claimed that myriad evidence of a poison gas attack is made up.

But Ayrault said France knows "from sure sources" that "the manufacturing process of the sarin that was sampled is typical of the method developed in Syrian laboratories."

"This method bears the signature of the regime and that is what allows us to establish its responsibility in this attack," he added, saying that France is working to bring those behind the "criminal" atrocities to international justice.

France's Foreign Ministry said blood samples were taken from a victim in Syria on the day of the April 4 attack in the opposition-held town of Khan Sheikhoun, which killed more than 80 people.

Environmental samples, the French ministry said, show the weapons were made "according to the same production process as the one used in the sarin attack perpetrated by the Syrian regime in Saraqeb" on April 29, 2013.

Ayrault said French intelligence showed that only Syrian government forces could have launched such an attack -- by a bomber taking off from the Shayrat air base, which was later targeted in a retaliatory U.S. missile strike.

France's presidency said the country's intelligence services presented evidence showing the Syrian government "still holds chemical warfare agents, in violation of the commitments to eliminate them that it took in 2013." It said that information will be made public, without offering details.

It's thought that Assad's government still has a stockpile of tons of chemical weapons, despite saying it had handed over all of them.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia's position on the attack is "unchanged," and that "that the only way to establish the truth about what happened... is an impartial international investigation."

Russia has previously called for an international probe, and Peskov expressed regret that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or OPCW, has turned down the Syrian government's offers to visit the site of the attack and investigate.

The French minister's comments came as the OPCW, which is investigating the April 4 attack, held a ceremony in The Hague marking the 20th anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

In a video message to the ceremony, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the organization's progress over two decades seeking to eliminate chemical weapons is now under threat.

"In the Middle East, belligerents are breaking the norm against chemical weapons," he said. "The recent attack in Syria was a horrific reminder of the stakes. There can be no impunity for these crimes."

The United States has also blamed Assad's government for the April 4 attack. The Trump administration ordered the cruise missile attack on the air base and issued sanctions on 271 people linked to the Syrian agency said to be responsible for producing non-conventional weapons. Syria has strongly denied the accusations.

Earlier Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the U.S. strike damaged the prospects of a political settlement for the war-torn country.

Lavrov told a security conference in Moscow the U.S. response "pushes the prospect for a wide international front on terror even further away."

He also dismissed claims that international experts cannot visit the site in Khan Sheikhoun because of security precautions and criticized the OPCW for failing to go there. Lavrov says claims that the experts were warned by a U.N. body against traveling to the location because it's unsafe are "lies," adding that Moscow went back to the U.N. and found out that there was no such warning.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia had to boost security measures at its air base in Syria after the U.S. strike at the Syrian base. Russia has been waging an air campaign since 2015 to help Assad's forces in the civil war.

-- The Associated Press
north_korea_tension

In North Korea, men and women wave as they march alongside a float displaying models of missiles in Kim Il Sung Square during an April 15, 2017, military parade held to celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung. President Trump, in an interview Sunday on CBS's "Face The Nation," called a North Korean missile launch on Saturday "a small missile" while declining to say whether he'd take military action if Kim Jong Un conducts a nuclear test.

(Wong Maye-E/Associated Press)

The U.S. is considering a range of options, from expanded economic sanctions to military operations, as it reaches out to allies in confronting North Korea's latest provocations, according to a senior Trump administration official.

North Korea's ballistic missile test early Saturday was in "open defiance" of the international community, and the risk to the U.S. will not be tolerated, National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said Sunday.

"We do have to do something" with partners in the region and globally "that involves enforcement of the UN sanctions that are in place," McMaster said on the "Fox News Sunday" program. "It may mean ratcheting up those sanctions even further. And it also means being prepared for military operations, if necessary."

North Korea's latest missile test came hours after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson mounted an effort at the United Nations on Friday to rally pressure against Kim Jong Un's regime. Trump has stepped up pressure to prevent Kim from obtaining the capability to hit North America with a nuclear weapon, and he's threatened to act unilaterally if China fails to do more to curb its neighbor's activities.

McMaster said Trump has been "masterful" in courting China, which accounts for the vast majority of trade with Pyongyang.

"We do see China starting to do something," including in public statements and the Chinese press, he said. "But it is clear more needs to be done, and we're going to ask China to do more as we do more as our South Korean and Japanese allies -- but really all nations -- have to take a look at this regime."

Trump, in an interview broadcast Sunday on CBS's "Face The Nation," called the latest launch "a small missile" while declining to say whether he'd take military action if Kim conducts a nuclear test.

"If he does a nuclear test, I will not be happy," Trump said. "And I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either." Asked if "not happy" meant military action, he said, "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona said "I don't think so" when asked whether Trump is considering a preemptive strike on North Korea. "I think that we have to consider that option as the very last option,'' McCain said on CNN's "State of the Union."

Meanwhile, Trump last week said he'd told South Korea it would be "appropriate" if they paid some $1 billion for the Thaad missile system designed to intercept any attack from North Korea, contrary to an existing agreement that South Korea would provide land and facilities while the U.S. paid the cost of operations.

But McMaster and South Korea's presidential security adviser Chairman Kim Kwan-jin spoke on Sunday to confirm that the U.S. won't seek money from Seoul to pay for the Thaad system.

"What I told our South Korean counterpart is until any renegotiation that the deal is in place," McMaster said. "We'll adhere to our word."

Asked about the contradiction between the statements from Trump and McMaster, McCain said, "Sometimes, it's important to watch what president does rather than what he says.''

Also on Sunday, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Trump would not "telegraph his next moves" on North Korea but was working with advisers to determine how to move forward. Asked on ABC's "This Week" if Trump would hold talks with Kim, Priebus said: "I'm not sure."

In his CBS interview, Trump called Kim "a pretty smart cookie."

Priebus said the president is looking for cooperation in the region to work "with as many partners in the area as we can get." Trump called Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte Saturday and has calls scheduled with Singapore and Thailand on Sunday, he said.

Duterte joined China on Saturday in pleading with the U.S. and North Korea to tone down their nuclear brinkmanship, after a meeting of leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila.

Kim's regime has test-fired ballistic missiles six times this year, including a failed test earlier this month after a high-profile military parade through Pyongyang. He's launched dozens of projectiles and conducted three nuclear tests since coming to power after his father's death in 2011, and he claimed in January to be almost ready to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile that would threaten the U.S.

-- Nafeesa Syeed and Ben Brody
SUNDAY

"LA 92": Another documentary exploring the 1992 Los Angeles riots that followed the acquittal of LAPD officers who stood trial in the beating of Rodney King. (9 p.m. National Geographic Channel)

"American Gods": An ambitious new adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel about war between the old gods and new begins. The cast is colorful, and the visuals are striking. The story? Well, it's not so easy to follow. Read my review here. (9 p.m. Starz)Visually, It's stylish, ODS":



"American Crime": The third installment of the anthology series concludes. Since ABC hasn't yet announced whether there will be a fourth, and the grim subject matter has translated more into critical acclaim than ratings gold, this may be the last season. (10 p.m. ABC/2)



MONDAY



"E! Live From the Red Carpet: The 2017 Met Gala": Want to ogle expensive and often outrageous outfits on celebs arriving at the 2017 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute in New York? Here's your chance. (7:30 p.m. E!)



TUESDAY



"Maria Bamford: Old Baby": The star of the Netflix series "Lady Dynamite" performs a stand-up set in a new special that takes Bamford all over the place, from bowling alleys to park benches. (Netflix)



WEDNESDAY



"Fargo": Gloria tries to untangle more threads of the murder. You betcha. (10 p.m. FX)



THURSDAY

"American Standoff": A documentary revisiting the armed occupation of Oregon's Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. (8 p.m. DirecTV; can be streamed on DirecTVNow. If you don't already have DirecTV, you can sign up for a free trial to stream the documentary at directvnow.com/)

"Superstore": Season 2 ends with the threat of layoffs. (8:30 p.m. NBC/8)



FRIDAY



"Sense8": The trippy series about strangers who become linked returns for a second season of head-scratching drama. (Netflix)



SATURDAY



"Saturday Night Live": Assuming the Writers Guild of America isn't on strike, Chris Pine is scheduled to host the next live-on-all-coasts edition. (8:29 p.m. NBC/8)



-- Kristi Turnquist



kturnquist@oregonian.com

503-221-8227

@Kristiturnquist
This month marks the one year anniversary of MidMichigan Medical Center  Alpena joining the MidMichigan Health family. In the last 12 months several milestones have been reached and significant progress has been made in the medical centers transition to the health system.

When we announced our partnership with MidMichigan Health last April, we shared that together, were more than we were before. As I reflect back on our year, I continue to stand behind this. What we have achieved since partnering with MidMichigan, coupled with the support of leadership, employees, providers, volunteers and the community, has been outstanding, said Karmon Bjella, president of MidMichigan Medical Center  Alpena. Together, we have integrated best practices in patient care areas, expanded services to keep care local and provided, not just our patients, but our employees with both educational resources and access to specialists in many areas. By working collaboratively with MidMichigan, and the strength their affiliation with University of Michigan brings, we have been able to achieve this and so much more.
The office for the College of Arts and Science at Illinois State University is in Stevenson Hall, named for Adlai E. Stevenson II who grew up in Bloomington-Normal and was the 31st governor of Illinois.

Although he may be best known as our governor, the United States ambassador to the United Nations during the Cuban missile crisis and for twice unsuccessfully running for president against Dwight D. Eisenhower, we also know him as a champion for higher education.

It is appropriate that the Stevenson Center, also here at ISU, bears his name as well because this organization is dedicated to his passions  public service and global engagement.

The center does inspiring work in community and economic development at both the local and international levels.

While running for president in the early 1950s, Stevenson presented a campaign stump speech on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which gave him an opportunity to reflect on the role of higher education and its relationship to government.

A founding principle of the University of Wisconsin system is called the Wisconsin Idea, which serves as a model for many state university systems. According to Stevenson, the Wisconsin Idea is a faith in the application of intelligence and reason to the problems of society.

He goes on to note that the Wisconsin Idea brings with it a deep conviction that the role of government was not to stumble along like a drunkard in the dark, but to light its way by the best torches of knowledge.

The best torches are on U.S. college campuses where the work is done based upon peer review without government influence. Stevenson noted that if we value the pursuit of knowledge, we must be free to follow wherever that search may lead us. The free mind is no barking dog, to be tethered on a ten-foot chain. It must be unrestricted in the play of its inquiry.

It is interesting that in 1952 he felt like this idea was under attack. Attack, in this case, by totalitarian regimes around the world squeezing out academic freedom and the freedom of the press, and at home, as part of over-zealous actions related to the anti-communism movement.

Again, in Stevensons words, the whole conception of the free intellectual community is menaced by those who fear freedom more than they love it. It is ironic that these long-forgotten words of a 65-year-old stump speech are relevant once again.

Legislation in Missouri (sponsored by Rep. Rick Brattin) and Iowa (sponsored by Sen. Brad Zaun) would get rid of tenure for faculty in the state university systems. Other states have hinted at similar restrictions. As we discussed in an earlier column, there is the incorrect notion that tenure protects faculty from termination for any cause.

What it protects is the termination of faculty for teaching or researching controversial or currently politically unpopular topics. One of the reasons that U.S. colleges and universities are the best in the world is because we are free to teach and research all topics without fear of retribution from the current government.

If Stevenson were alive today, he would no doubt remark that the representatives in Missouri and Iowa, who introduced legislation to remove tenure, fear freedom more than they love it.

We hope that these state legislatures will not pass the laws because, knowingly or unknowingly, this is the trademark of totalitarian regimes. Tenure and academic freedom, like freedom of the press, are fundamental components of a free and democratic society.

Progress in all fields of study cannot be made if there is not a safe space to challenge current thought and conventional wisdom. Far from being a threat to society, tenure and academic freedom strengthen it.

Tenure is, rightfully, difficult to attain. Those who are entrusted with the privilege by their senior colleagues and university have the freedom to explore, discover, and share their findings without restriction. Our freedom depends on it.

 Special thanks to Emma Meyer and the McLean County Museum of History for providing access to the Adlai Stevenson speech.
During World War I, several dozen Bloomington-Normal residents fought in an African-American regiment that earned a reputation for bravery and ferocity, so much so that its said they were known as the Black Devils by the Germans.

Until 1948 and President Harry Trumans order to desegregate the U.S. Armed Forces, African-Americans served in all-black units. At the start of WWI, for instance, dozens of African-American residents from Bloomington-Normal and nearby communities served in Company K of the Chicago-based 8th Regiment, Illinois National Guard.

Company K received orders to mobilize on July 26, 1917, and its men had but a few hours to gather at Bloomingtons Illinois Traction passenger station before they boarded interurban cars for Peoria. Wishing them farewell were a good many members of the local African-American community. Bloomingtons newest doughboys, reported The Pantagraph, stuck their heads and hands out of the windows, and in some cases the greater part of their bodies, and shook hands with their friends, kissed their mothers or sweethearts (and) yelled their goodbyes to their friends.

It would be a long 19 months before these men returned home, if at all.

After extended training in Peoria and Houston's Camp Logan, the reorganized 8th, now the 370th Infantry Regiment, arrived in France on April 22, 1918. The American Expeditionary Force and Gen. John J. Pershing didnt want anything to do with black troops, so the 370th and three black regiments comprising the 93rd Infantry Division fought alongside the French.

The 370th fought at Lorraine and Oise-Aisne, among other battles and campaigns. In mid-August 1918, the regiment arrived at Verdun, and one month later took a position in the front-line trenches. Beginning Sept. 14 and continuing for nearly two weeks, the 370th, commanded entirely by black officers, faced hard fighting, shelling and poison gas attacks.

The Germans called them Black Devils for good reason  though the French, referring to their swagger and pride, called those of the 370th Partridges (think of puffed-up chests).

Local men from the 370th receiving special citations for bravery included Alonzo Walton of Normal, who carried supplies to his company during a German barrage, and Donald Luster and Harry L. Pierson who ventured into no mans land (the killing zone between the Allied and German lines) in an attempt to retrieve wounded comrades.

A French general praised the 370th, declaring that the spilled blood of black American soldiers mixed with that of their French brothers-in-arms, rendering indissoluble the bonds of affection that unite us.

Bloomington staged a grand celebration for its returning colored soldier boys on Feb. 27, 1919, an all-day affair that included a parade through downtown, a banquet at Wayman AME Church (then located on the 800 block of North Center Street), and a reception and dance at the old Coliseum. Speakers at the reception included Mayor E.E. Jones; Dr. Eugene Covington, a local African-American physician; Bloomington attorney and Jewish civil rights leader Sigmund Livingston; and Wayman minister Henry Simons.

The featured speaker was Adelbert Roberts, an African-American state representative from Chicago. (In 1924 he became the first black state senator in Illinois.) I was glad when I got to Bloomington to see the best white people join the best black people of the city in a welcome for these Black Devils, Roberts said. A government that is great and grand enough to carry democracy over the seas ... is great enough to spread it to the colored race at home. Give these boys a chance. They kept Old Glory afloat in the breeze.

On June 9, Roberts returned to Bloomington to address the first public meeting of the newly formed local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

According to The Pantagraph, he made an eloquent appeal to the white people to give the colored race an opportunity for the higher positions in labor. African-Americans, Roberts noted, had limited employment opportunities, hindering their economic mobility and integration into wider middle class life.

Less than two months after this speech, Chicago erupted in a spasm of racial violence. The deadliest race riot in state history began on July 27 when an African-American boy ventured into the white section of an informally segregated city beach, and things didnt quiet down until Aug. 3. By the time the civil unrest was over, 38 people were dead.

In the 1910s, hundreds of thousands of African Americans left the rural South for the urban North. The Great Migration, as it would be called, increased tension and racial animosity in cities such as Chicago and Detroit.

In Bloomington, race relations steadily deteriorated in the 1920s as they did throughout much of the nation. At this time Bloomington city officials and community leaders sanctioned a de facto system of segregation that banned blacks from most downtown restaurants and hotels, and offered segregated seating in theaters.

As black and white blood ran in the streets of Chicago in late July 1919, Bloomington park officials doubled down on maintaining segregated beaches at Miller Park. Charles Thomas, a 370th veteran who ended the war a sergeant, served as custodian for the small African-American beach and its wood frame bathhouse. (Black and white beach facilities at Miller Park were anything but separate but equal.)

On July 30, The Pantagraph attempted to put a positive spin on this shameful arrangement. Thomas, described as a strapping big husky attendant, gamely downplayed the controversy, as he likely had no interest in endangering his job by speaking out. After going through the thickest of the fighting on the Western Front in France last year, noted a tone-deaf Pantagraph, Thomas says that a little agitation like that raised over the Jim Crow bathing facilities at Miller Park isnt going to bother him.

Veterans organizations were also segregated at the time, so local veterans of the 370th and other African-American units organized their own American Legion post in Bloomington. The Redd-Williams Post No. 163 honored two men from the 370th killed in France, John Redd and Gus Williams.

The Simpkins Military History Museum in Heyworth has a new display commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American entry into the Great War. Original items on view include a Black Devil identification tag stamped George Stewart, Sergt Co K 370 USNG (the last abbreviation is short for U.S. National Guard).

Bloomington resident George Stewart, a chauffeur before the war (a common occupation for black men back then), fought with the 370th to wars end. Upon returning to Bloomington, he worked as a city hall custodian, among other jobs. In 1953 he even ran for a seat on the city council (he lost).

Stewart passed away in 1959, and his widow, Grace Huddleston, donated his ID tag and other WW I items to Heyworth museum owner Gary Simpkins.
The event, which is part of the Keep Families Together campaign, will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the west side of the McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main St. Marchers will head to Bloomington City Hall to welcome new City Council members and call for a local Welcoming City ordinance.
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.
Police charged a dad from Arizona for child abuse and aggravated assault following reports he used a stun gun on his son. Darryl Ingram, 49, shocked his 11-year-old as punishment because the boy failed to do his homework.

School officials called the Department of Children Services (DCS) about Ingram after noticing the 11-year-old had "numerous scattered spot-like abrasion," as per ABC 15 Arizona. The dad denied he owned a stun gun and said he only used a phone app and not a weapon. Police, however, found the weapon among his belongings when they searched his place.

The 11-year-old told police this wasn't the first time his dad shocked him. The boy also got beaten up with Ingram's metal cane quite a number of times. Sometimes, his dad would let him pick between the stun gun and the metal cane as punishment. His father also told him the stun gun wasn't charged all the way as it was "like a toy" compared to what cops use.

There were indeed court records showing a child abuse investigation of Ingram in the past, as per People. Child welfare workers from DCS looked into reports of the dad spanking his son but the courts dismissed the matter.

Ingram, who paid bail for his release, intended to scare his son with the stun gun so he would become obedient. "If your behavior and the way you're doing things continues on, somewhere down the line, this is something that is going to be used on you," the dad said.

The dad also defended his use of the weapon to the local press as it was just "like a pinch" to the skin. Daily Mail reported Ingram was a former Army veteran but currently works as a medical assistant. His son, meanwhile, moved out of state and is now living with his mother.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday noted that the ECOWAS regional market is critical to the development of West Africa and has has to be a very fundamental objective of all of our peoples and governments in the region.



He said with West Africas population set to hit 500 million people by 2035, the region represented a genuine market with immense opportunities for trade, enterprise and ingenuity, and thus emphasised Ghanas commitment towards facilitating efforts at regional integration and unity.

President Akufo-Addo made this known when the head of the Task Force for the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), Lieutenant General Salou Djibo, who is also the former President of Niger, called on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

He said with ECOWAS having been established some 42 years ago, and trade liberalisation agreements being in existence for nearly 40 years, West Africa was yet to reap the benefits if intra-regional trade because the political will to make ECOWAS a functioning reality is not there.

Statistics indicate that intra-regional trade between members of the European Union (EU) and ASEAN amount to some 60 to 70 per cent of GDP, whereas intra-regional trade in West Africa and the African continent amount to a paltry 10 to 11 per cent.

Despite the difficulties the EU is having, there is no doubt the EU has been a major benefit to the growth and development of the economies in Europe. Overall, the picture of Europe now is radically different from what we used to know in our youth, President Akufo said.

Lt Gen Djibo explained that the ETLS, which was established some 39 years ago, was the main ECOWAS operational tool for promoting the West Africa region as a Free Trade Area.

With low volumes of intra-trade being recorded amongst West African countries, the head of the ETLS noted that charity must begin at home. We cannot be trading with others, whilst abandoning our own. It is for this reason that ECOWAS, in March 2014, endorsed a taskforce to move around the region to identify the hurdles and challenges stifling free trade, so we can create wealth for our people.

Gen Djibo revealed that the Task Force had so far visited Cote dIvoire, Benin, Togo, Liberia, Burkina Faso, and was encouraged with the progress made so far in ensuring the realisation of the Free Trade Area in West Africa.

We have come to thank you for your vision. We know that you are one of those who has spoken about the integration of West Africa. During your election campaigns, you spoke about the reasons why people must come together beyond the boundaries, and bring West Africa to a solid foundation that recognises the black man and enterprise in creating wealth, he said.

He urged President Akufo-Addo to support the mandate and agenda of ETLS, and serve as an advocate for the Task Force in ensuring that his colleague Heads of State adhere to the implementation and realisation of the Free Trade Area.

President Akufo-Addo applauded the initiative of the setting up of the ETLS Task Force to monitor the compliance of ECOWAS member countries.

Ultimately, the concept of large trading blocs has to be the way of the future, and, we, in West Africa, will not be able to escape the pressures of history. We will have to find ourselves within it, he said.

With Ghana being the second largest contributor to ECOWAS, President Akufo-Addo maintained that Ghanas commitment to ECOWAS was unambiguous.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
President Akufo-Addo has justified his decision to commit Ghanaian troops to The Gambia when there was a political standoff in that country.



That was when then-President Yahya Jammeh had refused to concede defeat after losing the general elections, creating tension in the Gambia.

Ghana thus joined some West African countries to deploy military troops there to avoid a possible implosion.

At a meeting with the current President of the Gambia Adama Barrow at the Presidency, President Akufo-Addo indicated that he first decided to commit troops to the country because of democratic consolidation in the region.

If we had just sat back and watched, the clear expression of the will of a member state of the region might have been thwarted by an outgoing President, he stated.

He also talked about the opportunity it gave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to act as a collective unit with a common purpose and objective, saying that the Gambian episode in the life of West Africa represented such a moment.

President Akufo-Addo told President Barrow that the fact that at the end of the day the combination of diplomacy and the threat of military intervention resulted in the peaceful resolution of the crisis and brought you to power means that the action ECOWAS took which was supported actively by some of us, I believe, stands vindicated by history; and you have become a symbol of all of that.

He reiterated Ghanas determination to continue down the path of democratic accountability, saying, Our people have indicated on several occasions [and] in the last elections how attached they are to democratic values and the principles of democratic accountability.

Nana Akufo-Addo said, For us, you are a friend; a friend fighting the same cause as our people have embarked on, and we are going to develop our nation on the free political institutions, giving the right to our people to decide at any one stage who should or who should not govern them in a peaceful and dignified manner.

On his part, the Gambia President thanked the government and people of Ghana for their support and intervention during the trying times.

My coming to Ghana is to come and say thank you; but the most interesting thing is the ECOWAS Heads of State, including yourself and the government of Ghana. You intervened in the situation in the Gambia to defend democracy; you intervened to defend the truth and I believe Africa has gone very far now because the problem was an African problem and the solution was an African solution and that is a credit to all Africans, Mr Barrow said.

He was of the belief that Africa cannot move forward without the principle of democracy.

He posited that we contested the elections based on this principle and we would continue to advocate for the same principle.

President Barrow expressed the hope that the relationship between the two countries would continue to flourish.

There are a good number of Gambians who schooled here in Ghana. Ghana produced Kwame Nkrumah, the first to bring independence to Africa; Ghana produced Ghanaians like Kofi Annan, the first black Secretary-General of the United Nations and Abedi Pele. I think Ghana has gone far and we are here also to learn and to get the experience to get to where you are, and we need your support, he underscored.

The Gambian leader emphasized the need for some urgent reforms in his country after 22 years of transition, which said has polluted the system and we need the help of ECOWAS to continue our mandate in the Gambia.

You cannot function as a government if you do not have security and that is paramount, so as a brother and a friend, that is the message.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Reverend Kwabena Ofosu-Addo, the Chairperson of the Brong Ahafo Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has called for concerted efforts from Ghanaians to transform the nation.



He said at 60, the nation must demonstrate maturity in its development and he agreed with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo that the era of mediocrity was over.

Rev Ofosu- Addo was addressing the 51st Session of the Brong- Ahafo Presbytery in Sunyani, on the theme: When The Holy Spirit Moves, There is Divine Restoration.

He explained that governance was about setting right leadership examples and placing the development of her citizenry and the nation as paramount.

He said: We have lived long enough to witness Ghanas developmental processes but to say the least; it has been slow and unimpressive in spite of some successes.

The Presbytery Chairperson urged Ghanaians to do away with corruption, political opulence, sensational and unproductive media reportage, moral degradation and replace them with attitudinal change and strong political will to restore the nation to its glory.

Rev Ofosu-Addo urged the leadership of the country both political and institutional, to be principled, transparent and disciplined in their manners and proactive in their mission and called for all hands to be on deck for the rebuilding of the nation.

He commended Rev Kwasi Tettey, the Minister in-charge of Tema Community 11 Presbyterian Church, for his support to mission work by donating a motor bike worth GH? 3,500 and paying quarterly allowances for some Ministers serving in deprived communities of the country.

The week-long session was preceded by a three- day prayer retreat with Dr Abboah-Offei of the Grace Evangelical Mission, Akropong Akwapim, as the main Speaker.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Former President John Dramani Mahama is seething with anger over media reports suggesting that he is working behind the scenes to scuttle President Akufo-Addos free Senior High School (SHS) education policy.



Mr. Mahama wondered how he could sabotage the free SHS policy expected to begin in September when he is not in control of the finances of the state.



How is it possible, for a person who does not control governments kitty to make it impossible for the government to implement its policy initiative? A statement issued by his outfit queried.



Speculations are rife that the immediate-past president and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) were scheming with some officials of the Ghana Education Service, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and some faceless South Africans to make it impossible for the NPPs popular Free Education policy to kick off.



But the statement from the office of Mr. Mahama described the rumours as a government-sponsored attacklaunched on HE John Dramani Mahama, former President of the Republic of Ghana, based on a deliberately concocted lie that the former president is working to scuttle the governments free secondary education policy.



However, the identities of the South African nationals, allegedly brought into the country to sabotage the New Patriotic Party (NPP) governments free education policy, have been exposed.



They are reportedly touring the Central and the Volta Regions, allegedly gathering key data which they would use to prevent the NPP administration from successfully introducing the social intervention programme.



These South Africans, who are said to be Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gurus, are moving round with sophisticated gadgets, which they use to gather information, according to credible reports.



It is believed that they have clandestinely visited other parts of the country to gather information already, using NDC agents in the national security set-up. Reports suggest that they have been in the country for some time now, under the sponsorship of the NDC.



Joyce Bawa Hot



The revelation of the identities of these foreign agents seemed to have discredited Joyce Bawa Mogtari, spokesperson for Mr. Mahama, who has vehemently debunked media reports about the presence of the South Africans.



She is also on record to have rubbished reports that ex-President Mahama is the one who has brought these foreign nationals into the country to sabotage free SHS programme.



Questions To NDC



With the former presidents denial, questions are being asked about the presence of the NDC foreign agents in the country and at whose instance and whether they have any links with the main opposition party.



Why are they in Ghana collating data through contacts at the local level as they were spotted recently in the Central and the Volta Regions? A concerned citizen queried.



Immigration



He charged, The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) also must help the country by publishing the status of these foreigners working for the NDC and the person who sponsored their travel into the country.



Their presence poses a great threat to the country so they need to be checked.



A section of the media earlier this week, had published a detailed story about how the NDC had sponsored some South Africans into the country ostensibly to sabotage the free education policy.



The report claimed that Mr. Mahama is hankering to lead the NDC to recapture political power in 2020 so he had brought the foreigners to help his agenda.



The report alleged that Mr. Mahama is aware that the free education policy would benefit every household in the country and so it would destroy the NDCs chances of winning the 2020 polls.







Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, was for once lost for words when quizzed on UTV's Morning Show, "Adekye Nsroma", if he had a place in his heart to forgive Ibrahim Mahama for his alleged crimes against him.



Chairman Wontumi, as the NPP Ashanti Regional Chair is affectionately called, was Ibrahim Mahamas biggest critic during the erstwhile NDC government.



Wontumi is alleged to have accused Ibrahim Mahama of being a thief and a dishonest man with criminal tendencies. According to the NPP stalwart, Ibrahim together with former President Mahama, had been increasing fuel prices and stashing the proceeds in banks in South Africa.



These comments made by Wontumi was the feather that broke the camels back and caused Ibrahim Mahama to send Wontumi a strong warning to either shut up or face him in court.



Wontumi couldnt keep quiet, and on December 1st 2014, Ibrahim Mahama instituted a $2m legal suit against Chairman Wontumi.



But on Friday morning, when asked by the presenter of the how, Yaa Konama, how the court proceeding between him and the former Presidents brother was going and he politely said, If a matter in court it is not good to comment on it.



Probed further if he can bury the hatchet between him and Mr. Mahama, the outspoken NPP stalwart seemed to have instantly gone mute and failed to answer the question resulting in the presenter having to change the subject.

Watch Video below-

Source: UTV/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Klottey Korle Constituency executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had expressed happiness following the suspension of their Communication Officer.



Mr Emmanuel Ashalley Tetteh has been suspended with immediate effect for contravening the code of conduct and disciplinary conduct of the party by the Functional Executive Committee of the NDC.

A letter directed to all the 160 branches in the constituency, signed by the Constituency Secretary, Mr Dizzy Quaye and copied the Ghana News Agency, asked members not to do any business with Mr Tetteh until the decision of the National Executive Committee was reversed.

The executives have unanimously agreed that the Deputy Communication Officer, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey to act until the suspension was lifted.

They have also asked Madam Emelia Nortey to act in the capacity of Women Organiser following the death of Mrs Belinda Yakah until elections were held.

We hope that all the branch executives will co-operate with the directives till further notice, the letter said.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
There was an apparent gaffe at the Flagstaff House on Friday, April 29, 2017, when the President Nana Akufo-Addo sat for a photo with the visiting President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow after bilateral talks.



The Pan-African red, gold and green Ghana flag, was pictured turned upside down, in what appears to be an oversight on the part of the protocol office.

The Gambias national flag was however represented correctly with its traditional red, blue and green, separated by white stripes.

Indeed, a Foreign Affairs Minister under the John Mahama government, Hanna Tetteh, pointed out this oversight on Twitter, and attributed it the possible distraction of the protocol office.

This isnt known to be a common occurrence in Ghana, but in 2015, when Charlotte Osei was sworn in as the Electoral Commission Chairperson, she was pictured with the Ghana flag colors upside down, and some onlookers on social media took note.

Hanging a flag upside down in the United States is known to be an officially recognized signal of distress.

However, in places like Hong Kong, it is considered an act of desecration with activist, Cheng Chung-tai, notably arrested and charged with desecrating the national and SAR flags in 2016, after he turned several small flags upside down as an act of protest against China.

However, it is common to see protesters resort to turning flags upside down to voice their displeasure with a particular situation. Most recently this April, demonstrators in Venezuela have paraded their national flag upside down in protests against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Source: citifmonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
New Delhi, Apr 30 (IBNS): With the Indian IT and other industries facing some of the daunting challenges from protectionism in the US and Artificial Intelligence (AI), an ASSOCHAM-PwC study has made out a strong case for government aindustry schemes which ensure a minimum income to those displaced , along with basic health facilities for the families in stress.

It said there are concerns in a number of industries related to loss of jobs, arising out AI and robotics and the solution lies in facing the issue upfront and skilling up the country`s human resource.



In light of technology advances, certain sectors are expected to experience shrinkage of employment demand as robotic systems and algorithms take up several tasks. It can be expected that IT, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry etc will experience such a demand shift, the study noted.



Quoting Oxford University researchers Carl Frety and Michael Osborne, based on 702 occupational groupings, workers in tele-marketing, hand sewers, mathematical technicians, insurance underwriters, watch repairers, cargo agents, tax preparers have a very high probability of being replaced by automation.



The ASSOCHAM-PwC Paper suggested that even though the churn arising out of automation would throw new opportunities, certain basic cushion must be given to those who may get affected by the AI and robotics and other automation technologies.



The paper made a strong case for universal benefits outside employment structures. If a large number of people end up unemployed for extended periods of time, there needs to be a way to provide healthcare, disability and pension benefits outside employment.



It also sought a minimum income to sustain households. In the event of continuous unemployment or under-employment, government schemes to provide a minimum level of income to each citizen to guarantee basic needs are necessary to keep them out of destitution. Proposals must be structured in a way so as to maintain a balance between benefits and incentives for engagement  for example by involving the unemployed in social and community initiatives.



The ASSOCHAMPwC Paper said the traditional academic curriculum is not well equipped to cater to technological advancements. The sequential system of education and work is outdated in an economic environment that is heavy on automation and deskilling of jobs and where skills gain and lose value within a few years. What is required is a continuous skill improvement system that does not depend on the sequence of the skills imparted to young minds.



It sought creation of separate funds by the companies for skill re-training of employees. Companies can contribute a set amount to an individual`s fund which can then be transferred as the individual switches jobs. The goal of such an initiative will be o incentivize lifelong education and up-skilling.
The Editor of the Finder Newspaper, Elvis Darko, has rubbished claims discounting the discovery of cocaine at the Tema Port that reportedly went missing.



The Sector Commander of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), at the Tema Port, Confidence Nyadzi, had earlier dismissed claims that 500 kilogrammes of cocaine worth about $30 million dollars had disappeared from the Port.



This was after the Finder reported that 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.



But speaking on Eyewitness News, Mr. Darko stood by his claims, insisting CEPS call for investigations into the development seems to suggest that some containers at the Port contained cocaine.



For the Custom Man to say nothing has happened and to say in the next moment that they are conducting investigations is questionable. If the custom officers interview in one breadth said we have done investigations into the matter, and in another breadth says that nothing has happened, that is worrying.



You cannot say you have done investigations into an issue, and other institutions have done investigations and the next breadth you say nothing of that sort has happened so I am saying that if there are lapses, lets look at where the lapses happened.



He believes CEPs is denying claims that cocaine was discovered at the Port because it is unwilling to admit that the cocaine went missing under their watch.



Finder report on missing cocaine



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 itemisers 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 offices.

Source: Citifmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
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.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has lauded the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for his efforts in fighting illegal Small Scale mining, popularly called galamsey in the country.



The creation of this new economy that we are embarked on cannot be possible without the support of John Peter Amemu and the work hes doing and what hes going to do in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. John Peter Amewu is a gem of the state, hes a gem of the Volta region, hes a gem of Ghana as a whole. We salute him, We thank him.

At a ceremony organized by the Chiefs and People of Hohoe in the Volta region to honour the Minister, Dr. Bawumia assured that Nana Akufo-addo government will not relent in its efforts in fighting to save the countrys water bodies from illegal small scale mining activities.

He adds: As a government, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo wants you to know that hes engaged daily, nightly in the business for which you elected him.

The Akufo-Addo administration since taking over in January has been on a war-path with galamsey operators.

A directive went into effect in March ordering illegal miners to leave their concession within a three week ultimatum and submit to government oversight to formalize their operations pursuant to mining standards in the sector.

Mr. Amewu reiterates that government is aggressive on streamlining the process to grant permits for legal mines.

The NPP administration is not anti-mining government but we want to engage mining in a more sustainable and environmental friendly manner. And anybody that is ready to do that is welcome.

Source: kasapa









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The youth of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been urged to stop protesting against the President's choice for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).



Mr Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Assin South Constituency Youth Organiser of the party who gave the advice called for calm and urged party supporters to eschew all forms of violent acts that could derail the nation's political gains and injure the reputation the President.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Assin Nsuta, he described the President as an epitome of law, unity and discipline who would not countenance indiscipline but work with all to transform Ghanas economy.

His call, was necessitated by the recent reports of violence outbursts in parts of the country against some of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's choice of MMDCEs across the country.

Mr Owusu, therefore, advised party supporters and sympathizers whose preferred candidates were not considered to respect the President's choice.

Though he acknowledged the contributions of the youth prior to the 2016 elections, Mr Owusu urged them to exert their energies and invest their resources into helping the appointees to achieve the manifesto promises of the party.

"I wish to urge all true members of the NPP family to stand upright and safeguard the image and integrity the party, so that other people do not pose to be members to cause trouble.

Some detractors of the party are strategically placed to cause trouble aimed at discrediting the NPP and making the country ungovernable, but their actions will never change the focus of the President in bringing development to the people, He added.

Mr Owusu further called for calm in the Central Region, saying "the candidates who were not appointed could be considered for the various vacant positions that need to be filled."

He expressed confidence in Mr. Derrick Ambrose, the nominated DCE for the area and said if duly confirmed, he would work in harmony with the Member of Parliament (MP) Mr John Ntim Fordjour to improve the living conditions of the people.

He indicated that the two, until their new positions had been working hard to lobby for factories to be located in the area to create direct and indirect jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.

The Youth Organiser challenged Ghanaians, particularly the youth to take charge of and change their own destiny to help dictate the pace of the economy, trade, entrepreneurship and job creation.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team in the Ashanti region, Francis Dodovi has come to the defense of the minority chief whip Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak over claims that he orchestrated the rejection of the presidents as MCE nominee for Asokore-Mampong Municipal Assembly.



How can people even think that way at all? Does he have control over the assemblymen in the area or he owns the assembly, he asked.

The former Spokesperson for the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and past government appointee of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) rather wants the blame to be heaped on the Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah he said failed in his duties.

As it is always the practice, he was expected to have allowed the security agencies like the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) do some survey in the area to see if the grounds were fertile for the confirmation of the nominee or otherwise. I am sure this was not done and three days after he was named you rushed into calling for his confirmation when it backfires you want Muntaka to be hanged. How does he come in here, he quizzed.

He disclosed that the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the regional minister is solely to blame and if care is not taken and a different approach adopted in confirming the rest of the nominees in the region, he fears there would be heartbreaks.

Assembly members of Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly last Friday rejected the Presidents nominee for the position for Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Alhaji Alidu Seidu

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase Constituency Mohammed Muntanka Mubarak was said to have lured members on his side to reject his strongest contender in the 2016 parliamentary race after he gave him a run for his money in seeking for re-election.

Alhaji Alidu Seidu nominated by President Akufo-Addo failed to get endorsement of the Assembly members in an election supervised by the Electoral Commission despite earlier assurances from the members.

Out of the fifteen assembly members who voted, the nominee had seven votes representing 46.7 per cent and eight voted NO, the Municipal Electoral Chair announced.

Alhaji Alidu Seidu was the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Asawase Constituency in the Kumasi metropolis and nearly won the seat from the incumbent MP.

NDCs Mohammed Muntanka Mubarak garnered 39,095 of the popular votes cast as against NPPs Alidu Seidu 33,940.

Source: mynewsgh









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The family of Cassie Sainsbury, the 22-year-old Adelaide woman allegedly found with nearly six kilograms of cocaine in her luggage in Colombia, has spoken to the media about the incident.

Talking to 9 News, sister Khala Sainsbury explained how Cassie came into possession of fifteen pairs of headphones, which were later found to contain the 5.8kg of cocaine.

Sainsbury claimed her sister was told if you bulk buy these gifts, I can get them cheaper, and Cassie being young, said shed do it. And it came to her already packaged and sealed.

So she just put it in her suitcase, not thinking. Shes very naive.

A 22-year-old Adelaide woman could be facing up to 25 years in a Columbian prison, accused of smuggling several kilos of cocaine. #9Today pic.twitter.com/wOQR6GQkKk  The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) April 30, 2017

Cassies mother Lisa Evans also proclaimed her daughters innocence, and described her fear after being denied bail.

Cassie is just, I didnt do it mum, you have got to get me out and crying hysterically She is just so scared that she is caught up on the other side of the world for something she didnt do with no support over there, no nothing.

Evans said its so far away from what Cassie would ever do, and described her fury that someone could do this to an innocent girl for their own gain.

Cassie, a CFS volunteer who has previously worked as a personal trainer, was denied bail and is currently being held in Colombias El Buen Pastor womens prison.



Source: ABC / Channel 9.

Photo: Scotty Broadbridge / Facebook.
Organisers of the palaver in the Bahamas known as Fyre Festival have released a statement wholeheartedly apologising for orchestrating the biggest and most schadenfreude-heavy recreational fuck-up of the decade.

Luggage pickup was great. They brought the bags in and guests got to unload them for fun. In the dark. It built character. #fyrefestival pic.twitter.com/0gUUBnEjUc  William N. Finley IV (@WNFIV) April 30, 2017

In the apology, which is currently the sole piece of content on the fyrefestival.com website, they explain that they were simply in over our heads.

Rough weather, non-existent infrastructure and struggling security all contributed to their decision to call the festival off (not mentioned is the garbage truck-sized amounts of hubris required to think you can pull off an island festival with nothing but a marketing degree and a Tom Haverford attitude).

Speaking in third person, the statement says of creators Ja Rule and Billy McFarland:

They simply werent 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 couldnt 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.

The statement goes on to say that everyone who bought a ticket will be fully refunding, and also astonishingly suggests that Fyre Festival will rise from the ashes in 2018:

Something amazing happened: venues, bands, and people started contacting us and said theyd do anything to make this festival a reality. The support from the musical community has been overwhelming and we couldnt be more humbled or inspired by this experience. People were rooting for us after the worst day weve 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.

You can read the full statement here, as well as another that McFarland himself gave to Rolling Stone (in which he admits that he and Ja were a little naive) here.

This may be the ultimate test of that old bit of wisdom re: all publicity being good publicity. If Ja Rule and Billy McFarland can turn this Piggys ear into a profitable Hermes silk purse within a year, then they deserve their success.

Considering that video footage from the event looks like this, however

Forgive me if I remain sceptical.

Source: Fyre Festival / Rolling Stone.

Image: Twitter / @WNFIV.
While you were sleeping, Donald Trump and his cohort were roasted to hell and back at the annual White House Correspondents dinner, by a viciously clever Hasan Minhaj from The Daily Show.

Trump skipped out on the nights festivities  making him the first president to do so since Ronald Reagan in 1981  a fact not lost for one second on Minhaj.

Weve got to address the elephant thats not in the room, he cracked early on. The leader of our country is not here. And thats because he lives in Moscow. Its a very long flight. Itd be hard for Vlad to make it. Vlad cant just make it on a Saturday! As for the other guy, I think hes in Pennsylvania because he cant take a joke.

Trump was in fact in Pennsylvania, telling a crowd of nearly 10,000 people that he could not possibly be more thrilled to be more than 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, which sounds exactly like what somebody who couldnt take a joke would say.

His absence did not save his hide from a scorching.

You know, a lot of people told me, Hassan. If you go after the administration, it would be petty, unfair and childish, said Minhaj. In other words, presidential, so here we go.

Not one member of Trumps inner (and in the case of Steve Bannon, swiftly heading outer) circle were left unscathed.

Jeff Sessions: Jeff Sessions couldnt be here tonight, he was busy doing a pre-Civil War reenactment. On his RSVP, he just wrote NO. Just no, which happens to be his second favourite n-word.



Steve Bannon: Is Steve Bannon here? I do not see Steve Bannon. I do NOT see Steve Bannon. Not see Steve Bannon. Nazi Steve Bannon.

Mike Pence: Mike Pence wanted to be here tonight, but his wife would not let him because apparently one of you ladies is ovulating. So good job, ladies. Because of you we couldnt hang out with Mike Pence.

Sean Spicer: He has been doing PR since 1999. He has been doing this job for 18 years. And somehow, after 18 years, his go-to move when you ask him a tough question is denying the Holocaust. That is insane! How many people do you know that can turn a press briefing into a full-on Mel Gibson traffic stop?

But then, Hilary Clinton didnt escape untorched, either.

Even Hillary Clinton couldnt be here tonight. I mean, she could have been here, but I think someone told her the event was in Wisconsin and Michigan.

And of course, neither did the press.

Remember election night? That was your Steve Harvey/Miss Universe moment. Fox News is here. Im amazed you guys even showed up. How are you here in public? Its hard to trust you guys when you backed a man like Bill OReilly for years. But it finally happened. Bill OReilly has been fired. But then, you gave him a $25 million severance package. Making it the only package he wont force a woman to touch.

But it was mostly Trump.



Frederick Douglass isnt here, and thats because hes dead. Someone please tell the president. We all know this administration likes deleting history faster than Anthony Weiner when he hears footsteps. You guys [the press] have to be more perfect now more than ever. Because you are how the president gets his news. Not from advisers, not from experts, not from intelligence agencies. You guys. So thats why you gotta be on your A game. You gotta be twice as good. You cant make any mistakes. Because when one of you messes up, he blames your entire group. And now you know what it feels like to be a minority.

Trumps very absence from the dinner  and we repeat, the first time a president has missed the opportunity to roast and be roasted in 36 years, and thats only because Reagan was recovering from being shot in an assassination attempt  was not a topic Minhaj skipped over.

In fact, he turned it into an impassioned defence of free speech.



I was asked to not roast the president and the administration in their absentia, he said. And I completely understand that. We are in a very strange situation where there is a very combative relationship between the press and the president, but now that you guys are minorities  just for this moment  you might understand the position I was in. And its the same position that a lot of minorities kids feel in this country. And its, Do I come up here and just try to fit in and not ruffle any feathers? Or do I say how I really feel? Because this event is about celebrating the First Amendment and free speech. Free speech is the foundation of an open and liberal democracy, from college campuses to the White House. Only in America can a first-generation Indian-American Muslim kid get on this stage and make fun of the president. The orange man behind the Muslim ban. Its a sign to the rest of the world, its this amazing tradition, that even the president is not beyond the reach of the First Amendment. But the president didnt show up. because Donald Trump doesnt care about free speech. The man who tweets everything that enters his head refuses to acknowledge the amendment that allows him to do it.

You can watch his full set below:







Photo: C-SPAN / YouTube.
Donald Trump famously announced that he would be skipping this years White House Correspondents Dinner, the annual event at which the press and various comedians gather to roast the Commander in Chief.

The guest of honour may have been absent, choosing to attend a rally in Pennsylvania instead, but the event went ahead anyway, billed as Samantha Bees Not The White House Correspondents Dinner.

The special is set to air on Saturday night in the U.S., but those who were present have already been talking up some of the highlights, including an appearance by Will Ferrell, who trotted out his legendary George W. Bush character.

The New York Times offered a partial transcript of his remarks:

For the longest time, I was considered the worst president of all time. That has changed. I needed eight years to cast off a flow or build off a lie or an economic disaster. The new guy needed 100 days. Hes now widely considered the worst president of all time. I come in second  I am the Martin Van Buren of the 21st century.

Host Samantha Bee posted a few GIFs of his appearance to get you hyped up:

Its not a party without a special guest. #NotTheWHCD pic.twitter.com/UMxJWNke6V  Full Frontal (@FullFrontalSamB) April 29, 2017

Well be on the lookout for both the video and the ensuing Trump Twitter tantrum.

Source: Vulture.

Photo: Jason Kempin / Getty.
It appears that everyone who had even a passing involvement with the ill-fated Fyre Festival is backing right the hell away from it, including model Bella Hadid, who has issued a lengthy apology via a note on Twitter.

Alongside Kendall Jenner, Hadid was one of the celebrity faces of the event, appearing in flashy promotional videos that showed a Caribbean paradise, rather than the wild dog-infested free-for-all that the festival would become.

It was reported yesterday that the festival promoters warned celebrity guests to not to bother turning up this weekend, presumably knowing that it would not be going off as advertised.

As the backlash continues against the high-profile names associated with Fyre Festival promotions, Hadid apologised directly to her followers, saying:

Hey guys, I just want to address Fyre FestivalEven though this was not my project what so ever, nor was I informed about the production or process of the festival in any shape or form, I do know that it has always been out of great intent and that they truly wanted all of us to have the time of our lives.

She went on to say that she trusted the festival to be an amazing experience, and added of course if I would have known about the outcome, you would have all known too.

It appears that the organisers havent given up just yet, with reports in E! News indicating that they are planning to try running Fyre again at an American beach venue in 2018 with more seasoned experts involved in the organisation.

They are reportedly refunding those who purchased tickets to this years event, and offering them free VIP passes for next years, because yeah, everyone will definitely be keen to give this another go-around.

Source: E! News.

Photo: David M Bennett / Getty.
Kolkata, Apr 30 (IBNS): Two days after a four-year-old child died due to swine flu in a Kolkata hospital, officials on Sunday confirmed one more death of a young housewife due to swine flu at a privately-run hospital in the city.

Seema Ghosh, a nearly 28-year-old woman from Kalyani in West Bengal's Nadia district, had fallen sick on Apr 16 and died of swine flue at AMRI hospital in Kolkata's Salt Lake area on Saturday night.

Earlier on Friday (Apr 28), Suhana Ghosh, a minor from the same district, was declared dead due to H1N1 influenza at Mukundapur AMRI hospital.

Doctors said that both were tested positive for swine flue (H1N1 virus).

"Swine flue has claimed two lives so far- a woman on Saturday night and a four-year-old on Friday. They were from Nadia district's Kalyani and Taherpur areas respectively," Tapas Roy, Chief Medical Officer of Health of Nadia district, told IBNS.

However, local Kalyani Municipality has started to drive out pigs from the area and also taken several initiatives to prevent and arrest the spread of H1N1 virus, an official said.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha,Image: Wikimedia Commons)


Kevin Parker of Tame Impala has threatened legal action against a Chinese dairy company, accusing them of pilfering his song The Less I Know The Better for a blueberry milk commercial.

The official Tame Impala Instagram account posted a video of the commercial, from manufacturer Mengniu, along with the caption I mean COME ON guys at least put some effort in, and the hashtag #lawsuit. Its a pretty casual way to announce youre suing the pants off somebody, but Pitchfork claim that theyve confirmed the legitimacy of the threat, so presumably its legit.

Aussie bands have a history of being plagiarised by unexpected overseas sources. Back in 2013, Jinja Safari accused a Chilean presidential candidate of ripping off their song, after a piece of music remarkably similar to Peter Pan showed up in a campaign commercial.

You can judge the similarity between Tame Impalas track and the milk commercial for yourself with a side-by-side comparison, bearing in mind that at least one of these videos is somewhat NSFW:

I mean COME ON guys at least put some effort in. @sonyatvaustralia #Lawsuit #nowitsmyturn A post shared by Tame Impala (@tame__impala) on Apr 27, 2017 at 8:01pm PDT

Im angry on Tame Impalas behalf, but also, weirdly, wouldnt mind trying some blueberry milk right about now?

Source: Pitchfork.

Photo: Scott Dudelson / Getty.
It didn't take long for President Trump's Harrisburg rally to figure into the White House Correspondents Dinner.

President Donald Trump skipped the annual White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night, opting instead for a rally on his 100th day in office in Harrisburg -- and bringing much of the White House press pool with him.

And he nearly immediately brought up the dinner, whose theme focused on the importance of the First Amendment.

He said maybe he'll make it more interesting and show up for the dinner next year. Or not. He again bashed The New York Times, saying it's failing and will soon be a comic book. He said the press pool was happy to be in Harrisburg instead of the dinner.

Trump: "Look at the media back there --- they would actually rather be here. I have to tell you."  Ted Johnson (@tedstew) April 29, 2017

Then the attendees at the White House Correspondents Dinner, or the "#NerdProm," as it's being called by critics on Twitter, responded.

The opening video and speech at the sold-out dinner focused on the ability of the press and politicians to come together.

"Tonight looks a little different," Jeff Mason, the White House correspondent for Reuters and president of the White House Correspondents' Association, led with. But, he noted:

"We are still in the briefing room and on Air Force One."

He went on: "We are not fake news; we are not failing news organizations, and we are not the enemy of the American people," referencing a Trump tweet about the role of the media. The response drew a standing ovation.

He laid out what he said is the mission of the press in no uncertain terms:

"An attack on any of us is an attack on all of us."

"There are threats to press freedoms here in the United States; we must remain vigilant the world is watching."

The White House Correspondents Association funds scholarships for journalism students.

And then Harrisburg came up, pointing out the importance of pool reporting, citing The New York Times reporting from the Tarmac, during an address by Margaret Talev, senior White House correspondent for Bloomberg.
HARRISBURG--President Donald Trump signed two executive orders that drew national attention to a wheelbarrow factory floor in the city of Harrisburg Saturday.

Trump mingled with workers at an Ames Companies factory in the 15000 block of South Cameron Street, along with his advisors, including Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller and Kellyanne Conway before signing the orders. Vice President Mike Pence also toured the factory.

The first executive order he signed calls for a review of all existing trade agreements. The second order establishes an Office of Trade and Manufacturing.

"Great people outside, you can see that," Trump said of the Harrisburg workers as he sat down to sign the orders. "Unbelievable workers. Nobody has better than what we have. It's wonderful to be at Ames."

Trump then appeared to read from a prepared statement where he noted the global company's "rich history" which dates back centuries and "helped to build our nation."

Trump said the company produced tools that were used at the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State building and the Hoover Dam, "just to name a few of the monuments within our country."

Trump said American manufacturing was coming back stronger and faster than he thought, citing hundreds of thousands of new jobs created. But he said the government has for a long time "sacrificed American competition and workers to unfair foreign competition."

The executive orders he signed Saturday were designed to keep jobs and wealth in America.

Trump said he has tasked the Commerce Department secretary to "identify every violation and abuse of our trade agreements and to use every available measure under the law to end these abuses against our workers."

If the deals can't be renegotiated, Trump said the deals would be eliminated.

"And if they don't get cleared up," Trump said, standing next to Secretary Wilbur Ross inside the factory. "Wilbur will end the trade agreements. Do you agree with that?"

Ross responded: "Yes sir."

The second order creates a new office of trade and manufacturing policy within the White House.

"Its mission will be to defend American workers and companies from those who would steal our jobs and threaten our manufacturing base," Trump said.

Trump then took out his pen and signed both agreements. At times workers could be heard cheering from the factory floor next door.

The president eventually handed the second pen to one of his top trade advisers, Peter Navarro, who will head the new trade office.

Trump then began wrapping up his remarks.

"We're only 100 days in so, I've done a lot of work," Trump said, "but we've loved. We've loved doing it. When you love something it's really easy and we love it. We're helping people. We're helping our workers."
President Donald Trump has not forgotten about the role Pennsylvania played in his victory in November.

Trump took to the stage Saturday night at the New Holland Arena in the Farm Show & Expo Center in Harrisburg. He spoke about the important role Pennsylvania played in his victory.

"I love this state!," Trump said to cheers from the crowd.

Aside from his declaration of love for the state, Trump dug into the media and the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C. - which was also taking place on Saturday. The president said he is much happier to be in Harrisburg than be at the dinner.

He said Harrisburg had "much better people" than the correspondents dinner.

Saturday night's visit marked the Republican president's 100th day in office -- which has long been a measurement of how well a new administration has gotten its footing.

Pennsylvania served as a very important state for Trump during the 2016 election. He held more campaign stops in Pennsylvania than in any other state.
HARRISBURG - A question was repeated as the crowd of hundreds grew to a crowd of thousands.

"Why does Trump keep coming back to Pennsylvania?"

It was asked during otherwise glowing reviews of President Donald Trump's first 100 days, a milestone he chose to celebrate in the state capital.

The answer is simple: This is Trump country.

On just about any other day, nobody would describe reliably blue Harrisburg as Trump country. The ideals of the protesters outside would've made more sense than those of the president's supporters inside.

But the people inside the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center came from all swaths of the commonwealth and other states throughout the northeast. They agree Trump is a great president.

It doesn't matter if he called Harrisburg a "war zone." It doesn't matter if he congratulates someone for receiving a Purple Heart. It doesn't matter if questions and controversy swirl around his business ethics and ties to Russia. It doesn't matter if he didn't keep the promises he made about his first 100 days in office. It doesn't matter if the country is as divided as it was when he was a candidate - a level of unrest that was again on display in protests in front of the Farm Show Complex.

His supporters will blame "the rioters," the leftists, Congress and the "fake news" media, or they will say he just needs more time.

President Trump is always Candidate Trump, and he's never judged on substance. He's judged on style.

"I don't care what he says," said John Murphy, who traveled to the Harrisburg rally from Canton, New York. "He's had trouble with health care and the tax plan, but that's not his fault."

Murphy blames Congress and the media.

"He's done all this with everyone against him," Murphy said of Trump's first 100 days."

Except his supporters, who in Pennsylvania delivered his biggest crowds in Hershey and Harrisburg, including Saturday night when more than 12,000 filled the New Holland Arena of the Farm Show Complex.

It didn't matter what Trump did or didn't do during the first 100 days. It didn't matter that Saturday night he had his biggest crowd in the state and spent most of the time blasting the media attending the White House Correspondents roast of him.

The only thing that really matters to these supporters is that he talks like they do and has them convinced he will "make America great again" and "bring America back."

"I like him because he's pretty plain spoken," Murphy said. "A lot of us non-college types understand him. I know academia looks at him like he's a boob. We don't."

Trump came back to Pennsylvania Saturday to remind everyone watching that he doesn't need the "Washington, D.C. elites" at the White House Correspondents Dinner. He still has the people who helped him upset Democrat Hillary Clinton and flip Pennsylvania from blue to red for the first time since 1988.

"I love this state. I love the people of this state," Trump said shortly after taking the stage. Pennsylvania "carried us to a big, beautiful victory."

Trump said, just as he chose the state over the White House Correspondents Dinner this year, he might do the same next year.

"I'm with a much larger crowd and much nicer people," Trump said. "There's nowhere I'd rather be than here in Pennsylvania."

That's welcome news to Beverly Moyer of Lancaster County who said the president is a man who has kept his word.

"He can't help it that Congress won't listen."

It's people like Murphy and Moyer that keep Trump coming back, analysts said.

"He's coming back to his base," said Terry Madonna, political analyst and pollster at Franklin & Marshall College. "The blue-collar voters are hanging in there with him. Pennsylvania is very important to him."

It's a state where he won by 44,000 votes overall and won 24 counties by 77 percent of the vote.

"Pennsylvania is one of his greatest trophies," said Chris Borick, political scientist at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. "For an individual who likes trophies, this is one that gave him a path to the presidency. It's one of the states he flipped. It serves as a symbol of his ability to change the political landscape in the country. It makes sense on the 100th day to be at the site of one of his best victories."

Two congressmen who sat in Trump's VIP area agreed.

"Why do you think he's coming to Pennsylvania?" said Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican from York County. "Because he knows Pennsylvania put him over the top."

"Donald Trump is in the White House because of Pennsylvania," said Rep. Tom Marino, a Republican from Williamsport who is reportedly Trump's pick for drug czar.

Another supporter, CNN's Jeffrey Lord, agreed that his hometown is Trump country.

"The president loves Pennsylvania," Lord said. "Pennsylvania was critical in winning the presidency, and inside the state, central Pennsylvania played a substantial role in that victory."

It's also a state in which Trump won all 67 counties in the Republican primary - an unprecedented feat.

"So it is no surprise to see him come back - and I'm sure we will see him again as his term progresses," Lord said. "The state slogan for a while was 'You have a friend in Pennsylvania.' That applies especially to President Trump."

It remains to be seen whether Pennsylvania has a friend in the White House, but Lord and the Farm Show crowd would say they already know.




I will also never forget that even while OAS countries are considering expelling Venezuela for human rights abuses, your very own Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, wasn't afraid to join a conga line with me.





Dear comrades in Trinidad and Tobago, capitalist pig Darryn Boodan is on vacation and the Express has allowed me to use his column space to send you all a special shout-out. It was very nice of the Express to willingly oblige me. It's refreshing to not have to threaten a newspaper for a change. Trini comrades, I want to tell you how much it means to me that so many of you are standing by me during these tough times. Low oil prices have meant that Venezuelans have had to make sacrifices, like tighten their belts, wait in long lines for food, and if they are protesters, occasionally get shot.

Comrades, I admit I could be difficult to live next door to sometimes. Ever since the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez (peace be upon him) rose to power in Venezuela, we Chavistas have really shook up the neighbourhood. We gerrymandered elections, we shut down media that didn't support us, we seized private property, we threw judges and opposition leaders in jail, and we even allowed the narco-terrorist group, the FARC, to set up camp in Venezuela. And, when we told the world that we did all this in the name of equality, you enthusiastically backed us up. You guys are like the best friend we can rely on to tell our girlfriend we were with you all night feeding homeless people and not liming in Dad's Dan.

Take your political scientist Indira Rampersad. Only this past week she wrote a brilliant column in these pages implying that our economic woes are due to nefarious actions by the United States. The role of the US in the Venezuelan crisis cannot be discounted, she wrote, bravely discounting the need for evidence of it. I must admit I was worried that our policies like price controls, nationalisation of industries, confiscation of private farms, excessive spending on welfare programmes, and printing money would mean it was my fault that our economy is in tatters. But Dr Rampersad reminded me to trust my paranoid ramblings. This isn't my fault. The only reason socialism has spectacularly failed here and everywhere it was tried is because the CIA keeps stealing our toilet paper.

But it's not just Dr Rampersad who has been apologising on our behalf. Other public commentators like Rickey Singh, UWI lecturer Gabriella Hosein, historian' Michael Anthony, hunger striker Wayne Kublalsingh, propaganda reporter Reagan Des Vignes and columnist Raffique Shah, have all praised the Bolivarian Revolution and dismissed any criticism of us as coming from imperialist sell-outs.

I can't begin to tell them how much I appreciate their support. There are only so many times Amnesty International can call you a human rights violator before it starts getting to you. You guys are my rock, or as Joseph Stalin called it, useful idiots.

I have to give a special shout-out though to the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM). After a week of violent and bloody protests I expected the JTUM leaders to distance themselves from me faster than a man with a jelly doughnut seeing Minister of Sport Darryl Smith walk in the room. But instead, they actually praised me as a man of the people.

We stand in solidarity (with the Bolivarian and Cuban Revolution) because they represent a vision of humanity where everybody counts, said JTUM secretary Ozzi Warwick. Presumably he's not referring to the 50 per cent of the electorate who voted against me in the last election and the thousands who have fled both my country and Cuba.

Lastly, I want to thank the leaders of Caricom. Caricom has always been there when I needed them to say nothing. Whether it was when I jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, or when I had armed Cuban gangs patrolling the streets, or when I gave out guns to party militias or when I used violent force to quash protesters and pro-democracy groups, Caricom has been right there cheerleading me onthe same way they do with Cuba. They really are the best friend any tyrant could ask for.

I will also never forget that even while OAS countries are considering expelling Venezuela for human rights abuses, your very own Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, wasn't afraid to join a conga line with me. As everyone knows, you never forget your conga line partners. We are bound forever. I hope on my next visit to T&T I can do the limbo with all you wonderful people. Let's see how low we go!

Yours truly,

Nicolas.

PS. If it's not too much trouble can I borrow some toilet paper?
New Delhi, Apr 30 (IBNS): A four day Naval Commanders' Conference is scheduled at New Delhi from May 2nd to 5th.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, with the Commanders-in-Chief, will review major operational, training and administrative activities undertaken in the last six months and deliberate the away ahead on important activities and initiatives in the near future.

The Defence Minister would address and interact with the Naval Commanders on the opening day of the Conference.

The Conference is also the platform for institutionalised interaction between the naval top-brass and senior Govt officials as also with the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff.

Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff would chair the Conference and deliberate/ focus on Indian Navys plans for sustained operational effectiveness, combat readiness and improved maintenance philosophy to carry out its roles and missions.

The Commanders would also brainstorm synergising the Navys role in a joint/ unified structure in the future.

In the back drop of terrorist threats and the prevailing security scenario, the Conference would review the security measures for naval assets, bases and air stations, and the overall operational readiness of units with particular emphasises on indigenisation towards achieving greater self-reliance and support the Make in India initiative.

The INs approach to the increasing Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) to strengthen maritime security would also be discussed.

Deliberations will also be conducted on some critical key enablers viz. infrastructure/ force development and improved logistics management
When Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura first learned of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to provide free tuition at New York's public colleges and universities, she thought it would be an opportunity for the state to strengthen the partnership between public and private schools.

In the four months since Cuomo first detailed his plan and a few weeks removed from the 2017-18 state budget's adoption, LeMura doesn't see how the program  named the Excelsior Scholarship  will help the state's higher education institutions.

Once fully phased in, the Excelsior Scholarship will be available for students who attend State University of New York colleges and universities and whose families earn no more than $125,000 annually.

The program is more complex than just simply distributing free tuition to SUNY students. There are requirements. Before receiving the scholarship, students are required to apply for other federal and state aid. If they are awarded the scholarship, they must maintain an adequate grade point average and enroll in at least 30 credits each academic year.

After graduating from a state institution, students who receive the scholarship must live and work in New York for a period equal to the duration of the scholarship. For example, if a student receives the scholarship for every year of their undergraduate studies, they must stay in the state for four years after commencement. Students who break this obligation will have their scholarship become a student loan they must pay back.

The impact of the program won't be known until after it begins this fall. But LeMura and Wells College President Jonathan Gibralter have concerns about the free tuition benefit.

For LeMura, the main issue is how the public and private schools will be pitted against each other. She also thinks the state's approach won't address the real driver of costs: the existing higher education business model.

"Someone has to pay for the increasing costs and the business model itself is under immense pressure because the government funding and other kinds of funding have not kept pace with increases in higher education," she said. "In my opinion, the concern comes from taking a distressed business model and putting it into the realm of the public sector without providing all the ancillary resources that will inevitably be required."

Gibralter offered a different perspective. He worries about what the scholarship will mean for enrollment at Wells College. There are roughly 2,800 undergraduate students at Le Moyne. Wells has approximately 600.

In prior interviews with The Citizen, Gibralter has said that losing a small number of students could be devastating to the college's financial outlook.

Wells already loses many students to SUNY schools in upstate, whether it's Binghamton University in the Southern Tier or SUNY Geneseo in western New York. With the tuition-free program in place, the Aurora-based college could lose even more.

"The thing that worries me," Gibralter said, "is we are one of those small tuition-dependent private colleges. While our students get (Tuition Assistance Program funding), we don't have any other state subsidies here."

The Excelsior Scholarship has already had an impact on Wells. With concerns mounting that the college's enrollment could decrease, plans for a new residence hall have been put on hold.

"If my enrollment drops, it could be catastrophic to Wells," Gibralter said.

The school presidents also criticized the Excelsior Scholarship's residency requirement. The same mandate is included in the enhanced Tuition Assistance Program, which was specifically established for private college students.

LeMura took exception to the notion that a student should be required to stay in the state and not try to reach their potential, no matter where that is. One example she cited is the "pipeline" of Le Moyne students who go to work for General Motors in Detroit.

John Quattrone, vice president of global human resources for General Motors, is a Le Moyne graduate.

"Once you receive your education, you should be free to move about the country, without penalty, to find the kind of employment you're aspiring to get," LeMura said.

Gibralter believes that, at first glance, the residency mandate is good because it would help build the state's economy and prevent "brain drain."

But if there are limited jobs available for graduates, their ability to seek employment elsewhere is limited.

"What are they going to do?" he said. "They're going to be caught between a rock and a hard place."
New Delhi, Apr 30 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India will launch the South Asia Satellite on May 5, which will be an "invaluable gift" to South Asia.

During his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, Modi said: "My dear countrymen, India has always advanced on the path of progress in the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas inclusive development for all. And when we say Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, it is not limited to the confines of India. It applies to the global context too."

"May our neighbouring countries be with us in our journey, may they develop equally," he said.

Modi said there are many projects under way. On the 5th of May, India will launch the South Asia Satellite.

"The capacities of this satellite and the facilities it provides will go a long way in addressing South Asias economic and developmental priorities. Natural resources mapping, tele medicine, the field of education, deeper IT connectivity or fostering people to people contact - this satellite will prove to be a boon in the progress of the entire region," said he.

He said this will be an important step by India to enhance co-operation with the entire South Asia and that "it is an invaluable gift."

"This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia. I welcome all the South Asian countries who have joined us on the South Asia Satellite in this momentous endeavour. My best wishes to them," said he.


Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The website of the U.S. 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.

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 U.S. 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, J.P. 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. [L1N1FF00N]

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 Oklahomas 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.

(This version of the story has been refiled to change Snapshot, not screenshot, in ninth paragraph)

(Reporting by Eric Walsh and Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Bill Trott)
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

In his essay You Will Get Punched and Others Have Rights Too Erick Erickson excuses (he says he is explaining) virtually any type of reprehensible behavior you can imagine with a single paragraph, claiming that if you make people uncomfortable, you have to accept responsibility what you get:

You know, Im really damn tired of all the people running around making other people extremely uncomfortable then screaming about their rights and privileges when called out, he complains without a hint of irony.

Oh gods, how we get that. We really do.

He goes on to whine that,

If you want to go around making people uncomfortable, youve got the problem, not the rest of us.

What has Ericksons goat is gay men thinking (how dare they!) they have a right to go anywhere a conservative he-man would go without the expectation of abuse:

It all starts with Mike Enzi who has enraged the BLT&GQ community by declaring a simple fact. If a guy walks into a bar in Wyoming, hes probably going to get punched.

O Where O Where have we heard this before?

Oh, thats right. Black kids thinking they had a right to go to school too. Or to a movie. Or to drink out of a water fountain. Or take any seat on a bus.

Erickson draws on that long tradition of conservative intolerance when he explains that,

Enzi said the person would deserve it, which he apologized for, and the guy would not deserve it. But it is probably going to happen and yes, the dude wearing the tutu shoulders some of the responsibility. He should have known better.

Hmm Where have we heard that before?

This is so much like the conservative message to women that if you look sexy or provocative you deserve to be raped that I find myself not at all surprised.

The gay man was asking for it. The woman was asking for it. This is such an appalling misapplication of logic that I scarcely know where to begin.

Erickson seems to think that,

I know liberals in their coastal bubbles of homogenized whiteness and skinny jeans think everyone else has to think like them  not does, but has to  but the reality is we dont.

Notice how Erickson has placed liberals in a reality bubble rather than conservatives. Thats funny coming from a guy who lives inside the Fox News bubble.

The accusation that liberals think everybody has to think like them is kinda funny too coming from somebody who comes out of the whole Tea Party mantra of ideological purity scene. The very essence of liberalism is that we dont expect everybody to look like us.

As Thomas Jefferson said in his autobiography, and as conservatives reject, the whole idea behind his Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was that it was meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination.

Isnt that what conservatives are always complaining about, after all? Diversity? Not just in appearance but in thought. You know, as in not all white folks and not all Christians. There are dark folks, there are Muslims, there are Hindus. There are even Heathens like me.

By the way, Erick, diversity means everybody is different. You know, diverse, as the dictionary explains, showing a great deal of variety; very different.

That kinda precludes your whole everybody is the same theory.

If you think we all think alike, you arent paying attention. We all think differently. The comparison to be made is between the demanded ideological purity of the Republican Party and the diverse (again I must stress that word) groups of liberals willing to work together to achieve a common goal of equality for all.

Nobody deserves to get punched for how they look, any more than journalists deserve to get attacked for what they write or women (or gay men) for what they wear. And by the way, why do you think gay men wear tutus?

Yes, others have rights. And the rights of others dont abridge the rights of gay men or of women or for that matter, of Muslims or others who might dress differently.

Erickson says,

If you want to keep pushing boundaries and making people uncomfortable, dont be surprised when people try desperately to revert to cultural norms.

You know, like stealing land from the Indians or enslaving blacks or using women as objects of sexual gratification.

I suppose that would include the expectation that everybody to be heterosexual white Christians, and women and minorities do not get uppity at being treated like second class citizens.

Because its only okay for white males to take offense. You know. Those kinds of norms.

Because Erickson isnt saying intolerant white males have rights too because if they have the right to respond violently to you simply on account of your appearance, you dont really have any rights at all.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

By Howard Schneider

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  By U.S. President Donald Trumps math, renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement and other deals will largely pay for the massive tax cuts his cabinet laid out earlier in the week.

He is likely off by a factor of close to 10  or more  according to trade and tax economists who say it does not make sense to think of the world in the two-dimensional, money-in-my-pocket or money-in-yours way that Trump did in a Thursday interview with Reuters.

The president, for example, said that given the current $61 billion annual trade deficit with Mexico, the United States would be better off if the two countries did not trade at all, saying Youll save yourself a hell of a lot of money.

The former real estate developers economic assessment appeared to overlook the ways in which a total halt to trade between the two neighbors would ripple through both nations  changing prices, currency values, jobs and wages, arguably helping some industries but damaging others.

The net impact of Trumps calculations, which run counter to most widely accepted views of the benefits of trade, are hard to predict, said Claude Barfield, a trade expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute.

These views about the trade deficit and its alleged negative impactare nonsense, and are views he has held since the 1980s, said Barfield.

It could happen, he said of a hypothetical severing of ties between the United States and Mexico, but the things you would do to make it happen would be hugely disruptive. Youd have to think what are the first- and second-order effects, as industries reorganize and consumers adapt.

In the case of Mexico, the American companies that exported a quarter of a trillion dollars of goods and services to that country last year would be out a customer, and likely cut jobs.

Those American companies that tried to replace the $323 billion in Mexican imports would likely do so at a higher cost  assuming they are in the United States to begin with.

NO MORE GUACAMOLE AND A SHRINKING SUPPLY CHAIN

There is no guarantee that if Trump were to seal the border with Mexico that it would save the United States any money, said Marcus Noland, a trade economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

It may simply reduce consumption through higher prices charged by domestic suppliers, or lead to increased imports from a different country.

Americans seem to really like guacamole, Noland said, but the idea that we are going to have giant greenhouses and lots of avocados and limes  the fact that we are purchasing them from the Mexicans rather than producing them at home tells you producing them at home is more expensive. We can stop trading with the Mexicans, and have $60 billion less in consumption.

Since consumption accounts for a large part of the U.S. economy, that is not an outcome Trump would want, though it would be one way, economists note, to achieve the trade balance the president and his advisers regard as important.

Trump told Reuters: There is no such thing as a trade war when you have a deficit.

Most economists disagree with the notion that the trade deficit matters much to a country as large and self-sufficient as the United States.

Trade at that scale in particular is shaped by global savings and investment patterns that in recent years have favored the United States.

By the statistics most widely accepted among economists, the U.S. position with the rest of the world has been steadily improving as investment flows into the country from abroad and supports millions of jobs.

The current account deficit  which includes trade flows, investment, and other financial transfers across borders  has been shrinking for more than a decade and is now less than 2 percent of gross domestic product.

As far as the impact of trade on the federal deficit  a separate concept reflecting how much the government spends and how much it collects from businesses and households  Trump said that he was not worried that his plan to cut taxes will result in a sea of red ink because we will do trade deals that are going to make up for a tremendous amount of the deficits.

Economists, however, say any connection is circuitous, felt through channels like an increase in tax payments from new job holders or stronger corporate profits  but hard to estimate and likely small.

Even if Trump achieved his wildest success, and eliminated the United States $500 billion trade deficit solely through increased exports that boosted gross domestic product on a dollar-for-dollar basis, it would do little to dent the estimated $7 trillion in government deficits his tax plan is projected to generate over the next decade.

Alan Cole, an economist at the Tax Foundation, said that every dollar of gross domestic product generates about 17.6 cents in federal government revenue, meaning the $500 billion trade shortfall would translate into just $88 billion in new taxes.

Even that, he said, is wildly generous.

You have to say where is the new production coming from, which people, which places? Cole said. Will it be new factories being built, and if so why havent they been built already?

(Reporting by Howard Schneider; Editing by David Chance and Lisa Shumaker)
Guwahati, Apr 30 (IBNS) : Arunachal Pradesh governor P.B. Acharya chaired a meeting along with Chief Minister Pema Khandu to discuss various social issues at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on Saturday.

The governor emphasized that on the International Workers Day, we should strengthen our welfare projects of labourers and contingency staffs.



He asked the Chief Minister to initiate steps towards benefits like Earned Leave, pension, accommodation for the contingency staffs and labourers and also providing basic provisions under Food Security Act and other central projects.



The governor also suggested the Chief Minister to create Department of Tribal Dialects in the Universities in the line with Department of Foreign Languages.



It may recalled that on the initiative of the Governor, eight universities i.e. Mumbai University, SNDT University, Symbiosis University, Pune, Karve University (Pune), NITTE Medical University, Mangalore, Alva Education Foundation, Moodubidire, Karnataka and Manipal University in Mangaluru have started six-month Tribal Dialect (N.E.) Course.



Acharya also dwelled in length on the Autonomous Welfare Board of Puroik Community. It may be mentioned here that on the initiative of the Governor, Autonomous Welfare Board is constituted.



He also took personal initiative through Indian National Fellowship Centre, Mumbai for other welfare programmes for the Puroiks including free general nursing course for four persons and educational and emotional cum integration home stay and tour for 20 youth in Mumbai and Pune, Goa on June 2-15.



The governor was informed that the State Cabinet has approved the constitution of the Development board and notification of Puroik Development Board will be issued by soon.



The governor, while recalling his visit to lone cremation ground at Karsingsa called for at least three cremation grounds for Hindus, especially Non-Tribals in the city.

He expressed his dismay that inspite of have huge population, there is no proper cremation or burial grounds. It is unfortunate that the bereaved family members have to go to neighbouring State to perform the last rites of their loved ones.

Ashish Kundra, Commissioner of Finance department, J. Angu, Secretary of Food and Civil Supplies, Nitika Pawar, Special Secretary of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs, L. Borang, Director of Food & Civil Supplies, K. Dolo, Joint Director of Rural Development and Vinod P. Kavle, Secretary to governor were present in the meeting.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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
Gregory Yee covers the city of Charleston. He's a native Angeleno and previously covered crime and courts for the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, CA. He studied journalism and Spanish literature at the University of California, Irvine.
Przepraszamy!

Ogoszenie na stanowisku:

Helpdesk Support with Polish and English



wygaso z dniem 2017-04-30



Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Monster Career CZ s.r.o.

Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to:

oferta zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa wycofana z serwisu praca.egospodarka.pl

ogoszeniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc osob

ogoszeniodawca zmodyfikowa tresc ogoszenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem url

dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych

niewasciwy adres WWW ogoszenia

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Inne / Pozostae, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Inne / Pozostae

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku Helpdesk Support with Polish and English, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Helpdesk Support with Polish and English

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: Prague, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Prague



Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj.

Inne ogoszenia, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan:
Guwahati, Apr 30 (IBNS) : Poachers killed another one horned rhino in Assamas Biswanath district.

Forest guards on Sunday recovered a bullet injured, dehorned carcass of a male rhino at Modajir Tapu near Batimari in the northern Assam district.

A top official of state forest department said that poachers had killed the rhino few days ago and managed to flee with its horn.

According to the reports, the area covered under the Kaziranga National Park where the dehorned carcass was recovered.

It is the fourth poaching incident in the state this year.

On Apr 22, the forest guards had found the bullet injuries dehorned carcass of a male rhino near the Kartik Chapori area under Agoratoli forest office in the world heritage site.

Assam has lost over 250 one horned rhinoceros in past a decade.

Meanwhile, Assam forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma has ordered the forest officials to take stern action against poachers and adequate measures to protect wild animals including rhino in the state.

On the other hand, Nagaon police had arrested three rhino poachers from Jakhalabandha area in central Assam on Sunday.

The arrested poachers were identified as Rahimuddin, Iman Ali, Abdul Rashid.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
The Ministry of Health has warned of the presence of acute malnutrition in different parts of the country.

The ministry on Friday warned that malnutrition was not peculiar to Northern Nigeria, saying Delta State alone has about 40,000 proven cases of acute malnutrition.

Speaking at a two-day media dialogue on child malnutrition, with the theme Investing in child malnutrition for the future, #stopChildrenmalnutritionNigeria in Enugu, the head of nutrition division, federal ministry of health, Chris Isokpunwu, disclosed that the country needs N279.54 billion ($912 million) to address malnutrition in all states for five years.

The amount represents what is needed to be invested by all, including private, government and the donor partners for the next five years, he said.

He said the amount will save 123,000 lives each year, while it will also prevent 890,000 children from stunting, which is one of the manifestation of malnutrition in children.

Mr. Isokpunwu warned that for Nigeria to end malnutrition by 2030 in line with SDG goal 2, the issue of malnutrition must be jointly addressed by the three tiers of government.

Malnutrition is said to be responsible for half of the nearly one million deaths in children under the age of five years every year in Nigeria. This makes Nigeria one of the highest contributors to under five mortality in the world.

Also, over eleven million under five Nigerians are stunted, ranking second only to India.

Mr. Isokpunwu, however, urged the states and local government areas of the country to live up to their responsibilities in addressing the crisis.

He announced that the government has put in place a national strategic action plan for nutrition for the country, which is aimed at reducing the number of under-five children who are stunted by 20 per cent in 2019, reduce low birth weight by 15 per cent in 2019 and ensure no increase in childhood overweight by 2019

The 2014-2019 programme is also targeted at increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates in the first six months to at least 50 per cent by 2019, he said

The UN has described malnutrition as a silent crisis in Nigeria, especially in the north-east where there are estimated 2.4 million malnourished children.

At present, between 600,000 and 800,000 are being catered for by UNICEF and other donor partners while the federal government is expected to provide N95 billion in 2017 for the treatment of the one million children.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


Sola Akinrinade, a professor, and former Vice-chancellor of Osun State University, is the provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, ACAN, the research and training arm of ICPC.

In this interview with Musikilu Mojeed, Festus Owete and Idris Ibrahim, the provost speaks on the activities of the institution and its challenges.

Excerpts:

PT: What exactly do you do here?

Akinrinade: We undergo induction course here. They (ICPC staff) also undergo courses elsewhere. They also do para-military training. The induction program which includes some exercises and all that is done in this place. Like now all the departments have submitted their training needs for 2017. First, they submitted to us last year, but there is a training committee at the headquarters where they also harmonize. So, they bring the harmonized reports to us for implementation. For instance, we are giving them the training on corruption monitoring and evaluation. We are ready for it. Some of our resource persons are coming from outside Abuja and we agreed that it is better we do it when the airport is reopened because most people are not too interested in going through the ordeal of going through Kaduna. So, we decided to shift it after the airport is re-opened. We are also running a training for the Asset Tracing and Monitoring Units. But that training is going to be opened to staff of other agencies who are doing similar work. Asset tracing is not restricted to ICPC. Of course, a lot of it is done by EFCC, NFIU, and Code of Conduct Bureau. These are people that are tracing asset of public officers and see how they acquire them, how you manage it and if it is proven to be legitimately acquired.

PT: There has been an area of controversy. When you seize asset what do you do with it?

Akinrinade: These are issues that we are bringing in experts to handle. I am not mentioning the embassy but they (embassy officials) are promising us that when we are ready for the training we should give them three months notice and they will bring in people who will assist us in training them. It is not just our people but also other agencies who will be participating in the program. So, when you seize asset, it is not just being able to seize, but also to be able to track, to be able to monitor and also be able to manage the asset before it is finally disposed. An asset is either forfeited to the state or returned to the owner if it is found to be genuinely and legitimately acquired. You cant seize somebodys asset and then by the time it is going back to the owner, it has depreciated. Most of them dont have the capacity on how to manage asset.

And even to prosecute cases relating to asset tracing is a competitive field. So, we want to bring in people from different places or different parts of the world to do the training. It is not just for our staff but also for the staff of other agencies who have similar mandates. Code of Conduct Bureau, for instance, has stakeholder inputs into asset tracing. That is their job and so it is not just for us. EFCC and NFIU, of course, are agencies that have similar mandates which sometimes even overlap, but everybody has his own distinct work and role to play.

When you need skills, those skills should not be restricted to a particular agency. That is what we are trying to do. By the time you look at all these things, you discover that the dynamics of corruption changes every day as we make new laws, as we enact new decrees and as we enact new legislation. Those who want to break it are also thinking of how to break it. We also have to train our officers to be able to be a step ahead of those who want to break the law. So, the training in anti-corruption is a dynamic process. You have to keep reinventing yourself to be a step ahead of those trying to make your work impossible. That is the essence of this place. It started simply as ICPC Academy just to train staff of the Commission. But as the complexity of the war against corruption becomes clearer, we realised that we need to build a capacity beyond just training of people on how to shoot, how to fight and other things. So, the focus of the academy started changing from just training their own staff, from induction training to building the larger capacity of the larger public.

PT: That means you take other people from other organizations.

Akinrinade: Of course. For instance, our aptitude training, the anti-corruption and transparency monitoring unit training are done for all MDAs of government. We charge them of course because we have to run the place. The chairman is just about to process approval to make it commercial so that we can now charge beyond just running the place. The charges we make are just to be able to cover the cost of what we are doing. It doesnt even cover staff salary. If I am to pay staff salary with what we are generating, it is either that we are folded up or we start charging commercial rates. But for now, we are not doing that. So, all we do is just cover the cost of the training for those people not to cover the cost of our staff in terms of their salaries.

PT: You were talking about the overlapping functions, especially those of ICPC, the Code of Conduct, EFCC and perhaps the fraud office of the Police. Why dont all of you come together and create just one academy instead of each of you having different academies.

Akinrinade: Well it is easy to say that, but remember that the overlapping functions are just a bit of the work of each agency. The fraud office is a work on its own. I cant train them. I can train them in areas that are tangential to their work which we have expertise on. The asset tracing work is only the aspect of the function of the Code of Conduct Bureau that actually overlaps with our own. They do other things. If we are going to say that everybody should come to the same place, we might end up being a jack of all trade and master of none. But if we want to build a super academy, which is my dream, which should be able to train agencies in all areas and bring in expertise from different areas of the work, it will need a lot of massive funding from the government. This potential of this academy is enormous because even going by what we have on ground, frankly we can do a lot if we have support. Last year, we received most of our support from UNDP, UNODC, US agencies etc. These are international developers. But we need more than that to be able to function effectively. The other aspect of it is that all those agencies must still have their training areas. Its like saying because First Bank, Unity Bank, UBA do the same thing, they shouldnt have their own training schools. No. Yes, they are all banks and are all doing commercial work and their staff are doing basically the same thing but each one has its own training school.

PT: Now you have this academy and EFCC has its own. Will you say that the war against corruption is getting stronger? Will you be able to say that people now have better capacity to trace asset and to secure conviction?

Akinrinade: The truth is, a lot depends on political will to ensure that what we want to do we have to. It is not that the agencies lack the capacity but if you want to take steps and you are hindered politically, what do you do? That was the problem most agencies have had till date until recently when there is a positive change in the attitude towards fighting corruption? Hopefully this year the Anti-corruption Day celebration in November/December is going to focus on how we can institutionalize the war against corruption beyond regimes. Buhari left power in 1985. So, if Buhari leaves tomorrow, must we wait for another 30 years for Buhari to come back and re-ignite the war against corruption? We are looking at a system, to construct a system that doesnt depend on regimes, that doesnt depend on individuals and their whims and caprices but a system that whoever gets elected or appointed into office will work with them. That is the part of the strategy to put a system in place where in every office there is a structure in place to address issues of integrity. With the structure in place, when a DG comes in he is not thinking on how he is going to embezzle money in the place. When a permanent secretary comes in, he is not thinking of how he will line his own pocket. When a minister is appointed, he is not looking at how he is going to better his own lot, rather than of Nigerians. So, that structure is what is going to take the war against corruption beyond every regime to a whole scale attitudinal change in which we as a people will admit that yes, this is the way it should go. Of course, there will be aberrations. There will be people that will break the law, no matter how strict the law is. So, we must also make room for sanctions.

PT: Is that the lamentation of the people you have trained here, that when they go back they are not able to implement what they learnt?

Akinrinade: What we are doing now is that we are trying to get a feedback from them on the challenges they had implementing the lessons they learnt while they trained with us. We are saying Yes you got trained at the senior executive course last year for integrity management; we gave you steps on how to introduce integrity system into your office or into your work place, what have you done since you got back? Is it a knowledge you just kept to yourself or is it something you try to implement? And if you try to implement it, how easy was it for you and how easy has it been implementing it? And what have been the obstacles within the system? We trained people at different levels but our flagships were two programs last year  the Senior Executive Course in Organization and Integrity Management and the Anti-Corruption Leadership Academy. The Anti-Corruption Leadership Academy was meant for those at the very top professionally in organisations like directors, deputy directors etc.

PT: You are training people who have gotten soaked deep into corruption. How do you train them to learn a new direction?

Akinrinade: Part of it is also to make them aware of the consequences because we dont just train you on how to do it or how to avoid it. We also train you in knowing the provisions of the law.

PT: But are you also focusing on politicians, including members of the National Assembly?

Akinrinade: Yes, we do. In 2015/2016, we had workshops for all State Houses of Assembly on zonal basis.

PT: So, why are they still corrupt even if they train them here?

Akinrinade: There is a saying  you can take a horse to the river but you cant force the horse to drink water. Like I said, we also let people know the consequences of violating the law, the consequences of disobedience.

PT: Will you say you succeeded?

Akinrinade: You dont measure success or failure by one or two instances. You measure it by the overall impact and you ask yourself among the people you trained, how many people have you brought back for investigation? If you trained 500 people, for instance, and two persons came back for investigation, you have succeeded because you have reduced drastically those who are exposed. We were in Bauchi in November for the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Summit. Their legislators were some of those that were trained during the training we had for legislative houses. They said that since we had the training for them they have been able to map out how to put the executive in check and put themselves also in check. When the executives come for something they say Mr. Governor, you sent us to ICPC training in Abuja and this is what they say we should do and cannot do. If you do this you will be breaking the law. It helped them in trying to create a synergy between the executive and legislature in promoting integrity in the administration of the state. The truth also is that their governor is interested in promoting integrity. So, for us, you measure success by how people are embracing your message, how effective they are to your message, and how willing they are to learn.

PT: What about the banks? Are you working with the banks at all?

Akinrinade: Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that the training we had on organisation and integrity management last year Access Bank and one or two other banks were there. Even MTN was there. It was not just the banks. We had a proposal that time because they have this association of compliance officers for all banks. We are supposed to actually work with them to develop a training programme for their compliance officers. It is still at the early stages. We also had a training organized in collaboration with Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria, CIBN, in June last year. We had a workshop to train people in the financial industry.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The file the police said it found during a raid on the home of Senator Danjuma Goje regarding how a popular Islamic cleric, Jaafar Adam, was murdered are actually media reports already in public domain, the senators aide has told PREMIUM TIMES.

The Nigerian Police had on Thursday said apart from the millions of cash it found in the Asokoro residence of Mr. Goje, it also found other documents including  A File containing write-ups on how Governor Shekarau plotted the assassination of Sheikh Jaafar.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited the senators residence on Saturday, we were told that he had gone to the office to attend to urgent matters relating to Budget 2017 which might be laid at Plenary next week .

However, some of his aides while responding to our inquiries said they were shocked by the police claim.

The Senator has made it clear he had nothing to do with the alleged documents on the murder of Sheikh Jaafar, one of them, Abbas Saleh, said.

He said what the police found was a printout of a report published by Sahara Reporters in 2009.

It is therefore something that has been in public domain, Mr. Saleh said. Do you think if the Police had found anything incriminating, they would still have been silent?

Checks by PREMIUM TIMES show that news website, Sahara Reporters, had actually published a report on April 12, 2009 titled Revealed: How Gov. Shekarau Plotted the Assassination of Sheikh Jaafar.

Mr. Shekarau himself has threatened to sue the Nigerian Police for defamation of character over the allegation.

Speaking to the Hausa service of the BBC via his spokesperson, Sule Yau, which was monitored on Saturday, the former governor said he suspected that the document the Police said they found in Mr. Gojes House was an old one written by the then Kano State opposition camp to unfairly blame him for the murder of the cleric.

I also have that document. Several other people here in Kano also have it and I am sure it is the the same document that former Governor Goje also has. If it is a different one, the police should come out and explain to Nigerians, he said.

Sheikh Jaafar was gunned down inside a mosque as he observed the early morning prayer on April 13, 2007.

Opinions were divided at the time as to those behind the murder. While, some belief the Sheikh was killed by the extremist group, Boko Haram, many others said Mr. Shekarau, governor of Kano at the time, might be behind the murder because the cleric was one of his major critics.

Boko Haram never claimed responsibility for the murder and the Police are yet to inform Nigerians on how far it has gone in investigating those behind crime.

Police spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, could not be reached for comments Sunday morning.

However, a Force Headquarters source familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES all the materials found at Mr. Gojes residence in connection with the murder were genuine.

The files were recovered and serious investigation is currently ongoing to examine why the senator was in possession of such documents, the source said, asking not to be named because he had no permission from his superiors to discuss the matter with journalists.

But Mr. Gojes aides suggested the Senator was being targeted by politicians because of his rising profile.

If you look at our political big wigs from the north-east today, next to Atiku is Senator Goje who refused to abandon the grassroots, Mr. Saleh said. I am sure that is why they are using the police to bring him down, God will not let them succeed.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, has disclosed that one of the agencies under the ministry may have developed a drug for the treatment of epilepsy.

Mr. Onu, made this disclosure at an investment forum organised in New York by his ministry for Nigerians in the United States.

He said one of the agencies under the ministry is working on what could turn out to be a cure for epilepsy. He said the product already passed through various stages of tests and trials and is only awaiting the final trials by the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

We are working on a cure for epilepsy; there is a drug that one of our agencies is working on, it is being tested now. We are waiting for NAFDAC to give its approval, there are so many stages of trials and tests that the drug has to pass through, Mr. Onu was quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria.

And we know that epilepsy is a disease that is worldwide and this agency will not on its own commercialise this drug, he stated.

According to an epilepsy research published in Science Direct, a scholarly journal, epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in Nigeria but there is no data on the prevalence of the disease in the country, where people who suffer from it are victimised.

The epilepsy prevalence for a rural community was put at 20.8/1000 and 4.7/1000 for the semi-urban community. The immediate cause of the disease is unknown but mostly associated with poor obstetric practices, head trauma and pork consumption.

Currently, there is no known cure for the disease, but there are advances in drugs that can be used to reduce the episodes of occurrence of the seizures to about once in 2 or 5 years.

Mr. Onu said used the forum to call on Nigerias in diaspora to key into the opportunity of acquiring the patent to commercialise the drug. He said researchers are not encouraged to go into commercialisation so as not to get distracted.

We will give you products of research at nothing or little cost to you because it would be nice for the agency that has done this research to get some little returns.

So, we give it (research products) to you, knowing that you will keep the money in Nigeria, you will help employ Nigerians and you will help to grow our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

That is our interest; that is the reason why we are here, the minister said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The police in Kano have arrested the immediate past governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.

Mr. Lamido was arrested for allegedly inciting his supporters to stop the conduct of local government elections organised by the current administration of Governor Muhammad Badaru.

The council elections are fixed for July 1.

Mr. Lamido, who was arrested at his Sharada Kano home on Sunday morning, was whisked away to the Zone One Command of the Nigeria Police in Kano, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

As at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, the former governor was still being held by the police who are yet to make any official statement on the matter.

Our reporter who was at the Zone One Command saw about six vehicles of the former governor filled with his aides who waited patiently for the release of their boss.

Details later

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


As the police continue to hold on to the former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, investigators were dispatched to his homes in Kano and Jigawa States for searches.

The Kano team reported back to the police command, after the search, without finding any incriminating evidence, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

An associate of the former governor, Dahiru Kera, confirmed that the police team to Jigawa were on their way for the search as at the time of this report.

Mr. Kera said the former governor reported himself to the police on Sunday and was not arrested. He, and other associates, expressed fear the police may have planted incriminating evidence against the politician at his Jigawa house.

Mr. Lamidos political associates including former commissioners have since thronged the police zonal command in Kano to express support for their leader.

Notable among those seen at the police command is the North-West chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ibrahim Kazaure, and a former PDP governorship candidate, Aminu Ringim.

Mr. Lamido was arrested by the police for allegedly inciting his supporters to go violent if the results of the local government elections being organised by the current administration of Governor Muhammad Badaru are rigged.

The council elections by the APC administration in the state are fixed for July 1.

The police are yet to make any statement on the arrest.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


A former Minister of External Affairs has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to exercise a great deal of caution in unravelling the mysteries surrounding the N13 billion recovered from a Lagos apartment earlier this month.

In a statement circulated on Sunday, Bolaji Akinyemi said Mr. Buhari should not fall into the trap of treating the National Intelligence Agency like any other government department.

External Intelligence operations do not belong into the same security genre as domestic security forces such as the SSS, EFCC and the Police, Mr. Akinyemi, who was in office from 1985 to 1987, said.

He also urged that the ongoing efforts by the House of Representatives to probe the involvement of the NIA in the recovered funds be immediately halted.

The professor of political science was reacting to the recent discovery of funds in different denominations from an apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The money, estimated to be N13 billion, was recovered on April 12 by EFCC operatives who acted on actionable information from a whistleblower, the anti-graft agency said.

The NIA later claimed ownership of the money through its Director-General, Ayodele Oke.

Mr. Oke has since been suspended over the controversy by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The controversy that trailed the discovery prompted Mr. Buhari to set up a panel to investigate and provide answers to crucial questions from the public, including the owners of the apartment where the money was found.

The three-member panel, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is also expected to clarify why the NIA was in possession of the money and if the president had prior knowledge of it as asserted by Mr. Oke.

The two other members are Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno. They have 14 days to conclude their investigation beginning April 19.

In his statement, Mr. Akinyemi faulted the president for setting up a panel without including someone with deep understanding of foreign espionage.

It would have been reassuring if the president had appointed a former head of or a former very senior member of NIA to be a member of the panel, Mr. Akinyemi said.

Yet, the former minister said, it wasnt too late for a person of such background to be named as a consultant to the panel

It is not too late to appoint a retired head of NIA as a consultant to the panel, he said.

Mr. Akinyemi advised members of the panel to desist from disclosing information about their findings on NIA to the public, including their final report.

Under no circumstances should the report of the panel in as far as it relates to the activities of the NIA be made public, he said.

More importantly, Mr. Akinyemi warned against allowing lawmakers to launch probe into the activities of the NIA.

This is a dangerous move, he said, adding that countries the world over do not engage in incessant probe of their external intelligence operations.

Normally, foreign intelligence activities are shrouded in secrecy, and not in the glare of publicity, he said. No receipts get issued. Budgets are called black budgets because they are never publicly acknowledged.

Mr. Akinyemi recommended that Mr. Osinbajos panel should disclose its findings only to Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Senate President Bukola Saraki if it is necessary that the National Assembly knows the NIAs involvement in the recovered funds.

Under no circumstances should the National Assembly be allowed to conduct hearings into the NIA affair, he said.

Mr. Akinyemi, who supervised the NIA when he was minister of external affairs, said any officer found wanting in the N13 billion recovery must be made to face the law, even if it requires a new legislation.

Putting a foreign intelligence officer on trial in an open court is going to be disastrous to external national security interests.

Should any NIA officer be found culpable, he or she should be quietly eased out.

If there is no provision to put an intelligence officer on trial in a secret and special court, an executive bill should be sent to the National Assembly to make provision for such, Mr. Akinyemi said.

In a follow up conversation with PREMIUM TIMES, the former director of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs said he wasnt canvassing a retroactive legal procedure to deal with the officers.

Any officers found guilty in the recovered funds should be made to go quietly after refunding all their loot, Mr. Akinyemi told PREMIUM TIMES Sunday evening. The new law is expected to deal with future occurrences and it does not have to be retroactive.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The police in Kano have given an official reason for the arrest of the former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.

The police spokesperson, Samba Sokoto, said Mr. Lamido was arrested for making statements capable of inciting violence.

Mr. Sokoto said the ex-governors alleged offence is contrary to Section 114 of the penal code. He said investigations are ongoing and that Mr. Lamido would be charged to court at the end of the investigations.

The deputy superintendent of police said the investigation was triggered by a petition received on April 27 from the Jigawa State government against the former governor, who was accused of asking his supporters to resort to violence if the July 1 local government elections did not go their way.

The police spokesperson said Kayode Aderanti, the assistant inspector general of police in charge of the Kano Zone One, promised to be just in the conduct of the investigations.

PREMIUM TIMES obtained the original petition sent by Ikenna Ekpunobim, counsel to Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa. The petitioner translated, from Hausa, statements allegedly made by Mr. Lamido at a PDP meeting in Dutse, Jigawa State.

Before the election I will make every one of you swear with his life to protect our cause. No matter what, I will not listen to you for complaining. All I want is to come for your bail in the police station breaking another persons head or you fought someone because the administration belongs to mad people, the former governor was alleged to have said.

After his arrest earlier on Sunday, Mr. Lamidos houses in Kano and Jigawa were searched by separate teams of police officers.

While a police source confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that nothing incriminating was found in the Kano home, details of the Jigawa search have not been made known.

Mr. Lamido was still at the SIB department of the Zone One police command as at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday night, an indication he could spend the night with the police.

His sons and several other political aides including his security details were seen with him all waiting for the actions of the police.

One of his political associates, Dahiru Kera, told PREMIUM TIMES the governor was told to wait for the AIG, Mr. Aderanti, before a decision would be taken on whether or not he would be released on bail.

Mr. Kera, like other associates of Mr. Lamido, said the former governor was only being victimised for being an opposition leader.

Mr. Lamido may be charged to court on Tuesday after Mondays public holiday.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


A gunman has shot dead a young man at a car wash centre located along Sam Ewang Estate, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The suspect alleged that the fuel tanker the man was working with blocked his path.

A witness said the killer brought his Sienna car to the car wash, and on completion of the wash, approached the man to look for the truck driver to remove the fuel tanker from where it was parked.

The trailer, registration number TTD 456XA with inscription NIPCO, was also brought to the car wash centre for washing, and parked opposite the centre, awaiting when there would be a parking space.

The driver was said to have taken a stroll within the vicinity, when the gunman approached the man sitting inside the truck.

The man, identified as Aro, was said to be pacifying the suspect, who subsequently pulled out a gun and shot the him at close range resulting in instant death.

The development caused pandemonium at the car wash centre, as people took to their heels, while the gunman manoeuvred his way and escaped with his car.

When contacted, Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the command was going to commence forensic investigation into the murder.

It is true, the Commissioner of Police has ordered that forensic investigation be carried out. He has also directed that homicide section of the state investigation and intelligence department should take over the case for proper investigation with the view of bringing the culprit to justice, Mr. Oyeyemi stated.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


Srinagar, Apr 30 (IBNS): In a suspect militant grenade attack, a civilian was killed, while five persons, including four policemen and a civilian, were injured in Khanyar area of Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city on Sunday evening , police said.

According to reports, suspected militants lobbed grenade on a police station in Khanyar which expolded outside the station, causing injuries to six people, including two civilians and four cops.

One of the injured civilians was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital in Srinagar.

The deceased was identified as Ghulam Mohammad Khan (65).

(Reporting by Saleem Qadri)
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to return home and seize the various economic opportunities to make billions of naira.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, made the call at an investment forum organised in New York by his ministry for Nigerians in the U.S.

Mr. Onu explained that various investment opportunities currently existed and were waiting for them at home, challenging them to take it before they were given to foreigners.

The former governor of Abia from 1992 to 1993, informed the Diaspora Nigerians that various research products with opportunities to yield billions of naira, were waiting for them at home.

We are asking you to come and be billionaires. That is what we are asking you, not millionaires. Come and make billions.

We will give you products of research at nothing or little cost to you because it would be nice for the agency that has done this research to get some little returns.

It would also be nice for the scientists, engineers who were involved in doing this research just to get something, thats all but it would be very small.

So, we give it (research products) to you, knowing that you will keep the money in Nigeria, you will help employ Nigerians and you will help to grow our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

That is our interest; that is the reason why we are here, the minister said.

Mr. Onu explained that the agencies under the ministry had already developed the research products through various stages of tests and trials.

We are asking Nigerians in the Diaspora that, think home, come and take the researches that we have done, he said.

We have taken them to a level where you can now immediately convert them into products, make money out of it; that is the message.

The minister, who returned to Nigeria from the U.S. in 1981, said as a policy, researchers would not be involved in the commercialisation of the research products to enable them concentrate on innovation rather than money.

He said that one of the agencies under the ministry was already working on a cure for epilepsy and was only awaiting the final stages of trials by the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

We are working on a cure for epilepsy; there is a drug that one of our agencies is working on, it is being tested now.

And we know that epilepsy is a disease that is worldwide and this agency will not on its own commercialise this drug.

For NAFDAC to give its approval, there are so many stages of trials and tests that the drug has to pass through.

But at the time that it must have satisfied all these conditions, we dont want our researchers to go into commercialisation.

Because if we do that, they would no longer continue with research; everybody would prefer to go and make money, he said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The Chairman of the Editorial Board of Thisday Newspaper, Olusegun Adeniyi, has said former President Goodluck Jonathan did not debunk claims made in his new book, Against the Run of Play.

Mr. Adeniyi who authored the new book that chronicles how Mr. Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election, said the former president only debunked claims made by other respondents in the book.

In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, Mr. Adeniyi argued that the fact that the former president refuted claims by other respondents interviewed in the book was not an indictment of the book and the authors claims.

The book, which was launched on Friday in Lagos, had generated heated debates in the media before the launch.

Reacting to the claims made by other leading political actors in the book on Saturday, Mr. Jonathan had said that the book contains many distorted claims by some of the respondents, adding that he would soon come out with his own account.

I have just read Segun Adeniyis new book, Against the Run of Play which has so far enjoyed tremendous reviews in the media, Mr. Jonathan had said on his Facebook page.

My take on it is that the book as presented, contains many distorted claims on the 2015 presidential election by many of the respondents.

There will obviously be more books like that on this subject by concerned Nigerians. However, I believe that at the right time, the main characters in the election including myself will come out with a true account of what transpired either in major interviews or books.

But in his reaction on Sunday, Mr. Adeniyi said there had been attempts in a section of the social media to credit Mr. Jonathan with what he did not say about the book, in order to discredit the book and its author.

The respondents President Jonathan was referring to are the people who spoke to me and whose claims he apparently disputes or disagrees withPresident Jonathan did not say I distorted his views, Mr. Adeniyi said.

The former presidential spokesperson noted that after interviewing the former president, the raw text of the conversation was sent to him for appropriate amendment, adding that Mr. Jonathan removed, reworked and rephrased his accounts and provided further context in some areas.

The reason I did that was so I would not misquote, misrepresent or distort the views of any of the people who spoke to me on trust, Mr. Adeniyi said.

My intention was not to ambush or set up anyone. This is why I gave them the opportunity to go over what they told me again before putting it in print. Fortunately, none of them has come out to say I distorted their views.

I went through this same process with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Senate President David Mark, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, former NGF Chairman and current Transportation Minister, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu and a few other principal actors who all have in their emails the raw text of our conversations.

Commenting further, Mr. Adeniyi said he left out so many things in the book to avoid unnecessary controversies.

For instance, he said, President Obasanjo made some strong remarks about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar which I decided to remove even after he (Obasanjo) had approved it for publication.

I did the same to some of the things others told me that I believed could raise unnecessary dust or distract from the story at hand, he added.

Meanwhile, the author also disclosed that hackers had succeeded in breaking the code to the online edition of the book, adding that it is already being circulated online.

Mr. Adeniyi, who lamented that he felt pained losing the revenue that could have accrued to him from online sales, however, said he wrote the book because it was an important story that should be documented and widely read.

I have a feeling this book will be widely read, though at my expense and that of my publishers, he said.

He, however, called on government to do more to protect the works of artists and other creative Nigerians from the antics of people who reap where they do not sow.

When creative people in both the arts and sciences cannot be guaranteed the legitimate benefits of their sweat and investments, they lose the incentive to take the risk to create and innovate, he said.

And when that happens, the whole society loses.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Idris Abubakar, to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the killers of Famou Giobaro, a broadcast journalist in Bayelsa.

The union also called for the reprimand of President Muhammadu Buharis Chief Security Officer, Bashir Abubakar.

The union made the requests in a communique issued on Sunday at the end of the NUJ National Executive Council meeting, held in Gombe.

The communique was signed by the NUJ National Secretary, Shuaibu Leman.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that on April 16, some unidentified gunmen killed Mr. Giobaro, a staff of Bayelsa-owned Glory FM 97.1, in his residence at INEC Road, Kpasia in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The attackers neither stole anything, nor attacked other occupants of the house, triggering speculations the killing could have been premeditated.

The union is also demanding that the case files of all slain journalists be re-opened, including those of late Dele Giwa and Bagauda Kaltho.

The communique further condemned in strong terms, the withdrawal of a Punch reporter, Olalekan Adedayo, from the State House and urged the presidency to reprimand President Muhammadu Buharis chief security officer responsible for the act.

The union challenged the Federal Government to sanction state governments that failed to properly utilise the first batch of the Paris Club refund.

The communique further commended the anti-corruption war of the present administration and also called on the National Assembly to ensure quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, to stabilise the sector.

The NUJ commended the Gombe State Government and the State Council of the union for the successful hosting of the NEC meeting.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The Police Command in Borno said on Sunday that it had arrested a driver, Modu Mustapha, suspected to be purchasing fuel and food items for Boko Haram insurgents.

Damian Chukwu, the Commissioner of Police in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri that the suspect was arrested after a tip-off by members of the public.

The police have received information that one Modu Mustapha of Jumptilo village was a terrorists collaborator, who buys fuel and food for them, at Alagarno and other hideout.

The police descended on the suspect, who has confessed to the crime, he said.

Mr. Chukwu alleged that the driver usually fetched firewood in the bush, from where he was suspected to have met the terrorists.

He said that he had been buying things for the insurgent group.

We recovered N10, 000 from the suspect, which the terrorists gave him to buy bicycle spare parts for them, said the commissioner.

The commissioner said the suspect also named 15 other firewood vehicle drivers, who engaged in similar crime.

According to him, the police are yet to establish the motive of the driver buying things for the insurgents.

We have not been able to establish his reasons for buying things for them, whether he is under the influence of spell, coerced into doing it, or doing it willingly as their collaborator, said Mr. Chukwu

He said that because of the nature of the alleged crime, it would be transferred to the military for further action.

Mr. Chukwu said the police also arrested three men who specialised in adulterating grind-pepper, mixing it with sawdust and flower waste and selling same to public as pepper.

Those arrested included Bukar Masona, Babakura Umar and Ali Muhammad.

The adulterated pepper they sell to the public is poisonous and unfit for human consumption, he said.

The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, for further investigation.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has called on the Federal Government to shelve its planned harmonisation of salaries of health workers in the country.

The associations position is contained in a communique issued by Mike Ogirima, President of NMA, on Sunday at the end of the 57th Annual General Meeting and Delegate Conference of the association, held in Calabar, from April 24 to 29.

It noted that although health workers faced many hazards in the discharge of their duties, their output could not be compared to doctors who performed the bulk of the medical services.

There is an attempt to harmonise the salaries and the Federal Ministry of Health is at the lead of that attempt, which is currently causing a lot of disharmony in the health sector.

Medical doctors are highly skilled and few in the country; the cut-off mark for medical students now is 280 and above. Everybody wants to accept that title of doctor in the medical set up; we are not against that.

What we are against is the fact that everybody cannot be equated to be equal. In the animal kingdom, all animals are equal; but some are more equal than others, it said.

The association said that it was not against moves to enhance the welfare of other health workers, but insisted that relativity should be maintained.

We are not saying that the welfare of other medical workers should not be taken care of, but that relativity should be maintained when we talk of salaries of health workers in the hospitals.

The NMA is calling on government to evaluate different professionals in the health sector and audit the output they put at work.

With that, there will be more objective data and statistics to buttress our point, asking for maintenance of the relativity, it added.

The communique also lamented the deteriorating state of infrastructures in public health institutions across the country and called on governments at all levels, to place premium on developing the sector.

It called on the federal government to be proactive by having a strong rapid emergency response team to handle outbreak of diseases, just as it stressed the need to resume local production of vaccines in the country.

On the outbreak of Cerebral Spinal Meningitis across the country, the NMA condemned the poor handling of the outbreak of the disease in some states.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NMA also ratified the adoption of the associations seal/stamp for medical practitioners to check quackery in the profession.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command, Musa Kimo, has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, against its planned protest in Abuja.

Mr. Kimo gave the warning in a statement issued by the commands spokesperson, Usen Omorodion, in Abuja on Sunday.

He said as a professional organisation, the command would not fold its arms and watch criminal elements hide under the guise of such protest to cause breakdown of law and order.

Mr. Kimo advised residents to go about their lawful duties without fear and molestation.

In a related development, Mr. Omorodion said the command arrested a member of an armed robbery syndicate at Robochi, Abuja on April 26.

He said Usman Mai-moto, 24, a principal suspect, was arrested with a stolen motorcycle by police operatives on routine patrol.

The spokesperson said the suspect confessed to have participated in the snatching of several motorcycles at gunpoint.

Mr. Omorodion said the suspect had given the police useful information that led to the arrest of one of his cohorts, Wisdom Peter, 18, who was arrested while trying to sell a stolen motorcycle.

He said the two stolen motorcycles had been recovered from the suspects.

Frantic effort is being made to arrest their cohort said to be in possession of the firearm used by the syndicate for its robbery operations.

Mr. Omorodion said the command had also arrested three suspects who specialised in house breaking.

The suspects are: Mansur Aminu, 24, Emmanuel Aboki and Dauda Isa.

Items recovered from them include, two clippers, 11 SIM cards and one generating set.

He said the suspects would be transferred to the Command Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation and prosecution.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has said the planned closure of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps in Borno by May 29 was no longer feasible.

Muhammad Kanar, the NEMA North-East Coordinator, stated on this Sunday while speaking with journalists in Maiduguri.

Mr. Kanar said that IDPs whose communities had been liberated were, however, free to return home voluntarily.

Actually, Governor Kashim Shettima arrived at the May 29 date for closure of all IDP camps based on his conviction that things will go on as they started from last year.

It was Shettimas hope and the hope of every disaster management expert for the camps to close early so people can return to their normal life, he said.

Mr. Kanar said that the governor was motivated by the gallant efforts of the military in liberating many communities in a short period.

Stakeholders were amazed by the speed our gallant soldiers achieved a lot within a few weeks in the fight against insurgency.

They were able to recapture all the 22 Local Government Areas from the Boko Haram and liberated so many communities within and outside the areas.

These gave hope and focus that by May 29 government will be able to return IDPs back home.

He said that recent developments had almost made it impossible for the hope to be achieved.

But now it seems that closing the camps is not possible by the set date. We have to re-plan again.

By May 29, any IDP wishing to go back to his place can go, so long as the place is safe enough, he said.

Mr. Kanar said that the hope of returning all IDPs back home was not totally lost.

Up till today the hope is still there, if we can get the place safe, secured those willing to go back can still return.

Right now, we have satellite camps in all liberated LGAs, where IDPs living in Maiduguri can stay pending when they can move to their communities.

If you do not want to stay in Maiduguri, you can go there. Many houses have been rehabilitated and normalcy restored in many LGA headquarters, he said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


The Lagos State government said it remitted N78.6 billion monthly contributions into its workers Retirement Savings Accounts with 10 Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, as at March, 2017.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode disclosed this on Friday at the presentation of retirement benefit bond certificates to the 38th Batch of Retirees from the state public service in Lagos.

Represented by the commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Akintola Benson, the governor said his administration was committed to meeting its pension funding obligations.

Mr. Benson said a total of 311 retirees who received bond certificates would have their accounts credited with pension rights of about N1.6 billion.

These consist of gratuity and pension benefits under the defined benefit scheme for employees who transited into the defined contributory scheme.

The state, the governor said, was also consistent in setting aside funds for the payment of accrued rights as provided for in the Pension Reform Law.

He said about N61 billion of accrued pension rights of has been paid since the commencement of the retirement benefit bond certificate presentations in 2010.

The retirement benefit bond certificates presentation to retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme was created under Section 3 of the Lagos State Contributory Pension Scheme law of 2007.

The passage of the law was in response to the new model and standards of pension administration formulated under the federal Pension Reform Act 2004, he said.

It is a positive history that the Lagos State Government has consistently won the National Pension Commissions award for the Best Pensions Compliant State in the Federation. We aim to maintain this rating by continuing and improving on the timely payment of all pensions and other applicable benefits to our retiring workers upon disengagement from service, he added.

Assuring that the state government through LASPEC would continue to ensure that public service retirees not only got their due, the governor said they would also continue to receive, through other agencies and programmes, additional support and assistance that would add value to their lives in retirement.

He urged the retirees who have all served in various capacities and sectors to make the right choices that would enable them attain financial comfort during retirement.

The LASPEC Director-General, Folashade Onanuga said the state government paid N27.41 billion accrued pension rights into the Retirement Saving Accounts (RSAs) of 6,267 retirees.

In a period of less than 2 years, from August 2015 to April, 2017, LASPEC has paid accrued pension rights in the sum of N27, 409.560 billion into the RSA of 6,267 retirees. Accrued pension rights previously paid before the current administration amounts to N33, 645 billion to 7,409 retirees.

In essence, since the commencement of the Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentations in 2010, on over 13,676 retirees withdrawn staff, the state government has paid accrued pension rights of about N61.4 billion, she said.

In addition, she said the state government through the commission paid to named beneficiaries of deceased employees, insurance benefit of N 12.5 million for this month of April, bringing the total of death benefits paid to N182.5 million from August 2015 to date.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook


Rowan University sophomore Nicole Cummings saved money this year by forgoing a meal plan.

A job in dining services offered a paycheck and one free meal at work.

But it hasnt been enough.

Last week, she went to the Glassboro, Gloucester County, universitys new food pantry for staples, such as cereal, pasta and toothpaste.

I didnt think food would be such an issue, said Cummings, 19, of Glassboro. Food on campus is expensive, and groceries go so fast. I have gone to bed without dinner because I just dont have anything.

Hunger may seem like an unlikely college problem in a world of campus food courts, Ramen noodles and peanut butter.

But college officials are increasingly finding students forced to give up meals entirely. The choice may be buying food or paying for books, gas, rent or tuition.

How Stockton University pleases the palates, budgets of 8,000 students GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  The Stockton University Campus Center food court was busy at lunchtime l

Its a nameless, faceless problem, especially among students who moved off campus to save money, said Rowan alternate student trustee Rbrey Singleton, 19, of Haledon, Passaic County. They dont realize how much food costs.

Singleton and Rowan student government President Daniel Cardona spearheaded the opening of the Students Helping Other Profs, or SHOP, food pantry last month.

Similar efforts are growing at college campuses across the nation.

A 2016 Hunger on Campus report found 48 percent of students had suffered from food insecurity within the previous month. The report involved 3,765 students surveyed on 34 four-year and community college campuses in 12 states.

Results of a Hungry and Homeless in College survey at community colleges in 24 states found almost one-third of students had gone hungry in college.

In February, the state Senate Higher Education Commission held its first hearing on the issue. College officials said lack of food is often a symptom of larger financial issues.

The food pantry is a Band-Aid, said Kerri Willson, director of off-campus living at Rutgers New Brunswick. We have to connect students with all resources.

Jewel Daney, a case manager at Rutgers, testified about students who became homeless when their families moved or who were eating just one meal a day.

They would attend college events to eat, she said.

Rutgers University has an app that informs students about free events with food.

Stockton University last year began a meal-voucher program that has served more than 50 students about 600 meals. Applications increased this spring when the process went online, reducing the stigma for students who might be embarrassed to apply in person.

Legislators seek to make food donations easier and safer State legislators are considering actions that would get more food onto the plates of New Je

Stockton Assistant Dean of Students Craig Stambaugh said the vouchers are a short-term fix. The school also helps students find jobs or financial aid.

Ive had students with monthly bills of $2,000 for rent, their car, gas, he said. Some just need a couple of vouchers to get them to their next paycheck. Others need a long-term solution.

Since the Rowan SHOP opened March 23, 70 students have used its services, according to Penny McPherson-Myers, associate vice president for diversity and organizational effectiveness.

Most of them live on campus. Most have financial hardships or small meal plans that ran out. Nearly half said they were looking for help to get through the week.

Rowan student Kerry Jules, of Union, is working less to prepare for finals. The pantry is helping him get through the semester, he said.

Seth Jackson, 19, of Baltimore, didnt want to ask his parents for money.

They help, but they dont have a lot, he said. Im really understanding my mothers struggles as an adult.

How this Atlantic City family survives amid poverty ATLANTIC CITY  Nicole Fischers hands moved methodically, chopping lettuce and tomatoes as 

Montclair University Vice President for Student Development Karen Pennington testified at the Senate hearing about a student who sold her clothes to buy food and two sisters who live on one meal plan.

That pushed us to help, she said. Their year-old pantry includes household and personal items.

Foster children, who age out of the system at 18, are especially vulnerable without a family support system.

Bergen Community College in Bergen County has a food pantry. The concept is being discussed at Atlantic Cape Community College. The Cape May County campus has a table of freebies so students can grab a granola bar or notebook.

Some county college students are homeless and others are raising families, Lisa Pitz of the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition testified at the hearing. She cited a 44-year-old mother who celebrated earning her nursing degree by bringing donations to her college food pantry.

The pantry was her lifeline, she said.

Many students have multiple issues, she said. But poverty and hunger should not be a barrier to higher education.
New York, Apr 30 (Just Earth News): Disturbed by the escalation of violence and subsequent suffering of civilians in South Sudan as a result of the recent government offensive, the United Nations today urged the Government and other warring parties to cease hostilities, uphold their responsibility to protect civilians.

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, said a statement issued overnight by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.

The statement also urged all sides to cooperate with the UN and other humanitarian actors to ensure safe access to all civilians in imminent danger along the West Bank of the River Nile.

There can be no military solution to the crisis in South Sudan, the statement emphasized, expressing hope that regional and international partners will join in encouraging the parties to return urgently to the negotiating table.

The United Nations remains committed to working with the African Union and IGAD to secure a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the first elements of the Regional Protection Force of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have started to arrive in the country, according to a note issued today by the Mission.

The deployment of the 4,000-strong force was authorized by the UN Security Council in its Resolution 2304 (2016).

UNMISS says the force will provide protection to key facilities in the nation's capital, Juba, and the main routes into and out of the city. It will also strengthen the security of UN protection of civilians sites and other UN premises.

The deployment of the force, to be staged over coming months, would free existing UNMISS peacekeepers to extend their presence to conflict-affected areas beyond Juba.

Despite the August 2015 peace agreement, South Sudan slipped back into conflict due to renewed clashes between rival forces  the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to President Salva Kiir and the SPLA in Opposition backing former First Vice-President Riek Machar.

At a Security Council meeting earlier this week, David Shearer, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and the head of UNMISS, noted that the opposition has since splintered, making it necessary for UN peacebuilding efforts to be more widely cast than previously. He reiterated the need for a political solution.

Photo: UNMISS/Wade Mageng

Source: www.justearthnews.com
EGG HARBOR CITY  For chiropractor Brian Pauling, the Coalition for a Safe Community Health Fair, gave him a chance Saturday to chat about spine health with people he would not normally see.

Its good to get in the community and let them know what we do, said Pauling, a chiropractor with Atlantic County Family Spine and Rehab Center. These are people that we dont usually see.

The groups goal is to mobilize the community into action and work toward ending violence in Atlantic County. The group comprises residents, police officers, pastors, teachers, business people, City Council members and the mayor.

We want to make Egg Harbor City a safer, better community for the residents of this community, said coalition member Donna Womelsdorf, who helped put the event together. We have three prongs: the schools, the police department, the churches. We are all working together for the same thing.

The event at Zion Lutheran Church included smoothies, health and wellness programs, information on home energy efficiency and a chance to meet coalition members.

Participants included The Alcove Center, Andys Glow, AtlantiCare, Brayces, Creating Health LLC, Egg Harbor City Police Department, Egg Harbor City Schools, Family Promise of Atlantic County, Helping Other People Evolve, Jewish Family Service, Milton and Betty Katz JCC, Mental Health Association of Atlantic County, Native American Advance Corp., New Jersey SNAP Program and Shore Medical Center.

Everyone gave us ideas of people to invite here today, Womelsdorf said. We want people to know what is available to them. Fifty percent of our population has a need for food, so having SNAP here is great.
An Atlantic County man serving time for dealing cocaine is among nearly 2,000 inmates scheduled to walk out of prison this year instead of 2025 because of a pardon by former President Barack Obama.

Timothy Barker, 50, formerly of Atlantic City and Pleasantville, was one of 1,927 people who received pardons before Obama left office in January. It was the highest number of pardons for any president since Harry S. Truman, who granted clemency 2,044 times  including 1,913 pardons, 118 sentence commutations and 13 remissions  during his nearly eight years in office, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of Department of Justice statistics.

It was a shock to me, Barker told The Press of Atlantic City in a telephone interview from the Federal Correctional Institution in Ray Brook, New York. It didnt really hit me.

Barker will leave prison in May.

Since 1999, Barker has served his sentence at USP Canaan, a high-security federal prison for male inmates with a satellite camp for minimum-security male inmates in Pennsylvania, and FCI Cumberland, a medium-security United States federal prison for male inmates in Maryland.

In 2002, Barker was sentenced to 30 years in prison along with 10 years of supervised release. He was convicted of drug charges, including conspiracy, possession and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Barker said he found out about his clemency being granted when a lawyer called his case manager to set up a phone call.

He (the lawyer) asked me if I was sitting down. He said, You will be a free man on May 17, Barker said. I said, Are you sure? I wanted to do back flips. ... I dont know if it was a lottery ticket or what. I guess it might have been my calling.

Barker was among inmates who had applied to the Clemency Project, a group of lawyers and advocates who provided pro bono assistance to prisoners petitioning Obama for clemency. They helped screen applicants and complete the required paperwork. Obama commuted Barkers sentence in January.

My whole focus was trying to get out of jail, said Barker, who added he hasnt learned a trade during his incarceration. I focused all my time on legal work and exercise to keep myself healthy.

An Atlantic City resident for most of his life, Barker attended Atlantic City High School. He lived in Pleasantville before his 1999 arrest. He has two brothers and three sisters.

Barker said he started selling drugs at age 14 because he needed money and he got a rush of excitement from the sales.

I never tried none of that, crack cocaine or cocaine, he said.

At one point, Barker hired Alexei Marc Schacht, a Manhattan-based defense attorney. Schacht still remembers the Barker case.

Obama commutes Chelsea Manning's sentence President Barack Obama is commuting the prison sentence of Chelsea Manning, the former Army 

{p class=note}The sentence that he got was so excessive and severe for what his crime was. I remember even the judge, who is now a lawyer in private practice  Barbara Jones is her name  she almost apologized to him at the time of the sentencing, but because of the sentencing laws at the time, she gave him the minimum sentence possible, which was 30 years.

When Barker was in Canaan, he said his family visited him every two months. Barker asked his family not to visit him in Ray Brook.

It was too far to travel. I didnt want to put them through that, said Barker, who has been at the Maryland prison for eight years.

The process of commuting his sentence started three years ago, Barker said. He filled out an application for clemency sent to him by the Clemency Project. He prepared himself for the worst, that he would be denied.

Sometimes, you wind up being let down, he said.

When Barker leaves Ray Brook, he still may have to do a six-month stint in a state prison or spend time in a halfway house on a parole violation in New Jersey. If hes lucky, he says the Parole Board may say he has served enough time.

Barker is optimistic about his future. In fact, he says a family friend is willing to hire him at his carpet company.

He said he plans to never return to a prison cell.

After 18 years, I cant do it. Im too old for this, he said.
Islamabad, Apr 30 (IBNS): A bus plunged into a ravine on Sunday morning near Upper Dir area of Pakistan, killing at least 11 people, media reports said.

The incident left several others injured. According to the police, the bus was en route to Chitral when it fell into the ravine near Lowari Top, Geo News reported. More details are awaited.
LONDON, April 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Politicians declared most untrustworthy by over half of all respondents

Brits, Chinese and Russians most dishonest, while Spanish most trustworthy

On Sunday, 30th April the US commemorates National Honesty Day. To celebrate, language exchange app Tandem has polled its members across Europe, Russia and China to compare the differences in honesty around the globe.

Likely to be dishonest to their family were Chinese respondents (38%) while Russians (32%) found it hardest to be honest during school and university and Brits most commonly lie to their colleagues at work (26%). Plus nearly half of those Italian respondents (45%) would go so far as to lie about their health to avoid work, as well as over a third of Russians (34%) and Germans (31%).

Professional liars:

However, when asked to name the most dishonest of seven top professions including estate agents, lawyers, politicians and journalists, a more unanimous result was declared across the world.

Over half (58%) of all respondents voted politicians the most dishonest; in Spain (86%), Italy (71%), UK (69%), Russia (55%), France (54%) and Germany (53%).

Nations of liars:

From nation to nation, the most dishonest respondents resided in the UK (62%), China (62%) and Russia (61%), followed by France (59%) and Germany (55%) who each admitted to telling a few regular lies. Spain however was found to be the most trustworthy, with over three quarters (78%) declaring they were very honest, followed by over half of Italian respondents (55%).

Tall tales:

Respondents also admitted that it wasn't just adults that they lie to, with Brits (70%) and Russians (69%) tending to favour the little white lies and tales of fairies and superheroes told to children, while scare tactics of ghosts and monsters prove most effective with children in China (76%) and France (68%).

Tandem's in-house honesty Tzar, Susanna Wood, commented, "It's really interesting to observe the differences country to country. Whilst it's clear that each nation has differences in approach, there are also commonalities in opinions and behaviours that link us all and define our values, regardless of language or cultural barriers - and no matter whether its politics, work or play! It's this which makes it possible for us all to learn and grow from each other, and why we launched Tandem, so everyone can learn languages and find out about different cultures."

For further information please contact:

Zoe Sobol, Snowball PR

[email protected] / +44(0)7971066034

Notes to Editor

Tandem surveyed 600 of its members across the globe.

SOURCE Tandem
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
Nairobi, April 25 : At least 27 persons were killed on Tuesday in Kenya when an oil tanker collided with a bus on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, authorities said.

The bus was travelling to Nairobi when it hit the tanker near Makindu in Kibwezi, Xinhua news agency quoted police commander Leonard Kimaiyo as saying.

"We have lost many people and others are critically injured," he said, adding that the death toll was expected to rise.

According to him, the bus driver was trying to overtake other vehicles when it collided with the tanker.

Kenya ranks first in African countries with the highest toll of road accidents caused due to speeding and poor enforcement of traffic rules.

According to government statistics, Kenya loses over 3,000 people annually in road accidents.
Los Angeles, April 30 : 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) Abiggest 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.
Washington, April 30 : US President Donald Trump skipped the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night and instead held a campaign-style rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with the aim of reminding some of his most ardent supporters that he has kept his campaign promises.

Amid increasingly hostile relations between Trump and the media, Trump announced in February that he would not attend the annual black-tie dinner on his 100th day in office, CNN reported.

Minutes into Trump's Harrisburg speech, he told the crowd just how much he preferred spending the evening with supporters than the Washington media.

"A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's capital right now," he said.

"They are gathered together for the White House correspondents' dinner without the President. And I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from the Washington swamp spending my evening with all of you and with a much, much larger crowd and much better people," Trump added.

Hours before the dinner, Trump had tweeted that the "FAKE media" failed to trumpet his accomplishments.

"Mainstream (FAKE) media refuses to state our long list of achievements, including 28 legislative signings, strong borders & great optimism!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

The last time Trump attended the dinner was in 2011, when he was a New York real estate mogul and reality-TV star who had just jumped into politics by getting involved in the "birther" movement, calling for President Barack Obama to release his birth certificate.
London, April 30 : Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe branded North Korea a "grave threat" during his visit to London, after a failed missile test resulted in the shut down of a Tokyo subway, the media reported.

Abe on Saturday 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, the Daily Mail reported.

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 said the temporary suspension affected 13,000 passengers on Saturday morning.

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.

Earlier on Saturday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile that blew up over land.

The main part of the missile landed approximately 35 km from Pukchang airfield, north of Pyongyang, according to CNN.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 44 miles.
By Press Trust of India: house

Meerut, Apr 30 (PTI) At least 117 kg nilgai meat, animal skin, ivory and 40 guns have been seized from the house of a retired army officer here during a 17-hour-long joint raid conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and the forest department.

A team of DRI officials reached the Civil Lines residence of Colonel (retd) Devindra Kumar yesterday in the afternoon and the raid continued till 3:30 AM.

advertisement

Kumars son Prashant Bishnoi is a national-level shooter.

A DRI official said the raid was conducted in connection with a disproportionate assets case. 117 kg meat of nilgai, Rs 1 crore in cash, 40 guns, five skulls of deer, horns of sambar deer, antlers of antelope and black buck, animal skin and ivory were seized from a makeshift warehouse in Kumars residence.

Chief Conservator of Forests Mukesh Kumar said: "The meat of blue bull was seized from a refrigerator. A sample was taken and it will be sent to laboratory for testing."

Action will be taken against the retired army officer and Bishnoi under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 though no case has been registered against them yet, he said. PTI Corr GVS

--- ENDS ---
Manila, April 30 : Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have urged North Korea to seriously comply with international obligations and voiced concerns over Pyongyang's test-firing of mid-range ballistic missiles.

The 10 leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam held their 30th annual summit and retreat in Manila on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose country holds the rotating chair of Asean this year, officially released the chairman's statement on Sunday.

"We discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula and are gravely concerned about recent developments, including (DPRK's) two nuclear tests in 2016 and subsequent launches using ballistic missile technology like the submarine-launched ballistic missile," the Asean leaders said in the statement issued at the end of the summit.

"We urged (North Korea) to immediately cease all actions that violate its international obligations and contravene UN Security Council resolutions," the leaders said.

The leaders also reiterated their support for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, and "for the concerned parties to exercise restraint in order to maintain peace and stability" in the region.

"We strongly urged (North Korea) to comply with these resolutions and acknowledged the importance to exercise self-restraint and called on all parties to exert collective efforts in the interest of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and the world," the leaders said.

The Asean group is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
New Delhi, April 30 : A member of the Nehru-Gandhi family and one of India's foremost writers with feminist concerns, Nayantara Sahgal returned her Sahitya Akademi award in 2015 to protest against rising intolerance in the country. Will she ever accept a recognition from the state again? Never!

The widely acclaimed author of the novel "Rich Like Us", for which she received the 1986 Sahitya Akademi Award, in fact, laughed off the idea. Dubbing the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance regime as the "RSS government", she said it is not possible for them to recognise progressive writers like her.

"I have never, all my life, stood in line for any award, any job or anything. And I would certainly not do so under this regime," she told IANS in a freewheeling interview.

The 89-year-old writer further said that she has not seen any signs from the Sahitya Akademi of support for the cause of free speech in the country.

The Akademi, according to Sahgal, did not say anything when a Sahitya Akademi award winner, Narendra Dabholkar, was murdered. If they have done anything at all to protect the rights of the authors and rational thinkers, the author said, it must have been very silent.

But what do writers fear? Is there any imminent threat to the fraternity?

"It is not a threat any more, there has been a murder. Three writers have been killed! (Perumal) Murugan was hounded out of his home, he was on pain of death, that if you stay here we will kill you, we will kill your family. People are in danger of their lives if they disagree with their Hindutva ideology and these so called gau-rakshaks," Sahgal immediately responded.

Sahgal also stressed on the need for authors to "show through their stories what they stand for" but maintained that it is "a very individual thing" as storytelling is about human beings and not about ideas. There may be a political setting or contemporary issues in many stories, but the story is about characters who live there.

The former advisor to Sahitya Akademi's Board for English from 1972 to 1975 went on to say that her writings have been inspired by the times she grew up in. With her mother Vijayalakshmi Pandit as India's first ambassador to the U.N., her uncle Jawaharlal Nehru as first Prime Minister, and her cousin, Indira Gandhi as third Prime Minister, it is not surprising that politics and history inspire and underlie much of her writing.

Beginning with her memoir "Prison and Chocolate Cake", published in 1954, Sahgal authored other political writings -- "The Freedom Movement in India" and "Indira Gandhi, Her Road to Power" -- along with a collection of essays, "Point of View: A Personal response to Life, Literature and Politics".

"The great thing that happened at independence was that we are a country of many great religions and we are deeply religious. And therefore we chose to be a secular republic so that all religions would have pride of place, so that all citizens would be equal, so that every man and woman would have the right to live and worship and dress and think and eat and make love as they choose. This was extremely great and progressive idea at independence and that is what is now being destroyed," she lamented.

Sahgal further said that religion is not a state affair, it is rather a matter of one's personal choice and one's personal relationship with god.

"The state can't tell you to do this and that with regard to religion. That was a very precious inheritance where all Indians felt equal and felt safe. Now I am sorry to say that the minorities do not feel safe, in particular the Muslim community is being hounded, persecuted and killed. That is not accepted by any civilised Indian," she added.

The much-acclaimed author also said that she often hears the Prime Minister making a "very fine speech", but on the ground, something else is happening.

"That which they call the fringe elements are not isolated people, they are being backed by very, very powerful people. The Bajrang Dal or the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and others back them openly.

"The ruling establishment, the Prime Minister himself, should make it very clear, and make it clear not only in speech but practice, that these things cannot be allowed to happen in a democracy where it is our constitutional right to speak and practise what we choose to," she said.

All changes from the times that she grew up in to now are, fortunately, not unpleasant. Sahgal recalled that when she began writing in the 1950s the Indian publishing industry was very small and was competing against leading international publishers. Writers today, she said, can be published more easily than ever before.

Apart from the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1986, she has also received the Sinclair Prize (Britain) for fiction in 1985 and the Commonwealth Writers Award (Eurasia) in 1987. She was also a Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, Washington, from 1981 to 1982.

(Saket Suman can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in)
New Delhi, April 30 : The Indian Navy chief and senior commanders will come together to discuss the navy's activities of the last six months at a Naval Commanders' Conference here during May 2-5, said an official release.

According to the release, Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba "with the Commanders-in-Chief will review major operational, training and administrative activities undertaken in the last six months and deliberate the way ahead on important activities and initiatives in the near future".

On the opening day of the conference, which is held bi-annually, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley will address and interact with the naval commanders.

During the conference, the naval top brass will interact with the senior government officials and also with the other two service chiefs.

The four-day event will be chaired by Admiral Lanba and focus on the Navy's plans for sustained operational effectiveness, combat readiness and improved maintenance philosophy to carry out its roles and missions.

After the recent spur in terrorist attacks on military camps and the prevailing security scenario, the conference is expected to review the security of naval installations and assets and readiness of units to effectively deal with any kind of threat.

The commanders will also discuss ways to strengthen maritime security.

The last naval commanders' conference took place from October 25 to 27 last year.
Seoul, April 30 : South Korea and the US on Sunday ended their annual joint military exercise, the biggest ever drill of its kind, amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.

South Korean military authorities said the Foal Eagle exercises, in which both countries' infantry, navy and air force took part, concluded as per schedule, Efe news reported.

In this year's drill, which began in early March, more than 10,000 US soldiers took part along with hundreds of thousands South Korean troops in what was the largest exercise ever conducted on the Korean peninsula.

North Korea, which considers all joint exercises as an attempt to invade its territory, heavily criticised the military deployment, which coincided with a period of heightened tension between Washington and Pyongyang over Kim Jong-un's repeated tests of missiles.

The final stage of the exercise comes a day after the North Korean regime carried out its latest such trial.

Saturday's test, however, ended in failure, with the missile exploding immediately after launching, as reported by Washington and Seoul.

The US chose to send its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson to the region in response to Pyongyang's repeated tests.

In March, the large-scale Foal Eagle exercises overlapped with the annual simulated joint US-South Korean combat drills "Key Resolve".

The two-week long Key Resolve exercise aims to prepare the allies for a possible attack from Pyongyang.
New Delhi, April 30 : Sasha Chettri, the face of Airtel 4G, is set to unveil an album titled "Ricksharani", which is an ode to rickshaw drivers.

"I have been on a long journey in Mumbai, trying to find some peace of mind and some money. I have shifted houses, moved to various locations across the city. All through this journey, I have spent a lot of time in rickshaws. The title of my album is a tribute to all the rickshaw-walas out there, working super hard every day, keeping the city going," she told IANS.

The album will be launched in May. Asked about the genre, she said: "They are fast paced songs... Bollywood dance music, as we call it! Get ready for some super 'dhinchak' dance numbers."

Talking about her music, she said: "Watch out for my single. The video has been put together by Sachin Gupta and choreographed by Adil. It was a crazy shoot. It's called 'Besharam'."

Any fond memory of an auto-rickshaw ride?

"Yes, there was this one rickshaw driver, who inspired me a lot with his story. He was 32 and positive about life. He said he's just doing this to earn some money and he's going to then start his own business."

"He was so full of energy and said one thing I'll never forget 'Madam main apna luck na, lekar chalta hoon, apna malik apna dost hai' meaning to say God was his friend. I was super happy when I heard that. All my experiences in Mumbai have been humbling," said Sasha, who hails from Dehradun.

The 24-year-old has been modelling, acting and singing.

"I have been singing since I was very young. I love acting. I have always written my own music, then someone came along and decided to make me a model. I definitely enjoy doing all of these things, but if you ask me about my strengths I would say that it's more about finding my ability to express -- finding just the right medium, and that has been music forever, it makes me happy.

"I have been playing guitar since I was 13, started performing at weddings, events etc soon after," said the "Katti Batti" actress.

Any other acting or singing projects in Bollywood?

"I am considering a film, and some singing assignments yes, but more excited about the single launch next month," said the daughter of an ex-army officer.

She isn't the only actress or model with an army background. Actresses Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra also have the same background. Asked about the secret, she said: "I think army kids have a lot of spunk due to their upbringing. We are also very adaptable and flexible, which is a big requirement in acting. Maybe that's what works."
Munnar (Kerala), April 30 : Kerala Power Minister M.M. Mani, who is facing the flak for his disparaging remarks on women plantation workers, on Sunday said the Congress has a bad track record of misbehaving with women not just in Kerala, but across India.

Mani since last Sunday has come under attack from all quarters for his curt remarks on women plantation worker.

Even when his Communist Party fo India-Marxist (CPI-M) publicly censured him for his loose tongue, Mani attacked the Congress for what he is facing now.

"You just look back, so many Congressmen not just here but across the country, have misbehaved with women and it includes cases like the 'Solar scam' here... the Congress leaders who faced allegations in it were given promotions," said Mani.

"The case against Sashi Tharoor, it's still on and people do not know what happened in it. I was taken to task because of the media who twisted my statements against the women workers."

It has been a week since the women plantation workers here are up in arms against Mani, demanding that he apologise to them and resign from his pst.

Meanwhile, the police on Saturday forcibly removed two women workers who have been on an indefinite fast, following which the Women's Collective decided to call off their hunger-strike.

They decided to launch a relay fast from Sunday and said they would not budge unless their demands were met. Mani ruled out any meeting with the protesting women workers.

"It's the Congress, BJP, AAP and the media who were instrumental in bringing these women workers to the protest front. I will not go there. I did no wrong," added Mani.

With the Congress party in no mood to relent, state party chief M.M. Hassan said they would go forward with their demand for Mani's resignation.

Many in the state are baffled as to why Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is defending the minister.

"CPI-M is a party where we saw their leaders being booted out of the party for misbehaving with women, and he blames us," said Hassan.

Following a petition in the Kerala High Court seeking action against Mani, the court came down heavily on Mani and asked the Idukki district police chief to hand over to it the audio and video clip of the minister's speech.
Patna, April 30 : The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Sunday said it has caught two "hard core" Maoists from Bihar's Saraiya district for their involvement in an IED blast at a kiln in 2016 which left three workers injured.

The troopers of SSB's 27th Battalion apprehended Shyam Babu Sahani and Rajesh Sahani in a joint operation with Bihar Police on Friday night.

"The arrested persons are hardcore Maoists. They were involved in IED blast at Sundaram brick kiln on December 28, 2016," said SSB spokesperson Deepak Singh.

Both have been handed over to police, he added.
New Delhi, April 30 : An insterstate gang of illegal arms suppliers has been busted with the arrest of its kingpin and his associate and 40 semi-automatic pistols they came to supply to local criminals in Delhi and adjoining areas have been seized, police said on Sunday.

Police said the accused have been identified as Deepak Kumar Saha, 34, a resident of Bihar and his associate, Sajid, 32, of Uttar Pradesh"s Meerut.

"They were arrested on a tip off near Ghazipur flyover (in east Delhi) on Saturday night when they were waiting for their contact to supply these 40 semi-automatic pistols. They came to Anand Vihar by train," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma.

"On questioning, both Saha and Sajid told interrogators that the gang was operating from last 11 years and had supplied more then 300-400 illegal weapons to various gangters and criminals of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR)," he said.

Verma said that Saha had come in contact with Guddu, a illegal weapons supplier, in 2006 and started working with him. Later he set up his own gang and was supplying these weapons in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and other states.

"They used to supply weapons on different rates. They sold .32 pistol for Rs 20-25,000, .9 mm pistol for Rs 30,000 and so on," the officer added.
Mumbai, April 30 : Australian pacer Andrew Tye has been ruled out of the remaining part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a left shoulder injury, dealing a big blow to Gujarat Lions, it was announced on Sunday.

He sustained the injury while fielding against Mumbai Indians on Saturday. Tye, who claimed a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul on his IPL debut, dislocated his left shoulder while fielding at the boundary during the match against Mumbai, after which he was rushed to the hospital.

"The shoulder popped out of the socket and remained out for a while. They put it back in at the hospital. The extent of the damage is still unknown. I will be flying home in the next couple of days to figure that out. And as for the recovery time, I am not too sure at the moment, but hopefully it's not too long," Tye said in a statement.

After waiting on the fringes for 34 matches, the Australian took the IPL by storm this season, registering tournament best bowling figures of 5 for 17 in his first IPL game, against Rising Pune Supergiant. With 12 scalps in six matches, Tye established himself as the third highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

While gutted that his dream run in the IPL has been cut short by the unfortunate injury, Tye expressed his gratitude to the team for giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills.

He also acknowledged the support he has received from the fans during his time with the Gujarat Lions.

"Unfortunately this is the end of the tournament for me," Tye said. "As heartbreaking as it is, I have enjoyed my time here. The people at Gujarat Lions have looked after me well. The fans have been unbelievable. The messages of support and good wishes I have got from everyone have been overwhelming.

"All I can say is, thanks to the fans and the franchise for giving me this opportunity and hopefully I will be back in the IPL next year."
Riyadh, May 1 : Saudi Interior Ministry said on Sunday that it has arrested 46 Islamic State (IS) militants suspected to be behind a deadly suicide bombing attack on the Prophet's Mosque in the holy city of Medina in the summer of 2016, Al Arabiya local news reported.

The suspects, 32 Saudis and 14 foreigners of Pakistani, Yemeni, Afghan, Egyptian, Jordanian and Sudanese nationalities, were detained in Jeddah, Xinhua news agency quoted a spokesman of the Ministry as saying.

He said they were suspected of being involved in the attack that targeted worshipers at the Prophet's Mosque last summer.

They were also found to have participated in a terrorist attack in the courtyard of Suleiman Fakih Hospital in Jeddah last year, he added.
By Press Trust of India: Peshawar, Apr 30 (PTI) At least 14 people were killed and several others injured when the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell in a deep ravine in northwest Pakistan.

The accident occurred near Lawari Top in upper Dir district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa yesterday, officials said.

The vehicle met the accident when the driver lost control while negotiating a sharp turn in the mountainous terrain near Lawari top connecting Dir district with Chitral district, they said.

advertisement

The condition of the injured is stated to be critical, officials added. PTI AYZ MRJ ZH

--- ENDS ---
Creative Group Inc., a performance improvement company, today announced that Jerry J. Murphy has joined the company as Vice President, Customer Experience, effective immediately.

Jerry Murphys operational expertise and leadership capabilities will further Creative Groups ability to create business changing experiences for our clients, said Creative Group President, Janet Traphagen.

Murphy will lead the Customer Experience team in the creation and execution of more than 600 programs on an annual basis. Im excited to be working with an outstanding, seasoned team of meeting planning professionals who are adept at creating unique experiences that help participants reach their full potential and thrive, Murphy said. Creative Group offers meeting and event services, as well as incentive solutions, designed to align the behaviors of employees, sales forces and customers with desired results.

About Jerry Murphy

Murphy has over 25 years of experience in account management, business development and experience design within the corporate and association convention management and hospitality industries. He has overseen all aspects of business operations, from strategic sourcing to meeting management to organizational configuration, all with the goal of creating outstanding programs and experiences while delivering exceptional customer service. He has held senior leadership positions with Experient, Sheraton Hotels and several independent hotels in both sales and operational roles. Most recently Murphy worked as Vice President, Operations at Maritz Travel. He has been active in Meeting Professionals International and The Global Business Travel Association in addition to serving on numerous advisory boards.

About Creative Group

Creative Group, a Direct Travel company, is a full-service performance improvement company. The company specializes in engagement, incentive and recognition solutions, and end-to-end meeting and event management. An industry leader, Creative Group has been honored with the CMI 25 Award, which recognizes the top 25 most influential meetings and incentive management companies in the U.S., since the awards inception in 2007. Creative Group was founded in 1970 and has served clients in financial services, life sciences, insurance, manufacturing, retail, technology, automotive, hospitality and more.

Employing over 175 people, the company is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and maintains a large office in suburban Chicago as well as a satellite office in Detroit.

###

Creative Group is a service mark of Creative Group, Inc.
Elected officials, community members, and legal and financial services professionals joined staff to celebrate the grand opening of the new office and document review center of HCMC Legal (HCMC) in downtown Chicago. The state of the art center, located at 225 West Washington Street, includes five review rooms, management offices, and a breakroom as well as private conference rooms and a training facility. Effective Monday, April 24, 2017, HCMCs Chicago Discovery Review Center is open for business and ready for review projects of any size.

HCMC, the parent company of Hire Counsel and Mestel & Company, is a national leader in attorney placement, strategic consulting, legal staffing, and eDiscovery services since 1987. Hire Counsel was named a Top 250 Company for Flexible Jobs in 2016 by FlexJobs, a trusted resource for job seekers. Mestel & Company has been named as the winner of the Award for Best Attorney Placement Firm 2016  USA in the 2016 CV Magazine Recruitment Awards as well as one of Lawdragons 100 Leading Legal Consultants and Strategists for 2016.

Creating new jobs and leveraging local talent is essential for the success of Chicago and its people, so I want to thank HCMC for being an important partner with the City in this initiative, said Deputy Mayor Steve Koch. Their new Chicago center can accommodate more than 100 contract employees, allowing HCMC to better serve the businesses of Chicago, provide opportunities for many people, and deepen their national footprint.

HCMC is continuing to expand across the United States, with Chicago being its 12th location and Raleigh, NC, its 13th location, scheduled to open this summer.

With the grand opening, and as part of their initiative to create new jobs, contribute to the community, and foster the economic growth of the City, HCMC partnered with Cara Chicago, a non-profit organization that provides job training and placement for individuals affected by homelessness, poverty, incarceration, domestic violence, or addiction. We are excited to welcome HCMC to Chicago and are appreciative of the incredible support they have shown us, said Maria Kim, CEO of Cara. Your donation will make an impact to our organization and to our City.

We are thrilled to have a new location in Chicago. We chose this city because its an excellent place to build relationships, expand our services, and leverage the tremendous talent and resources it has to offer. There are many excellent companies and law schools nearby. Being in the Loop makes our location convenient for both clients and employees who may be commuting from the suburbs, said Joan Davison, CEO of HCMC. Furthermore, we look forward to helping the community by driving revenue and growth for the local economy.

For more information or to request a tour of HCMCs new Chicago location, please visit http://www.hirecounsel.com and http://www.mestel.com, or call 312.489.2155. For more information about or to make a donation to Cara Chicago, please visit http://www.carachicago.org

About HCMC Legal

HCMC Legal, Inc., the parent company of Hire Counsel and Mestel & Company, is a national leader in attorney placement, temporary staffing, document review management, and legal services since 1987. Hire Counsel partners with clients across all industries to manage their dynamic workloads and distinct legal needs. We leverage exceptional talent and technology, deliver superior results consistently and profitably, and help organizations excel in todays new legal economy. Mestel & Company specializes in legal search and recruitment consulting, advancing the careers of individual associates, of counsel, partners, in-house counsel as well as facilitating the movement of groups and complex law firm mergers. Our prominent legacy, forward looking vision, depth of experience, and dedication to honesty, candor, and integrity set us apart from our competitors. HCMC is the only 100% employee owned company in the legal staffing and attorney placement industry. For more information, visit http://www.hirecounsel and http://www.mestel.com. Follow us on Twitter@HireCounsel and Twitter@Mestel.

Press Contact:

Alison Chin, Executive Director of Marketing

HCMC Legal, Inc.

achin(at)hirecounsel.com

646.356.0502
Mike York, COO There is no better method than a career fair for getting quality face-time with top healthcare employers who are hiring physicians, especially now that so many more physicians are going into employed settings, vs. private practice, in todays market.

PracticeMatch, a company that provides healthcare recruiting resources and data to employers nationwide, announces a sharp increase in projected attendance for this years physician career fairs, with this years RSVPs and registrations so far tracking a fifty percent increase over 2016.

The complete schedule for the 2017 calendar year of national physician career fairs is located on the PracticeMatch website.

Physicians are showing an increased interest in attending our career fairs to help advance their medical careers, states Mike York, Chief Operations Officer of PracticeMatch. This is likely a reflection of the success of prior events, as well as the improvements we have implemented in marketing and hosting the fairs to better serve physicians and healthcare employers. We aim to provide a high-quality, enjoyable experience, with valuable opportunities for doctors and prospective employers to network and make key connections, which will eventually result in mutually beneficial professional relationships and employment, York adds.

Although the career fair attendance has grown substantially, there are still exhibitor openings available at upcoming fairs, including the ones in the near future:



May 9 - Omaha, NE

May 11 - Nashville, TN,

July 26 - Kansas City, MO

Career fairs provide an opportunity for experienced physicians and new physicians, including residents and fellows, to meet with healthcare hiring managers, recruiters, and hospital administrators in person, to learn more about practice opportunities first-hand. Eleven PracticeMatch physician career fairs have already been successfully completed, with about 2/3 of the scheduled healthcare recruiting events occurring throughout the remaining months of 2017.

The physician career fairs weve hosted so far this year have been very successful, and the feedback from attendees has been great also, including that of physicians and employers, states Mike York. There is no better method than a career fair for getting quality face-time with top healthcare employers who are hiring physicians, especially now that so many more physicians are going into employed settings, vs. private practice, in todays market.

Other cities on the PracticeMatch Physician Career Fair schedule include Cincinnati, OH (August 3), Detroit, MI (August 9), Los Angeles, CA (August 16), and Louisville, KY (August 23). Fall events include Minneapolis, MN, Indianapolis, IN, Houston TX, Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY, and Phoenix, AZ.

A second physician career fair in St. Louis, MO is scheduled for October 25. PracticeMatch will finish out the year with November events in San Francisco, CA, Chicago IL, and the last event of the year will be in Boston, MA on December 6. To view the schedule or register for an event, visit https://www.practicematch.com/physicians/career-fairs-and-events/career-fairs.cfm .

About PracticeMatch:

PracticeMatch is one of the most established service companies in the physician recruiting industry, and its Pinpoint physician database includes over 338,000 interviewed physicians. Founded more than 25 years ago, PracticeMatch provides candidate leads and recruiting resources to match pre-screened candidates directly with healthcare employers on a national basis. Based in Saint Louis, MO, the company annually conducts 30+ physician career fairs nationwide.

For media inquiries, or to schedule an interview with a PracticeMatch executive, please contact Andrea Clement, aclement(at)usa.m3.com. For more information regarding healthcare recruiting services and resources provided by PracticeMatch, please contact Mike York, (800) 489-1440 mike.york(at)practicematch.com.

# # #
Dunn&Co, a leading full-service advertising agency and production company, has named Katharine Bonnet as VP, Director of Digital and Kamden Kuhn as VP, Director of Strategy. In the new roles, Bonnet and Kuhn will assist president Troy Dunn in directing Dunn&Co.s operations and guiding vision by actively leading the agencys key accounts and pursuing its strategic growth.

Katharine and Kamden have been instrumental for the past several years in the development and presentation of our agencys product thats led to significant new business wins, said Troy Dunn. Thanks in large part to their contributions, Dunn&Co. has grown to a point that requires additional leadership, and both have demonstrated theyre fully capable to fill these critical agency roles. Im confident their leadership will further raise the bar for the quality of work we deliver to our clients.

Katharine Bonnet has served as Dunn&Co.s lead digital liaison for the past five years, directing digital projects for clients such as the island of Curacao, Checkers/Rallys, Monin Gourmet Flavorings, GE Healthcare and many more. Her experience includes digital strategy, website development and social media marketing.

Kamden Kuhn has spent more than six years with Dunn&Co. where she has managed large consumer accounts, led global market research efforts, and engineered brand positioning and strategies. She has worked on behalf of clients including the Tampa Bay Lightning, AHOLD USA, Baxter Healthcare, Tijuana Flats, Valpak, and multiple wine and spirits brands. Her brand management experience includes brand positioning, competitive analysis, research and consumer insights, and audience profiling.

About Dunn&Co.

Dunn&Co. (http://www.dunn-co.com) is a full-service advertising and marketing communications firm housed in a century-old former cigar factory near Tampas historic Ybor City. Dunn&Co. provides award-winning creative solutions for clients worldwide, including GE Healthcare, The Tampa Bay Lightning, Ahold USA, Tijuana Flats, Baxter Healthcare, Monin Gourmet Flavorings, Checkers, Kitchen Crafted, Civco, Sabal Trust, and PDQ. Dunn&Co. also provides pro-bono services to the ALS Association Florida Chapter to help fight Lou Gehrigs disease.
Clients buy results, a desired outcome, not hours. Time for us is strictly an investment in the client, not a measure of productivity or value.

(April 30, 2017) -- The trend of top lawyers leaving top law firms to launch boutiques continues. The latest BigLaw partner to make the move is veteran trial lawyer David L. Wallace, who has left Herbert Smith Freehills' New York outpost to launch Wallace Law PLLC, a trial boutique practice focused on civil litigation and dispute resolution.

"The old model is broken and unsustainable," notes Wallace. "I left that Dickensian world for the freedom to lawyer on different terms, for the autonomy and flexibility of a smaller platform, for simpler client relationships, to escape the tyranny of the billable hour, for a new challenge. Basically, to avoid becoming irrelevant."

Serving clients nationwide both inside and outside the courtroom, Wallace Law takes a timeless approach to advocacy. Rather than join the madding crowd in solving problems on an hourly basis, it works on a non-hourly basis under fee structures that are agreed upfront, before any work begins, and specifically geared towards the client's value drivers, business goals, and desired results.

David Wallace, the firm's founder, a high-caliber trial advocate who for years has consistently been nationally ranked by clients and peers among the best in the business, says: "Look, I get it. Law's a business. But it's more than that. We don't make widgets. Our services are ultimately about people, relationships, and outcome -- value creation. And the billable hour doesn't value those things much at all. The reality is that unless you're dealing with bet-the-company stuff, trial work doesn't fit old law's economic model very well."

With offices in White Plains and Manhattan, Wallace Law is focused on results, a desired outcome, what success looks like to those it serves, without reference to how long the process takes. Wallace adds: "Clients buy results, a desired outcome, not hours. Time for us is strictly an investment in the client, not a measure of productivity or value. In a world with more than enough risk and uncertainty to start, we think the pricing predictability of timeless advocacy is no small thing."

Wallace is a 30-year veteran of top law firms. After joining Herbert Smith Freehills in 2012, he successfully represented key clients of the firm, including major food and beverage companies, in U.S. class actions and commercial disputes. Before that, Wallace spent 25 years at Chadbourne & Parke, where he gained national recognition for his fierce and tenacious courtroom advocacy in a number of notable tobacco product liability trials, including two rare directed verdicts, and also launched his group's global practice in the late 1990s, handling first-of-its-kind litigation for multinational corporations in the U.K. and throughout South America.

# # #

For further information, please contact David L. Wallace, Wallace Law PLLC, at 914-304-8136, david@wallacepllc.com, or david.l.wallace(at)live(dot)com.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
According to sources, the crime branch today questioned Dinakaran and all the alleged Hawala operators together to establish their relation.

By Parvina Purkayastha: It isn't over for AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran instead just the beginning for the ousted deputy general secretary, who is being probed in an alleged bribery case. The Delhi Crime Branch has recovered his five bank accounts from Chennai in which huge amount of transactions have been carried out.

According to sources, the crime branch today questioned Dinakaran and all the alleged hawala operators together to establish their relation and how many times did they meet in the past few days.

advertisement

As per sources, a lot of money was transferred to many hawala operators. Next in the line is Dinakaran's chartered accountant who will be called by Delhi Police for questioning to connect the dots.

When Dinakaran was taken to Chennai, the Delhi Police searched his residence, a informal investigation was done with his wife and questioned his personal assistant too.

Police have also recovered details of communication between Sumesh and Dinakaran. He was brought back to Delhi yesterday by the Delhi Crime Branch for further questioning in the bribery case.

The Delhi Police questioned several Hawala operators suspected to have been involved to the money trail in the bribery case. Earlier on Friday, a Delhi Court sent alleged middleman Chandrashekhar to judicial custody till May 12 and Dinakaran and Hawala operator Naresh Jain in connection with a bribery case to police remand till April 30. Sources say, in all likelihood, Delhi Police may appeal to extend their custody.

During his third day of interrogation, sources said Dinakaran refused to have known Sukesh, but later accepted that he met him. However, Dinakaran maintained that he did not pay any money to Sukesh.

Dinakaran had reportedly, through Chandrashekhar, sought the 'Two Leaves' symbol of the AIADMK by allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official.

Also read:

AIADMK symbol controversy: Probe widens, man who provided money to Dinakaran's aide arrested

Crime branch investigates Dinakaran case, tries to nail AIADMK leader

WATCH THE VIDEO: AIADMK twin-leaves symbol row: Middleman Sukesh's phone, 5 SBI accounts of Dinakaran recovered

--- ENDS ---
After several rounds of interrogation into the Election Commission bribery case, the crime branch sleuths have recovered conversation between Sukesh and Dinakaran.

By India Today Web Desk: Days after several rounds of interrogation into the Election Commission bribery case, the Delhi crime branch has recovered a mobile phone owned by the middleman Sukesh Chandrashekhar from Chennai.

The crime branch sleuths have also recovered conversation between Sukesh and Dinakaran. The crime branch has also recovered five State Bank of India accounts belonging to Dinakaran from Chennai.

advertisement

Police sources said that Dinakaran had carried out huge amount of transactions using these accounts.

According to sources, most of the bribe money was paid in cash through Hawala network. Chartered accountant working for TTV Dinakaran is likely to called for questioning by the crime branch sleuths.

Police also recovered cash amounting to around Rs 50 lakh from a friend of Sukesh, who was earlier arrested from the IGI airport. Sources said that Sukesh had spent some money on Hyatt Hotel and some other transactions.

While the crime branch sleuths have been interrogating the main accused, they have also launched a manhunt to track down the Chennai-based advocate who introduced Sukesh to Dinakaran.

Police said that Sukesh was in touch with a senior EC officer, who is believed to a part of the conspiracy. Crime branch may question him after verifying his role.

ALSO READ | Crime branch investigates Dinakaran case, tries to nail AIADMK leader

ALSO READ | The other side of TTV Dinakaran: All you didn't know about the AIADMK leader

WATCH | AIADMK twin-leaves symbol row: Middleman Sukesh's phone, 5 SBI accounts of Dinakaran recovered

--- ENDS ---
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Home Regional News East
CHICAGO (AP)  A federal judge lamented the persistence of city corruption Friday as he sentenced the former head of Chicago Public Schools to 4  years in prison for steering $23 million in no-bid city contracts to education firms for a cut of more than $2 million in kickbacks.

Barbara Byrd-Bennett's brazenness in bilking a district buckling under major financial strain made her crime much worse, Judge Edmond Chang said at the sentencing hearing in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

A tearful Byrd-Bennett apologized in court before learning her punishment, saying: "What I did was terribly wrong. ... I'm ashamed and I'm sorry."

The 67-year-old Byrd-Bennett and her co-schemers have further eroded public confidence in a city with a long history of corruption, Chang said. It was vital to impose a punishment that can deter other officials tempted to accept bribes and kickbacks, he said.

"It's distressing that Chicago has not and seems to be unable to shed its image of public corruption," he said.

The scheme, Chang added, had diverted money from students who relied on education to help them escape poverty and crime.

He cited emails to co-defendants where Byrd-Bennett expressed an eagerness to make money, writing in one: "I have tuition to pay and casinos to visit." Such "casualness" and "humor" about corruption suggested she never thought she'd be caught, the judge said.

Before being tapped to lead the Chicago district  the nation's third largest with 400,000, mostly low-income students  Byrd-Bennett held top education jobs in Detroit, Cleveland and New York. As a young woman, she worked as a teacher in low-income neighborhoods in New York City near where she was raised, and later became a "superstar" in the world of education reform, prosecutor Megan Church told the court earlier Friday.

But she succumbed to "naked greed" and a sense of entitlement as she took the Chicago post in 2012, Church said.

"She thought she was owed something more for what she did in the past," Church said. "And Chicago was the place to get it."

Bennett faced a maximum 20 years behind bars. Prosecutors asked for 7  years, in part because she had agreed to cooperate shortly after her arrest. The defense asked for a 3 -year sentence.

Chang said he also factored in Byrd-Bennett's age and how she had revitalized schools in different cities over her 40-year career. And he noted what he described as her quiet acts of kindness, including helping to pay for the funerals of some students.

Co-defendants, SUPES Academy and Synesi Associates owners Gary Solomon and Thomas Vranas, also pleaded guilty to related charges. Chang sentenced Solomon to seven years in prison last month; Vranas received an 18-month sentence earlier Friday.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel hired Byrd-Bennett five years ago, vowing to revitalize a school district criticized for low student performance. As CEO, Byrd-Bennett oversaw the shuttering of dozens of schools in a money-saving measure.

Byrd-Bennett said in court Friday that she had become overwhelmed as the head of CPS, recalling how parents yelled at her for closing their neighborhood schools and accused her of putting their kids in peril by forcing them to walk to new schools farther away.

When scrutiny of district contracts grew in 2013, Byrd-Bennett began deleting potentially incriminating emails, according to prosecutors. She resigned in June 2015, as word spread of an investigation.

In exchange for pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud in 2015, prosecutors agreed to drop 19 other counts of fraud charged in the original indictment.
A bill to legalize small fireworks in Iowa might add some noise to Quad-Cities' Fourth of July celebrations this summer.

Though it affects Iowa, the legislation awaiting signature by Gov. Terry Branstad very likely would add to the illegal use of bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles in the Illinois Quad-Cities, law enforcement officials say.

"The amount of illegal fireworks in the Illinois Quad-Cities will probably be going up," Rock Island County Sheriff Gerry Bustos said. But illegal use already occurs around the Fourth of July, he noted.

"It's a short drive to Wisconsin, and a short drive to Missouri," said Rock Island Police Deputy Chief of Police Jason Foy said, citing two neighboring states with more liberal fireworks laws. "If people want them, they go and get them."

The legislation, approved by the Iowa House on April 18 after previous approval by the Senate, would legalize the sale and use of consumer-class fireworks such as bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles. It would take effect this summer.

The bill would allow two selling seasons -- June 1 through July 8 and Dec. 10 to Jan. 3. Gov. Branstad "has indicated it is something he might sign, but there will be a final review before he does," according to Ben Hammes, the governor's communications director.

That signing won't occur for at least a couple of weeks, however, as the governor prepares for his confirmation hearings in Washington, D.C., on his appointment as ambassador to China, Mr. Hammes said.

Iowa, like Illinois, currently allows the sale and use of only wire or wood stick sparklers and other novelties. That doesn't mean noisier -- and potentially more dangerous -- explosives don't go off illegally at times of celebration, such as the Fourth of July and the night the Cubs won the World Series last year.

More powerful explosives -- such as M-80s and cherry bombs -- would remain illegal. But critics noted smaller firecrackers and bottle rockets can still cause injuries, with the noise terrifying and confusing many pets and often placing a burden on war veterans.

The Iowa bill faced strong opposition from lobbyists representing firefighters, emergency medical providers and the insurance industry, according to news reports.

Missouri is one of 27 states that permits the sale of most or all types of consumer fireworks during two selling season. Missouri allows the sale of all types of fireworks. Wisconsin is more restrictive, but still more liberal than Illinois or Iowa.

The Iowa legislation would prohibit sales to minors and allow local jurisdictions to prohibit sales and use. Officials in Scott County, including Davenport and Bettendorf, aren't saying yet how they plan to respond.

"We will not do anything or comment on this legislation until the governor signs it," Bettendorf City Administrator Decker Ploehn said.

Kurt Allemeier, communications specialist for Davenport, said city staff -- "the fire department mostly" -- is "evaluating the impact of the fireworks bill. It is likely to be a subject of discussion at management update meetings," he said.

Scott County Administrator Mahesh Sharma said a county response hasn't yet been discussed with the board of supervisors.

"We will strategize about the ramifications of that," Mr. Mahesh said. "We will be discussing it with the board."

Deputy Chief Foy said Rock Island Police, on occasion, have responded to firecracker injuries and written citations for their use. Sheriff Bustos said the county also responds to complaints.

Sheriff Bustos said the county can issue permits for the use of the small firecrackers and bottle rockets, after an inspection and a sign-off by the local fire protection district.

"Most people don't do that," he added. "They just get it and they shoot them."
President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were a lot like the mild spring day he spent in Syracuse one year ago this month.

There was lofty rhetoric. Big policy ideas were floated, but he lacked specifics on how to actually implement them. There was a pledge to "Make America Great Again." And his supporters felt, as they still do now, that he could change Washington.

At that Syracuse rally, he told Republican voters days before the state's GOP presidential primary that if they support him they would say "that was the single-greatest vote I've ever cast."

"You're going to remember this day," Trump said.

Trump went on to win his home state's Republican primary by a wide margin  a crucial victory as strengthened his grip on the party's presidential nomination. He would lock up the nomination, then defeat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the general election.

That was 2016. Now, in 2017, Trump is president. As of Saturday, he's been in office for 100 days. The White House issued a press release last week touting the president's first three-plus months as "historic."

Here in central New York, Trump has his share of supporters and detractors. Some give him high marks. Others say he hasn't lived up to the hype.

'He's getting his legs under him'

U.S. Rep. John Katko is in a unique position to assess President Trump.

Katko, R-Camillus, has been in Congress under two presidents, so he can compare Trump to his predecessor, former President Barack Obama.

There's also this: Katko didn't support Trump in the 2016 election. The central New York congressman questioned Trump's policy positions and criticized the then-GOP nominee when a video was released that showed him making lewd comments about women.

Katko announced in October that he wouldn't vote for Trump in the general election. He cast a write-in vote for Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who was appointed by Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Despite not supporting Trump during the election, Katko has expressed a willingness to work with the president on key issues. He's written letters to Trump urging him to act on Plan 2014, a controversial Lake Ontario water level management strategy, and support funding for Owasco Lake water quality efforts.

In his first 100 days, Katko thinks Trump is "getting his legs under him."

"By that I mean he is getting more comfortable in the position. He's getting into kind of a groove," Katko said in a recent interview with The Citizen. "He's shaking out his leadership team and making the tweaks he needs to make him more comfortable. I think you see more certitude in his actions."

The first test for Trump, Katko says, was when the Syrian regime led by President Bashar al-Assad executed a chemical attack on its own people. The attack killed several citizens, including children.

Following the attack, Trump ordered a cruise missile strike against a Syrian airfield.

"His reaction to that was quite strong, I think," Katko said. "He did a strong, but measured response that I think sent the appropriate message and set the appropriate tone with respect to what this leadership is going to be like compared to the previous leader. By that I mean we're going to let people know that we're not going to stand for atrocities. We're going to let people know that we are the beacon of democracy in the world."

On domestic policy, Katko believes Trump is following through on his campaign promises. While an agreement on legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act remains elusive, Katko credits Trump for pursuing a deal.

"He's running to the problem, not running from it," he said.

Trump has also made tax reform a priority. Highlights of the proposal include cutting the corporate tax rate and eliminating the alternative minimum tax. But since the plan was just released, it hasn't been considered by Congress.

Katko also lauded Trump for taking action on border security. The Trump administration has taken steps to deport criminals who are in the country illegally.

"You can agree or not agree with what his policies are, but you can't say the guy's not following through on his word because he absolutely is," he said.

'Terrifying'

Mark Rupert, a Syracuse resident, is an activist with the CNY Solidarity Coalition, a group that formed in the region to oppose Trump's agenda.

The coalition has held rallies to oppose Trump's policies and has targeted Katko for not holding town hall meetings in the Syracuse area.

Rupert used one word to describe Trump's first 100 days in office: terrifying.

"I would say he has empowered some of the worst tendencies in our society, and he's done so by scamming the American public with an enormous bait and switch," he said. "He was elected as a sort of populist who was promising to drain the swamp and run the government in ways that would benefit ordinary people.

"But what he's done is empowered Wall Street bankers to basically run America's domestic policy, former generals to run our foreign policy and pursued what can only be called authoritarian law enforcement with regard to immigration and communities that are hyper-policed."

Unlike Katko, Rupert doesn't see many  if any  accomplishments that Trump could boast about.

The initial attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, which is commonly referred to as Obamacare, failed. House Republican leaders had to withdraw the bill at the last minute before the vote.

There were more discussions this week about the legislation, but a vote wasn't scheduled.

Rupert acknowledged that Trump's pick for the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch was confirmed by the Senate. But he said that appointment appeases the more conservative wing of the GOP.

"I don't see much there," Rupert said of Trump's first 100 days. "I'm not sure what you point to."

'Doing great' vs. 'incompetent'

It's no surprise that Onondaga County Republican Chairman Tom Dadey and Cayuga County Democratic Chairman Ian Phillips disagree about Trump's first 100 days in office.

Dadey, who was the first New York county GOP chair to endorse Trump last year, served on the president's transition team. He touted Trump's record  the signing of 29 bills and resolutions into law and 30 executive orders  and selecting Neil Gorsuch to fill the Supreme Court seat that was vacant for more than a year.

Like any new president, Dadey said Trump is still learning how to work with Congress.

"It's a little different than being the CEO and president of your own business and things don't work and move as fast as they do in the private sector," Dadey said.

He added, "I'm very pleased with what he's doing and happy it's not the alternative. Thank god Hillary Clinton is not in there."

Dadey's positive review was countered by Phillips' more negative assessment of the president's first 100 days.

Phillips views Trump as more corrupt and more incompetent than he expected.

"The only thing he's been successful at is funneling money to himself by vacationing at Mar-A-Lago and having Secret Service have to stay in New York City and follow him down to his various interests," he said. "There isn't a lot of accomplishments and I think that even Republicans, if you ask them what they thought they were going to accomplish in 100 days, they would think it would be a whole lot more than this."

Dadey believes legislative accomplishments will come as Trump spends more time working with congressional leaders.

"Dealing with Washington and dealing with the establishment and dealing with the entrenched interests has been a little more difficult than he probably anticipated," he said.
Amanatullah Khan circulated a WhatsApp message saying Kumar Vishwas had called some AAP MLAs to his home with the offer at the behest of the BJP.

By Indo-Asian News Service: AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan on Sunday alleged that senior leader Kumar Vishwas was conspiring to break the party and had asked some legislators to join the BJP with an offer of Rs 30 crore each.

Khan circulated a WhatsApp message saying Vishwas had called some AAP MLAs to his home with the offer at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

advertisement

"Kumar Vishwas called some MLAs and asked them that he should be made the party convenor," the legislator from Okhla said.

He gave them the second offer "to join the BJP which was ready to pay Rs 30 crore to each one of them.

"I think all this is being done at the behest of the BJP," Khan said, adding four AAP MLAs have been tasked for this and they were arranging meetings of legislators with Kumar Vishwas.

The four MLAs also held a meeting with an unnamed minister at his residence, he said, citing 10 unnamed MLAs who "revealed this to me".

Khan told IANS that he indeed had circulated the message because "Vishwas wants to usurp and break the AAP".

In a TV interview on Friday, Vishwas said the party won't hesitate in taking a call on change in its leadership after its poor show in Delhi municipal polls.

He said blaming the EVMs entirely for its poll defeats was wrong as there was mistrust among people for the party.

Also read: More trouble for AAP as MLA Rituraj Jha caught betting on camera

Also read: MCD debacle: AAP leader Kumar Vishwas slams Arvind Kejriwal, says open to change in leadership

--- ENDS ---
GENESEO -- Twenty people lined State Street at the city park in the rain Saturday morning for the Henry County Rally for the Earth, a sister event to the People's Climate Marches taking place around the country.

The Geneseo event was organized by retired math teacher Pat Warren and a group that's met twice so far.

We don't want to backtrack after decades of improvement, said Ms. Warren.

Becky Hugh attended with daughter Olivia Melton and two grandchildren. She recalled air pollution when she lived in New York in the 1970s.

The air was brown, she said. We have only one home, regardless of your political belief or religious belief.

Ms. Melton said her son has asthma, so clean air is important to her.

I want to leave the planet a better place for my children and not leave problems for them to fix, she said. I think Geneseo is doing a great job so far with solar farm and wind turbines. We just need to keep it up at the global level.

Bob Nash said he is proud of what Geneseo has done with wind power and solar power. I want to thank the city for that. Earth is our home. We need to protect it. We have a civic and spiritual duty to protect it, and that's also in our own best interest.

Julie Lake said she was concerned about the way things are headed with environmental programs being cut. She mentioned money being spent to bring back coal as an energy source rather than using wind and solar power instead, which Geneseo has done.

David Olson said he lives in a 100 percent solar home. I'm tired of the assault on the Earth, he said, adding he wants to see solar, wind, anything that's truly renewable.

Richard Loucks said he didn't know of anyone who doesn't like Mother Nature, but he felt more people should be moved to action now. He also said he felt a grass-roots effort is how you start.

The question is why aren't more people out? Where's the concern? he asked.

He said he believes the reduction in funding for clean water in the Environmental Protection Agency could have an effect on preservation of the Hennepin Canal. It could come to Henry County, too, he said.

Marsha Loucks said activism was new to most of the group.

A lot of us are to the point of 'enough already,' she said.

Scott Briney said they are just concerned about the direction we're going. His wife, Brenda Briney ,said she'd just read that Arctic ice is melting faster than scientists had anticipated.

If the permafrost releases methane, it's just going to compound everything, she said.

Ms. Briney also noted ice cores are indicating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels of 410 parts per million. One of the organizations sponsoring Saturday's events, 350.org, wants to hold the level to 350 parts per million.

It's been three million years since it's been that (410 ppm) level so, she paused, we're in trouble, and I don't know if we're past the tipping point or not. Hopefully not.

She said one marcher's sign she saw read something like, "You know we're in trouble when the introverts get active."

That's not exactly what it said, she added quickly. We don't really want to have to do this, but here we are.

Crystal Yost said she was showing up for the world she wants to live in. I love my children so I vote climate, read her sign.

Geneseo High School juniors Reece Bodeen, Veronica Eilers and Hannah Johnson carried signs made at school. One pictured a polar bear with the wording When the ice caps melt, so will he. The other two read There is no planet B and Respect your mother with a picture of the Earth.

Veronica said it seems like a lot of people don't think about climate change, and that's scary.

It's cool to see people who have the same concerns as you, she concluded.

To contact the group, email Ms. Warren at pattyannw.0421@gmail.com or Ms. Nash at rvnash837@gmail.com.
Today is Sunday, April 30, the 120th day of 2017. There are 245 days left in the year.

1867 -- 150 years ago: The conductor of the Port Byron train reports that, when coming down this morning, he saw, near the large culvert not far from the Half-Way House, on the Moline road, the dead boy of a man lying on the ground near the culvert.

1892 -- 125 years ago: Mrs. Bridget Rooney, 64, a resident of Rock Island for many years, died.

1917 -- 100 years ago: A pile of lumber in the yard of Evans Brothers, contractors, was destroyed by fire, with loss estimated at about $25.

1942 -- 75 years ago: Orville Carsell was elected chairman of the Moline City Republican Central Committee.

1967 -- 50 years ago: Forty Five states will go on Daylight Savings Time Sunday. The clocks will be put ahead one hour in these states where 180 million of the nations estimated 198 million residents live.

1992 -- 25 years ago: Rock Island residents turned out in force Monday, urging the city council to use about $440,000 in riverboat gambling revenues to hire 11 new police officers over the next one to two years. About 160 citizens, many of whom are members of the Community Carting Conferences block clubs, crowded into the council chambers to show widespread support for building up the police department.
Id like to address the elephant in the room. That elephant being the Republican Party and their refusal to represent the majority of their constituents. Lets begin with stricter gun control (something that would help lessen the fears parents have when sending their children off to school), 53% of Americans favor this (Pew Research) yet the elephant in the room refuses to consider any such thing. Over 70% of Americans want stricter background checks yet again; the elephant in the room refuses to represent them. 61% of Americans say abortion should be legal. Again, the elephant in the room pushes laws that do the opposite. 74% of Americans do not want social security reduced in any way. But the elephant in the room pushes to do just the opposite, cut social security. 63% of Americans now prefer Medicare for all, but the elephant in the room fights it with all its might. 67% of Americans feel more needs to be done to reduce climate change, but not the elephant in the room. The elephant sides with the fossil fuel industry claiming its not a big concern. Given these few statistics (there are more like them) its obvious that the Republican Party is the party of minority rule, quite the opposite of what our founding fathers envisioned. The Republican Party has become a power cult, not a party that represents the majority of Americans. Remember this while you mark your ballot in this midterm election. Save Democracy! Vote Democratic!
Sold Out

This item is no longer available, but theres still much more to discoverkeep shopping to find something new to love!
The passage of the Land Acquisition Act added to the ongoing war of words between the ruling TRS and the opposition parties, including the Congress, BJP and TDP, over helping chilli farmers in the state who are protesting against lack of remunerative price for their crop.

By Press Trust of India: Amid vociferous protest by the opposition Congress, the Telangana legislature today passed an amendment bill to the Land Acquisition Act, cleared by it in December last year, in a specially convened one-day sitting in Hyderabad.

The passage of the bill added to the ongoing war of words between the ruling TRS and the opposition parties, including the Congress, BJP and TDP, over helping chilli farmers in the state who are protesting against lack of remunerative price for their crop.

advertisement

The special sitting, called to amend the Land Acquisition Act, concluded in just about 10 minutes without much debate.

The amendments to the Act were taken up following a suggestion from the Centre.

In the Assembly, the Congress members sought to raise the issue of farmers' problems while holding placards. They refused to speak on the bill though Speaker S Madhusudanchary asked them to do so, saying the amendment bill was taken up as per a directive from the President.

As Congress members refused to comply, the speaker asked AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen) member Ahmed Pasha Quadri to speak on the bill.

When the MIM member began to speak, the Congress members raised slogans and some of them entered the well of the House. They were stopped from moving ahead by marshalls.

Saying that the Congress members appeared not keen on speaking on the Bill, Legislative Affairs Minister T Harish Rao said the Bill be passed.

The bill was passed after the speaker completed the due procedure. He then adjourned the House sine die.

Opposition BJP and TDP were not part of the proceedings as they were suspended from the House earlier.

Talking to reporters after the House was adjourned, the Leader of Opposition (Congress) K Jana Reddy alleged that the government adopted an undemocratic and dictatorial attitude in not allowing his party members to raise farmers' problems.

Favouring conducting a social impact assessment in the process of land acquisition, Congress MLA and state unit president N Uttam Kumar Reddy said his party would meet President Pranab Mukherjee to urge him not to accept the bill.

Countering the Congress' allegations, Deputy Chief Minister (Education) K Srihari found fault with the Congress members for not participating in the debate on the bill.

The government is ready to address concerns in the interests of farmers if the Congress pointed out any shortcomings in the bill, he said.

The war of words with the TRS was preceded by the protests held by Congress and other opposition parties seeking remunerative price for chilli farmers.

advertisement

With some persons vandalising a market yard office at Khammam a few days ago, Congress and TDP blamed the TRS government for failing to help chilli farmers.

However, the TRS said that genuine farmers could not have been behind the incident.

Meanwhile, BJP members held a protest, before the Assembly proceedings began, for not allowing them to attend the House.

The BJP members said that it was undemocratic to not allow them to attend the Assembly though they were suspended in the previous sitting when a bill for increasing the reservation to backward sections among Muslims and STs was passed earlier this month.

Also Read:

Telangana: CM Chandrasekhar Rao announces 100 per cent free fertilisers for farmers, Opposition calls it early poll preparation

Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao elected as TRS chief for 8th time

--- ENDS ---
Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale

Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada.

Search Real Estate
Property details:

CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE BIDDING THIS AUCTION IS FOR THE DOWN PAYMENT ONLY Contact us for all questions you have before bidding. THE FULL PURCHASE PRICE IS ONLY $11995 for 2.5 Acres with Lake Access and Lake Views from YOUR property!!! Seller financed: 0% interest for limited time only! 10% discount for full cash payment at time of purchase. WE REQUIRE THAT ALL BIDDERS HAVE A 99% OR BETTER E-BAY RATING WITH AT LEAST 10 SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTIONS. Interested bidders with lower scores can ...

Price: $ 69 Seller State of Residence: Colorado Property Address: Rural Property State/Province: Colorado Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Allows Residential Zip/Postal Code: 81152 Area Acreage (acres): 2.5 Location: 809**, Colorado Springs, Colorado

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby 2.5
,



We're sorry, this article is not currently available
RECOILtv NRA 2017: SecureIt Model 52 Gun Safe

There's a whole cavalcade of considerations that go into selecting a gun safe: size, weight, aesthetics, modularity, internal components, etc. Most of us are used to making our guns work with a safe's design, instead of looking for a safe that can work with our guns. At NRA Atlanta 2017 we talked with SecureIt about how their Model 52 works to solve some of the most common problems. Its design is light, easy to assemble, and eliminates the problems that can come from drywall and carpeted safe interiors. The Cradle Grid system helps keep things organized and works to secure and accommodate some of the most common accessories your firearms have. Check it out as we give you a tour of these unique features.

Want to see more from RECOILtv? WATCH NOW!
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Rephrasing intro & few other paragraphs)

New Delhi, Apr 30 (PTI) CRPF personnel fighting Naxalites in Chhattisgarh are up against not only the ultras but inherent impediments -- lack of potable water, high temperatures, fatigue and poor mobile networks.

Officials, who visited some of the interior camps of the CRPF in Bastar region, where the force lost 25 personnel in an ambush last Monday, have found that the quality of water is substandard resulting in many of them falling sick.

advertisement

"We take various steps to purify the drinking water. But that is not enough as when the boys go on patrolling they some time have to drink water from open sources which leads to illness," an officer said.

The temperatures in Bastar region during summers go up to 45 degrees Celsius and such hot and humid conditions make the security personnel tired soon, leading to frustration, he said.

To boost the morale of the paramilitary personnel, nutritious food, including non-vegetarian items, are being supplied to all camps.

Home Ministry officials feel that there is an urgent need to improve the condition of CRPF camps as well as facilities offered to the personnel.

"Camps of the CRPF need to be upgraded," Senior Security Adviser in the Home Ministry K Vijay Kumar told PTI.

Poor mobile network also is a major hindrance for the CRPF men as they find it difficult to get in touch with their family members back home and this lowers their morale.

CRPF jawans deployed for long stints in the Naxal hotbed of Sukma in Chhattisgarh are showing signs of fatigue too.

The ministry officials, who visited Chhattisgarh after the massacre of 25 CRPF men, have found that majority of the 45,000 paramilitary personnel undertaking the high-risk anti-Naxalite operations in Bastar region have been posted there for over three years.

"Fatigue has been noticed in jawans as many of them have been posted in Sukma for last five years even though normally they should be there for three years," an official said, adding that there is decline in motivation due to their long deployment in the area.

A long duration of posting in Bastar is very stressful and the jawans prefer to join counter-insurgency operations elsewhere including in Kashmir, even though they face militant attacks and stone-pelting mobs regularly there.

"Anti-Naxalite operations take a toll on security personnel as they face guerrilla warfare in hot and humid conditions and treacherous terrain," an official said.

The CRPF is expected to effect an annual change over of its personnel soon so that they get relief after serving in hard areas like Bastar by getting transferred to a less strenuous area.

advertisement

According to latest statistics of the Home Ministry, the seven forces - the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, NSG and Assam Rifles - have lost 1,067 men in combat or counter-insurgency operations over a period of three years.

But more than thrice -- as many as 3,611 personnel -- have died due to illnesses. PTI ACB ZMN UZM TIR SC TIR

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Photo: PTI4_30_2017_000059B

From Nisha Sharma

Nicosia, Apr 30 (PTI) Located at the cross roads of Asia and Europe, Cyprus marries modern comforts with ancient heritage and its turquoise blue beaches, green mountains, rich culture and mouth-watering food will make you return to the the sun-kissed Mediterranean country again.

In Greek mythology, Cyprus was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. So the picturesque island could be a perfect wedding destination for Indians, say authorities here who are chalking out plans to woo them.

advertisement

Though a small island, Cyprus has something to offer for every traveller whether its a nature lover or an adventure freak. If you are interested in history there are several archaeological sites. A laid back kind of a person can spend days in the villages like Omodos where all kinds of facilities are available. What you need to do is to just relax. The people in the country are perfect hosts.

The best part of touring Cyprus is that travel time between the two places is so short that in winters a person can ski in the snow-clad Troodos mountain range in the morning time and surf in the sea in the afternoon.

Troodos is the largest mountain range in Cyprus and hosts four ski slopes, Byzantine Christian monasteries and churches and picturesque villages. Nine churches and one monastery in Troodos together form a World Heritage Site.

Being an island country, Cyprus boasts of one of the cleanest beaches in Europe. Eastern side of the island has undoubtedly the most beautiful beaches. Nissi and Macronnosis beach in Ayia Napa and Fig Tree bay in Protaras are some of the most famous beaches. But if you love solitude, Firemanas beach, Sirena Bay and Louma beach can be a good choice for you. Lemasol marina is a very popular area with several cafes.

The rocky shores of the island have formed wonderful natural shapes like caves and rock bridges.

But without seeing the ancient sites of Cyprus, you cannot really appreciate the rich Cypriot culture.

The Cyprus Museum, Kourion Archaeological Site, Amathous Archaeological site, Temple of Aphrodite and Paphos Mosaics would provide you a glimpse of the countrys history.

The Cyprus Museum has artifacts from the Neolithic Age the Byzantine period (7th century Ad). The museum also houses the terracotta human figures, ancient coins, jewellery and cross shaped idols from the Chalcolithic period.

The capital city of Nocosia itself has a story to tell. A Venetian sandstone fortress with a moat and palm trees add an oriental atmosphere to the old city.

Kourion is one of the island?s most important city- kingdoms in antiquity. The once-flourishing kingdom was eventually destroyed in a severe earthquake in 365 AD. The magnificent Greco-Roman theatre was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD.

advertisement

The site also includes the remains of a third century AD Roman market and some public baths. Kourion also possesses evidence of early Christianity with a 5th century AD church at the site. The large Byzantine basilica area is wonderfully picturesque with its tumbled columns and scraps of mosaic floor.

It would be unfair if we dont talk about the food which is a combination of Greek, Turkish and Lebanese cuisines. You?ll even find African influences. Coriander seeds, cumin, fresh herbs and parsley along with olive oil and lemon juice are just some of the typical things that can be found in many of the local dishes.

Meze is one of the most popular options being a multi- course meal featuring about 30 dishes likes salads, seafood, chicken, sausage and kebabs. It?s a great way to try lots of different dishes if you are not sure what to order as your main plate. You can also savour them at an open-air taverna.

advertisement

For vegetarians there are a lot of options too. The island is the home of halloumi cheese. Greek salads, Cheese pies, Fried bulgur donuts stuffed with mushrooms and spices. And not to forget potatoes grown here are super-delicious.

Cyprus is also one of the world?s oldest grape-growing and wine-making regions. The Commandaria is one of the oldest wines in the world, representing an ancient wine style documented in Cyprus back to 800 BC. In drinks you have zivenia and ouzo too.

After a few days spent relaxing, it may be high time to indulge in a spot of retail therapy. With the main towns around the country packed with designer boutiques. There are also modern malls. Cyprus has an amazing night life like other European nations.

The island also offers excellent dive sites and facilities, with one of the best wreck dives in the world, the Zenobia, situated off Larnaca. Other popular dive sites include Ayia Napa, Paphos and the Akamas Peninsula, where divers are often able to see artifacts such as Roman pottery on the seabed.

Though the country is still not a popular tourist destination among Indians, arrival of whom remained less than 2,000 in the past years. The government is hopeful of having more Indian tourists in the future. Authorities want to promote Cyprus as a wedding destination for Indians.

advertisement

They are also looking for options to woo Indians visiting countries like Egypt, Israel and Greece to add Cyprus in their travel plan as it is very easy to reach the island from these places.

Though there is no direct flight between India and Cyprus there are connecting flights from Qatar, Bahrain and Dubai and many other places. As more than 80 per cent of the population speaks English so language will be hardly a problem for Indians. And for those who really miss Indian food, every big city in Cyprus has an Indian restaurant.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready to lounge on the beaches, discover ancient settlements, hike across forest paths and relax in villages. PTI NSA AKJ ZH

--- ENDS ---
Celebrating the first 100 days of his administration, United States President Donald Trump on Sunday attacked the media for misleading the people with fake news as he skipped the very boring annual White House Correspondents Dinner to become the first president in over 30 years to skip the gala.

"I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, spending my evening with all of you with a much, much larger crowd and much, much better people. The media deserves a very big, fat, failing grade," Trump said sarcastically over the medias coverage of his achievements during his first 100 days in office.

He said a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in the nations capital right now, referring to the annual black-tie dinner at a luxurious hotel which was sold out to more than 2,600 guests, comprising whos who of nations political players, and top journalists along with celebrities and diplomats.

"They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents Dinner without the President," 70-year-old Trump told his cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally at Harrisburg in Pennsylvania, a state which played a critical role in his electoral victory last November.

He told supporters that he was keeping one promise after another, dismissing criticism as fake news by out of touch journalists.

This is for the first time in decades that a serving US president decided against attending the annual event of journalists who cover him round-the-clock.

None of the White House staff were present on the occasion in support of the Presidents decision.

The last president to miss the White House Correspondents Dinner was Ronald Reagan back in 1981, and that was because he was recovering from an assassination attempt.

In his address, Trump said his rally to celebrate the completion of his first 100 days in office drew a much larger crowd and better people too.

"They would love to be with us right here tonight. Theyre trapped at the dinner, which will be very, very boring, Trump said, but indicated that he would be present at the Correspondents Dinner next year.

Next years dinner might be more exciting, he said, adding, But we have a good chance showing up here again next year.

The last time Trump attended the dinner was in 2011, when he was a New York real estate mogul and reality-TV star who had just jumped into politics by getting involved in the birther movement, calling for President Barack Obama to release his birth certificate.

Trump ended up being the butt of the jokes that night from comedian Seth Meyers and Obama himself.

In his speech, Trump slammed newspapers like New York Times and The Washington Post.

Tension between the President and news organisations has been a hallmark of his early administration.

Several media organisations withdrew from the dinner in protest of Trumps treatment of the media before Trump decided he would not attend.

Vanity Fair and Bloomberg, which usually co-host an exclusive, star-studded after-party, have cancelled that gala.

More than 100 miles away from Harrisburg, journalists led by White House Correspondents Association president Jeff Mason slammed the US President for attacking the media.

"We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the President about who we are and what we do, Mason said.

"Freedom of the press is a building block of our democracy. Undermining that by seeking to de-legitimise journalists is dangerous to a healthy republic, he said to a standing ovation.

Masons speech was quickly followed by Indian-American stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj.

"The leader of our country is not here, and thats because he lives in Moscow, Minhaj said amidst laughter from the audience.

"It's a very long flight, its a Saturday. As for the other guy, I think hes in Pennsylvania because he cant take a joke, said the Indian-American, whose parents are from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.

We're not 'fake news', says WHCA president

Under Donald Trump, access to the press in the White House has been very good, the head of the White House Correspondents Association said, but asserted that the media is not fake news, a term frequently used by the US president to slam the media.

Acknowledging that there were apprehensions on the fate of the media under a Trump administration, WHCA president Jeff Mason said reporters are still on Air Force One and they are still inside the White House.

"We have worked very hard to build a constructive relationship with his [President Trumps] press team. There are clear dividends from those efforts. The press is still in the White House briefing room, and we are still on Air Force One," he said.

Citing several press conferences and pooled events at the White House daily, Mason said, press access under President Trump has been very good.

"It is our job to report on facts and to hold leaders accountable. That is who we are. We are not fake news, said Mason, who represents Reuters at the White House.

"We are not failing news organisations. And we are not the enemy of the American people," he said as he received standing ovation from a 2,600-strong audience.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump appears on stage at a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters
The new Congress president should be appointed through consensus and not election as it helps to bind the party and Rahul Gandhi is certainly up to it, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Sunday.

He also said that it was up to Sonia Gandhi whether she will continue as party chief for another term and the party will be happy if she decides so.

Amarinder, however, favoured projection of regional leaders in the Congress and making them the partys face in each state ahead of assembly elections.

"Elections are always bitter and consensus keeps the party together. There should be a consensus on the party president.

"You don't have any bad blood. It is all happening in a happy way," he said in an interview.

The organisational election process within the Congress party is underway and the new party chief has to be elected by October 15.

On Sonia Gandhi, he said it will be entirely her call on whether to continue for another term till 2019.

"She has worked very hard. If she wants to stay, I think the party will be too happy. If she wants to go, I think Rahul is in a position to take over... As party vice president, I have been dealing with him for 2-3 years, I find that he is certainly up to it, he said.

He, however, said his impression is that she feels she has done enough.

She has not had time off for the last 20 years, which is a long time, ever since she took over as party chief in 2017, Amarinder said.

Asked whether he prefers someone other that a member of the Gandhi family to lead the party, he said traditionally the Congress has been headed by a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family.

From Motilal Nehru to Jawaharlal Nehru and then Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, except for some leaders in between, he said.

"I am going to vote for Rahul. Who else do we have, he said.

Asked what is holding Rahul back from taking over, the Punjab leader said he is already going through the process.

"I think one must not write off Rahul. People are trying to write him off. They are trying to fob him off, calling him childish names. That is unnecessary. I think he is very perceptive and very decisive, he said.

On promoting regional talent within the party, Amarinder said every state has regional leaders unlike in the past and the Congress has to project them ahead of elections, as people these days vote for a face.

He said all states have regional parties and regional leaders and everyone knows if they win, who will be the chief minister. This was not the case earlier when it was Jan Sangh or Congress.

"So you should have to have a face. The Congress must come down to this point. If Himachal (Pradesh election) is (held) tomorrow, then who is the face? This is very important today, he said and cited his own case.

Singh was named the CM candidate by the party ahead of the Punjab assembly election, in a departure from tradition.

"You must project a leader in advance. Look at me, the whole campaign was focused on me. Projection is important, he said, adding that the Congress has no dearth of young leaders in every state and cited some names too.

"You cannot write off Congress like this. I am sure other states must be having leaders also, he said.

On the current state of affairs in the Congress, which has lost one election after another except Punjab, the state chief minister said he is not worried about the situation as the country moved in a cycle, which will soon reverse.

"Today there may be an upswing for BJP, but who knows two years hence, he said.

Amarinder said India has so many problems and people are hoping for somebody who does better and if one does not deliver, they choose the other the next time.

He also cited Arvind Kejriwals example, whose party was rejected by voters in the civic polls in Delhi.

"You see Mr Kejriwal being pushed out. Because they feel he has not delivered. So delivery is important, he said.

Having spent around five decades in politics, the Punjab chief minister said he has seen ups and downs including the time when the Congress won only one state and one seat in the whole of North India of Karan Singh.

"This was when Indira Gandhi lost, Sanjay Gandhi and I also lost. Then suddenly in two years we bounced back again. I am not worried about this. This is a cycle that happens in this country, he said, recollecting times when Indira Gandhi was at the helm.

Amarinder, who also holds the post of Punjab Congress chief, has also asked Rahul Gandhi to relieve him from the party post saying he will not be able to do justice to the job.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in New Delhi on Sunday and will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday on key bilateral and regional issues, including Indias Nuclear Suppliers Group membership bid and ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and trade.

This is Erdogans first foreign visit after winning a controversial referendum on April 16 that further consolidated his executive powers.

Apart from his wife Emine Erdogan, the Turkish President is accompanied by senior cabinet ministers and a 150-member business delegation that will take part in a meeting of the India-Turkey Business Forum.

Ahead of his visit, India had played down proximity between Turkey and Pakistan as well as Ankaras statements on Jammu and Kashmir, saying the government is aware that Turkey has a very close relationship with Pakistan and it is their bilateral matter.

We have always emphasised that India-Turkey relations stand on their own footing and, we believe, the Turkish side reciprocates our sentiment, Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, said, adding that Indias position on the state of J&K is very well known that it is an integral part of the country.

However, she did not respond when asked if India will raise the issue.

With Turkey being a member of the NSG, the issue of Indias membership bid for the elite group is likely to figure during the talks between the two leaders.

We remain engaged with Turkey, she had said when asked if the Indian side will raise the countrys NSG bid during talks.

Turkey is not directly opposed to Indias NSG membership but has been maintaining that the powerful bloc should come out with a system to consider the entry of the countries which are not signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as also supporting Pakistans case, diplomatic sources said.

The two sides were also expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism during the presidential visit.

After a failed coup in July last year to topple Erdogan, Turkey had blamed Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation for it and said the outfit has infiltrated India. Turkey had also asked India to take action against the organisation.

Asked about the action taken by India so far, she said Turkey had raised it with the government, which has noted their concern.

Calling the FETO a secretive trans-national criminal network with presence around the world, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, during a visit to New Delhi last year, had said, Unfortunately, the FETO has also infiltrated India through associations and schools.

Issues relating to regional security, situation in the Middle East, particularly Syria, are likely to figure during talks between Modi and Erdogan.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the G20 Leaders Summit in Antalya. Photograph: MEAphotogallery/Flickr
After a meet organised by right-wing teachers, staff and students to condole the martyrs of Sukma and the Kashmir Valley at the dhaba, a teacher from the computer sciences department alleged that some miscreants pelted stones on his car.

By Mail Today: Sabarmati Dhaba in JNU, the place where slain terrorist Afzal Guru was commemorated to the slogans for the breaking up of India, and where some ultra Left organisations had celebrated the killing of 76 CRPF jawans in Dantewada in 2010, once more spawned trouble in JNU on Friday night.

After a meet organised by right-wing teachers, staff and students to condole the martyrs of Sukma and the Kashmir Valley at the dhaba, a teacher from the computer sciences department alleged that some miscreants pelted stones on his car parked in front of his official residence and broke the windshield.

advertisement

JNU PROFESSOR FILES COMPLAINT

The teacher, Buddha Singh, has lodged a complaint with the police and asked for immediate inquiry.

"Some miscreants attacked my car last night after the programme at Sabarmati Dhaba which was organised to condole the deaths of martyrs. With a big stone they shattered the windscreen of my car. This has led to loss to my property," assistant professor Buddha Singh wrote in his complaint to the police.

Singh has requested police to immediately initiate an investigation so that such acts that created "terror" could be stopped in the future.

Professor Amita Singh of the Centre for the Study of Law and Governance condemned the incident, insinuating the complicity of the Left in the act. "I vehemently condemn such elements who are currently practicing all forms of violence to suppress the freedom of speech and expression and propagation of such ideas that weaken their age-old control over this university," said Singh.

"We are yet to receive a complaint from prof Buddha on the vandalism of his car. This is unacceptable on campus and we will soon set up an inquiry committee, if needed. We will also speak to the security guards on duty from 5-9 on Friday. Administration has been pushing for installing CCTV cameras on the campus which would have helped in cases of extreme violence and vandalism but students have stopped us from ensuring surveillance on campus," said JNU registrar Pramod Kumar.

"Any kind of violence and vandalism against JNU community, including professors, is condemned by JNUTA. Any kind of surveillance will not stop violence from occurring. Women are murdered in ATMs in broad daylight so surveillance is not the solution," said Ayesha Kidwai, JNUTA president.

The JNUSU said the allegations were "in continuation with RSS's attempts to link the Sukma tragedy with JNU".

"After the fake news run by right-wing websites, the RSS machinery is using their cheap tactics to do dirty politics over bodies of soldiers. Dr Buddha Singh of JNU made diversionary statement for cheap publicity that his car has been vandalised because he organised programme on Sukma. RSS always resorts to such tactics to divert attention, so that tough questions are not put to home minister Rajnath Singh," said JNU students' union president Mohit Pandey.

advertisement

Also Read

JNU students protest against VC receiving Visitor's Award; JNUSU President files online petition JNU sedition case: Police asks 30 students to join probe

--- ENDS ---
Participants from 20 cities - Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Lucknow, Kanpur, Bhopal, Indore, Bihar, Nagpur, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu, Delhi NCR and West Bengal termed the protest a 'satyagraha for men' to mount pressure on government and bring gender neutral laws.

Members of Save Family Foundation shouting slogans during a protest demanding revocation of Section 498A (related to harassment of women for dowry) of the Indian Penal Code at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.

By Sneha Agrawal: Ninety-year-old Birma Devi is one of the people who called for a 'satyagraha for men' in a protest demanding gender-neutral laws and a separate ministry for men in the Capital on Saturday.

Birma, along with her grandson, joined scores of people who had gathered at Jantar Mantar in the city to protest for revocation of Section 498A (related to harassment of women for dowry)?of the Indian Penal Code.

advertisement

Birma Devi was served with notice on April 1 this year for allegedly beating her grandson's wife and asking for dowry. The grandson Praveen Rajoria, who accompanied her, told Mail Today, "My grandmother is in her 90s. At her age she is doing the rounds at the police station. My wife served us domestic violence notice after I told her to call off our marriage as it was not working for us. The law has become a revenge tool for wives to get back at husbands and their families."

To join hands with Birma, a retired Delhi police official also participated in the protest claiming to have been falsely implicated in a case of sexual harassment, when he was working on an assignment to nab women involved in human trafficking.

Mahender Kumar Luthra, a retired ACP alleged, "After I busted the racket, there was a sexual harassment case filed against me by fellow female officers. Despite sufficient proof, their statements were considered to be gospel truth. My salary and pension were stopped. This year, I was freed of the charge by UPSC. Although I have received my salary, I am still waiting for the pension. I was so troubled that I even attempted to take extreme steps."

SATYAGRAHA FOR MEN

Members termed the protest a 'satyagraha for men' to mount pressure on government and bring a change in laws. Participants from 20 cities - Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Lucknow, Kanpur, Bhopal, Indore, Bihar, Nagpur, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu, Delhi NCR and West Bengal had joined the protest.

Analysts say despite India being a largely patriarchal society as well as the male dominance in most spheres and rampant crimes against women, real examples of male inequality should not be dismissed. The silent protest was carried out demanding repulsion of 498 A, formation of Ministry for men and equal representation to men in law-making process, punishment for misuse of law and framing gender-neutral laws.

In a strange case, a 60-year-old man claimed that he had been ousted by his 55-year-old wife and now forced to live at Jantar Mantar and simultaneously attend court hearings.

"My wife ousted me from my house after 27 years of marriage and filed a divorce case. She also occupied my two flats worth crores and I am forced to live at Jantar Mantar. I have taken a small accommodation in Haridwar. Once I had a successful business, now I am living at the mercy of people," said Anand. (name changed).

advertisement

Amit Lakhani from Save India Family told Mail Today, "With thousands of people joining this protest, from over 20 different locations across India, the magnitude of law misuse is very evident. We have sent detailed memorandums to Prime Minister's Office, Home Ministry, Law Ministry with our demands. We hope that the government will take the grievances seriously and with greater sensitivity."

--- ENDS ---
Voting on Tuesday? Check here to get the information you need
15-year-old girl was brought to Delhi on the pretext of job, but was raped repeatedly for five years.

By Chayyanika Nigam: She was brought to Delhi at the age of 15 on pretext of job. Since then she has been confined and raped repeatedly. She was also forced into prostitution and few days back when she refused to sell her body, the person who brought her to Delhi tied her and left her starved for more than three days.

advertisement

The accused assaulted her, raped her, sodomised her and beat her up. He had even tried to pluck her tongue using pliers.

On Tuesday when the accused, identified as Litu Mitra, 30, stepped out of his residence in Southeast Delhi's Govindpuri area, he left the door open. Taking the advantage of the situation, the captive Jyoti (name changed), who is 19 now, managed to escape. She reached an NGO in that area, which helped her to approach the police.

CASE REGISTERED

A case has been registered and Mitra was arrested on Friday. Narrating her ordeal, Jyoti toldMail Todaythat in 2013 she met Mitra, while she at a railway station in West Bengal. The man promised her a job in Delhi and boarded the train with her. Mitra asked her to stay at his rented residence in Govindpuri.

After two days, he raped her and filmed it. He used to blackmail with the tape and raped her repeatedly. Few months later, he allegedly forced her into prostitution. "His friends and customers have raped me, for which he got paid. Whenever I resisted, they complained about it to Mitra and he had beaten me up in front of them. And then I was forced to do what they wanted," a pained Jyoti told Mail Today.

She had tried to escape a number of times but to no avail. Mitra has been unemployed and Jyoti became a source of income for her. She told police that there have been days when Mitra brought along seven to eight clients a day. Her medical report is with Mail Today.WHAT HAPPENED

On April 22 she was asked to serve some clients in Noida. When she objected Mitra beat her with iron rod and pipe. Then having tied her with a rope he raped her. He allegedly sodomised her as well. Jyoti has severe injuries on her chest too. "Whenever I had raised my voice, he grabbed my mouth and held my tongue with pliers."

"On Tuesday at around 5pm, when Mitra stepped out, I noticed the door was left open. After I managed to escape, I reached a shop, luckily the owner of which ran an NGO. He helped me to approach the police," she said.

advertisement

Speaking to Mail Today, Naresh Kumar, the mentioned shop owner recalled that when she reached his shop, she was shivering. She narrated her woes and showed her injuries.

A call was made to the police control room and she was taken to Govindpuri police station. From there she was taken to the hospital for medical aide and check-up.

"Based on her statement, a case under Section 376, 366A, 323, 354C of the IPC and 6/12 POCSO Act has been booked against Mitra, who remained absconding for up to four days," Romil Baaniya, DCP (southeast) said, adding he has been arrested on Friday evening.

Also Read

Delhi school asks Class 10 rape victim not to attend classes as it will spoil institution's image

Uber driver charged with raping California woman in car

--- ENDS ---
A Baku district court has sentenced former Azerbaijani Health Minister Ali Insanov to seven years in prison on charges of possessing psychotropic drugs and assaulting and seriously injuring a prison officer that his lawyers say are both implausible and unsubstantiated by hard evidence.

Insanov, who is 71, rejected the charges as fabricated and politically motivated. He has vowed to appeal his new sentence, which he believes was intended to preclude his release from prison after serving an 11-year jail term and his anticipated participation in the presidential election due in October 2018.

Insanov is a former close associate of Heidar Aliyev, the father and predecessor of Azerbaijan's current President Ilham Aliyev, and a co-founder in the 1990s of the ruling Yeni Azerbaycan Party. He first fell into disfavor in the run-up to the parliamentary elections of October 2005, when he and several other senior officials were arrested on charges of plotting a coup against Ilham Aliyev, who had succeeded his father two years earlier.

The coup charge was subsequently dropped; instead, Insanov was found guilty and sentenced in April 2007 on charges, to which he pleaded not guilty, of bribery, forgery, and the illegal privatization of state-owned medical facilities.

'Military-Political Regime'

Six years later, in March 2013, the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights ruled that Insanov had been denied the right to a fair trial and that he had been held in inhuman and demeaning conditions in various penitentiaries. The court ruled that the Azerbaijani authorities should pay Insanov 10,000 euros ($10,896) in compensation.



The Azerbaijani government ignored that ruling, however, whereupon Insanov appealed to the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Two months later, Azerbaijan's Supreme Court annulled its own rejection of Insanov's appeal against his prison term and ordered a repeat hearing by the Baku Appeals Court.

The five-week retrial, which Insanov's lawyers and human rights activists said was marred by egregious procedural violations, ended in February 2014 with the judge upholding the original 11-year sentence. Insanov claimed that verdict was dictated by President Aliyev, whom he had earlier publicly accused of appropriating money from the sale of Azerbaijan's Caspian oil and of establishing a "military-political regime."

New Charges

The new charges against Insanov were brought in August 2016, two months after Azerbaijan's Supreme Court upheld the sentence handed down during the retrial and just weeks before his original 11-year prison term was due to end.

The new trial, during which Insanov was constrained to sit in a steel cage in the courtroom, opened on April 8. Insanov's lawyers argued that the prosecution had failed to furnish any evidence to substantiate the charge that Insanov had inflicted a potentially fatal head injury on a much younger prison officer during an altercation.

They further objected that the tablets allegedly found during a search of his cell could not have contained a psychotropic substance because they were colored, not white, the news portal Caucasian Knot reported on April 20.

The lawyers also implied that the new charges were retaliation for Insanov's public backing of opposition candidate Camil Hasanli in the 2013 presidential election.

In that context, they noted that former Economic Development Minister Farhad Aliyev (no relation to Ilham), who was arrested together with Insanov in October 2005 in connection with the purported planned coup, was pardoned and released from prison after expressing support for Ilham Aliyev's candidacy.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL
The wife of Belarusian opposition leader Mikalay Statkevich says he has been arrested ahead of planned antigovernment protests.

Marina Adamovich said on April 30 that police informed her the previous day that Statkevich had been jailed for five days. She didnt say what was the reason for her husbands arrest.

An unusually widespread wave of antigovernment protests broke out in Belarus this year with another rally planned for May 1 in the capital, Minsk.

Statkevich ran against Belaruss authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in the 2010 election. Lukashenka, in office since 1994, was reelected in the vote that his critics say was rigged.

Statkevich was arrested after a large demonstration protesting the election results. He spent five years in prison.

In March, Statkevich said he was briefly imprisoned ahead of an annual Freedom Day rally that was met with police crackdown.

Statkevich had been set to co-lead the rally on March 25. Instead, Statkevich said, he was detained by officers of the KGB security service and taken to a detention center, where he was questioned and told that he faced charges that he had been plotting terrorist attacks across Belarus since 2011.He was released three days later.

With reporting by AP and RFE/RL's Belarus Service
Over the past five years, Iranian officials and state media have touted the "indigenous" ingenuity in the Islamic republic's mass-produced Mohajer-6 combat drone, which Russia has deployed in its war against Ukraine.

But a new investigation by Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, has found that electronic components underpinning Tehran's production of the Mohajer-6 are far from homegrown.



The Mohajer-6 drones contain components produced by companies from the United States and the European Union, both of which have sanctions restricting the export to Iran of such technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes  dual-use technology.

The presence of these components in the Mohajer-6 does not mean their producers are in violation of U.S. or EU sanctions, and RFE/RL does not have evidence that this is the case.

The investigation also found Mohajer-6 components produced in China, including a real-time mini-camera made by a Hong Kong firm that said it was "very sorry" that its products were being used in war.

At least one major foreign-produced component of the Mohajer-6 has previously been identified by reporters in a Mohajer-6 recovered from the battlefield by the Ukrainian military: an engine made by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products.

But Ukrainian intelligence assesses that the Iranian combat drone contains components from nearly three dozen different technology companies based in North America, the EU, Japan, and Taiwan, the Schemes investigation has found. A majority of these companies are based in the United States.



A Schemes reporter who personally inspected the foreign-made drone parts identified components produced by at least 15 of these manufacturers.

These include parts made by the U.S. technology firm Texas Instruments, which said in a statement that it does not sell into Russia or Iran and complies with applicable laws and regulations.

To identify these components, Schemes reporters examined parts of the Mohajer-6 drone that the Ukrainian military shot down over the Black Sea near the Mykolayiv region coastal town of Ochakiv. They also reviewed Ukrainian intelligence records on the sources of these components.

The drone also contains a microchip bearing the logo of a California technology company and a thermal-imaging camera that Ukrainian intelligence says may have been produced by a firm based in Oregon or China.

Both Western officials and experts on illicit technology transfers say Iran has built a broad, global procurement network using front companies and other proxies in third countries to obtain dual-use technology from the United States and the EU.

"Exporters will look at the request coming from the [United Arab Emirates] or another third country, and they'll think that they're selling to an end user based there, when really the end user is in Iran," Daniel Salisbury, a senior research fellow with the Department of War Studies at King's College London, told RFE/RL.

In September, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions specifically targeting Iranian companies that Washington links to the production and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for deployment in its war on Ukraine. Fighting rages with no sign of an end more than eight months after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked invasion on February 24.

"Non-Iranian, non-Russian entities should also exercise great caution to avoid supporting either the development of Iranian UAVs or their transfer, or sale of any military equipment to Russia for use against Ukraine," U.S. Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Chinese Cameras, California Chips

Development of the Mohajer-6, the latest model in a series of drones Tehran has used since the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, began in 2017, while mass production began the following year. During a ceremony commemorating the Islamic Revolution, then-Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said that the new tactical drone could perform surveillance, reconnaissance, as well as help destroy targets.

Hatami extolled what he described as the drones domestic design, a portrayal echoed in later reports by Iranian media.

"The homegrown drone was made through cooperation among the army, Defense Ministry, and Quds Aviation Industries," the English-language Tehran Times quoted an Iranian military official as saying in July 2019.

The dismantling of the Mohajer-6 drone recovered by the Ukrainian military shows that the UAV is packed with foreign components.

One of these parts is a bright-orange real-time mini-camera produced by the Hong Kong-based company RunCam Technology. Documents seen by Schemes show that Ukrainian intelligence has also identified RunCam as the producer of the camera, which likely assists in remote guidance of the drone.

Founded in 2013, RunCam is involved in the development and production of so-called "first-person-view" real-time cameras. "Our users are our friends," the company's website states. The site says that RunCam has two authorized Iranian dealers.

Reached by Schemes for comment about the use of its camera in the Iranian drone deployed by Russia in its war on Ukraine, RunCam said in an e-mailed response: "We are very sorry to know that RunCam's products were used in warfare. RunCam is specialized in producing products for model aircraft hobby. We never contact any customer related to military."

The provenance of the Mohajer-6 drone-s thermal-imaging camera is more difficult to determine. A Ukrainian intelligence assessment reviewed by Schemes indicates it could be the Ventus Hot model produced by Sierra-Olympic Technologies, based in the U.S. state of Oregon, but that it also resembles a cheaper analog available for sale by the Chinese company Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology.

Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology said in an e-mailed statement that the company did not "have any business with Iran," because "it will affect our business." The company said it specializes in marine services and is not involved in manufacturing. It also said that it did not have a single successful order for its online advertisement of the thermal-imaging camera resembling the one recovered from the Iranian drone.

Sierra-Olympic Technologies did not respond to a request for comment on the possible use of its thermal-imaging cameras in Iranian combat drones in time for publication.

Microchips recovered from the drone also featured the logos of the California-based company Linear Technology Corporation and its parent company, the Massachusetts-based semiconductor company Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI). ADI did not respond to an e-mailed request for comment on the possible use of its technology in the Iranian combat drone.

Schemes reporters also observed among the components of the Iranian drone a voltage step-down converter produced by Texas Instruments. The company said in an e-mailed statement that it "does not sell into Russia, Belarus, or Iran."

"TI complies with applicable laws and regulations in the countries where we operate, and does not support or condone the use of our products in applications they weren't designed for," Texas Instruments said.

Schemes reporters also saw several components produced by the California-based technology manufacturer Xilinx, whose parent company is the multinational semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), also based in California.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, one of these Xilinx components was integrated into a video data-link module located in the wing of the Mohajer-6 that helped carry out attack missions.

"This module transmits information from the board to the missile head. That is, guidance for the missile. With the help of this module, it was possible to guide the missile to the target," a Ukrainian military intelligence representative told Schemes.

AMD did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

'No Authorization'

Previous media reports about the components of the Mohajer-6 drone, including by CNN, have shown evidence that its engine was produced by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, whose parent company is the Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).

The Canadian company responded to the reports on October 21, saying in a statement that it "has not authorized and has not given any authorization to its distributors to supply military UAV manufacturers in Iran or Russia."

"As soon as we were made aware of this situation, we started an investigation to determine the source of the engines," BRP said. .

But Schemes reporters found that the authorized Rotax distributor listed on the Austrian manufacturer's website advertised itself as a Rotax aircraft engines distributor for Iran as recently as December 2020.

The distributor, the Italian company Luciano Sorlini S.p.a., has posted multiple magazine advertisements on its websites in which it describes itself as a Rotax distributor for numerous countries. Prior to January 2021, Iran was listed among these countries.

The Rotax website also lists a Tehran-based company -- MahtaWing -- as an official service center for its engines. The company, known in Persian as Mahtabal, conducts repairs of Rotax engines, including the Rotax 912 iS, the engine that was found in the Mohajer-6 combat drone recovered in Ukraine.

BRP said in an e-mailed statement on November 4 that while Luciano Sorlini S.p.a. is the appointed distributor of Rotax aircraft engines in Iran, "since 2019, no Rotax engines have been sold in Iran, and we will not sell any engines to Iran moving forward."

The Canadian company said it had "internal controls" that "significantly" restrict the sale of its products for military purposes.

"For example, the sale of any BRP product to operators with any military activity in Iran, Turkey, and Russia is strictly prohibited," BRP said. "We conduct our business in compliance with all EU, Canadian, and U.S. applicable regulations."

BRP described the Iranian company MahtaWing as a "local service center" that "offers maintenance services for previously sold aircraft engines."

Shahriar Siami of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report.
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
Russia-related investments were a key issue in a televised debate among candidates for the U.S. state of Montana's seat in the House of Representatives.

Democrat Rob Quist on April 29 criticized his Republican rival, Greg Gianforte, for holding some $240,000 in investments that disclosures link to funds with holdings in Russian companies hit by U.S. sanctions.

The sanctions were imposed under the Obama administration because of Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula.

The candidates are running in a special election on May 25 for Montana's only House seat. It became vacant in March when Ryan Zinke resigned to become U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

"I was really dispirited to hear the other day that Mr. Gianforte has a quarter of a million dollars in stocks in Russian companies that are on the sanctions list," Quist said.

Gianforte defended his investments.

"Anyone who invests in emerging markets around the world has investment in Russia," Gianforte said, calling it a small portion of his investments.

His campaign has acknowledged $150,000 in investments with VanEck Vectors Russian and $92,000 with IShares MSCF Russia. Both companies deal in exchange-traded funds, which are similar to mutual funds.

Gianforte made millions when he sold his software firm, RightNow Technolgoies, to Oracle.

According to required disclosures, his total assets are in the range of $96 million to $327 million.

Based on reporting by AP and The Guardian
The U.S. national security adviser, Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, says Russian President Vladimir Putin is "acting against the Russian people's interest in his relationship with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his policies to aid the Taliban in Afghanistan.

McMaster, speaking on April 30 on the Fox News Sunday television program, also said the United States needed to see a "change in behavior" by the Russian president before relations could improve.

McMaster's comments about Putin are closely watched for signs of President Donald Trumps posture toward Russia. During the U.S. presidential campaign and in his early days in office, Trump highly praised Putin, calling him a strong leader.

But relations have frayed, with Washington and Moscow clashing over policies regarding Syria, Iran, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

When asked how relations have progressed with Russia since Trump's January 20 inauguration, McMaster said, "Well, I don't think they've gotten really either better or worse."

"The Russian behavior as we've seen, you know -- the annexation of Crimea, the invasion of Ukraine, the support for this murderous regime in Syria, and now arming the Taliban -- these are all things that's clearly cut against Russian interest, especially in connection with the relationship with Assad in Syria and to arm the Taliban," McMaster said.

He said the groups Moscow supports in one region can hurt Russia in others.

"The Taliban groups are not monolithic or homogenous. They overlap with others," he said. "In the Taliban's case, they overlap with groups like the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and then other terrorist groups that posed a great threat to Russia."

"So, here you have a Russian president acting against the Russian people's interest and doing it I think kind of just reflexively," McMaster said.

He said that for relations with Russia to improve, "what we really need to see is a change in behavior."

With reporting by Fox News
A 15-member delegation from Pakistan's National Assembly has arrived in Kabul, with its leader saying his country is committed to aiding peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and his delegation will meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and other officials during a two-day visit.

The rare visit comes weeks after relations between the neighbors were strained following Pakistan's move to close the border with Afghanistan in response to the February 17 attack on a Sufi shrine in the city of Sehwan that killed 90 worshipers.

Pakistan claimed an affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) militant group had crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan to carry out the attack.

Afghanistan denied the claim but said it would cooperate with Pakistan to investigate the incident. The border was reopened in March.

Omar Zakhilwal, the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan, and Sadiq both said the visit by the delegation was an unprecedented step in bettering relations between the two countries.

Sadiq stressed the need for cooperation between the two countries to eliminate the threat of terrorism.

He also emphasized the need to promote trade, increase people-to-people contacts, and have further parliamentary exchanges.

Based on reporting by AP, dpa, Dawn, and Pakistan Today


US President Donald Trump on Saturday celebrated his 100 days in White House, calling out 'dishonest' media and blaming Democrats for his cabinet's failures so far amid a cheering crowd.

By Reuters: US President Donald Trump hit the road on Saturday to celebrate his first 100 days in the White House with cheering supporters at a campaign-style rally, touting his initial achievements and lashing out at critics.

Trump told a Pennsylvania crowd he was just getting started on meeting his campaign promises. He repeatedly attacked an "incompetent, dishonest" media, saying they were not telling the truth about his administration's accomplishments.

advertisement

"My administration has been delivering every single day for the great citizens of our country," Trump said in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "We are keeping one promise after another, and frankly the people are really happy about it."

The rally occurred on the same day as a climate march at which thousands of protesters surrounded the White House, and it also coincided with the annual black-tie White House press dinner in Washington.

A protester joining demonstrators moving down Pennsylvania Avenue during a People's Climate March.

TRUMP SKIPS PRESS DINNER

Trump and his staff chose to skip the press dinner because of what he said was unfair treatment by the press. Trump said he was thrilled to be away from the "Washington swamp".

"A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's capital right now," Trump said to loud boos from the crowd. "If the media's job is to be honest and to tell the truth, the media deserves a very, very big fat failing grade."

Trump listed what he said were some of his key early accomplishments, including the successful confirmation to the US Supreme Court of Justice Neil Gorsuch and clearing away many regulations on the environment and business.

He also listed his approval of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, killing a pending Asian trade pact, and enhanced security measures that have led to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings at the southern border.

"The world is getting the message: if you try to illegally enter the United States, you will be caught, detained, deported or put in prison," Trump said.

WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS SLAM TRUMP

Speaking at the correspondents dinner, from which Donald Trump was missing, the White House Correspondents' Association hit back at the United States President for his steady and consistent attack on the media and sent him a clear message - 'we are not fake news'.

Trump became the first US President in decades to skip out on the annual event between the White House and the reporters who cover the presidency.

"We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do. We are not fake news. We are not failing news organisations. And we are not the enemy of the American people." association president Jeff Mason told a ballroom of journalists who gave a standing ovation at his last sentence.

advertisement

Bob Woodward of Watergate fame directed his message directly to the absent Trump and said, "Mr. President, the media is not fake news. Let's take that off the table as we proceed. Whatever the climate, whether the media is revered or reviled, we should and must persist, and I believe we will. Any relaxation by the press will be extremely costly to democracy."

TRUMP BLAMES DEMOCRATS FOR FAILURES

Trump had earlier shrugged off his failure to score major legislative victories on his core campaign promises, such as repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act and construction of a Mexican border wall. Trump's ban on visitors from some Muslim nations was blocked in court. He blamed Democrats for the legislative failures so far and said all of his promises would be kept eventually.

In an excerpt of an interview with "Face the Nation" of CBS, set to air on Sunday and Monday and conducted during the trip to Pennsylvania, Trump said he would "not be happy" if North Korea conducted a nuclear test. Asked if that would mean military action, Trump said "I don't know, I mean we'll see."

advertisement

Trump left Washington as another in a series of protests against his administration was winding up. Thousands of marchers made their way through Washington's streets during the People's Climate March, a protest against Trump's moves to roll back environmental regulations.

Asked by reporters accompanying him to Pennsylvania what he had to say to the climate change protesters, Trump said: "Enjoy the day, enjoy the weather."

Also read: Donald Trump says China pressuring North Korea on missile, nuclear weapons

Also read: US efforts to get rid of nukes a 'wild dream', says North Korea

--- ENDS ---
A Russian opposition activist has been jailed for organizing a letter-writing campaign urging, in part, President Vladimir Putin not to run for a fourth term next year.



Authorities in Russia's Tatarstan region say Darya Kulakova, 23, violated a law on public demonstrations and disobeyed police in connection with the public submission of letters to Putin's regional reception office.



A court in Tatarstan's capital, Kazan, on April 30 sentenced Kulakova to 10 days in jail for her role in the action, which was staged the previous day as protesters demonstrated against the government in several Russian cities.



Russia in recent years has tightened laws on protests and other public events in what critics call a concerted move to stamp out visible demonstrations of dissent. Authorities say the laws prevent mass events from interrupting daily life in towns and cities.



Kazan authorities had refused to grant permission for a street demonstration under the auspices of the April 29 protests spearheaded by Kulakova's group, Open Russia, which was founded by former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.



The protests resulted in dozens of arrests in several Russian cities, though the turnout appeared to be substantially smaller that nationwide protests against corruption last month organized by prominent Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny.



In lieu of the protest, Kulakova and her fellow activists decided to walk to the Kremlin's regional reception center in Kazan to submit letters to Putin



After several activists dropped their letters in a box brought out to the street by an employee, Kulakova was detained by police. Her fellow activist, Lyaysan Ismagilova, was detained later, and both were held by police overnight.



The police report, details of which emerged on April 30, accused Kulakova of organizing an "unsanctioned public event...in the form of submitting letters to the Russian president's reception that voiced demands against the policies of the current authorities."



The report cited specific demands contained in the letters, including "Putin, don't run for a fourth term" and a request that Kazan's mayor call off plans for the construction of a waste-incineration plant.



Ismagilova was also found guilty on April 30 of violating a law on public demonstrations and ordered to perform 36 hours of community service.



Kulakova's attorney, Elza Nisanbekova, has appealed the ruling, and Tatarstan's supreme court was set to hear the matter on May 1.



Nisanbekova argued that submitting letters to Putin's reception center does not constitute a public demonstration.
The Syrian civil defense group known as the White Helmets said eight of their volunteers have been killed in an air strike on their office in rebel-held Hama Province.

White Helmets officials in Hama on April 29 said an air strike on their offices in the city of Kfar Zeita killed eight members. They said five bodies had been recovered from the rubble and rescue workers were searching for the others.

The U.K-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition monitoring group, said the death toll was likely to rise.

It was not immediately clear who carried out the air strikes. Syrian government and Russia aircraft have targeted opposition-held areas in the past, including Hama Province.

The government of President Bashar al-Assad is attempting to repulse a rebel offensive in the area.

The White Helmets rescue volunteers operate in opposition-held parts of Syria, usually helping to pull victims and survivors from bombed buildings and homes.

Syria's conflict began in 2011 as a civil war. Now, with international forces drawn into the conflict, there are several opposition groups and Muslim extremists who are fighting against Assad's forces and against each other.

At least 250,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which has caused the world's worst refugee crisis since World War II.

The United States and Turkey have supported various rebel groups, with Russia and Iran support Assads government.

With reporting by Reuters and AP
Polish authorities say they have arrested an Austrian man suspected of committing war crimes in eastern Ukraine, though there were conflicting reports about whether he fought with Kyiv's forces or alongside Russia-backed separatists.

The Polish border service said in an April 30 statement that the 25-year-old man was arrested at Austria's request two days earlier as he was trying to cross into Ukraine at the Polish border post of Dorohusk.

The man is suspected of participating in the fighting in eastern Ukraine, where he allegedly "killed the wounded and prisoners," the statement said.

Both the killing and the torture of prisoners of war constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions.

The war between Kyiv's forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 9,900 people since April 2014.

There were contradictory reports about which side the Austrian man fought for. Polish border police spokesman Dariusz Sienicki was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying that "he was a member of a separatist group."

But Erich Habitzl, a spokesman for Austrian prosecutors, said on April 30 that the man had fought on the Ukrainian side, including in the brutal, protracted battle for Donetsk airport.

Rights groups and international organizations have accused both sides of arbitrary killings and torture.

A UN report last year found evidence of arbitrary killings by Russia-backed separatists, Ukrainian troops, police forces, and volunteer battalions of fighters.

The report cited executions of prisoners by both sides and the indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas using imprecise weapon systems.

Austria is seeking the suspect's extradition, Polish border police said.

With reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters
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 US mainland.

By AP: President Donald Trump said in a television interview to be aired Sunday that he believes China's president has been putting pressure on North Korea as it pursues its missile and nuclear weapons programs.

In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Trump said 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.

advertisement

Asked if that means military action, Trump responded: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

On Saturday, a North Korean mid-range ballistic missile apparently failed shortly after launch, 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 US mainland. The latest test came as US 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.

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.

LATEST NORTH KOREAN BALLISTIC MISSILE TEST

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 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 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 US officials called that launch a failure.

advertisement

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.

NORTH WOULD GAIN KNOWLEDGE EVEN FROM FAILED LAUNCHES

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 Saturday's missile was fired in the west, from an area near Pukchang, just north of the capital, Pyongyang.

SOUTH KOREA DENOUNCES THE LAUNCH

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."

advertisement

"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.

Pope Francis warned that "a good part of humanity" will be destroyed if tensions with North Korea escalate, and he called 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 (early Sunday morning Seoul time) about North Korean ballistic missile tests and U.S. warnings of "catastrophic" consequences if the world fails to stop them.

"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.

NORTH ROUTINELY TEST-FIRES BALLISTIC MISSILES

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.

advertisement

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, while their two navies began joint military drills later Saturday.

The South Korean navy said the drills are aimed at "deterring North Korea's provocations and displaying the firm alliance between the United States and South Korea."

UNITED STATES AND CHINA OFFER DIFFERENT STRATEGIES

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 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 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 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.

FEAR OF CONFLICT ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA

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.

'NORTH MUST TAKE CONCRETE STEPS TO REDUCE WEAPONS'

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.

Also Read:

100 days of Donald Trump: Thought this would be easier, miss my old life, says US President

North Korea test-fires ballistic missile in defiance of world pressure

Also Watch:

Trump may mediate in India-Pakistan peace process: Top Indian-American diplomat Nikki Haley

--- ENDS ---
In 1991, Del. Riley E. Ingram succeeded in flipping the House of Delegates 62nd District from blue to red.

After more than two decades in office, the Republican incumbent will face a Democratic opponent who hopes to flip the district, made up of mostly Chesterfield County, once again.

Its the fourth time during his 25 years in office that Ingram is facing an opponent, and its the same candidate who went up against him two years ago.

Sheila Bynum-Coleman, 45, is the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 62nd House District after Democrat Tavorise Marks suspended his campaign last Friday.

Marks said in a phone interview Thursday that the recent release of the campaign finance reports led to his decision to suspend his campaign.

By March 31, those reports showed Bynum-Coleman had raised $26,240, or more than 40 times the $606 donated to Marks campaign.

The Democratic caucus was then canceled, and Bynum-Coleman became the presumptive nominee.

I decided to run back in February. I got a late start. Individuals have galvanized behind what I had to say, but I still had a disadvantage. She (Bynum-Coleman) had a little bit of name recognition. The reality is I just didnt have the money and didnt have the support that Mrs. Bynum-Coleman had, Marks said.

Bynum-Coleman at first resisted launching another campaign, but changed her mind after hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the nations capital for the Womens March on Washington in response to President Donald Trumps election. She also said a conversation with Ingram made her realize her priorities were different than his.

We havent had true representation, Coleman said of the lack of contested elections for the 62nd District over the years. Across the state, we dont have a lot of people of color that run in Republican districts. Im the only person who ran in this ruby-red Republican district two years ago.

The traditionally Republican 62nd District consists of parts of Chesterfield, Hopewell, and Henrico and Prince George counties. Trump captured 50.85 percent of the vote last November, and Coleman lost by 2,325 votes two years ago.

Even if Trump had not won, I think I would still have run. But I think Trump has motivated people to support my candidacy. People are upset and concerned, she said.

Ingram said he was looking forward to a good, clean race.

If the people dont think Im doing a good job representing them, then thats what the ballot box is for, Ingram, 75, said in a phone interview Thursday. Being in Richmond does mean a lot. ... I do feel like I represent a majority of the people a majority of the time. It makes no difference what party they are with. I represent them to the best of the ability.

If elected, Bynum-Coleman said she first wants to hold a series of town halls to gauge what constituents want accomplished.

The real estate agents platform centers on expanding Medicaid, funding schools to keep them intact and reduce class sizes, helping people integrate back into society once they are released from prison, raising the minimum wage and providing resources for workforce development.
GOODE  On a chilly, damp Sunday, alpacas at A Goode View Alpaca Farm parted ways with their warm, thick fleece.

When Goldmine, the first alpaca to undergo her annual shearing, was led out of the barn where the remains of her coat were being scooped into plastic bags and into the afternoons persistent drizzle, she was resistant.

Spectators clucked with sympathy, saying aloud what they imagined Goldmine to be thinking: Wheres my coat?

Jim Beck, the farms owner, said the shearing process is a stressful one for his alpacas, which he described as skittish in nature.

The alpacas were kept inside and brought to the barn by trailer, in order to protect their fleece from the rain. They were taken to the shearing floor individually, when they feel most secure in a group, he said.

And then, of course, there were the shears.

Though some of the alpacas were a bit hesitant as their hooves were put into restraints, most were cooperative and squirming was limited. Matt Best and Richard Byler, with Best Alpaca Shearing in New Hampshire, handled the animals easily and efficiently, shearing them each in a matter of minutes.

Jackie Lambert of Appomattox marveled at how calm the alpacas were; she had expected more thrashing.

She was also surprised by just how much fiber  the name for an alpacas fleece  each animal produced. Beck said the alpacas yield about 5 to 10 pounds of fiber apiece.

They look so skinny after they take all that stuff off, Lambert said.

The barn was transformed into a salon of sorts, with the familiar whirring of clippers and stray fiber being swept into a dustpan. A few alpacas indicated via squeals that they were a little nervous about getting a new look.

The farm, which offers tours and craft workshops, welcomed visitors to observe the shearing. A few picked up pieces of fiber that had drifted out to the spectator seating, and rubbed it between their fingers.
Eman Ahmed is the 36-year-old Egyptian woman who is touted as the world's heaviest woman, weighing around 500 kg.

By Mustafa Shaikh: The date of discharge for the 36-year-old Egyptian woman Eman Ahmed will be decided after Saifee Hospital receives an assessment report from Burjeel Hospital. Eman is touted as the world's heaviest woman, weighing around 500 kg.

"A team of doctors had visited Eman at Saifee Hospital. After they give a report on what is their assessment of Eman's health and how they plan to go about, we will hand over the case to them," said Dr Muffazal.

advertisement

On the reports in media, about a gastric bypass that a team from VPS Healthcare (which runs Burjeel Hospital) is planning to run on Eman, Dr Lakdawala said, "It is surprising as to how they have reached this conclusion.

In fact, there was no biriatic surgeon present in the team of doctors that visited Eman. So, how they have decided for a gastric bypass?".

Shaimaa had asked the management of Saifee Hospital to treat Eman for free for two years.

Doctor Lakdawala also alleged that Shaimaa was instigated by an interested party who promised to look after Eman's further treatment.

India Today reported about how Eman's weight is being challenged by both Doctor Lakdawala and Eman's family.

Also Read:

World's heaviest woman Eman Ahmed did not weigh 500 kgs, says doctor treating her

Eman to be treated in Abu Dhabi after being discharged from Saifee Hospital, says her sister Selim

Also Watch:

Eman Ahmed weighed 378 kgs before treatment, claims doctor treating her

--- ENDS ---
By David Elliott

I remember clearly the day I became a thief.

For a surgeon, the concept of stealing as part of clinical practice seems antithetical, yet it struck me as the best available option on that sweltering evening of June 6, 2014.

Since early April of that year, I had been serving with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)  also known as Doctors Without Borders  at a hospital in Ramtha, Jordan, caring for victims of the Syrian civil war who had been streaming across the northern Jordanian border one kilometer away.

On any given day, we were operating on 10 to 12 patients and performing rounds and wound-care on another 40 war survivors housed in our inpatient facility. The wounds were bloody, devastating, and horrific, most caused by explosive munitions (such as artillery rounds and barrel bombs).

Since the start of the war in early 2011, the Syrian government had declared opposition medical facilities as legitimate terrorist targets, bombing them whenever discovered. Most Syrian hospitals had closed, their doctors killed or, if lucky, becoming refugees in other countries.

That first Friday in June was a holiday for most  al-Jumaah, the weekly Islamic day of attending mosque. But as our hospitals only surgeon, I still had to make ward rounds  inspecting amputation stumps, changing dressings on gaping wounds, monitoring for fever and infection.

June is hot and dry in northern Jordan, with just a slight breeze to make it pleasant, yet most of us expats  11 international MSF staff from countries as far away as India, Kenya, the Netherlands, and the USA  spent the afternoon in our local residence house, catching up on laundry, Skyping family, and cooking together our weekly communal dinner.

By 11 p.m., I was preparing for bed when my cell phone rang: a fresh trauma arrival from the Syrian border. I grabbed a driver and made the 10-minute ride into the hospital ER, where I found the ward physician, Dr. Hussein Al-Qudah, attending to an injured youth, about ten years old. What happened? I asked.

Hussein finished placing an intravenous line and looked up. This afternoon, this boy and his three brothers found an unexploded cluster mine in their back yard, he said. According to the father, they thought it was something to play with. He shook his head. Then it went off, and all four were hurt like this one.

I approached the boy (who Ill call Adham for confidentiality) to examine him. He was conscious, with a good pulse, but breathing rapidly due to anxiety and pain. A thorough head-to-toe appraisal only elicited two injuries  complex tibial fractures at both ankles, with most of the soft tissue completely blown away.

After giving the patient some morphine, our ER nurse and I redressed the wounds, while Hussein called in the rest of the operating room team. I knew it would take a number of hours to properly clean his wounds and stabilize his fractures under good anesthesia, and even then we might not be able to save his lower legs. Amputating would be quickest, but this youth deserved a chance to keep his feet. So much for a good nights sleep. Then something occurred to me.

Hussein, where are his brothers?

Two are still in Syria with the father. The border guards would only let the most critically injured, this one and his younger brother, cross over and come to our hospital.

So wheres his little brother? I asked.

Hussein, usually the epitome of cool efficiency, swallowed with difficulty and cocked his head. The 5-year old, Tarek, arrested twice on his way here. The ambulance attendants on the way from the border were able to restart his heart each time, but, since we have no ICU beds right now, we had nowhere to put him but the last monitored bed in the Jordanian wing of the hospital.

MSF rented space from the Jordanian hospital to run our trauma center for the Syrian casualties. On occasion, we ran out of intensive care beds, and we pleaded with our Jordanian partners for an extra bed and the staff to handle the overload.

***

Hussein and I stared at each other. We both knew that the Jordanian hospital staff had a different standard of care from MSF  and the potential ramifications for little Tarek.

At this point I had to make a decision: do I trust them to take proper care of the child, or do I play meddlesome American surgeon and see if the Jordanians ICU was taking the right steps to keep him alive? It took about five seconds to decide.

Our OR crew wont be ready for 15 minutes, I said to Hussein. Since we have time, lets go eyeball little Tarek.

When we arrived at his bedside, the ICU was dark, quiet, and mostly deserted. No vigorous resuscitation, flurry of activity, or beeping heart monitors. Tarek, covered in blood-soaked bandages, lay still, barely breathing.

Hussein studied his bedside chart as I touched the childs skin  cold and clammy. Blood slowly pooled beneath his legs on the sheets. I saw no intravenous lines, no monitor wires, no oxygen.

His hemoglobins 3, Hussein said. Blood thinner than Kool-Aid, I thought. His ICU nurse heard us and approached.

Whats the plan? I asked through Hussein, who translated into Arabic for me. IV, blood resuscitation, OR tonight?

After a brief consultation with the nurse, Hussein turned to me and explained. She said their surgeon thinks his case his hopeless. He went to get some rest, but if Tarek is still alive in the morning, he will give him blood and take him to surgery.

As Hussein finished speaking, I saw a look in his eyes that conveyed frustration, anger, but, mostly, sadness. His eyes also seemed to be pleading to me, as if I should do something.

So I did something. Something I hope Ill never to have to repeat. For the first time in my life, I stole a patient.

I reached down, scooped Tarek up in my arms, and turned to the ICU nurse. Were taking this child to the MSF operating room, I said. Our teams all here, were operating already, and we can take care of Tarek right now. So just let your surgeon sleep.

Hussein and I turned and strode briskly from the dark ICU. Thinking only of the surgery ahead, I refused to look back.

***

The Syrian Center for Policy Research reports that 470,000 Syrians have died due to the civil war in the years since it started in March 2011. Forty percent of these were women and children, most killed by indiscriminate government bombing using artillery-launched cluster munitions (each shell carries 40 or more scatter mines, like the one that injured Adham, Tarek, and their brothers) and barrel bombs (petroleum drums filled with explosives and shrapnel and detonated over civilian population centers).

Another 1.9 million have been injured, 4.8 million have fled the country as refugees (especially to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and to the EU via the dangerous trans-Mediterranean routes from Libya and Turkey), and 7.6 million  half the population  are internally displaced, forced from home due to the war with nowhere else to go.

To date, one in 10 Syrians have been wounded or killed in their civil war. Syrian life expectancy has dropped from 71 years to 55 years.

Since 2011, Physicians for Human Rights has documented 336 attacks by government forces on medical facilities, with the resultant deaths of 697 medical personnel.

Medecins Sans Frontieres operated six hospitals within Syria from 2011 to early 2014, but due to repeated bombing by government forces, as well as kidnapping of five expats by ISIS in 2013, MSF no longer possesses facilities within Syria, only along its borders.

However, it continues to support existing Syrian medical facilities with money, supplies and equipment. In 2015 alone, MSF reported 94 attacks on the 60-plus hospitals it supports in Syria. Twelve were totally destroyed, and 81 medical workers were killed or injured.

***

Hussein and I rushed Tarek into our MSF operating room, and Elma, our British anesthesiologist, rapidly put him under and administered blood as I put tourniquets on both legs and his right arm, then a tube into his right chest  since some of the mines shrapnel had injured the lung on that side.

Next I took the bandages off of his legs, and nearly fainted.

An Army trauma surgeon for 20 years, Id seen my share of horrific, grotesque injuries. All else paled compared to seeing this sweet childs mutilated legs, ripped to shreds by the mines explosion as if both had been run through a meat grinder then singed with a blowtorch.

I took a few deep breaths, held on to the operating table for support, then willed myself to continue with surgery. After everything he had been through, I could not fail Tarek now: He needed resolve, not pity.

In quick order, I amputated both legs at the knee: most of the bone and soft tissue was gone or destroyed, but there was enough posterior skin and gastrocnemius to make flaps. On his right hand, all the fingers were destroyed, but I was able to save the palm, which could come in handy for him down the road.

By 2 a.m., Tareks surgery was done, and he was stable enough for a regular ward bed. No need for the ICU again! But then I had to address his brothers wounds. That took two hours, cleaning away all the dead tissue and dirt but trying to leave enough to save Adhams feet. At the end, I had little confidence he would ever walk on those feet again.

We finished right at 4:30 a.m., confirmed by the chorus of muezzin broadcasting the Fajr  the morning prayer  from the minarets of every mosque in the city. After two months in Jordan, I had finally trained myself to sleep through it, but listening to it now, I felt the urge to pause a moment and give thanks to the Lord myself.

***

I arrived back at the expat residence house just as the sun was rising, and, as was my usual routine, I made a pot of coffee and drank a large mug. One by one, the other awakening expats straggled into the kitchen, shuffling their feet like the undead.

After choking down my coffee with some Nutella-laden pita, I finally got some sleep myself. But only three hours: Elma and I had eight operations to complete that afternoon.

My first MSF mission to Jordan ended five days later. Tarek and Adham both survived, although theyd need many more operations by my successor in the weeks ahead. The work in Ramtha seems never to let up.

Investing so much emotion and effort in their initial care, I asked my Jordanian MSF colleagues to keep me posted on Facebook with updates on Tarek and Adham. Through messages and photos, it was heartwarming and reassuring to see their progress  wounds closed, birthdays celebrated, Tareks prosthetics received, Adhams feet saved, and, finally, both walking again.

A year later, I returned to Ramtha for another two-month surgical mission and was fortunate to see the brothers, who had also returned from a Syrian refugee camp for a checkup. Their vitality and smiles made me ponder the question: Would I steal again, risking reputation and professional standing, to save the life of a patient?

The answer came easily: In a heartbeat.
By Patrick Duddy

What is happening right now in Latin America matters a great deal to the United States.

Venezuela is collapsing into violence, economic chaos, and authoritarianism, and could become the next big international crisis on President Trumps watch.

El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala are struggling with a level of gang-related criminal violence that invites comparisons with active war zones.

Coca cultivation in Colombia and elsewhere is surging. And a massive corruption scandal originating in Brazil has implicated hundreds of public figures there and around Latin America  and shaken the regions confidence in its institutions and political leaders.

As the governments in Latin America wrestle with these and other challenges, key positions in the U.S. government responsible for managing U.S. engagement with the region remain unfilled.

The Trump administration has not nominated an assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs nor a new ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS). At the Pentagon, no one has been named deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Western Hemisphere, the highest ranking civilian position in the Defense Department focused on the region.

While capable career diplomats are still in place in regional capitals, there have been no ambassadorial nominations for embassies in Central or South America. The administration has not even nominated an ambassador to Canada, the U.S.s largest trading partner.

***

The senior leadership of the Trump administration is understandably focused elsewhere. North Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and ISIS all demand attention, no question. Forging constructive relationships with China and Russia is clearly in the national interest.

The urgency of crises in other parts of the world does not, however, diminish the importance of productive engagement with the Western Hemisphere. Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly can only do so much. Secretary of State Tillerson cannot be everywhere at once. The president needs to get his team in place.

With more than 42 percent of all U.S. exports flowing to the Western Hemisphere, Latin America is immensely important to the U.S. Three of the five largest foreign suppliers of oil to the U.S. are in the Western Hemisphere: Canada, Mexico and Venezuela, whose oil reserves exceed even those of Saudi Arabia.

Most of the 11 million undocumented immigrants now living and working in the U.S. come from Latin America and the Caribbean. The three principal producers of coca, the plant from which cocaine is derived, are all in South America.

To put this into perspective, Mexico buys far more from the U.S. than China does, and Canada buys even more than Mexico does. The Trump administration may well intend to renegotiate the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement but the administration will not achieve a better deal for U.S. workers simply by declaring its intentions. And walking away from NAFTA would be a disaster  the exports we sell to our NAFTA partners in Canada and Mexico generate millions of U.S. jobs.

If the Trump administration wants to improve the terms of trade in the region, we need a regional team in place, including an assistant secretary, able to represent the new administrations views. If we want cooperation in our continuing efforts to find a solution to drug trafficking and illegal immigration, we will need international cooperation; in a word  diplomacy.

***

Despite the many challenges in the hemisphere, the current political environment may well be the most promising in years for effective U.S. engagement. The largely anti-American populist surge, known as the pink tide, has receded.

Leftist leaders in Argentina, Paraguay, Peru and elsewhere have been replaced by market-oriented pragmatists. Colombias Juan Manuel Santos has forged a peace agreement with the FARC. The secretary general of the OAS and Mexico have demonstrated a determination to support of the InterAmerican Democratic Charter that promises to galvanize the organization and the region (with a small handful of exceptions) into finally taking steps to address the catastrophe that is taking place in Venezuela.

Arguably, even the sting of President Trumps corrosive campaign rhetoric has faded  at least a little. Unfortunately, it has not yet been replaced by a positive policy message or the appointment of a team charged with engaging the hemisphere. It is high time for the new administration to do both.
I usually find The Citizen editorials interesting, often helpful and insightful, but sometimes off base. I found The Citizen editorial "Cuomo visits days late, many dollars short" in the latter category. Let me correct or at least challenge a couple of notions.

First, "the crowd was hand-picked." It is true that any who wished to attend were asked to provide names but I am unaware of anyone who expressed an interest in attending who was not allowed to attend. I personally sent emails to a wide range of people: elected officials, town volunteer planning/zoning and other boards, OWLA members, unaffiliated members of the general public, whom I thought might be interested. Maybe by some definition this is hand-picked but it is not what is generally implied by such a statement, and remember I am only one person. I am sure many others did the same. I thought the crowd was pretty diverse for a Wednesday afternoon in Cayuga County, including students from Southern Cayuga Central School District, elected and appointed officials, OWLA members and citizens. I would prefer no sign-ups or sign-ins, but unfortunately, these are dangerous times and for events such as this, prudence is a good policy. But sign-in or no to suggest that the crowd was hand-picked is unfair.

On the issue that a listening town hall type session would be welcomed, I agree it might be interesting but New York is a big state with one governor. The governor is an elected executive and this is different than a congressman, assemblyman or state senator. He has staff that meet with constituents on a regular basis and report back. This is how communication is maintained. It may be done well or poorly but the alternative is not a town hall in every community. The governor has conducted a listening session with the Association of Counties, but New York has 62 counties and over 900 towns. Is the proposal that these be held in each of New Yorks 62 counties or held in each region? The practical logistics of this are beyond me.

On the issue of funds for our water and watershed programs, let us not criticize the governor or the many in state government who worked hard to fast track and award these funds. Remember, we remain eligible for a share of the $2.5 billion in the state budget. The money coming now, and I stress now, is for the immediate program to safeguard our drinking water this year. Kudos, not criticism, to the governor for making this money available without the competitive grant process. Let us not forget that it means we all will have safe water to drink should harmful algal blooms return this summer. I and many other people worked hard to get this money and we should be grateful, especially to Department of Environmental Conservation Deputy Commissioner Jim Tierney, DEC District 7 Regional Director Matt Marko, and yes, the governor, for coming through for us.

Finally, I think it important to note that the $1.4 million for immediate application in our two water treatment plants in addition to the funds already received for the studies that are directing us to a solution, seems to be pretty good start on the financial needs you reference in your editorial. We do not have a final cost and there is at least a reasonable chance that in fact this year's plan will be a workable, final solution, at least until we better understand and solve the root sources that cause the blooms and correct these.

We have no other specific plan at this point and so to criticize the governor or anyone else for failure to produce a blank check for an unknown future, without a request, program or specifics is ... well, is fiscally imprudent and both technically and otherwise ill-advised.

So, let us criticize the governor when he deserves it, but let us thank him when he comes through for us. In this case, thank you, governor.
By Press Trust of India: Bedi

Puducherry, Apr 29 (PTI) Lt Governor Kiran Bedi has issued a Ten Point Plan for the state government departments to ensure that there is careful planning and financial prudence to keep expenses within the budgetary allocation.

The former IPS officer who had earlier presided over a meeting of the Puducherry State Planning Board (PSPB) as its chairman came out with the ten point plan to the government departments and the officials at large.

advertisement

The PSPB had finalised a draft plan of Rs 6,945 crore for Puducherry for the fiscal 2017-2018 which would be presented to the central government for approval so that the territorial government would go ahead with the presentation of the budget on the floor of the assembly.

"We should limit our expenses within the plan approved by the Planning Board which means that we should keep our expenses within Rs 6,945 crore during the fiscal 2017-2018," Bedi said.

She noted in her plan released to the media that a heavy interest and loan repayment of Rs 1,216 crores has to be made, which is about 17 per cent of the entire budget, and more borrowing was not not an option as it left their children in debt.

She asked the officials and departments to train themselves and their staff to make detailed project reports to get the funds from the Centre.

"Right now we are surrendering funds because of ignorance or lack of interest or lack of training. We should not not continue to do this," she said.

"Out of the entire budget of Rs 6,945 crore we are left with only Rs 1,454 crore for other projects, while the rest is for committed expenses such as salaries, payment of pension, expenses for power and interest payment among other things," the Lt Governor said.

Tourism, municipal services and transport sectors must generate revenues, she said, adding that loss making units-- state public sector undertakings and entities--must realise that they should turn around.

"The government grants (to these undertakings) might not be available for long and anything asked for must be budgeted and hence there is no scope for new expenses," she said.

"Officials should know their budgets, plan carefully and should also be financially prudent," Bedi said and asked the government to generate revenues or save wherever possible.

"You should also take responsibility as it is time for financial prudence. There would be close monitoring and review of progress every quarter to keep matters under control," the Lt Governor said.

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and his ministerial colleagues, MPs R Radhakrishnan (Lok Sabha) and N Gokulakrishnan (Rajya Sabha) from Pondicherry and high-ranking officials were among those who participated in the deliberations of the planning board. PTI CORR AAR

--- ENDS ---

advertisement
RADFORD  Josh Carroll said he still remembers his first grade project: draw who you want to be when youre 18 years old.

Carroll said he put together a crude sketch of himself in a white lab coat. He was standing in front of a counter covered in beakers with a telescope behind him pointed out a window at the night sky.

The message was clear: Carroll wanted to be a scientist. And on May 6, hell accomplish that goal when he graduates from Radford University with a bachelors degree in physics.

Its been a challenging journey for the 30-year-old who took some detours on his way to becoming a scientist.

Hes traveled the roads of Iraq as a light infantryman in the U.S. Army guarding convoys and going on patrols. Hes been a janitor, a Wendys cashier and an overnight security guard at a retirement community.

Recently hes been a student who had no room for error, who had to teach himself mathematics using YouTube videos to complete his degree in physics.

When he gets that degree Saturday, he said, itll all be worth it. Carroll has reinvented himself as an educational force, funneling his love for physics in space as a student operator at the universitys planetarium. That force will keep going after graduation no matter where he lands.

Ive always wanted to teach the public about space, Carroll said. Ive gotten to do that here [at the planetarium]. And I want to continue.

Carroll has a 3.7 GPA now. Hes likely going to graduate with a heap of honors on top of that physics degree with minors in astrophysics and applied mathematics.

But it wasnt always like that. While a student at Blacksburg High School, Carroll said, his GPA got as low as 0.9. Part of it was a lack of focus and motivation. Part of it was an expectation of a future career that he believed didnt require a high school diploma: the military.

In the wake of the Sep. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the then-freshman decided he didnt want to be in a classroom. He was going to join the military like one of his uncles as soon as he turned 18. He wanted to do something to defend the country.

Joining the Army wasnt a decision his mother Donna Murphy, a single mother to Josh and his younger brother Ben, was excited about.

I knew Id worry about him, she said. And I did.

Carroll signed up to be a light infantryman in the U.S. Army Virginia National Guard. His specific duty was to keep convoys safe and perform regular patrols in Iraq as part of the 29th Infantry Division unit based in Christiansburg. He signed up in 2005 and did three tours in Iraq in 2007, 2010 and 2011.

The time in Iraq wasnt easy, he said. He was in multiple vehicles that were hit by roadside bombs, and he saw combat action. There were many nights spent patrolling and witnessing the horrors of war.

Heofficially left the Army in September 2014 as a sergeant, and his attention turned fully to school. A beneficiary of the GI Bill, during his last two years still in the Army, he was enrolled at New River Community College, en route to Radford.

But as soon as he entered NRCC he was placed in remedial math. The last math hed gotten in high school was geometry as a sophomore, before he dropped out to get his GED. But Carroll knew he needed to know math if he ever wanted to achieve that goal of becoming a scientist. After all, math is the language of the universe, as he likes to call it.

While working as an overnight security guard at a retirement community in Roanoke to make ends meet, Carroll would sit in a van watching YouTube videos explaining calculus between patrols. He eventually began mastering the skills it took to pass various math classes.

Ive taught myself to teach myself, Carroll said.

The math lessons have paid off. At NRCC, Carroll was able to skip a few courses to jump to the pre-calculus he needed to be admitted to Radford. There was just one hiccup: Hed taken pre-calculus without trigonometry, which the physics major required before he could take Calculus I.

He learned of that glitch four weeks before he was supposed to enroll for classes. It was critical he stay on track: one dropped or extra course and GI Bill funding would be cut off.

The solution came from YouTube. Carroll went to the math department, explained his situation and was able to get into calculus as long as he learned the trigonometry required. He promised hed be ready when he enrolled in the class four weeks later. He spent those weeks, which fell around Christmas, holed up learning trigonometry, certainly a challenge. But Carroll shrugs it off now.

I just did what I had to do, he said.

Purpose for planets

Carroll considered a few different majors at New River Community College and at Radford University. He knew, though, if he wanted to have an opportunity to work with the stars hed have to channel one of his idols Stephen Hawking, author of the book A Brief History of Time, which he picked up and read as a janitor.

I wanted to be a physicist, he said.

So he went to the physics office on campus, told someone he wanted to be a student in the physics department. Physics professor and director of Radfords planetarium Rhett Herman happened to be the only person from the physics department available to talk to him at that time.

He sat in my office for an hour or two and told me his story, Herman said. I was impressed.

The meeting ended with Herman offering Carroll an opportunity to help out in the planetarium previously located in Reed-Curie Hall, but later moved to Radfords Center for the Sciences.

The new $500,000 planetarium space featured the Digistar5 platform, a planetarium software system that has a multitude of shows available. Carroll said he instantly took a liking to the new platform, helping to program the buttons to specific places, obviously with the help of YouTube tutorials on his phone.

He was a valuable asset in programming the system. And then he took the planetarium to a place no Radford undergraduate student had gone before, according to Herman. He designed his own custom planetarium show.

The show Stellar Origins is an explanation of the elements that make up life. Carroll gets into the show by explaining how humans are made up of the elements on the periodic table, and he then explains the genesis of these atoms through the death of stars.

He ad-libs, reciting facts about how stars are created, how they die and what weve observed about their life cycles.

I want to give people the whole cosmic experience, Carroll said.

Simply creating any show is impressive, Herman said. As the first undergraduate to create a show using Digistar5, its likely that Carroll blazed the trail for students.

He saw a vehicle to visualize whats in his head, Herman said.

But Carroll himself is quick to deflect credit for the material in the show.

Physics came up with it, he said. I just channel it.

A look toward the future

Carroll doesnt know what his future holds. Its unpredictable like so many of the other twists and turns of his life.

Honestly, he said, it stresses him out. Hes had a few job interviews but nothing lined up. The GI Bill funding thats paid for his education and life runs out after graduation.

One thing that will happen, Herman said, is hes going to help Carroll clean up the show, put together a script and upload it to the Digistar5 platform so about 400 planetariums across the world can play it for their audiences.

Herman said he thinks Carroll will find a position teaching or doing something else. And he hopes that job will be near a place where Carroll can volunteer or help out at a planetarium.

Hell have a job lined up [soon], Herman said. Hes not going to settle into a routine and be one of these people who works ... 9 to 5.

Even though Carroll is stressed, his mother is a believer in his potential, she said, admitting her attitude might be a little cliche. After all, she said, hes already accomplished so much.

He can do anything he wants, Murphy said. He really can. We will do wonderful things.

To become the man that he is, contributing to the life the way he has. Hes already done very well.
More than 13,000 people signed an online petition by Friday afternoon asking Virginia legislators to enact a law ordering residents to keep their pets inside during harsh weather.

Gary Sweeney, of Ashland, recently created a petition on change.org asking lawmakers to help protect pets from extreme temperatures.

Legislation is greatly needed in the state of Virginia, requiring dog owners to keep their pets indoors once the temperature drops below 35 degrees, or exceeds 85 degrees, Sweeney said in the petition.

He also said there is no protection for dogs left outside, and severe weather poses a fatal threat to these defenseless creatures.

In extreme weather, whether the temperature drops below freezing or reaches record-breaking heat, as was expected Saturday, Sgt. Jason Alexander said Washington County Animal Control receives an increase in animal welfare check requests.

We do have extra call volume, said Alexander, who said he was aware of the online petition.

Alexander said officers check to determine if the animal has food, water and adequate shelter.

If they have adequate shelter, there is nothing we can do, Alexander said.

Although animal control receives an increase in calls during extreme weather, including storms and heavy rain, its extremely rare to find animals that die from the conditions, he added.

Alexander could only recall one incident in which an animal died from weather conditions in Washington County. A man attempted to rescue a puppy, but placed it in inadequate conditions, resulting in the puppys death about 10 years ago, he said. Alexander said the man had good intentions, but didnt provide the dog with proper shelter.

Sweeneys petition mentions a number of recent incidents of dogs dying in excessive heat and cold. He mentioned a dog that was found frozen to death in Accomack County in January.

Two men were found to be responsible for the death of the dog when she was left outside in freezing cold temperatures, Sweeney said. Her neck was bound by a chain that prevented her from reaching her flimsy uninsulated dog house, and she died an agonizing death alone, he added.

The Accomack County dog was posthumously named Rainbow.

Unfortunately, it is a common practice to leave dogs outside in extreme weather, Sweeney said.

When pets are locked in hot vehicles, Virginia code allows law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel to break into the vehicle to save an animal. Tennessee law allows any Good Samaritan to break into the vehicle.

In Tennessee, Sullivan County Assistant District Attorney Julie Canter, who prosecutes cases of animal cruelty, said there is always room for improvement in the law.

We will never be able to legislate the way people think, laws should be in place to protect the defenseless and vulnerable, both human and animal, Canter said. Petitions such as these often bring attention to issues that may not always be on the radar of lawmakers.

The prosecutor said she thinks its important for citizens to take a stand in protecting the defenseless.

Both Tennessee and Virginia statutes currently criminalize failing to reasonably provide necessary shelter or care for an animal in ones custody, according to Canter and Bristol Virginia Animal Control Officer Deena Bouton.

This statute has allowed me to prosecute cases in which animals have been exposed to extreme temperatures, Canter said. Generally, cases that are prosecuted under this theory require the assistance of a veterinarian and in some cases involving livestock an agriculture extension agent.

Tennessee and Virginia do not have statutes that specifically mention extreme temperatures, such as the suggestion made by the petition.

But, Canter said, It is effective and has worked to hold those who neglect to provide shelter for animals accountable.
From Lodhi Colony to Hauz Khas Village, Delhi's lanes have become the proud hosts of street art in the last few years.

By Srijani Ganguly/Mail Today: Any millennial traversing through the lanes of Hauz Khas Village is bound to have come across the graffiti donning some of the walls, stopped and taken a selfie in that backdrop. Although the Hauz Khas Village is, undoubtedly, the most famous of the painted walls in the city, there are plenty more places and buildings in the Capital that have become the proud hosts of street art in the last few years.

Graffiti artists Samantha Lo and Sophia Ong from Singapore. Photo: K Asif

'Donate a Wall' campaign asks people to hand over their walls to grafitti artists to paint upon. Photo: K Asif

advertisement

Shahpur Jat and Lodhi Colony are two other prominent places in the Capital to spot graffiti on the walls. And recently, the Arjangarh metro station has also added a few more colours to its cap by collaborating with St+Art India Foundation and Asian Paints to attain a much more fascinating facade. Part of the 'Art Stations' project, the artwork on the Arjangarh metro station was created by two Singaporean artists, Samantha Lo and Sophia Ong, along with Mexican artist Senkoe and Indian artist Nilesh.

Also Read: This festival celebrating India's artistic tradition is now in Delhi

Projects such as 'Art Stations' have been initiated across the city. Photo: K Asif

Lo says, "The theme was that of flora and fauna, and the mural itself is optimistic. It draws a parallel between people and birds while also commenting on the state of a city before and after development." Ong adds, "We did the basic sketch in Singapore then came here to Delhi. We stayed her for a month, using the first two weeks to go around Delhi and the last two to work on the graffiti. Everyone around the metro station, every passerby, was very kind to us while we were painting the graffiti."

Lodhi Colony, CP, Hauz Khas, Arjangarh metro station, Delhi Police HQ and Shahpur Jat are among the few places that indulge the art. Photo: K Asif

Apart from the metro station, St+Art India Foundation and Asian Paints have also teamed up for a campaign called 'Donate a Wall' through which people were asked to donate their walls for artists to paint upon.

--- ENDS ---
Business News New Zealand Business Confidence | RobinsPost News & Noticias

(RTTNews) - New Zealand business sentiment weakened in October ... SHARE THIS POST Find News News RELATED EXCHANGE RATES Indices Commodities Currencies Stocks ... Read More New Zealand business confidence improved slightly in the third ... do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds ... Read More New Zealands NBNZ Business Confidence surged to a decade high in September, showing that 49.1 percent of companies surveyed for the report expect the economy will improve over the next 12 ... Read More More than half of those who took part in the Central New Zealand Business Confidence Survey ... executive Simon Arcus said the one bit of good news from the survey was that, after a record ... Read More New Zealand's business confidence deteriorated in October amid intense inflationary pressures, an ANZ Bank survey showed on Wednesday. Read More The latest ANZ Business Outlook Survey has recorded a drop in business confidence and activity levels - but another ... to keep going higher (and house prices likely lower) until the New Zealand ... Read More With all that going on, it was no wonder headline business confidence remained subdued, he said. "The economic outlook is certainly murky, but the New Zealand economy has a lot going for it. Read More The pall of gloom over the business sector ... are ostensibly good news, today's survey was not particularly encouraging for the RBNZ [Reserve Bank of New Zealand]," Zollner said. Read More Nearly 80% of businesses expect inflationary pressures to get worse over the next year, the latest Central New Zealand Business Confidence Survey has found. A similar number expect they will have ... Read More BERLIN (AP)  German business confidence is stuck at its lowest level ... although fewer and fewer new orders are coming in. And it said that expectations in the retail sector remain ... Read More
Business News Obiano Plans More Business Partnership With China | RobinsPost News & Noticias

and youth unemployment is at a record 20 percent after China cracked down on fast-growing industries under the auspices of more responsible development. The shift in the business climate has been ... Read More CNBC's Eunice Yoon and Eamon Javers join 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss remarks by President Xi regarding plans for China's modernization, narrowing the wealth gap, and the U.S. intelligence ... Read More There was a time the US business community loved China. But China's transgressions seem to have caught up  US businesses now want nothing to do with ... Read More Bringing an end to its 12-year foray in the region, San Francisco-based Gap has finally given a green signal to sell its Greater China business to Chinese e-commerce services provider Baozun Inc for a ... Read More A partnership is a business ... different visions for the future of the business. If you plan on selling the business in the future, you may have a more difficult time doing so with a partner ... Read More As a result of educating your audience, consumers will be more likely to rely on your expertise and, in turn, want to conduct business with you. Leverage tech tools to advance your business plan. Read More Xi made clear that he wouldnt be pivoting away from any of the political priorities that have driven such dramatic changes in Chinas movie business. In the section of his speech devoted to ... Read More The anchors of Fox Business Network have long delivered the latest business headlines. Now some may be getting ready to debate them, too. We have had a ton of success on Fox News side with ... Read More The Shenzhen-based DidaTravel in August announced development of a multi-GDS portal through which it would provide content from more than 500 airlines to its business-to-business ... its hotel ... Read More BEIJING  China's consumer prices rose in September at their fastest pace in more than two years as pork prices climbed, the National Bureau of Statistics said Friday. The consumer price index ... Read More
Business News Hmb207 Shopping In Singapore Tips For Small Business Owners | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Here are four tips small business owners should consider when setting their take-home pay. Consider the total financial situation first Theres no one-size-fits-all answer. Founders need to ... Read More Small business owners are consumed with a host of end-of-quarter tasks, from crunching numbers to getting inventory in order. As the new year approaches, it's time to start thinking about your ... Read More Related: 5 financial wellness benefits small businesses should consider offering The good news is that business owners arent entirely pessimistic. Only 5% say they were not optimistic about ... Read More This is not an area where you want to take short cuts, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a small fortune ... invest in to run your business, and it really pays to shop around. Read More GOBankingRates spoke with Nilay Gandhi, senior financial advisor with Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, to learn more about the three-step process that can make sense for small-business owners ... Read More Many business owners are told that they need to invest in themselves if they want to be successful. But what does that really mean? And how do you know if you're making the right investments? Read More Small businesses are increasingly a target-rich environment for cyber criminals, scammers and ransomware groups  and an attack can cost business owners plenty ... some basic tips on how ... Read More The annual report from Thumbtack surveyed more than 2,800 small business owners to examine current perceptions of business. Read More In a world where you can shop anywhere, why not shop small ... That's the weekend before Small Business Saturday, so you'll be able to save on holiday gifts early this year. Read More Thirty percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their business, according to NFIB. Other key findings, according to a news release: Small business ... Read More
Economy News Hardliners Attack Iran S Rouhani Over Economy In Election Debate | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Venezuela is increasingly auctioning off economic and territorial control of its troubled oil sector and vast natural resources, forging particularly close ties with Irans Islamist regime. Read More Iran stands accused by Western powers of supplying drones to Russia for its war against Ukraine, with analysts saying such military cooperation is of immense interest for Tehran at a delicate moment ... Read More
By Press Trust of India: Meerut, New Delhi, Apr 30 (PTI) Over a hundred illegally imported firearms, 117 kg of nilgai meat, horns and skins of leopards and blackbucks were seized in raids, including at the residence of a retired colonel, as the DRI today claimed to have busted a global poaching syndicate.

Of the seizures made, 117 kg nilgai (blue bull) meat stored in a refrigerator, animal skins, ivory, five deer skulls, horns of sambar deer, antlers of antelope and blackbuck and 40 guns were seized from a makeshift warehouse at the house of a retired army colonel in Meerut, a DRI and a forest department official said.

advertisement

The 17-hour-long raid at the retired colonels Civil Lines residence was carried out jointly by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the state forest department officials. The raid continued till 3.30 AM last night.

The colonels son Prashant is a national level shooter and a key suspect in the case, a DRI official said.

One of the members of this international syndicate had recently killed a leopard near the Jim Corbett National Park area, a DRI official said.

Unaccounted cash of Rs one crore and two lakh cartridghes were also seized, the official said.

The alleged racket came to light after three persons including a Slovenian national, suspected to be a supplier of illegal arms, were intercepted yesterday at the Delhis Indira Gandhi International(IGI) airport.

The trio had come to India by a Turkish Airlines flight from Ljubljana, Slovenia via Istanbul carrying 25 prohibited lethal weapons, a DRI official said.

They had incorrectly declared the quantity and value of the arms and ammunition to the customs officials and tried to get these items cleared by misusing the scheme meant for renowned shooters, he said.

Rules permit professional shooters to import a limited quantity of arms and ammunition for practice.

Following the information gathered from these persons, the DRI along with other agencies carried out the raids.

"Searches were conducted by DRI teams at the whereabouts of members of the syndicate in Delhi and Meerut and a huge cache of illegally imported arms and ammunition, large stock of hides, skulls and meat of the endangered animals were seized," he said.

According to a press release issued by the DRI, firearms of various make and models--Glock (Austria), Italy-made Beretta, Arsenal, Benelle and Blaser (Germany) -- were seized along with expensive cameras, thermal imaging binoculars and cartridges.

In the follow up action in Meerut, DRI teams found hides of leopard and blackbuck, skulls with horns of blackbuck, sambhar and meat of various endangered animals, it said.

advertisement

"One of the suspects is believed to have recently killed a leopard near Jim Corbett area and processed the skin at his residence," the DRI said in its statement.

Nobody has been arrested so far in the case and the shooter alleged to be part of the syndicate is at large, officials said.

In Meerut, Chief Conservator of Forests Mukesh Kumar said that the nilgai meat was seized from a refrigerator. A sample was taken and it will be sent to laboratory for testing.

Action will be taken under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, he said. PTI AKV CORR ADS ADS

--- ENDS ---
Health News Nigerian Doctors Reject Harmonised Pay With Nurses Other Health Workers | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Indian 9,217 Pakistani 4,158 Egyptian 3,424 Nigerian 2,473 Irish 2,192 Of the 125,741 full-time equivalent (FTE) hospital and community health service doctors ... pay rise to an experienced nurse ... Read More A national symposium on brain drain that took place in Abuja, this week, further highlighted the increasing exodus of Nigerian doctors and nurses ... for an improved health workers supply ... Read More NHS nurses unhappy with their pay are free to leave, Therese Coffey has claimed as the threat of devastating strikes inch closer. The Health Secretary ... As with other workers, nurses cannot ... Read More Then there was "Drexit"  an exodus of doctors walking away the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. And now nurses and other staff ... not ability to pay," a NHS report noted. Read More STRIKING nurses wont get a pay rise, says Therese Coffey as doctors warn the NHS is close to collapse. The Health ... many of the other pay rises that other public sector workers are ... Read More Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said Ms Coffeys comments, in which she said nurses would not receive a further pay increase ... of thousands of other healthcare workers. Read More Brianna Titone, chastising doctors ... nurses surveyed felt the measure had not improved their work environment. Experts point to employer policies and health insurer reimbursement rules as other ... Read More Heres a terrific way to help your little ones show their appreciation for their doctors and nurses or other healthcare ... course healthcare workers all risked their health and lives to keep ... Read More Nurses and health workers around the world have been let down by policymakers and employers that failed to act to protect them from the devastating mental health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, ... Read More More than 400,000 healthcare workers ... nurses and other health workers will receive similar support. Unison members will start voting on October 27. The last time there was a UK-wide strike over ... Read More Brianna Titone, chastising doctors ... for some nurses found that 75 percent of nurses surveyed felt the measure had not improved their work environment. Experts point to employer policies and health ... Read More
Politics News Italy S Matteo Renzi Poised For Return To Politics | RobinsPost News & Noticias

New far-right Premier Giorgia Meloni has used her first visit to European Union headquarters to declare that Italy will be a force to reckon with in EU affairs. It was ... Read More A presidential palace official announced that Meloni and her Cabinet would be sworn in on Saturday. Melonis Brothers of Italy, a party with neo-fascist roots, was the top vote-getter in Italys ... Read More
Politics News Haiti Politics 7th Meeting Of The Sectoral Table On Social Protection | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The earlier measure, obtained by CBS News, supported "the ... to help us face the crisis." "Haiti today is dealing with major security, political, economic and social challenges. Read More Occasional Select stories from the Monitor that empower and uplift. Every Weekday An update on major political events, candidates, and parties twice a week. Read More Right now, our staff are on the ground in Haiti ... sector leaders, and broader civil society groups, the State Department said in a media note. The delegation will urge political ... Read More By Lydia Polgreen Opinion Columnist PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  The gunmen ... with the economic, social, political and community groups together, directly at the table, giving their input and ... Read More He said in Creole that Haitis economic and social situation is worsening by ... And it urges all political actors to engage in negotiations to overcome the crisis in Haiti and allow ... Read More Haiti is facing many crises converging all at ... The rest goes either to the transportation sector or to the generators (most of them fuelled by diesel) that are hooked up to almost every ... Read More The United States has drafted a United Nations Security Council resolution that would support the deployment of a rapid action force to Haiti immediately as the country faces widespread crises ... Read More The draft of the sanctions resolution was shared with members ahead of Mondays meeting ... how best to help Haiti, he said. The need for key players in Haitis political and civil society ... Read More Watch the briefing in the player above. And they say the U.S. will provide security and humanitarian assistance to Haiti. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters in a press briefing ... Read More The death toll is mounting in a growing cholera outbreak in Haiti, all while the beleaguered ... and widespread social and political unrest. The waterborne bacterial infection  which ... Read More
Elections News France Elections Marine Le Pen Steps Down As National Front Leader | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen ... aside as leader of her National Front (FN) party. The move comes just a day after she reached the second round of the French election ... Read More Frances far-right National Rally (RN) has confirmed 27-year-old Jordan Bardella as the replacement as party leader for Marine Le Pen. Ms. Le Pen will focus instead on leading the partys group in ... Read More An ambitious 27-year-old was elected Saturday to replace Marine Le Pen as president of France's main far-right party National Rally. Jordan Bardella's election was announced at a party congress ... Read More Le Pens far-right National Front forces ... shock presidential election runoff as France reeled from the political upheaval caused by the rise of the veteran far-right leader, Jean-Marie ... Read More PARISAfter securing her partys biggest-ever gains in elections to Frances National Assembly, Marine Le Pen is now reflecting on whether she can steer the country toward what she calls a ... Read More MEP Jordan Bardella has become this Saturday the new leader of the French far-right National Rally party and takes over the baton from Marine Le Pen, who has decided to step down to focus on the ... Read More For about half a century, Frances largest far-right party has been led by just two people: its founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, and his daughter Marine. On Saturday, rank-and-file members chose an ... Read More PARIS  Far-right leader Marine Le Pen announced Monday that National Rally MPs would vote in favor ... after the governing coalition lost an absolute majority in Frances parliamentary elections in ... Read More French far-right leader Marine Le Pen said she thought the "OK" sign was a "trivial gesture" when posing with a white ethnonationalist. Newsweek magazine delivered to your door Unlimited access to ... Read More Marine Le Pen and Jean-Marie Le Pen, at the National Front congress, in Lyon, in 2014. CYRIL BITTON  POUR LE MONDE  There was no critical examination of the past of the Front National (FN ... Read More Emmanuel Macrons decisive victory over Marine Le Pen ... step with a voting system adapted to two dominant parties. These two issues make the outcome of Frances upcoming legislative ... Read More What to Make of North Koreas Latest Missile Barrage Chinese Diplomat Cornered and Berated Congressional Aide at Other Embassies Events How to Fix the FBI Ash Carter: Coping with a Dangerous ... Read More
Elections News Decisive Elections In The Uk And France | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Emmanuel Macrons decisive victory over Marine Le Pen in the second round of Frances presidential election on 24 April 2022 is no surprise. For more than a year, opinion polls had been ... Read More Our news coverage is sponsored by ... Six months ago, people on the left in France faced a crucial choice. None of their candidates had gotten enough votes to make it into the presidential runoff ... Read More Editors' Blog / Analysis & Opinion News Live Blog Morning Memo ... been trying to make sense of the EU elections and especially the EU elections in the UK, I wanted to add a few thoughts. Read More The Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris on Friday said he would call for a fresh election as a consequence of the post-Brexit impasse preventing the restoration of power-sharing in the ... Read More Israelis have been called to the polls for the fifth legislative elections in less than four years. The latest polls show that the different blocs are neck-and-neck, and one element will prove ... Read More The British government on Friday promised to call a fresh election to Northern Ireland's devolved parliament within the next 12 weeks in a bid to break a political stalemate that could eventually ... Read More More info Fallout from the Chancellors mini-budget has sparked some calls for an early general election in a bid to ... crisis batters homes across the UK. Divisions within the Conservative ... Read More The U.K. government has unexpectedly delayed calling an early election for the Belfast-based Northern Ireland Assembly after a deadline to get the administration up and running expired. Northern Irela ... Read More They are angry, the partisanship, the rancour and anger at the conditions, he said, explaining how democracies around the world, such as Israel, Germany and France, are experiencing similar ... Read More Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear that if no ministerial executive is in place by then, the UK government assumes a responsibility to call another election ... sharing until decisive action is ... Read More Photograph: Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock The snow is already falling in Minnesota and with less than three weeks until election ... like the UK, Germany and France will face ... Read More If no ministerial executive is in place by that date, the UK Government assumes a legal responsibility to call another election ... return to powersharing until decisive action is taken to ... Read More
Elections News Political Prisoner Calls For Boycotting The Elections | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Prosecutors charged a fired Milwaukee elections official with misconduct in office for allegedly sending falsely obtained military absentee ballots to a Republican lawmaker who has advanced election ... Read More The Northern Ireland Assembly has failed to elect a speaker, setting the stage for an unwanted early election. The development on Thursday comes amid an impasse over border controls required ... Read More Simon Case not launching inquiry into home secretarys return despite pressure for Braverman to answer questions over her resignation ... Read More
Potus News Duterte Will Urge Trump Against North Korea War In Saturday Call | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The U.S. and South Korea are jointly warning North Korea that use of any kind of nuclear weapon against Seoul or other regional allies would result in the end of ... Read More
Potus News Donald Trump Has Zero Legal Authority To Order Military Action Against North Korea | RobinsPost News & Noticias

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is warning North Korea against escalating its provocations. She says the United States will fully use its military capabilities, including nuclear, conven ... Read More
By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan's Punjab government today decided to extend the house arrest of Mumbai attacks mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed by another 90 days.

Saeed's three months detention period expires tonight.

According to an official of the Punjab government's Home Department, notification regarding the extension of house arrest of Saeed and his four aides' under the country's anti-terrorism act it will be issued soon.

advertisement

The official said a meeting on Saeed's detention has already been held under Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar.

"The government has decided in principle to extend the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Ubaid for another 90 days" under preventive detention, he said.

The government on January 30 had put Saeed and the four leaders under house arrest in Lahore for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security.

According to media reports, the Nawaz Sharif government had detained Saeed after the Trump administration, which had just taken over, had told Pakistan that it may face sanctions if it did not act against JuD and its chief.

The Jamaat-ud Dawah (JuD), the front group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, and its sister organisation Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), had also been put under terror watch on the basis of a report sent by the ministry of foreign affairs.

Saeed, along with his four aides, have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging his detention through senior advocate A K Dogar.

During the previous hearing on the petition earlier this month, the Punjab government had told the Lahore High Court that no violation of law had been made in their detention as it had reasons to believe that JuD and FIF are engaged in activities which can be prejudicial to peace and security.

Saeed and his aides allege in their petition that the government detained them without any legal justification.

Saeed was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, but he was freed by a court in 2009.

He has a bounty of USD 10 million on his head for his role in terror activities.

With inputs from PTI

Also read:

Decade after 26/11, Musharraf's revelation: Hafiz Saeed not behind Mumbai attacks

Rift in Lashkar-e-Taiba as top commanders Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi fall apart

WATCH THE VIDEO:

--- ENDS ---
Search RobinsPost News & Noticias



Potus News Trump To Talk With Singapore Thailand Leaders On North Korea | RobinsPost News & Noticias




Internet News Tech And Politics Clash In Cameroon As Government Restores Internet | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Inc., asked U.S. voters the following question about the practice by behemoth social media platforms of censoring political content: Do you approve or disapprove of Big Tech companies such as Twitter ... Read More From the very beginning, people on the internet have been obsessed with sex. Load Error Thats the argument laid out in a new book by journalist Samantha Cole, How ... Read More lasting weeks or months on a regional or national level, Lynbrook Village Administrator John Giordano told Government Technology. The village officially adopted its Internet Outage Continuity ... Read More What they were actually up to was hashing out something that looked awfully close to a new kind of American politics ... leaning tech world  active help from the federal government. Read More The US government will ... have seen an explosion of tech devices permeating every aspect of our lives, and an increasing proportion of them are connected to the internet. Just a few years ago ... Read More According to Netblocks, a group that tracks internet freedom and connectivity, the Iranian government began blocking ... which means relying on these big tech platforms for communications. Read More (WTVF)  A new study shows that internet companies may be discriminating against low-income and non-white neighborhoods. "The Markup" -- a non-profit news outlet -- looked at several internet ... Read More About 25,000 homes can get fiber internet from the Knoxville ... vice president of fiber and chief technology officer Jamie Davis told Knox News. You may have already heard about some residents ... Read More With a friend and fellow engineer, she built the Ironman deska computer system and AI technology that uses ... is going to be the next version of the internet, and its really going to ... Read More Utah's Division of Technology Services told FOX 13 News that a network core outage had been reported statewide. As a result, some public-facing services were unavailable. The agency said the ... Read More Photo (c) Yanawut Suntornkij - Getty Images In 2022, when inflation is near 40-year highs, consumers who are selecting an internet service ... has been a consumer news reporter for ConsumerAffairs ... Read More As Ukraine prepares for a tough winter ahead with intermittent electricity, city officials and internet service providers are pulling together stop-gap solutions to keep internet service up ... Read More
Technology News Promoting Us Egypt Collaboration In Science And Technology | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Read More Austin Technology News

Austin, Texas  October 28, 2022  The Litowitz/Fox Team of Capital Strategies, a $100 million Slack Davis Sanger specializes in navigating  and winning  the challenging personal inju ... Read More





The host of the climate conference is an authoritarian state that depends on dirty energy and forcibly silences its domestic environmentalist movement. Read More Showcase your company news with guaranteed exposure both in print and online Executives of the Year The San Francisco Business Times' STEAM breakfast event will look at the state of science ... Read More Doha: University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has initiated a collaboration agreement with the Qatar ... Qatar Shell is one of our long-standing partners who has been helping us for years ... Read More Chief Marketing Officer of TouchStar Media, Ramon Dummett, is encouraging Barbadians to get children more involved in Science, Technology ... thats communication, collaboration and critical ... Read More Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua () is leading a delegation to the US this week for the first in-person meeting of the Technology Trade and Investment Collaboration ... the TTIC aims to ... Read More Sign up for our Middle East newsletter and follow us @middleeast for news on the region. Inflation in urban parts of Egypt accelerated at the fastest pace in almost ... Read More Growing networks of science parks across Europe are leading to unique business opportunities and fruitful international partnerships. Read More and science technology and society. By promoting collaboration among researchers across a broad range of fields, including medicine, biology, physics, engineering and chemistry, QST had been a driving ... Read More The new technology that can be printed on 3D printers has been developed in collaboration ... To us that is important," says Simon Niedenthal. "We believe in open science, that research results ... Read More Joseph Vazquez is a third-year mechanical engineering student from Rochester and is a part of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP ... 2022 Women get fewer chances to speak on ... Read More Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST). "Solar technology breakthrough: Scalable perovskite solar cells." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 October 2022.
Technology News The Technology Behind Growing Trees | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Tree rings record six known Miyake events  spikes in global radiation levels in the past. The sun, as long presumed, might not be the sole culprit. Read More Now that the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2022 winners have been officially announced, you'll want to learn more about each winning team and the story behind each innovation. The Cisco Global ... Read More Sky-high energy prices have people turning to wood to provide a cheaper alternativeand EU laws are helping incentivize this. Read More Protecting these ancient trees and growing new trees could reduce global net emissions by up to 30 percent. Dr. Charles Cannon, the director of the Center for Tree Science at the Morton Arboretum ... Read More Revolutionary battery made from trees can power electric cars - Unlikely breakthrough comes from Europes largest forestry company ... Read More A new type of wood-based battery has the potential to significantly decrease the charge time of electric cars while dramatically improving their environmental sustainability, its creators claim. The ... Read More Showcase your company news with guaranteed exposure both in print and online Executives of the Year The San Francisco Business Times' STEAM breakfast event will look at the state of science ... Read More Job cuts in the technology industry are accelerating, nearing levels seen in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, as companies both large and small curtail ambitions and brace for tough times ... Read More In line with Ohris belief that retailers are thinking more about efficiency and productivity, the technology behind store management and operations continues to grow. That encompasses anything ... Read More By Carolyn Giardina Tech Editor Ever since Disney+ series The Mandalorian began making news for its ... arguably the fastest-growing area of visual effects and production technology. Read More Behind Austins growing technology sector is a powerful C-suite representing ATC members with ideas that advance the mission of developing life-altering technologies. Austin is a city at the ... Read More While data privacy and security has been a growing focus of regulators in the ... While AI is incredibly powerful and really an amazing technology, it has a dark side, it has no moral compass ... Read More
Travel News Travel With The D To Egypt | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Well send you a myFT Daily Digest email rounding up the latest Travel news every morning ... the driver has condensed the current condition of Egypt into a few words  its perennial hardships ... Read More ARCHAEOLOGY enthusiasts say they have "proof" time travel exists after claiming a helicopter ... found in Seti I's temple in Abydos, Egypt, appears to show a helicopter, a futuristic-looking ... Read More Ryanair flights WILL carry on during Brexit - despite threat to ground planes We meet the Brits STILL holidaying in Sharm El Sheikh - despite flight ban Experts reveal why you should be VERY ... Read More Although Africa is not Southeast Asia, its possible to find a few affordable places to travel on the continent. Id recommend visiting Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania. Read More The previous day Id ... of Egypt & the Nile sailings, which include two days in Cairo, from $6,199, all-inclusive. A version of this story first appeared in the October 2022 issue of Travel ... Read More The 28-day trip to Hurghada, Egypt, has departures from early January ... that could prove a further saving. The travel company says the bargain price is based on flights departing Gatwick and ... Read More "Don't wait until the last minute: Travel insurance is intended to protect travelers against sudden and unforeseen events," the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking in Washington ... Read More The pent-up demand for travel in 2022 is alive and well as we head into the holidays, said Diana Hechler, the president of D. Tours Travel ... cruise the Nile in Egypt and hike in New ... Read More Trans Bhutan Trail is now open for travellers after a gap of 60 long years! Read More According to travel industry experts, Inspiring Vacations, who offers outstanding experiences around the world including tours to Egypt and tours of Cape ... Read More Governments, heads of state, climate experts and activists will gather in Egypt next month to step up the fight for the future of our planet. Read More
Travel News Norway In A Nutshell Travel Report | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A man suspected of spying for Russia in Norway had bought a one-way ticket out of the Scandinavian country for the day after he was detained, his lawyer said Thursday. He was originally leaving. He ... Read More The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert and user opinions. We believe this unbiased approach makes our rankings more useful than simply providing our ... Read More Thats over 113 million holiday travelers, spending nearly $180 billion on travel expenses ... particular purpose or whether the articles information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Read More So much has happened in the travel industry in recent years. This new report by Skift Research puts perspective on those dizzying changes by providing definitive and data-driven insight into the ... Read More A new report indicates the travel industry in Asia-Pacific may be the only one in the world to recover by 2023. This year's "Travel & Tourism Economic Impact" report  an annual publication by ... Read More If you're interested in buying travel insurance, there are several online marketplaces available, so you can view multiple plans at once. Simply fill in your traveler and trip information to view ... Read More Here are some of the top benefits often included in travel insurance policies that travelers should look for, according to SquareMouth: Fill out trip information (departure and return dates ... Read More Editor's Note  Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations opening, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and ... Read More The new 2023 Air Travel ... even worse news for cancellations. Flights in the US that depart after 3 p.m. have a 64% higher chance of being canceled on average, according to the report. Read More Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all ... Read More
Travel News Budget Travel Emirates Airlines Cancels Flights Into U S | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Emirates' divisional vice president for the U.S. and Canada spoke with T+L on all things international travel. Read More ANOTHER low-cost airline has confirmed plans for direct flights between the UK and the US. Budget airline Norse ... stimulate business travel and lead to job creation. We are pleased that ... Read More In September, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched an Aviation Consumer Protection website that lets fliers know what they're entitled to when their flight is significantly delayed or ... Read More It has been a tough year for those travelling across America, and while a summer of revenge travel has now come to an end for Airlines ... domestic flights were canceled by U.S. air carriers ... Read More (CNN)  The high prices, the canceled flights, the booked-up lodging and rental cars. The summer of travel chaos still seems hot and fresh somehow. But it's time to look forward, for there's ... Read More In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 largest airlines in the world in 2022. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the 5 largest airlines in the world in 2022. Since ... Read More In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 largest airlines in the world in 2022. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the 5 largest airlines in the world in 2022. Since ... Read More Save money on your next flightand have more to spend at your destinationby traveling on a budget airline. Now that most pandemic-related travel ... s your view, read on for insights into ... Read More In anticipation of another crazy summer of travel ... all other U.S. airlines combined. Many of the slated trans-Atlantic destinations will be the only ones offered by a U.S. airline, or the ... Read More With more people returning to air travel since ... travel from Dubai on Emirates or Fly Dubai to 100 other cities in the Middle East and India. United is the only U.S. airline offering direct ... Read More There are still a few ways you can save on holiday travel, though. Book tips when the flights are less expensive. Most U.S. airlines use dynamic award pricing, so if the cash price is lower ... Read More
Travel News Armchair Travel P E I Chefs Inspired By 5 Week Thailand Adventure | RobinsPost News & Noticias

"Food is a passion for me and its really important for me to try local cuisines," De Laurentiis told Travel ... chef, who recently launched her own Italian cuisine and lifestyle-inspired e ... Read More Thailand is ready to welcome worlds travel bloggers, content creators, and influencers from around the world to TBEX Asia 2022, which will take place on the beautiful island of Phuket and the ... Read More Get news about destinations opening, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. (CNN)  This week in travel ... Read More Why the country's best chefs are flocking to Houston this weekend ... hails from a restaurant family from Nakhon Sawan in central Thailand, and moved to Texas in 2015 after meeting her now-husband ... Read More The price of plane tickets is expected to spike to a 5-year high during the peak holiday season, according to the travel booking app Hopper, which reported Christmas airfare prices are hovering ... Read More Travel expenses can be pricey ... Squaremouth's cost estimates are also close to that range, suggesting it hovers around 5 to 10%, though noting the premium will be lower if you forgo cancellation ... Read More Get news about destinations opening, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. (CNN)  In travel news this week ... Read More Just last week, Delta reported that premium demand in the third quarter outperformed the main cabin by 10 percentage points. Airlines attribute the rise in premium travel popularity to the ... Read More Head coach Sean McVay knows his 3-5 club can't continue to bang its head against the wall, saying after the game that "changes have to be made." After New York's disappointing Week 8 loss to New ... Read More Play of the week: Broncos failed fourth and one play in overtime. The news that Wilson went to L.A. the next day for treatment on his shoulder injury arguably excuses a lackluster performance by ... Read More Syracuse, N.Y. -- Each week, syracuse.com will spotlight some of the best photos from high school sports. Click below each photo for a full photo gallery from the event. If you purchase a product ... Read More This week in travel: some of the destinations in Asia with the most strict Covid policies are finally reopening, an annual ranking of the world's coolest neighborhoods provides inspiration for ... Read More
Travel News Was The Arabian Travel Market A Success For Qatar Airways | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Over an 11-year period from 2006, he transformed Etihad Airways ... travel and tourism group. From 2011, he delivered the shareholders five consecutive years of audited profit, whilst also earning the ... Read More Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, the leading travel and tourism showcase in the Middle East which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 14 May 2023, will feature a sustainability ... Read More Qatar Airways has withdrawn flights from 18 destinations to make ... Actually no, we dont have any new destinations, Al Baker said at a news conference when asked whether the airline was now ... Read More World Travel Market will be taking place from 7-9 November 2022. Register now! Street Child Uniteds Founder and CEO, Mr. John Wroe, said: We are delighted to have Qatar Airways as our ... Read More Qatar Airways has agreed to purchase 5 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel per year for five years from producer Gevo, the companies announced Tuesday. The deliveries are expected to begin in ... Read More Qatar Airways is set to further boost its growing network with increased flight frequencies to multiple popular destinations across the globe to meet ... Read More Qatar Airways Cargo has a strong digital focus and very clear ideas on how the future air cargo industry should look ... to supporting its ongoing success. ... Read More With one month to go until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, fans can now gift their family and friends an all-inclusive travel package for the tournament through Monday, November 7, 2022 6:08 PM ... Read More DOHA (Reuters) - Qatar Airways ... those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. Read More Qatar Airways, a seven-time "Airline of the Year," has been the Official Airline of FIFA since 2017. The 2022 FIFA World Cup has been shrouded in controversy since Qatar, a tiny peninsular nation ... Read More Qatar Airways is soaring, winning more and more awards as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The airline has won. Read More The new attractions comprise a first-of-its-kind ski slope in a tropical setting; and a Dead Sea Pool, in which visitors can float naturally. Inaugurating the launch of the new attractions was 18-year ... Read More
Sandhu who replaced Kushal Pal Singh on Thursday said the primary objective of Operation Durga will be to make women feel that they are safe.

By Manjeet Sehgal: Taking a cue from the neighboring Uttar Pradesh,Haryana's new Director General of Police Baljit Singh Sandhu on Sunday said curbing the menace of eve teasing in the state was one of his priorities.

Sandhu who replaced Kushal Pal Singh on Thursday said the primary objective of Operation Durga will be to make the females, girls in particular to feel that they are safe.

advertisement

"Eve teasing will not be tolerated at any cost.Boys standing outside a girls' school or women's college clearly speak that their intent is not good. Besides the institutions, our focus will also be the public places like parks and bus stops. We are launching Operation Durga on May 1 to curb eve-teasing" Baljit Singh Sandhu said.

Sandhu, however, clarified that the anti-romeo operation will not be a moral policing and the innocents will not be humiliated in the name of operation.

"Operation Durga will be a movement so that the women feel safe. We may use cameras at some places to monitor the cases," Sandhu said.

The new DGP said that out of a total 22 districts, six districts were headed by female Superintendents of police.

CASES REVIEW

Reacting to a question that females approaching the women only police stations were subject to victimisation, the new DGP assured that he will review such cases and action will be taken against the officials if found guilty.

Haryana Police earlier on April 12 had launched a day long operation to check eve teasing which was welcomed by the females who are subject to eve teasing at various public places including schools, bus stops and parks.

Chief Minister's Flying Squads had nabbed 72 people on the first day from various districts who were involved in various cases of crimes against women.

Baljit Singh Sandhu said that besides eve teasing the state police will also launch operations against narcotics, smuggling and use of illegal weapons, drunken driving and movement of criminals from the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and other states.

"Six Haryana districts share border with neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. As Yamuna dries up at many places between April to June, criminal gangs cross over to Haryana. We are taking effective steps to seal the sneak points to stop the movement of anti-social elements," said additional Director General of Police (Law and Order),Mohd Akil.

Also read:

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's veiled attack on gau rakshaks: Violators of law will not be spared

advertisement

After UP's anti-Romeo squads, Madhya Pradesh to launch 'anti-majnoo' squads

WATCH | After anti-romeo squad in UP, Manohar Lal Khattar government to launch operation Durga in Haryana

--- ENDS ---
Travel News How To Travel Around The World Using Bitcoin | RobinsPost News & Noticias

But, we are far from making bitcoin ... world, but apart from that, it is a very well-growing industry. Therefore, modern technology must be infused into travel and tourism, which can be done ... Read More The thing about Bitcoin and crypto is it's evidence based. Do you know Paco in India, the bitcoin runner? He's the guy that's traveling around the world using only bitcoin. He's currently on his 22nd ... Read More Six months after the announcement that Madeira would adopt Bitcoin, Cointelegraph spoke to the strategists behind the project. Read More The area has been swarmed by bitcoin influencers, travel bloggers and TV crews, whove dubbed it Bitcoin Beach. Fans were excited there was finally a place in the physical world where ... am I going ... Read More I made the joke on stage that as far as Bitcoin goes, I don't think of myself as being from Edinburgh  I think myself as being from Twitter, says writer Allen Farrington. I have worried, looking ... Read More Guinness World Records has added Bitcoin (BTC) and a number of blockchain ... be discussing, with crypto joining the likes of space travel and TikTok as key subjects. We will be watching ... Read More Bitcoin price prediction remains bearish under the $21,000 level and bullish above the $20,300 mark. By falling below ... Read More Bitcoin reached an all-time high value of $67,549.74 and at the time of writing is priced at $19,198.21. Therefore, anyone savvy enough to invest in BTC when it was worth around $100 made one hell of ... Read More Bitcoins price has skyrocketed as its become a household name. In May 2016, you could buy one Bitcoin for about $500. As of Nov. 1, 2022, a single Bitcoins price was around $20,442. Read More The U.S. is the second-biggest mining destination on the planet, accounting for nearly 17% of all the world's bitcoin miners ... and financial instruments around the mining industry also played ... Read More
Travel News How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Cuba | RobinsPost News & Noticias

When Obama lifted travel restrictions to Cuba ... But with exchange fees, it will most likely cost the same. So, I decided to wait to exchange there. Also, the question is now how much do you need to ... Read More How Much Does a Cruise Cost? With the rising cost of everything  including travel  cruise fares ... plan better for a cruise vacation, U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and ... Read More Between transportation, lodging, and other necessities, traveling often gets expensive. And because of how pricy it could get, its normal for people to want to get the most out of their trip. On the ... Read More Its a popular dream - quitting your day job to go travel the world. No responsibilities, no schedules. But, of course, nothing in life is free. How much exactly would it cost to travel the world? Read More However, this does not ... may come as good news for people discouraged by this summers record high travel prices, dont get too excited. While most aspects of travel costs did dip month ... Read More The holiday travel season is ... These policies offer much better coverage, but Brasler said they are expensive and most dont fully reimburse trip costs. Before buying one, evaluate how much ... Read More That's the consensus among both the government and parents, but exactly how much kids cost is up for debate ... credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate ... Read More If you're relying on points and miles to cover the cost ... travel like paying cash for a one-way flight and miles for the way back. The value of your points and miles will depend on your ... Read More I am definitely booking more train travel than ever before, she said. Train travel is efficient, more cost-effective and ... Prior to Covid, we were pretty much double-digit growth ... Read More The good news for travelers is that the dollar ... A recent Bloomberg headline read Americans Are Planning Fall Travel Despite Higher Costs Ahead. Earlier this week Thrillist proclaimed ... Read More Ellison and Darsy said boat maintenance typically costs around 10% of the boat value each year. Sails, which can travel for free on the power of the wind, do need to be replaced every eight to 10 ... Read More Much depends ... if you must travel to obtain medication and care. Medication abortion is typically nearly as costly as a surgical abortion. In 2021, the median cost for U.S. patients who had ... Read More
Us News Kansas City Jimmy John S Worker Speaks Out After Intense Armed Robbery | RobinsPost News & Noticias

KANSAS CITY ... worker's injuries immediately to OSHA as required. The construction company released a statement about the incident Monday: "With heavy hearts, we are saddened to share the news ... Read More KANSAS CITY ... Kimani Pouncils cousin. In a video from the night he was found, police had the area closed off as invetigators went to gather evidence. He was dumped out here like he ... Read More KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  A Kansas City business group has come out against a proposed state constitutional ... it would violate the constitution's unfunded mandate provision. Read More We got a serial killer  and aint nobody saying nothing, Caldwell said in the video, posted by The Kansas City Defender news outlet ... by sex workers  Kansas Citys Prospect ... Read More According to court documents, Payne was previously convicted in state court for his role in the armed robbery ... news sent to your inbox.  Find todays top stories on fox4kc.com for Kansas ... Read More Its getting harder to live out ... speaks during a public hearing at Gregg/Klice Community Center on Tuesday, Oct. 18. Spire has requested a rate hike that would increase Kansas City natural ... Read More Kansas City fire officials say six ... Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy Walker said. Emergency responders went to the school after several students reporting feeling ill. Firefighters found extremely ... Read More One group thats ... out before the disaster hits as a reminder, rather than after the disaster strikes. Inside the discussion about disaster pay at City Hall in Fort Myers. (CREDIT: WINK News ... Read More An emergency-room physician has said Democratic U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman is "recovering ... to lie about it constantly." "Who amongst us do not have family members who've had strokes ... Read More Mikaben's sudden death at 41 is still sending shockwaves through the music community. The Haitian superstar, born Michael Benjamin, collapsed on stage during his concert in Paris on Oct. 15. Read More Soon after TMZ reported ... Night Live this weekend.) E! News has reached out to LAPD but hasn't confirmed details of the alleged robbery. While Megan said she's safe, the 27-year-old shared ... Read More John Legend, Lizzo and More Call Out Kanye West for Antisemitic and Bullying Posts: 'Unacceptable' The 42-year-old SKIMS founder's statement came after Boy George lashed out at her on social media ... Read More
Us News Us Service Member Killed By Explosive Blast Near Mosul Iraq | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Editors' Blog / Analysis & Opinion News Live Blog Morning ... TPM BEIRUT (AP)  Two U.S. service members and two American civilians were among those killed in an explosion while conducting ... Read More Editors' Blog / Analysis & Opinion News Live Blog Morning Memo Cafe ... Shop Now Follow TPM WASHINGTON (AP)  A U.S. service member has been killed and another wounded in an apparent insider ... Read More (CNN)  A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by suicide in 2021 ... Pat Ryder said during a news briefing Thursday. The secretary remains committed to ... Read More BAGHDAD, Oct 20 (NNN-NINA)  Two officers from a Kurdish commando force were killed and seven commandos ... in north-eastern Iraq. He said, the blast destroyed the vehicle, killing two officers ... Read More A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US ... news briefing Thursday. The secretary remains committed to tackling suicides within the force and improving the quality of life for service ... Read More Two officers from a Kurdish commando force were killed and seven commandos wounded in a bomb attack in Iraq's semi ... detonated near a vehicle carrying commandos affiliated with the Kurdish security ... Read More A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by suicide in 2021, a decrease from the 582 cases in 2020. The 519 deaths last year involved active-duty, reserve, and ... Read More Getty Images John Moore/Getty Images A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by suicide ... Pat Ryder said during a news briefing Thursday. The secretary remains ... Read More
Us News China Deports Houston Businesswoman Who Was Convicted Of Being Us Spy | RobinsPost News & Noticias

China Accuses US of 'Cold War Thinking' in Security Strategy ... Mao, speaking at a regular news briefing, said China was a defender of the world order and rejected sensationalizing ... Read More The U.S. military is not ready to fight a major war with China, let alone a war against China and simultaneously another against Russia, North Korea, or Iran. That's bad. Very bad. The Heritage ... Read More A former U.S. military pilot and flight instructor who ran an aviation consultancy in China is in custody in Australia awaiting an extradition request from his homeland on an undisclosed charge ... Read More WASHINGTON - Top US justice officials ... worked for Beijings spy agencies have been indicted in the cases and two of them have been arrested. The cases showed that China sought to interfere ... Read More "The US until 20 years ago was uncontested in the indo-pacific so now it is being contested in some areas". When asked if this assessment could bolster China's willingness to invade Taiwan ... Read More We want level playing field with China: US Steel CEO The Biden administrations sweeping new export controls aimed at cutting off China from obtaining chips used in supercomputers has caused the ... Read More Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning gestures during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, Thursday, Oct 13, 2022. The Chinese government on Thursday accused ... Read More His rallying call reflects the intensifying tensions between China and the US, which has tightened the screws in recent years on the transfer of cutting-edge technology to the worlds second ... Read More Pair allegedly tried to bribe top US ... China and Huawei have both previously denied such allegations. He and Wang, understood to be based in China, could not be reached. At the news conference ... Read More Mao, speaking at a regular news briefing, said China was a defender of the world order and rejected sensationalizing geopolitical conflicts and great power competition. Mao criticized ... Read More
Us News Kerala Man Who Allegedly Joined Is Killed In Us Attack In Afghanistan | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Kerala The victim was taken to hospital by the accused along with his friends stating his cousin was fallen from the roof of his house police said ... Read More Two women in Kerala, reported missing ... said the police. They allegedly believed the murders would bring them a prosperous life. The third man who was arrested, Rasheed or Muhammand Shafi ... Read More Police in the southern Indian state of Kerala have ... who were allegedly murdered months apart, were found on Tuesday. Police say the accused - a couple and another man - "severely tortured ... Read More This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties ... have arrested three for allegedly murdering two women in a suspected case of human sacrifice. Officers in Kerala, southern India, said the ... Read More Two middle-aged women were killed ... who were allegedly murdered and buried in a case of black magic and human sacrifice at Elanthoor in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. (PTI) A man sold ... Read More Police in the southern Indian state of Kerala ... allegedly murdering two women in a suspected case of human sacrifice. The remains of the women, who were allegedly murdered months apart, were found ... Read More Two dismembered bodies of women were found buried inside the premises of a house in Pathanamthitta, Kerala on October 12. According to Police, the two women were allegedly killed as human ... Read More Malayinkeezhu police on Wednesday arrested a 27-year-old man for brutally thrashing his wife and filming, at the Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The police arrested Dileep (27) after a ... Read More Two women were reportedly killed as part of human sacrifice in Kerala. Police said three persons ... Police said the women were allegedly "sacrificed" by three persons to settle their financial ... Read More
Us News Watch Us President Donald Trump Attacks Media At 100 Day Rally In Pennsylvania | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Former President Trump is holding a rally in Latrobe, Pa., Saturday evening. During the event, he will continue to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz and gubernatorial candidate state ... Read More The former presidents quest for a second term in the White Houseafter a turbulent end to his first termcould begin this month, but he appears to be waiting until after the midterms. Read More Florida statewide candidate criss-cross state to sell voters on their candidacy. A Trump rally in Miami is being held to boost Sen. Marco Rubio's campaign. Read More An election year weighted by economic turmoil, elimination of federal abortion rights and broad concerns about the future of democracy concluded with a final full day of campaigning Monday by leaders ... Read More Both President Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, are hoping to provide their parties late boosts on the last full day of campaigning before midterm elections that could reshape the balance of ... Read More Another campaign would be a remarkable turn for any former president, much less one who made history as the first to be impeached twice. Read More Campaign events and rallies attempt to encourage voters as some polling places increase security to protect election workers from potential violence on election day. Read More Campaign events and rallies attempt to encourage voters as some polling places increase security to protect election workers from potential violence on election day. Read More
Us News South Korea Rejects Trump The Us Should Pay For The Thaad Ballistic Missile System | RobinsPost News & Noticias

North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards waters off its east coast on Wednesday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Read More Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, the South Korean military said on Wednesday. South Korean news agency Yonhap cited the Joint Chiefs of Staff ... Read More South Korea says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the sea. Read More (Korean Central News Agency ... I think North Korea should talk to us rather than protesting by shooting missiles. The missile launches come years after former president Donald Trump began ... Read More South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said that the US is incorporating a new equipment into the THAAD system located in Seongju, which lies about 200 km south of Seoul. (US Missile Defense ... Read More South Korea responded with a flight of 30 warplanes, but the two groups did not engage. The allied drills have not been without mishaps, however, as a South Korean ballistic missile South Korean ... Read More The United States has roughly 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as well as a state-of-the-art Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system ... launching a ballistic missile over ... Read More He said a ballistic missile launched from a submarine is an effective weapons system but didnt say whether the reservoir-fired missile would pose a new security threat to South Korea. Read More South Korea says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the sea. Top Picks In Shopping ... Read More He said a ballistic missile launched from a submarine is an effective weapons system but didnt say whether the reservoir-fired missile would pose a new security threat to South Korea. Read More
Us News Russia Says Us Missiles Breach Treaty | RobinsPost News & Noticias

By Kylie Atwood and Michael Conte, CNN The US and Russia have agreed to hold talks on the single existing nuclear treaty between the two countries in the near future, State Department spokesperson Ned ... Read More The United States and Russia are expected to meet soon and discuss resuming inspections under the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty that have been paused since before Russia's invasion of ... Read More North Korea has denied American claims that its shipping artillery shells and ammunition to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, and on Tuesday accused the United States of lying. The denial ... Read More WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Russia has notified the United States ... New START Treaty, Russia is obliged to provide advance notification of such missile launches, U.S. officials say. Read More The US says it agrees ... weapon is helping Russia to keep up long-range attacks despite a shortage of precision missiles. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says the EU is also "gathering ... Read More Some people say it seems too good to be true, but I think it's worth it for us ... Russia and publicly condemned its invasion of Ukraine, ITER has not. "We have a charge. We have members. We're a ... Read More The Iranian sale of missiles to Russia took place following ... nuclear deal expired in 2020. The US, France and the UK say missile sales would be in breach of the nuclear deal. Read More By Kylie Atwood, CNN Iran is preparing to send approximately 1,000 additional weapons, including surface-to-surface short range ballistic missiles and more attack drones, to Russia to use in its war ... Read More The US says it agrees ... weapon is helping Russia to keep up long-range attacks despite a shortage of precision missiles. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says the EU is also "gathering ... Read More By Kylie Atwood and Michael Conte, CNN The US and Russia have agreed to hold talks on the single existing nuclear treaty between the two countries in the near future, State Department spokesperson Ned ... Read More
Us News Us Troops Patrol Syria S Border With Turkey | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Some of the photos, taken by a correspondent for the AFP news ... some US troops from an area they had been operating in since 2014 led to an invasion by Ankara. Turkey regards Syria's Kurdish ... Read More The Kurdish Hawar news agency, based in northern Syria, and the Observatory, which monitors the war through activists on the ground, reported U.S. troops were among the casualties. Turkeys ... Read More QAHTANIYAH, Syria (AFP)  US and Russian troops ... s war in Ukraine since February has exacerbated geopolitical tensions with the United States. But on Saturday morning, US and Russian patrol ... Read More An air strike on a convoy carrying fuel across the Iraqi border into Syria killed at least 10 people late Tuesday, members of paramilitary groups operating in the area said. Read More
(Eds: Updating with fresh inputs in 2nd para)

Karachi, Apr 29 (PTI) A Hindu temple has been vandalised in Pakistans southern Sindh province, prompting the police to register a case of blasphemy and terrorism against three unidentified persons.

The incident occurred yesterday in Thatta districts 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.

advertisement

A case of blasphemy and terrorism has been registered. Police also registered a FIR against three persons for desecrating the deities, Dawn reported.

"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 temples 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. PTI SH CPS UZM AKJ NSA

--- ENDS ---
Us News Suspected Us Airstrike Kills 4 Al Qaida Operatives In Yemen | RobinsPost News & Noticias

American Special Operations forces conducted a new ground raid against al-Qaida's Yemen ... the suspected militants were killed "through a combination of small-arms fire and precision airstrikes." ... Read More The United States said Thursday that a counterterrorism operation in Yemen killed Qassim al-Rimi, an al-Qaida leader who claimed responsibility ... down and eliminating terrorists who seek to do us ... Read More A U.S. military airstrike has ... Somali forces were killed, and that no civilians were injured or killed. Al-Shabab is the largest and most kinetically active al-Qaida network in the world ... Read More The US military says eight al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula operatives were killed in a pair of airstrikes in Yemen over the past two weeks. The military said the strikes were conducted to deny al ... Read More Figures based on reported number of US airstrikes highlight the human cost of the 20-year war on terror US drone and airstrikes have killed at ... on the US by al-Qaida. Read More The US military conducted an airstrike over the weekend against the al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia, which was attacking Somali National Army forces near ... Read More The US military conducted an airstrike over the ... initial assessment is that it "killed two attacking al-Shabaab terrorists," US Africa Command said in a news release, adding that no civilians ... Read More
Us News Us Service Member Killed By Explosive Device In Iraq | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Editors' Blog / Analysis & Opinion News Live Blog Morning ... TPM BEIRUT (AP)  Two U.S. service members and two American civilians were among those killed in an explosion while conducting ... Read More (CNN)  A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by suicide in 2021 ... Pat Ryder said during a news briefing Thursday. The secretary remains committed to ... Read More This year's Veteran of the Year will be honored with Hattiesburg's past honorees during Veterans Day event Friday. Read More The US military told reporters in Iraq it was not involved in a raid on a pro-Iran militia convoy in eastern Syria near the border with Iraq that killed an estimated 15 members of a pro-Iranian ... Read More ANNOUNCER: PITTSBURGHS ACTION NEWS 4 BEGINS WITH BREAKING NEWS. SHANNON: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US. BREAKING NEWS ... Three other service members were treated at Hershey Medical Center. Read More A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by suicide in 2021, a decrease from the 582 cases in 2020. The 519 deaths last year involved active-duty, reserve, and ... Read More A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US ... news briefing Thursday. The secretary remains committed to tackling suicides within the force and improving the quality of life for service ... Read More Getty Images John Moore/Getty Images A new report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by suicide ... Pat Ryder said during a news briefing Thursday. The secretary remains ... Read More
Us News South Korea Us Conduct Drills | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Air assets from the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have carried out bilateral drills to demonstrate their joint deterrent capabilities. Read More The U.S. has expanded its joint military drills with South Korea, which North Korea has declared to be practice for a potential land invasion. Read More The U.S. and South Korean militaries conducted a joint river-crossing drill Wednesday, the latest exercise in a large-scale operation designed to counter North ... name in news delivered first ... Read More Air Force military trainings took place in both North and South Korean airspaces as the two nations continue to ratchet up tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Read More The United States and South Korea have decided to extend military exercises in response to a recent spate of missile launches from North Korea, offering stern warnings for North Korean leader ... Read More A South Korean ballistic missile crashed into the ground and exploded in the outskirts of the northeastern city of Gangneung in a failed launch on Tuesday night, as the countrys military ... Read More North Korea has fired more missiles in the last 24 hours than it did during the whole of 2017 -- the year of "fire and fury" when leader Kim Jong Un traded barbs with then-US president Donald Trump. Read More TEHRAN (Tasnim)  South Korea and the United States will conduct large-scale ... response to the refusal of the US and South Korea to stop joint military drills, which Pyongyang believes ... Read More Seoul: South Korean and US fighter jets carried out precision bombing drills Tuesday, Seoul's military said, in response to North Korea firing ... "capabilities to conduct a precision strike ... Read More The U.S. and South Korea conducted precision bombing drills after North Korea fired a ... NORTH KOREA SLAMS UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT AS 'US PUPPET' The launch posed an "unacceptable threat to ... Read More "This exercise was prepared to demonstrate the strong will of the South Korea-US alliance to respond to ... an assortment of aircraft, which will conduct drills for anti-ship and anti-submarine ... Read More TOKYO : Naval forces of Japan, the United States and South Korea will conduct joint military drills on Friday ... Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight ... Read More
World News Latin American Refugees Turn To Mexico For Asylum | RobinsPost News & Noticias

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report)  Venezuelan families who came to the U.S. border to request asylum but are now facing Title 42 expulsions if they walk across the Rio Grande on Wednesday sent the ... Read More After making his way to the border from Venezuela to request asylum, he was sent to Tijuana, where he had to wait nearly eight months and attend cross-border court hearings. Read More Falling aid budgets and ballooning debt in the developing world are impediments ... of disease control. Latin America Brief: Washington Is Eroding Asylum at the U.S.-Mexico Border Washington ... Read More Recent events involving Syrian refugees arriving at North American ... around the world, who have in recent years quietly started to follow the well-trodden routes used by Latin Americans to ... Read More More Central American women are fleeing their homes, crossing borders to escape domestic violence in the region with the most female murders in the world ... for asylum. Mexicos 2011 refugee ... Read More as Mexico's migrant shelter system is often overwhelmed. Some may return to Venezuela, while others could settle down in different Latin American countries, where Venezuelan migrants have in some ... Read More More than 6 million Venezuelans have fled their country and President Nicolas Maduros brutal regime, according to Human Rights Watch, flooding nearby Latin American countries and overwhelming ... Read More What do Taiwanese think of passing an asylum law and how do they perceive refugees? Taiwan has accepted international ... and taking them into consideration is important because they often have ... Read More London: The United Kingdom has decided to move Sri Lankan refugees seeking asylum from the British-claimed Chagos Islands to 'a safe third country,' unless they returned to Sri Lanka 'voluntarily ... Read More Even more significantly, asylum seekers and refugees are entitled to legal procedures and protections that migrants are not. The anti-immigrant politicians of the world are well aware ... As the New ... Read More Explainer-Why Venezuela's Refugee ... Mexico will stay, as Mexico's migrant shelter system is often overwhelmed. Some may return to Venezuela, while others could settle down in different Latin ... Read More
We are going to introduce electric vehicles in a very big way. We are going to make electric vehicles self-sufficient like UJALA. The idea is that by 2030, not a single petrol or diesel car should be sold in the country", Power Minister Piyush Goyal said.

India is looking at having an all-electric car fleet by 2030 with an express objective of lowering the fuel import bill and running cost of vehicles.

"We are going to introduce electric vehicles in a very big way. We are going to make electric vehicles self-sufficient like UJALA. The idea is that by 2030, not a single petrol or diesel car should be sold in the country", Power Minister Piyush Goyal said while addressing the CII Annual Session 2017 in New Delhi on Saturday.

advertisement

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW Goyal is of the view that initially the government can handhold the electric vehicle industry for 2-3 years to help it stabilise. Citing the example of Maruti, which has logged over 30 per cent profit this time, he explained that the government had supported India's largest car maker initially, which eventually led to the development of big automotive industry in the country. Goyal told reporters later that the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the NITI Aayog were working on a policy for promotion of electric vehicles. The minister pointed to the cost factor, saying people would like to buy electric vehicle when they find it cost effective. About off-shore wind projects, Goyal said these are more like an R and D project. The minister suggested that big PSUs, including NTPC, can initially invest in such projects that will lead to development of this segment in the coming years. Goyal said that in the last 3 years, India's energy consumption had grown by about 6.5 per cent CAGR (compounded annual growth rate), more than the figure for the last 10 years. He said, "Through UJALA, the LED distribution programme, we have already seen about 500 million LED bulbs sold in the last two years. My job is to improve India's energy efficiency to reduce consumption wherever it is wasteful and ensure that demand is met fully." He made a point that UDAY had not been just about financial re-engineering but financial discipline. The UDAY scheme is meant for revival of debt-stressed discoms.

Also read | Uttar Pradesh STF registers 7 FIRs, arrests 23 people in petrol pump cheating case

Also read | Energy Minister Piyush Goyal: Yogi Adityanath eager to bring electricity to UP villages

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: The Summer/Spring edition of India Runway Week 2017 at Tyagraj Stadium in Delhi is perhaps the best platform young Indian designers have to showcase their creations. And true to its promise, the fashion extravaganza that hit the Capital on April 28 has taken the country's youngsters by storm.

Banka Silk has motifs inspired by Mughal monuments.

The show was opened by Mumbai-based designer Ken Ferns, whose collection called Soda was the perfect blend of geometric forms and fashion. Merging the modern with Indian traditional wear was the key focus of the shows that followed.

advertisement

Also Read: This young entrepreneur is taking Indian fashion to London

While some designers like Varija Bajaj intend to start a social revolt against the state of widows in the country through her collection called Vrindavan, others like Gestures--an organisation that works to preserve the livelihood of India's artisanal and community producers--also got a chance to showcase their collections.

Manara Chopra walks the ramp during the India Runway Week 2017.

The first day of the India Runway Week also saw Indian kathak dancer Shovana Narain walk the ramp as the showstopper for Gaurika Sharma's Soutache. With styles inspired by Mughal art as well as throwback trends from the 1940s and 1950s, this fashion week brought global and Indian fashion sensibilities together like never before.

--- ENDS ---
Seven out of eight SAARC countries are a part of the project which Pakistan refused to join as it did not want the "gift" from India.

By Press Trust of India: The South Asia Satellite will be launched on May 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today, describing it as India's "priceless gift" to its neighbours as part of the sabka sath, sabka vikas concept.

Seven out of eight SAARC countries are a part of the project which Pakistan refused to join as it did not want the "gift" from India. "We have always attempted to move ahead with the concept of sabka sath, sabka vikas (cooperation of all, development for all)," Modi said in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

advertisement

The concept of sabka sath, sabka vikas is not confined to India but is relevant globally too, especially in the context of the neighbourhood, he said.

"There should be cooperation of our neighbours and there should be development of our neighbours too," he said.

"On May 5, India will launch the South Asia Satellite. The benefits of this satellite will go a long way in meeting the developmental needs of the countries participating in this project," the Prime Minister said.

Describing it as a "priceless gift" from India, he said the project is a significant step towards promoting cooperation with the entire South Asia.

"This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia...The satellite of South Asia will help in the overall development of the entire region," Modi said.

The benefits will be in the areas of mapping of natural resources, tele-medicine, education, IT connectivity and people-to-people links, he said.

He thanked the countries which became part of this project. These countries, besides India, are Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan.

Soon after taking over as the Prime Minister in 2014, Modi had made a unilateral proposal of India launching the satellite whose data would be shared with the eight SAARC countries for their development.

Initially, it was to be named as SAARC Satellite but its name was changed to South Asia Satellite after Pakistan refused to join the project. Basically, the satellite is meant for providing communication and disaster support, connectivity among the countries of South Asia region.

It will provide a significant capability to each of the participating countries in terms of DTH, certain VSAT capacity plus linking among the states for both disaster information transfer and also in terms of library type of things.

The satellite was initially proposed to be launched in December last year but it got delayed.

Also read:

Modi's space diplomacy puts India into new orbit

Pakistan attaches great importance to SAARC: Sharif

WATCH THE VIDEO:

--- ENDS ---

advertisement
The injured person, Nisar Ahmad has been shifted to Srinagar hospital for treatment.

By India Today Web Desk: A civilian was injured when unknown gunmen opened fire outside house of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gulzar Ahmad's in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Sunday. The injured person, Nisar Ahmad has been shifted to Srinagar hospital. He is said to be in a critical condition.

Mir belongs to Pulwama's Pirchoo area. He, according to reports, was working as an electrician.

advertisement

Earlier, one civilian was killed and five others were injured in a grenade attack in Srinagar's Khanyar area.

The incident took place around 9:30 pm on Sunday.

More details awaited.

Also read: Kashmir: 1 killed, 5 injured in grenade attack outside Khanyar Police Station in Srinagar

Also read: Pakistan needles India on Kashmir again, Army Chief Bajwa backs terrorism in Valley

--- ENDS ---
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.




The Telangana assembly on Sunday passed amendments to the Land Acquisition Act sent back by the Law Ministry, amid protests by the Congress demanding a discussion on farmers' problems.





The amendments to the Telangana Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Telangana Amendment Act, 2016) were passed within 10 minutes in a one-day special session of both the Houses.



The legislative council will meet later in the day to pass the amendments.



As soon as the assembly began its sitting, Congress legislators were on their feet demanding a debate on the demand for remunerative prices to chilli farmers.



Speaker Madhusudhana Chary, however, said the sitting was being held with the sole agenda of passing the amendments and no other issue would be taken up.



Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, also the Revenue Minister, moved the amendments passed by voice vote without debate.



Immediately after this, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die. The Congress legislators remained seated in the House even after adjournment for some time to register their protest.



Later, leader of opposition K. Jana Reddy told reporters that the assembly proceedings were conducted in an undemocratic manner.



He alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government was running away from debate on farmers' problems.



The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also staged a protest near the assembly building to condemn the government's attitude.



BJP and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) members were not invited to the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the assembly on Saturday citing their suspension earlier during the budget session.



BJP members staged a silent protest. Wearing black scarves, they marched from Gun Park to the assembly premises.





BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy wondered how they could be prevented on ground of their suspension earlier.



BJP members were suspended on April 16 when they stalled the proceedings during the one-day special sitting called to pass a bill on increasing reservations for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes.



The Union Law Ministry earlier this week sent back to the state the Land Act for making "suitable amendments" to it.



The state legislature had passed the bill two months ago and the same was sent to the Centre for the President's assent.
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.
The majestic snow-marooned Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 13,050 feet in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, has been reopened for motorists after four months of closure, officials said here on Sunday.

For tourists, it will be opened this week.



"The road link to the tribal Lahaul valley through the Rohtang Pass has been reopened," Mohan Lal, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Chief Engineer, told IANS.



"Snow clearing operation was crucial on the 85-km-long stretch between Manali and Sissu that received the maximum snow (during winter) and is prone to snow avalanches," he added.





He said the civil administration would now take a decision on allowing the tourists bound for Lahaul Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district from Manali to cross the Rohtang Pass.



Regarding the complete opening of the 475-km Manali-Leh National Highway 21, Lal said the work of clearing snow was going on at a fast pace at different locations.



"Our target to reopen Manali-Leh highway is May 25," he added.



Official sources said currently only small vehicles are allowed to ply across the Rohtang Pass, some 51 km from here.
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.
The Auburn Enlarged City School District has wrestled with plenty of high-profile issues the past three years:

 Currently, there's a budget proposal that carries a 3.98-percent tax levy increase while still requiring cuts to 13.5 positions.

 There's the ongoing battle with Albany to get the district its fair share of state aid dollars.

 Last year, there was a fairly contentious public debate and vote over a project to bring synthetic turf to Holland Stadium, as well as the sale of the former West Middle School building.

 Also at the forefront have been the controversies surrounding the state's Common Core learning standards, which included a high rate of parents opting their students out of state tests.

 In addition, the district went through a superintendent transition.

Despite all of these issues, which have generated significant community conversation with strong opinions at times, the school district has not experienced a contested board of education election since 2014.

And in the Cayuga County area at least, that's not uncommon.

Of the 10 public school districts in The Citizen's coverage area, only three will have true ballot choice when it comes to school board elections on May 16.

That's a problem ... and it needs to be addressed.

One could argue that public schools have the most impact on our communities. There's the fundamental importance of educating our children to prepare them to be productive members of society. Beyond that, schools frequently serve as community centers for people of all ages. They also are among the largest local employers, and they command a large chunk of most residents' property tax bills.

To ensure our educational institutions are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible, we need strong board of education members and vigorous discussion on a regular basis about who those members should be.

Why has interest in school boards fallen so much, and what will it take to reverse the candidate shortage? Those are questions we encourage all of our local school officials and boards to consider, and do what they can to rally interest for future election cycles.

But it's also an issue for New York state leaders to tackle. The state Education Department, the governor's office and the Legislature should examine this problem and see if some fundamental changes in education law and the school board member position description (you can't call it a job because they do not get paid) are needed.
Yahya's family members in Kerala got a message last night about his death on Telegram.

By Press Trust of India: A Kerala resident, who had allegedly joined the Islamic State last year, is believed to have been killed in a US air strike in Afghanistan.

Yahya's family members got a message last night about his death on Telegram, a social media application, said BCA Rahiman, a social worker.

The sender of the message, Asfak, said Yahya was "martyred" in the US attack.

advertisement

"He was killed while fighting the US forces," the message read. It, however, does not specify as to when he was killed.

Palakkad Special Branch police could not confirm the news but made a mention of the message.

Yahya, who had converted to Islam, was among the 21 people from the state who had reportedly gone missing after travelling to the Middle East last year and were suspected to have joined the terrorist organisation in Syria.

A fortnight ago, one Murshid Muhammed from Padna in the district was killed in a drone attack in Afghanistan.

Also read: Karma is a pig: Wild boars maul 3 ISIS militants gearing up to execute locals

Also read: Two men get seven years in jail for recruiting and fundraising for ISIS in India

Also watch: India vs ISIS: 6 state police organise anti- terror operation, 3 suspects arrested

--- ENDS ---
Here are the unofficial results for Saline County in the 2022 election
Dear Editor

Report slams education system

However, the framework does not specify the kinds of activities that would be most effective to improve teaching practice at school level, how to carry them out, how much professional development teachers should take part in, and how often.

At some point, you just have to ask yourself, are these reports valid or do they just want to make themselves look smart and keep their jobs in the expense of the poor teachers.

According to the report teachers are required to participate in professional development but PaBER research findings revealed that the majority of teachers do not receive this on an on-going basis. For those teachers who participated in such training, there is little evidence to suggest that skills learnt have translated to improved teaching.

Are these training and development necessary if not effective? You can train the teacher to be great, but it will never translate into good result if the kids that are made into gods of the classroom come with attitude, bad behavior and heart unwilling to learn knowing full well there will be no consequences or else the good guys will be punished.

While teachers receive in-service training, most of the training does not specifically address the targeted areas required for literacy and numeracy Furthermore, most teachers are not able to fully utilise literacy and numeracy resources claiming the language used in the curriculum is too difficult.

Really have they targeted these areas in training?

Teachers in Samoa are also provided with a variety of training opportunities to develop competencies with classroom assessment.

How about variety of valid training opportunities so that these reports will not show inconsistencies?

Galufatioo Tautuailevao
A report of the parties interested in the abandoned Desico Samoa building has been discussed but to date, no decisions have been made.

This was according to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Provident Fund, Pauli Prince Suhren in an interview with the Samoa Observer last week.

There are many options on the table at the moment, but unfortunately, I cant discuss them at the moment because they are confidential. Pauli said.

At least we can get some returns from these options, he said.

Earlier this month, a number of bidders are said to have expressed interest in leasing the abandoned Desico Samoa factory at Vaitele.

This was confirmed by a senior officer of the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.) of Samoa.

Yes there are several people who have shown an interest and we are now working on our report because this has to go through the Board before further action, the official said.

The government first opened the multimillion tala facility at Vaitele in 2005.

At the time, the then Minister of Finance, Misa Telefoni said the production plant leased by Desico Samoa from the N.P.F. was an investment for contributors and the coconut industry.

But last year, when a former Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Papalii Panoa was asked about the wasted millions that had gone into the deserted production plant, he said the project had been done out of good intentions and based on a feasibility study done by a local consultant group and the World Bank, he said.

He also claimed that some of the millions N.P.F. invested, could be recovered by the sale of the three acres of land and buildings.

Since the opening 12 years ago, there has been a string of failed business ventures at the ill-fated property.
Last Tuesday, as part of the Faculty of Science seminar series at NUS, a special seminar was delivered on Innovations in ICT , to provide a backdrop to the ICT Sector Plan currently being developed.

The presenter was Tony Willenberg who is currently the Team Leader for the ICT Sector Planning Team hired by the Samoa Technical Assistance Facility to develop the ICT sector plan.

The seminar was well attended by the public, and dignitaries such as the Minister of MCIT, the Minister of Education as well as His Worship the Chief Justice.

During the seminar it was explained how long it takes for major innovations to occur, some examples of other countries I.C.T. development trajectories (e.g. Singapore), and the technological shifts that are once again upon us and why some of our biggest gains in productivity may occur by doing some straightforward things using ICT.

During the presentation the presenter Tony Willenberg provided 15 examples of ICT innovations that Samoa could utilise today.

These examples ranged in complexity.

Most will not only reduce expenditure for civil society, the Government and the private sector to use and benefit from ICT, but some will also lay a foundation to take further beneficial steps for Samoas future.

The presentation fielded a handful of good questions from the audience and received two valuable points of feedback, these being:

1. Need for the Sector Plan to have clear strategies for (a) e-Government and (b) sunrise industries or what we take to mean: new industries.

2. Need to understand scope of the IT skills pool available locally and what will be needed from abroad to back implementation.

A highlight of the seminar was provided by the Minister Afamasaga Rico Tupai who then laid out the government vision for the ICT sector.

The Minister laid out the need for a plan to utilise the considerable ICT infrastructure developments with strategic and well planned applications.

With the deployment of the Tui Samoa submarine cable, Samoa will be looking to expand its provision of ICT services to the region at bold competitive rates with Samoa envisioned as the regional hub in terms of connectivity.

The governments bold vision also includes the establishment of a national data centre to provide service to national data needs and beyond.

The vision was well received by the audience and the seminar ended with the Vice Chancellor of NUS Professor Fui Leapai Asofou Soo conveying the note of thanks to the Hon Minister, the presenter and the audience
By Press Trust of India: Colombo, Apr 30 (PTI) A dominant party of Sri Lankas Tamil National Alliance will involve rehabilitated LTTE cadres in party work as part of a bid to integrate them into the society.

The leaders of Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) yesterday held a meeting and discussed the ex-LTTE cadres rehabilitation issues.

"The ITAK has agreed to obtain their assistance for the partys political work," party spokesman M A Sumanthiran said after the meeting.

advertisement

In the meeting, the party leaders pointed out that rehabilitated LTTE cadres were unable to find jobs due to their past association with the militant group, which led a bloody armed campaign over three decades to carve out a separate Tamil homeland.

The party recognises the need to fully integrate rehabilitated LTTE cadres into the society.

About 11,000 ex-LTTE cadres have gone through governments rehabilitation programme since the three-decade- long armed conflict ended in May 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE.

They were those who gave themselves up to the government troops during the last phase. They were given life skills and English language training while in rehabilitation.

Some of them were also given self-employment loans. Yet a majority of them are unemployed.

A group of them contested the 2015 parliamentary election but failed to win representation. PTI CORR PMS MVV

--- ENDS ---
The Ministry of Health has issued a country-wide ban on imported eggs from the United States of America. This was confirmed by Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr Leao Talalelei Tuitama in a telephone interview with Samoa Observer.

He explained that the move came after evidence indicated that the imports were not complying with local regulations regarding the shelf life of eggs.

He explained that for imported eggs, they must be within a 30 day limit from the day the egg was laid to the day they are in the stores, otherwise the eggs cannot be sold in Samoa.

During a brief gathering with the media on Friday afternoon at the Samoa Tourism Authority, Tuitama said the eggs that have been banned and taken off the shelves have been given to the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) for testing purposes and to determine if theres anything wrong with them.

Tuitama said this regulation has been in place for a long time and the main purpose of the ban is to ensure the health of our people is protected.

A public notice was issued last week in the local newspapers and on the radio regarding the ban on the imported eggs.

When asked why businesses were not given ample time to make arrangements to ensure compliance, the Minister said the businesses are well aware of the regulations.

He further stated this is a sensitive issue as there are a lot of factors that need to be considered - the businesses and the consumers.

However the main concern of the Health Ministry is to ensure the public is protected.

If we allow this to continue and someone gets sick, it will fall back on the Ministry that we are not doing our job.

It was put to the Minister that while the Health Ministry is doing their job, if there is a backup plan for the demand of the public and business community which includes restaurants and hotels.

Tuitama stated that the businesses should work together with the government ministries to ensure that the imported eggs are in compliance.

We have local egg suppliers and I dont want to speculate if they can meet the needs of the public, said the Minister.

He said the companies which sell the eggs have informed the Ministry the imported eggs from America are stringently tested and there are federal regulations and criteria they have to meet prior to exporting to Samoa.

Furthermore, chickens on the farms off island, are vaccinated and that raises questions as to whether local chickens are vaccinated or not.

According to the notice that was published in your newspaper, that pursuant to the Food Act 2015, the Ministry of Health recalls all Crystal Spring Eggs with the following information: Crystal Spring-GRADE A- EGGS Medium 12 EGGS 061 P1185 16, Sell by May 30 2017 and Crystal Spring - GRADE A -EGGS Medium 12 EGGs 062 P1185 15, Sell by May 30 2017.

The public is hereby advised that the recalled food product is not fit for human consumption.

The local suppliers, all supermarkets and retail outlets are advised not to sell Crystal Spring Eggs to the public.

The Ministry of Health requests the co-operation of the business community and the public in this important matter, says the notice.
The Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti says that foreign investors should bring their own capital when they come to Samoa because thats one of the benefits of encouraging foreign investment.

Theyll should also bring the expertise, and whatever knowledge to our people, Sili told the Samoa Observer.

Yes we do expect investors to come in and bring the capital with them. And as the government, we provide incentives like tax holidays, we give them duty concessions on building materials, construction materials and some of consumers costs for a limited period.

But you would expect investors to bring in the bulk of the capital needed so they dont have to borrow from our banking sector.

Once they are doing well, and they need further working capital, short term working capital and once theyve proven themselves, that would be an opportunity for our banking and financial institutions to be able to lend to them.

So if theyre not bringing the money in, then obviously they should not be called investors.

His comments were made when he was asked his opinion about the criticisms of the Samoa National Provident Funds (S.N.P.F.) decision to loan millions to foreign-owned companies.

The story surfaced last month when a Chinese businessman who owns the Coin Save businesses was appointed to turn the costly and unprofitable Vaitele market, into a profitable venture.

He was said to have received more than five million tala in a loan from the S.N.P.F.

However, Sili warned that discrimination should not be part of the loan process.

Lets not be discriminatory in terms of our lending, because really, when the S. N.P.F. lends out its money, it gets interest.

And that interest on investments by the Fund averages about 30 million tala a year; thats the interest they get from all the investments, when they lend out.

That money will go back into our account and some of that money will be allocated to increase our contributions.

So I think lending is an essential part of S.N.P.Fs operations, because its through interest, that we are able to add on to the value of our contributions.

But I take the point when foreign investors come here, whether they are Asian, European, Australian or New Zealanders, our expectation is that they will bring in the capital themselves.

However Sili said that shouldnt stop us from helping them if we see that after several years, theyre doing well and theyre credible.

Then of course there are opportunities for the Fund to loan.

As Ive mentioned earlier, this should be lent on the basis that theres a strong business case, they have the assets to cover the loan in an event where they arent able to pay it back.

So its important to have that due diligence done.

To that end, he made it clear that the S. N.P.F. has its own guidelines and policies.

They are there for us to follow to make sure that first of all, its not a high risk loan.

We need to be certain that theres a sufficient asset as a guarantee in the event that theyre not able to repay the loan.

Because the S. N.P.F. Act clearly states that its in the interests of all the contributors, you and me and everyone else who is contributing.

So whatever investments they make its important that they take into account how this is going to impact on the very people that theyre supposed to be making allowances for.

Sili said he believes that S.N.P.F. is doing a great job for the people of Samoa.

They are doing a good job, obviously in terms of investments and making loans to foreign-owned companies.

Also, the same sort of principles apply to loans to our own people.

Many of our Samoan companies are borrowing from S.N.P.F. including the churches and individuals.

So whether we lend to foreign people or locals, S.N.P.F. needs to make sure as part of their due diligence process, that its a credible business - that it has a business license and has met all the other requirements. That includes paying the S.N.P.F. contributions for their employees, and ensuring they also have the cash flow to be able to service the loan.

He pointed out that foreign investors are given a license by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.

Obviously my expectation is that those people who come in with the resources, should fund the project themselves and later on, S. N.P.F. may contribute to funding.

You know the S.N.P.F. has invested in Aggies Resort at Mulifanua and has also invested and lent to the Taumeasina Island Resort project, obviously they see the future potential in tourism to create jobs, and businesses.

So that will obviously help the Fund in terms of getting profits.

He said that we shouldnt expect miracles to happen overnight.

I think sometimes we expect everything to be profitable in year one or year two; I think thats the ideal.

But we also need to take a longer term view, and then again, as long as we do our homework to ensure we know the tourism industry is going to grow because as you know, this is one of the key drivers of our economic growth.

And that reflects on where the government is putting priority.
Asau, Savaii (April 29, 2017): Following the launch of a new partnership lead by Conservation International, Disneys Moana, the Samoa Voyaging Society (SVS), and the Government of Samoa with further support from Okeanos  Foundation for the Sea and United States Embassy over 1,000 people from across Samoa have viewed Disneys Moana movie via a travelling outdoor cinema.

Building on the values of the film, villagers also took part in conservation awareness and educational activities provided by the travelling project team consisting of SVS crew, cultural, environment and social experts who visited each location via Gaualofa, a traditional double hull canoe.

The Moana film was screened via open air cinema in eight villages, three in Upolu, one in Manono and four in Savaii. The viewers ranged from children, to men and women of all ages and village leaders who came out in droves to see the film, and take part in the conservation awareness and education activities.

We were very impressed by the participation across Samoa, and proud that we could deliver the message of sustainable environmental management in a way that more people can connect with, said Schannel van Dijken, President of the Samoa Voyaging Society and Marine Program Director, for Conservation International Samoa.

Officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Samoa Conservation Society and the Samoa Voyaging Society presented on a variety of issues including waste management, marine conservation and terrestrial issues as well as traditional navigation at all locations.

This collaboration was certainly one of a kind and has been an amazing journey for everyone involved. The highlight was when engaging youth and young kids. They were very receptive and open and very much aware on some if the environmental issues our islands face.

The Sa Moana Folauga awareness campaign strengthened the ideas our young people have about the environment taking them to the next step of environmental stewardship, said Samantha Kwan, Senior Officer at Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The villages of Apia, Satitoa, Poutasi, Salua Manono tai, Siufaga, Lelepa, and Asau were instrumental in the success of the project.

During the project sail, van Dijken acknowledged the important contribution of Radio Polynesia, Spacific Marketing, Amoa Resort, Pure Ocean, Dive Savaii, Le Lagoto Resort, Lee Transport, Savaii Samoa Tourism Association, and Vaimoana Seaside Lodge to ensuring the participation of wider communities.

We are extremely humbled and proud of how this project has turned out. When we originally put together the concept to Disney to support us in taking the movie around Samoa, we knew it would be well received, however, the actual response we have received from the communities has been overwhelming, and more communities are asking for us to visit now, van Dijken said.

The Outreach was made possible with the assistance and collaboration of the following partners: Disney, Conservation International (CI), Samoa Voyaging Society - Aiga Folau o Samoa (SVS), Okeanos  Foundation for the Sea, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), US Embassy Samoa, Radio Polynesia, Samoa Conservation Society (SCS), Eveni Pacific, Specific Marketing, Youth Climate Action Network, Samoa Hotel Association, Orator Hotel, Amoa Resort, Elaines Quality Furnishing, Manulele Uga Sarai and Family in Moataa, Dive SavaiI, Carlos Export Fishing, Le Lagoto Resort, Lee Transport, Silva Transport, Pure Ocean, Savaii Samoa Tourism Association, Vaimoana Seaside Lodge.
The President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tasmania, Pastor Gary Webster is in the country for a three week programme called Ancient Mysteries Reveal the Future.

The three week programme will be held at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi building from last Friday till the 21st of May.

Pastor Webster said the purpose of the programme is to help people find hope, meaning and purpose in life.

There are many people concerned with what is happening in the world today in terms of climate change, where are we headed environment, where the global economys headed, where are we headed when it comes to rising crimes and this is global phenomenal, he said.

What the future holds is the question that many people are asking and where are we headed?

So I want to help people have hope because the outlook on the world is not full of hope today and so the programme is to help people to find hope, meaning and purpose in life and it answers the big questions in life of where have we come from? Where are we headed? Is anybody in control?

[And] when we come to this door to the end all of us whats beyond and is there anything beyond so it looks at the big questions but its answering the big question of what does the future hold?

He went on explaining of what happened in the 2000 and 2012.

Now you will be very well aware of what happened in the year 2012 when the world was suppose to come to an end in the mind calendar and what happened, nothing happened, he told the Sunday Samoan.

The year 2000 the world was supposed to end but nothing happened and yet many people and I am talking about leading psychics, were predicting the world ending and all sorts of stuff.

So then the question is, Can we actually know the future? Is that possible?

[And] so I can show and help the people realize that there is a source who knows the future but if you go to a source you would want two things from the source,

One is you want to be historically accurate which means when it talks about stuff in the everyday world it gets it right and it doesnt make a whole lot of mistakes as its not based on myths and legends and fairy tales.

Secondly, it needs to have a proven record of fulfilling predictions meaning when it makes predictions they happen and its because it has proof.

He explained that he will be showing people what the Bible says.

This events I show people of those two things are from the Bible because this book does have those two things, said Pastor Webster.

For example, if you go to the Middle East because I have a background in archaeology and ancient history, we know that there are things that were said in the bible that have actually been found in the Middle East now.

I will be speaking of this from the books of Daniel and Revelation as these are the two books that Jesus specifically said to study and to look at.

[And] why did he say that? Because Jeremiah spelled out the reason for that and that is this: God doesnt just know the future but He wants us to have purpose, meaning, hope and peace in our minds now.

And that prophesy was given so that we can have that and not be anxious and troubled but to have faith in God.

And so thats what I will be sharing on what the ancients past says so that we can know what is happening in the world today and so we can know what soon to happen so we can have faith in God and know how to live today.

Pastor Webster was asked how he will deliver the message to the people as Samoa is a Christian country after all.

As to delivering his message, I dont think that would be a problem at all because I have shared this with many other countries of the Pacific, he said.

Because sadly, nowadays, even in the Christian world, people dont believe in this entire book. For example many believe the first three chapters of the Bible are not right so once we go down that track then what is right?

What Im trying to do is make the people even in the Christian world believe in this book, because sadly even here in Samoa and other Pacific countries, we are becoming westernized and the more time goes on, the less faith most people are going to have in this book.

So there will be no problem in making the people interested as I will keep it simple and I will show them that this is what archaeology says and this is what the Bible says so it will be simple

There are many things that the Bible says that we dont have maybe evidence for it, he said.

For example creation, how do we know that?

The only way we know that is we have to actually come to a point of belief.

For example, the same with evolution it says this and that of what happened but how do we know it happened again that is faith as evolution is a theory and creation is a theory as well.

How do we know its true? Well because the Bible says its true and so it all comes down to believing and faith.

So to me this book is true because its been found by archaeology even its view on health is correct.

So I invite everyone who wants to listen to come on down at the T.A.T.T.E. Building from now until the 21st of May at 7pm and fellowship together with us.

Pastor Webster has worked for the Church for almost 30 years in various roles, including church administrator, evangelist and theology lecturer.

More recently, he was part of the Adventist Media team as editor of Archaeological Diggings. Prior to this, he served as president of the South New South Wales Conference.

He is married to Merilyn Webster.
Yesterday Village Voice spoke with 50 year old Tuumaiai Vaataulo as he was waiting for a bus to go town to do shopping for Sunday.

He lives with his family in Faleula-Uta.

Parents are to blame, he said.

Everything to do with todays children reflects on the parents doing their job well.

If you raise your child right, then why worry about the other influences but if you know you didnt do your job well, then you should be sorry.

Around all the corners of Samoa there is always this problem and I know we cant do anything about it anymore.

Even here at our village, the trouble is mostly caused by the young people, because theyre sometimes naughty and often drunk.

Tuumaiai went on to say the government must step in to do something about the problems caused by alcohol.

I know that others dont really realize the problems until they hear of someone dying because of the issue.

They dont seem to care about it, but to be honest, the number of deaths in Samoa is increasing as a result of alcohol.

This is why I want the government to look into the issue.

Perhaps make the alcohol prices expensive, or try to increase the fines to say for example $500 per person found drinking.

We dont want this problem to continue happening, because as far as I know the youth and our children are the future of societies and communities.

If these alcohol related problems keep on happening to our young generation then we should know what the future of Samoa will look like.

Village Councils should also be alert to this issue.

For instance here in our village, we are really aware of these problems.

The village council has made so many rules and laws to protect the village we are also allocating fines for those who cause trouble.

Everyone else should play their parts to save our youth nowadays.

The father of four is a farmer and content with his life.

Aside from these problems, we are getting on just fine because we have access to water and electricity at home and we make do with what we have.
While others are not using the fruit of our lands wisely, Fetaiai Vaauli is treasuring it for a living.

The father is from the village of Faleula.

He told us that niu and koko Samoa is all they depend on for income.

This is all we have to support our kids in school.

Its not that easy though.

We sell green coconuts for a living. Each coconut is $2 and this is good money because what we earn, depends on how many coconuts I can fetch.

At the age of 52, Fetaiai is finding it tough to climb the coconuts.

But luckily we have an old ladder and its still useful.

Especially when the weather is challenging, its hard to climb the trees.

Sometimes, if Im sick or not at home to collect some niu, my wife roasts some koko to sell to cover that day.

This is reality, were actually living depending on our own self-development .

Every day I keep telling myself that if I dont work, my family especially my children, will suffer.

I will never let that happen.

I dont ever let my kids starve while I sit around and do nothing.

Fetaiai, like many people, says that land is where the money hides.

Money is everywhere around us.

We are actually walking on it.

We are just too lazy to dig and work hard to find it.

Both products, niu and coco had helped his family a lot.

I was able to build a house and I amalso able to put our kids through school.

My eldest daughter is now in her first year Foundation at N.U.S. and they inspire the work I do.

What Im trying to say is that never let your struggles discourage you from working.

The father of four sells green coconuts seven days a week.

I even sell on Sunday because I want to make money for Monday.

To me personally, any father would do the same because they want to fully support their kids especially when they are at school.

We all need to continue developing and working together to overcome struggles.

The struggle is real but so are the blessings.
No one doubts Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaois incredible sense of ingenuity.

Indeed, it seems as if his mind is everywhere at the same time so that you just cannot catch it, no matter how hard youd try.

But then looking at it closely though, who in his right mind would dare question him? After all, he is Samoas Prime Minister, which follows that like the other tyke, the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, he is always right.

Two weeks ago, Tuilaepa spooked everyone when he announced he was officially opening a $1 million home for stray dogs, and that the facility would be named the Dog Management Unit of the Police.

And so, are we hearing right that this one million Tala home, is where the Police would be shown how to manage this countrys stray dogs?

Indeed, are we to assume that they are now quite capable of managing themselves?

Now isnt that wonderful!

According to Tuilaepa though, the project is part of the governments efforts to address the issue, of stray dogs.

Wonderful!

It is located just down the road from Tafaigata Prison, and it is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Police, Samoa Tourism Authority and yes, the Animal Protection Society.

And where did the $1 million come from?

The New Zealand government naturally, its the perennially relentless giver of aid that this country may as well admit, it cannot possibly do without.

Indeed, Tuilaepa explained that we are indebted to the government of New Zealand for providing $1 million for the construction of the dog shelter, which we are witnessing this morning.

Reminded he: Stray and roaming dogs have long been seen as a very negative influence on visitors experience in Samoa.

Hes right of course, and no one can dispute that.

He then went on to explain, that local residents have stories to tell of unpleasant encounters with stray, unrestrained dogs.

Hes right again.

That way there is no doubt, that the dog control programme his government has begun with the assistance of the New Zealand government that is, is indeed a move in the right direction.

Located just down the road from Tafaigata Prison, it is apparently the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Police, Samoa Tourism Authority and, surprisingly enough, the Animal Protection Society.

Animal Protection Society!

Well, we know quite a bit about that society. In fact, we founded it. The founders were lawyer and businessman, Trevor Stevenson, expatriate Joan Welch, and there was me; our office was at Mrs Welchs home on the beach at Taumesina, where at any time during the day you were always finding yourself facing the blue, blue sea.

Later, we asked the government for a piece of land to build an animal clinic and an office on, and Tuilaepa himself, in response, gave Animal Protection Society, a piece of land a Vaitele.

When we took over we built a house there for the animal clinic, as well as an office complete with electricity, so that before we knew it all that was needed for the clinic to start operating, was there waiting.

And now with the help of an animal veterinarian, we started treating animals that were brought over by their owners with one complaint or another, and everything went as smoothly and slow moving river.

It went on quite well.

It was at that time that a German tourist who visited the Animal Protection Societys premises, during the time dogs were being operated on, made what has since remained with me as a rather profound comment, when he said: Dogs, like people, are from God too.

And for quite sometime there, we were quite confident that Animal Protection Society was there to stay, and then one morning when we went to work, we found to our shocking surprise that the office was no longer the way it was yesterday; it was a total mess instead and no one was there to explain what had happened to it the night before.

The office was destroyed, and all the pieces of furniture that had been in there the day before were either gone, or they had been smashed up.

Worse still, the cages where the dogs that had been awaiting treatment had been being kept were smashed up, and the animals themselves were no longer there.

It was a total nightmare.

As for those of us whod put a lot of our time and effort in the project, with the idea that we were doing our bit to help move Samoa forward, the spirit was broken and at that point, it was quite clear it could not be mended.

Later still, when the government offered its premises at Avele College, for Animal Protection Society to continue its work, once again it was clear that the enthusiasm was no longer there so that soon afterwards, we bowed out completely and the government took over.

And that was how itd been up to today.

Still, the idea that Prime Minister Tuilaepa is worried that strays dogs are posing a serious threat to tourism, which is why hes determined to see that the threat is totally eliminated, is just a part of the problem.

The questions though are: How about the so-called stray kids of Samoa who do nothing during the day, and then at nightfall they are out there on the streets where in the middle of the night, they follow their unsuspecting victims whom they attack and rob and then they disappear, in the darkness of night?

Similarly, how about those stray men  the homeless and the vagrants  who, in the darkness of night you see rifling through those trash bins on the footpaths, as theyre searching for whatevers edible in there that can keep them going, till the next day arrives.

And lastly, are these stray kids, the homeless and the vagrants, not as offensively obnoxious to tourists as those stray dogs, that Prime Minister Tuilaepa and his team of Police Officers, are determined to see wiped out from the face of Samoa?

Still, the one piece of advice from Tuilaepa that we believe should be taken seriously, is this: We are at a time where the number of thieves has increased and in a way, these creatures are helping out in that matter, catching those who have this habit of stealing.

These creatures, by the way, are those dogs.

Now the question is: Can Tuilaepas team of dog handlers train their creatures to catch those who are in the habit of stealing from the public treasury, and thereby help eliminate the evil called bureaucratic corruption from making life hell on earth, for those poor, uncomplaining Samoans?

And so, as our German tourist friend, would keep reminding: Dogs, like people, are from God too.

Have a peaceful Sunday Samoa, God bless.
The Samoa governments debts remained at $1.1 billion in December 2016, as the Samoa Bureau of Statistics Quarterly Report published on 13 April 2017, showed.

The financial report obtained by the Samoa Observer showed that loans granted based on multilateral agreements aggregated to $539.7 million, loans based on bilateral agreements with foreign governments amounted to $481.2 million, and domestic loans came up to $34.1million.

Asked for a comment at the time, Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti, dismissed worries that the country was in financial trouble, saying the government is not broke.

His denial was carried in the story that was published in the Samoa Observer, on 9 April 2017.

According to the financial report though, other outstanding total debt with institutions such as Asian Development Bank, World Bank, OPEC, FAO and the European Investment Bank, had been reduced by 5.3 percent or $30.5 million, with 94.4% of total multilateral debt, owed to the ADB and World Bank, respectively.

The report says the loans to the People of the Republic of China, and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), decreased from December 2015 by $30.4 million, and that the drop in bilateral loans reflects the decrease of debt, owed to the Chinese government by $32.7 million.

There is no information as to how much is owed.

The report however says that the domestic debt amounted to $41.0 million, and the outstanding amount had been reduced by $7.5 million, from last year.

Further, the report says the central budgetary government operations for the second quarter of the Fiscal Year 16/17 recorded a surplus in net lending/borrowing balance of $5.7 million.

The favorable outturn was primarily due to expenditures being contained at $140.2 million in December 2016. The amount was significantly dropped by $76.3 million and $49.0 million between December 2015 and September 2016 respectively.

The most contributing factor to the drop in expenditures was the decrease in acquisition of fixed assets by $56.2 million at $28.9 million from December 2015 due to the delay in disbursements of funds within the quarter under review.

The net operating balance on the other hand continues to record surpluses with $34.6 million in December 2016, making it the seventh consecutive quarter of positive performances. Underpinning the result was the decline in operating expenses by $20.1 million on a y-o-y basis. Total operating expenses amounted to $111.4 million in the period under review.

The expenses (excluding Acquisition of Fixed Assets) for the December 2016 quarter is considerably the lowest ever recorded when compared to previous December quarters. In addition, the average operating expenses of $121.7 million for the last five December quarters (December 2011 - December 2015) was $10.3 million higher than the aggregate expense in December 2016.

The Net Operating Balance in December 2016 was 23.1% and 74.7% higher than its values in December 2015 and September 2016 respectively.

The two balancing items, Net operating Balance and Net Lending/Borrowing are represented in the chart below in terms of their respective balances percentage to aggregate GDP.

In any case, the claim that the government was broke surfaced, when the government revealed its plans to review tax laws, with the view of increasing the V.A.G.S.T  among other taxes  to shore up its coffers.

That was when the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti, was asked for a comment, and he denied the claim, saying the government was not broke.

Explained Sili: I dont know how you got to that."

The reason why we are looking at increasing taxation is really not because we dont have the money."

There is so much demand for roads and water supply. If you have been listening to Parliament then there is a high demand for water supply, road access."

He also said: As you know we are also now increasing the funding of free education which New Zealand had provided money for. Over time the shares of that funding, has decreased so the government has to pick up from there. So really, if we dont raise taxes, or borrow, where is that going to get us?"

Its just going to take our economic development back but we are not broke.

Sili said the government has sufficient monies for its plans.

But he admits that they need to be prudent with their spending and consolidate on cost cutting reforms.

We need to review our expenditures. We did promise that well be reviewing our expenditures in health and education sectors."

We just have to make sure that we are spending them on the right areas and we are getting value for that money. Its the same with all of our expenditures.

Asked about the tax review, the Minister said it is necessary.

It is something we need to look into after a couple of years, rather than waiting until things are really bad. I think its a very responsible move by government to do a review."

You know when we review it does not necessary mean that there will be an increase, we may need to rebalance and reset to make sure we continue to provide the enabling environment for private sectors to reinvest in the economy, and to provide jobs."

We are continuing to look at investing in health and education to make sure that everyone has access to education and health and to improve the quality of the services we provide.

Minister Sili was also asked about Samoas foreign debt, and whether it is true it has reached the $2billion tala mark. The Minister would not confirm or deny the figure.

But he said: Our foreign debt is now about 52-53 percent of our G.D.P. I think we need to make a point that historically our public debt as the percentage of our G.D.P is much lower than that, maybe 30 per cent.

But you know when we have natural disasters like the tsunami, flooding, and cyclones and obviously we need to borrow from the World Bank, A.D.B to rebuild our infrastructure because if we dont, then it obviously it going to impact on the growth of the economy.

Sili said nobody could plan when natural disasters strike. But when they do, they come at a cost.

We cant leave our infrastructure in a damaged state. We need to make sure that businesses will be restored very quickly.

As the consequence of that, our public debt had increase in recent times.

Obviously we had to borrow money for the airport terminal development. Theres always a question of whether we allow our key infrastructure to deteriorate and not do anything. Tourism is the key driver of our economic growth obviously, but we have one international airport, which is a gateway to Samoa. So its very important.

The Minister added that the government has made a very wise decision to invest in facilities and infrastructure.

Obviously the government is always wanting for grant financing but given the cost involved, its not very easy to have it all totally funded.

So we borrow from the government of China, but we are in the medium term and we will look at reducing our external debt as the percentage of G.D.P to around 50 percent again.

Its one of the reasons why we are looking at the budget to try and consolidate, keep a close eye on how we manage our expenditures. We want to make sure that we create surpluses that will help us to rehabilitate our infrastructure in the event of natural disasters.

Not only that but we also need to look at a situation that we will be able to fund a lot of our ongoing maintenance from our own budget.

As you know we are still borrowing from the World Bank and A.D.B for the funding of the four lane roads.

A lot of work is going into climate proofing our infrastructure, so we need to raise the level. And unfortunately we cant fund it from our budget, we have had to borrow that from the World Bank and A.D.B. although the terms are fairly contentious; I wish we only had to build the infrastructure and not to worry about maintenance and rebuilding.

But thats the reason why we are where we are today. We are quite confident that we can bring that down to 50 per cent which is to me it will be quite good.

If we are too ambitious, then obviously its nice to say that oh, our debt is gone down to thirty percent forty percent but the question is; is that practical? Is that realistic? I dont think so.

Asked which country Samoa owes the most to, Sili said there was no particular country.

Most of our lending is from the multilateral institutions, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank and then of course we borrow from China. Its mainly the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank that we do borrow from.

Looking at the future, Minister Sili said there is a lot of work to be done.

We have an agenda to try and continue to grow the economy. We are estimating or projecting that the next four to five years, the economy will be growing at about 2.1- 2.2 percent on average.

Thats pretty good by the standards of around the region. But we should be doing more and I think tourism is going to help us.
Just imagine!

Your mother on Mothers Day, lying back and relaxing by the beautiful pool at the Sheraton Beach Resort, Mulifanua.

Or perhaps shes enjoying a peaceful getaway at the serene, tranquil Orator Hotel?

How about you and your family enjoying a stress-free, delicious toonai poolside on Sunday afternoon, at the Taumeasina Island Resort?

Or for the rest of the year, share in your mothers gift and spend some quality time together, watching the Manu Samoa Sevens on your brand new 42 High Def T.V. from Apia Traders?

Or to ensure she is looking her best, let her choose a stunning piece of jewellery from the Treasure Box.

Your mum works hard all year round and she surely deserves something a surprise on her day.

So as this Mothers Day approaches, go that extra mile.

As well as pampering her to show you care, enter the Samoa Observers Picture Your mother on Mothers Day photo competition.

Some of Samoas finest businesses have come on board to ensure that five lucky winners get to treat their mum to some amazing gifts, this Mothers Day.

They are the Sheraton Beach Resort, Apia Traders, Orator Hotel, Taumeasina Island Resort and Treasure Box are ready to hand out some fabulous prizes.

Prizes include:

 A voucher for 6 at a Sunday toonai from Taumeasina Island Resort

 A 2-night stay for two at Orator Hotel

 A 2-night stay for two including a spa from the Sheraton Beach Resort

 A 42 TV from Apia Traders, or

 A 200 tala jewellery voucher from the Treasure Box

All you have to do is send in a photo of your mum with a brief explanation in 20 words or less in English or Samoan, saying why your mum deserves the prize.

Entries can be submitted at the Samoa Observer town office in Apia or the Samoa Observer headquarters in Vaitele and the winners will be announced on Friday May 12th.

Refer to poster on page 26.
Government plans for a major I.C.T. infrastructure project to commence later this year at the Apia Wharf, is now suspended.

Chamber was informed by Government of this update.

This information was then made known at the Private Sector Wharf Stakeholders meeting facilitated by the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, last Friday.

Prior to this, concerns were raised from the private sector as the project required wharf block outs in the months of August and October 2017, causing disruptions and wharf congestion affecting local businesses.

The Chamber had held discussions amongst shipping lines, shipping agents, importers and exporters to address these concerns.

It was understood and supported amongst stakeholders that the intended I.C.T. infrastructure project was beneficial for Samoas economy, as well as contributing to the Governments vision for Samoa as a hub for I.C.T. in the Pacific.

Accordingly, discussions and planning saw a collaborative effort from shipping parties, importers and exporters of how best to ensure that the impact would be minimised, as well as ensuring that the commencement and completion of the intended project would run smoothly.

The Chamber and its members continue to support our Governments I.C.T. vision, through such collaborative efforts.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 28 (PTI) The Lavasa Committee has suggested modifications in some allowances applicable universally to all employees and also for those in specific categories, including railways and defence, after examining the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.

The Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa-led Committee on Allowances, which was constituted by the government to examine the Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations on allowances, had submitted its report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley yesterday.

advertisement

"Modifications have been suggested in some allowances which are applicable universally to all employees as well as certain other allowances which apply to specific employee categories such as railwaymen, postal employees, scientists, defence forces personnel, doctors, nurses etc," the finance ministry said in a statement today. There are about 47 lakh central government employees. The report is being currently examined by the Department of Expenditure. It will be placed before the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) set up to screen the 7th CPC recommendations and to firm up the proposal for approval of the Cabinet. While recommendations of the CPC on pay and pension were implemented with the approval of the Cabinet, allowances continued to be paid at old rates. The Committee was set up in view of significant changes recommended by the CPC in the allowances structure and a large number of representations received in this regard from various staff associations as well as the apprehensions conveyed by various ministries and departments.

The CPC had recommended that of a total of 196 allowances, 52 be abolished altogether and 36 be abolished as separate identities by subsuming them in another allowance. The pay panel had recommended abolition of or subsuming of allowances like acting, assisting cashier, cycle, condiment, flying squad, haircutting, rajbhasha, rajdhani, robe, shoe, shorthand, soap, spectacle, uniform, vigilance and washing. The committee, the ministry said, held extensive stakeholder consultations and detailed examination of the recommendations so as to address the concerns of the stakeholders. If the Pay Commission recommendations on allowances are implemented fully, then as per estimates the cost to the exchequer will be Rs 29,300 crore. PTI NKD CS MKJ

--- ENDS ---
Thirty-six students were awarded certificates after a six-month course in Library Studies at the University of the South Pacific, Alafua on Friday.

The students are now ready to work as School Library Assistants in schools around the country.

One of the graduates who participated in the six month course, Leejado Pulenuu of Samatu, said, I found it very interesting."

To be honest, it wasnt easy but I always tried my best.

The course really helps us to develop our skills and how to handle young children in classrooms."

As well as learning to read and write, they should enjoy books, rhymes, songs and stories."

Moreover she said, It is vital to get the approach right for young children.

We all understand that teaching young children can be challenging, especially if you haven't done any training for the early years in a classroom."

As a matter of fact, if we dont understand the age group, we will not be successful."

From this course, we now understand what to expect from the children and how to make sure that what we do in class reflects what level they are at."

And now, we are looking forward to working hard for Samoa especially in developing our young ones in the classrooms."

This is not the end; well continue to look for opportunities in the future to further our studies if any doors open for us.
Samoa joined the rest of the world on Friday to commemorate World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

The theme for this year is Optimise the Collection and Use of Occupational Safety and Health (O.S.H.) Data.

The Associate Minister for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labor, Tuifaasisina Misa Risati delivered the keynote address.

Pursuant to the International Labour Organisation mandate, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed across the globe, involving International Labour Organisation constituents and key stakeholders on the 28th April every year, Tuifaasisina said.

This occasion not only commemorates and promotes Safety and Health at Work; but it gives recognition to the thousands of men and women who have lost their lives in the execution of their work.

In this regard, it is imperative for Samoa to improve its capacity in the collection and utilisation of reliable Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) data.

In addition, Samoa is also committed to Sustainable Development Goal 8, that provides for the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Having accurate data is the basis for policy determination of priority areas, and effective assessment of O.S.H. to ensure we have practical, measurable and effective legislation and policies.

Target 8.8 focuses on the protection of labour rights and promotion of safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.

As a member state country, we are therefore obligated to report on the Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, by sex and migrant status.

Having accurate O.S.H. statistics, such as data on occupational accidents and occupational diseases is critical in helping the Ministry improve its capacity for strategic planning and evaluation of inspection activities.

Therefore, it is imperative that employers and employees fulfil their obligations and responsibilities by reporting workplace accidents, and cases of occupational disease.

To conclude, it is important that a joint commitment is encouraged by government, workers and employers to build and strengthen a culture of prevention on O.S.H.

It is critical that together we initiate, discuss and agree on ideas and prospects for promoting activities for safety in the workplace, ensure safe working conditions and protect the health of all workers.

This can only be achieved when we have accurate and reliable data, he concluded.
The 10th annual Pacific Water Conference and Expo and 3rd Ministerial Forum will be held this year in Apia, Samoa, from 7  11 August.

The much-anticipated event is coordinated by Samoa Water Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Water Sector and the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association.

This years theme Water Supply in a Changing Environment recognizes the critical impact of climate change on water resources of Pacific nations and the extensive nature of its impact on all sectors. Samoa last hosted this event in 2008 at the first Pacific Water Conference.

There will be close to 200 participants from across the Pacific region attending, from members of the Association including development partners, government Ministries and utility Corporations, professionals in the water industry, engineers, scientists, along with government Ministers from the Pacific region.

Managing Director of Samoa Water Authority, Seugamaalii Jammie Saena, and her staff are confident that this years conference will be a huge success not just for Samoa but for the Pacific Region. Assisting the Government of Samoa with the financial costs of this years conference, is the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Chief Executive Officer of PWWA, Pitolau Lusia Sefo Leau highlights the inclusion of a specific programme for young water professionals as one of the special features of this years conference, made possible with the assistance of the Australian Water Partnership.

This programme brings in young water professionals from water utility organisations around the region and aims to inform, encourage and mentor the future leaders in the water sector of Pacific member utilities.

A highlight of the Pacific Water Conference is the Ministerial Water Forum which will take place on Tuesday, 8 August. This will be the third Ministerial Water Forum since the establishment of the Pacific Water Conference, and is in itself an important commitment by political water leaders in the region of the work of PWWA and advocating for a Pacific voice for water in the global arena.

Running parallel to the Conference from 8-11 August is the Pacific Water Exhibition showcasing water products, services and technological innovations from around the Pacific and beyond. This Expo will be open to the public.
The fact that some people are fighting over land worries an elderly father from Malie.

Speaking to the Village Voice team yesterday, Tauaniu Iolama said if parents dont maintain the land in their lifetime, it may be taken away.

Land is the reason most families go to court, he said.

Most the cases are to do with people fighting over land.

So the way I see it, if we parents dont make sure our lands are willed to our children, others will force their way in to take it.

Aged 66, Mr Iolama said land is a precious gift Samoans are blessed to have.

We should be proud and thankful for that, he said.

Money is buried in the land, we just only need to dig in and work hard to find it. 

As we all know, most of the business people from overseas are here to buy land for development because they dont have any where they live.

The land provides everything, he said.

So, for the sake of our children, lets work on saving it for them.

And he believes that in Samoa, most families are doing the best they can to work land to get what they need, to earn money and also to make sure their children and grandchildren continue on with their heritage.

Mr Iolama said that what hes working on is trying to develop his familys living situation.

We are staying at Malie but I bought this land so that my children and their small families get to have somewhere to stay.

Our family is doing very well; we just need to keep developing but we have everything we need in our homes.

Like I said before, land is the most important gift we Samoans have, therefore we need to make sure it is protected and maintained.

Make sure our kids, grandkids, the next and the next generations are able to develop their families too.

As well as the benefits from maintaining the land Mr Iolama said its good exercise for his body.

Working is also a good way to stay healthy.
People with blood group O have a lower risk of heart attacks than those with the three other major blood groups, A, B, and AB, according to research presented Sunday at a scientific conference in Europe.

Having a non-O blood group is associated with a 9 percent higher risk of heart problems, especially heart attacks, lead researcher Tessa Kole said in a press release about the study.

However, the mortality rate from heart problems was the same among people with O and non-O blood groups.

Advertisement

The research was presented at Heart Failure 2017 and the World Congress on Acute Heart Failure, held by the European Society of Cardiology in Paris, France. Records from more than 700,000 people were examined for the study.

Previous research has suggested that coronary heart disease is significantly lower in those with blood group O, the most common blood type.

This includes a 2015 study in BMC Medicine and a 2012 study in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.

Earlier studies suggest that the A blood type is linked to higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, and that the AB blood type is tied to inflammation, which is also linked to heart disease, according to a WebMD article on the 2012 study.

The four main blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of two antigens, A and B. Group AB have both, and Group O have neither, while Type A and Type B have the respective antigens. Those with one antigen cannot safely receive blood containing the other antigen.

Because Group O blood lacks the antigens, those with it are considered universal donors, as their blood is compatible with the other three blood groups. Group AB people are universal recipients, because they can safely receive all four types of blood.

Receiving incompatible blood may cause a patients immune system to attack the donated blood cells, a potentially fatal condition called hemolytic transfusion reaction. More common allergic reactions are milder, but still uncomfortable, such as itching, fever, chills and hives.

A third and somewhat less important antigen, Rh, is present about 85 percent of the time in Americans. This results in eight blood groups.

Giving Rh positive blood to an Rh negative patient is generally avoided, but has been done in emergencies with good results. Development of a reaction may be delayed, meaning that while the first transfusion may be tolerated, a second one will provoke an immune reaction.

Blood can also be divided into many more minor subgroups, which are of less importance in determining compatibility.

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
School lunches, the butt of jokes for decades, provoked a new wave of massive disgust from numerous students under the inflexible nutritional mandate of former First Lady Michelle Obama.

A 2015 study found that forcing students to take food they didnt want  fruits or vegetables  merely added to the mounds of wasted food students hurled into the trash. Schools that didnt fully comply with the mandate could be cut off from federal funding.

But those standards are to be eased Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to an article in The Hill, a political publication. Sonny Perdue, President Trumps new Secretary of Agriculture, is expected to announce new standards giving schools more flexibility.

Advertisement

Congress, then under control of Democrats in both houses, imposed the mandate in 2010. It became effective in 2012, under the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act.

The idea was to get students used to eating what is widely believed to be healthier food, including fruits and vegetables, and less processed foods that are high in salt and other additives.

But the way the program was enforced revolted many. Offerings might be technically compliant with the regulations, but served in an unappetizing manner that defeated its purpose.

A 2014 Washington Post story reported that students blamed Obama for her advocacy of gross meals that were bland and nauseating.

Mandate opponents sarcastically congratulated the former First Lady with a Twitter hashtag #thanksmichelleobama, along with posts of less-than-appetizing meals.

Sarah Amin, a nutrition researcher at the University of Vermont who led the 2015 study, said the mandate didnt achieve its purpose of putting ostensibly healthier food into students stomachs.

In our study, we found that requiring them to select a fruit or vegetable under these guidelines might have led the children who were not consuming them in the first place, throwing them out and still continuing not to consume them, Amin said in a Union-Tribune story on the mandate.

Amin said she didnt want to stop efforts to provide fruits and vegetables, but to have schools offer them in a form that students want to eat.

Some efforts in that direction involve preparing fruits such as oranges so they are ready to eat, without having to peel the skin.

Meanwhile, studies have found some of the nutritional mandates, such as limitations on sodium and animal fat, to be scientifically unjustified.

People with higher levels of dairy fat in in their blood plasma tend to have lower rates of diabetes, according to a 2016 study published in the journal Circulation. Other studies have also pointed to the lack of evidence of harm from dairy fats, and evidence of a cardioprotective effect from dairy fats. Thats the opposite of advice from government agencies, the American Heart Association and other groups to serve children skim or nonfat milk.

For student lunches, this means that preferentially offering skim or nonfat milk instead of whole milk goes against the science.

While specific details are to be announced Monday, one hint of the changes could be that the USDAs website for planning what it says are healthy meals, Choose My Plate, was down for maintenance as of Sunday.

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
San Diegos latest civic landmark building, the $555 million San Diego Central Courthouse, passed another milestone Wednesday, when more than 650 construction workers attended a traditional topping-out ceremony.

The last steel beam, 25 feet long and weighing nearly 1,600 pounds, was lifted 400 feet above the intersection at Union and C streets to the roof, where construction workers Steve Abram and Jose Ortega and bolted it into place. It carried dozens of signatures from VIPs and workers -- and a small Torrey pine that will be replanted later at a state park.

Advertisement

The 22-story building, with three additional levels plus basement parking and 72 courtrooms, will replace the county courthouse that opened immediately east in the early-1960s.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is the architect and Rudolph & Sletten, the general contractor.

Superior Court Judge Kenneth So, chairman of the buildings judicial advisory group, recalled going into the old courthouse a few weeks after assuming his post in 1994 and encountering engineers in hazmat suits.

They were changing the light bulbs, he said, a reference to the asbestos used widely in the building when it was built. This is really exciting.

Clifford Ham, the state judicial councils architect on courthouses and other construction projects, said the exterior elevators that haul workers up and down the building will be removed in June, after which all the interior furnishings and any additional construction materials will be moved via service elevators.

It will look like its done but theres months and months of testing and programming (ahead), Ham said.

The building is expected to be turned over to the Superior Court in January and various departments will move in from the old court house over subsequent months.

However, one of the first occupants will be the jury lounge currently located in the Hall of Justice immediately south of the new building and west of the old one. That space is to be used for training and other court purposes.

The first cases are expected to be heard in February.

As for the old county courthouse, state officials will be preparing an expected request for proposals to seek a developer who will buy the three-block complex, demolish the buildings and replace them with new structures. One of the blocks is master planned to house an underground parking garage topped by a public park immediately east of the new courthouse front door. The building will not have any public parking.

The project is the states largest in a program to replace, expand and repair court facilities. They are being funded by special court fees.
Jannet Lorenzo waited seven years to hug her mother, and when she finally did, the moment passed in an instant.

Lorenzo and her siblings were among six families divided by the U.S.-Mexican border who reunited briefly at the Door of Hope Sunday. The event, held for the fifth time ever, celebrated Mexicos national Childrens Day by offering families a three-minute window to hug, kiss and hold their loved ones.

It feels really good, said Lorenzo, 31, of San Marcos, as she awaited her turn. Its going to be hard to let go. But we still have to follow orders.

Advertisement

The event is held in Friendship Park, which provides a sort of safe zone during special events, where people from the U.S. and Mexico who cannot legally cross the border can visit without fear of deportation.

The first such greeting took place in 2013, said Enrique Morones, executive director of Border Angels, which organizes the event. Since then they have planned four more opportunities for long-separated families to briefly embrace.

1 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to briefly meet with loved ones living in Mexico through an open gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to briefly meet with loved ones living in Mexico through an open gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 24 Familes north of the border were allowed to speak with families leaving south of the border at Border Field State Park on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 24 Jannet Lorenzo along with her sister Joselin Lorenzo were allowed to go the gate to visit with their mother, Reynea Mosso. In the group is Janets daughter, Kimberly and Joselins son, Fabian. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through an open gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 24 Familes north of the border were allowed to speak with families leaving south of the border at Border Field State Park on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 24 At the border fence at Border Field State Park on Sunday, Jannet Lorenzo (age 31) along with her sister Hayde Lorenzo (age 17) pass a small flower through the fence to their mom Reynea Mosso in Mexico. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 24 Reynea Mosso looks through the fence slots as she speaks with her 3 daughters and son at Border Field State Park on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 24 Hayde Lorenzo (age 17) waits for her older sister Janet Lorenzo to come to the fence so that may visit with their mom, Reynea Mosso at Border Field State Park on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the fence. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 24 Reynea Mosso looks through the fence slots as she speaks with her 3 daughters and son at Border Field State Park on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through the gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 24 Jannet Lorenzo (age 31) along with her sister Hayde Lorenzo (age 17) visit with their mom Reynea Mosso at the border fence at Border Field State Park on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through an open gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through an open gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through an open gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 24 / 24 At Border Field State Park on Sunday, families north of the border were allowed to speak with loved ones living in Mexico through an open gate. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune)

For Lorenzo and her younger sister, the opportunity was a bittersweet chance to reconnect with their mother, whom they last saw in the U.S. in 2010. Their mother brought them into the country when they were young children, and traveled to Mexico for a family visit seven years ago, assuming she could easily return. That didnt happen, and what they all assumed would be a short vacation turned into a long-term separation.

Lorenzo, then in her 20s, raised her younger siblings, as well as her own daughter, now 6. While her youngest siblings are U.S. citizens and can cross the border, she and her 19-year-old sister remain in the country through the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program, and cannot return to Mexico. They have been to the park before to talk with their mother through gaps in the 20-foot steel wall, she said, and found the visit both joyful and heartbreaking.

It was very hard for us, she said. We couldnt hug her and make her feel better. This is going to be even more painful.

Shortly before noon, the families lined up as Border Patrol agents opened the heavy, rusted door between the two nations. Parents, children, grandchildren and siblings clutched each other tearfully, savoring the three-minute family reunions. When Lorenzos chance came up, she and her 19-year-old sister, 6-year-old daughter and 3-year-old nephew crossed through the door to hug her mother for the first time since 2010.

I was shaking, and my heart was beating really hard, she said. The three minutes passed right away. I thought I was there for one minute.

For Lorenzo and other visitors, the event was even more poignant amid uncertainty about federal immigration policy. As President Donald Trump pushes to build a border wall and deport undocumented immigrants, some families wonder if they will ever be together again.

Most of my family is scared, really scared, Lorenzo said. My mom lost a little more hope.

Yanel Valenzuela, 27, of Los Angeles, visits the park every few months to speak to her mother through the wall, and hopes to hug her at the Door of Hope in the future. Brought to the country as a child, Valenzuela, a transgender woman, gained asylum a year ago. Her mother lives in Mexico and has been unable to cross the border, but the two speak by phone several times per day.

Even though we talk for hours, physically it would be so nice to hug her, she said. The privilege of having someone so close, you dont appreciate it.

Morones said he was nervous while planning this years event, given the proposed tightening of border enforcement. Nonetheless, he said, it went smoothly, and he hopes it inspires better relations between the two countries.

Its a non-political event, he said. Love has no borders. So if someone in D.C. sees this little girl hugging her dad for the first time, that could make a difference in immigration reform.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
CITY COUNCILS

CARLSBAD

The city of Carlsbad is seeking residents to fill a vacancy on the Traffic Safety Commission, a five-member group that makes recommendations to the City Council on traffic safety, pedestrian safety, parking and school safety. Members serve four-year terms. Applicants must be Carlsbad residents and registered voters. Find applications at www.carlsbadca.gov or in the city clerks office in City Hall at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. Application deadline is noon May 10. Call Doug Bilse at (760) 602-7504.

Advertisement

DEL MAR

The Del Mar City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in Suite 100 at 2010 Jimmy Durante Blvd., when it will consider a resolution confirming that short-term rentals are not allowed within the residential zones, except for residential-commercial. It will then discuss how to determine what types of short-term rental uses, if any, could be allowed within the residential zones. The council will also interview applicants and make appointments to the Design Review Board; review the design proposal for the citywide landscaping improvement project; and review three designs for Shores Park and decide next steps for community input.

The council has also scheduled budget workshops from noon-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to allow for public comment and adequate discussion time.

OCEANSIDE

The Oceanside City Council will meet in closed session at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in City Council Chambers at 300 N. Coast Highway to discuss labor negotiations and litigation. In open session at 5 p.m., the council will hold hearings on permits for a 13-lot subdivision with 10 houses on Loma Alta Drive between Walsh Street and Mesa Drive, and on the citys move to by-district elections.

POWAY

The Poway City Council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers, 13325 Civic Center Drive, when it will discuss agreements totaling $847,270 with Tyler Technologies Inc. for a new finances, human resources and payroll system, with NexLevel Information Technology Inc. for project management services, and contingency funds for staffing and buying hardware/software. The council will then meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations.

SAN MARCOS

The San Marcos City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. May 9 at City Hall, 1 Civic Center Drive.

SOLANA BEACH

The Solana Beach City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. May 10 in City Council Chambers, 635 S. Highway 101.

VISTA

The Vista City Council is scheduled to meet at 3:45 p.m. May 10 in City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, to interview candidates for various city commissions, committees and boards.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

CARLSBAD

The Carlsbad Unified School District board will meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday for a special budget study session at the district office, 6225 El Camino Real. The board will then go into closed session to discuss labor negotiations.

ENCINITAS

The Encinitas Union School District will meet in special session at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday at El Camino Creek Elementary, 7885 Paseo Aliso, Carlsbad, to hear presentations and plans from students in the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program Internship program, and will consider accepting the pollution prevention plans for El Camino Creek, Flora Vista, La Costa Heights, Mission Estancia, Ocean Knoll, Olivenhain Pioneer, Capri, Paul Ecke Central and Park Dale Lane elementary schools.

FALLBROOK

The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday in Room 106 of the district office, 321 N. Iowa St., for a celebration honoring its employees of the year and teachers of the year. At 6 p.m. in regular session, the board is expected to approve a Safe Schools resolution, which means that the district will do all it can lawfully to protect students confidential information and ensure that their classrooms are not disrupted by immigration enforcement actions. The board will also hear a report on budget assumptions for the 2017-18 fiscal year, and a presentation from the GEAR UP program at Palomar College.

VISTA

The Vista Unified School District board is scheduled to meet in closed session at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Morris Vance Community Room, 200 Civic Center Drive, and in open session at 7 p.m.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
A towering crane rose above downtown Oceanside last week on a site swarming with construction workers, where a seven-store apartment complex will soon start rising a few blocks from the citys municipal pier.

The Pierside North Apartments will cover an entire city block along Cleveland Street just north of the Oceanside Transit Center, with three levels of parking and ground-level retail stores, topped by 110 apartments and an outdoor pool on the third floor.

The project is part of the long-planned transformation of the seaside hub into a resort area with hotels, restaurants and multi-story high-end apartment buildings. Other nearby blocks have undergone a similar metamorphosis, or will in the near future.

Advertisement

They had a vision of this 35 years ago, and here it is coming true, said Bill Brennan of Mission Viejo on Tuesday, as he stood atop the transit center parking garage, overlooking the busy construction site next to the railroad tracks.

Brennan said he worked in Oceanside in the 1980s and 90s, and people were always discussing grand plans for the area around the iconic pier. For one reason or another  problems with financing, conflicts with the California Coastal Commission  they never quite came together.

Now thats changed. And while neighboring coastal cities like Carlsbad and Encinitas want to limit development and keep things small near the beach, Oceanside is thinking big.

Things are really going to change there over the next three or four years, said Brian Mulvany, vice president of Denver-based G.F. Properties. A subsidiary of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the company owns five city blocks in Oceanside along the railroad tracks north and south of Mission Avenue.

Adding more retail stories, restaurants and residents will boost all downtown businesses, Mulvany said.

It brings more people to that area  not just tourists, he said. Having people living there permanently will help liven up the area.

The Pierside construction site  known as Block 19  is being built at the southwest corner of Cleveland Street and Mission Avenue. On Tuesday, dozens of workers were pouring concrete into a giant hole that will become the buildings foundation. The 120-foot-tall tower began operating after passing an OSHA inspection on Monday. It will remain on the site through December as the building goes up around it.

Well get to street level in June, project manager Timothy Davies said. Youll see (the building) start to come out of the ground in July. Well top out in November, when weve reached the highest point of the structure.

Completion of Pierside South, the largest of the G.F. Properties buildings, is expected in the fall of 2018. It is the third of the companys five blocks to be developed.

First was the block on Mission Avenue west of the railroad tracks, where a Springhill Suites Marriott with a Bettys Fish House Restaurant opened in 2014. Second was Pierside North, a four-story, 66-unit apartment and retail building that opened last year on Block 18 across Mission Avenue from where Pierside South is going up.

Construction timing on the final two properties, Blocks 20 and 5, is so far undetermined, Mulvany said. Groundbreaking depends on a number of factors including the success of the first three projects, the economy, and the citys unfolding plans for downtown Oceanside and the Coast Highway corridor. One of the blocks is being used for temporary construction offices and a staging area for the Pierside projects. The other is a parking lot.

Weve got a little time, Mulvany said. We have until May of 2027 to break ground on the other two blocks.

All five blocks owned by G.F. Properties were formerly owned by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, which operated a switching yard for freight trains there until the 1980s.

The city worked for 10 years to get rid of the railroad yards, which tied up almost 22 acres at the end of Mission Avenue a block from the public pier. The moving trains blocked street traffic dozens of times a day, and the switching yard was considered an eyesore that attracted crime to the area. Negotiations with the railroad, the Marine Corps and regulating agencies concluded in 1988, when the railroad yard was moved to Camp Pendleton just north of the Oceanside harbor.

And then, more waiting. The area has been vacant since the switching yard left, though the city leased some of the property for beach area public parking.

The railroads real estate holding company, Catellus Development Corp., proposed some hotel and condominium projects in the 1990s that never got off the ground. Then Catellus sold all five vacant blocks in 2004 to CityMark, which is a partner of G.F. Properties, and things began to happen..

Big things also are coming to other vacant land near the pier.

Construction is underway in the 300 block of Cleveland Street, next to the Pierside North building, on the North Beach Promenade. That building combines a parking garage with 52 condominiums and 9,400 square feet of commercial space on Block 23, which was a city parking lot for years. Pelican Communities of Newport Beach owns the property.

The Promenade project will have 357 parking spaces designated for the public and 81 spaces for condo residents, with pedestrian access to the beach through the Pier View Way undercrossing beneath the railroad tracks. City officials have said the additional parking there will more than make up for public spaces lost to development in other nearby beach areas.

Groundbreaking is expected early next year for a long-awaited beach resort hotel on two blocks the city owns east of Pacific Street north and south of Mission Avenue. Construction is scheduled to take about two years.

Its been over a decade weve been working on this, said Jeremy Cohen, a senior vice president at S.D. Malkin Properties. First it was the entitlements, then the Great Recession, then the end of redevelopment, then the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed by San Diegans for Open Government, challenged the citys award of more than $13 million in subsidies to Malkin through the refund of transient occupancy taxes for the next 15 years. City officials approved the subsidy to encourage the project after previous proposals fell through. A state appellate court ruled in the citys favor last year.

Malkins current version of the hotel calls for the southern building to be six stories and 226 hotel rooms, and the northern building to be seven stories, 158 rooms and a restaurant on the top floor. Both will be built at the same time, Cohen said.

Also planned for the hotel are a bar, a spa, a ballroom, and meeting rooms. No brand has been chosen yet to operate the hotel, he said.

The two-block site is the same location where San Diego developer Douglas Manchester, a former owner of the Union-Tribune, proposed building a 12-story resort in the late 1990s. Manchesters project was shut down in 2002, in part because the state Coastal Commission objected to his plan to close part of Pacific Street.

The two-block site is the same location where San Diego developer Douglas Manchester, a former owner of the Union-Tribune, proposed building a 12-story resort in the late 1990s. Manchesters project was shut down in 2002, in part because the state Coastal Commission objected to his plan to close part of Pacific Street.

philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @phildiehl
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke about the need for replacing VIP with EPI (Every person is important) during his Mann ki Baat address.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation with his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat. This is the 31st edition of the show.

PM Modi's radio show has had an overwhelming reception, especially among those in urban areas. A recent study has said that the show is popular among six cities including Mumbai and Chennai.

advertisement

In the last edition, the PM spoke about the significance of having good relations with Bangladesh. The PM emphasised on the importance of cleanliness. Schemes like Digidhan Melas, maternity leave and skill development programmes too were discussed.

HERE ARE THE MANN KI BAAT UPDATES:

Weather is too hot, inhospitable, take care of your loved ones and take care of yourselves. Wish you all the best.

It is important step by India to enhance co-operation with entire South Asia. I welcome all South Asian countries who joined us.

Capacities of satellite and facilities it provides will go long way in addressing South Asia's economic & developmental priorities.

On May 5, India will launch the South Asia Satellite.

It is important step by India to enhance co-operation with entire South Asia. I welcome all South Asian countries who joined us.

My dear countrymen, India has always advanced on the path of progress in the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

And when we say Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, it is not limited to the confines of India. It applies to the global context too.

In the 12th century, he had laid down his profound thoughts on labour and workers.

I'm also reminded of the great 12th century saint and social reformer from Karnataka Jagat Guru Basaveshwar.

In memory of Saint Ramanujacharya, the government of India is releasing a stamp tomorrow, the May 1.

You would be aware that for the facilities and respect that workers have earned, we are grateful to Babasaheb.

When people mark Labour Day on May 1, we remember Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and his role for the welfare of workers: PM

Now that we are celebrating 1000th birth anniversary of Ramanujacharya, we should gain inspiration from him.

'Our concept of New India precisely is that in place of VIP, more priority should be accorded to EPI (Every person is important).

Through his own conduct, he embraced those who were ostracized by society.

Not many would know that Ramanujacharya relentlessly struggled against rampant social evils.

Exit of red beacon through govt decision is part of a system. But we have to make efforts to cleanse it out of our minds.

Government recently decided that no person in India, whatsoever his status might be, will not move with a red beacon atop his vehicle.

In our country there exists an atmosphere of disdain towards VIP culture. But that it runs so very deep, I just experienced

Government of India has provided you with a great opportunity. You must be downloading BHIM App and using it.

This scheme is valid till the October 14. It will be your contribution towards making of a digital India

But do refer it to others. If new member does 3 transactions, performs financial business thrice, you stand to earn Rs10 for that.

I urge my young friends to get more and more people of the BHIM App during these holidays.

I wish you share your travel photographs with me, it will be nice. Make good use of Incredible India and share your experiences.

Learn a musical instrument, do some thing out of the box. India is full of diversities. Try learning a language.

If you don't know how to swim, then learn swimming, try doing some drawing, even if you do not end up making the best drawing.

Get away from technology, and try to spend some time with yourself.

I am sure there is so much to learn and people have so much to teach. These must meet & new skills must be taught and learnt.

Technology has occupied the social space and have drifted families apart.

Pursue sports in the holidays. Also go play with children of nearby areas .

My young friends, make these holidays about new experiences, new skills and new places.

Have you ever thought of travelling in 2nd Class railway compartment without reservation, and going for at least 24 hours ride?

Play with those poor kids, you will experience a new kind of joy, the kind you would have never experienced in your life before.

Sometimes there are summer camps, for development of different facets of your personality. You can participate in these camps.

As a friend, I want to talk about how to spend your summer vacation. I have three suggestions.

I have noticed children have taken a lead when it comes to putting a bowl of water for birds during the summers: PM Modi

PM Modi talks about dwindling number of sparrows.

Temperatures are rising. No wonder this time when I asked for suggestions for Mann Ki Baat, people wrote about the summers: PM Modi

Before Mann Ki Baat, I get many ideas and suggestions on MyGov: PM Modi

Both Gujarat, Maharashtra have contributed greatly to India's development. Greetings on their respective statehood days: PM Modi

PM Modi greets the people of Gujarat and Maharashtra on their respective statehood days.

First of all I congratulate those who have contributed to the society: PM Modi

PM reaches out to youth and senior citizens for their valuable suggestions.

PM Modi greets citizens on his Mann Ki Baat.

Also read:

Don't view triple talaq through prism of politics, PM Modi appeals to Muslims

PM Narendra Modi responds to tweets, Rahul will act in 3 years: Himanta Biswa Sarma at Mind Rocks

Did PM Modi have a special message hand delivered to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif?

WATCH | Mann Ki Baat: Concept of New India is EPI (Every person is important), not VIP: PM Modi

--- ENDS ---
At least three North County cities are considering new ordinances to regulate or ban marijuana sales before state legislation takes effect in January that would allow widespread cultivation and sales.

Carlsbad is the latest to jump on board, with the City Council considering a proposed ban on commercial marijuana sales including storefront dispensaries. The council sent the draft ordinance back to staff last week, saying they want to make sure it will allow professional research on the substance by Carlsbad biotech companies, and allow medical marijuana deliveries to cancer patients.

Two recent state laws take aim at marijuana, including Proposition 64 passed by voters in November to allow recreational use. The state intends to begin issuing licenses to marijuana businesses Jan. 1, unless local jurisdictions prevent them.

Advertisement

In San Diego County, only San Diego, La Mesa and Lemon Grove have approved ordinances allowing medical marijuana dispensaries, and only San Diego has allowed recreational pot sales.

Oceanside now bans dispensaries, but its stance on the drug could be softening.

The City Council approved an ordinance last year that allows medical marijuana delivery to homes. And earlier this month, the council created a committee to study how sales might be regulated in the city. The committee  which includes council members Jerry Kern and Chuck Lowery, along with Treasurer Rafe Edward Trickey Jr.  is expected to report back to the full council in six months.

Legalizing marijuana has strong support among many Oceanside residents. Several farmers in the Morro Hills area on the citys northeastern border have said the crop could replace agricultural products such as avocados, tomatoes and strawberries that are being pushed out of the area by high labor and water costs.

Im a farmer, so I want to grow the best cash crop I can, said George Simons, who has a palm tree nursery in Morro Hills, at a recent Oceanside City Council meeting. Im not familiar with the stuff (marijuana), but I understand it pays pretty good, plus it doesnt use much water.

Another farmer, Mike Mellano Jr., also asked the Oceanside council recently to legalize commercial marijuana cultivation. His family has one of the largest farms in Oceanside and operates the popular Flower Fields in Carlsbad.

Meanwhile, Vista is preparing an ordinance that would allow a maximum of two medical marijuana dispensaries to operate under limited conditions within the city limits. The ordinance is a reversal of the Vista City Councils earlier opposition to the sales, but the council says its hand has been forced by support for a petition being circulated by residents to place the issue on the ballot.

Escondido and Poway both approved medical marijuana bans early last year, and San Marcos took the step in 2015.

Because Proposition 64, approved by 57 percent of California voters in November, allows the adult recreational use of marijuana some cities are updating their rules or passing new ones.

Carlsbads proposed ordinance will preserve the status quo, said Deputy City Attorney Heather Stroud. Marijuana is not allowed.

As written, it prohibits all commercial  cultivation, manufacture, distribution, processing, storing, laboratory testing, labeling, transportation, distribution, (and) delivery of marijuana. It prohibits outdoor cultivation, but allows indoor cultivation at a private residence screened public view.

Council members said the citys biotech industry should be able to do laboratory testing of marijuana products, and that patients with legitimate needs should be able to obtain marijuana when its prescribed for them.

The council unanimously agreed to continue the issue to another meeting later this year so attorneys can amend the proposed ordinance to address those issues.

philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @phildiehl
A woman who was attacked by a shark while swimming at a popular surf spot off Camp Pendletons San Onofre beach is fighting for her life, her mother wrote Sunday.

Leeanne Ericson was in the water off a beach dubbed Church when she was bitten on her thigh about 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Bystanders helped pull her to shore and stanch the bleeding until she could be airlifted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, authorities said.

Christine McKnerney Leidle wrote on a GoFundMe page that her daughter is expected to undergo several surgeries and that her recovery will be lengthy.

Advertisement

She is a single mom with three young children who depend on her, McKnerney Leidle wrote. She has a long (road) ahead...

Ericson, 35, resides in Vista, according to public records.

The beach was closed in the wake of the attack, and California state park officials and Marine Corps commanders appear poised to extend the ban.

Weve closed the beaches in the geographic proximity to the attack, said Todd Lewis, the Central Sector Superintendent for the California State Parks Orange Coast District. It appears that the life guards at Camp Pendleton are recommending that the beach remain closed for another 24 hours. If they make that final determination, we will follow suit.

That would mean no swimming, surfing or diving along the coast about a mile north and south of San Onofre Beach.

Lewis said that both Camp Pendletons commanders and state officials follow similar policies whenever there are verified reports of aggressive behavior or an attack by a shark.

Camp Pendleton posted guards on Sunday to bar visitors from the water, with lifeguards from Marine Corps Community Services on the scene as well.

Marine Corps spokeswoman Lt. Abigail Peterson said commanders would use the official Twitter account on Sunday evening to announce a decision on whether to keep the beach closed or to reopen it.

Surflines webcams have caught great white sharks breaching waves in the area over the past month, including footage of a predator arcing into the air near Lower Trestles in Orange County.

Although there have been numerous human encounters with predator fish in San Diego County over the past seven decades, San Onofres attack was only the 11th violent incident recorded in the area.

The last fatal shark attack in San Diego County was in 2010, when retired veterinarian David Martin, 66, was killed by a great white shark while on a triathlon training swim off Fletcher Cove.

Although the state officially has closed the beaches flanking the Church section of the shoreline, at 5 p.m. on Sunday 14 surfers bobbed on the waves about five football fields away from where the Saturday attack occurred.

Multiple surfers told The Union-Tribune that the state does not enforce the ban and those taking to the water do so at their own risk. San Clementes Dominic DeSantis, 54, stood on the sand, scanning the sun-dappled sea for the telltale launch of a shark.

If you see it, you just dont go out, said DeSantis. Its kind of like you have to see it to verify it. If you didnt see it, it never happened. Thats the way pretty much everybody thinks.:

With 43 years spent riding San Onofres waves, DeSantis said sharks sightings have grown in frequency over the past three years.

Theyre jumping out of the water, said DeSantis, pointing south toward the coast along San Onofre State Parks nature trails. Two, three Friday nights ago, I saw one breach. I thought, Oh. OK. And then I went out surfing. The waves were really good.

Shark experts say that what DeSantis and his fellow surfers are seeing isnt unusual. Attacks have increased since the turn of this century, as a result of growing shark populations and rising numbers of swimmers, surfers and divers said Ralph Collier, president of the Shark Research Committee, a non-profit research organization that tracks shark attacks on the West Coast and director of the Global Shark Attack File in Princeton, New Jersey.

There were 108 shark attacks on the Pacific Coast between 1926 and 1999, he said. The rate dramatically increased after that, however, with 95 attacks in just the last 17 years.

Marine protections such as stricter gillnet regulations have reduced the number of sharks accidentally caught by fishing boats, contributing to rising shark numbers as more visitors flocked to the ocean.

When you increase the population of the ocean user groups, and you increase the population of sharks, you increase the possibility that there is going to be an interaction between them, Collier said.

Newborn, juvenile and sub-adult white sharks often frequent shallow waters where they can easily find prey, he said. Soaring numbers of seals and sea lions also draw the sharks toward shore, where people are playing in the waves, he said.

Collier counts five attacks at San Onofre since 2004 but the sharks glide unseen among surfers and paddle boarders there on a nearly daily basis.

I ventured to San Onofre in 2004, spent a number of days looking down from cliff, Collier said. I watched white sharks swimming among, between and below surfers, and they never even knew they were there. Its not like every time they are around a human theyre going to bite them.

Military Videos  On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France  at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal

cprine@sduniontribune.com
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.

Advertisement

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
About 5,000 individuals participated in the Peoples Climate March along San Diegos waterfront on Saturday.

They were joined by like-minded Americans at some 300 other rally sites nationwide, with a primary goal of urging the Trump administration to rethink its policies on climate change.

1 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Denver on April 29, 2017. (JASON CONNOLLY / AFP/Getty Images) 2 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Philadelphia on April 29, 2017. (Matt Rourke / AP) 3 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2017. (JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AFP/Getty Images) 4 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Lisbon, Portugal on April 29, 2017. (ANTONIO COTRIM / EFE) 6 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Geneva, Switzerland on April 29, 2017. (SALVATORE DI NOLFI / EFE) 8 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Seattle on April 29, 2017. (Karen Ducey / Getty Images) 9 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Los Angeles on April 29, 2017. (ANDREW CULLEN / Reuters Photo) 10 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Philadelphia on April 29, 2017. (MIKE THEILER / Reuters Photo) 11 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Amsterdam on April 29, 2017. (KOEN VAN WEEL / EFE) 12 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in New York City on April 29, 2017. (Jason DeCrow / AP) 13 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2017. (JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AFP/Getty Images) 15 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Chicago on April 29, 2017. (JOSHUA LOTT / AFP/Getty Images) 16 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Denver on April 29, 2017. (JASON CONNOLLY / AFP/Getty Images) 18 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2017. (JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AFP/Getty Images) 19 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Chicago on April 29, 2017. (JOSHUA LOTT / AFP/Getty Images) 20 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2017. (JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AFP/Getty Images) 21 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2017. (JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AFP/Getty Images) 22 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2017. (NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP/Getty Images) 24 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 25 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 26 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune) 27 / 27 A scene from the Peoples Climate March in San Diego on April 29, 2017. (Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Advertisement

You can see a sampling of images from these events in the photo gallery above.

The Peoples Climate March came on the heels of another coast-to-coast set of rallies that included environmentalists  the March for Science. Roughly 15,000 people showed up for the science rally in San Diego, and if you havent been able to read the Union-Tribunes coverage of that gathering, heres a link to our story.

Twitter: @jemersmith

Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
About 50 people opposed to abortion waved signs, recited the Lords Prayer and called for an end to federal funding for Planned Parenthood at a demonstration Saturday outside the health-care providers El Cajon office.

Similar demonstrations were planned for Chula Vista and Escondido, organizers said, as part of the second annual National Day of Prayer and Protest organized by #Protest PP, a coalition of anti-abortion groups. The coalition said more than 150 events were planned for this weekend in 38 states.

Patricia Hansen, an Alpine resident who organized the event in El Cajon, said, Were here to call for the defunding of Planned Parenthood. Its just wrong for taxpayers to support an organization that commits 320,000 abortions a year.

Advertisement

Planned Parenthood receives about $500 million annually in federal funds. The organization says about 3 percent of its services are abortion-related, with most of the rest going for sexual and reproductive health care, education and outreach.

john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com
The news rocketed out of Washington along with some fever-pitch commentary about its potential impacts:

White House to consider ordering withdraw from NAFTA, one headline said Wednesday.

But in San Diego, perhaps the nations Ground Zero for U.S.-Mexico border trade, there was no perceptible pulse-quickening among business leaders with a heavy stake in cross-border commerce.

Advertisement

We thought this was coming, so its not a complete surprise, Jerry Sanders, president and CEO of San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, told the Union-Tribunes Sandra Dibble.

I would certainly hope that rather than just ending it, that they would renegotiate  and thats something that will probably happen.

Dibble got this reaction from Eduardo Acosta, a customs broker and president of the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce:

NAFTA is a huge part of our region, theres a lot of stake ultimately. But I think it will all eventually work out, and there will be some upgrades and some adjustments we have to make.

Those two seemed to have a good feel for this because hours after the news broke, things changed dramatically: President Donald Trump told Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in phone conversations that he was game to give renegotiation a try and would not move ahead with scrapping the pact at this time.

Once upon a time, San Diego border commerce advocates and their Tijuana counterparts might have wigged-out over Trumps heated rhetoric about trashing or radically overhauling the North American Free Trade Agreement, which would have significant impacts in border regions and beyond. But his careening NAFTA narrative has been going on a good while now, and the locals seem to have stayed on an even keel through the buffeting winds.

Just a few weeks ago, there were stories about a draft proposal in which the administration only sought modest changes to NAFTA.

Then on Thursday, word leaked out that an executive order was being proposed to start the withdrawal process from the trade pact (and that it was drafted by Peter Navarro, who ran for mayor of San Diego, among other local offices).

Then the breeze quickly shifted back to negotiations. Whether this all was a negotiating tactic or infighting among the pro-trade and protectionist factions in the White House isnt clear.

Regardless, neither Sanders nor Acosta was going to get whiplash over the whole affair. Or, for that matter, was Rep. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego.

Asked about the initial news that Trump may be on the path to scuttling NAFTA, he responded:

With the mercurial nature of our president, its prudent that I hold off on making public comments until we are able to determine what action his administration truly plans to take.

Ace the tax-fighting cat, R.I.P.

Ace was the locally famous cat who belonged to former City Councilman Carl DeMaio and his partner, Johnathan Hale.

While Ace didnt command the national stage like first cat Socks (Bill Clinton) or first dogs Barney (George W. Bush) and Bo (Barack Obama), Ace arguably had a greater policy profile.

The media-adroit DeMaio enlisted Ace at a news conference and in interviews in 2011 to help galvanize opposition to a proposed $25 cat registration fee in the city of San Diego. The one-time fee was to pay for necessary shots and help offset what the auditor said was a city subsidy for animal services in unincorporated areas.

San Diego had a sizable budget shortfall at the time, and that was viewed by then-Councilman DeMaio and others as the real reason for the cat tax.

The odds may have been against the levy in tax-averse San Diego to begin with, but Ace may have helped seal the deal.

DeMaio, now a radio talk show host on KOGO, announced Aces passing on Tuesday.

Ace was a loving pure-breed Bengal cat who was very talkative. Ace took after his daddy in that he was also a taxpayer advocate, according to a news release.

At the height of his power, Ace may have unleashed what can only be described as a headline writers gone wild syndrome.

Another memory of Filner

Bob Filner surfaced in the publics consciousness this past week with news that he has self-published a book. His re-emergence no doubt brought back some bad memories for the nearly two dozen women who said they were sexually harassed by him or became the target of his unwanted advances and inappropriate touching. If so, the women didnt share them publicly.

Former Union-Tribune reporter Craig Gustafson, however, came forth with a different kind of recollection from when he covered a Filner news conference.

In a Twitter string, Gustafson, now press secretary and director of media relations for Mayor Kevin Faulconer, relayed a literal run-in with Filner.

Since Filner is in the news, Ill share a story from the 2012 mayors race that I covered for the U-T. I had broken my collarbone  and was wearing a sling. He knew about the injury. When he arrived at a newser, he came up behind me, grabbed my injured shoulder  and shook it roughly and said, How ya doing? That was the type of person he was. Needless to say, I enjoyed covering the fall.

Tweet of the Week

Goes to #NBC7 (@nbcsandiego)

Worlds last male rhino getting help from Tinder dating app.
When a group of aerospace engineers who worked together decades ago at San Diegos Convair decided to have a reunion Saturday, only one place made sense for the gathering.

The Wind Tunnel.

Built 70 years ago and still in use, the tunnel is where the engineers models for fighter jets, missiles and jumbo airliners were tested for coefficient of drag. They got tested for lift.

Advertisement

This is where the engineers learned whether what they had imagined would fly.

We got the data we needed here, said Bernard Kuchta, one of the engineers, as he stood Saturday afternoon not far from the 20-foot-diameter, six-blade fan that puts the wind in wind tunnel. People dont realize how important it was to the work.

Known formally now as the San Diego Air & Space Technology Center  Wind Tunnel, its in a nondescript building on Pacific Highway near the airports new consolidated car-rental facility. The tunnel is owned by the San Diego Air & Space Museum, which bought it in 2006 when it looked like the operation was going to be shut down, taking a piece of the citys rich aviation history with it.

General manager Dave Massey said about 50 percent of the tunnels business is aerospace these days, even in the digital age. You wont find too many pilots who want to fly in something thats just been simulated on a computer, he said.

Another 25 percent of the business involves sports. Competitive cyclists and Olympic luge racers get in the tunnel to test the aerodynamics of their clothes, helmets and vehicles, hoping to shave tenths of seconds off their times, which is often the difference between winning a medal and not.

Three members of the USA Luge national team are at the San Diego Wind Tunnel this week to shave a few hundredths of a second over the upcoming 2016-2017 World Cup season.

The other 25 percent of the customers are inventors of things like construction-zone fencing, fast-food signage and solar panels, who are eager to see how their products withstand what Mother Nature might bring. The tunnel, a continuous loop, can produce winds of up to 270 mph.

In the beginning, though, this place was all about airplanes, and thats what the engineers reminisced about Saturday. It was a small gathering, about 15 people, organized after some of them were at a Super Bowl party at Kuchtas Clairemont home earlier this year and got to talking about the old days at Convair, which was located in buildings adjacent to the wind tunnel. It operated from 1943 to the 1990s and was a significant manufacturer of planes, rockets and spacecraft.

When the engineers at the party realized that some of them had started working together 60 years ago, they decided it was time for a reunion.

At the wind tunnel building, they looked at models and photos of planes that were tested there, including some they had worked on: the F-106 Delta Dart, the 880 and 990 airliners. They walked around the control room, which still has some of the original analog dials. Theres a small display with a running tally of the number of tests performed  1,719  and a wall of photos of some of the more unusual things that have gone into the tunnel. A model of Qualcomm Stadium, for example.

The engineers and their wives went into the section of the tunnel where the tests occur  its 8 feet high, 12 feet wide and 25 feet long  and then they went downstairs, to the chamber where the fan is. Its still powered by the original 2,700 rpm, 1947 Westinghouse engine, Massey said.

A sign on the door reads Authorized Personnel Only, and the engineers said it was off-limits back in their day. While they ate lunch there, historic black-and-white photos were projected onto a screen. The men and women, now in their 80s, shared stories about tests that showed them what kinds of adjustments were needed in their designs. Wings might be moved up or back, for example. They might be lengthened.

Several of the engineers recalled an episode from the 1950s when they were testing an expensive wooden model of the Convair 990, an airliner designed for coast-to-coast flights. It blew loose from its moorings, shot down the tunnel and smashed into a wall. They could laugh about it now.

Reduced to toothpicks, Kuchta said.

john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com
The Delhi BJP Chief Manoj Tiwari today had breakfast with slum dwellers of Samaypur Badli.

By Abhishek Anand: Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief and MP Manoj Tiwari today had breakfast with slum dwellers of Samaypur Badli.

Accompanied with Leader of Opposition Vijendra Gupta, he visited the slum and had his morning meal at a resident's house.

"Breakfast is just a gesture, I am making notes about the problems of the area. The slums are deprived of water, sewage and toilets. I have observed that 98 per cent of slums' problems are related to Delhi government," said Tiwari.

advertisement

Tiwari had a simple breakfast comprising rice, lentil, vegetable and salad- at a shanty of Shyam Kumar, a resident of Samaypur Badli. Hundreds of slum dwellers gathered at Kumar's place to catch a glimpse of the Delhi BJP chief.

On Arvind Kejriwal's repudiating stance on MCD election result, Tiwari added,"What work is he talking about... Work is here where I am standing (in the slums)... Work cannot be done from air conditioned rooms."

He also requested the Delhi Chief Minister to join him in making slums a better place to live.

Also read: Delhi: JNU professor's car vandalised, investigations on

Also read: Delhi deputy CM Sisodia's Twitter hacked. Anti-Anna Hazare message retweeted

WATCH | Manoj Tiwari to India Today: AAP a poisonous party

--- ENDS ---
The Union-Tribune undertook an ambitious project starting in December: a San Diego County almanac that would use writers, editors, photographers, graphic artists and data specialists to profile 75 cities and communities.

The 146-page, full-color glossy publication appeared last Sunday in readers newspapers.It featured a map of each city or community, a photo, short story that included history and landmarks, and extensive data: population; demographics on race, marriage, education; median household income; median home price; and how the residents voted in Novembers presidential election. Some readers saw a big problem in it, however. Their community was missing.

Very, very sad that you did not include ... Talmadge Park Estates, wrote one reader.How could you not include Mount Helix, a caller asked me in disbelief.

Advertisement

Mark Johnson of Bonita wrote: Just received the San Diego Almanac. ... Was actually interested in reading about our neighborhood. We are all proud of our location due to its proximity to the city but maintaining that rural landscape. Unfortunately, Bonita didnt even make it into your Almanac. Just wanted to express our disappointment.

Another reader found Bonitas omission offensive.

There were others: Where was Grantville, Bonsall, Serra Mesa; Rolando Park, Rolando Village?

San Diego City Councilwoman Myrtle Cole tweeted, Im disappointed in the UT almanac for not including any comms. in CD4. Ill be writing & calling the UT to update & include D4 communities.

Council District 4 includes such communities as Paradise Hills, Valencia Park, Skyline, Mountain View and Encanto.

Richard Bunnell of Linda Vista called to say Clairemont Mesa  a big chunk of land  was omitted. Although Bunnell called the publication a great service and something he was going to keep on his desk, he said not including Clairemont Mesa hurts the papers image.

When I told him other readers were angry their communities didnt appear, he concluded, They must be interested in the topic if they care enough to complain.

U-T Watchdog and Data Watch editor Ricky Young led the project.

The Union-Tribune has published many of these kinds of community guides over the decades  some of which we used as reference books this time around, he said. Weve added a lot of high-level data skills to the newsroom in the past few years, however, and this gave us an opportunity to revisit an old concept with some new technologies.

Narrowing down the communities, and settling on their boundaries, was probably the biggest part of the puzzle, he said. Also, Census data is very comprehensive at the county or city level. But when you get down to a neighborhood  not a Census designation!  things get trickier. Our data team did a lot of work to extract and present that information.

What about the clearly sensitive subject of choosing which communities would be profiled?

We had limited space and time, so doing one almanac page on each of the countys 300 communities was not really an option, Young said. We started with a formulation that would have made sure everyones community would be included  but under broad designations like north central San Diego that stripped away the neighborhood character that makes our region so great.

We decided we needed to get down to the neighborhood level to capture our communities best, but that sadly meant leaving some areas out. The decisions were not easy, and in the end may have been incorrect. But it was a bit of a zero sum game, so if we had included Grantville and excluded Del Cerro, the complaints would have come in the reverse.

Thats true. Still I would have liked to have seen Bonsall, Bonita and a couple of the southeastern San Diego communities.

Young said there has been some discussion of publishing another edition next year. If so, I am hopeful we can include more communities.In the meantime some communities will be added to the almanac on the U-Ts website. It can be found at sandiegouniontribune.com/almanac or go to sandiegouniontribune.com and click on SD Almanac at the top of the home page.

Storys tone was improper for news story

A couple of readers shared their displeasure Thursday over a front-page New York Times story by Alan Rappeport on the White House plan to reduce income tax rates. They said the piece appeared biased.

The first paragraph sounded more like an analysis, or even an editorial, than a straight news story: It referred to Trumps proposal as a radical reordering of the tax code that would significantly benefit the wealthy, and then added but he offered no explanation of how the plan would be financed. (Some might argue that the tax plan holds the potential to benefit the working and middle class.)

The editorial tone continued in the second paragraph: Trumps skeletal outline of a tax package, unveiled at the White House in a single-page statement filled with bullet points, was less a tax plan than a wish list. Characterizing it this way could be seen as dismissive and pejorative.

The third paragraph said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Gary Cohn, the director of Trumps National Economic Council, offered none of the standard accouterments of such rollouts, such as detailed charts showing the cost of each provision ... (and) the effects of the proposals on people.

The tone, with adverbs and adjectives such as significantly, skeletal and standard, gives the impression the story is trying to present an agenda rather than simply explaining the proposal and describing the scene in a just-the-facts style. Some parts of the story seem to indicate that the author may have had a narrative in mind that was being breached (i.e. none of the standard accouterments of such rollouts).

This wasnt lost on one reader who emailed the U-T. She said it showed that media outlets seem to do nothing but report through their bias filters.

She called the report fake news.

Many readers were hypersensitive to pointed language during the campaign, seeking out evidence that supported their contention that the media are biased. That sensitivity continues. News stories with an editorial tone do not help the mainstream medias position that they are the most trusted news sources.

Managing Editor Lora Cicalo acknowledged the New York Times story needed a heavier edit and said editors would increase their vigilance over language that could be construed as advancing a particular political perspective.
In Montana, convicted killer Barry Beach has gained a long list of supporters who are adamant that he is wrongfully imprisoned. Yet there are many, including the current Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice, who argue Beach indeed killed schoolmate Kim Nees on a festive summer night in 1979.

Nothing has been normal about Beachs case ever since Louisiana police got him to confess to the Montana murder - four years after it took place - absent any real evidence tying him to the crime. And it continues to generate headlines - including the bombshell last week from a judge who ordered a new trial after an unprecedented multi-day hearing gave him doubts about whether Beach received a fair trial 25 years ago.

The murder of honor student Nees has gripped the small town of Poplar ever since her body was found alongside the river at a popular place for teenagers to party. The killing remained unsolved for several years, with small-town gossip building until out-of-state police got a confession out of Beach in 1983 after picking him up on an unrelated crime.

Advertisement

Since the start there have been rumors that a group of local girls, toughened by living on the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation, beat Nees to death in a fight that got out of control and evaded the crime with the help of relatives on the small town police force. The latest judge to look at the case agreed that testimony may provide just enough evidence to support the theory, and enough to cast serious doubts on Beachs guilt.

Beach has now been awarded a new trial after proclaiming his innocence for years, and gaining plenty of influential backers to his cause along the way. But even the judges decision doesnt clearly cut through the haze of complicated and contradictory stories surrounding the case of Beach.

The judge who granted the new trial made it clear he isnt sure that Beach is innocent, even though he said there is enough evidence to raise doubts after spending several days last summer listening to the recollections from several locals about the killing. He decided to keep Beach jailed until the new trial - assuming the Montana Supreme Court lets his decision stand.

Beachs attorney is asking the judge to allow Beach to be released on bail, after a quarter century behind bars, until the new trial can take place.

District Judge Wayne Phillips said the testimony leads this court to conclude that the evidence is not sufficiently clear and convincing to bust down the absolute innocence gateway and have Mr. Beach walk out a free man. Also, we have Mr. Beachs confession to consider.

The judge said that errors at the original trial - including the mishandling of evidence by local police - also cast enough doubt on whether Beach got a fair trial that he should be allowed to argue constitutional claims of procedural errors.

And since there was little hard evidence after the original crime - and none now - any new trial will hinge on the confession Beach says was coerced. Unlike other high-profile innocence cases, there is no DNA evidence that could be used to potentially exonerate Beach.

All that is left of that confession is a typed transcript, the original audio tape long gone. That confession was enough, however, to convince a jury at Beachs original trial and plenty of people since.

Marc Racicot, before he went onto become attorney general, governor of Montana and then chairman the Republican National Committee during the Bush administration, was the original prosecutor on the case.

There is not one moment of doubt ever in my mind since I have looked at this confession, and since I have been part of this case, that Barry Beach is guilty as charged, Racicot told a parole board that in 2007 agreed to review evidence from Beach backers pointing to the gang of girls as the real killers.

That parole board took the unusual step of taking testimony from the original prosecutors, investigators, the witnesses brought by Beach to support his claims, and Beach himself. The dramatic events over several days thrust the case back into the consciousness of Montana.

The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole wasnt convinced, and rejected either commutation of his sentence or an executive pardon.

A day ultimately comes when matters are deemed settled; for our perspective, if never before, at last today is that day, the board said.

Former Attorney General Mike McGrath - now chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court that could eventually take this case again - lauded the board at the time and said, I am grateful that the board has, in its own words `laid this matter to rest.

The girls accused by Beach and others of being the real killers have publicly denied participation.

After last summers court hearing where the judge pondered evidence one of the women, Sissy Atkinson, told The Associated Press she was disappointed that she was never called by Beachs lawyers and given a chance to refute the allegations that have hounded her for several decades.

I wanted to defend my honor, said Atkinson, who lives in Poplar. I have never been brought down in spirit over the years because I know I am really innocent.

But former friends, co-workers and even family testified that the women have over the years let slip that they helped kill Nees.

One woman recalled overhearing as a girl, when eavesdropping on partying teenagers, the shrill cries of girls beating another girl. Nees body was found at the scene the next day.

The judge called that testimony extraordinarily credible and believable, especially when tied together with testimony from unrelated witnesses who say that various women have privately said the murder was part of a gang attack that spiraled out of control.

Prosecutors dismiss the tidbits of testimony as gossip-mongering built on, in some cases, drug-addled and false statements of women looking to build on tough reputations.

Then there is the lengthy confession, a reason Phillips cited for deciding to keep Beach in jail rather than set him free.

Beach described how he forcibly tried to kiss Nees and got angry at her for fighting back. He described hitting her with a wrench and a tire iron, then thinking, Oh my God, what have I done? after checking her pulse and finding she was dead.

Beachs attorneys argue there are several errors in the confession to substantiate their argument that it is false and coerced.

Beach told The Associated Press in an interview last week from prison that since he is innocent - a real culprit is on the loose.

To me theres still justice for Kim Nees and theres still questions that havent been answered yet, Beach said. Being granted a new trial just opens all the doors and the possibilities for that to take place.
By Rakesh Ranjan: In its first major move after winning the MCD polls, the BJP leadership has come up with a blueprint to address sanitation woes in the Capital. The party has asked MCD babus to address the financial and personal needs of nearly one lakh sanitation workers failing which the four-month target of a garbage-free Delhi is not possible to be achieved.

advertisement

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari has told municipal commissioners to motivate sanitation workers by involving their families through cultural events and get togethers. Apart from their financial needs, personal grievances should also be addressed.

Tiwari, who is also the BJP MP from Northeast 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.

MOTIVATE THE SANITATION WORKERS

He stressed on motivating sanitation workers who are often made to suffer due to delay in salary disbursal.

"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. 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.

SANITATION WORKERS TOP THE CHART

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.

ALTERNATIVE FUNDS

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.

advertisement

Also Read

Delhi sanitation workers continue strike over non-payment of salaries

Section of East Delhi sanitation workers still on strike

--- ENDS ---
Mining investors are in a frantic state of panic when their contracts and concessions were rejected by the ever-vigilant Environment Secretary Regina Lopez. She is an appointee of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to handle the department. She never let him down since.

Earlier this year, Environment Secretary Gina Lopez ordered the closure of 23 mining firms for ruining important watershed areas and indiscriminate mining. Companies of mining firms that did not adhere to the mining laws that the government has imposed and has deeply scarred the lives of farmers and fisherfolks were the ones that were shut down. Lopez further reiterated that the noncompliance of mining companies is not acceptable under the Duterte Administration and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Regina Lopez shooed away mining investors who want to apply for mining concessions. Those who have contracts with the previous administration but had not started their operations faces cancellation of contracts. Industry officials cried over Lopez's decision saying that she is not in authority to pass decisions.

Chamber of Mines in the Philippines Vice President Ronald Recidoro insists that Regina Lopez's decision to reject the $8 billion dollar mining contracts were absurd and further stated that open pit mining is an accepted method practiced all over the world. He said that a safe and proper operation can be implemented. According to reports, the Philippine government had seen the catastrophe that the mining industry had done in degrading the environment into a wasteland, poisoning the water wells and utter destruction of livelihood in the field of agriculture, reports Phys.Org.

At a press conference held in the capital city of Manila, Regina Lopez showed footages of the devastation of the mining industry. Claiming that she had the right to implement decisions especially on the mandate of the mining law that a company or firm that is endangering the lives of future and present generations, reports HiTech Days.

Regina Lopez made an announcement to cancel 75 of the 311 mining contracts including the $5.9 billion Tampakan copper and gold project. Tampakan is one of the three open pit mining projects.

Mining firms accused Regina Lopez of breach of contract and campaigned for her nonappointment in congress. However, Duterte is behind her all the way.
An international advocacy group concerned about restrictive laws in the United States plans to help women self-induce abortions at home, offering online advice and counseling about how to use medications that can terminate their pregnancies.

Women Help Women, a three-year-old organization headquartered in the Netherlands, this week launched an online service to provide one-on-one counseling services for women seeking to end their early pregnancies using the abortion pill, which is legally available only by prescription in the United States but can be purchased on the Internet or from other countries.

Kinga Jelinska, executive director of Women Help Women, said her organization provides a version of the service in other countries but decided to launch in the United States this year because of the political climate. More than half of U.S. states have enacted restrictions on abortion, and President Donald Trump has said he supports overturning Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized the procedure nationally.

"There is a lot of fear and worry that, with the current administration and restrictions that are to the enormous disadvantage of girls and women, that access to clinical care might further diminish," said Jelinska, an anthropologist and longtime reproductive rights advocate from Poland, where abortion is illegal except in narrow circumstances.

The launch of the site is likely to add fuel to the debate about abortion, particularly those that are done using medication. Medically induced abortions accounted for nearly a third of all non-hospital abortions in the United States in 2014 and almost half of all abortions before nine weeks' gestation, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights research organization.

The abortion pill approved by the Food and Drug Administration is actually two drugs that may be used in combination through the 10th week of pregnancy. Taken during 24 to 48 hours, the drugs - mifepristone and misoprostol - halt the development of pregnancy and induce miscarriage. The agency recommends medical supervision followed by an in-person follow-up appointment, and it warns people not to obtain the pills over the Internet because they might be unsafe.

Abortion foes have sought further restrictions on the medications in the name of safety. A number of women have contracted infections or needed blood transfusions after a medication abortion, and some have died, although the FDA says it is unclear whether the drugs caused the deaths.

"These drugs are dangerous. They are deadly. If they are mishandled, they result in serious injury," said Kristi Hamrick, spokeswoman for Americans United for Life, an antiabortion group that has tried to push states to require strict medical supervision for the use of abortion medications. "To just distribute them and put them in an automatic dispenser like a can of soda is absolutely medical malpractice."

Abortion rights groups say that severe side effects from the drugs are rare; a 2015 study looking at more than 11,000 medication abortions in California found that the incidence of major complications was .31 percent.

While there is limited research about self-induced abortion in the United States, women have been performing them for generations. Today's favored method in the United States happens to be pills, obtained via the Internet or in Mexico, where misoprostol can be purchased over the counter. Home-based abortions are safer for women than they've ever been, advocates say.

"There . . . are people who view this as progress, the evolution of abortion care, and an incredible opportunity to transcend the very contentious abortion debate," said Jill Adams, chief strategist for the Self-Induced Abortion Legal Team at the University of California at Berkeley.

Many advocates say they support projects like the one Women Help Women has pursued, but they caution that the legal landscape for self-induced abortion in the United States is unsettled. In 2015, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down an Idaho law that made it a crime for a woman to perform her own abortion, saying it conflicted with Supreme Court rulings that guarantee a right to the procedure until the fetus is viable.

A few states still have laws that criminalize self-induced abortion, Adams said, and some women and people who helped them have been prosecuted using other criminal statutes.

A Virginia woman was arrested last month on felony charges of illegally "producing abortion or miscarriage" after the remains of a third-trimester fetus were discovered in her back yard. A Tennessee woman who tried to abort her 24-week-old fetus with a coat hanger pleaded guilty to a felony count in January after spending more than a year in jail. A Pennsylvania woman was sentenced to jail time for obtaining abortion pills online for her 16-year-old daughter in 2014.

"I would say for right now, I'm not advocating for women to be doing this on their own in the current environment," said Daniel Grossman, a University of California at San Francisco researcher who has studied self-induced abortion in the United States. He said his concern stems from the threat of prosecution rather than the safety of the drugs.

In a paper this week in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grossman looked at existing research and found that women tend to use the abortion pill appropriately and effectively. Though more research is needed, he said, the drugs could one day meet FDA criteria to be offered over the counter.

Starting Thursday, women in the United States will be able to log onto the website Abortionpillinfo.org and send a secure message to a trained counselor based overseas. Within a few hours, counselors will respond with evidence-based answers, using guidance from the World Health Organization, Jelinska said. She said she expects a range of questions, including some seeking confirmation that side effects - including cramping and bleeding - are normal.

In case of complications, the women will be told to seek immediate medical care and advised that, because U.S. laws on self-administered abortions are murky, to keep in mind that medication abortions take place in a virtually identical manner to spontaneous miscarriages. They also will be told that there is no blood or urine test that can detect the drugs in their system.

The counselors also will be able to direct women to clinics or foundations in their communities that can help them pay for abortions in a clinical setting if they prefer.

Jelinska said the service is not intended to help women get abortion-causing drugs, and a disclaimer on the website says it is not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice. Rather, she said, "we see this project as an information-delivery project."

The service will be supported by 25 staff members, including two physicians, spread across Asia, Latin America and Europe. Some funding comes from Europe-based organizations, which Jelinska declined to identify. But the rest is from individual donors, primarily women in other countries, where Women Help Women assists clients in obtaining abortion-causing medications for a requested donation of 75 euros, Jelinska said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Alice Crites contributed to this report.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Superheroes disguised as runners came to the rescue and raised awareness for child abuse prevention Saturday as part of the sixth-annual CAPES for Kids 5K/10K/Kids Fun Run to benefit CARE House of the Pee Dee in Florence.

The event saw more than 170 participants, with capes and other superhero garb, running through the Wisteria Lane neighborhood. Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Bat Girl, Thor and even Captain America braved the early morning heat for the cause.

Six years ago, Tylashia Grant, 3, a student at Carver Elementary School, died as a result of physical abuse and neglect. Her teacher, Meagan Johnson, started the event to raise awareness and honor her student's memory.

"Abuse is 100 percent preventable, and this event is held every April because this month is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month," said Sarah Hill, CARE House of the Pee Dee outreach coordinator. "This event excites me, because there are people in Florence County that want to make a change and want to be superheroes standing up to child abuse."

Heather Phelps, a runner from Columbia, ran the 10K race. She also works for the South Carolina Network of Children's Advocacy Centers. CARE House is one of 17 in the state. She said the race course was in a beautiful residential area, and the volunteers helped cheer on all of the runners.

"It's important to know that CACs exist, Phelps said. Many people don't know they exist at all. The CACs are out there to provide these services for these children. Most importantly, if you have a cause for concern (about abuse), pick up the phone, take action and do something."

All funds from entry fees and sponsors go to help the CARE House, a child advocacy center (CAC) in Florence. It is a local nonprofit that serves abused children of the Pee Dee region through forensic interviews, therapy, advocacy and medical services.
In video shared on his twitter page, Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end the selective use of agencies like IT department, enforcement directorate and CBI for political benefits.

By India Today Web Desk: Days after targeting the BJP-led central government for enforcing Hindi on non-speakers, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president and treasurer MK Stalin today fired yet another salvo.

In video shared on his twitter page, Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end the selective use of agencies like IT department, enforcement directorate and CBI for political benefits.

advertisement

He also accused the Centre of using these agencies to feed their political ambitions. In the 2-minute video, Stalin spoke about the hardships faced by farmers in the wake of drought.

"Farmers are committing suicide in Tamil Nadu. The entire Cauvery delta is suffering from drought and the Cauvery management Board has not yet been formed," said Stalin.

He further spoke about compulsory 'NEET' exams on how it is dismantling the aspirations of students aiming to become medical professionals.

Talking about the drought in the state, Stalin said that people were suffering because of the lack of relief from the Union Government.

He went on to slam the Modi government calling it apathetic towards the demands of the farmers who are protesting against the hydrocarbon project.

THE PARALYZED STATE

In his video address, Stalin said that the Tamil Nadu government has been in a state of paralysis ever since J Jayalalithaa was hospitalised on September 22 last year.

"The union government does not seem the least bit concerned about that. It is now crystal clear that it is the hand of the BJP, which is in control of the central government, which is directing this blindingly obvious one-sided application of 'selective raids' and 'selective arrests' against one faction of the AIADMK, while turning a blind eye and allowing strong incrimination evidence against the other faction of the AIADMK to gather dust," said Stalin.

The DMK working president then accused BJP-led Centre of resorting to tactics to gain foothold in Tamil Nadu. He added that BJP was raiding sitting Tamil Nadu ministers and intimidating IAS officers.

He went on to say that the BJP government did not show any urgency to address the teeming issues like water disputes with neighbouring states or attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen.

"The BJP government has not invested even one per cent on trying to solve the real problems facing the people of Tamil Nadu," said the DMK treasurer.

MK Stalin furthermore demanded answers from the BJP government on its apathetic view towards Tamil Nadu. In the end, he urged the prime minister to ensure that Tamil Nadu has a legitimate and stable government that functions with full powers as every state government is enshrined with the constitution.

advertisement

With inputs from Pramod Madhav

Also read:

BJP govt destroying nation's unity by imposing Hindi on non-speakers, says MK Stalin

Tamil Nadu bandh: Anti-social elements may instigate violence, says DMK's Stalin

Watch video:

People want us in power because of PM Modi's essential programs, BJP tells DMK's Stalin

--- ENDS ---
Erdogan's India visit comes at the start of a diplomatic blitz he is embarking on after winning a referendum on April 16 which gave him more executive powers as President.

By Press Trust of India: Economic ties and cooperation in the fight against terrorism are expected to dominate the bilateral talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will have here on Monday.

Erdogan's Sunday-Monday India visit comes at the start of a diplomatic blitz he is embarking on after winning a referendum on April 16 which gave him more executive powers as President.

advertisement

India-Turkey trade stands at $6.4 billion, which is much below potential, officials say. Ankara wants a Free Trade Agreement and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to bridge the deficit with New Delhi.

With chances of Turkey becoming an European Union member diminishing, Ankara is actively looking to Asia in terms of economic development and security -- and India is seen as a major partner in this regard.

ERDOGAN'S 150-MEMBER BUSINESS DELEGATION

At a media briefing ahead of Erdogan's visit, Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, said the Turkish leader would be accompanied by some cabinet ministers, senior officials and a 150-member business delegation that will take part in a meeting of the India-Turkey Business Forum.

She said there was scope for cooperation in areas such as construction, infrastructure development, renewable energy, tourism and film shooting.

At a meeting on "India and Turkey's Place in the Rising World" organised here, Kerem Alkin, Professor at the Istanbul Medipol University's Faculty of Business and Managerial Sciences, said Ankara wanted New Delhi to share its experience in power generation.

"There may be negotiations on energy supply during President Erdogan's visit," Alkin said. "We can work together on global energy demand, especially renewable energy."

Transportation, communication, logistics, tourism, retail and financial services are other areas flagged by Alkin where the two countries can cooperate.

TERRORISM TO DOMINATE TALKS

Terrorism is expected to be another highlight of the Modi-Erdogan talks.

"Both India and Turkey have been battling terrorism for long and understand the need for acting against this global menace," Ghanashyam said.

Turkey has made it clear that it has no objection to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Ilnur Cevik, Senior Advisor to President Erdogan, said Turkey would be interested in nuclear cooperation with India "and all other peaceful countries that seek peaceful use of nuclear technology".

Turkey's position on India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council is different.

Cevik said his country wanted the five permanent members of the world body to give up their veto powers.

advertisement

Turkey is a member of the group called Uniting for Consensus (UfC) that is opposed to expansion of permanent seats in the Security Council.

Other members of the group include Italy, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Pakistan, Malta, Costa Rica, Colombia and San Marino.

According to Ghanashyam, following the talks on Monday, some agreements that are currently being finalised are expected to be signed.

Also read:

Turkish President Erdogan to visit India today

IB demands highest security cover for Turkish President Erdogan's India visit in wake of ISIS threat

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: From H S Rao

London, Apr 30 (PTI) There is no place for any kind of discrimination in the modern world, Indias envoy to the UK has said here on the occasion of 883rd birth anniversary of Indian social reformer Basaveshwara.

Paying tribute to Basaveshwara in Albert Embankment here, Indias High Commissioner Y K Sinha said, "We must celebrate values and teachings of Basaveshwara and there is no place for any kind of discrimination in the modern world".

advertisement

He also paid tributes to Lord Buddha and dalit icon B R Ambedkar on the occasion yesterday.

The event was organised by former Mayor of the London borough of Lambeth Dr Neeraj Patil, the brain behind the statue of Basaveshwara in London.

Speaking on the occasion, Patil said, "We are paying tributes to both Buddha and Ambedkar on the birth anniversary of Basaveshwara as they share a conceptual relationship. All fought against caste-based discrimination".

Basaveshwara (1134-1168), born in Karnataka, pioneered the idea of democracy as a social reformer and statesman.

He foughtagainst the caste- and religion-based discrimination.

The Indian community present on the occasion took a pledge to oppose such discrimination.

The statue was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 14 in 2015. PTI HSR CPS

--- ENDS ---
Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

HOUSTON - The As will have plenty of starters available this week, so they went the prudent route and placed Sean Manaea on the 10-day disabled list.

Manaea came out of his outing at Anaheim on Wednesday after just two innings because of shoulder tightness, and while he has felt better each day, with Sonny Gray coming off the DL on Tuesday, the As can fill in just fine until Manaea is eligible to return from the DL on May 7.
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
Pakistan's Army Chief said his country will always stand by Kashmiris in their struggle for the right of self-determination and recourse to basic human rights.

By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday visited the Line of Control and said that Pakistan would continue to support the struggle of the Kashmiris.

The Army Chief said Pakistan will always stand by Kashmiris in their struggle for the right of self-determination and recourse to basic human rights.

During his LoC visit, Bajwa was also briefed about the operational preparation of Pakistan Army along the LoC and ceasefire violations. The chief expressed satisfaction over preparations of the troops.

advertisement

The army chief in an interaction with the troops said, "We will always stand by their (Kashmiris) rightful political struggle for the right of self-determination and recourse to basic human rights."

Bajwa accused India of "state-sponsored" terrorism in Kashmir.

Bajwa alleged that India was not only involved in aggression against the people in Kashmir but also against the people living on the Pakistani side of the LoC. Bajwa added, "India vents aggression and frustration at the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and Pakistani villages along the LoC and Working Boundary," adding "but we must keep our response purely in military domain in accordance with our values."

India has repeatedly rejected Pakistan's allegations of rights violations in Kashmir.

(With inputs from PTI)

Also read: Pakistan's interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan defends Sharif-Jindal meeting, says not an "unpatriotic" gesture

Also read: Students raise Pakistani flag in Kashmir's Pulwama college; clash with police

Also watch: Pakistan's Army Chief Bajwa visits LoC, accuses India of 'state-sponsored terrorism' in Kashmir

--- ENDS ---
When Brooke Adams has a seizure, every second counts. The 3-year-old has Dravet syndrome, a rare but severe form of epilepsy, and her grand mal seizures can be triggered by exhaustion or changes in body temperature. Brooke has 20 to 30 of them a month; the longest lasted three hours.

But when Brooke is treated with the main active ingredient in marijuana  THC  at the onset of one of these seizures, it can stop within minutes, according to her mother Jana Adams.

As a result, medical cannabis has changed Brookes life. At the same time, it has made it difficult, if not impossible, for her to attend a public school in Santa Rosas Rincon Valley Union School District.

In California, as in the vast majority of states that have legalized medical marijuana, children with epilepsy and other illnesses can be treated with cannabis. Since 2015, New Jersey, Maine, Colorado, and Washington have passed additional laws that permit parents and other caregivers to administer these medications on school property  actions that were directly inspired by kids like Brooke.

No such law exists in California, and private schools, which are not subject to many public school regulations, set their own policies.

Not only is (marijuana) still federally illegal and in a varied legal state in a number of states, but the way school policy is done varies greatly from state to state, said Hunter Railey, a researcher at the Education Commission of the States, a Colorado organization that reports on policy issues. Its a giant experiment right now.

Under current California State Board of Education code, a student who needs to be treated with medication on campus during school hours must have a written note from their parents and their doctor. The medicine also must be given to the school in a container labeled by a U.S.-licensed pharmacist.

But medical marijuana patients cant get prescriptions. Instead, they get less official recommendations from doctors. That leaves school districts across the state with few options when it comes to students like Brooke Adams.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

By the time she was 16 months old, Brooke was on four different pharmaceuticals, but saw no difference in the frequency of her seizures. Things changed when Jana Adams started treating her daughter with a California medical marijuana extract called Jaydens Juice, named for a Modesto boy also with Dravet. The tincture has a high level of the second most common active ingredient in cannabis, called cannabidiol. Jaydens Juice gave Brooke 10 seizure-free weeks.

In 2015, a study spearheaded by a New York University neurologist found that subjects treated with cannabidiol extract saw a 36.5 percent reduction in their seizures, a rate similar to that achieved through pharmaceuticals. Two percent stopped having seizures entirely.

Epidiolex, a cannabis medicine developed by GW Pharmaceuticals, based in Britain, reduced seizures by an average of 54 percent during a 2015 study. The drug is now in the final phase of U.S. trials authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.

After finding success with cannabidiol, the Adams family decided to try out THC oil, which some claim acts as a rescue medication. Unlike cannabidiol, which may help prevent seizures, THC allegedly stops them after they start.

The ideal rescue medication is a medicine that gets into the bloodstream quickly, gets into the brain quickly, and stops the seizure with minimal residual side effects from that medication, said Dr. Joseph Sullivan, director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Center at UCSFs Benioff Childrens Hospital San Francisco. For patients like Brooke, THC oil checks those essential boxes.

There are no formal studies into the effectiveness of THC as a rescue medication, only anecdotal evidence from families like the Adams. While Dr. Sullivan says their first-hand accounts are useful, the American Epilepsy Society states that anecdotal reports alone are not sufficient to support treatment decisions, and that cannabis should be studied using well-founded research methods.

Despite the lack of clinical evidence, Jana Adams said THC oil works for her daughter. But for it to be effective, it has to be administered as soon as she starts having a seizure, including when shes at school.

If were really looking for whats in the best interest of the child, were not asking the school to do anything evasive, Dr. Sullivan said. Its essentially doing something that a parent feels comfortable doing at home.

When Brooke turned 3, she became eligible for a spot in a public preschool program. Adams notified the Rincon Valley school district about Brookes medical marijuana use prior to her first Individualized Education Plan meeting in May 2016. District officials told Adams that while Brooke qualified for a number of services  including four hours of preschool a day, summer school, transportation, and a number of therapies  her medication wasnt allowed on district property or on the bus. Instead, they offered to send a teacher to the Adams home for an hour a day.

The reason: Possession of marijuana, whether medical or recreational, is currently prohibited within 1,000 feet of public school campuses and buses by both federal and state law.

Rincon Valley has concerns about this restriction, as some students have prescriptions for medical marijuana that enable the student to be able to attend school, said Cathy Myhers, the districts student services director. She has been working with the Adams family on their education plan, though she could not comment specifically on their case.

Federal and state law require the district to assist a student with a disability with taking medication if such medication is necessary so that the student can attend school, Myhers added. That could include medical marijuana one day. Myhers said the district is working with its attorneys on next steps for the small number of students who currently use this cannabis.

Rincon Valley would like to see the restrictions changed so that students with disabilities who require medical marijuana to be administered during the school day per a physicians (recommendation) can attend appropriate public school campuses, just as any other student would be able to do, Myhers said.

The Association of California School Administrators, an organization that represents the states 17,000 educational leaders, has said it is examining the medical marijuana situation to determine the successes and challenges facing our public schools, districts, and students.

With education evolving every day, this is a new issue facing students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community at large, the organization said.

Though her school district is actively working to change its regulations, Jana Adams has gone through almost a half-dozen planning meetings trying to find a suitable solution for her daughter. After months of back and forth with no satisfactory solution, Adams started talking to lawyers. She connected with the Community Alliance for Special Education and Disability Rights of California, which recommended Joe Rogoway, a San Francisco attorney who specializes in cannabis law.

Any parent that goes through an IEP process generally has a sense of frustration, Rogoway said. When youre dealing with sensitive issues like Dravet, that is really a life-or-death type of condition, thats just really amplified.

Rogoway is working to change public school policy at the state level. Hes working with the Rincon Valley district to revise educational codes affecting students like Brooke and to incorporate relevant language into pending cannabis legislation. A bill could pass this year.

On Friday, state regulators released draft medical marijuana regulations that promise to further legitimize the drug for pediatric patients. A federal crackdown also seems unlikely, according to Thursdays statement from Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, who spoke with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Sessions has indicated he may continue former President Barack Obamas hands-off policy toward state-legal pot activity.

The ultimate goal is to get this placed into something that is moving forward so that schools have the ability, without fear, to be able to administer this medication, Rogoway said. Its not a situation where were talking about high school students smoking joints on campus. This is something where its a manufactured oil administered by a nurse to a child that desperately, desperately needs it to get through the day and not have multiple seizures.

But until those laws are in place, and with cannabis still classified as a Schedule 1 drug under federal law, school districts would be at risk if they allowed students to be treated at school. Districts could potentially lose their Title I funding, and treating students would create legal gray areas, according to policy researcher Railey.

There is a question that I dont think has been resolved, or really even broadly considered, about privacy protections and whether they apply to medical marijuana, he said.

Last fall, after missing out on three months of summer school and having to pay for therapies out of pocket, Adams was able to secure a last-minute spot for Brooke at the private Humboldt Community Preschool. The Rincon Valley district eventually reimbursed the family for some of its summer school costs and is now paying Brookes tuition. Since February, Brooke also has been able to take the public school bus.

Adams, though, is already thinking of the future.

Whats going to happen in kindergarten? she said. At the moment, There are no schools that shes able to go to in kindergarten.

But by advocating for her daughter, Adams could set off big changes across the state.

Shes not going to be the only kid, she said. It may be that they just dont know that theres other options.

Susan Cohen is a Bay Area freelance journalist.

States with laws on medical marijuana at public schools

New Jersey: A parent, guardian or primary caregiver is authorized to administer medical marijuana to their student while the student is on school grounds, aboard a school bus, or attending a school-sponsored event.

Maine: A primary caregiver may possess and administer medical marijuana in a nonsmokable form in a school bus or on the grounds of the childs school, and the child cannot be denied access to schools solely because they require medical marijuana.

Colorado: A primary caregiver may possess and administer medical marijuana in a nonsmokable form on a school bus, on the grounds of the childs school, or at a school-sponsored event, as long as the administration is not disruptive and they remove remaining marijuana once theyre done. School district staff are not required to administer the medication.

Washington: Schools can choose to treat students on campus, but they are not required by law to do so; advocates are working to pass a bill that would allow parents to administer medical marijuana on all school properties.
One hundred days. Thats not a lot of time to conclude whether a president is a success or failure.

So lets give President Trump an incomplete. Clearly, hes still learning.

What has he learned?

Well, if hes been paying attention, hes learned that theres such a thing as separation of powers in the U.S., with three equal branches of government. One of them is the judiciary, and it consists of more than bankruptcy court. When you shoot your mouth off about banning Muslims or punishing cities by cutting off their federal funding, all the lawyers in the world wont save you from yourself.

He should also have figured out by now that there are some pretty smart people in government, like our own city attorney, Dennis Herrera, and they know how to trip you up.

And he may have noticed that his own party isnt a reliable ally. The Republicans in Congress cant agree on what to order for lunch, let alone how to take away peoples health care.

So what will Trumps second 100 days be like? At some point, hell run out of Obama administration actions to repeal via executive order, and hell be stuck with a Congress that cant or wont do his bidding. We could be in for an inaction-filled couple of years.

And yet, through all the mess of his presidency to date, Trump still has a solid base of support. It hasnt really shrunk since his second-place victory in the popular vote. His true believers love his bluster, and somehow the lack of accomplishments doesnt bother them.

So look for those tweets to keep on coming.

We Democrats have a great opportunity in the 2018 midterm elections to gain some seats in the House and even the Senate, despite an electoral map in that chamber that favors the Republicans. Even in California, which is already pretty blue, the Democrats figure they have a decent shot at knocking off half the states 14 Republican House members.

But lets look even further ahead for a minute, to 2020.

Michael Bloomberg used to be mayor of New York. Hes been a Democrat, a Republican and an independent, and after leaving office, he toyed with running for president.

My friends in New York want him to jump into the mayors race again this year, on the theory that being back in the spotlight might propel him into the presidential contest in 2020  as a Democrat.

True, New York already has a Democratic mayor, Bill de Blasio. Hell be tough to beat, but Bloomberg just might have the chops.

The Democratic bench heading into the next presidential election isnt all that deep. Bloomberg could be the partys best hope.

Heres a walk in the city thats worth your time: the Embarcadero.

Begin at Mission Street, and head north on the west side of the Embarcadero  the one away from the piers. Fewer people, no skateboards.

Theres sculpture seating places all the way to Washington Street. The trees highlighting the green grass make for an incredible urban experience.

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.

Wonderful plan for the streets that will be laid out in the big development where Candlestick Park used to be  theyll have the names of 49ers and Giants greats who played at the old yard.

Natasha Dangond/The Chronicle

There was a nice ceremony on the site the other day to honor some of the stars. Joe Montana, Dwight Clark and Jerry Rice were there, as were Eddie DeBartolo and Carmen Policy, who deserve so much of the credit for putting together the iconic Niner teams.

They were all as entertaining as ever, especially Policy, when he said he figured his street would be an alley where the trash is kept.

The current Giants ownership wasnt represented. It was Sunday, after all, and they were off praying for a left-fielder who can hit.

Want to sound off? Email: wbrown@sfchronicle.com
Canada and California are partners in the fight against global warming.

And Canadas top climate official, Catherine McKenna, hopes the Trump administration doesnt entirely abandon the cause.

McKenna, minister of Environment and Climate Change, met with Gov. Jerry Brown last month in San Francisco to enlist Canada in Browns Under2 Coalition, a collection of 170 nations, states and provinces pledging to keep warming below 2 degrees Celsius. The move could have direct implications for California.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants each of his countrys provinces to put a price on greenhouse gas emissions. Quebec already does that by participating in Californias cap-and-trade system, and Ontario plans to join next year. Others could follow.

McKenna sat down with The Chronicle to discuss how provinces, states and businesses can address warming, even as the Trump administration threatens to end federal climate efforts. She also had a few words of climate advice for the White House.

This interview has been edited for space and clarity.

Q: Will signing on to the agreement require Canada to do anything beyond what Prime Minister Trudeau has already put forward?

A: We already have a serious climate change plan. It includes putting a price on carbon pollution for any provinces that havent already put a price on them. It goes up to (US$37) per metric ton by 2022. We are phasing out coal by 2030. And our plan is to have 90 percent clean electricity by 2030.

In Canada, the provinces have really led the way. With our past federal government, there was a decade of inaction, and we saw provinces like Quebec step up, join the cap-and-trade system with California. The same with Ontario.

Q: For those of us here in the U.S., what lessons can we draw from that experience in Canada? We are now  it looks like  shifting from a period of great action on climate change at the federal level to one where, at best, there will be inaction and at worst there will be attempts to sabotage what weve already done. Can we still make progress just working at the sub-national level?

A: Look, Ive made the case that climate action makes economic sense, that it creates good jobs. If you look at the renewable sector, theres a significant number of jobs, and theres a real economic opportunity. And I will continue to make that case with my (American) counterparts at the federal level.

But you know, even without that federal action, you are seeing not only states like California leading the way. The top five states for wind power are, I think, Republican states. [Editors note: California ranks fourth among states with installed wind capacity.] Beyond that, you see businesses really stepping up. (Recently), Walmart came out with what they call the gigaton project. So they are going to reduce a gigaton of emissions from their supply chain. Thats equivalent to more than all the emissions from Germany.

Q: Do you think that California is going to get more Canadian provinces joining its cap-and-trade system because of the prime ministers carbon-pricing initiative?

A: It is really up to provinces to decide which route they go. So 80 percent of Canadians already live in a province where theres a price on carbon pollution. British Columbia has chosen a revenue-neutral carbon tax. Alberta has a similar approach, with a direct price. So the provinces will have a look at it.

I think, though, that youre seeing interest from other places, other countries as well. I know Mexico is looking seriously at California. I think there is interest from Chile, Ive heard. China is coming on with its cap-and-trade system this year. Who knows, maybe they will eventually link with California.

Q: Is it possible for Canada to meet its goals in climate change while still producing the tar sands and encouraging their development?

A: It is important to look at what Albertas done. We have a new (provincial) government that came in and took serious action on climate change. For the first time ever, they put a hard cap on emissions from the oil sands: a 100-mega-metric-ton cap. I challenge you to find any other industry where there is a hard cap on emissions. They committed to phasing out coal, and they also put a price on carbon. So they have taken very serious action. And that enabled us to get a plan across Canada to tackle climate change, because we knew that every province needed to be part of it.

Q: Although at the same time, youre still encouraging some pipeline development as well.

A: Yes, but as I said, what Alberta is doing is part of our climate plan, with a hard cap. We have built that into our climate plan.

And as I explain to folks, we are very serious about climate action  but people need jobs. We are in a transition period. You cant transition overnight. Its not possible. We need to be smart about policies so they last. Ive spent a lot of time working, not just with environmentalists but with industry to look at how do we work together as opposed to fighting.

Q: There is apparently quite a debate going on within the White House about whether or not to stick with the Paris climate accord. If you were to make an argument in favor of it to this administration, what would you say?

A: Look, I think the Paris agreement is a flexible agreement. And so the new administration could take a different approach to it. I also think its the economic case  that there is a real economic opportunity to do what we want to do in Canada and what the U.S. administration wants to do, which is to create good jobs for the most number of people, to foster innovation. We are seeing amazing new American companies  like Tesla  that are creating wealth and jobs.

Also, I think that its just better to be at the table.
Getty Images / /

A toddler was struck and killed by a vehicle in a Union City strip mall parking lot Saturday when he darted out of a store where his parents were shopping, officials said.

The 23-month-old boy, who was not identified, ran from a store at a shopping center at 1720 Decoto Road around 3:15 p.m., Union City police officials said.
It has been 13 years since former Northern Arizona University biologists Loretta Mayer and Cheryl Dyer started a company focused on a simple concept: rat birth control. Working with a promising chemical compound, the two aimed to develop a safe, humane and environmentally friendly rodent contraceptive.

Since then, the women have steered the company, SenesTech, from a startup in Flagstaffs business incubator to one of the citys most notable success stories.

In August, SenesTech gained Environmental Protection Agency approval to make its ContraPest product commercially available, then went public in December, becoming the first publicly traded company headquartered in northern Arizona, said Mayer, who is SenesTechs CEO.

With those recent milestones under its belt, the biotechnology company is only accelerating, with an eye toward international markets as well as new products and new ways to use them.

But even as the company pursues ambitious goals, Mayer emphasized that Flagstaff has been and will continue to be an excellent home base.

We're a young public company, she said in an interview last week. We want to build and grow this company to a very good size, we want to get technology out there and make a commitment to the environment and animal health and this is a great place to do it from.

SANCTUARIES TO SUBWAYS

SenesTechs ContraPest product is a liquid contraceptive bait for rodents. When ingested, it induces egg loss in female rats and disrupts sperm in males, reducing reproduction capacity in both genders to zero.

With EPA approval, the company has secured contracts with animal sanctuaries in New York and New Jersey, an animal research facility in Georgia and a university in North Carolina, Mayer said.

SenesTech also is working with the New York City health department to use ContraPest in public housing units and subway garbage rooms, she said. Fordham University will collect data on population trends, movement and behavior of affected rats that will give a better picture of the formulas effects and effectiveness in an urban area, Mayer said.

The company also is looking at several opportunities to market the rodent contraceptive in its home state, including animal feedlots in southern Arizona, food storage and commercial operations in the Yuma corridor, animal sanctuaries in southeast Arizona and healthcare facilities in northern Arizona and the Phoenix area, she said.

At this point, the company is sitting on about 20 sales contracts for ContraPest and the product is available through professional pest managers, Mayer said.

STORY OF EXPANSION

Over the next five years Mayer said SenesTech is aiming to expand its rodent product internationally to markets in Europe, Southeast Asia and South America. Already, employees are working on applying the companys technology to wild hogs and dogs. Mayer said a wild pig contraceptive product is about three years out.

We have a very rich pipeline, she said.

The company also is focused on exploring how to repurpose its liquid delivery system to address canine cancer and a testosterone generated protein in male pigs, she said.

All product manufacturing takes place at SenesTechs east Flagstaff location, so the company has been racing to expand its capacity to handle increasing demand, Mayer said.

SenesTechs staff has grown by 25 percent over the last two months and it is expected to grow even more over the rest of this year, she said. The company is installing a second manufacturing line this week and moved its research and development teams into the Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technologys Flagstaff Business Accelerator, next door to where the company started, which helped us get more breathing space, Mayer said.

We're just bursting at the seams right now, she said.

While the company will soon expand into satellite offices on both coasts and probably in London, Mayer said that as long as shes at the helm, Flagstaff will remain the companys home base.

W.L. Gore, Nestle, NAU are all good partners who have done well here and we see no reason to move, she said.
The meeting between the two comes in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation in the valley and reports of a rift between the coalition partners over statements by Madhav and Industries Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga.

By India Today Web Desk: Amid tensions in the Valley and between the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP national General Secretary Ram Madhav met with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti at her residence in Srinagar today.

Madhav met with Mufti at her Fairview residence in Gupkar area for 30 minutes, but did not speak about it to the mediapersons who were waiting outside.

advertisement

The meeting between the two comes in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation in the valley and reports of a rift between the coalition partners over statements by Madhav and Industries Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga.

Ganga had stoked a controversy by calling for use of bullets on protesters in the valley. He later expressed regret.

The PDP was also unhappy with Madhavs comments complimenting an army officer who had tied a man to the bonnet of a jeep to escape stone-pelting in a Kashmir village.

Besides this, the PDPs defeat in the legislative council elections at the hands of the BJP has also led to friction between the two parties.

Also Read:

Kashmir Valley unrest: Exercise maximum restraint in dealing with protests, says Mufti in security meet

J-K: PDP's Yasir Reshi boycotts swearing-in of winners of MLC elections over differences with BJP

Yashwant Sinha blames Kashmir unrest on BJP-PDP alliance agenda not being implemented in 2 years

--- ENDS ---
After I got divorced in 1999, I had custody of my kids, but I went out of my way to drop them at their mothers house over the weekends, said a 47-year-old African American man in Baltimore. He lost his job during the 2008 recession and was out of work for two years. After finding and losing another job, he lost his house, and his teenage daughters moved in with their mother. Things should have been done differently, he said. I felt like they didnt listen to me and based my value on my income.

The decline of men at work has primarily been seen as a labor-market or broader economic issue. Yet it is a child-welfare issue of concern to us all. For the sake of their children, millions of working-age men need to work.

Many fathers and mothers are out of work for some period while their children are growing up, yet the effects on kids of fathers not working has received relatively little attention. This is a significant and growing problem, as about 13 million 25- to 64-year-old men are not working, and several million more are in part-time jobs not by choice, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics economist Steve Hipple. This number excludes about 1.1 million incarcerated fathers.

The traditional social-science anxiety was about the effect on children of women working, said Olivia Golden, executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy. But what happens to family income and parental stress and caregiving if fathers dont work?

Add to that list, academic achievement, health, and estrangement from fathers, and evidence suggests that the toll on children can be significant.

When the ex-husband of a white Pennsylvania mother did not work for most of his 40s and 50s, their daughter became deeply disappointed in him. Their now-adult son is still angry and feels his father was very mean to him and did not support us at all, she said.

Indeed, early research has found that a father losing a job has more adverse effects on children than a mother being out of work (or at work), according to Ariel Kalil, a professor of public policy at the University of Chicago.

In addition to lower family income, household anxiety levels rise. Educational achievement suffers, as the likelihood of a child repeating a grade or dropping out increases; conflicts between teenage boys and fathers escalate; and long-term economic prospects for children deteriorate, according to Gail F. Melson, a professor of child development at Purdue University. With high joblessness among African Americans and the sharp rise in black male incarceration rates since the 1990, such problems are more pronounced among black children.

Although only a few studies have been conducted, the effects on children of parental unemployment  and nonworking fathers in particular  appear to be similar to the widely studied effects of divorce, the increase in births outside of marriage and absent fathers. Compared with kids in two-parent families, children of divorce are more likely to do poorly in school and have behavioral problems, commit suicide, carry guns and deal drugs as teenagers. Girls are more likely to get pregnant, and boys growing up without fathers tend to have more long-lasting problems. Children in single-parent homes are four times as likely to live in poverty as children in two-parent homes: 44 percent versus 12 percent, according to MIT economist David Autor, who suggests that single parenthood may propagate the inter-generational transmission of inequality.

Many children of divorce do well, especially when there is committed co-parenting, but all too many men disappear from their childrens lives, and a surprising number of unmarried mothers purposefully keep fathers away from their children.

But fathers can also disappear by not working.

Although some nonworking men are active stay-at-home dads, these are the exceptions. Analysis of the American Time Use Survey, conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, reveals that nonworking men spend only half an hour per day more caring for children and 25 minutes more per day on housework than men with full-time jobs. What they do with the rest of their time is another story.

Some say that a parents job loss can make children more resilient, but when men cannot find a job or stop looking for one or are incarcerated, it can diminish childrens respect for their fathers and provide a less-than-ideal role model about the value of work and responsibility.

Men not working can be a cause of divorce, often exacerbating problems for children. In addition, it can lead to severe rifts between fathers and children, due to family discord and as many nonworking men turn to alcohol, video games, crime and online pornography.

A middle-aged Washington, D.C., woman described her ex-husband as a super-involved dad, but when he kept losing or leaving jobs, he had a lot of time on his hands and spent it in the solitary world of his computer. He became a porn addict, she said. I worry that, God forbid, our kids will see his computer and see pornography on it.

As a nation, we need to do more to create jobs and provide better job-training and placement services as well as motivating men to return to the labor force. We also need to place a higher value on fathers, as men  like women  find their identity both as fathers and in their work.

As Kathryn Edin, a sociologist at Johns Hopkins University and co-author of Doing the Best I Can, says: If we truly believe in gender equity, then we must find a way to honor fathers attempts to build relationships with their children just as we do mothers.

Andrew L. Yarrow, a historian, is the author of four books and a senior fellow with the Progressive Policy Institute. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at http://bit.ly/SFChronicleletters.

Weigh in

Andrew L. Yarrow is writing a book on the challenges facing many American men. To contribute your thoughts and experiences: www.manout.us.
The flood control project that has transformed downtown Napa is everything thats out of favor in todays spiteful political scene. It is complex and nuanced, forged by people from across the ideological spectrum working together. It combines old-school engineering with a far-sighted focus on environmental needs.

But heres the crucial detail. It works, improving the local landscape and economy in ways no traditional solution could have achieved.

That success is relevant far beyond Napas boundaries, amid the attacks this year on Californias efforts to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles via high-speed rail, or the creed in Washington that environmental considerations are bad for business. For all the inevitable hurdles and sniping along the way, the projects that deliver the most benefits often are the ones that dare to imagine a future different than the past.

When this rainy seasons biggest storms hit the Bay Area in January, Napas year-old Oxbow bypass was put to the test. It passed with flying colors.

Waters from the Napa River surged over the willow-fringed bank of the bypass, spilling across young lawns and a plaza into recently restored wetlands, where they collided with the amplified rush of Napa Creek.

In other words, it performed exactly as predicted back in 1998, when Napa County voters approved a half-cent sales tax to fund their portion of a multifaceted flood control project through the city of 80,000.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had planned on doing business as usual  channeling the river deeper while fortifying its edges with rip-rap. The bypass, a 250-foot-wide by 800-foot-long path that relieves pressure on the rivers C-shaped bend through the aptly named Oxbow District, would have been a stark concrete culvert.

But groups ranging from the Sierra Club to the Napa Chamber of Commerce had a more ambitious vision: a 7-mile-long living river that would improve fish and wildlife habitat while adding trails and a downtown waterfront promenade. It also would protect 3,000 properties that were officially classified as vulnerable to flooding  a red flag that had dampened private investment as surely as waterways overflowed their banks in 2005. And 1997. And 1986, the worst flood of all in the decades since Napa had grown tight along its riverbanks.

By the 1990s we had community leaders saying that the river was an important asset we had turned our back on, recalled Dorothy Salmon, who led the fundraising effort for Measure A in 1998. Not only that, the 100-year flood seemed to be coming every 10 years.

The countywide tax measure passed with 67 percent of the vote.

Looking back, Salmon credits the success of the measure to the determination of proponents to build a community coalition. Environmentalists knew they wouldnt gain the necessary two-thirds support from voters without the backing of local business. Business groups understood that a safe attractive river might make the long-moribund downtown more enticing.

When I look at the angst and nastiness in Washington, D.C., I shake my head, Salmon said. The fact that we decided to sit down and listen to all sides really made this work.

Since 2000, nine bridges have been rebuilt, including two entrances to downtown Napa from the east. They sit several feet above the bridges they replaced, so as not to impede the river when heavy storms and high tides converge.

New retaining walls downtown include elaborate walkways, replacing a haphazard collage of steep banks and blackberry thickets. At Veterans Memorial Park, the walkway widens to become a paved amphitheater  one the river can spill into when needed.

These elements are straightforward concrete and rebar, elements likely to be favored within the still-undefined $1 billion infrastructure package that President Trump has touted to spur job creation. Others have a green tinge. Nearly 900 acres of marsh habitat were restored. The clustered roots of redwood trees cut down to create the bypass now help provide refuge for fish in Napa Creek.

Make no mistake, the effort to remake the landscape wasnt trouble-free.

Oxbow bypass didnt open until 2015, seven years after the project was supposed to be done. The budget soared past $500 million from an initial estimate of $220 million, due in part to the cost of purchasing 53 mobile homes and 44 structures along the rivers path.

Federal money slowed down after Republicans won a majority in the House of Representatives in 2010, causing pricey construction delays. Regulatory agencies took their time making sure the ecological and flood control aspects of the project, overseen by the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, were in sync.

We knew there was going to be give and take, and there were going to be compromises, said Robin Klingbeil of Napas Economic Development Division. Every time, people worked through it.

They also learned to endure potshots from Washington, where pieces of the project were portrayed as boondoggles. One example: In 2010, Republican critics spun $54 million for the project into a subsidy for, in the words of New York Times columnist David Brooks, a Napa wine train that would have shepherded tipplers from one vineyard to another.

When word spread on Jan. 8 that the river would top the bypass for the first time, Napa residents turned out to watch. They looked down from the new bridges above the bypass, or the back deck of popular Oxbow Public Market.

Hundreds of people were there, from (campaign) veterans like me to parents with strollers. It was really exciting, Salmon said. Wet and rainy too, but we didnt care.

Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Dont just measure the benefits by how well the bypass performed during Napas rainiest winter since 1983.

Take a walk downtown.

Restored older buildings house wine tasting rooms. Along the promenade, a faux-Tuscan complex stacks condominiums and offices above restaurants and shops. A boutique hotel opening later this year uses downtowns urban energy as a selling point.

According to the city of Napas Klingbeil, there has been $550 million in private investment downtown since 1999, along with $248 million in public spending. Proceeds from the hotel tax have climbed four-fold, to $18 million.

A contrarian would say the rebirth is because of the proximity to gilded Napa Valley, and to some degree this is true. But its hard to imagine such a turnaround if large swatches of downtown were still in the flood plain, or if the city hadnt added plazas and parks to the project.

The river project gave everyone a sense of comfort with investment downtown, Klingbeil said.

And while tourists spend money, the bypass is used by locals for such events as the citys Earth Day festival last weekend. In the afternoon youll see teenagers on skateboards or families enjoying a picnic. Swallows shoot back and forth overhead, building muddy nests on the First Street bridge.

None of this would have happened without audacious goals. Or if the foes of the 1998 sales tax measure had carried the day with arguments like you cannot trust our officials or their collaborators to do what they say they will do, as one letter-writer proclaimed in the Napa Valley Register.

Big projects will always be attacked by cynics who say the endeavor costs too much and comes with too many unanswered questions. This was as true of BART and the Golden Gate Bridge as Napas living river.

Californias current target of scorn is high-speed rail. Look no further than our Republican congressional delegation lobbying the federal Department of Transportation to withhold $647 million for the project because additional funding ... would be an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars.

In todays America, theres no shortage of partisan posturing that reduces our future to a political game. Its easier to demonize opponents than to search for common ground.

But theres no easy way to provide alternatives to airplanes and automobiles, the aim of high-speed rail. Or to prepare for other needs, like confronting the likelihood of sea level rise, a task the Bay Area responded to last year when voters approved a parcel tax to raise $500 million over 20 years for bay restoration and enhancement.

The flood control efforts along the Napa River didnt just fix a specific problem. They have improved the larger quality of life along the way. That should be the goal of government whatever the political party  rather than to try and turn back the clock. Or do nothing.

John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

For the first time in 36 years, the president will not be attending the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, taking place tonight in Washington, D.C.

Celebrities swarmed the dinner last year to bid adieu to Barack Obama, who ended his speech with a memorable mic drop.

This year, the likes of Emma Watson, Kerry Washington and Will Smith won't be hobnobbing with the men and women of Capitol Hill. You might not even recognize the evening's host, Daily Show correspondent Hasan Minhaj.

So who did attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner if Hollywood's elite skipped out? Well, for the most part, journalists. While you might not recognize them from the photos (see above gallery), you'll likely know their bylines.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer strutted his stuff on the red carpet, as did Chris Matthews. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright appeared in a floor-length red gown

Story continues below.

In recent years, the White House Correspondents' Dinner transformed into an A-list affair, as well as an excuse to roast both the media and the president. President Donald Trump announced his decision not to attend the dinner in a tweet two months ago. Instead, he'll be hosting a rally in Pennsylvania.

See also: Trump will not attend the White House correspondents' dinner

Without the fanfare of celebrities, organizers told the Associated Press that the focus will shift from the red carpet to "the crucial role of the press in a democracy."

"Those celebrity spots will now be taken by journalists," media-consultant Tammy Haddad told the site.

Read the AP's full analysis here.

Celebrities will certainly not be left in the dust this evening, as late-night TV personality Samantha Bee is simultaneously hosting the first "Not the White House Correspondents' Dinner."

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
Political events in the Bay Area

Rallies and protest events are a part of political life in the Bay Area. Heres a roundup of whats happening.

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 San Francisco. 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.

Sunday

Health care film: A screening of Now Is the Time, followed by a 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
1 Needle exchange: Las Vegas will be the first American city to offer a needle exchange program through vending machines. Officials hope easy access to free and clean needles will reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis B and C among intravenous drug users. Users will be able to get clean needles from three machines starting in May. The needle kits are free, but people who want to use them will have to fill out a form and get an ID number to track their use. At least one of the machines will be located at a counseling center where users will be able to talk to professional counselors about addiction treatment.

2 Police dog killed: A sheriffs deputy in Georgia had to shoot and kill the police dog he handled after the K-9 attacked him. Sgt. Slate Simons was attacked by the dog named Kyro last week while participating in a manhunt, said Houston County Sheriff Cullen Talton. The Belgian Malinois grabbed onto Simons leg and tore into his calf. Talton said the only way Simons could get Kyro loose was to shoot the dog. Simons was treated and released from a hospital. Simons said he and Kyro were in thick woods when he thinks Kyro mistook him for the suspect.
Combating terrorism and NSG membership are likely to top the agenda of the meeting between visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.

By India Today Web Desk: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi today during his one-day visit to India.

Erdogan's visit to India comes barely a fortnight after Turkey voted in a referendum on whether the country should change from a parliamentary democracy to the presidential form of government.

advertisement

Strategic issues, including India's NSG membership bid and ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and trade are expected to be discussed during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

ERDOGAN'S INDIA VISIT: 10 THINGS TO KNOW The Turkish president will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1 on key bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. With Turkey being a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the issue of India's membership bid of the elite group is likely to figure during the talks between the two leaders. Turkey is not opposed to India's NSG membership but has been maintaining that the powerful bloc should come out with a system to consider entry of the countries which are not signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). China has been opposing India's membership of the NSG on the ground that it is not a signatory to the NPT. Enhancing anti-terror cooperation will be among the focus areas during the Erdogan-Modi talks. After a failed coup in July last year to topple Erdogan, Turkey had blamed Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) for it and said the outfit has "infiltrated" India. Turkey had also asked India to take action against the organisation. Erdogan had last visited India in 2008 when he was the Prime Minister of Turkey. Besides holding bi-lateral talks with PM Modi, Erdogan will also meet Vice-President Hamid Ansari. Erdogan's visit to India follows the tour of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades. The two countries don't share cordial relations for over four decades. Many observers view Erdogan's visit a balancing act by India. The northern part of Cyprus is under Turkish control since 1974. India has largely maintained neutrality on the matter. The issue of closer cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey may crop up during the bilateral talks. Turkey has shown interests in projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that India has vehemently opposed. Turkey is also said to be interested in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor that passes through PoK. Erdogan is leading a strong delegation comprising of cabinet ministers, senior officials and 150-member business troupe for the India-Turkey Business Forum meet.

(With inputs from agencies)

ALSO READ |

IB demands highest security cover for Turkish President Erdogan's India visit in wake of ISIS threat

ALSO WATCH |

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Colombo, Apr 30 (PTI) Sri Lankan coast guards have caught an Indian fishing boat and arrested 32 foreign nationals including refugees from Myanmar, authorities said today.

The foreigners include 30 Myanmarese nationals including 14 children and two Indians.

They were arrested off the coast of Kankesanturai in the countrys northern Jaffna peninsula, Navy said.

advertisement

"Sri Lankan coast guards were observing the International Maritime Boundary Line. They found this Indian fishing boat with unusually large group of people," Navy spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge said.

The boat was carrying Myanmar refugees who had fled to India four years ago due to clashes in Myanmar. PTI CORR CPS

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)

Colombo, Apr 30 (PTI) Sri Lankan coast guards have seized an Indian fishing boat and detained two Indians and 30 Rohingya refugees, including 14 children, after the vessel illegally entered the countrys territorial waters, authorities said today.

They were detained off the coast of Kankesanturai in the countrys northern Jaffna peninsula, the navy said.

advertisement

"Sri Lankan coast guards were observing the International Maritime Boundary Line. They found this Indian fishing boat with unusually large group of people," navy spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge said.

The people held include seven men, seven women and 16 children, besides the two Indian crew.

A 15-day-old baby and a four-month-old child were also on board, the official said.

The boat was carrying Myanmar refugees who had fled to India four years ago due to clashes in Myanmar.

The vessel, operated by the two Indians, had entered Sri Lankas northern waters after crossing the sea border, the officer said.

They were handed over to local authorities to decide further action.

Investigators suspect that the crew were trying to bring the Rohingya illegally to Sri Lanka.

The Muslim Rohingya in Myanmars Rakhine state are denied citizenship and face brutal discrimination in the Buddhist- majority country. PTI CORR CPS ASK CPS

--- ENDS ---
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Winning two Academy Awards doesn't guarantee you anything in life, it would appear.

Hanks recently vacationed with former President Obama, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Springsteen in French Polynesia, and boy, did he have a story to tell.

While on a group bike excursion, the actor apparently got stuck with what he describes as a "piece of junk hunk-a-junk bike."

How did this happen? Hanks blames the Secret Service officers who accompanied the group for taking all of the serviceable bicycles.

Hanks shared the anecdote on Friday's episode of the "Late Show With Stephen Colbert," where he was promoting his latest film, "The Circle."

"The Secret Service guys hopped on these brand new shiny bikes with bells, and leather saddles, and those streamers that come off the handle bars," Hanks said. "Everybody takes off, Oprah, the former president, they're all gone. And I have a bike that you couldn't deliver newspapers with."

The actor continued to call the bike "an undersized girl's bike," that was "rusted all over" and "had only one gear."

The rest of Hanks' story was less about the bike and more about the surroundings, including steep hills, chickens running around, and "an angry dog on a rope."

Watch Hanks' full recollection of the incident above (skip to about the 6-minute mark).

Hanks stars alongside Emma Watson in "The Circle," which was released Friday and is based on a novel by Dave Eggers.
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.

advertisement

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

--- ENDS ---
By Karishma Kuenzang, Srijani Ganguly/Mail Today, Adila Matra: Kathputli in Defence Colony Market

By Srijani Ganguly

If you have ever been to the Defence Colony market, chances are that you've come across a Rajasthani musician playing the chikara on the pavement. Listen too closely to the tune and you might just be pulled into the door behind him, leading into the world of Kathputli.

advertisement

The food, a complete Rajasthani affair, is cooked to perfection. The entire spread is vegetarian - from the a la carte offerings to the Marwari thali. Since both menus offer pretty much the same dishes, it's best to opt for the Marwari thali (which has no onion or garlic) to get the complete feel of the restaurant. It's also the option that will leave your stomach and your satisfaction level to the brim (the spread is unlimited).

Photo: Mail Today

The meal begins with glasses of shikanji and chaach - two drinks that are sure to cool your soul on a sultry summer day. Next come the khaman dhokla, dal kachori and kalmi vada - which offer three different degrees of texture. The kalmi vada especially is a delight to bite into. (There are chutneys to better the appetiser experience.)

The main course arrives in the form of bhindi masala, aloo chatpata, papad mangodi, govind gatta curry, Rajasthani mirchi kadhi and Jodhpuri dal. And, of course, there is the famous dal-baatichurma combination. Apart from the dal-baati-churma, the bhindi masala and the papad mangodi are the highlights. All these dishes are accompanied by tawa phulka, palak puri and bajra roti, as well as salad.

Dessert comes in the form of saboodana kheer and giya halwa, thus providing the perfect ending to an absolutely sumptuous meal.

Photo: Mail Today

At the end of the meal, there is another authentic experience to take part in, when the waiter arrives to the table with a majestic vase and cleaning bowl for the customers to wash their hands in. As you exit the world of Kathputli, the Rajasthani musician still plays on his music at the door, waiting for the next customer to be drawn in by the magic.

- Kathputli is located at 35, Defence Colony market; 12:30 pm to 4 pm and 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Average price for two is Rs 900 + taxes. The Marwari thali is available for Rs 460 + taxes for adults and Rs 250 + taxes for children

advertisement

Also Read: These 3 burger biggies in Delhi make the best of your favourite junk food

Masala Trail in Janpath

By Adila Matra

Osama Jalali's Masala Trail is the one stop for all your vegetarian cravings. He has picked up veg street food and homemade food from different states to curate an eclectic menu. With over 20 chefs dedicatedly working towards the entire menu, Masala Trail is packed even on a weekday.

The Madua Ki Poori, Chokha and Chutni is light on the tummy but delicious. The chokha made out of potato and brinjal along with the tomato chutney go well with not just the poori but also the butter soft, ghee-dipped Litti (a Bihari delicacy, shown in pic). The Banarasi Tamatar Chaat that Jalali picked up on his trips to the holy state has also made it to the list - it's gooey, spicy, tangy and definitely worth a try. Pankhi, a dosa-like dish from Gujarat, is a revelation. Rice batter cooked between banana leaves has traces of curd, ginger, cumin seeds and turmeric, making it the perfect choice for a summer lunch.

Masala Trail owner Osama Jalali. Photo: Mail Today

Other summer hits are the Tower Chaat or Chaat Sundae - layers of crispy chaat with curd and tamarind chutney, and Gandheri Kabab - seekh of corn kernels and cottage cheese finished on sugarcane sticks.

advertisement

The Kanpuria Garbad Chaat is the best pre-meal snack at Masala Trail. Fried potato tikki, potato subzi, yogurt and a mix of chutneys will warm up your tummy. All the dishes at Masala Trail are light on your stomach - so you don't feel like you have had an overdose of oil - but filling and satisfying. The Banana Poori, a Mangalorean street delicacy, is soft and not overbearingly sweet. It is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of chai than the tangy potato subzi that was served. The Chalukya dosa from Mysore is smeared with the Kannadiga Red Chutney and you can enjoy it even sans the potato filling or sambar. It would be wrong not to mention the Sindhi Dal Pakwaan, amidst the rage of other regional dishes. It is a popular breakfast dish and is served with any bread of your choice.

Photo: Mail Today

For dessert, they have the best gulab jamuns (after the Brother's Dhaba in Amritsar) and the world known Haji Ali Fruit Cream. The Chandrakala, a dessert similar to gujia, also gets a thumbs up.

advertisement

- Masala Trail is located at 52, Janpath Road, Connaught Place. The cost for two is Rs 800 plus taxes

Also Read: Here's why you should eat at this 'first date'-worthy venue in Delhi

Naivedyam in Hauz Khas Village

By Karishma Kuenzang

When you walk into Naivedyam, tucked away near the entrance of HKV, you have no clue that the authentic gastronomic fare is what will make you want to come back to the former party hub.

The vegetarian thali at Naivedyam, replete with sambar, rasam, curd, poriyal and puris. Photo: Mail Today

We start our meal with a welcome drink of rasam. The tangy, not-sospicy mix has a strong tomato presence, and has a surprisingly cooling effect. Established 23 years ago, the outlet serves Karanatakan, or more specifically Mangalorean, preparations of vegetarian south Indian cuisine, sourcing 80 per cent of their basic ingredients including masalas, coconut oil and gur from back home.

Photo: Mail Today

We order the Rava (Semolina) Idli and Sambhar Vada. The idli comes sticky and upma-like, with an overpowering taste of semolina, which goes perfectly with the freshly-ground coconut chutney - it's the closest I've come to the real deal in Delhi. The hot, crispy vada would make you wish it was a rainy afternoon! But it's the peppery sambar, where the spice is more of an aftertaste, which comes with chunks of almost-melting potatoes, carrots and beans, that can wake up the south Indian foodies in us.

Photo: Mail Today

We order the Mysore Rava Dosa, which lacks the crunch but makes up for it with its spicy, coconut flavours. They also serve three types of chutneys with it - the gunpowder chutney (made using chana dal, chilli, sesame seeds), spicy green coconut chutney and onion tomato chutney.

Next up is the uttapam feast. We start with Tomato Uttapam and Onion Uttapam, which are basically plain uttapams drizzled with chunks of tomato and onion slices. The Mixed Vegetable Uttapam comes filled with carrot, chillies and lettuce. But it's the Potato Uttapam which is our favourite. Stuffed with mashed potatoes, we, typical Delhiites, would happily replace the north Indian staple of aaloo ka parantha with this uttapam for breakfast.

Mysore Pak, a south Indian dessert made of ghee, sugar, gram flour, and often cardamom. Photo: Mail Today

We end our mains with some Appam Kurma. The coconut-y kurma - a stew made using carrot, potatoes and beans, drenched in coconut paste - is a tad sweet, which is balanced out by the slight sourness of the fluffy fermented appam. As there is always room for dessert, we order their gur-based Sabudana Payasam, made using sabudana, dry fruits, vermicelli, banana and ghee, and their Kesri Bhath. The former is akin to kheer, only less sweet, while the latter comes dripping in ghee and you also get a hint of the pineapple flavour used.

- Naivedyam is located at Shop 1, Hauz Khas Village; 10 am to 10 pm. Average price for two is Rs 700-800

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Apr 30 (PTI) Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu today stressed on the need to regularly practice yoga saying it is one of the way to realise ones self.

"Yoga goes beyond asana. There is a lot more that goes into practising Yoga. Yoga is one of the ways of knowing, realising ones self. Another way of realising goals is via music as it renders harmony between mind, body and soul," Prabhu said.

advertisement

He was addressing a gathering here as The Yoga Institute in suburban Santacruz celebrated the 88th birthday of Yogi Jayadeva Yogendraji with unveiling of the centenary logo of the institute.

Renowned santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, who too was present for the event said, Dr Jayadeva always viewed Yoga as a way of life and not just an exercise.

"He often used to share his pearls of wisdom like ?To be famous is easy but to handle fame is difficult?. He used to advise us to avoid shouting and raising voice as anger overpowers self," he said.

Hansa Jayadeva, director, The Yoga Institute said the centenary logo of The Yoga Institute has been designed to celebrate the mission as well as the vision of the oldest organised yoga institute in the world.

"Three generations of Yogis are relentlessly working to spread the knowledge of Yoga since 100 years. The Institute continues sharing practical applications of yogic ideals and making Yoga a way of life for millions across the globe," she added. PTI MM RMT BAS

--- ENDS ---
Yogi was supposed to go to Deoria at 10.30 am but a beeline of people with applications for help forced him to make last minute changes in the programme.

By Shiv Pujan Jha: Yogi Adityanath took time to meet thousands of complainants today who thronged to the Gorakhnath Temple in distress after being turned down from various quarters. Some of them waiting with small children in their lap since 5 am in the morning.

Yogi was supposed to go to Deoria at 10.30 am but a beeline of people with applications for help forced him to make last minute changes in the programme. Yogi conducted meetings of the affairs of the temple and the moment he spotted thousands waiting for him he ordered them to be allowed inside.

advertisement

While at the helm of affairs in the math, he would sit in his chair as hundreds would come touch his feet seek blessings and subsequent intervention in their plight. Nothing seems to have changed. The distressed still come and the staff at the temple take down their complains as Yogi, who has adorned a much larger role, ensures two calls a day to his math. Once in the morning and the other in the evening to ensure everything is all right at the math.

Now as the news of his making a second visit to Gorakhpur spread, people in thousands thronged to the temple not in devotion to God but devotion to Yogi.

The barricades have been put in place announcing that Yogi, who was reachable to all, has now become the Chief Minister of the state. The Yogi with much dearth of time however chose to spend the night in his own room devoid of any AC comfort and since early morning on Sunday started meeting people.

The first wave was of those well connected and those with genuine problem kept waiting begging the reporters to showcase their plight. The number kept growing and by 9.30 am yogi got the message that thousands are waiting outside. It was during the same time that murder accused Aman Mani Tripathi managed to sneak in and hand over a file to Yogi even as Yogi waved him off.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hugs his pet at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur on Sunday. Photo: PTI Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hugs his pet at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur on Sunday. Photo: PTI

Yogi in an oft repeated display of his character spotted those anxiously waiting to meet him with genuine concerns and allowed them in. Soon the security got into the act, pushing and shoving the docile ignorant masses into a queue. Some had tears in their eyes, while some displayed the wounds gifted to them by land grabbers.

A lady with fragile frame had lost her husband to a land grabber in Gorakhpur and placed her last hope on Yogi. An 80-year-old man, who showed a bullet wound that he survived but his land was taken away, seemed hopeful that in the long line at least he will be able to hand over his complaint to Yogi after being turned down by the police.

advertisement

A bunch of women displayed the wounds inflicted by heavy beating when they were protesting against a liquor shop in the area. There were rape victims trying to hide their faces and tears, who were turned down by the police and now as a last ditched effort were knocking at the doors of Yogi.

Individual complains running into thousands and lakh's forcing one to prod as to what the police and the local administration is doing.

Possibly if the local administration is sensitive the numbers of complainants at Yogi's durbar won't be swelling to this extent. But the swelling numbers speaks of the volume of hopes people have reposed in Yogi, and he will have to work overtime to address them as expectations run high and so does the sufferings of the common man.

Watch Video: Those who violate the law won't be spared: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur

Also Read:

Yogi Adityanath sets June 15-deadline to make UP roads pothole-free, promises 24-hour power to district headquarters

Quit Uttar Pradesh if you can't respect the law, warns CM Yogi Adityanath

--- ENDS ---
Two hundred years ago, British economist David Ricardo outlined a theory of international trade based on the notion of comparative advantage. The idea is that each country does something relatively well, and therefore can specialize and trade with others to their mutual benefit.

Economics has since gone well beyond Ricardos analysis, but it remains instructive when it comes to agricultural products. That brings me to strawberries.

The red fruit is produced for U.S. markets primarily in two states, California and Florida. In my part of the country, the Southern California coast, I admire the strawberry fields and think, There is Ricardos comparative advantage. Southern California has a mild climate, moist sea breezes and fertile soil: perfect for growing strawberries.

The climate that makes Ventura County ideal strawberry territory does not end at the Mexican border. On the Baja California coast near San Quintin, you also find strawberries. With the expansion of cultivation in the states of Baja, Guanajuato and Michoacan, Mexican production and Mexican exports have been increasing in recent years.

Both countries are major exporters of the crop. According to the California Strawberry Export Report, farmers in the Golden State exported about $400 million of fresh and frozen strawberries in 2016. Mexico exported approximately the same amount as California.

Heres where things get interesting. Mexican exports tend to be to the United States; the U.S. exports to Canada and other countries. Why does the U.S. both export and import strawberries? One reason is the different harvesting season in Mexico, and the perishability of fresh berries.

Theres another defining quality of strawberries: They are hard to harvest. You have to stoop down and remove each fruit one by one. Machines would damage the delicate berry and fail to separate ripe from budding fruits. So it is up to people, typically immigrants, to pick strawberries.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a good strawberry picker in Southern California can earn $150 per day during the harvest season. That translates to $18.75 per hour. According to the California Legislative Analysts Office, between 25 and 30 percent of all non-strawberry pickers in the same region earn less than $12.50 per hour. So why are these less well-paid folks not clamoring for jobs in the strawberry fields? Strawberry picking is hard, seasonal labor and must be pieced together with other fieldwork.

In Baja, strawberry harvest workers make much less than they do in Southern California: about $11 a day. So why doesnt more of the strawberry business move south across the border? The labor price difference isnt yet so much as to force the move south. Strawberry farms here still can find people to work in the fields. But there is an issue: The people willing to pick strawberries in Ventura County for $18.75 per hour are not Americans. They are Mexicans willing to brave the hazards of living in the United States without legal permission.

The delicate balance that allows both Californian and Mexican strawberry operations to prosper is under pressure. The Trump administration has pledged to deport unauthorized residents. And where more effectively to deploy the limited resources of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement than where there is a concentration of the undocumented: in the strawberry fields?

The immediate impact of deportations will be a shortage of labor. In the short run, California and the United States will have fewer strawberries picked and the berries in the market will command higher prices. In the longer run, farmers either will pay pickers more, or plant crops that can be harvested by machines. The result: even fewer strawberries and even higher prices. And the same people who have been picking strawberries in California still will be picking our strawberries. They just will be doing it south of the border.

The shift of the strawberry business further south should be a boon to Mexican agriculture, food processing and trucking. For the agriculture in the U.S., profits will be lower as land ideally suited for strawberries will be used for feed corn. And, though President Trump campaigned on closing the trade deficit with Mexico, the deportation policy will expand it, as more profits from the strawberry trade accrue to Mexican land barons.

So it is a policy of pick your poison. You can engage in mass deportations with consequent lower income for American farmers and their Mexican farmworkers, and increase the trade deficit. Or you can forgo mass deportations, increasing the income of American farmers and their Mexican farmworkers, and keeping the trade deficit with Mexico no greater than it is today. But you cant do both.

And this is only strawberries. In 2015, Mexico exported almost $22 billion of agricultural produce to the United States. Strawberries are just the tip of the iceberg.

Jerry Nickelsburg, an economist at UCLA Anderson School of Management, writes the Pacific Economist column for Zocalo Public Square. Email: jerry.nickelsburg@anderson.ucla.edu Twitter: @jnickelsburg To comment, submit your letter to the editor at http://bit.ly/SFChronicleletters.
When she started with a modest blog in 2009, Rue Mapp knew the goals she had set were not going to be easy: Help African Americans connect with each other and, more to the point, connect them with the outdoors.

But the modest blog turned into Outdoor Afro (www.outdoorafro.com), a network of 60 trip leaders in 28 states and more than 12,000 members. The organization schedules and operates trips and activities on public lands  from regional open space to national parks  for groups of people of color, a demographic that is underrepresented among visitors to protected parks.

So much of how I became who I am is because of nature, Mapp said in an interview last year. There are lessons that nature taught me that I wouldnt have learned anywhere else.

It helps that she had as a classroom the Northern California region, which is particularly rich with protected parks and natural wonders. What follows are a few of Mapps favorite spots for connecting with nature, as well as tips for getting the best experience.

 Spud Hilton, travel@sfchronicle.com

A few favorites

Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Marin: This popular site has interpretation programming in the summer, an accessible creek for cooling off under redwoods in the summer, with many trails for biking and hiking that surround the camp. Site spaces are generous, appointed with the right amount of privacy and community feel. Pro tip: Try to reserve a campsite on the creekside.

Leona Canyon York Trail: Mapp says this is one of her favorite local trails. This beauty is very short, but challenging in parts, with some scrambling. Views include lovely, rushing waterfalls and a panoramic view of the bay from the East Oakland hills at the summit. Pro tip: Ideal for older youths and more experienced hikers.

Joaquin Miller Park: I dont know what my life would be like without redwoods, so I visit the Oakland Parks and Recreations own Joaquin Miller Park for my weekly dose of these West Coast beauties. Pro tip: Parking is easy and free along the many trailheads on either Skyline Boulevard or Joaquin Miller Road.

Point Pinole Regional Park: This is a favorite along the Richmond shoreline with trails that catch the bay breeze and stunning views of the San Pablo Bay. Dogs are welcome here, and its a great place for the entire family for hiking and picnics. Parking is only $3 and plentiful. Pro tip: Bring binoculars to catch some of the most incredible birding along the Pacific flyway, and especially near the vernal pools found in the spring.
ISTANBUL  An Iranian-born TV mogul who had run afoul of Irans government was fatally shot by masked gunmen in Istanbul, media reports said.

The identities of the assailants were unknown. But Saeed Karimian, the director of GEM Group, a Persian-language media conglomerate, was reported killed Saturday night along with his Kuwaiti business partner, whose name was withheld.

The two business executives were driving in a luxury sedan in an upscale district of Istanbul when another vehicle blocked their path, allowing the gunmen to spray Karimians car with bullets, according to Turkish media reports. A car that police suspect belonged to the assailants was found torched outside the city.

The 45-year-old businessman, who was also a British national, was reported dead at the scene. His partner died at the hospital, reports said.

It was a brazen assault in a major cosmopolitan city and raised questions about both the safety of Iranian news professionals abroad, and law and order in Turkeys largest metropolis.

Turkey and Iran are neighbors and major trade partners, but relations have recently been strained. The two are regional rivals and have backed opposing sides in the Syrian civil war.

Reporters Without Borders, a press freedom watchdog, ranks Iran as one of the worst oppressors of journalists in the world. The motive behind the killings, however, remains unclear.

Karimians media empire included at least 20 satellite channels, broadcasting in Farsi, Arabic, Azeri and Arabic. The group had offices in London, Istanbul and Dubai, and it often dubbed foreign, including Western, programs in Farsi to be broadcast in Iran.

Those efforts put Karimian in authorities crosshairs, and officials frequently criticized the programs as having a corrupting influence. Last year, a court in the Iranian capital, Tehran, sentenced Karimian to six years in absentia for spreading propaganda.

Erin Cunningham is a Washington Post writer.
1 Russia protests: Under 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 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. Putin has not announced whether he plans to run for president again next year. The demonstrations were called for by Open Russia, an organization started by Kremlin foe Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

2 Syria fighting: Air strikes killed eight members of Syrias rescuers known as the White Helmets in a rebel-held area in the countrys center, opposition activists said Saturday. The bombing was one of the deadliest against the rescuers who operate in opposition-held areas and who have garnered global attention for operating in extreme conditions, pulling survivors out of recently struck areas. The local White Helmets in cen tral Hama province said an air raid on one of their centers in Kfar Zeita killed eight members of the team. It was not clear who carried out the air strikes, as Syrian government and Russia aircraft have targeted opposition-held areas.
BAGHDAD  Investigations conducted in March reveal that U.S.-led coalition air strikes targeting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria killed 45 civilians, mostly in and around the Iraqi city of Mosul, according to a Pentagon statement released Sunday.

In each incident, the Pentagon said all feasible precautions were taken, but the strikes still resulted in unintentional loss of civilian life.

The report did not include findings from an ongoing investigation into a March 17 strike targeting Islamic State group fighters in Mosul. That strike resulted in more than 100 civilian deaths, according to reports from residents. Last month, the U.S. acknowledged coalition planes conducted a strike at the location corresponding to allegations of civilian casualties, but did not confirm the reports of the high number of civilian casualties.

The Pentagon acknowledged at least 352 civilians have been killed by coalition strikes in Iraq and Syria since the start of the air campaign against Islamic State in 2014. Activists and monitoring groups put the number much higher. The London-based monitoring group Airwars reported that coalition strikes have killed more than 3,000 civilians in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

The March 17 strike sparked outrage in Iraq and beyond with calls from local government officials as well as the United Nations for greater restraint in the fight against the militants for Mosul. The United Nations reported nearly 2,000 civilians have been treated for trauma since the fight for the western part of the city began in February following the formal launch of the operation to retake Mosul in October 2016.

Iraqi forces declared Mosuls eastern half fully liberated in January, but have since struggled to retake the citys western side. Claustrophobic terrain and tens of thousands of civilians being held by the extremists as human shields have bogged Iraqi and coalition forces down.

The Sunday statement also included the findings of an audit begun in March that inspected the way the U.S.-led coalition reports and tracks civilian casualties in the fight. The statement said the audit found that 80 civilian deaths caused by coalition air strikes had not been previously publicly reported and two civilian deaths previously reported were found to have not been caused by the coalition.

The U.S. began the campaign of air strikes against Islamic State in 2014 after the extremists pushed into Iraq from Syria, overrunning Mosul and large swaths of Iraqs north and west.
Intueri Education Group says indicative offers for its remaining New Zealand colleges would not generate enough funds to repay all of $70.7 million in debt with ANZ Bank New Zealand.

As a result, the company would have "insufficient residual assets to operate a sustainable business or make any return to shareholders" if a sale eventuates, it said in a statement.

Intueri hired High St Capital Partners for advice on options for the New Zealand operations including the sale of assets after being forced to close its Australian institutions when they failed to gain renewed registrations across the Tasman. Those remaining assets are now being liquidated.

The company said today that it retains the support of its bank under a standstill agreement reached after it breached a lending covenant. The standstill is to allow Intueri to complete a strategic review. "Intueris New Zealand businesses continue to be able to meet obligations currently being incurred," the company said in a statement.

In February, Intueri said it had conditionally agreed to sell the NZ School of Outdoor Studies, which trades as the NZ School of Commercial Diver Training and is the only such school in New Zealand, with settlement expected by the end of March. However, today it said the sale hasn't been finalised despite settlement being extended to the end of April "and Intueri is now exploring options with other parties to divest this college. In the meantime, the Dive School will maintain normal operations under Intueri management."

"Intueri again recommends that persons considering trading in Intueri shares ensure that they understand the implications of this announcement and seek professional advice prior to doing so," it said.

Intueri's 2014 initial public offering at $2.35 a share allowed vendor Arowana International to net about $102 million while selling its stake down to 24.9 percent and provided $60 million to pay for the acquisition of its now-defunct Quantum Education Group. The stock last traded at 2.1 cents, valuing the company at $2.1 million.

(BusinessDesk)

Comments from our readers

No comments yet

Add your comment:

Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process.

Related News:

TEM - Market Abuse Regulation, Article 19, Paragraph 11

NZME updates FY22 guidance & announces new dividend policy

November 9th Morning Report

FSF - Results announced for the 2022 Fonterra Elections

Heartland 2022 Annual Shareholder Meeting

a2MC commences on-market buy-back of up to NZ$150 million

TradeWindow enters trial agreement with GSBN

November 8th Morning Report

OCA - Notice of Half Year Result Announcement

Westpac 2022 Full Year Financial Results Announcement


Nautanwa MLA (independent) Amanmani Tripathi received Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the dais at Gorakhpur University, causing a stir in the party leadership.

By Jagat Narayan Singh: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's address to party workers at the Gorakhpur University on Saturday came in the eye of storm for a murder accused MLA's participation in the event.

Nautanwa MLA (Independent) Amanmani Tripathi welcomed the chief minister on the stage, touched his feet and handed him a bouquet, sparking a controversy.

This came as a shock to many, including BJP leaders given Yogi Adityanath's strict stance on those who 'play with the law'.

advertisement

WHO IS AMARMANI TRIPATHI?

Son of former Bahubali MLA Amarmani Tripathi, Amanmani was chargesheeted by CBI in February this year and is out on bail currently.

The chargesheet reads, "Amanmani is guilty of killing his wife Sara by strangulation with a "premeditated plan" of getting rid of her, and portraying a "fake" road accident as the cause of her death."

MURDER ACCUSED WANTS TO JOIN BJP

Amanmani had claimed that his wife Sara (27) died in a road accident when they were on their way to Delhi for a holiday in July 9, 2015.

CBI filed the chargesheet in a special CBI court in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad under Sections of 302 (murder), 498-A (husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code.

According to political pundits, Tripathi is eyeing joining the BJP, given his attempts in the past to woo Adityanath.

After winning the Assembly election from the Nautanwa sea, Amanmani on March 12 had gone to Gorakhpur temple to seek blessings from Yogi Adityanath

He was quoted saying, "Yogiji is the head priest of the temple and we have a lot of faith in him... Yogiji is a senior politician and this is my first step in politics so I have come here to learn politics from him."

--- ENDS ---
In a veiled warning to gau-rakshaks and anti-Romeo squad, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said no law-breaker will be spared.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: On his second visit to Gorakhpur after assuming charge as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath warned law-breakers of strict action if they took law into their hands.

In an oblique warning to members of "gau-rakshaks" brigade and "anti-Romeo squad", the chief minister said that he will not compromise with law and order at any cost.

advertisement

"I am committed to fulfill the dreams of our people to make Uttar Pradesh the best ruled state in the country. We will not compromise with law and order and those who violate law won't be spared", warned Yogi Adityanath.

'MEDIA SHOULD PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE'

Adityanath, who was addressing a gathering at the swearing-in ceremony of new office bearers of Gorakhpur Press Club announced that he will establish rule of law in the state.

He also appealed the media to play a positive role in this.

Talking about his month-old government's achievements, he said that Uttar Pradesh will be getting 24 hours of electricity and potholes free roads soon.

He also assured that no farmer in his state will be compelled to commit suicide.

NEW SUGAR FACTORIES

"We are sensitive to farmer issues hence we waived farmer loans in our first cabinet meeting", said the UP chief minister.

He announced that in order to stop migration from the state and create more employment opportunities, his government will be opening five new sugar factories and restarting other such factories which were shut down.

Also read: Quit Uttar Pradesh if you can't respect the law, warns CM Yogi Adityanath

Also read: Yogi Adityanath takes dig at Kejriwal, says EVM stands for 'Every Vote Modi'

Also read: UP school wants students to sport Yogi-like haircut, say no to beards and shun 'love jihad'

Watch the video: Mega bureaucratic reshuffle: Yogi Adityanath government transfers 41 IAS officers

--- ENDS ---
PHILADELPHIA -- Improving on what has already been a fantastic two days in the "City of Brotherly Love," the Wagner College men's 4x200 team and 4x100 team put forth tremendous showings in their respective races at the 123rd Penn Relays, held at the historic Franklin Field, on Saturday.

The men's 4x200 team, which features freshman Jordan Davenport, juniors Michael Songore and Quincy Rasin and senior Thomas Schwannecke improved on their time from Friday's heat, taking third in the IC4A final with a time of 1:26.20, rewriting the Wagner College record books for a second straight day.

Rhode Island took first-place with a time of 1:25.74 while UMBC (1:26.19) and Wagner (1:26.20) rounded out the top-three performances. Stony Brook, Morgan State, and Maine finished fourth through sixth, respectively.

The men's 4x100 squad, consisting of Davenport, Songore, Rasin and freshman Dylan Beard, ended up fifth in the IC4A finale, running 41.65, which is now a new school record. Navy took top honors with a time of 40.64 while Northeast Conference (NEC) rival, LIU Brooklyn, came in second at 41.07. Hampton (41.34), Morgan State (41.57) and Wagner (41.65) rounded out the top-five schools out of the eight-team field.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Today's archive page is from April 3, 1961.

Hundreds of Staten Islanders attend dawn Easter services, despite near-freezing temperatures.

About 400 people attend the dawn service at New Dorp Moravian Church, a tradition carried out since the congregation was founded in the 18th century.

At the same time, nearly 100 people gather at the Russell Pavilion in Tottenville for a Methodist service. It is the sixth consecutive such Easter service sponsored by St. Paul's Church, Tottenville, and Wesley Church, Eltingville.

Want to discuss this report? Click the comment link near this story's headline to join in the conversation.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The FDA is warning Americans about 65 bogus products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer.

FDA said it recently issued 14 warning letters and four online advisory letters to companies "illegally selling more than 65 products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure cancer," said the FDA in a written statement.

The products in question are marketed and sold -- mostly on websites or social media platforms -- without FDA approval.

"Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment," said Douglas W. Stearn, director of the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations in the FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs.

"We encourage people to remain vigilant whether online or in a store, and avoid purchasing products marketed to treat cancer without any proof they will work. Patients should consult a health care professional about proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer."

The illegally sold products cited in the warning letters include a variety of product types, such as pills, topical creams, ointments, oils, drops, syrups, teas and diagnostics (such as thermography devices). They include products marketed for use by humans or pets that make illegal, unproven claims regarding preventing, reversing or curing cancer, killing/inhibiting cancer cells or tumors, or other similar anti-cancer claims.

The FDA warns that it's a violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to market to sell products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure diseases "without first demonstrating to the FDA that they are safe and effective for their labeled uses," said the FDA in a written statement.

Want to discuss this report? Join the conversation here.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Hundreds marched the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Saturday afternoon to voice their concerns on climate change.

The event, organized by Sustainable Staten Island and Move Forward Staten Island, coincided with the People's Climate Movement March, which was held in Washington D.C.

Julienne Verdi, the founder of Move Forward Staten Island, said the march, which featured participants from across the five boroughs, was about protecting the city from the dangers of climate change.

"Staten Island has kind of been at the forefront of the climate change issue," Verdi said. "We need our politicians on all levels of government to take action."

The march began on the boardwalk at Midland Avenue and went to Seaview Avenue. Verdi said the location was important because of its connection to Superstorm Sandy.

A petition circulated throughout the protest that called for Congressman Dan Donovan to oppose proposed budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency. Organizers said the petition will be hand-delivered to Donovan's Staten Island office.

Several organizations were represented at the march, including Local Union IBEW 3. Allison Ziogas, an electrician with the union, said a transition to renewable energy was important because of the job creation it represents.

"We're here to stand in solidarity with the members of our community, and amplify our collective voice to call for bolder commitments to sustainable energy," Ziogas said.

Art played a large role at the event. Several musicians performed. Organizers described the end of the event as a "festival-like atmosphere."

Serena DiLeonardo said she came to march because of her concerns about the future of the planet.

"We need to be putting more of our resources into a more sustainable future," she said.

The organizers of the Washington D.C. climate march said more than 200,000 people gathered in the nation's capital.

Paul Getsos, the national coordinator for the People's Climate Movement, said the march was organized to encourage leaders to take action on climate change.

"This march grew out of the relationship building among some of the country's most important progressive organizations and movements," Getsos said in a statement.

Activities in Washington D.C. began at sunrise with a water ceremony led by Indigenous peoples at the Capitol Reflecting Pool, according to a media release.

Angela Adrar, the executive director of the Climate Justice Alliance, said humanity's existence depends on improving the environment.

"When our communities are most threatened by climate; the solutions we build must allow us to have control of our resources and the energy we produce in an equitable and truly democratic way," she said.

Getsos said it is important for the movement to continue long after the Saturday march.

"Today's actions are not for one day or one week or one year," Getsos said. "We are a movement that is getting stronger everyday for our families, our communities and our planet. To change everything, we need everyone."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Following the release of President Donald Trump's tax plan, Senator Charles E. Schumer is urging the administration to preserve tax deductions for New York homeowners and taxpayers.

Schumer said he believes that New York City and Long Island homeowners are in "tax jeopardy" as Trump's new tax plan proposes eliminating state and local property tax deductions.

"Taking away or even reducing the state and local tax deductions would be brutally unfair and hit New York homeowners right between the eyes," said Schumer.

"This is the wrong thing to do if we are serious about helping to build and expand the middle class. Under President Trump's plan, the top rate would come down, taxes that disproportionately affect the very wealthy would go away, while middle-class and working families would be denied some of the most frequently-used deductions: the state and local tax deduction."

The Trump administration unveiled a proposed tax plan that would only keep tax breaks for mortgage interest and charitable contributions and double the standardized deduction. However, the plan would ax almost all other itemized deductions, including those for city and state property taxes.

ONLY HURTING THE MIDDLE CLASS

Schumer said that eliminating this deduction will hurt middle-class and working-class New York residents the most out of any other state.

Schumer said that removing of these tax deductions would hit New Yorkers particularly hard, given the high local cost of owning a home. Schumer pledged to fight any efforts that would rollback critical savings deductions used by New York homeowners and taxpayers.

Under the current federal tax system, taxpayers who itemize deductions on their federal income tax returns can deduct state and local real estate and personal property taxes.

Schumer said the loss of the deduction would cost New York City residents an average of $5,500 per year for those who file itemized returns.

Want to discuss this report? Join the conversation here.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- Police are investigating a report of shots fired in Stapleton.

Police officers were called to 39 Tompkins Avenue at about 1:50 p.m. on Sunday for a report of multiple gunshots, according to a NYPD spokesman.

No one was struck or injured, police said.

Police were stationed outside the multi-story house, located across the street from a park and a playground, for about an hour. The incident remains under investigation.

There are six names associated with at least two separate apartments at the address, according to public records.
Page Content

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 through the placement of a single flower.





The general public is invited to witness this occasion as we pay homage to our fallen victims.




As a journalist with the Arizona Daily Sun, Michelle McManimon covered stories addressing suffering, homelessness and other heartbreaking news in Flagstaff. Then came a point where she needed to take action to help others, so she began volunteering at Catholic Charities. She is no longer with the Daily Sun.

The more I wrote stories about people who are really struggling in Flagstaff, the more Catholic Charities came up, McManimon said. Catholic Charities is really a lifeline for people in this town. I dont know how people would survive without it. There are so few places that do housing. Catholic Charities homeless outreach program saves lives.

McManimons passion to help others circled around low-income housing issues. As the housing prices continue to rise in Flagstaff in the midst of a low-paying local job market, many people are finding themselves struggling to make it.

McManimon believes this makes volunteering a crucial commitment at this time.

Its more important here than any other city in Arizona, she said. I think for most people to make it in Flagstaff, you need a little or a lot of help from your neighbors. So for our community to thrive, volunteering is essential.

At age 32, McManimon now works as a freelance writer and lives with her husband and pets. With a flexible work schedule, she volunteers 16 hours each week for the position of Catholic Charities office ninja.

Michelle came in and completely transformed our supply closet without being asked. She brought in her own organizational equipment and did a total overhaul on the space. She covers the front desk in a proactive way and is always smiling, said Mary Lawson, Catholic Charities Flagstaff office manager. If we didnt have Michelle, we wouldnt have reception back up, which means we would pull someone else from their job.

At the front desk, Michelle says shes seen heartbreaking situations transform into miraculous situations. On her first day, a mother and her children came in and were homeless.

She came in stressed out and crying, but being able to talk to someone here and find support helped to put her mind at ease, McManimon said. We started her on the process of getting housing, got her and her children into an emergency shelter and got her children warm clothes. She was so relieved.

The joys of being able to see someone go from hopeless to hopeful fuels McManimons passion to continue helping others.

When we take care of each other, then all of us are lifted up, she said. I think everyone who can spare an hour of their time or $10 or old clothes for someone else, it makes a difference. When you volunteer, you get to see how your small contributions really help people.

Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities provides care for the vulnerable of all faiths through programs in foster care, early start education, housing, veteran services, refugee relocation and poverty reduction. For more information, visit catholiccharitiesaz.org.
By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent.

Agree
A View From the Bridge. By Arthur Miller. Directed by Chris Baldock. Canberra Repertory Society. Theatre 3. May 4 (preview)-20. Bookings: canberrarep.org.au or 62571950.

For the first time in its history, Canberra Repertory Society is presenting Arthur Miller's classic play A View from the Bridge. Often seen as the third of his great works - along with Death of a Salesman and The Crucible, both previously produced by Rep - the play is being directed by a newcomer to Canberra making his Rep directorial debut, Chris Baldock.

In A View from the Bridge: from left, Alexander Clubb, Karen Vickery, Tegan Braithwaite, Grant Simpson, Knox Peden, Liz St Clair Long, Peter Harvey. Credit:Helen Drum

Baldock - who had an award-winning directorial career in Melbourne before taking up a teaching position at the National Acting School - says Miller originally wrote Bridge as a one-act verse play staged with with A Memory of Two Mondays in 1955. When it flopped on Broadway he rewrote it as the play we know now, a two-act prose drama that was a big hit in London the following year.

Miller was inspired to write Bridge after hearing the basic story from a lawyer who worked with longshoremen and related it as fact and also by his experiences with director Elia Kazan who had directed Miller's plays All My Sons and Death of a Salesman. They had worked on an unproduced screenplay dealing with corruption on the New York docks but when Kazan named Communist names to the House Committee on Un-American Activities it ended their friendship. Kazan later made the film On the Waterfront with writer Budd Schulberg - another "friendly witness" before HUAAC - in which "informing" is presented in a more sympathetic light.
You're matched with people based on a short questionnaire and have 15 minutes together before a text shows you where to meet your next date, their name and picture.

I'd forgotten everything she'd told me; listening back afterwards, the advice was golden. But with none of that in mind I went to CitySwoon's 'adventure dating' night: a speed-dating slash pub crawl.

People like talking about themselves, she said, so ask a lot of questions. You'll do better if you're confident and happy. Don't talk about ex-partners. Don't go when you're sad, you'll attract the wrong people.

I first encountered speed dating in 2014 when producing a podcast called Cataclysm in Melbourne. For our 'date night' segment I spoke with a speed-dating host for pointers.

Approaching the bar in Kingston on a weeknight, I was sweating. It was a nightmare at first. Grabbing my free drink I sat in the quietest corner I could find before my phone told me to meet my first date.

A woman sat at my bar table and asked if I was speed-dating. She wasn't, but she knew it was on and had a friend there who was single. Was I into blondes? Was I circumcised? (Kill me now.) Was I into rough stuff? I'm a depraved man who speaks like a Melbourne stevedore, but I've never blushed like that. I was mumbling, ready to bolt.

I thought about other bad decisions I'd made in my life. I remembered the shark-like smile my editor gave me when she asked if I wanted to do a 'we tried', followed by 'are you single?' She knew she'd sent me to die.

My first date saved me. My phone told me to meet her at the bar. The date was lovely, but I was distracted by the woman following me, miming to me over my date's shoulder.

The woman gave up and then loudly asked a nearby table of dudes the same questions, occasionally pointing at me. When the next date came along, she'd disappeared.
But for a fair and just world, citizens must be able to reveal major injustices and corruption without fear of exposure and reprisals.

Already, we've witnessed the Trump administration escalating the use of force at the US border, seizing and searching the digital devices and social media accounts of journalists and citizens  a risk to investigative journalism that is dependent on confidential sources and whistleblowing. In Canberra, only last week the Australian Federal Police admitted illegally accessing an unidentified journalist's metadata .

Daily, our rights to speak up and speak out are being eroded, restricted and compromised through the corrosive impacts of tools of the state: surveillance, data retention policies, and the overreach of national security and anti-terrorism legislation.

US President Donald Trump's "alternative facts" are not the only thing that threaten truth-telling in 2017. Credit:AP

That's now under threat, as states and corporations use their power to intercept our communications, harvest our emails, and trawl through our mobile metadata. It is these powers which undermine the principles and practice of source confidentiality  a tenet enshrined internationally in both journalistic codes of ethics and human rights law that has supported the sharing of hidden information with journalists in the public interest, from Watergate to the Panama Papers.

Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO (the UN's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) is releasing a new global study Protecting Journalism Sources in the Digital Age of which I'm the author. The study examines source protection-related developments in 121 countries between 2007 and 2015. It concludes that the confidence in the confidentiality of sources could be further eroded unless journalistic communications are protected; surveillance is made subject to checks and balances; data retention laws are limited; and accountability and transparency measures for states and corporations are improved. The likely result is that much public interest information, such as that about corruption and abuse, will remain hidden from public view.

What I've learnt about the implications of 21st century communications for whistleblowing and investigative journalism chills me. When you catalogue a decade's worth of cases globally, as I did with my research team, you're confronted with an undeniable reality: even with the availability of tools like encryption, it's becoming much harder for journalists to protect confidential sources and whistleblowers.

Take, for example, the US Justice Department's mass seizure of AP journalists' phone data in 2012, during a leak investigation connected to the CIA. Or, as revealed by Edward Snowden, British surveillance service GCHQ's scooping up of emails from some of the world's most reputable news organisations. Then, there's the case of the 100 Macedonian journalists placed under surveillance by their government who, in 2015, were invited to the opposition party's headquarters to collect folders filled with transcripts of their conversations spanning a two-year period.
Decentralisation has been a buzz word in Australian population and economic policy since January 25, 1973. That's when the Whitlam government joined states and local councils to commit to growing regional development centres in Albury-Wodonga and Bathurst.

In theory the shifting of industry and government functions can have enormous potential for the regions.

Barnaby Joyce wants more federal government functions moved to regional centres, like Armidale in his electorate. Credit:Andrew Meares

The benefits on offer are clear: more jobs, easing city house price pressures, support for rural development, setting an example for the private sector to follow, increasing opportunities for non-metropolitan skills training, spreading of immigrant communities and, often, saving taxpayers money.

Yet more than four decades after the Whitlam government began the great decentralisation experiment, which delivered mixed success, the Turnbull government has learnt little.
Mike Bush Rodd Point The transfer of the fire levy to all households based on property valuations was a good idea. What is galling is the huge jump in land valuation that some have experienced this year, when property valuations have barely crept up over the previous few years. This jump was as high as 66 per cent in 12 months, an astounding amount which looks suspiciously coincidental. Vanessa Tennent Oatley Try Trumping on gas Have our respective governments totally lost the plot ("Taxpayers burnt in $50b gas boom", April 29-30)? How on earth could we allow the likes of Santos to export a product that doesn't belong to them and sell it for $50 billion annually, and we do not get a brass razoo? Perhaps we need a Donald Trump to start looking after Australia first.

Ramon Jones Carcoar Your article highlights the dangers of leaving important national resource decisions to our politicians who can be less than competent when doing a deal for resource owners. Les Brennan Sunshine Bay Politicians politicised Abdel-Magied's words I think I might have been a post-graduate before Jacqueline Maley was born, so I'm a little bemused when she describes my views as "undergraduate" ("Laptop warriors show they are no heroes", April 29-30). But where she irked me most was with the suggestion that Yassmin Abdel-Magied tried to politicise Anzac Day, which is about suffering, compassion, grief and remembrance.

It's obvious that these were the emotions and values, not politics, which prompted her to remind us of what has happened, and is happening in Nauru, Manus Island, Syria and the Palestinian territories. It was the politicians who politicised the discussion. It's not her fault that such reminders are uncomfortable to us. It's not her fault if some of them might arouse feelings of guilt or shame.That's not her problem. It's ours.



David Catchpoole Bangalow Jacqueline Maley has nailed the social media brigade regarding free speech. Yassmin Abdel-Magied is a young brown-skinned Muslim woman, she may well sip lattes in inner west cafes, she is therefore disqualified from the right to express an opinion not in conformity with those of the conservative side. Abdel-Magied has a point, albeit poorly expressed. People died, others were maimed defending the rights of our citizens and those of other countries to not be lynched because of their views, appearance and religion. Don Smith Ashfield

Yassmin Abdel-Magied was merely utilising our freedom of speech, just like a cartoonist who satirises Mohammed. I also want to know her opinions about suicide bombers and freedom of speech in Muslim countries. Rod Matthews Fairfield

Metadata breach confirms worst fears Our fears about metadata retention laws have been realised ("Fury after illegal police search", April 29-30). After repeated assurances regarding security, we are expected to believe that officers were ignorant of the need for a warrant to access data. I understood ignorance of the law was not acceptable as an excuse. Also it seems the absence of ill will, malice or bad intent makes it somehow less serious.It is difficult to accept there was nothing sinister in choosing late Friday afternoon to expose this breach of privacy. It seems politicians and government agencies think the IQ of the average Australian is 50. Nick Xenophon says it should chill the spine of every journalist. Surely, it should be of major concern to all citizens. Graham Lum North Rocks The breach occurred "earlier this year" but was reported to the Commonwealth Ombudsman only last Wednesday. Just how long was Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin aware of the breach before it was reported? One hopes that the AFP wasn't hoping that the issue would quietly go away, but after some weeks decided that it would be best to "do the right thing". David Gordon Emu Plains

Churches as taxpayers Should the Catholic dioceses of NSW be successful in their bid to collect rents from their schools, I suggest this opens the way for local councils to finally be able to impose and collect rates for these locations ("Anger after Catholic schools rent bid", April 29-30) Collecting rent implies a landlord and tenant relationship and all landlords need to pay their local, state and federal taxes. Susan Morton West Ryde It's hardy surprising that Catholic dioceses are struggling to fund their pastoral works. After all, less than 10 per cent of Catholics now regularly attend church nowadays, not only because of the clerical abuse crisis but also due to the conservative attitudes pursued by the hierarchy in recent decades. And many of these attendees now bypass the collection plate and donate directly to Catholic charities like St Vincent de Paul. The notion of collecting rent from schools is yet another example of the bishops behaving like the church is theirs. They need to reflect on the fact that many Catholic schools and their lands were purchased using the donations made from the meagre wages of the grandparents and great-grandparents of the children who now attend those schools.

Bruce Stafford Tascott Deb McPherson and Perce Butterworth are both on the right track regarding overcrowded and largely underused school grounds ("Planning 14-storey schools of little solace", Letters, April 29-30). London has one solution for any crowded city where land is at a premium. My grandsons recently moved into a new, well-resourced school taking up a number of floors in a high-rise building constructed on the school site. The old school was demolished and this new, superbly equipped school was financed by selling attractive apartments above the school. Each school floor has a dedicated use. Ultimately, a win-win situation. Denis Suttling Newport Beach Of course, the suggestion that we open up public schools for 24-hours-a-day use should also apply to publicly funded private schools. Otherwise they should forgo all public funding.

Brenton White Mosman A growing population Elizabeth Farrelly laments the changing character of Redfern due to high-rise developments ("Redfern changed beyond recognition", April 29-30). Yes, the character of many Sydney suburbs has been changed by high-rise developments. But it is interesting that Ms Farrelly recently stated in her column that she has no problem with Australia's population growth, much of which occurs through our migration program. And in a previous column, she also lamented the encroachment of suburbia on prime agricultural land around Sydney. So, if you don't house the growing population in high rise near the city centre and elsewhere, or in housing estates near the periphery, exactly where do you put people? The only way to keep suburbs from changing is to have zero population growth. Perhaps Ms Farrelly could devote a column to her solutions to this dilemma. Bruce Johnson South Turramurra

Mean-spirited Summers I was enraged by Anne Summers' accusation ("Obama is just another money-grubbing politician", April 29-30). Her argument had not a skerrick of evidence to prove her mean-spirited contention that presidents as well as prime ministers go on speaking tours after their retirement from politics just for money. Some surely do but others do not. She seems in two minds about President Obama. She acknowledges his good management of the GFC. However, she skates lightly over the fact that it was his administration that provided health insurance for millions of Americans "who previously were denied cover". President Obama will go down in the annals of American social history for that alone. Finally, I wonder at her assumption that Obama is "money grubbing" for his own benefit. I am confident that a lot of this money will go into his charitable foundation for citizens of the future. Lorraine Nelson Frenchs Forest

Coates' critical failure Whatever John Coates' other strengths and weaknesses, he appears to have failed abysmally in one function of critical importance to the head person in any organisation: succession planning. ("Coates the politician lines up for victory", April 29-30) Paul Cunningham Frenchs Forest Leaders leave a lot to be desired Watching President Trump's extraordinary 100-day address had me thinking that the worst thing about Trump for Australia is that he makes Malcolm Turnbull look good ("Trump's 100 days", April 29-30).

David Grant Ballina North Korea's two unsuccessful missile launches reminds me of an Allied slur about Hitler's equipment, suggesting a similar propaganda quip about Kim Jong-un firing blanks. Barry Lamb Heidelberg West (Vic) Debt problem? Good debt, bad debt? ("Weighing up debt", Letters, April 29-30). No, no, Scomo. Take a leaf from the Donald Trump playbook and declare it all Fake debt. Budget problems solved.

Joan Dalgleish Ballina Scott, is the debt to study at uni good debt, bad debt, or worse debt?



Ivan Head Camperdown Problem solved Really, Rob Phillips? Though he impressed me with his recollection, I suspect Grant Heaton was just having a lend of us ("Skippy, skippy, there's a song we know..." Letters, April 29-30). Martin Frohlich Adamstown Heights
The debate around the ABC for the most part is binary and sterile. One side claims that the ABC is simply underfunded and that any suggestion of imposing on it a set of expectations is a threat to its independence. The other side focuses only on the news and current affairs output and claims that the ABC is politically biased and overfunded.

But there is a profound disconnect between the ABC and its public policy settings concerning Australian screen content, and its contribution to Australian culture and identity. What we have seen consistently is that our most significant cultural institution is vulnerable to unilateral internal change, contrary to stated government policy and in the absence of any public discussion or review.

Author, Kim Dalton, who is publishing a critique of ABC practices, in his Sydney home. Credit:Janie Barrett

The ABC's management and managing director, working to a politically appointed board that lacks depth of experience, is able autonomously to reset the priorities of the ABC.

To achieve its public responsibilities our most significant cultural organisation requires a governance structure within which its public purpose is clearly articulated and set by government, where certain outcomes are clearly established and where the normal high standards of public sector accountability and transparency are mandated and adhered to.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (HDK), the Kurdistan Communist Party (Komele), the Kurdistan Communist Party-Iran (Shorishger), the Kurdistan Struggle Orgniztaion (Xebat), the Kurdistan Democratic Party-Iran (HDKA) and the Iranian Kurdistan Communist Organisation, who comprise the six leading opposition groups based in Kurdistan Region, made a joint written statement, saying that to boycott the elections is a way to prevent further oppression and crackdown through elections.

The statement, made on Thursday, said, We call on all the people of Eastern Kurdistan (Iran) to boycott the May 19 elections as a consistent reaction to the continued violation of their rights. By not participating in this masquerade, you will deliver a clear message to the world about your will and unity against a regime that continues to violate your human and just rights.

Irans presidential election campaigns began last week. President Hasan Rouhani leads the moderate camp against the conservative hardliners like Ebrahim Raisi, who is a potential successor to Irans supreme leader and former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Rouhani overwhelmingly won the Kurdish votes in the 2013 elections, with promises that included recognition of broader Kurdish cultural and educational rights. However, Rouhanis administration has been criticized over the past years for what is described as a continuation of state-sponsored discrimination against Kurdish population in the country.

Ibrahim Alizade, Secretary General of the Komele, after reading the statement at a joint press conference in Sulaimani, said, We think that the boycott will eventually impact the elections given the fact that almost all opposition parties in Iran have also called on their supporters for a boycott.

Other than Turkey, Iran is home to the second largest population of Kurds. Nearly 10 million Kurds live in the western and northwestern parts of the country. The governorates of West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah and Ilam are the four largest provinces with predominantly Kurdish inhabitants.

Track Persia, a Platform run by analysts dedicated to researching the Middle East, said in an article that, Kermanshah province, with a population of 1 million, has repeatedly topped the list of the least developed provinces in the country, according government data.
Now that Malcolm Turnbull and Peter Dutton appear bent on applying a sort of Rorschach values test  without the ink spots  to would-be Australian citizens, it might not be a bad idea to ask a simple question.

What might be done to try to ensure that all residents of the country, including those seeking citizenship, have a better understanding of what it means to be a participant in what Turnbull calls the "world's most successful multicultural country"?

Illustration: Jim Pavlidis

The answer lies in education from primary through secondary school, and even into the tertiary system in which civics courses become a staple.

What is striking in this whole "values" debate in which politicians of all stripes are seeking to clothe themselves in populist coats of many colours is the lack of any discussion about what might be done practically to improve people's understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
Forget alternative facts. Samantha Bee is pioneering the alternative dinner. And even though luminaries from the media and Hollywood were on hand to schmooze and talk politics, it was "Not The White House Correspondents' Dinner."

The event was billed as a tribute to journalism, but it was also an opportunity for Bee and her guests to mock President Donald Trump at every turn.

"You continue to fact-check the president as if he might someday get embarrassed," Bee, who hosts the weekly talk show Full Frontal With Samantha Bee on TBS, told the crowd of 2,600 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington on Saturday afternoon. "Tonight is for you."

Hundreds of journalists, including CNN's Jake Tapper, attended the event billed as an alternative to the official White House Correspondents' Association dinner, which was to take place later Saturday. Proceeds from Bee's event were to benefit the Committee to Protect Journalists.
A leading finance company will let year 12 students bypass university and begin working as accountants and risk management consultants straight after high school from this year, and at least five other companies are in talks to do the same.

The move is being supported by the government and school career advisers as a way to bring down student debt levels and provide more opportunities for disadvantaged students.

The "higher apprenticeship" pilot program, to be launched next month, will target about 250 school-leavers but has the potential to grow to thousands of students, Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews said.

Designed and led by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the program will run for 18 months and allow school-leavers to get a business diploma while they work alongside graduate employees in core company areas. At least five other companies are expected to participate.
Family doctors may become harder to find as higher patient expectations and lower financial returns dissuade medical students from becoming GPs.

A new report by the University of Melbourne has seen a drop in job satisfaction, work-life balance and private practice ownership since the Medicare freeze of 2013.

The report released last week states Australian GPs face continuing and significant challenges due to decreasing Medicare revenue and more complex medical problems presented by patients.

The number of GPs is growing relatively slowly, and for every new GP there are now 10 new specialists it said.
The NSW Auditor-General has delivered a stinging rebuke to the state government for its over-reliance on "contingent labour", or temporary workers hired through recruitment agencies.

Spending on contingent labour had increased significantly over the past five years, from $503 million in 2011-2012 to $1.1 billion in 2015-16, the report by Auditor-General Margaret Crawford said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is calling for more autonomy for high-performing states. Credit:Jessica Hromas

And it revealed that the government was overcharged $1.3 million by recruitment agencies in 2015-2016.

The Auditor-General reviewed the use of contingent labour in the departments of education, industry and transport, concluding that none of them was "able to demonstrate that contingent labour is the best resourcing strategy to meet their agencies' business needs or delivers value for money".
"If we don't contain the virus, within 10 years it could go back to 200,000 cases a year," he said. Unlike measles, the likelihood of getting polio as an adult is less, but adults can still be carriers and circulate the virus. Australia was declared polio-free in 2000. Mr Hossainiwas part of a delegation visiting Australia this week to call on the Turnbull government to increase funds to the World Health Organisation's global polio eradication initiative. The leader of the delegation, Michael Sheldrick of Global Citizen, said current measles outbreaks  23 cases in NSW, and several in Victoria, plus the worst outbreaks in years in Italy and the United States  underscored the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates domestically and internationally. I have to be careful, my legs collapse, down I go, and bang ... It is causing my hands to close in, I have had them opened up twice, my toes curl up, and my fingers. I have a job walking anywhere. Roy Bennetts, 91, who contracted polio as a boy in 1930.

"We are in a race against time. There are still thousands of children who have never been reached, and all it takes is one case in an area with many children, and it can spread like wildfire," he said. "So long as polio remains anywhere, it is a threat everywhere and Australians should continue to immunise against polio and other diseases, even those that are rare to Australia," Mr Sheldrick said. The impact of polio, even mild cases, lasts a lifetime. Many of the 400,000 Australians who got polio before vaccines were introduced in the 1950s are now suffering from "post polio syndrome", says Polio NSW. It says there also many young Australians like Mr Tia who got the disease overseas. The GPEI  a private public partnership including Unicef, Rotary and the Gates Foundation  is lobbying the government to restore funding to previous levels of $15 million a year from the $3 million this financial year and a further $3 million next. But Foreign Affairs and Trade argues it is around $8 million a year, and complemented by nearly $300 million in funding over five years to 2020 for other vaccination programs in South East Asia and the Pacific and globally, including Gavi, the vaccine alliance. "The dual investment approach allows Australia to contribute to global efforts while also protecting our region from the risk of polio re-emerging," said a spokesman for DFAT.

Mr Tia urged the government to prevent other children from suffering. "To falter when we are almost at the point of being able to remove such a possibility altogether would be such a shame," he said. "I think in developing countries where the virus is typically prevalent, a disability like polio can have a much greater impact on a person's (and their family's) life than what we could ever imagine in Australia." Rotary Australia is also disappointed in the funding cuts to the GPEI, which it initiated nearly 30 years ago. Sir Clem Renouf, a Queenslander and the first Australian to become Rotary's international president, convinced WHO to attempt to eradicate polio after Rotary immunised six million children in the Philippines. "Everyone said it wasn't achievable," said Ken Hutt, the chair of the Canberra region district. Rotarians around the world have raised more than $1 billion to eradicate polio, and Mr Hutt said they were determined to make polio the second disease (small pox was the first to be eradicated by vaccines) to be wiped out. To raise funds and spread awareness, Mr Hutt travels NSW talking about polio.

Roy Bennetts, 91, of Kiama who contracted polio as a boy in 1930  25 years before a vaccine was introduced. The Kiama man missed nearly four months of school and was hospitalised for a month, but says he got off lightly compared to others. Now he is suffering from post polio syndrome, something few understand, he said. "I have to be careful, my legs collapse, down I go, and bang ... It is causing my hands to close in, I have had them opened up twice, my toes curl up, and my fingers. I have a job walking anywhere," he said. Loading Mr Tia also worries about his symptoms worsening. Like Mr Bennetts, Mr Tia considers himself lucky  he goes bush walking on crutches in Ku-ring-gai national park, but worries he won't be able to in future.
A Sydney solicitor who kept "deplorable" financial records and secretly borrowed clients' money to pay off other client debts has been struck off the roll of lawyers.

Albert-Edris Truong of Edrison Lawyers in Sydney's central business district was found guilty last year of professional misconduct after the Law Society found evidence he "misappropriated" more than $150,000 of clients' money.

Mr Truong borrowed the money to pay other clients' debts such as stamp duty, in breach of his legal obligation to use the funds exclusively for the client for whom the money was being held.

The Law Society, the peak body for solicitors in NSW, told the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Mr Truong's financial record keeping was "deplorable" and he had lost one of his clients' files.

A routine trust account audit in 2012 revealed no financial records had been kept between about March and October that year. Mr Truong told the society at the time that his file storage was "in chaos" and "the files are in my garage and they are dusty and there are cockroaches".
The Andrews government is preparing to unveil $8.3 billion worth of budget surpluses over the next four years, providing a hefty buffer to unleash new spending as next year's election looms.

Tuesday's state budget will confirm Victoria remains flush with cash, with strong revenues from property, business activity and rising employment flowing into Treasury's coffers.

Spending is expected to continue rising solidly, underpinned by a soaring public sector wage bill and other costs linked to booming population growth.

But that will still be slightly less than the growth in revenues, allowing the government to predict a $1.2 billion surplus for the coming financial year, rising to an annual average of $2.4 billion for the remaining three years of the budget period.
The family of a 20-year-old woman critically injured when her fiance allegedly set her on fire say her condition has slightly improved.

Tasmanian woman Nicole Evans was flown to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne last week with burns to more than 50 per cent of her body.

Nicole Evans is being treated for 'full thickness burns to 65 per cent of her body'. Credit:The Examiner

She was put in an induced coma and and will require specialist treatment and surgery, including skin grafts to her face and body.

Tasmanian police have alleged her fiance, Matthew John Davey, doused her with an accelerant and set her alight at a house in Hobart's northern suburbs last Monday.
Emergency services took almost 90 minutes to rescue a woman on a mobility scooter who fell onto tracks at Parliament station.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to rescue the woman, aged in her 60s, who fell from platform 3 just before 1.30pm.

A woman is rescued by paramedics after falling onto the train tracks at Parliament Station. Credit:Daniel Pockett

The Sunbury, Upfield and Craigieburn lines were running direct to Flinders Street instead of through the City Loop.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Werribee/Williamstown lines: Trains for these lines are now running direct to Flinders St (not via the City Loop) due to an MFB request.</p> Metro Trains (@metrotrains) <a href="https://twitter.com/metrotrains/status/858527385343336449">April 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
Current President Rouhani secured Irans Nuclear Deal, the JPCOA, with 6 world powers, including the US. It was believed to be a positive development by many Iranians, as it lifted various economic sanctions and opened up the possibility of bringing foreign investment into Iran, which would have a positive impact on employment and the economy.

However, stories continue to filter out of Iran about the billions of dollars that were released as part of the agreement being spent on Irans military objectives, instead of its people. Business continue to shut down, and workers that arent being paid a fair wage.

The gap between rich and poor has widened in Iran said Ebrahim Raisi. Monthly cash handouts to poor people should be tripled. Raisi, a candidate in the election, rose to prominence in the Iranian judiciary, but was also part of the 1988 Death Commission who ordered the deaths of thousands of political prisoners. Raisi continued, One of the main priorities of the Islamic Republic is to preserve social justiceSteps should be taken to protect poor people. We need to overhaul the economic system.

His position is interesting because of statements made about the corruption within the Iranian government, such as one made recently by Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, the Mayor of Tehran, The government of Iran in 2016 loaned 530,000 billion of Tomans (about 140 billion dollars) and nobody knows who they are. Ghalibaf added, The wealth and power of the Iranian society is in the hands of 4% of the population.

According to the International Monetary Funds statistics, Irans real gross domestic product grew by 7.4% over the past year, driven mainly by oil exports, not job-creating investment. Officially, unemployment is at just over 12%, however, independent analysts put it at around 20%.

Rouhani says that foreign investors are key to economic growth, yet foreign investors are reluctant to do business with Iran because of a variety of reasons:

 First is the United States, who lifted some sanctions, but kept many more in place. These sanctions open a legal can of worms that most companies are unwilling to become involved in. Despite Iran having the second largest population in the Middle East, the U.S. marketplace is seen as worth more to companies than the Iranian market.

 Secondly, the role that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other hardline institutions play in the economy crates additional obstacles to doing business with Iranian banks.

Although several candidates have promised, if elected, to create millions of jobs, economists claim these promises are unrealistic. Much of the Iranian population is experiencing increasing illiteracy. According to former Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Mostafa Mirsalim, more than 10 million Iranians are considered illiterate.

President Rouhani was billed as a moderate, but executions remained steady during his presidency and human rights violations continued. Yet, Iranians fear a hardline president will usher in even more repression and isolation in the international community.

The need to use social justice to reduce the gap between the social classes and the corruption, was discussed by Raisi. 16 million people are living on the outskirts of the cities, and many people are living on a base of only 45,000 Tomans (about $15), he said. Remember, this is the same man who agreed to the execution of thousands of political opposition members, which leaves his talk of social justice falling a bit flat.

The presidential candidates offer little significant change for the Iranian people. Instead. Infighting and power grabs for the election drive the factions within this group.

Repression of human rights activists and those who protest the conditions of the economy and environment continue, despite the Iranian governments claims that they care for their people.

While each of the candidates talk about reform, social justice, and job creation, the the supreme leaders approval would be a necessary component for change, and history shows that he prefers things remain as they are.
Kabul: Fugitive warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar made his first public appearance in Afghanistan on Saturday after nearly two decades underground, calling on Taliban insurgents to "join the peace caravan and stop this pointless, unholy 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 at 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 last year in the hope that it would encourage the Taliban to lay down their arms and seek reconciliation.

But his expected arrival in Kabul was delayed by disputes over the release of prisoners from his former anti-government militia. Also, his remarks had a strong anti-Western theme and were critical of the US-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 the town of Mehtarlam. "Don't test your ammunition on our oppressed people."
A former Illawarra man killed in a head-on crash in France is being remembered as an honest, hard-working guy who would do anything for anyone.

Beau St George, 33, died when his car smashed into another on a dangerous stretch of road between Valensole and Manosque in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence about 6am on Thursday (French time).

Beau St George, his fiancee Hermini Gourd and their daughter Joan. Credit:Facebook

Mr St George was in the country to marry his French girlfriend Herminie Gouard.

His mother Liz St George posted on Facebook, saying: "We're all devastated with the loss of our beautiful son Beau in a car accident in France yesterday. Just a few short weeks before his wedding to the love of his life".
Kathmandu: A famed Swiss climber has died after falling in the Everest region of Nepal during preparations to climb the world's highest mountain.

Ueli Steck, 40, fell to the foot of Mount Nuptse, a smaller peak in the area, said Mingma Sherpa of the Seven Summits Treks company, which organised Steck's expedition. Steck is the first climber to perish in this climbing season.

Steck was in the area acclimatising before a bid to climb Everest through the less-climbed West Ridge route and traverse to Lhotse, the world's fourth highest peak at 8516 metres.

"His body has been retrieved and is being brought to Kathmandu," Mingma Sherpa told Reuters.
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.
China will deny the DPRK a successful missile launch, until it returns to the bargaining table.

The Chinese possess the technology and the will to destroy DPRK missiles upon launch, which has in fact happened in 90% of their recent launches.

It is one of the biggest non-mysteries of Asia: Why do DPRK (North Korea) ballistic missiles keep blowing up? The DPRK Rocket Force has a recent failure rate of 90%. The answer is, because the Chinese are blowing them to bits shortly after take off.

Expert say that every ICBM or missile, contains an explosive safety charge to self-destruct an errant rocket before it hurts people on the ground. We don't know the radio frequencies that those components respond to, but the Chinese do.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has apparently ordered the People's Liberation Army, the world's largest army incidentally, to deny the DPRK a successful missile launch until it returns to the bargaining table.

The Chinese manufacture most of the components for the DPRK Rocket Force. These advanced guidance systems and other parts were purchased ostensibly as part of civilian programs. The Chinese have recently realized that the DPRK is more of a liability than an asset, given that the US, Japan and South Korea each trade far more with the People's Republic of China (PRC), than they do with the North.

The Chinese have for the first time been enforcing UN sanctions against DPRK, affecting the latter's exports of coal, crabs and other raw materials.

Donald Trump knows all of this, which is why he has expressed gratitude to President Jinping recently. Trump has accused North Korea of "disrespecting the wishes of China" following its latest ballistic missile test. China is the North's main trading partner and the US president has been urging Beijing to try to rein in the reclusive state's military activities.

South Korea said Kim Jong-Un's regime had fired the rocket from around Pukchang, which is near the North's capital, Pyongyang. Seoul and Washington said it had apparently failed shortly after its launch.

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.

DPRK Twitter North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles in an official government photo.

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."
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.
There is a major reason why many flock to the Grand Strand to play 18 holes on our various golf courses. Many options are available which include scenic, challenging or even courses that the beginner would enjoy. Read moreTee off: Plan your next golf outing along the South Strand
Shaheed Al-Hafed, April 30, 2017 (SPS) - The Permanent Office of the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front has welcomed Resolution 23 51 of the UN Security Council on 28 April 2017, recalling the need to complete the decolonization of Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa, for peace and stability in the world.

During a meeting Saturday chaired by the President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Brahim Ghali, the Permanent Office commended the spirit of responsibility of the Security Council by adhering to the charter and resolutions of the United Nations and emphasizing its responsibilities towards the Western Sahara issue, to allow the Sahrawi people to enjoy their right to self-determination and independence, like all colonized peoples and countries.

It praised the objective and responsible involvement of the Security Counci with the fallacies by which known parties attempted to circumvent the legal nature of the conflict and misrepresent facts, which deliberately ignored the blatant Moroccan breach of the Ceasefire Agreement and the Military Agreement No. 1 in the Guerguerat region by opening a crossing outside the military wall, and the paving of a road in the buffer zone, looting the natural resources of the region, and exporting drugs, through which it provides the terrorist groups active in the Sahel and West Africa to continue to commit their crimes and threaten the security and stability of important parts of the continent. (SPS)

062/090/TRA




Bir-Lehlu (Liberated Zones), April 30, 2017 (SPS) - The President of the Republic and Secretary General of the Frente POLISARIO, Brahim Gali, conveyed Friday his congratulations to the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of the independence of his country on April 27th.

President Ghali expressed his warmest and most sincere congratulations to the Togolese President on behalf of the Saharawi people and Government.

He expressed his satisfaction at the ties of friendship and solidarity between the two countries, hoping these relations will be strengthened in the future between the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and the Republic of Togo. (SPS)

062/090/TRA




A teenager has been charged after a cyclist was stabbed to death in Battersea.

Tyriq Aboagye, 18, of Westbury Road, Ilford, was charged with the murder of Mohammed Hassan, known as Little Mo, on Saturday.

The 17-year-old was found stabbed outside Scholey House in Sullivan Close in the early hours of last Sunday.

Aboagye has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on May 1.

Murder probe: Police guard the crime scene / Nigel Howard

A male, 17, who was arrested on Friday has been released with no further action taken at this time.

And a man, 19, who was also arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday has been bailed to return in May.

Little Mo was one of six people to be murdered on the streets of London in knife crime within just six days.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 31-year-old Italian national was stabbed in the head in a vicious mugging in a busy park.

The victim is believed to have been attacked in the head with a screwdriver in Dulwich Park, south London, just after 1pm on Thursday.

He had been sitting in the park when a man approached him and demanded his phone before allegedly stabbing him.

Detectives investigating the incident arrested a 26-year-old man on Sunday on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery and non payment of fines.

The victim was rushed to hospital after sustaining life-threatening injuries in the attack. His condition remains critical.

Stabbing: Police at the scene in Dulwich Park / Matt Watts

A friend, who was with the victim in the park at the time, told the Standard: It was a vicious and shocking attack now my friend is in intensive care and we are praying he will be ok.

Me and my friend were just sitting on the lawn with our dogs who were playing by us, she said. I noticed a guy on his bike crossing the grass.

He returned within a few seconds, got off his bike and raised a sharp objected and said to my friend give me your phone.

My friend just said what? then he stabbed him in the head. There was no time for him to even get out his phone and give it to him.

The guy shouted at me you dont move and I raised my handbag towards him as if to say just take my bag.

Then the guy stabbed my friend again, this time in the left side, took my bag and rode off.

Dulwich Park: the grassy area is located in the heart of the leafy south London neighbourhood of Dulwich / Google

She described how she used her scarf to stem blood coming from her friends head, before emergency services arrived.

An air ambulance landed near a packed childrens playground less than 100 yards away and the man was rushed to Kings College Hospital.

Parents said top private schools in the area including Alleyns and Dulwich College sent a message warning them not to allow their children to go to the park because of the incident.

Gerry Fletcher, who was in the park with a friend, said: Its just horrific. Its such a lovely, peaceful park and the playground would have packed with children. We just hope the man is going to be ok.

A parks worker told the Standard: We were told by police to look out for any screwdrivers that might be in bins. Police are checking all the bins this morning. Its a shocking thing to have happened.

Detective Superintendent Helen Lyons, from Southwark police said: "I would like to thank those in the community for coming forward with information as this has greatly assisted the investigation.

Whilst we have made an arrest this evening I would urge those that have yet to come forward and speak to us to do so as the information you hold may be vital to progressing this investigation further."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
T he parents of Madeleine McCann have vowed to challenge the Portugese courts decision to clear a retired detective of breaching the countrys libel laws.

In an interview with the BBC, Kate and Gerry McCann were asked if they would continue to fight Goncalo Amaral over claims he made in his 2008 book about their daughters disappearance.

The McCanns expressed disappointment in February after learning that Portugal's highest court had thrown out their libel claim against Mr Amaral.

He also took part in a Portuguese television documentary claiming Madeleine was dead, there had been no abduction and her body had been hidden.

Mr Amaral was initially ordered to pay the McCanns 250,000 euros (209,000) each in damages in 2015 over claims made in The Truth Of The Lie after a court banned further sales of the book.

Kate and Gerry McCann vow to do 'whatever it takes for as long as it takes' in search for Madeleine

But Portugal's Supreme Court ruled against the libel action, saying claims made in his book are protected by freedom of expression laws.

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.

Madeleine McCann - In pictures 1 /33 Madeleine McCann - In pictures Madeleine McCann Maddie disappeared in 2007 PA Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal ten years ago, during an interview with the BBC's Fiona Bruce at Prestwold Hall in Loughborough PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page of a message from Madeleine McCann's parents, Gerry and Kate, who has described the tenth anniversary of her daughter's disappearance as a "horrible marker of time, stolen time" PA Ocean Club in Praia Da Luz The Ocean Club in Praia Da Luz where Madeleine McCann disappeared Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann with a computer image of how their missing daughter Madeleine might look Reuters Maddie disappeared in 2007 Madeleine McCann: Disappeared in 2007 aged three PA Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, who has revealed that British detectives working on the Madeleine McCann case are still pursuing "critical" leads as the 10th anniversary of her disappearance approaches PA Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann before a charity run in London AFP/Getty Images The Ocean Club which is next to Apartment 5A in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal ten years ago, during an interview with the BBC's Fiona Bruce at Prestwold Hall in Loughborough PA Kate McCann Kate McCann speaks to press at a Lisbon court last year AFP/Getty Images Kate and Gerry McCann with their children Kate and Gerry return home from Portugal in 2007 AFP/Getty Images A general view of the coastline in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Portugal police Police in Portugal comb the Algarve resort after Madeleine disappeared in 2007 AFP/Getty Images Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann pictured shortly after Maddie went missing AFP/Getty Images Kate McCann Kate McCann cries during a 2008 TV appearance Madeleine McCann Maddie in an Everton shirt Everton FC/PA A general view of Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz in Praia Da Luz, Portugal, close to where Madeline McCann went missing PA Members of Scotland Yard dig at an area during the search for missing British girl Madeleine McCann in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on 07 June 2014 Reuters Kate and Gerry McCann Kate McCann and Gerry McCann speak to press after being cleared of being formal suspects Getty Images A poster is shown whilst Kate and Gerry McCann give a press conference in 2012 about their missing daughter Madeline McCann Daily Mail Kate and Gerry pictured five years after Maddie went missing Getty Images The Ocean Club which is next to Apartment 5A in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Maddie's parents in an interview with Crimewatch A scene from a Crimewatch reconstruction BBC

"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."
T he parents of Madeleine McCann have vowed to do "whatever it takes for as long as it takes" to find their daughter as they prepare to mark the tenth anniversary of her disappearance.

Her mother Kate McCann said she was no less hopeful of finding her daughter than she had been in on May 3 2007 when she went missing from their rented apartment in the Portugese resort of Praia de Luz.

Mrs McCann, 49, revealed she still buys her daughter presents for her Christmas and birthday every year and said the most important thing was holding onto hope of tracing her.

Speaking to the BBCs Fiona Bruce, Mrs McCann said: I obviously have to think about what age she is and something that, whenever we find her, will still be appropriate so there's a lot of thought goes into it. But I couldn't not, you know, she's still our daughter, she'll always be our daughter.

In a wide-ranging interview with the broadcaster, Mrs McCann and her husband and Madeleines father Gerry McCann, 48, from Rothley, Leicestershire, also said they took heart in the real progress that had been made by the Metropolitan Police during the last five years.

Kate and Gerry McCann whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal ten years ago / PA

Scotland Yard said last week that officers are still pursuing "critical" leads to trace Madeleine, who was aged three when she disappeared from the holiday apartment.

Answering questions five days before Wednesday's anniversary, Mrs McCann said of the active inquiry: "It might not be as quick as we want, but there's real progress being made and I think we need to take heart from that.

"We just have to go with the process and follow it through - whatever it takes for as long as it takes. There is still hope that we can find Madeleine."

Missing : A photo of Madeleine as the tenth anniversary of her disappearance approaches / PA

She added: "I think you know we've had so many supporters who are still with us, people that we don't know who are still there, and I guess I just want them to be reassured that there is progress being made."

During the interview Mr McCann acknowledged it was "devastating" not to have found Madeleine but said the most important thing was holding on to hope of tracing her.

"We are still looking forward, I think that's the most important thing - we still hope," he said.

Asked how he and his wife were coping 10 years on, Mr McCann answered: "I think we're doing a new normality really, particularly over probably the last - and it seems like a long time saying it - but over the last five years.

The couple speaking during an interview with the BBC's Fiona Bruce / PA

"Since the Metropolitan Police actually started their investigation, it has taken a huge pressure off us, individually and as a family.

"After the initial Portuguese investigation closed, essentially, no-one, no-one else was actually doing anything proactively to try and find Madeleine.

"And I think every parent could understand that what you want - and what we have aspired to - is to have all the reasonable lines of enquiry followed to a logical conclusion."

As well as dismissing criticism of the cost of the Met's inquiry as unfair, the McCanns said they intended to continue a legal battle against former detective Goncalo Amaral, who wrote a book about their daughter's disappearance.

Confirming that the couple still plan to contest a Portuguese court ruling handed down in January, Mr McCann said: "We haven't launched that yet, but it will be going to the European courts.

Madeleine McCann - In pictures 1 /33 Madeleine McCann - In pictures Madeleine McCann Maddie disappeared in 2007 PA Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal ten years ago, during an interview with the BBC's Fiona Bruce at Prestwold Hall in Loughborough PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page of a message from Madeleine McCann's parents, Gerry and Kate, who has described the tenth anniversary of her daughter's disappearance as a "horrible marker of time, stolen time" PA Ocean Club in Praia Da Luz The Ocean Club in Praia Da Luz where Madeleine McCann disappeared Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann with a computer image of how their missing daughter Madeleine might look Reuters Maddie disappeared in 2007 Madeleine McCann: Disappeared in 2007 aged three PA Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, who has revealed that British detectives working on the Madeleine McCann case are still pursuing "critical" leads as the 10th anniversary of her disappearance approaches PA Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann before a charity run in London AFP/Getty Images The Ocean Club which is next to Apartment 5A in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal ten years ago, during an interview with the BBC's Fiona Bruce at Prestwold Hall in Loughborough PA Kate McCann Kate McCann speaks to press at a Lisbon court last year AFP/Getty Images Kate and Gerry McCann with their children Kate and Gerry return home from Portugal in 2007 AFP/Getty Images A general view of the coastline in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Portugal police Police in Portugal comb the Algarve resort after Madeleine disappeared in 2007 AFP/Getty Images Kate and Gerry McCann Kate and Gerry McCann pictured shortly after Maddie went missing AFP/Getty Images Kate McCann Kate McCann cries during a 2008 TV appearance Madeleine McCann Maddie in an Everton shirt Everton FC/PA A general view of Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz in Praia Da Luz, Portugal, close to where Madeline McCann went missing PA Members of Scotland Yard dig at an area during the search for missing British girl Madeleine McCann in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on 07 June 2014 Reuters Kate and Gerry McCann Kate McCann and Gerry McCann speak to press after being cleared of being formal suspects Getty Images A poster is shown whilst Kate and Gerry McCann give a press conference in 2012 about their missing daughter Madeline McCann Daily Mail Kate and Gerry pictured five years after Maddie went missing Getty Images The Ocean Club which is next to Apartment 5A in Praia Da Luz in Portugal, where Madeline McCann went missing PA Maddie's parents in an interview with Crimewatch A scene from a Crimewatch reconstruction BBC

"What people really need to realise though is, as (Met Police) Assistant Commissioner (Mark) Rowley has said again this week, and the Portuguese have said in the final report - there's no evidence that Madeleine is dead and the prosecutor has said there's no evidence that we were involved in any crime."

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."

Mrs McCann described the actions of some people online as shocking but said she preferred to focus on the support many more people had offered.

"Actually the main thing that we have experienced is the goodness of people and the support that we have had over 10 years, which hasn't wavered in all that time," she said.

Madeleine McCann 10 years on: Detectives still pursuing critical leads

Asked how the McCann "family unit" had managed to stay strong during the hunt for Madeleine, her mother said: "What people do say is that you don't realise how strong you are until you have no option.

Adding that she had tried to ensure her now 12-year-old twins had a normal, happy and fulfilling life, Mrs McCann, a former GP, said her return to work in another area of medicine had helped her re-establish as normal a life as possible.

"My hope for Madeleine being out there is no less than it was almost 10 years ago," Mrs McCann said.
I slamist extremists are allegedly planning at least two further terror attacks in London in the near future.

Anti-terror police have stepped up surveillance to monitor the new active plots, which are believed to be inspired by Isis or a resurgent al-Qaeda, according to the Sunday Times.

Those involved in planning the fresh wave of attacks are not connected to the two plots that were foiled last week, the newspaper reported.

"There are another two plots being closely watched," the Sunday Times quoted a senior anti-terrorism official at Scotland Yard as saying.

Met officers smashed two suspected terror plots within hours of each other in the capital on Thursday.

Woman shot and injured as police foil active terror plot

Armed police wrestled an alleged knifeman, 27, to the ground in Westminster in the afternoon before detaining six people, including a 16-year-old boy, in raids linked to a family home in Willesden, north-west London.

On Sunday, police were continuing to quiz the seven people who were arrested in the two separate counter-terror operations.

A woman in her 20s who was shot during the raid is being held under police guard in hospital, where her condition is described as serious but stable.

She is expected to be arrested when her condition improves.

Security in London has been heightened following the Westminster terror attack, in which Khalid Masood ploughed into pedestrians along Westminster Bridge before stabbing PC Keith Palmer to death at the gates of Parliament.

The current terrorism threat level is severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

It was revealed last month that security services have thwarted 13 potential attacks in less than four years.
A man is fighting for life in hospital after being hit by a moped in north-east London.

Police and Paramedics were scrambled to the scene in Stamford Hill, Stoke Newington, at about 11.30pm on Friday.

The 40-year-old pedestrian was rushed to hospital where he remains in a critical condition, officers said.

The moped rider stopped at the scene, near the roads junction with Cazenove Road.

No arrests have been made.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision in Hackney.

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating.

Enquiries continue. There have been no arrests.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact officers on 020 8543 5157 or via 101.
A 21-year-old woman who was shot by armed police as they foiled an active terror plot in a dramatic raid at a house in Willesden has been discharged from hospital and arrested.

Scotland Yard said officers have been given more time to question six other people, including a 16-year-old boy, who were detained when they stormed the terraced house and another address in Kent on Thursday night.

A Met spokesman said the woman was arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism after being discharged from hospital on Sunday.

She was taken into custody at a south London police station.

Police have also been granted more time to question an alleged knifeman who was arrested in the heart of Westminster in a separate counter-terrorism operation on Thursday afternoon.

The moment police enter Willesden house during terror raid

The 27-year-old man, named as Khalid Mohamed Omar Ali, who was detained in Whitehall just hours before the Willesden raid, remains in police custody.

It comes after it was revealed Islamist extremists were allegedly planning at least two further terror attacks in London in the near future.

"There are another two plots being closely watched," the Sunday Times quoted a senior anti-terrorism official at Scotland Yard as saying.

Those involved in planning the fresh wave of attacks are not connected to the two plots that were foiled last week, the newspaper reported.

Arrest: Armed police arrested the suspect / AFP/Getty Images

Armed officers shot the 21-year-old woman and fired CS gas rounds when they stormed the terraced house in Harlesden Road, Willesden on Thursday evening.

In dramatic scenes, witnesses reported hearing screaming and shots as armed police in gas masks burst into the address.

A mother-of-one said: We were just about to go shopping when we heard bang, bang, bang, bang. We went to the window and saw a number of armed police there with their guns pointing at our next-door neighbours window.

Four people, including a boy aged 16, were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. The first, a 21-year-old man, was detained near the address and another woman, aged 20, and the boy were held at the house. A 43-year-old woman was arrested in Kent a short while later.

Tackled: Armed police surrounded the man in Westminster / Twitter/@3213dev

Two further arrests were made when a man and a woman, both aged 28, returned to the Willesden address later that night.

A Met Police spokesman said warrants have been granted to detain the suspects until dates between May 2 and May 4.

Searches at the address and two other properties elsewhere in London are continuing.

A Met spokesman said the incident in Willesden has been referred to the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Police Complaints Commission as a matter of course.

Woman shot and injured as police foil active terror plot

The raid came hours after armed police swooped on Ali, who was allegedly carrying a rucksack of knives in Whitehall, a stones throw from Downing Street and yards from the scene of last months deadly attack by Khalid Masood in Westminster.

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.

Scotland Yard said following a warrant of further detention being granted at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday; he can be questioned until May 4.

Giving an update on both counter-terror operations on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, Senior National Co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "Due to the arrests made, I believe we have contained the threats that they posed.

"With the attack in Westminster on 22 March so fresh in people's minds, I would like to reassure everyone that across the country officers are working around the clock to identify those people who intend to commit acts of terror.
A mazing footage shows the moment a heroic London docks worker hangs over the waters edge to save a cat from drowning.

The cat, named Felix, plunged into the water after a fierce territorial fight with another feline.

The CCTV video shows two black and white moggies racing each other around the corner.

One jumps onto the other and, fighting, they tumble towards the waters edge before one slips down into the docks.

Rescue: The brave man saved the cat after it fell into the water / London's Royal Docks

Seconds later a man, dressed in a bright red jumper, is seen sprinting over and climbing over the railing.

He lay down on his stomach and, hanging over the edge of the docks, crabs the cat by the scruff of the neck and hauls it to safety.

Rescue: Luckily Felix was not injured in the fall

According to Londons Royal Docks, the heroic man responsible for saving Felix is engineering and operations manager Scott Derben .

A spokeswoman said: We can happily report that Felix suffered no injury or trauma.

She also seems to be completely unaware that the rest of the Royal Docks team have been laughing behind her back after the blase nothing to see here routine that followed her dunking.
O ne of Labours largest donors has pledged to stand against Jeremy Corbyn in the General Election if he does not stand down.

Michael Foster, who has given more than 400,000 to the party since 2010, said Labour faces annihilation with Mr Corbyn at the helm.

The challenger levelled a startling accusation that supporting the current leader means supporting a political strategy that kills people  linking Tory dominance to longer heart operation wait times.

He said he would be very happy to stand against Mr Corbyn, who he branded as blinkered and ineffective, in his Islington North constituency ahead of June 8.

The prominent Labour donor has pledged to stand against Corbyn in the snap election / PA

"There are a lot of things a political party looks for in a leader. Jeremy Corbyn possesses none of them. Because of him, Labour faces annihilation at the polls, he said in the Sunday Times.

The agent, who was suspended by the party after launching a legal bid to oust Mr Corbyn, said the results of the looming local elections should decide his fate.

General Election 2017: What you need to know

Issuing an ultimatum, he said: "If the results are as bad as predicted, then Jeremy should stand down voluntarily and let someone else lead the fight in June.

"If he does not - and I don't believe he ever would - I would be very happy to fight him and his fellow travellers on the extreme left of the party by standing in his constituency of Islington North."

Mr Corbyn has been MP for the north London constituency since 1983 and goes into the upcoming General Election with a majority of more than 20,000.

Labour donor Mr Foster said he will stand against the party's leader in Islington if he does not step down / REUTERS

Experts have predicted Labour will suffer heavy losses across the country in Thursday's council elections.

The Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats are expected to make significant gains in England and Wales, while north of the border the Scottish National Party and Tories will reap the benefits of strong opinion polls.

Mr Foster said the Tories stand to benefit from Mr Corbyn's "incoherence, weakness and lack of leadership", accusing him of underestimating the support for Brexit among Labour's traditional voters.

Even in the event of an electoral "disaster", Mr Corbyn would not stand down, relying instead on the support of the party membership to fend off a vote of no confidence, Mr Foster predicted.

"Jeremy's activist supporters will ensure this blinkered, ineffective leader is immediately elected again," he said.

He added: "Unfortunately, supporting him as leader means supporting a political strategy that kills people.

"By 1997 after 18 years of Tory government, the waiting time for a heart operation was up to 18 months, and by 2003 Labour had reduced the average wait to just four months.

"But now as waiting lists get longer through lack of Tory investment in the NHS, more people die waiting for their operation, at about the same rate that Corbyn and his fellow travellers make Labour more unelectable."

Mr Foster, who has repeatedly criticised Mr Corbyn's tenure as party leader, launched a failed legal bid to block him from the leadership ballot triggered by a shadow cabinet revolt last summer.

The agent was later suspended by the party after comparing Mr Corbyn's allies to Hitler's stormtroopers, alleging in a newspaper article that he had been smeared as a Jewish donor to the party.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell called for action to be taken against Mr Foster, branding his comments "appalling".

Labour has been approached for comment.
D onald Trump launched another scathing attack on the media during a speech at a rally marking his 100 days in office.

The US President told supporters in Pennsylvania that he was keeping one promise after another and dismissed criticism as fake news from out of touch journalists.

Mr Trump became the first US leader to skip the White House Correspondents Dinner since an injured Ronald Reagan in 1981 who missed the dinner because he was recovering from an assassination attempt.

Speaking during the rally in Harrisburg, Mr Trump said the media deserved a big, fat failing grade for their coverage of his achievements during his first 100 days.

Reviewing Donald Trump's first 100 days in office

The crowd cheered as he said he was thrilled to be more than 100 miles away from Washington and that the correspondents dinner would be very boring.

US President Donald Trump leads a rally marking his first 100 days in office in Harrisburg / REUTERS

Theres a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now, he said.

I could not possibly be more thrilled to be more than 100 miles away from the Washington swamp, spending my evening with all of you and a much, much larger crowd and much better people.

He said that his first 100 days in office had been very exciting and very productive and that he was delivering every single day.

Earlier in the day, huge protests were held across the US where activists marched to demand Mr Trump takes action on climate change.

Mr Trump launched an attack on the media during his speech / REUTERS

At the rally in Pennsylvania, one of the states that propelled his unlikely election victory, Trump listed what he said were some of his key early accomplishments, including the successful confirmation to the US Supreme Court of Justice Neil Gorsuch and clearing away many regulations on the environment and business.

He also listed his approval of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, killing a pending Asian trade pact, and enhanced security measures that have led to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings at the southern border.

"The world is getting the message: if you try to illegally enter the United States, you will be caught, detained, deported or put in prison," Mr Trump said.

He shrugged off his failure to score major legislative victories on his core campaign promises, such as repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act and construction of a Mexican border wall. Mr Trump's ban on visitors from some Muslim nations was blocked in court.

He blamed Democrats for the legislative failures so far and said all of his promises would be kept eventually.

"We'll build the wall, people, don't even worry about it," he said.

At one point a protester, reportedly waving a Russian flag, was taken out of the stadium by police. Mr Trump paused his speech to say Thats right get em out of here, get em out.

Some supporters in the crowd said they were willing to give Trump more time.

"I voted for him and I'll give him a year. That's enough time to whip Congress into shape and get some deals done," said Michael Casciaro, 54, a civilian contractor for the military.

Trump ended his speech with the rousing promise: We will make America strong again, we will make American wealthy again, we will make America prosper again, we will make America safe again we will make American great again."
P ope Francis warned a good part of humanity will be destroyed if tensions with North Korea continue to escalate.

He called for diplomacy and a revived United Nations to take the lead in negotiations as the US warned of catastrophic consequences if the rogue state is not stopped.

His announcement came just hours after the Pyongyang government reportedly fired another failed ballistic missile from Pukchang Airfield on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump, who previously said the United States could absolutely go to war over Kim Jong-uns nuclear threat, has sent an American carrier to conduct drills near the Koreas.

President Donald Trump said the US could 'absolutely' go to war over North Korea's nuclear threat / REUTERS

Asked what he would tell Mr Trump in the face of the crisis, Francis said he would urge him to use diplomacy and negotiation because its the future of humanity.

He said "Today, a wider war will destroy not a small part of humanity, but a good part of humanity and culture," adding, "it would be terrible. I don't think humanity today could bear it."

On Friday, the UN Security Council held a ministerial meeting on Pyongyang's escalating weapons programme.

Concern: North Korea is believed to have carried out a failed missile test / AP

North Korean officials boycotted the meeting, which was chaired by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

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 that can hit the US mainland.

Francis said the UN should regain its leadership in conflict resolution, saying it had been "watered down" over time.

Donald Trump condemned North Korea as disrespecting the wishes of China after it fired failed missile / EPA

Mr Trump has sent a nuclear-powered submarine and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft supercarrier to Korean waters.

The rogue state this week conducted large-scale, live-fire exercises on its eastern coast.

The US and South Korea also started installing a missile defence system that is supposed to be partially operational within days, and their navies began joint military drills on Saturday.

The White House has said it would reach out to the Vatican to arrange an audience when Mr Trump travels to Sicily at the end of May for a G7 summit.


Whether there is too much, not enough, or just the right amount available, there seem to be issues connected to water supplies and uses.

In 2017, a year of plenty, water is on its way to the inland lakes, and farmers will begin applying water to their fields within the week.

The North Platte River is running high for this time of year in order to ensure enough space will be available in the systems reservoirs to hold an expected high snowmelt and runoff.

Still, problems are surfacing about the use and cost of this important element of the North Platte River Valleys economy.

According to John Berge, general manager of the North Platte Natural Resources District, the Nebraska legislature is taking a short-sighted approach to a long-term problem. In 2004, legislators passed LB962 to help meet requirements in the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, a plan to restore Platte River flows to their 1997 levels. Through various aspects of the legislation, the NPNRD has authority to levy assessments to fund PPRIP projects.

With a $6.5 million budget, proposed changes in LB98 could result in a loss of $1.4 million, according to Berge.

This could impact potential additional revenues from private as well as government grants.

According to Berge, LB962 contained the regulations required for over appropriated basins to reach their goals.

But you can only regulate so much, Berge explained Wednesday morning at his NPNRD office. Financing the various programs was also addressed, but some of those tools are jeopardized if LB98 passes.

Meeting those obligations has required a lot of money, including incentives to improve operations, cropping, technological advances, set-aside programs, and retiring acres.

Weve done all of that, Berge emphasized, with the property tax assessments weve used.

One possible replacement could be an occupation tax, which translates to a $10/acre fee.

But we dont want to do that, he stated.

Our board is frugal. We dont carry debt. They weigh decisions as land owners.

Berge said that even though LB98 includes an extension of the legislation from 2017-18 to 2025-26, he is concerned about changes that could impact local programs during that time.

Noting that the 2017 economy is different than the economy when the legislation was written, Berge said future changes can be expected and local boards and producers are more qualified to deal with those changes in the future.

Weve returned 8,000 acre-feet of water to the river so far, and with the proper tools, we can continue to meet our obligations, Berge declared.

I think its a case of a fundamental misunderstanding, he said. The legislature is trying to reduce the state obligations, and I dont envy them.

But water is a very big deal, and out here we need water to make our crops happen.

According to Berge, the legislature is short-sighted in its attempt to reach a long-term solution.

He is especially leary of waiting to renew or extend the existing legislation that has an expiration date of 2017-18.

Im afraid if they wait until next year, there could be deeper cuts or it could fail, and there would be no extension, Berge explained.
LARAMIE, Wyo. -- Agricultural economists at the University of Wyoming explain conservation market exchanges in a bulletin from the University of Wyoming Extension.

Designing Markets for Habitat Conservation: Lessons Learned from Agricultural Markets Research, B-1297, shows the importance of thinking about market design when setting up a habitat exchange or bank. The rules of trading can affect market outcomes for buyers and sellers, the authors state in the bulletin.

A growing number of programs provide financial incentives to landowners to implement conservation. Conservation banks and exchanges protect land for habitat and other natural resource values to offset habitat loss elsewhere. Landowners generate credits by enrolling acres or parcels of land that have habitat value with agreements to preserve and manage the land.

The bulletin can be viewed or downloaded by going to www.uwyo.edu/uwe and typing the title or B-1297. PDF, HTML or ePub versions are available.
SCOTTSBLUFF  3E  every child, every day, everywhere  a community partnership with Scottsbluff Public Schools, has named a new part-time director.

Laurie Marquez has been a member of the 3E Committee since its inception two years ago. In her new position, she will help acquire business and family pledges, expand adoption of the groups be safe, be respectful, be responsible focus, and organize the groups special events.

Im looking forward to spreading the word about this great community initiative that will benefit the students of Scottsbluff and the community, Marquez said. Were already getting positive feedback and seeing some positive changes within our schools.

Rick Myles, Superintendent of Scottsbluff Public Schools, said the underlying philosophy of 3E is the stronger the schools are, the stronger the community is and vice versa.

All too often, a community will blame their schools and the schools will blame the community when things arent going well, Myles said. Thats not how it is in Scottsbluff, so its a great area to create a partnership where we all work together to lift each other up.

Community youth typically spend a small portion of their lives in the schools. Much more is spent in the community and at home.

We need to make sure were giving the same message to kids and our expectations for them and ourselves, Myles said. We all want our kids to live in a safe, respectful environment. We want everyone to be responsible for giving those positive messages to kids.

Through the 3E program, businesses, community groups and families can all define what safe, respectful and responsible means so the same kinds of conversations can occur in each of those settings. So far, the program has more than 100 pledges from cities, local banks, businesses and families.

Marquez said she wants to expand awareness of the 3E program to an even larger audience. Theyre planning pledge luncheons to share their story with community members and businesses. They also plan to have a booth set up at the Guadalupe Center during the Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 6.

At home, responsible for a fourth-grader might mean taking out the trash every day, Myles said. For high schoolers it might mean always wearing your seatbelt and obeying the speed limit. Being respectful means coming home at curfew.

He added the goal of the program is to have conversations using the same language.

Teachers can talk with kids about what respect means in the classroom, he said. Parents can even talk about it with their kids and their friends.

Another part of the program is to help the community hold up a mirror to itself, define specific measures to monitor and share openly.

These arent just feel-good measures, theyre ones that make a difference, Myles said.

3E subcommittees with specific guidelines look at the schools and community in areas such as community and health support services, academic excellence, recreation and enrichment activities, early childhood care and education, safety in the schools, home and community, and creating a skilled and technical workforce.

Our final goal is to assure theres a collective energy between the school district and the community that doesnt give up, he said. Its too easy to say that outside circumstances make it impossible for some kids to succeed. Our choice is to either accept that or not. 3E is a way of standing up and saying we dont accept that.
SCOTTSBLUFF  It never occurred to Allan Maybee not to travel the historical trails in the United States.

Maybee, owner of Barn Anew Bed and Breakfast, has spent his life teaching others about history and creating it himself. A former social studies teacher in Wyoming, Maybee has always sought adventure. He pushes himself to the limit to see what he can accomplish.

He holds the world portage record from when he carried a canoe 65 miles over land and canoed another 27 miles in less than 18 hours. The trip was mostly accomplished at night to avoid the heat, but needed to cross the multi-lane Dodge Street in Omaha when there was a lot of traffic.

When youre carrying a canoe, the light may be green when you step off the curb, but its red when the guy at the other end of the canoe gets off the curb, he said.

The trip was the first of many Maybee has taken on over the years. In 1975, he traveled the 2,200 mile long Oregon Trail. He organized the trip and served as head trail scout, completed entirely on horseback. Once at South Pass, the trail has two routes  to Ft. Bridger and the Lander cutoff.

If it was such a good route, it wouldnt be a cutoff, he said. Any time you take a shortcut, youre going to pay a price for that.

In 1978, Maybee was commissioned as a colonel in the 7th Calvary. He led five frontiersmen and three enlisted men 1,100 miles across the Santa Fe Trail. His trip appeared in Trails West by National Geographic.

They had a plane looking for us, but couldnt find us, he said. National Geographic knew we had to go through Raton Pass, so they kind of ambushed us there.

During the summer of 1981, Maybee traveled the Sante Fe Trail again, spending 13 days on a 10-speed bicycle to re-enact a poem written in 1870. In 1985, he organized and was head scout for a 500-mile crossing of the Oregon-California Trail from Ft. Laramie to Ft. Bridger.

In 1987, Maybee organized a large, three-year trip which would follow the entire 1825 route of General William Ashley from Utah to St. Louis.

There were seven states celebrating their centennial all about the same time and we wanted to do a project that involved all the states, Maybee said. We decided to go back in history and do something concerning the fur trade. Ashleys name kept coming up.

The first year, the crew spent their time trapping beaver to gather 100 pounds of hide. The second year, they loaded the hides onto horses at Henrys Fork on the Green River, near Utah/Wyoming border.

The 3,000 mile trip to St. Louis took 89 days. Maybee paddled his canoe with 1.5 million strokes.

In 2001, Maybee organized and led a trip on a Lewis and Clark bicentennial project. Maybee and Roger Melton decided to complete the trip on jet skis.

Wed been on the Missouri (River) and you cant take a hand-powered canoe against it, he said. If anyone tells you theyve done it, theyre cheating.

To tie the trip to Lewis and Clark, they began in New Orleans.

The name (of the trip) was Sea to Shining Sea, so we had to start in salt water and end in salt water, he said. They reached the Pacific Ocean, 5,600 miles away, 43 days later, setting the world record for longest distance traveled on a jet ski.

Maybee decided on a different adventure in 2005, using only a bicycle. He noticed whenever you are on a bicycle trip, the wind is always hitting you in the face. His new project, would begin at the geographic center of the United States and ride for 10 days in whatever way the wind blew.

The first couple of days there was a good strong wind, he said. I was hoping to get to Canada.

He made it into South Dakota before a cold front from the north blew him back toward Kansas.

Maybee and his brother Rick decided to launch their jet skis into the San Francisco Bay on April 18, 2011. They navigated through the three bays there, into the Delta Region and 500 miles to the source of the Sacramento River, something no one had ever successfully done.

In San Francisco, the Coast Guard warned the brothers not to stop under or in the area of the Golden Gate Bridge.

He said, From 50 feet down, you look a lot like a seal, Maybee said.

The Sacramento River isnt easy to navigate. Five major rivers merge into it. A local sheriff rode with them for fun for two days. On the second day, they came across a dam and proceeded through the flood gates. The sheriff declined to go.

On the other side were the China Rapids. The sheriff warned if they went through, they should pull their life vests as tight as possible.

If you go into the water, youll be pulled down and your life jackets will be pulled off, Maybee said. They usually find a boat or a life jacket, but they dont find people.

The brothers floored it and survived.

Maybees most recent trip was with his wife, Cher in 2014. They sailed from Barbados to the Caribbean, across the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar and on to Rome in a seven-mast clipper with 42 sails.

If youre ever on a mountain man trip with Maybee, he doesnt care if you know how to ride or not.

I can teach anybody how to ride a horse or to canoe, but I couldnt give them the attitude, he said. Im looking for the attitude that it never occurred to them they couldnt reach Oregon or St. Louis.

Anyone traveling with Maybee also knows the risks.

If they got sick or injured on the trips, I would abandon them, he said. Thats the hard truth.

That great sense of adventure is always in front of him. Out there, youre on your own.

It never occurred to me not to go, he said.
Coconino Community College is hiring new faculty and offering current faculty tuition reimbursement to meet new accreditation requirements.

According to CCC spokesperson Larry Hendricks, about 25 percent of CCCs nearly 200 faculty members did not meet the requirements during a 2016 audit of full- and part-time faculty.

However, the community college is still in good standing with the Higher Learning Commission, the agency that provides accreditation for community colleges, colleges and universities in western and central states.

Hendricks stated in an email that the HLC required that all faculty at higher learning institutions must have a masters degree or a combination of education/work experience that equals a masters degree in the subject that they teach by the fall of 2017. Faculty who teach dual enrollment classes for the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) program have until 2021 to meet the new requirements.

In order to get CCC staff to that level, the community college has assigned professors who dont currently meet the requirements to classes and subjects they are eligible to teach or created an action plan for those faculty who needed additional classes to bring them up to the standard, Hendricks stated. In order to help part-time professors meet the requirements, CCC is also offering tuition reimbursement.

We will be out of the woods in the next year, year and a half. These are the same standards faced by NAU, and by taking these measures, CCC will ensure its continued accreditation with the HLC, said Dudley Gardner, CCCs provost.

CCC was one of the first schools within HLC to develop a process and plan for addressing the issue.

The community college is also recruiting nationwide for new faculty that meet the requirements to fill in any shortfalls in classes. Hendricks said last year the community college hired full-time biology, anthropology and geology instructors and plans to hire full-time math, English, Spanish, philosophy/religion and nursing instructors this year.

CCC also plans to fill some positions by hiring local part-time instructors. Interviews for the positions are set to start after graduation, Hendricks said. The community college already has 97 applicants.

The hiring upgrades come after last year's proposed tax hike failed at the polls. The tax hike would have pumped $3 million more into the CCC general fund by 2019 to help the college offer new degree and workforce technical courses plus reinstate some dropped programs at the Page campus.

The ballot measure came less than a year after Colleen Smith took the reins as new CCC president. College leaders have not committed to another tax hike campaign.
I returned from lunch and there it sat, propped up against the wall next to my office door. Picking it up, memories flooded back.

Not so much of the painting, but of the person who left it for me.

On the back it read, Youve come a long way. Best of luck. Penny.

The picture had hung in Penny Yekels office for as long as I could remember. It was a painting of an old cowboy editor working at his desk in front of an old pot belly stove. He typed away, not on a computer screen, but on an old typewriter. The painting is called, The Editor by Jack Roberts.

She was the first editor I worked for, back when I was in high school. I started in the darkroom and later became a photographer for the paper before heading off to college.

When I decided to take a break from full-time ministry and come home, she was the first person I called. She was still at the Business Farmer, but now she was the publisher/owner. She found a place for me.

I won my first Nebraska Press Association Better Newspaper award while working for Penny. She sent me down to Lincoln that year to receive it. Turned out it was more than just one, but that built in me a desire to be the best of the press.

It was a philosophy I grew up with. My dad and mom always stressed, if you are going to do something, do it to the best of your ability.

So coming back from this years Nebraska Press Association Convention in Lincoln, I was proud to be bringing home a number of awards. I was also challenged to be better and bring home more next year.

As I handed the awards out, I told the team our goal is to be the best. To have the best weekly newspaper in the state with the Gering Courier and the Hemingford Ledger (sister papers to the Star-Herald) and to be the best daily.

In Nebraska, we have some very good newspapers, both weekly and daily. To finish in the top three is quite an honor. The Gering Courier finished in third place among all weeklies, the Star-Herald came up a little short, but we did very well.

Why is being the best so important?

First of all, you, our readers deserve the best. You pay for a quality newspaper and it is our job to deliver you a quality product.

I also believe our subscribers, you, are the best and therefore, we need to give you the best. That is not a sales line, though it sounds like one. Our readers, you, work hard day in and day out. You are the ones who farm the ground, operate the stores and fill the many jobs that keep this community moving.

Another reason for striving to be the best, is because we want to put out a newspaper you can be proud to call your hometown paper. Some see pride as a bad thing, I see it as something that drives us forward.

Anytime you find yourself saying, It is good enough, its not good enough and you just started moving in the wrong direction.

Everything we do should be to the best of our ability. Each one of us should strive to be the best husband, the best wife, the best parent, best worker, best employer, best employee, the best ...

As the editor of the Star-Herald I need to thank our winners and our whole team. Men and women with a passion to be the best such as: Irene North, KC Heath, Maunette Loeks, Ilene Anderson, Steve Frederick, Dalene Louden, Jeff VanPatten and Casey Harvey; at the Hemingford Ledger, Amber Ningen and Lyle Fodnes and at the Gering Courier Jeff Fielder, Morgan Wallace and Trevor Bentley. These are only the individual award winners, and I am probably missing a few, it does not include those working behind the scenes. The press crew, circulation, mail room, etc., it is a team effort.

I am very proud of our team.

The Editor hangs proudly in my office today. It reminds me of where Ive come from, all those who poured into me and the passion they instilled to be the best. It is a passion I hope to pass on as we at the Star-Herald strive day in and day out to get better in giving you a newspaper you can be proud of.
The weekends second program by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra offered enormous contrasts: a lyrical curtain-raiser by Edward Elgar, a masterpiece by Johannes Brahms and an apocalyptic vision for our time by Australian composer Georges Lentz.

On Saturday night, a large crowd braved torrential rains to hear music director David Robertson, lead violinist Augustin Hadelich and the SLSO in the Brahms Violin Concerto.

Filling the second half of the concert, its one of the great concertos in the repertoire, exploring all the nobler emotions, and filled with a contagious sense of energy and joy.

Hadelich, who turned 33 last month, is one of the finest violinists of our day, a child prodigy who matured into a master of singing tone and intelligent interpretation. He gave a flawless reading of the concerto, one with space to breathe but not to dally, as he dug into the score and offered its gems to his listeners. He played his own well-considered cadenzas in the first and third movements, which shed a different and interesting light on a familiar work. It was an exquisite performance.

Hadelich and Robertson found tempos that worked well for soloist and orchestra. Principal oboe Jelena Dirks gave a beautiful reading of her opening phrases in the second movement, and led the woodwinds in a memorable moment. The performance was a triumph, and the audience erupted into applause at its conclusion. Hadelich rewarded them with an encore, Paganinis Caprice No. 1 for Solo Violin.

The concert opened with Elgars early Serenade in E minor for String Orchestra, unheard at Powell Symphony Hall since 1992. Its a graceful, understated Romantic piece with delicate textures and a hint of melancholy, and made a lovely start to the evening.

Lentzs Jerusalem (after Blake), received its North American premiere with these performances. Lentz has found a kindred spirit and inspiration in William Blake (1757-1827), the unclassifiable English poet-artist, and the mystical-apocalyptic vision he expressed.

Jerusalem is very much an apocalypse for our time, though, using electronic sounds, electric guitar, cimbalom and seven smartphones (in airplane mode) along with the orchestra. As Robertson explained, the conclusion was inspired by the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which vanished over the Indian Ocean three years ago. Thinking of the final calls made by victims of 9/11, Lentz used the cellphones to represent the messages these passengers could not leave.
"American Gods," 8 p.m. Sundays on Starz  Four stars (out of four)  starz.com/series/americangods/featured

Chances are, nobody who has read Neil Gaimans massive, mysterious American Gods  and if you havent, you should  closed the book and said, gosh, I cant wait for the movie.

Adapting the 2001 novel, which runs nearly 700 pages and introduces more than 40 characters, must have seemed impossible. Surely no movie could contain this epic plot, in which the quiet hero gets entangled with the old gods of mythology, who are being forgotten, as they prepare to do battle with powerful new gods like technology and money.

Not a movie, maybe, but a television series. Fourteen years after the novel established Gaiman as one of literatures most brilliant and eccentric minds, premium cable network Starz announced an ambitious adaptation, putting the project into the hands of Bryan Fuller (Wonderfalls, Hannibal) and Michael Green, whose credits range from TV and movies to comics.

Gaiman himself signed off on the project, taking the title of executive producer and calling Fuller and Green the same kind of fanatics that American Gods has attracted since the start.

More than two years in the making, American Gods comes to television beginning Sunday for eight episodes. A painstaking casting process led to the ideal choice of Ricky Whittle, who is British and a newcomer to most American viewers, as the hero, Shadow Moon, who embarks on a dark and often surreal road trip under the direction of the powerful, knowing Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane of Deadwood).

The rest of the vast cast includes Emily Browning as Shadows wife, Laura Moon, and Pablo Schreiber as Mad Sweeney. Other familiar, if not necessarily recognizable, faces include Cloris Leachman, Peter Stormare, Orlando Jones, Dane Cook and Gillian Anderson.

Starzs American Gods looks like everything a fan, even those obsessives Gaiman describes as tattooing quotes from it on themselves or each other, could have hoped.

Fuller and Green realize the weight they are carrying.

This project, in addition to being a dream project, has been one that Ive heard Dont (mess) it up more than any other time, because its so beloved, Green said when Starz introduced Gods, still in the making at the time, to TV critics meeting in Los Angeles.

We get levels and times of Dont (mess) it up, he continued. We certainly got it when we dropped a trailer everyone was happy with, and it was like, Wow! Youve gotta make a show as good as that.

The process of rising excitedly to the challenge of it is continuous, Green said. Its great to come into something thats so passionately loved by so many people, but we were two of those people. So that made it a challenge worth showing up for.

Part of the challenge, clearly, was finding focus in a book that spreads so many stories so far and wide.

When we first sat down and started talking about what the book needed to become in its adaptation to a television series, we were both synchronized so immediately in terms of the coming to Americas, Fuller said.

In Gaimans plot, the old gods from many cultures have wound up in America, treating it as a sort of retirement home. Each episode of the TV series begins with a vignette of a gods arrival.

We wanted to feature those in every episode, so we would get a taste of how the gods came to America, and setting that up as a thematic umbrella under which we tell the story of that episode, Fuller said.

More focus went into seizing on specific characters that were going to be fleshing out in expanding the world in which the story is set, Fuller added. In the novel, it is ... two guys on a road trip, and we had such fantastic female characters in the piece that we wanted to expand those and let the narrative accordion out to accommodate them.

Along the way, Gaiman was consulted extensively.

We went into that with a lot of conversations with Neil, who very deliberately wrote this book as a book in a time when I think he was polarizing against a lot of the screenwriting that was coming his way, Green said. He knew it resisted adaptation in some ways, and he said something early on that stuck with me about how the punctuation in this novel can be a guideline because things can happen between it.

Whenever the writers approached Gaiman to ask, What if this happens between this and this? he responded with, Thank you. I love it, Green said, support that encouraged them to plunge ahead.

Todays major religions dont figure in the book or the series, Green said. Neil, by his own admission, went into this thinking that the big three religions were well-serviced enough and this was about the gods that werent doing nearly as well. ... Largely its about forgotten myths, forgotten cultures, forgotten imps and jinns and promises and things prayed to quietly.

American Gods endures because it manages to discuss religion in an inclusive way that invites all, whether youre coming at it faithfully, whether youre coming at it agnostically, whether you have an academic background in mythology, Green added. It really rewards varied attention.

Throughout, Green and Fuller remained fans of American Gods, even while looking at the project objectively.

You have to take off the fan hat to a degree, Green said. Youre just trying to remember constantly what you love about it as a fan and then trying to put it on its feet and making it a visual story.

Speaking to fans, Green said that no matter what their favorite part of the book was, nobody would feel left out. If you loved it in the book, it will show up in the series.

Who's who in 'American Gods'

Character descriptions provided by Starz

SHADOW MOON (Ricky Whittle)  Shadow is released from prison to a life turned upside down  no wife, no job and no bearings, until he is offered a job by Mr. Wednesday as a bodyguard on a journey across America.

MR. WEDNESDAY (Ian McShane)  A crafty and endlessly charismatic con man, Mr. Wednesday is full of perverse wisdom, curious magic and grand plans that are only slowly revealed to Shadow.

LAURA MOON (Emily Browning)  Killed before the story begins, Laura gets a second chance to make amends.

MAD SWEENEY (Pablo Schreiber)  A down-on-his-luck leprechaun, Sweeney works for Mr. Wednesday and is always spoiling for a fight.

MR. WORLD (Crispin Glover)  World is the seemingly omniscient leader of the new gods coalition and finds Mr. Wednesday, ringleader of the old gods, an imminent threat.

BILQUIS (Yetide Badaki)  An ancient goddess of love, she craves the worship she inspired long ago.

TECHNICAL BOY (Bruce Langley)  The new god of all things technical is dangerously unpredictable.

MEDIA (Gillian Anderson)  A master of manipulation, Media assumes whatever form will deliver her message most effectively.

EASTER (Kristin Chenoweth)  Once known as Ostara, goddess of spring, Easters holiday has been usurped by Jesus. But she embraces the jelly beans and chocolate bunnies in an effort to stay relevant.

CZERNOBOG (Peter Stormare)  A Slavic god of darkness and evil, Czernobog is reluctant to join the coming war.

ZORYA VECHERNYAYA (Cloris Leachman)  Zorya is the eldest of three sisters who watch over the constellations.

MR. NANCY (Orlando Jones)  Anansi, as hes otherwise known, is the African trickster spider deity, a god of knowledge and speech.

LOW KEY LYESMITH (Jonathan Tucker)  Shadows one confidante in prison is fast-talking and humorous, with a theory for everything.

VULCAN (Corbin Bernsen)  One of Mr. Wednesdays oldest allies, Vulcan is happy harnessing his powers for the modern world.
UPDATED with more road closures, including Interstate 44 Monday night, and Highway 141 in Valley Park and name of drowning victim

A rapidly rising Meramec River is prompting the evacuation of parts of Valley Park and could cut the southern part of the St. Louis region off, much as it did after Christmas in 2015  but without the benefit of a holiday week that kept many people off the roads.

Late Sunday night, the Missouri Department of Transportation closed Highway 141 in both directions at Interstate 44 near Valley Park. Officials expect it to be closed all week.

MoDOT closed a section of Highway 109 in Eureka on Monday evening and planned to close Interstate 44 between Highway 109 and Interstate 270. The interstate could remain closed the rest of the week. It also closed a section of Highway M from Interstate 55 east to Highway 60 in Jefferson County on Monday night. Other highways are expected to close as well.

Meanwhile, the death of a 77-year-old man who apparently went to look at floodwater near his home Sunday had officials again warning residents how quickly rising water can carry a person or vehicle away. The mans body was found near a creek along Highway BB between Cedar Hill and Hillsboro.

And the coming wave of water has prompted Valley Park to issue a mandatory evacuation notice in parts of the city protected by the levee. The city says there is no indication the levee has been compromised or breached, but residents and businesses in the affected areas are expected to evacuate by noon Tuesday.

Gov. Eric Greitens declared a state of emergency on Saturday, and federal lawmakers are pledging federal resources if needed for the recovery.

Rising water closing roads

Highway 30, Highway 21 and Highway 109 are expected to close Monday night near where they cross the Meramec, as the river pushes to near-historic highs.

Its possible Interstate 55 could go underwater Tuesday night at the Meramec, as it was at the end of 2015. Lemay Ferry and Telegraph roads may also be closed late Tuesday.

I dont know that there is anybody who lives south of Interstate 70 that is going to live a normal life next week, said Tom Blair, a Missouri Department of Transportation assistant district engineer for St. Louis, about the potential traffic problems.

And unfortunately, it appears more rain is on the way. After a bit of respite on Tuesday, more storms are predicted late in the night and continuing through Thursday. The storms could produce up to 3 inches of rain, just as the Meramec River is expected to peak.

The river is predicted to break or nearly reach record crests later this week. Upriver, the Meramec at Steelville was already falling Monday after setting a new record at 28.71 feet earlier in the day. The old record was set in 1998. The river broke a record Monday at Sullivan, reaching 36.52 feet. The previous record, set in 1915, was 33.5 feet.

Pacific may see the Meramec crest about a foot short of the record level of 33.4 feet. In Eureka the crest is expected to reach nearly 46 feet on Wednesday, a few inches short of the record.

In Valley Park, the river is projected to crest at more than 43 feet on Wednesday  within a foot of the record. In Arnold the Meramec may crest at roughly 44 feet on Wednesday. The record there is 47 feet. All those records date to the final days of 2015.

Some of those (forecasts) could be adjusted one way or another, said Mark Fuchs, a hydrologist at the weather service office in Weldon Spring.

MoDOT officials said I-44 would close on Monday after the evening rush hour from Interstate 270 to Highway 109  with some exceptions. Local westbound traffic will still be allowed to exit at Bowles Avenue, a couple of miles west of I-270. Local eastbound traffic also will be allowed on I-44 between Bowles and 270.

Under that scenario, Manchester Road will be the main alternate east-west route south of Highway 40 (Interstate 64).

Blair said there were no immediate plans to close Interstate 55, but MoDOT was preparing for that possibility.

The rain and rising rivers have already closed more than 700 state roads, including 77 in the St. Louis area, according to MoDOT. Officials urged the public to check MoDOTs website for updates.

Interstate 44 was closed in south central Missouri between Rolla and Lebanon Sunday due to flooding from the Gasconade River and tributaries. The closures require a detour along Highway 63 and Highway 60 between Springfield and Rolla.

On Monday morning, Lincoln County Emergency Management officials announced that Highway 79 was closed due to flooding in Old Monroe, Mo. U.S. Highway 61 north of Troy, Mo., had been closed at the Cuivre River, but has been reopened.

Also closed was Highway 30 in St. Clair at the Meramec.

In northeast St. Charles County, Highway 94 was closed Monday morning between Feltes Road and Highway 67, MoDOT said.

In the same area, traffic was expected to be cut to one lane in each direction on 67 between 94 and the Clark Bridge, which crosses the Mississippi River to Alton.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department said the Brussels Ferry is closed because of debris in the Illinois River. Also closed is the Golden Eagle Ferry over the Mississippi River to St. Charles County.

However, the Winfield Ferry (between Calhoun County and Lincoln County, Mo.) is still running. Also still running is the Kampsville Ferry over the Illinois River.

The home of the St. Louis FC soccer team near Fenton was expected to flood this week. The team said the effect on a match set for Saturday wasn't clear.

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., called the flooding a scary situation for communities across our state. She said the federal government would be ready with any federal resources that might be needed as the flood waters recede, and our communities begin to recover.

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said he had been in close contact with Greitens and reiterated McCaskills federal aid promise. While we dont not yet know the full extent of the damage, I stand ready to advocate for any federal assistance that may be needed once those assessments are made, Blunt said.

The American Red Cross has opened shelters near flood-hit areas of Missouri, including at Manchester United Methodist Church at 129 Woods Mill Road in Manchester and Tri-County Senior Center at 800 West Union Street in Pacific.

Evacuation in Valley Park

Valley Park Mayor Michael Pennise posted a mandatory evacuation notice to the citys website Sunday. Those in the affected area should be out by noon Tuesday. The National Guard will be stationed at both entrances to town and will not allow anyone to come back into the levee-protected area until the evacuation order is lifted.

We want to stress there is no indication the levee protecting the city has been compromised or breached in any way," Pennise said on the city's website. "The U.S. Corps of Engineers and city officials have been continuously inspecting the levee and there are no signs of damage or breach."

The city is providing transportation to anyone in need of assistance. Call the Valley Park Fire District at 636-225-4260 or Valley Park City Hall at 636-225-5171, ext. 6 for more information.

Volunteers along the Meramec spent part of the weekend and much of Monday filling sandbags. Among those lending a hand in Eureka on Monday was Greitens. He posted photos of his visit to flood-threatened areas on Facebook.

More volunteers were needed for Monday, at the Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge at 19 West First Street or the St. Louis County Police precinct at 232 Vance Road in Valley Park. The Eureka Fire Protection District also is directing volunteers to Eureka High School for sandbagging efforts there.

Rockwood School District, which had closed some of its schools on Monday, said all of its schools will be closed Tuesday because of worsening transportation issues caused by the flooding.

The Arnold-based Fox and High Ridge-based Northwest school districts also said they were canceling classes for Tuesday because of road closures and flooding.

Valley Park schools and some other schools are also closed; check with your district.

Man swept away

The man who drowned Sunday in Jefferson County was identified as Clifford H. Brandt of Jefferson County. Authorities said he walked to a creek near his house to survey rising water, and apparently slipped and was swept away by the current.

Brandt left his home near Highway BB and Mimi Mountain Road about 3:30 or 4 p.m. His family became concerned when he did not return, found some of his belongings along a Belews Creek bank and called for help, said Brian Gaudet, assistant chief of the Hillsboro Fire Protection District.

Searchers found his body along the shoreline less than a mile downstream about 7 p.m., Gaudet said.

Gaudet said the agencies responded to multiple water rescues throughout the day involving residents, especially in the Cedar Hill area, who had been stranded inside their homes due to rising flood water.

Youve got to be very careful and always understand the force of the water, he said.

Chief Terry Soer of the Cedar Hill Fire Protection District said about 25 people were evacuated Monday morning from the Village Green Estates mobile home park in the Cedar Hill area because of rising Big River floodwater. That's off Highway 30 at Industrial Drive, he said.

The storms that produced all this rain also caused other damage.

The National Weather Service received several reports of wind damage. A very small, weak tornado caused damage to the area near the Lake Center Marina in north St. Charles County, said Jim Sieveking, meteorologist in charge of the local office of the weather service. The tornado hit about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and had a path of less than 4 miles. It toppled trees along Elmer Dwyer Club Road, and flipped over some boats on trailers and cars. At the marina, the storm destroyed several docks.

Ashley Lisenby, Kim Bell, Mark Schlinkmann and Chuck Raasch contributed to this report.
Tiffany Lawsons ex-boyfriend kicked in her door, beat her and poured hot cooking oil onto her face, back and legs in Birmingham, Ala.

The 2013 attack replayed in her mind when she tried to sleep in the months that followed, and left her with burns over half of her body. Her ex was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The Associated Press reached Lawson by phone this week, at the number listed in her online case file at Alabamas publicly accessible website for court records. An AP review of other online case files found Social Security numbers, home addresses and other personal information of rape victims as well as children who have been molested.

Lawson bristled at the thought of victims personal information being so readily available.

I dont think my address and phone number and things like that should be in there, Lawson said. I think it should be the victims choice if they want that information out there.

But many crime victims in Alabama have no choice.

That is because the states online site for court records  Alacourt.com  often doesnt edit out personal information that might appear in court documents.

In Phenix City, Ala., a former math teachers indictment on a charge of having sex with a student is stamped NOT PUBLIC RECORD, with the students name blacked out. But a search warrant application in the same file identifies the 15-year-old boy by name.

The site also includes personal details about sexual assault victims at the University of Alabama and other cases going as far back as 2007. Records from a 2013 case even list the hospital bill for a rape victim identified by name.

Most states remove or cover sensitive information about people before the court records go online, said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington, D.C.

Experts say it can be dangerous for victims to have their personal information in such court files, and that sexual assault victims may be reluctant to report crimes if they know theyre giving up their privacy.

What survivors tell us is that the loss of privacy during criminal justice is one of the things they fear most, said Meg Garvin, executive director of the National Crime Victim Law Institute.

An Alabama law says addresses, phone numbers and other related information about victims contained in court files are not public records. A link to the law is posted in a list of crime victims rights on the attorney generals website.

But Alabamas court clerks dont have the manpower to review every document thats filed with the courts, said Nathan Wilson, legal director of Alabamas Administrative Office of Courts.

The court system is very concerned about identifying information appearing in some court records, Wilson said in statement Thursday.

Since the AP began its reporting this month, efforts are underway to remind those who file documents with the court that victim and private information should be kept out of those documents, he said.

Alacourt.com was launched in 2000 and is a partnership between the state of Alabamas trial courts and Mobile, Alabama-based On-Line Information Services Inc., which hasnt responded to multiple requests for comment.

The website can be accessed by anyone who registers for the site and pays a fee. Its available free of charge at computers in many Alabama county courthouses.

Concerns about the site came to light this month, when federal prosecutors accused a man of using Alacourt.com to obtain Social Security numbers of about 43 people in an identity theft scheme. He has since been charged with aggravated identity theft and conspiracy.

Each year, more than 100,000 new cases are electronically filed into the online system from Alabamas 67 counties, according to annual reports from the Alabama Unified Judicial System. Some cases include dozens of documents; others have hundreds.
CHARLESTON -- Two Eastern Illinois University police officers and a Charleston business were honored by the Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge (FOP) during an appearance in Charleston on April 19 by FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood.

These awards recognize life-saving actions and outstanding police work, as well as the support of a local business that helps law enforcement officers do their jobs, Southwood said. The citizens of Charleston can be proud of those we are honoring with these awards.

The FOP Life Saving Award, presented for outstanding efforts or actions that save or sustain a human life, was presented to Eastern Illinois University Police Officer Dylan Short.

On Jan. 24, 2016, Short responded to a call of an intoxicated individual, where he found an unresponsive female. Short immediately began CPR and effectively revived the victim, who was transported to the hospital by Charleston Fire Department paramedics.

Short's quick action was instrumental in saving the woman's life.

The FOP Meritorious Service Award, given to an FOP member for outstanding police and community work which has brought credit to the law enforcement profession, was presented to EIU Police Officer Stephen Szigethy.

Szigethy has distinguished himself and has been recognized for his DUI and seat belt enforcement efforts and for educating new police officers. He led the effort to re-establish the EIU Police Department's FOP Lodge and currently serves as Lodge No. 777 President. Szigethy led the first annual FOP Lodge 777 Coles County Animal Shelter food drive which collected several hundred pounds of food and necessary items to the shelter, and oversaw the first FOP raffle which generated more than $1,800 for the organization.

The Blue Gold Award, which recognizes a non-member or organization that has shown great support to the FOP, was presented to Joeys Place of Charleston. Mark Grant, the owner of Joeys place, along with his 92-year-old mother Winola Grant, has been a strong advocate for law enforcement in the Charleston area and is a very vocal supporter of the Eastern Illinois University Police FOP Lodge No. 777, Charleston Police FOP Lodge No. 88 and the Coles County Sheriffs Office FOP Lodge No. 207.

Mark Grant has made many donations to all the lodges in Charleston and regularly contacts police regarding criminal activity which has led to numerous arrests. He believes strongly in a safe community and his generosity and support has earned him respect and admiration from all in law enforcement, and it doesnt hurt that he serves up fine meals for the citizens of Charleston and Coles County.

The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers -- more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Awami Muslim League (AML) have all demanded the government to issue Dawn Leaks report.

The opposition parties have rejected the government notification on Dawn Leaks while supporting Pakistan Army s position on the matter.

Also Read:Army rejects government's notification over Dawn leaks case: ISPR

PTI spokesperson Naeem-ul-Haq demanded immediate resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well as to make recommendations in Dawn Leaks report public.

Also Read:PM Office's statement not govt's final decision in Dawn leaks investigation: Nisar

He said that the party was doubtful of PMs intentions, adding that he had become a security risk for the country. Such questions will be raised till he resigns, he added.

Also Read:PM ordered action under Para 18, one document not enough to explain: Ishaq Dar

AML Chief Sheikh Rasheed said Dawn Leaks matter could be resolved but same would not happen in Panama Leaks. He claimed that Nawaz Sharif would be ousted if he kept on conflicting with the army.

Also Read:Dawn Leaks inquiry deliberate attempt to malign Pak Army: Imran Khan

Similarly, JI Amir Siraj-ul-Haq also rejected government recommendations on Dawn Leaks. He demanded the issuance of whole truth.
Responding to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs alleged misogynist remarks about female supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan on Saturday termed the premiers statement highly condemnable.

He said Nawaz Sharif forgot that it was a woman, his wife, who led protest against his arrest when all the male supporters vanished.

You scratch the surface & NS's veneer of fake sincerity dissipates to reveal his fascist nature. His remarks on our women highly condemnable  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 30, 2017

Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating a gas provision project in Okara on Saturday, the Prime Minister had said: We have seen what were they [PTI women] doing in yesterdays rally.

How quickly NS forgets it was a woman, his wife, who led the protest ag his arrest & during his exile when all his male supporters vanished https://t.co/UhQ0SsGnUk  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 30, 2017

Few minutes later, PTI leader Shireen Mazari demanded that Nawaz Sharif tenders his apology for his alleged disrespectful remarks about PTI women.

PM Nawaz Sharif shd immed apologise for his remarks against PTI women! Shameful PM!  Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 29, 2017

The remarks by the PM also caused uproar on the social media.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Sunday said that the real characters behind Dawn Leaks were being saved.

Talking to newsmen at Karachi Airport after his arrival in the city, the PTI chief said that after the Panamagate verdict the Prime Minister had lost moral justification to continue as PM anymore.

Imran said that the person who offered to pay Rs10 billion to him to be silent on the Supreme Courts decision over Panama leaks case, was ready to pay even more. He added that the man who gave the offer lived in Lahore.

Rs10 billion offer was just the start; [they] were ready to pay more, Khan claimed.

Khan said he would reveal the name of the person who made the offer if the courts agree to provide protection to the person.

The PTI chief termed Prime Minister lair saying that the PM did not take U-turn rather he resorts to excessive lying.

The PTI chief did not spare PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, saying that Zardaris talk against corruption was the one of the signs of Day of Judgment.
Religious scholar Mufti Naeem has on Sunday urged Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) leader Mustafa Kamal and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Farooq Sattar to forget differences. He said that public mandate was sold for self-interest.

Mustafa Kamal arrived today at Jamia Banauria Al-Aalamiya Site to invite Mufti Naeem to join his million march to be held on May 14. Talking to media on the occasion, Mustafa Kamal said that various parties of Pakistan were staging protests and sit-ins, taking the lead from PSP.

Mufti Naeem said that Karachi was pushed towards ethnic and sectarian war in the past but the city could not afford such conditions now. He added that Farooq Sattar should also join hands with Mustafa Kamal in his struggle.

He assured Mustafa Kamal of complete support on this occasion.
Turkey has sacked around 4,000 public officials and banned televised dating programs as part of its crackdown on people alleged to be linked to last years failed coup.

On Saturday, Turkeys Justice Ministry released a decree with the names of 3,975 dismissed officials, 1,000 of whom formerly worked for the ministry and 1,000 others were employed by the army.

Some 100 pilots were among sacked army personnel, while the names of about 500 state-employed academics were also included in the decree.

The move comes just days after Turkey suspended over 9,000 members of the countrys police force and sacked 1,000 people for alleged links to US-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara claims orchestrated last year's failed putsch.

Meanwhile, in a separate decree, Turkey also banned television dating programs, a move which had been hinted by Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus last month.

"In radio and television broadcasting services, such programs in which people are introduced to find a friend ... cannot be permitted, read the decree.

In March, Kurtulmus had remarked that some strange programs, which were endangering the institution of family would be scrapped.

Earlier in the day, a Turkish internet monitoring group announced that Ankara had blocked all access inside the country to the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

The latest moves come around two weeks after a tightly contested referendum approved the expansion of President Recep Tayyip Erdogans powers, according to preliminary results.

Turkey witnessed a coup attempt on July 15, 2016, when a faction of the Turkish military declared that the government of Erdogan was no more in charge of the country.

A few hours later, however, the coup was suppressed. Almost 250 people were killed and nearly 2,200 others wounded in the abortive coup.

Since then, Ankara has been engaged in suppressing the media and opposition groups, who were believed to have played a role in the failed putsch.

Over 40,000 people have been arrested and more than 120,000 others sacked or suspended from a wide range of professions, including soldiers, police, teachers, and public servants, over alleged links with the failed coup.
CHAMPAIGN -- Fewer migratory Swainsons Warblers return to breed after high flood waters alter the quality of their wetland forest habitat, according to new University of Illinois research published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Bryan Reiley, a graduate research assistant at the Illinois Natural History Survey, studied the body condition and number of male warblers returning to two sites in southeast Arkansas during four breeding seasons. He investigated the warblers before the 2008 catastrophic flooding of the Mississippi River and three years after the flood.

Swainsons Warblers (Limnothlypis swainsonii) are rare, occurring in the Caribbean basin during the winter months and primarily in the southeastern United States from April through August. They also reach southern Illinois and the Appalachian Mountains. This species typically lives in canebrakes adjacent to rivers in floodplain forests.

From 2005 to 2010, Reiley studied 278 males. He anticipated that their body condition would decrease in the years after the 2008 flood because warblers forage for insects under fallen leaves and debris. He also assumed that fewer birds would return to the previously flooded site in subsequent years.

He found that the condition of males was actually better in the years after the flood, perhaps because the La Nina climate pattern created favorable conditions at the birds wintering grounds.

Flooding did affect the number of males returning to the study site, however. Before the flood, 20 to 31 males returned to breed each spring, whereas in 2008, 18 males returned. The following year, Reiley counted only seven birds, and in a follow-up observation in 2014, only two warblers were observed at the site.

For birds that attempted to breed in these habitats in the years following the flood, reduced leaf litter and shrub cover might have resulted in reduced habitat quality and decreased nesting success, leading to a significant drop in the number of birds occupying the area in the second and third years post-flood.

Habitats are never static, Reiley said. Swainsons Warblers may reside in upland habitats following a significant flood. Ive seen them feeding in the trees when they would normally forage on the ground. They can be flexible when their habitat is continually changing.

To keep Swainsons Warblers in a forest environment after a flood, increased forest management may be necessary, Reiley said. Flooding is not a unique condition, but the increased frequency and duration of flooding that may result from a changing climate can be stressful for birds.

If the habitat changes too much, Swainsons Warblers will not use it, and they may never return to that area, Reiley said.

The study was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Reiley is a PhD candidate in the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, and his advisor is Thomas Benson, a wildlife ecologist in the Prairie Research Institutes Illinois Natural History Survey. The article can be found at http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0175179.
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.
An under-par Chiefs have wasted a golden chance to secure Super Rugby bonus points, defeating the Sunwolves 27-20.

Despite heavy losses in successive weeks to the Crusaders and Highlanders, the Japanese outfit managed to contain the Chiefs understrength side, missing the likes of Brodie Retallick and Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

They fought their way back from a 27-10 deficit to get within a try of victory, before successfully repelling the Chiefs at the death - with just 13 men - to secure their first ever bonus point on Kiwi soil.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, will now find themselves on the back foot in their quest to win the congested New Zealand conference.

"A tough night is the right way to put it - mainly due to our own errors," Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane said.

"Were winning ugly at the moment."

The Chiefs wasted no time seizing the upper hand in Hamilton, with veteran rake Hika Elliot barging over from close range within four minutes.

A Sunwolves penalty goal followed after a period of pressure on the Chiefs line, before winger Solomona Alaimalo extended the Chiefs lead in the 24th minute.

The Sunwolves looked at least on-par with their Kiwi adversaries for parts of the first half, but the Chiefs took the air from their lungs just seconds before the break through a Damian McKenzie try down the left edge.

Up 20-3 at half-time, they struggled to find their groove in the second half and were quickly pegged back by wily ex-Highlander Fumiaki Tanaka.

After a series of offensive scrums, the Brave Blossoms halfback managed to squeeze his way onto the post with a pick and drive.

Just as the Sunwolves appeared on the ascendancy, however, the Chiefs again wrested back control of the contest through a piece of McKenzie magic.

Collecting a pass on the left edge, the two-cap All Black whizzed past three men in a hook-shaped run for the line in the 60th minute.

A try to Sunwolves midfielder Derek Carpenter and a further penalty goal then made the final moments interesting, before the Chiefs late efforts were thwarted despite the sin-binning of Carpenter and dismissal of Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.

- Newsie
Health warnings issued in November for Lake Rotoehu and in December for Lake Okaro have now been lifted.

Results of water testing by Bay of Plenty Regional Council confirms the algal bloom has subsided in both lakes.

In spite of the warning being lifted, people should always be cautious for signs of algal blooms if using lakes, says Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack.

Algal blooms can develop rapidly and unpredictably and can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful for people as well as animals.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council environmental scientist Paul Scholes says his team will continue to monitor both lakes for further blooms.

While the Bay of Plentys water quality is generally good, we work closely with Toi Te Ora to inform the public of any issues.

Maintaining and improving water quality is one of the regional councils outcomes and we regularly monitor more than 70 popular coastal, river and lake recreation sites for faecal contamination and algal bloom.

The regional councils recently released Our fresh water 2017 report shows Rotoruas freshwater quality is improving overall, largely due to the efforts of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, which is committed to ensuring the long-term protection and restoration of the lakes in the Rotorua district.

Up-to-date information on health warnings for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts is available through these channels:

 Phone: 0800 221 555

 Website: www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_warnings

 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ttophs

 Twitter: www.twitter.com/ttophs
Theres nothing like roadworks to graunch the gears of motorists.

This project has been a shambles from its inception, said one punter on the SunLive website.

While you might be happy sitting in your car for two hours with a flask of coffee, some of us have hospital appointments, children to drop off and work to do.

It was retaliatory barrage after an online head-on crash with another subscriber. Remember what the delay is for, said punter number two. Small term pain for long term gain.

What punter number two wants us to embrace are the roadworks at Te Puna  $7 million worth of double lane roundabout to create a more forgiving road environment and reduce crashes on the notorious stretch of road that is State Highway 2 between Bethlehem and Waihi.

And caught in the middle of the verbal stoush is the New Zealand Transport Agency. It is taking a conciliatory approach.

We can understand the frustration the work is causing, says the NZTAs Bay of Plenty state highways manager Niclas Johansson. We are taking a fresh look at the way the construction is being carried out and the impact its having on people. In the meantime its asking motorists to be respectful to the contractors.

But punter number one wont be placated. Any more of this nonsense and Downers (the project construction company) will see what real anger and frustration is.

There will always be delays working on a state highway, fired back punter number two. And he offered some advice to punter number one. Get out of bed earlier in the morning, pack a cup of coffee and embrace the fact we have major roading developments in our area. These arent meaningless, they will ultimately make your trip faster and safer.

And he reminds everyone about the Tauranga Eastern Link project. The people who grizzled are now singing its praises. Punter number one wont have a bar of it.

You must either be one of the workers sitting on the verge having a smoke, a planner with Downers or an ostrich living in the Minden. Get real!

This verbal road rage is symptomatic of the social media traffic on the Te Puna construction. There has been a stream of messages both in support and critical of Downers and the NZTA. But most have been critical.

Stupid place for a roundabout.

Why arent they doing the work at night when the traffic is quieter?

I spent five years in Brisbane and saw changes and improvements achieved in short times frames. Be good to know who these bureau bunglers are who make these decisions and Te Puna is just going to be another bottleneck, the roundabout should never have been approved.

But it was approved. And while it asks motorist to be respectful to Downers, the NZTA says to continue to expect delays.

We have asked for Te Puna Station Road to be closed in the morning peak period on work days. Closing this road improves the consistent flow of traffic along SH2 and prevents stop start effect that occurs when traffic merges left or turns right into Te Puna Station Rd.

The intersection is considered high risk and the roundabout will dramatically improve safety at Te Puna and Minden.

NZTA says construction of the Tauranga Northern Link from the Takitimu Drive Toll Rd to just past Te Puna, will also start in 2018. Itll remove state highway traffic from Te Puna and Bethlehem allowing easier travel through these areas.

And a recent detour, which may have prompted the outcry from disgruntled motorists was a trial to allow the contractor, Downer, to work uninterrupted by traffic.

The detour was monitored and when it caused significant delays it was removed.

Its now on hold while the NZTA reviews why the delays occurred and how it can improve the detour plan. And it has apologised for the frustration the detour has caused.
Students of Jordan-Elbridge Central High School attended their junior prom Saturday evening at Marietta House in Marietta. The event's theme was "Glitter and Gold."

Above are photos from the event.



Buy photo reprints



As you're browsing the gallery, look for the "Buy" button on the right just below the photos to order high-quality reprints and other products. Or visit our photo reprint store to purchase photos of this event.



More prom photos



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
Students of West Genesee High School attended their junior prom Saturday evening at Driver's Village in Cicero. The event's theme was "Evening Under the Stars."

Above are photos from the event.

Buy photo reprints



As you're browsing the gallery, look for the "Buy" button on the right just below the photos to order high-quality reprints and other products. Or visit our photo reprint store to purchase photos of this event





More prom photos



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




A UK court convicted British surgeon Ian Paterson on charges of "wounding with intent." Following years of complaints, Paterson was found guilty in the criminal court for 17 cases of intentional wounding and three cases of illegally wounding his patients.

However, the number of patients who perished or suffered greatly under Paterson's knife due to unnecessary surgeries may be higher than the official record. Paterson, however, denied all the allegations made against him. The court will announce its decision next week and it is expected that the doctor will be given life imprisonment for his crimes.

Doctor Convicted For Performing Unnecessary Surgeries

The seven-week long trial was held at Nottingham Crown Court and one man and nine women, all former patients of Paterson, testified against him. The prosecution in its argument stated that all the surgeries that the victims underwent were unnecessary, as none of them were detected with breast cancer.

One of the witnesses was a woman who had undergone 12 surgeries in a span of 16 years. The prosecution maintained that in other situations, a biopsy would have been more suitable instead of an invasive surgery.

The West Midlands police handpicked the doctor's former patients and noted that Paterson treated them privately. The criminal investigation against the rogue surgeon started in 2012, following his removal from the General Medical Council and his suspension from the hospital.

"The procedures carried out by Ian Paterson on vulnerable patients were unnecessary and caused physical suffering, scars, and wounds to the patients," Mark Payne, a senior officer from the, Department Chief Superintendent told the Birmingham Mail.

Payne also stated that due to greed and arrogance of Paterson, many of his patients suffered psychological trauma. The surgeon made his patients believe that they had breast cancer because of which the extensive and innumerable surgeries were necessary. However in reality, none of the patients had breast cancer or were even at risk.

Payne is of the view that Paterson played God with his patient's lives and abused his position, knowledge, and skill by breaking the trust his patients reposed in him. He resorted to these unethical tactics to maintain his luxurious lifestyle.

However, the prosecution was unclear about the former doctor's motives, but included financial gain as one of the reasons.

More Patients Abused By Paterson?

It is believed that there are more patients who suffered due to Paterson's negligence. Paterson's self-developed technique "cleavage-sparing mastectomy" has also been questioned.

Nearly 256 patients on whom Paterson operated have been given compensation for physical and mental trauma. The compensation amount totals to roughly $23.32 million. The Heart of England Foundation Trust of the National Health Service, which insured the hospitals Paterson worked with, paid for the legal costs and damages.

Currently, 350 more patients are seeking compensation from Paterson for the unnecessary surgeries. These patients were treated privately under Spire Healthcare.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Yellow fever infections are constantly rising around the world and have led to a shortage in vaccines that are needed to counter the disease.

This shortage is also being felt in the United States, and the CDC reports that the vaccines could run out in the country by July.

Therefore, if one is planning a trip to a location where yellow fever is prevalent, then it is better to get a shot of the vaccine while it is still available. As a safety measure, the CDC even advises people to avoid locations that have the infection.

Yellow Fever Vaccine Shortage In The United States

Yellow fever outbreaks have risen exponentially around the globe. In 2016, an outbreak occurred in Angola and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which led health officials in these areas to undertake an immunization campaign. By the end of the campaign, over 30 million people in these regions were vaccinated.

This outbreak depleted the global yellow fever vaccine stock and even forced the World Health Organization to administer partial shots to some people.

Earlier in March, a yellow fever outbreak occurred in Brazil and this has stretched the global supply of the vaccine. This outbreak in Brazil could over time reach other South American countries and even the United States.

The possibility of an outbreak has increased the panic among CDC health officials. According to them, the country simply does not have sufficient vaccine to counter a widespread outbreak of the disease. The supply may run out by mid-2017.

"We're going from the yellow fever vaccine being available in 4,000 clinics across the country to only 250 clinics," CDC spokesperson Tom Skinner stated.

Steps Being Taken To Solve This Shortage

In the United States, only one yellow fever vaccine is licensed. The pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur manufactures this vaccine dubbed YF-VAX. In 2015, the company ceased the production of YF-VAX to update its manufacturing facility for the vaccine. At the time, the company calculated that it would have enough stock till it restarts production in 2018.

However, a large portion of this stock was wasted because of some technical problems. Due to the recent shortage, in an unprecedented move, the FDA authorized Sanofi Pasteur to import Stamaril. This is a yellow fever vaccine licensed in Europe, but not in the United States.

"The yellow fever vaccine is really important. We're doing everything we can to make sure people who need it can still get it," Skinner added.

The CDC report on the vaccine shortage has been published under the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Even as health officials in Minnesota attempt to counter the measles outbreak, which is worsening in the state, their efforts to educate the public are facing a setback. Anti-vaccine activists in the state have started advocating that the measles vaccine being administered may not be safe.

On April 28, state health officials claimed that the total number of people affected by measles had increased to 32. Among these cases, 31 were located in the Hennepin County, while a single case was confirmed in the neighboring Stearns County.

The current outbreak is mostly centered on the Somali-Minnesotan community in Hennepin County. Health officials determined that this is because most children in the community have not received their measles vaccinations. This lack of vaccination was due to the community's belief that the measles vaccine caused autism in children.

What The Anti-Vaccine Activists Claim

The activists will hold a meeting on Sunday, April 30, in the Brian Coyle Community Center in Minneapolis to spread the message "epidemic is autism, not measles".

The activists also posit that the state's health department was withholding information regarding the safety of the vaccines. They assert that Somali parents have the right to refuse the measles vaccination for their children if they so please.

These anti-vaccine activists also appeared in various forums the state's health department has developed and shared that Somali children are being forcefully vaccine-damaged.

"We are looking to educate Somalis on their rights regarding vaccine law. And to help them make informed decisions about whether they want to vaccinate their kids," Patti Carroll, a member of the Vaccine Safety Council of Minnesota said.

What Are Doctors Saying?

Health officials have noticed a sharp decline in the vaccination rate in the Somali-Minnesotan community. This led them to surmise that most people were concerned with the fact that administering the measles vaccine would possibly cause autism in children.

To debunk the fears, public officials have been trying to convince and educate the Somali community on the benefits of the vaccine. They attempted to educate the worried parents on the findings of previous studies, which have been unable to find a link between the measles vaccine and autism. However, this approach was unsuccessful in changing many parents' mindset and failed to debunk the myth of measles vaccines causing autism.

The health officials in Minnesota are trying a new approach. They are currently in conversation with Somali-Minnesota community leaders to make them aware of the risks associated with not administering proper vaccines in children.

"We know that this is a complicated issue that is going to take long-term efforts," Lynn Bahta, an immunization consultant with the Minnesota Health Department revealed.

It remains to be seen whether the state's health department is able to make ground with the community members.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people, regardless of age, but has yet to discover why it happens and how to effectively stop it. So far, most epilepsy patients manage their seizures with prescription drugs or by using cannabis.

While scientists continue to study minibrains in order to understand the origins of epilepsy and other neurological disorders, however, a team of engineering students from Rice University developed an algorithm that could effectively predict an oncoming seizure and prevent it through neurostimulation.

Ictal Inhibitor Project Algorithm

The Ictal Inhibitor project's goal is to replace invasive methods of treating epilepsy so they focused on developing a machine learning algorithm that could successfully predict oncoming seizures in real time.

"About one-third of the 3 million epilepsy patients in the United States don't respond to anti-seizure medications. The only option left for those patients is to undergo surgery to remove the part of the brain that is the issue; we hope to replace that option with something a lot less invasive," Erik Biegert, a graduating member of Team Ictal Inhibitor, said.

The team tested the algorithm afterwards using data sets from real intracranial patient seizure data supplied by renowned neurosurgeon and project co-investigator, Dr. Nitin Tandon.

After running the algorithm and testing it on the data sets, the group found that the program was able to predict oncoming seizures at least two minutes prior, though it also produced 3.9 false positive results per hour.

Ictal Inhibitor Hardware Testing

After getting favorable results from their algorithm, the team hooked up the program to custom-made hardware, which includes electrodes implanted in the brain.

"Using the electrical signals that are produced in the brain, we can predict if a seizure is going to occur in the next five minutes or so," Sarah Hooper, a senior electrical engineering major explained.

Hooper further explained that, using their group's program, the electrodes keep track of brain activity as the program runs and, if a seizure were about to occur, the hardware would communicate with the electrode to apply electrical neurostimulation and prevent the attack from happening.

The Next Step

The project is still using a huge computer board as its hardware but the team claims the project will continue and may work on transforming the hardware into a small, wireless chip that can be implanted in the brain.

"What we really focused on this year was to create the processing unit and all of the machine learning intelligence that can make this happen ... [The] next steps could be to flesh out the design and move it onto a silicon chip," Randy Zhang, also a senior electrical engineering major, explained.

Professor Behnaam Aazhang, team Ictal Inhibitor's faculty adviser, said that the project is still a work in progress and is still five to seven years away from an actual product.

The Ictal Inhibitor is a project borne from discussions between Professor Aazhang and Dr. Tandon from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. It is a part of Rice University's Vertically Integrated Projects or VIP program, which brings together underclassmen, seniors, and graduate students to work on a project, and is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Watch Team Ictal Inhibitor explain their project below.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The U.S. Pacific Command reports that the missile test launched by North Korea on Saturday seems to have failed. Amid political tensions and the looming threat of a nuclear war, what exactly is the threat that comes with using nuclear weapons?

A Failed Missile Test

Just hours after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed the United Nations about increasing pressure on North Korea on Saturday, the totalitarian state launched a test missile that seems to have failed.

The information comes courtesy of U.S. Navy Cmdr. Dave Benham. He explains that the test missile failed to launch and exploded on North Korean land.

U.S. president Donald J. Trump weighed in on the matter via Twitter, stating that the test launch was an act of defiance towards China, one of North Korea's few allies.

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



Japan and South Korea were quick to condemn the missile tests, as Japan immediately held protests through diplomatic channels in Beijing.

What Is The Threat Of Nuclear Weaponry?

While North Korea's missile test evidently failed, there is no denying that tensions are high in the international scene amid the threat of a possible nuclear war. Perhaps what's concerning about the threat is that apart from the fact that nuclear weapons have serious destructive capabilities, it is also the unpredictability of both the weapons and its handlers that can spark serious concern among people.

According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a non-profit organization that keeps a close watch on the nuclear situation across the globe, if a nuclear weapon is detonated in a major city, the blast center would be even hotter than the surface of the sun and over a million people could die either from the blast itself, or from fallout radiation.

Apart from the sheer mortality rate of its initial effects, communication, electricity, and transportation would likely be affected, and the residual radiation may last for months or even years.

Though it has been more than twenty years since the end of the Cold War, nuclear weapons still exist with most of them in the hands of major countries: the United States, Russia, North Korea, China, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, and France. These countries have a combined 16,000 nuclear weapons in all, a number that's enough to destroy the planet multiple times.

As it stands, while the threat of a nuclear conflict between the United States and Russia has decreased, North Korea has taken Russia's place as a major nuclear power that has been experimenting with nuclear weapon capabilities. That being said, even without serious conflicts between countries, there is still the threat of accidental or unauthorized of nuclear weapons.

A Spot Of Good News

Despite the threat of nuclear conflicts, something that even physicist Stephen Hawking warns about, there is still room for hope. Though the threat is still there, there are countries that have truly committed to laying down arms and gave their weapons up.

Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus have given up their weapons, and South Africa has voluntarily dismantled their own weapons.

What's more, despite the disagreements and complications, heads-of-state are still continuous in the conversation on how to prevent nuclear terrorism.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The climate march was held last Saturday, exactly on President Donald J. Trump's 100th day. People from all walks of life joined the massive protest in Washington, as well as the satellite marches across the country and the world. Though the march is a yearly event, perhaps this year's march was more meaningful as the fight against climate change has turned into a full-on battle.

As protesters marched on from Capitol to the White House, they used their wit to get the message across to everyone watching.

The Signs That Caught Our Attention

Saturday's march was to bring attention to climate change, but some people really just had a practical view of saving the earth. After all, tacos are important, too.

Others, however, took the march as a platform for educating people on the science of climate change.

Reunited with the chalkboard! In 2014 we moved it 40 NYC blocks. Today, we're blockading the White House! #climatemarch #defendersoftruth pic.twitter.com/sURgr1PtEi  Lucky Tran (@luckytran) April 29, 2017

Some even took a playful jab at the prospect of even questioning the science of climate change.

"It's literally true. Stupidity is the problem." Joe Adams of Baltimore #climatemarch pic.twitter.com/rFhFIVJehN  Chris D'Angelo (@c_m_dangelo) April 29, 2017

#yup #climatemarch A post shared by Wander lust (@wanderlustgypsymom) on Apr 29, 2017 at 12:02pm PDT

Perhaps tired of fighting for scientific facts, some marchers just seemed confused at the idea of still having to march for what should be common knowledge, while others brought their furry pets along for company.

Awesome. #climatemarch A post shared by Jennifer Stock (@jenniferastock) on Apr 29, 2017 at 12:09pm PDT

Boston #climatemarch #peoplesmarchforclimatechange A post shared by Dawn Howkinson Siebel (@dawnsiebel) on Apr 29, 2017 at 12:29pm PDT

Some marchers, however, took the chance to take a swipe at the people sitting in power.

From Bend, Oregon! #climatemarch A post shared by Deb Leon (@deb_leon) on Apr 29, 2017 at 7:17am PDT

But at the end of the day, the march was done to get a point across, and to get people to care about the environment.

Time to people's #climatemarch !!! Because there's no planet B A post shared by Delia (@deliabrigitte) on Apr 29, 2017 at 6:42am PDT

Americans Are Pushing Back

The Trump administration has been very vocal about its uncertainties about the science of climate change. In fact, in the first 100 days of the administration alone, environmental policies have been overturned, the words "climate change" have been allegedly banned from usage, and serious budget cuts for science agencies have been made.

Right before the climate march itself, the EPA decided to update its webpage on climate change, leaving it almost completely blank  except for a link to the archived Obama-era web page and a message that states how the changes to be made are to reflect the EPA's new priorities under Scott Pruitt and President Trump.

Still, just like the impressive show of force in the march for science and the women's march, the overwhelming support and ferocity of the protesters at Saturday's climate march shows that Americans are actively pushing back where they see fit.

The climate march wasnt just a reminder of the protesters' wit, ferocity, and passion for their belief, it was also a poignant reminder of the things that people need to fight for.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In addition to bigger biotechnology names like SenesTech, Flagstaff is host to many startups in the industry. Here are three of them.

POBA MEDICAL & SYMPLE SURGICAL

Rows of small clear medical balloons fill trays inside POBA Medicals 1,500-square-foot wet lab in NACET's Flagstaff Business Accelerator atop McMillan Mesa. The company is churning out dozens of the balloons for customers across the world, said Daniel Kasprzyk, the companys founder.

A longtime Flagstaff resident who previously worked at W.L. Gore and Associates and also created the medical device equipment company Machine Solutions Inc., Kasprzyk delved into two new startups starting in 2013.

That was the year he founded Symple Surgical, a medical device company that was initially based in Menlo Park, California, in the shadows of Facebooks massive buildings, Kasprzyk said.

But when rent was going to increase by thousands of dollars a month, Kasprzyk decided to move the entire operation to Flagstaff, where he was still living, and set up shop in a lab in NACETs business incubator.

Symple Surgicals catheter-based technology uses electromagnetic waves to target specific disease states or certain tissues, then eradicate targeted pre-cancer cells or hyperactive nerves, Kasprzyk said. The company uses the technology to attack early-stage esophageal cancer cells, he said.

Not long into product development, however, Symple Surgical ran into challenges finding reliable catheter and balloon suppliers that offered the type of lead times and prices the startup needed.

Kasprzyk decided his team would just do the job themselves, which is how POBA Medical was born in 2016.

Made of nylon and polyurethane, the companys custom-developed balloons are used to guide certain therapies for companies like Symple Surgical, deliver pharmaceuticals, fracture plaque and deliver transcatheter aortic valves, Kasprzyk said. The company is working on five projects for customers across the world and Kasprzyk said he expects POBA will complete more than 20 projects by the end of the year.

The teams for Symple Surgical and POBA Medical are still small, with three employees working for each, but POBA plans to add three more people to its staff in the next two weeks, Kasprzyk said.

He said he doesnt have plans to move out of Flagstaff, even as the company grows.

What is keeping us in Flagstaff is its a great place to live, he said. I travel all over the world and there are other cities Id live in, but I could list them on one hand.

PROTEIN GENOMICS

Protein Genomics is hardly Burt Ensleys first startup. The Sedona resident worked with a startup that used plants and bacteria to clean the environment and another that grew plants containing high contents of good-for-you minerals.

In 1999, Ensley moved to Sedona from the East Coast after visiting for a work trip and being shocked by the beauty of the area. Now, Ensley works out of his home as director of Protein Genomics, a company he founded in 2002. Much of the product testing and development work takes place at the companys lab at NACET in Flagstaff, he said.

The companys focus is on producing human elastin, an important component of skin that provides strength and elasticity, for uses in wound healing. Through a lab in Munich, the company ferments genetically modified bacteria and yeast that grow the elastin inside of them, Ensley said. The elastin is then extracted using a detergent, purified and dried. The final product that gets shipped to Arizona looks a bit like cotton candy, Ensley said.

At the NACET lab, Rob Kellar, the other half of Protein Genomics two-man team, works with Northern Arizona University graduate and undergraduate students to spin the elastin into a thin fabric sheet using a 35,000-volt electrospinner. The final product looks like filter paper or toilet paper, but is much more durable and flexible, Ensley said.

The fabric is so flexible, in fact, that it can be stretched out to 150 percent of its length and snaps right back, he said.

Applied to wounds, the companys initial tests have shown their elastin sheets significantly increase the rate of wound closure, he said. The companys intention is to get Food and Drug Administration approval for the technology. Kellar also is experimenting with how to spin the elastin into tubes that can be used to repair or replace blood vessels in the body, Ensley said.

ANEUVAS

The outlook is grim for a patient who experiences a hemorrhagic stroke  80 percent of such cases, caused by a rupture in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain, are fatal, said Tim Becker. An associate professor at Northern Arizona University and head of its Bioengineering Devices Lab, Becker is also the chief technology officer at Aneuvas Technologies Inc.

The four-year-old company, which is located in NACET, focuses on optimizing a specific biomaterial to help heal a brain aneurysm, which is a bulge in the artery wall. Like a balloon, if the aneurysm continues to grow it can eventually burst, causing a hemorrhagic stroke, Becker said.

Aneuvas medical device is inserted into the body not through surgery but via small catheters inserted into blood vessels in the leg that then feed into brain, Becker said. The company fills a medical balloon with a gel-like soft material that stops the balloon of the bulging artery from growing and then allows the vessel to regrow over the balloon neck, he said.

With improved diagnostics, doctors can detect aneurysms and Becker said his companys technology can be a non-invasive preventive measure.

Instead of waiting until they get symptoms, (patients) have the option to have it fixed before it causes an issue, he said.

Working with grant money from the National Institutes of Health, Aneuvas is collaborating closely with Beckers NAU lab to test and optimize the biomaterial to ensure it performs the same way every time. The next phase will be safety testing and manufacturing and Becker estimated it would be at least five years before the company could be making a product that could be purchased by hospitals.

Continuing the work in Flagstaff holds many benefits, he said.

On the technical side, Flagstaff is excellent because there is a large pool of people trained in sciences and engineering...that have knowledge to really move this forward, he said.
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
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.
A nearly 17-foot-long, 5-foot-wide scroll of paper extends out from the wall onto the Constellation Studio floor. Covered with lines, some created out of hair with splotches of gold leaf, Timeline is a lithograph thats a map of time and memory.

Its flanked by three cellograph prints in the series 1163 Mary Street: An Abandoned House. They detail the floor plan and detritus of the old building -- St. Louis printmaker Sage Dawson's "maps" of exploring loss, destruction and change.

With its scale and placement, Timeline is the instant eye-catcher in Unfolding The Map, an exhibition of map-rooted work by seven women printmakers from across the U.S. and, in the case of, Emma Nishimura, Toronto, Canada.

Organized by Constellation Studios founder and director Karen Kunc, Unfolding The Map was designed to complement the Center for Great Plains Studies Flat Places, Deep Indentitues, Mapping Nebraska and the Great Plains symposium, putting an artistic spin on the map and its subject matter.

In the case of Nishimura, who earned her MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the maps in her Constructed Narratives Series of etchings with wax, paper cutting and thread are of real places in British Columbia -- locations where her parental grandparents were moved during their incarceration in the Japanese Canadian internment camps during World War II.

More than just topographic reproduction, the maps tell a personal story -- in part through tiny lettering that makes up the lines on the prints that has to be read through a magnifying glass. Those lines details her grandparents experience and that of the Japanese Canadians as a group.

Hanging next to Nishimuras work is a series that is almost opposite in nature, rooted in imagination from history.

Eugene, Oregon's Tallmadge Doyles Celestial Proportions etchings use Renaissance-era celestial cartography as the basis for an exploration of cosmology in forms, including combined circles that suggest science of an earlier era, varying colors and depth.

Carrie Ann Plank of San Francisco utilizes intaglio, letterpress and screenprinting in her pieces that have organic objects, something that appears to be mushroom-like for example, set alongside the tightly organized lines of charts, graphs and scientific notation, another sort of mapping.

Creating another contrast, this time with Planks organic-meets-scientific work are the delicate prints of Kalamazoo, Michigan's Nichole Maury, who looks at systems that govern the maps themselves, be it flowing lines, graph forms or spatial references.

Appropriately, Diana Behl of Brookings, South Dakota, titles three of her small line etchings with gouache Map A, Map B and Map C. Studies in printed lines -- strong black groupings of straight marks overlain with some colored fluidlines, the prints are from her series An Alphabet of Maps.

Her alphabet, however, is far different than the letters that Jill Jepsen of Ann Arbor, Michigan, combines into undulating waves that could be read as topography or atmosphere, a mapping of clouds or the Milky Way, etc.

Those contrasts, the printmakers universal impressive craftsmanship and the ideas they raise about the nature of mapping -- what can be mapped to why we make maps to the personal elements that can be incorporated into the map -- make Unfolding The Map a rewarding exhibition that is ever more revealing on repeat visits or through study of the work.

Unfolding The Map is on view at Constellation Studios through May 20.
The wait is finally over for Mayme Myint.

On Saturday, Myint and 40 other immigrants officially became U.S. citizens.

For nearly 20 years, Myint dreamed of becoming an American.

After civil war broke out in Myanmar, Myint and her family fled to Thailand. They lived for years cramped in a small, bamboo hut at a refugee camp.

Life inside the camp was a nightmare, she said. There wasn't enough food, there was no work, and minimal opportunities for education. People in the camp were not allowed to leave, either.

She remembers her father sneaking out to forage bamboo and anything edible to feed the family. Sometimes, he was able to get away with working in a nearby village, but there were limited opportunities and minimal wages.

"They can pay you whatever they want because they know you're from the refugee camp," she said. "So you work very hard all day and get hardly any money."

Her father left to find work in Bangkok, and during that time, Myint's mother began the process of applying to come to America. The family at one time decided to cancel the application, but then reapplied.

When the application was approved, Myint had just turned 18 and her mother encouraged her to move to America, promising to follow soon.

Myint arrived in Pittsburgh in 2008. Not only was she living on her own for the first time and adjusting to a completely new culture, but she didn't speak English either.

"It was so hard for me," she said. "At the camps, they don't really teach you any English."

She watched lessons online and with the encouragement of her boss, worked toward her GED.

She moved to Virginia, where her mother and siblings joined her in 2013. They later moved to Lincoln to reunite with a friend.

Her father was unable to immigrate with the family because he was not in the camp when they applied. It is unlikely that he'll be able to join the family because he's moved back to Myanmar. Myint said he would need to be living in a refugee camp to apply and then would have to wait there for the next five or more years while the application was processed. Myint hopes to visit him next year.

During Saturday's naturalization ceremony at the Van Brunt Visitors Center, Myint blinked back tears.

"I was so happy, but I had to just relax; it was amazing that it was finally here," she said.

After the ceremony, the second annual Lincoln Unites celebration was held at Auld Pavilion. The event featured 15 interactive booths, food and performances.

Christa Yoakum started the event last year as a way to bring different cultures together. Yoakum is coordinator of Nebraska is Home, which is part of the nonprofit Nebraska Appleseed.

"It grew out of seeing the importance of bringing people together and really part of a national movement of being more aware of how to be welcoming and inclusive in our communities," Yoakum said. "If we want people to succeed, we have to be welcoming."

Volunteers from the New American Task Force helped plan the event. Many of the those who went through the naturalization ceremony attended.

For many, becoming a citizen is only the first step.

American Assad, who went through the naturalization ceremony, hopes to see his wife attend college. His family moved from Iraq and he hopes to create a better future for his wife and children.

Myint plans to attend college this year and hopes to become a nurse and care for the elderly. She worked for the Center for People in Need through AmeriCorps before her current job working as a cashier at Wal-Mart.

"I like to take care of people, and I want to work in a nursing home. ... When I was younger and I lived in the camp, I used to take care of my grandmother before she died," Myint said.

Coming to America has given her opportunities that were impossible while living in the refugee camp or even in Myanmar.

"My mom has friends in Thailand and Burma (Myanmar), and when they ask about America, she says, 'Life in America is just like heaven.' We love it here."
More than 200 protesters gathered Saturday morning to voice their concerns about climate change and its lack of acceptance by the public and elected officials.

Participants marched from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Union to the State Capitol before gathering at The Bourbon Theatre. The event was one of more than 300 satellite marches across the globe.

John Atkeison, the lead organizer of the Lincoln march, said the protest was meant to get the attention of more than just elected officials.

The main motivating force for dealing with change is at the grass roots, he said. The politicians that are in power now dont address the problem. Theyve been doing little or nothing about it.

Kelyn Nightengale marched with her two children, Elliott, 10, and Zoe, 6. She said she participated to teach her kids about the importance of activism and to fight for their future.

Climate change is real, she said. We have to defend the planet for our kids, particularly from this administration.

The march took place on President Donald Trump's 100th day in office. The Trump administration has made various decisions that have curbed previous actions taken against global warming, including an executive order Trump signed March 28 that halted policies placing limits on carbon dioxide emissions.

Karen Larson, a minister from ONeill, said she believes people deny climate change because they feel the future is hopeless.

Its not that they dont believe; I think they just feel so hopeless about what it means, she said. Its easier to deny than to deal with the situation.

Once the marchers arrived at the Bourbon Theatre, a number of speakers addressed their concerns.

Karla Cooper, a minister and adjunct professor at Doane University, said the evidence of climate change is evident today, and its up to the people of the world to accept that and make a change.

How ridiculous is it to realize that on April 29, in Nebraska, its cold, she said. Its snowing in Denver.  Climate change is as real as the very breath we take.

Nebraska farmer John Hansen said understanding the facts behind climate change can help farmers better manage the changing environment, and he advocated for a switch to renewable energy.

What we do today has a huge impact on what we do tomorrow," he said. "I dont care if it costs a little bit more money, Im committed to making sure my children and grandchildren have a planet to live on.
The 21-year-old woman arrested late Sunday after a shooting that injured two people is accused at putting five lives in danger while she shot 
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had picked former Alabama Emergency Management Agency director Brock Long to serve as the new administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency  a nomination that Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards lauded as an "excellent choice."

"Too often, our state has relied on FEMA's assistance, and our partnership with the agency is critically important," Edwards said in a statement. "Brock's understanding of the recovery process, along with his public and private sector experience, will be an invaluable asset to Louisiana and the entire country."

According to the governor's office, Long, who has recently been working in the private sector in North Carolina, "provided critical support to the state of Louisiana in times of disaster" when he was in Alabama. During Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Alabama shelter more than 13,000 Louisianans under his direction.

FEMA's administrator is tasked with prepping for potential disasters and managing the federal response in the wake of disasters.

Louisiana, which has suffered some of the nation's worst natural disasters, is still recovering from last year's historic floods. FEMA helped lead the initial response and has continued to provide recovery assistance in the months since.

"As we continue to recover from the historic floods, I know we'll continue to lean on this agency for help," Edwards said. "I wish Brock nothing but the best in this new role, and I look forward to working with him as he assumes his post."

Baton Rouge-based lobbyist Paul Rainwater, who worked on Louisiana's disaster recovery efforts under Democratic and Republican governors and has aided Edwards administration with the flood recovery, was also reportedly a candidate to lead FEMA.
Daisy Ortiz didn't plan on becoming a mother.

At 17, Ortiz was busy -- finishing high school, applying for college and working at a bank. She planned to study nursing.

Then the unexpected happened: Ortiz became pregnant.

"I felt like I was on my own," the Crete mother said.

But through the help of Sixpence, an early care program for young parents and vulnerable children, Ortiz was able to continue her education and with husband Javier Garcia raise her 2-year-old daughter Kayla Garcia.

Now age 20, Ortiz plans to join 50 other families on Tuesday representing each state in Washington, D.C., for the Strolling Thunder event, advocating for greater access to child care assistance and childhood development.

The first-time event is part of the ZERO TO THREE nonprofit organization's "Think Babies" campaign, which advocates for better child development during the first three years of a child's life.

Patricia Cole, the director of government relations for ZERO TO THREE, said members of Congress, including Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) will join Ortiz and other families in a stroll around the Capitol as part of the event.

"All these families have a common thread -- they want to help their babies reach their potential," Cole said. "Investing in early programs that start at birth will have benefits later down the road, including better wages and better health as adults."

During the stroll, Ortiz and other advocates will get the opportunity to discuss early child development with their congressional representatives.

Ortiz said she plans on meeting with all three of her representatives -- Sens. Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse and Rep. Adrian Smith -- to explain how affordable child care and child care assistance programs helped her.

Fischer met previously with female lawmakers and first daughter Ivanka Trump in February to discuss child care issues, according to The New York Times.

On Feb. 9, Fischer also introduced the Strong Families Act, which would grant tax breaks to companies that offered paid family leave.

Through child care assistance, Ortiz said she was able to quit her job to raise her daughter, while still pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Now she wants her representatives to prioritize expanding child care assistance and programs to all families.

"Some people are not fully prepared or have the knowledge about how to be the perfect mom," Ortiz said. "It helps to have these programs like Sixpence and ZERO TO THREE, but these are resources all moms should have."

ZERO TO THREE was founded 40 years ago with the mission of ensuring that babies and toddlers had a strong start.

These are the years the brain develops the most, Cole said, yet resources are lacking.

Only one in six children qualify for federally-funded child care assistance, according to Cole, and 45 percent of all infants and toddlers live in low-income families.

"Raising children can take a huge chuck out of one's paycheck," Cole said.

That's why the organization works with practitioners and policymakers to connect families with more resources for raising children. The organization's work also includes advocating for paid family leave.

"There is no national policy that helps parents take time off when they've had a newborn so they can bond with their babies," Cole said. "And this early social development is essential if want their cognitive skills to be developed."

Ortiz admitted she's nervous for her first trip to Washington for the Strolling Thunder event but is glad for the opportunity to advocate for greater access to child care programs.

"I found resources to keep continuing my education and raise my daughter," Ortiz said. "And in the long run I was a better mom by having the tools to give her the proper care."
Computershare founder, Chris Morris, may have let go of the reins at the multibillion-dollar global registry group, but he obviously has not forgotten the golden rules which cemented his fortune.

Speaking at a business forum in Port Douglas earlier this year, the local press reported on Morris' pearls of wisdom which include never have an HR department, forget annual reviews, and ignore PR people.

"Managers should manage people," he told CBD.

And don't get him started on PR types who advise our corporate titans  and politicians  to never admit to any weakness or mistake: "Don't you just wish they would admit it sometimes," he said of our current batch of pollies.
A landmark agreement between online job-posting platform Airtasker and Unions NSW aims to increase minimum rates of pay and improve conditions for workers in the "gig economy".

Professor John Buchanan from the University of Sydney business school.

Having criticised Airtasker last year for posting individual job tasks, commonly known as gigs, at pay rates well below national minimum award rates, Unions NSW is now working with Airtasker to promote pay rates that are above the minimum rates.

Workers using Airtasker will also be offered an affordable and flexible insurance product similar to workers' compensation for the first time to help them get cover for workplace injuries and illness.
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!).
It is a measure of how low-grade Australia's political discourse has become that my initial response to the federal government's latest "values" crusade around citizenship was relief.

At least this time, in contrast to when John Howard introduced the test in 2006, Donald Bradman didn't get a guernsey and I did not have to measure my Eastern European migrant parents  model citizens but hazy on The Don  against some Anglo prototype, and reach the sad conclusion that they were decidedly un-Australian, and I, by virtue of DNA, also suss.

This time the "Australian values" mooted as a condition for citizenship, part of the government's "Australia First" measures announced last week, are merely the values that define every liberal democracy. Freedom, equality, a fair go, mutual respect, the rule of law.

And according to Barnaby Joyce, the opportunity to see a movie without a security detail, to hang about in T-shirts and shorts and to have a beer, or not.
When a Chinese delegation visited the US to research creativity, it found Google, Apple and Microsoft employees had read science fiction as youngsters. Stimulation of imagination and exposure to new ideas are important functions of reading. Reading can also provide a deeper understanding of culture, history and the human condition, giving a person bearings in a complex world. Another function is language appreciation. All reading increases empathy by enabling the reader to stand in another's shoes. Further, the emotions elicited matter in education. Positive emotions enhance learning receptivity. US researchers found that a ratio of at least 3:1 positive to negative emotions coincides with higher resilience and productivity, and more expansive learning. Lower ratios corresponded with under-achievement and poorer mental health. Nobody would suggest a Pollyanna list but balance, breadth and variety are vital. Barbara Chapman, Hawthorn Plenty of fodder for essay writing I completed year 12 last year and had to study my fair share of depressing texts. However, because of them, I could write so much in my exam. Take Medea, a play about how far one woman would go for revenge on her husband. Medea took it to filicide in the end, creating devastation for the audience and readers. Sure, it is depressing, but these stories make you into a better writer, as it forces you to think and justify your arguments. They are books for you to read and write about, not get a warm and fuzzy feeling. VCE shouldn't be sheltering students, as they don't get sheltered in the real world.

Oscar Robertson, Mornington THE FORUM Metadata not esoteric The access by the federal police of a journalist's metadata heralds another instance where the public is being misinformed by the characterisation of metadata as esoteric, and not in the same league as wiretapping. "What was accessed was the records of calls, not the content. Just the fact of the existence of the calls in the first place," said the AFP. This is extremely misleading. For instance, your metadata would confirm you called an HIV testing service, followed by your health insurance provider, followed by your GP. Theoretically, though, nobody knows what was discussed because the content of the calls remains secret.

Metadata will confirm that you called a phone sex service at 2am while in a motel room. But what was said in the call theoretically remains a secret. Metadata would also confirm that you called Lifeline from the side of the West Gate Bridge. But theoretically the nature of the conversation remains private. This incident should cause considerable disquiet. Regardless of where you sit on the axis between privacy rights and latitude afforded to law enforcement, the intrinsic value of metadata needs to be explained accurately. Chris Jervis, Parkville Why should we care?

It is a ludicrous notion that any significant increase in the tax on existing petroleum projects may substantially increase perceptions of the fiscal risk associated with investing in Australia. If the nation and its taxpayers receive no benefit from this investment, then why should we care? There is still a huge amount of after-tax profit to be made from extracting and exporting oil and gas, so the multinationals will still come running. Let's ignore the lobby groups and do what's right for Australia. Jack Wajntraub, South Melbourne Narrow vision of elites The most important part of a nation's infrastructure is the people. People who are sick are less productive. Parents, children and partners of sick people are less productive as they take time to care for loved ones. But this government has systematically attacked investment in the health of that infrastructure (the people) by freezing the Medicare rebate, and cutting promised dental care and funding to multiple community-based care organisations and so on. The aim of making Australia more productive reflects the narrow vision of the elites who run our country. Instead the government will continue to subsidise the private health and hospitals industries and pay $445 million above world market prices to the pharmaceutical industry for prescription drugs.

Tim Woodruff, vice-president, Doctors Reform Society Piling on the trauma The parliamentary inquiry into detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island was scathing, for good reason, of the health care offered to asylum seekers and refugees. Now, more than 40people in the centre on Nauru have been diagnosed with dengue fever, which can leave a life-long legacy; another insult added to the trauma of indefinite mandatory detention imposed by successive federal governments. Timothy Johnson, Fremantle, WA Discouraging citizenship

A young friend who has studied and worked full-time in Australia for six years recently applied for citizenship. Having completed all the requirements, he had an interview at the Immigration Department. He was subjected to six hours of aggressive grilling, confusing questions, nasty comments and continual accusations of lying with no evidence. His efforts to excel in the English language were used against him, with the claim that he could not have come from a non-English-speaking background and therefore must be lying. Is this treatment designed to discourage skilled, law-abiding people from becoming citizens. If so, why? Anne Rowley, Montmorency Inexplicable decision Since 1951, AMES Australia has provided language and settlement services to newly arrived migrants to Victoria. Two weeks ago it was announced that from July 1, Melbourne Polytechnic would provide these services. A voluntary tutor, I have worked with the newly arrived at AMES (Flagstaff). Without exception I've observed highly experienced teachers provide interesting, challenging and practical lessons, teaching English and an understanding of the Australian way of life. The students vary from the highly educated to some cultural groups who may have had limited schooling. The lessons have been conducted with respect, empathy and good humour.

What criteria were used in assessing the tenders? How can the newly appointed providers be ready to take up their responsibilities in barely nine weeks? Who will take responsibility for this outcome? Murray Mehmet, Elsternwick Flattering to deceive I see the situation differently from Duncan Fine (Comment, 27/4). George Brandis and his buddies on the right have just been limbering up for the main game. That being to rip shreds off anyone who dares challenge their views and ideologies. Given that the act hasn't been changed and yet the views and very presence of Yassmin Abdel-Magied have been so enthusiastically attacked, imagine the barrage of hatred if the legal constraints of 18C had been loosened? What were we expecting in the brave new world of "free speech"? A polite discourse between respectful equals? I believe that assumption flatters both sides of the debate. This episode has been a reality check for anyone who thought that freedom of speech necessarily produces civility, respect and understanding. If only.

David Palmer, Wangaratta Look at our behaviour If we are going to criticise media personalities for disrespecting Anzac Day and ceremonies, how about having a look at some of our behaviour. Anyone in the members section at the MCG on Monday night would have heard all the laughing, talking and other noise coming from the downstairs bar where people kept drinking while the ceremonies took place, including the playing of the Last Post. My family and I were not impressed. Paul Mitchell, Belgrave We have a lot to learn

My parents taught me to accept an apology, shake hands and move on. We grow in so many positive ways when we have the courage and grace to listen to each other, and try to walk in their shoes for a moment. God forbid that my perspective could be flawed! I am happy we have such people as Yassmin Abdel Magied, who are prepared to speak out, yes, and listen. We all have a lot to learn from each other. Greg Woodruff, Mitcham Many values displayed It's great to use Anzac Day to reflect on what are Australian values. It is obviously not all right for a Muslim woman to borrow a sacred tag line to also remember people living in a dire position (caring for others), but it's OK for the white, male deputy PM to be photographed playing two-up (gambling) with a beer in hand (drinking alcohol). I know which value I prefer, but perhaps all are Australian. John Massie, Middle Park

Time to be inclusive With another Anzac Day observed and marked by much desultory singing of our national anthem Advance Australia Fair (written in 1878), perhaps it's time for another plebiscite to change our anthem; the last being in 1977 when it replaced God Save the Queen. Yesterday, our singing group presented an all-Australian program at our aged care centre. The stand-out was We Are Australian, by Bruce Woodley, a Seeker, and Dobe Newton, a Bushwacker. This song is truly inclusive and would be sung by all with fervour. Pat Fraser, Toora Animals still suffer Tony Wright's story about Horrie the wartime terrier and his devoted soldier owner reminds us of the importance animals play in our lives ("The hero war dog", Insight, 29/3). It was pleasing that the Anzac Day service at Portland commemorated the men and women who served and died in wars as well as the animals who suffered alongside them. This is ironic given that Portland is the major live export port for Victoria, where nowadays thousands of sheep and cattle suffer terribly on sea voyages and subsequent unstunned slaughter in foreign lands. So many are blind to the suffering of farm animals.

Jan Kendall, Hawthorn Limits to road safety There have been calls to lower speed limits on country roads after 12 deaths over Easter. Speed limits have already been lowered on some Gippsland roads, usually poorly maintained ones. Putting up a few speed limit signs is much cheaper than maintaining the roads in good condition, which would contribute significantly to safety. Poor roads with low speed limits are still poor roads. Owen Rye, Boolarra South No jumping for me

I am becoming peeved at constantly being told to jump online or rush into a store. At the age of 88 I no longer jump nor rush anywhere. However, I can still go online or toddle into a store. I suspect the wonderful offers will still be there when I arrive. John Scott, Hawthorn AND ANOTHER THING ... Debt

So easy; with a stroke of a pen and some creative accounting: No deficit. Gary Bryfman, Brighton "Good" debt builds renewable energy; "bad" debt builds a coal railway line for billionaires. Jenny Smithers, Ashburton Good debt: borrowings that make the rich richer. Bad debt: borrowings that keep the poor alive.

Chris Davis, Pascoe Vale How do I tell my 98-year-old dad, a soldier wounded in Tobruk and El Alamein that he is a "bad debt"? Any help gratefully accepted. Mel Green, Glen Waverley Australians are not an asset worth investing in and are therefore a bad debt. Tom Vanderzee, Coburg

ScoMo, "accounting changes" used to be called fiddling the books. Jill Burn, Ivanhoe Infrastructure good, education bad; two legs good, four legs bad. Keith Hallett, Gisborne Politics

What do parents and politicians have in common? No qualifications. Christine Earle, Yarraville Apparently even the big banks are greener than the Labor Party. Andrea Bunting, Brunswick Bit of old advice to the PM and Treasurer: when you're in a hole ...

Greg Lee, Red Hill Elsewhere Governance 101: Allowing a term of 27 years for an AOC president is already a fundamental failure. Peter Wallace, Traralgon Over Coates.
The idea of placing an overnight curfew on flights at Sydney's new $6 billion-plus airport at Badgerys Creek should be "dead and buried", Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres says.

With a week to go before Sydney Airport has to reveal whether it will take up its "right of first refusal" to build and operate the new airport, Mr Ayres said imposing a curfew would place in jeopardy the success of Western Sydney Airport.

"The airport simply won't work [with a curfew]," Mr Ayres said.

Mr Ayres, the Liberal MP for Penrith, said a curfew for seven hours of the day would stymie its ability to attract international flights because they had to be timed to suit slot-constrained airports around the world.
This is not your average walking history tour.

Created by Brisbane actors Therese Collie and Tim Mullooly, The Story of Brisbane explores the city's history through the works of local authors, poets and songwriters  accompanied by acted scenes and singing from Collie and Mullooly.

Therese Collie and Tim Mullooly host a walking tour of Brisbane's history every Wednesday morning. Credit:Kenn Santos

"We sing the Go-Betweens' Streets of Your Town," she said.

The one-hour walking tour at the Brisbane Powerhouse starts off with the indigenous history of the area and a poem by Oodgeroo Noonuccal, before moving onto the convict era, World War II and beyond.
It's no longer unusual to see people choosing to stand at their desks rather than sit but does this make them happier and healthier?

There's no shortage of studies that suggest the standing option is healthier. One study, Improving Worker Health: The Take-a-Stand Project, published in the Preventing Chronic Disease journal showed that back and neck pain was reduced by 54 per cent within four weeks of using a standing desk periodically throughout the day.

Standing desks are proving a hit for small businesses. Credit:Yuri Arcurs

Other findings showed significant improvements in fatigue levels, vigour, tension, depression, confusion and overall mood in employees who used standing desks periodically throughout the day for a seven-week period. At the end of the study period, 75 per cent said they felt healthier, 62 per cent felt happier and 33 per cent felt less stressed.

Another study published in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal found standing after lunch, as opposed to sitting, could reduce blood sugar spikes by 43 per cent, which reduces the risk of diabetes.
A year ago, many investors had given up on Apple, whose stock price had fallen more than 30 per cent from its 2015 peak. Apple's once-unstoppable growth had come to a crashing halt: the number of iPhones sold was down 13 per cent, and the company posted its first revenue decline in 13 years.

Today, Apple's business remains sluggish, but that hasn't stopped investors, including the famously tech-averse Warren Buffett, from falling in love with it again. Shares of the tech giant - the most valuable company in the United States by market value - have repeatedly hit new highs this year. On Friday, they closed at $US143.65, up nearly 60 per cent from last May's trough.

What's driving the stock, say sceptics and fans alike, is hope - hope that the new iPhones due in September, after the 10th anniversary of the original iPhone's introduction, will be dazzling enough to inspire existing iPhone users to upgrade and prompt others to switch from Android phones made by Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers.

"Everyone expects Apple to cure cancer with their next product launch," said Kevin Landis, chief executive of Firsthand Funds, who has managed tech-focused mutual funds through many ups and downs.
A man has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after he and six others were washed off rocks on the Mornington Peninsula.

The group was swept into the ocean at Bushranger Bay, near Cape Schanck, shortly after noon on Sunday.

The man, aged in his 40s, was suffering hypothermia and having difficulty breathing when he was rescued.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the man was winched off the beach and was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.
A Melbourne University Liberal Club president who told a female member she shouldn't come to a club event because some men might feel "a bit uncomfortable" was talking "rubbish", says a spokesman for the national body for Liberal students.

Club president Xavier Boffa, who also works for state shadow attorney-general John Pesutto, had written a message to the woman, saying he wanted to invite her to an event but hadn't because "a couple of the guys were a bit uncomfortable about inviting a chick".

Melbourne University Liberal Club president Xavier Boffa (right) with shadow attorney-general John Pesutto.

The woman spoke about it at the club's annual general meeting last month.

Mr Boffa's comments were not representative of attitudes of others in the Liberal student movement, said Blake Young, vice-president of the Australian Liberal Students Federation, of which the Victorian club is an affiliate.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: US President Donald Trump spent his 100th night in office the same way he spent much of his winning campaign  whipping an ebullient rally into a near-frenzy by slamming the media, Hollywood, Hillary Clinton and undocumented immigrants, while also talking up what he felt were his unsung achievements over "100 days of action".

Though the mood in the packed arena in Harrisburg was jubilant, there were also tense moments. A couple of protesters, one waving a Russian flag, were dragged out by police and at another point, a group of stocky male Trump supporters took it upon themselves to act as an unofficial security force by surrounding and forcefully marching one young man out of the crowd.

The speech was significant not only as a marker of where Trump was - a key state he flipped from Democrat to Republican in the 2016 election - but also because of where he was not - at the traditional White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington DC.

Trump, who was famously ridiculed by president Barack Obama at the 2011 black tie dinner, thumbed his nose at the press and at tradition by skipping the event and holding his own celebration with his true believers instead.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
Craig James  Chief Economist  CommSec

Reserve Bank in focus

The Reserve Bank and home prices dominate attention in Australia over the past week. The Reserve Bank Boardmeets on Tuesday; Governor Lowe delivers a speech on Thursday and the Bank will release latest economicgrowth and inflation forecasts on Friday.

The week kicks off on Monday with the release of the CoreLogic measure of home prices as well as the Performance of Manufacturing index.

Manufacturing is currently in good shape, while home prices continue to lift across most capital cities. Across the nation, home prices rose by a substantial 1.4 per cent in March, matching similar gains in February and December 2016. In fact over the four months to March home prices have accelerated by 4.9 per cent  the strongest four-month period in 18 months. But data currently points to only a modest 0.2 per cent rise in prices in April.

On Tuesday data on consumer confidence is issued at 9.30am AEST. While the Reserve Bank hands down the rates decision at 2.30pm.

>> BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER: Click here to read other articles from this weeks newsletter
Back in 2010 BHP Billiton Ltd (BHP) made news for its attempts to broaden its already diverse base of resource assets by acquiring Canadas Potash Corporation (TSX:POT), the worlds leading producer of potash at that time.

BHP was eager to get a foothold in an agricultural sector exploding with demand for more and better food around the world, but most notably in countries with growing middle class populations like India and China. When the takeover bid failed, BHP made a massive investment to develop its own potash project in Canada  the Jansen Project in the province of Saskatchewan.

Potash is the commonly accepted term describing essential nutrients in potassium. The term originated in the pre-industrial area when potassium was created by soaking plant ashes in pots of water. Potassium is one of the three most important ingredients in agricultural fertilisers, along with nitrogen and phosphorus. Plant growth extracts these chemical elements from the soil, guaranteeing a never-ending cycle of use. Historically nitrogen has been considered the most important element, but potassium or potash is more important than ever, given the diminishing supply of suitable agricultural soil. This means going forward agriculture needs to increase both the quantity and quality of crop yields, which is one of the functions of potassium.

As is the case with many commodities experiencing near vertical growth in demand, minors both large and small frequently abandon operations with other natural resources to rush in to the hot item. The inevitable over supply leads to declining prices for the commodity, despite the increasing demand.

This is exactly what happened to potassium prices. Shareholders of the powerhouse stock of Canadas Potash Corporation suffered as a result. The following price movement chart from the US financial website CNBC tells the tale.



If you are a regular follower of ASX financial news you probably already know by early August of 2016 the Sydney Morning Herald was reporting BHP was considering mothballing Jansen by 2020 if fertilizer prices did not improve. By the end of August, The Australian was reporting BHP was looking for a buyer for the Jansen Project, which went nowhere in light of the proposed merger between Canadian potash giants Potash Corporation and Agrium (TSX: AGU). BHP continues to work on two mine shafts at the Project, with no forecasted date for the start of actual production.

Market experts tell us potash prices could improve slightly in 2017, but also report continued oversupply conditions with demand rising about 2.3% per year. Given the less than blissful outlook, why would anyone consider investing in one of many ASX junior miners in search of potash production as anything more than a punt?

There are diversified ASX companies like Orocobre (ORE) that have potash assets but they are diversified in other resources. There are slightly less than a dozen junior miners who have abandoned other pursuits to focus on potash, and in a surprise to some, a few are performing quite well.

Regular followers of the state of Aussie agricultural production are well aware of a surprising fact. Despite our reputation as the burgeoning breadbasket of Asia we currently have no domestic production of potash for use in fertilisers. The last domestic production was in 1952 and the Bureau of Resource and Energy Economics state Australia currently imports all its potash requirements.

The following table includes junior potash exploration miners with a chance to become our first domestic potash producer. Given all these companies are in various phases of pre-production exploration, debt is a critical issue. We have included a few balance sheet measures, all as of the most recent quarter (MRQ).



In early 2014 a gold miner operating under the name Global Resources Corporation applied for two potash exploration licences in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia. Exploration results at the time revealed the region had the potential of becoming a major potash source for higher-priced sulphate of potash (SOP).

As is the case with many commodities, not all potash is the same. In addition to SOP there is muriate of potash (MOP). MOP is the form most commonly used and the one subject to oversupply conditions plaguing the price. Unlike MOP, SOP contains no chloride making it the better choice for higher-value crops. Additional benefits of SOP include making plants more drought and freeze resistance and less susceptible to insects and disease.

MOP is a naturally occurring mineral but SOP must be chemically produced with one method harvesting salt mixtures from natural salt lake brines to produce SOP. Due to its use with crops like fruits, nuts, coffee, and tea, SOP is in greater demand than MOP.

Since it first ventured into the SOP arena Global Resources changed its name to Agrimin Limited (AMN) and sold off its other assets to focus exclusively on its 100% owned Lake Mackay Project in Western Australia. The company claims a scoping study shows Mackay holds the worlds largest known Mineral Resources of brine-hosted SOP.

Investors were buoyed by the 28 March announcement the company had secured the services of a Danish solar power company for the heating process in the production of SOP, a substantial cost saving over using natural gas. The following day investors mood soured as Agrimin announced a capital raise to fund project feasibility studies and the stock price began to drop from around $0.56 to the current $0.43. Heres the price movement chart.



Danakali Limited (DNK) has a potash project in Eritrea, East Africa, called the Colluli Potash Project. The Project is a 50/50 Joint Venture between Danakali and the Eritrean National Mining Company (ENAMCO).

The JV has been drilling at Colluli since 2010 identifying 1 billion tonnes of potassium bearing salts suitable for potash production. The resource is suitable to produce both MOP and SOP and a third form of potash  sulphate of potash magnesia (SOP-M or potassium magnesium sulphate), a specialized fertiliser for soils deficient in magnesium. Danakali announced positive results for SOP from a 2015 definitive feasibility study (DFS). The company is now in the process of securing mining licences, sources of funding, and offtake (contracts to purchase future production) agreements. Kallium Lakes Limited (KLL) may be the first to reach production of SOP here in Australia at its Beyondie Potash Project in Western Australia. The company has 15 exploration licences in place and has already conducted successful pump testing. Kallium already has been through the regulatory approval process with the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum, the WA Department of Environmental Regulation and the WA Department of Water.

The project is near infrastructure required for processing and transport, including roads and rail, gas, and port facilities for anticipated exporting. A production base camp has been completed. The company has land agreements with local native peoples and a host of studies ranging from capital costs to metallurgy and brine extraction and processing.

Although the Beyondie Project is the companys flagship project, Kallium Lakes has another Joint Venture with minority partner BC Iron Limited (BCI), the Carnegie Project.

Australian Potash Limited (APC) is the third ASX company with a flagship project to develop SOP from local salt lake brine. The APC entry is the Lake Wells Potash Project. On 23 March the company submitted results of a scoping study to the ASX reportedly projecting a SOP rate of production of 150,000 tonnes per annum over the first five years of operation followed by an annual production rate of 300,000 tonnes over the remaining 20 years of mine life. Investor reaction was subdued but accelerated before coming back down to earth. Here is a three-month price movement chart for APC.



Australian Potash is embarking on additional studies as well as building solar evaporation ponds to be used for feasibility studies later in the year.

While these stocks might seem like punters specials to some, a case can be made for the potential for SOP production in Australia.

First, only 15% of current global production of SOP comes from the less costly process of evaporation from salt lakes. A 2013 study from federal agency Geoscience Australia highlighted the potential use of our substantial system of salt lakes for extracting lithium and borates, but most notably for a more cost effective source of potash supplies for Australian agriculture.

In essence, this is that rarest of rare circumstances in the modern world  an untapped market. Given the higher cost of extraction from traditional mines dominating world production, exporting of locally produced SOP in the future is likely.

>> BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER: Click here to read other articles from this weeks newsletter
HARRISBURG, PATowards the end of a nearly hour-long speech on Saturday night, the President of the United States read a 266-word sonnet by Al Wilson called The Snake.

It was a callback for the truest believers to a simpler timethe day-in, day-out grind of the 2016 presidential campaign where Donald Trump beat the pundits and the lying, rotten fake news media and appeared in front of hordes of fans desperate to chant the token mantras: build that wall! and lock her up!

Take me in tender woman, take me in, for heaven's sake, the president yelled at the Pennsylvania Farm Complex and Expo Center. Take me in, tender woman, sighed the vicious snake.

This iteration of the campaign-show favorite was dedicated, as Trump put it, to Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly. If the subtext wasnt evident enough, its about the deceptive nature of immigrants and the risk that they pose to the security of the United States. And if youre inclined to believe so, it could be about the president himself.

Donald Trump has been president now for 100 days, and in that time he has had two travel bans blocked by the court system, failed to deliver on the repeal and replacement of Obamacare, and not started building the wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Its a short timeframe, but until recently, it was the one upon which Trump was basing his successes.

But none of this was particularly relevant, because the fake news media had done a bad job accurately portraying the freshman politicians methods of running a country and Trump was there to preach the message on the mountainstraight from his lips so it wouldnt be twisted by CNN and MSNBC.

Lets rate the medias 100 days, Trump said at one point, and the greek chorus yelled to the rafters with chants of CNN sucks! (Of course, during the course of this past week, Trump granted interviews to a horde of major news outlets to discuss the first few months of his presidency).

Their priorities are not my priorities, and not your priorities, Trump said. If the medias job is to be honest and tell the truth, the media deserves a very, very big fat failing grade.

But if youre in Harrisburg on a Saturday night to see the president you voted for, you already know that. The writing was literally on the wallemblazoned on a blue curtain from which Trump emerged like the Wizard of Oz was the declaration PROMISES MADE. PROMISES KEPT.

Trump cleverly chose to appear in one of the states that clinched him the election on the night of the White House Correspondents Dinner. The point was not lost on him, or the crowd, that the elites were mocking him and partying in the swamp of D.C. while he was here with the adoring masses.

A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom, Trump gleefully described the event at which he was embarrassed, perhaps enough into running for president, during Obamas first term. It was a masterful pitch, effective in reinvigorating the made-for-TV brand of populism that keeps Trumps supporters enthralled.

As a metric of its success, a man in a cowboy hat and jorts patrolled the grounds before Trump arrived with an effective summation of the nights proceedings to come. My President Skipped the Dinner To Give Us Our Dessert, the sign, which was being signed in marker by anyone who was interested, read.

And everyone was eating it up.

The phenomenon of a Trump rally is its collapsing of the space-time continuum. Its timeless and timely with the recitations of the old themesdoes anyone remember who our opponent was?and the introduction of the new materialSenator Schumer is a bad leader.

Within these spaces, Trump is largely impervious to criticism. His failures are the faults of the Democrats and Republicans who wont cooperate with him, and his successes are the result of a unique businessmans approach to the presidency.

What Donald Trump really is is an independent president, if you will, for lack of a better term hijacking the Republican Party, Michael Avila, a Trump voter from New York City, told The Daily Beast. Which I think is a good thing.

I think he needs to get rid of Paul Ryan somehow, someway, Avila added. I think hes a big issue.

For Edward X. Young, a 57-year-old actor from New Jersey, sporting an assortment of buttons including pictures of the president and his wife, Trump achieved a great deal in the first 100 days considering the quasi-Marxist Democratic party he had to work with.

His one major issue was that Trump didnt fulfill the campaign promise of putting Hillary Clinton in jail.

Shes behind the Resistance, Young told The Daily Beast, referring to Clinton. Trump should prosecute her and put her and her lousy husband behind bars, and her daughter too.

Everything else was mostly peachy to Youngespecially the appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.

The last time a new Supreme Court Justice was confirmed, in the first 100 days, was 136 years ago in 1881, Trump proudly proclaimed at one point. And I was devastated to hear that because I thought Id be the only one to have done that.

Hes right on the numbers and the significance (Chester Arthur was the last to do it in that timeframe), but its one of those Trumpian anecdotes that misconstrues a rare opportunity that few presidents get as a massive single-handed achievement.

Yet it plays for the cameras and it plays for the audience that hates the cameras. And on the 100th day of Donald Trumps presidency on a balmy night in Harrisburg, more than 100 miles away from the grind of his daily job, thats all that really mattered.

It is truly great to be back in the wonderful, beautiful state of Pennsylvania, Trump said to the fans. They all seemed to agreethe mothers of active service members, actors, bikers and even a few skinheads who came down to celebrate the fact that they had taken the country back from the clutches of the elites who had failed them.

It was a country now where you could wear a Pepe the Frog mask and wave a flag representing the fictitious 4chan-generated Kekistan on the lawn where a president just spoke.

And its never going to be the same. Even after police on horseback chased Pepe off the lawn and into the night.
The first hundred-and-one days of the Trump administration have swiftly changed the political conversation from the previous administrations new normal of slow growth, climate change and strategic patience into a raucous argument about Americas ambitions for growth, energy and national security.

The growth story is most of what the Republican Party is roaring about.

The administration has now unveiled an aggressive tax reform that will use supply-side economics to accelerate the GDP to three percent while creating jobs and opportunities for American businesses.

There were doubts as late as last week that the administration might pull back from a bold business tax cut from 35 percent to 15 percent. But then Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, the leader of supply-side in the Cabinet, joined former Goldman Sachs executive Gary Cohn, head of the National Economic Council, to pronounce big dreams for a comprehensive tax cut by the end of this year.

"We are going to cut taxes for businesses to make them competitive, Cohn explained at the White House press conference. And we're going to cut taxes for the American people, especially low- and middle-income families.

The President is determined to unleash economic growth for businesses, Mnuchin added. This is not just about large corporations. Small and medium-size businesses will be eligible for the business rate as well.

On Thursday, Steve Moore of the Heritage Foundation, one of the authors of the business tax cut portion of the Trump tax reform measures, explained to me why this tax cut is such a winner for the modest wage-earners who voted for Trump. When you cut the corporate and business tax rate, the Congressional Budget Office, which is not a conservative outfit, says that 70% of that tax cut goes to the workers.

Energy is another large ambition for the new administration. Approving the construction of Keystone Pipeline XL and the Dakota Access pipelines was easy for the president, as was opening the coastal Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans to exploration by reversing a last-moment maneuver by the previous administration.

The more comprehensive Trump goal in energy is confronting the EPAs byzantine regulations, some of which, such as the anti-fossil fuel Clean Power Plan, were created recently in order to soothe partisan fears. Trump has called that plan stupid  chiefly because it is weighed as impractical. EPA Director Scott Pruitt is under orders to dismantle the never-implemented mandates, a process that could take years of court tangles.

More immediately in energy policy, Pruitt has decried the Paris climate accord of 2015 as a bad business deal. Rather, Pruitt points toward growth for American technology: (W)hat we should be talking about is how we export innovation, how we export technology that weve already deployed here to places like China and India

The riskiest success for the president in the last months is that the US has stopped the retreat from hostiles and started to reclaim redoubts around the planet.

On April 6, 2017, Trump stunned his guests at Mar-a-Lago, including President Xi Jinping of the Peoples Republic of China, by ordering U.S. Navy cruise missiles fired at Bashar al-Assads Air Force.

The 59 shots were heard 'round the world. In Moscow, a cautious President Vladimir Putin scolded the US for intimidating the Kremlins ally, Syria, and then softly advised Trump not to repeat the attack.

In Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei and his military dictatorship of the IRGC were shocked into a rare moment of silence. Since then, Trumps Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has warned Iran that its malevolence is unacceptable  and that the unsigned Iran deal of 2015 will no longer shield the Islamic Republic from American authority.

In Pyongyang, the demonic Kim Jong-un has shown the most fear of the cruise missiles. The DPRKs scramble for a sixth nuclear weapon test, the repeated firing of the first-stages of ICBMs, the live fire exercise of long-range artillery, the threats to launch WMD, all these point to profound panic in the regime.

Trumps deployment of major warships, including the unstoppable USS Michigan SSGN, has not only rocked Pyongyang but also Beijing. For now, there are reports that the PRC is mobilizing significant combat elements to be ready in the event of a Kim collapse.

U.S. national security positives also extend to the reports of mass flight of ISIS cutthroats from Mosul and Raqqa. The Trump administration has a long campaign ahead to solve the jihadist threat to the homeland; however Abu Bakr al-Baghdadis delusion of a territorial caliphate has been bombed onto the ash heap of history.

The Trump administrations demonstrated plans for growth, energy and security are certain strengths that both can maintain the Republican Party control of Congress in 2018 and can establish a foundation for Trumps re-election in 2020.

What is also striking is that none of the trio requires a single Democratic vote in the next two years. The first 100 days, like the next 553 to the midterms, are entirely in the hands of the chest-thumpers of the GOP.

Perhaps only longtime Republicans will appreciate the jest that the blame-shifting tool is not available.
Since the early sixteenth century, Europeans have referred to America as the New World. It was in their minds a place of discovery and opportunity, a new and young land ripe for inhabitation. But a new archaeological study is calling that into question.

An article in the prestigious magazine Nature claims to have uncovered evidence that proves that there were humans in North America as long as 130,000 years ago. Given that conventional scientific wisdom maintains that Homo sapiens colonized the Americas roughly 15,000 years ago, around the end of the Pleistocene era, this evidence promises to radically reshape the history of the Americas.

A team led by Steven Holen of the Archeological Institute of America analyzed material excavated in 1992-93 from the Cerutti Mastodon archaeological site in Southern California. In one layer of stream-deposited sediment, they found the remains of a mastodon, a now-extinct animal related to elephants. The bones of the mastodon, which were found in clusters associated with cobbles, possessed marks suggestive of battering by hammerstones. The ends of the bones were broken, which might indicate that the bones were deliberately broken in order to create access to the bone marrow contained therein. Other animals bones found in neighboring layers did not possess the same features.

Holen and his team suggest that the stones were used to break the bones. This raises the question: by whom?

Well, humans, of one kind or another. According to the coverage in Nature, Rigorous uranium-series dating of the bones yielded an estimated burial age of 130,700 +/- 9,700 years ago, coinciding with the beginning of the wet and warm last interglacial period. The finds could place hominins in the New World more than 100,000 years earlier than previously thought.

It would be a paradigm-shifting discovery. It raises all kinds of questionslike, where did these hominins come from and what happened to them after they came here?

The problem is that the argument for human involvement is entirely indirect. The bones are real; the dating is accurate; but there are no humans at the site. This is why a number of prominent scientists have been calling the studys findings into question.

What this discovery reveals is a very different kind of history: the racially charged history of ancient man claims in the New World.

In fact, as Jon Marks, an anthropologist at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and author of the recently published Is Science Racist?, told me, American archaeology has always been tied up with the politics of Native Americanstheir history and identity.

The first question that archaeologists asked in the 1830s was, who built the ancient monuments at Cahokia in the Mississippi Valley? Today Cahokia contains about 80 mounds, but in its prime the site was much larger. You might think that the question didnt need answering: surely it was the Native Americans? At the time, this seemed impossible.

As Marks put it, Assuming it could not have been the ancestors of the rude, impoverished, savages we were busily displacing and murdering, then who else could it have been? And of course, it was indeed their ancestorswhich is the answer that crystallized American archaeology as a scholarly discipline. The discipline of American archaeology was generated by a racist assumption that had political consequences. Scholarly efforts to dislocate indigenous people from the history of the land and, especially, their cultural contributions, serve to make indigenous people less indigenous. Whether deliberately or not, that refiguring of indigenous peoples is easily used to justify colonialization.

Interestingly, this impulse was paralleled almost exactly in later archaeological studies of the Great Zimbabwe, an 11th-15th century CE city, located near Lake Mutirikwe in Zimbabwe. When the amateur archaeologist J. Theodore Bent began to study the monument in the late nineteenth century, under the patronage of Cecil Rhodes, he argued that city was constructed either by the Phoenicians or by a Semitic people. By his third book he was arguing more precisely for a Semitic race... of Arabian origin.

Over the course of the twentieth century, a variety of different groups were credited with the citys construction. It was only in the 1950s that archaeologists began to recognize the now-consensus view that the Great Zimbabwe was built by Africans, but they were pressured by the Rhodesian government to alter their conclusions.

In the United States, the lightning rod in this conversation has been the racial identity of those people who are supposed to have pre-dated Native Americans. In Across Atlantic Ice: The Origin of Americas Clovis Culture, Smithsonian archaeologists Dennis J. Stanford and Bruce A. Bradley argued that almost 15,000 years before native Americans arrived in the Americas from Siberia (approximately 13,000-14,000 years ago), the North West was populated by early Europeans.

Their argument is based on the similarities between American Clovis stone points and French Solutrean points. The similarities between the two were first noted in the 1970s, but scholars could not account for the chronological distance between the evidence, the lack of evidence for maritime activity during this period, and the absence of non-technological cultural transfer from France to the Americas.

The lack of evidence did not prevent Kyle Bristow, a lawyer and former Michigan State University student known for inviting white supremacists to speak at his college chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, to use the Solutrean hypothesis to author the novel White Apocalypse. The conceit of the book is that Solutrean culture was mercilessly wiped out by invading Beringians (the ancestors of modern Native Americans). The genocide of the ancient Europeans, we learn through the rogue anthropologist protagonist, has been concealed from us in a giant conspiracy. Bristow is now a lawyer who represents, among others, Matthew Heimbach, the head of the white nationalist traditionalist Youth Network, being sued for allegedly shoving a woman of color and calling her a c**t and a n****r at a Trump rally in 2016.

But I digress.

Scientists today almost exclusively reject the Solutrean hypothesis, but twenty years ago a variant on this hypothesis was used to argue that Kennewick Man was not Native American. The prehistoric remains of Kennewick Man, as he was known, were discovered along the banks of the Columbia River region in Kennewick, Washington in 1996. To the dismay of the anthropological community, he was initially racialized as a European and, against the objections of the local Umatilla people, his remains were removed for further study.

The archaeologists who initially worked on the bones, James Chatters and Douglas Owsley, argued quite forcefully that the remains were not Native American and thus unrelated to the Umatilla people. Chatters argued that the skull was Caucasoid and literally resembled Patrick Stewart. Owsley argued for Polynesian origins.

Kennewick Man was the focal point of a nine-year court case in which Native American tribes fought to gain ownership of the Kennewick Man (whom they referred to as the Ancient One). In 2004 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that because a cultural link could not be established between the remains and any of the Native American tribes, the scientific community could continue to study them.

It was only in 2015, when geneticists at the University of Copenhagen demonstrated that, among living peoples, the Kennewick Man is most closely related to the Native American tribes, including the Umatilla, that the question was settled. He has since been repatriated under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, but for nearly a decade scholarly claims about his racial identity were used to strip Native Americans of their cultural heritage.

It is not the case that the scientists performing the latest study, or any study on human origins, are racist themselves. Rather, its that this whole question is racially and politically loaded. Anytime a person makes the claim that there were people on a particular continent that predate the indigenous peoples encountered by later Westerners, they are making the kind of claim that, historically speaking, has been used to justify the subjugation of those people.

If there were people here before the Native Americans, thats historically and anthropologically important information, but it has to be strongly supported. As Marks said, This isnt fruit-fly science[Its] a strong bio-political statement, and needs to have a firmer basis.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article erroneously credited Billy Roper, 2012 Presidential candidate for the Nationalist Party of America as the author of White Resistance, Ropers comments endorsing the book to White Nationalists" was actually an endorsement from the books inside cover.
In the lead-up to the launch of The Handmaids Tale on Hulu, which finally premiered its first three episodes last week after months of critical hype and a marketing blitz, something unusual happened. Or maybe it was inspiring. Or perverse. Or energizing?

The more pieces that were written about how chillingly resonant, upsetting, and portending the adaptation of Margaret Atwoods 1985 politically charged dystopian screed wasgiven the political climate in the United States as the Trump administration came into powerthe more desperate people seemed to watch the series.

One might expect people to flinch in reaction to such a bleak reflection in the looking glass. Instead, the desire was to gaze deeply at it, and feel it all.

One of the things we talk about in the show, and that is in the book, is that people didnt look up from their phones until it was too late, says Elisabeth Moss, who stars as oppressed protagonist Offred in the series. Theres this concept going around now, this phrase of waking up, you know? Or being woke, as the kids say.

Moss lets out an endearingly girlish laugh as she uses the term woke. Because, on top of the Mad Men alum being famously charming and endearing in interviews, when youre discussing subject matter like this, you need to let out the levity whenever you possibly can.

Atwoods novel, so confrontational and controversial even when it was published 32 years agoin the wake of Trumps election, it finds itself back on the bestsellers listdepicts a not-so-distant American future in which a regressive patriarchy comes into power and begins stripping away womens reproductive rights.

An unspecified ecological disaster has rendered most women barren. Those who are still able to reproduce are violently rounded up and forced to become handmaids, where they are assigned a Commander to breed with, whose child would then be raised by his barren wife.

The result is an eerie Pleasantville evocative of a Puritanical past, in which people greet each other by saying under his eye, begetting the response praise be.

Gilead, where we encounter these characters, is full of religious fundamentalists insistent on bringing a violent end to any resistor who doesnt morally uphold their values. Homosexuals are labeled gender traitors, and executed for the crimeunless, of course, they are female gender traitors who have the ability to reproduce. They become handmaids.

I think that people are desperate for things that reflect that time that were living in, says Samira Wiley, who plays Moira, Offreds best friend from beforehow the time leading up to this new dystopian age is referred toand, yes, a gender traitor.

Something being scary can also be exciting, Wiley, previously best known for playing ill-fated Poussey Washington on Orange Is the New Black, says. This show has become a little more scary relevant than I think I wanted it to be and my cast members wanted it to be.

Scary relevant is a chorus sung by everyone involved in The Handmaids Tale, from its cast to Atwood herself, who warned in an interview with The Daily Beast that, under Trump, this might actually happen.

Extreme violence against minorities by law enforcement with unchecked authority and no repercussions. The rolling back of reproductive rights and the abrupt end of female empowerment. And it all progresses when societal fear following a supposed terrorist attack fuels people to happily surrender certain liberties to government in return for their safety, only to find the threat of more terrorism weaponized by the government in order to enact martial law, strip citizens of privacy and agency, and create this Gilead out of the United States of America.

The series shows gradually how it happened, Wiley says. That it didnt come all at once. That it came piece by piece, you know? Things that were seeing right now in our world that we thought could never happen are suddenly things that are happening.

The series actually began filming before the election, with everyone involved with production under the assumption that Hillary Clinton would be the next president. While certainly engaging with the idea that the themes of the series became more powerful after the election, they are also careful to point out that the cautionary tale Atwood carefully researched three decades ago, sadly, never stopped being relevant, and would still be so had Clinton won.

Nonetheless, Wiley says playing Moira became all the more harrowing: Shes black, shes gay, and shes a woman. Those are all things that are true about Samira as well. It affected me greatly. Just in terms of how scared it me.

Being compelled to speak out about politics and hot-button social issues, as all of the actors have during this press tour, is something Wiley has had considerable training with coming off Orange Is the New Black, in which diversity, homosexuality, prison reform, and, given the circumstances of her characters death last season, #BlackLivesMatter and police brutality have all been topics of conversation in interviews.

For Moss, who has been hailed as The Queen of Peak TV by New York magazine for her turns in The West Wing, Mad Men, Top of the Lake, and, now, The Handmaids Tale, its still unfamiliar and, as shes learned, volatile territory.

At a recent Tribeca Film Festival panel celebrating the series premiere, Moss said she didnt see The Handmaids Tale as a feminist storya comment that saw quizzical looks transform into dismayed head-shaking as her comment continued.

The controversy took Moss a bit by surprise. But, she says, For me, actually, its funny because I actually do welcome it. I think its great, in a way. Because I think thats the conversation we should be having. Any conversation that brings up feminism, for me, is a great thing.

As for the actual statement she made, which argued that Offreds story is a human story and not a feminist, story, shes eager to clarify what she meant, and express her frustration that she forgot to include a key word in her argument.

Like, Im such a card-carrying feminist, she says. I think in that particular statement that got a bit of air, I left out a very important word, which was also. My entire statement that I said was womens rights are human rights. For me, of course its feminist. Its The Handmaids Tale.

Her voice morphs into italics while she stresses the book title: I dont know if you have a more feminist book. I dont know if there is one!

She keeps it light, giggling as she discusses how confused she was by how, after her unfortunate misspeaking, she found herself being criticized by those whose beliefs she shares entirely.

For me, of course it is a feminist work, she says. I think its also a human work. Its also about human beings. Its about human rights as well. Im not one to shy away. If anyones read interviews with me lately or looked at my Instagram feed, Im not one to shy away from feminism.

Shes much more eager, as is Wiley, to see how elements of the show that resonated so deeply with them will be felt by audiences. Parts of the first batch of episodes felt, when they read them and acted them, like they were Lizzie and Samira: TV fans as much as they were actors in a show.

For Moss, it was Offreds line, I dont know what I did to deserve this, because, she says, as women were so often blamed for things.

And for Wiley, the most affecting scene is one she is not even in, but which hit a very personal chord. In episode three (light spoilers follow), Alexis Bledels Ofglen is found out to be a gender traitor after getting caught in a relationship with another servant in Gilead.

Both are arrested and the woman, Ofglens lover, is hanged right in front of herfaster than she can even process what is happening. (Ofglen, who can bear children, is spared, albeit with her own inhumane punishment.)

Wiley, who this year married Orange Is the New Black writer Lauren Morelli, had to turn off the show after that scene.

I cant just watch that scene and sympathize with the person because it feels like it could be my own life, she says. It becomes real. Its gut-wrenching. Its unspeakable. Unfathomable.

She mentions how Moss is always warning people not to binge-watch the series, and after needing to take a break from viewing to truly process that one scene, she understood why.

But would you believe that in the end The Handmaids Tale is actually hopeful?

For one, its waking people up, they say. For all the talk there is about how watching television is a lazy, mind-numbing endeavorthe proverbial boob tubehere is a case in which a series is educating, illuminating, and energizing. And, by the way, its women who are doing it, too.

There are so many lines in the book and in the show that are incredibly inspiring, Moss says. One of them is you can mean more than one, you can mean thousands. That idea of not only people banding together and speaking out, but women banding together. And now these women are enslaved and part of the way they are enslaved is by stripping away their individuality, stripping away their right to speak to each other. Theyre prevented from banding together.

Theyre prevented from forming a resistance, she continues. Because if women get together and form a resistance, you cant stop them.
In the wake of the Trumpocalypse, many in the deepest blue cores have turned on those parts of America that supported the presidents election, developing oikophobiaan irrational fear of their fellow citizens.

The rage against red America is so strong that The New York Times predictably progressive Nick Kristoff says his calls to understand red voters were my most unpopular idea. The essential logicas laid out in a particularly acerbic piece in The New Republicis that Trumps America is not only socially deplorable, but economically moronic as well. The kind-hearted blue staters have sent their industries to the abodes of the unwashed, and taken in their poor, only to see them end up more bitter, white, and alt-right than ever.

The red states, by electing Trump, seem to have lost any claim on usually wide-ranging progressive empathy. Frank Rich, theater critic turned pundit, turns up his nose at what he calls hillbilly chic. Another leftist author suggests that working-class support for Brexit and Trump means it is time to dissolve the more than 150-year-old alliance between the industrial working class and what one might call the intellectual-cultural Left.

The fondest hope among the blue bourgeoise lies with the demographic eclipse of their red-state foes. Some clearly hope that the less-educated dying white America, already suffering shorter lifespans, in part due to alcoholism and opioid abuse, is destined to fade from the scene. Then the blue lords can take over a country with which they can identify without embarrassment.

Marie Antoinette Economics

In seeking to tame their political inferiors, the blue bourgeoisie are closer to the Marie Antoinette school of political economy than any traditional notion of progressivism. They might seek to give the unwashed red masses cake in the form of free health care and welfare, but they dont offer more than a future status as serfs of the cognitive aristocracy. The blue bourgeoisie, notes urban analyst Aaron Renn, are primary beneficiaries of the decoupling of success in America. In blue America, he notes, the top tiers no longer need the overall prosperity of the country to personally do well. They can become enriched as a small, albeit sizable, minority.

Some on the left recognize the hypocrisy of progressives abandoning the toiling masses. Blue state secession is no better an idea than Confederate secession was, observes one progressive journalist. The Confederates wanted to draw themselves into a cocoon so they could enslave and exploit people. The blue state secessionists want to draw themselves into a cocoon so they can ignore the exploited people of America.

Ironically, many of the most exploited people reside in blue states and cities. Both segregation and impoverishment has worsened during the decades-long urban comeback, as even longtime urban enthusiast Richard Florida now notes. Chicago, with its soaring crime rates and middle class out-migration, amidst a wave of elite corporate relocations, epitomizes the increasingly unequal tenor of blue societies.

In contrast the most egalitarian places, like Utah, tend to be largely Trump-friendly. Among the 10 states (and D.C.) with the most income inequality, seven supported Clinton in 2016, while seven of the 10 most equal states supported Trump.

If you want to see worst impacts of blue policies, go to those red regionslike upstate New Yorkcontrolled by the blue bourgeoise. Backwaters like these tend to be treated at best as a recreational colony that otherwise can depopulate, deindustrialize, and in general fall apart. In California, much of the poorer interior is being left to rot by policies imposed by a Bay Area regime hostile to suburban development, industrial growth, and large scale agriculture. Policies that boost energy prices 50 percent above neighboring states are more deeply felt in regions that compete with Texas or Arizona and are also far more dependent on air conditioning than affluent, temperate San Francisco or Malibu. Six of the 10 highest unemployment rates among the countrys metropolitan areas are in the states interior.

Basic Errors in Geography

The blue bourgeoisies self-celebration rests on multiple misunderstandings of geography, demography, and economics. To be sure, the deep blue cites are vitally important but its increasingly red states, and regions, that provide critical opportunities for upward mobility for middle- and working-class families.

The dominant blue narrative rests on the idea that the 10 largest metropolitan economies represents over one-third of the national GDP. Yet this hardly proves the superiority of Manhattan-like density; the other nine largest metropolitan economies are, notes demographer Wendell Cox, slightly more suburban than the national major metropolitan area average, with 86 percent of their residents inhabiting suburban and exurban areas.

In some of our most dynamic urban regions, such as Phoenix, virtually no part of the region can be made to fit into a Manhattan-, Brooklyn-, or even San Francisco-style definition of urbanity. Since 2010 more than 80 percent of all new jobs in our 53 leading metropolitan regions have been in suburban locations. The San Jose area, the epicenter of the new economy, may be congested but it is not traditionally urbanmost people there live in single-family houses, and barely 5 percent of commuters take transit. Want to find dense urbanity in San Jose? Youll miss it if you drive for more than 10 minutes.

Urban Innovation

The argument made by the blue bourgeoisie is simple: Dense core cities, and what goes on there, is infinitely more important, and consequential, than the activities centered in the dumber suburbs and small towns. Yet even in the ultra-blue Bay Area, the suburban Valleys tech and STEM worker population per capita is twice that of San Francisco. In southern California, suburban Orange County has over 30 percent more STEM workers per capita than far more urban Los Angeles.

And its not just California. Seattles suburban Bellevue and Redmond are home to substantial IT operations, including the large Microsoft headquarters facility. Much of Portlands Silicon Forest is located in suburban Washington County. Indeed a recent Forbes study found that the fastest-growing areas for technology jobs outside the Bay Area are all cities without much of an urban core: Charlotte, Raleigh Durham, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, and Detroit. In contrast most traditionally urban cities such as New York and Chicago have middling tech scenes, with far fewer STEM and tech workers per capita than the national average.

The blue bourgeois tend to see the activities that take place largely in the red statesfor example manufacturing and energyas backward sectors. Yet manufacturers employ most of the nations scientists and engineers. Regions in Trump states associated with manufacturing as well as fossil fuelsHouston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Salt Lakeenjoy among the heaviest concentrations of STEM workers and engineers in the country, far above New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.

Besides supplying the bulk of the food, energy, and manufactured goods consumed in blue America, these industries are among the countrys most productive, and still offer better paying options for blue-collar workers. Unlike a monopoly like Microsoft or Google, which can mint money by commanding market share, these sectors face strong domestic and foreign competition. From 1997-2012, labor productivity growth in manufacturing3.3 percent per yearwas a third higher than productivity growth in the private economy overall.

For its part, the innovative American energy sector has essentially changed the balance of power globally, overcoming decades of dependence on such countries as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela. Agriculturealmost all food, including in California, is grown in red-oriented areascontinues to outperform competitors around the world.

Exports? In 2015, the U.S. exported $2.23 trillion worth of goods and services combined. Of the total, only $716.4 billion, or about a third, consisted of services. In contrast, manufactured goods accounted for 50 percent of all exports. Intellectual property payments, like royalties to Silicon Valley tech companies and entrepreneurs, amounted to $126.5 billionjust 18 percent of service exports and less than 6 percent of total exports of goods and services combined, barely even with agriculture.

Migration and the American Future

The blue bourgeoisie love to say everyone is moving back to the city; a meme amplified by the concentration of media in fewer places and the related collapse of local journalism. Yet in reality, except for a brief period right after the 2008 housing crash, people have continued to move away from dense areas.

Indeed the most recent estimates suggest that last year was the best for suburban areas since the Great Recession. In 2012, the suburbs attracted barely 150,000 more people than core cities but in 2016 the suburban advantage was 556,000. Just 10 of the nations 53 largest metropolitan regions (including San Francisco, Boston, and Washington) saw their core counties gain more people than their suburbs and exurbs.

Overall, people are definitively not moving to the most preferred places for cosmopolitan scribblers. Last year, all 10 of the top gainers in domestic migration were Sun Belt cities. The list was topped by Austin, a blue dot in its core county, surrounded by a rapidly growing, largely red Texas sea, followed by Tampa-St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Jacksonville in Florida, Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and San Antonio.

Overall, domestic migration trends affirm Trump-friendly locales. In 2016, states that supported Trump gained a net of 400,000 domestic migrants from states that supported Clinton. This includes a somewhat unnoticed resurgence of migration to smaller cities, areas often friendly to Trump and the GOP. Domestic migration has accelerated to cities between with populations between half a million and a million people, while its been negative among those with populations over a million. The biggest out-migration now takes place in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.

Of course, for the blue cognoscenti, theres only one explanation for such moves: Those people are losers and idiots. This is part of the new blue snobbery: Bad people, including the poor, are moving out to benighted places like Texas but the talented are flocking in. Yet, like so many comfortable assertions, this one does not stand scrutiny. Its the middle class, particularly in their childbearing years, who, according to IRS data, are moving out of states like California and into ones like Texas. Since 2000, the Golden State has seen a net outflow of $36 billion dollars from migrants.

Millennials are widely hailed as the generation that will never abandon the deep blue city, but as they reach their thirties, they appear to be following their parents to the suburbs and exurbs, smaller cities, and the Sun Belt. This assures us that the next generation of Americans are far more likely to be raised in Salt Lake City, Atlanta, the four large Texas metropolitan areas, or in suburbs, than in the bluest metropolitan areas like New York, Seattle, or San Franciscowhere the number of school-age children trends well below the national average.

This shift is being driven in large part by unsustainable housing costs. In the Bay Area, techies are increasingly looking for jobs outside the tech hub and some companies are even offering cash bonuses to those willing to leave. A recent poll indicated that 46 percent of millennials in the San Francisco Bay Area want to leave. The numbers of the best and brightest have been growing mostly in lower-cost regions such as Austin, Orlando, Houston, Nashville, and Charlotte.

Quality of Life: The Eye of the Beholder

Ultimately, in life as well as politics, people make choices of where to live based on economic realities. This may not apply entirely to the blue bourgeoisie, living at the top of the economic food chain or by dint of being the spawn of the wealthy. But for most Americans aspiring to a decent standard of livingmost critically, the acquisition of decent living spacethe expensive blue city simply is not practicable.

Indeed, when the cost of living is taken into consideration, most blue areas, except for San Jose/Silicon Valley, where high salaries track the prohibitive cost of living, provide a lower standard of living. People in Houston, Dallas, Austin, Atlanta, and Detroit actually made more on their paychecks than those in New York, San Francisco, or Boston. Deep-blue Los Angeles ranked near the bottom among the largest metropolitan areas.

These mundanities suggest that the battlegrounds for the future will not be of the blue bourgeoisies choosing but in suburbs, particularly around the booming periphery of major cities in red states. Many are politically contestable, often the last big purple areas in an increasingly polarized country. In few of these kinds of areas do you see 80 to 90 percent progressive or conservative electorates; many split their votes and a respectable number went for Trump and the GOP. If the blue bourgeoisie want to wage war in these places, they need to not attack the suburban lifestyles clearly preferred by the clear majority.

Blue America can certainly win the day if this administration continues to falter, proving all the relentless aspersions of its omnipresent critics. But even if Trump fails to bring home the bacon to his supporters, the progressives cannot succeed until they recognize that most Americans cannot, and often do not want to, live the blue bourgeoisies preferred lifestyle.

Its time for progressives to leave their bastions and bubbles, and understand the country that they are determined to rule.
One of the proudest moments in model Leslie Floress career was in September 2016 when she won ASC Productions competition for New York Fashion Week Model of the Year in the Ultra category. After a shocked reaction, she rushed on stage to claim her prize which included a sash, the chance to walk at ASC Dubai Fashion Week, and a free photo shoot.

Flores is unique because she is not your traditional runway size model, but she is not plus-size either. She falls into the aforementioned Ultra category, which includes women size 8 to 12.

Flores got into modeling because her daughter became ill with pediatric cancer, and it was a job she could do freelance while still having time to take care of her. The big problem she had when she started modeling was that she wasnt sample size, but she was also too small for plus-size.

I was in Neverland as they call it, Flores said. As a size 8 to 12, there is no marketing out there for you. The only person I ever see representing those sizes on the runway is me.

In the last year, women size 8 to 12 have slowly been getting representation in the modeling industry with agencies like MSA Models and True Model Management including those sizes in their Curve divisions, although Curve often includes women size 14 and 16 who are on the lower end of the plus-size spectrum. For the longest time, women size 8 to 12 were just expected to buy.

Francesca DeCastro is a retail sales professional who has worked at large specialty stores including Gap and Banana Republic, and smaller boutique retailers like Splendid. Over the course of her retail career, she says the most common sizes shes sold have been between sizes 6 and 10. However, she also noticed when they had live models for events they would be no bigger than a size 2.

The only time in my whole career I saw women bigger than a size 2 represented in any type of promotional material was for the plus-size division of Gap.com, DeCastro said. When I worked at Gap, we started scaling down on marketing, but I do remember these real people campaigns, that would include people of all races and sizes, but aside from that, all I saw were skinny women.

At most retail stores, its easy to find sizes from 00 to 12, with more stores starting to carry sizes 14 and 16. The demographic of women 8 to 12 have been referred to as the rack queens, in reference to the expectation they will just buy, even though they are rarely if ever represented on the runways or in ad campaigns.

Research by Dr. Xuemei Bian, a senior lecturer in marketing at the University of Kent in the UK, found that when ultra-thin models were switched out for average-size women, it didnt change the perspective or opinion of that brand.

So, what does the fashion industry have to lose by being more size-inclusive?

One problem is, average size women have grown too accustomed to not being represented.

They know their sizes are carried in store even if they dont see it in the pages of fashion magazines, but they have become so used to not being represented, they just go ahead and shop, and until recently there wasnt a strong vocal movement calling for change, DeCastro added.

The issue with the lack of marketing and representation for women size 8 to 12 goes further than just the marketing and promotional teams of fashion brands. It starts with the design schools.

Most design schools lack mannequins bigger than traditional sample sizes, so from the time they start developing their craft, most designers arent even trained to think about women beyond the standard runway sizes.

Rashad Calhoun, a self-taught designer behind his own brand, Dahsar by Rashad, has spent 14 years in the industry as both a custom clothing designer and celebrity stylist specializing in evening wear and bridal.

When he first started out, he worked exclusively with plus-size women, and once he transitioned over to working with standard sizes, he had a different perspective from many of his colleagues. He found that many designers and stylists are only equipped to deal with women who are one size.

When clothes are designed for runway shows they are obviously designed to fit a certain size. If you have models who are all sample sizes and one doesnt show up, its easy to switch out for another model, Calhoun said. The fact is, designers are afraid if their one size 8 to 12 model doesnt show up, they are stuck with this garment that none of the other models can wear. When design students are teaching their students how to prepare for Fashion Week, the focus is always on the standard size models.

The lack of size representation for size 8 to 12 women is also an international one. Frederick Frost, a fashion stylist and blogger based in Venezuela, has found that the majority of women he has done wardrobe styling for are size 8 to 12. However, while he finds the majority of women he works with are curvier, the ideal body image is the slender figure of Miss Venezuela.

When I see advertising with women its usually for specific shops or underground publications, its never anything too popular, Frost said. While plus sizes will start at 12 in Venezuela, women size 8 and 10 get virtually no marketing.

The solution needs to first start with the fashion schools who need to train their students to use more women sized 8 to 12. It is also on marketing and promotional teams of designers and mainstream stores to feature more models of those sizes, and not just for real people campaigns. The size 8 to 12 consumers deserveas consumers of all sizes should havetheir moment to shine. They shouldnt just be treated like they are programmed to buy.
Its Resident Wellness Week at the childrens hospital, and one of the coordinators has put ice cream in the resident fridge. Those of us who are working overnight shifts cant make it to most of the Wellness Week eventsan aromatherapy session, a free yoga class, a whole hour where the hospital therapy dogs are available for usso the ice cream is an effort to make us feel included. The coordinator comes by the cluster of computers in the emergency room where we are sitting to tell us about it.

At this moment, I happen to be placing a call to the orthopedic surgeons about a 19-month-old girl with a spiral fracture of the femur. Ive already examined the kid, reviewed her x-rays and ordered her a dose of morphine. I have learned the name of her stuffed rabbitBunny. And after I talk to the surgeons Ill call the child abuse team.

The surgeon lets me know that theyll plan to place a spica splint in the morning, so I should admit the kid to orthopedics.

And youre calling CPS? he asks me. Spiral fractures are a classic sign of child abusea wound that is very difficult for a child to cause herself.

Yeah, CPS is already here, I say.

Who did it?

Her dad, presumably. She was alone with her dad when it happened. And the dude has a history.

Is her dad with her? the surgeon asks me.

This is when the coordinator appears before our bank of computers. Theres ice cream in the fridge for you guys, she says, so be sure to take a break and get some.

I cover the mouthpiece of the phone with my hand and thank her.

Happy Wellness Week! she says, and waves goodbye.

I uncover the mouthpiece. Yeah, I tell the surgeon. Her dads in the room.

***

Rumor has it that Resident Wellness Week began after an incident in 2000, when a pathology resident shot and killed his program director and himself. The supposed link between that actual event and Wellness Week may be apocryphal, but its an apt metaphor: the resident training system responds to tragedy with a week of free ice-cream.

Resident wellness is a lofty goal, and my program actually does more than most to promote it. There is a jeopardy system that enables us to easily take days off when we are ill or in crisis. There is a deliberate effort to connect us with mentors. And there is unlimited, free confidential counseling for both us and our partners. But the fundamental barriers to well-being remain here as in other programs nationwide: our 80-hour workweeks, our massive debt-to-income ratios, and the accumulated grief of years of medical training. The first time I went to counseling was during my first month in the ER, when I had a week of day shifts, followed by a week of nights, then a week of days and then another week of nights. The therapists first question was about my sleep schedulethe likely cause of my distress, but also absolutely beyond my control.

The statistics about physician wellness are oft-cited and bleak. Over the course of our careers, female physicians are three times as likely as similar women to die by suicide. Male physicians are about twice as likely as other men. One in 75 women doctors have actually attempted suicide. About 30 percent of residents are depressed, and we are less likely than others to seek help for our depression. We also have higher rates of divorce and addiction than income-matched peers.

Such statistics are trotted out whenever one argues for reform in residency training. When in 2001 resident work-weeks were reduced to 80 hours, for example, it was hoped that we might be less likely to kill ourselves. When people advocate for less bullying of physicians-in-training, or shorter shifts, or more access to the creative arts in medical school, our astronomical suicide rates make a fair bargaining chip.

The goal of preventing physician suicide seems reasonable to me: suicide is concrete, measurable, and important. Wellness, on the other hand, is fishy and elusive. The duty to promote ones own wellbeing can feel like another burden on our time, and the idea that we residents have control over our wellbeingor much of anything in our livesis laughable.

My residency programs individualized learning plan survey asks us what we are doing to promote wellness. I am able to list a couple of things in the boxI walk to work, I have a husband who makes me foodbut the fact is I do not believe wellness is available to me. Not in this environment, and not at 80-hour weeks.

As one of my colleagues put it, Wellness is bullshit. Im trying to not kill myself.

Later, when I talked to the child abuse physician, she was on her way to the ballet. She pulled her car over to hear the story and write down the kids medical record number.

So what does the dad say caused it? she asked me.

He says the kid was running to pet a strange dog, and so he scooped her up in his arms, and she started grabbing her leg and crying.

He scooped her up? she repeated.

Yeah, I said. Thats what he told me.

OK, the child abuse specialist said. And shes being admitted?

Yes, I said.

Good. That gives me some time, she said. Have you talked to the social worker?

Theyre here. And CPS is already here.

OK, she said. Ill call you at intermission. I havent been to the ballet in years. Im really excited.

Oh wow, yeah, I said. Have so much fun.

She did call again at intermission, and I could hear the chatter of the crowd behind her. I imagined her in a portico, on her cell phone, with a plastic cup of red wine beside her. I imagined she was wearing heels.

What did the skeletal survey show? she asked me. No bucket-handle fractures, I told her, but evidence of a healed skull fracture.

Got it, she said.

How is the ballet? I asked her.

Oh, its beautiful, she said. I used to dance, you know. I cant believe Ive been away so long.

***

In ancient Rome, a virtuous man was meant to be ready to serve the empireas a statesman, or as a soldierat any time. As the scholar Robert Proctor explains in Defining the Humanities, virtue was outward-oriented. Authenticity, which I understand as a sort of alignment of the inner and outer selves, would not emerge as a virtue for many centuries. Indeed, in Rome in 100 B.C. publicly displaying the turmoil of the inner self wouldve been a liability. A virtuous man, as Cicero wrote, would suppress the lower, emotional, feminine parts of his nature with the higher, rational, masculine parts. Ciceros work would be venerated by the Stoics, who also saw how emotional quietingstoicismcould allow one to help others. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, Thou must be like a promontory of the sea, against which, though the waves beat continually, yet it both itself stands, and about it are those swelling waves stilled and quieted.

As frankly misogynist as Ciceros articulation was, I think the model of Roman virtue fits medicine well. My team and I are the promontory; illness and suffering are the sea; the waves are the children and families we care for. For residents, the inner life is secondary to the ability to serve our patients, and in facing a sea of suffering stoically we may offer some moments of quiet to those we care for.

By studying the Classics, we physicians could almost have coherent models of virtuous lives of serviceif only we hadnt been raised in contemporary America. Here, the suppression of emotions is thought to cause mental illness and even cancer.

Addressing this problem in 1889, the physician William Osler argued that equanimity was the most critical virtue of medical practice. Osler revered the Stoics, and he defined equanimity as coolness and presence of mind under all circumstances, calmness amid storm, clearness of judgment in moments of grave peril. This virtue is surely relevant to medicinesomething to strive for over the course of a career. Yet even in 1889, Osler cautioned that equanimity was the quality most appreciated by the laity though often misunderstood by them. Young physicians, your equanimity may make you seem like a robot, or an unfeeling monster. But it will help your patients in their moments of emergency.

Both Osler and Cicero in fact had emotional crises that demanded they leave their work. For both men, it was when they lost children. Ciceros daughter Tullia died in childbirth, and he became so publicly distraught that his friends suggested he leave work for a while and go to the country, which he did. Oslers son Revere was killed in World War I, and in his grief Osler lost the ability to practice medicine. In fact, he himself died not long after. The ultimate frailty of both men reminds me not only that profound grief impedes the kind of work we do, but also of the many smaller griefs we physicians witness, bear, and move away from to the next patient.

Wellness Week offends me precisely because it suggests that my work does not in fact demand the subsuming of my inner life. I enjoy ice cream; I practice yoga; I often bend to pet the therapy dogs. But I function best as a resident when I check my inner life at the hospital door, and ready myself to serve others. I reject the notion that I need to focus on some necessarily vain effort of cultivating my own wellness.

My friends who have survived residency tell me that it is better on the other side. On the other side, there is leisure. Cicero called leisure otium, and argued that no serious thought could occur without it. In the Judeo-Christian traditions, the Sabbatha weekly day of rest, reflection, and family activitiesis crucial to the moral life. Wellness might be available to me if I could have otium, or a Sabbath, orin contemporary American languageweekends off.

But in the absence of serious and much-needed reform to the residency education system, leisure is unavailable for me. I want to fight for that reform, but in the meantime I have two more years of 80-hour weeks. If I am going to survive them, I dont need ice cream. I need a coherent moral system.

***

The girl with the femur fracture was still in the emergency room when my shift ended at 4 a.m. Most of her paperwork was done, so I didnt feel bad handing her off to the resident who would be there till seven. I had managed to send most of my kids home or get them tucked into the hospital. I sewed up the face of a kid with a dog bite, gave a couple little wheezers their asthma medicine, coordinated safety planning for a suicidal teen, explained to the family of a puffy toddler that we would probably be able to fix her kidneys with steroids, and pumped epinephrine into a sick, immunosuppressed infanta kid with cancerwho tried to die on me. One baby did die in our ER that night, but I was not taking care of her. Towards the end of my night, the mother of a desperately ill 15-year-oldalso with cancer, also with trashed kidneysexplained to me that her daughter would not need dialysis.

She has begun to urinate again, the mother said. Her kidneys are working.

Its a very good sign, I said. Im so glad about it. But I want you to know she may still need dialysis.

No, the mother told me, firmly. We brought her in because she wasnt peeing, and now she is.

I am so glad she is, I said, wearily, trying to be gentle. Right now, the medicines are helping her pee. We will hope and work to support her without dialysis, but I dont want it to be a surprise if she needs that support. I worry Im being too vague, and I repeat myself. She may need dialysis.

No, the mother said again.

OK, I said, giving up. It was 3:30 in the morning. It was my tenth month of working 80-hour weeks. I had done my job, made no false promises, and I would let the kidney doctors carry on the conversation. We both looked quietly at the 15-year-old, who had fallen asleep. Her face was covered in an angry rash because her immune system was attacking the bone marrow that was transplanted last year.

She has the mother began.

She has? I asked.

She has such a strong will to live, she said.

And I knew and she knew in that moment that her daughter probably would not livenot for long, not to adulthood, not like she wanted to. I sat a moment longer in that silence, sharing that unspoken knowledge, before I rose to leave.

The 15-year-old finally got a bed upstairs and left the emergency room, so the only patient I had to sign out was the girl with the broken leg. Shed been held up a long time while her custody was being transferred to CPS. But her pain was, as we say, controlled, and she too had fallen asleep.

I told her story to my co-resident and explained that shed already been signed out, so there wasnt much to do.

Poor kid, my colleague said. And it occurred to me that I hadnt thought about that. I hadnt felt sad for the kid. I hadnt paused to feel anything at all. I do know that I was able to perform a service that the child needed, and similar services for a dozen other children that night. But even so, even to me, such smoothness in the face of suffering can seem monstrous.

Yeah, I said. Poor kid. And I went home, to sleep and then to wake to an empty house that I would leave again before my husband made it home from work. I never had that break to enjoy the ice cream in the resident freezer. Im not sure if anybody did.

Rachel Pearson, MD/PhD, is a resident physician who also holds a PhD from the Institute for the Medical Humanities. A fifth-generation Texan, she is currently training as a pediatrician. Her book No Apparent Distress: A Doctors Coming-of-Age on the Front Lines of American Medicine is forthcoming in May from W. W. Norton & Company.

Editor's note: The original version of this story incorrectly stated that William Osler's son died in WWII. He died in WWI. The Daily Beast regrets this error.
The following speeches were delivered by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward at the 2017 White House Correspondents' Dinner:

Carl Bernstein

Shortly after Richard Nixon resigned the presidency, Bob and I were asked a long question about reporting. We answered with a short phrase weve used many times since to describe our reporting on Watergate and its purpose and methodology: we called it the best obtainable version of the truth.

The best obtainable version of the truth.

Its a simple concept, yet something very difficult to get right because of the enormous amount of effort, thinking, persistence, pushback, logical baggage and, for sure, luck that is required, not to mention some unnatural humility.

Underlying everything reporters do in pursuit of the best obtainable version of the truth, whatever our beat or assignment, is the question what is news? What is it that we believe is important, relevant, hidden, perhaps, or even in plain sight and ignored by conventional journalistic wisdom or governmental wisdom?

Id say this question of what is news becomes even more relevant and essential if we are covering the president of the United States. Richard Nixon tried to make the conduct of the press the issue in Watergate, instead of the conduct of the president and his men. We tried to avoid the noise and let the reporting speak.

During our coverage of Watergate and since, Bob and I have learned a lot from one another about the business of being reporters.

Let me list here a few of the primary elements of Bernsteins repertorial education from Woodward: one, almost inevitably, unreasonable government secrecy is the enemy, and usually the giveaway about what the real story might be. And when lying is combined with secrecy, there is usually a pretty good roadmap in front of us.

Yes, follow the money, but follow, also, the lies.

Two, sources are human beings whom we need to listen to and empathize with, and understandnot objectify simply as the means to get a story. We need to go back to our sources, time and again, over and over. The best obtainable version of the truth is about context and nuance, even more than its about simple existential facts. The development and help of Deep Throat, Mark Felt, as a source was a deeply human enterprise.

When we were working on our second book, The Final Days, Woodward did 17 interviews with Richard Nixons White House lawyer. Sustained inquiry is essential. You never know what the real story is until youve done the reporting, as Woodward says, exhaustively. Gone back over and over to our sourcesasked ourselves and them, whats missing? Whats the further explanation? What are the details? What do they think it means?

Our assumption of the big picture isnt enough. Our preconceived notions of where the story might go are almost always different than where the story comes out when weve done the reporting. I know of no important story Ive worked on in more than half a century of reporting that ended up where I thought it would go when I started on it.

The people with the information we want should not be pigeonholed or prejudged by their ideology or their politicsalmost all of our sources in Watergate were people who had, at one time or another, been committed to Richard Nixon and his presidency.

Incremental reporting is essential.

We wrote more than 300 stories in Watergate. Whenever Id say lets go for the big picture, the whole enchilada or whatever, Bob would say, heres what we know now, and are ready to put in the paper.

And then, inevitably, one story led to another and another, and the larger talk expanded because of this reportorial dynamic. The best obtainable version of the truth became repeatedly clearer, more developed and understandable.

Were reportersnot judges, not legislators. What government or citizens or judges do with the information weve developed is not part of our process, or our objective. Our job is to put the best obtainable version of the truth out there, period. Especially now.

Bob Woodward

Reporting is about human connectionsfinding the people who know what is hidden and establishing relationships of trust.

That was the first lesson, from Carl, in 1972. He obtained a list of people who had worked at Nixons reelection campaign committee. Not surprisingly, from a former girlfriend.

Hes finally embarrassed.

No one would talk. Carl said, heres what we have to dolaunching the system of going to the homes of people, knocking on doors when we had no appointment. We later wrote, the nighttime visits were, frankly, fishing expeditions. The trick was getting inside someones apartment or house. Bits and pieces came; we saw fear, at times. We heard about document destruction, a massive house-cleaning at the Nixon reelection committee, a money trail, an organized, well-funded coverup.

Clark MacGregor, then the Nixon campaign manager, called Ben Bradlee, the editor of the Washington Post, to complain., MacGregor reported, they knock on doors late at night and telephone from the lobby. They hounded five women!

Bradlees response: Thats the nicest thing Ive heard about them in years!

And he meant, maybe ever.

In 1973, I recall standing on Pennsylvania Avenue with Carl after a court hearing. We watched three of the Watergate burglars and their lawyer filling a cab, front and back seats. Carl was desperatedesperate that he would lose them and this opportunity., He was short on cash and didnt know where he might be going. I gave Carl twenty dollars.

There was no room in the cab, but Carl, uninvited, got in anyway, piling in on top of these people as the door slammed. He ended up flying with the lawyer to New York City and came back with another piece of the puzzle.

I never got my twenty dollars.

The point: very aggressive reporting is often necessary. Bradlee and the editors of the Washington Post gave us the precious luxury of time to pursue all leads, all people who might know somethingeven something small.,

Now, in 2017, the impatience and speed of the internet and our own rush can disable and undermine the most important tool of journalism: that method that luxury of time to inquire, to pursue, to find the real agents of genuine news, witnesses, participants, documents, into the cab.

Any president and his administration in Washington is clearly entitled to the most serious reporting efforts possible. We need to understand, to listen, to dig. Obviously, our reporting needs to get both facts and tone right. The press, especially the so-called mainstream media, comes under regular attack, particularly during presidential campaigns like this one, and its aftermath.

Like politicians and presidents, sometimes, perhaps too frequently, we make mistakes and go too far. When that happens, we should own up to it. But the effort today to get this best obtainable version of the truth is largely made in good faith.

Mr. President, the media is not fake news.

Lets take that off the table as we proceed.

As Marty Baron, the executive editor of the Post, said in recent speeches, reporters should display modesty and humility, bending over backwards and sincerely, not only to be fair but to demonstrate to people we cover that we intend and will be fair.

In other words, that we have an obligation to listen.

At the same time, Marty said, when we have done our job thoroughly, we have a duty to tell people what weve learned, and to tell it to them forthrightly, without masking our findings or muddling them.

Journalists should not have a dog in the political fight except to find that best obtainable version of the truth. The indispensable centrality of fact-based reporting is careful, scrupulous listening and an open mind.

President Nixon once said the problem with journalists is that they look in the mirror when they should be looking out the window. That is certainly one thing that Nixon said that Carl and I agree with.

Whatever the climate, whether the medias revered or reviled, we should and must persist, and, I believe, we will

We also need to face the reality that polling numbers should that most Americans disapprove of and distrust the media. This is no time for self-satisfaction or smugness. But as Ben Bradlee said in 1997, twenty years ago, the most aggressive our search for truth, the more some people are offended by the press. So be it.

Bradlee continued: I take great strange knowing that in my experience, the truth does emerge. It takes forever sometimes, but it does emerge, and that any relaxation by the press will be extremely costly to democracy.

Carl and I are grandfathers, perhaps great-grandfathers in American journalism, but we can see that the three journalists that we are recognizing tonight are some of the finest examples of that craft of persistence.
Its been 25 years since Bob Benes founded Aspen Builders, a company that now reigns as one of Lincolns top home builders. As the business celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, Benes reflects on the past, sets goals for the future and recommits to providing top-notch services to people at every price point.

But Aspen wasnt an overnight success, We lost money on our first two homes, Benes recalls. In 1992- its inaugural year, Aspen built 10 homes. Since then, Benes has focused on achieving his companys goals: to build houses that have character, to be competitive in the real estate market and build affordable homes.

Staying focused on these objectives, Benes steadily grew his enterprise. For a long stretch of time, the company built 35 to 40 homes each year. Now, with a staff of 32 people who provide in-house expertise, Aspen averages 90 homes per year. For 2017, the business is on track to put up 100 houses.

Were at the point where were trying to grow a little more, Benes said. We have an in-house person doing drafting work, an interior designer, three job supervisors and a full- time warranty person.

Though its pace of home building continues to increase, Aspen is not sacrificing quality for quantity. Benes doesnt cut corners on key design standards that ensure longevity and durability.

For example, Aspen has its own employees who do framing, which helps control the quality right at the beginning. The business also has diversified its offerings, enabling it to appeal to customers across a wide range of budgets.

Five years ago, Benes debuted Remington Homes, a separate division within Aspen Builders designed to streamline the building process. Buyers make choices from a set number of floor plans and customization options, which eliminates the stress associated with too many choices. Benes isnt surprised that the Remington line, which now accounts for 35 percent of Aspens business, becomes more popular every year. Its semi-custom approach demystifies the home building process, while still allowing customers to express their personal style.

Remington makes the homebuilding process really simple, Benes said. Some people are really afraid of the process. They wonder how theyre going to make it happen.

Aspens staff walk Remington clients through the process of choosing one of six different floor plans, which range from a two-bedroom ranch to a four-bedroom two-story. Then, the buyers can select from among 40 materials to customize the interior and exterior features.

But for the buyers who want a more custom home building experience , Aspen is a better option.

Aspen Builders allows for a higher level of customization options from custom drawing a floor plan, to all the small details throughout the building process. With both Aspen Builders and Remington Homes, You work with great subcontractors, receive great services and have a great warranty, Benes said.

A typical build time for a new home is only about five to seven months. And at any given time, the company typically has 12 to 15 spec homes available in Lincoln and the surrounding areas.

In celebrating their 25th year, Aspen Builders will surpass the mark of helping over 1,000 families realize their dream of building a home.

Homes go under contract quickly, given clients satisfaction with Aspens services. Past customers describe their experiences in glowing terms, praising the companys ability to give undivided attention to each buyer, stay honest throughout the process and build unique homes within a designated budget.

We have a staff of very knowledgeable people who are always available, he said. There are always people in the office who can answer questions and help you work through the process.

Benes has lofty goals for the coming years. He plans to continue building Lincoln outward, breaking new ground in southeast, southwest and north Lincoln, as well as in Waverly. Hes also started meeting with retirement community developers, which would be a new endeavor for Aspen.

Another exciting venture but also important to Aspens continued success  is Benes mission to educate people about the long-term benefits of home ownership. He says everyone needs to understand that investing in a house is the ultimate retirement plan.

Benes said, Its good to start early and build equity.

This is a good reminder to people who may be leery of building a home in Lincoln, whose housing market is at an all-time low right now.

Currently, there are only 400 to 500 homes on the market, compared to 2,000 during peak times. As a result, buyers are choosing to build because they can customize to their needs and ultimately get what they want in their new home.

Aspen intends to be here for another 25 years helping Lincoln grow and encouraging homeowners realize their dream of building a home.

The building process is not scary or hard, he said. We walk you through it every step of the way.

Were a family-oriented business that has built homes for the same clients many times over even.

In our 25 years, we appreciate all of the friendships and relationships weve built and look forward continuing to grow Lincoln.
A former Caldwell substitute school teacher arrested in 2014 for charges of an improper relationship with a student is back in police custody -- this time in Bryan, on both related and unrelated charges.

In December 2014, Jocelyn Rae Doyle of Caldwell, 22 at the time, turned herself in to police in Burleson County. Doyle, a high school substitute teacher, was accused of having an improper relationship with a student.

Doyle was taken into custody again Friday. A Bryan police officer patrolling the area around Bryan High School noticed a truck backing out of an abandoned car wash on 29th Street. The truck, police reports state, pulled out directly into oncoming traffic, causing a major backup. The officer pulled the truck over. The driver was Doyle, now 25.

The officer asked Doyle who she was, and she stated she was an 18-year-old girl named Victoria. She insisted she left her driver's license at home, and the truck belonged to a friend of hers. She told the officer she was unfamiliar with the area and was trying to find a car wash to take the truck to.

The officer attempted to arrest Doyle on the misdemeanor charge of failure to provide a driver's license, but Doyle struggled against the officer and his partner, who had arrived as backup, reports state. She refused to be handcuffed and had to be forced to the ground. As the officers led the woman to a patrol car, she insisted "Stop, let's talk like adults." After speaking some more with the officers, she dragged her feet and refused to walk to the car. The officers had to lift her and place her into the patrol car.

In Doyle's purse the officers found her driver's license bearing her true identity. They discovered that the woman was wanted on several Burleson County warrants: On a charge of burglary of a building, a state jail felony; two charges of violating her condition of probation regarding the charges of inappropriate interaction with a student, and injury to a child; and she appeared to have been charged with violating the condition of her bail previously set, reports said.

Doyle was charged with the warrants, as well as with failure to display a license, giving a false identity, and resisting arrest, all misdemeanors. Bond is set at $12,685.
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.
Leaders of Texas A&M's veterinary college have had a desire to bring together animal caretakers and professionals of other industries to collaborate on the future of veterinary care. The brain child of these educators and the North American Veterinary Community is the Veterinary Innovation Summit at Texas A&M, a weekend-long program that hosted 350 people from across the world.

"We wanted to figure out how to invite people on the periphery [of veterinary science] who have an outside perspective," said Adam Littles, director of Veterinary Innovative Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M. "One of the ways we did that was to invite people in to share their ideas and have companies envision what veterinary medicine can be. That's often challenging to do. How do we bridge the gap between people who are not comfortable with change and want to keep things the same with people who push things forward?"

Veterinary professionals offered open discussions and seminars for the weekend program, but practitioners and students also had the chance to talk with visiting national clinicians, pharmacists and tech companies, many of whom were advertising unique programs or talking about groundbreaking technology.

For example, two representatives from Sechrist Veterinary Health had a booth inside the vet school's Biomedical Educational Complex. They were talking with Texas A&M faculty and students about hyperbaric chambers used for oxygen therapy, a longtime treatment on humans that is newly being used on animals.

"We have designed this chamber specifically for comfort and practicality," said Sechrist employee Barry Baker. "The therapy itself has become more acceptable in the human field, as we've seen 200 chambers grow to 3,000 used on humans in the U.S. The same benefits of this can apply to animals as well."

Baker said many colleges with veterinary schools have oxygen therapy for their students to practice with and use in university clinics, and through this weekend summit, Sechrist staff hoped to spread awareness and interest in the device to places like Texas A&M.

Dr. Pat Wohlferth-Bethke represented the American Veterinary Medical Association and met with attendees on subjects such as veterinary psychological health and wellness and tech developments such as "telehealth" appointments.

"Do you have to go to the vet, or will you be able to Skype in your visit, or email the vet's office instead?" Wohlferth-Bethke asked. "We tiptoe through investigating these subjects to see what we can do for office exams and the future of telehealth."

In addition to companies and national organizations visiting with attendees, A&M students with the popular program 'Aggies Invent' presented their inventions at the conference. Aggies Invent is an engineering competition hosted regularly on campus in which students from all majors and studies gather together to brainstorm and create a themed prototype of an invention in less than 48 hours. The most recent Aggies Invent competition this semester involved veterinary medicine.

Winning student groups presented their inventions at the summit Saturday. These included a 3D printing system for animal organ models used by veterinary school students, a litter box attachment that can detect kidney disease early in cats, and a Fitbit-style health tracker for dogs.

Veterinary professionals who successfully have started their own companies or created new software and programs for the industry spoke on a panel Saturday, encouraging other practitioners to awaken their own innovative and entrepreneurial spirits.

"Being a vet makes you so prefect for the role of an entrepreneur," said Vet2Pet CEO and founder Stacee Santil, one of five panel speakers. "As vets, not only are we handling the lab work, but we're working with finances and doing so much in our offices."

Director Adam Little expanded on his observance that many veterinarians are staying stagnant in their approach to the ever-changing career, noting that he hopes that events such as the weekend summit, full of networking and idea sharing between a tapestry of professions, will inspire good vets to stay relevant and successful in their treatments.

"People here feel energized and passionate," he said. "They're optimistic.

"Beforehand they were pessimistic, thinking 'Hey I don't want to change. Why do I have to change?' I didn't want us to frame this like that.

"This is now the most exciting time to be a veterinarian, and I want people to be a part of that."
Making a return to our two favourite summer locations, Mount Maunganui and Nelson in early January 2023, we've got whiff of the first release lineup and me oh my, yes boy
When Jenna Griffiths and her family moved from St. Louis to northern Arizona, they purposely chose to make Bellemont their new home.

Weve lived here just over a year, she said. One of the main reasons we chose to live in Bellemont is its more affordable, you can get more value for your money here. This builder also built homes in Flagstaff, but they cost $30,000 or $40,000 more.

Griffiths, who is a stay-at-home mom to her two young children, said the commute for her husband, who works at Purina in far eastern Flagstaff, is usually pretty easy because it is all freeway. And even though it is about the same distance as his old commute, living outside the city does not seem very remote at all.

I love it, she said. There are a lot of young families so there are a lot of kids for the kids to play with, and there are parks and playgrounds for the kids.

Homeowners association president Terry Fallon sings a similar tune.

We fell in love with the whole place, Fallon said of himself and his wife. Fallon moved to Arizona after retiring as a law enforcement officer in California. He has lived in Bellemont since 2010 and has been on the HOA since 2012.

RECENT GROWTH

As recently as 2003, what is now two phases of a subdivision, including townhomes and single-family homes, was an empty field. Two decades ago locals referred to Bellemont as a ghost town.

Up until 10 or 12 years ago, Bellemont was predominantly not residential, Coconino County Supervisor Matt Ryan said. The area was primarily industrial and used for military operations at Camp Navajo, which is still utilized by the Arizona Army National Guard.

In the last two decades, two phases of the Flagstaff Meadows subdivision were built in Bellemont before the developer, Empire Residential, filed for bankruptcy in 2008.

Now, dirt is moving again and 230 more homes are scheduled to be built in the area in the next few years, said Clinton Whiting, the president and CEO of Capstone Homes, the developer of the project.

The first phase will see residential construction begin on 104 units in November, Whiting said.

All of the homes will be single-family detached and range in size from 1,300 square feet to 2,600 square feet, with prices in the low to mid $300,000 range, Whiting said. He expects the first sales to come around August or September.

Whiting added that all the Bellemont new homes will be net zero ready, which is a Department of Energy term for a home that is at least 40 or 50 percent more energy-efficient than typical. Requirements include appliances that are Energy Star approved, high performance windows, thermal enclosure and other energy-saving components.

All homes will have the ability to add solar panels, which would allow the home to be a net zero home, Whiting added.

Fallon, the HOA president, said he is glad that the neighborhood is growing because the water company, Utility Source, will not have to raise rates now that it is adding more customers.

Their whole premise was, We dont have enough customers to keep prices down, Fallon said.

Fallon said he hopes the water company will charge a hookup fee for the new water customers, which would allow prices to stay lower for existing customers.

Its a two-edged sword, Fallon said. Do you want it to stay the way it is? Sure, but the last rate case was, You give us customers, youll get lower rates.

Even though the development is new, Griffiths said she has become close with her neighbors, both in person and through social media. The neighborhood has a Facebook page, which she said is a good place to find out about road conditions before heading into town, or to ask a question and receive helpful responses.

Like her husband, many of her neighbors commute to Flagstaff during the day, but in the evening, she said the neighbors come out and socialize.

In the evening everyone is out walking their dogs, or going to the park, she said. There are a lot of families out here, so it feels like there is a sense of family.

With the new development, Fallon said he hopes the areas highway ramps onto and off of Interstate 40 can handle the extra traffic. There have been backups in the past due to traffic at the truck stop.

Residents definitely notice some backups here, he said, although he is not personally affected because he does not commute to Flagstaff.

Fallon said he goes to the area traffic meetings, but the HOA is not involved in Arizona Department of Transportation decisions for the interchange.

The exit will continue to be a point of discussion in future area plan meetings.

VETERANS' CEMETERY

On the south side of Interstate 40 sits Camp Navajo, which was established as the Navajo Ordinance Depot in 1942, according to the Arizona Army National Guard. The base is currently in talks with the county to create a joint land use study to address future uses for the base and cooperation with the county.

Last year, the Northern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery opened at Camp Navajo.

The cemetery, which will eventually be able to inter about 10,000 people, is in its first phase of development and currently has 37 people interred on the grounds, including two Navajo Code Talkers, cemetery administrator Lt. Col. Andrew Griffin said. The cemeterys first interment was Alfred Peaches, a Navajo Code Talker.

Griffin said the cemetery is the only one in northern Arizona that offers all types of military interment. The cemetery also offers a memorial wall, where families can have a memorial even if the persons remains are not interred at the cemetery.

The cemetery is able to service a family for burial with 48 hours notification, Griffin said.

PLAN UPDATE SOON

The county is in the early stages of assembling a committee to update the Bellemont Area Plan, which was originally approved in 1985, before the subdivision was built.

County Planning Manager Jess McNeely said the area plan will be used to update plans for Bellemont and align the community with the County Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted in 2015. McNeely said Bellemonts existing plan is the oldest of the countys area plans.

There is a lot going on there, and there is potential for a lot more there, McNeely said.

Updating the plan will take at least a year, McNeely said. Once the committee, which will be selected by Ryan, is formed, the county will host public meetings to get the communitys input on the plan.

Ryan said the plan will help guide future growth in the area.

Over the next year we will be working with the community and asking, As growth occurs, what kind of growth would you like to see?

For Fallon, the answer is easy.

I would love to have a small mom-and-pop grocery store here, he said.
Shane Keplers first brush with the art of chiropractic care came when he was just five years old and newly diagnosed with severe scoliosis.

His parents faced a difficult decision: subject their young boy to a surgery with a low success rate and a laundry list of potential dangers, or do nothing and watch their son face physical struggles that included a potential inability to walk.

They wanted to put Harrington rods in my back to straighten the curvature, Kepler recalls. At that age, there were a lot of potential complications with the procedure.

Finding both routes unacceptable, Keplers parents took the advice of some close family friends and drove their son to a chiropractor in Longmont, CO, three hours from their Nebraska hometown.

It was precisely the right move. Regular chiropractic adjustments paved the way for Keplers spine to grow straight and strong, and he went on to excel in high school and college sports. Perhaps more importantly, though, the experience marked the beginning of his path to launching Kepler Family Chiropractic, located at 4727 North 26th Street in Lincoln.

Originally, I wanted to pursue zoology as a child, and then I wanted to be an anesthesiologist, Kepler said. But during college, I actually touched base with the chiropractor who helped me when I was a kid, and I realized chiropractic care was the field I was passionate about and what I wanted to do the rest of my life.

After receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University in Dallas, TX, Kepler moved back to Lincoln to start helping people with problems like sciatica, neck and back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia and neuropathies, among many other conditions. Kepler adheres to the philosophy of corrective care, which has helped him successfully treat patients for nearly 18 years.

Corrective care is a very specific type of treatment, Kepler said. You address the root cause of the problem and fix it long-term. With relief care, the other approach, its Band-Aid care  youre just alleviating symptoms temporarily.

Its not just this corrective philosophy that sets Keplers practice apart  he also invests significant energy in educating his patients, using each appointment as an opportunity to teach them about healthy living. He emphasizes the Five Pillars of Wellness, a doctrine he designed to help patients adopt mindful practices that work in tandem with chiropractic care to produce ideal results.

The pillars are: a properly functioning nervous system, true nutrition, high-quality sleep, sufficient physical activity and sound thinking. Many patients begin to see big changes, Kepler said, when they start to incorporate all five pillars into their everyday lives. Using this approach has helped many people avoid invasive, costly treatments.

Patients see that by doing small and simple things to take care of themselves, they can avoid using drugs and undergoing major health care procedures like surgery, Kepler said.

He can recall countless success stories. Among the most memorable was the man who, after developing an unrelenting case of the hiccups after a major surgery, came to Keplers office searching for an answer after seven days had passed with no relief. The exhausting streak ended within hours of receiving his first adjustment, due to Keplers ability to diagnose a nerve irritation in the upper neck.

He and his wife were obviously happy, laughs Kepler.

Hes also helped many people who have exhausted all their other options  perhaps theyre already taking copious painkillers or theyve already had an operation, and yet their symptoms persist. Kepler often succeeds in helping these end-of-the-road patients because he helps them take a step back.

The body has the ability to heal itself, he said. Thats the type of care we emphasize here.

Ultimately, though, theres more than just medical know-how driving Keplers success. He takes his job to another level by truly engaging with his patients, who span in age from infancy to elderly to everything in between.

With most of my patients, I know their spouses name and where they grew up, Kepler said. I know them on a personal level. My patients are like family to me.

To learn more about Kepler Family Chiropractic, call the office at (402) 438-2090 or visit the website at www.keplerfamilychiropractic.com.
RACINE  The wildly successful Blue Bears co-owner and her husband, who also has vast food industry experience, are channeling their culinary talents into opening a new Downtown restaurant.

The couples new endeavor will occur at 501 Sixth St., the former Henry & Wandas martini bar, which closed April 1. Blue Bear co-owner and Operations Manager Tesa Santoro-Schulte and her husband, Joseph Schulte, bought the building and hope to open their new restaurant the first week of July.

Santoro-Schultes involvement in Blue Bear, 2920 Taylor Ave., and her Nourri Corporate Catering business will continue, she said. Schulte, who has more than three decades in the food industry  including having run the food service for what is now called the Wisconsin Center District in downtown Milwaukee  will be as involved as Santoro-Schulte, or more, in the new venture, she said.

The couple is still considering what the new restaurant will be named, Santoro-Schulte said.

They will change the floor layout somewhat by converting the former dining room in back to a bakery and catering space, with another hood. With those changes, the restaurant will seat about 60 patrons.

She described the food concept as similar to that of Blue Bear, with all dishes made from natural ingredients and from scratch, all baking done on site and similar price points. Schulte will grind his own burger meat and make his own sausages.

Despite the similarity in approach with Blue Bear, Santoro-Schulte said, so far there are no (menu) items that are the same or similar, except for burgers. Were trying to stay as far away as possible.

As at Blue Bear  which Santoro-Schulte opened in early September with business partner Brian Zielinski  she said they will try to buy from small, local farmers. They will look for those that at least use organic practices, whether or not they are certified organic.

The new restaurant will at first offer dinners only, Santoro-Schulte said. In time they will add lunch, catering and Saturday and Sunday brunches. It will be open every day but Monday.

Santoro-Schulte said she and Schulte are excited to join the Downtown commercial district with its architecture, potential for development and growing crop of Downtown restaurants.

Collectively, Sixth Street is becoming a restaurant row, she said. The more great locations will draw that many more people.
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.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Fairfield U. Bookstore / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Fairfield U. Bookstore / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Author and former Fairfielder Susan Kietzman will be at the downtown Fairfield University Bookstore to discuss her new book, Every Other Wednesday, on Thursday, May 4.

The bookstore said the novel is the story of three women, each facing an empty nest, who come together to cheer and challenge one another in this insightful, poignant new novel by the author of The Good Life (2013), A Changing Marriage (2014) and The Summer Cottage (2015).
NORWALK  Norwalk Public Schools has became one of at least a dozen school districts in the region to join a national critique of the controversial Netflix show 13 Reasons Why, cautioning parents of its sensitive content.

Since the shows release on March 31, leaders in districts such as Danbury, Weston, New Canaan, New Milford, Newtown and now Norwalk have sent letters to parents notifying them of the popular show, which explores teen suicide, sexual assault, bullying and other issues.

The show, based on a book by Jay Asher, centers around high school student Hannah Baker, who after committing suicide leaves behind tapes detailing the 13 reasons why she took her own life. Many school officials worried about middle and high school students watching the show without the resources to deal with the complex issues it addresses.

The letters, officials thought, would help make parents aware of the show and be there should their children need to talk about it. In Norwalk, Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski sent a letter Thursday  in both English and Spanish  to families of students in grades 5-12.

We wanted to make sure that our high school and middle school families, including families of our students soon to be rising to middle school, were aware of some of the concerns around this series, said Brenda Wilcox Williams, spokeswoman for Norwalk Public Schools.

The letters included links to resources on suicide prevention, suggestions from mental health professionals or news articles about the show. School counselors in the districts, most superintendents said, were also briefed on how to deal with students who express concerns or are dealing with similar issues as the shows characters.

Throughout the 13 episodes of the show, viewers see through flashbacks how Hannah is bullied by other students, culminating in her witnessing a former friend being raped and then later being sexually assaulted herself. In the final episode, Hannah slits her wrists in her bathtub in a scene many viewers and experts say is too graphic and glorifies suicide.

Experts around the country, including the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board, have critiqued the show for portraying suicide in a problematic 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 13 Reasons Why Theres Hope and 13 Reasons Why Talking Points to help families discuss the show, which 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.

We know that Norwalk students are aware of this series and many are watching. Todays media environment has enabled many students to binge-watch this series. If your child is watching or plans to watch, it may be best if they had an adult with whom they could process it with, Adamowski said in his letter. It is also important for students to walk away understanding that there are many caring adults out there who will help if they find themselves in a situation similar to Hannahs, and that they should seek out those supports.

New Milford Superintendent of Schools Joshua Smith said a few dozen parents reached out to him since he sent the letter. Although the reactions to the show ranged from positive to negative, he added, all parents said they were happy he had let them know about it.

But there is a fine line between starting a dialogue and telling parents what to do, Smith said.

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.

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.

Adamowski, in his letter, told any parents that may have concerns about their child or others to not hesitate to contact their respective principal, guidance counselor or school psychologist.
RACINE  Once the home of city founder Gilbert Knapp, the venerable, 155-year-old building at 820 Main St. will see new life breathed into it if a veterans group has its way.

The three-story structure is home to the Racine Veterans Center, with a museum, meeting space and displays of local history, as well as the Foxhole Lounge bar.

But Racine Area Veterans Inc. is working to make the building a more vibrant place for veterans as well as the community at large. Group members envision the building as a more welcoming place for the veterans community  especially younger veterans  to visit and share in the areas military history.

This city and county has an incredibly rich history of military service, said Jeff Hart, RAVI first vice president.

They also feel the Veterans Center should be a go-to place for school groups and others to learn about Racine veterans, with artifacts and displays keeping their memory and service alive.

And theyre looking for the communitys help to make it happen.

Well worth keeping

The Veterans Center has already implemented some changes. A display near the entrance now features themes, like a particular conflict or armed services branch, that rotate every month. The group has also started a monthly movie night and other events to bring in veterans and non-veterans alike.

But members are hoping for more and are asking residents for help. The group is seeking artifacts, like pictures, uniforms, or articles, that it can add to displays in the building.

It also needs money. The buildings age means a lot of upkeep, with repairs needed for the foundation, electrical and plumbing systems and more.

But its well worth keeping, Hart said. Its a historical building and its so worth the effort.

The push reflects a renewed vigor from the RAVI board of directors, members said.

Particularly important to the group is bringing in younger veterans  those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Members also realize those veterans need time to get comfortable doing so just as older veterans did, said Bill May, a Vietnam veteran and coordinator of the Legacy Museum and Veterans Center.

We need to start grooming the next generation to come up so this just doesnt fizzle out and go away, Hart said.

The board also wants the building to become a resource for schools looking to incorporate veterans and local military history into curriculum.

We thought this would be a natural venue to have (students) come, where the vets have these backdrops and these props and these types of things to show, May said. Theres a lot of kids  theres a lot of adults  who dont know any of this history about our community.

And this history is what allows these kids to have these freedoms of speech, and freedoms of what they wear, and freedoms to go to school, that a lot of people dont have.

To get involved

Anyone interested in donating or want more information should contact May at 262-308-2542 or email at benefits.welfare@racineveterans.org.
President Xi has initiated a campaign of national renewal based on a return to Chinas traditional values. But at the same time, an astonishingly large number of ordinary Chinese people are turning to Christianity.

In a recent essay for the Catholic Thing, Mary Eberstadt focuses on reasons for hope and cheerfulness in the midst of Americas decaying materialist culture. In an article appropriately titled The Phoenix in the Ashes of the Culture Wars, she sees as reason for hope the rising up of men and women who rebel against todays anthropological error, who are turning to Christianity for refuge and fellowship and a homebecause they cant find refuge and fellowship and a home anywhere else. And then she writes this beautiful sentence which gets to the paradoxical and ironical heart of the situation in which we find ourselves: It is truly shocking, but shockingly true: the overbearing, secularist culture increasingly averse to Christianity is itself sowing the seeds of a religious revival.

This is a truly delightful paradox which would no doubt have set G.K. Chesterton chuckling. The secularism that is the worst enemy of Christianity is also its own worst enemy. In trying to destroy all that is truly good and beautiful, secularism ends up destroying itself. Its very decay provides the spiritual compost for the resurrection of the Faith! This is how Mrs. Eberstadt puts it:

So as befits the moment just after Lents end, it feels like winter and spring in America at the same time. Yes,  the idea of an earlier generation of believersthat Christianity would find salvation through politicslies cold in the ground, done in by decades of the so-called culture wars. Yet as is barely understood as yet, that same interment is sending forth prodigious shoots, undreamed of in earlier times that took the Christian foundation of America for granted.

Referring to recent books which signify this budding revival, Mrs. Eberstadt concludes that they may read not so much as epitaphs, but as birth announcements for an emerging moral and cultural renaissance.

Mrs. Eberstadt offers a litany of hopeful signs to buttress the hopefulness inherent in her reasoning, from a new wave of Christian intellectuals critiquing the culture to a new wave of Christian initiatives which are impacting the culture with a spirit of renewal, all of which bodes well for the future of the Faith in the United States, and all of which dovetails with similar Christian revivals in other western countries, such as that in France highlighted in my own recent essay here at The Imaginative Conservative.

And yet if the Son can be said to be rising in the West, He is also very much in the ascendant in the East.

China, the most populous country in the world, its 1.3 billion people outnumbering the population of the United States by four to one, is turning and returning to the practice of religion. After the communists had done their best to wipe all traces of religion from the culture, believing that such superstition was inimical to progress and was a cause of poverty, China might be said to have become the first post-religious culture. Having practiced freedom from religion for more than half a century, the results have, however, been less than satisfactory. Apart from the millions of people killed by the communist State under the tyrannous rule of Mao, the endemic corruption of the communist party has led to a deep disillusionment with Chinas progressive experiment. A recent poll indicated that eighty-eight percent of people believed modern Chinese society to be characterized by moral decay and a lack of trust, the consequence of what a recent writer has called a combination of a corrupt party state and a brutal, wild west capitalism.* In a society without universal rules, the writer continued, many yearn for a new, or reconstituted, moral order.

It is in this context of social confusion that Xi Jinpeng, Chinas President, on what can only be called a pilgrimage in 2013 to the birthplace of Confucius, paraphrased the ancient sage in his assertion that a state without virtue cannot flourish; a person without virtue cannot succeed. Seeming to understand the harmful political ramifications of a society lacking virtue, President Xi has initiated a campaign of national renewal based on a return to Chinas traditional values, the very values that the Communist Party had spent sixty years trying to eradicate. Abandoning the preposterous progressivism that has animated Chinese politics since the Revolution, President Xi appears to have embraced the decidedly conservative idea that ancient beliefs hold the key to Chinas salvation.

If, however, the ancient beliefs of China are being embraced by Chinas political leaders, an astonishingly large number of ordinary Chinese people, especially the young urban middle-class, are turning to Christianity. There are now as many as eighty million Christians in China, a powerful spiritual presence which is very much in the ascendant. Ian Johnson, in his new book The Souls of China: The Return of Religion after Mao, likens this Chinese religious revival to the Great Awakenings in the United States in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, during which a period of rapid growth in the number of believing Christians led to major socio-political change and cultural renewal. Already Chinas Christians are campaigning against the governments policy of forced abortions, indicating the tension between the virtue being advocated by the politicians and that being practiced by the nations burgeoning army of Christians.

As Christian doom-mongers wring their hands in despair at the prospect of a post-Christian future, and as presumptuous progressives wave theirs in triumph at the same prospect, it seems that we are a long way from the freedom from religion that Marx, Stalin, Mao and the neo-atheists prophesied. Far from a future characterized by a world that is free from religion we might see a future characterized by a return to the freedom that true religion brings.

The Imaginative Conservative applies the principle of appreciation to the discussion of culture and politicswe approach dialogue with magnanimity rather than with mere civility. Will you help us remain a refreshing oasis in the increasingly contentious arena of modern discourse? Please consider donating now.

* Johnson, Ian A Resurgence of Religious Faith Is Changing China (The Economist, March 2017)

Editors note: The featured image is by Daniel Ramirez and is licensed under Creative Commons 2.0.
The Senate confirmation of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture last week was great news for Nebraska agriculture, said Rep. Adrian Smith said.

At my Farm Bill listening sessions last week, Third District producers made it clear they wanted to see Secretary Perdue confirmed as soon as possible so we can hit the ground running on agriculture policy, Smith said. With his wide range of experience as a farmer, businessman, and governor, Perdue is well-positioned to lead the USDA in helping create more opportunity for U.S. producers.

Smith is founder and co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus.

Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president, agreed with Smith. From helping Congress develop the next farm bill to helping grow and expand trade opportunities, Americas farm and ranch families truly have a friend leading the agriculture department, he said.

Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union president, said his organization stands ready to assist the new secretary as he navigates the myriad issues facing family agriculture and rural communities.

Johnson said Perdue will need to work immediately to address the depressed farm economy, offering assistance to struggling farmers across the country.

We particularly look forward to working toward finding solutions for dairy producers, as discussed during the confirmation process, he said. Additionally, NFU urges Perdue to quickly review and approve the long-overdue Farmer Fair Practices Rules, which will provide farmers and ranchers with basic protections against anti-competitive practices.

Johnson said Perdue is taking on the important and demanding role of advocating for family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Although there is much to be done, we are optimistic that he is up to the task.

Other national agricultural groups also praised the confirmation of Perdue:

 The USDA plays the most crucial of government functions for farmers across the country, and we are glad that Secretary Perdue is finally on board, said American Soybean Association President Ron Moore, an Illinois soybean farmer.

 Decisions made every day at the USDA have a significant impact on our ability to run our operations, said Craig Uden, president of the National Cattlemens Beef Association.

 USDA has been without a secretary for too long, but we are confident that Secretary Perdue will bring strong leadership to the department, the National Corn Growers Association said in a release. There are still more than 200 political appointments at USDA that have yet to be made. We are ready to partner with Secretary Perdue and the rest of the sdministration to build a better farm economy. That begins with strong trade policy and continued investment in renewable fuels. It also means protecting risk management programs during a weak economy, and beginning preparations for the next farm bill.
Nebraska Extension Tractor Safety and Hazardous Occupations Courses are scheduled at nine Nebraska locations this year, including Grand Island.

Teens 14 or 15 years old who will work on a farm are invited and encouraged to attend.

Federal law prohibits youths under 16 years old from working on a farm for anyone other than parents or legal guardians.

Certification received through this course grants an exemption to the law, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and do field work with specific mechanized equipment.

The most common cause of agricultural-related deaths in Nebraska is overturned tractors and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The courses will offer extensive training on tractor and ATV safety during in-class lessons with hands-on activities.

The course consists of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. The first day of classroom instruction includes hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test.

Students are required to pass the test before taking the driving test on Day 2. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program.

The second day will include a driving test, equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. To receive certification, students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course.

All on-site classes begin at 8 a.m. End times will vary, depending on the number of participants. Central Nebraska course sites include:

 May 30-31  Kearney Fairgrounds, (308) 236-1235.

 June 13-14  North Platte West Central Research and Extension Center, (308) 532-2683.

 July 10-11  Grand Island College Park, (308) 385-5088.

Participants must submit registration forms at least one week before the course. The registration form is available online at kearney.unl.edu. Cost of the course is $60, which includes educational materials, instruction, supplies and lunches.
Nebraska was the nations leading commercial red meat producer in March with 707.1 million pounds, up from 671.5 million pounds from March 2016, according to the USDAs National Agricultural Statistic Center.

The March report said that in Nebraska, the commercial cattle slaughter of 650,200 head compared to 518,600 head in 2016. Live weight was 1,415 pounds, compared to 1,438 pounds in 2016.

Commercial hog slaughter in Nebraska was 683,900 head, compared to 672,300 head in 2016. Average live weight was 281 pounds, compared to 282 in 2016.

Nationwide, commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.54 billion pounds in March, up 6 percent from the 4.26 billion pounds produced in March 2016.

Beef production, at 2.25 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.77 million head, up 9 percent from March 2016. The average live weight was down 20 pounds from the previous year, at 1,350 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.27 billion pounds, up 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.7 million head, up 6 percent from March 2016. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 284 pounds.

January-to-March 2017 commercial red meat production was 12.8 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2016. Accumulated beef production was up 6 percent from last year, veal was down 4 percent, pork was up 3 percent, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.

The USDA also reported in their cattle on feed report that Nebraska feedlots with capacities of 1,000 or more head contained 2.46 million cattle on feed on April 1. This inventory was up 1 percent from last year.

Placements during March totaled 495,000 head, up 9 percent from 2016. Placements were the highest for March since the series began in 1996.

Fed cattle marketings for the month of March totaled 465,000 head, up 9 percent from last year. Marketings were the highest for March since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance during March totaled 10,000 head, unchanged from last year.

Nationwide, cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.9 million head on April 1. The inventory was slightly above April 1, 2016.

The inventory included 7.23 million steers and steer calves, down 2 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 66 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 3.67 million head, up 5 percent from 2016.

Placements in feedlots during March totaled 2.10 million head, 11 percent above 2016. Placements were the highest for March since the series began in 1996. Net placements were 2.05 million head.

During March, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 350,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 295,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 620,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 585,000, 900-999 pounds were 185,000, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 67,000 head.

Marketings of fed cattle during March totaled 1.91 million head, 10 percent above 2016. Other disappearance totaled 56,000 head during March, 10 percent below 2016.
Jerrys Sheetmetal Heating-Cooling Inc. of Grand Island has received the Circle of Excellence Award from Lennox Industries for the seventh consecutive year.

The Circle of Excellence Award recognizes the top 50 Lennox dealerships out of more than 10,000 dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

Earning the Circle of Excellence Award emphasizes Jerrys Sheetmetals progress as a leading marketer of residential comfort systems and demonstrates their commitment to sales performance, company growth, successful advertising and promotional campaigns and effective business planning, said Douglas Young, president and chief operating officer of LII Residential Heating and Cooling.

Established in 1941, Jerrys Sheetmetal employs 55 staff members and services Grand Island and the surrounding area. The business is owned by Jerry Hehnke and his sons, Monte, Jay and K.C. Hehnke.
Wright honored for serving juvenile offenders

Kara Wright, an outpatient counselor at Mid-Plains Center for Behavioral Healthcare Services in Grand Island, has been presented the Multisystemic Therapy Sustained Excellence Award in the Therapist Adherence category by MST Services for her work as on outpatient counselor at a community based agency.

MST Services administers the global dissemination of the treatment model known as MST, used for treating serious, violent and continual juvenile offenders. The ESSY is given on an annual basis to therapists who have demonstrated creative, out-of-the-box thinking, persistence and dedication to accomplish positive outcomes for youth and their families undergoing MST.

Awards are based on feedback from families about their experience with MST and are presented to those teams and therapists that rank in the top 1 percent among their peers around the world.

Wright has worked as an MST therapist for 11 years. At Mid-Plains Center she provides intensive outpatient therapy to youths and families in need of prevention, treatment, crisis intervention, placement and aftercare services. She can be reached at Mid-Plains Center at (308) 385-5250.

Butz joins Grand Island law firm

Zachary J. Butz has joined the law firm of Shamberg, Wolf, McDermott & Depue in Grand Island as an associate attorney specializing in business and commercial law, as well as estate planning.

Butz received his bachelor of arts in history from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2009. He earned his Juris Doctorate from UNL with concentrations in intellectual property and media law in 2012 and is a member of the Nebraska Bar.

He and his wife, Chelsey, have relocated from Los Angeles, where he was employed by NBCUniversal International Television.

Butz is a native of Grand Island and a 2005 graduate of Grand Island Senior High.

Heartland Electric hires Simmons as manager

Charlie Simmons has been hired by Heartland Electric Co. in Grand Island as manager.

Simmons has more than 20 years of experience in the electrical industry, including positions entailing estimating, purchasing, planning, supervising, project management, installations and managing accounts. His career in the electrical industry spans across multiple disciplines and positions that required increased responsibility.

He will continue the firms focus on customer service and work on expanding its service area.

Therapists attend oral motor assessment training

Ann Wardyn, Jennifer Arndt and Liz Weber of Childrens Rehab Center in Grand Island attended the Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention training in February in Greeley, Colo.

Participants received hands-on intensive training in the Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, which includes an assessment battery for determining oro-facial movement, compensatory handling techniques, and oral motor intervention and treatment techniques. The course included instruction on how sensory input and gravity affect oral motor patterns, intervention for secretion control and decreased drooling, and tongue thrust. These techniques can be used to facilitate speech and feeding.

Wardyn, director of occupational therapy at Childrens Rehab Center, has been an occupational therapist for Central Nebraska Rehab and Childrens Rehab for 27 years. She has a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy from Creighton University in Omaha.

Arndt is speech therapy director at Childrens Rehab Center. She has bachelor of science and master of science degrees in speech language pathology.

Weber is a speech language pathologist. She has a bachelor of science in education and a master of science in education with an emphasis on communication disorders.

Childrens Rehab Center is located at 3004 W. Faidley Ave. They can be reached at (308) 398-5170.

Adair, Jensen complete professional certification

Kimberly Adair, vice president of finance and accounting, and Angie Jensen, collections manager, of Amur Equipment Finance in Grand Island have received the Certified Lease and Finance Professional designation from the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation.

After completing training, Adair and Jensen passed a rigorous eight-hour exam.

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgable professional who has demonstrated competency through testing of knowledge, continuing education, and a commitment to exemplary ethics and best business practices in the industry. Currently there are 415 active Certified Lease & Finance Professionals.

Adair joined Amur Equipment Finance in 2010 and is responsible for all of the companys accounting operations, including receivables, and payables. She has more than 20 years of experience in the broader financial industry.

Jensen joined Amur Equipment Finance six years ago and is responsible for collections and works to negotiate settlements, forbearance and the restructuring of agreements on delinquent accounts. Prior to joining Amur, she worked in the commercial and agriculture loan department at Lincoln-based TierOne Bank.

Travel agents recognized with 500 Club induction

Gannon Travel Associates travel agents Deb Lemburg, Sherri Sanchez and Brandie Tinajero have been recognized by the Mark Travel Corp. through the induction of Gannon Travel into the 500 Club for 2017.

The 500 Club recognizes travel agents who are top supporters and producers of Funjet Vacations, Blue Sky Tours, Southwest Vacations and United Vacations.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Gannon Travel agents have received this recognition.

Gannon Travel is located at 2319 N. Webb Road. They can be reached at (308) 381-8785.
Despite the cold weather, several families made it out to the Ag Science Expo in the Nebraska Building at Fonner Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Expo was a first-time event that celebrated the Nebraska Science Festival. It was put on by Raising Nebraska and Nebraska Extension.

Kids were able to visit several stations, which taught and demonstrated activities relating to the STEM field. Six stations included:

- 3-D Sand: Understand topography maps by playing in the sand.

- Nutrients for soil: Discover the nutrients that let plants grow.

- Electric Flower: Build a circuit to make your flower glow.

- Print your fix: Design and print your solution to a problem.

- Laparoscopic Surgery: Complete the challenge by designing a tool and conducting surgery.

- Code your name: use binary code to make a name bracelet.

Beth Janning, Raising Nebraska educator, said with about an hour left of the event, just shy of 100 people came through the Expo. She said theres been nothing done like this before, such as it being held in celebration with the Nebraska Science Festival, which was from April 20-29.

Dagen Valentine, an assistant extention educator for 4-H youth development, helped kids make objects using a 3-D printer. His station had three different scenarios that gave practical problems that needed solving.

For example, one scenario was that a dog chewed the knob off of an Etch-A-Sketch. The kids had to draw dimensions to put numbers in the computer-aided design software to create the object.

Once the numbers were plugged into the CAD software on the computer, they were transferred to the printing machines and kids got to watch their fix-it object being made before their eyes.

Janning said the event allowed kids to explore and learn about things that could lead to career paths in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics realm.

If we can spark an interest in the youth, Janning said, it could help lead them into those career paths down the road.

We never really know what sparks that interest, she said about the a-ha moment when kids realize they want to pursue a certain career. But maybe this is the one, she said.
TOWN OF DOVER  A couple dozen volunteers, 28 gallons of paint and Leadership Union Grove made the common areas at Cottage 16 a lot brighter and cheerier Saturday.

Cottage 16 is a transitional housing center for homeless veterans at Southern Wisconsin Center. There are four pods, or wings, each with a common living area. Leadership Union Grove, which is sponsored by the Union Grove Chamber of Commerce, chose as its project this year to repaint all four of those common areas.

After spending an afternoon learning about Cottage 16, and spending time within its walls, the need for facility updates became immediately apparent, the Leadership Union Grove class wrote. The furniture was tattered and torn while the paint was very bland and institutional. Cottage 16 receives very limited funds to manage a comfortable living establishment and theyve come to rely on donations and community support.

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 45-1 will be taking care of that need for new furniture, Leadership participants said.

Fundraisers and donations are making it all possible, including a $1,000 donation from the Union Grove Kiwanis.

The volunteer painters arrived at 8 a.m. along with students and parents from Raymond Elementary School and three student volunteers from Concordia University. Five or six current Cottage 16 residents worked alongside them.

From the moment we walked in with paint and supplies, they were thanking us, said Leadership member Stephanie Kurt.  We hadnt even put paint on the wall.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs runs the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program, and Cottage 16 currently houses 25 vets with a capacity of 30, said Executive Director Melissa Taggart.

They come in homeless for various reasons, she said. They may have lost a job, may have physical handicaps or medical problems, mental health issues, or drug/alcohol problems. Each resident can stay up to 24 months, and the average stay is about one year, she said.

Kurt said the group expected about a two-day painting job. But with the additional volunteers, things went much faster than expected. By about 3 p.m. the job was finished.

Everyone worked very hard and very well, and with the amount of volunteers, we were able to cut it short, she said.

And by the end of the day, (the residents) were just in awe.
Theyre about the size of your kids Schwinn.

The engines arent much more powerful than your neighbors weed wacker.

And the last time they were popular  really popular  lava lamps were a thing.

Yeah, were talking mopeds, the quirky motorized bikes from the 1970s and 80s that are buzzing their way back onto the streets.

Omaha has an enthusiastic and growing number of moped riders who love these funky two-wheelers  even if they do sound like a grass trimmer on steroids and top out at 30 mph.

When I get on a moped, Omaha rider Dasha Sudar said, I just have this huge smile on my face.

Did we mention that these things still have pedals? More on that later.

There are even a few local gangs like the Dead Possums and the Kit Kats  basically groups of moped-loving friends  who come together for rides.

Part of the appeal is nostalgia. Riders say cruising on mopeds makes them feel like kids.

The bikes have a lovable quality.

Some riders even go so far as to name their mopeds. Sudar calls one of hers Tito. (Yes, she has more than one.)

The most popular mopeds  and the bikes you see around Omaha  are vintage models from the 1970s and 1980s. That makes these beauties even cooler.

But mopeds arent just cool. Theyre practical.

You can squeeze out 80 miles per gallon. While you need a regular drivers license, you dont need a motorcycle license, registration or even a plate. Theyre small and light enough  about 100 pounds  to park at a bike rack. If you break it down, you can heave it into a car trunk for a lift home.

Try doing that with a Harley.

Plus, they dont cost a bundle. You can get a good used one for $700 to $1,000.

Mopeds are attention-getters  and not just because of the noisy engines. Car passengers snap pictures and shoot video as mopeds buzz along. People smile and wave or flash a thumbs-up, just because the bikes look so unusual.

Rider Benjamin Piper said he gets peppered with questions whenever he pulls his bike up to a restaurant or store.

What is that? people ask.

Next question: How much would you sell it for?

Moped riders ooze a certain hang-loose vibe  think laid-back surfer  so they welcome the questions and stares.

They dont take themselves too seriously. As one rider put it, mopeds are motorcycles for nerds.

Edward Manhart, whos 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds, admits he looks ridiculous perched on his moped, kind of like a circus bear on a trike.

We all laugh at ourselves for riding mopeds, he said.

Cruising at 30 mph in a car doesnt seem fast, he said, but hit that speed on a low-slung moped, and it feels like youre flying.

Manhart opened a moped shop near 42nd and Leavenworth streets last fall, and it doubles as a gathering spot for riders.

They trade tips on repairs and meet there for rides, as they did on a recent Saturday.

When the 20 riders fired up their bikes, it sounded like an orchestra of radio-controlled airplanes. Theres a reason riders call themselves a swarm when they ride in a group: The 50-cubic-centimeter engines sounded like gas-powered bumblebees.

Manhart started about eight years ago with a scooter, which is more conventional looking than a moped and can go faster. The scooter was OK until a friend made a suggestion.

Hes like, Dude, you should get a moped, Manhart said.

As soon as he rode one, Manhart was hooked.

Hes always been mechanically minded, so opening a shop to service and sell mopeds was a good fit.

Manhart said that, when he got his first moped in 2010, Omaha had a handful of riders.

Now there are dozens, and the count is rising.

Omaha has hosted a moped rally the past three Junes. In 2016, the Rally of the Corn drew nearly 100 riders from Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Illinois.

Oh, yeah. Back to those pedals.

Unlike cars and motorcycles, which have four-stroke engines, mopeds have simple two-stroke motors powered by a mix of gas and oil, just like a weed wacker, chain saw or leaf blower.

Moped riders use the pedals to crank the engine to start it.

Manhart pointed out that the earliest motorcycles, in the late 1800s, were actually bicycles mounted with engines, so the whole pedal thing on mopeds kind of makes sense.

In a pinch, you actually can propel a moped by pedaling it like a bicycle  but its a chore.

People cruised on mopeds in Europe prior to the 1950s. But mopeds didnt gain big popularity in this country until the 1973 U.S. oil crisis caused rising gas prices and fuel shortages.

The gas-sipping moped was just right for the times, and it fit in during the funky 70s.

Dan Kastner, co-founder of a national group called the Moped Army, said the mopeds popularity has really risen in the past five years.

There are more moped shops and rallies around the country, he said, along with about 20 official branches of the Moped Army in cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta and his town of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The branch names sound like college intramural teams: Creatures of the Loin, Hot N Readyz and Landsquids.

The names of the Omaha gangs are just as playful.

Manhart, founder of the Dead Possums, said the road kill reference is a wink at how a 100-pound moped doesnt stand a chance against a 2-ton car.

Sudar, the rider who named her moped, is a member of the Kit Kats. The moniker has nothing to do with the candy. If you think the gang got its name in part because the founders owned cats, youd be right.

Sudar also rides with a group of women who cruise to restaurants for brunch. For her, the friendships with other moped lovers is the best part of owning one.

We have discussions, she said, about the best makeup for hot days (on) mopeds.
President Trumps Great Wall along the Mexican border is a truly terrible idea.

It would be hugely expensive, costing an estimated $21.6 billion. It would not work. And it would symbolize to the whole world the darkest instinct that surfaces periodically in the American character: xenophobic resentment of foreigners.

The Statue of Liberty promises, I lift my lamp beside the golden door. The Great Wall threatens to slam that door and smother that lamp. A barrier of despair would replace a beacon of hope.

Trump loves to build monuments to himself, and the Washington Post calls the Great Wall a pharaonic exercise, a pyramidlike folly with only one purpose: to fulfill an ill-advised campaign pledge that Trump made repeatedly  and cynically  to whip his crowds into a fearful frenzy.

My base definitely wants the border wall, the president told the Associated Press. Youve been to many of the rallies, OK, the thing they want more than anything is the wall.

Thats true, and Trumps base remains fiercely loyal. In the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, only 2 percent of Trump voters expressed any regrets at their decision. Ninety-four percent viewed him favorably.

Budget director Mick Mulvaney told the Wall Street Journal that since Trump won the election, he is entitled to have some of his priorities funded and that the wall is one of his top, if not his top, priority.

But the presidents pandering to his base shows how badly hes misreading the political climate today. Winning does entitle a president to certain privileges: signing executive orders and making appointments and proposals. It does not entitle him to the wins Trump so desperately craves.

To pass legislation, any president has to develop a consensus  to convince a majority, in Congress and around the country, that his proposals are worthy. And Trump has utterly failed to do that.

After 100 days, Trump is still a minority president. He received 46 percent in the general election. In national polls, his average rating is 42 percent favorable, 53 percent unfavorable  by far the worst performance by any new president since modern polling began during the Eisenhower years.

While the presidents base remains solid, he has failed to expand his appeal beyond his core constituency. In the latest NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, 54 percent of independents disapprove of his performance and only 30 percent view him positively. He risks losing the nations political middle ground, asserts the Journal.

Trumps problems are even deeper when it comes to the Great Wall. Last November, a Quinnipiac University survey found that 55 percent of voters were opposed to his project. Today, the negatives have shot up to 64 percent, with only one-third supporting the idea.

The Journal reported recently that not a single member of the House or Senate representing the (border) region, whether Republican or Democrat, supports Trumps request for funding the wall. Even those who favor greater border security dont think the wall will stop anybody, especially the criminal organizations that Trump alleges are polluting the country with narcotics and violence.

They will go over, through or under physical barriers, sometimes pretty quickly, said Rep. Martha McSally, an Arizona Republican. Rep. Will Hurd, a Texas Republican, described the wall as the most expensive and least effective way to secure the border.

The opposition doesnt end there. A Washington Post report from Hurds district says there are also fears that a physical wall would violate the property rights that Texans hold dear, and be a kick in the gut to a regional economy heavily dependent on cross-border trade.

It could seriously turn the border into another Rust Belt if we do not take the economic issue more seriously, says Al Arreola Jr., president of the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

This is why Democrats felt so free to stand up to Trump and forced him to back off demands to include $1.4 billion for the wall in this years budget. We both covered Congress during the early days of Ronald Reagans presidency, and Democratic leaders told us frequently: We cant oppose him; we have to work with him. Hes too popular.

None of that feeling is present in Washington today. Democrats dont fear or respect President Trump. He still vows to build the wall eventually, but he will not gain the veneration or the victories he hungers for by supporting a project that is not just pharaonic, but moronic  a tawdry testament to his own ego and his worst impulses.
RACINE  The safe zone resolution being discussed by the Racine Unified School Board has gotten the attention of members of the community.

The resolution was hotly debated at a School Board meeting last Monday with the decision by the board to move the resolution back to the Governance Committee for more study.

School Board member John Heckenlively said at the meeting that the language in the current resolution likely would not pass.

What Im hoping for, by moving it to committee, is well have the opportunity to sit down and review the language and come up with a resolution that we can fully come behind as a board, and hopefully that we can pass unanimously, Heckenlively said. Thats where were at.

The resolution, in its current draft, would declare that ensuring that Racine Unified schools are safe and inviting for all students and their families will facilitate the physical safety and emotional well-being of all children in the district and is paramount to students ability to achieve; this includes immigrant and refugee students, LGBTQ students, Muslim and other students of diverse racial and religious background.

The resolution also says immigration enforcement activities in and around schools are a distraction and asks for the district to: create bilingual Know Your Rights presentations; create a rapid response team to assist student or family members who have been detained; and refuse all voluntary information sharing with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to the fullest extent possible under the law.

Stacy Tapp, chief of communications and community engagement for Unified, said that in the past seven years the district hasnt had any incidents involving ICE. The future of the resolution, and how it might look or be implemented, is in the School Boards hands, she said.

District officials say that, currently, Unified does not collect immigration information on students.

Because this resolution has not been put into policy, it is unclear if teachers will be disciplined if they cooperate with ICE officials.

Immigration activist groups Voces de la Frontera and Youth Empowered in the Struggle are the main organizations behind this resolution, with support from the Racine Education Association, the union for teachers in the district.

Outlandish resolution

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said, in an email statement that the School Board did the right thing.

Im glad the Racine Unified School District board did not rush to push this outlandish resolution, Vos said. The basic idea of obstructing employees from cooperating with law enforcement, whether its at the state, local or federal level, is clearly outside the bounds of what we would expect from our community schools.

State Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, said he doesnt have an opinion on the resolution because he hasnt fully read it yet.

However Mason did say he doesnt support Assembly Bill 190, which prohibits a city, village, town or county from enacting or enforcing an ordinance, resolution or policy that prohibits the enforcement of a federal or state law relating to illegal aliens or ascertaining whether an individual has satisfactory immigration status.

I think its a horrible approach to public policy, Mason said. Thats a high-stakes game of policy that puts kids in the crossfire  I think its a horrible way to go after the immigrant community and undercuts local control.

The bill, if passed, would fine municipalities a certain amount depending on population for every day that an ordinance, policy or resolution is in place.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of Executive Budget and Finance, AB 190 would not affect school districts.

Vos did not respond to comment on AB 190.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., did not respond to requests comment.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Michael Liedtke (Associated Press) San Francisco, United States  Sun, April 30, 2017 15:05 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb8c6bd 2 Science & Tech Apple,#Apple,iPhone,Qualcomm,patent Free

Apple is refusing to pay any royalties owed to mobile chip maker Qualcomm for some of the features in the iPhone, escalating a patent feud that has turned the former business partners into bitter adversaries.

The latest twist in the dispute represents a major blow for Qualcomm, which depends on licensing fees for a large portion of its revenue.

Apple's decision to withhold royalties will cost Qualcomm up to $500 million in the current quarter alone, based on revised revenue estimates that Qualcomm released Friday.

"This is getting ugly, the level of hostility just went up another notch," said technology analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights and Strategy.

As retaliation, Qualcomm could seek a court order halting iPhone sales until Apple pays the royalties that Qualcomm contends it's owed, Moorhead said.

Qualcomm hasn't threatened to go to that extreme yet, but its top lawyer made it clear on Friday that the San Diego company is girding for a fierce fight with its Cupertino, California-based Apple, the world's most valuable company.

"We will continue vigorously to defend our business model, and pursue our right to protect and receive fair value for our technological contributions to the industry," said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm's general counsel.

Apple concedes it and its suppliers owe Qualcomm some licensing fees on iPhone sales.

But Apple believes Qualcomm has been abusing its power in the mobile chip market to charge for royalties on features that aren't covered by its patents.

Read also: Apple to offer classes at stores

Qualcomm, in turn, has accused Apple of breaking contracts in an attempt to lower its licensing fees and also interfering in deals negotiated with iPhone suppliers.

The stalemate prompted Apple to sue Qualcomm in January in a federal complaint. Qualcomm denied the allegations and fired back with its own lawsuit against Apple earlier this month.

In a Friday statement, Apple said it won't pay Qualcomm any further royalties until the courts determine the amount, a process that could take several years.

"As we've said before, Qualcomm's demands are unreasonable and they have been charging higher rates based on our innovation, not their own," Apple said.

Rosenberg reiterated that Qualcomm holds "valid and enforceable" licensing agreements on various features in iPhones. Apple's suspension of royalty payments marks "the latest step in Apple's global attack on Qualcomm," said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm's general counsel.

Apple isn't alone in its accusations against Qualcomm. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also has filed a lawsuit alleging that Qualcomm has been imposing unfair licensing terms on manufacturers.

With the loss of iPhone royalty payments, Qualcomm now expects its revenue for its April-June quarter to range from $4.8 billion and $5.6 billion, down from its previous forecast of $5.3 billion to $6.1 billion.

Qualcomm now expects its earnings for the period to range from 75 to 85 cents per share. That's down from an earlier projection of 90 cents to $1.15 per share.

Investors shook off the shock of Qualcomm's lowered guidance after initially driving down the company's stock. Its stock rose 53 cents, or 1 percent, to $53.74 on Friday. The stock has fallen by about 15 percent since Apple filed its lawsuit.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Barbara Ortutay (Associated Press) New York, United States  Sun, April 30, 2017 13:02 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb85a6c 2 Science & Tech Facebook,#facebook,Facebook-stories,politics,propaganda,Censorship,Mark-Zuckerberg Free

Facebook is acknowledging that governments or other malicious non-state actors are using its social network to influence political sentiment in ways that could affect national elections.

It's a long way from CEO Mark Zuckerberg's assertion back in November that it was "pretty crazy" to think that false news on Facebook influenced the U.S. presidential election. It's also a major sign that the world's biggest social network is continuing to grapple with its outsized role in how the world communicates, for better or for worse.

In a paper posted online on Thursday, Facebook security researchers and its chief security officer said the company will monitor the efforts of those who try to hurt "civic discourse" on its service, whether that's governments or other groups. It is also looking to identify fake accounts, and says it will notify people if their accounts have been targeted by such cyberattackers.

"(We) have had to expand our security focus from traditional abusive behavior, such as account hacking, malware, spam and financial scams, to include more subtle and insidious forms of misuse, including attempts to manipulate civic discourse and deceive people," the report states. It was written by researchers Jen Weedon and William Nuland and Facebook exec Alex Stamos and titled "Information Operations and Facebook."

ELECTION MEDDLING

The team defined "information operations" as any actions taken by governments or other actors to "distort domestic or foreign political sentiment" to achieve a strategic purpose. Such operations can include the dissemination of false news and disinformation and the use of fake-account networks aimed at manipulating public opinion through a variety of means.

Read also: Facebook now allows 360-degree livestreaming

Using the 2016 U.S. presidential election as an example, Facebook said it uncovered "several situations" where malicious actors used social media to "share information stolen from other sources, such as email accounts, with the intent of harming the reputation of specific political targets."

The company did not name the actors or the victims, but it said its data "does not contradict" a January report by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence that Russia tried to meddle with the U.S. election.

MORE TO DO

Jonathan Albright, a professor who studies data journalism at Elon University in North Carolina, urged journalists and others back in February to look not just at the role of Facebook in spreading false or misleading information, but also at the sources of such information. That is, to attempt to identify both the producers of this material and those who spread it using social networks and other means.

Facebook's paper addresses the amplifiers of such content  the fake accounts that "like" and share false news stories, for example. The company has also announced steps to support legitimate journalism and news literacy. But the paper does not delve into ideas about attacking false news and propaganda at the source, including by banning such content from the site.

Currently, Facebook users who want to share an article that has been debunked by outside fact-checkers, for example, are able to do so after they get a warning from Facebook. Facebook has long held that it does not want to be the arbiter of truth  that it wants its users to decide for themselves (within limits of its terms of service) what they want to read and post.

But balancing a desire not to censor with a desire to weed out state-sponsored propaganda has been a challenging exercise for the company.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Anders Melin and Mark Bergen (Bloomberg)  Sun, April 30, 2017 17:14 2018 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb8f32e 2 Science & Tech Google,#Google,CEO,Sundar-Pichai,tech-companies,#technology,technology Free

Alphabet Inc. cant seem to stop heaping massive pay packages on Googles Sundar Pichai.

The chief executive officer of the search-engine unit received $199.7 million in compensation for 2016, according to a regulatory filing Friday. That marks his third straight year getting nine-figure pay -- a rare accomplishment even at well-paying technology companies and virtually unheard of in other industries.

Since he became CEO in 2015, Pichai has moved to give Google more control over two critical fields: artificial intelligence and cloud. He oversaw a 17.8 percent jump in Googles core ads business last year, while also boosting its revenue in cloud and hardware, a long-sought goal of the company.

Pichais 2016 compensation consisted mainly of 273,328 Class C shares that vest quarterly through 2019 if he remains on the job. The award was granted about six months after the tech business announced it would reorganize into holding company Alphabet. As part of the transition, Pichai was tapped to lead Google, taking the reins from Larry Page who became chief executive of the parent entity.

Read also: Google Street View to capture running and walking trails in Singapore

It wasnt the first time following in Pages footsteps led to big payouts for Pichai. In 2015, he got about $100 million in reported compensation after he was promoted to senior vice president of products and took over many of Pages responsibilities overseeing areas such as search and ad products. That made him one of the highest-paid U.S. executives that year, according to the Bloomberg Pay Index.

His biggest pay package that can be gleaned from filings came in 2014. He got 442,424 shares worth about $250 million in August that year, shortly before his promotion. The stock will be fully vested in 2018. Since Alphabet wasnt required to disclose his compensation at the time, filings dont reveal why he received such a large grant. A company spokeswoman declined to comment on the award. Alphabet also didnt disclose any salary or cash bonus paid to Pichai in 2014.

The Mountain View, California-based company typically grants equity awards to top bosses once every two years, a strategy it has said encourages executives to take a long-term view of the business.

Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat got a $39.1 million pay package for 2016, most of it in a stock award that vests through 2019.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) New York, United States  Sun, April 30, 2017 16:08 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb8dde6 2 Lifestyle gwyneth-paltrow,Anna-Wintour,Goop-magazine,#magazine,magazine,partnership,Vogue Free

Gwyneth Paltrow and Vogue editor Anna Wintour are teaming up to take the actress' Goop website to print through a partnership with magazine publisher Conde Nast.

Wintour, who is also the artistic director at Conde Nast, says that through the Goop brand, Paltrow has built a "thoroughly modern take on how we live today."

Read also: Playboy magazine features hijabi woman for first time

The first issue of Goop magazine is slated for a September newsstand release. The magazine will be published quarterly and will revolve around the wellness themes seen on Goop.com.

Paltrow says in a statement that Wintour is "a powerhouse, and one of the most admirable thought-leaders in media."

The Oscar-winning actress launched Goop in 2008 as a weekly newsletter.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Shashi Jayakumar (The Jakarta Post) Singapore  Sun, April 30, 2017 13:34 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb89261 3 Books Pramoedya-Ananta-Toer,Indonesian-writer,Literature,the-buru-quartet,New-Order,Book,#books,writer,author Free

Pramoedya Ananta Toer  who died on this day, April 30, eleven years ago  did not recede into benevolent old age nor fade gently away.

In his last years, and indeed, since his final release from prison in 1979, Pramoedya  or Pram, as he was fondly known to friends  held court in his home near Jakarta, venting his spleen on successive administrations, the state of his country and what he saw as the slow sliding away of his beloved country, Indonesia, from the aspirations of its founders.

Pram had earned this right. For his writing and social commentary, he suffered imprisonment, first by the Dutch and then by successive Indonesian governments beginning in 1960. But the event that proved the turning point was the alleged coup attempt against President Sukarno in October 1965. Many came under suspicion  including communists and their sympathizers.

Whether Pram was a communist never became clear; he nonetheless became a victim of the bloodiest purge in Indonesian history. The blows he took from soldiers meant to be escorting him away from an angry mob left him with impaired hearing, a condition that deteriorated as the years went by. But the more grievous loss was that of his manuscripts  the product of years of labor vanished and burnt in one night.

Read also: 12 Indonesian books you should add to your reading list

It could have ended there; one of the many left-leaning intellectuals disappeared in the chaotic aftermath of the 1965 troubles that followed the ouster of Sukarno in that year. But it did not. It provided indirectly for the genesis what is unarguably the summa of his lifes work, The Buru Quartet. Even if so much else perished at the hands of the mob, this masterwork secures Prams place in the literary firmament.

Initially not even allowed a pencil, Pram dictated this while interned in Buru, a penal colony located in the East of the archipelago. He did so with prisoners listening spellbound in the midst of incredible hardship that beggars belief. In a prodigious feat of memory, he was subsequently able to write down what he had earlier told his fellow men. He had no choice, as the authorities had burned most of his notes before his 1979 release.

It has often been said that the four volumes chart the tumultuous course of a colonial nation on the cusp of massive social and political change. But in reality these volumes do much more than even that. Pram introduces with effortless ease a veritable kaleidoscope of people who touch us, and move us. Javanese natives, Europeans and Indos (Eurasians) move about with their hopes and dreams in the seething milieu of Indonesia in the early years of the twentieth century. They all have their stories they share with us. These range from the seemingly most insignificant Javanese peasant to the chief protagonist, the journalist and political activist Raden Mas Minke, engaged in a succession of national movements that earned him the enmity of the Dutch authorities. Along the way, we track the shaping of Minkes awareness and sense the awakening of much else  his life and loves and his ultimate fate at the hands of the Dutch (and his own people). This is the awakening also of his country and the birth of national consciousness. It is the chronicle of Indonesia.

The Buru Quartet is also deeply affecting, yet Pram does not sentimentalize the fate of his creations. No one who has read Raden Mas Minkes shattering, final denouement of the final volume of the tetralogy, House of Glass, can fail to be profoundly moved. Yet amidst despair, one also finds within this cosmos great humanity, love and compassion.

Read also: Google Doodle honors Pramoedya Ananta Toers 92nd birthday

The complete English version of Pramoedya Ananta Toers 'The Buru Quartet.'(JP/Devina Heriyanto)

Pram outlasted the fate of exile, which he devised for Raden Mas Minke, but only just. Thanks to his own memoir, A Mutes Soliloquy, we have a harrowing account of the privations and forced labor he endured for 14 long years in Indonesias Gulag. At the end of that book one finds a list of 300 prisoners who never left the island and will forever buried remain there (the list is incomplete  the threats of guards forced a premature end to its compilation). Their names, ages and origins are listed, as is how they died  shot dead ...suicide [there are many of these] ...drowned ...murdered ...brain trauma following torture ...gored by a bull. Much later, Pram was to write of these individuals:

At some future time there might be someone capable of writing about them without his hand shaking uncontrollably or his note paper becoming wet with tears. But that person will not be me. In the world of the dead there are so many souls whose presence I know nothing of. All I can do here is to try to make note of the souls whose names I do know.

There is no better mark of Prams humanity. For his part, there is no self-pity in Prams own memoir of Buru  just a description, in sparse prose, of what he suffered. The narrative style is, as it is in all his work, clear as a glass pane and speaks directly to the reader without pretense. Unsurprisingly, successive regimes  and even other governments  feared the power of his pen. The Australian Embassy official who translated The Buru Quartet was recalled from his post.

While the last two decades after his release should have been triumphant ones, they were marked by the profound despair and vitriol one also sees in his journalism and shorter pieces. The nation seemed to lurch from one crisis to the next, struggling under the weight of a moribund economy, militant Islam and administrative inefficiency.

Even more sadly, the nation and especially the youth of modern Indonesia seem to have left Pram behind: Several would have read his short stories, but few are acquainted with his larger body of work. Here, perhaps, Pram was not blameless. Neither personally nor in his writings did he ever play the role of a social critic, the cendekiawan (public intellectual), which Indonesia can boast of in profusion. In the increasing frailty of his last years, he railed against the succession of governments and the ills of society.

Read also: Extra performance planned for play based on Pramoedya work

Other writers, such as Mochtar Lubis or Goenawan Mohamad, could be trenchant critics of the system and society while remaining engaged and relevant. Pram was a colossus, but increasingly seen as a relic of an era that no longer held the meaning it formerly did. The Dutch, Japanese, Sukarno, Soeharto  Pram outlasted them all. And he was immensely proud of this, but this seemed to make it difficult to find concrete ways forward. The burden of memory was too great.

Many of his admirers have felt pangs of disappointment year after year when the Nobel Prize for Literature was announced without Pram being recognized. He easily deserved the accolade. Pram must surely rank at the forefront of what is sometimes misleadingly called world literature, but which in reality encompasses a massive oeuvre of genuine literary achievement that exists outside of the received Western Canon. It can only be hoped that his uncollected writings in Indonesian  his journalism and occasional musings  will find a conscientious editor and will one day be published in the English language.

In the meantime, there is still one thing you can do. Read him. The need to read him and understand his message of humanity, tolerance and awakening has never been so urgent as it is in the world we live in today.

For Pram was not telling mankind how low it can sink. He was also reminding us of what we can be.

Read him and understand him, even if you disagree with his politics as I did. There would be no better testament to his memory and to the conscience of a country. (kes)

***

Shashi Jayakumar is head of the Centre of Excellence for National Security at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. This article is written in a private capacity.

---------------

Interested in writing for thejakartapost.com? We are looking for information and opinions from experts in a variety of fields or others with appropriate writing skills. The content must be original on the following topics: lifestyle ( beauty, fashion, food ), entertainment, science & technology, health, parenting, social media, travel, and sports. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. For more information click here.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Zeynep Bilginsoy (Associated Press) Istanbul, Turkey  Sun, April 30, 2017 11:01 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb81a27 2 Science & Tech Wikipedia,website,website-blocking,Turkey,#Turkey Free

In 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 Turkey's telecommunications watchdog.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) said an Ankara court ordered 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 labeled 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 have 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 also: Wikipedia co-founder fights fake news with Wikitribune

The exact reason for the ban remains unclear. But 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."

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 also criticized the court order. Republican People's 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."

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.

Wikipedia, a collaborative online reference work, says it is ranked among the 10 most popular websites.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Sat, April 29 2017

ASEAN is looking inward ahead of its 50th anniversary celebrations later this year, with officials doing a stock-take on a primary document and focusing on responding better to challenges.

Entering its five-year review period this year, technical and senior officials are looking to update the ASEAN Charter by filtering through articles that are up for discussion.

The charter is the core instrument for achieving ASEAN centrality in the region, a current hot topic in light of widespread perceptions that ASEAN does not do enough to address power projections in the region and adapts too slowly to new and emerging challenges.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 29 2017

Police are hunting down suspects following an attack on two members of the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres) in Gambir, Central Jakarta, earlier this week.

We already have the suspects names and details. We just have to catch them, Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Suyudi said on Friday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Suyudi added that several witnesses had been questioned regarding the case.

to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content

e-Post daily digital newspaper

No advertisements, no interruptions

Privileged access to our events and programs

Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, April 30, 2017 09:00 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb799f6 2 City #reclamation,reclamation Free

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.

The Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister recently 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.

The ministry later advised the Jakarta administration to suspend work on the project.

Meanwhile, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti had criticized the Jakarta administrations concept of developing the city through the reclamation project.

She said that the reclamation project, which involves the development of 17 man-made islets off the coast of North Jakarta, coupled with poor river management, would actually cause the capital to experience worse flooding.

Both ministers comments came after many activists voiced their opposition to the project, saying it adversely affected the livelihood of fishermen, would cause flooding and disrupt operations of the coal-fired power plant in Muara Karang.

But after Thursdays meeting, the deputy of infrastructure coordination at the office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Ministry, Ridwan Djamaludin, said the central government had finally reconciled their differing opinions on the project.

After this meeting, we will discuss the technical issues and legal framework for this project, he said.

(Read also: Activists continue fight against Jakarta Bay reclamation project)

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, which previously opposed the project, said on Thursday that the project should continue as the government would take measures to ensure fishermens livelihoods would not be damaged by the project.

Social aspects are very important. We need to make sure that fishermen can maintain their livelihoods, said the ministrys marine space management directorgeneral, Brahmantya Satyamurti.

Among the actions to be taken is opening the National Fisheries Center of Muara Baru, which would have a fish market as well as a shopping and culinary center, he added.

As the central government shared a single perception of the project, Ridwan hinted that the government would continue the project, saying that it was an integral part of the NCICD (Integrated Coastal Development) project initiated to protect Jakarta Bay.

Despite the moratorium imposed on the project last year, Ridwan said the government had no intention of stopping the reclamation, arguing that the moratorium was only imposed to adjust to the current conditions.

We never stopped it [the reclamation project]. Instead, the Cabinet wanted it to be integrated with area development, coastal area protection and fishermens sustainability, Ridwan said.

The reclamation project activity in Jakarta Bay on Dec. 15, 2015.(JP/Jerry Adiguna)

In February, the Jakarta administration also signaled that it would proceed with the project, saying that it had completed the necessary strategic environmental assessment (KLHS), which was required by the Environment and Forestry Ministry, so the project could go forward.

However, there are still questions regarding the future of the project, given that presumptive governor-elect Anies Baswedan has repeatedly said he would stop the reclamation project if he was elected.

Commenting on possible hurdles posed by the future city administration, Ridwan said the central government was certain it would be able to reach a compromise with Anies.

Anies is an educated person. If we take heart and [present] scientific data, we will find the solution, he said.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Markus Makur (The Jakarta Post) Bogor  Sun, April 30, 2017 10:00 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb7f63f 2 National bird-watching,#BirdTrader Free

The populations of the yellowcrested cockatoo on several islands are in critical danger due to massive exploitation, researchers say.

Anna Reuleaux from Manchester Metropolitan University said recently that she had been conducting research and compiling population data.

According to the data, there are around 200 birds on Sulawesi, 18 birds on Masalembo, 107 birds on Sumbawa, 40 birds on Flores, 70 birds on Rinca, 218 birds on Komodo, 258 birds on Alor and 288 birds on Pantar.

Approximately 2,000 birds still exist on Sumba and 200 to 300 birds on Timor and Timor Leste. On Tanahjampea, it is estimated that there are still 15 birds and there are eight birds on Tukangbesi.

Reuleaux conducted this research for conservation purposes, including to study the breeding of the birds, so that she could provide recommendations for stakeholders in Indonesia on how to preserve the species.

I have been conducting research about the breeding of yellow-crested cockatoos on several islands since August last year and will continue until July next year, the Germany native said.

She has been researching on Flores, starting from West Manggarai in Golomori, Rinca and Komodo and went further to Adonara and Alor. She also went to Sulawesi and Java.

I traveled in East Nusa Tenggara for three months to Sumba, Flores, Alor, Timor and Rote. This is a conservation effort for Indonesian endemic birds, together with Burung Indonesia and the Bogor Agriculture Institute.

(Read also: Yellow-crested cockatoo on brink of extinction in West Nusa Tenggara)

Reuleaux explained that the yellow-Crested cockatoo is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the highest category of threat, critically endangered, due entirely to its massive exploitation as a cage bird. Seven subspecies are distributed in and just outside Wallacea, although the Sumba subspecies, known as the citron-crested Cockatoo, to aviculturists is probably a separate species. The population status of each of these subspecies is believed to be very serious.

Reuleaux said this research aimed to conduct extensive surveys of remaining cockatoo populations across its entire range, to produce accurate estimations of local population sizes and to determine their ecological and management requirement.

A man bring parrots on his back while disembarking from a Ship in Waisai, Raja Ampat, West Papua, February 7, 2017. Parrots and yellow crested cockatoo ar one of the protected and endangered endemic species from papua. (JP/Seto Wardhana.)

It is also intended to identify areas, which have or could have the right conditions to be local sites for future management interventions or re-introductions, and to generate in-depth information on the ecology of the citron-crested cockatoo on Sumba and possibly another subspecies in order to inform management practices for all populations. The research would also provide training and qualifications for one European and one Indonesian researcher in order to build capacity for cockatoo research and conservation.

The research is sponsored by Zoologishe Gesellschaff fur Arten-Und Biotopschute (ZGAP Germany) and Loro Porgue Fundacion in Spain.

She explained that the previous research, including in 1993, found there were 6,000 birds. However in 1994, there were cases of illegal trade of the species. Since then, the population has continued to dwindle more and more each year.

We can find this bird in East Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi and East Java. People are interested in this bird because of its unique yellow crest.

The outcome of the project will be conservation relevant information on the size of remaining cockatoo populations, identification of new populations and explanations of why some areas retain cockatoo populations and others do not.

Romi Lungga Dangolimu, a field researcher from the Lembaga Burung Indonesia (Indonesian Bird Institute) on Sumba, who accompanied the German researcher, said the population of the bird on the island was quite good.

In 2000, there was a massive hunting of this bird. Then in 2013, Burung Indonesia stepped in to raise awareness to protect the endemic species.

He explained that the awareness program from Burung Indonesia had shown good results, with local people establishing groups to campaign about the protection of the species.

Overall, there is no more yellow-crested cockatoo hunting on Sumba, although some people still attempted to set up traps in trees to catch the birds. But thanks to the monitoring groups, their attempts failed. The groups removed the traps and cleaned up the trees from the glue.
In a fitting and long overdue tribute to Rotary International founder and Racine native son Paul P. Harris, a few shovels of dirt were turned on the Downtown lakefront this month to start the construction of a band shell to host music events in a soon-to-be renamed Festival Park.

Going forward, the park will be named Paul P. Harris Rotary Park, a tribute not only to the club that Harris founded in 1905 in Chicago, but to the spirit of service to community, dealing fairly with others and sharing and fostering goodwill.

Thats a joyful way to mark Harris initial idea that has blossomed into a worldwide service organization that now numbers more than 1.2 million members and, more importantly, has impacted countless lives through the efforts of those members on projects too numerous to list.

They include providing emergency relief to war victims during World War II, promoting international education and cultural exchanges that inspired the founding of UNESCO, programs to address environmental degradation, illiteracy, children at risk and world hunger  and, most recently, a campaign to eliminate polio.

And, oh, yes, here in Racine, year upon year of sponsoring Post Prom, the coming of age gala for all city high school students in their senior year that gives them the chance to celebrate  and to do so in a safe way.

Big projects, small projects  all important and cast about the globe. Thanks to Paul P. Harris.

For members in the Rotary Clubs the focus is on service. But they benefit as well from the networking and camaraderie that comes from meeting each other and joining to work for the good of the community and the world.

To think that all started with a Racine native son.

Its a proud moment for the city and for city Rotarians. When the new band shell is finished early this summer it will open the way for more groups to share their music at more events since it will not require costs of setting up tents and other costs that have limited the musical uses of the citys lakefront venue.

And, of course, the Rotary  in this case, the Racine Founders Rotary Club  had a hand in making that happen by contributing $100,000 toward the $240,000 cost of the band shell.

Thats the TRUTH.

It will be FAIR to all concerned.

It will build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS.

And it will be BENEFICIAL to all concerned.

Thats the Rotary Code of Ethics. The band shell and the lakefront park pass on all accounts. While there are several plaques around the city commemorating Harris, the renaming of Festival Park in his honor will be the centerpiece memorializing his work.

Soon, on a hot summer day with the lake sparkling in the background and music wafting on the breeze from the new bandshell, we will think of him again and marvel at how a Racine boys idea was able to spread the spirit of community service across the globe. And we will wonder which Racine boy  or girl  will become our next Paul P. Harris.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Rizal Harahap (The Jakarta Post) Riau  Sun, April 30, 2017 11:00 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb8151e 2 National elephant,#elephant Free

Locals have called on authorities to take action to drive away three wild elephants, which came close to residential areas in Bengkalis regency, Riau province and destroyed palm and crop plantations.

The herd of the endangered animal had visited Jl. Rangau, Pematang Pudu subdistrict, Mandau district, in the past two weeks, but it was only in the past week that they began eating the locals plantations, local Nimrot Sinaga said.

They also destroyed an 8-hectare 3-year old palm plantation, which belongs to my parents, he said on Friday.

The elephants usually came at night, he said, adding that he and the other residents tried to drive the elephants away using firecrackers. However, the elephants remained circling the area as other residents also tried to cast them away from the opposite direction.

He predicted that the three elephants are one family as they comprised of two adults and one calf around five years old.

We expect the Riau Natural Resource Conservation Agency [BKSDA] will soon deploy a tamed elephant to lead the wild elephants away from the plantations and residences, he said.

(Read also: Elephant population continues to shrink in Aceh)

Tamed elephants are usually used to mitigate conflict between wild elephants and humans.

Nimrot said if authorities did not take swift action, he feared the local people would not be able to contain their anger as their palm plantations were eaten by the elephants. He said the elephants ate the palm shoots, which will kill the trees.

Besides palms, the elephants also ate other crops including sweet potatoes, beans and many other kinds of vegetables.

If they keep causing restlessness among locals, I fear for their safety. They are protected animals, but their lives could be at risk, he said.

Meanwhile, Mandau district head Djoko Edy Imhar said he had contacted Riau BKSDA to report the incident.

BKSDA must lead the wild elephants away from local residences and plantations to prevent any possible conflicts, he said.

Three reportedly malnourished elephants are moved from Aras Napal in Langkat regency to the Barumun Nagari Wildlife Sanctuary in North Padang Lawas regency, North Sumatra, on Friday.(JP/Apriadi Gunawan)

Agency official R. Hutajulu said his office had assigned a team to monitor the wild elephants movements. It was detected that they were around the Jambon public cemetery and the team would try to lead them to Talang Forest at night.

From this monitoring, it was known that the herds movements were slow as one of the adult elephants could not walk properly. The elephants leg was wounded from a trap, which struck it some time ago. The agencys team had treated the wound, but he said the healing process might take a while as the wound was on the elephants foot.

Hutajulu urged people not to get panicky if the three wild elephants passed their yards while they were herded to the Talang Forest.

People must remain calm as Riau BKSDA is following their movements. It is better for people to stay at a safe distance so the elephants do not feel threatened and chase people instead, he said.

The rampant conversion of forests into plantations has increased the rate of human-elephant conflicts in the country. Data from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia in 2015 showed that Indonesia had the highest number of human-elephant conflicts in Asia.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, April 30, 2017 13:30 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb86544 1 National refugee,#refugees Free

The Indonesian Navy has thwarted an attempt to smuggle eight Somali citizens using an Indonesian boat from Malaysia through Bagan Asahan waters in North Sumatra.

"The navy patrol captured an unnamed vessel at around 1:30 a.m. on Friday," Head of public relations and the Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights Agung Sampurno said on Saturday, as quoted by kompas.com.



Agung said the captain and crew had jumped into the mangrove forest carrying the passports of eight Somali refugees who had allegedly come from Malaysia.

(Read also: Police raid E. Jakarta clinic allegedly involved in human trafficking)



Agung also said that the Merauke Immigration Office on April 16 had prevented the smuggling of five Senegalese nationals into Papua New Guinea (PNG) through a traditional exit route from Sota, Papua.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were 150,845 refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia as of March 2017. There are about 14,000 refugees in Indonesia, residing at immigration detention centers, community houses and elsewhere.



"Indonesia is located between a refugee-receiving country, Malaysia, and a country that has ratified the UN convention on refugees, Australia, which makes Indonesia vulnerable to getting refugees from both countries," Agung said. (dis/dan)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, April 30, 2017 18:00 2018 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb8fab5 1 Business Indosat-Ooredoo,#hacker Free

Indonesias second largest telecommunications firm, Indosat Ooredoo, has addressed an incident in which the company's website was hacked.

On Saturday, Indosats subdomain site, arena.indosatooredoo.com, was hacked. Its homepage was emblazoned with an animated picture and message. Using a cartoonish font, the hacker expressed their annoyance with the operator, which previously posted a tweet that could be interpreted as a jab against competitor Telkomsel after the latters website was hacked a day earlier.

This action attacked not only one of our competitors, but also industrial activities, including Indonesias digital world at large, Indosat Ooredoo Corporate Communications Group director Deva Rachman said in a statement.

(Read also: Telkomsel website hacked)

The hacking of the Indosat website was purportedly done in response to a message posted on IM3 Ooredoos official Twitter account, @IM3OoredooJBTK, a few hours after the Telkomsel hacking incident.

What is all the noise about? Paying an expensive internet quota? IM3 Ooredoo gives plenty of quota at a low price. It has been proven! it tweeted. This tweet has since been deleted from the timeline, however.

The homepage of Indosats subdomain site, arena.indosatooredoo.com, has been replaced with a harsh message as the result of a hack on the cellular operator.(arena.indosatooredoo.com/File)

According to Deva, the hacked website was owned and managed by their partner and had long been inactive.

Currently, we are evaluating procedures and usage settings of subdomain sites using Indosat Ooredoos name, he said.

Deva added that it was necessary to carry out a collective campaign for positive values and ethics in relation to the use of internet data as well as data services by operators to provide digital access to all Indonesians. (dis/dan)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Sun, April 30, 2017 21:00 2018 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb938e8 1 National refugee,#RefugeeCrisis,#refugees Free

The Belawan Immigration Office in Medan, North Sumatra, detained eight Somali refugees who attempted to cross Indonesia's northern waters from Malaysia, an Indonesian ministry official has said.

"The navy patrol captured an unnamed ship at around 1:30 am on Friday," the Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Agung Sampurno, said on Saturday, as quoted by kompas.com.

(Read also: Indonesia widens arms for refugees)

According to Agung, the captain and his crew jumped into a mangrove forest carrying the passports of eight Somali refugees who had allegedly come from Malaysia.

The refugees were left on the boat when we seized them. They are now detained in the Belawan Immigration Office for investigation, Agung told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. (dis/dan)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura, Papua  Sun, April 30, 2017 10:28 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb80b45 1 National Pepera,Pepera-1969,referendum,Papua,NKRI,#Papua,#PapuaSelfDetermination Free

Dozens of young people of the Papuan Indonesian Students Movement (Gemapi) on Saturday cleaned up and repainted the Pepera Monument, a landmark in the heart of Jayapura city, to commemorate the accession of Papua to Indonesia almost five decades ago.

They are cleaning up the Pepera Monument as a sign that young people still remember what the Papuan people chose on May 1, 1969: to join with the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Gemapi Papua chairman Habel Sawaki said on Saturday.

On May 1, 1969, Papuan people exercised their right to self-determination through what is called an act of free choice (Pepera), during which they decided to join Indonesia.

Habel said many Papuan youths no longer cared about Pepera, even though it had been a key event in the history of Papua they should learn about. Like it or not, we have a history of Pepera, which we cannot forget about, and young generations should not act unconcerned about this history, he said.

Heemskercke Bonay, a daughter of Elieze Yan Bonay, one of the key figures behind the joining of Papua with Indonesia, said she was saddened by the fact that many youths in Papua did not understand or even care about the history of Pepera.

Heems said she wished President Joko Jokowi Widodo would elevate the status of the event.

May 1 should be commemorated as National Unity Day and declared a national holiday, so that young people and future generations can still know the history of Pepera, she said. (ebf)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Bogor, West Java  Sun, April 30, 2017 19:00 2018 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb904a4 1 Business PLN,#PLN,bonds Free

State-owned electricity company PLN plans to issue US$3 billion in global bonds next month, an increase from the $1.5 billion previously planned.

"We will have a roadshow [for investors] on Monday," PLN president director Sofyan Basir said on the sidelines of a media gathering held by the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry in Bogor, West Java, on Friday.

With the issuance of the debt papers, the tenure of which would be 10 years, the firm aims to refinance its bonds, worth $1 billion, due next year and fund electricity transmission expansion.

Earlier this year, Sofyan said the bonds issuance would be postponed until April as his company had received Rp 23.6 trillion ($1.8 billion) through state capital injection and Rp 10.9 trillion in subsidy funds, confirming that the amount would be unchanged at $1.5 billion.

"It [the amount] is around $3 billion now," he told journalists on Friday.

(Read also: PLN secures Rp11t loan from JBIC)

PLN needs additional funds to help finance the governments ambitious project to build enough power plants to produce an additional 35,000 megawatts of electricity for the country.

It secured loans worth up to Rp 12 trillion ($899 million) from state lenders last September for the project.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Sun, April 30, 2017 13:00 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb85434 1 SE Asia ASEAN,#ASEAN Free

Amid the recent escalation of tensions in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has called on ASEAN leaders to prevent any attempts by outside parties to make the region a place for world powers to show off their force.

Speaking at a plenary session at the ASEAN Summit in Manila on Saturday, Jokowi told his ASEAN counterparts that the unity of the bloc was the key to blocking any attempts to make ASEAN a place of contest between the world's big powers.

The President said that, as geopolitical tensions emerged in several parts of the world, ASEAN had to become active in providing solutions.

"Do not let ASEAN become a proxy of the rivalry of big powers," Jokowi said, "ASEAN must always be a hub for regional diplomacy.

(Read also: INSIGHT: Should Indonesia and Australia jointly patrol the South China Sea?)

China's assertiveness in the South China Sea has sparked tension over control of waters through which almost half of the world's trade passes, with the United States seeing the move as a threat to its traditional maritime power in the region.

China has competing territorial claims over parts of the South China Sea with four ASEAN member countries, namely Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, who are long-time allies of the US.

While Indonesia is not a claimant in the South China Sea dispute, its Natuna waters near Riau Islands are considered by China to be part of its traditional fishing grounds in the South China Sea.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Sun, April 30, 2017 12:15 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb84d9f 1 SE Asia Jokowi,#ASEAN,#MigrantWorkers Free

Speaking at the 30th ASEAN summit in Manila, President Joko Jokowi Widodo has lambasted the regional association for failing to protect migrant workers in its member states.

ASEAN had failed to push for a declaration on the promotion and protection of migrant workers rights, Jokowi said on Saturday.

Indonesia has millions of legal and illegal migrant workers overseas, and they frequently suffer discrimination amid insufficient protection from the countries where they are working.

The slogan of people-centered and people-oriented should not be just words, but it must be implemented, Jokowi told leaders of the 10 ASEAN member countries during a plenary session at the summit.

(Read also: ASEAN shelves declaration on rights of migrant workers)

The President said migrant workers had to be protected, as they deserved equal rights with people living in the country where they were working.

He added that the people-centered and people-oriented slogan also had to be implemented by ASEAN member countries to ensure the safety of fishermen in the region.

Indonesian sailors have been abducted on several occasions by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in southern Philippine waters.

Sailors in ASEAN have to feel safe in sailing in waters in the region. The human rights of people in the ASEAN region must be protected, Jokowi added. (dan)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Sun, April 30, 2017 17:00 2018 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb8efb3 1 SE Asia ASEAN,#ASEAN Free

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said during the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila on Saturday that ahead of its upcoming 50th anniversary this year, ASEAN should step up efforts to make the regional organization functionally relevant for its 600 million people.

A functional ASEAN was vital for the region to face growing global challenges and uncertainties, the President told the leaders of the ASEAN countries during a plenary session at the summit.

Jokowi said global uncertainty had apparently become "the new normal." Therefore, people in ASEAN had to step up efforts to make positive changes for the region.

"ASEAN leaders must have the courage to see the strengths and weaknesses of the regional body, so that ASEAN will become an organization that is relevant for its people and the world," Jokowi said.

(Read also: Rohingya crisis could affect ASEAN stability: Jokowi)

Jokowi said that in its almost 50 years of existence, ASEAN had played a role as an ecosystem for peace and prosperity for its people, which had attracted attention from world powers to become more engaged with ASEAN.

"ASEAN is known for its neutrality, but it always becomes part of any solution. ASEAN has become a place for big powers to talk to each other," Jokowi said.

Jokowi explained that ASEAN members had to ensure that the implementation of all agreements the body had made in the past was working to meet the needs of the people.

"ASEAN must make all meetings more effective and efficient," Jokowi said. (dan)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, April 30, 2017 16:35 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb8e52d 1 News Tourism-Ministry,tourism-promotion,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,tourism,#tourism,travel-agents Free

Fifteen local travel agencies were part of a delegation led by the Tourism Ministry to forge business ties in three cities of Malaysia, namely Seremban, Malaka and Johor Bahru.

Malaysia was chosen for the trip because of its proximity to Indonesia and its similar history and culture. The three cities are located on Malaysia's western peninsula.

Read also: Malaysia, Indonesia to cooperate in Marine Tourism Triangle

The three-day event began on Wednesday at the Royale Bintang Hotel in Seremban. The delegation later traveled to Malaka and then to Johor Baru.

Among the speakers at the event were the ministry's tourism and culture marketing department heads for Aceh and West Sumatra, Ramadhani M. and Didit Permadi Santoso, respectively.

The event follows on the heels of a similar sales mission to Kuala Lumpur, which highlighted tourist attractions in Yogyakarta. (kes)
Adults on the Spectrum Support Group

For adults with an autism spectrum disorder, 6:30-8:30 p.m., first and third Wednesdays, Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin office, 3720 N. 124th St., Suite O, Wauwatosa. Call 414-988-1260.

Al-Anon

Meetings are available daily. Call 262-632-0011.

Every Sunday, People, Places and Things, 8 a.m., Benjamin House, 4848 Highway H, Caledonia (Franksville).

Every Monday, 9:30-11 a.m., St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 216 E. Chandler Blvd., Burlington (smoke-free), 262-534-5711; 6 p.m., Alano Club, 1140 Douglas Ave., 262-634-9902.

Every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Grove Club, 1037 Grove Ave., 262-634-9656; Fresh Start, 9:30 a.m. (non-smoking), Covenant Presbyterian Church, 40 Ohio St., 262-634-4597; Courage to Change, 6 p.m., Benjamin House, 4848 Highway H, Caledonia (Franksville), non-smoking, 262-886-9611.

Every Wednesday, Listen and Learn, 6 p.m., Alano Club, 1140 Douglas Ave.; Newcomer, 8 p.m., The Grove Club, 1037 Grove Ave., 262-634-9656; 6 p.m., Alano Club, 1140 Douglas Ave., 262-634-9902.

Every Thursday, People, Places and Things, 1 p.m., Benjamin House, 4848 Highway H, Caledonia (Franksville area); Sharing and Caring, 6:15 p.m. Ascension All Saints Hospital Conference Room A, 3807 Spring St.; 8 p.m., Grove Club, 1037 Grove Ave., 262-634-9656; 6:30 p.m., St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 216 E. Chandler Blvd., Burlington, 262-534-5711.

Alateens are welcome to Al-Anon meetings.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings are available daily.

Grove Club, 1037 Grove Ave., 10 a.m. Sunday-Saturday; 4:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 8 p.m. Sunday open speaker meeting.

Olympia Brown UU Annex, 419 Sixth St., 9-10 a.m. Sundays. We Agnostics meeting for freethinkers.

Alano Club, 1140 Douglas Ave., 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily; 8 p.m. Sunday-Friday; 8 p.m. Saturday open speaker meeting.

Benjamin House, 4848 Highway H: 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 6:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 7:30 p.m. second Friday open speaker meeting; 10 a.m. Sunday newcomer meeting.

Ascension All Saints Hospital, West Professional Building B, 3805B Spring St., Suite LL-20, 8 a.m. Tuesdays.

Racine Area Central Office, 3701 Durand Ave., 12:15 p.m. Sunday-Saturday.

Ascension All Saints Hospital, West Professional Building B, 3805B Spring St., lower level-Senior Advantage room, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Meetings are available daily. This is not a complete list of Racine area meetings. Spanish speaking meetings are also available. For information on other meetings, call 262-554-7788.

Alzheimers Association Caregiver Support Groups

First Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-noon, and second Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 4120 Wright Ave. Call Marilyn Joyce, 262-833-8764 or e-mail Marilyn.joyce@racinecounty.com.

Second Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m., Waterford Methodist Church, 455 S. Jefferson St., Waterford. Call Rosemary Christensen, 262-514-2935, or Nancy Meyer, 262-210-4591.

Fourth Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Aurora Wellness Center, 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington. Call Suzanne Malestic, 262-767-8313.

Asthma  Take Control

6-8 p.m., for more information and location call 800-499-5736.

Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin Parent Support Group

For parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder, 9:30-11:30 a.m., first Thursday, and 6:30-8:30 p.m. third Tuesday, Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin office, 3720 N. 124th St., Suite O, Wauwatosa. Call 414-988-1260.

Autism Solution Pieces Support Group

For parents, teachers and professionals to learn and share information for special needs individuals, 6:30-8 p.m., second Tuesday, Festival Foods, 5740 Washington Ave. Call Cindy Schultz, 262-639-3041, or go to www.autismsolutionpieces.com.

Battered/Formerly Battered Women Support Group

Call 262-633-3233 for time and location.

Blue Star Mothers of Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter No. 2

For mothers who have a son or daughter in the Armed Forces, 6:30 p.m., third Tuesday, Sturtevant Village Hall, 2801 89th St., Sturtevant. Food and share time is 6 p.m. For more information, call Sue Gourdoux, membership chair, at 262-884-8016 or send e-mail to bsmsewi@yahoo.com.

Brain Fitness Club

9:30-11:30 a.m. third Saturday, Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Green Bay Road. This group focuses on providing cognitive exercises, education and socialization to elders concerned about their memory. For more information, call Paulette Kissee at 262-595-2387 or go to www.alz.org/sewi.

Brain Injury Support Group

6:30-8:30 p.m., second Tuesday, Lakeview Specialty Hospital & Rehabilitation, 1701 Sharp Road, Waterford. For individuals and their family members who have sustained brain injuries due to trauma, stroke, aneurysm or other neurological incidents. Go to www.lakeviewsystem.com.

Breaking Chains 12-Step Recovery Support Group

6-7 p.m. every Monday, Racine Worship Center, 2000 Thurston Ave. This is not just for those with alcohol or drug addiction issues, but for anyone that needs help dealing with any tough issues.

Breast Cancer Support Group (Keep in Touch)

5:30-7 p.m., third Wednesday, Ascension All Saints Cancer Care, 3809 Spring St. Call Rhonda Deneka, cancer navigator, at 262- 687-5077 or email rhonda.deneka@wfhc.org.

Breast Cancer Support Group

5-6:30 p.m., first Monday, Aurora Wellness Center, 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington. Addresses the fears and adjustments faced by women with breast cancer. Call 262-767-6374.

Cancer Support Group

1:30-2:30 p.m., second Monday, Aurora Medical Center, 10400 75th St., Kenosha. Call Renee Milne at 262-948-6437.

Cancer Support-Prostate Group  Us Too

A free support group for men (and their spouse or friend) who look for or need information upon learning they have prostate cancer or after receiving their therapy of choice, 5:30-7 p.m., third Thursday, Ascension All Saints Cancer Center, 3809 Spring St. Call 262-687-5094.

Caring & Sharing Grief Support Group

6:30 p.m., last Tuesday, Cross Lutheran Church, 126 Chapel Terrace, Burlington. Call 262-878-2011 or 262-763-3434.

Compassionate Friends Bereavement Support Group

A national support group for adults and siblings who have lost a child, 7 p.m., last Tuesday, Ascension All Saints Hospital lower level, 3801 Spring St. Call Diane Beck, 262-895-4888.

Domestic Violence Support Group

Sponsored by the Womens Resource Center for women who have been or are victims of domestic violence, 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday in Racine. A Burlington area group is also available. Free child care. Call 262-633-3233 or 262- 763-6226 (Burlington) for locations.

Domestic Violence Support Group at Love, Inc.

Call 262-763-6226 for time and location.

Emerge

A support network for families, friends and allies of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, 1-2:30 p.m., third Saturday, LGBT Center of SE WI, 1456 Junction Ave. Call 262-664-4100.

Entouch

A support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, 6:30-8 p.m., fourth Tuesday, Riverwood Church, 6919 McHenry St., Burlington. Members are not counselors but people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide and hope to help others. Call 262-758-0886.

Family Caregiver Support Groups

For more information on these support groups, call Marilyn Joyce at 262-833-8764 or e-mail marilyn.joyce@racinecounty.com.

First Friday support group by telephone, noon-1 p.m. (see above for call-in instructions).

Second Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave. (park and enter in back).

Second Tuesday, 1:30-3 p.m., Yorkville United Methodist Church, 17645 Old Yorkville Road, Yorkville.

Third Wednesday, 1:30-3 p.m., Burlington Senior Center Eppers Room, 209 N. Main St., Burlington.

Fibromyalgia Support Group

6-7:30 p.m., third Monday, Aurora Wellness Center, 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington. Call 262-767-7122 or 262-767-7174 or go to http://aurorahealthcare.org.

Gender Nonconforming/Transgender Support Group

Support groups intended to help those who are transgender, gender nonconforming, questioning or looking for a way to come out. Group One for ages 24 and younger, 6-7 p.m., first Wednesday. Group Two for ages 25 and older, 6-7 p.m. last Wednesday. Groups meet at LGBT Center of SE WI, 1456 Junction Ave. Call 262-664-4100.

GriefShare Support Group

A 13-week support group for adults grieving the death of someone close, 5:30-7 p.m. every Wednesday, Piasecki-Althaus Family Services Center, 2002 52nd St., Kenosha. Fees are $20 for a workbook, $10 if a person has a workbook. People can attend the group at any session. Register by calling 262-658-4101 or email anne@piasecki-althaus.com. Go to www.griefshare.org.

Grief Peer Support Group

For children ages 3-18 who suffer the death of someone and parents/caregivers, first Thursday, 6 p.m., Family Service of Racine, 420 Seventh St. Advance registration required, call 262-634-2391.

Grief Support Group

2 p.m. first Thursday, Wilson Funeral Home, 1212 Lathrop Ave. Call June Hartog at 262-321-0031 for more information.

Grief Support Group

2 p.m. first and third Monday, Christ Church United Methodist, 5109 Washington Ave. Call Ron Hansen at 262-554-6756 or the church office at 262-632-1607.

Hepatitis C Support Group

Third Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m., Ascension All Saints Hospital Library and Community Resources Center, 3801 Spring St. Call Arlene McEntegart at 262-687-8374 to attend.

La Leche League of Racine

A breast-feeding support group for pregnant women and nursing mothers, 10-11 a.m. second Tuesday, RG Natural Babies, 430 Main St. Babies and toddlers welcome. Call 262-598-9416 or 262-770-0484 before attending for the first time in case of an unforseen cancellation.

Lesbian Support Group

A support network for lesbians in all stages of their coming out/being out, 7-8:30 p.m., first and third Thursday, LGBT Center of SE WI, 1456 Junction Ave. Call 262-664-4100.

Living Beyond Cancer

3:30-5 p.m., second Thursday, Ascension All Saints Cancer Center, 3809 Spring St. Support group by Ascension All Saints Cancer Center helping cancer patients live as healthy as possible during and after cancer treatment. Call 262-687-5000.

Look Good, Feel Better

Ascension All Saints Cancer Center, 3809 Spring St. Held in cooperation with the American Cancer Society. Free program for women during cancer treatment that teaches beauty techniques to help combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment. To register, call 800-395-5665.

Low Vision Support Group

A chance to meet and exchange ideas with others with limited vision, 1:30-3 p.m., second Tuesday, United Way, 2000 Domanik Drive. Call 262-639-5288 or 262-637-4055 for more information.

Low Vision Support Group

Second Thursday, Westosha Senior Center, 19200 93rd St. (Highway C), Bristol. The group is led by Arneetrice Ellderman, rehabilitation specialist, Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Call 262-891-3436 for more information.

Mothers of Sexually Abused Children

Weekly support group for mothers of children/adolescents who have been sexually abused. For more information, call Terri DeWalt at Sexual Assault Services, 262-619-1634.

Multiple Myeloma Support Group Racine Area

Cancer support group, 7-8:30 p.m., second Monday, Ascension All Saints Cancer Center, 3809 Spring St. Patients from all medical groups are welcome. Call 262-687-5000.

Multiple Sclerosis Society  Racine Area Support Group

7 p.m., fourth Tuesday, Racine Christian Reformed Church meeting room, 900 Illinois St. Call David or Mary Frick, 262-886-8599.

Myeloproliferative Disease Support Group

For people with a myeloproliferative disease including essential thrombocytosis, polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis. Meetings are held quarterly at First Reformed Church, 7110 Old Spring St. (across from Roma Lodge). For more information, call Marge Blocks at 262-637-4338.

Narcotics Anonymous

7 p.m. every Saturday, St. Paul Baptist Church lower level, 1120 Grand Ave. (side entrance). Call 262-822-1968 for more information.

NAMI Bipolar/Depression Support Group

For adults who experience depression or bipolar disorder, 6 p.m., first and third Tuesday, Ascension All Saints Hospital, 1244 Wisconsin Ave. (use 13th Street entrance or entrance off parking ramp and take elevator to basement conference room). Call 262-637-0582.

NAMI Connection

A structured, weekly, recovery support group for adults living with any mental health diagnosis, 11 a.m. every Monday, Nami-Racine office, 2300 DeKoven Ave.; and 2 p.m. every Wednesday, Horlick Room, and 6 p.m., every Thursday, memorial dining room, Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital, 1320 Wisconsin Ave. Call NAMI Racine, 262-637-0582.

NAMI Family and Friends Support Group

For families or friends who have adult loved ones living with mental illness, 6 p.m., first and third Tuesday, Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital Horlick Room, 1320 Wisconsin Ave. Call 262-637-0582.

NAMI Schizophrenia Support Group

For adults living with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, 10:30 a.m., second Monday, Racine Friendship Clubhouse, 2000 17th St. Call 262-637-0582.

NAMI Survivors of Loved Ones of Suicide Support Group

Second and fourth Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m., Ascension All Saints Hospital, 3801 Spring St. (lower level pavilion). Call 262-637-0582 or 262-637-6200.

Nicotine Anonymous

Open to anyone who wants to stop using tobacco, 5:30-6:30 p.m., every Tuesday, Benjamin House, 4848 Highway H, Caledonia (Franksville area). Call 262-721-8130.

Nicotine Anonymous

Weekly support group based on the 12 Step Recovery Program, every Tuesday, 7-8 p.m., Aurora Medical Center, 10400 75th St., Kenosha. Call Earl Tessin, 847-746-2343.

Overeaters Anonymous

7-8 p.m., every Monday (Newcomer/STEP), Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave., 262-989-7826.

5-6 p.m., every Thursday (literature reading), Ascension All Saints Hospital Horlick room, 1320 Wisconsin Ave., 262-989-7826.

12-Step Recovery Group for compulsive overeaters, anorexics and bulimics, 8:30-10 a.m. every Saturday, St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 216 E. Chandler Blvd., Burlington (use door off parking lot), 262-939-0819, and and 6:30-8 p.m. every Thursday, Peace Lutheran Church, 349 Wegge Court, Burlington (use lower level entrance in back), 262-424-6135. For more information, go to www.oa.org.

Parkinson Support Group Racine Area

For people with Parkinsons disease, their caregivers and others interested, 2-3:30 p.m., third Tuesday, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 40 Ohio St. (elevator available). Call 262-633-3553 or 800-972-5455.

Peer Education Support Group

For grieving children, teen-agers and families, 5:30-8 p.m., third Thursday, Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Green Bay Road. A meal will be provided at 5:45, and peer support begins at 6:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided for children 2 and under. Registration is required by calling 262-656-9656.

Pink Paddling Power Breast Cancer Survivors Support Group

Alternative exercise and wellness based breast cancer support group. For more information, go to www.pppracine.org.

For more information or for meeting time and place, call 262-687-8654.

Racine Area Home Schoolers

7-9 p.m., May 15, Grace Church, 3626 Highway 31. Call 318-537-1013 for more information.

Racine Mothers of Multiples Club

6-8 p.m., May 5, St. Lukes Health Pavilion family classroom, 3821 Spring St. (lower level). Open to mothers, fathers and siblings of twins, this social/support group discusses educational information available for the rearing, development and encouragement of individuality of multiples as is presented by doctors, educators and parents. Call 262-633-5547.

Recovery International

A support group for former nervous and mental health patients, 3-4:30 p.m., every first and third Monday, Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois St. Call Dwayne Block, 262-567-4848.

Resolve of Wisconsin Kenosha/Racine Chapter

A national organization that provides information, advocacy and support to people experiencing infertility. Call 262-521-4590.

Rockstar Legends

A social group for people ages 40 and older and identify as LGBT or as an ally, 1-3 p.m. first Saturday, LGBT Center of SE WI, 1456 Junction Ave. Call 262-664-4100.

Separated/Divorced Support Group

Second and fourth Tuesday, 7-8:30 p.m., St. Edward Parish Center, 1430 Grove Ave. Call 262-636-8040 or 262-822-0082.

Sexual Assault Support Group for Women

Sponsored by Sexual Assault Services for adult women who have been sexually assaulted. Call Terri DeWalt at 262-619-1634 to register.

Sexual Assault Support Group for Women

Support group for women who were sexually abused as children. Call 262-656-3500 for details.

SISTERhood Girls Group

An evidence-based empowerment group for girls ages 10-17 from Racine County, 6-8 p.m. every Thursday, SAFE Haven Youth Shelter, 1030 Washington Ave. Dinner is provided. Call 262-412-1784.

Southshore Red Beacon AIDS Support Group

A program dedicated to being a support group for those affected or afflicted with HIV/AIDS, 7-9 p.m. third Friday, LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin, 1456 Junction Ave. This is a closed group and people must contact the facilitator at 262-664-4100 before attending.

Stroke Support Group

Fourth Monday, 10-11:30 a.m., Aurora Medical Center Conference Room E, 10400 75th St., Kenosha. Call Donna Wetzel at 262-948-5756.

Stronghold

A ministry of support and pastoral care to LGBTQ Catholics and Christians of other faith traditions, their family and friends, 6-7 p.m., second Thursday, HOPES Center, 507 Sixth St. (use Cup of Hope entrance). Participants meet for prayer, faith-sharing, dialogue and support in an environment of acceptance, dignity and love. Call Rita Burgess at 262-994-8733 or e-mail stronghold.wisconsin@hotmail.com.

Substance Abuse Peer Support Group/AODA

A support group of learning and growing together as peers in recovery from substance abuse, 7-9 p.m. every Saturday, LGBT Center of SE WI, 1456 Junction Ave. Call 262-664-4100.

Support Group for Family Members and Friends of Homicide Victims

9 a.m., second Saturday, Aurora Walk-In Facility, 8348 Washington Ave. For more information, call the Victim Witness Office at 262-636-3858 or 800-924-1506.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

Chapter WI 774, every Tuesday at Emmaus Lutheran Church, 1925 Summit Ave. Private weigh-in, 5:30 p.m., meeting follows, Barbara Presser, 262-633-9404.

Visions for Tomorrow

For parents or direct caregivers of children living with mental illness, first Tuesday. Call 262-637-0582 for time, location and required registration.

West County Consumer Self-Help Support Group

Self-help support for adults living with mental illness, second Monday, 6:30 p.m., and fourth Saturday, 12:30 p.m., Love Inc., 480 Pine St., Burlington. Call 262-637-0582.

Young Onset Parkinsons Support Group

7-8:30 p.m., second Wednesday, Aurora Medical Center, 10400 75th St., Kenosha. Call 262-767-7185 or 800-499-5736.

Youth Transgender/Gender Nonconforming Support Group

A support group for young people who are transgender/gender nonconforming individuals with topics guided by their needs and interests, 3:15-4:45 p.m. every Friday, LGBT Center of SE WI, 1456 Junction Ave. Call 262-664-4100.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Tokyo, Japan  Sun, April 30, 2017 14:32 2019 a291276806121264c0bd211cdeb8b8e3 1 Destinations tsukiji,tsukiji-fish-market,Japan,#Japan,destination,#destination,market,travel,traveling,sushi Free

Famous for its early-morning fish auction, Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan, welcomes both local and foreign tourists even before the sun has begun to rise.

However, for those who wake up too late to catch the 5 a.m. fish auction, the market still offers an exciting odyssey  perhaps even more so.

Rows of shops open at around 7 a.m. to tempt travelers with mouth-watering snacks and meals; from tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) and tempura udon (Japanese chewy noodle soup with fried vegetables or seafood) to grilled scallops.

Read also: Tokyo's library-themed hotel haven for bookworms

Sushi stalls are a must visit as Tsukiji offers some of the freshest sushi and sashimi to be found.

Aside from a food tour, Tokyo's kitchen also offers wide range of souvenirs to bring home, like bamboo kitchen utensils and ceramic Japanese bowls.

If staying longer, visitors can enter the seafood wholesale area that opens for tourists at 10 a.m.

Taking a walk to its southern perimeter, visitors may also find the Namiyoke-jinja shrine -- a hidden gem amid the busy market. The site features small gravestones dedicated to fish, shrimp and eggs for their role in Japanese' life. (kes)
Welcome to KARMABrooklyn! We hope that the news and other information we post on this b log will be useful to residents and merchants in Kensington and Windsor Terrace. If you'd like to contact us, write to us at karmabrooklyn [at] gmail [dot] com.
Directed by William Oldroyd and based on the novel Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District by Nikolai Leskov, Lady Macbeth is a darkly beautiful character study that wastes a powerful lead performance by Florence Pugh.

Katherine (Pugh) is a young woman sold into marriage to a cruel older man called Alexander (Paul Hilton) who treats her horribly. He doesnt let her leave the house and has no intention of consummating their marriage. While hes away on business, Katherine initiates a passionate affair with stable-hand Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis). Her infidelity leads to some dark, dangerous choices that will have a profound impact on the lives of everyone involved.

Katherine makes for a fascinatingly complex main character. Her abusive, loveless marriage, physical confinement and sexual frustration make her easy to sympathise with and even root for early on. Pugh adds a cold, commanding presence to her that fits perfectly with the characterisation and its fair to say Katherine steals most of the scenes shes in.

Unfortunately, every other character is severely underwritten. Alexander and his father Boris (Christopher Fairbank) treat Katherine with nothing but extreme contempt in every single scene. Its temporarily cathartic to see her turn the tables on them, but theyre so easy to hate that theyre just kind of boring.

Sebastian is similarly afflicted. Jarvis and Pugh have chemistry, but the relationship is mostly physical and Katherine is the only one trying to add some emotional complexity. Sebastian tries to develop some kind of character by eventually starting to feel guilt over the lengths he and Katherine go to, but it comes in far too late for him to be worth investing in. All the actors put in a fine performance, but are given very little to work with.

Everyone surrounding Katherine is fairly bland and one-note, to the point that it undercuts her character and Pughs performance. Shes good, but she cant carry the whole movie on her back. Imagine if Walter White was the only interesting, fully realised character on Breaking Bad and there was no one else on the show thats even remotely as interesting or worth caring about  its more or less where Lady Macbeth ends up feeling like.

As a result, the movie slowly but surely fizzles out and a lot of the later developments that are supposed to be deeply shocking and disturbing fall completely flat. The movies darkest moment which sees Katherine become utterly unsympathetic thoroughly lacks the gut punch it should be delivering.

The cinematography is wonderful. Long takes and static compositions emphasize the cold, minimalist grandeur of the main setting, which are the house and its grounds. Its beautiful in a dark, chilling kind of way.

Theres a lot to like about Lady Macbeth, but theres also far too much wasted potential on display. It traps a great character backed up by a stirring performance in what amounts to a mediocre story. For all its strengths, Lady Macbeth ultimately comes up short.

Lady Macbeth was released on Friday 28th April through Altitude.
An obsession with surveillance and attacks on the media by anti-establishment politicians are responsible for a declining state of media freedom in democratic countries such as the UK, according to new findings.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) highlighted the danger of a tipping point in the state of media freedom in leading democracies as it published the 2017 World Press Freedom Index.

Violations of the freedom to inform are less and less the prerogative of dictators.https://t.co/gkVdgKLkJJ#RSFindex pic.twitter.com/AmSpcMYHf2  RSF in English (@RSF_en) April 26, 2017

The UK is regarded as having less press freedom than a year ago, dropping two places in the ranking to 40th position out of 180 countries.

RSF cited reasons such as the confiscation of Syrian journalist Zaina Erhaims passport by border officials when she landed at London Heathrow last September and the passing of the Investigatory Powers Act.

Rebecca Vincent, RSFs UK Bureau Director, said: We witnessed a disturbing trend of moves against press freedom in the UK this year, from the seizure of a Syrian journalists passport, to the adoption of the most extreme surveillance legislation in UK history that could effectively serve as a death sentence for investigative journalism.

(Rebecca Naden/PA)

The Investigatory Powers Act, dubbed the snoopers charter, was made law in late 2016 and branded the most extreme surveillance in the history of western democracy by US whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The legislation allows intelligence officials and police to hack, access and obtain the publics personal communications data, from browser history to private messages  something many media organisations fear poses a threat to journalists and their sources.

While the Government revised the Bill to incorporate additional protections for journalists, removing an exemption for the security and intelligence agencies when seeking to identify journalists sources, RSF said that it still lacks sufficient protection mechanisms.

(Stefan Rousseau/PA)

RSF also claimed the worsening press freedom situation was partly because political strongmen are on the rise.

The report noted the high-profile media bashing of the EU referendum campaign, stating: Attacks on the media, especially the BBC, were the pillar of [Nigel] Farages Brexit campaign.

The former Ukip leader told ITVs Piers Morgans Life Stories that the media has attempted to demonise me and give me a bad name for years.

He also criticised the BBC after the referendum, telling LBC listeners the broadcaster failed to report the news of the Leave result with objectivity.

(Niall Carson/PA)

Similarly, Donald Trumps anti-media discourse was attributed to the US dropping two places to 43rd in the ranking of 180 countries.

The report said: The election of the 45th president of the United States set off a witch-hunt against journalists.

Trump has repeatedly denounced media outlets as fake news and accused them of being among the most dishonest human beings on Earth. RSF said the move compromises a long US tradition of defending freedom of expression.

(Yasin Bulbul/AP)

Other democracies under press freedom threat according to the list include Turkey ranking at 155th  where the failed coup in July 2016 lead to the arrests of more than 100 journalists  and France which has risen six places to 39th since 2016, as the country recovers from the Charlie Hebdo massacre. But it still faces attacks from politicians, with presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen accusing the media of delirious lies in her autobiography.

RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said: The rate at which democracies are approaching the tipping point is alarming for all those who understand that, if media freedom is not secure, then none of the other freedoms can be guaranteed.

The country ranked the worst for media freedom is North Korea, while the country ranked highest is Norway.
Tentang Situs Slot Online Resmi MGS88 Nama Situs  MGS88 Minimal Deposit  Rp. 10.000,- (Sepuluh Ribu Rupiah) Proses Deposit   2 Menit Metode Deposit  Bank Transfer,  Pulsa,  E-Wallet Judi Online Terbaik  Slot Online,  Judi Bola,  Casino Online,  Togel Online,  Tembak Ikan Provider Slot Gacor Mudah Maxwin  Pragmatic Play,  PGSoft,  MicroGaming,  Habanero Slot Gacor Gampang Menang  Gates of Olympus,  Sweet Bonanza,  Wild West Gold,  Starlight Princess Win Rate 98%

RTP Live Slot Gacor Tertinggi Hari Ini Terbaru Terlengkap

Selamat datang di halaman RTP live dan informasi soal slot gacor hari ini dari situs MGS88 yang setiap hari selalu update. Berdasarkan RTP Live MGS88, Anda bisa mendapatkan informasi tentang slot online yang saat ini yang sedang Gacor atau onfire dengan persentase yang terbukti akurat, ini bisa menjadi rekomendasi anda sebelum memilih permainan slot online di situs MGS88. Cek RTP Slot sekarang juga bosku

Klik Provider Slot Untuk Mengetahui RTP Slot Secara Real Time

Selamat datang bagi kalian yang sedang mencari situs RTP Live terlengkap dan terkini hari ini. Sangat sesuai jika Anda mengunjungi website MGS88 RTP live untuk informasi tentang permainan slot yang lagi gacor dengan slot RTP yang terupdate. Persentase kemenangan yang kami berikan tentunya diambil dengan data yang sangat valid dan hanya untuk permainan slot yang tersedia di situs MGS88. RTP yang tersedia juga akan selalu diperbarui setiap hari berdasarkan level kemenangan yang diberikan kepada member kami.

Memang sih untuk bermain slot itu tergantung hoki dari setiap pemain, Namun RTP live atau bocoran slot dari yang kami sediakan ini adalah data autentik dari banyaknya pemain yang telah bermain dan mencapai kemenangan tinggi. Sederhananya, kalau banyak pemain yang menang di dalam 1 permainan slot, karena itu permainan slot tersebut akan mempunyai persentase RTP yang sangat tinggi.

Namun kami tegaskan sekali lagi, ini bukan sebuah paksaan kami situs MGS88 untuk anda bermain di game slot yang mana. Ini bisa dijadikan sebagai referensi atau tolok ukur, boleh dicoba kalau anda mempunyai feel yang kuat dalam memainkan permainan game slot. Anda dapat mengakses kapan saja dan di mana saja selama anda siap bermain. Jangan ragu untuk bertanya ya seputar pola putaran terhadap kami, sebab kami juga menyediakannya loh.

Apa itu RTP Live?

RTP Live ialah informasi mengenai persentase tertinggi saat ini dari hasil RTP Live dengan bocoran kemenangan pemain saat ini. RTP Live merupakan singkatan dari Return To Play atau bisa juga diartikan sebagai Return to Player. Karena itu, para pemain slot sekarang jika ingin mengetahui seberapa besar kemenangannya, bisa dengan memainkan permainan yang akan dimainkannya dan bisa untung dengan mudah dan tentunya maksimal.

Apa itu RTP Slot?

RTP Slot juga dikenal sebagai return to player atau pengembalian ke Pemain. RTP slot ialah persentase dari nilai pengembalian semua uang yang dipertaruhkan pemain dari waktu ke waktu. Dengan kata lain, RTP juga dianggap sebagai salah satu fitur slot yang mengembalikan uang pemain saat pemain kalah.

Persentase digunakan untuk menghitung RTP dalam permainan slot. Misalnya, jika slot memiliki RTP 97%, itu berarti untuk setiap 100.000 koin yang hilang di slot, slot dapat mengembalikan 97.000. Jika Anda mengetahui RTP sebuah permainan slot, Anda dapat memutuskan permainan slot mana yang akan dimainkan tanpa kerugian besar.

Apakah Angka Persentase RTP Slot Itu Penting?

Biasanya pemain slot itu tidak memperhatikan RTP dalam permainan yang akan dimainkan, biasanya setelah anda mengisi saldo utama anda akan langsung buru-buru memainkannya. Yang terakhir 90-96% mempengaruhi jumlah kemenangan. Semakin tinggi jumlah RTP yang digunakan, semakin luas peluang untuk mendapatkan keuntungan.

Akan namun itu segala tak secara 100% menjamin kemenangan kau dalam bermain, RTP itu cuma sebagai kalkulasi pengeluaran anda saja selama bermain slot.Dengan adanya RTP, kau dapat mengerjakan pengaturan atas uang yang akan kau pertaruhkan nanti pada ketika bermain.Untuk itu pada ketika kau bermain slot dan telah mengalami banyak kekalahan di satu permainan, direkomendasikan kau pindah ke permainan slot lainnya yang RTP nya lebih tinggi dari permainan yang tadi kau mainkan.

Keuntungan Menggunakan Bocoran RTP Slot Hari Ini

Situs MGS88 Akan dengan senang hati akan beberapa keuntungan yang didapatkan jika anda bermain slot dengan menggunakan RTP Live yang telah disediakan. Berikut Keuntungannya :

Peluang Kemenangan Meningkat Tentu saja, saat bermain slot online, menang adalah hal yang paling penting. Di sinilah RTP berperan sebagai metode atau metode baru yang akan membantu Anda memilih permainan slot persentase tinggi. Mendapat variasi dalam Memainkan Game Slot Pastinya banyak pemain slot online yang hanya memainkan 3-5 permainan slot saja. Namun dengan RTP Live slot akan memberikan banyak game slot lain yang bisa anda coba. Tentunya semua permainan slot memiliki potensi kemenangan yang besar, jadi jangan hanya mengandalkan beberapa permainan saja. Menambah Pengalaman Dalam Bermain Slot Keuntungan terakhir adalah Anda tentu saja menambah pengalaman dan keahlian dalam permainan slot online. Dengan berbagai macam permainan slot yang dimainkan, Anda pasti mengetahui karakteristik dari setiap permainan slot yang Anda mainkan. Akibatnya, Anda pasti bisa dianggap sebagai pemain slot yang andal, yang pasti akan meningkatkan peluang Anda untuk menang besar menggunakan RTP.

Daftar 8 Situs Dengan RTP Slot Live Tertinggi Hari Ini

Ada banyak penyedia mesin slot online di internet. Tetapi tidak semuanya memiliki peluang tinggi atau RTP Live Slot yang sangat tinggi. Tapi jangan khawatir, berikut ini adalah situs slot gacor yang akan memberikan bocoran slot dengan RTP Live Tertinggi:

RTP Live Slot Pragmatic Play (RTP Slot 97.85%) RTP Live Slot PG Soft (RTP Live 96.15%) RTP Live Slot Habanero (RTP Slot 95.89%) RTP Live Slot CQ9 (RTP Live 98.83%) RTP Live Slot Spade Gaming (RTP Live 94.99%) RTP Live Slot Micro Gaming (RTP Slot 95.39%) RTP Slot Live Top Trend Gaming (RTP Live 96.14%) RTP Slot Live JOKER123 (RTP Live 97.45%)

Itulah Daftar 8 Provider Slot Gacor dengan RTP Live teratas diatas tentunya kami analisa terlebih dahulu. Anda bisa membuktikannya langsung dengan mengklik banner atau meprovider game slot yang sudah tersedia di atas. Saran kami yaitu Anda harus memainkan semua penyedia slot di atas untuk mencapai peluang kemenangan terbaik.

Daftar Slot RTP Live Tertinggi Sering Kasih Jackpot

Selain mempertimbangkan RTP Slot Gacor yang ada, sebenarnya ada banyak faktor penting untuk menang dalam permainan judi online. Sebab ada banyak game yang memiliki fitur dan mekanisme unik dan bisa membantu anda meraih Jackpot yang sangat besar.

Berikut ini akan kami ulas daftar 5 game slot paling populer karena sering memberikan jackpot:

RTP Live Gates of Olympus Gates of Olympus adalah game slot teraneh dan terbaik di Indonesia. Karena permainan mesin slot ini paling populer karena kakek Zeus dapat mengizinkan pengganda x500. Selain itu, fitur dan mekanik Gates of Olympus juga sangat menguntungkan untuk memenangkan Grand Jackpot. Secara teoritis, RTP slot langsung Gates of Olympus bernilai 96,50%, yang berarti peluang Anda untuk memenangkan MaxWin cukup tinggi. RTP live Sweet Bonanza Sweet Bonanza adalah permainan slot terpopuler kedua. Game slot bertema buah dan permen yang lezat ini sepertinya akan menarik banyak perhatian karena tergolong slot gacor yang mudah menang. Secara teoritis, slot Sweet Bonanza RTP bernilai 96,48%, yang berarti peluang Anda cukup tinggi untuk memenangkan jackpot. RTP Live Wild West Gold Wild West Gold adalah permainan slot bertema koboi yang juga populer di kalangan penggemar konspirasi. Permainan slot Wild West Gold sendiri kerap menawarkan kejutan jackpot bagi para pemainnya. Selain itu, nilai RTP Live Slot menunjukkan indeks tertinggi hari ini, yang berarti sangat layak dan sangat direkomendasikan. RTP Live Starlight Princess Slot Starlight Princess ini memiliki gaya dan fitur yang mirip dengan Gates of Olympus. Perbedaannya hanya pada desain dan karakter gamenya saja, karena memiliki fitur dan mekanik yang sama tentunya RTP slot teoritis pada game slot ini sama yaitu 96,50%. RTP Live Cash Elevator Mungkin sebagian dari Anda baru mengenal slot Cash Elevator. Namun dari data benchmark yang diungkap, ternyata banyak sekali yang menikmati permainan slot ini. Dengan fitur dan mekanisme unik seperti Lift up and down asli, slot ini juga memiliki slot RTP Live dasar 96,64% yang juga memiliki mekanisme yang sangat menguntungkan untuk memperlancar tingkat kemenangan besar.

Bocoran Jam Main Slot Gacor Hari Ini

Dalam bermain permainan slot online itu tidak bisa dilakukan dengan sembarangan yah. Jadi, Jika anda bermain pada waktu tertentu seperti yang akan kita bahas sesaat lagi, ada kemungkinan anda untuk mendapatkan kemenangan lebih tinggi. Jam RTP Slot Gacor merupakan bocoran jam main slot yang akan memberikan anda kapan waktu yang pas dalam bermain game slot.

Tentu saja seluruh provider slot online memiliki jam tertentu dalam memberikan peluang kepada para pemainnya untuk mendapatkan kemenangan. Disini kami akan memberikan anda Bocoran Jam Slot Gacor yang Paling Akurat Hari ini:

Jam Slot Gacor Pragmatic Play 02:30 WIB - Jam 05:25 WIB Jam Slot Gacor Habanero 14:26 WIB - Jam 17:38 WIB Jam Slot Gacor CQ9 00:45 WIB - Jam 05:53 WIB Jam Slot Gacor PG SOFT 14:25 WIB - Jam 17:35 WIB Jam Slot Gacor Joker123 17:41 WIB - Jam 20:42 WIB Jam Slot Gacor Microgaming 22:30 WIB - Jam 00:35 WIB

MGS88: Situs Judi Slot Online Gacor Pay4D Resmi dan Terpercaya

MGS88 adalah situs game slot online Gacor terbaru yang bermitra dengan Pay4D, Pay4D sendiri merupakan daftar situs game slot online terpercaya dengan berbagai macam permainan judi yang mudah dimenangkan seperti Game Bola, Casino Online, Slot Pay4D, Tembak Ikan dan Pay4D Online Permainan togel seperti Singapura, Hongkong, Sydney dan lain-lain. Tujuan utama kami adalah menjadi situs judi online Pay4D yang menyediakan layanan judi online terbaik di Indonesia.

Kami juga salah satu situs resmi PAY4D di Indonesia yang pasti akan membayarkan semua kemenangan kepada semua member kami, karena kepercayaan dari semua member kami adalah prioritas utama kami sebagai mesin slot 4d Asia terbaik di Asia, khususnya di Indonesia.

Dalam melakukan sistem transaksi sistem simpanan dapat dilakukan dengan mudah melalui mobile banking dan electronic banking berupa bank BCA, BSI, BRI, BNI, Cimb Niaga, Permata dan Mandiri. Selain itu, transaksi e-wallet juga tersedia melalui Dana, Gopay, LinkAja dan Ovo serta dapat digunakan untuk pulsa tanpa dipotong.

Untuk mempermudah dan kenyamanan dalam melakukan registrasi atau melakukan setiap transaksi, MGS88 menyediakan layanan live chat dan Whatsapp terhubung langsung dengan customer service online 24 jam.

Mengenal Istilah Dalam RTP SLOT

Di slot RTP Live Anda akan melihat berbagai fitur yang mungkin tidak Anda pahami masing-masing. Namun jangan khawatir, disini sebagai situs slot gacor MGS88 kami akan memberikan penjelasan lengkap mengenai tentang istilah yang ada di RTP SLOT dibawah ini.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's much awaited film Tubelight might not hit the screens on Eid

in Pakistan as some local filmmakers have started a movement to stall the release of the film.

The filmmakers along with the Film Distributors Association and the Film Producers Association want to ensure better business for Pakistani films during the Eid holidays.

The distributors, producers and filmmakers say they want to protect the interest of Pakistani movies as two big films,

Yalghaar and Shor Sharaba, along with others in the pipeline, are slated for an Eid release.

"If Tubelight also releases on Eid, it will certainly hit the business of these Pakistani films and that will not help our industry," actor Mustafa Qureshi said.

Those trying to stall the release of the Salman KhaN- starrer are citing a law passed by the Federal Ministry of

Information in 2010 which forbids the release of any Indian

film on a Muslim holiday. "If required we can even go to the court," producer Altaf Hussain said.

Sohail Khan, the producer of Shor Sharaba, said, "My film is supposed to release on Eid-ul-Fitr and if the

government doesn't stall Tubelight, I will not release it as a mark of protest."

Hussain said the associations are planning to send an official letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well.

He confirmed a meeting was held in Lahore at which it was decided that the entire Pakistani film industry will join the planned protest to stop the release of Tubelight on Eid.

"It has been decided that all those related to the Pakistani film industry will support the Pakistani films that are supposed to release on Eid-ul-Fitr," Hussain added.

Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran, the chairman of the Pakistan Film Distributors Association has also supported the move.

"It is not fair asking our films to compete with big Bollywood projects on Eid and it is cruel to our industry", he said. As per the sources, the Ministry had given directives to stop the release of Tubelight and Vidya Balan's Begum Jaan well in advance.
The Uttarakhand government has shortlisted over a dozen private aviation companies for providing chopper service to Kedarnath. The move comes after cancellation of the contract awarded to India Flysafe Aviation, owned by Congress leader Naveen Jindal, by the earlier Harish Rawat government. The contract was cancelled earlier this month and new tender was floated.

A total of 17 companies applied this time. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Rawat said, A total of fourteen companies have been selected. New operators will also be considered, if we receive fresh proposals. The state government will be fixing the air tariff for Kedarnath soon.

The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority selected many aviation companies who provided air service in Kedarnath last season. According to sources, Global Vectra Helicrop, Pawan Hans, SAR Aviation, Arrow Aircrafts Sales and Charter, Himalayan Heli Service, Premier, Aryan, Trans Bharat, Pinnacle, UT Air, Summit Aviation, Bajaj Aviation, Indocopters and Heritage aviation have been shortlisted.

The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority will be conducting a coordination meeting with the aviation company early next month. After checking their documents and conducting inspection of helipad, final permission will be provided to the operators.

But, as Uttarakhand government is busy making preparation for Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to Kedarnath, slated for May 3, the air service is slated to resume only after PMs visit.

This time the helicopter service to Kedarnath is also under scanner. The National Green Tribunal recently issued notice to Union Ministry of Environment & Forests, Uttarakhand government, National Board for Wildlife and others for the adverse affect of heli service on flora and fauna in Kedarnath.

The low flying choppers have completely disturbed the normal life of villagers of the Mandakini valley. The NGT notice has provided a huge relief to the local villagers.

Rakesh Goswami from Gaurikund says, Low flying create terror among villagers. We are not against air service but the companies should follow all the norms. Last year 12 companies operated in Kedarnath and this year it has increased to 14. Air service should be regulated in a proper way.

As the 16 km trek to Kedarnath demands high level fitness, the fast and comfortable air service has been becoming popular among tourists with each passing year.
Five persons, including a seven- months pregnant woman, were charred to death while four others were injured in three separate fire incidents in the city in a span of 24 hours.

In the first incident reported in outer Delhi's Sultanpuri area, a seven-months pregnant woman and her niece died in a blaze in a four-storeyed house which broke out around 4 am, according to officials from the Delhi Fire Services.

Anjali (30) and her niece, Aditi (13), were charred to death while Anjali's daughter, Taviska (8) sustained burn injuries and is critical.

The house in Krishna Vihar belongs to Ramthirtha Bhardwaj and one of his sons got married on Saturday night itself. Anjali was his daughter-in-law while Aditi was his grand-daughter.

The two had returned from the wedding function and decided to retire at the house, while the men stayed back to attend the ceremonies.

A senior police official said that the fire broke due to explosion in the compressor of the air-conditioner. Fire spread to the curtains and the wooden doors.

Locals alleged that they immediately informed the fire department and the police about the incident but the fire- tenders were late. Some of the other women were rescued while Anjali, her daughter and the niece were trapped in the blaze.

Taviska is currently undergoing treatment at the AIIMS Trauma Centre. A case has been registered at Sultanpuri plice station.

In the second incident, a 50-year-old man died when a major fire engulfed a godown in Malviya Nagar. Around 30 shanties in the vicinity were gutted. The deceased was identified as Ashok Gupta.

A fire official said that 25 fire tenders were rushed there and the charred body was found on the spot.

A senior official said that the Delhi government has announced Rs.2 lakh compensation for the family of Gupta.

Besides, the government has also offered to provide Rs.25,000 for each affected household.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has directed all district magistrates to conduct a survey in their respective areas to identify spots, including scrap godowns, which are vulnerable to such incidents.

The third incident was reported in southeast Delhi's Sriniwaspuri area at around 8.20 PM on Saturday due to gas leakage.

The victimsVasudev (50) and his son Arjun (18)were preparing food when the fire broke out.

They worked as labourers. Both of them had suffered 80 per cent burn injuries and were admitted to a hospital where they succumbed during treatment.

The fire department handled 92 calls between midnight till 8 PM on Sunday, an official from the Delhi Fire Services said.
Veteran CPI-M leader and former West Bengal Minister Ashok Bhattacharya, who was hospitalised after Trinamool Congress councillors allegedly "attacked" him at a meeting of the Siliguri civic body, on Sunday said his party is looking into the incident.

"The party is looking into it," Bhattacharya, the Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, told the media here after being discharged from the critical care unit (CCU) of a hospital here.

Bhattacharya was the Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development and Town Planning during the erstwhile Left Front regime.

"I decided to get a release from the hospital as other patients may suffer from my stay. I do not want them to suffer on my account. My treatment will go on at home," he said.

On Saturday during a meeting at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, bottles, files and a microphone stand were allegedly hurled at the Mayor after an argument broke out between him and Trinamool councillors.

He was rushed to the hospital with a forehead injury and was warded in the CCU for his falling blood pressure, his party said.

Left leaders condemned the "attack" and brought out a protest rally in Siliguri on Saturday.


Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on April 29 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 the 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.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday denied any rift with senior leader Kumar Vishwas after an AAP MLA accused the latter of trying to break the party at the BJP's behest.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan alleged that Kumar Vishwas was conspiring to break the party and had asked some legislators to join the BJP with an offer of Rs.30 crore each.

This prompted Kejriwal to say that attempts were being made to create a rift between him and Kumar Vishwas, one of the founders of the AAP and a long-time friend of both Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia.

Khan circulated a WhatsApp message saying Kumar Vishwas had called some AAP MLAs to his home with the monetary offer at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"Kumar Vishwas called some MLAS and asked them that he should be made the party convenor," said the legislator from Okhla in south Delhi.

Kumar Vishwas gave them the second offer "to join the BJP which was ready to pay Rs 30 crore to each one of them.

"I think all this is being done at the behest of the BJP," Khan said, adding four AAP MLAs had been tasked with arranging meetings of the party legislators with Kumar Vishwas.

The four MLAs also held a meeting with an unnamed minister, Khan said, citing 10 unnamed MLAs who "revealed this to me".

But Kejriwal tweeted that Kumar Vishwas was like "my younger brother".

"Some people are trying to show that there is a gulf between us. These people are enemies of the party. They should mend their ways. Nobody can separate us."

Khan confirmed to IANS that he had circulated the message because "Kumar Vishwas wants to usurp and break the AAP".

In a TV interview on Friday, Kumar Vishwas said the party won't hesitate in taking a call on change in its leadership after its poor show in Delhi municipal polls.

The AAP finished much behind the BJP in all three wings of the municipal corporation. The Congress finished at the bottom of the heap.

He said blaming the EVMs entirely for its poll defeats was wrong as there was mistrust among people vis-a-vis the party.
Two tribal families were allegedly evicted by Maoists from their village in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Kondagaon district, police said Sunday.

According to the victims, their homes Maoists threatened them their homes in Tumdiwal village earlier this weekafter they allegedly refused to give ration and levy to the outlaws.

Two cases have been registered in this connection based on the complaint of thevillagers, all natives ofTumdiwal village under Mardapalpolice station limits, a Kondagaon district police official told PTI.

In their statement, the victims said that a group of Maoists were recovering 20 kg of rice and levy from each home in the village in Mardapal area, located around 300 kms from the state capital, Raipur.

When they denied giving anything to the rebels, they held a 'janadalat' on April 27 where the victim families, comprising atleast 12 members including children were accused of acting as police informers and asked to vacate the village, the official said.

Besides, naxals also looted valuable and articles from the house of the two families, he said.

The incident came to light when villagers approached police on April 28, he said adding that all the victims will be provided with accommodation and other facilities.

According to police, the Maoists are losing their support base and are hence terrorising othervillagersto support them or quit their native place.
Delhi Police on Sunday apprehended nine persons, including three juveniles, for attacking a government school teacher who allegedly did not support their candidate in the recently-concluded civic polls in Delhi.

Police said the accused  Faisal, Ajay, Amir, Rajesh Mishra, Amit and another person whose name could not be ascertained, and their three juvenile accomplices  were apprehended in separate raids from Tigri area in south Delhi.

Another accused Ashish, who was also involved in the crime, is still absconding.

The accused, all residents of Tigri J.J. camp, on Friday afternoon attacked one Kaptan Singh, 51, who works as a teacher in government school in Khanpur area here, police said. They stopped Singh's bike and attacked him.

"The attack on Singh was captured in CCTV cameras installed in the nearby shops. The attackers were identified after police examined the CCTV footage," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal said.

"During the interrogation, they revealed that they were supporters of an MCD election candidate Rajesh Kumar of Ward No.77 of Sangam Vihar area, where Singh also resides. Singh and his relatives reportedly did not support Kumar, which they believe led to his defeat. Holding Singh responsible for Kumar's defeat, the accused attacked him," Biswal explained.

A Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) of English, Singh suffered multiple injuries in the attack, including a fractured leg.


The majestic snow-marooned Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 13,050 feet in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district, has been reopened for motorists after four months of closure, officials said here on Sunday.

For tourists, it will be opened this week.

"The road link to the tribal Lahaul valley through the Rohtang Pass has been reopened," Mohan Lal, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Chief Engineer, told IANS.

"Snow clearing operation was crucial on the 85-km-long stretch between Manali and Sissu that received the maximum snow (during winter) and is prone to snow avalanches," he added.

He said the civil administration would now take a decision on allowing the tourists bound for Lahaul Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district from Manali to cross the Rohtang Pass.

Regarding the complete opening of the 475-km Manali-Leh National Highway 21, Lal said the work of clearing snow was going on at a fast pace at different locations.

"Our target to reopen Manali-Leh highway is May 25," he added.

Official sources said currently only small vehicles are allowed to ply across the Rohtang Pass, some 51 km from here.
With senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders openly airing their voices against the party's functioning, Odisha Chief Minister and party chief Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said they should lodge their complaint with him instead of going to media.

"If senior leaders have anything negative to say, they should come to me with their complaints and not go to media," Patnaik told reporters here.

His statement came in the wake of party MP Bhartruhari Mahtab's article criticising party leaders for indulging in 'bayan bazi' (making statements) while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun mobilising cadre at the grassroots level aiming 2019 elections.

"BJP gained in the panchayat polls only due to loss of Congress votes. But, BJD votes also have slashed from 43 per cent to 40 per cent. This has to be admitted and preventive measures must be taken accordingly," said Mahtab in an article published in an Odia daily that he edits.

Noting some local leaders, who had contested the panchayat elections against the party supported candidates, are not being invited to district-wise review meetings chaired by the BJD President, he asked if such things would lead to an increase or decrease in intra-party squabbles.

Mahatab is not the lone MP who aired his voice in media against the party functioning. Earlier, BJD's Dhenkanal MP Tathagata Satpathy and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda had engaged in a 'Twitter war' after the former alleged that the BJP was trying to split his party with the help of another MP.

A day after the Twitter spar, Panda wrote an op-ed in a vernacular newspaper, in which he indirectly attacked Patnaik saying he failed to stem party corruption.


The Telangana assembly on Sunday passed amendments to the Land Acquisition Act sent back by the Law Ministry, amid protests by the Congress demanding a discussion on farmers' problems.

The amendments to the Telangana Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Telangana Amendment Act, 2016) were passed within 10 minutes in a one-day special session of both the Houses.

The legislative council will meet later in the day to pass the amendments.

As soon as the assembly began its sitting, Congress legislators were on their feet demanding a debate on the demand for remunerative prices to chilli farmers.

Speaker Madhusudhana Chary, however, said the sitting was being held with the sole agenda of passing the amendments and no other issue would be taken up.

Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, also the Revenue Minister, moved the amendments passed by voice vote without debate.

Immediately after this, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die. The Congress legislators remained seated in the House even after adjournment for some time to register their protest.

Later, leader of opposition K Jana Reddy told reporters that the assembly proceedings were conducted in an undemocratic manner.

He alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government was running away from debate on farmers' problems.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also staged a protest near the assembly building to condemn the government's attitude.

BJP and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) members were not invited to the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the assembly on Saturday citing their suspension earlier during the budget session.

BJP members staged a silent protest. Wearing black scarves, they marched from Gun Park to the assembly premises.

BJP leader G Kishan Reddy wondered how they could be prevented on ground of their suspension earlier.

BJP members were suspended on April 16 when they stalled the proceedings during the one-day special sitting called to pass a bill on increasing reservations for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes.

The Union Law Ministry earlier this week sent back to the state the Land Act for making "suitable amendments" to it.

The state legislature had passed the bill two months ago and the same was sent to the Centre for the President's assent.
Whenever official crime figures are released, there is often some side-discussion about how the fear of crime often paints a bleaker picture than the actual statistics themselves. And its true  we all do fear falling victim to crime, which is why we take care when walking down darkened streets or why we install burglar alarms on our homes.

But the flip side of that is that were also actually rather obsessed by crime. Not just Broadchurch, or the latest drama from the US, or the new Rebus novel by Ian Rankin, but proper murders, actual rapes, real robberies  what has come to be known, in all its multimedia forms, as true crime.

From the books that have their own section in most bookshops, to the Netflix documentary series, Making a Murderer, to the internet podcast Serial, true crime is finding ever new and inventive ways to thrive.

The public appetite for crime is as old as journalism itself. The first proper newspaper could be said to be The Daily Courant, a single-sheet news flyer that debuted in 1702. By 1714 there was a book available for sensation-hungry readers entitled A Complete History of the Lives and Robberies of the Most Notorious Highwaymen, Footpads, Shoplifts and Cheats of Both Sexes.

But really, we can pinpoint the birth of what we now accept to be true crime  detailed reportage of real criminal incidents  as 1924, when American publishing magnate Bernarr Macfadden unleashed upon the world a magazine called True Detective Mysteries. It began with fictionalised retellings of crimes, but Macfadden swiftly realised there was a hunger for straightforward and agonisingly detailed stories that were entirely factual, and within a few issues this is what he began publishing, soon dropping the pulp-like Mysteries bit of the title to create what would become a phenomenon, True Detective.

The magazine spawned dozens of imitators as readers lapped up the noholds-barred reports. Issues invariably featured a woman being menaced on the front cover, usually bound and/or gagged, her dress often torn to reveal enticing acres of flesh. The cover lines matched the illustrations in terms of salaciousness. Anyone who thinks clickbait is a modern phenomenon need only cast their eyes over a few True Detective covers, which became increasingly more lurid as the magazine thrived from the 1930s to the 1950s. She was a prisoner of two ruthless men: I begged them to kill me! screams one. Exposing: Sensational Secrets of a MailMarriage Siren, says another.

Riddled Brunette in Pink Pyjamas. Bloody Trail of the Lolita Lovers. The Woman-Hater Who Had To Kill. So it goes.

By the 1970s, the illustrations had morphed into staged photographs of minidress-wearing teens that lent the magazine and its many imitators an even more pornographic style. By the mid-90s the magazine had fallen out of favour and folded, but only in the US. Since 1950, the magazine and its stablemate Master Detective had been licensed by a British publisher, and these continue to deal out deadly real-life dramas on a monthly basis.

Philip Morton, whos on the editorial staff of True Crime Library, which publishes the magazines, says, At first the UK editions consisted almost entirely of reprints from the American titles, but gradually more and more UK cases began to be covered as well, which necessitated building a stable of UK-based writers. The British titles have outlived their US parents and have been published every month since 1950, acquiring some sister titles along the way: True Crime launched in 1981 and Murder Most Foul launched in 1991.

Consider the latest edition of True Detective. The helpless women have gone, to be replaced by composite images mainly featuring criminal mug shots. But the shout lines are as inventive as ever, About five minutes ago I KILLED THIS WOMAN. The strange death of beautiful Florence. Who did murder paperboy Carl Bridgewater? But it seems that the magazines readers are not just interested in the gory details, but want some kind of justice as well. Morton says, Murder is the most popular crime in our magazines, particularly if its followed by justice and retribution in the form of execution. There seems to be a strong feeling among the readers who contact us that criminals should be made to pay, especially killers. Thats one form of satisfaction that I believe our readers derive.

Thats understandable, but there must be more than a desire to see justice served behind the ongoing fascination with true crime. Isnt it all about, well, a salacious need for the gory details?

Fozia Mir, a lecturer in criminology at Middlesex University, says, Nonfiction crime books, documentaries and podcasts offer an escape for readers and listeners and are also entertaining. What could offer more escapism than reading about someone like Dennis Nilsen who dismembered his victims body parts and flushed them down the toilet, or Jeffrey Dhamer who made a shrine of his victims skulls? These crimes are so alien to us and reading about them satisfies our appetite for finding out what factors make someone commit such heinous acts.

But there are moral and ethical issues where real life events are documented and that means a moral responsibility on those involved to report accurately, even though crime is packaged to be entertaining. Crime is not only packaged by the creators of documentaries and authors of books. Most of our understanding about the crime problem is informed by the news media, offering reports about who is the offender? and the crime rate  both of which affects our understanding and fear of crime.

Morton says, I think people like to put themselves into life-and-death situations and imagine how theyd react  and our magazines, which are scrupulously truthful and as accurate as we can make them, certainly provide the material for such fantasies. Whats it like to be on Death Row, awaiting execution, or facing down a homicidal maniac, or indeed planning the perfect murder? Our writers specialise in putting our readers in just such situations, where they can experience a vicarious thrill.

Its impossible  in fact, remiss  to discuss the true crime genre without mention of Truman Capotes 1966 book In Cold Blood. Utilising the techniques of the novel, Capote told the story of the brutal murders of the rich Clutter family by Dick Hickock and Perry Smith in Holcomb, Kansas, in 1959. Capote, initially accompanied by To Kill A Mockingbird author Harper Lee, conducted dozens of interviews and pored over official reports to create what was described as a non-fiction novel, which took him six years to complete. Rightly regarded as a classic, In Cold Blood, along with the 1974s Helter Skelter (about the Manson Family murders written by the prosecutor in the case, Vincent Bugliosi) kick-started the modern True Crime book genre, which is now awash with fresh titles on a weekly basis.

While True Detective established the form, and In Cold Blood revolutionised it, there are still constant innovations in the genre. TV, of course, is no stranger to true crime documentary, but that, too, has evolved in recent times. Making A Murderer is a 10-part documentary series that debuted on Netflix in December 2015. Rather than rehash existing documents and reports, it took a different stance, in effect reinvestigating the case of Steven Avery, of Wisconsin, who had served 18 years for sexual assault and attempted murder before being freed after new DNA evidence came to light, and then arrested and prosecuted for a wholly separate murder. The series cast doubt on the whole case, especially the involvement and conviction of Averys nephew, Brendan Dassey, which resulted in an order for a retrial.

An even bigger cultural shift came with the 2014 podcast Serial, in which Sarah Koenig investigated, over multiple weekly episodes, the murder of Baltimore student Hae Min Lee and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Masud Syed, on which doubt was cast. Podcasts have captured the attention, perhaps in a way that the same material presented in the written word might not have done for the Internet generation.

Though the method of storytelling has changed over the almost-century since True Detective magazine was launched, the basis of it is still the same  a fascination with the worst of human nature. It might be that the true crime genre allows us to study the depths that people can sink to, at a safe distance; or it might just be that we really, really like the juicy details of a particularly gory crime. Whatever it is, its not going away.

The Independent
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.


The new Congress president should be appointed through consensus and not election as it helps to bind the party and Rahul Gandhi is certainly up to it, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Sunday.

He also said that it was up to Sonia Gandhi whether she will continue as party chief for another term and the party will be happy if she decides so.

Amarinder, however, favoured projection of regional leaders in Congress and making them the party's face in each state ahead of assembly elections.

"Elections are always bitter and consensus keeps the party together. There should be a consensus on the party president.

"You don't have any bad blood. It is all happening in a happy way," he told PTI in an interview.

The organisational election process within the Congress party is underway and the new party chief has to be elected by October 15.

On Sonia Gandhi, he said it will be entirely her call on whether to continue for another term till 2019.

"She has worked very hard. If she wants to stay, I think the party will be too happy. If she wants to go, I think Rahul is in a position to take over . As party Vice President, I have been dealing with him for 2-3 years, I find that he is certainly up to it," he said.

He, however, said his impression is that she feels she has done enough.

She has not had time off for the last 20 years, which is a long time, ever since she took over as party chief in 1997, Amarinder said.

Asked whether he prefers someone other that a member of the Gandhi family to lead the party, he said traditionally the Congress has been headed by a member of the Nehru Gandhi family.

From Motilal Nehru to Jawaharlal Nehru and then Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, except for some leaders in between, he said.

"I am going to vote for Rahul. Who else do we have," he said.

Asked what is holding Rahul back from taking over, the Punjab leader said he is already going through the process.

"I think one must not write off Rahul. People are trying to write him off. They are trying to fob him off, calling him childish names. That is unnecessary. I think he is very perceptive and very decisive," he said.

On promoting regional talent within the party, Amarinder said every state has regional leaders unlike in the past and the Congress has to project them ahead of elections, as people these days vote for a face.

He said all states have regional parties and regional leaders and everyone knows if they win, who will be the chief minister. This was not the case earlier when it was Jan Sangh or Congress.

"So you should have to have a face. Congress must come down to this point. If Himachal is tomorrow, then who is the face. This is very important today," he said and cited his own case.

Singh was named the CM candidate by the party ahead of the Punjab assembly election, in a departure from tradition.

"You must project a leader in advance. Look at me, the whole campaign was focused on me. Projection is important," he said, adding that the Congress has no dearth of young leaders in every state and cited some names too.

"You cannot write off Congress like this. I am sure other states must be having leaders also," he said.

On the current state of affairs in the Congress, which has lost one election after another except Punjab, the state chief minister said he is not worried about the situation as the country moved in a cycle, which will soon reverse.

"Today there may be an upswing for BJP, but who knows two years hence," he said.

Amarinder said India has so many problems and people are hoping for somebody who does better and if one does not deliver, they choose the other the next time.

He also cited Arvind Kejriwala's example, whose party was rejected by voters in the civic polls in Delhi.

"You see Mr Kejriwal being pushed out. Because they feel he has not delivered. So delivery is important," he said.

Having spent around five decades in politics, the Punjab chief minister said he has seen ups and downs including the time when the Congress "won only one state and one seat in the whole of North India of Karan Singh".

"This was when Indira Gandhi lost, Sanjay Gandhi and I also lost. Then suddenly in two years we bounced back again.

I am not worried about this. This is a cycle that happens in this country," he said, recollecting times when Indira Gandhi was at the helm.

Amarinder, who also holds the post of Punjab Congress chief, has also asked Rahul Gandhi to relieve him from the party post saying he will not be able to do justice to the job.
President Pranab Mukherjee on April 29 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted Gujarat and Maharashtra on the eve of their Foundation Day on May 1.

"I congratulate the citizens of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Both the states have striven to reach the heights of progress continually, contributed to the development of the nation, and a number great people born in both states have had continuously inspired us," Modi said in his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.

He followed this by making an appeal to the citizens to take a vow to see where they can take their state, society and nation by the year 2022 when India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence.

He said on this occasion people should chart out their own vision of the nation.

"To be able to execute this task, one must prepare plans and must march forward with the support of all the citizens," he said.
Union Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal will inaugurate a two-day conference of state power ministers here on May 3, which will also be attended by senior officials from government as well as public sector undertakings (PSUs), an official said on Sunday.

"The main purpose of the conference is to review the implementation of various ongoing schemes and programmes and to deliberate on a host of issues pertaining to power, mining, coal and renewable energy sectors," a Union Power Ministry release here said.

"In the mining sector, deliberations will concentrate on important issues such as auction preparedness of blocks for 2017-18 already under preparation by the states," it said.

Besides, "the status of project implementation under Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana and curbing illegal mining through mining surveillance system (MSS) with specific reference to the illegal sand mining" will also be discussed, it added.

Issues on the agenda for discussions include "247 power for all, strategies and action plan for 100 per cent household electrification and smart metering power reforms, energy conservation, energy-efficient agriculture pumps, cyber security and promotion of digital payments in the power sector".

"In the area of renewable energy, the ministers will discuss guidelines for renewable projects."

For the coal sector, deliberations would focus on issues like flexibility in utilisation of domestic coal for reducing cost of power generation and use of domestic coal instead of imported coal, the ministry said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted Gujarat and Maharashtra on the eve of their Foundation Day on 1 May.

"I congratulate the citizens of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Both the states have striven to reach the heights of progress continually, contributed to the development of the nation, and a number great people born in both states have have continuously inspired us," Modi said in his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.

He followed this by making an appeal to the citizens to take a vow to see where they can take their state, society and nation by the year 2022 when India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence.

He said on this occasion people should chart out their own vision of the nation.

"To be able to execute this task, one must prepare plans and must march forward with the support of all the citizens," he said.
The National Green Tribunal's historic order banning 10-year-old diesel vehicles in Delhi- NCR "violated" the law and the authority to fix the age of a vehicle lies with the Executive, the government has said.

The government's made its opposition to the green panel's directive crystal clear, three months after it moved the Supreme Court seeking lifting of the ban on decade-old diesel vehicles in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

" the order of the tribunal goes far beyond the provisions of the law as the order are binding on all diesel vehicles of National Capital Region which are more than 10 years, without being subject to any examination," the Ministry of Heavy Industries told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.

In written submissions, it said "powers to fix the age of the vehicle is with the Central Government only, which has to be notified through a Gazette. Hence, the order of the NGT would be in violation of the Motor Vehicle Act.

"The MV Act mentions that the registering authority should satisfy that the vehicle will constitute a danger to the public and it is beyond reasonable repair."

Challenging the green panel's order, the Ministry said the cancellation of registration of a vehicle can be done only under the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act after giving a notice to the owner and according him an opportunity to rebut the claim that the vehicle is not roadworthy or beyond repair.

It said that "arbitrary" removal of vehicles based on age would cause economic hardship to their owners whose very livelihood may depend on them and this could lead to social unrest.

The Ministry also said the NGT has "incorrectly" noted that the vehicle density in Delhi NCR was very high as the region was a wide geographical area covering Delhi and parts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Hence, the vehicle density of NCR was much less than many of the mega cities of the country, the ministry said.

Earlier, the Centre had told the NGT that there was a "misconception" that only diesel polluted the environment.

Opposing the ban on decade-old diesel vehicles, the Ministry has told the tribunal that diesel was not the only polluting fuel as they have higher fuel efficiency which led to 10-15 per cent lower carbon dioxide emission compared to a petrol vehicle.

It also referred to the Delhi government's odd-even road rationing scheme and said that Central Pollution Control Board has unequivocally established that pollution levels did not come down due to reduction in vehicles.

On January 13, the Centre had moved the Supreme Court seeking lifting of the ban on 10-year-old diesel vehicles in Delhi and NCR, saying it was affecting the economically weaker sections.

Noting that diesel is the prime source of air pollution in Delhi, the NGT had held on November 26, 2014 that all diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years old, will not be permitted to ply in Delhi-NCR.
A member of the Nehru-Gandhi family and one of India's foremost writers with feminist concerns, Nayantara Sahgal returned her Sahitya Akademi award in 2015 to protest against rising intolerance in the country. Will she ever accept a recognition from the state again? Never!

The widely acclaimed author of the novel "Rich Like Us", for which she received the 1986 Sahitya Akademi Award, in fact, laughed off the idea. Dubbing the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance regime as the "RSS government", she said it is not possible for them to recognise progressive writers like her.

"I have never, all my life, stood in line for any award, any job or anything. And I would certainly not do so under this regime," she told IANS in a freewheeling interview.

The 89-year-old writer further said that she has not seen any signs from the Sahitya Akademi of support for the cause of free speech in the country.

The Akademi, according to Sahgal, did not say anything when a Sahitya Akademi award winner, Narendra Dabholkar, was murdered. If they have done anything at all to protect the rights of the authors and rational thinkers, the author said, it must have been very silent.

But what do writers fear? Is there any imminent threat to the fraternity?

"It is not a threat anymore, there has been a murder. Three writers have been killed! (Perumal) Murugan was hounded out of his home, he was on pain of death, that if you stay here we will kill you, we will kill your family. People are in danger of their lives if they disagree with their Hindutva ideology and these so called gau-rakshaks," Sahgal immediately responded.

Sahgal also stressed on the need for authors to "show through their stories what they stand for" but maintained that it is "a very individual thing" as storytelling is about human beings and not about ideas. There may be a political setting or contemporary issues in many stories, but the story is about characters who live there.

The former advisor to Sahitya Akademi's Board for English from 1972 to 1975 went on to say that her writings have been inspired by the times she grew up in. With her mother Vijayalakshmi Pandit as India's first ambassador to the U.N., her uncle Jawaharlal Nehru as first Prime Minister, and her cousin, Indira Gandhi as third Prime Minister, it is not surprising that politics and history inspire and underlie much of her writing.

Beginning with her memoir "Prison and Chocolate Cake", published in 1954, Sahgal authored other political writings  "The Freedom Movement in India" and "Indira Gandhi, Her Road to Power"  along with a collection of essays, "Point of View: A Personal response to Life, Literature and Politics".

"The great thing that happened at independence was that we are a country of many great religions and we are deeply religious. And therefore we chose to be a secular republic so that all religions would have pride of place, so that all citizens would be equal, so that every man and woman would have the right to live and worship and dress and think and eat and make love as they choose. This was extremely great and progressive idea at independence and that is what is now being destroyed," she lamented.

Sahgal further said that religion is not a state affair, it is rather a matter of one's personal choice and one's personal relationship with god.

"The state can't tell you to do this and that with regard to religion. That was a very precious inheritance where all Indians felt equal and felt safe. Now I am sorry to say that the minorities do not feel safe, in particular the Muslim community is being hounded, persecuted and killed. That is not accepted by any civilised Indian," she added.

The much-acclaimed author also said that she often hears the Prime Minister making a "very fine speech", but on the ground, something else is happening.

"That which they call the fringe elements are not isolated people, they are being backed by very, very powerful people. The Bajrang Dal or the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and others back them openly.

"The ruling establishment, the Prime Minister himself, should make it very clear, and make it clear not only in speech but practice, that these things cannot be allowed to happen in a democracy where it is our constitutional right to speak and practise what we choose to," she said.

All changes from the times that she grew up in to now are, fortunately, not unpleasant. Sahgal recalled that when she began writing in the 1950s the Indian publishing industry was very small and was competing against leading international publishers. Writers today, she said, can be published more easily than ever before.

Apart from the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1986, she has also received the Sinclair Prize (Britain) for fiction in 1985 and the Commonwealth Writers Award (Eurasia) in 1987. She was also a Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, Washington, from 1981 to 1982.
Economic ties and cooperation in the fight against terrorism are expected to dominate the bilateral talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will have here on Monday.

Erdogan's Sunday-Monday India visit comes at the start of a diplomatic blitz he is embarking on after winning a referendum on April 16 which gave him more executive powers as President.

India-Turkey trade stands at $6.4 billion, which is much below potential, officials say. Ankara wants a Free Trade Agreement and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to bridge the deficit with New Delhi.

With chances of Turkey becoming an European Union member diminishing, Ankara is actively looking to Asia in terms of economic development and security  and India is seen as a major partner in this regard.

At a media briefing ahead of Erdogan's visit, Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, said the Turkish leader would be accompanied by some cabinet ministers, senior officials and a 150-member business delegation that will take part in a meeting of the India-Turkey Business Forum.

She said there was scope for cooperation in areas such as construction, infrastructure development, renewable energy, tourism and film shooting.

At a meeting on "India and Turkey's Place in the Rising World" organised here, Kerem Alkin, Professor at the Istanbul Medipol University's Faculty of Business and Managerial Sciences, said Ankara wanted New Delhi to share its experience in power generation.

"There may be negotiations on energy supply during President Erdogan's visit," Alkin said. "We can work together on global energy demand, especially renewable energy."

Transportation, communication, logistics, tourism, retail and financial services are other areas flagged by Alkin where the two countries can cooperate.

Terrorism is expected to be another highlight of the Modi-Erdogan talks.

"Both India and Turkey have been battling terrorism for long and understand the need for acting against this global menace," Ghanashyam said.

Turkey has made it clear that it has no objection to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Ilnur Cevik, Senior Advisor to President Erdogan, said Turkey would be interested in nuclear cooperation with India "and all other peaceful countries that seek peaceful use of nuclear technology".

Turkey's position on India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council is different.

Cevik said his country wanted the five permanent members of the world body to give up their veto powers.

Turkey is a member of the group called Uniting for Consensus (UfC) that is opposed to expansion of permanent seats in the Security Council.

Other members of the group include Italy, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Pakistan, Malta, Costa Rica, Colombia and San Marino.

According to Ghanashyam, following the talks on Monday, some agreements that are currently being finalised are expected to be signed.

Erdogan last visited India in 2008 when he was the Prime Minister.
The unknown British officer promptly collected samples of broken bricks and sent these to the National Test House in London.

There was no test house in Bharat then, as the Industrial Revolution had quietly bypassed this country. He was stunned at the results advanced by the Test House.

The samples were parts of regular bricks that were fired in furnaces at around 4,000 degrees Celsius. And these were around 5,000 years old.

Lo and behold, to the amazement of the whole world, the oldest civilization with meticulously planned urban centres stood excavated before them.

Did someone congratulate the present government on the smart city concept? Several Ashoka pillars were standing erect for centuries all over the sub-continent, delineating the boundaries of the first welfare state in history, a federal setup as if holding up a model to follow for the present Indian state designed by independent Indias Constitution.

The pillars have priceless inscriptions engraved on them for good government and public welfare which could be the envy of a modern civilian democracy.

The pillars were widely spread out so that the populace in far corners of the empire could read and observe. And public exhortations for his Royal officials to follow and comply.

Sir James Princep, a young British civilian landed in Calcutta in the early 19th century for a job with the East India Company.

He was an ordinary civilian. As Master of the government mint, he was not mandated to chronicle the story of the Indian civilisation.

But like his other peers, he was trained in history and motivated to explore and discover his adopted land. He was amazed to notice the anonymous pillars with fine inscriptions scattered all over the land.

Shockingly, the native had no clue. Obviously, history ~ even their very own ~ was no ones concern.

Sir James learnt the language of the inscriptions ~ Bhrahmi ~ which was the lingua franca of the masses in ancient India.

The language was long dead in Bharat, and no native contemporary of Sir James could enlighten him. He was not deterred, and deciphered the inscriptions on his own.

He discovered that the author was none other than the Great King Devanampia ~ Beloved of the Gods. But none of the pillars or rock edicts identified the Emperor or the time of his reign.

Apart from history, Sir James was trained in the classical languages, pre-eminently Greek.

He returned to London Museum, and studied contemporary records of Greek travellers and scholars during the reign of Devanampia.

He deciphered that Devanampia was King Ashoka the Great, who belonged to the Mauryan dynasty, circa 3rd century BC. By this single effort of great exertion, Sir James discovered Indian history, which was manifest all over the subcontinent, waiting to be decoded.

Recorded Indian history began with this discovery. Likewise, the paintings of Ajanta and Ellora were waiting to be discovered in the forests of Aurangabad for more than 2,000 years.

As in other parts of Bharat, countless generations of natives just walked past our past, without venturing into the forest.

Apparently, they were too busy with their daily chores when not delving into deep questions of profound philosophy affecting humankind.

These caves were spread over a vast area, and lay uncared for and neglected for centuries.

As in other parts of Bharat, the local dynasties were too busy fighting other kingdoms, to waste their time on such mundane things as history even if it were their own.

In the 19th century, a British Administrator was in charge of Aurangabad.

Like most of his counterparts, he was ever so ready to explore, discover and document. Incidentally, this is how history begins. He organized a shoot in the local forest for tigers, which were legion in his area. With the approach of the hunting party, the tigers would disappear.

The Administrator was transferred but, according to standard practice, he left behind a detailed portrait of his area for the benefit of his successor.

It was another British invention. The successor was equally intrigued by the notings on the vanishing tigers.

He organized a shoot, and this time cordoned off the forest to ensure that the tigers would not simply vanish. It is then that he made another amazing discovery.

The tigers sought refuge in the deep caves of Ajanta, whose walls and ceilings were adorned with paintings of breathless beauty.

The Administrator was aghast at the centuries of neglect and indifference. The paintings were faded and the paint was peeling off. He wrote to London.

A painter was sent by ship so that each of the paintings was replicated and shipped to London Museum, to be kept as a permanent record.

Only thereafter were the paintings cleaned and restored. There are few instances of such dedicated and thoughtful action among the several hundred British administrators who ruled India with distinction in their adopted home away from home.

Thanks entirely to the efforts of the anonymous civil servant, the site has been declared a heritage site by UNESCO.

These are just a few instances of the pioneering work done by largely anonymous British civilians.

There are hundreds of such examples all over the sub-continent where these administrators virtually discovered our rich civilization for us, ranging from the translation of Chanakyas Arthashastra to compiling the first dictionary of Sanskrit, and the study of Flora and Fauna of India.

The advent of the British transformed a largely undiscovered Bharat into an India that is today justifiably proud of its unique civilisational heritage.

The writer is a retired IAS officer.
The voter in France has restricted his choice as perhaps seldom before in the countrys political history. The Socialist and Les Republicains parties ~ the mainstream centre-left and centre-right groups ~ that have dominated French politics for decades, have for now been relegated to the footnotes. This succinctly is the message conveyed after last Sundays first round. Ergo, the presidential run-off next Sunday ~ 7 May ~ will be a clash between the far-right Marine Le Pen of the Front National and the centrist, Emmanuel Macron. Quite the most remarkable feature is that the two parties, that seem to be down and out in the race for the Elysee, have united to urge the country to back Macron and reject Le Pens populist, anti-EU and anti-immigration nationalism. Less than a fortnight before the critical round, Macron quite clearly has the overwhelming support of the people and the political class generally. However demoralised, the mainstream parties have been eloquent in their support to Le Pens opponent. The voters have rejected the far-right leaders brand of nationalism in the fountainhead of libertarian democracy, however much she may rant at Macron as a hysterical, radical Europeanist. He is for total open borders. He says there is no such thing as French culture. There is not one area where he shows one ounce of patriotism. For all the creaking up of rhetoric, the voter thinks differently, however. The ascendancy of a hitherto fringe entity is the critical signal that has been emitted by the electorate. There is no ambiguity in the choice of the middle ground in preference to the mildly Left, let alone the Right. Further comment must await the outcome of the run-off, but it would be reasonable to presume that this weeks broad trends will be manifest. If the mood of the electorate is an index to the renewed tryst with democracy, there is little or no scope for fanatical expressions of rabid nationalism.

Not wholly unrelated to the discouraging outcome of the first round is the temporary resignation of Le Pen from the presidency of Front National, pledging to be above partisan considerations and be riveted to the race for the Elysee. Her objective in stepping aside from helming her partys presidency is to appeal to supporters of the defeated first-round candidates, particularly those who backed the conservative Francois Fillon, who finished third, and the innocuous right-winger Nicolas Dupont-Aignan. But given the groundswell of support for Macron, it is hugely unlikely that the 7 May run-off will be any different. Most particularly the support has been extended by the outgoing President, Francois Hollande, who says he will vote for Macron, his former economy minister, because Le Pen represents both the danger of the isolation of France and of rupture with the EU. A far-right President would deeply divide France, is Mr Hollandes grim foreboding. Faced with such a risk, it is not possible to take refuge in indifference.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be in New Delhi on a two day India visit commencing today(30April). This is Erdogan' s first visit as the President of Turkey though he had earlier came to India in 2008 as Prime Minister.

This visit assumes significance as barely two weeks ago he won a referendum, albeit by a slender margin securing nearly 51 per cent votes, to give himself enormous governance powers. Erdogan is not politically secure and his position remains imperilled by threats from within. The Turkish opposition has already cried foul alleging large scale manipulation in the referendum process. He had survived a military coup attempt last year raising fears of his political existence.

Against this backdrop, Erdogan is likely to present a bold face on his India trip to convey that he is in absolute control. He is expected to propose to the Indian side a strengthening of anti-terror cooperation and a deepening of ties with respect to investment and trade. On May 1, the Turkish President will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi where apart from these issues, the topic of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) may come up for discussion. On the face of it, Turkey does not seem opposed to India's NSG membership yet it is expected to proceed with caution.

Amongst other issues, Erdogan will in all probability further sensitise India on the threat he perceives from Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation ( FETO). Last year's coup attempt to dislodge Erdogan and the outfit's activists allegedly being harboured in India, remains a cause of concern to him. Erdogan is also learnt to be considering flagging his apprehensions that FETO has been able to infiltrate into India through educational institutions and associations.

This concern notwithstanding, there are reports that Turkey on its part has been covertly supporting Muslim Brotherhood elements in India. This is confirmed by his detractors in Turkey who allege that Erdogan is promoting Neo-Ottomanism following his referendum "triumph" which is also distancing Turkey from the West and ties with Germany, Netherlands and other EU countries are badly fractured. Following his referendum victory, Erdogan has become an ardent supporter of Sunni Salafi groups to counter Syria. His support, therefore, to the Muslim Brotherhood does not look surprising.

India, while dealing with Turkey during the Erdogan visit, must take into account the extraordinarily excellent relations that Turkey enjoys with Pakistan. They are already in a strategic relationship. Pakistan and the Turkish Air Force are in a formal deal where Turkey would buy 52 Super Mushkak trainer jets and Pakistan would help train Turkish pilots to support recovery of the Turkish armed forces to meet the shortage of hardware and pilots in the aftermath of the aborted coup last year. Further, there are regular joint naval exercises between the two countries. On Erdogan's last visit to Pakistan (incidentally he has paid seven visits to Pakistan) in the recent past , he addressed the joint session of parliament which was also attended by the top Pakistani military brass.

Military warming up apart, Turkey and Pakistan have a bilateral trade worth 10 billion dollars. Pakistan supports Turkey's position in Cyprus, Azerbaijan and Armenia  not so palatable to the West. Importantly, Turkey supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. This merits factoring in while dealing with Turkey.

Diplomatically, it appears ceremonially appropriate that Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is conferring a honorary doctorate on Erdogan. JMI hosts should also remind Turkey that Indian Muslims have all along supported Turkey. In 1912-13, a medical mission from India , under Dr Ansari, was dispatched to Turkey on compassionate grounds. It's high time Erdogan recognises this historical fact in letter and spirit and comes equally close to India to strengthen bilateral ties. Even Mahatma Gandhi had supported the Khilafat movement despite criticism from many quarters.

Turkey, under Erdogan, seems to be playing an active role in its efforts to contain the ISIS menace in the region. The terror attacks in Ankara and Istanbul airport have been eye openers for Erdogan. He must share hard time intelligence with India on ISIS related activities in the war-torn region and on participation of Indians, if any. It can be assumed that Turkey being in such close proximity to ISIS-affected areas will have access to real time intelligence and robust cooperation between the two countries will provide new focus to bilateral ties.

The writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and Senior Fellow, India Police Foundation. The views expressed are personal.
If part of the effort to inject an employment angle into the development narrative in Jammu and Kashmir there would be reason to applaud the decision to include a womens unit in the five India Reserve Battalions for which an expenditure of Rs.61 crore per battalion has been approved by the Centre.

Unemployment in J-K has assumed chronic dimensions, as proved by 140,000 applications being submitted for 5,000 openings.

Unfortunately the decision for 1,000 women soldiers is being projected as a response (knee-jerk reaction?) to disturbing scenes of young girls in school uniform joining their male colleagues in pelting stones at security forces.

The theory of set a thief to catch a thief is much too fanciful to have relevance in a situation so complex and bitter.

Even if the womens force was recruited it would take months for the constabulary to be trained and motivated to take on their sisters.

The greater risk would be expansion of the conflict, drawing local womenfolk into open, physical, confrontation with the Army, paramilitary and police.

Virtually eliminating the remote chances of winning over the hearts and minds of radicalised young people brain-washed into believing they are fighting for political and religious freedom.

A few months back the Chief of the Army Staff had read out the riot act to civilians who pelted stones to disrupt the troops anti-militancy operations.

Will General Bipin Rawat now present an honest evaluation of the impact of his caution?

There is a widespread impression that the stonethrowers have shed both respect and fear of the forces; unleashing a womens squad on schoolgirls could trigger similar results. What appears a quickfix solution to the armchair strategists in North Block risks a dangerous exacerbation of the conflict in the Valley.

Admittedly Mehbooba Mufti is at her wits end, but only face will be lost if her call for counseling the youth is experimented with. At the risk of being repetitive, let it be stressed that there is no military solution to the insurgency.

New Delhi will have to back-off, talk to stakeholders and find ways to a negotiated political settlement of core issues.

As Atal Bihari Vajpayee had realised, even if naming the first NDA Prime Minister is like waving a redrag in the face of his successor.

Just how far things have deteriorated is confirmed by the Election Commission seeking the deployment of over 75,000 paramilitary personnel to conduct the scheduled by-poll to the Lok Sahha from Anantngag.

That figure is calculated on the basis of the deployment for the Srinagar by-poll a fortnight back, which witnessed over 200 violent incidents and a voter turnout of just seven per cent.

Are we looking to a democratic exercise of a military operation on 25 May?
The euphoria over the Centre signing the historic 3 August 2015 Framework Naga peace accord with NSCN-IM chairman Isak Swu and general secretary Th Muivah, has more or less dissipated.

Now it is giving way to despair and even anger. Many have adversely commented on the decision not to disclose the contents.

Over the past 20 months the Nagas were made to believe that apart from the framework tackling the political parameters, it has also accepted the NSCN-IMs core demand of integration of all Naga-inhabited areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur.

Last month, while addressing an election rally at Imphal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the Meiteis of Imphal valley that they need not worry about their territory being sliced away.

He also said there was no mention of integration in the framework deal.

Even the government's interlocutor for negotiations, RN Ravi, said being the main signatory he should know better, and that the integration issue did not figure in the framework pact. Muivah challenged this.

While speaking on the factions 38th Republic day celebrations early this month, Muivah said the Centre has in fact agreed to the Nagas demand for greater Nagaland.

So, it is for the people to judge who is telling the truth. Amidst all this comes a warning from the NSCN(IM) army chief.

Apparently annoyed by delay in finding a lasting solution, he was quoted by a Delhi-based weekly as having said, It is only after we went to China that India woke up, will India wake up only if we do that again?

A veiled threat indeed. But not without reason. Both Swu and Muivah hobnobbed with the Chinese and had their training in China.

Several educated Nagas also made it to Tibet via Nepal in the 1960s.

Arakan and Kachin areas in Myanmar are their friendly turf. Since March 2014 the Khaplang faction of the NSCN is operating from a safe base in Myanmar.

Now, with China fast widening its influence in Myanmar, Naga rebels may not find it difficult to get help and support from the Chinese.

The fact also remains that in January 2002, Muivah was arrested at Bangkok airport while flying from Karachi on a false passport.

No question was asked as to what was he doing in Pakistan while engaged in formal peace talks with the Centre.

One thing is certain. The prolonged Naga peace talks are not likely to yield anything if the integration issue is kept on the sideline.

For some strange reason, the Centre has not even begun serious consultations with the three states that feel their territorial integrity is under threat.

If faith in negotiations is lost, there is every possibility of Nagaland going to another phase of insurgency.
Bonobos  the rare great ape species  may be anatomically more closely linked to human ancestors than common chimpanzees, a new study suggests.

By studying the muscles of bonobos, researchers were able to discover that they are more closely related to human anatomy than common chimpanzees, in the sense that their muscles have changed less than they have in common chimpanzees.

Researchers, including those from George Washington University in the US, examined seven bonobos that had died and were being preserved.

They said this was an extremely rare opportunity given bonobos' status as an endangered species.

Having a clear understanding of what makes humans different from our closest living relatives might lead to new breakthroughs or understandings of human health, researchers said.

"Bonobo muscles have changed least, which means they are the closest we can get to having a 'living' ancestor," said Bernard Wood, professor at George Washington University.

"Bonobo anatomy reveals stasis and mosaicism in chimpanzee evolution, and supports bonobos as the most appropriate extant model for the common ancestor of chimpanzees and humans," researchers said.

"Our study has shown that there is a mosaic evolution of the three species, in the sense that some features are shared by humans and bonobos, others by humans and common chimpanzees, and still others by the two ape species," said Rui Diogo, associate professor at Howard University in the US.
Reading supportive comments, 'likes' and private messages from Facebook friends just before taking an exam may help anxious students reduce their nervousness and improve test scores, a new study has found.

Researchers at the University of Illinois in the US found that undergraduate students with high levels of test anxiety who sought support from their online friends and read the messages prior to a simulated exam reduced their anxiety levels by 21 per cent.

These students, and peers who performed a seven-minute expressive-writing exercise, were able to perform as well on a set of computer programming exercises as students who had low levels of test anxiety, said Robert Deloatch, a graduate student at the university.

Up to 41 per cent of students are estimated to suffer from test anxiety, which is a combination of physiological and emotional responses that occur while preparing for and taking tests.

Test anxiety is linked to lower test scores and grade point averages, as well as poor performance on memory and problem-solving tasks.

Test anxiety can be particularly acute when students face exams involving open-ended problems, such as those commonly used on computer science exams that require students to write and run codes, the researchers said.

When students' test anxiety is reduced, their scores and task performance improve accordingly, they found.

Students with high test anxiety strongly fear negative evaluation, have lower self-esteem and tend to experience increased numbers of distracting and irrelevant thoughts in testing situations, according to the study.

For the simulated exam, students had to solve two programming problems by writing and running codes.

Most of the participants were computer science majors or computer engineering students who passed a pretest that ensured they had basic programming knowledge.

The researchers measured participants' levels of test anxiety using the Cognitive Test Anxiety scale, which assesses the cognitive problems associated with test-taking such as task-irrelevant thinking and attention lapses.

Participants also completed two other questionnaires that measured their levels of anxiety.

The day before the experiment, students in the social support group posted messages on their personal social media pages requesting encouragement  in the form of likes, comments or private messages  about an upcoming computer programming challenge they planned to participate in.

"We found that only the students who received supportive messages from their Facebook network showed a significant decrease in anxiety and an increase in their performance on our simulated exam," Deloatch said.
18 out of 51 apartment buildings declared safe

Eighteen out of 51 high-rise apartment buildings in the Kathmandu Valley that were damaged by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake of April 25, 2015 have been declared safe for residential purpose.
At least 11 persons were killed on Sunday when a passenger bus plunged into a ravine in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, police said.

Many others were injured in the accident near Lowari Top, The News International reported. The injured have been rushed to a hospital.

According to the police, the driver of the bus lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a sharp turn in the mountainous terrain.

The bus was carrying over 20 persons and was on way from Rawalpindi to Chitral.

Traffic accidents frequently happen in Pakistan due to poorly maintained roads, violation of road safety rules and reckless driving.

According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, over 9,000 road accidents take place every year in the country, killing about 5,000 people.

Traffic police officials say 90 per cent of the accidents are caused merely due to human errors.
French far-right National Front leader and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen on Sunday proposed a dual currency system for France, a national currency for its home economy and another for international trade as, in her opinion, the "euro is dead".

"We will have a national currency like all other countries, and a common currency together," Le Pen said in an interview with French daily Le Parisien, meaning that a new French franc would be a currency for everyday domestic use and the euro would be for "large companies trading internationally".

According to Le Pen who faces centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron in the second round of the Presidential election on May 7, the euro is "largely responsible for mass unemployment" in France because it has not "adapted" itself to the French economy, Efe news reported.

She added that, if she wins the presidency, she will negotiate with the European Union (EU) the recovery of four "essential" sovereignties: territorial, legislative, economic and monetary. If those EU negotiations failed, she would submit the euro question to the French people via referendum.

"If they vote no, then I will resign," the presidential hopeful said.

Le Pen's proposal to abandon the euro has generated unease, as polls show 70 per cent of the French wish to remain inside the European single currency.

Exactly how she would pull-out from the euro also has created some degree of confusion, even within the ranks of Le Pen's Front National party.

Regarding her "patriotic" alliance with Eurosceptic right-wing party Debout La France, led by Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, a former rival, Le Pen said she had to modify some of her proposals.

Among others, free schooling for immigrant children that she wished to temporarily ban.

Speaking of her duel with Macron, who is ahead in the polls, Le Pen considers she might win and, in her opinion, Macron is already getting nervous by his "feverish and aggressive" stance.
Pope Francis has called for international mediation to ease escalating tensions over North Korea's nuclear activity, the media reported on Sunday.

Speaking to the media on Saturday aboard his plane after a visit to Egypt, Pope Francis said: "There are so many facilitators in the world, there are mediators who offer themselves, such as Norway for example," the BBC reported.

He warned that the situation had become "too hot" and said: the "path is the path of negotiations, of a diplomatic solution".

He warned the crisis risked sparking a devastating war in which "a good part of humanity" would be destroyed.

His comments come hours after North Korea test-fired another ballistic missile on Saturday, which the US and South Korea confirmed that it exploded shortly after take-off.

The missile was fired from a site in South Pyeongan province, north of Pyongyang.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe branded North Korea a "grave threat" during his visit to London, after a failed missile test resulted in the shut down of a Tokyo subway, the media reported.

Abe on Saturday 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, the Daily Mail reported.

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 said the temporary suspension affected 13,000 passengers on Saturday morning.

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.

Earlier on Saturday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile that blew up over land.

The main part of the missile landed approximately 35 km from Pukchang airfield, north of Pyongyang, according to CNN.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile flew for several minutes and reached a maximum height of 44 miles.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Arable land turns barren in Nawalparasi as real estate business booms

A rush to make a fortune by engaging in real estate business has converted huge swathes of agricultural land into barren fields in Nawalparasi district. People are ditching farming and selling their plots of land, as demand for real estate is growing in the district following rise in migration from rural areas.
There were severe protests by the Opposition, including the Congress, the BJP and the TDP when a special sitting of the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Sunday passed amendments to the Land Acquisition Act as per the suggestions made by the Union law ministry.

While the state government is insisting on getting this Act ratified, it has faced problems from the word go. Earlier this year a division bench of the Hyderabad High Court ordered that the state government should not purchase lands under GO 123 dated July 30, 2015 for irrigation projects as it violates the statutory rights of affected marginalised families, who included agriculture labourers, artisans and others.

This was after the state government went right ahead and adopted the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Telangana Amendment) Bill, 2016 with a voice vote, in spite of the Opposition putting up a fight against the bill.

But the Telangana government is not waiting on anyone and has a mind of its own. Thus the amendments to the Telangana Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Telangana Amendment Act, 2016) were passed within 10 minutes of the House being assembled for the day.

Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, who handles revenue and related portfolios, moved the Amendment Bill, even though the Congress members demanded a debate on the problems of chilli farmers. But the Speaker Madhusudhana Chary ruled that the sitting was being held with the sole agenda of passing the amendments and no other issue would be taken up. The amendments were then passed by voice vote without any debate.

The state legislature had passed the bill two months ago and sent it to the Centre for the President's assent, but the Union law ministry last week sent it back to the state to make 'suitable amendments to the Land Act'.

Though the Speaker adjourned the House sine die, the Congress MLAs refused to leave their seats to register their protest.

The BJP also put up a protest near the assembly building to condemn the government's attitude. Both the BJP and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) members were not invited to the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the assembly on Saturday since they had been suspended earlier during the budget session.

The Congress MLA and state unit president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said his party would meet President Pranab Mukherjee to urge him not to accept the amended bill. He wanted a social impact assessment in the process of land acquisition.

The farmers organisations and the Opposition have always strongly opposed the new Land Acquisition Bill passed by the Telangana Assembly last year. In the new bill, the TRS government tried to tweak the Central Land Acquisition Act 2013, whereas the TRS was one of the signatories of this Act when the UPA was in power. But they had to make some arrangements after facing stiff opposition in acquiring land for several irrigation projects.

The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Telangana Amend) Act 2016 wrests the right to acquire land for public good and in the national interest. The state feels that the Act brings in amendments to the Central Act which was obstructing its developmental plans. This Act, in fact, gives the state government all kinds of power to acquire land for projects of national importance, infrastructure projects (electrification and irrigation), affordable housing and housing for the poor, industrial corridors and for infrastructure projects taken up by the government and through public-private partnerships.

Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao has always been claiming that the GO No. 123, introduced by the state government offered better compensation than what the 2013 Act proposed. But both the farmers and the Opposition do not believe it. While a gram sabha is de rigueur before such Acts are implemented, no such step was taken by the state government.
Of late, the beef about the BJP has been its two-facedness when it comes to the issue of beef and cow slaughter. The party doesnt have a pan-India stand on cow slaughter. Different propaganda is adopted in different states. In the north of Vindhyas, where cows are venerated as the mother, the BJP has made it a mission to protect them. The laws relating to cow slaughter vary from state to state in India. In majority of the states, there is a law banning cow slaughter. In some states, slaughter of cows is permissible under certain conditions. Kerala, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim have no restrictions on cow slaughter.

Last month, the Gujarat assembly amended the cow protection act in the state and made cow slaughter a non-bailable offence and punishable with life imprisonment. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, after taking charge, ordered a crackdown on slaughterhouses in the state, much to the discomfort of traders and non-vegetarians. Adityanath is hugely fond of cows and bulls and has dedicated his life for them. He has company. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said his government would hang those who kill cow. After the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre in 2014, cow vigilantes have flourished across north India. They are seen harming innocent people who take cows from one place to another for different purposes. On April 21, in Jammu and Kashmir, five members of a family, including a nine-year-old girl, were beaten up after they were seen moving with their flocks of cattle, goats and sheep.

But cows and bulls are not so much sacred in the south of Vindhyas, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, a traditional bull chasing sport, Jallikattu, is organised every year where cruelty is meted out to the animal. In Kerala, many Hindus consume beef. Far away, in much of the northeast, beef is considered a desirable sustenance. The BJP has said that there will be no beef ban in states in the northeast where the BJP is in power. In Kerala, during the recent bypoll in Malappuram, a Muslim-majority constituency, the BJP candidate N. Sriprakash said he would provide good quality beef if he won the election. After it caused an uproar, he had to retract his statement. Said Sriprakash, My words were twisted. I only talked about modernisation of slaughter houses in Malappuram district. I should be left alone. He came third in the by-poll, garnering only 1,000 more votes than he had received in 2014.

Kerala, incidentally, is the highest consumer of meat in the country, with its daily requirement touching more than 5,000 tonnes. Close to 85 per cent of the state's population is non-vegetarian. Said O. Rajagopal, BJP MLA in Kerala, "I don't want to talk about cow slaughter. It is a non-issue in Kerala."

In January, the Union environment ministry had asked the Union agriculture ministry to explore the option of enacting a national law to prevent cow slaughter. Said S.S. Ahluwalia, Union minister of state for agriculture, We will soon bring in law that prohibits cow slaughter across the country. Article 48 of the Constitution clearly mandates the state to prohibit the slaughter of cows and calves.

Last month, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that a law banning cow slaughter in India would promote non-violence. In 2003, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government had to postpone the introduction of a bill banning cow slaughter in Parliament after some of its allies, along with the opposition parties, created an uproar in Parliament and demanded that the bill be withdrawn.

Said the BJPs national executive member Seshadri Chari, The BJP has always wanted a complete ban on cow slaughter across the nation. But in some states there are no rules banning cow slaughter. We would like to build a consensus on the issue. We have asked other like-minded organisations to help us formulate a consensus with all the concerned parties on this subject. I am sure even the Congress will support us in Parliament when we are ready with the bill preventing cow slaughter. The BJP is not in a hurry. But a bill banning cow slaughter nationally would become a reality soon.

Congress leaders in the northeast say that the reality in northeast is different from the rest of the country. Nagaland Congress chief Kewekhape Therie said, Beef is an important food in Nagaland. We are not against Hindus. But it is a nuisance to restrict us from eating the food we like. Northeast is different from mainstream India.

But the sentiments of the majority religion in the country have to be respected by all, said Vishwa Hindu Parishads joint general secretary Surendra Jain. Even in a country like the US, there are bans on killing horses and dogs in some states because of environmental issues and other factors. Across all civilisations in the world, the religious sentiments of the majority community are respected. Why cant it happen in India? A national ban on cow slaughter should happen at the earliest, he said.

The Supreme Court in January this year dismissed a public interest litigation seeking a complete ban on cow slaughter and said it would not interfere with the state laws on the killing of cows and bulls. In fact, in 2005, the court had upheld the constitutional validity of anti-cow slaughter laws approved by different state governments.

Recently, after the court asked the government to stop smuggling of cattle through the borders with Nepal and Bangladesh, the Union government told the court on April 24 that it wanted an Aadhaar-like unique identification system for cows, so as to track their movement and prevent smuggling. Now, the ministry of agriculture is devising a method for identification of cattle, using polyurethane tags with a unique identification number that the animal would carry its whole life. The government has allocated Rs 148 crore for obtaining the tag and health cards for cows. The tag will be fixed in the centre of the cows ear lobe. Tagging of cattle for insurance and such purposes is already in place in some north Indian states.

Said senior CPI leader D. Raja, This is absurd. The Union government should decide whether a human being is important to them or a cow. The whole thing has a communal angle to it. Cow is being used each passing day as a weapon to terrorise people.

Said Priya Dutt, Congress secretary, "I am a big animal lover. But I really don't think a ban, be it anything, is going to work in the country. It creates more chaos. If a national ban on cow slaughter comes in place, it would lead to more inhuman ways of killing cows. There should be strict laws against cruelty to animals. But cow slaughter should not be taken up as an emotional subject. You just cannot tell people what to eat."

Said G. Rajagopalan, additional solicitor general, "I can't express my owns views on the matter. Whatever decision the government takes on cow slaughter, I am here to defend it. As you know there are more than one judgment by the Supreme Court on this matter and regarding invoking Article 48 of the Constitution."
A third youth from Kerala who ran away to join the Islamic State terror group in Afghanistan has been killed, police said on Saturday.



According to information received, Yahya alias Bestin, 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.



Yahiya, along with his wife, his brother and 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.

Early this month, Muhammed, said to be in his 20s, was reported to have been 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, 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 missing17 persons from Kasargode district and four from Palakkad.


Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been frequently reiterating that criminals should leave UP or face the music if they continued to operate in the state.

But, a gap in theory and practice becomes apparent when the chief minister shares dais with those accused of murder. MLA Amanmani Tripathi welcomed the chief minister at a function in Gorakhpur, touching Yogis feet and seeking his blessings.

Amanmani Tripathi is accused of murdering his wife Sara Singh. The CBI had arrested him from Delhi in connection with the incident. Earlier, he was given a ticket from the Samajwadi Party. When Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav opposed his candidature, he contested as an independent. Amanmani is the son of tainted politician Amarmani Tripathi, who was convicted for the murder of poet Madumita Shukla 14 years ago.

Before Yogi became the chief minister, Amanmani had met him at Gorakhnath temple.

His sharing the stage with Yogi and seeking his blessings have sparked speculations that he may soon join the BJP.

But the million dollar question is how a murder accused could share dias with the chief minister without the knowledge of local administration or CMs close personal staff. Or why the chief minister did not rebuke him when he came to seek blessings.
Come monsoon and Dandakaranya, the biggest naxal den in India, will be swept in rain and slush, hampering movement of the rebels who seek refuge in its dense forests. Soon, they will be forced to lie low and live incognito in villages. Thats one reason why the CPI(Maoist) carries out its Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) between March and June, striking security forces in huge numbers. Maoists have carried out largely successful TCOCs over the past several summersDantewada in April 2010, Darbha valley in May 2013, Bhejji area in south Bastar in March 2017 (all in Chhattisgarh).

The April 24 attack that killed 25 Central Reserve Police Force personnel at Kala Pathar near Chintagufa in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh was another such tactical exercisea bloody and brazen message to the Narendra Modi government that Maoist terror was nowhere close to elimination. A day later, as wreaths were being laid on the martyrs in Raipur after Indian Air Force choppers worked overnight to move the bodies, Home Minister Rajnath Singh looked visibly pensive. He returned to Delhi with one resolve: Dandakaranyawhat Maoists call the liberated zonerequires a special anti-naxal grid formation. Its aim will be to flush out Maoists from the worst-affected districts and ensure minimum casualties of security forces.

And, meetings ensued. On April 26, national security adviser Ajit Doval, home ministrys senior security adviser K. Vijay Kumar, home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other top officials met Singh behind closed doors to revise the anti-naxal policy. The same day, the government woke up from its slumber and appointed 1983 batch IPS officer Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar as the director general of CRPF. The post had fallen vacant after K. Durga Prasad retired in February.

A secret file containing anti-naxal doctrine, too, came out of hiding from a cupboard of the home ministrys Left Wing Extremism (LWE) desk. This dusty doctrine, in 2014, was touted as the first comprehensive anti-LWE policy with a four-pronged strategy of security-, development-, rights- and entitlement-based measures and public perception management, as against the UPAs two-pronged approach of development and security. The doctrine envisaged seamless operations in the Red Zone by making CRPF a world-class counterinsurgency force that will hold the anti-naxal grid together. The doctrine, no doubt, will be revisited and revised. Also, on May 8, chief ministers and DGPs of ten states, top officials and district magistrates of 35 worst-affected naxal districts will brainstorm over the NDA governments anti-naxal policy.

The bitter reality is that the anti-naxal policy changes with each government, said retired IPS officer Kashmir Singh. A former joint secretary in the ministry of home affairs, he supervised the first anti-naxal action plan that was drawn up by home minister P. Chidambaram in 2009. It appears that the policy of first clearing a [naxal-infested] area, holding it [by security forces] and then initiating any developmental work [by civic bodies] has been put on the back burner. The aggressive anti-naxal policy that was there earlier is missing now, he said.

In the latest strike, the CRPF contingent became sitting ducks for the 300 heavily armed Maoists as they were on static duties, providing security to a road being constructed from Chintagufa to the Sukma district headquarters. Clearly, the 2014 doctrine had not changed anything for the CRPF.

What is required today is an operational overhaul of the Central paramilitary forces battling LWE in ten states, former director general of CRPF Dilip Trivedi told THE WEEK. They cannot be on static duties in Maoist hotbeds for years together as they become vulnerable. The state government needs to pull up their socks. The civic works need to be technology driven. He added that most of the development work in naxal-affected areas was just eyewash. If the government is serious, why does construction of a 16km stretch of road in Sukma take years as is the case currently? he asked.

Preliminary reports from the ground have revealed that the operational strength of the force is inadequate and there have been certain operational lapses. As the home ministry reviews these problems, the stress will be on making commanding officers stay with the forces rather than kilometres away. The standard operating procedures (SOPs) for conducting different kinds of operations will also be revised.

The assistant commandant and the commandant have to be on the ground not only to keep the morale of the forces high but also to supervise their movements, said a senior government official. There is also a difference between what force is sanctioned by the government and the actual number of men on the ground. Against an operational strength of 135 personnel in one company of the CRPF, only 50 to 55 personnel are actually deployed for operational duties.

Trivedi says it is always easy to blame the Central forces for not following the SOPs laid down by the policy makers in Delhi. Unless the basics are put in place and the forces used judiciously, precious lives will continue to be lost.
When Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited Arvind Kejriwal recently in Delhi, he invited the Delhi chief minister to Kerala to try ayurveda for improving his voice and overall health. Whether Kejriwal will go to Kerala for treatment is not clear, but one thing is certain, the Pinarayi government needs an extensive treatment to improve its overall health.

The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government which came to power with the tall promise of making everything rightan altogether apolitical catchphrase for a communist governmentis lurching from one controversy to another. There is lack of unity within the government as the CPI(M) and the CPI, the second largest partner in the ruling coalition, speak in different languages on a range of issues. Loose talk by ministers and an ongoing tug-of-war between senior bureaucrats, too, have put the government in a spot.

Above all, there is an impression that Pinarayi, who ran the CPI(M) for 17 years with an iron fist, is still stuck in the past. That he is yet to learn the art of diplomacy and tack, is a comment which is heard often.

On April 24, the government faced further embarrassment when the Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of former director general of police T.P. Senkumar, who was removed from the post by Pinarayi soon after he assumed office. Talking to THE WEEK, Senkumar said, The SC judgement will boost the morale of honest police officers as it protects them. Now every government will think twice before removing honest officers. Senkumar said he had handed over the Supreme Court order to the government and was expecting his appointment soon. The verdict is a huge setback for the chief minister, who is also the home minister.

We all had great hopes for this government. But I must say that people are getting disillusioned, said J. Devika, noted writer and academic. Devika, a senior faculty at the Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, said the government was sending out confusing signals. On the one hand, the government is taking some really good policy initiatives like its transgender policy. Kerala is the first state to bring out such a policy. But at the same time, those who lead the government speak misogynistic and anti-poor language. It is quite disappointing, she said.

Electricity Minister M.M. Mani

The government faced a lot of criticism over its inhuman treatment of Mahija Ashokan, the mother of Jishnu Prannoy, an engineering student who committed suicide allegedly because of the ill treatment he faced from the college management. She was arrested and dragged on the streets by the police after she arrived at the DGPs office demanding action against those responsible for her sons death.

Even as the government was trying to minimise the fallout from Mahijas arrest, another controversy erupted in Munnar in Idukki district, with the revenue department going ahead with its plans to evict encroachers from the hill station. The CPI, which handles the revenue ministry, strongly supported the eviction drive. While the chief minister publicly admonished the district collector and sub collector for removing a cross installed by a controversial Christian sect on a piece of encroached land, the revenue minister backed his officers and declared that the evictions would continue. The situation worsened after M.M. Mani, the electricity minister who is from the district, allegedly made lewd remarks about Pembilai Orumai, an apolitical woman labourers collective in Munnar.

Former DGP T.P. Senkumar

If we talk on astrological terms, it seems the time is not so good for Pinarayi. The government is getting into unnecessary controversies although Pinarayi is a man of good intentions and has great plans for the state, said writer and former bureaucrat D. Babu Paul. It is probably the unbridled hope that the common man has in Pinarayi, which is the reason behind such major disappointment. The greater the hope, the greater will be the fall, he said.

The CPI has been quite critical of the shortcomings of the government. The people chose us with huge expectations. But we have failed them on many counts. We must introspect, said senior CPI leader Pannyan Raveendran. He said the root cause of the ongoing crisis was the big brother attitude of the CPI(M). The stubborn attitude of the CM makes the matter further complicated, he said.

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, secretary of the state unit of the CPI(M), said by levelling charges publicly against the government, the CPI had become a weapon in the hands of the opposition. The government is committed to the promises it has given to the people. We are on the right track, he said.

Such major differences between the two largest parties in the ruling coalition have become the biggest cause of concern for the government. The tussle between the leading parties is the root cause of all problems faced by this government. It has really dented its image, said a senior government officer in charge of a number of important projects. In his opinion, the chief minister needed to be a little bit more diplomatic and open, while the CPI should tone down its over-the-top revolutionary zeal. Kerala is a media-driven democratic space. The CM should realise that one should not just do things the right way, but should do so in a convincing manner, he said.

That Pinarayi is not a good communicator and that he does not bother to be one is another major problem. Many ministers, in fact, call him boss, a term unheard of in Keralas political parlance. There is an impression that Pinarayi is like a dictator although many senior officials have told me otherwise, said Paul. In a media-driven society, impressions matter a lot. I hope Pinarayi will retrieve the situation and make a mark for himself.
Budhigandaki hydel project to extend rs1.6B to locals

The government has expedited the process of extending compensation to locals who will be displaced by 1,200MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project, as the current fiscal is drawing to an end.
Dad kills daughter, makes suicide bid

A father hung his eight-year-old daughter to death and made a failed suicide attempt with another daughter, aged three, before he was arrested from a hotel room in Ilam Bazaar, Ilam, on Friday night.
(COMMUNICATED CONTENT)

An Amazing opportunity at your fingertips: Win a VIP family trip for 6 to Israel, starting at $36! Trip includes airfare for 6, VIP Airport Service, VIP Shabbos In Jerusalem, and Exclusive VIP Gedolim Tour.

EARLY BIRD ENDS TODAY: Enter by April 30th and win a Weekend getaway for 2 at the Raleigh Hotel NY.

*CLICK HERE TO ENTER NOW*

Additional 6 Amazing Packages including: Silver, Elegance Sheitel, 2 tickets anywhere in the US, Schotenstein Shas & more!
Hasan Minhaj, of Comedy Centrals The Daily Show, ended the White House Correspondents Dinner Saturday night by blasting President Trump in a night that mostly focused on the First Amendment.

Weve got to address the elephant thats not in the room, Minhaj said. The leader of our country is not here. And thats because he lives in Moscow. Its a very long flight. As for the other guy, I think hes in Pennsylvania because he cant take a joke.

Trumps tweeting habits and his administration were not off limits in Minhajs final speech of the night.

Jeff Sessions couldnt be here tonight Minhaj said. He was busy doing a pre-Civil War re-enactment.

Minhaj took a turn at lecturing journalists who were seated for the dinner and told them that Donald Trump doesnt care about free speech.

Were living in this strange time where trust is more important than truth, Minhaj said.

He said later in the age of Trump, I know that you guys have to be more perfect now than ever. Because you are how he gets his news.

Aside from Minhajs jokes, speakers, including reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, promoted freedom and responsibility and challenged Trumps accusations of dishonest reporting.

Like politicians and presidents sometimes, perhaps too frequently, we make mistakes and go too far, Woodward said. When that happens we should own up to it. But the effort today to get this best obtainable version of the truth is largely made in good faith. Mr. President, the media is not fake news.'

Trump became the first president since Ronald Reagan in 1981 to skip the event.

Instead, the president held a rally in Harrisburg, Pa. to celebrate his first 100 days in office. Trump told rally-goers that he was happy he was not in Washington.

A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now, Trump said. He added: And I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, spending my evening with all of you and with a much, much larger crowd and much better people, right?

(AP)
Hunger-striking terrorists imprisoned in Israel are in week two of their efforts. Several hundred convicted terrorists have joined the effort led by prisoner Marwan Barghouti, the Fatah Tanzim leader.

In an effort to prevent hunger-strikers from coordinating with one another, prison service officials have blocked cellular telephone reception in the Western Negev, where the Ketziot and Nafcha Prisons are located.

According to the Yisrael Hayom News report, Jewish communities in the area have been impacted by the move to block cell reception too, including area farmers. A local regional council leader has been in touch with Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, calling upon him to undo the action of the prison authority immediately. It was explained to the minister that the interruption of service also impacts irrigation and other advanced systems, which are activated by using cell phones. Hence, the blockage of the signal has sorely interfered with farmers ability to carry one business as usual.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Nikki Haley didnt wait to take office as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to break with the Trump administrations foreign policy stances.

At her Senate confirmation hearing, Haley bluntly accused Russia of being complicit of war crimes in Syria  going against the president-elects talk of warmer relations with Moscow.

Three months later, she remains boldly off-message. Much to the chagrin of Washington diplomats, her remarks often go well beyond the carefully worded scripts crafted by the White House and State Department.

Shes warned Syrian President Bashar Assad that the days of your arrogance and disregard of humanity are over, even as other top aides to President Donald Trump insisted that his fate was a decision for the Syrian people.

Shes pushed human rights as a driver of foreign policy just as the Trump administration showed its willingness to work with leaders who have suppressed civil liberties, such as Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypts Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi.

U.S. diplomats fear Haleys words could result in an inconsistent, incoherent international message. State Department diplomats drafted an email urging Haleys office to ensure that her public statements on high-profile issues are cleared by Washington. The email was first reported by The New York Times.

In some ways, Haley has been ahead of the curve. Her hints at a change in the Syrian government are now seeping into Trump policies, and the administration has toughened its stance on Russia.

She seems to be in Trumps good graces. At a White House luncheon for U.N. diplomats last week, he said Haley was doing a fantastic job  but only after awkwardly joking that if the diplomats didnt like her, she could easily be replaced.

Haley, a rookie to international politics, was an unusual pick for to be U.N. envoy.

As South Carolina governor, she was outspoken in her criticism of Trump during the 2016 campaign  a stance that effectively disqualified other candidates for top administration positions. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Haley alluded to Trump in denouncing the siren call of the angriest voices who disrespected Americas immigrants. Trump tweeted that The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley.

She has star power in an administration where the president prefers to keep attention on himself. In some ways, the 45-year-old Haley is seizing the spotlight left vacant by media-averse Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Her high-profile persona and relative youth have prompted speculation that she may run for president someday.

The White House and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations declined to comment for this story.

Haleys office falls under the State Departments authority, but administration officials say Haleys staff frequently bypasses the department for policy matters. They said Haleys deputy, Jon Lerner, a Republican pollster and strategist who helped coordinate the Never Trump movement during the campaign, is in closer contact with senior members of the National Security Council, the White Houses national security apparatus. Still, at times, Haley ad-libs her remarks, they said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to publicly discuss the policymaking process.

They said the State Department was not involved in the planning of Trumps meeting last Monday with the U.N. ambassadors, nor was it consulted. The event was coordinated exclusively between the U.S. Mission to the U.N. and the NSC.

Public remarks by the U.N. ambassador are generally approved by the State Department and, at times, other departments. Zalmay Khalilzad, a U.N. ambassador under President George W. Bush, said that messaging from the various departments has to be consistent with each other, but he joked that this is not an administration that is known for protocol.

Indeed, Haleys off-message remarks highlight a broader trend in the administration, with poor communications and tight inner-circle White House politics creating disunity on various issues.

But Khalilzad praised Haley, saying her experience as a politician helps her in recognizing the importance of the message and the quality of the message.

Phil Cox, a political consultant who has known Haley since 2010 from his work with the Republican Governors Association, said Haleys plain-spokenness comes as no surprise to anyone who tracked her work in South Carolina, starting with service in the state Legislature.

The Nikki Haley operating on a world stage today is the exact same person the people of South Carolina came to know and respect as governor, he said in a recent interview. Since she was first elected governor, people have been talking about her taking the next step.

(AP)
Dialogue in Dehradun

Fencing the Nepal-India border may be a bold proposal, but it is a long-term solution
Under 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 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 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.

(AP)
By: Shimmy Blum

On Wednesday evening, the ground floor of Bell Works, the cavernous, two million square foot business and retail metroburb in Holmdel, NJ hosted a special tribute to the State of New Jersey. The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce was paying tribute to the state for its leadership against the Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) movement that aims to destroy Israeli businesses and those who trade with the Jewish State.

The decor, cuisine and ambiance were of the most elite, five star variety  what you would expect at an official State Dinner. Indeed, as explained by Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, the honorees and attendees deserve no less. The by-invitation-only crowd featured state legislators; elected officials at the municipal level; business leaders; community activists representing groups such as the New Jersey-Israel Alliance, Agudath Israel, the Jewish Federation, and more; members of the media; and other dignitaries. What the State did on behalf of our community and the economy was special, and we are pleased to be able to give back in the most honorable way, Mr. Honig says.

The ceremony was sponsored by Bell Works, which is led by Mr. Ralph Zucker of Somerset Development. Mr. Zucker is a member of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerces Economic Development Committee and the New Jersey-Israel Commission, which was instrumental in the passage of the BDS legislation. Mr. Zucker is a major fixture of innovation and economic stimulus in the State of New Jersey, and is particularly noted for launching the ambitious Bell Works project.

Indeed, this magnificent event honored a truly historic development. Last summer, the New Jersey legislature overwhelmingly passed legislation that prohibited funds from the states $71 billion pension from being invested in companies that engage in BDS activity. This legislation is unique in that it is not merely a ceremonial resolution or condemnation, but one with real teeth and enforcement power. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill in August at a highly publicized ceremony, the governors first public signing ceremony in two years.

In particular, the event paid tribute to the governor and a long list of legislators who were instrumental in making the bill a reality. Assemblyman Gary Schaer, Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee and the states only Orthodox Jewish legislator; and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji; represented their colleagues at the dinner by accepting awards and delivering powerful addresses. Senate President Stephen Sweeney, another major force behind the bill, was unable to personally attend due to a scheduling conflict. He was represented by his Senior Counselor, Jason J. Redd. Efrat Mayor Oded Revivi, a major fixture of Israel advocacy on the international scene, penned an official letter of appreciation in honor of the event and its honorees.

The fact that such a powerful bill was enacted in such a resolute, bipartisan manner was a strong boost for Israel and its trading partners around the world, and a significant blow to the BDS movement. New Jersey is among Israels top five trading partners, engaging in nearly $2 billion a year in commerce, and the numbers are likely to grow in the years ahead.

Mr. Honig explained the Chambers overarching mission as being the shliach of Hashem to promote economic opportunity for all, and the fight against the BDS movement is a most important means to that end. He stressed that the BDS movement is not merely a threat to Israel and Jews, but rather to the entire global economy. Palestinians are losing quality jobs by the thousands due to BDS, Duvi explained, and were here to be their voice as well. He added that just as various terrorist tactics were initially used against Israel, and were then spread worldwide, so too can the business boycott movement expand its targets if not nipped in the bud.

Other Chamber leaders hosting the event were Mrs. Odeleya Jacobs, the Chambers VP of Public Policy and Economic Development, and Wall Street legend Mr. Morton Davis of DH Blair Investments, who serves as Chairman of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Davis praised the Chambers work to provide opportunity for individuals to succeed in the 21st century business world and provide for their families with dignity. He stressed the damage that the BDS movement can inflict on the world economy, noting that many of the greatest innovations of Intel, Google, IBM and other multinational behemoths originate in their Israeli branches. I would say that BDS stands for blind, deaf and stupid, Mr. Davis quipped.

Guests and speakers alike all marveled at the sheer magnitude of Bell Works, and Mr. Zuckers vision and fortitude in making this dream a reality. However, the visionary real estate developer shared his own the amazement at the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. Your perseverance is unbelievable; you have a heart the size of this building, Mr. Zucker remarked to Mr. Honig. Mr. Zucker related amusing history tidbits of Bell Works and its unique architecture, which was designed to encourage collaboration. This is a most apropos venue for this event: We all got together to do the right thing, Mr. Zucker summed up the anti-BDS effort. We should not allow discrimination against anyone, anywhere.

As a special gesture of appreciation towards the State of New Jersey, and this event, two prominent wineries based in the so-called West Bank  Psagot and Shilo  sponsored a wine tasting of their finest wines, which was presented by Mr. Avrumi Iwaniski, Sales Rep for Royal Wine Corporation. Shilo Winery also presented each honoree with a gigantic, upscale bottle of its wine as a special gift.

Assemblyman Schaer elaborated upon the significance of the legislation, noting that the large size of the states pension fund would make any company think twice before engaging in BDS activity. He stressed that successful legislation can only be accomplished with a string lobbying effort and community engagement. He noted several major forces on this end, all of whom were in the hall: Mr. Mark Levenson of the New Jersey  Israel Commission; Mr. Jacob Toporek of the New Jersey Association of Jewish Federations; Rabbi Avi Schnall of Agudath Israel of New Jersey; and Yaakov Wenger of The Lakewood Shopper. It is a chiyuv to have a kesher with your government, said Assemblyman Schaer, noting the importance of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce towards that end.

Assemblyman Mukherji, who represents Jersey City and is of Indian-American descent, shared more background behind his Israel advocacy. He spoke passionately about his three recent trips to Israel, arranged by the New Jersey  Israel Commission. He spoke of the constant threat of terrorism that looms upon residents of Sderot and other Israeli cities, depriving them of the freedom and sense of security enjoyed by Americans.

I dont deserve an honor for my work; it was a duty and necessity, he exclaimed. As Dr. King would say, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The assemblyman thanked the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce for being an effective vehicle for public policy.

A surprise guest and speaker at the event was Mr. Hollis Towns, Executive Editor of the Asbury Park Press. Mr. Towns acknowledged that his publication has often been critical of aspects of the Orthodox Jewish community, of Lakewood in particular, and that some of that criticism is fair. However, he noted how impressed he was by the event and other economic growth initiatives of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, Somerset Development, and other Jewish community entities. Im here to extend an olive branchWe dont always get it right, he stated.

Mr. Honig related the positive front page coverage that the Asbury Park Press published following a visit to the Chambers 2016 J-Biz Expo and Business Conference, highlighting the business innovation of the Orthodox community. Mr. Towns expressed his excitement to have his publication participate in the upcoming 2017 expo, on June 15th.

The finale of the evening were special acknowledgements of Mr. Mark Levenson and Mr. Jacob Toporek. Mr. Levenson shared various tidbits about the complex efforts to reach out to legislators and media outlets; organize trips to Israel; and fight vocal special interests who opposed the BDS legislation, such as the ACLU and the so-called Jewish Voice for Peace. He stressed the fallaciousness of the lies spread against Israel, such as apartheid and occupation, as opposed to the tolerant and opportunity filled reality for Israels minorities. BDS was starting to crawl around the world and we needed to be at the forefront to fight it, said Mr. Levenson.

Mr. Toporek similarly praised the joint effort that led to the legislations passage, and said that activists are working on possibly introducing legislation to fight BDS on other fronts, beyond the pension fund. We speak louder if we do it together, Mr. Toporek implored, a fact clearly affirmed by the nods throughout the room.

Photos by Morris Antebi






We round up the Sunday newspaper share tips. This week Midas looks at Sirius Minerals, while Questor considers whether Sage is a wise investment and Inside the City ponders where Weir Group is going.

Ambitious: Sirius Minerals raised 940m last year for the 200-square mile mine near Whitby

Sirius Minerals  Midas, Mail on Sunday

Sirius Minerals is developing the biggest mining project in the UK in decades, which has been compared to mine sites developed during the Industrial Revolution in terms of ultimate scale, national economic contribution and regional social impact, says Midas.

The 200-square mile mining project in the middle of the Yorkshire Moors, a few miles from Teesside, has made huge strides since Midas last looked at it in 2012.

It has now secured full planning permission; raised 940million to finance construction and development and has quantified how much polyhalite it will be able to mine from just a small part of the overall site.

Midas believes the firm is more than just another stock-market listed company  it is an adventure.

The projects size and complexity might not suit everyone, and construction incurs further risk.

However, if all goes well, the polyhalite project could prove extremely rewarding for local people, British exports and investors.

Polyhalite is a top quality, multi-nutrient fertiliser that appears to have significant advantages over most conventional alternatives.

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.

Read the full Midas column here.

Weir Group - Inside the City, The Sunday Times

What a difference a year makes for Glasgow engineer Weir Group.

Shares has more than doubled since their low early last year, at a time when the firm was hemorrhaging staff, profits and orders says John Collingridge in the Sunday Times Inside The City.

The firms fortunes are deeply affected by the oil price, entwined in Americas shale gas supply.

It supplies the pumps used by frackers to blast sand and water underground and break open the rock that holds oil and gas.

As the oil price has risen, rigs have sprung back to life and orders for parts lifted.

The next step could be a pick up in prices, says Inside the City. Also, theres always the possibility of a takeover.

Flowserve, a US rival, is thought to have sniffed around a year ago for a possible inversion deal, but now has a new boss and other priorities, says Inside the City. Still, if far bigger beasts such as Halliburton and GE decide to take a look, the drop in sterling gives them an attractive entry point. Buy.

Sage - Questor, The Sunday Telegraph

Sage has become the UKs biggest listed technology company by a process of elimination as others in the sector have been snapped up by deep-pocketed Americans.

Stephen Kelly, Sages chief executive, wants the FTSE 100 software company to have the top spot on merit.

Already its software powers the accounting and payroll systems for three million businesses, but Kelly has plans to do more, says James Aston in The Sunday Telegraphs Questor.

Progress has already been made moving existing customers on to more lucrative subscription contracts and simplifying the business to cut costs.

He has maintained full-year guidance of six per cent growth and a 27 per cent operating margin, despite poor first-quarter trading performance reported in January.

The City will hope for reassurance when interim figures are published on Wednesday this week.

A better second half would likely require an increasing uptake of its new software products.

However, even if uptake stagnates, Sage has a lot of appeal, including a 80 per cent recurring revenues, says Questor.

If only it werent that shares were trading at 18 times next years forecast earnings.

This high ratio suggests that Sage is being viewed as a growth stock just as signs are appearing of declining momentum.

If only its sales figures were as impressive as some of its get-togethers, says Questor, pointing out that when sage put on its business conference in Chicago last year, Sir Richard Branson and Gwyneth Paltrow put in an appearance. There is currently better value elsewhere. Avoid.
London and Hong Kong are emerging as the top competitors for the mega-float of Saudi oil giant Aramco as its owners shun the US.

The worlds biggest exchanges are battling for a slice of the government-owned business, which is worth up to 1.6trillion.

Many see the New York Stock Exchange as a major competitor  but last night a senior financial source in Saudi Arabia said US politics were a major impediment.

London is emerging as one of the top competitors for the mega-float of Saudi oil giant Aramco

He cited anger at the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks  when the Gulf nation was accused of supporting terrorism  and the end of sanctions on regional rival Iran.

I dont think it will go to New York because of 9/11, which they punished Saudi Arabia for even though we had nothing to do with it, the source said.

Politically, its difficult.

President Barack Obama was very naive when it came to Iran  under Donald Trump the relationship is much better, but were aware that the President is not in control of everything.

Concerns over America mean that the London Stock Exchange is likely to be the frontrunner for the initial public offering, which will be the biggest in history.

LSE boss Xavier Rolet joined Prime Minister Theresa May on a visit to Saudi earlier this month, attending talks at the countrys own exchange and a meeting between May and oil minister Khalid al-Falih, Aramcos chairman.

Last month, Theresa May met with Saudi oil minister Khalid al-Falih, Aramcos chairman

Britain already has strong historical and trading ties with the kingdom, which took in 4.6bn of UK exports last year.

Londons time zone is also favourable, with only two hours difference.

And although the biggest concentration of investors cash is in the US, the City is thought to be a more flexible and welcoming place for foreign businesses.

However, it is facing fresh competition from Asia  and Hong Kong in particular.

The city is already one of a handful able to challenge London, and its importance will only grow alongside Chinas rising middle classes.

Rivals: London is facing fresh competition from Asia  and Hong Kong in particular

A consortium of Chinese investors is expected to bid for shares, including nationalised oil companies and banks and the countrys sovereign wealth fund.

Shanghai has also put itself forward and is hosting Aramco executives for an overseas board meeting next month.

Up to 5 per cent of Aramco, worth an estimated 62.5bn, is to be listed next year.

A slice of that action will go to the Saudis own exchange but at least one foreign venue will also be involved.

Aramco has long been the jewel in the kingdoms crown, producing enough oil to satisfy nearly an eighth of global demand.

The business was always jealously guarded from outside influence and its profits propped up a generous welfare state.

But falling oil prices have forced the government to change tack and raise cash on the international markets.

Brent crude has crashed by more than half since mid-2014 due to a price war between Saudi Arabias Opec cartel of oil-producing nations and US shale producers.

Opec sought to flood the market with cheap oil so that American rivals went out of business.

But US ingenuity meant they were able to cut their costs and survive as their competitors reserves slowly drained away.

An LSE spokesman declined to comment.
DPM Nidhi calls it quits

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi on Sunday announced his resignation from the post apparently over his dissatisfaction with the move to impeach Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
A Former chairman of Rolls-Royce could be dragged into a long-running bribery investigation, it is claimed.

Sir Ralph Robins, who retired from the company 14 years ago, has reportedly hired defence lawyers as the Serious Fraud Office considers charging employees.

It comes after the jet engine maker was fined 671m over the scandal, which saw it pay bribes to win overseas deals between 1989 and 2013.

Probe: Sir Ralph Robins, who retired from the company 14 years ago, has reportedly hired defence lawyers as the Serious Fraud Office

Rolls reached a deal to avoid prosecution in a January court hearing. At the time, Lord Justice Leveson said evidence suggested controlling minds of the company could have been involved.

Former chief executive Sir John Rose has been quizzed by investigators, and now Robins, 84, who was chairman from 1992 to 2003, is also in the frame, according to The Sunday Times.
Nuclear peril

Troubled engineer Toshiba is preparing to put its 15bn nuclear power station in Cumbria on hold.

Its joint venture NuGen, which is developing the plant, has warned suppliers it will have to cut spending because of financial issues at its owner in Japan.

NuGen has warned suppliers it will have to cut spending because of Toshiba's financial problems

Workers who have been seconded to the project, due for completion in 2026, will be told to return to their employers.

Organic milestone

The Prince of Waless organic food brand Duchy Originals has seen sales pass 200m for the first time as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Duchy, which started by selling oat biscuits in the 1990s, now has 300 products in partnership with Waitrose ranging from fresh fruit to beer.

Bank charges

Former Financial Services Authority director Gay Huey Evans has been tipped to replace Bank of England deputy governor Charlotte Hogg, who quit over failing to declare her brothers senior job at Barclays.

Online groceries

Delivery: Retail giant Marks & Spencer is in talks with internet grocer Ocado

Retail giant Marks & Spencer is in talks with internet grocer Ocado to launch an online delivery service.

M&S has long put off online deliveries as its shoppers tend to buy fewer items than rival supermarkets, making the service uneconomical.

Division deal

Outsourcer Capita could rake in 700m from the sale of its asset services division next month.

Sources say the troubled business has been speaking to a number of private equity firms.
Sir,



In the wake of Russias shocking but not surprising move to ban the religious movements (Jehovahs Witnesses) from their country, Gods true elected disciples should now more than ever heed Christs warning to stay alert, be watchful and pray..



Prophecy is coming alive more than ever now. Persecution of Christians in these last days is one of the vital signs contained in second coming of Jesus Christ. Events leading to this keenly awaited global event are happening at a very frenetic pace. The GLOBAL WAR on Christianity is increasingly getting worse and frantic  just as Christ predicted that His true followers will be persecuted for His names sake, and for preaching the good news of the soon coming Kingdom of God on earth.



The worldwide persecution of Christians, their murder and forced exile from their countries of birth, especially countries like Egypt, Iraq, Nigeria etc., bears testimony to the fact that Christs true followers will be purified and their faith tested in the last days. According to the International Society for Human Rights, based in Frankfurt, Germany; about 80 per cent of all acts of religious discrimination in the world today are directed at Christians.



Its no surprise then that communist countries like Russia have banned the Gods elect like the Jehovahs Witnesses. Many more countries will follow suit- mark my word!

In Matthew 24, one of the Bibles longest prophecies, Christ disciples specifically asked Him about signs that will herald His second coming. Persecution of His followers was uppermost. Remember how the early apostles like Paul, Peter and others were poured out like a drink and brutally martyred?



Bible prophecy indicates that these brutal acts will dramatically intensify at the latter days- the time of the end, which is this generation we are now living in.

Jehovahs Witnesses are known worldwide for their incessant door to door witnessing and magazine distribution, proclaiming the soon  coming Kingdom of God on earth. The Bible states clearly that the worlds political governments are under the control of Satan and that he is the ruler of this world, albeit with certain limitations allowed by God.



He is behind the persecution of Christians. Personally, I am positive many others can agree with me, Jehovahs Witnesses have opened up through Gods inspiring His witnesses to open up scriptures for me to discern the truth from lies, perpetrated by Satan and his hordes of false preachers and prophets who are littering the country lately.



Since the dawn of creation, mortal man has been allergic to the truths contained in Gods infallible word, the Bible upright  not upside down- that the god of age has blinded the minds of unbelievers like you and me, by perverting the truth contained in Gods word, and that he broadcasts to the blinded, counterfeit religion. Satan is very adept and very very skilled at dangling the carriot of enticing non-believers in pursuing worldly pleasures like the love of money more than God, sexual immorality, drunken orgies and the like.



Personally, among the truths Jehovahs Witnesses unveiled for me, is the erroneous and devils  inspired belief in ancestral spirits. I grew up believing the dead are alive somewhere in the heaven realm and that they are watching over us, and that they protect us from calamity and bad luck, provided we constantly appease them by performing certain rituals involving the slaughtering of chickens and beasts - a complete hogwash and an abomination to God; read Deuteronomy 18:10-11.



Come to think of it, my last Sundays Letter to the Editor unleashed a barrage of criticism directed at me, some bordering on hate speech, concerning my critique of the belief in ancestral spirits, which God, not me frowns upon and views in a very serious light. One irate reader even sent me a scathing SMS to my inbox and I quote: You dont know what you are talking about on page 24 of the Times SUNDAY. You wrote nonsense, you little man. unquote.

Freedom of speech!  Does freedom of speech mean insultive criticism? You can be the judge. I agree, I am a little, and no man of stature, but one thing I will never do is to compromise on Gods truth.

I am no groveller or blind patriot. The sad part with our Swazi society is that our belief in the dead is so deeply embedded and entrenched, such that we turn a blind eye to Gods truths contained in the Bible. Our own sins will judge us. Our wickedness will correct us.



A majority believe that an opinion is not always right. You alone are responsible for your eternity with God and the choice facing each one of us, be it rich or poor, great or small is: are you on Gods side or Satans? You cannot mix the worship of the dead with the worship of God. A simple and infallible truth! Time is running out for our society to unshackle the bonds to Judge the world. God is no respecter of persons. With God there is no respect for traditionalists, progressives or whatever status you can possess, Christ invites us to Follow Me  not demons.



It is worrying that even professing Christians dabble with the worshipping of the dead and shun from speaking out the truth when given the platform during many events, but they glaringly skirt around the truth in order to tickle the ears of their audience.

Make no mistake, we are all going to be judged, man is mortal, he dies and returns to dust. I have said it before that there is no repentance in the grave. Its either now or never.



Choice? Pleasing God rather than men? I rather please my God and face the wrath of mortal man! The time is nigh where we will all be forced to choose between Gods mark or the Mark of the Beast. I am a Sabbath Keeper and I tell you now, laws are being promulgated in many countries right now to enforce Sunday worship on all worlds inhabitants.



The choice is yours. As for me, I choose God because the days that lie ahead are increasingly getting wicked and our faith in God will be severely tested. Whether one worships ancestors or not, time will tell. The truth, as they say, will set us free.



But one thing I am clear of is that God specifically warns us in one of His commandments:

I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD, THOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME

Got it? Hope so!



Alex Lucky Nxumalo

Manzini
PIGGS PEAK  Mduduzi Magongo, the former Principal Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, died a born-again man.



This was revealed by Pastor Grace Masilela from the Mbabane Nazarene Church during the vigil held in honour of the late PS. She said Magongo died a member of the Nazarene church and had left the world in peace and in the conscious feeling of approbation after he devoted his life to Christ.



Magongo died at the age 67 while undergoing treatment at the Mbabane Government Hospital after he was diagnosed with Renal Dysfunction. This is a condition of impaired kidney function in which the kidneys fail to adequately filter metabolic wastes from the blood and this depends on the cause being blood loss in the urine or protein loss in the urine.

Pastor Masilela said she sympathised with those who knew the late PSs kind of lifestyle as a reformed man before meeting his death. I would say this repeatedly that drinking buddies of the late PS are in trouble if they continue with their wayward behavior because he died a born-again man.



The PS died a peaceful man as he had devoted his life to Christ, she said.

Masilela said when a person repents, there is a transformation of his or her way of life.

Her words were echoed by his younger brother who identified himself as Babe Magongo who said it is a known fact that his elder brother would at times imbibe in the waters of immortality  Nakadlile bengimekhuta ngekutsi angashayeli adzakiwe ngoba siyati ke kutsi umuntfu lomdzala uyoma.



Magongo further said his brothers illness was kept a secret from him and he only got to hear about it through the grapevine.

Magongo warned family members to refrain from using alcohol as this may result to internal conflicts. Members of this family should follow a legacy that was left by their late biological father, Herald Magongo.

The late PSs funeral was attended by a large number of people which included government officials, former Members of Parliament (MPs) in Lobamba Inkhundla MP Marwick Khumalo, Robert Magongo, Sigayoyo Magongo and Dr Vusi Magagula to name a few.






MBABANE  In what will come as a huge blow to new car owners, some local Revenue Offices are not registering new cars.



Hundreds of locals including companies were turned back at Revenue Offices this week when they attempted to register their new vehicles.

This comes after there were no registration numbers available for people who wanted to register their cars. The registration numbers have to correspond with number plates as well as third plates.

Third plates are adhesive stickers with car registration numbers and in most cases can be seen on rear windows of most locally registered cars.



Information gathered is that the registration numbers are produced by the Ministry of Works and Public Transport then sent to Government Revenue offices for the public to purchase. They are vital in the process of car registration as car owners cannot proceed to have number plates made for them without them. A call was made to one of the Revenue Offices to investigate why people were turned back.



The officer who answered said registration numbers go together with number plates and third plates. She said that since there were no registration numbers, cars could not be registered. We do not have the registration numbers, without them we cannot register any motor vehicles, said the officer in a recorded conversation. The female officer revealed that registration of vehicles was still continuing at Mankayane and Simunye. She noted that there was now a mad rush for car registration at the two Revenue Offices.



Richard Tucker, the Dealer Principal at Auto Truck Centre, confirmed that they were affected by the problem. Tucker said they had to drive all the way to Siteki to register cars.

Obed Zitha, the Senior Sales Executive at Swazi Auto Truck Centre, also confirmed that they were affected by the problem. Auto Truck Centre is located in Manzini. Zitha said they had to drive to Siteki Revenue, 68.5km away from Manzini just to register cars for their clients. He said they were told that there were no registration numbers at Matsapha and Mbabane Revenue Offices which are closer to them.

Zitha revealed that they had to drive to Siteki at least four times last week to register cars for clients. He said he had to register another car on Friday but opted not to as it was expensive for them to travel all the way to Siteki to register one car. He said they would register them once they had more.
Emergency aid to fire victims

Various organisations and individuals distributed relief materials to the fire victims of Dudawa Village Council-1 in Banke district on Saturday.
MBABANE  Government has procured five cars costing tax payers a hefty E6.5 million.



The cars are the latest Land Cruiser 200, which cost about E1.3 million each. They were expected to be delivered to the Central Transport Organisation (CTO) by last Thursday.

The Times SUNDAY has established that at least two other similar cars are owned by ordinary citizens.



The cars are not just stocked by the dealer that sells them but come only by order from customers.

However, it could not be ascertained whether government followed proper tendering procedures when purchasing the vehicles. The Public Procurement Procedures, 2016 states in Section 18 (1) that stages of the procurement process shall require the prior authorization of the relevant approvals authority.



It goes on to list the stages as, (a) invitation documents, advertisements and shortlists prior to their issue; (b) evaluation reports prior to any further tender opening or notification of award; and (c) contract amendments or terminations prior to their issue.

The legislation further states that the SPPRA website will be the official page for posting tenders.



After surfing through the website, there was no recent tender for the procurement of government vehicles.

There was also no advertisement of the same tender in local newspapers or posted in the same SPPRA website. Worth noting is that there were also other tenders that were not posted on the website.

Bongani Motsa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Swaziland Public Procurement Regulatory Agency, was sent a text message which he acknowledged receiving. Motsa was asked if he was aware if any tendering for the purchase of the cars was done.



In a texted response Motsa said, Thank you for your enquiry. I will get back to you.

Later on, Motsa was called numerous times but he did not answer his mobile phone.
MBABANE  While police investigations suggest that Almor Oliviera is alive, one suspect from China and another one from Vietnam have been arrested.



This follows the kidnapping of the well-known businessman about two weeks ago.

Information gathered by the Times SUNDAY was that initially there were three suspects; however, one of the suspects was later released.

The two were arrested and charged at Ezulwini and are currently kept at Lobamba Police Station.



The two men of Asian origin are aged 44 and 34 respectively. They were found with a 9 mm special revolver loaded with three rounds of ammunition and a Karatay 12 Bore shot gun loaded with four rounds of ammunition without a licence and permit.



The suspects are yet to appear before the Mbabane Magistrates Court.

Other items that were found by the police included three face masks (two of them are those which can be purchased over the counter while the other one was handmade), taser and a bolt cutter.

The Royal Swaziland Police claim that they are dealing with a network of mafia operating within the country and beyond.



Information gathered by this publication was that the syndicate comprises of experts positioned within Swaziland, South Africa and Mozambique.

Yesterday, National Commissioner of Police Isaac Magagula praised the officers who were involved in the investigation of the case which he termed as a high profile one.

He also unveiled the team of police officers who were appointed to investigate the matter.



Magagula said the officers no longer sleep as they want to wrap up the case as soon as possible and he noted that their net was closing in on the culprits.

The police chief said it was discovered that the suspects were using highly sophisticated technology.



Our net is closing in on the syndicate and we are grateful to the nation for the support and constant communication. We believe that he is still alive as our investigations point to that.

Magagula also stressed that they were the only officially registered institution that was tasked with dealing with the matter.




Family of man shot dead by SSB to receive compensation

After eight years, the family of Mukunda Raya Yadav of Matiarba in Bara district is set to be compensated by the Indian border security force, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), for his death.
Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams

By Gina Martinez

Students at Flushings PS/MS 200 will now have access to music lessons, thanks to Councilman Rory I. Lancman (D-Hillcrest).

The councilman visited the Flushing elementary school, located at 70-10 164th St, Flushing, last week at its multicultural dinner to talk to students about the after-school program that will fund violin lessons for 20 fourth-graders this school year.

Lancman allocated $20,000 in Cultural After-School Adventures grant funding in the 2017 budget to allow the students to take lessons twice a week for six months. The students began their violin lessons in January from Midori & Friends, an organization that provides music education to children in New York City schools. In June, when the program ends, the fourth-graders will hold a special performance to showcase their skills.

The activities students get involved in outside the classroom, especially in the arts, play an important role in shaping their development and growth, Lancman said. I am proud to provide the funding necessary for PS/MS 200 students to have the opportunity to learn how to play the violin, and look forward to hearing the students display their skills.

Midori & Friends Signature Series Ensembles, the Toomai String Quintet, performed for PS/MS 200 students and parents at the multicultural dinner. Principal Kevin McAuliffe emphasized the importance of musical education and said he was thankful for Lancmans grant.

With this grant, we were able to refurbish over 20 old violins, and now the students can take them home to practice between classes each week, McAuliffe said. Arts education is essential for young learners, and I am confident that our students will cherish this experience. And who knows? Maybe the next Joshua Bell will come from PS/MS 200.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday his country may take further action against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, as U.S.-backed forces in Syria closed in on the last neighborhoods of a former stronghold of the Islamic State group.

The U.S. views the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces as the most effective partner to counter the Islamic State group in northern Syria, an assessment bolstered by the SDF\s steady advances against the jihadists. But it has complicated relations with Turkey, which views the group\s Kurdish component as an extension of a terror group operating inside its own borders.

In Istanbul, Erdogan insisted that U.S. support for such groups "must come to an end," and said he would bring up the matter at a meeting with President Donald Trump next month.

The SDF, which include Arab fighters, seized six neighborhoods from IS militants in Tabqa on Sunday, according to the affiliated Hawar news agency.

Tabqa is 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the Islamic State group\s de facto capital Raqqa and an important stronghold for the militants. It lies next to the Tabqa Dam, one of several controlling the flow of the Euphrates River.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the SDF\s control of Tabqa was "practically total."

A U.S. air lift of artillery and special forces advisers to place them behind IS lines in March was a turning point in the Tabqa offensive and underscored the closeness between Washington and the SDF.

Turkey, however, has remained hostile to the Kurdish People\s Protection Units, known by their Kurdish acronym the YPG, which form the backbone of the SDF. The YPG are close to the Kurdish PKK insurgent group in Turkey, which is designated as a terror organization by NATO and the U.S.

Last week, Turkey struck at YPG positions inside Syria, killing 20 fighters and media activists, according to the group, prompting Kurdish parties to call for a U.S.-enforced no-fly-zone over northern Syria.

U.S. troops were seen Saturday in armored vehicles in Syria in Kurdish areas in a show of force apparently intended to dissuade Turkey and Syrian Kurdish forces from attacking one another. Kurdish officials describe the U.S. troop movement as "buffer" between them and Turkey.

Video from northern Syria showed the U.S. patrols parked alongside Kurdish units flying the YPG flag.

"We will be forced to continue (our offensives)," Erdogan said. "We won\t provide a date and time for when we\ll come. But they will know that the Turkish military can come."

Erdogan is due in Washington on May 16 for his first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The YPG is distrusted by Turkish-backed anti-government forces in Syria, who say the group is an ally of President Bashar Assad\s government. The YPG and Syrian government forces have largely avoided confrontation over the course of the country\s six-year-long civil war.

Other Kurdish parties accuse the YPG\s political arm, the PYD, of squelching dissent and embracing authoritarianism.

SOURCE: Associated Press
Primary commodity exporter trying to escape the Banana republic position in the world economy





By Ms. Elodie Pichon

The rent-based economy in Saudi Arabia has shown its limits since the drop of oil prices in 2014. Indeed, the country is potentially explosive: the current fiscal model is not sustainable, the geopolitical environment is increasingly hostile and the country has a rapidly growing population, of which 30% of 16-24 year olds find themselves unemployed. The economic choices in the years to come, and the success of the reforms announced by the government will be decisive for the survival of the regime.

For too long, Saudi Arabias economy has relied solely on oil for its revenues. Until 2014, oil exploitation was responsible for 90% of Saudi Arabias public revenues, 80% of its exports revenues and 40% of its GDP. But from 2014 to 2015, oil revenues dropped by 50%, and represented only 73% of the total revenues compared to 87% the year before. In the meantime, the government didnt reduce its expenses, because of its military interventions in Yemen and Syria, but also because of the outstanding individual premiums given by the government. Following the Arab Spring, the government has increased its social expenses in order to buy social peace.

To tackle the economic difficulties, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has announced, on the 26th of April 2016, an ambitious set of reforms, titled  Vision 2030  which aimed at weaning the kingdom off oil by curbing public spending, diversifying the economy and attracting foreign investment. The government is conscious of the necessity to reform the economic system, but will it be able to do it without causing social turmoil? With a decline in social spending and a reduction in subsidies comes the risk of rising domestic turmoil, as highlighted by the Arab Spring in 2011. The risk is increased by the fact that half of the population is under 25, and 30% of young people are unemployed. This inactive youth is also among the most active in the world on the social media and might show their frustration through media outlets. Will the government be able to take the gamble of social change?

Saudi Arabia has shown pragmatism when it promised a 4,6% cut in production on November 30th, 2016. This measure was necessary since its plan to modernise the economy and privatise Saudi Aramco, the state oil company, depends on oil prices. Paradoxically, Saudi Arabia needs higher oil prices to become less dependent on oil on the long term. Other measures taken by the government include slashing salaries, and cutting benefits for public sectors employees. It has also cut huge subsidies for fuel, water and electricity that encourage overconsumption. However, the sudden jump of water bills spurred national dissatisfaction and an outcry on social media. Indeed, the minister of water and electricity was fired after telling customers to dig their own wells if they were unhappy with prices. The government also abruptly cut construction projects forcing contractors to fire workers who didnt hesitate to set fire on buses in protests demanding months of back pay. Despite these incidents, most austerity measures have been taken according to Capital Economics, a consultancy.

However, investors are waiting for more meaningful changes, which imply conjectural reforms and a transformation of the social structures. In order to increase the presence of Saudi nationals in the labour market, the government implements a politics of Saudisation particularly in the private sector. For now, only 45% of jobs in Saudi Arabia are occupied by Saudis, and only 22% in the private sectors versus 67% in the public sector. Including them in the private sector is necessary to reduce unemployment but also to cut public spending, since salaries in the public sector constitute the most expensive expenses of the State. A Saudisation of the labour market is necessary, but needs a complete transformation of students trainings. For now, most of them study humanities and social sciences and focus primarily on the study of the Koran. But it doesnt bring them the necessary skills to work in a commercial environment. The politics of Saudisation has vexed businesses who are forced to employ Saudi nationals, who often lack the skills that employers want. Consequently, to meet the government quotas, some companies simply pay locals to stay at home.

Moreover, the increase of the population presents new challenges. Six million people are going to join the labour market from now until 2040. Thus, job creation in the private sector is necessary, to prevent a rise of unemployment and the subsequent risk of social tensions. For now, the private sector does not offer enough good opportunities for the estimated 300,000 young people entering the work force each year, especially women. If nothing is done, the situation will become even more critical because of the important rise of the population.

Vision 2030 shows that Saudi Arabia is conscious about the necessity to reform the countrys economy. Its cut in social spending, the plan to introduce a tax on expenses by 2018, and more importantly- its plan to privatise the state oil company Saudi Aramco are very positive. However, too many measures, such as the plan to attract foreign investments, are still under study and lack details. The success of Saudi Arabias economic reforms is crucial to the West, who needs a stable Saudi Arabia in an already chaotic Middle East.




It might take a few days to see unofficial results in Pa. Here's why
Final verdict on Sudan Scam: 3 former police chiefs sent behind bars

The Supreme Court on Sunday issued its final verdict on the high-profile Sudan scam, sending three former Inspector General of Nepal Police (IGPs) and other police officers of various ranks behind bars.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Beijing

President Donald Trump came into office fuming about China. But lately he has been describing his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, as if Xi were an old friend, even in dealing with deep divisions over North Korea.

"I believe he is trying very hard," 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."

That's heady praise for someone the president had never met before this month. But Trump's time as a businessman may help make sense of his backslapping tributes to Xi.

In "Trump: The Art of the Deal," his braggadocious memoir-cum-business playbook from 1987, 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.

"A little hyperbole never hurts," he wrote of his deal-making.

Before the recent courtship, Trump had little good to say about China or Xi. In March 2016, Trump was asked in an interview with The New York Times about his impressions of Xi. Instead, he vented about China's trade surplus with the United States.

"Nobody has manipulated economic conditions better than they have," he said.

After Trump won the election, he kept taking potshots at the Chinese leadership. In December, Trump had a friendly phone chat with Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan, alarming Chinese officials, who regard Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Trump and Xi had a brief phone call days after the U.S. election, but more than two months passed before they had their next call  their first since the president took office. Trump said he would honor the One China policy, under which the United States does not give diplomatic recognition to Taiwan.

But even as that issue faded as a source of tension with China, Trump has appeared increasingly alarmed about North Korea.

After the North's leader, Kim Jong Un, said on Jan. 1 that his government was preparing to test an intercontinental ballistic missile, Trump complained that China had not put enough pressure on its ally and neighbor.

"China has been taking out massive amounts of money & wealth from the U.S. in totally one-sided trade, but won't help with North Korea. Nice!" Trump said on Twitter.

The signs before his first meeting with Xi were not promising.

Days before they met at Trump's resort in Florida, the president warned that China had to play along on North Korea or get out of the way.

"China has great influence over North Korea. And China will either decide to help us with North Korea, or they won't," Trump said in an interview with The Financial Times. "If they do, that will be very good for China, and if they don't, it won't be good for anyone."

But Trump's potentially frosty first encounter with Xi turned out to be fairly amicable, and has been followed by two phone calls to discuss North Korea.

They didn't see eye to eye on many things, but at least they were talking, and Trump was effusive about his new friend.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

New Berlin

In a better world, Donald Trump and Hamdi Ulukaya would be natural and powerful allies, given that the president campaigned on bringing jobs to forgotten places and the founder of Chobani has succeeded at doing just that.

But in the world as it exists, Trump's worst flunkies, including one employed by the White House, have smeared Ulukaya and his upstate yogurt company with false and scurrilous attacks, and their reasons for doing so are ugly and obvious.

Ulukaya is an immigrant from a country that is  gasp!  majority Muslim. His company has hired refugees.

For those inclined toward hate, those are the only facts that matter.

So radio conspiracist Alex Jones accuses Chobani of "importing migrant rapists" and other falsehoods. And Breitbart, the website run until recently by current White House strategist Steve Bannon, suggests the company is responsible for tuberculosis spikes and "a Muslim refugee crisis."

That's just a small sample of the viciousness being directed at Chobani, which has decided to sue Jones for defamation. This is our country, sadly. There's real ugliness out there, even for the best examples of immigrant success.

I don't think I need to spend much time on Chobani's rise here. The story of how Ulukaya, who came to the United States from Turkey when he was 22, turned a shuttered cheese factory into a billion-dollar business in less than a decade has been frequently told, including by "60 Minutes" a few weeks back.

But it's worth noting that many in Chenango County, where Trump received 61 percent of the vote, are still flabbergasted. Chobani is a rare flower in upstate New York's economic desert.

More Information Contact columnist Chris Churchill at 518-454-5442 or email cchurchill@timesunion.com See More Collapse

"Nobody even knew what Greek yogurt was," said Joe Leonard, 74, whose South Edmeston meat-processing business sits on a hill above Chobani's factory. "It's unbelievable what they've done."

Leonard remembers the Chobani plant before its expansions and round-the-clock truck traffic. That the company now has 1,000 employees at the factory and its nearby corporate headquarters makes Leonard shake his head in wonder. "Wow," he said, repeatedly.

To be sure, South Edmeston and surrounding communities have not erased the signs of economic decline that plague upstate New York  the houses crumbling into the ground, the shuttered storefronts. But the area has an optimism that eludes most of rural upstate.

When I talked to Terry Potter, the mayor of nearby New Berlin, the Republican happily noted a dozen recent home purchases in town. "We know for sure that at least half of them were Chobani employees," Potter said, "and I'm guessing the rest were, too."

Chobani has 1,000 more employees at the $450 million factory it opened five years ago in Twin Falls, Idaho. The plant is the centerpiece of the so-called "Magic Valley miracle" that has made the small city a boomtown. But the Idaho factory has also unleashed the hate.

Jones, Breitbart and other voices of the racist fringe have sought, without evidence, to tie Chobani to the sexual assault of a girl by three teenage refugees. They have painted Twin Falls, absurdly, as "devastated" by Muslim migrants supposedly drawn by the yogurt factory.

Chobani, apparently deciding enough was enough, is suing Jones for "defamatory" reports motivated by "actual malice." Jones, on YouTube, blames the suit on lefty billionaire George Soros and predicted victory in the "fight against a bunch of authoritarian, globalist, third-world populations allied with the global elite, who are totally cold-blooded."

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter.

I'd call Jones a crackpot, but that would be too kind. That he has called Sandy Hook a hoax is all you need to know. That Trump has cited his "amazing reputation" makes me want to crawl into bed for a while.

Bannon is more complicated. He has argued, forcefully and correctly, against the rise of an unmoored secular capitalism that has ditched morality and "looks to make people commodities, and to objectify people, and use them almost."

Oh, the irony. Chobani and Ulukaya epitomize the opposite.

A year ago, as you may remember, Ulukaya gave South Edmeston workers shares equal to 10 percent of his $3 billion company. For longtime employees, that could equal $1 million.

Around Chenango County, Ulukaya, 45, is known as the guy who donated money for Little League fields, hangs around a local pizzeria and, yes, committed to hiring from the refugee population in Utica, about 30 miles north.

"He's a local favorite," said Leonard, the meat processor. "He's put a lot of people to work."

Putting people to work is what Trump wants to do, which explains his popularity in the forgotten places. Maybe Ulukaya could give him pointers. Maybe the men could also discuss immigration and refugee policy. Both are topics on which reasonable people can disagree.

But lies are just lies. Ugliness can only be ugly. And neither will make America great.
Election results: Check out results from various races across the state
Govt to mobilise 50,000 Myadi police for second phase of elections

The government is planning to bring down the number of temporary police to 50,000 for the second phase of the local polls. The government has already recruited 75,000 temporary police for 55 days until May 29.
Going back to your ex can be a humbling experience, especially when you're not sure if they've changed their ways. Such was the case when I thought I had left bad home internet behind by leaving Time Warner Cable for Verizon and DirecTV. Unfortunately, the latter pair combined for inferior home internet and satellite television, so I had to bite the bullet and call up Time Warner Cable to see what it had to offer.

Illustration: Tom's Guide; Shutterstock

It all started when I became a Time Warner Cable customer, before it became known as Spectrum (Charter purchased and renamed it). For years, I suffered the consequences of this decision, including dozens of frustrating technical support calls when the company's internet and cable services frequently went on the fritz, creating an experience as reliably chaotic as Sean Spicer's press briefings.

Eventually, the service outages became too frequent to bear, and I switched to DirecTV and Verizon, back when the former wasn't owned by AT&T and the latter offered a discounted package.

DirecTV and Verizon failed me

Of course, since nothing good lasts forever, I realized a year ago that both Verizon and DirecTV were doing me dirty. Once my roommates and I added a second TV to the apartment, we discovered our bandwidth wasn't fast enough to deliver two simultaneous streams. So we began negotiations and discussions about who needed to stream what, and when.

And then, one night at a friend's loft, I found out that one of my favorite channels (director Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Network) was available in HD via Time Warner. I had just assumed that wasn't the case because the big, mighty DirecTV was delivering it in grainy, stretched-out standard definition.

(Image credit: El Rey Network)

I contacted both DirecTV and Verizon about these issues, and the early results were not good. DirecTV's contract with El Rey (and other channels) didn't include HD, and Verizon told me that its highest-speed DSL was the best it could offer. Yes, I was using DSL and thought it was enough at some point. I was a fool.

On one call, a Verizon rep told me to call back about its faster FiOS in three months, when it would be ready. So I set a reminder on my smartphone and called on that exact day. Turns out, they told me the company's premium home internet was still not available in my area. I'm not alone in that regard, as the city of New York is suing Verizon for failing to meet its promised FiOS rollout date.

They've changed, they say

So, imagine my surprise as my friends and colleagues would tell me stories about how great Time Warner was treating them, and that it was now calling itself Spectrum. The moment went beyond shock, as I honestly didn't believe it.



Sometimes, your ex truly has changed.

But then, I did the math. According to the Internet Health Test, Verizon DSL was giving us a maximum download speed of 7 MBps and an upload speed of slightly less than 1 MBps. Yeah, thats really slow. Then, I talked to a few friends with Time Warner/Spectrum, and asked them to run the same test.

Screenshot: Tom's Guide/Internet Health Test

They returned screengrabs showing download speeds averaging 95 MBps and upload speeds around 7 MBps.



Screenshot: Tom's Guide/Internet Health Test

And that was the moment I realized that Verizon might have been robbing me blind.



Convincing my roommates

I proceeded to talk to my roommates, whose memories of Time Warner were just as bad as my own, about switching back. They were hesitant, saying things such as "Don't you remember how bad it was?" and "They were so bad at fixing our service!"



I didn't get the go-ahead from my roommates until I explained that there was a 30-day money-back guarantee. Translation: We weren't committing blindly.

So I didn't press the issue. Or at least I wasn't going to, until a friend visiting me couldn't load a web page fast enough over my home Wi-Fi. My friend, aghast, asked, "What's wrong with your internet?" It turned out that my PS4 was downloading a game update in the background, which ate up every bit of bandwidth.

Ashamed, I later told my roommates this story, and about the potential upside. They weren't interested until I showed them that phone, internet and cable from Time Warner would cost around $80 less per month than we were currently spending. I didn't get the go-ahead, though, until I explained that there was a 30-day money-back guarantee, so we weren't committing blindly.

I have not recommended that we use Spectrum Streaming, the paltry $14.99 streaming service that the company keeps trying to sell my cord-cutting colleagues on.

A deep sigh of relief

I'll remember Thursday, March 23, 2017 as clear as ever, as that was when our household finally got the high-speed internet everyone deserves. That night, as a test, I set up four concurrent high-def video streams, and I saw not a single hiccup.

Now, I can leave my PS4 in rest mode day and night, so I won't boot it up to find out a 7GB file needs to be downloaded before I can play more Persona 5 or Uncharted 4.

Over on the TV side, Time Warner's lineup stayed true to what we expected, giving us all the channels we want in HD. Im delighted to say I don't think I've seen any standard-definition programming on that screen since that day.

Furthermore, the Time Warner/Spectrum reps I have talked to and who have installed services in our apartment were the nicest customer service agents I've ever worked with. They certainly trump DirecTV's installation rep, who had me sit in his car to prevent a parking ticket (long story), and its retention employee, who pushed me to explain every issue I had with the service when I called to cancel.

So, learn from me, dear reader. Do not settle for substandard internet speeds and grainy low-res television. Sometimes, your ex truly has changed.
High altitude poultry farm strikes gold

Yognath Rijal of Parbat district established first-ever poultry farm in Jomsom, a town located at an altitude of 2700 metres in Mustang district three years ago.
Smashing your guitar was along seen as a rite of passage in rock, sending that beloved Fender to the grave in a shower of strings and frets  but some bands take it even further, wreaking havoc not only their guitars, but the stage, the record label bathrooms, or each other.

With so many broken guitars to choose from over the years, here are just 10 examples of many of famous rockers who got a little too enthusiastic along the way, making music history in the process and leaving a path of destruction in their wake.

The Whos Pete Townshend smashes his axe, Keith Moon responds

In 1964 a new generation of instrument destruction was born. Out of frustration and possibly embarrassment, Pete Townshend began guitar smashing his Rickenbacker to bits, only for the neck to snap on the ceiling of the Railway Tavern in Harrow

So I smashed this guitar and jumped all over the bits and then picked up the 12-string and carried on as though nothing had happened, he said in the April 1980 Issue of Sound International, and the next day the place was packed.

The antics only accelerated from there, including their performance of My Generation on The Smothers Brothers, on the 15th September 1967. Keith Moon filled his drum kit with explosions, which when exploded at the end of the show caused Bette Davis to faint and caused the onset of Pete Townshends tinnitus.

The Yardbirds Jeff Beck gives in to guitar smashing temptation

Word of Townshends antics spread quickly, and soon afterwards they had inspired a scene in Michelangelo Antonionis 1966 film Blow Up. While the role in question had been inspired by Townshend, Eric Burden had been asked to play it, but when he declined, the role went to now-legendary guitarist Jeff Beck.

Though he was apparently a little apprehensive about smashing a guitar at first, he eventually smashes the shit of a Gibson 175 before throwing it into the crowd. The film won the Grand Prix prize at Cannes in 1967, and was described as a mod masterpiece by Playboy Magazine  worth smashing a few guitars for, then.

Love Classic Rock? Get the latest Classic Rock news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more JOIN

Jimi Hendrix burns The Who

While he had played around the US for years, it was in the UK where James Marshall Hendrix began to find fame, and also where he picked up some of his guitar-smashing antics. It was back in this US, though, where those antics would rocket him up the charts.

The Who and The Jimi Hendrix Experience were both slotted to play the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967, both were relatively unknown in the US at the time, and both knew that this festival performance was a great chance to crack the US. Neither act wanted to follow the other, but eventually it was Hendrix who took the stage after The Who on the final Sunday of the festival. With The Who having already blown audiences away with their guitar smashing, Hendrix knew he needed something special  something beyond just smashing another poor guitar  and it was here that his infamous guitar-burning incident took place.

Nirvana find peace in guitar smashing

Right from the beginning of Nirvanas career, Kurt and Krist were partial to belting the crap out of the bands gear. After years of living tough, Nirvana finally started to make it when they signed with DGC in 1990, and in 1992 they were the toast of the music world at the MTV Awards  but that didnt change their penchant for mayhem.

Unfortunately for Krist, even when youre a rockstar youre not immune to gravity, as Krist found out at the awards night when he got a little too enthusiastic and took quite a fall. Similar destruction ensued in the You Know Youre Right clip, which gives an indication of why DGC were starting to get worried about how much money they were spending on equipment.

Sex Pistols assert their dominance

You cant really write a list like this without including the most anarchic of them all (at the time, anyway), the Sex Pistols. Actually were not into music. Were into chaos, proclaimed guitarist Steve Jones in their first ever interview, which appeared in NME in early 1976 following a support slot for Eddie & The Hot Rods at the Londons Marquee Club, during which they smashed up the headliners gear.

Guitar smashing was less a priority for the Sex Pistols, however, than smashing in general, and their antics included smashing the toilet at the A&M offices (part of the debauchery that famously got them dropped from the label seven days after theyd signed), and even smashing a beer mug in the face of Patti Smiths brother Todd. Nowadays John Lydon flogs butter and says nice things about Her Majesty The Queen. Go figure.

The Clashs Paul Simonon makes rock history

Apparently Paul Simonon only ever smashed his bass once, but that one time was enough for Pennie Smith to take one of the most iconic photos in rock n roll, a shot that featured on the front of The Clashs Elvis-inspired cover for London Calling, and has even been inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Playing at the New York Palladium on the 21st of September 1979, Simonon became so frustrated with the lack of interaction with the crowd (due to the venues fixed seats) that he exploded and smashed the ever-loving shit of his Precision Bass.

We used to get cheap Fenders from CBS, he said after the incident. They were newer models, quite light and insubstantial. But the one I smashed that night was a great bass, a Fender Precision, (it cost about) about 160 (272 Euros), one of the older heavy, solid models, so I did regret breaking it.

Jerry Lee Lewis burns his piano  in the 50s

Jerry Lee Lewis is credited with being the man that changed the perception that the piano was not a rock n roll instrument. Jerry was predicted to be bigger than the king of rock n roll, Elvis Presley, and in late 1957 when he found out that he would be supporting Chuck Berry, he decided to set fire to his piano at the end of his set  leaving Chuck to follow an act that couldnt be topped.

While he live a wild and often controversial life, at 81 years old Lewis is the sole-surviving member of Sam Phillips million dollar quartet which also featured Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

The Vines get free and very, very loose

Were not sure if anybody has been the face of guitar smashing over the last couple of decades than Craig Nicholls of Sydneys very own The Vines. As one of the The bands of the time (The White Stripes, The Hives, The Strokes), they were hailed as the saviours of rock at the beginning of the century, resulting in their faces on the cover of Rolling Stone in 2002  the first Australian band to do so since Men At Work in 1983.

The Vines had always been a little bit partial to Nirvana (and started out as a Nirvana cover band), so it was only a matter of time before Craig began to torment stages with his guitar. Even the legendary David Letterman wasnt safe, as the band took the opportunity to completely melt down live on U.S. television, to the point that their massive hit Get Free became almost unrecognisable. Maybe not the best way to sell records, but definitely memorable.

Deep Purples Ritchie Blackmore continues the carnage

Deep Purples Ritchie Blackmore picked up the guitar-torturing torch during the 70s, smashing and burning his way across the US and Europe with far too many incidents to name  his career became one big warpath. At this point, there didnt really seem to be any particular reason for Ritchie to be smashing his guitar any chance he got, apart from sheer enjoyment. And why not, hey?

Even The Arcade Fire get in on the act

Rounding out some of the acts that have been the face of instrument destruction over the years is The Arcade Fires Win Butler, proving that you dont have to be in a rock, punk or grunge act to take your frustrations out on your beloved instrument  you can also play in a joyous orchestral indie band!

Heres a short snippet of Win Butler on Saturday Night Live smashing his acoustic and, in keeping with the more demure tone of their records, the slow, purposeful destruction is perfectly in time with the closing beats of the song  almost graceful, really.
Kansas Citians Rally To Support Environmental Protections About a thousand people rallied in Kansas City on Saturday, calling for action to protect the environment. The People's Climate March was one of hundreds across the country and overseas timed to coincide with the 100-day mark of President Donald Trump's administration.

We talked about the near rain-out of this event yesterday and before anybody else . . . Now, take a look at the MSM round-up that's a bit more optimistic about the chances of these crusaders battling to save the planet from the new Administration and big biz interests. Take a look:
Local injured during live-fire training of police

A local sustained bullet injury on Sunday during a live-fire training exercise of Nepal Police at Baseni, Bharatpur Metropolitan-11 in Chitwan district.
Nepalis American dream

Is it a wishful story, a spiritual quest or a silent story of pain?
Mohali, April 29

A fire broke out at a house in Sector 66 here this evening, causing heavy damage to property in it. The first floor of the MIG house was engulfed in flames, damaging almost all household items, including a TV, refrigerator, beds and almirahs. No one was injured. A number of people from the area gathered near the scene.

The house was occupied by Devinder, alias Ashu, who lived there with his family. He was a self-employed person.

It was alleged by residents that fire engines reached nearly half an hour after the fire call was made.

However, Sub-Fire Officer KC Sood said the fire call was received at 7.40 pm after which a fire engine was sent promptly to douse the flames. Later, another fire engine was dispatched though the first one had already brought the situation under control.

He said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained immediately. It was also not clear from where the fire started, but the flames spread to the entire house.  OC
Rajinder Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 29

Sunita Devi, who is six months pregnant, said it was only the Almighty who saved her and her unborn child from the attack of a stray dog.

Sunita Devi, a resident of Adarsh Mohalla, in Mauli Jagran, said she had almost lost her balance when the stray dog attacked her in the right knee at 10.30 am on Friday.

Though I have received treatment from the anti-rabies clinic in Sector 19, I am still worried about my unborn child, says Sunita Devi. Echoing a similar view, Aarti Kaur, mother of Tarun Preet, who was also attacked by the stray dog, said it was a woman who had saved her son.

My son was walking when suddenly the stray dog attacked him in the waist. A woman, who was sitting there, came to my sons rescue, otherwise his injuries would have been serious, said Aarti Kaur, who said no politician or official came forward to help the victims.

Another victim, Arun Kumar, a Class X student of Government School in Mauli Jagran, said when he was opening the lock of his house, the dog attacked him from behind.

Sarita Devi (34), also a dog-bite victim, said she was sitting with the other women when the dog suddenly attacked her on Friday morning. The dog first bit my fingers and later pushed me on to the ground and attacked my shoulder. The other women present there saved my life, Devi said.

The victims even demanded that the UT Administration should send doctors to the locality for their treatment rather than make them do the rounds of the anti-rabies dispensary for their treatment. They even demanded monetary compensation from the authorities.
Rajendra P Jindal

A lot of enthusiasm has been witnessed in our politicians to set up many AIIMS-like institutions all over the country. Citizens have reacted with equal hubris and have even resorted to agitations over the choice of place where such an institution may be located. The idea seems to be that the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is the only institution that provides the best in health care; therefore, the more, the better.

It does not seem unreasonable to imagine a situation when our politicians will start raising the cry for locating such an institution in or near each of their respective villages. This is the way, they will argue, they can reach the best of medical care to the doorsteps of every citizen.

Let us for a while keep this moot idea aside and analyse what is wrong with our health care system. Wrong priorities: it is. Whenever one talks or writes about what ails our health delivery system, it gravitates to the high cost of treatment in private and corporate hospitals, which are beyond the reach of the majority of our population. But does this very majority, which is our main concern, always or even frequently suffer from illnesses that can be treated only in AIIMS or an expensive hospital? The answer is an emphatic no.

Most people fall prey to problems that can be (a) prevented or (b) easily managed with meagre funds at the level of primary or district level health centres. Most children are not born with holes in their hearts for which they might have to be taken to AIIMS or a corporate hospital. Majority of them fall ill because of infective illnesses such as diarrhoea or dysentery. These can be treated with boiled water, salt and sugar, which every household has. Most people suffer from typhoid, malaria and tuberculosis, which can again be prevented or treated with cheap drugs available at primary health care centres. Similarly, not many people need heart or brain surgeries; they want their hernias and piles fixed, which can be done in a district-level hospital without much cost.

Unfortunately, we have got our priorities wrong. Our priority is to copy and depend on the western system of hospitals, and build more and more of them. No steps are taken by any of the authorities to disseminate knowledge about the problems mentioned above and their easy management. There are many ways to do it and a sustained and inexpensive campaign can be carried out on TV which every household possesses. Everybody has seen the intensity with which the Pulse Polio programme was launched and executed. As a happy result, the country was declared polio free in 2013. The same sense of purpose and firmness was shown for immunisation against small pox some decades ago and the country is small-pox free.

Imagine the morbidity and the expense we are now saving regarding these two diseases. The same alacrity was not shown by the health authorities regarding the immunisation for DPT (diphtheria, pertussis or kali khansi, and tetanus). As a consequence, we still have patients suffering from these diseases, resulting in heavy expense in their treatment and some patients  children, and even adults  die too. The conclusion is that if we did not need expensive hospitals to overcome polio and small pox, we can eliminate more diseases, particularly diarrhoea and dysentery  the main killers in children  in the same manner, without any expensive hospitals.

Likewise, common diseases that afflict most adults are diabetes and coronary heart disease. Nobody needs to travel to New Delhi for their management. They can be and are being managed in district hospitals and medical colleges all over the country.

Not only diseases, but road accidents are a major cause of morbidity, mortality and the need for expensive treatment in adults. However, rather than building expensive hospitals for the treatment of trauma, we need to improve the quality of our roads and policing of our roadways for strict observance of traffic rules by the citizens, not only on the highways but also inside the cities. This is a perfect example of wrong priorities: we keep spending money on expensive hospitals for the treatment of victims of roadside trauma whereas we should spend more money on prevention of it.

The question again arises: how do we make our primary and secondary level (rural and district) health care effective and attractive, both for the patients and doctors. Here, the main responsibility is that of simple MBBS doctors who are always accused of not being willing to go to villages. Rather than having a ramshackle primary health centre in every village, if five to 10 villages can be clubbed and good primary health care established for them along with decent residence with all modern facilities (air-conditioner, etc) for the doctor, who can be offered some incentives (higher pay, preferential admission to post-graduate courses after a few years of rural service, etc), he can be persuaded to serve in villages.

If MBBS doctors are still not willing to go to villages, the only option is to create a separate category of allopathic doctors, who after three years of training can be posted in villages. This is easily and effectively possible despite the objections of the Indian Medical Association. Thus we can have a complete set-up: basic problems to be managed in primary health centres; more difficult cases can be referred to district hospitals which are staffed by competent specialists; and still more difficult problems to be referred to medical colleges. All of them should treat only the patients which are referred by their immediate lower level hospital. Most of the medical colleges, apart from some very complicated procedures, already do almost every kind of treatment  medical or surgical  which is done in the PGIs or AIIMS. Therefore, if we effectively follow our three-tier system described above, we shall be left with one per cent of the patients who need to go to the PGIs or AIIMS.

A word about institutions like AIIMS and PGIs is in order. There are many basic problems about their management. These institutes should not have to see every patient who walks in. They should take in only the patients referred (in writing) by tertiary care hospitals, i.e., state medical colleges. Unfortunately, they treat all walk-in patients who are mostly VIPs or are related to VIPs. If AIIMS and PGIs were spared all this work, they would have sufficient number of beds, enough money and ample time to treat the very uncommon, complicated or serious problems and they can focus on research relevant to our country. Rather than doing that, they are all the time eager to catch up with the West.

If we make our primary and secondary-level medical treatment attractive and effective as a priority, it will also have an unexpected advantage: it will drive the quacks out of business; a goal on which the IMA and the IMC spend half their energy and funds. People have to go to quacks because our primary and secondary-level healthcare is in a shambles. But quacks are equally good at fleecing the patients; providing at the same time only third-class medical care. We have to set our own house in order if we want to abolish quackery.

At the cost of repetition, I assert that we need to set our priorities, which are upside down, right. The PGIs already existing and the one AIIMS in New Delhi are enough. Similarly, we need not worry about the expensive private or corporate hospitals. Let them do their unnecessary tests and surgeries. Only the very rich or those who have sufficient medical insurance need them. Sadly, most doctors, on retiring from the PGIs and AIIMS join a corporate hospital.

The writer is a surgeon at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot
MK Bhadrakumar

THIRTY-SEVEN days remain for India to be a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Astana  on April 21  brought to a successful conclusion the procedural formalities in regard of the admission of the groupings two new members from South Asia  India and Pakistan. However, there is no trace of momentous anticipation in the Indian capital. This is not really surprising.

To borrow the famous passage from TS Eliots poem, The Hollow Men, Between the idea/And the reality/ Between the motion/And the act/ Falls the Shadow. Indeed, between Indias application for SCO membership in 2014 and the groups forthcoming summit meeting on June 8-9, 2017, in Astana, some mysterious shadow has fallen. The shadow falls like an iron curtain to block the original intentions.

Most certainly, the original intentions were thoughtful and purposive and were forged unhurried, incrementally and with great deliberation through almost half a decade by the previous UPA government. How far External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was confident that Prime Minister Modi subscribed to those intentions, when she was called upon to formally submit Indias membership application at the Dushanbe summit of the group in 2014, we do not know. In all probability, she fulfilled her responsibility as Indias top diplomat.

For, 18 days later, Modi visited the White House to hold his first meeting with the then US President Barack Obama. Future historians would chronicle that the four-month period from that point in end-September 2014 to end-January 2015, when Obama visited India, became a defining moment in Indias foreign policy trajectory, as it began careering away in a new direction historically. The January 2015 joint vision statement regarding the Asia-Pacific region proclaimed that India was willing to bandwagon with the US pivot to Asia. Since then, India-China relations have been on a downhill slope. Beijing now says that Indian policies caused serious damage to Chinas interests and China-India relations.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has been out of sync with the profound realignments unfolding in the Eurasian continent, triggered by the US-backed regime change in Ukraine in February 2014. An unprecedented level of coordination between Russia, China and Iran has appeared over time on issues affecting the future of the Eurasian continent, ranging from the threat posed by radical Islamist groups to energy cooperation and connectivity to Chinas One-Belt One-Road initiative. It is against this tumultuous backdrop that Russia and China are keenly promoting Irans induction into the SCO.

What emerges is that the trajectories of Indian foreign policies and leading trends in the Eurasian continent are sharply diverging. The nascent integration of Pakistan as a Eurasian partner highlights it. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a game-changing project for the geopolitics of the Eurasian continent. China will most certainly bring the CPEC to the forefront of the SCO as a cornerstone of regional security and a locomotive of the multipolarity in politics. Russia and Iran will partake of it.

Indias SCO membership cannot be delinked from this ongoing global rebalancing that appears simultaneously on different templates  New Cold War, Sino-American tensions, Russia-China entente, Russia-Pakistan thaw, and so on. Put plainly, SCO membership compels India to shed its strategic ambivalence. It is apparent that Washington and Moscow view differently the international order and its fundamental norms and rules and their own place in it. In this climate, where does India stand, which has turned its back on non-alignment and strategic autonomy as archaic concepts and entered into a quasi-alliance with the US?

Last Wednesday at a Kremlin meeting, a top functionary from the Chinese Communist Party relayed the following message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Vladimir Putin: Chinese-Russian relations are going through their best ever in our history. Today, our relations are deservedly called an example of relations between great powers, characterised by cooperation and mutual benefit. Today, our relations are very solid, mature, and are distinguished by strategic cooperation and a lasting nature

Despite the serious changes in the international situation, we will continue to work with you unfailingly adhering to three constants, namely: regardless of the circumstances, we will not change our policy of deepening and developing our strategic partnership and cooperation; our policy, based on joint development and prosperity, will not change; and our joint efforts to defend peace and justice and promote cooperation in the world will not change.

Again, the Russia-led regional initiative on Afghanistan is in effect an enterprise comprising SCO member countries. Pakistan, which is a key player, is central to its success. India, on the other hand, feels comfortable with the US lead role in Afghanistan. The moment of truth arrives when Indias campaign on terrorism issues directed against Pakistan falls on deaf ears among other SCO members.

The bottom line is: Does India really belong to the SCO? Unless there is a serious rethink on Indias foreign policy, it may end up as a passive onlooker within the SCO tent, or worse still, a drag on the groupings functioning. Of course, SCO can be a really useful platform since it provides a canopy under which India can repair the damage caused to the relations with China and impart predictability to its ties with Pakistan.

Just look at the seamless possibilities of uninterruptible interaction with China and Pakistan at the level of the head of state, head of government, foreign minister, economic ministers, national security adviser, security agencies and so on annually. There have been a number of joint SCO military exercises, too, which bring together army chiefs. It doesnt need much ingenuity to understand what a splendid opportunity these occasions provide for India to build trust and mutual confidence with China and Pakistan at the level of political leadership as well as at the military-to-military level and between spy agencies and diplomats.

But then, is there serious will on the part of the Modi government to sustain a strategic dialogue with China and/or Pakistan? The opinion makers associated with the RSS-backed think tanks in Delhi are breathing fire and brimstone at China and Pakistan. Jingoism and communal polarisation enjoy primacy in the Sangh Parivars toolbox and tensions in Indias China-Pakistan ties easily feed into it. Therefore, it is in doubt whether the Modi government would revert to independent foreign policies even if it wants to. Paradoxically, although the US-Indian defining partnership is fast becoming an open cage in the Trump era, India seems to have lost the desire to head off into the wide blue yonder.





The writer is a former ambassador
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 30

Amidst confusion over implementation of the compromise arrived at in their meeting with the government earlier this month, all eight unions of Haryana Roadways have announced to re-launch their agitation from Monday and continue it till the government withdraws its new transport policy.

Tomorrow, on May 1, our members will hold protests outside all 24 depots of Haryana Roadways. On May 9, we will gherao Sector 17, Chandigarh, office of additional chief secretary of the Transport Department Sudeep Singh Dhillon, as we believe that his stubborn attitude is responsible for the breach of compromise formula. We will bring all buses to a halt from the day the government issues bus permits to private players under its new policy, said Sarbat Singh Punia, state president of the Haryana Roadways Workers Union.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Punia alleged that during a meeting held on April 13 with Transport Minister Krishan Panwar, ACS (Transport) SS Dhillon and other senior officers, they were assured that the government would file affidavit before the High Court that it was withdrawing the policy.

However, instead of this, the government committed breach of trust with us and has filed an affidavit that it wants to amend the policy, he alleged.

He said while the minister had been repeatedly assuring them that the government would remain firm on its commitment, the bureaucrats, he alleged, were trying to jeopardise the compromise.

Dhillon, however, maintained that the state government had already submitted an affidavit before the HC that it was withdrawing the policy and the same had been conveyed to the union leaders too, but somehow they were interested in unnecessary conflict.

First, on April 20, our officers filed an affidavit that the government intends to amend the policy since the order pertaining to terms of compromise with the union leaders had not come on the files. The moment orders regarding this were passed on the official files, a revised affidavit was filed before the High Court on April 27 regarding the state government intention to withdraw the police, said Dhillon.

Haryana Roadways workers had proceeded on strike on April 10 paralysing the state-owned bus services in the state against the new transport policy that allowed the government to issue new permits for private buses.

The strike was withdrawn after the government agreed to withdraw the policy during talks held on April 13.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 30

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) activists will stop Punjab vehicles going towards Delhi at the Shambhu barrier on the Ambala-Rajpura border on July 10 to protest against the Punjab governments stubborn stand on the issue of Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) waters.

Workers of the INLD youth wing will stop all vehicles with Punjab registration numbers on the National Highway-1 on July 10, a day before the Supreme Court is to hear the SYL case. While buses and government vehicles would not be allowed to proceed towards Delhi, people travelling in private cars could go after they are given a copy of the memorandum against the Punjabs attitude and a rose.

The INLD took this decision at a meeting of the state executive here yesterday. It also decided not to hold dharna on the SYL issue at Jantar Mantar and instead organise protests at the sub-divisional level in the state.

Our motive behind stopping vehicles from Punjab moving towards Delhi is not to harass people but to lodge our symbolic protest against the attitude of the Punjab government. Government vehicles, whether of a bureaucrat or of the Chief Minister, will not be allowed to move, while those travelling in private vehicles will be offered flowers along with a copy of the memorandum to inform them how their government has been refusing Haryana its legitimate share of waters despite the orders of the Supreme Court,  Leader of the Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala said about the resolutions passed by the state executive. Ambulance or emergency service vehicles would not be stopped, he added.

Abhay accused Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar of letting people down by not taking along leaders of the opposition parties to a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue as was decided at an all-party meeting.

He said he doubts whether Khattar actually discussed the issue with Modi and merely talked about the activities of BJP dissidents in the state.

Ashok Arora, state president of the INLD, said the partys state executive also passed a resolution demanding a compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre for farmers whose crop had been burnt in fire, immediate supply of electricity and drinking and irrigation water to people who had been facing an acute shortage of these essential items and compensation to farmers who had been forced to sell their mustard crop below the minimum support price (MSP).
Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, April 30

Kangra police have achieved major gains in checking hooch production and smuggling on the border areas of the district. In the first three months of this year the police have registered 100 cases against those producing hooch and arrested about 50 people involved in the operations.

SP Kangra, while talking to The Tribune, said initially about 100 families living in the border areas of the district were involved in the trade of producing illegal hooch that was sold on both sides of the Punjab and Himachal border. After consistent police campaign, the number has been reduced to about 30 families. About 80 per cent of the trade has been curbed.

He said in police raids in the last three months about 15,000 litres of illegal hooch was destroyed. Initially, the police just used to catch people with illegal hooch. However, now the police have changed the strategy and the police was targeting the production units of illegal hooch.

The hooch was generally being produced in Majra area of Himachal along the Pathankot district of Punjab or mand area on the borders of Hoshiarpur district. We have formed a special team of police headed by DSP that consistently keeps watch at places where the hooch distilleries are set. On the basis of the information collected by the group raids are conducted and hooch making units set up in deep forest and marshy areas are destroyed, the SP said.

He said that in the recent past police used tractors to dig out drums filled with jaggery that was buried in Mand area. The jaggery was kept buried for fermentation and later was to be used for making hooch later.

For long some villages inhabited generally by Sansi community have been infamous for distilling illegal hooch and selling it in borders of Kangra district and Punjab border areas.

The sources in police said that since illegal hooch distillation operations brought in huge money many villagers had adopted it as a profession. They were not afraid of even cases registered against them under the Excise Act. However, in the recent past a dangerous trend was noticed by the police officials. It was found that many people, who were earlier involved just in making illegal liquor, had also started narcotic smuggling. In the recent past the police had arrested several persons from border areas on charges of peddling heroine.

For the first time the Kangra police also had started a move to confiscate the properties of the people against whom cases had been registered under the NDPS Act. The SP said it was found that many people caught under the NDPS Act had huge amounts in their bank accounts and properties worth crores without having any source of income.

We have sealed their accounts and started the move to confiscate the properties. In one case Rs 90 lakh cash was found in accounts of a narcotic smuggler. He had constructed a house worth about Rs 1 crores. Procedure has been started to confiscate that house also, he said.
Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 30

Even as the issue of regularisation of unauthorised structures is pending with the court, the expert committee report on carrying capacity of Shimla will be submitted before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on May 7.

It was during the last court hearing on May 27 that one-week additional time was sought by the Department of Environment to submit the report. The eight-member expert committee, headed by Shashi Shekhar, will hold its last meeting on May 2 in New Delhi to finalise the report which is almost nearing completion.

The report is in final stages of completion and we will submit it before the Green Bench before May 7, confirmed Tarun Kapoor, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment. He added that the necessary action with regard to new construction activity in Shimla and 17 green belts would be taken.

The stance that the NGT takes after receiving the recommendations of the expert committee report will determine the decision that the Himachal High Court will take with regard to regularisation of unauthorised structures in the state, said an official. He admitted that seeing Shimla turn into a concrete jungle, the NGT is likely to issue certain guidelines to the government.

It was on May 30, 2015, that the NGT had restrained the Shimla Municipal Corporation and the state government from raising or permitting any construction in the 17 green belts of the town notified on December 7, 2000.

The NGT had directed the authorities to get a study of the carrying capacity of Shimla done to assess the impact of further density of sewerage system, water supply, collection and disposal of municipal solid waste, transportation and environment ecology. The NGT had then entrusted the task to an expert committee.

It is reliably learnt that the experts from various fields have expressed serious concern over the manner in which construction are being undertaken in the capital without bothering much about the structural stability or the norms.

It is likely that they will make recommendations about disallowing constructions on very steep slopes. They have expressed serious doubts about the quality of construction which in case of a tremor could spell doom for the town.

The experts have also expressed concern over the fact that since Shimla falls in Seismic Zone IV, the need for having structurally stable structures was all the more dire.

The increased seismic activity in areas falling within Zone IV has heightened the threat from a tremor of slightly more intensity in areas like Shimla, point out experts.
Nepse records slender growth

The announcement of the countrys economic growth rate failed to lift the sentiment of stock investors, as uncertainty loomed over the governments ability to hold local polls within the scheduled dates.
Shiv Kumar

A Mumbai-based documentary film-maker on a mission to save the Ridge for the children has produced a 21-minute docu-drama shot entirely on an iPhone.

The Ridge 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. 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 captures 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.
M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 30

Amid reports of a rift between the coalition partners and calls of the Opposition to impose Governors rule in the state, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav met Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti here today.

Though there was no official word about the details of the unannounced meeting, Madhav met the Chief Minister a day after BJP president Amit Shah as well as the BJP national general secretary ruled out talks with the separatists. A BJP leader said the meeting between Mehbooba and Madhav was cordial and was held to end the apparent discord between the coalition partners that he termed the result of a communication gap.

There was a communication gap and the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere to take forward the Agenda of Alliance, the BJP leader said, adding that the performance of the Cabinet ministers was also discussed in the meeting.

While the PDP has been batting for talks with all stakeholders in Kashmir to deal with the deteriorating law and order situation, the meeting was also held at a time when recent comments of Madhav and other BJP leaders have not gone down well with the PDP.

Madhavs recent comments defending the Armys use of human shield during protests had angered the PDP. Industries Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga too had raised eyebrows within the PDP ranks after calling for the use of bullets on protesters in the Valley. The BJP minister, however, had later regretted the remarks.

Apart from controversial comments by the BJP leaders, cross-voting by an Independent legislator fromZanskarin the recent Legislative Council elections too had angered the PDP.

Even as all BJP state party leaders are in Jammu in view of Amit Shahs visit, Madhav called on Mehbooba in the afternoon at her Gupkar residence and their meeting lasted around half an hour.
Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 30

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today asked BJP president Amit Shah to take on anti-national forces in Kashmir without any concession as the violence and anti-India propaganda perpetrated by them was causing deep wounds to the nation.

The Sangh leadership briefed Shah about the ground situation in the state in general and the Valley in particular during the nearly two-hour meeting with the BJP president at Veer Bhawan, the RSS headquarters.

The BJP national presidents meeting with the Sangh leadership attached importance because many offshoots of the Sangh Parivar have, a number of times, expressed reservations about some steps taken by the PDP-BJP coalition regime.

Sources said Shah sought suggestions from Ramesh Pappa, Prant Parcharak of the RSS, on how to restore normalcy in Kashmir by involving nationalist forces.

Besides Pappa, other Sangh leaders who were present in the meeting included Parshotam Dedechi, Prant Karvawah, Ashwani Gupta, Sah-Prant Karvawah and Rupesh Kumar and Sah-Prant Parcharak.

Although the Sangh leadership sought to downplay the interaction, calling it a courtesy call of the BJP president, this meeting is significant in the sense that the BJP high command has not received a very encouraging response about the performance of party ministers in the coalition.

The Sangh leadership gave suggestions on how to improve the image of party ministers and to deliver good governance, a source said, adding, It was impressed upon the BJP president to ensure coordination between government and other organisations of the Sangh Parivar.

Sources said Shah assured the Sangh leadership that the Union Government was working on a comprehensive plan to deal with the Jammu and Kashmir situation. He said nations interests would be given priority while dealing with the prevailing situation in the Valley.

On day one of his visit, Shah did not receive positive feedback about the performance of BJP ministers in J&K as senior party functionaries openly targeted some of the ministers for letting down the people of Jammu and Ladakh with their misdeeds and wrongdoings.

Sources said during the meeting, issues of Rohangiyas and one-time settlement of the West Pakistani refugees were also discussed thoroughly.
Seerat Kaur Gill

Icall it the golden generation  the generation of my grandparents. Born in the late 1920s-early 1930s, they witnessed so much, what we today read as history in school. They saw the demise of British rule, witnessed the Partition  one of the most horrific massacres in Indian history  a country was born by splitting their beloved state of Punjab into two. They relocated, having left behind what they had always known as home. The golden generation, resilient as it was, started life from scratch. They studied once again, began working and made the other part of Punjab their home.

However, they did not have an easy life for too long. They battled riots and militancy for several years later. They emerged victorious, albeit tired, a little wounded.

We, their grandchildren, knew nothing about their struggles. We were bereft of the legacy they carried. Who knew the wrinkles under those deep-set eyes had borne so much? Who knew those wise words stemmed from years of pain and experience? Who knew their knowledge and wisdom comes not from academic degrees or books, but from being a part of the generation which has seen the most turbulent history?

They had so many precious stories. However, frivolous as children are, we were too busy playing with marbles and dolls to even fathom what we were missing out on.

Today, years after both my grandfathers have passed away, I regretfully think of all the conversations we could have had. My paternal grandfather had come from Nankana Sahib, the historical birthplace of Guru Nanak, in Pakistan. My maternal grandfather had witnessed the tumultuous political scene in Punjab from close quarters. There is so much that I would have asked them, recorded their voices, captured their thoughts and expressions. It would have been my way of preserving a small part of the golden generation for all times to come.

Every time someone from their circle of friends falls ill, I feel that same uneasiness and remorse of not having had a real conversation with them. Why did I not go beyond the innocuous greetings? This beautiful generation will take with it all those stories of grit and struggle that we remain bereft of.

A couplet penned by my mother is befitting for our grandparents: Kinne he registaan apni hond ch jazb kar/ Eh samundar jihi shaqsiyat, Duniya de nazar kiti hai (By soaking in many a barren desert, I have presented before you, a man much like the sea).
Gopalkrishna Gandhi

What are you writing now? The question rang over the long distance phone from Kasauli. The voice spoke its age. But it had vitality. For Shobha Nehru was aged 108 when she posed the question to me last year. None of the usual How are you? business, nothing of the painful It has been a long time stuff. A straight question about what I was doing with my time. The arrow-tip directness was, quite simply, her.

As one who had seen her turn from when she was a vivacious fifty to a sedate sixty, then a stunning seventy to go on to being eighty, ninety and a hundred in perfect command of her faculties, I was in plain awe of her. She was, for me, Times quiet witness, much less vocal about what was witnessed than I hoped, more forgiving than was needed, but a witness. A grand witness.

Magdolna Friedman was re-named Shobha after she married Braj Kumar Nehru, a scion of scions from the Nehrus of Allahabad. Shobha she became, personifying grace and beauty, but she was really Sakshi, a witness to great proceedings, low intrigues, brutal happenings, sublime survivals.

Little changed in her with the years. Like a temple tree she stood her ground against Time, letting only her head of hair turn gently to a candy-floss auburn and her skin thin out to an almost translucent colourlessness. In what she said and in the way she said it there was that something utterly self-assured and totally sorted in Shobha Nehru , known to a wide circle of family and friends as Fori, that just could not be ignored. She italicised her spoken words, placing a certain emphasis, a distinct stress, on certain chosen words as she spoke that made them stand out.

The Central European Jewess, as her husband describes her in his brilliantly frank memoir Nice Guys Finish Second, had an unmistakable accent to her impeccable English. Her ds and ts were soft, and her th , as in death, was always rolled into a s  dess. This added to the striking appeal of her spoken English which received immediate attention. But her Hindustani, which she learnt almost immediately after her courtship with BK began in the library of the London School of Economics, was immaculate. It was just about as high as it can get. And yet absolutely natural. Fori Nehru was an aristocrat, if ever there was one, of elegant speech.

So, noticing a certain slowness in my reply , she repeated the question in Hindustani Tum kyalikhraheho?

Well, I said, since you askI am working on a book on the death penalty.

I see. Are you for it or against it?

Against.

And then followed a typical Fori-ism. She did not ask the expected Why should it be abolished?  or Will it be abolished? but something altogether different. Well, I am against it too. But tell me, if the death penalty goes, will something be lost in its abolition?

I sat up on hearing that. Here was the Latin dictum audi alteram partem (hear the other party) being cited, and not by a barrister or a jurist but by a woman who for 66 of her 109 years was the classic spouse, the housewife, the first lady and hostess beside Ambassador BK Nehru in Washington and London, Governor BK Nehru in Shillong, Srinagar and Gandhinagar.

Mrs BK Nehru, Shobha in her official description, Fori to most, survived her ICS officer-turned diplomat husband by 16 years. Fori Nehru not just saw but understood what she saw through a prism of her own unique mind. She understood  which is different from accepted, or approved  her very important and not very simple family move from struggle to office, from imprisonings to power. She saw her husbands official career weave its way through the transitions and tribulations of Partition, freedom, Gandhis assassination, with what can only be called a disinterested interest.

And she became for  BK the rock of his life. Whether she agreed with him in all that he thought and did, and did not do, one will never quite know. I suspect she had her own very personal assessment of people and events, but if she did differ from him, she never allowed those differences to ever be known outside of her family. She was her husbands alter ego, her legendary sallies at his expense only strengthening the impression. Bijju and I do not sleep in the same room, she announced at a large dinner party in Madras. And then to the relief of all around: Because he snores. If Fori was Bijjus support, Bijju was Foris hero.

For me, BK Nehru was and remains an ideal: brilliant of mind, brave of heart, unsentimentally affectionate, the perfect administrator, diplomat, bearing a name that was as burdensome as it was strengthening. But I have, somewhat judgmentally, wished he had stood up like his cousin Vijayalakshmi Pandit or his niece Nayantara Sahgal, against Indira Gandhi during Emergency, and later protested his transfer from Srinagars Raj Bhavan to that in Gandhinagar. And I have wondered: Could she not have put her foot down on those and similar occasions, telling to him: Bijju, enough is enough. You are a Nehru. Do not allow anyone to push you around. The answer is she could have. But, who knows, perhaps she did.

An unwritten autobiography has died with Fori Nehru. Populated by memories of noble acts by so-called small people, and the smallness, even meanness, of the powerful, it has taken away with it many private moments, some secret ones. But none in which this Hungarian-born student, who bowled over a dashing young Indian in the library of the LSE, London, betrays any regret at her choice of India, Foris India.

The writer is former Governor of West Bengal
Palakkad/Kasargod, April 30

Two Keralites, who allegedly joined terror groups last year, have reportedly been killed in Syria and Afghanistan in air strikes by the US.

The deceased were identified as Yahya and Abu Thahir, both hailing from Palakkad, and had reportedly joined Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, respectively, police said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

They were among the 21 people, including women and children from Kerala, who had travelled to the Middle East and went missing in 2016.

Seventeen of them were from Kasargod and the rest from Palakkad.

Police said they received the information on Saturday night about the death of Thahir in Syria.

A message received by a social worker in Kasargod said: Yahya has been martyred while fighting in Afghanistan.

The sender of the message, Asfak, said Yahya was martyred in the US attack.

He was killed while fighting the US forces, the message read.

It, however, did not specify when he was killed.

A fortnight ago, one Murshid Muhammed from Padna in the district was killed in a drone attack in Afghanistan. PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 29

Pointing to the hazard of a large number shell companies being used for money laundering and tax evasion, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia today said close to 9 lakh registered companies were not filing annual returns with the government.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has sent notices to nearly 3 lakh unlisted companies, asking them to deregister themselves and issuance of notices to the remaining is under way.

Speaking at an Enforcement Day event here, Adhia said of the 15 lakh companies, only 6 lakh are filing their returns, including annual audited report, with the MCA.

How can we have in this country almost 8-9 lakh companies which are not filing any return to the government and they have become a potential threat, a potential source of money laundering. So, the task force has taken it up in right earnest, he said.

In a crackdown on domestic shell companies, the government in February had decided to take harsh punitive action, including freezing of their bank accounts used to launder money or evade taxes. The PMO-constituted task force with members from regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies held its meeting this week.

The top official said of the 9 lakh companies which do not file return with the MCA might not be shell companies and just be idle ones not transacting any business.

According to Adhia, trade-based money laundering is also becoming a potential big source of money laundering these days as was witnessed in the Rs 6,000-crore Bank of Baroda case. The case was successfully cracked by the Enforcement Directorate and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

He said the government is trying to improve the quality of manpower and is working to fill vacancies in the ED.

Adhia said demonetisation had taught the department various ways in which people try to launder money, including through multiple entries in shell companies.

Jaitley to ED: Use penal powers expeditiously

New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said penalising powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) should be used expeditiously in cases of non- compliance. Speaking at Enforcement Day here, he called on the agency to strictly enforce law to help the exchequer raise legitimate revenue. As we move from a developing economy to developed economy, we will also be moving to a voluntary tax-compliant society. There is an expectation of compliance and in the event of non-compliance, there is the power of penalising that the ED has. This power has to be expeditiously used whenever violations are detected, the minister said. TNS

(With agency inputs)
Yash Goyal

Jaipur, April 30

Following in the footsteps of Yogi Adityanath government, Jaipur police have trained 52 women cops to work as anti-Romeo squads on the lines of Uttar Pradesh to tackle eve-teasers in the pink city.

Special training of a month and a half was given to 52 women cops to prevent crime against women and nab miscreants.

These cops would be moving all around the city on gearless scooters and will be carrying wireless sets.

The women squads will be put up on eight hours duty everyday in two shifts around girls schools, colleges, malls, markets, and theatres.

Police have an aim to contain crime against women and not to harass any boy or girl, or couple who are with each other with mutual consent. This will be fully ensured, Jaipur Police Commissioner Sanjay Agrawal told The Tribune.

The plan began with Jaipur in the state, and if required it would be followed in other major cities of Rajasthan too, a police source said.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 29

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa visited the Air Force station in Agra where he flew onboard an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. He viewed the Air Force exercise conducted over the north-western part of the country.

The Indian Air Force Chief flew from Agra yesterday to check the forces participating in the ongoing war gaming exercise of the Western Air Command Exercise Trishul. The AWACS provides a live picture of 800-km radius when airborne.

Under the exercise, all assets of the Western Air Command were mobilised to demonstrate the potency of the Indian Air Force in a real-time war-like scenario.

This included engaging with a large of number of fighter jets in electronic warfare environment, an Indian Air Force spokesperson said today.
Chandigarh, April 29

The Election Commission of India would soon call a meeting of all political parties to assure them that the electronic voting machines were tamper-proof and secured, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said today.

He said the EC intended to use the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) in all coming elections to bring in more transparency and boosting the confidence of people.

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.

The EC is planning to throw an open challenge, asking anyone to try hacking its EVMs to dispel doubts of misuse. The CEC also said an order had been placed for VVPAT machines.  PTI
Rato Machhindranath festival kicks off today

The month-long festival of chariot procession of the rain god, Rato Machhindranath, commenced at Lalitpur on Sunday.
Simran Sodhi

Dara Shikoh, after all these centuries, still managed to bring together scholars and envoys from different nations on one stage. A recent conference to discuss the contributions of Dara Shikoh, who first translated the Upanishads from Sanskrit to Persian, saw attendance of the ambassadors of Iran, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Bhutan.

Scholars from countries such as Iran, the United States, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and India gathered under one roof to discuss the contributions made by Dara Shikoh and how the Indo-Persian identity still lives on today.

The aim behind the conference was to highlight the secular facet of the Mughal courts which is often ignored today. The attendance of Iranian Ambassador Gholamreza Ansari, Lithunia Ambassador Laimonas Talat-Kelpsa, Ambassador of the Czech Republic Milan Hovorka and Bhutanese Ambassador Vetsop Namgyel was an acknowledgment of the ties that still bind India and the world through Persian and the translations of Upanishads by Dara Shikoh which was the beginning of the western civilizations study of Indian culture.

Atollah Hassani, a scholar from Iran, pointed to the age-old ties between India and Iran and how the two people actually are one. In history, there is no difference between India and Iran. We are Indo-Persian people from the same Aryan ancestors, he said.

The main force behind getting the conference together was the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and its president Lokesh Chandra. Chandra said: It was Dara that brought different cultures into dialogue and found a close connection between Hinduism and Islam and was the founding Father of Secularism in India. The best commentary on Mahabharata was written in Shah Jahans Court.

Dara Shikoh was the son of Shah Jahan who lost the battle for the throne of Delhi and Hindustan to his brother Aurangzeb. Dara is today studied not only in India but extensively in Iran also. His works in Persian and his translations of the Vedas and Upanishads can be found in the libraries of Iran and that connect, as many scholars point out, is far deeper than any shared between different cultures and nations.

Dara Shikohs The Great Secret is believed to have restored the Indo-Iranian cultural ethos of harmony and consanguinity. His works which were ignored and gradually consigned to oblivion in South Asia have been partly published with explanations and notes in Iran.

A 90-minute play based on the life of Dara, who came to be known as the Philosopher Prince, was also staged at the National School of Drama.
New Delhi, April 30

The Election Commission has not found merit in a petition seeking disqualification of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia as a legislator for allegedly holding an office of profit.

In a recommendation sent to President Pranab Mukherjee recently, the commission said that Sisodia could not be disqualified as an MLA for being deputy chief minister, because several states have the position and it could be be construed as an office of profit.

"He cannot be disqualified on this ground. The recommendation has been sent to the President," a Commission functionary said.

To a question, he also pointed out that the President had "no discretion" on the issue and is "bound" by the recommendation of the poll watchdog.

Last year, a BJP leader, Vivek Garg, had approached the President with a petition seeking disqualification of Sisodia.

According to procedure, the matter was referred to the commission.

The commission is already hearing two separate cases related to office of profit concerning AAP MLAs. While the first case related to 21 MLAs is in the advanced stage, the other related to 27 legislators is in the preliminary stage.

Article 102(1)(a) of the Constitution makes the holding of an office of profit by a member of Parliament or a legislative assembly or legislative council a ground for disqualification from the membership.

The disqualification is the result of breach of the theory of separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Lucknow, April 29

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court headed by Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale today suspended the judge who had granted bail to former Samajwadi Party minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati facing rape and molestation charges.

It ordered a departmental inquiry under Justice (rtd) Sudhir Agarwal against Lucknows Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) special courts Additional Sessions Judge Om Prakash Mishra and stayed the April 26 order granting bail to Prajapati and his two associates.

The controversial minister and his associates were released from the Lucknow district jail on Wednesday on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh each. It was on the Supreme Courts order that a police complaint was filed against them in February and non-bailable warrants issued. After a month-long hunt, coinciding with the long- drawn Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Prajapati was finally nabbed by the Special Task Force in Lucknow on March 15.

Seeking cancellation of Prajapatis bail application, state Advocate General VK Shahi said the accused had misled the court, claiming no criminal case was pending against him. The fact was he was facing six criminal cases.

The alleged rape of a woman and molestation of her minor daughter had attracted a lot of media attention in the run-up to the Assembly elections. The victim from Chitrakoot had approached the Gautampalli police station on February 17, alleging she had been raped by Prajapati and his two accomplices for several months and that the three had also sexually assaulted her minor daughter at Prajapatis residence.
Lucknow, April 30

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is a permanent invitee to the state working committee meeting of the UP BJP, is likely to miss the event again due to his perennial poor health.

The two-day state working committee meeting of the UP BJP will begin here tomorrow and is the first such meeting after the partys stunning victory in last months assembly polls.

Elaborating further, Hero Bajpai, a member of UP BJPs state working committee said, The last time Atalji attended any such meeting was way back in 2006. The meeting then was held in Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Lucknows Niralanagar. It was the national working committee meeting in which Rajnath Singh was made BJP president.

The two-day meeting is being held after a period of almost nine months. The last such meeting was held in Jhansi, Bajpai said.

On whether he and other party office bearers will miss the presence of their favourite leader, Bajpai said, We will certainly miss Atalji. But we also understand that owing to his bad health he is unable to attend the event. However, his blessings are always with us, and will continue to remain with us forever.

The 92-year-old former prime minister did not cast his vote in the recent UP Assembly elections. He had represented Lucknow in the Lok Sabha five times in a row and gradually became synonymous with the City of Nawabs.

The last time Atal Bihari Vajpayee voted was in 2004 Lok Sabha election, which was also the last election he contested.

Thereafter, he could not vote in assembly elections of 2007 and 2012 and Lok Sabha elections of 2009 and 2014, his close aide Shiv Kumar said.

Vajpayee has been indisposed for some years now due to age-related problems and has not been seen in public.

He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Lucknow in 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2004. In the following Lok Sabha elections in 2009 and 2014, the BJP maintained its dominance on the seat as Lalji Tandon and Rajnath Singh were elected as MPs, respectively.

Vajpayee is the first and so far the only non-Congress leader to have completed a full term as prime minister.  PTI
Mumbai, April 30

The Bombay High Court has granted anticipatory bail to a woman journalist booked for abetting the suicide of an Army jawan and also under the Official Secrets Act after observing that prima facie no offence is made out against the accused.

Justice Revati Mohite Dere on April 26 granted anticipatory bail to Poonam Agarwal, a senior journalist with The Quint, and retired soldier and war veteran Deepchand Singh.

Last month, the Deolali Camp police in Nashik registered a case against Poonam and Deepchand under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including abetment of suicide of the jawan from Kerala Roy Mathew.

The scribe was also booked under sections 3 (spying) and 7 (interfering with officers of the police or members of the armed forces of Union) of the Official Secrets Act.

According to the police, she was booked for violating Army rules by entering prohibited areas and conducting a shoot there.

Agrawal is accused of entering Heig Lines in Deolali camp without the permission of authorities and filming the premises besides carrying out a sting operation on Mathew and other jawans on February 24 in which she is said to have asked leading questions.

The case was registered after Mathew (33) was found hanging from the ceiling of a room in an abandoned barrack in Deolali cantonment here on March 2.

According to police, Mathew featured in the sting operation carried out by Poonam and Deepchand exposing the buddy (Sahayak) system in the Army and had committed suicide over fear and shame.

Poonam and Deepchand approached the high court after a sessions court rejected their anticipatory bail pleas.

Senior counsel Amit Desai, appearing for Poonam, argued that the sting operation was carried out in public interest and to expose the malaise in the Indian Army.

The High Court after hearing the arguments said, After viewing the said clip, it appears that the purpose of the sting operation was to show that the Sahayaks were made to do menial work like taking their seniors dogs for walks, taking their seniors children to schools and so on. Prima facie at this stage, taking the prosecution case as it stands it is doubtful whether any offence under IPC or Official Secrets Act is attracted in the peculiar facts of the case, Justice Dere said.

Merely because the sting operation was done in a prohibited area would not automatically attract provision of the Official Secrets Act, the court said.

The court granted Poonam and Deepchand anticipatory bail on a surety of Rs 25,000 and directed them to appear before the police on three days -May 2, May 3 and May 4 for recording their statement and questioning.

The court also directed Poonam to surrender to the police raw footage of the sting operation.

Mathew had joined the Army 13 years ago and was working as an artillery gunner with the Rocket Regiment 214 in Nashik camp for the last one year.  PTI
New Delhi, April 29

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged Muslims not to politicise the issue of triple talaq and requested them to come forward and find a solution to it.

I urge the people of Muslim community not to 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 PM said.

Modi said 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.

He said reform has always come to our society from within, whenever required. He 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.

Earlier in April, the PM had raised the triple talaq issue during the national executive meeting of his party in Bhubaneswar. He had dubbed triple talaq a bad social practice.

A Constitution Bench will hear the plea challenging the validity of the triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy among the Muslims from May 11. The Supreme Court was earlier told by the Centre Government that the practice violates Muslim womens right to equality and dignity.

Opposing the practice, the government had described it as patriarchal values and traditional notions about the role of women in society.

Under triple talaq, a Muslim man can instantly divorce his wife by repeating talaq thrice. As per nikah halala, a woman divorcee has to marry someone else and consummate that marriage before getting a divorce to remarry her earlier husband.  IANS
New Delhi, April 30

The Niti Aayog has suggested a synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and Assembly polls from 2024 so as to ensure minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Outlining the details, the policy think tank has said implementing the proposal may necessitate a maximum one-time curtailment or extension of some state assemblies.

It has made the Election Commission the nodal agency to look into the suggestion and recommended setting up of a working group of stakeholders for deciding a road-map for synchronised elections.

A report in this regard needs to be finalised within six months and final blue-print will be ready by next March, as per draft three-year action agenda for 2017-18 to 2019-20.

The draft report was circulated among the Governing Council members (consisting of chief ministers of all states and others) of the Niti Aayog on April 23.

The recommendation assumes significance as President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls.

All elections in India should happen in a free, fair and synchronised manner so as to cause minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance. We may begin work towards switching to a synchronised two-phase election from the 2024 election to the Lok Sabha, the Niti Aayog draft report says.

This would require a maximum one-time curtailment or extension of some state assemblies, it said.

To implement this in the national interest, a focused group of stakeholders comprising constitution and subject matter experts, think-tanks, government officials and representatives of various political parties should be formed to work out appropriate implementation-related details.

This may include drafting appropriate Constitution and statutory amendments, agreeing on a workable framework to facilitate transition to simultaneous elections, developing a stakeholder communication plan and various operational details, the draft report says.

Mukherjee in his speech on the eve of this years Republic Day had favoured holding Lok Sabha and assembly elections together.

The time is also ripe for a constructive debate on electoral reforms and a return to the practice of the early decades after Independence when elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies were held simultaneously.

It is for the Election Commission to take this exercise forward in consultation with political parties, the president had said.

Modi had in February made a strong pitch for simultaneous elections.

It (simultaneous polls) will cause some loss to all, including us, he had said, and asked political parties to not look at the idea through narrow the prism of politics.

One party or a government cannot do it. We will have to find a way together, he had said.

Elections are being held all the time somewhere or else in the country and continuous elections lead to lot of expenditure, Modi had said replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents address.

The prime minister had said over Rs 1,100 crore was spent in holding the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and the expenditure shot up to Rs 4,000 crore in 2014.

He had said that over a crore government employees, including a lot of teachers, are involved in electoral process and the continuous exercise thus causes maximum harm to the education sector.

Security forces also have to be diverted for electoral works across the year even while enemy country keeps plotting against the nation and terrorism remains a strong threat, Modi had said.  PTI
New Delhi, April 30

A united Opposition candidate for the presidential elections will be the beginning of unity among the non-BJP parties to take on the BJP, senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, seen as one of the probable Opposition choices, said on Sunday.

Having met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi last week as part of efforts to put up a joint Opposition candidate for the high-stakes polls, the former JD(U) president said the success of this exercise could go a long way in arresting the BJPs surge across the country.

He said unity in the Opposition ranks is the need of the hour as a division in the non-BJP votes has been a key reason behind the saffron partys win in the recent Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi civic elections.

Asked about the likelihood of major Opposition parties agreeing to back a common candidate against the BJP-led NDAs choice, he said that he was hopeful that it will happen.

We are making efforts to get as many Opposition parties as possible on a common platform for the presidential election. A joint candidate will be the beginning of the coming together of Opposition parties against the BJP, he said.

The Rajya Sabha member and former Union Minister noted that even in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP won an unprecedented 312 seats out of the total 403, the combined votes of the Samajwadi Party, the BSP and the Congress were much more than it.

Asked who could be the Opposition candidate for the presidential polls, he said names would be discussed at a later stage as the first priority is to bring these parties together.

With his vast parliamentary experience, Yadav is seen by some as one of the probable choices for a common Opposition candidate for the presidential poll. He declined to comment on this.

JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also met Gandhi and the Left parties have also spoken in favour of having an Opposition candidate.

The choice of NDA candidate could play a crucial role in these efforts as somebody with a pronounced Hindutva leaning can give the Opposition parties, many of whom are locked in bitter political battle in different states, a solid reason to close ranks.

The electoral college clearly favours the NDA choice for the top constitutional post, more so after the BJPs emphatic win in Uttar Pradesh. Though it is still short of a clear majority but its leaders are confident of getting the required support.

Many Opposition leaders believe that putting up joint candidate irrespective of the outcome of the elections will mark the coming together of a larger alliance against the BJP in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.  PTI
Islamabad, April 30

Pakistans army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday visited the Line of Control and said his country would continue to support the political struggle of the Kashmiris for the right of self-determination.

Bajwa, who toured the areas in the Haji Pir sector, was briefed about the alleged ceasefire violation by the Indian troops and the state of preparedness of the army to face any aggression.

The army chief said Pakistan would continue to support the struggle of the Kashmiris.

We will always stand by their (Kashmiris) rightful political struggle for the right of self-determination and recourse to basic human rights, Bajwa said in an interaction with troops.

He accused India of state-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir.

Bajwa alleged that India was not only involved in aggression against the people in Kashmir but also against the people living on the Pakistani side of the LoC and the Working Boundary.

India has repeatedly rejected Pakistans allegations of rights violations in Kashmir. PTI
Retailers, middlemen join forces to squeeze farmers

Retailers have made a pact with middlemen not to buy farm produce directly from farmers, leaving them at a disadvantage as they are not adequately compensated for their crops.
Islamabad, April 29

Beleaguered Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today faced a crisis when Pakistans 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 into a damage-control mode after the confrontation with the army over a notification and announced that the real notification to implement the recommendation of the probe was yet to be issued.

In October, a columnist for Dawn newspaper wrote about a rift between civilian and military leaderships over militant groups that operate from Pakistan but engage in a proxy war against India and Afghanistan.

Dawn had reported how in a blunt and unprecedented warning, the civilian government had informed the military leadership of growing international isolation of Pakistan on terrorism.

The army took strong exception and the PML-N government was forced to remove then information minister Pervaiz Rasheed, but a probe was also initiated at the armys behest to fix responsibility. According to the report, special foreign affairs assistant Fatemi was primarily responsible for leaking the report of the meeting.

Today, in an unusual move, the army rejected the notification by the government to sack Fatemi. Notification on Dawn leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected, army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor tweeted.

Minutes later, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in a veiled criticism of the hasty reaction said, Twitter reactions were highly dangerous for the country.

There are several issues of great importance and its unfortunate they are being dealt with through tweets. State institutions dont communicate with each other through tweets, Khan said.  Agencies
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 29

The Supreme Court has declared as unconstitutional a 2006 law enacted by the Himachal Pradesh Assembly that made it mandatory for all private medical institutions in the state to take affiliation from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU).

The verdict came on an appeal filed by Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU), Solan  set up in 2010  that it was being forced to get affiliation for its Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital (MMMCH), Kumarhatti, from HPU.

The Medical Council of India had in 2013 granted permission to MMMCH but the state insisted that it must get affiliation from 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, said the Bench, that also comprised Justices AM Khanwilkar and MM Shantanagoudar.

The top court allowed MMUs appeal against a Himachal Pradesh High Court verdict that upheld the controversial provision. It directed the regulatory authorities to proceed forthwith without insisting for affiliation of MMMCH from 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 (MMU) has been established, namely the 2010 Act.

It is incomprehensible that a college (MMMCH), which is a constituent of the appellant No. 2, 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.
Chandigarh, April 30

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has felicitated the labour and working class on the occasion of May Day, which symbolises the historic struggle of the labour class globally.

In a message on the eve of May Day, the Chief Minister urged the workers and labourers to mark the occasion with the pledge to fight for, and protect, their rights. Let us not simply observe the occasion for the sake of propriety. Let us vow to imbue the spirit of the day into our systems to safeguard the rights of the workers and labourers, who make a significant contribution to our lives, he added.

The Chief Minister also paid rich tributes to all those who had sacrificed their lives for the struggle to secure genuine service conditions at Chicago in 1886.
Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 29

After a span of one year, night flights from Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport will resume from May 1.

The night operations were discontinued due to the work to strengthen 12,000-ft-long runway. The work has been finished at a cost of about Rs 150 crore. It can now easily accommodate Boeing 747 400 and Airbus 340 type wide-body aircraft.

Gagan Malik, project head, said all airlines would comfortably resume their night operations as the instrument landing system (ILS) CAT II with 350 m visibility had also been restored.

He said lighting for further advanced ILS CAT III had been installed and tests were underway to make it operational at the earliest. It would enable flights to land even during 50 m visibility.

The work on the runway was started on May 26 last year. Prior to this, the re-carpeting of the runway was carried out in 2001-03.

The overhauling plan saw strengthening of the flexible portion of the runway, installing glass grid, imported from Czechoslovakia, checking reflection cracks and rectifying and repairing the existing surface and joints along with overlaying of the existing runway shoulders and resurfacing of blast pads.

The grading of the basic strip of the runway was carried out to provide a better view of the runway to pilots.

The pavement of taxiways has also been strengthened to match the strength of the main runway. The translocation of precision approach path indicator (PAPI), a visual aid to pilots, is installed to provide safe and better air navigation facilities.

Inset light and isolating transformer were brought from Finland, constant current regulators and new signages were imported from Canada. The entire runway strengthening was carried out as per the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Agency of the US and the International Civil Organisation.
Chandigarh, April 29

To maximise the impact of the states anti-poverty programmes, the state government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, South Asia (J-PAL SA) here.

The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal. The government was represented by Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh and J-PAL SA was represented by its executive director Shobhini Mukerji.

Manpreet, while thanking Prof Abhijit Banerjee, co-founder and director, J-PAL and professor of economics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, US), and his team, emphasised the emotional ties of Punjab and Bengal for these two states had suffered much during the partition and had to struggle a lot to put their economies back on track.

J-PAL will assist the government in the formulation and evaluation of various schemes of the state in key sectors like health, school education, social welfare, labour and employment, local government, water supply and sanitation, planning, finance and rural development.

Professor Banerjee said he was looking forward to engaging with the various departments in designing and evaluating innovative approaches to solve many of the pressing problems facing the government. J-PAL is an international research network known for its evaluations of development programmes and has over 145 affiliated professors from top universities.  TNS
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 29

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today told the Congress government not to befool the people and delay the implementation of the loan waiver to the farmers, as promised by the party in its election manifesto, by taking the aid of bonds.

In a statement, Akali MP Prem Singh Chandumajra said it appeared that the government was trying to buy time to wriggle out of its promise. The government is banking on outlandish schemes such as masala bonds, knowing well the esteem the Congress enjoys among the NRI community, he added.

Chandumajra said it was ironical that Capt Amarinder Singh was putting his faith in NRIs, considering that he had dubbed Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan as well as all elected representatives of Punjabi origin in Canada as Khalistanis.
Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 30

A fire broke out at a cycle parts manufacturing unit on Gill Road here on Sunday.

The factory, Daman Enterprises, was closed as it was a holiday.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The fire started from the garbage that was burning in the adjacent plot. A few inflammable substances were lying in the factory.

The loss could run into lakhs.

This is the third major fire in a factory in the city in a week.
Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 30

Arno village in Shutrana block of the district is battling to save 180-acre village common land (shamlat) from being transferred to some persons, allegedly due to complicity between land sharks and some officials of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department.

The state government has promised to probe the matter and establish the role of officials, including an IAS officer, who acted against the departments interest, days before retirement and allegedly passed off the land worth over Rs 50 crore as private.

Members of the Arno panchayat alleged that the land was labelled as disputed, not falling under the definition of shamlat as per Section 2(G) of the Punjab Village Common Lands Regulation Act, 1961. They claimed that a Joint Development Commissioner, who retired in February, gave the decision in favour of some individuals without giving a hearing to the panchayat.

Amarjeet Kaur, counsel for the panchayat, said the then Joint Development Commissioner and his staff had adjourned the case on the scheduled date of hearing, without informing her about the next date.

Days before the officer retired, the case was abruptly decided against us. We approached the then Financial Commissioner and got a stay on the order, she alleged. Panchayat Secretary Rajinder Singh said, A high-level probe is needed as these persons are not even depositing the lease money, causing losses to the state, he said.

In 2014-15, the land had fetched Rs 30 lakh in lease money from the individuals who claimed ownership. However, a few village residents, claiming to be migrants from Pakistan during Partition, said they were the owners and had initially taken the land on lease. We have documents to show that the land is shamlat, but the department officials have given us no opportunity to be heard, said sarpanch Ramesh Kumar.

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said he would order a probe by a senior officer to find out whether departmental officials had connived with land sharks.
Tribune News Service

Ropar, April 29

Local Bodies and Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu ordered an inquiry into the demolition of Pincassia resort here today.

In 2009, the then SAD-BJP government had handed over the resort to Alchemist Hospitality to develop it as a five-star resort on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.

Sidhu, who was on a tour of the district on the invitation of Anandpur Sahib MLA and Speaker Rana KP Singh to visit potential tourism points in the district, was informed by the Youth Congress leader Brinder Singh Dhillon about Pincassias fate.

Local residents present on the spot, too, complained that the resort on the banks of the Sutlej along the Chandigarh-Amritsar highway was closed even though it generated profit. Opened in 1975, the resort was surrounded by 75 acres of dense forest. In 2009, the property was given on a 65-year lease to Alchemist Hospitality. The group agreed to set up a 90-room five star resort within three years.

Although the bidder demolished the existing building, it delayed the project on one pretext or the other, following which the agreement was terminated in November 2015.

Sidhu, who was accompanied by Tourism Principal Secretary Jaspal Singh and Director NS Randhawa, said an audit would be held.

The beautiful resort at a prime location was ruined only to end any competition for the Badal family-owned Sukhvilas resort in adjoining Mohali, he commented.

Earlier, he visited the sets of Firangi, a film being produced by standup comedian Kapil Sharma, at nearby Patialan village.

Later, during his visit to Virasat-e-Khalsa, he said the government was devising schemes so that such museums could achieve self-sustainability. He said Virasat-e-Khalsa required Rs 12 crore annually for its functioning and resources were required to generate a huge amount.

He said a policy to promote tourism and culture police was in the offing. The 2-lakh devotees visiting the three Takhts in Punjab daily would be provided better facilities which would ultimately help in boosting tourism in the state, he added.

At Nangal, the minister and Rana met municipal council officials and councilors. Rana said he had invited the minister so that he could see the misuse of funds of the rich civic body of Nangal during the previous regime. Sidhu said while a financial and technical audit of works carried out by a few corporations and other local bodies during last government was underway, they had decided to bring maximum transparency in their working.


 :     ,   ,   

  ,        , -     28         .
The Daily Sun on 4/26/17 carried an interesting article concerning Chinas commitment to developing clean energy and maximizing efficiency of current technologies. The bottom line was that their actions represent Good Business. China has in recent years invested twice as much as the US in alternative energy, and they clearly stand at the helm in responding to the inevitable demise of energy derived from fossil fuels. It would appear that China is devoting its enormous intellectual and financial gifts in a manner consistent with practical, scientific, and social benefits.

Its important to add that other parts of the world are like-minded. For instance, Germany produces roughly one third of its energy from alternative sources (and on one recent day it produced 100 percent of its energy without benefit of fossil fuels). Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in energy alternatives, even though they a re virtually sitting on billions of barrels of oil. African countries are pursuing projects involving solar, wind & wave, geothermal, and biomass projects. Australia has tripled its alternative energy production in the past 5 years and has been taxing carbon emissions all that time; their economy is strong. Similarly, even the Canadians are demonstrating substantial growth in alternatives.

These countries, like China, can see the spooky graffiti on virtually every wall in the future pointing to the impending doom of the fossil fuel industry, and they are taking action now to protect their societies. The US, in contrast, has elected a businessman who appears to celebrate bad business. Such a disaster.

DAN CADY

Flagstaff
The hive and the honey bee

So few bees are left that we are on the brink of a major pollination crisis
SMA Kazmi in Dehradun

NATURAL disasters of the scale of 2013 Uttarkashi deluge are unforgiving, unforgettable: nearly 5,000 people were killed as dozens of small villages, bridges and narrow passages simply disappeared. In government records many people continue to remain untraceable, presumed dead. Nearly four years later, it all looks as if everything is back to normal: 3 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath in 2016. Or is there someone not letting the faith slip away?

Ask Col. Ajay Kothiyal, Principal of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (Uttarkashi), youd know how a soldier can steel his will to achieve the impossible. Today, when pilgrims on Char Dham Yatra feel safe around the arduous, serpentine route to the Kedarnath shrine, they wouldnt perhaps know who Col Kothiyal and his men are. Or, how in just three years, the same treacherous routes have turned safe, inviting no-worry smiles from those who pass.

June 16-17, 2013, were most dreadful: rivers and streams were overflowing fast and furious, devouring everything that came their way. Thousands were stranded, many had already died. The Colonel acted on his instincts, gathered his men and helped in rescuing more than 6,000 pilgrims, including 46 foreigners, in one day, June 16.

The 15-km original Rambara-Kedarnath pedestrian route had vanished. No agency was willing to undertake reconstruction of roads at those heights. Months later, the ace mountaineer from 4th Garhwal Regiment of the Army, Col Kothiyal, got his mission: rebuild the collapsed road infrastructure -- at more than 11,000 feet -- at Kedarnath.

I had a dozen-member team. We had to jump from our helicopter in March 2014 to access the ground reality at Kedarnath. We stayed there for two days and trekked down the damaged route. A couple of weeks later, we started the reconstruction work. We are still involved in the work in flood-hit Kedarnath valley, says Col Kothiyal. This unleashed the massive reconstruction effort.

Col Ajay Kothiyal organized around 1,200 Nepalese labourers who were provided with basic equipment and clothing to brave the snow which in March was over 10-ft deep. The officer then chalked out a new alignment on way to Kedarnath, starting from Rambara. They worked round-the-clock in rain, snow and sleet. The team managed to build a landing strip for IAFs MI-26 helicopters to land.

The Col and his team soon realized they needed heavy equipment. So, heavy earth-moving machinery were taken in parts by helicopters and reassembled at those heights. More than 130-ton machinery was brought to Kedarnath by M1-26 helicopters in a span of a few days, said the Colonel.

Starting from Sonprayag, his team set up camps for labourers and storing equipment. They rebuilt the pedestrian path involving construction of washed away culverts and bridges. The work continued even in winters when the temperature dips several degrees below zero and snow accumulates up to 15-ft high.

The Col. has stayed at Kedarnath for the past three years, removing debris at Kedarpuri and rebuilding 113 houses and guest houses of the pandas (the priest community). He and his team have already finished constructing 100 modern huts for pilgrims and a subsidized canteen for them. We involve local residents and buy their vegetables and crops. This way we win their confidence, says Col. Kothiyal, recipient of Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and Vishisht Sewa Medal (VSM). I am proud of my team and our accomplishment, says the Colonel.

Training the youth

Col. Ajay Kothiyal is also instrumental in training more than 4,000 youths for recruitment in the Army, paramilitary forces and the police -- free of cost. When we rescued the stranded pilgrims and tourists on way to Gangotri in 2013, we saw many unemployed youth requesting to be enrolled in the Army. I decided to train them, he says. I started off with 30 boys at Uttarkashi and trained them for written and physical tests. In the next Army recruitment, 28 of them were selected.
Manila, April 30

Southeast Asian leaders took a softer stance on disputes in the South China Sea during a summit that ended on Saturday, avoiding tacit references to Chinas building and arming of its manmade islands, according to the chairmans statement.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

A final statement of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was not made available until Sunday, dropped the references to land reclamation and militarisation included in the text issued at last years meeting in Laos and an earlier, unpublished version seen by Reuters on Saturday.

The outcome follows what two ASEAN diplomats said were efforts by Chinese foreign ministry and embassy officials in Manila to pressure ASEAN chair the Philippines to keep Beijings contentious activities in the strategic waterway off ASEANs official agenda.

It also indicates four ASEAN members who the diplomats said had wanted a firmer position had agreed to the more conciliatory tone in the statement.

China is not a member of ASEAN and was not attending the summit but is extremely sensitive about the content of its statements and considers it a barometer of the blocs dissent over its artificial islands in disputed waters.

Chinas embassy in Manila could not be reached and its foreign ministry did not respond to request for comment on Saturday.

The ASEAN statement also noted the improving cooperation between ASEAN and China, and did not include references to tensions or escalation of activities seen in earlier drafts and in last years text. It noted some leaders concerns about recent developments.

Beijing has reacted angrily to members expressing their concern about its rapid reclamation of reefs in the Spratly archipelago and its installation of missile systems on them.

According to some experts, China is now capable of deploying combat aircraft on several of its manmade features.

Pointless to pressure

The softened statement comes as the current ASEAN chairman, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, seeks to bury the hatchet with China after years of wrangling over its maritime assertiveness, including its four-year blockade of the Scarborough Shoal.

Beijing has quietly eased that, in response to Dutertes request to allow Filipinos to fish there again.

Duterte set the tone for the meeting on Thursday when he told reporters it would be pointless discussing Chinas maritime activities, because no one dared to pressure Beijing anyway.

An ASEAN diplomat on Sunday said the statement was a genuine representation of the atmosphere of the Manila meetings.

We respected the Philippines views and cooperated with the Philippines as this years chair, the diplomat said.

It clearly reflected how the issue was discussed. Dutertes foreign policy approach represents a stunning reversal of that of the previous administration, which had close ties with the United States and was seen by China as a nuisance.

The Philippines government in 2013 challenged Beijing by lodging a case with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013.

Two weeks into Dutertes presidency last year, the Hague court ruled in favour of the Philippines, angering China. But Duterte has made it clear he would not press Beijing to comply anytime soon, and is more interested in doing business than sparring.

The chairmans statement issued on Sunday made no mention to the arbitration case.

However, it did include in a section separate to the South China Sea chapter the need to show full respect for legal and diplomatic processes in resolving disputes.

Underlining Beijings sensitivity about the arbitration case, the two diplomatic sources who spoke to Reuters on Saturday said Chinese embassy officials had lobbied behind the scenes for that sentence to be dropped, and saw it as a veiled reference to the ruling.  Reuters
San Mateo (US), April 30

Officers shot and killed an armed man on a San Francisco Bay Area highway congested with rush-hour traffic who was attempting to carjack a womans vehicle, authorities said.

The officers told the man to drop his handgun before opening fire on him, but officials said he did not comply.

Officers faced with immediate safety concerns for themselves, witnesses at the scene and heavy vehicular traffic at rush hour fired at the suspect, the California Highway Patrol told the San Francisco Chronicle.

The shooting happened late Friday afternoon on Highway 101 in San Mateo, south of San Francisco. Its unclear if the armed man had fired on officers.

The officers were responding to reports of a collision.

Upon arriving, they found the man armed with a handgun, trying to carjack a vehicle from a 55-year-old woman.

Officials have not identified the man.

No other injuries were reported in the shooting that closed northbound traffic on the highway for several hours.

The shooting remains under investigation.  AP
Washington, April 30

An American woman held for more than two years by China has been deported to the United States after being convicted of espionage, the US State Department confirmed on Sunday.

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 Wednesday to three and a half years in prison and deportation.

We are aware that Chinese authorities deported Ms.

Phan-Gillis back to the United States, a State Department official said.

The United States welcomes her home.

A human rights group based in San Francisco, Dui Hua, said Phan-Gillis was deported on Friday and arrived home the same day in Los Angeles.

She was met upon arrival by her husband and members of her family, the 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 that first face-to-face meeting, the two presidents have been in constant touch with each other, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Friday.

Dui Hua said negotiations to secure the release of Phan- Gillis were stepped up during US Secretary of State Rex Tillersons visit to Beijing in March 2017.

Tillersons 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 Chinas 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 center 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 archived version of the site, Phan-Gillis has family origins in southern China but was born in Vietnam.

She left that country in the late 1970s as part of the exodus of boat people who fled Communist rule. AFP
London: China and Europe are planning to build the first-ever moon village that could serve as a launching pad for deep space missions such as one to Mars, or even as a spot for space tourism and lunar mining. PTI

Indian eatery in UK fined over curry smell

London: Owners of Indian restaurant Khushi Indian Buffet Restaurant in the UK have been fined by a court after neighbours complained of strong curry smells emanating from the eatery. Middlesbrough Council fined owners Shabana and Mohammed Khushi after the establishment sent aromas of biryanis and bhajis wafting through the area for lack of sufficient filtration system. pti
Washington, April 30

As he made fun of President Donald Trump, Indian-American stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj said one has such a freedom only in a country like the US because of its commitment to freedom of speech enshrined in its Constitution.

Minhaj, 31, whose parents hail from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, delivered a memorable entertaining speech at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner. The young comedian made fun of Trump for his perceived proximity with the Russians, his attack on the media and several of his campaign rhetoric.

Minhaj also made fun of several top officials of the Trump administration. Jeff Sessions couldnt be here tonight, he was busy doing a pre-Civil War re-enactment. On his RSVP, he just wrote NO. Just no, which happens to be his second favourite n- word, he said.

Is Steve Bannon here? I do not see Steve Bannon. I do NOT see Steve Bannon. Not see Steve Bannon. Not-see Steve Bannon, he said. He said Betsy DeVos couldnt be here, shes busy curating her collection of childrens tears.

Mike Pence wanted to be here tonight, but his wife would not let him because apparently one of you ladies is ovulating. So good job, ladies. Because of you we couldnt hang out with Mike Pence, he added.

Donald Trump is liar-in-chief. Remember, you guys are public enemy number one. You are his biggest enemy. Journalists, ISIS, normal-length ties, Minhaj said as he went on to make fun of the media.

It is amazing to be among the greatest journalists in the world, and yet, when we all checked into the Hilton on Friday we all got a USA Today. Every time a USA Today slides underneath my door, its like theyre saying, Hey, youre not that smart, right? USA Today is what happens when the coupon section takes over the newspaper. Is this an article about global warming or 50 cents off Tide? Either way, the pictures are so pretty! he said.

As he mocked Trump several times, he said that the president would be tweeting about him at 3 am.

Its 11 pm in four hours, Donald Trump will be tweeting about how badly Nikki Minaj did at this dinner. And hell be doing it completely sober. And thats his right. And Im proud that all of us are here to defend that right, even if the man in the White House never would, Minhaj said.  PTI
Cairo, April 30

Muslim Brotherhood leader and Islamic radical preacher Wagdy Ghoneim and two others were sentenced to death by an Egyptian court on Sunday over terror-related charges.

Ghoneim, 66, was sentenced in absentia while the two other accused were present at the Cairo Criminal Court during the sentencing.

Five other defendants were sentenced to life in prison.

Ghoneim and other defendants were found guilty of forming an outlaw cell from 2003 to 2015 for obstructing the constitution and state institution, assaulting citizens and harming national unity.

Earlier this month, the Cairo Criminal Court referred the cases document to the Grand Mufti, who is according to the Egyptian law must review all death sentences. However, the Grand Muftis decision is not binding.

The final verdict of the death sentence was issued today.

Ghoneim faced trial in other cases alongside former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, including incidents of violence outside the Presidential Palace on December 5, 2012.

Ghoneim is known for making controversial remarks about Copts on TV channels. In March this year, Ghoneim was sentenced by a Cairo misdemeanours court to five years in prison on charges of incitement against Copts.  PTI
Seoul, April 30

South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual large-scale military drills on Sunday, but continued a separate joint naval exercise that has triggered dire threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running sky- high for weeks, with signs that the North might be preparing a long-range missile launch or a sixth nuclear testand with Washington refusing to rule out a military strike in response.

The massive Foal Eagle drill, which the Defence Ministry in Seoul said was ending as scheduled on Sunday, involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops.

Another annual joint exercise, known as Key Resolve, ended last month.

Both play out scenarios for a conflict with North Korea, but Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature, despite Pyongyangs claims that they are provocative rehearsals for invasion.

Their conclusion normally signals a period of relative calm in North-South tensions, but this year the situation looks set to remain highly volatile.

US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible major conflict while Pyongyang has carried out a series of failed missile tests, including one on Saturday, and a massive live- fire military exercise.

The South Korean Defence Ministry confirmed Sunday that a joint naval drill with a US strike group, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, was still ongoing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The exercise, aimed at verifying the allies capability to track and intercept enemy ballistic missiles, is expected to continue until sometime next week.

Through state media, North Korea has threatened to attack the Carl Vinson, and a state-sponsored website on Sunday also warned of a possible strike against a US nuclear-powered submarine despatched to the area.

China is putting pressure on its ally North Korea to curb its weapons programmes, Trump told the CBS television networks Face the Nation programme.

If North Korea carries out another nuclear test I would not be happy, he said.

And I can tell you also, I dont believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either, Trump said in excerpts of the interview released yesterday.

Asked if not happy signified military action, Trump answered: I dont know. I mean, well see.

Pyongyangs show of defiance included a failed missile test on Saturday that came just hours after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the UN Security Council of catastrophic consequences if the international communitymost notably Chinafailed to pressure the North into abandoning its weapons programme.

Military options for dealing with the North were still on the table, Tillerson said.

China has repeatedly pushed back at the idea that it alone holds the solution to curbing the Norths nuclear ambitions, and warned that any use of US force would only lead to bigger disasters.

Pope Francis this weekend called for negotiations to resolve tensions over North Korea.  AFP
Washington, April 30

Celebrating the first 100 days of his administration, Donald Trump today attacked the media for misleading the people with fake news as he skipped the very boring annual White House Correspondents Dinner to become the first president in over 30 years to skip the gala.

He said a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in the nations capital right now, referring to the annual black-tie dinner at a luxurious hotel which was sold out to more than 2,600 guests, comprising nations political players, and top journalists along with celebrities and diplomats.

They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents Dinner without the President, Trump told his supporters at a campaign-style rally in Pennsylvania, a state which played a critical role in his electoral victory.

He told supporters that he was keeping one promise after another, dismissing criticism as fake news by out of touch journalists.

This is for the first time in decades that a serving US President decided against attending the annual event of journalists. None of the White House staff were present on the occasion in support of the Presidents decision. The last president to miss the White House Correspondents Dinner was Ronald Reagan back in 1981, and that was because he was recovering from an assassination attempt.

The last time Trump attended the dinner was in 2011, when he was a New York real estate mogul who had just jumped into politics by getting involved in the birther movement, calling for President Barack Obama to release his birth certificate. Trump ended up being the butt of the jokes that night from comedian Seth Meyers and Obama himself.  PTI

Coming: Big decision on one-sided Paris deal
Two girls rescued from Nepal-India border point

Maiti Nepal Kanchanpur on Saturday evening rescued two girls who were being trafficked to India through Gaddhachowki border point.
UML to obstruct revision proposal

The CPN-UML has decided to make an all-out attempt to foil the amendment proposal after the ruling coalition claimed that they could endorse it even without the main oppositions support.
Update (6:55 p.m.) The Storm Prediction Center in Norman said at least one tornado reportedly touched down in Oklahoma in Saturday's storms.

The tornado caused damage at the southeast edge of Sallisaw, forecasters said. A survey team was unable to complete an assessment of the storm and an estimated EF rating for the tornado had not been determined Sunday.

The tornado was one of at least 224 reports of damage from tornadoes, wind and hail in Saturday's storms stretching from Texas to Illinois and Kentucky.

Update (5:12 p.m.): An estimated 25,945 homes and businesses are without power Sunday evening after storms moved through Oklahoma over the weekend.

In Delaware County, officials are asking for water because of power outages in the area.

The storms and related flood waters also caused widespread damage to homes and roadways in Delaware, Haskell, Mayes, Muskogee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

In Haskell County at least 26 structures were reported flooded, and emergency responders performed 25 water rescues between Saturday and Sunday in Kinta.

There is a concern for additional flooding in Wagoner and Cherokee Counties as river waters continue to rise.

Update (4:20 p.m.): The Oklahoma Department of Transportation released an updated list Sunday afternoon of highways affected by high water or flooding.

In Tulsa County, Oklahoma 20 is closed between Lewis Avenue and Oklahoma 11, while Oklahoma 11 is closed between 76th Street North and 86th Street, according to the release.

A stretch of Oklahoma 20 about 2.5 miles west of the Oklahoma 82 junction in Mayes County is closed.

Oklahoma 10, located four miles east of the U.S. 169 junction in Nowata County, is also closed.

In Ottawa County, Oklahoma 125 is closed at River View Ark in Miami.

They also announced the following closures in Cherokee County: Oklahoma 80, five miles south of Oklahoma 51 between Hulbert and Fort Gibson, and Oklahoma 10, about 13 miles north of U.S. 62.

Oklahoma 82, about four miles south of Cookson, was narrowed to one lane.

Update (2:48 p.m.): Hundreds of Public Service Company of Oklahoma customers are without power Sunday after storms passed through the area over the weekend.

Nearly 500 Tulsa-area customers lost power Sunday. The majority of those customers  about 478  are located in the south Tulsa and Broken Arrow area, according to PSO's outage map.

In the Pryor and Grove area, the company reports 222 customers without power. Most of those customers are in an area just north of Pensacola in the Big Cabin Creek area.

Update (12:23 p.m.): Cherokee County Emergency Management announced heavy rains would likely cause the Illinois River to crest by Monday morning.

Forecasters predict it will crest at 32.1 feet at Tahlequah, surpassing the December 2015 record flood of 30.69 feet.

As of about noon Sunday, the river was at 21.93 feet.

Emergency management officials urged those impacted by the potential floodwaters to evacuate during the daylight hours Sunday, warning high waters could quickly surround homes and businesses after the river crests.

Oklahoma 10, which runs from east of Tahlequah northeast, is closed to thru traffic, officials added.

Update (11:50 a.m.): The Oklahoma Department of Transportation released an updated list Sunday morning of highways affected by high water or flooding.

In Tulsa County, Oklahoma 20 is closed between Lewis Avenue and Oklahoma 11, while Oklahoma 11 is closed between 76th Street North and 86th Street, according to the release.

A stretch of Oklahoma 20 about 2.5 miles west of the Oklahoma 82 junction in Mayes County is Closed.

Oklahoma 10, located four miles east of the U.S. 169 junction in Nowata County, is also closed.

In Ottawa County, Oklahoma 125 is closed at River View Ark in Miami.

The story as it originally appeared in Saturday's edition of the Tulsa World appears below.

Heavy rain falling across Oklahoma on Saturday wreaked havoc on the northeastern part of the state as floodwaters prompted evacuations, water rescues and road closings.

Into Sunday, much of the northeastern part of the state was under a flash flood warning as waterways became inundated with inches of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service forecasts.

Tulsa County and other northeastern Oklahoma counties were put under a flash flood warning Saturday as forecasters noted 1 to 3 inches of rain falling throughout the day, with the potential for an extra inch or two throughout the evening, forecasters predicted.

Saturday afternoon, the Grand River Dam Authority sent a notice to residents along the Illinois River basin warning of possible major flooding in the area after officials learned rainfall totals were more than anticipated and could lead to a major flood event, like in the deadly December 2015 winter storm.

The first evacuations began about 3:30 p.m Saturday at Bumblebee Acres mobile-home park in Tahlequah, where Mesonet data showed 6.79 inches of water fell between Friday and Saturday evening.

About an hour later, Ottawa County Sheriff Jeremy Floyd announced Seneca, Missouri, which straddles the Oklahoma and Missouri state line, had been evacuated.

As water accumulated in the City of Tulsa-owned Lake Eucha, city officials began letting water out of the Eucha Dam, causing flooding below the dam.

Residents living in that area were urged to take shelter on higher ground. The released floodwaters also prompted closures of Oklahoma 20 and 82 near Spavinaw, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Emergency responders in the Oaks area, north of Tahlequah, found themselves in need of rescue Saturday when their boat capsized while attempting to save five people stranded in cars because of rising floodwaters near Spring Creek, Grand River Dam Authority spokesman Justin Alberty said.

During the incident, five civilians were rescued, as well as three GRDA police officers and an Oaks firefighter.

Adair County Emergency Management reported one water rescue and evacuations of about a dozen people.

In anticipation of the weekends storm, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said eight jurisdictions across the state requested 14,000 sand bags to quell potential floodwaters.

While floodwaters were the bane of northeastern Oklahoma, areas in the panhandle received several inches of snow, and areas of central Oklahoma were affected by high winds and rainfall.

Storms in the Oklahoma City area caused damages and power outages at four community correction facilities and prompted officials to cancel weekend visitation.

High wind gusts Saturday morning snapped utility poles and tree branches, sheared shingles off roofs and toppled the 70-foot Centennial Arch at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

Scott Munz, vice president of marketing and public relations for the fair park, said crews had reported a lot of damage, adding that there had been trees and fences damaged in the storms. He said a cellphone tower and a light pole had also been knocked down.

Its all hands on deck. Were assessing and moving trees out of the road so we can be somewhat functional, he said.

In Norman, the popular Othellos Italian Restaurant on Campus Corner was badly damaged by a fire reportedly sparked by a lightning strike. Norman firefighters responded to the area just after 6 a.m. where the roof of the building was burning.

Fire crews were able to limit the fire to the attic area but said there was water damage throughout the building. The restaurant reported that nobody was inside at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.

The weekends mixed bag of weather prompted Gov. Mary Fallin to issue a state of emergency because of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, tornadoes and snow.

Fallins executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also the first step toward seeking federal aid should it be necessary.

A second executive order temporarily suspends the requirements for size and weights permits of oversized vehicles that are transporting materials and supplies used for storm relief.

Under the executive order, the state of emergency lasts for 30 days.
Urban Ministry approves DPR of Outer Ring Road Project

The Ministry of Urban Development has approved the detailed project report (DPR) of first phase of Outer Ring Road Project and directed the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) to take forward the project.
In boot camp on Election Day, with no TV or internet access, Colton Fletcher asked a drill sergeant who had won.

What? the sergeant lashed back him. Do I look like a (obscenity) news person to you?

An Army recruit from Owasso, Fletcher voted early so he could leave for basic training two days before the election, which  given the polling advantage that she seemed to have  he expected Hillary Clinton to win. So he spent the day nervously dreading the results.

After what happened in Benghazi, Fletcher says, referring to the Libyan city where terrorists killed a U.S. ambassador while Clinton was the U.S. secretary of state, I couldnt stand the thought of her in the White House. Especially since I was going into the military myself, I wanted a strong commander.

Eventually, that night, he overheard some officers talking about our fine new commander-in-chief, and Fletcher knew his candidate had won after all.

But now, 100 days into the new presidents term, voters are responding to Donald Trumps performance in office, not just his campaign rhetoric. So far, Trump has been more aggressive on foreign policy than some expected, sending naval forces to the Korean peninsula and dropping the mother of all bombs on Afghanistan.

And despite suggesting during the campaign that he would ease tensions with Russia and avoid entanglements in Syria, he has angered Russia by deploying advanced fighter jets to the Baltic region and striking a Syrian air base with cruise missiles.

Im pretty impressed, Fletcher says. I think hes showing strength, and I think hes getting the worlds attention.

Trump won the Electoral College despite getting only 46 percent of the popular vote nationally. But in Oklahoma, nearly 2 in 3 voters cast a ballot for him, and in some counties his support approached 90 percent.

Tulsa County, by Oklahoma standards, seemed relatively ambivalent about Trump  only 58 percent voted for him here.

I know he hasnt done everything that he said he will do, says Trump supporter Mildred Schroeder. But he will. Hes going to get it done.

Last week, Trumps long-promised border wall with Mexico became a sticking point with Congress, and administration officials sent mixed messages on whether the president would risk a government shutdown by insisting that a spending bill must include more than $1 billion to begin construction of the wall.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders continue to negotiate over health-care reforms after Trumps plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, failed to pass Congress, despite the presidents own party controlling both the House and the Senate. Conservatives accused Trumps plan of not going far enough and leaving too many Obamacare provisions in place.

Meanwhile, Trumps budget proposal for 2018 would eliminate funding for 19 federal agencies, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Humanities. And several other federal departments would see significant cuts. Housing and Urban Development, for example, would lose $6.2 billion, or 13 percent of its funding.

Schroeder works for a HUD housing project in west Tulsa but doesnt object to the funding cut. In fact, she would welcome it.

They get a lot of help, she says, referring to residents at the project. Some of these benefits need to go away. Maybe it would help them wake up and see what they need to do to improve their situation.

Trumps tax plan, released last week, would get rid of a 3.8 percent Medicare surtax on investment incomes for people in upper tax brackets, which critics say will reduce funding for the program. And Democrats in Congress criticized the presidents Obamacare replacement by saying, in part, that it would have weakened Medicares long-term financial stability.

But Robert Lamb, a voter in west Tulsa who relies on Medicare to help pay for prescriptions, blames Obamacare for the rising costs of his medications.

Sometimes I have to choose between paying for my medicines or feeding my family, Lamb says, suggesting that Trumps health-care reform bill would have helped if Congress had not blocked it.

I think, state by state, people need to look at whos in Congress, Lamb says. Especially the people who have been there for 30 years and havent done anything. So far, after 100 days, President Trump looks pretty good, but Congress isnt helping him.

In a Fox News poll released last week, Trumps approval rating hit 45 percent, an improvement over March but still the lowest for any president this early in a first term. And only 36 percent of voters say they would want to re-elect him.

Local supporters, however, blame relentlessly negative media coverage for Trumps lack of popularity.

Hes been up against every kind of attack and criticism you can imagine, says Jerry Spitler, a Tulsa voter who would enthusiastically cast a ballot for Trump again. They are bashing him from every direction and not really giving him a chance.

Democrats, especially in Congress, are also working to undermine the presidents agenda, Spitler says.

They cant get over the fact that they lost the election, he says. So instead of working with him, they are just trying to tear him down.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has never won the UEFA Champions League but life in the competition could not have got off to a better start for the Swedish forward back in 2002, when he scored twice in Ajax's 2-1 victory against Lyon. Ajax and Lyon meet again this week, with Manchester United their potential final opponents in Stockholm, though a serious knee injury means Ibrahimovic will play no part.

1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

A striker with the skill and technique to back up supreme confidence. Ibrahimovic is widely regarded as Sweden's greatest player (he has been named player of the year 11 times!) and has won titles wherever he has been since leaving home-town club Malmo for Ajax in 2001. The only thing that has eluded the 35-year-old is a major UEFA club trophy, though with current employers Manchester United in the other UEFA Europa League semi-final, the wait may soon be over.

2 Cristian Chivu

The 'Maldini of the Carpathians' joined Ajax as an 18-year-old in 1999, departing four years later for 18m, then a club-record sale. He clinched the double in Amsterdam in 2001/02, was voted 2002 Dutch player of the year and received the captaincy aged 21. He was subsequently a Serie A runner-up three times in four seasons with Roma, then landed the Scudetto in each of his first three campaigns at Inter, recovering from a fractured skull to help his side win the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League under Jose Mourinho. Chivu retired in 2014 and remains in Milan, working as a UEFA technical observer and running academies in his native Romania.

3 Maxwell

The most decorated current player in the world, Maxwell has collected 36 trophies to date. Ajax was the Brazilian left-back's first European port of call aged 19, winning the Dutch double in his first term and adding another title in 2003/04 along with being named Dutch player of the year. In 2006 he signed for Inter (linking with up Ibrahimovic), winning the Scudetto in each of his three campaigns in Italy, and the trophies have kept coming after switches to Barcelona in 2009 and, since 2012, Paris. He is now competing for a fifth successive Ligue 1 winners' medal.

Other snap shots


Thanks for visiting !

The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy.

We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here.

Thank you for your support!
UNHCR staff at Mussungue reception centre, north-west Angola, distribute food supplies including maize, rice, beans, oil, salt and sardines to Congolese refugees who fled an eruption of violence in Kasai region.  UNHCR/Adronico Marcos Lucamba

A plane carrying UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, core relief items arrived in Luanda, Angola, to assist over 11,000 people who fled a recent surge of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The aircraft, supported by UPS, landed Sunday morning from Dubai, carrying 3,500 plastic sheets as well as 100 plastic rolls to provide shelter during the rainy season, 17,000 sleeping mats, 16,902 thermal fleece blankets, 8,000 mosquito nets, 3,640 kitchen sets, 8,000 jerry cans and 4,000 plastic buckets. UNHCR will be airlifting more relief items to Angola in coming days.

The brutal conflict in DRCs previously peaceful Kasai region has already displaced more than one million civilians within the country since it began in mid-2016.

Humanitarian assistance to the most recent arrivals will be distributed in Dundo area where refugees have been accommodated in makeshift reception centres since early April. Refugees, including some 4,000 children, are arriving exhausted, many with visible signs of violence, and bringing very little resources with them. Conditions in over-crowded centres are extremely poor.

Arrivals are in urgent need of life-saving assistance including food, water, shelter and medical services says Ms. Sharon Cooper, UNHCR Regional Representative for Southern Africa. UNHCR is also procuring food locally to support the most vulnerable persons including children, pregnant women and elderly.

A UNHCR emergency team is present both in Luanda and Dundo to respond to the needs of the refugees as well as to coordinate the relief response with the Government, local authorities and partners on the ground.

The government is planning to allocate a new site in Nzaji, Camulo municipality some 90 kilometers from the border. The site was previously used to host internally displaced persons during the civil war in Angola. Preparations are underway to assess the site with a view to eventually provide shelter as well as to set up latrines, showers and water points to relocate the asylum-seekers.

The border is managed by the Angolan Army. The UN Refugee Agency has requested the Government to allow refugees to continue crossing the border, provide unhindered access to UNHCR to assist new arrivals, as well as not to return people fleeing the violence to the DRC.

Angola is currently hosting some 56,700 refugees and asylum-seekers, of whom close to 25,000 are from the DRC.

UNHCR Angola had an initial annual budget of USD 2.5 million to protect and assist some 46,000 people of concern. In response to the current emergency, UNHCR is appealing for a total of USD 5.5 million to provide immediate lifesaving assistance.

UPS is one of UNHCR's key global emergency partners. Every year, the UPS Foundation contributes logistical expertise, funds and services to support and enhance our emergency response to provide life-saving aid to families forced to flee.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
McKinsey & Company, the world's largest and esteemed management and consulting firm has offered Florida State University's Matthew Young a prestigious summer internship. Young is finance and marketing double major.

The Jacksonville native will spend the summer in McKinsey's Manhattan-based New York office, which happens to be the largest of McKinsey's 140 offices worldwide. Young's academic pursuits and involvement with campus organization has paid off.

Young said management and consulting involves working on all sorts of different projects for different companies and that had him excited to move up to New York City. The project that he will be staffed on will be different from day to day.

The Florida State University News reported that Young's internship represent an emphatic endorsement of his academic and professional credentials. Last fall, he also took a semester-long leave to intern in the White House. He worked in the Office of Presidential Correspondence in its student's department.

Young shared his experience from the White House where he dealt with hard mail, email and Facebook messages to the president that came from students across the nation. He helped to engage with students on behalf of the White House during the Obama administration.

While working at the White House, Young forged connections and foster relationships within the D.C. management and consulting community. There he met a fellow White House intern who received a full-time offer from McKinsey and worked toward securing a position of his own. He said he trained for interviews and familiarized himself with the firm's corporate culture as preparation.

As part of his preparation, Young collaborated with his colleagues from the Florida State University Consulting Group, a not-for-profit student-helmed consulting agency that is ran out of the FSU's College of Business. The firm serves local Tallahassee businesses and organizations by helping them develop management strategies and data-driven solutions, which provided a platform for him to master the fundamentals of consulting through practical application.

Young said he's proud to represent FSU on a national level. He added that FSU was instrumental in helping him to keep pace with his academics.
No

Yes, a light case

Yes, two or more light cases

One serious case

Two or more serious bouts

Vote

View Results
The political pundits are of the view that Delhi power will not stop with the arrest of Dinakaran but is preparing to unleash further trouble for the AIADMK politicians. According to a BJP politician who does not want to reveal his name spoke to us in length and he said that it was not the intention of central govt to trouble TN govt .

But the intelligence gathered by the central govt on the functioning of TN govt for the last one year showed that there was blatant abuse of power by the Ministers and officials .
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (4th left) at the signing ceremony, 30th ASEAN summit, Manila on April 29.VNA/VNS photo Thong Nhat

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.
Liberation Day is an occasion to look back at how far Vietnam has come, and foreward at the direction it is headed in

Jens Ruebbert Chairman of EuroCham

It is undeniable that Ho Chi Minh City has been the target of much attention from national and foreign investors, particularly in the past five-to-10 years. Ho Chi Minh Citys appearance in several global rankings as a leading investment destination is proof of the cross-sector dynamics happening within the city and its metropolitan area. The successful development of industrial parks and ports has accompanied this rise, and these efforts have truly spoken to business and already had an impact on business  particularly European business. That Vietnam is definitely on the radar ahead of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement is a response to this.

EuroCham has voiced its position that Vietnam should ensure that the policies that apply to its economic growth and development have the sustainability factor at heart. In addition, a good dialogue between authorities, foreign investors, and particularly organisations like EuroCham that represent them, could come a long way in providing input that decision-makers could find useful in regards to what investors look for in a potential regional economic hub today.

The citys regional success will surely be linked to a balance between good urban development and infrastructure planning, like connecting existing and future infrastructure in a Smart City-approach; energy, water, and waste management efficiency  betting on creating an environment for renewable energies to flourish and waste management to develop as a service and a business; and livelihood  places where professionals and families can live and work in a healthy and productive environment.

These are but a few factors explained in very general terms, but Ho Chi Minh City needs to be inspired by them and generate success stories that will allow it to market itself as an economic hub for both Vietnam and wider ASEAN.

Tran Quoc Huan Deputy general director of FrieslandCampina Vietnam

As a foreign enterprise, we believe it is most relevant to have comments on the development of Ho Chi Minh City since the issuance of the Foreign Investment Law. Over the past 32 years of Doi moi, we have seen the great strides the city has made via three stages of development.

From 1986-1995, Vietnam was converting to a market economy. The focus was to rapidly increase agricultural production and light industry which used agro-based materials. This, on one hand, was to satisfy the basic needs of the people, and on the other hand, to export to strong foreign currencies under the motto of Whats best is for export. Ho Chi Minh City was of course the national hub to procure export goods from all over the country, and export to the world. Infrastructure was developed to facilitate exportation.

From 1995-2006, with the full normalisation of the relationship with the US, Vietnam received strong waves of foreign direct investment (FDI) from multinationals including giants such as P&G, Unilever, Coke, Pepsi, Toyota, Honda, Panasonic, Samsung, and Foremost (now FrieslandCampina). This was to increase GDP fast and save the valuable USD which had been painfully spent for imported consumer goods. With its Red carpet for FDI enterprises motto, Ho Chi Minh City was again the magnetic pole to attract FDI to Vietnam, and the halo effect benefitted the entire economic development triangle, including Dong Nai and Binh Duong. Industrial parks and high-class accommodation facilities were developed to host the new heroes.

In the final stage, from 2007 on  with the establishment of the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange  the market economy in Vietnam has been operating in full, under a new motto: Whats best is for the stock exchange. With foreign indirect investment, the integration of Vietnams economy has been accelerating, bringing many changes like administrative reform, e-economy, and startups. The leading role of Ho Chi Minh City is increasingly evident.

And from now on, to remain a regional economic and financial hub, the city needs a mechanism of her own. For example, a favourable corporate income tax which is really competitive with other countries in the region, especially Singapore.

Professor Augustine Ha Ton Vinh Chairman of Stellar Management Corporation

In the past few years, Ho Chi Minh City has improved its investment climate to attract more investors and new projects from the business community. The city has tried to enhance its competitiveness and quality of service. It consistently ranked in the top 10 of the countrys Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI). The city has an abundant workforce that can satisfy the demands of domestic and international enterprises.

I believe Ho Chi Minh City can become a vital regional socio-economic hub. The city has to play the role of a centre of creativity and innovation and an engine for growth of the country. The city of tomorrow has to begin its first step today which will include: being a place for equal opportunity; tolerance, acceptance, and appreciation of cultural and political diversity; and the respect and protection of its environment. The city has to empower its citizens as well as netizens and allow them to participate in the decision-making process as the citys stakeholders. The government of Ho Chi Minh City has two distinct roles:

First is to create, maintain, and foster the legal and business climate and conditions to allow the ecosystems of innovation to exist and prosper. A healthy and transparent legal system and regulatory framework can help attract investors and strategic partners to projects that are important to the development of the city and its population.

Second is to allow, develop, and support an entrepreneurial spirit and culture in the city and its vicinity. The entrepreneurial talent exists because of that culture and will be crucial to the future success of the city and its neighbouring provinces.

The city has to begin to migrate from building seaports to creating new brainports. Universities, undergraduate and graduate training centres have to receive and benefit from government financial support, marching orders, and business, as well as scientific projects.

The global talent pool is vast and very mobile. The city needs to attract talented people, particularly from developing countries where talent can be acquired at lower costs.

Kim Thien Quang CEO of Maybank Kim Eng Vietnam

First of all, I would like to offer my congratulations to Vietnam on the occasion of its 42nd Liberation Day. After 42 years, Ho Chi Minh City has gone through great economic development to become a vibrant and bustling city, home to nine million hard workers.

The stock market has also grown hand-in-hand with Ho Chi Minh Citys economic advancements, as more and more companies get listed to raise capital on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Foreign ownership limits at some firms have been lifted, standards of business reports and information release have been improved, and exciting financial products are coming.

Maybank Kim Eng strongly values Ho Chi Minh Citys ongoing efforts to attract both foreign direct and indirect investment to the city. Vietnams stable macro-economic situation is another bonus. Over the years, this has strengthened the image of Vietnam in the eyes of international investors, from what weve observed when working with large overseas funds.

With this in mind, we really hope to see even stronger efforts made by Vietnams largest city to lure large institutional investors from overseas, as this will transform the Vietnamese stock market in terms of quantity and quality.

For example, Vietnam should have a higher credit rating by international ratings agencies such as Moodys and Fitch, as well as reaching the emerging market status set by MSCI. We also hope to see more equitised state-owned companies and large private firms listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange to increase market capitalisation and provide more high-quality products to investors.

Overall, as Ho Chi Minh City grows into ASEANs new economic and financial hub, Maybank Kim Eng and our investors really hope to see a more competitive, transparent, and stricter stock market here that will be on par with regional exchanges.
A part of the wastewater treatment plant being built by the Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Company. -VNA/VNS Photo Le Quang Quyet

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.
Representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology together with representatives of the World Bank award grants to enterprises in VCICs first contest last year.  Photo ictnews.vn

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.
A set of ancient Angkorian gold jewelry that found its way to a London art dealership will be returned to Cambodia after the government intervened to stop a planned sale.

The Jonathan Tucker Antonia Tozer Asian Art dealership listed the jewelry in its online catalog, according to a statement from Cambodias Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

The ministry petitioned the dealership in November to return the Angkorian artifacts. They originated in the Khmer empire, a power in Southeast Asia from A.D. 802 to A.D. 1431. At one point, it included much of todays Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and southern Vietnam.

Cambodia has provided concrete testimony to prove that the artifact jewelry belongs to Cambodia, is jewelry designed in the Khmer style and that only Cambodia has this style, and it was taken out of the country illegally, the statement said.

Looting during the war

During decades of war, Cambodia lost countless priceless historical artifacts to looters and smugglers who targeted ancient sites. The Khmer Rouge and other military groups often controlled looters in their areas.

There is a good argument that the illicit trade in artifacts, gemstones and timber even helped to prolong the conflict, Terressa Davis, executive director of the Antiquities Coalition and School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow, told VOA Khmer in an email.

Many of the items they took ended up with foreign art traders, although it is not clear when the jewelry in question was taken from the kingdom or by whom.

Jonathan Tucker, joint owner of the dealership, did not immediately respond to an interview request.

Items to return to Cambodia

The set includes a crown, necklace, earrings, armbands, belt and chest ornament, and will be returned with the assistance of the British government, Thai Norak Satya, spokesman for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said. In recent years, Cambodia has successfully repatriated several ancient statues from the United States.

Looting artifacts has a history almost as old as some of the items themselves.

The earliest known trial of looters in Egypt took place in Thebes in 1113 B.C. Today, there are curbs on the trade.

In 1970, UNESCO adopted the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, which to date 132 countries have signed.

Antiquities in demand

Nonetheless, there is a multibillion-dollar demand for ancient artifacts such as the Angkorian jewelry  too great a demand to be met by the legal supply, Davis said.

As a result, looting and trafficking is now an illegal industry that spans the globe, financing crime, conflict and even terrorism, said Davis, a lawyer who in 2015 was knighted by the Royal Government of Cambodia for her work in recovering the countrys plundered heritage.

As is happening today in Iraq and Syria, the Cambodian Civil War triggered organized looting, and trafficking, which helped to further bankroll the conflict, she said.

Two years ago, UNESCO described the Islamic States looting in Syria and Iraq as industrial in scale.

Norak Satya said the recovery was an act of encouragement in the fight against the illicit trade in antiquities. Davis agreed, saying most Cambodian artworks are sacred objects that were never meant to be bought and sold.

They are the rightful property  and legacy  of the Cambodian people, she said. Yet, like so many Cambodian families, the countrys ancient treasures were broken apart during the civil war and scattered to the ends of the Earth. As this story shows, they are continuing to surface and likely will for decades to come.

Preserving heritage

Sambo Manara, a history professor at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said the return of looted artifacts to Cambodia would help to preserve Khmer heritage.

Our ancestors left us a heritage that the world started to pay attention to, he said. What we have obtained recently tells the world about the real value of Cambodias great men and ancient ancestors.

Phoeung Sakona, Cambodias minister of Culture and Fine Arts, said the return of the artifacts would help to heal old wounds. She encouraged other dealerships to follow suit.

It is a sign of Cambodias recovery that this heritage is now returning home, thanks to the hard work of the Ministry of Culture and Council of Ministers, Davis said. This is not just about art, it is about justice, and it gives hope to countries in conflict today, like Iraq and Syria.

This report originated in the VOA Khmer Service.


April 30 is International Jazz Day, with events and concerts being held throughout the world. It also marks the end of Jazz Appreciation Month in the United States. Sponsored by the National Museum of American History, it's designed to stimulate and encourage people to participate, study and listen to a genre of music that is uniquely American. Jazz has a storied place in Voice of America's 75-year history. For 40 years, millions of people worldwide listened to VOA's Jazz Hour with Willis Conover. During the Cold War, Conover's programs created a connection to the United States for millions of people living behind the Iron Curtain. Earlier this past week, Voice of America hosted The Frankie Addison Quintet to mark Jazz Appreciation Month and VOA's part in keeping the free form music genre alive. Enjoy the music.
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.

US court

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."

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.

WATCH: Czech Police Arrest Yevgeny Nikulin In Prague

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.

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."
Eight Syrian rescuers, known as the White Helmets, were killed Saturday when an airstrike hit their office in rebel-held Hama province, according to the group and opposition activists.

The groups office in Kfar Zeita was hit in the strike, killing the eight volunteers. The group said five bodies had been found and rescuers were continuing to search for others.

It was unclear late Saturday who had carried out the attack. The Syrian army, backed by Russia and Iran in the six-year-old war, has been making a push in recent weeks to regain rebel-held areas such as Hama province.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Hama province came under intense aerial attack Saturday.

The White Helmets have garnered worldwide attention for their volunteer work in war conditions, pulling survivors out of areas that have been bombed. The rescuers are often targeted by government airstrikes known as double tap attacks: As the rescuers rush in to find survivors, the area is hit by bombs again.

A documentary about the group was nominated for an Oscar and won in the category of Documentary (Short Subject) in January.
Al Pacino was considered too short, Marlon Brando was required to do a screen test, and director Francis Ford Coppola was almost fired.

The director and cast of The Godfather reminisced Saturday in a 45th anniversary reunion in New York about the trials, perseverance and inspiration that resulted in the Oscar-winning Mafia movies.

Coppola, Pacino, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, James Caan, Talia Shire and Robert Duvall watched back-to-back screenings of The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather: Part II (1974) along with an audience of 6,000 on the closing night of the Tribeca film festival.

I havent seen these movies for years, Coppola said. I found (watching) a very emotional experience. I forgot a lot about the making of it and thought about the story, and the story used a lot of family and my personal stuff.

Brando too difficult

The two films won nine Oscars and their tale of how an orphan from Sicily emigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century and formed the Corleone crime family became movie classics.

But the film had a less than auspicious start. Coppola recalled that Hollywood studio Paramount wanted to set the movie in the 1970s and make something cheap and quick.

Coppola was almost fired several times and met stiff resistance to the casting of Pacino as Michael Corleone and Brando as the titular Godfather.

Brando, who died in 2004, had made several box-office flops after a stellar career in the 1950s and had a reputation for being difficult.

I was told (by studio executives) that having Brando in the film would make it less commercial than having a total unknown, Coppola said.

The studio later agreed if Marlon will do a screen test and do it for nothing and put up a $1 million bond that he wouldnt cause trouble during the production.

Brando created the rasping voice, jowly cheeks and oiled hair for Corleone in the screen test. Yet three weeks into shooting, there was more trouble.

They (the studio) hated Brando. They thought he mumbled and they hated the film. ... It was very dark, Coppola said. Brando went on to win an Oscar for his performance.

Pacino too short

Newcomer Pacino had to screen test countless times for the role of Michael, the college-educated son who takes charge of the Corleone business of casinos, gambling and racketeering.

Studio bosses though he was too short and wanted to cast Robert Redford or Ryan ONeal.

Yet Coppola persevered because every time I read the script, I always saw his (Pacinos) face, especially in the scenes in Sicily.

Pacino said he originally wanted the part of the hot-headed son, Sonny, and thought Coppola was really nuts about wanting him to play Michael.

I thought this is either a dream or a joke ... and then started the whole trial of them not wanting me and Francis wanting me, Pacino recalled. The film launched his career as one of the most honored actors of his generation.

Then some luck

Luck played a part in the creation of some of the most memorable scenes in the two films. The revelation by Corleones wife Kay (Keaton) that she had aborted their baby because of horror over her husbands criminal activities was suggested by Talia Shire (Connie).

And the cat Brando cradles in the opening scene of The Godfather, making for a stark contrast with his intimidating presence, was a last-minute addition.

I put that cat in his hands. It was the studio cat. It was one take, Coppola said.
An Iraqi commander expects to dislodge Islamic State from Mosul in May despite resistance from militants in the densely populated Old City district.

The battle should be completed "in a maximum of three weeks", the Iraqi army's chief of staff, Lieutenant General Othman al-Ghanmi, was quoted as saying by state-run newspaper al-Sabah on Sunday.

A U.S.-led international coalition is providing air and ground support for the offensive in Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, which fell to hardline Sunni Muslim fighters in June 2014.

Islamic State has lost most of the city's districts since the offensive began in October and is now surrounded in the northwestern districts, including the historic Old City center.

The United Nations believes up to half a million people remain in the area controlled by the militants, 400,000 of whom are in the Old City with little food and water and no access to hospitals.

The militants have dug in between the civilians, often launching deadly counter-attacks to repel forces closing in on the Old City's Grand al-Nuri Mosque, from where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate over parts of Iraq and Syria.

The hardline group persecuted non-Sunni Muslim communities and inflicted harsh punishments on Sunnis who do not abide by its extreme interpretation of Islam.

Slavery

A group of 36 Yazidi survivors had been rescued after three years of "slavery" under Islamic State's rule, the United Nations said on Sunday.

Since Friday, the women and girls from the group had been receiving lodging, clothing, medical and psychological aid in Duhok, a Kurdish city north of Mosul, said a statement from U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande.

The Yazidis, whose beliefs combine elements from several Middle Eastern religions, were the most persecuted community under Islamic State which considered them devil-worshippers.

The U.N. estimates that up to 1,500 Yazidi women and girls remain in captivity, suffering abuse.

Iraqi forces estimate the number of Islamic State fighters still in Mosul at 200 to 300, mostly foreigners, down from nearly 6,000 when the offensive started but they are still capable of deadly counter-attacks on the tens of thousands of soldiers and paramilitary groups arrayed against them.

A Federal Police brigade commander and 18 other members of the Interior Ministry force were killed in attacks on two positions at the edge of the Old City on Friday, military sources said on Sunday.

Federal Police took back the positions on Saturday but the ministry has sacked a commander for failing to fend off the counter-attacks, the sources said.

The U.S.-trained Counter Terrorism Service and Federal Police are the main forces fighting inside Mosul.

Regular Iraqi army units are taking part in battles outside the city, alongside Shi'ite volunteers trained and armed by Iran, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Sunni tribes.

The total number of fighters aligned against Islamic State in Mosul exceeds 100,000.

Several thousand have been killed so far in the battle, both civilians and military, according to international aid organizations. The total number of people displaced from Mosul since October is close to 400,000, about a fifth of Mosul's population before its capture by Islamic State.

Even if defeated in Mosul, Islamic State will remain in control of vast swathes of land in the border area with Syria, where Baghdadi is believed to be hiding, according to Iraqi military sources.

The Iraqi army on Sunday said its ground and air forces pushed back an attack on troops stationed near the Syrian border, killing eight militants. Islamic State announced the attack in a statement on its news agency Amaq.
The parents of Madeleine McCann, the 3-year-old British girl who vanished during a family vacation to Portugal in 2007, say they are still hopeful they will one day be reunited with their daughter as they mark the 10th anniversary of her disappearance.



In an interview with the British media released Sunday, the McCanns said they felt encouraged by progress British police have made in the case in the past five years.



Scotland Yard said last week that, a decade later, detectives are pursuing critical leads to trace Madeleine, who disappeared from a vacation home in Portugals Algarve region on the night of May 3, 2007. Her parents had gone out to a tapas bar nearby after putting her and her twin siblings to bed.

Abduction a mystery



Despite an investigation costing more than 11 million pounds ($14 million) so far, police said there was no definitive evidence on whether Madeleine  who would be almost 14 now  is alive or dead. The girl was abducted from the apartment, they said, but how and why it happened is still largely a mystery.



One theory that police say hasnt been ruled out is a burglary gone wrong.



Gerry McCann, 48, acknowledged it is devastating not to have found her, but added: No parent is going to give up on their child, unless they know for certain their child is dead. And we just dont have any evidence.



His wife, Kate, agreed.



My hope for Madeleine being out there is no less than it was almost 10 years ago, she said. I never thought wed still be in this situation, so far along the line. Its a huge amount of time ... its a hard marker of time.

Interest around the globe



The case has sparked global interest partly because of the McCanns campaign to publicize their case in an attempt to find Madeleine. The couple also said they planned to challenge a court ruling that cleared a former Portuguese detective of breaching libel laws after he published a book alleging they were involved in Madeleines disappearance.





Asked how the family was coping, the McCanns said that, like other families who have suffered tragedies, they are trying to move on and focus on their 12-year-old twins.



You adapt and you have a new normality, Gerry McCann said. At some point youve got to realize that time is not frozen.



His wife said that she still buys Madeleine birthday and Christmas presents every year.



I obviously have to think about what age she is and something that, whenever we find her, will still be appropriate. So theres a lot of thought that goes into it, she said. But I couldnt not, you know. Shes still our daughter, shell always be our daughter.
Three polls Saturday showed a rise in support for the opposition Labour Party, although the governing Conservative Party maintained a commanding lead.

The polls showed the party of British Prime Minister Theresa May remained between 11 and 17 points ahead of Labour, still enough to deliver a clear victory as she seeks a mandate ahead of negotiations over Brexit, set to begin in the summer.

However, the polls showed the gap had closed from leads of up to 25 points reported last weekend.

Labour-Conservative gap

One poll by YouGov showed the Conservative lead over the Labour had fallen to 13 points, compared to the 23 points that the same polling firm found last week.

The YouGov poll for the Sunday Times found that 44 percent were set to back the Conservatives, down from 48 percent last weekend. Support for Labour climbed to 31 percent from 25 percent.

May said April 11 that she would look to hold an election June 8, to secure a mandate for her plan for leaving the European Union.

A further tightening in poll ratings might generate more uncertainty over what Britains position will be when it sits down in June to begin negotiations in earnest.

Is Conservative support falling?

However, despite the narrowing gap, pollsters were divided over whether support for the Conservatives was actually falling.

An earlier poll by Opinium showed support for the Conservatives had risen 2 percentage points, but the gap between the biggest parties narrowed nevertheless as Labour boosted their support by 4 percentage points. Smaller parties saw their share of the vote drop.

The smallest gap between the parties was 11 points in a poll by ORB for the Sunday Telegraph. It showed support for the Conservatives at 42 percent, while support for Labour was 31 percent. It was ORBs first poll on the election since May called the poll last week, and is not necessarily comparable with polls by other firms.
Cervical cancer is preventable, yet it remains the most common type of cancer in Africa, the World Health Organization says.

WHO data show that Senegal currently has one of the world's highest rates of the disease, with over 1,400 new cases diagnosed each year.

The country's health officials have stepped up efforts against the disease with a nationwide campaign to vaccinate girls against the virus that causes cancer.

On a recent day at the Philippe Maguilen Senghor health center on the outskirts of Dakar, women lined up for free breast and cervical cancer screenings. The event was run by young Senegalese volunteers from Junior Chamber International (JCI), a nonprofit organization.

Sassy Ndiaye waited patiently for her turn. At age 60, this was only the second time she had been tested for the disease.

"Before we didn't know about this," she said. "I went through eight pregnancies and never did a cervical cancer screening with my gynecologist. I did it after my menopause."

For comparison, in the United States, it is common for women of all ages to be screened for abnormal cervical cells every three years.

In Dakar, gynecologist Mouhamoudou Moustapha Yade said that by the time patients come to see him, their cervical cancer can be advanced.

"At a later stage, recovery is painful and difficult. And more importantly, the prognosis is not good," he said. "This is why screening is so important. When you catch the cancer early, treatment is easier and much less expensive."

But most women in Senegal cannot afford the cost of cervical cancer screening. Doctors and women interviewed at the Philippe Maguilen Senghor clinic said the cost was 40,000 francs ($66).

"Every time we organize free screening days, I am impressed by the number of women that turn up," said Thiamel Ndiade, a JCI volunteer. "This shows you they are actually informed, but that money is the main issue."

Ndiade added that most clinics lack the machinery needed to detect the illness, meaning women have to travel long distances just to get checked.

"Not all health centers have a video colposcope, for example," Ndiade said. "We had to bring our own here today, which shows you just how inaccessible this technology is."

HPV link

The arrival of a vaccine could help Senegal address these challenges.

Cervical cancer is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus; those who are infected with HPV often do not initially display any visible symptoms. A vaccine against HPV has been in use in the United States and other parts of the developed world since 2006, but it has only recently arrived in Africa.

In 2013, Senegal was among 10 African countries chosen by Gavi  a global alliance that strives to create access to vaccines in the world's neediest countries  for pilot vaccination programs.

The nationwide rollout in Senegal followed a successful pilot program last year in two parts of the country. Ethiopia and Zimbabwe are also set to introduce the vaccine soon.

"Senegal is one of the first three countries in Africa [after Rwanda and Uganda] to introduce the HPV vaccine on a national scale," said professor Mamadou Diop, head of oncology at the Aristide Le Dantec hospital. "It will be integrated within the country's national vaccination program and reach the whole targeted population of girls."

The aim is to roll out the vaccine in two phases, starting with a mass vaccination campaign reaching 889,445 girls aged between 9 and 15 by May 2018. After this, the vaccine will be administered to all girls at age 9 as part of routine immunization programs.

"The vaccine has been jointly subsidized by Gavi and the Senegalese state," added professor Ousseynou Badiane, head of the Immunization Division for the Ministry of Health in Senegal. "This means it will be free and accessible to all."

New vaccines can be met with suspicion, so health practitioners are urging the government to also launch a public education campaign. If the rollout is successful, Gavi estimates the HPV vaccine could help prevent up to 90 percent of cervical cancer cases.

Senegal unveiled its action plan as countries across the continent celebrate the 7th African Vaccination Week, an annual event to strengthen immunization programs in Africa by raising awareness about every person's need and right to be protected against disease.
The White House on Sunday defended President Donald Trump's invitation to his Philippine counterpart to visit Washington, saying the need to fortify an Asian alliance against North Korea's growing military threat outweighed concerns about President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly domestic crackdown on drug trafficking.

"There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the [Asian] region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea," said White House chief of staff Reince Priebus in an interview with ABC news. "Whether they're good folks or bad folks - people we wish would do better in their country - doesn't matter. We've got to be on the same page" on North Korea.

Priebus' comments came a day after the White House announced the invitation, and just hours after a Philippine presidential spokesman said Trump told Duterte by phone that he was interested in developing 'a warm, working relationship."

A White House statement called Saturday's call between the two leaders "very friendly." It also described ties as "now heading in a very positive direction."

Duterte crackdown under fire

However, the statement made no mention of the international controversy around Duterte's widely condemned war on drug trafficking - a violent initiative that has drawn the ire of the United Nations and most Western heads of state.

Last year, then-U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned Duterte's support for the extra-judicial killings, calling them "a breach of fundamental human rights and freedoms."

Since taking office last year, analysts say Duterte's drug war has led to more than 6,000 deaths - about one-third of them in police raids and the remaining by vigilantes.

At one point late last year, Duterte boasted to British media that he had personally killed three suspects while he was mayor of the southern city of Davao.

Phone call follows N. Korean missile launch

Saturday's presidential phone call also coincided with another North Korean ballistic missile test north of Pyongyang. U.S. and South Korean analysts say the test failed, with the missile falling, without causing harm, into the Sea of Japan.

Washington has responded to recent North Korean missile activity by ordering the deployment of a sophisticated anti-missile system to ally South Korea. President Trump also has ordered the deployment of a flotilla of warships and at least one nuclear submarine to the region in a show of military force.

Pyongyang conducted two unauthorized nuclear test explosions last year and about two dozen rocket launches in a years-long push to expand its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Kim: ICBM testing in final stage

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared in a speech on New Year's Day that his country's program to build intercontinental ballistic missiles had "reached its final stage."

North Korea has been under United Nations sanctions since 2006, along with an international arms embargo aimed at slowing development of its banned nuclear and missile programs.

Since then, Washington and a vast majority of world governments have repeatedly demanded that the North denuclearize the Korean peninsula. However, Western leaders have yet to devise a plan that would either compel the Pyongyang to cooperate or create incentives for it to do so.
U.S. President Donald Trump says he "would not be happy" if North Korea conducts another nuclear test, which would be its sixth.

"I can tell you also, I don't believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either," Trump said of Chinese President Xi Jinping in an interview that aired Sunday on the CBS television network's "Face the Nation" show.



WATCH: President Trump on China and North Korea





Asked if "not happy" with another Pyongyang nuclear test meant he would undertake "military action" against the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump said, "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

North Korea, which is trying to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland 9,000 kilometers away, conducted a new missile test Saturday, but South Korea said it once again failed.

Trump, in a Twitter comment, said the test "disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President.... Bad!" But in the CBS interview, Trump said North Korea eventually "will have a better delivery system."



The U.S. leader described Kim Jong Un as "obviously ... a pretty smart cookie," but said the U.S. cannot allow North Korea to develop a nuclear weapon, and blamed prior American presidential administrations for not dealing with the Pyongyang's military ambitions.

Saturday's North Korean missile test came just hours after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the United Nations Security Council of "catastrophic consequences" if the international community, and especially China does not pressure North Korea into ending its nuclear weapons development program.

The United States and South Korea on Sunday completed their annual large-scale military drills, which involved 20,000 South Korean troops and 10,000 U.S. forces. But the two countries continued their joint naval exercise in the Sea of Japan that Pyongyang has condemned as a provocation in preparation for an attack on North Korea.

The naval exercises included a U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, Trump dispatched to the region as a warning to North Korea. Through state media, North Korea has threatened to attack the battleship.

Trump, a real estate mogul turned Republican politician, also assailed opposition Democratic lawmakers in Congress as he started the second hundred days in his four-year term in the White House.

"The Democrats have been totally obstructionist," Trump told CBS, and said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer "has turned out to be a bad leader. He's a bad leader for the country."

On his Twitter account, Trump added, "They are only interested in themselves and not in what's best for U.S."

Asked what he had learned during his first 100 days as president, Trump renewed his frequent attacks on the mainstream U.S. news media. "One of the things that I've learned is how dishonest the media is, really," he said.

But he also complained about the pace of action in official Washington.

"It's just a very, very bureaucratic system," he said. "I think the rules in Congress and in particular the rules in the Senate are unbelievably archaic and slow-moving," where most major pieces of legislation require a 60-vote supermajority in the 100-member chamber.

He attacked continuing investigations in Congress and the Federal Bureau of Investigation about Russian meddling in the presidential election aimed at boosting his chances of winning.

"The concept of Russia with respect to us is total phony story," Trump said. "We have to find out what happened. I'd love to find out what happened. I can tell you one thing. Had nothing to do with us," referring to links between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials.

During his first 100 days, Trump failed in his effort to repeal and replace the national health care reforms that his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, considered to be his signature legislative achievement.

But Trump has been pressuring the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to vote on a revised measure to replace the law popularly known as Obamacare after Republican leaders withdrew repeal legislation in March when they did not have enough votes to pass it.

Trump tweeted, "You can't compare anything to ObamaCare because ObamaCare is dead. Dems want billions to go to Insurance Companies to bail out donors....New healthcare plan is on its way. Will have much lower premiums & deductibles while at the same time taking care of pre-existing conditions!"

Republican leaders say they will only hold a vote on a revised measure to repeal the seven-year-old Obama-era law if they believe they have enough votes to pass the legislation, even as national polls show Obamacare gaining in popularity.
At least 14 people have died as tornadoes and storms swept through the southern U.S. states of Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi.

East Texas was the worst hit, with a series of tornadoes there killing at least four people and leaving a trail of what officials called "extensive damage."

All four deaths were in an area east of Dallas, authorities said. At least 50 other people were injured, the local fire department said.

In neighboring Arkansas, at least five people are dead, authorities said.

A 65-year-old woman was killed by a falling tree in DeWitt, Arkansas, according to police.In the community of Springdale, a 10-year-old girl was swept away by floodwaters and killed.

Police also were searching for two missing children who may have been in a car swept away by floodwaters.

The Missouri Highway Patrol says a 72-year-old woman drowned despite her husband's efforts to save her as their vehicle was swept away by rushing waters Saturday.

In Mississippi, one person was reported dead in Durant after a tree fell on a house.

Storms in the state at one point over the weekend left 23,000 people without power, the Mississippi Department of Emergency Management said.
Donald Trump, as president of the United States of America, has recently hosted major world leaders at his privately owned resort, Mar-a-Lago, in Florida at taxpayer expense. The claim was that this was to discuss important international concerns and security. For a president who is professed to be obsessed with national security, the lack of discretion in handling sensitive unfolding international events at these events was very troubling.
The White House press corps gathered Saturday for its annual black-tie dinner, a toned-down affair this year after Donald Trump snubbed the event, becoming the first incumbent U.S. president to bow out in 36 years.

Without Trump, who scheduled a rally instead to mark his 100th day in office, the usually celebrity-filled soiree hosted by the White House Correspondents Association took a more sober turn, even as it pulled in top journalists and Washington insiders.

Most of Trumps administration also skipped the event in solidarity with the president, who has repeatedly accused the press of mistreatment. The president used his campaign-style gathering to again lambaste the media.

I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away, he told a crowd in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, calling out The New York Times, CNN and MSNBC by name.

'Not fake news

In Washington, WHCA President Jeff Mason defended press freedom even as he acknowledged this years dinner had a different feel, saying attempts to undermine the media was dangerous for democracy.

We are not fake news, we are not failing news organizations and we are not the enemy of the American people, said Mason, a Reuters correspondent.

Instead of the typical roasts  presidents of both parties have delivered their own zingers for years  the event returned to its traditional roots of recognizing reporters work and handing out student scholarships as famed journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein presented awards.

Thats not Donald Trumps style, NBC News Andrea Mitchell told MSNBC, referring to the self-deprecating jokes presidents in the past have made despite tensions with the press.

Jokes for free speech

Instead, the humor fell to headline comedian Hasan Minhaj.

Weve got to address the elephant thats not in the room, Minhaj, who plays a correspondent on Comedy Centrals The Daily Show, told the crowd. The leader of our country is not here. And thats because he lives in Moscow. Its a very long flight. As for the other guy, I think hes in Pennsylvania because he cant take a joke.

He also joked about Trump, despite organizers wishes, saying he did so to honor U.S. constitutional protection of free speech: Only in America can a first-generation, Indian-American Muslim kid get on this stage and make fun of the president.

Trump in Pennsylvania

Trump was indeed in Pennsylvania, having scheduled a rally in Harrisburg to mark his 100th day in office. He began his remarks with a lengthy if familiar attack on the news media while dismissing the dinner and its participants.



A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now, Trump said. He added: And I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, spending my evening with all of you and with a much, much larger crowd and much better people, right?

Trump became the first president since Ronald Reagan in 1981 to skip the event  and Reagan was recovering from an assassination attempt.

In a video message, actor Alec Baldwin, who has raised Trumps ire playing him on NBCs Saturday Night Live program also encouraged attendees.

Fewer celebrities

Few other celebrities graced the red carpet, although some well-known Washingtonians, such as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California, appeared.

Trump attended in 2011, when then-President Barack Obama made jokes at the expense of the New York real estate developer and reality television show host.

In an interview with Reuters this week, Trump said he decided against attending as president because he felt he had been treated unfairly by the media, adding: I would come next year, absolutely.

In Pennsylvania, Trump told supporters the media dinner would be boring but was noncommittal on whether he would go in 2018 or hold another rally.

Late night television show host Samantha Bee also hosted a competing event  Not the White House Correspondents Dinner  that she said would honor journalists, rather than skewer Trump.

Journalists honored

The WHCA awards and this years recipients:

Aldo Beckman Memorial Award winner: Greg Jaffe of The Washington Post for stories on President Barack Obamas speeches and policies that contrasted the realities of 2016 with the hopes of 2008.

Merriman Smith Award winner for outstanding White House coverage under deadline: Edward-Isaac Dovere of Politico for his coverage of the historic meeting between Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro.

Edgar A. Poe Award winner: David Fahrenthold of The Washington Post for stories on Donald Trumps philanthropic claims.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Zimbabwe is preparing for crucial elections next year amid serious economic problems and succession battles in the ruling Zanu-PF party over who will succeed 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe. The elections are set to test the countrys democracy, and the big question for many is: What does the future hold for Zimbabwe against the current economic meltdown and other challenges? VOA's Gibbs Dube reports.

Once described as the jewel of Africa, Zimbabwe has over the years faced many challenges, emanating from what the international community has defined as mismanagement of the economy by President Mugabes government, rampant corruption, lack of rule of law, election rigging and other alleged offenses. Mr. Mugabe has in turn blamed the countrys worsening economy on the western-targeted sanctions imposed on him and some top party and business officials in 2001.

During a recent panel discussion at the Voice of America, titled 2018: Zimbabwes Watershed Moment  Beyond Elections, panelists debated this debacle, with opinions differing over the cause of the countrys socio-economic degradation.

Panelist Harry Thomas, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe challenged assertions that sanctions are causing havoc in Zimbabwe.

If you look at the economy What is the challenge? What caused it? There has not been management of agriculture properly . President Mugabe himself listed how many millions and billions of dollars have gone missing. That wasnt the United States who said that, it was President Mugabe. The other thing is that Zimbabwe was in arrears to IMF and the World Bank, which they have recently settled with the IMF. Those things started before sanctions were imposed because Zimbabwe stopped paying its loans when it was off in the Congo. Those are facts.

Ambassador Thomas Jnr., who was one of four panelists at the discussion, urged a more informed discussion on sanctions, rather than the emotional, name calling and refusal to accept, that he says he often receives.

Africans are educated, Africans are smart, especially Zimbabweans  So, why is that (sanctions claim) never backed with facts or statistics? This is amazing to me and again we are not responsible for the (Zimbabwe) economy. If you ask me have there ever been an area where sanctions affected people, I would say yes, and where, but dont give me everyday every person.

Ambassador Thomas Jnr. said Congress and a sitting president have the prerogative to either keep or remove the sanctions. His remarks attracted sharp reactions from some members of the audience, including co-panelist Dr. Chipo Dendere, assistant professor at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, USA.

I want to respond to the ambassador  You mentioned that Zimbabweans are very smart, so we should have data to prove that sanctions just dont work and there is data, so I will be happy to share with you some of that just to show you how sanctions have affected the everyday person in a very negative way.

Her sentiments were echoed by African Union representative to the USA, Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quao.

 To the ambassador its a known fact that sanctions do not work and in fact they do affect the everyday women and children  In your position if you say the sanctions are not making a difference in Zimbabwe, why not remove them?.

Western countries, including the U.S., imposed targeted sanctions on Mr. Mugabe and his close associates in early 2000 to force Mr. Mugabe to respect the rule of law and hold credible elections, following allegations of vote rigging and human rights violations that included the forcible removal of white farmers from their land.

International development consultant, Dr. Tawuya Katso, also a panelist, alongside Ambassador Thomas Jnr, Dr. Dendere and Dr. Rhoderick Machekano of the Zimbabwe Diaspora Network North America, blamed Zimbabwes current problems on the ruling Zanu-PF party.

We have a problem and the problem is the government of Zimbabwe  We need to ascertain how we can change the administration in Zimbabwe and it starts with each and everyone of us contributing ideas and really stating the point that, hey, things have failed. Lets go for plan B.

Dr. Katso raised concern over the governments inability to meet the citizens most basic needs.

We have to hold our government responsible and we have to question them. We need that authority and that power to start asking questions to Zanu PF or whoever is in the party to say hey, how come there is no water. Why? Thats a natural resources. Your degree wont give me water. I need water because I am a human being  human rights  People, thats what we are talking about, right."

While some participants supported Dr. Katsos push for a constitutional change of government, not all were quick to write off the ruling party. Dr. Frenk Guni who lives in the U.S., and supports Mr. Mugabe, agreed that change was necessary in Zimbabwe, but said that change could be best achieved with a reformed Zanu-PF.

Is anyone of you panelists actually believe that the front man in the opposition in Zimbabwe is going to win the elections in 2018? Seriously!!  Change is necessary not just for the people in the diaspora not just for the people in Zimbabwe but even within Zanu PF  I am challenging anyone in the diaspora that lets come together rejuvenate and reform both the ruling party and Zimbabwe in order to move forward.

Staying clear of attacking the ruling party or supporting the opposition, panelists Dr. Machekano urged Zimbabweans to work together for the benefit of the nation.

As Plato said, if you do not participate then you are governed by those who are inferior to you. I am urging the Diaspora to participate.

Dr. Machekano shared that the Zimbabwean government has already started working with members of his organization, ZDNNA, to revitalize the countrys economy.

We have already started engaging with the government of Zimbabwe. I dont know if anyone of you has read the Zimbabwe Diaspora Policy which they put out through the Ministry of Manpower Planning and some of the input in the policy came from us. They also sent out the draft policy for us to put in comments and we are there to stay, we are participating, we are engaging. We have representatives in Zimbabwe formerly in the diaspora. They have returned back home and they are keeping the link between us and Zimbabwe. So, whatever is happening in Zimbabwe they are engaged and they keep up abreast.

Dr. Machekano, however, noted that though the situation is not rosy in Zimbabwe, the country can pull out of the doldrums.

Its not something that is going to happen overnight and thats where my positivity comes from in that we have the human resources, the capacity to do  Its not like a gloom situation where we have nothing to build on.

His appeal for fully engaging Zimbabwe had some takers, especially Dr. Dendere, who owns ZimTuckshop, an online-business for buying and selling Zimbabwean products in the USA.

I also want to urge the diaspora to go home and start businesses not with your family members because they are probably just gonna use you money and we know this is the case. Start businesses because lots of us who started businesses at home we have been talking about the difference that it will make if there were 10 or 15 hundred people who have businesses and we could lobby as a group. So, you see, when I try to lobby the government as Chipo with my two businesses, my voice is very weak. Thats why the government is able to walk all over me and make conditions which by the way.

Dr. Dendere implored upon Zimbabweans in the diaspora to fund democratic efforts by civic society groups trying to bring change.

We have to use the space that we are in to speak up to support the people at home who are doing good work and to use our resources. This costs money. Democracy is expensive and if we do not put money into it, thats how people become corrupt because they are also trying to live and they dont have a salary. Where do you think they are getting money for bread from? Where do you think they are getting money for their school kids from?  So, we have to put our money and mouths where our democracy lies. I cant tell you to trust but you need trust if Zimbabwe has to be better.

Some of the participants argued that an opposition coalition is the only solution to Zimbabwes problems. Former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, former Vice President Joice Mujuru and Professor Welshman Ncube of another formation of the MDC, have already forged an alliance aiming at forming a coalition ahead of the 2018 general elections.

In the next edition of this story, we will focus on the role of an opposition coalition in bringing change in Zimbabwe.
Bella Hadid. Photo: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

Bella Hadid has issued an apology of sorts for promoting the Fyre Festival on social media. Since the festival spectacularly imploded Friday, she and other models like Kendall Jenner have faced backlash for hyping the pricey Bahamian getaway.

In the note, Hadid writes:

Even though this was not my project what so ever, nor was I informed about the production or process of the festival in any shape or form, I do know that it has always been out of great intent and they truly wanted all of us to have the time of our lives. I initially trusted this would be an amazing & memorable experience for all of us, which is why I agreed to do one promotionnot knowing about the disaster that was to comeI feel so sorry and badly because this is something I couldnt stand by, although of course if I would have known about the outcome, you would have all known too.

Page Six reported a rumor that famous folks were told to stay home ahead of time. Hadid was spotted at a pool in Miami over the weekend by TMZ. Meanwhile, Jenner responded to the controversy by posing on Instagram in thigh high boots and a fedora.

The Fyre Festival organizers have also issued a formal apology.
Chapter VI identifies itself as a Sam-based episode, but its mostly concerned with the fallout from the party at Addisons house. Those events  which culminated in a campus police officer pulling a gun on Reggie  were so shocking that even our usually snarky narrator was left fumbling for words. Yeah, I got nothin, he said with resignation.

Suddenly, were on the Sam side of Reggies door. In Chapter V, we saw that Reggie was sitting on the floor of his dorm room, openly weeping about having faced his own mortality just a few hours prior. After repeating her we need to clap back hard dialogue to Reggies door, Sam takes to the airwaves for a very special episode of her show.

Dear white people, she begins. Our skin color is not a weapon. You dont have to be afraid of it. And heads up to campus security: Nowhere in the curriculum did any of us sign up for Get a Gun Pulled on You and Have Your Humanity Stripped Away 101.

Sitting next to Sam is her usual in-house audience, Joelle. As Sam plays the record youd expect her to play as commentary for the overzealous campus police, Joelle stuffs her face with chicken nuggets; shes a stress eater. Its an apt choice, since Chapter VI is an episode about the various ways folks cope with stress. Some of these ways stimulate the palate; others stimulate the soul. Ill leave it up to you to determine to which of these Chicken McNuggets belong.

How you holdin up, girl? asks Joelle. Gabe has been amazing, Sam replies, but is it weird that, all night, I wanted to be with Reggie? Joelle deflects the intent of the question  she knows what Sam was implying about being with Reggie  and Sam punishes that deflection by throwing away Joelles nuggets. Using the five-second rule, Joelle starts eating them out of the trash.

Sam takes a caller. The caller blames Reggie for almost getting his head blown off. Being a rowdy college student doesnt mean staring down the barrel of a gun! Sam yells. When are you gonna check your white privilege?!

But the caller is black! Sorry, brother! Sam says. Youre still wrong! Fight the power! Sam informs this confused brother that theres a meeting at Armstrong-Parker to discuss the next protest. The meeting is attended not only by the usual suspects, but also by several white students who, under normal circumstances, would never step foot in Armstrong-Parker.

I wanna know who called the cops, Al asks angrily at the meeting. Bring that fool to me right now! Anger builds until Coco stands up and shares her heretofore unknown experiences. She may be aligned with Troy and the Buppies, but shes had a harder existence than they know. This may explain why she was sobbing inconsolably as she left Addisons house.

Addressing the anger in the room, Coco says, As soon as you double down on your blackness, they will double down on their bullshit. She reveals that shes from the South Side of Chicago. In tears, she continues, Ive actually seen friends and family members shot, and I wish there were something they could have done about it. And then she twists the knife: Some of you, with your liberal purity deciding whos black enough! Who cares if youre woke or not if youre dead?

The bigger question is why the campus police had guns at all: They didnt have them before, so perhaps it has something to do with the Make Campus Safe Again poster Reggie pointed out in Chapter V. (Not for nothing, the show makes a timely plotline out of the issue: A black man named Samuel DuBose was killed by University of Cincinnati police in 2015, the same year these characters would have entered Winchester University.) This episodes writer, Leann Bowen, puts an almost equal amount of concern into the mouths of white characters, proving that Dear White People isnt willing to make this simply a black issue.

The great crime writer Chester Himes once wrote that realism and absurdity are so similar in the lives of American blacks one cannot tell the difference. When Steven Boone and I wrote about the film version of Dear White People, I asked Boone if he thought that, during the invasion of the blackface party by Lionel and others, someone would get shot by the cops. For all intents and purposes, that film was a comedy  and a funny, snarky one at that  yet my brain remained calibrated for the possibility of sudden tragedy. It put me on edge, much as Reggies own run-in did in Chapter V. You never know, in real life or fiction, how this particular worm can turn. Ive been in Reggies situation, and the way he handles his trauma is the way I handled mine. At least until the next time.

But I digress.

Its no surprise that the only newspaper covering the Reggie incident is the one run by a Mexican-Italian, gay, vers, top, otter pup. Sam tells reporter Lionel that his version of the story is the one that will change hearts and minds. No pressure, Lionel says before heading off to file his article. Perhaps this time, hell please his editor Silvio enough to earn some well-deserved praise.

Its also no surprise that Dean Fairbanks is apathetic toward the supporters of Reggie who showed up at his office for Reggies meeting. These supporters include the deans son, Troy, who uselessly folds at the first sign of his fathers displeasure. Since Reggie is a no-show, the dean throws everyone out. Before leaving, Sam asks, How would you feel if this happened to Troy? It certainly could have, as Troy was standing 10 feet away from Reggie. Troy would never find himself in this situation, Dean Fairbanks says in his most haughty voice.

How can you be so sure? asks Sam. Because I raised him, he replies. This man is clearly delusional, but I tell you what: Id buy me an Obba Babatunde I RAISED YOU bulletproof shield if he were selling them. Hell, Id even pay the shipping and handling.

I am not about to let this get swept under the rug like Brandys vehicular manslaughter! says Sam, in yet another of the shows patented oh no they didnt! lines. Sam needs to find Reggie, but first she has to humor Gabe by meeting his friends Milo and Veronica. They are a rather cringeworthy hipster couple, but Veronica does provide some insight into how Reggie might be feeling and why his disappearance isnt a surprise. She speaks of the psychological concept of the public victim  people who dont have time to breathe because their trauma immediately winds up on social media and the 24-hour news cycle. Its a lot, she tells Sam. Veronica also reveals that Gabes parents were Bush supporters up to Jeb, but thats a story for another time.

Eventually Sam finds Reggie, who admits he received all 19 of her phone messages. Im fine, he tells her, but Sam isnt so sure. She tags along with him to a very weird though very familiar type of open-mic night. This one features a dancing white woman who appropriates at least eight different cultures while using her pain to heal Winchester. Its at this open mic where Reggie finally deals with his stress, reading a slam poem he wrote about his experience at Addisons party. Its a haunting piece, superbly delivered by Marque Richardson. In it, he lists other public victims, including himself. The difference is, hes still alive. So the revolution continues through him.

Sam tries to commandeer Reggies piece for the pep-rally-slash-blockade protest she and Gabe planned, but Reggie tells her the piece was for him, not for the world. This leads to a beautifully written come-to-Jesus meeting between the two biggest revolutionaries on campus. Ever since freshman year, you have done nothing but look to me to be the leader of the movement, Sam complains. Youve put it on me every single day.

Youre Huey Newton, runnin up on the steps of the state capital with a bunch of guns. But you do it better with a mic, says Reggie. I root for you. I believe in you. I see a leader.

I wish sometimes you would just see me, Sam replies.

So why you choose him? asks Reggie, referring to White Bae Gabe. Youve strung me along since the first day I met you.

This is better than Defamation! I thought. Reggie plans to hate-watch that show while Sam goes to the rally alone, but she finds she cant leave. As Sam and Reggie lean in for a kiss, her phone rings. Its Gabe. She looks at the phone, then at us in the final shot. What would you do? her eyes ask. I dont know, gurl.
China Spring Road is lined with signs hyping new subdivisions, along with an army of yellow earth-moving machines scraping the wildflowers down for a road expansion.

But just off that crowded road, residents are trying to turn those new subdivisions into true neighborhoods.

The fledgling China Spring Neighborhood Association is emerging as a unifying force for China Spring, a loosely defined community northwest of Waco Regional Airport that straddles the Waco city limits. Since organizing last month, the group is setting to work on China Springs future as it transitions from sleepy rural community to fast-growing suburb with pressing needs such as traffic management, development controls, parks and pedestrian safety.

All these changes are happening out in China Spring, said Sara Shoup, president of the groups 11-member board. Honestly, we were only getting together when we were trying to stop something, or we were hopeful that a park was coming. It became apparent that if we wanted to have a voice, we needed to come together and talk about what we need.

China Springs growth has already put pressure on transportation and the China Spring Independent School District, which itself is a major engine of growth in the area. Most of the growth appears to be within the city limits, between Flat Rock Road and North River Crossing, said Chris Evilia, Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization director.

Based on current construction and platted subdivisions, Evilia estimates the area is on track to have some 8,400 people by the 2020 census, up almost 62 percent over the 2010 census count of about 5,200. A China Spring ISD study last year predicted district enrollment would grow by 50 percent within a decade and fill up the existing four schools within five years.

Haphazard growth

But many in China Spring, both old-timers and newcomers, are worried that the growth is happening in haphazard way.

Im all for growth in the area and diversifying the neighborhood and community, said Julie Talbert, an association board member who has lived on her familys ancestral ranch in China Spring for 14 years. That part is exciting. The concern I have is that the growth has been too fast and seemingly somewhat unplanned.

I think a lot of us are in agreement about the need to slow things down and maintain what a lot of us love about China Spring and the incredible schools we have. Growth is good. Unplanned growth is not.

The new neighborhood association has already had meetings with city of Waco staff and held a candidate forum this week with District 5 Councilman Jim Holmes and his rival in the May 6 election, Deanna Leach. Both agreed to be champions for China Spring on issues from traffic to parks to grocery store recruitment. They also heard from residents who complained that better development standards and inspections are needed to prevent low-quality construction in subdivisions.

Association leaders are hoping the city will recognize the group as part of Wacos neighborhood association system, which has been in place since the 1990s as a way to increase civic engagement. Shoup said one complication that has arisen in discussions with city staff is that the neighborhood association spans a large area beyond the city limits, unlike the other associations the city works with.

April Hull, the citys liaison with the neighborhood associations, met with the group last month but was unavailable this week for comment.

The group has appointed committees to look at various issues and is still trying to recruit more members.

Shoup said traffic concerns are high on the list of issues driving involvement. Members would like to see more traffic lights along China Spring Road, or Farm-to-Market Road 1637, which is being widened from Steinbeck Bend Road to just past Wortham Bend Road at a cost of $27.8 million.

A second phase of widening out to North River Crossing, or F.M. 185, is expected to start next year.

Shoup said several roads that cross F.M. 1637 are a problem during rush-hour traffic, including Tree Lake Drive and Yankie Road.

Our concern is that people dont have a way to cross this crowded and fast-moving highway, she said while standing near the Tree Lake intersection Thursday morning. I come through every day because my son goes to daycare down the street. Ive gotten smarter about it and given myself more time. If you try around 7:20 or 7:30, its crazy. Ive seen several accidents on these roads. Ive sat stopped in traffic for 45 minutes because of accidents.

The group plans to meet with local Texas Department of Transportation officials about signals for the area.

Local TxDOT spokesman Ken Roberts said the agency will consider public input on traffic controls in the area as it moves forward with China Spring Road improvements. One safety and mobility project planned in the second phase of the road expansion is to realign Old China Spring Road to connect with F.M. 185, he said.

Parks and connections

Neighborhood association officials also are concerned about the issues that could make China Spring something besides a car-centric bedroom community. Shoup said parks are high on the list, as are pedestrian and bike connections.

Shoup lives two miles from Airport Park at Lake Waco, but she said theres no easy or safe way to walk or bike there. She would like to see bike lanes and more sidewalks in the area to connect to existing and future parks.

She said a public meeting a few months ago in the China Spring area that city parks officials held for the new Waco Parks and Open Space Master Plan was the genesis of the neighborhood association idea.

Talbert, who lives on Talbert Ranch Road on the unincorporated side of China Spring, agreed that a new park would enhance the sense of community identity.

We dont want to be just the northwest part of Waco, she said. We want to have some kind of identity, something unique to China Spring, and the outdoors is a part of it.

Talbert grew up in New York City but remembers her childhood visits to China Spring, where her family had lived since the 19th century. She enjoyed China Springs rural charms as a kid, but she is also excited about the possibility of more urban opportunities, including varied parks, public transit, perhaps even a public library.

She said her children, ages 12 and 14, cant walk to anything from anywhere, but shed like to see the day when kids can walk to after-school programs, ball games and summer camps.

As China Spring grows, so does the need for more diverse and interesting activities, Talbert said.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP)  While black men and males under age 18 make up only about 9 percent St. Clouds population, black families are more likely to live in poverty, less likely to graduate from high school, less likely to own their own home and more likely to suffer from a chronic illness.

All of this can impact the stability and mental health of a family. But seldom is mental health considered when dealing with misbehaving black males who are minors. We ask why. Instead, new research suggests, we should be asking: What happened to this child?

Experts now know the significant impact trauma can have on a developing brain, and how that impacts behavior. They also know those changes can influence generations of people.

Local social worker Kenneth Hanna knows this well. Not only does he witness it in the patients he sees in his mental health practice, hes also an expert on the ACE study, or adverse-child experiences, a study that shows how trauma in childhood can impact a person well into adulthood.

He gives this example: A child is sent to the principals office. How do you correct the bad behavior?

(By) taking the whole child and not just the student thats in front of us. So what happened to the student before they walked into school early this morning? What happened last night, where were they at, where did they sleep, what did they eat. What happened to them last night? You try to consider all of that, Hanna said. There may be some really serious things going on, and you expect them to sit there and listen and learn now?

Hes using that strategy and his own experience of being a black man in America to support local African-American kids.

He formed the Adolescent Healing and Socialization of African-American Males group, or AHSAAM. Its a new group set to start in May that focuses on the mental health of 15- to-18-year-old black males by developing life skills, including how to have healthy relationships, communication, financial literacy, personal development and emotional regulation. The last point, otherwise called anger management, is especially important with this population, he said.

Their automatic is aggressive, Hanna said. They go right to anger, no matter what they may be feeling underneath: guilt, shame, hurt, grief. Hanna hopes to help them identify those underlying emotions and that its OK to feel them. Then you figure out how to deal with those emotions, he said.

You can disagree, but how do you say it in a way thats not going to get them angry and then youre going to end up in a fight? How are you going to say no to somebody thats trying to get you to do something you dont want to do without being aggressive? Hanna said.

One way to do that is through leadership development.

To me that (concept) gets thrown around a lot ... but to me, leadership development is about personal development. So its learning how to get along with people, how to listen, how to communicate ... how not to be so reactive to different situations, Hanna said.

African-American families that can trace their heritage to slavery have a distinct experience to address, he said, which is why hes limiting the group to those young black men.

I think a lot of Somali kids have been through a lot of traumatic stuff as well, especially being in war zones.  Hanna said. But I dont know that culture. ... Thats some of my reluctance is that I just dont understand it. I know black boys.

For young black men with slavery descent, the legacy of slavery permeates their lives.

Even the way ... gender roles are described. ... Theres a hierarchy and its directly from slavery. Whoever had the whip was in charge, Hanna said. And thats usually the strongest person.

The perspectives of the two populations  African-Americans and ethnic Africans  diverge as well.

The heritage ... we just talked about enslavement. That gives you a whole different perspective. You view this as an oppressive society. Whereas if you come in from somewhere voluntarily, youre like, wow, this looks like a great opportunity to do some stuff, Hanna said.

Hanna has tried groups like this one before, but logistics such as transportation caused all the clients to drop out. That experience motivated Hanna to form a nonprofit, what became Lion Community Enrichment Programs, Inc. This year, he received $17,000 from CentraCare Health and other funding to serve two groups of 15-to-18-year-old males, with seven in each, for six months.

Grants provide flexibility. He can use funds to pay for food and transportation, which helps keep the young men coming. Hes also able to to work with young men without having to diagnose them with a mental illness.

They may be having some struggles right now, but I dont want to label them, Hanna said.

One strategy Hanna uses to get through the strong barriers these young men have built is to approach mental health obliquely.

When they come, always try to do something: play checkers, chess, Jenga. ... keeping it relaxed, Hanna said. The biggest thing is assuring confidentiality.

Hanna already has a group for younger males in the St. Cloud school district at North and South Junior Highs, and hopes to start others. He also hopes to have a group with men 19 and older. Hanna is working to get referrals from people in probation, human services, the county prosecutors office and the courts.

He developed most of the curriculum himself.

In one exercise, the group writes autobiographies. The way they describe things to you, they dont look at it as trauma. Its just the way mom is, the way dad is, Hanna said. Aggression is ... condoned, as long as youre not the one getting beat up. ... If you get in a fight you better win.

Hanna shows them there are other options.

Theres an alternative to whoopins,  Hanna said. Look for the positive, nurture the positive. Do more complimenting than criticism.

For many, Hanna may be one of the few adults investing time in the young men, and he discusses the group members relationships with other black men.

Theres no conversations about feelings for many, Hanna said. Youre not supposed to show your emotions, or talk about your emotions. The part that you run into with our kids, they dont want to act white, so you have to break that whole thing down  what does that mean.

The group will discuss how to deal with people in authority, including police.

First, that as young black men, theyre perceived differently from others and will attract more attention.

Its not fair. But what are you going to do?, he said.

Young black men adapt for survival, Hanna said. For instance, after Philando Castile was shot and killed during a Twin Cities traffic stop, partly because he reached for his drivers license, Hanna heard young men say the now drive with their license out on the dashboard.

Hanna talks about being aware of the stereotypes about black men, and for many people, those are rooted in fear. Black men can diffuse situations, and he suggests the young men go out of their way to help others feel safe.

If theres two of you walking down the street, all of a sudden do you cross over to make that person feel safe or not? You have the right to walk down there, but would that person feel safer if you just move over? ... I experience that myself, Hanna said.

He hopes the group can influence families, too.

Once a month Im going to have a multifamily group. So parents or caregivers of the young men can come in ... and talk to each other .... I think its important because ... because (boys and men) dont operate in a silo, Hanna said.

The group begins in May. Contact the Lion Community Enrichment Programs, Inc. for more on the group.
MEXIA  The thunder of artillery shakes the ground, and smoke from the faux shelling hangs from the limbs of bur oak trees Saturday afternoon at this communitys Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site about 40 miles east of Waco.

Union and Confederate re-enactment forces faced each other there for the 23rd time, offering a glimpse into life and death on a Civil War battlefield, though not mirroring any specific skirmish.

Volleys of gunshots echoed through the sultry air, though the use of live rounds was not permitted. Combatants fell dead, and a photographer using a vintage camera captured the carnage. Children covered their ears or retreated to nearby swing sets.

The threat of high winds and hail wreaked havoc with attendance at the event, part of a three-day gathering that continues Sunday. But the bad weather held off long enough for the battle scheduled for early Saturday afternoon to proceed as the highlight of the weekend.

We usually have 350 to 400 spectators, but this years total is probably closer to 150. We also had about a third of the number usually involved in the re-enactment, spokesman Billy Ford said. Those who did come out are the hard core. Ive seen participation when the weather was so bad, items in tents were floating away.

The event, held near the Navasota River, includes cooking demonstrations, the firing of a historic cannon, overnight camping and a meal of fried chicken Saturday evening.

It serves as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Confederate Reunion Grounds, but considering the low attendance this year, the group probably will break even, Ford said.

During the re-enactment, Jim Lyons, 70, of Honey Island, manned a piece of Confederate muzzle-loaded artillery called a Parrott rifle, with assistance from his 7-year-old grandson, Trent Michael Lyons. Jim Lyons was sporting a full salt-and-pepper beard and a red-topped cap that identified him as an artillery expert.

I like burning powder

Were here as a family and probably will spend a week on the grounds. I like burning powder and wearing funny clothes, he said with a laugh.

He said an ancestor served in the Civil War, and he looks forward to the annual event in Mexia and attends when possible.

This is my third year, said Steve Sifers, 47, of Athens, who watched intently as his son, 18-year-old Bryan Sifers, broke with family tradition and served with Union forces.

The elder Sifers, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in his hometown, said his great-great-grandfather, John M. Gage, served with the Texas Confederate Cavalry.

I enjoy the fellowship, Sifers said. There are a bunch of good people out here who enjoy sitting around the campfire at night, singing, talking and even dancing. I enjoy everything about it.

April Barnett, 41, of Fort Worth, wearing a long dress made of homespun cotton, said she and her three daughters, Heidi, Kaley and Sophia, were there to enjoy history on display and support Barnetts husband, Kirt, who fought for the Confederacy under the 12th Texas Infantry banner.

This is something we can do as a family, spending time together, she said.
Considering ongoing upheaval by the Texas Legislature, I wasnt surprised when the mayor of Waco, the county judge and the superintendent of Waco Independent School District all showed up at the Trib to tout an Election Day measure creating a travel-tax surcharge to fund a sweeping, impressively strategic expansion of Extraco Events Center and city and school facilities contiguous to it. Bill by bill, state lawmakers are making it harder and harder for local governing entities to pursue the priorities of their constituents.

The May 6 election measure offers local folks such an opportunity, as duly permitted by the almighty state. Even so, state leaders this legislative session are moving fast to restrict local control in once-unimaginable ways. Consider a few of the disruptive bills now in various states of preparation:

A bill federalizing local sheriffs and police chiefs and criminalizing all law enforcement who balk in toeing the line in enforcing immigration laws, including pressing people about their citizenship without probable cause. So much for peace officers stretched thin and now expected to do the federal governments job too. So much for help from nervous immigrant communities in solving local crimes.

Oh, and welcome lawsuits aplenty when violations of peoples civil rights and Fourth Amendment protections get the police sued for racial profiling.

Legislation cutting up to half the amount by which cities, counties and other entities can raise property taxes without a special election. Meanwhile, unfunded state mandates continue to add expense to these local governments.

A bill denying cities even the right to ban single-use plastic bags, legislation vigorously opposed at the grassroots level by folks such as Bruce Huff, a local veteran who hasnt let multiple sclerosis keep him from leading an anti-litter campaign where volunteers hit neighborhoods and pick up litter. Plastic bags are often discarded as litter, blow with the wind and become caught up in trees and shrubs. Even some ranchers support bans because of cattle that consume this plastic and die as a result.

Legislation defanging city ordinances restricting payday lending such as one passed in Waco last year to battle predatory loans. Payday-lending lobbyists rule.

Its ironic that what ordinarily would be considered a conservative legislature is taking positions that arent traditional conservative positions, Mayor Kyle Deaver said. Conservatism traditionally has meant control closer to the people. Its disturbing to me all the limits that this legislature  particularly the Senate  is trying to place on cities and counties and local government. The property-tax rollback issue gives you great concern and you wonder what unintended consequences might come from that.

I suggested this tax-rollback bill wouldnt impact the town council much, given its unlikely to raise taxes more than, say, 4 or 5 percent any given year.

Not now, he said. But you just worry about the future. And the more you lose control over your ability to address local issues  I mean, we heard yesterday from our police chief about his desire for enhanced staffing. If the council decides thats the right thing, where do we find the funding for that? What services do we give up for that because you can end up in a situation where your hands are tied. That just gives me a lot of concern. I think the people of Waco and McLennan County will tell their elected officials what they want and were much more easily accessible and closer to the ground on those issues (than state legislators are).

County Judge Scott Felton is blunt. Lawmakers, he says, seem all ears when they meet with local leadership about such concerns, then march to other drummers in the heat of legislative sessions.

You need to be eye to eye with them, he said. Its a different conversation, though, than when they get into Austin and get whipped up into a frenzy. Maybe theyre too focused on getting something passed and all the politics. Being political sometimes interferes with common sense and making good decisions. Perfect example is [Sen. Brian] Birdwell has pushed these revenue caps [on local taxes], but I really havent seen a whole lot of activity  or he certainly hasnt reported to us  what hes doing to limit all these [unfunded] mandates.

If the county judge is looking forward to any detailed accounting about all that lawmakers are doing to help Texas cities and counties, I wouldnt hold my breath.
So what doesnt Donald Trump understand about the word illegal?

Thats the gist of some right-wing reaction to the presidents comments in an interview with the Associated Press last week. The sticking point is Trumps position on Dreamers, the undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and who were shielded from deportation by executive actions signed by President Obama.

Trump had expressed sympathy toward Dreamers before. But last week he explicitly said he would protect them.

And thats going to be the policy of your administration, the AP asked Trump, to allow the Dreamers to stay?

Trumps reply was unequivocal: Yes. Yes. Thats our policy. Because even the most unequivocal statements from Trump can be entirely unreliable, the reporter gave Trump the option to repeat his vow or wriggle away.

AP: A lot of the Dreamers have been hoping to hear something from you. I dont want to give them the wrong message with this.

TRUMP: Here is what they can hear: The Dreamers should rest easy. OK? Ill give you that. The Dreamers should rest easy.

There is something gratuitously cruel about the president telling a group of people to rest easy, while his own federal agents are locking them up.

In February, Trumps Homeland Security secretary, John Kelly, ordered that the government will not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. In an interview with Bloomberg News Thursday, Kelly said: ICE, DHS, we do not deport people. Law deports people. We just execute the law.

He has been true to his word. Mothers of American children have been deported. Several Dreamers have been arrested and detained. At least one was deported, though the circumstances are in dispute.

And Attorney General Jeff Sessions, speaking after Trumps AP interview, made a point of saying that Dreamers are indeed subject to deportation.

As a result of this stew of conflicting words and actions, and in light of Trumps long trail of broken promises, Dreamers, and immigration advocates more broadly, were not reassured by the presidents words.

At the same time, Trump has also aggravated the anti-immigrant pillars of his base. If the third or so of Americans who are eager for a border wall arent growing anxious about its prospects, they should be. Meanwhile, Mark Krikorian, director of the restrictionist Center for Immigration Studies, told Breitbart radio that Trumps avowed soft spot for Dreamers, and his failure to rescind the executive actions that protect them, betray a promise.

Trump has always cast his deportation plans as a consequence of his respect for law. Hes not against immigrants, he insists. Just illegal immigration. Were going to have people come in, but theyre going to come in legally, Trump said in 2015, making a point he frequently repeated.

But the laws passed by Congress do not differentiate between Dreamers, about 750,000 of whom registered to take advantage of Obamas plan, and millions of other undocumented immigrants. That distinction was made by Obama in executive actions that conservatives denounced and that the House of Representatives voted to rescind.

If Trump follows Obamas lead, then he is following the discretionary path of common sense and decency. Dreamers, after all, did nothing wrong by following adults into the United States. And the U.S., which has invested in them through education and infrastructure, has much to gain from their full integration and employment.

But such a course is not following the immigration law. And if Trump is not following the law regarding Dreamers, why is he following it by deporting their mothers, who also pose no threat to anyone and participate in the economy?

Its possible to produce a coherent answer to that question. Trump hasnt.

Francis Wilkinson writes on politics and U.S. domestic policy for Bloomberg View. He was previously a national affairs writer for Rolling Stone.
We, the jury.

If you havent served as a juror, you are missing a rewarding opportunity. Really.

Since our countrys founding, the jury has been considered a fundamental safeguard of individual liberty. As we celebrate Law Day on Monday, a day established in 1958 by President Dwight Eisenhower to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of equality and justice under law, we are reminded of the jurys importance by a recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court. Delivering an opinion for the court addressing the critical role of the jury, Justice Anthony Kennedy began his opinion:

The jury is a central foundation of our justice system and our democracy. Whatever its imperfections in a particular case, the jury is a necessary check on governmental power. The jury, over the centuries, has been an inspired, trusted and effective instrument for resolving factual disputes and determining ultimate questions of guilt or innocence in criminal cases. Over the long course its judgments find acceptance in the community, an acceptance essential to respect for the rule of law. The jury is a tangible implementation of the principle that the law comes from the people.

Inspired. Trusted. Effective. From the people. If you have ever served on a jury, you probably agree with Justice Kennedys description of the work of the jury. A jury is more than the sum of its parts. The journey of jury service lifts each person to be the best juror one can be. As a jury deliberates, its members often remind one another of the principles jurors swear to uphold. And its members generally respond, rising to the high calling that is jury duty.

Indeed, jury service is actually an important privilege. Without it, our system of justice fails. That the jury and jury duty are fundamental to American democracy was recognized by Alexis de Tocqueville in Democracy in America, his tour guide to America written in 1830 upon his return to Europe. Juries in America work in the public eye, he said. They become a part of daily usage.

The jury instills in all a respect for the idea of law. The jury itself comes to be identified with the very idea of justice. And when we as jurors  or citizens  see it work, we come to respect and trust our system of laws.

Of course, there are consequences for failure to show up for jury duty when summoned. Its unwise to ignore a jury summons. Its not something to take lightly. And a call to the clerks office or a visit to its website will reveal a number of qualifications to serve, such as citizenship, as well as exemptions for those seeking to delay or be excused from service. But importantly, its not to be dreaded. And if you dont have a good reason to get out of jury duty, you should consider showing up.

But theres another oft-overlooked aspect of jury service. In serving, we come to respect and trust not just our laws and our system of justice but our fellow citizens  our community, our neighbors. Every citizen can serve on a jury. In our fast-moving digital society, its rare for us to sit around a table and discuss important issues with persons we do not know. Perhaps we encounter other citizens at church or at our childrens schools, but even these institutions are often populated by like-minded persons who are likely to share our belief systems. Rarely do we venture out to exchange views with those who do not reside in our own neighborhood. Tocqueville noted that juries cannot fail to exert an important influence on national character.

The jury, then, can instill in citizens habits that best prepare a people to be free. Tocqueville concluded that the jury instills in citizens a respect for the idea of law. It teaches its citizens the practice of equity so that each man, in judging his neighbor, recognizes that he may in turn be judged. And jury service further teaches us not to shirk responsibility for our own actions. What large life lessons this simple service can provide.

As a judge and a citizen who has had the privilege of serving on a jury, I have witnessed the satisfaction of jurors as they complete their service. On occasion, they express gratitude to one another for the opportunity to exchange high-minded ideals. And I have observed jurors who vow to continue their conversations over coffee upon completion of their service.

For us to feel welcome in a community, we must welcome. For us to raise a child  or a community  to be trustworthy, we must trust that child and one another. We know we cannot build trust on Facebook or Instagram or the myriad digital tools available to our fingertips. Jury duty allows us to connect with our community and to build trust face to face, person to person. A rewarding opportunity, indeed. Inspire trust. Strengthen democracy. Commit to jury service.
President Trumps ordered review of selected national monuments designated by his predecessors since 1996 is a good news/bad news prospect. The good news: Waco Mammoth National Monument, so designated by President Obama in 2015 after an effort to do the same legislatively got held up in Congress, is not among sites under agency review. Its too small and likely not significant in terms of oil, gas and coal holdings.

The bad news: The presidents move questions the profound motives behind the 1906 Antiquities Act championed by Republican President Theodore Roosevelt. The rugged outdoorsman, hunter and naturalist understood that setting aside certain natural and historical stretches of America would forge stellar citizens of subsequent generations who could better appreciate not only the steep challenges our pioneering forefathers faced but the enthralling lure of distant horizons and ecological splendor.

Like Trump, Roosevelt came from the privileged class. Yet this onetime cowboy, historian and statesman also understood the importance of public lands being both preserved and reserved for everyday folks to visit and ponder. He found that great swaths of natural beauty in Europe were often the domain of the wealthy and nobility and off limits to the people. In that respect, Americas affair with national parks and monuments is a firm testament to our democratic values.

Much impetus for President Trumps action involves 1.3-million-acre Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah, whose 2016 designation Republican lawmakers condemned as a federal land grab when so ripe for oil, gas and mining speculation. However, reports indicate a significant segment of Utahns support this monument designation, including environmentalists, sportsmen and business leaders. So to which class of the people will our president listen?

Most national monuments today arent federal land grabs but are created from federal lands. Few individuals aside from squatters see eminent domain declared on them for creation of a national monument. In instances such as Grand Teton National Park, philanthropists such as John D. Rockefeller Jr. bought up land privately and offered it for parks and monuments. And for those ranchers who instinctively protest federal lands, they should really think twice: While federal lands are often leased to ranchers for grazing, ranchers arent likely to enjoy such privileges if such land is instead owned by, say, another rancher.

That all said, President Trump can set a strong example for future leaders by restricting his own national monument designations to those proposals clearly favored by the people. Waco Mammoth National Monument presents a worthy model to emulate: monument status was pursued and championed by the locals; the project was already a symbol of public-private partnership involving Baylor University, the city of Waco and the Waco Mammoth Foundation; and even now this community bond holds strong. Its a story just as relevant as the prehistoric tale the monument showcases  and ripe for retelling as summer vacation season approaches and minds turn to our parks and monuments for a sense of rebirth.
By Julie M Vessigault

What is on your Aviation Bucket List? If you are reading this I bet I can guess without even knowing your background:

1. Fly the T-6

2. Fly the Mustang

3. Become a Warbird Pilot

4. Get checked out in the T-6

5. Get checked out in the Mustang

Let me take you back to the day you discovered warbirds. Was it through a book, magazine or TV program? Did you see a proud T-6, noble P-51, or ferocious P-40 on static display? Did a mighty Wright-Cyclone or Rolls-Royce Merlin vibrate your entire body as it thundered past you in the famous Banana pass at your hometown airshow? Then did you picture yourself in the pilots seat commanding the maneuvers of the magnificent machine of World War II?

Gone are the days when you could buy surplus T-6s and Mustangs without breaking the bank, then teach yourself to fly it over some isolated wild country. Because of such pioneers of warbird availability as we know it, you have a chance to be taught at the helm of the aircraft with an experienced instructor.

Let me introduce you to Thom Richard, owner, and Chief Pilot at Warbird Adventures. As a newly minted glider pilot from Sweden, Thom immigrated to the United States to pursue his passion for aviation, which included his burning desire to win the Reno Air Races and build a career in warbirds. Quickly studying to be an aircraft mechanic, as well as earning his U.S. Citizenship, he worked hard to earn his pilot ratings and build a network that would help him build time in the Pilot Maker- the venerable T-6. He knew his passion and pursued it deliberately and unapologetically.

Now, as a T-6 owner of 20 years and Certified Flight Instructor of 20+ years with 5,000 hours in type, his experience and instruction is sought after by prospective warbird pilots from around the world, to be the foundation of their most critical stage of T-6 training and check rides. It is fairly safe to say that Thom has provided more T-6 checkouts than all other operators combined over the last 19 years. For the T-6 checkouts, just bring some piloting experience, and the staff at Warbird Adventures can get you on the right track to your tailwheel, high performance, and complex aircraft endorsements if you dont have them already. Did you know that most certified pilots with a tailwheel, high performance, and complex endorsements can safely solo the T-6 with 5-10 hours of dual instruction? However, there are some exceptions. Thom said his longest student took 43 hours, but very few finished with less than five because there is a systematic syllabus that must be adhered to. If you want an advantage, Thom recommends that a prospective student gets every minute of tailwheel exposure possible. Time in the Pitts is the perfect stepping stone.

Apart from a couple of seasons of barnstorming with the T-6s across the U.S. with his business partner, Graham Meise, the T-6s have been based at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Central Florida since 1998. Thom estimates that Warbird Adventures has flown over 40,000 people in the T-6s.

Warbird Adventures had humble beginnings, offering T-6 Flight Experiences out of a kiosk at Tom Reillys famous Flying Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum. After Hurricane Charlie forced Tom Reilly to relocate his business to Douglas, Georgia in 2004, Thom and Graham built a new facility to house their Kissimmee Air Museum and a shelter hangar to house their prized T-6s. Ever since Graham sold his share of the business to Thom, the primary personal mission Thom set for Warbird Adventures is to run the administrative and executive aspects of the business while he teaches 5 and 10-hour T-6 familiarization and checkout courses to experienced pilots. He also often serves the second of the two-ship formation Flight Experiences for anyone who wants to realize their dream of flying the T-6 while flying next to a friend or stranger also.

You dont have to be a pilot or even know the difference between an aileron and an elevator to experience a flight at Warbird Adventures. Thats why you fly with Thom or one of his specially trained instructors who will teach you as you fly. The pilots at Warbird Adventures take pride in taking anyone off the street and teaching them the right way from the get go. And of course, no flight adventure can be called an adventure if youre not allowed to turn the airplane upside own yourself, at altitude. That is part of the deal for any flight of 30 minutes or longer.

When Thom isnt at Warbird Adventures, you can likely find him stretching his wings in the likes of the American Airpower Museums P-40 WarhawkThe Jacky C II, the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing (CAF) FG-1D or the Collings Foundations TF-51D Mustang, Toulouse Nuts. If you ask Thom what his favorite airplane to fly is, he will tell you it is the P-40. This year, Jacky C II resides in Thoms museum hangar between appearances at airshows and special events such as the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of. In April 2017, she made her first appearance at Sun n Fun with Thom flying her in a solo aerobatic demonstration, as well as off the wing of Cavanaugh Flight Museums B-25, Barbie III has flown by Doug Jeanes. In May, Thom will fly back home to American Airpower Museum on Long Island for the annual Bethpage Federal Credit Union Airshow at Jones Beach on Memorial Day Weekend.

Last year in Atlanta, Thom celebrated another warbird pilot milestone when he checked out in the CAF Dixie Wing Corsair. He earned the responsibility and privilege of ferrying the show plane to Pennsylvania for a few airshows, then on down to Florida. Just think, that T-6 checkout you have next year with Thom can be your ticket to commanding this rare and beloved B1RD in your future! Let me help you add that to your bucket list!

The Collings Foundation recently unveiled its TF-51D Mustang Toulouse Nuts and Thom was one of the first pilots to fly that pristine machine. You can catch a ride along as his passenger! Whether it is for the thrill-of-a-lifetime flight, or for a serious time-building type rating, Thom can show you and your bucket list a good time as he equips you with solid training and mentoring that will enable you to fly a Warbird confidently. Then you may find yourself wondering, What else can I add to my bucket list?
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.
Next time you grab a tub of flavoured yoghurt thinking it's a healthy alternative, remember that it may have more sugar than ice-cream.

An analysis of 197 flavoured yoghurts on the shelves of Coles and Woolworths found that 55 per cent had more than 12 grams (three teaspoons) of sugar per 100 grams  the upper limit of the recommended amount.

The most sugar-laden was Chobani-owned Gippsland Dairy's Choc Cherry Twist, which, at 4.7 teaspoons of sugar per 100 grams, surpasses Streets Blue Ribbon Classic Vanilla ice-cream.

This was followed by Gippsland Dairy Boysenberry Twist and Tasmanian Tamar Valley Dairy Greek Style Raspberry flavoured yoghurts.
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.
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.
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.
Washington: After stealing and releasing 10 episodes of the fifth season of the Netflix series Orange is the New Black a month before its planned premiere, a hacking group now is threatening to release shows by four other networks unless the networks pay a ransom.

The future is being hacked, and there's no certainty where it might end. Hackers can steal an ever-growing number of secrets.

Screenshot of download website PirateBay where the episodes are available.

If they can steal unreleased television shows, could they also spoil the Oscar ceremony by stealing and threatening to reveal the winners ahead of time? How about announcements of Nobel prizes? Or product launches from Apple and Tesla?

People don't want to wait for staged announcements designed for collective suspense. Hackers seek to profit from that desire. For better or worse, they steal  and reveal  the future.
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."
Premier Mark McGowan has scrapped the former government's plans for a bus rapid transit service to Ellenbrook, announcing he would widen Lord Street at a cost of $57 million instead.

The new Labor government would also refocus on a rail line commitment, he said, with the long-awaited train line to Ellenbrook and new Ellenbrook station set to be finished by 2022.

Mark McGowan will build a new road next to Lord Street to ease congestion.

Mr McGowan said the first step in Labor's Metronet plan would see construction of a new dual-carriageway road to be called New Lord Street, leading to Perth's north eastern suburbs, starting in coming months.

"A bus lane for Ellenbrook was never going to cut it; that's why we've moved swiftly to build a new dual-carriageway to ease traffic congestion and start work on the rail line to Ellenbrook," he said.
Nurses working at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital want free blood tests to determine whether they have been exposed to lead through contaminated water at the hospital.

Australian Nurses Federation WA state secretary Mark Olson called on the State Government to provide the tests at no cost, after hospital staff expressed concerns about their own health and the safety of their patients after excessive lead levels were recorded in water sampled within the QEII Medical Centre last month.

Nurses are worried they may have consumed water contaminated with lead.

Contaminated water was first discovered at the new Perth Children's Hospital.

"People who have spent a lot of time at the new hospital site or very near it, such as staff working at QEII, who believe they need a test, should get one free of charge," Mr Olson said.
A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley. Lebanon houses more Syrian refugees per capita than any other country. Credit:Sandra Hall Sometimes, she adds, a Lebanese man will offer money in exchange for a bride only to abandon the girl after a matter of months. Policing in the camp is handled by the camp sheriff, who rents the land from the owner and makes his money from renting tents to the refugees. But in the past, people have rarely spoken up about domestic abuse they have heard about or witnessed, inhibited by customs discouraging interference in the problems of somebody else's family. Now, says Bukhalid, that's finally changing. A Syrian girl at the refugee camp in al-Marj. Credit:AP Asked if there are any leaders among the group, she points to five older women who raise their hands. Afterwards, I ask if their activism has made them targets among those who don't like the changes and she greets the question with a mixture of gratitude and exasperation. "Yes. It's what the UN doesn't understand. They leave us to handle this sort of thing."

The UN's main refugee agency, the UNHCR, is gradually withdrawing, she adds, because it didn't expect the crisis to last for so long. "Nothing is permanent except the temporary": Syrian refugees in their tent at al-Marj. Credit:AP The refugees earn a little money as seasonal fruit pickers. Before the war, Syrian men regularly crossed the border into Lebanon to do this kind of work, renting tents in the camp. When they were forced out of their homes by the fighting, they simply brought their families with them, coming most of the way on foot before being picked up by the Red Cross. "Their life's dream is to go back to Syria," Bukhalid says of the women. But for the moment, their greatest fear is not being able to pay the rent. Going nowhere: a Syrian refugee boy in the al-Marj camp. Credit:AP

Some of the children go to school. Beyond runs kindergarten classes in the camp and outside the camp, the Lebanese education authorities have divided the school day into shifts to accommodate the Syrian children but here, they need the sheriff's permission to leave the camp and it's in his interest to keep them earning for they, too, work as fruit pickers. Beyond estimates that 350,000 of the 500,000 Syrian refugee children in the country are not at school. Child labour, says Bukhalid, is a big problem. "And the NGOs collaborate with the Ministry of Labor to try to stop the kids being used as fighters or suicide bombers." A Syrian refugee girl holds her brother at the al-Marj camp. Child labour is a growing problem. Credit:AP A cluster of tents houses the medical unit where a group of mothers have brought their children in for vaccination against polio, measles, mumps and hepatitis. Another partitioned area is set up for obstetrics. Medical records are stored here and people are treated for lice and scabies. Sanitation and malnutrition are major problems, instrumental in helping the NGOs to persuade Lebanon's Ministry of Health to weigh in: "They could see that if you keep the refugees healthy, you safeguard the health of Lebanese, as well. And in three years or so, we've had no outbreak."

Syrian refugee children at the camp in al-Marj. Although it has intervened to ensure adequate health care, the Lebanese government is trying to keep the crisis at a distance. Credit:AP Otherwise, the government is trying to keep the crisis at a distance. "Turning a blind eye" is the phrase we hear most often. In this country, where stability is elusive at the best of times, the prevailing mantra is "Nothing is permanent except the temporary". Hence, the camps are officially and euphemistically labelled "informal tented settlements". A memorial to Hezbollah fighter Abdullah Hassan Sheet on the Blue Line, the de facto boundary between Lebanon and Israel demarcated by the United Nations. Credit:Sandra Hall An earlier instance of that philosophy can be seen at Shatila, the Palestinian refugee camp in southern Beirut. Now 68 years old, it stands on the same stretch of land where it was originally established but it has grown up, its apartment buildings rising as grey cement blocks divided only by dark, twisting alleyways leading to the wide, muddy thoroughfare which is home to its markets, shops and cafes.

The landlords - those given the land in 1948 - have rented flats to successive waves of refugees. And most house more than one family. Stalled progress: the St Georges Hotel, on Beirut's Corniche, with its protest banner against Solidere. Credit:Sandra Hall The camp still suffers the aftermath of the 1982 massacre when Lebanese Phalangist militias stormed in, killing thousands of civilians, many of them women and children. The massacre left a lot of young widows and orphans and NGOs have sprung up in Lebanon to supplement the services provided by UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for the Palestinian refugees. In Shatila, much of the work is done by the National Institution of Social Care and Vocational Training (NISCVT), an NGO set up in 1976. It runs kindergartens, medical, dental, family planning, mental health clinics and vocational training. But its staff concede that they can't get to every child. All resources are being tested even more by the influx of refugees from Syria. And here, as in the Syrian camps, they worry about the older children being brainwashed by Islamist extremists. One of the NISCVT staff, a dentist who was born in the camp, says: "The youth don't believe in human rights because they don't see it."

This brings us to the fact that only a few Palestinians, most of them Christians, have Lebanese citizenship. They cannot vote and cannot own Lebanese land or property. And Palestinian doctors, dentists, lawyers and engineers cannot work outside the camps because their professions are on a list of 20 or more from which Palestinians are barred. One of the camp dentists tells us that he was born in the Gaza Strip. He left to study in Kiev and when he tried to return home after completing his degree he was denied entry by Israel, so he has ended up in Shatila. His voice breaks when he tells us that it is 15 years since he's seen his mother and sister. The presence of Palestinian and Syrian refugees puts pressure on the already complex and fragile Lebanese political system, which dictates an even split between Christian and Muslim parties before another carve-up accommodating the 18 sects within the Christian and Muslim communities. Further complicating that picture is the power of the Iran-backed Shiite militia Hezbollah, now one of the governing coalition's most influential elements. It's all a delicate balancing act and it could come crashing down again if the refugees, who are largely Muslim, were given voting rights. Hezbollah is fighting in Syria on the government's side, and in the Yemen, supporting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. They are Lebanon's dominant military force and effectively a state within the state. But if Lebanon has for now established a functioning coalition government, it has a long way to go in revitalising the economy. In the mid-1990s, there was a brief period of optimism - the dynamic Rafiq Hariri was prime minister and it looked as if the country was on track to repair the ravages of war. But by the end of the 1990s, the country was heavily in debt and Solidere, the development and reconstruction company that Hariri established, was tainted by allegations of corruption.
WASHINGTON  As we cross the finish line of Donald Trumps first 100 days, no leader in recent memory has benefited more from low expectations.

A more typical president who tumbled from an approval rating in the high 60s to one in the low 40s would be in a political crisis. Trumps current performance is only a slight dip from his divisive norm.

A president with pretensions of rhetorical coherence would be embarrassed by gaffes and mediocre speeches.

For Trump, gaffes and inarticulateness are part of the package. A president with high standards of integrity would be mortified by a brewing scandal that seems to involve smarmy aides and a foreign government. For Trump, well, what would you expect?

The president is particularly proud of the consequential elevation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. But this action invites a comparison. Trumps one, unquestioned achievement consists of appointing another man who actually has thoughtful convictions.

Much of Trumps 100-days defense could have been employed by the pharaoh who ruled after the one in the book of Exodus. The cattle havent all died. Weve seen less fiery hail. And pestilence has been kept to an acceptable minimum.

There is, however, one area in which Trump dramatically raised national expectations. He might be unknowledgeable. He might be immature. But at least, in polling language, he is a strong and decisive leader. This is a conceit that becomes harder and harder to maintain.

Consider Trumps interaction with China. On the campaign trail, the Chinese were currency manipulators who were too weak on North Korean nukes. In his first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the American president got his first glimpse of the Chinese perspective and was transformed. On North Korea: After listening for 10 minutes, I realized its not so easy. Later, on the currency issue: Theyre not currency manipulators. It seems the case that one of Americas main strategic rivals was, quite literally, schooling the American president on economics and foreign policy.

A similar picture has emerged in Trumps dealings with Congress. When the Freedom Caucus defied him on health care, the administrations blustery threats against the dissenters came to nothing. House Republicans ignored his tantrum and continued their work. Now the president will likely be forced to endorse whatever they produce.

The same, no doubt, will be true on the construction of a physical barrier across the North American continent. Mexico has not been made to pay (and should not be). Trump has conceded that he will sign an omnibus spending bill that doesnt include wall funding. In the long-term contest between Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the border wall, Schumer  armed with the U.S. Senates rules  is the safer bet. And the absence of that wall will be a lasting monument to Trumps political impotence.

This is not a problem that can be solved by the big bang of MOAB (the Mother of All Bombs). In a number of cases, Trump has not been cunning but credulous; not an authoritarian but a pushover. During his campaign, Trump looked down on the weak; now, it turns out, he is weak.

Ultimately, Trump is failing because he has little knowledge of the world and no guiding star of moral principle. The best of our leaders  think Lincoln  have been sure about the truth and uncertain about themselves. Trump is the opposite. His mind is uncluttered by creeds. He knows what he wants at any given moment, but it can bear little relation to the moment following. Who really believes that he would be sleepless if the wall is not built or if NAFTA ultimately survives? Who believes he would not be sleepless because of a nasty joke at his expense during a dinner party?

Without deep and thoughtful beliefs, persuasion is impossible. It is public reasoning that allows others to follow a leaders footsteps in the snow. What has Trump done to rationally and respectfully persuade his critics?

Without deep and thoughtful beliefs, the prevailing advice is often the latest advice. For a rootless leader, in Oscar Wildes phrase, passions are quotations.

Trump clearly wants to be judged by a frenetic level of activity. But the issue at hand is direction, not momentum. It is useful to undo some past liberal excesses, as Trump has done. But negation cant be confused with inspiration. There can be no measure of political progress without a measuring stick of political conviction. Instead, we are treated to hysterical self-praise. Appalling  but, hey, what did we expect?
While reading James Bovards excellent Freedom in Chains: The Rise of The State and the Demise of the Citizen the following quote from Philosophy Professor John Burnheim from his book Is Democracy Possible? stood out, particularly as we're in the middle of election season:

Overwhelming pressures to lie, to pretend, to conceal, to denigrate or sanctify are always present when the object to be sold is intangible and its properties unverifiable until long after the time when the decision to buy can be reversed.

The search is on for a copy.
by Steven Horwitz

This article was originally published on FEE.org. Read the original article.

When I talk to student groups about inequality, one of the first things I ask them to do is consider a mental experiment. Imagine a society in which, for example, the richest 20 percent of households earn an average of $60,000 per year and the poorest 20 percent of households earn an average of $10,000 per year. Imagine average household income overall is around $35,000 per year.

Only about 4% of the total benefits of innovation accrue to the innovator. The rest goes to consumers.

Now imagine a different society in which the richest 20 percent of households earn $150,000 on average and the poorest 20 percent about $18,000. Suppose the overall average is about $54,000.

If we compare these two societies, theres no doubt that the first one is far more equal. The distance between rich and poor is much smaller. But if we ask which society is the more desirable one, or which one people would like to live in if they did not know if theyd be rich or poor, most people would pick the second, despite its higher degree of inequality. Not only is it richer on average, but its clear that its possible to become very rich and, perhaps most important, the poor in the second society are much better off than those in the first.

(Its worth noting that the second society roughly corresponds to the US of 2017.)

That so many peoples intuition is that the second society is better suggests that perhaps what we really care about is something other than inequality per se. We care about upward mobility, or average income overall, or how well the least well off do.

Inequality vs. Unfairness

But maybe theres another element to this concern. A recent study in Nature argued, with evidence, that what bothers people more than inequality per se is unfairness. People will accept inequality if they feel the process that produced it is fair. By implication, they will not support equality if it violates their norms of fairness.

We see this in another reaction students have when I give talks about inequality. I point out the number of Apple products visible in the room and ask them if they think the wealth Steve Jobs and other Apple founders accumulated over their lifetimes was objectionable. Is that the kind of inequality they object to? Students are usually hard-pressed to articulate why Jobs wealth is wrong, and they look sheepishly at their iPhones when I ask them how much they would have to be paid to give up their phones and connectivity, and they realize its way more than they pay for them.

I also remind them that economic studies show that only about 4% of the total benefits of innovation accrue to the innovator. The rest goes to consumers.

So why might we be okay with the more unequal society where the poor and average folks do better? And why might we be okay with the wealth earned by innovators like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg? Probably because they correspond to some notion of fairness, whether from a concern for the least well-off or from the fact that the wealth of the rich is connected with even greater benefits for the rest of us.

So how can those of us who think genuinely competitive markets are key to human betterment use this information to address concerns about inequality? I think there are two ways in which we can deploy fairness arguments.

The Fairness of Voluntary Exchange

If we want equality of outcomes, we will have to treat people unequally.

The first is the one I suggest above: continually reinforcing the mutually beneficial nature of voluntary exchange. We should insist that wealth earned in a real market based on open entry and exit and voluntarily agreed-to transactions is fair because all parties believe themselves better off because of the exchanges.

Yes, the owners of capital accumulate wealth, but only because we think what they have created and transferred to us is more valuable than the wealth we transfer to them. It is no less true to say that consumers accumulate wealth through this process, as the thought experiment about giving up your phone and connectivity indicates. As Robert Nozick argued in Anarchy, State, and Utopia: if each step in the evolution of the market is fair by itself, how can the pattern of income that emerges be unfair?

Fairness Before the Law

The second fairness argument is one that comes from Hayek. He observed in The Constitution of Liberty that if we want equality of outcomes, we will have to treat people unequally. If, however, we treat people equally, we will get unequal outcomes. Hayeks argument was premised on the fact that human beings are not equal in our native intelligence, strength, skills, and abilities. Although we can all change and improve those things, they are always constrained by differences in natural gifts.

If we wish to have social progress, especially for the least well-off, we need to find ways to ensure that we can take advantage of the different knowledge, skills, and abilities of other people. For Hayek, market exchange guided by the signals of prices and profits is how we do so. What such an arrangement requires, however, is that individuals be treated equally before the law.

The differences among humans are, in Hayeks view, a reason to treat them equally, not differently: It is of the essence of the demand for equality before the law that people should be treated alike in spite of the fact that they are different. Or in the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks It is through exchange that difference becomes a blessing not a curse.

If people really care about fairness, then supporters of the market should be insisting on the importance of equality before the law. If we really did want to create a world of equal outcomes, we would have to penalize the productive in various ways, and we would have to provide unequal benefits to those who were less productive. In the extreme, we end up in the world of Kurt Vonneguts Harrison Bergeron, where the state constructs individualized forms of interference to hamper the skilled, such as buzzers in the ears of the intelligent or weights on the limbs of the strong.

Market-based societies have been the best cure for poverty humans have ever known.

Equality of outcomes requires that we treat people differently, and this will likely be perceived as unfair by many. Equality before the law corresponds better with notions of fairness even if the outcomes it produces are unequal.

Another example of such unfairness is the way in which those with political connections can rig the economic game in their favor. When those with wealth can use the political process to protect their profits from new competitors or new products by legally restricting entry or the conditions of competition, many will perceive that as unfair. The same young people concerned about inequality also get that its wrong for cab companies to use government to deny them services like Uber and Lyft.

Its especially important that many of the ways in which incumbent firms with economic power use government to protect their profits end up harming the poor disproportionately. Policies from occupational licensure to zoning restrictions to the minimum wage to the aforementioned privileges for taxicabs all serve to ossify the wealth of relatively rich and throw up barriers to the upward mobility of the poor.

If what appear to be concerns about inequality are, in fact, concerns about unfairness, we have ways of addressing them that demonstrate the power of exchange and competitive markets. Markets are more fair because they require that governments treat us all equally and that none of us have the ability to use political power to protect ourselves from the competition of the marketplace and the choices of consumers. In addition, market-based societies have been the best cure for poverty humans have ever known.

We need not cede the high ground of fairness and equality to the opposition. The liberal tradition was built on equality before the law and its implicit norm of fairness. Its time for us to recapture that as part of the humane, progressive case for markets.

Steven Horwitz is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Economics at St. Lawrence University and the author of Hayeks Modern Family: Classical Liberalism and the Evolution of Social Institutions. He is spending the 2016-17 academic year as a Visiting Scholar at the John H. Schnatter Institute for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise at Ball State University.

He is a member of the FEE Faculty Network.

This article was originally published on FEE.org. Read the original article.
Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required.

Your Full Name: (optional)

Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required.
The incumbent and a Paducah attorney win their way to the bench
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 30, 2017 | 08:27 AM | GRAVES COUNTY, KY

Saturdays fourth annual Mayfield-Graves County Empty Bowls event raised a total of about $12,000, all of which will help feed needy local families.

The food tasting extravaganza was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Trace Creek Baptist Churchs Family Life Center at 3357 State Route 131. All proceeds will go to the Mayfield-Graves County Food Pantry.

The local event founder and coordinator Claudia Heath said she was very pleased with the 19 restaurants that participated in the event and all the people who came out to support it. She has already set April 28 as the date for next years project.

This was a great turnout and the weather cooperated for us to have a very successful event, she said. A lot of people did a ton of work to make this happen and God was there through it all to make sure everything went smoothly. We are so grateful for the 19 restaurants that donated their food and expertise and everyone who donated silent auction items and door prizes. We could not have done this without their support.

Participating restaurants this year were: Applebees, Carrs Steak House, Cracker Barrel, Dairy Queen, Dominos Pizza, H&C Doughnut Shop, Happy House, Hardees, Jimmy Johns, The Dinner Bell, Majestic Pizza & Steak House, Mayfield Creek Market, Ritas Cafe, Snappy Tomato Pizza Co., Southern Reds BBQ, Taco Johns, Wendys, Wilmas Kountry Kitchen and Wings Etc.

Each restaurant offered samples of their fare for diners to fill their bowls. After eating, participants took the bowls home as reminders of the hungry people around the world and in their own community.

The first three years of the event raised a total of about $37,000 for the Food Pantry, which provides emergency food supplies for about 350 local needy families each month.

The Empty Bowls project is an international effort started some 20 years ago to help alleviate hunger and raise awareness of hunger issues around the world.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 30, 2017 | 05:22 PM | MAYFIELD, KY

A Mayfield man faces numerous charges after an incident on Saturday.

According to the Mayfield Police Department, 36-year-old Richard Noonan was being treated by by Mayfield-Graves County EMS when he began throwing fists in the air toward EMS personnel and family members. The Mayfield Police Department was called to assist.

When police arrived, Noonan fled on foot and disregarded officers' commands to stop. Noonan fell in the road and began punching and kicking while police tried to place him in handcuffs.

Noonan was eventually taken into custody and taken to Jackson Purchase Medical Center for treatment. Once cleared, he was lodged in the Graves County Jail on charges of assaulting a police officer, fleeing and evading, disorderly conduct, menacing and public intoxication of a controlled substance.
Victims would have more say in criminal prosecutions if voters approve a proposed state constitutional amendment, but critics say the plan could weaken the rights of defendants, slow prosecutions and increase the workload in understaffed district attorney offices.

The proposal dubbed Marsys Law was introduced this month by a collection of powerful Republicans. Some victim advocacy organizations, police organizations, prosecutors and lawmakers have gotten behind the proposal, which is being promoted by a politically connected public relations campaign and funded by a California-based billionaire who named the effort after his murdered sister.

Supporters say the law puts victims on equal footing in the court system with defendants. But criminal defense attorneys call it a political stunt, and some advocates for crime victims and criminal justice experts question whether the proposals will have unintended consequences.

Obviously (we are) very supportive of protecting victims rights and expanding victims rights when applicable and ensuring victims have a fair and just experience in the criminal justice system, said Chase Tarrier, public policy coordinator for End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin. The concerns that I and other folks (have) about this bill is the possible unintended consequences that might come about if we dont really take our time.

If passed, the state constitution would guarantee crime victims 17 rights including equal standing in court as defendants, keeping information private that could be used to locate or contact the victim, allowing them to be present at all court proceedings and to confer with prosecutors and provide input on pleas, deferred prosecutions and other agreements.

Victims also would be notified immediately if a defendant is released from jail or prison, escapes or dies while in custody and would be able to speak at any court proceeding at which defendants may be released, sentenced, paroled or pardoned. Victims could also refuse an interview, deposition or any other discovery request made by the accused or their lawyers.

Crime victims already have a host of rights, many of which are described in the states first-in-the-nation victims rights law; this amendment would enshrine some of those in the states charter.

We put some (rights) into the constitution but not all the ones that I think are necessary to make an even  or closer to even  playing field, said Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, co-author of the proposal. We want to make sure theres no question that victims have a right to be heard and that victims have a right to be protected .

Defense lawyers worried

Marsys Law is named after Marsalee Nicholas, who was killed in 1983 by her ex-boyfriend. It has been bankrolled by Nicholas billionaire brother, Henry Nicholas III.

In Wisconsin, one of the public faces of the amendment campaign is Christina Traub of Madison, who was viciously attacked by her ex-boyfriend in 2015.

Traub said she relied on the state court systems public website to keep track of court hearings. A Dane County victim advocate kept her in the loop sometimes, she said, but she was generally on her own to know where the court process stood and depended on Facebook to find out where her ex-boyfriend was working or living.

Nobody would be (in court) if it wasnt for me and what happened to me, Traub said she remembers thinking while sitting in the back of the courtroom. And I just felt very unimportant.

Criminal defense attorneys, however, say the proposal would weaken the ability of the accused to defend themselves at trial.

I think its a political publicity stunt, said Anthony Cotton, a Waukesha criminal defense attorney. Its designed to create the impression that somehow victims of crimes are left out of the process and its a suggestion that therefore guilty, dangerous people are roaming the street and terrorizing citizens.

And that  as anyone who works in the system knows  is patently untrue.

John Birdsall, a Milwaukee criminal defense attorney, said the proposed amendment attempts to make a mockery of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments, which promise people accused of crimes due process and a fair and impartial trial.

The founders of the United States and of the state of Wisconsin saw rights of the accused as paramount to the existence and survival of our democracy, he said, adding that such an important idea is being perverted into a negative: those accused have way too many rights and they must be curtailed.

Birdsall also said the right of the accused to confront their accusers could be affected by giving victims greater ability to keep information about themselves private.

The actual practice of hiding evidence like this makes it impossible to honor this most critical of rights, Birdsall said. The view seems to be, by those that support this, that we need to reduce the ability of a defendant to mount any sort of a defense.

Proponents of the amendment said all evidence that is part of a criminal investigation would still be available to the defense and that the amendment would only allow a victim to deny requests for personal records or information not part of a criminal investigation.

Representatives of the DOJ, which is overseen by Attorney General Brad Schimel who appeared at a Capitol news conference to back the amendment when it was introduced this month, have not responded to numerous questions from the Wisconsin State Journal.

Experience in other states

Versions of the amendment have been approved in nine states, where in some it has caused confusion.

Montana lawmakers this year introduced a bill to clarify that the amendments notification requirement doesnt apply to victims of low-level crime such as traffic offenses.

Stephen Baker, a lobbyist for the Cook County Public Defender in Illinois, said concerns over the amendment, which was approved in 2014, were related to discovery.

Baker said his concerns were rooted in changes to what kind of personal items or statements from victims, such as psychiatric and drug and alcohol treatment records, could be sought as evidence.

He said in one case, a diary of a victim kept during counseling over the alleged crime showed some of the details of the allegations were incorrect, making that evidence crucial for the defendants case and illustrated the need to preserve access to such information.

And law enforcement agencies in North and South Dakota have limited public information about crimes, including where they occurred.

Wanggaard said because many of the amendments requirements already exist in Wisconsin, the transition should be easier.

More work for prosecutors?

Its unclear how district attorneys offices would seek more input from victims  especially if their offices are already understaffed.

Theres always resources issues but were doing most of this now, Brown County District Attorney David Lasee said. I dont think its going to substantially change the workload that we have.

I think a lot of this, some of this is somewhat symbolic in telling the court, Hey look, (victims) are on an even playing field. 

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said he doesnt know what the amendments impact would be on prosecuting crimes  a job his office carries out currently with six fewer prosecutors than needed to handle the countys case workload, according to a 2014 state audit.

Prosecutors already confer with victims and we will meet with victims at every court appearance if they wish to meet with us, Ozanne said. In Dane County, our victim witness unit is also available to victims.

I do believe we could do more for victims if we were adequately staffed and had better funding.

UW-Madison Law School professor Frank Tuerkheimer, a former U.S. attorney, said requiring prosecutors to consult with victims throughout the criminal trial process would be a big departure from current practice.

Whoever drafted this was kind of careful not to transfer power from prosecutors to victims, but simply create a rather continuous right of input, Tuerkheimer said. I think it would be somewhat onerous for the prosecutor.

Were the amendment to pass without a significant increase in funding for the court system, the new requirements could affect individual offices ability to prosecute and that could be very bad for victims of domestic violence, Tarrier said.

Prosecutions also could be slowed because the amendment applies to victims of all crimes  not just serious, violent crimes, Tarrier said.

Proposals to amend the state constitution need to be passed by two consecutive Legislatures before going to voters.

Backers say they hope to put the measure before voters in 2019.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 30, 2017 | 09:35 AM | DRAFFENVILLE, KY

Police in Marshall County are investigating a reported robbery at a fast food restaurant.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, a lone employee was at Dairy Queen in Draffenville late Thursday night, when a suspect wearing a mask entered through a back door. Deputies say the masked man, armed with a metal pipe, confronted the employee and robbed him.

According to police, the suspect took two phones and cash.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call the Marshall County Sheriff's Office at 270-527-3112 or Marshall County Crime Stoppers at 270-527-COPS.
New Ross mourns tragic death of Anthony Rochford (47): We will remember him for all the great times
VIDEO

PEC 215, a proposed amendment to Brazils constitution, threatens to make worse the already fragile plight of the countrys impoverished indigenous communitiesAri Karai, the 74-year-old chief or cacique of Tekoa Ytu, one of two established Indian villages at the base of the peak, says the group intends to resist. How can they evict us when this is recognised Indian land? he asks.The dispute comes at a crucial time for Brazils more than 300 indigenous peoples. Earlier this month, more than a thousand indigenous leaders met in Brasilia to protest and organise against PEC 215, a proposed constitutional amendment that would shift the power to demarcate indigenous land from the executive to the legislature  that is, from Funai, the Ministry of Justice and the president, by decree, to Congress.The Indians fierce opposition to placing demarcation in the hands of Congress is easy to understand: some 250 members of Congress are linked to the powerful ruralist congressional caucus, representing interests including agro-business and the timber, mining and energy industries.In contrast, there has been only one indigenous member of Congress in the entire history of Brazil: Mario Juruna, a Xavante cacique, who served from 1983-87 in Rio de Janeiro.The demarcation of Brazils indigenous territories, specified in the countrys 1988 constitution, was supposed to have been completed by 1993. Twenty-seven years on, the majority of territory has been demarcated, with 517,000 Indians living on registered land mainly in the Amazon region, but more than 200 applications are still in limbo.The movement is going to need every bit of solidarity, support and motivation it can muster this coming year, which will almost certainly see a vote on PEC 215. If passed, as it seems will likely be the case, the amendment also allows for the review of previous demarcations, and introduces exceptions to the exclusive use of protected land, including leasing to non-Indians and the construction of infrastructure, in the public interest.
In their return to Wisconsin this spring, whooping cranes have achieved two important nesting milestones toward creating a self-sustaining flock in eastern North America, experts said.

For the first time, a pair of cranes dubbed The Royal Couple has nested at White River Marsh Wildlife Area, an expansion of the nesting range in the state in Green Lake County and an important backup to the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, where most returning cranes have nested so far, the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership said.

The pair are also part of another first as their nest is being monitored by citizen scientists and others through an online streaming video camera operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week that was recently set up by Operation Migration, according to the partnership, a group of individuals, nonprofits and government agencies.

This is the first nest for these birds. Weve been waiting for it for a long time, said Heather Ray, director of development and communication for Operation Migration, which began the reintroduction effort in 2001 with ultralight aircraft flights that led cranes in their migration. To be able to watch first hand, its really cool stuff.

Meanwhile, a pair nesting in Necedah are the first to nest in the state resulting from a released parent-reared crane, a bird reared by a parent crane in captivity rather than human caretakers in costumes, the partnership said.

Were real excited weve reached these two milestones and that the public can be involved in watching it happen, said Georgia Parham, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Its always good to have a nesting range expand, Parham said of the White River Marsh nest. The Necedah nest is encouraging because we are trying to develop methods to rear these chicks in the most natural setting possible.

Beverly Paulan, a pilot with the state Department of Natural Resources, spotted the pair of cranes nesting on White River Marsh and the pair in Necedah during the same weekly aerial survey earlier this month, the partnership said.

The population of cranes, an endangered species, in the eastern flock has gone from zero to more than 100 cranes since reintroduction efforts began in 2001, it said.

This is happening right here in Wisconsin, Ray said.

But the flock is not yet considered self-sustaining, the partnership said. To get there, the partners try to reduce human interaction with captive-reared birds, hoping to raise more attentive cranes and reduce chick mortality once captive-reared birds become parents. Chick mortality has been a factor limiting the growth of the flock.

The partnership also began releasing birds in White River Marsh and in Horicon Marsh six years ago to expand nesting territory and escape hordes of black flies leading them to abandon nests in some years at Necedah.

At this point, weve been very successful at getting birds on the landscape, Parham said. Now, were trying to increase the survival of the chicks that hatch.

Whooping cranes were on the verge of extinction in the 1940s. Through efforts of the partnership, there are now 104 whooping cranes in the Eastern Migratory Population. There are only about 600 birds in existence, about 445 of them in the wild.

We want to get a self-sustaining population so we dont have to keep doing releases, Ray said. Thats the ultimate goal.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/04/2017 (2019 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Eighty-five years ago today, the City of Brandon shut down its short-lived street railway system.

At the time of its creation, many believed it was a sign of progress and the key to future prosperity, but it collapsed under mounting debt and helped push the city into third-party administration during the Great Depression.

The City of Brandon was incorporated on May 30, 1882 with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Its initial population was 700, but the city grew rapidly. By 1891, Brandon boasted nearly 4,000 citizens, and by 1906 it had surpassed 10,000.

Today we ought to feel proud because this is the dawn of a new era in Brandon, an era of prosperity as we have not enjoyed before, and one in which every citizen will partake  mayor John W. Fleming at the inauguration of the Brandon Street Railway

The city entered the 1910s on a high. It was in the midst of an unprecedented private and public sector building boom, and its population growth, then at 13,000, showed no signs of slowing.

There was one big-city amenity not offered at the time: public transportation. Citizens looked west to other railway cities such as Regina, Moose Jaw and Calgary, which were in various stages of launching street railway systems. Many decided it was time Brandon did the same.

In November 1910, alderman John W. Fleming presented a petition of 2,000 signatures to his council colleagues requesting a street railway system be established. It led to a referendum in the next months civic election, where 1,102 of the 1,574 voters agreed. In that same election, Fleming was elected mayor.

BRANDON UNIVERSITY, MCKEE ARCHIVES, STUCKEY COLLECTION A streetcar on Rosser Avenue  looking east from 10th Street  circa 1913. The street railway service was finally shut down in April 1932.

A crucial issue to be addressed in a later vote was whether the street railway should be publicly or privately owned.

Newspaper coverage of council meetings and the election campaign indicates most favoured a public system. The Brandon Sun went so far as to state, There should be absolutely no consideration whatever of any other plan than municipal ownership.

Public ownership meant the city would have to put up the initial capital to get the system started, estimated at around $300,000, but the resulting revenues would flow directly into its coffers.

It would also give city officials control over the creation of routes and frequency of service. They only had to look to the City of Winnipeg, which was constantly butting heads with its private streetcar company on such matters, to see the advantages.

The big question was whether the city could afford to build it. The population and building boom came at a steep cost to taxpayers. The city was issuing annual debentures to pay for public works at a rate of about $150,000 per year. By 1910, it was believed to have a debt of around $1.5 million.

After the referendum, members of city council and the board of trade who had concerns about the citys debt level became more vocal. The Sun at times sounded skeptical about whether municipal ownership was the best option.

Its not as if there werent private options available. The city had rebuffed numerous suitors over the decades looking to build a street railway for them, most recently a consortium from Vancouver in 1909.In April 1911, another private investor named James D. McGregor came calling.

A future lieutenant-governor of Manitoba, McGregor was a well-known businessman from the western Manitoba area. In the early 1900s he created Glencarnock Stock Farms, which for many years was believed to be the largest ranching operation in Western Canada.

McGregor said he had the backing of investors in England wanting to construct a street railway system to service Brandon and, eventually, an inter-urban system linking it with surrounding communities.

Council received his request, and a long, slow negotiation began.

In the meantime, the city hired a street railway engineer to advise them on possible streetcar routes. Based on his recommendations, they began buying land and track. On Oct. 11, 1911, Fleming drove the ceremonial first spike at the intersection of Rosser Avenue and 10th Street. The Sun reported, Brandon is being watched as a coming commercial centre by more outsiders today than ever before, and it is felt that nothing will help on the present growth more than the installation of the street railway system.

For McGregor, the delays in dealing with the city were frustrating. He demanded an answer as to whether or not the city was seriously going to consider his private offer or if they were, in fact, building a municipal street railway.

Council met to discuss the issue and after some heated debate decided it was time for the second part of the 1910 referendum asking citizens which method of ownership they preferred.

In the civic election of Nov. 9, 1911, just 30 per cent of those who voted cast a street railway ballot. In the end, private ownership won out by nearly 300 votes. One explanation for the lack of interest offered up by the Sun was people wanted a street railway and didnt care much about who offered it.

ARCHIVES OF MANITOBA As Brandons mayor from 1911 to 1913, John W. Fleming was instrumental in the establishment of the streetcar service.

The two parties spent the winter negotiating, and in April 1912, the city and McGregor signed a memorandum of agreement. The offer, in a nutshell, provided McGregor with a 30-year franchise for a street railway system. In return, he was required to have at least eight kilometres of track in service within 15 months of the deal being finalized. A sliding scale of between three to five per cent of operating profits would be paid to the city over the term of the contract.

The Sun declared in an editorial, The long drawn-out controversy over the street car question has at last drawn to a conclusion and now all should be plain straight sailing.

It would be anything but.

That month, the province passed the Public Utilities Act. It created a commission that would have oversight of all public utilities in the province, be they publicly or privately owned. Copies of the act reached Brandon in the third week of May, and McGregor found he would now have to get the commissions approval to set up the system and then regularly open up his accounts for scrutiny.

McGregor balked. Claiming his investors would never agree to these terms, he handed the street railway franchise, still awaiting final approval in a public referendum, back to the city. Council asked him to reconsider, but he refused.

In a period of two days, a deal two years in the making fell to pieces.

The June 13, 1912 vote intended to ratify the McGregor deal ended up asking for authorization for the city to borrow $300,000 to complete construction and run the street railway system. On June 13, 1912, there was a strong turnout at the polls and an even stronger vote, 93 per cent, in favour of a municipal street railway system.

The city wasted little time getting the project completed. It hired a new engineer and a street car commissioner. By summer, there were 75 men laying the remainder of the nearly 13 kilometres of track and installing overhead polls. Over the winter, the city signed a power deal with its private electrical supplier and ordered 10 street cars from the Niles Car and Manufacturing Co. of Ohio. In late spring, the last of the 40 staff members required to keep the system running were hired.

BRANDON UNIVERSITY, MCKEE ARCHIVES, STUCKEY COLLECTION Looking south at the intersection of 10th Street and Rosser Avenue. Work on the street railway was in full swing by the summer of 1912.

On Monday morning, June 2, 1913, Fleming, city officials and hundreds of citizens showed up at the exhibition grounds to witness the launch of the street railway system. The mayor gushed: Today we ought to feel proud because this is the dawn of a new era in Brandon, an era of prosperity as we have not enjoyed before, and one in which every citizen will partake.

As might be expected, the first months of service showed cheery financial results as people lined up to try out the streetcars at the very reasonable price of six tickets for 25 cents.

Between 1914 and 1917, the city made a small operating profit of a few thousand dollars each year, though during that period had to cut operating costs, such as doing away with conductors, to make this possible.

There was a hidden issue, though: when the figures for paying back the capital investment were factored in, the system showed a deficit of nearly $40,000 per year.

In 1918, the system struggled when the citys privately owned electricity supplier doubled the rate it was charging the city for power. Council went so far as to have an emergency meeting to see if they should cut the street railway service, even temporarily, to make up for the additional costs. They decided not to.

The biggest issue confronting the street railway was something council had little control over: the citys lack of population growth.

Conceived at a time when Brandon was growing by thousands of people per year, its post-war reality was much different. Between 1916 and 1926, for example, the citys population grew by just over 1,000 to a total of 16,500. It would take tens of thousands more to make the capital investment in the street railway pay off.

In 1925, the city had a chance to sell the railway when the Canada Gas and Electric Company came calling. The city laid out a number of conditions, such as wanting control over the frequency of service, making the company responsible for certain street maintenance issues and requiring a $35,000 deposit to ensure they would run the service for 30 years.

The company responded with a terse, single-sentence letter declining the citys terms and, like McGregor, walked away from the deal.

The systems annual deficits continued to hover around $40,000 per year, and the Depression brought about a decline in passenger revenue.

In August 1930, alderman Hughes, chairman of the finance committee, presented a report to council showing the desperate situation the street railway was in. He concluded, No commercial organization would or could afford to allow such a condition to continue for any length of time and if, by providing some cheaper method of transportation the city can improve the situation, it should do so.

That fall, the question: Are you in favour of the continuance of the present street railway system? was put to the voters in another referendum. Surprisingly, a large majority voted yes. A likely factor in the outcome was that the city was silent on whether or not it would allow another public transportation system, such as public or private bus service, to take its place.

By the spring of 1931, the city had to go cap-in-hand to the province to request a $200,000 bailout to pay off its main creditor, the Imperial Bank. As part of the deal, the city asked if the provinces hydro commission would buy out the street railway, but it refused.

Service on the system was cut back and fares raised in an attempt to keep the street railway running long enough to find an interested buyer, but there werent any.

On the night of Saturday, Aug. 15, 1931, the last streetcar rolled into the barn on First Street at College Avenue with no fanfare. A three-sentence story in the Sun noted, The Street railway service will be discontinued late tonight after 18 years of continuous service and stated where people could get refunds on unused tickets.

There was one more shot at life for the street railway. A group of employees offered to take over the service starting in September. They were given a six-month trial, but there was little they could do to make the system profitable. Council pulled the plug on the contract, and on April 30, 1932, streetcar service in Brandon came to an end for good. That summer, the city began tearing up track, and the materials were stored away.

In 1936, the citys finances became so bad it requested to be put under third-party administration, whereby a provincially appointed supervisor would be placed in charge of major spending decisions and sorting out its debt, including the debentures issued for the street railway the citizens of Brandon would continue paying off until 1952.

The supervisor ordered all of the assets of the street railway system, once a symbol of the citys future prosperity, be sold off as scrap. The only major remnant left is a single, derelict streetcar that since 1994 has been in storage at the Edmonton Radial Railway Society awaiting restoration.

Christian writes about local history on his blog, West End Dumplings.

BRANDON UNIVERSITY, MCKEE ARCHIVES, STUCKEY COLLECTION City officials gather outside the Winter Fair building for the opening of the street railway on June 2, 1913.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/04/2017 (2019 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The province this week is opening a temporary shelter for refugee claimants near the border in Gretna to ease the flow of asylum seekers arriving in Winnipeg at all hours needing housing and help.

Gretnas former seniors home that has been sitting vacant is being repurposed to house asylum seekers for a few days before they can move on to more long-term shelter in Winnipeg, 120 kilometres northeast. The single-storey, wheelchair-accessible building is expected to receive its first guests by mid-week, said Carolyn Ryan with Manitoba Housing, which owns the building.

Gretna residents found out about plans for the temporary shelter at a public meeting Wednesday night. Nearly 100 people in the town of 550 were there, said Ryan, who spoke at it.

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

The short notice caught Gretna off guard, said Don Wiebe, reeve of Rhineland, which includes Gretna. He learned about the provinces plans last Monday and wished the municipality had more time to prepare.

When this comes so quickly you havent got much time to prepare the community with good information about the logistics of it  to understand what supports might be needed from the community, Wiebe said Friday. The (Manitoba) Housing people were pretty good, very knowledgeable and answered a lot of questions but it takes time to work through that as a process, to understand the issues and plan for contingencies, he said.

We had a lively discussion, Ryan said. I think theres still considerable confusion around the Safe Third Country Agreement and the United Nations Convention on Refugees and why people are allowed to be here  Why arent they illegal? These are questions being asked by many Manitobans  Why is this happening?

Gretna isnt where refugee claimants are crossing into Canada, but its only 28 kilometres from Emerson, which has been inundated with asylum seekers in the past several months. More refugee claimants crossed into Canada on foot at Emerson in the first three months of 2017 (332) than in all of 2016 (266), numbers from Winnipegs Welcome Place show.

Once in Canada, theyre picked up by RCMP and taken to Canada Border Services Agency at Emerson to be screened. Upon theyre released, they wait there for someone from Welcome Place to pick them up and give them a ride to one of three shelters in the city.

There was a real unpredictability of people arriving in Winnipeg, said Ryan, executive director of portfolio management for Manitoba Housing. Theyd be arriving at 2 or 3 in the morning, and there was no way to plan for them, she said. You didnt know who they were, the size of their families or anything about their needs.

As soon as Wednesday, rather than being transported to Winnipeg right away, the refugee claimants will be taken to Gretna. The shelter there with 17 units that and can accommodate up to 60 people will help manage the flow of arrivals from the border and be more efficient, she said.

Youre not having people sit for hours and hours waiting to be picked up, she said. In Gretna, the asylum seekers can get to work filling out their paper work  including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canadas 10-page Basis of Claim form that they have to present within 72 business-day hours of arriving in Canada, as well as Employment and Income Assistance application forms. Asylum seekers will stay at the Gretna shelter from two to five days at the most, Ryan said.

Three provincial social services workers will work at the shelter, rotating every few days. Theyll be on site 12 hours a day with overnight security, said Ryan. Security was a major concern expressed by some Gretna residents at the meeting, she said. Those who had heard inaccurate news reports that half of refugee claimants had serious criminal records said they had misgivings about Gretna sheltering the asylum seekers.

Some in the community expressed a lot of apprehension, Ryan said. While the Canada Border Services Agency disputed the report, saying just just two per cent of refugee claimants screened in recent weeks posed a potential threat and were being held in detention, that didnt calm anyones nerves.

The story that many had criminal records  that story really resonated, whether it was accurate or not, Ryan said.

It would have been good to have more time to address the safety concerns of Gretna residents, Wiebe said. Security had been an issue for them before they learned their town would be sheltering asylum seekers, he said.

Wed been lobbying the RCMP a month ago for a police presence in Gretna and for all of the municipality, he said. Since the RCMP pulled out of Altona, the Mounties presence is concentrated in Morden and Carman, the closest detachment to Gretna, Wiebe said.

In the worst-case scenario, it could take an hour for an RCMP officer to get from Carman to Gretna, he said. Wiebe hopes that in case of an emergency in Gretna, the Altona Police Service, whose detachment is six minutes away from Gretna, could be called on to help. The RCMP have a good, co-operative arrangement with Altona. Wiebe said an RCMP officer attended the meeting in Gretna.

So did the refugee response co-ordinator for the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations. Hearing Michelle Strain share her experience working with newcomer organization and asylum seekers in Winnipeg helped to allay some of the Gretna folks fears, Ryan said.

She was able to talk about who they are as people, she said. At the meeting, some Gretna residents said they could identify with the refugee claimants on a personal level, Ryan recalled: Many of us are immigrants ourselves and, You dont have to go too far back to when we were met with a compassionate response and its our turn to do the same I think the meeting ebbed and flowed, but we ended on a pretty positive note, said Ryan.

Re-opening the seniors building to temporarily house refugee claimants should be good for the local economy, she said. Theyre hiring a local housekeeper and will be bringing the asylum seekers meals from the local restaurant. but nothing fancy. They will be served basic foodstuffs, she said. Those who have money to buy their own groceries can shop at the local grocery store to prepare their own meals in the units, which each have a little kitchen with a fridge and stove.

Were being as creative as we can to minimize the cost of this, said Ryan. Were using a building we already own and rounding up furnishings, beds and linens they have in stock. The costs are all borne by the province  subject to federal-provincial discussions.

Wiebe, who lives north of Altona, said he thinks the new use for the seniors home could be good for Gretna.

This is a pretty expensive operation and they will need resources from the community. That will be an economic benefit, he said.

I think it can work and I think theres enough good people here whod like to make it work.

carol.sanders@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.

As the province pushes ahead with plans to close three Winnipeg emergency rooms, some south Winnipeg residents took to the streets this weekend in hopes of saving their local ER from the chopping block.

On Saturday afternoon, a very small but vocal group turned out in front of the Victoria General Hospital on Pembina Highway, protesting the Progressive Conservative governments plan to convert the emergency room to a 24-7 urgent-care centre. The rally was led, in part, by NDP MLA Jim Maloway and former MLA Steve Ashton.

For Baljit Singh, who has lived in south Winnipeg for over 25 years, the issue hits especially close to home.

TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Protesters gathered at Victoria General Hospital to voice their opposition to the proposed closure of the hospital's emergency room, Saturday.

Three years ago, Singhs mother suffered a heart attack. His brother, who lives in south St. Vital, rushed her to the Victoria ER, where doctors were able to stabilize her. Thanks to their care, Singh says, his mother survived.

So that gave Singh, who now lives in St. Norbert, a personal incentive to join Saturdays protest.

If were losing this one, its a disaster for this part of the community, he said.

The WRHA has said that closing three of Winnipegs six ERs will streamline services and concentrate emergency resources at Grace, Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface, which will retain their ERs.

Meanwhile, ERs at Victoria and Seven Oaks will be converted to urgent care centres, while Concordias ER will close. The current urgent care centre at Misericordia will be closed in favour of an intravenous therapy clinic.

By putting these changes into effect, health officials hope to cut wait times and save money. The decision came on the heels of a report by a Nova Scotia consultant, which was commissioned by the former NDP government.

But some of the folks who turned out to Saturdays protest said that in moving ahead with those proposed closures, the Pallister government hasnt done enough to listen to their concerns.

It just doesnt make any sense to us, said Helal Mohiuddin, a longtime south Winnipeg resident. They havent properly explained the situation. When they go to do something like this, there should be some consultation.

They should have spoken with community people, get their opinion, he added. It should be a long process. Not just all of a sudden on a good fine morning, we hear on the news that this ER is being closed.

Victorias ER is central to a large catchment area that includes not only south Winnipeg and the busy University of Manitoba campus, but several communities outside the Perimeter.

In a coincidence, just around the corner from the protest, fire crews were cleaning up after a morning blaze ripped through a Dartmouth Drive townhouse, which faced the Victoria ER entrance.

Witnesses say nobody was injured in the fire, which left scorchmarks and shattered windows. Still, some folks at the protest pointed out, a dangerous episode like that just underscores the value of a nearby ER.

We are very concerned, Mohiuddin said. When were travelling to another part of the city, something may happen. Someone may die. Now well have to spend another half an hour (driving to an ER), or even more.

melissa.martin@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.

IF you want to change the default language on your iPhone, you have many options to choose from, such as Turkish, Dutch, Catalan and both the Brazilian and Portuguese dialects of Portuguese.

If you speak Icelandic though, youre out of luck.

The same is true on many computers, particularly voice-activated devices such as televisions, virtual assistants and electronics. Some people believe this  along with the worlds increasing globalization and widespread usage of English  could lessen the use of the Icelandic language, which is spoken by less than a half-million people.

Egill Bjarnason / The Associated Press Salome Sigurjonsdottir, 10, tests a voice-controlled TV in an store in Reykjavik  no easy feat as sales assistant Einar Dadi says none of the TVs understand Icelandic.

It wouldnt be the only language facing this fate.

Many of the worlds 6,000 languages will not survive in a globalized digital information society, the Multilingual Europe Technology Alliance said in a report stating Icelandic is one of the most endangered languages in the digital age. It is estimated that at least 2,000 languages are doomed to extinction in the decades ahead.

The status of a language depends on the presence of the language in the digital information space and software applications, the report said.

The use of Icelandic in language technology was virtually non-existent in 1999. All that existed in the digital sphere for the language, according to META, was a good spellchecker and a weak language synthesizer.

It has gained more of a foothold since then, but the gap between it and other languages leaves much to be desired. As Mashable reported, Vehicle GPS units stumble over Icelandic names for streets and highways. So-called digital assistants like Apples Siri and Amazons Alexa dont understand the language.

Of course, the Icelandic language has done just fine for centuries without digital devices.

The language was originally brought to what is Iceland in the ninth and 10th centuries by settlers from western Norway. Given the island countrys remoteness, it has remained relatively unchanged since the 12th century, and so old Icelandic manuscripts can still be read by todays Icelanders, National Geographic reported.

The language is unique, but it also isnt spoken by many people  the countrys population, after all, is only about 339,000. It isnt used much outside the country, either. Only about 5,000 Americans speak it, for example.

But there isnt a particularly compelling reason for companies, particularly those based in Silicon Valley, to include the language in its devices.

Former Icelandic president Vigdis Finnbogadottir recently told the Associated Press without this trend changing, Icelandic will end up in the Latin bin.

Some have been concerned about that for years. Eirikur Rognvaldsson, a language professor at the University of Iceland, spoke to the Reykjavik Grapevine in 2013 about the continuing rise of voice-activated technology that doesnt include Icelandic.

Egill Bjarnason / The Associated Press A law book penned on calfskin in 1363 is displayed at a museum in Reykjavik. The revered Icelandic language, seen by many as a source of identity and pride, is being undermined by the widespread use of English both for mass tourism and in the voice-controlled artificial intelligence devices coming into vogue.

The more our everyday lives become a field where we cant use our mother tongue  which is not something happening to an isolated group of people, but all Icelanders  the more danger it is that people give up on the language, thinking: Why bother learning this language, why dont we just switch over and start using English so we can be competitive in a modern world? he said.

Asgeir Jonsson, an economics professor at the University of Iceland, told the Associated Press the current trend could lead to a brain drain for the country.

Not being able to speak Icelandic to voice-activated fridges, interactive robots and similar devices would be yet another lost field, he said.

Its not something native speakers take lightly.

If we lost the Icelandic language, there would be no Icelandic nation. And if theres no Icelandic nation, there is no Icelandic sovereignty, Ari Pall Kristinsson, head of language planning at the Arni Magnusson Institute for Icelandic Studies, the Icelandic governments language research agency, told PRI.

Currently, the small countrys Ministry of Education estimates it would cost one billion krona  about US$12.5 million  to fund an open-access database that would allow developers to incorporate Icelandic into our digital devices. But time is of the essence.

If we wait, it may already be too late, said Svandis Svavarsdottir, a member of Icelands parliament for the Left-Green Movement.

 Washington Post
The following companies are subsidiares of Tenet Healthcare: 45th Street MOB LLC, 601 N 30th Street I L.L.C., 601 N 30th Street II L.L.C., 601 N 30th Street III Inc., AHM Acquisition Co. Inc., AIG Holdings LLC, AIGB Global LLC, AIGB Group Inc., AIGB Holdings Inc., AIGB Management Services LLC, AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #1 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #2 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #3 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #4 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #5 L.L.C., AMI Information Systems Group Inc., AMI/HTI Tarzana Encino Joint Venture, APN, ARC Worcester Center L.P., ASC Old Co. LP, ASC of New Jersey LLC, ASJH Joint Venture LLC, Abrazo Health Network EP Clinical Services LLC, Abrazo Surgical Outpatient Center LLC, Advanced Ambulatory Surgical Care L.P., Advanced Center for Surgery  Vero Beach LLC, Advanced Regional Surgery Center LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Bethesda LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Metairie LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Northern Louisiana LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Sarasota LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Tampa LLC, Advanced Surgical Care of Lutz LLC, Advanced Surgical Care of St Louis LLC, Advanced Surgical Concepts LLC, Advantage Health Care Management Company LLC, Advantage Health Network Inc., AdventHealth Surgery Center Celebration LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Mills Park LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Wellswood LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Winter Garden LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Centers Central Florida LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Centers West Florida LLC, Alabama Cardiovascular Associates L.L.C., Alabama Digestive Health Endoscopy Center L.L.C., Alabama Hand and Sports Medicine L.L.C., Alamo Heights Surgicare L.P., Alliance Surgery Birmingham LLC, Alliance Surgery Inc., Alvarado Hospital Medical Center Inc., Ambulatory Surgical Associates LLC, Ambulatory Surgical Center of Somerville LLC, American Institute of Gastric Banding Ltd., American Institute of Gastric Banding Phoenix Limited Partnership, American Medical Inc., Amisub Inc., Amisub Inc., Amisub of California Inc., Amisub of North Carolina Inc., Amisub of South Carolina Inc., Amisub of Texas Inc., Anaheim Hills Medical Imaging L.L.C., Anaheim MRI Holding Inc., Anesthesia Partners of Gallatin LLC, Arizona Care Network  Next L.L.C., Arizona Health Partners LLC, Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital LLC, Ascension Saint Thomas Lebanon Surgery Center LLC, Asia Outsourcing US Inc., Aspen Healthcare, Atlanta Medical Center Inc., Atlanta Medical Center Interventional Neurology Associates L.L.C., Atlanta Medical Center Neurosurgical & Spine Specialists L.L.C., Atlanta Medical Center Physician Group L.L.C., Atlantic Coast Surgical Suites LLC, Atlantic Health-USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Audubon Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Avita/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., BBH BMC LLC, BBH CBMC LLC, BBH DevelopmentCo LLC, BBH NP Clinicians Inc., BBH PBMC LLC, BBH SBMC LLC, BBH WBMC LLC, BCDC EmployeeCO LLC, BHC-Talladega Pediatrics LLC, BHS Accountable Care LLC, BHS Affinity LLC, BHS Integrated Physician Partners LLC, BHS Physician Performance Network LLC, BHS Physicians Alliance for ACE LLC, BHS Physicians Network Inc., BHS Specialty Network Inc., BT East Dallas JV LLP, BW Cardiology LLC, BW Cyberknife LLC, BW Hand Practice LLC, BW Office Buildings LLC, BW Parking Decks LLC, BW Physician Practices LLC, BW Retail Pharmacy LLC, BW Sports Practice LLC, Baptist Accountable Care LLC, Baptist Diagnostics LLC, Baptist Health Centers LLC, Baptist Physician Alliance ACO LLC, Baptist Physician Alliance LLC, Baptist Plaza Surgicare L.P., Baptist Surgery Center L.P., Baptist Womens Health Center LLC, Baptist/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Bartlett ASC LLC, Beaumont Surgical Affiliates Ltd., Berkshire Eye LLC, Bloomington ASC LLC, Blue Ridge/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Bluffton Okatie Primary Care L.L.C., Bluffton Okatie Surgery Center L.L.C., Braselton Endoscopy Center LLC, Briarcliff Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Bristol Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Broad River Primary Care L.L.C., Brookwood Ancillary Holdings Inc., Brookwood Baptist Health 1 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Health 2 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Health 3 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Imaging LLC, Brookwood Center Development Corporation, Brookwood Development Inc., Brookwood Diagnostic Imaging Center LLC, Brookwood Garages L.L.C., Brookwood Health Services Inc., Brookwood Home Health LLC, Brookwood Occupational Health Clinic L.L.C., Brookwood Parking Associates Ltd., Brookwood Primary Care Cahaba Heights L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care Hoover L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care The Narrows L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care  Homewood L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care  Inverness L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care  Mountain Brook L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care  Oak Mountain L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care  Vestavia L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Network Care Inc., Brookwood Specialty Care  Endocrinology L.L.C., Brookwood Sports and Orthopedics L.L.C., Brookwood Womens Care L.L.C., Brookwood Womens Diagnostic Center LLC, Brookwood  Maternal Fetal Medicine L.L.C., Brownsville Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, C7 Technologies LLC, CGH GP Inc., CGH Hospital Ltd., CHIC/USP Surgery Centers LLC, CHN Holdings LLC, CHVI Tucson Holdings LLC, CML-Chicago Market Labs Inc., CRNAs of Michigan, CS/USP General Partner LLC, CS/USP Surgery Centers LP, Camp Creek Urgent Care L.L.C., Camp Lowell Surgery Center L.L.C., Cardiology Physicians Associates L.L.C., Cardiology Physicians Corporation L.L.C., Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates L.L.C., Cardiovascular Clinical Excellence at Sierra Providence LLC, CareSpot of Austin LLC, CareSpot of Memphis LLC, Carmel Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Castle Rock Surgery Center LLC, Catawba-Piedmont Cardiothoracic Surgery L.L.C., Cedar Hill Primary Care L.L.C., Cedar Park Surgery Center L.L.P., Center for Advanced Research Excellence L.L.C., Center for the Urban Child Inc., Central Carolina Physicians  Sandhills L.L.C., Central Carolina-IMA L.L.C., Central Jersey Surgery Center LLC, Central Texas Corridor Hospital Company LLC, Central Valley Quality Alliance LLC, Central Virginia Surgi-Center L.P., Centura Ventures Surgery Centers LLC, Centura/USP Colorado Springs Surgery Centers L.L.C., Chalon Living Inc., Chandler Endoscopy Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Charlotte Endoscopic Surgery Center LLC, Chattanooga Pain Management Center LLC, Chesterfield Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Chico Surgery Center L.P., Clarksville Surgery Center LLC, Coast Healthcare Management LLC, Coast Surgery Center L.P., Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Medical Center Inc., Coastal Carolina Physician Practices LLC, Coastal Carolina Pro Fee Billing L.L.C., Colorado GI Centers LLC, Commonwealth Continental Health Care Inc., Community Connection Health Plan Inc., Community Hospital of Los Gatos Inc., Compass Surgical Partners Holdings of Asheville LLC, Compass Surgical Partners Holdings of Odessa LLC, Compass Surgical Partners Holdings of Raleigh LLC, Compass Surgical Partners Holdings of St. Petersburg LLC, Compass Surgical Partners Holdings of Tampa LLC, Compass Surgical Partners Holdings of Waco LLC, Compass Surgical Partners Holdings of Winston-Salem LLC, Conifer Care Continuum Solutions LLC, Conifer Ethics and Compliance Inc., Conifer Global Business Center Inc., Conifer Global Holdings Inc., Conifer Health Solutions LLC, Conifer Holdings Inc., Conifer Patient Communications LLC, Conifer Physician Services Holdings Inc., Conifer Physician Services Inc., Conifer Revenue Cycle Solutions LLC, Conifer Value-Based Care LLC, Conroe Surgery Center 2 LLC, Coral Ridge Outpatient Center LLC, Corpus Christi Surgicare Ltd., Covenant/USP Surgery Centers LLC, CreAtiv Management Company Inc., Creekwood Surgery Center L.P., Crown Point Surgery Center LLC, DH/USP SJOSC Investment Company L.L.C., DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital Premier Clinical Co-Management Services LLC, DMC Education & Research, DMC Harper University Hospital Premier Clinical Co-Management Services LLC, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Premier Clinical Management Services LLC, DMC Imaging L.L.C., DeTar/USP Surgery Center LLC, Delray Beach ASC LLC, Delray Medical Center Inc., Delray Medical Physician Services L.L.C., Denville Surgery Center LLC, Des Peres Physician Network LLC, Desert Regional Medical Center Inc., Desert Ridge Outpatient Surgery LLC, Desoto Surgicare Partners Ltd., Destin Surgery Center LLC, Detroit Education & Research, DigitalMed Inc., Dignity/Abrazo Health Network LLC, Dignity/USP Phoenix Surgery Centers II LLC, Doctors Hospital of Manteca Inc., Doctors Medical Center Neurosciences Clinical Co-Management LLC, Doctors Medical Center Orthopedics Clinical Co-Management LLC, Doctors Medical Center of Modesto Inc., Doctors Outpatient Surgery Center of Jupiter L.L.C., EPHC Inc., EPIC ASC LLC, East Atlanta Endoscopy Centers LLC, East Cobb Urgent Care LLC, East Cooper Coastal Family Physicians L.L.C., East Cooper Community Hospital Inc., East Cooper Hyperbarics L.L.C., East Cooper OB/GYN L.L.C., East Cooper Physician Network LLC, East Cooper Primary Care Physicians L.L.C., East West Surgery Center L.P., Eastgate Building Center L.L.C., El Mirador Surgery Center L.L.C., El Paso Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy LLC, El Paso Day Surgery LLC, El Paso Urology Surgery Center Curie LLC, Emanate/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Emanuel Medical Center, Emerus BHS/SA NW Military LLC, Emerus BHS/SA Southside LLC, Emerus/BHS SA Hausman LLC, Emerus/BHS SA Kelly LLC, Emerus/BHS SA LLC, Emerus/BHS SA Overlook Parkway LLC, Emerus/BHS SA Schertz LLC, Emerus/BHS SA Thousand Oaks LLC, Emerus/BHS SA Westover Hills LLC, Encinitas Endoscopy Center LLC, Endoscopy Consultants LLC, Enterprise Research Solutions LLC, European Surgical Partners Ltd., Eye Center of Nashville UAP LLC, Eye Surgery Center of Nashville LLC, FMC Medical Inc., FMCC Network Contracting L.L.C., FREH Real Estate L.L.C., FRS Imaging Services L.L.C., First Choice Physician Partners, Flatirons Surgery Center LLC, Fort Bend Clinical Services Inc., Fort Worth Hospital Real Estate LP, Foundation Bariatric Hospital of San Antonio LLC, Foundation San Antonio Borrower Sub LLC, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, Fountain Valley Surgery Center LLC, Franklin Endo UAP LLC, Franklin Endoscopy Center LLC, Frontenac Ambulatory Surgery & Spine Care Center L.P., Frye Regional Medical Center Inc., FryeCare Boone L.L.C., FryeCare Morganton L.L.C., FryeCare Physicians L.L.C., FryeCare Valdese L.L.C., FryeCare Watauga L.L.C., FryeCare Womens Services L.L.C., GAB Endoscopy Center LLC, GCSA Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, GIA/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Gainesville Endoscopy ASC LLC, Gainesville Endoscopy Center LLC, Gamma Surgery Center LLC, Gardendale Surgical Associates LLC, Gastric Health Institute L.L.C., Georgia Endoscopy Center LLC, Georgia Gifts From Grace L.L.C., Georgia Musculoskeletal Network Inc., Georgia North Fulton Healthcare Associates L.L.C., Georgia Northside Ear Nose and Throat L.L.C., Georgia Physicians of Cardiology L.L.C., Georgia Spectrum Neurosurgical Specialists L.L.C., Glen Echo Surgery Center LLC, Golden Ridge ASC LLC, Good Samaritan Medical Center Inc., Good Samaritan Surgery L.L.C., Graystone Family Healthcare  Tenet North Carolina L.L.C., Great Lakes Surgical Suites LLC, Greater Dallas Healthcare Enterprises, Greater Northwest Houston Enterprises, Greenville Physicians Surgery Center LLP, Greenwood ASC LLC, Greystone Internal Medicine  Brookwood L.L.C., Gulf Coast Community Hospital Inc., HC Hialeah Holdings Inc., HCH Tucson Holdings LLC, HCN EP Horizon City LLC, HCN EP Lee Trevino LLC, HCN EP Northeast LLC, HCN EP Sunland Park LLC, HCN Emerus El Paso LLC, HCN Emerus Management Sub LLC, HCN Emerus Texas LLC, HCN Laboratories Inc., HCN Physicians Inc., HCN Surgery Center Holdings Inc., HDMC Holdings L.L.C., HKRI Holdings LLC, HMHP/USP Surgery Centers LLC, HNMC Inc., HNW GP Inc., HNW LP Inc., HSRM International Inc., HSS Palm Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, HSS/USP Surgery Center LLC, Hagerstown Surgery Center LLC, Harbor Heights Surgery Center LLC, Hardeeville Medical Group L.L.C., Hardeeville Primary Care L.L.C., Harlingen Physician Network Inc., Harper-Hutzel AHP Services Inc., Harvard Park Surgery Center LLC, Haymarket Surgery Center LLC, Health & Wellness Surgery Center L.P., Health Horizons of Kansas City Inc., Health Horizons of Murfreesboro Inc., Health Horizons/Piedmont Joint Venture LLC, Health Services CFMC Inc., Health Services HNMC Inc., Health Services Network Care Inc., Health Services Network Hospitals Inc., Health Services Network Texas Inc., HealthCorp Network Inc., Healthcare Compliance LLC, Healthcare Network Alabama Inc., Healthcare Network CFMC Inc., Healthcare Network DPH Inc., Healthcare Network Georgia Inc., Healthcare Network Holdings Inc., Healthcare Network Hospitals Inc., Healthcare Network Louisiana Inc., Healthcare Network Missouri Inc., Healthcare Network North Carolina Inc., Healthcare Network South Carolina Inc., Healthcare Network Tennessee Inc., Healthcare Network Texas Inc., Healthcare SMG I L.L.C., Healthcare SMG II L.L.C., Healthcare SMG IV L.L.C., Healthcare UC Holdings Inc., Healthmark Partners Inc., Healthpoint of North Carolina L.L.C., Heart and Vascular Institute of Michigan, Hialeah Real Properties Inc., Hickory Family Practice Associates - Tenet North Carolina L.L.C., Hill Country ASC Partners LLC, Hill Country Surgery Center LLC, Hilton Head Health System L.P., Hilton Head Regional Healthcare L.L.C., Hilton Head Regional OB/GYN Partners L.L.C., Hilton Head Regional Physician Network LLC, Hilton Head Regional Physician Network  Georgia L.L.C., Hitchcock State Street Real Estate Inc., Holston Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Holy Cross Hospital Inc., Home Health Partners of San Antonio LLC, Hoover Doctors Group Inc., Hoover Land LLC, Hospital Development of West Phoenix Inc., Hospital RCM Services LLC, Houston Northwest Partners Ltd., Houston PSC L.P., Houston Specialty Hospital Inc., Houston Sunrise Investors Inc., Hyde Park Surgery Center LLC, Imaging Center at Baxter Village L.L.C., InforMed Insurance Services LLC, International Health and Wellness Inc., Intracoastal Surgery Center LLC, JFK Memorial Hospital Inc., Jacksonville Endoscopy Centers LLC, Journey Home Healthcare of San Antonio LLC, KHS Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, KHS/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Kingsport Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Laguna Medical Systems Inc., Lake Endoscopy Center LLC, Lake Health Care Facilities Inc., LakeFront Medical Associates LLC, Lakewood Regional Medical Center Inc., Lancaster Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Lebanon Endoscopy Center LLC, Legacy Warren Partners L.P., Leonardtown Surgery Center LLC, Lifemark Hospitals Inc., Lifemark Hospitals of Florida Inc., Lifemark Hospitals of Louisiana Inc., Longleaf Surgery Center LLC, Los Alamitos Medical Center Inc., Lubbock ASC Holding Co LLC, MASC Partners LLC, MH/USP Bay Area LLC, MH/USP Brazoria LLC, MH/USP Kingsland LLC, MH/USP Kingwood LLC, MH/USP Kirby LLC, MH/USP Main Street LLC, MH/USP North Freeway LLC, MH/USP North Houston LLC, MH/USP Richmond LLC, MH/USP Sugar Land LLC, MH/USP TMC Endoscopy LLC, MH/USP West Houston L.L.C., MH/USP Woodlands Parkway LLC, MSV Health/USP Surgery Centers LLC, MVH/USP Surgery Centers LLC, MacNeal Management Services Inc., MacNeal Medical Records Inc., MacNeal Physicians Group LLC, Magnetic Resonance Imaging of San Luis Obispo Inc., Magnolia Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Manchester Ambulatory Surgery Center LP, Maple Lawn Surgery Center LLC, Marion Surgery Center LLC, Mason Ridge Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., McLaren ASC of Flint LLC, Meadowcrest Hospital LLC, Medical House Staffing LLC, Medplex Outpatient Medical Centers Inc., Medplex Outpatient Surgery Center Ltd., Memorial Hermann Bay Area Endoscopy Center LLC, Memorial Hermann Endoscopy & Surgery Center North Houston L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Endoscopy Center North Freeway LLC, Memorial Hermann Specialty Hospital Kingwood L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Surgical Hospital L.L.P., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Brazoria LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Cypress LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Kingsland L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Kirby LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Main Street LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Pinecroft LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Preston Road Ltd., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Richmond LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Woodlands Parkway LLC, Memorial Hermann Texas International Endoscopy Center LLC, Memorial Hermann West Houston Surgery Center LLC, Memorial Hermann/USP Surgery Centers II L.P., Memorial Hermann/USP Surgery Centers IV LLP, Memorial Surgery Center LLC, Memphis Urgent Care #1 L.L.C., Memphis Urgent Care #2 L.L.C., Metro Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Metro Surgery Center LLC, MetroWest HomeCare & Hospice LLC, Metropolitan Medical Partners LLC, Miami Surgical Suites LLC, Michigan Pioneer ACO LLC, Michigan Regional Imaging LLC, Mid Rivers Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Mid State Endo UAP LLC, Mid-State Endoscopy Center LLC, Middle Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Midland Memorial/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Midland Texas Surgical Center LLC, Midwest Digestive Health Center LLC, Midwest Pharmacies Inc., Midwest Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Millennium Surgical Center LLC, Minimally Invasive Surgicenter LLC, Minimally Invasive Surgicenter of Delray LLC, Mobile Imaging Management LLC, Mobile Technology Management LLC, Modesto Radiology Imaging Inc., Monocacy Surgery Center LLC, Mountain Empire Surgery Center L.P., Munster Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Murdock Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, NICH GP Holdings LLC, NKCH/USP Briarcliff GP LLC, NKCH/USP Liberty GP LLC, NKCH/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., NMC Lessor L.P., NMC Surgery Center L.P., NME Headquarters Inc., NME Properties Corp., NME Properties Inc., NME Property Holding Co. Inc., NME Psychiatric Hospitals Inc., NME Rehabilitation Properties Inc., NS Medical Billing Center L.L.C., NSCH GP Holdings LLC, NSCH/USP Desert Surgery Centers L.L.C., NSMC Holdings Inc., NSN Revenue Resources LLC, NUCH of Georgia L.L.C., NUCH of Massachusetts LLC, NUCH of Michigan Inc., Nacogdoches ASC-LP Inc., National ASC Inc., National Ancillary Inc., National Diagnostic Imaging Centers Inc., National HHC Inc., National Home Health Holdings Inc., National ICN Inc., National Imaging Center Holdings Inc., National Medical Services II Inc., National Outpatient Services Holdings Inc., National Surgery Center Holdings Inc., National Urgent Care Inc., Network Management Associates Inc., New Dimensions LLC, New England Physician Performance Network LLC, New H Acute Inc., New Horizons Surgery Center LLC, New Medical Horizons II Ltd., Newhope Imaging Center Inc., North Anaheim Surgery Center LLC, North Atlantic Surgical Suites LLC, North Campus Surgery Center LLC, North Carolina Community Family Medicine L.L.C., North Denver Musculoskeletal Surgical Partners LLC, North Fulton Cardiovascular Medicine L.L.C., North Fulton Hospitalist Group L.L.C., North Fulton Medical Center Inc., North Fulton Primary Care - Willeo Rd. L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care - Windward Parkway L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care - Wylie Bridge L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care Associates L.L.C., North Fulton Pulmonary Specialists L.L.C., North Fulton Womens Consultants L.L.C., North Haven Surgery Center LLC, North Miami Medical Center Ltd., North Shore Same Day Surgery L.L.C., North Shore Surgical Suites LLC, NorthPointe Surgical Suites LLC, NorthShore/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., Northridge Surgery Center L.P., Northwest Georgia Orthopaedic Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Regional ASC LLC, Northwest Regional Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Surgery Center Ltd., Novant Health/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Novant/UVA/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Okatie Surgical Partners L.L.C., Old Tesson Surgery Center L.P., Olive Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Olive Branch Urgent Care #1 LLC, Ophthalmology Anesthesia Services LLC, Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Orlando LLC, Optimum Spine Center LLC, OrNda Healthcorp, OrNda Hospital Corporation, Orlando Health/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., OrthoArizona Surgery Center Gilbert LLC, OrthoLink ASC Corporation, OrthoLink Physicians Corporation, OrthoLink Radiology Services Corporation, OrthoLink/ Georgia ASC Inc., OrthoLink/New Mexico ASC Inc., Orthopedic Associates of the Lowcountry L.L.C., Oxford Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, PAHS/USP Surgery Centers LLC, PDN L.L.C., PHPS Inc., PHPS-CHM Acquisition Inc., PM CyFair Land Partners LLC, PMC Physician Network L.L.C., PSS Patient Solution Services LLC, Pacific Endo-Surgical Center L.P., Pacific Endoscopy and Surgery Center LLC, Paley Institute Global LLC, Palm Beach Gardens Community Hospital Inc., Palm Beach International Surgery Center LLC, Park Plaza Hospital Billing Center L.L.C., ParkCreek ASC LLC, Parkwest Surgery Center L.P., Patient Partners LLC, Peak Gastroenterology ASC LLC, Pediatric Surgery Center  Odessa LLC, Pediatric Surgery Centers LLC, Physician Performance Network L.L.C., Physician Performance Network of Arizona LLC, Physician Performance Network of South Carolina LLC, Physician Performance Network of Tucson LLC, Physicians Performance Network of Houston, Physicians Performance Network of North Texas, Physicians Surgery Center of Tempe LLC, Physicians Surgery Center of Chattanooga L.L.C., Physicians Surgery Center of Knoxville LLC, Piccard Surgery Center LLC, Piedmont ASC LLC, Piedmont Behavioral Medicine Associates LLC, Piedmont Cardiovascular Physicians L.L.C., Piedmont Carolina OB/GYN of York County L.L.C., Piedmont Carolina Vascular Surgery L.L.C., Piedmont East Urgent Care Center L.L.C., Piedmont Express Care at Sutton Road L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Rock Hill L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Tega Cay L.L.C., Piedmont General Surgery Associates L.L.C., Piedmont Internal Medicine at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Physician Network LLC, Piedmont Pulmonology L.L.C., Piedmont Surgical Specialists L.L.C., Piedmont Urgent Care Center at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Urgent Care and Industrial Health Centers Inc., Piedmont/Carolinas Radiation Therapy LLC, Placentia-Linda Hospital Inc., Pleasanton Diagnostic Imaging Inc., Point of Rocks Surgery Center LLC, Porter Musculoskeletal Surgery Center LLC, Potomac View Surgery Center LLC, Practice Partners Management L.P., Premier ACO Physicians Network LLC, Premier ASC LLC, Premier Adult and Childrens Surgery Center LLC, Premier Endoscopy ASC LLC, Premier Health Plan Services Inc., Premier Medical Specialists L.L.C., Prince William Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Professional Anesthesia Services LLC, Pros Temporary Staffing Inc., Providence/UCLA/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Providence/USP Santa Clarita GP LLC, Providence/USP South Bay Surgery Centers L.L.C., Providence/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Pueblo Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, R.H.S.C. El Paso Inc., RE Plano Med Inc., RHC Parkway Inc., RLC LLC, Reading Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Reading Endoscopy Center LLC, Reagan Street Surgery Center LLC, Red Cedar Surgery Center LLC, Redmond Surgery Center LLC, Republic Health Corporation of Rockwall County, Resolute Health Physicians Network Inc., Resolute Hospital Company LLC, Resurgens Surgery Center LLC, Rheumatology Associates of Atlanta Medical Center L.L.C., Rio Grande Valley Indigent Health Care Corporation, Riva Road Surgery Center LLC, River North Same Day Surgery L.L.C., Riverside Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Rock Bridge Surgical Institute L.L.C., Rock Hill Surgery Center LLC, Rockville Surgical Suites LLC, Rocky Mountain Endoscopy Centers LLC, Roswell Surgery Center L.L.C., SCNRE LLC, SFMP Inc., SFMPE - Crittenden L.L.C., SL-HLC Inc., SLH Physicians L.L.C., SLH Vista Inc., SLPA ACO LLC, SLUH Anesthesia Physicians L.L.C., SMSJ Imaging Company LLC, SMSJ Tucson Holdings LLC, SRRMC Management Inc., SSI Holdings Inc., Safety Harbor ASC Company LLC, Saint Francis Cardiology Associates L.L.C., Saint Francis Cardiovascular Surgery L.L.C., Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital Billing Center L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital Medicare ACO LLC, Saint Francis Hospital Pro Fee Billing L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett Inc., Saint Francis Medical Partners East L.L.C., Saint Francis Medical Partners General Surgery L.L.C., Saint Francis Physician Network LLC, Saint Francis Quality Alliance LLC, Saint Francis Surgery Center L.L.C., Saint Francis Surgical Associates L.L.C., Saint Francis-Arkansas Physician Network LLC, Saint Francis-Bartlett Physician Network LLC, Saint Thomas Campus Surgicare L.P., Saint Thomas Surgery Center New Salem LLC, Saint Thomas/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., Saint Thomas/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Saint Thomas/USP  Baptist Plaza L.L.C., Saint Vincent Physician Services Inc., Salmon Surgery Center LLC, Same Day Management L.L.C., Same Day Surgery L.L.C., San Antonio Endoscopy L.P., San Fernando Valley Surgery Center L.P., San Gabriel Valley Surgical Center L.P., San Ramon ASC L. P., San Ramon Ambulatory Care LLC, San Ramon Network Joint Venture LLC, San Ramon Regional Medical Center LLC, Santa Barbara Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Santa Clarita Surgery Center L.P., Savannah Endoscopy Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Schertz Surgery Center LLC, Scottsdale Endoscopy ASC LLC, Scripps/USP Surgery Centers 2 LLC, Seaside Surgery Center LLC, Shelby Baptist Affinity LLC, Shelby Baptist Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Shore Outpatient Surgicenter L.L.C., Shoreline Real Estate Partnership LLP, Shoreline Surgery Center LLP, Sierra Providence Health Network Inc., Sierra Providence Healthcare Enterprises, Sierra Vista Hospital Inc., Sierra Vista Surgery Center LLC, Silver Cross Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Silver Cross/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Sinai-Grace Premier Clinical Management Services LLC, Solantic Development LLC, Solantic Holdings Corporation, South Carolina East Cooper Surgical Specialists L.L.C., South Carolina Health Services LLC, South Carolina SeWee Family Medicine L.L.C., South County Outpatient Endoscopy Services L.P., South Denver Musculoskeletal Surgical Partners LLC, South Florida Ambulatory Surgical Center LLC, South Fulton Health Care Centers Inc., South Plains Endoscopy Associates LLC, SouthCare Physicians Group Neurology L.L.C., SouthCare Physicians Group Obstetrics & Gynecology L.L.C., Southeast Ohio Surgical Suites LLC, Southern Orthopedics and Sports Medicine L.L.C., Southern States Physician Operations Inc., Southwest Childrens Hospital LLC, Southwest Endoscopy LLC, Southwestern Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Spalding Regional Medical Center Inc., Spalding Regional OB/GYN L.L.C., Spalding Regional Physician Services L.L.C., Specialty Surgicenters Inc., Springfield Service Holding Corporation, St. Augustine Endoscopy Center LLC, St. Christophers Pediatric Urgent Care Center - Allentown L.L.C, St. Josephs Hospital Surgical Co-Management LLC, St. Josephs Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, St. Louis Physician Alliance LLC, St. Louis Surgical Center LC, St. Louis Urology Center LLC, St. Lukes/USP Surgery Centers LLC, St. Marys Hospital Cardiovascular Co-Management LLC, St. Marys Hospital Surgical Co-Management LLC, St. Marys Levee Company LLC, St. Marys Medical Center Inc., St. Vincent Health/USP LLC, St. Vincent/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Suburban Endoscopy Center LLC, Summit View Surgery Center LLC, Sun View Imaging L.L.C., SurgCenter Camelback LLC, SurgCenter Clearwater LLC, SurgCenter Development, SurgCenter Northeast LLC, SurgCenter Pinellas LLC, SurgCenter Tucson LLC, SurgCenter at Paradise Valley LLC, SurgCenter of Deer Valley LLC, SurgCenter of Glen Burnie LLC, SurgCenter of Greater Dallas LLC, SurgCenter of Greater Jacksonville LLC, SurgCenter of Northern Baltimore LLC, SurgCenter of Palm Beach Gardens LLC, SurgCenter of Pine Ridge LLC, SurgCenter of Silver Spring LLC, SurgCenter of Southern Maryland LLC, SurgCenter of St. Lucie LLC, SurgCenter of White Marsh LLC, SurgCenter of the Potomac LLC, Surgery Affiliate of El Paso LLC, Surgery Center at Mount Pleasant LLC, Surgery Center at University Park LLC, Surgery Center of Columbia L.P., Surgery Center of Coral Gables LLC, Surgery Center of Okeechobee LLC, Surgery Center of Pembroke Pines L.L.C., Surgery Center of Peoria L.L.C., Surgery Center of Santa Barbara LLC, Surgery Center of Scottsdale LLC, Surgery Centers of America II L.L.C., Surgery Centre of SW Florida LLC, Surgical & Bariatric Associates of Atlanta Medical Center L.L.C., Surgical Center Development #3 LLC, Surgical Center Development #4 LLC, Surgical Clinical Excellence at Desert Regional LLC, Surgical Elite of Avondale L.L.C., Surgical Health Partners LLC, Surgical Institute Management LLC, Surgical Institute of Reading LLC, Surgicare of Miramar L.L.C., Surginet Inc., Surgis Inc., Surgis Management Services Inc., Surgis of Chico Inc., Surgis of Phoenix Inc., Surgis of Redding Inc., Surgis of Victoria Inc., Sutton Road Pediatrics L.L.C., Sylvan Grove Hospital Inc., T1 Security LLC, TENN SM LLC, TFPS IV L.L.C., TH Healthcare Ltd., TH International Services Florida LLC, TLC ASC LLC, TOPS Specialty Hospital Ltd., TOSCA ASC Holdings LLC, TPR Practice Management LLC, TPS VI of PA L.L.C., TSPE LLC, Tamarac Surgery Center LLC, Tampa Bay Joint and Spine LLC, Tempe New Day Surgery Center LP, Templeton Imaging Inc., Tenet Business Services Corporation, Tenet California Inc., Tenet Central Carolina Physicians Inc., Tenet EKG Inc., Tenet El Paso Ltd., Tenet Employment Inc., Tenet Finance Corp., Tenet Florida Inc., Tenet Florida Physician Services II L.L.C., Tenet Florida Physician Services III L.L.C., Tenet Florida Physician Services L.L.C., Tenet Fort Mill Inc., Tenet Global Business Center Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Bucks County L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Graduate L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Hahnemann L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Medical Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Nacogdoches ASC GP Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Philadelphia Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Roxborough LLC, Tenet HealthSystem St. Christophers Hospital for Children L.L.C., Tenet Hilton Head Heart L.L.C., Tenet Hospitals Limited, Tenet Network Management Inc., Tenet Patient Safety Organization LLC, Tenet Physician Resources LLC, Tenet Physician Services - Hilton Head Inc., Tenet Rehab Piedmont Inc., Tenet Relocation Services L.L.C., Tenet SC East Cooper Hospitalists L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Gastrointestinal Surgical Specialists L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Island Medical L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Lowcountry OB/GYN L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Mt. Pleasant OB/GYN L.L.C., Tenet Unifour Urgent Care Center L.L.C., Tenet Ventures Inc., TenetCare Frisco Inc., Terre Haute Surgical Center LLC, Teton Outpatient Services LLC, Texan Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Texas Orthopedics Surgery Center LLC, Texas Regional Medical in Sunnyvale, The 6300 West Roosevelt Partnership, The Healthcare Insurance Corporation, The Healthcare Underwriting Company a Risk Retention Group, The Huron Corporation, The Old Bridge Surgery Center LLC, The Outpatient Center LLC, The Southeastern Spine Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., The Surgery Center at Jensen Beach LLC, The Tresanti Surgical Center LLC, Theda Oaks Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Center LLC, Three Springs ASC LLC, Timonium Surgery Center LLC, Titan Health Corporation, Titan Health of Chattanooga Inc., Titan Health of Hershey Inc., Titan Health of Mount Laurel LLC, Titan Health of North Haven Inc., Titan Health of Pittsburgh Inc., Titan Health of Pleasant Hills Inc., Titan Health of Princeton Inc., Titan Health of Sacramento Inc., Titan Health of Saginaw Inc., Titan Health of Titusville Inc., Titan Health of West Penn Inc., Titan Health of Westminster Inc., Titan Management Corporation, Titusville Center for Surgical Excellence LLC, Treasure Coast ASC LLC, Trinity Health of New England/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., True Medical Weight Loss L.P., True Medical Wellness LP, True Results Georgia Inc., True Results HoldCo LLC, True Results Missouri LLC, Tucson Digestive Institute LLC, Tucson Hospital Holdings Inc., Tucson Physician Group Holdings LLC, Turlock Imaging Services LLC, Turlock Land Company LLC, Twin Cities Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Twin Cities Community Hospital Inc., UAP Lebanon Endo LLC, UAP Nashville Endoscopy LLC, UAP Scopes LLC, UAP of Arizona Inc., UAP of California Inc., UAP of Missouri Inc., UAP of New Jersey Inc., UAP of Oklahoma Inc., UAP of Tennessee Inc., UAP of Texas Inc., UCC Tucson Holdings LLC, UMC Surgery Center Lubbock LLC, UMC-USP Surgery Centers LLC, USC/Norris Cancer Hospital, USP 12th Ave Real Estate Inc., USP Acquisition Corporation, USP Alexandria Inc., USP Assurance Company, USP Athens Inc., USP Atlanta Inc., USP Austin Inc., USP Bariatric LLC, USP Beaumont Inc., USP Bergen Inc., USP Bloomington Inc., USP Bridgeton Inc., USP Cedar Park Inc., USP Chesterfield Inc., USP Chicago Inc., USP Cincinnati Inc., USP Coast Inc., USP Columbia Inc., USP Connecticut Inc., USP Corpus Christi Inc., USP Creve Coeur Inc., USP Denver Inc., USP Des Peres Inc., USP Destin Inc., USP Domestic Holdings Inc., USP Effingham Inc., USP Encinitas Endoscopy Inc., USP Fenton Inc., USP Festus Inc., USP Florissant Inc., USP Fort Lauderdale Inc., USP Fort Worth Hospital Real Estate Inc., USP Fredericksburg Inc., USP Fresno Inc., USP Frontenac Inc., USP Gateway Inc., USP HMH Surgery Center at Shore LLC, USP Harbour View Inc., USP Houston Inc., USP Indiana Inc., USP International Holdings Inc., USP Jacksonville Inc., USP Jersey City Inc., USP Kansas City Inc., USP Knoxville Inc., USP Little Rock Inc., USP Long Island Inc., USP Louisiana Inc., USP Lubbock Inc., USP Maryland Inc., USP Mason Ridge Inc., USP Mattis Inc., USP Michigan Inc., USP Midland Inc., USP Midland Real Estate Inc., USP Midwest Inc., USP Mission Hills Inc., USP Montana Inc., USP Morris Inc., USP Mt. Vernon Inc., USP Nevada Holdings LLC, USP Nevada Inc., USP New Hampshire Inc., USP New Jersey Inc., USP Newport News Inc., USP North Carolina Inc., USP North Kansas City Inc., USP North Texas Inc., USP Northwest Arkansas Inc., USP OKC Inc., USP OKC Manager Inc., USP Office Parkway Inc., USP Ohio RE Inc., USP Oklahoma Inc., USP Olive Inc., USP Orlando Inc., USP Philadelphia Inc., USP Phoenix Inc., USP Portland Inc., USP Reading Inc., USP Richmond II Inc., USP Richmond Inc., USP Sacramento Inc., USP San Antonio Inc., USP Santa Barbara Surgery Centers Inc., USP Securities Corporation , USP Silver Cross Inc., USP Siouxland Inc., USP Somerset Inc., USP South Carolina Inc., USP Southlake RE Inc., USP St. Louis Inc., USP St. Louis Urology Inc., USP St. Peters Inc., USP Sunset Hills Inc., USP TJ STL Inc., USP Tennessee Inc., USP Texas Air L.L.C., USP Texas L.P., USP Torrance Inc., USP Tucson Inc., USP Turnersville Inc., USP Virginia Beach Inc., USP Washington Inc., USP Waxahachie Management L.L.C., USP Webster Groves Inc., USP West Covina Inc., USP Westwood Inc., USP Winter Park Inc., USP Wisconsin Inc., USP-HMH Surgery Center at Central Jersey LLC, USP/Carondelet Tucson Surgery Centers LLC, USP/SOS Joint Venture LLC, USPI Group Holdings Inc., USPI Holding Company Inc.1, USPI Holdings Inc., USPI Physician Strategy Group LLC, USPI San Diego Inc., USPI Stockton Inc., USPI Surgical Services Inc., Underwood Surgery Center LLC, United Anesthesia Partners Inc., United Real Estate Development Inc., United Real Estate Holdings Inc., United Surgical Partners Holdings Inc., United Surgical Partners International, United Surgical Partners International Inc., Universal Medical Care Center L.L.C., University Surgery Center Ltd., Upper Bay Surgery Center LLC, Utica/USP Tulsa L.L.C., VB Brownsville LTACH LLC, VBOA ASC GP LLC, VBOA ASC Partners L.L.C., VHM Services Inc., VHS Acquisition Corporation, VHS Acquisition Partnership Number 1 L.P, VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 1 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 11 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 12 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 3 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 4 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 5 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 6 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 7 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 8 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 9 Inc., VHS Arizona Heart Institute Inc., VHS Brownsville Hospital Company LLC, VHS Chicago Market Procurement LLC, VHS Childrens Hospital of Michigan Inc., VHS Detroit Businesses Inc., VHS Detroit Receiving Hospital Inc., VHS Detroit Ventures Inc., VHS Harlingen Hospital Company LLC, VHS Harper-Hutzel Hospital Inc., VHS Holding Company Inc., VHS Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Inc., VHS Imaging Centers Inc., VHS New England Holding Company I Inc., VHS Outpatient Clinics Inc., VHS Phoenix Health Plan Inc., VHS Physicians of Michigan, VHS Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Inc., VHS San Antonio Imaging Partners L.P., VHS San Antonio Partners LLC, VHS Sinai-Grace Hospital Inc., VHS University Laboratories Inc., VHS Valley Health System LLC, VHS Valley Holdings LLC, VHS Valley Management Company Inc., VHS West Suburban Medical Center Inc., VHS Westlake Hospital Inc., VHS of Anaheim Inc., VHS of Arrowhead Inc., VHS of Huntington Beach Inc., VHS of Illinois Inc., VHS of Michigan Inc., VHS of Michigan Staffing Inc., VHS of Orange County Inc., VHS of Phoenix Inc., VHS of South Phoenix Inc., Valley Baptist Lab Services LLC, Valley Baptist Physician Performance Network, Valley Baptist Realty Company LLC, Valley Baptist Surgery Center LLC, Valley Baptist Surgery Center Real Estate LLC, Valley Baptist Wellness Center LLC, Valley Health Care Network, Vanguard Health Financial Company LLC, Vanguard Health Holding Company I LLC, Vanguard Health Holding Company II LLC, Vanguard Health Management Inc., Vanguard Health Systems, Vanguard Health Systems Inc., Vanguard Holding Company I Inc., Vanguard Holding Company II Inc., Vanguard Medical Specialists LLC, Vanguard Physician Services LLC, Ventana Surgical Center LLC, Veroscan Inc., Victoria Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., WHASA L.C., Walker Baptist Affinity LLC, Walker Street Imaging Care Inc., Warner Park Surgery Center LLC, Watermark Physician Services Inc., Webster Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Wellington Endo LLC, Wellstar/USP Joint Venture I LLC, Wellstar/USP Joint Venture II LLC, West Boca Health Services L.L.C., West Boca Medical Center Inc., West Bozeman Surgery Center LLC, West Palm Healthcare Real Estate Inc., West Suburban Radiation Therapy Center LLC, Westgate Surgery Center LLC, Westlake Hospital LLC, Westlawn Surgery Center LLC, Westminster Surgery Center LLC, Westminster Surgery Centers LLC, White Fence Surgical Suites LLC, Wilmington Endoscopy Center LLC, Wilshire Rental Corp., Windsor Mill Surgery Center LLC, Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center L.L.C., Wisconsin Specialty Surgery Center LLC, and Wymark Surgery Center LLC.

Read More
L3 Technologies, Inc. provides aircraft sustainment, simulation and training, night vision and image intensification equipment, and security and detection systems used on military, homeland security, and commercial platforms in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems; Communications and Networked Systems (C&NS); and Electronic Systems. The company offers engineering, modernization and sustainment, space avionics and imaging payload, counter unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) mission, cyber and electronic warfare, special mission command and control, modeling and simulation, and life cycle support services for ISR, airborne sensor, warrior sensor, space and sensor, aircraft, and intelligence and mission systems, as well as for military aviation services and advanced programs. It also provides network and communication systems, secure communications products, radio frequency components, satellite communication terminals and space, microwave and telemetry products, and secure data links in various business areas, such as broadband communication, naval power, space and power, and maritime sensor systems, as well as in advanced communications. In addition, the company offers components, products, subsystems, and systems, as well as related services to military and commercial customers in various business areas, including commercial aviation solutions, precision engagement systems, link training and simulation, and security and detection systems. It serves the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense and its prime contractors, the U.S. Government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, foreign governments, and commercial customers. The company was formerly known as L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to L3 Technologies, Inc. in December 2016. L3 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Thomson Reuters Corporation provides business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. The Corporates segment provides a suite of content-enabled technology solutions for legal, tax, regulatory, compliance, and IT professionals. The Tax & Accounting Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on tax offerings and automating tax workflows to tax, accounting, and audit professionals in accounting firms. The Reuters News segment provides business, financial, and international news to media organizations, professional, and news consumers through news agency and industry events. The Global Print segment offers legal and tax information primarily in print format to legal and tax professionals, governments, law schools, and corporations. The company was formerly known as The Thomson Corporation and changed its name to Thomson Reuters Corporation in April 2008. The company was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Thomson Reuters Corporation is a subsidiary of The Woodbridge Company Limited.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. The company offers general purpose servers for multi-workload computing and workload-optimized servers; HPE ProLiant rack and tower servers; HPE BladeSystem and HPE Synergy; and solutions for secondary workloads and traditional tape, storage networking, and disk products, such as HPE Modular Storage Arrays and HPE XP. It also offers HPE Apollo and Cray products; and HPE Superdome Flex, HPE Nonstop, HPE Integrity, and HPE Edgeline products. In addition, the company provides HPE Aruba product portfolio that includes wired and wireless local area network hardware products, such as Wi-Fi access points, switches, routers, and sensors; HPE Aruba software and services comprising cloud-based management, network management, network access control, analytics and assurance, and location; and professional and support services, as well as as-a-service and consumption models for the intelligent edge portfolio of products. Further, it offers various leasing, financing, IT consumption, and utility programs and asset management services for customers to facilitate technology deployment models and the acquisition of complete IT solutions, including hardware, software, and services from Hewlett Packard Enterprise and others. Additionally, the company invests in communications and media solutions. It has a partnership with Striim, Inc. to offer high performance and mission-critical solutions with real-time analytics. It serves commercial and large enterprise groups, such as business and public sector enterprises; and through various partners comprising resellers, distribution partners, original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendors, systems integrators, and advisory firms. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
China Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited.
Blackstone Inc. is an alternative asset management firm specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity and multi-asset class strategies. The firm typically invests in early-stage companies. It also provide capital markets services. The real estate segment specializes in opportunistic, core+ investments as well as debt investment opportunities collateralized by commercial real estate, and stabilized income-oriented commercial real estate across North America, Europe and Asia. The firm's corporate private equity business pursues transactions throughout the world across a variety of transaction types, including large buyouts,special situations, distressed mortgage loans, mid-cap buyouts, buy and build platforms, which involves multiple acquisitions behind a single management team and platform, and growth equity/development projects involving significant majority stakes in portfolio companies and minority investments in operating companies, shipping, real estate, corporate or consumer loans, and alternative energy greenfield development projects in energy and power, property, dislocated markets, shipping opportunities, financial institution breakups, re-insurance, and improving freight mobility, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, enterprise tech and consumer, as well as consumer technologies. The firm considers investment in Asia and Latin America. It has a three year investment period. Its hedge fund business manages a broad range of commingled and customized fund solutions and its credit business focuses on loans, and securities of non-investment grade companies spread across the capital structure including senior debt, subordinated debt, preferred stock and common equity. Blackstone Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices across Asia, Europe and North America.
The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface.

Read More
PNM Resources, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The segment generates electricity using coal, natural gas and oil, nuclear fuel, solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources. As of December 31, 2021, this segment had owned or leased facilities with a total net generation capacity of 2,168 megawatts; and owned 3,426 miles of electric transmission lines, 5,751 miles of distribution overhead lines, 5,765 miles of underground distribution lines, and 250 substations. The segment also owns and leases communication, office and other equipment, office space, vehicles, and real estate. The TNMP segment provides regulated transmission and distribution services. As of December 31, 2021, the segment owned 983 miles of overhead electric transmission lines, 7,297 miles of overhead distribution lines, 1,408 miles of underground distribution lines, and 113 substations. The segment also owns and leases vehicles, service facilities, and office locations throughout its service territory. The company serves approximately 806,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers and end-users of electricity in New Mexico and Texas. PNM Resources, Inc. was incorporated in 1882 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The following companies are subsidiares of Select Medical: ACC Capital, AbsoluteCVO, Actra Rehabilitation Associates, Advantage Rehabilitation Clinics, Alexandria Sports, Allevant Solutions, Ambulatory Care Solutions, Ambulatory Care Solutions of Arkansas LLC, Ambulatory Care Solutions of Ohio LLC, American Current Care, American Current Care of Arizona, American Current Care of Arkansas, American Current Care of California, American Current Care of Delaware, American Current Care of Hawaii, American Current Care of Illinois, American Current Care of Kansas, American Current Care of Massachusetts, American Current Care of Michigan, American Current Care of Missouri, American Current Care of Nebraska, American Current Care of New Jersey PA, American Current Care of North Carolina, American Current Care of Ohio, American Transitional Hospitals, Archer Rehabilitation, Argosy Health, BHSM ES, Benchmark Acquisition Corp., Benchmark Medical Management Company, Benchmark O&P Holdings, Benchmark Orthotics & Prosthetics, Blue Hen Physical Therapy, CM Occupational Health, CRI ES, California Rehab Institute Medical Group, California Rehabilitation Institute, Cape Prosthetics-Orthotics, Caritas Rehab Services, Carrollton Physical Therapy Clinic, Central Iowa Physio, Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospitals, Coastal Virginia ES, Concentra Akron, Concentra Arkansas, Concentra Group Holdings, Concentra Group Holdings Parent, Concentra Health Services, Concentra Holdings, Concentra Inc., Concentra Integrated Services, Concentra Laboratory, Concentra Occupational Health Research Institute, Concentra Occupational Healthcare Harrisburg, Concentra Operating Corporation, Concentra Primary Care, Concentra Primary Care of New Jersey PA, Concentra Primary Care of Ohio, Concentra Solutions, Concentra South Carolina, Concentra St. Louis, Concentra-UPMC, Concentramark, Connecticut Physical Therapy, Crowley Physical Therapy Clinic, DG Physical Therapy, Dignity Select Nevada, Douglas Avery & Associates, ES LTACH, Eagle Rehab Corporation, Eden Sports, Elizabethtown Physical Therapy, FC Select, FC Select II, Frederick Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Freedom Management Services, GH General, GH General-San Antonio, GP Therapy, GR General-Scottsdale, GRSH ES, Georgia Physical Therapy, GlobalRehab, GlobalRehab  Fort Worth, GlobalRehab  San Antonio, Great Lakes Specialty HospitalHackley, Great Lakes Specialty HospitalOak, Gulf Breeze Physical Therapy, Hand Therapy Associates, Hospital Holdings Corporation, Hudson Physical Therapy Services, Indiana Rehabilitation Services, Indianapolis Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Integrity Physical Therapy, Intensiva Healthcare Corporation, Intensiva Hospital of Greater St. Louis, Jeffersontown Physical Therapy, Johnson Physical Therapy, Joyner Sportsmedicine Institute, KORT Rehabilitation at Home, Kentucky Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Kentucky Rehabilitation Services, Kessler Hudson County Rehabilitation, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Kessler Orthotic & Prosthetic Services, Kessler Professional Services, Kessler Rehab Centers, Kessler Rehabilitation Corporation, Kessler Rehabilitation Services, Keystone Rehabilitation Associates of Warren, Keystone Rehabilitation Systems, Keystone Rehabilitation Systems of McMurray, LTACH @ Riverside, Leesburg Sports, LifeBridge Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, LifeSigns Management, Louisville Physical Therapy, Madison Rehabilitation Center, Matrix Healthcare Services, Matrix Rehabilitation, Matrix Rehabilitation-Delaware, Matrix Rehabilitation-Georgia, Matrix Rehabilitation-Ohio, Matrix Rehabilitation-South Carolina, Matrix Rehabilitation-Texas, Metro Rehabilitation Services, Morris Area Rehabilitation Association, National Healthcare Resources, North Dallas Physical Therapy Associates, Northstar Health Service, NovaCare Occupational Health Services, NovaCare Outpatient Rehabilitation, NovaCare Outpatient Rehabilitation East, NovaCare Rehabilitation of Ohio, OHC of Hawaii, OHR/Baystate, OHR/MMC, OHRH, OHRH ES, OMP Insurance Company, OSR Louisiana, OSR Property Ventures, Occspecialists Corp., Occupational Health + Rehabilitation LLC, Occupational Health Centers Of Kansas, Occupational Health Centers of Arkansas, Occupational Health Centers of California, Occupational Health Centers of Delaware, Occupational Health Centers of Georgia, Occupational Health Centers of Illinois, Occupational Health Centers of Louisiana, Occupational Health Centers of Michigan, Occupational Health Centers of Nebraska, Occupational Health Centers of New Jersey, Occupational Health Centers of New York, Occupational Health Centers of North Carolina, Occupational Health Centers of Ohio, Occupational Health Centers of The Southwest, OnSite OccMed, Orthopaedic Services of Paducah, PHS Physical Therapy, PR Acquisition Corporation, PSHR Physical Therapy, PTSMA, Pacific Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation, Philadelphia Occupational Health, Physio at Hammonds Centre, PhysioKids, PhysioLink Corporation, Physiotherapy Associates, Physiotherapy Associates Holdings, Physiotherapy Associates NRH Rehab, Physiotherapy Associates Union Rehab, Physiotherapy Corporation, Physiotherapy-BMHI Holdings, Physiotherapy-BMI, Pinnacle Health Select Rehabilitation, Pro Active Therapy, Pro Active Therapy of North Carolina, Pro Active Therapy of South Carolina, Pro Active Therapy of Virginia, Professional Rehab Associates, Professional Therapeutic Services, Professional Therapy Systems, Progressive Therapy, R.S. Network, RCI (Michigan), RCI (WRS), RPN of NC, RUSHWINC Properties, Rebound Oklahoma, Regency Hospital Company, Regency Hospital Company of Macon, Regency Hospital Company of Meridian, Regency Hospital Company of South Atlanta, Regency Hospital Company of South Carolina, Regency Hospital of Atlanta, Regency Hospital of Columbus, Regency Hospital of Fort Worth, Regency Hospital of Fort Worth Holdings, Regency Hospital of Greenville, Regency Hospital of Jackson, Regency Hospital of Kansas City, Regency Hospital of Minneapolis, Regency Hospital of North Central Ohio, Regency Hospital of North Dallas Holdings, Regency Hospital of North Dallas II, Regency Hospital of Northwest Arkansas, Regency Hospital of Northwest Indiana, Regency Hospital of Portland, Regency Hospital of Rhode Island, Regency Hospital of Rockford, Regency Hospital of Southern Mississippi, Regency Hospital of Toledo, Regency Hospitals, Regency Management Company, Rehab Associates, Rehab Associates of Jackson Hospital, Rehab Colorado, Rehab Missouri, Rehab Provider Network of Colorado, Rehab Provider Network of New Mexico, Rehab Provider Network of North Carolina, Rehab Provider Network of South Carolina, Rehab Provider Network of Texas, Rehab Provider Network of Virginia, Rehab Provider NetworkEast I, Rehab Provider NetworkEast II, Rehab Provider NetworkIndiana, Rehab Provider NetworkMichigan, Rehab Provider NetworkNew Jersey, Rehab Provider NetworkOhio, Rehab Provider NetworkPennsylvania, Rehab Xcel, RehabClinics, RehabClinics (PTA), RehabClinics (SPT), Rehabilitation Center of Washington, Rehabilitation Consultants, Rehabilitation Hospital of Vancouver, Rehabilitation Institute of Denton, Rehabilitation Institute of North Texas, S.T.A.R.T., SLMC Finance Corporation, SMR Banyan Tree, SSM Select Rehab St. Louis, Saco Bay Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, Select Air II, Select Employment Services, Select Hospital Investors, Select LifeCare Western Michigan, Select Medical International (US), Select Medical International Limited, Select Medical Property Ventures, Select Medical Rehabilitation Clinics, Select Medical of Kentucky, Select Medical of Maryland, Select Medical of New York, Select NovaCareKOP, Select NovaCarePBG, Select NovaCarePIT, Select Physical Therapy Holdings, Select Physical Therapy Network Services, Select Physical Therapy Orthopedic Services, Select Physical Therapy Texas Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of Albuquerque, Select Physical Therapy of Chicago, Select Physical Therapy of Colorado Springs Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of Connecticut Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of Denver, Select Physical Therapy of Illinois Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of Kendall, Select Physical Therapy of Las Vegas Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of Lorain Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of Louisville, Select Physical Therapy of Ohio Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of Portola Valley Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of Scottsdale Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of St. Louis Limited Partnership, Select Physical Therapy of West Denver Limited Partnership, Select Provider Networks, Select Rehabilitation HospitalHershey, Select Software Ventures, Select Specialty Hospitals, Select Specialty HospitalAkron, Select Specialty HospitalAnn Arbor, Select Specialty HospitalArizona, Select Specialty HospitalAugusta, Select Specialty HospitalBeech Grove, Select Specialty HospitalBelhaven, Select Specialty HospitalBroward, Select Specialty HospitalCentral Pennsylvania, Select Specialty HospitalCharleston, Select Specialty HospitalCincinnati, Select Specialty HospitalCleveland, Select Specialty HospitalColorado Springs, Select Specialty HospitalColumbus, Select Specialty HospitalDallas, Select Specialty HospitalDanville, Select Specialty HospitalDaytona Beach, Select Specialty HospitalDenver, Select Specialty HospitalDes Moines, Select Specialty HospitalDurham, Select Specialty HospitalErie, Select Specialty HospitalEvansville, Select Specialty HospitalFlint, Select Specialty HospitalFort Smith, Select Specialty HospitalFort Wayne, Select Specialty HospitalGainesville, Select Specialty HospitalGreensboro, Select Specialty HospitalGrosse Pointe, Select Specialty HospitalGulf Coast, Select Specialty HospitalHouston, Select Specialty HospitalJackson, Select Specialty HospitalJohnstown, Select Specialty HospitalKalamazoo, Select Specialty HospitalKansas City, Select Specialty HospitalKnoxville, Select Specialty HospitalLaurel Highlands, Select Specialty HospitalLexington, Select Specialty HospitalLincoln, Select Specialty HospitalLittle Rock, Select Specialty HospitalLongview, Select Specialty HospitalMacomb County, Select Specialty HospitalMadison, Select Specialty HospitalMcKeesport, Select Specialty HospitalMemphis, Select Specialty HospitalMilwaukee, Select Specialty HospitalNashville, Select Specialty HospitalNorth Atlanta, Select Specialty HospitalNorth Knoxville, Select Specialty HospitalNortheast New Jersey, Select Specialty HospitalNortheast Ohio, Select Specialty HospitalNorthern Indiana, Select Specialty HospitalNorthern Kentucky, Select Specialty HospitalNorthwest Detroit, Select Specialty HospitalOklahoma City, Select Specialty HospitalOmaha, Select Specialty HospitalOrlando, Select Specialty HospitalOshkosh, Select Specialty HospitalPalm Beach, Select Specialty HospitalPanama City, Select Specialty HospitalPensacola, Select Specialty HospitalPhoenix, Select Specialty HospitalPittsburgh/UPMC, Select Specialty HospitalQuad Cities, Select Specialty HospitalSaginaw, Select Specialty HospitalSan Antonio, Select Specialty HospitalSavannah, Select Specialty HospitalSioux Falls, Select Specialty HospitalSouth Dallas, Select Specialty HospitalSpringfield, Select Specialty HospitalTallahassee, Select Specialty HospitalTopeka, Select Specialty HospitalTriCities, Select Specialty HospitalTulsa, Select Specialty HospitalTulsa/Midtown, Select Specialty HospitalWestern Michigan, Select Specialty HospitalWichita, Select Specialty HospitalWilmington, Select Specialty HospitalWinston-Salem, Select Specialty HospitalYoungstown, Select Specialty HospitalZanesville, Select SpecialtyDownriver, Select Subsidiaries, Select Synergos, Select Transport, Select Unit Management, SelectMark, SemperCare, Special Care Hospital, Sports Orthopedic Rehabilitation Services, St. Marys Medical Park Pharmacy, Susquehanna Physical Therapy Associates, Swanson Orthotic and Prosthetic Center, TJ Corporation I, The Parks Physical Therapy and Work Hardening Center, The Rehab Center, The Rehab Group, The Rehab Group-Murfreesboro, TheraWorks, Theraphysics Partners of Colorado, Theraphysics Partners of Texas, Therapy Associates of Martinsville, Therapy Centers of South Carolina, Therapy Centers of The Southwest I, TriHealth Rehabilitation, Trumbull P.T. Corp., U.S. HealthWorks, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Alaska, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Arizona, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Florida, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Georgia, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Illinois, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Indiana, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Kansas City, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Kentucky, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Maine, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Minnesota, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of New Jersey, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of North Carolina, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Ohio, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Pennsylvania, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Tennessee, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Texas, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Washington, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group of Wisconsin, U.S. HealthWorks Provider Network of Colorado, U.S. HealthWorks of Colorado, U.S. HealthWorks of Illinois, U.S. HealthWorks of Indiana, U.S. HealthWorks of Kansas City, U.S. HealthWorks of Minnesota, U.S. HealthWorks of New Jersey, U.S. HealthWorks of North Carolina, U.S. HealthWorks of Pennsylvania, U.S. HealthWorks of Tennessee, U.S. HealthWorks of Washington, U.S. HealthWorks of Wisconsin, U.S. Medgroup, U.S. Medgroup Of Kansas, U.S. Medgroup of Arkansas, U.S. Medgroup of Delaware, U.S. Medgroup of Illinois, U.S. Medgroup of Massachusetts, U.S. Medgroup of Michigan, U.S. Medgroup of New Jersey, U.S. Medgroup of North Carolina, U.S. Medgroup of Ohio, U.S. Regional Occupational Health II, U.S. Regional Occupational Health II of NJ, USHW of California, USHW of Texas, Valor Healthcare, Victoria Healthcare, WWLTACH, West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital, and Wisconsin Prosthetics & Orthotics.

Read More




China News on Women





Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page
Thierry Neuville was fastest out of the blocks on Sunday morning at YPF Rally Argentina to close the gap on leader Elfyn Evans.

Stage info: SS16 El Condor - Copina, 16.32km

One of the most famous roads in the WRC. Located in the Traslasierra mountains, it boasts stunning views in good weather, but fog and rain transform it into hell. At the start it winds around massive rocks, on which huge crowds perch roadside, before descending on a rough, rock-strewn road across famous iron bridges which hang from canyons. It is smoother near the end and drops 746 metres from start to finish.

The Belgian was faster through the famous El Condor speed test by 2.5sec in his Hyundai i20 to reduce the deficit to 9.0sec as Evans grappled with brake problems in his Ford Fiesta.

It was quite slippery and I tried to be smooth and clean, said Neuville. It wasnt a big, big push but it was a good stage. I didnt make any mistakes and all went well for me.

Evans was clearly concerned at the finish. I had no brakes for half the stage. At the beginning it was going right to the floor and halfway through it came back, like some kind of miracle. I dont know whats going on, he said.

Fastest time went to Ott Tanak, whose Fiesta stopped the clocks 1.3sec quicker than Neuville. The Estonian remained third overall, 14.0sec behind Neuville.

Craig Breen, returning after a day on the sidelines yesterday, Sebastien Ogier and road opener Dani Sordo completed the top six times.

El Condor was where Hayden Paddon secured his maiden victory 12 months ago, but the situation could not be more different for the sixth-placed Kiwi this time. The car is not working like last year on this road. Its worlds apart. I cant drive it straight or keep it in the middle of the road, he said.

Huge crowds perched high above the road to gain the best vantage point at the start of the stage, generating a crackling atmosphere as drivers threaded their way through the massive roadside rocks. Its unbelievable in there, said Sordo.

Head to WRC+ to see the latest onboard and video reports from YPF Rally Argentina.

VIDEO

More News
Petition to Retain Army Battalion Headquarters in Wrexham Handed in by MP Ian Lucas

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 30th, 2017

A petition calling for a local Army Battalion headquarters to be retained in Wrexham has been handed in.

The petition was launched earlier this year by Wrexham MP Ian Lucas after it was confirmed that the 101 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer (REME) unit based at Hightown Barracks was to merge with the 105 Battalion in Bristol.

The 101 Battalion REME unit in Wrexham is one of five based across the country, with 300 reservists based across Liverpool, West Bromwich, Liverpool and Prestatyn.

The merger features as part of the Army 2020 Refine restructure, with an Army spokesperson stating in January 2017: The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) is being reorganised nationally to provide a smaller number of more technical specialists to support the war fighting division.

101 Battalion REME will effectively merge with 105 Battalion and, as a result, the small battalion headquarters at Hightown will close and its responsibility will transfer to Bristol.

All personnel affected will be assisted to transfer to the Royal Welsh Regiment who share the reserve centre or other units locally.

The Hightown Barracks Army Reserve Centre is also home to a Platoon from 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh (31 Reservists including one officer), a detachment from Wales University Officer Training Corps (two senior non-commissioned officers and 25 officer cadets) and a detachment of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force (four adults and 50 cadets).

In February 2017 Minister for Defence Veterans, Reserves and Personnel Mark Lancaster, told Mr Lucas: There are currently no plans to close this centre and the Department has consequently had no contact with developers about its future.

Last week the petition containing just under 800 signatures from Wrexham residents alone was handed in by Mr Lucas. He said: Hundreds of people signed this petition  from places as far afield as Australia.

In Wrexham alone, just under 800 of my constituents wanted to make their voice heard, with hundreds of other signatures from elsewhere across the country. Susan Elan Jones joined me in presenting a petition from Clwyd South.

Id like to thank Brian Cameron and Graham Rogers for their sterling work gathering signatures  and, of course, every single person who signed the petition. They have recognised what the Government has not  that Wrexham is a town with a proud military tradition.

Battalions like 101 REME and their link to our Barracks are part of the fabric of Wrexham, yet the Conservative Government wants to sever the link between them and move the Battalion down south.

Hundreds of Wrexham people believe that that proposal is wrong, and Ive made their views clear to the Government.

Picture  Google Maps
Welsh Ambulance Service Colleagues Lost in Line of Duty Honoured on International Workers Memorial Day

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 30th, 2017

The Welsh Ambulance Service has paid a moving tribute to two of its colleagues lost in the line of duty.

Services for John Clift, of the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service based in Pwllheli, and Phil Williams, an Emergency Medical Technician based in Welshpool, were held on Friday 28th April to coincide with Workers Memorial Day, an international day of remembrance for those who have lost their lives at work.

John, who was 54, died following a road traffic collision involving two ambulances on the A499 in Pwllheli one year ago today, while Phil, who was 58, died suddenly while on duty in February of last year.

Family, friends and co-workers of the pair gathered last week to dedicate ambulance vehicles in their honour.

Richard Lee, the Trusts Director of Operations, said: Between them, John and Phil helped hundreds if not thousands of people, many of whom would not be walking around Wales today if it wasnt for their skill and commitment.

Dedicating a vehicle in their honour will not bring our friends back, but it will hopefully act as a symbol of just how highly regarded they were and how much we cherish their memory.

We might be one year on, but the shock and sorrow around John and Phils death is still very much felt today.

We miss our colleagues dearly, and our thoughts remain with John and Phils family at this difficult time.

Father-of-two John had worked as a firefighter in Pwllheli for 26 years before he joined the Welsh Ambulance Services Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service, a role he held for 12 years.

Following his death, his colleagues commissioned a bench in his memory, which also had its grand unveiling on Friday.

The bench was paid for by funds raised by Johns colleagues supported by donations from UNISON and Unite the Union, and built by a client who attends Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Workshops at Llanfairfechans Bryn y Neuadd Hospital.

Unites Branch Secretary Bleddyn Roberts, a Paramedic based in Pwllheli, said: A year ago, our ambulance service was in great shock, as were Johns family and friends and all those in the community who knew him.

The bench and vehicle dedicated to John will help us all remember him and remember the work he did and the manner in which he did it.

Id like to take this opportunity to thank those who made todays get together possible, especially our Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service staff whose idea and efforts brought us the bench to commemorate John.

Phil Williams had worked for the ambulance service for more than 30 years and lived in Llanfechain with his partner.

He died suddenly while out on duty on February 23, 2016.

David Watkins, the Trusts Locality Manager for North Powys, said: Phil is sorely missed by all of his colleagues in Welshpool and beyond.

He was a true petrol head who loved motorbikes, cars and campervans, so we think hed be both proud and amused in equal amounts that wed named a vehicle in his honour.

Among those who attended todays ceremonies were Johns partner Hilary and son Matthew, and Phils mother Daisy and partner Meinir.
Wrexham Girl Shares Her Experience Ahead of World Asthma Day

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 30th, 2017

An 11-year-old girl from Wrexham has spoken of her experience of living with asthma after recently being admitted to hospital after forgetting to regularly take her medication.

Lydia Horner was admitted to the childrens ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital for three days in April after suffering a significant worsening of her asthma.

After spending three days recovering on the ward, Lydia spent some time with the asthma nurse learning more about how to manage her medicines. Two weeks on she is smiling and healthy.

Now ahead of World Asthma Day on Tuesday 2nd May, Lydia wants to share her experiences of living with the condition.

Before I went to hospital I kept forgetting to use my asthma spacer and sometimes I forgot to take my regular inhaler and then I got ill and had to go to hospital, said Lydia.

It was the first time Id stayed in hospital for a long time. The asthma nurse said that its ok that this happened but I need to learn from it and take my medicine properly. I know how important it is now to take my medicines regularly so I dont get ill again.

My spacer gets the medicine into my lungs better. When I use my inhaler normally it takes a few minutes to feel better but when I use my spacer on my inhaler I feel better faster.

To help control her asthma, Lydia was given an asthma plan, which tells her what to do everyday and also what to do if things get worse with her asthma.

Lydia said: Having an asthma plan has helped me a lot. My plan helps remind me what to do and in school I can give it to my teachers so they can help me too.

My asthma calendar asks me questions so I can keep track of how Im feeling. Me and my mum have been working it out together. I get a sticker at the end of each week if its gone well and Ive remembered to take my medicines and get a reward.

The most important thing for me has been remembering to do everything, I can get distracted sometimes but now before I go out to play I take my inhaler in case I need it and remember to keep it with me. I have to remember to take my spacer too.

Specialist asthma and allergies nurse, Lisa Owen at Wrexham Maelor Hospital spoke about the need to give children responsibility for their asthma in small steps.

She said: The three main important things in managing asthma is to be able to notice your triggers, having correct inhaler technique and making sure they are actually taking their medicines regularly and as directed.

It is difficult for children as they dont realise when theyre well that they need to keep taking their medicines to keep them well but it can be low on their priorities.

Sometimes theyll tell their parents that theyve taken it and they havent. They think theyll be fine and then weeks later it drops off again and they become ill. It is a disruption to their lives and they dont want to feel different but actually the better they are at taking their medicines the less disruption theyll have.

Asthma can be easily managed if all the family work together. Things like setting mobile phone alarms to remind them to take their medicines helps and using sticker books for the younger kids. Its also crucial to make sure parents fill in the repeat prescriptions.:

She added: You have to give children responsibility in small steps and always follow the asthma management plan that they have because they wont cope alone.

Speak to your practice nurse or GP if your child doesnt have an asthma plan or go to asthma UK and have a look there for advice and support, they have lots of great materials.

If we get treatment right then it should be fine. Its much better if the child has not been hospitalised but if things do escalate we remain calm and we can learn from it.
MIAMI (AP) - Politicians on both sides of the aisle are reacting to the news that longtime Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida is retiring.

Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that Florida will miss Ros-Lehtinen, who was the first Cuban-American elected to Congress. Rubio was an intern in her office 26 years ago.

Republican Gov. Rick Scott also tweeted that the congresswoman has fought hard for Florida families throughout her service in D.C.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee used the retirement to criticize the congresswoman's party, saying "it's been clear for years that the Republican Party was out of step with the values of Miami families."

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida is explaining her decision to retirement in a long piece in The Miami Herald.

The piece was posted to the paper's website Sunday afternoon. In it, the first Cuban-American elected to Congress called it a personal decision.

She said she's confident that she would be re-elected if she chose to run again but she wants to spend time with her grandchildren and working on public issues in new ways.

She says she will retire at the end of her term next year, saying it's time to move on after 38 years in office.
You are the owner of this article.
Someone carried out a targeted assassination of three Syrians in the Golan Heights this week. Syria said they were soldiers who were killed in an Israel Air Force strike in the Quneitra area. The Arab media said they were members of Syrian militias operating in the area. Israel declined comment.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



A day earlier, Israel attacked Syrian targets in response to the apparent spillover of mortar shells from Syria into its territoryand claimed responsibility for the strike. The assassination of the three Syrians, which some are attributing to Israel, is likely unrelated to the spillover incidents but rather to a different war.

For several years now, there have been reports about secret Israeli fighting in Syria in a bid to curb Iran and Hezbollahs strategic effort to expand the northern front. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is not hiding it. In one of his speeches, he explicitly spoke about a front against Israel from Rosh Hanikra to al-Hamah in the southern Golan Heights.

Attack on pro-Assad militia base, earlier this week. Likely unrelated to the spillover incidents but rather to a different war

Iranian general Ali Allah Dadi, who was responsible for the Iranian infiltration of the Golan Heights, was assassinated in the northern Golan in January 2015. This assassination, which was attributed to Israel, brought to light the Iranian effort and the Israeli attempts to thwart it.

The Iranian infiltration included not only building a military force that would operate from the border, but also moves to eliminate what Iran perceived as ties between Israel and the rebel militias in the Golan Heights. The Iranians created special Hezbollah forces to lead the Iranian outpost in the Golan. The commander of this force, Jihad Mughniyeh, was assassinated in January 2015. The Iranians tried to enlist the Golans Druze as well as allies who would fight Israel. The person at the heart of this, Samir Kuntar, was assassinated in December 2015. These two assassinations made headlines because they involved celebrities in the world of terror, but other terrorists who were linked in one way or another to the Iranian attempts to build outposts in the Golan were killed as well.

After the assassination of the Iranian general, there was an apparent drop in the Iranian effort to infiltrate the Golan, especially as the Assad regime was on the verge of collapsing in 2015.

Over the past year, the Assad regime has stabilized. After occupying Aleppo, Assad began acting as if his war of survival was behind him, and as if he were about to regain sovereignty over all of Syria. The feeling that the Assad regime is stabilizing is allowing the Iranians to reinvest their efforts in implementing the strategy of choking Israel from all directions. At the moment, they are focusing their efforts in the Golan Heights, where members of the Revolutionary Guards and dozens of Hezbollah men are fighting alongside the Syrian forces against the Islamic State. The central and northern Golan Heights, however, are part of the plan too.

In early March, a spokesman for al-Nujabaa Shiite-Iraqi pro-Iranian militia, which has been operating in Syria for four yearsannounced the formation of the Golan Liberation Brigades, a force trained by Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Revolutionary Guards in Iran. According to one report, the three Syrians who were assassinated last week belonged to this army. If this is the trend, the clashes between Israel and Iranian and pro-Iranian forces in the Golan Heights will expand.

In the Obama era, Israel was excluded from anything that had to do with US-Iran relations. In the Trump era, Israel is back to being an ally in the battle against Tehran. While the current administration has no intention of opening the nuclear agreements, it is working to settle a new score with the Iranians involving two issues Israel is concerned about, which the Obama administration swept under the rug: The expansion of Iranian terrorism in the Middle East and the UN resolutions regarding the development of long-range ballistic missiles.

These were likely the issues addressed by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman in his recent visit to the United States, and they were also at the focus of US Secretary of Defense James Mattis recent visit to Israel. Mattis heard similar things in his meetings with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Turkey. The Iranian takeover of Syria, as well as of Lebanon and Gaza, is no longer just Israels problem. There is, therefore, a feeling in Jerusalem that if and when Israel is compelled to forcibly uproot the Iranian crawl into the Golan Heights, it will receive strong backing from America.

(Translated and edited by Sandy Livak-Furmanski)
In preparation for the 69th Independence Day, Nefesh B'Nefesh has produced a moving video that seeks to convey the feeling of the Israeli home to Diaspora Jewry and is screened to Ynet readers for the first time.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Home is where the heart is (  : Soda Creative Video)

X

Nefesh B'Nefesh is an organization that is dedicated to encouraging aliyah from North America and England, and is celebrating its 15th year.

(Photo: Courtesy of Nefesh B'Nefesh)

"For thousands of years, the people of Israel dreamed of a home for the Jewish people, but it was a dream," said the creators of the video, which was produced in cooperation with the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, the Jewish Agency and the Jewish National Fund.

"In our generation, we have achieved that Zionist dream and live in the State of Israel, in the home of the Jewish people."

(Translated and edited by N. Elias)
Explosions were heard at a base housing the 90th brigade of the Syrian Army in southern Quneitra Saturday evening, Sky News Arabia reported.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Initially, the explosions were attributed to an Israeli attack and local media reported seeing Israel Air Force (IAF) planes circling the area.

However, Syrian military sources subsequently denied the reports on the Al-Miyadin network, which is affiliated with Hezbollah.

Fires at the site of the explosions

Reports of new IAF strikes come on the heels of an attack allegedly carried out by Israel last week on an Iranian arms depot near the Damascus International Airport.

Regular supplies of weapons from Tehran are sent by commercial and military cargo planes through the arms supply hub, which is operated by Hezbollah, Reuters cited a regional intelligence source as saying.

Explosions at Damascus International Airport

X

The source said the arms depot gets a major part of the weapons supplied to an array of Iranian backed militias, led by Hezbollah, which have thousands of fighters engaged in some of the toughest fronts against Syrian rebels.

Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz said such a strike would be in line with Israeli policy, but stopped short of taking responsibility for it.

Katz wouldn't comment directly on the strike Thursday morning but said "it absolutely matches our declared policy, a policy that we also implement."

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
The Jerusalem Police arrested 17 suspects overnight Saturday in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Isawiya.

The 17 are suspected of involvement in rioting over the past week, including throwing stones and dozens of Molotov cocktails at police forces.

Eight rioters were arrested during the clashes as well.
WASHINGTON - The White House press corps gathered on Saturday for its annual black-tie dinner, a toned-down affair this year after Donald Trump snubbed the event, becoming the first incumbent US president to bow out in 36 years.

Without Trump, who scheduled a rally instead to mark his 100th day in office, the usually celebrity-filled soiree hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association took a more sober turn, even as it pulled in top journalists and Washington insiders.

Most of Trump's administration also skipped the event in solidarity with the president, who has repeatedly accused the press of mistreatment. The president used his campaign-style gathering to again lambaste the media.

"I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away," he told a crowd in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, calling out The New York Times, CNN and MSNBC by name.

In Washington, WHCA President Jeff Mason defended press freedom even as he acknowledged this year's dinner had a different feel, saying attempts to undermine the media was dangerous for democracy.

"We are not fake news, we are not failing news organizations and we are not the enemy of the American people," said Mason, a Reuters correspondent.
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel is in hot water once more, this time for comments claiming that the German Social Democrats were the first victims of the Holocaust alongside the Jews.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



In an article published in the Frankfurter-Rundschau, Gabriel wrote that the Social Democrats and the Jews were the first victims of the Holocaustthe first in the name of politics and the second in the name of race.

Nazi hunter and head of the Israel branch of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Dr. Efraim Zuroff, said in response that anyone with knowledge of the Final Solution is aware that the fate of European Jews under the Nazis was different than any other victim.

German FM Sigmar Gabriel (Photo: AFP)

"Gabriel's claim is a negative exploitation of the memory of the Holocaust," said Zuroff.

The Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem also issued a condemnation of Gabriel's claim, saying, "It is very unfortunate that an unnecessary and historically incorrect statement found its way into the the political storm" surrounding Gabriel's cancelled meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

German historians also seized upon Gabriel's claim, saying that it is evidence of ignorance and that the minister does not understand what the Holocaust means for Jews.

Gabriel lays a wreath at Yad Vashem for Holocaust Remembrance Day (Photo: AFP)

"Social Democrats were political rivals and, as in any dictatorship, were not wanted and imprisoned, but were never systematically gassed. Six million Jews, including a million children, were murdered. Equating Jewish victims who were murdered for being born Jewish and Social Democrats who were political rivals is unacceptable. It is a symptom of a lack of historical and social knowledge that should disqualify a person from being a cabinet minister," said Dr. Elvira Gruzinger.

As a result of the ensuing rage, Gabriel edited his original article, changing his sentence to "The Social Democrats, like the Jews, were the first victims of the Nazis."

A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry said that Foreign Minister Gabriel is a close friend of Israel and has always accepted Germany's responsibility for the Holocaust and for Israel's security. "There can be no doubt about this, and the foreign minister made this statement again during his visit to Yad Vashem," read the statement.

Photo: AFP

In an interview with the German newspaper Bild, Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the Gabriel's meeting with representatives of left-wing NGOs Breaking the Silence B'Tselem, saying that Gabriel acted out of an incorrect instinct. "He meets with organizations that call our soldiers war criminals on the days when we remember the victims of the Holocaust and the soldiers who fell," Netanyahu said.

However, in an effort to repair damage from the fallout, Netanyahu said, "The relationship between Israel and Germany and with Chancellor Angela Merkel is very strong. Merkel is a true friend of Israel."

Reflecting a similar view, after a meeting with Minister Ayoub Kara in Berlin, German diplomat Sabine Sparwasser said, "The Breaking the Silence and B'Tselem episode is already completely behind us. Our good relations with the State of Israel will continue and be nurtured."

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
Events marking Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism began on Sunday morning with the inauguration of a new memorial hall in Jerusalem.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Ministry Avigdor Lieberman, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and other heads of the defense establishment.

"The secret to Israeli remembrance is continuity," Rivlin said during the dedication ceremony. "It's a memory that goes from the past to the present and the future. The Jewish and Israeli memory stitches together and connects the past, present and future, and gives us strength as individuals, as a state and as a people."

Rivlin at the dedication ceremony

The president went on to say that "in this Memorial Hall we promise to treasure the past, but with the same determination and persistence, love and hope, we also promise to treasure and create a future."

The hall, he said, "combines the individual's memory with that of the nation ... there is no other country that succeeded in connecting and weaving in such an accurate and careful manner the personal private grief and the national one."

As Israel prepares to mark 50 years since the Six Day War, Rivlin promised parents that the nation will remember the fallen of that war even after their parents have passed away. "We promise that the memory of our beloved and heroic sons and daughters will be treasured in our hearts, in the hearts of the nation, from one generation to the next."

Prime Minister Netanyahu said the National Memorial Hall "today becomes one of the symbols of the State of Israel. This structure has been established on dedication to the people and the land. Its walls are made of the might of the land, its dome made of bravery and sacrifice. And among all of these, there is concrete to connects the memories."

Netanyahu at the dedication ceremony

"The memory of past events is being carried in the backpack of all of our people. We each carry the many generations that came before us, and marching forward with them," he added.

"We've waited almost 2,000 years for the renewed appearance of the Hebrew fighter," Netanyahu said. "The torch was lit in Modi'in ... and this torch wasn't put out in the Warsaw Ghetto or the extermination camps. It was passed on to the Jewish underground organizations and to the Jewish Brigade Group, and then to IDF soldiers and to all security services."

Rivlin and Netanyahu at the dedication ceremony

The prime minister said the Jews in the Land of Israel, followed by the State of Israel, have "resumed Jewish heroism that appeared to have been cut off throughout the generations. We renewed the legacy of fiercely defending the home and the homeland."

Netanyahu also noted that "just as we remember the soldiers who fell in Israel's wars, they remind us who we are, what is our purpose and of our love of the homeland."

Netanyahu speaking at the National Memorial Hall (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Netanyahu's speech was interrupted by a bereaved father in the audience, who called out "even on this holy day I can't forgive the tears of Leah Goldin. Her tears demand immediate response and for you to ask her forgiveness." He then sat back down, allowing the prime minister to continue.

A bereaved father interrupting the prime minister's speech (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Defense Minister Lieberman said the National Memorial Hall marks the fact that "We do not have a Tomb for the Unknown Soldier, as we believe that unto every name there is a name given to him by God and by his father and mother."

"From the day we returned here, to our old and new homeland, to rebuild our home, we've known not a single day of rest," Lieberman continued. "We've been fighting one long war against those who rise against us and try over and over again to annihilate the Zionist entity, which is holding on and digging its roots into this land."





The National Memorial Hall (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

"Every generation we pray our sons and daughters will know no more war, and every generation we are forced to accompany the best of our young sons and daughters on their final journey," he lamented.

The defense minister spoke of grief and pain, noting that "it reminds us of the magnitude of our responsibility to guard and protect the State of Israel."

Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh and IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

"Now, as they do every day, the IDF's soldiers and the rest of the security forces are working in the air, land and sea to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel. They do so with determination and courage along our borders. They're ready to thwart every threat and get to anyone who plots to harm us," Lieberman said.

The National Memorial Hall (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

"The IDF is the strongest military in the Middle East... Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and part of the family of nations, but unfortunately it does not get support from the international community at the moment of truth. This has happened in the past and continues to happen," the defense minister accused, listing Hezbollah and Hamas's actions.

"That is why Israel still needs to know how to defend itself by itself from all of the threatsseparately or together. I still hope that we will see a change in the one-sided treatment the international community gives Israel, particularly in light of recent terror attacks in Europe and the world."

Memorial Day events

Since the beginning of the Jewish Yishuv in the Land of Israel in 1860, 23,544 soldiers have died . Over the past year, 97 have joined the ranks of Israel's fallen, among them 60 soldiers and 37 wounded IDF veterans who have passed away as a result of their injuries and have been recognized as IDF fallen.

In a letter to IDF soldiers and commanders, IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot wrote that "In their death, the fallen have left us with a legacy and a willto be the defenders of the people and to hold the sword for its freedom in its land."

Photo: AP

Eisenkot noted that, "With the legacy of the fallen, we are charged to preserve the values they have adopted in their livescourage and mental fortitude, responsibility and dedication, a sense of mission and belief in the righteousness of the way. The values that beat in the hearts of the fallen are the secret to the strength of the Israel Defense Force to this very day. The IDF spirit is the common language shared by those who serve."

He called on the IDF's soldiers to lend a hand to the bereaved families of the fallen. "In their death, the fallen have charged us with one more thing: to stand by their families and accompany them on the journey of life after loss, a journey that began on the day the light of their life was put out. We must continue to support them throughout the year to ease their pain as much as possible," he wrote.

"Today, we will also remember the IDF's missing soldiers and the fallen soldiers whose place of burial is unknown, and we will pray that our children return to their own land."

The IDF announced on Saturday that a closure will be imposed on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will be closed during Memorial Day and Independence Day, with all border crossings shuttered. The closure will end at midnight on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. During the closure, only humanitarian, medical and exceptional cases will be allowed through.

At 4pm Sunday, the official opening ceremony for Memorial Day will be held at Yad Lebanim in Jerusalem, with the prime minister, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, and Israel's Chief Rabbis Yitzhak Yosef and David Lau in attendance.

At 8pm, a one-minute siren will be sounded across the country in memory of the fallen. It will be followed by the main ceremony at the Western Wall Plaza, during which the president and the IDF chief will light candles in memory of the fallen.

At 9:15pm, the "Songs in Their Memory" event will be held at the Knesset in Jerusalem, with the president, the prime minister, the Knesset speaker, the defense minister, Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh and Deputy IDF Chief Yair Golan in attendance.

On Monday, Memorial Day, a two-minute siren will be sounded at 11am in memory of the fallen. It will be followed by a state memorial service at the Mount Herzl cemetery, with the president, the prime minister and the IDF chief of staff in attendance. At the same time, a state memorial service will also be held at the Kiryat Shaul cemetery in Tel Aviv, which will be attended by the defense minister.

A memorial service for terror victims will be held on Mount Herzl at 1pm.

The Memorial Day events will end at 8pm in a torch-light ceremony on Mount Herzl that would also mark the beginning of Independence Day celebrations.
In March 2015, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defied the White House and addressed the US Congress . The speech was preceded by a heated public debate, both in Israel and in the United States, with most commentators opposing the speech. Netanyahu wanted to influence Congress to oppose the nuclear agreement that was taking shape with Iran. He offered legitimate arguments. The unnecessary provocation against the White House, however, was foolish. There are things that should not be done in relations between countries. The congressional address was wonderful, but it was also useless. It did more harm than good.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Lets continue. Only several weeks ago, high-ranking Turkish politicians sought to meet with members of the Turkish community in Germany and the Netherlands. Those two countries made it clear that they found the political meddling unacceptable. The Turks were furious. How could they be forbidden to hold meetings as they please? Where is democracy? Most commentators in Israel, as well as in Europe, supported the German stance enthusiastically, and rightfully so. There are things that must not be done. Politicians from a foreign country dont come to the host country to stir the political pot.

Nevertheless, when it comes to German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriels meeting with representatives of radical left-wing groups in Israel, most commentators suddenly take an opposite stand. Most of those who opposed Netanyahus Congress speech, and applauded the Germans for standing up to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, are taking a stand like robots in favor of the German foreign minister and against Netanyahu.

When it comes to the German foreign ministers meeting with representatives of radical left-wing groups in Israel, most commentators are suddenly taking a stand like robots against Netanyahu (Photos: Mark Neiman/GPO, Alex Kolomoisky)

It isnt the same thing. This time its much worse. Gabriel is insisting on meeting with radical left-wing organizations that serve the horrific anti-Israeli propaganda. Gabriel argues that every foreign leader visiting Germany is free to meet with such organizations. Excuse me?! Did the Germans let a Turkish leader meet with Turks in Germany? No, they didnt.

Its much worse than forbidding Turkish politicians from hold meetings. Would the German government and German press be okay with a foreign countrys foreign minister meeting with activists of an opposition group like the far right Pegida organization, which opposes the governments immigration policy? We know the answer to that. The same applies to the Federation of Expellees (BdV), which is active in Germany for the rights of German refugees from Eastern and central European countriessomewhat similar to the organizations in favor of a Palestinian return to Israel. Has a leader from a foreign country dared to meet with representatives of such a body?

Has Gabriel met in the UK with bodies similar to the ones he met with here, like Stop the War Coalition? He has met with representatives or leaders of opposition parties. Thats acceptable. He hasnt met with civil society organizations. He hasnt met in the United States with Jess Cunningham or with Chelsea Manning, who exposed a series of war crimes committed by the US Army in Iraq, although it would be slightly difficult to meet with Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years in jail. Gabriel hasnt met in the US with organizations or bodies of that type either, and he definitely doesnt fund them.

Gabriels arguments, therefore, are false. The issue of the meetings is just the tip of the iceberg, as the European Union and European countriesincluding Germanyare funding a series of bodies like al-Haq, Breaking the Silence, Coalition of Women for Peace and many others, with millions of shekels, while all or most of these organizations work to demonize Israel. Its not criticism, its demonization.

Heres just one story about a Palestinian NGO named MIFTAH. In 2013, this organization published an article after US President Barack Obama hosted a Passover Seder. Does Obama in fact know the relationship, for example, between Passover and Christian blood  ?! Or Passover and Jewish blood rituals  ?! the article wondered. Much of the historical stories and tales about Jewish blood rituals in Europe are based on real rituals and are not false as they claim; the Jews used the blood of Christians in the Jewish Passover  (Translated from Arabic by NGO Monitor). And this despicable organization, MIFTAH, received funding in the past from German foundations.

What would Germanys foreign minister say if Hungary funded Pegida? And what would the British foreign secretary say if Germany funded one of the anti-governmental organizations working for the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq or Afghanistan?

The claim that these are pro-peace organizations is false too. Europe is funding an Israeli NGO that promotes the return of Palestinian refugeesin other words, Israels destruction. According to NGO Monitors listings, more than NIS 3.5 million were transferred to that same NGO from 2012 to 2014 by foreign entitiesin other words, by foreign countries or foundations supported by foreign countries, practically all European. Germany is in the picture too. This is not the way to advance peace. This is the way to perpetuate the conflict, as well as to support the Palestinian illusion of destroying Israel through a right of return.

Israel is, in any event, the most slandered country in the world. The governments policy can and should be criticized. Its okay to fight for an agreement and for an end to the occupation. Thats legitimate. But Germany isnt funding pro-peace bodiesit is mainly funding bodies that are against an agreement of two states for two people, and/or bodies whose main banner is demonization.

Even without malicious intents, bodies like BTselem and Breaking the Silence have become part of the anti-Israel campaign. Is a body which spreads the claim that IDF soldiers fire at Palestinians, with machine guns, on a regular basis, like in video games a serious body or a body that spreads libel? These bodies are not advancing peace. They are advancing demonization. There is a huge demand for this stuff in the world, and there are those who are willing to pay for itincluding Germany.

If this were just about a meeting with representatives of controversial bodies, Netanyahus exaggerated reaction should have been questioned, but this is a much more serious issue. This is a disgrace which has been going on for years. As part of this disgraceful project, the EU and European countriesincluding Germanyhave been funding bodies which are part of the BDS, or which provide justifications to Palestinian terror, or which are part of the propaganda system that denies Israels right to exist or presents Israel as a monster.

The Germany of the past demonized the Jews. Todays Europe, which includes Germany, funds organizations that demonize the Jewish state. There is no anti-Semitic intent here. On the contrary, there is good will for a calmer Middle East. But most of the bodies that receive funding are againstagainst!an outline for peace based on two states for two people. The funding isnt advancing peace. It is advancing demonization. There is no need to turn the other cheek.

(Translated and edited by Sandy Livak-Furmanski)
Israeli minors are now eligible for Portuguese citizenship after the Portugal's government made an amendment to a 2015 law making descendents of 16th century Jewish deportees eligible for citizenship.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Following the passing of the law in 2015, thousands of Jews in Israel, Turkey and other countries began to apply for Portuguese citizenship, with hundreds already being approved.

However, until now, the law only applied to applicants seeking citizenship themselves, requiring family members to all apply separately. Now with the amendment, families can apply for citizenship together.

Lisbon (Photo: Ziv Reinstein)

"The Portuguese law allows Jews with a historical connection to the country to receive citizenship and enjoy the possibilities afforded by a European passport. Business people who are active in Europe or people who are interested in sending their children to academic institutions can now go through the process faster and easier," said Adam Yadid, an attorney who specializes in obtaining citizenship in Spain and Portugal.

Thousands of Israelis are currently in the process of obtaining a Portuguese passport and it is estimated that there are about three million Jews in the world who are potential beneficiaries eligible to receive Portuguese citizenship.

The main condition for proving a connection to Portuguese deportees is proof that the geographical origin of the family is in Portugal, as well as proof of historical-cultural connections. In this framework, the applicant is required to present the "path of immigration" of his family members since the expulsion from Portugal.

Photo: Visit Portugal

The examination and approval of the connection is carried out by the Portuguese Population Authority or by one of the Jewish communities in Portugal who have been authorized to do so.

The process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship is much friendlier than the rigid Spanish procedure, which requires passing a Spanish language exam, a history and culture examination, and an inquiry before a notary public in Spain.

The Portuguese procedure is also significantly cheaper than the Spanish, with the cost of issuing Portuguese citizenship estimated at NIS 11-16,000 per person, while the cost in Spain is estimated to be NIS 22-32,000 per person.

According to data released by the Spanish Ministry of Justice, after the approval of the new law, only about 400 Jews from the descendants of deportees have received Spanish citizenship.

According to a document from the Spanish Ministry of Justice, only 312 Israelis of Sephardi origin submitted a request for Spanish citizenship and passed the culture test through the Cervantes Institute for the Distribution of Spanish Culture.

Spanish Ambassador to Israel, Fernando Carderera Soler, estimated there are thousands more in the process of obtaining citizenship.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
Prime Minister of Ukraine, Volodymyr Groisman, will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Israel in about two weeks, ending the political crisis between the two countries.

The crisis began four months ago when Netanyahu canceled Groisman's visit to Israel in protest of Ukraine's support for a UN Security Council resolution condemning settlements.
Serial rapist Benny Sela has been convicted of new acts of sexual assault that he committed while in prison, it was cleared for publication on Sunday.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Sela is currently serving a 35-year sentence for a series of serious sexual offenses.

Earlier this month, he was convicted of exposing himself to a female prison employee in an incident that happened two years ago and was sentenced to six months, which he will serve during his existing sentence. The court also gave him six months' probation.

Benny Sela (Photo: Orly Zeiler)

Sela was first convicted in 2000 and sentenced to 35 years in prison after confessing to 13 counts of rape.

Judge Natan Amit wrote in the 2000 sentencing that "his offenses are at the gravest end of the spectrum. He committed the offenses like an animal pouncing on its victims. His victims were helpless and in most of the cases submitted to him. His actions left scars in their souls that will not be erased for as long as they live."

The judge further wrote that Sela's actions "evoke revolution and contempt, and the punishment must express the public's disgust and public interest, which requires these actions to not be forgotten and for the punishment to not be an insult to his victims."

In 2006, Sela managed to escape from a courtroom in Tel Aviv, leading to great panic among the public. After a two week manhunt, he was eventually caught in northern Israel. The search cost some NIS 36 million.

During his time on the lam, Sela broke into a home in Pardes Hanna and stole cash money, documents, credit cards, valuables and the house keys. He later stole a car.
The Volcani Agricultural Research Organization has decided to name a newly developed strawberry strain after Border Police Cpl. Hadar Cohen, who was killed in a terror attack at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem last February.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



"Hadar's favorite fruit was strawberries," said Hadar's mother, Sigal.

"The institute's decision to register a variety of strawberries in her name has greatly moved the whole family, and the commemoration of Hadar in this manner has exceeded all our expectations. The shape of the fruit reminds us of the shape of a heart, and it reminds us of Hadar's tremendous hear."

Hadar Cohen and her mother (Photo: Volcani Institute)

The strawberry, named "Hadar," is noted for its quality taste, symmetrical shape and bright red color. It was developed by Dr. Nir Dai, a researcher at the institute.

The idea of naming the new strain after Hadar was raised after Minister of Agriculture Uri Ariel visited the Cohen family to offer his condolences.

The Hadar strawberry (Photo: Volcani Institute)

"The Institute's developments are gaining worldwide recognition, but it is important to us that they have added value for the residents of the country and to those who have made the greatest sacrifice. This is a special and unusual form of commemoration, which will remind us all of Hadar and the rest of the fallen during routine moments, such as eating fruit," said Dr. Dai.

Prior to Memorial Day, the Cohen family was invited to Volcani, where they sampled the new strawberry together with Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel and Dr. Dai.

The Cohen family, Dr. Dai and Uri Ariel (Photo: Volcani Institute)

"We were excited to embrace the family and give them this gift, that's our little part in preserving Hadar's memory," said Dr. Dai.

Minister Ariel added, "Hadar is a heroine of Israel, who did not hesitate to risk her life in order to save citizens of the State of Israel. The new strawberries will add a bit of sweetness to the world; the same sweetness that Hadar spread to her surroundings, and will add a drop of comfort in the bereavement and loss."

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
A state memorial service was held on Sunday to commemorate Etzel (Irgun) fighter Baruch Mizrahi, who was born a Muslim, converted to Judaism, and was killed fighting for the Jewish people in a battle near Jenin.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Mizrahi, who did not leave a family behind, was born Hamoudeh Abu al-Aynin to a nationalistic Muslim family from Safed.

He converted and changed his name after joining the Revisionist Zionist youth movement Betar and learning about Judaism and Zionism.

Baruch Mizrahi

He was exiled in 1946 by the British to a prison camp in Eritrea, where he was wounded in a shooting incident. When then-Chief Rabbi Herzog came to visit him, Mizrahi asked him to bring him back to Israel for burial should he die there.

But he recovered and returned to Israel, where was killed in April 1948 during an intelligence gathering operation in Jenin, near Sa-Nur. He was 22 when he died.

Mizrahi's grave

His body, however, had to wait 20 years for burial, as it was only found by his friends in 1968.

The Samaria Regional Council has "adopted" Mizrahi's memory, and even ensured he was recognized as a fallen IDF soldier. Every year, about a dozen people from the evacuated settlement Sa-Nur hold a memorial service for him at the military plot in the Netanya cemetery.





The annual memorial service at Mizrahi's grave

The head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, said the council took on the task of keeping Mizrahi's memory alive "mostly because of the great respect we have for our fighters. It's unimaginable that a fighter who gave his life, as well as any chance of having a family, won't have anyone to remember him."
Ukrainian authorities have decided to open a criminal investigation into a 94-year-old Jewish WWII hero who is being accused of killing a Nazi collaborator.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Col. Boris Steckler was warned that he is expected to stand trial for killing a Ukrainian nationalist in 1952.

Col. Boris Steckler

Steckler was a senior officer in the Soviet Army and after the war was appointed as an officer in the KGB and was responsible for capturing Nazis and collaborators in western Ukraine.

During a battle in the Rivne Oblast in western Ukraine, Steckler was involved in a confrontation with nationalists who cooperated with the Nazis. During the confrontation, a man by the name of Neil Hasiewicz, who was a propagandist and district judge during the war, was shot and killed.

Local nationalist groups recently filed a complaint against Steckler, accusing him of responsibility for the assassination of Hasiewicza fact that Steckler does not deny.

Sketch of Neil Hasiewicz

In an unprecedented move, this is the first time Ukrainian authorities have sought to arrest a person who worked against Nazi collaborators during and after the Second World War.

Steckler was recognized as a local war hero and is regularly invited to the parades commemorating the victory over the Nazis. He was wounded during the war and received countless medals for courage.

Alex Tantzer, whose family was murdered in the Holocaust in the Rivne region, said that it was nothing less than a sign of cultural decline for Ukrainians.

"I do not know whether this is anti-Semitism or not. In Ukraine, there are occasional complaints from nationalist organizations, and it's a shame that the authorities take it seriously ... It's a shame that the government in Ukraine does not stop these horrific things. Now when we celebrate victory over Nazi Germany, we are persecuting this Jew who fought against Nazis."
CAIRO -- An Egyptian court has sentenced a hard-line cleric to death in absentia on charges of establishing a "terror group" after the 2013 overthrow of an elected Islamist president.

Wagdi Ghoneim, who currently lives in Turkey and is an outspoken supporter of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, dismissed Sunday's ruling, saying he had not been in Egypt since 2001.
Former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger entered Ma'asiyahu Prison on Monday morning to begin serving a 3.5-year sentence for his conviction for bribery and fraud.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Rabbi Metzger enters prison (:  )

X

The Supreme Court accepted on Sunday afternoon the appeal filed by former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger for failing to accept the plea bargain reached after his conviction for bribery and fraud amounting to millions of shekels. Therefore, he will serve 3.5 years in prison, as originally stipulated in the plea bargain with the State Prosecutor's Office.

Last February, the Jerusalem District Court sentenced Metzger to 4.5 years in prison. The judge stressed that had there been no agreement, Metzger would have been sentenced to six to nine years.

Yona Metzger (Photo: Amit Shabi)

However, the Supreme Court justices accepted the appeal, and Justice Dafna Barak-Erez wrote in the ruling: "I would like to reiterate that our decision to accept the appeal  does not detract from the harsh condemnation of the ugly acts for which he was convicted."

Justice Uzi Fogelman added: "I do not think that the relationship between the relief given to the appellant within the framework of the plea bargain and the public interest was inappropriate, and my conclusion is that the prosecution's considerations were not flawed when reaching a plea bargain with the appellant."

During Metzger's term as chief rabbi from 2003 to 2013, he allegedly received financial benefits from private people for activities related to his position. These benefits were received on many opportunities, both during private events and as a payment for the rabbi's participation in events held by the people who provided the benefits.

(Translated and edited by N. Elias)
Amid worries about rising nationalism, French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron visited the Holocaust Memorial in Paris on Sunday while his opponent Marine Le Pen lay a spray of flowers at a World War II monument in Marseille.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Excitement at his appearance mixed with tears of sorrowful remembrance for visitors as the centrist Macron walked past panels bearing the names of tens of thousands of French Jews deported to their death in Nazi camps. Holocaust survivors and children of its victims were among those present on Sunday.

Macron listens to Chairman of the Shoah Memorial, Eric de Rothschild (R), as they walk by the Wall of the Names, on which are engraved the names of 76,000 Jews, including 11,000 children, who were deported from France during the WWII Nazi occupation. (Photo: AFP)

Le Pen lays a spray of flowers

Le Pen visited a memorial in memory of 30 Jewish women and children who were rounded up by the Gestapo in 1943.

Macron also looked at documentation showing the collaboration by French authorities with the Nazis.

Emmanuel Macron (C), escorted by French-Israeli lawyer and French state councillor, Arno Klarsfeld (C-R) visits the Shoah Memorial in Paris. (Photo: AFP)

It's the second time in three days that Macron is visiting a site tied to France's wartime history. On Friday, Macron walked slowly through the site of the deadliest massacre in Nazi-occupied France, the village of Oradour-sur-Glane in western France . The town is today a phantom village, with burned-out cars and abandoned buildings left as testimony to its history.

On June 10, 1944, four days after the Allied D-Day landings in Normandy, an SS armored division herded villagers into barns and a church, blocked the doors, and set Oradour-sur-Glane ablaze. A total of 642 men, women and children died.

Only six people survived.

Macron looks at archive documents in the memorial. (Photo: Reuters)

Macron is seeking to remind voters of the anti-Semitic past of his rival Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front. In comments to local newspapers published Friday, he said, We dont want to forget that from here, from Oradour, comes our Republican pride, the National Council of the Resistance that built our (fundamental) balances, our strength and the European project. That is, everything Marine Le Pen wants to destroy.

Le Pen prompted an outcry earlier this month by denying that the French state was responsible for rounding up French Jews during World War II in a reference to the Vel dHiv, the Paris stadium where thousands of Jews were transferred before being sent to Nazi death camps.

Le Pen has sought to purge the FN of the anti-Semitism that became its trademark under her father, co-founder Jean-Marie Le Penwho made the second round in 2002 against the conservative eventual winner Jacques Chirac.

He had repeatedly called the Nazi gas chambers a "detail" of history, and she booted him out of the party in 2015.
"When you represent the State of Israel abroad, you can't really say that the fact that you are a bereaved son doesn't connect in some way, especially when such national moments like Memorial Day and singing of the anthem arrive. It has a degree of reality that touches you, your private life."

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Zvi Vapni, 54, the Israeli ambassador to Slovakia, lost his father Moshe Vapni, who served as a liaison in the Armored Corps in the Six-Day War and was killed in a battle near Rafidim. His father was 31 years old and left behind a widow and two children: Zvi, who was then three and a half, and a sister who was only eight months old. At the time of his death, Moshe Vapni was the principal of a school in Ramat Gan, which has since been named after him'Moreshet Moshe' (which translates as "the legacy of Moshe").

L-R Zvi Vapni, the late Moshe Vapni

"I remember very little of him," said Zvi Vapni, who before his tenure in Slovakia was the Israeli ambassador to the Philippines. "I remember scenes, as much as a three-and-a-half-year-old boy could possibly remember, but there is a memory, it's not completely gone. I don't remember the day we were told, my mother told me about it. At that age, everyone is trying to protect you; they don't tell you things that will shock you and you grown up into this void. Bereavement occupies you daily and any bereaved family member would tell you that.  I was three and a half when I lost my father, and without using big words, it pretty much shapes your life."

Is there a special burden for a bereaved family member to represent the state abroad?

"In the past, I would never mention my personal anecdote, and only in recent years have I allowed myself to speak up. Yesterday, I gave a speech at the Memorial Day event in Slovakia and told of my father so that people would understand the meaning, especially abroad; How immediate it is, how real, how significant the number of fallen soldiers is when every third or fourth family either lost a loved one or at least know a fallen family member. It makes the whole story more personal. Once you say, 'My father was killed in the Six-Day War,' then it is no longer the 'fallen.' We know that when you make it personal and private, it is more comprehensible. The moment I tell my story, it connects on a more personal and immediate level."

Are there any implications for you as a diplomat, who needs to defend Israel abroad, to having paid such a hefty personal price in losing your father?

"I don't refer to it as having paid a price. It's a heavy price, but every loss is surrounded by a heavy price, siblings and an entire family that receives a heavy blow. When you look at things from my perspective, on everything that falls under this great Israeli projectyou have a personal stock in it. Israel's existence should not be taken for a trifle, once you look at it from the perspective of a bereaved family member. That's not to say that other people care less, but it gives you a point of reference, to say 'we have experienced the greatest pain that can stem from the struggle for the existence of the State of Israel, and therefore it is important for us that it continues to exist and grow stronger."

Why didn't you mention the fact you are a bereaved child in your past speeches as a diplomat?

"I would mention it when I met with friends, but not in public forums. I wasn't comfortable with it," he said, adding: "From the moment I became an ambassador that changed. I used to be a diplomat in Los Angeles, and there is a very big memorial event over there. I would light a candle and say Kaddish, and whoever got it, got it. I didn't hide it, but I also didn't walk around with a flag saying, 'Look at me, I am a member of a bereaved family."'

"Why was it important to me as an ambassador? Because I felt the need to turn this thing into something that people would feel on a personal and emotional level," said Vapni.

The school that used to be headed by Moshe Vapni commemorated Memorial Day on Sunday with a ceremony.

"My father was an educator.  The school is holding an annual event marking the 50th anniversary of the war and he is mentioned along with the other fallen teachers and students."

(Translated and edited by N. Elias)
Expert Advice with Philippe Brach 01/05/2017

Most noticeably, we see the ripple effect occurring around our capital cities. Like a wave moving outwards, outer suburbs have steadily grown in value because the price tag on inner city properties is simply too high for many average Australians.

Buying in fringe suburbs in a ripple effect zone means you can invest while the market is affordable, and wait for the wave to push values up.

Higher yields in the outskirts

New demand will also improve rental yields, which increases your cashflow margin. For example, inner city addresses in Sydney and Melbourne are only earning yields around 3%  not the best return rate for multi-million dollar properties.

In contrast, a property in a fringe suburb may cost around half a million dollars and yield 5%-plus rental income.

Fringe suburbs arent just those that hang on the outskirts of capital cities. Our satellite cities are making noise too; for example, Newcastle, which lies about 150km north of Sydney, is earning 14.5% annual growth and now has a house median of nearly $1m.

Its rapid growth was based on a diversifying economy, improvements in its culture and aesthetic, and of course, the fact that properties there were much cheaper than Sydney.

Investors who bought in Newcastle 10 or 15 years ago are laughing all the way to the bank today.

How do you find ripple effect suburbs?

While its not an infallible science, finding that next best suburb that will catch buyer overflow is worth the time and effort. It can add big numbers to your portfolio, in terms of both growth and rental income.

First, look for booming suburbs, particularly those that have impressive growth over the past 12 months. Investigate the cause of the recent growth. Make sure its because of long-term improvements such as new infrastructure, not a spike in sales from development releases (this is very important: the more landlocked the suburb, the greater the chances of overflow to neighbouring suburbs). List the immediate neighbours and also the next layer out, and find the recent growth statistics for each. Look for indicators that the ripple effect will occur. Typically, the suburb needs to have the same type of growth drivers as the booming suburb, and appeal to the same demographic.

Once youve identified potential hotspots, run the suburbs through the stress-test of ripple effect obstructions too:

Future unwanted infrastructure, such as a highway slicing through the suburb

Signs of an uneasy shift in economic circumstances, such as a large local employer shutting down

Large numbers of developments planned that could quash property values for some time

The suburb lacking the same infrastructure and lifestyle features that will buoy prices, despite the success of neighbouring suburbs.

Of course, all those factors arent quite enough to support buying just yet.

As a smart investor, you should also view the suburb through the usual property microscope. It must have the basic fundamentals of strong infrastructure, schools and lifestyle features before you commit one to your portfolio  no matter how great the neighbour.
Less affluent Australians have the most to lose if house prices collapse and cause an economic downturn, warned Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen.

Bowen made the comment in a speech to the McKell Institute last Wednesday, warning that rapid house price growth and record levels of mortgage debt were issues of financial stability, not just of social justice.

A special Newspoll conducted exclusively for The Australian last month found that 54% of voters support reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax for investors. However, 49% of voters oppose using superannuation to fund house deposits for first-home purchases.

Bowen said it was nonsense to allow the free market to rip into housing because that sector was already heavily impacted by government regulation every day through the most generous property investment tax concessions in the world, the regulation of superannuation investments in property, foreign investment rules, infrastructure spending, state and local planning regulations.

House prices have risen by nearly 20% in Sydney in just 12 months, according to the latest data from CoreLogic. This places the Harbour City at the forefront of a robust nationwide average increase of 12.9%.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) have sounded warnings about the rampant growth in investor loans, high levels of household debt, and various risks to the nations financial stability.

Bowen said that it wasnt the governments role to dictate how households and businesses borrowed or invested, but that it had the responsibility not to adversely distort economic decision-making.

If Australia faced the unfortunate scenario of an economic shock down the track, a responsible government would be able to tell the Australian people they did everything in their power to prevent a situation being worse than it could otherwise have been, Bowen said. The current government would simply be unable to do this.

Bowen said the economic downturn would not be shared equally by all households, as it would be less affluent households that would feel the brunt of the economic aftershocks. People of wealth can and usually do diversify their portfolio, spreading their risk. People of less wealth tend to have most or all of that wealth tied up in the family home, and thus be particularly vulnerable to shocks.

Bowen noted that the Murray financial inquiry had endorsed reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions, as well as a ban on direct borrowing by self-managed superannuation funds.

Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar responded to Bowens speech by demanding that Labor provide economic modeling to demonstrate the effect of its negative gearing policy on housing affordability and the rental market. Sukkar further argued that the McKell Institute had found it was housing supply that played the biggest factor in determining affordability.

Related stories:

Shorten: Ban Borrowing By Self-Managed Super Funds

Looming Fall In House Prices To Weaken Investments
More than 11,000 migrant millionaires helped fuel growth in the booming property markets of Sydney and Melbourne last year, with high net-worth Chinese nationals now commuting in and out of the country to enjoy the Aussie lifestyle while continuing to work offshore.

Amid a tense national debate over housing affordability, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton is reviewing the impact of foreign property investment in the Australian market, with potential stamp duty surcharges being contemplated for all foreign property purchases.

Dutton is also considering a recommendation from the Productivity Commission to scrap the significant investor visa, which was designed to attract cashed-up foreign venture capitalists to Australia, but has since been criticised as a fast-track route to Australian residency.

There have been 1,746 such visas granted since the scheme was rolled out in 2012, attracting investments totaling $8.7bn. However, only 136 visas have been granted since the Coalition announced changes to the investment rules in mid-2015.

Real estate agents say Chinese property buyers are attracted to Australias clean air, water, and climate; as well as the countrys world-class healthcare and education systems. This has led to the emerging trend of Chinese migrants (often dual citizens) buying homes in the southeastern capitals while continuing to work offshore.

Foreign demand for Aussie property isnt limited to the Chinese, as Australia has now emerged as the investment destination of choice for the global one percent. Various reports indicate that the number of ultra-high net-worth foreign individuals living in the country over the next decade will grow exponentially.

Malcolm Gunning, president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), said high net-worth Chinese buyers favoured prestige housing in the two main capital cities, targeting homes worth up to $20m near select schools.

Its a little bit like the country kids that used to go to boarding school and travelled back to far western NSW, Gunning told The Australian. What we are seeing now is Sydney and Melbourne are absolutely global cities, great places to live  and so they will live in Australia and run a business in China  they are commuting.

Matthew Meynell, head of investment services at Colliers International, said wealthy Chinese investors were attracted by the convenient flight routes between Australia and China. The Chinese were also drawn to Australia because of the countrys transparent legal and banking system, stable political environment, and great amenities and weather.

If you look at mainland China, we are seeing a new middle class which now has aspirational goals ... their aspirational wealth goal is to live in a large freestanding home, with a grass backyard and a pool, Meynell said. Like the majority of the aspirational goals of all Australians, they are assimilating to our way of life.

Related stories:

Chinese Buyers Remain Undaunted When Purchasing Australian Property

Property Investors Eyeing Opportunities In Tasmania
Australians across party lines and age groups are backing a controversial crackdown on property investors to improve housing affordability, with 54% supporting reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax, according to a special Newspoll conducted exclusively for The Australian.

Voters are throwing greater support behind the two reforms amid tense political clashes over tax breaks worth $8bn annually, lending weight to an argument within the government to overhaul capital gains tax in the May 9 budget. In contrast, there is no similar groundswell for a divisive proposal to allow younger Australians to access their superannuation to buy their first homes, with more voters opposing than endorsing the proposal, regardless of whether they vote for Coalition, Labor, or the Greens.

The housing package is a vital part of the budget but is still being disputed by Malcom Turnbull, Scott Morrison, and other cabinet ministers whore trying to reach a consensus about whether to target the tax breaks for property investors.

Morrison has not ruled out adjusting the 50% discount on capital gains tax, which remains a big incentive for people buying investment properties. However, he has slammed Labor for planning to halve the discount and restricting negative gearing to newly constructed homes.

The Newspoll found that support for more stringent rules on property investors cut across party lines, with 52% of Coalition voters backing the changes, compared with 57% of Labor voters and 65% of Green voters.

Asked if they were in favour of or opposed to curbing negative gearing and reducing capital gains tax deductions for investors, 54% of all respondents were in favour, while 28% were against the reforms and 18% uncommitted. The reforms were endorsed by 56% of voters aged 18 and 34, 50% of voters aged 35 to 49, and 55% of voters aged over 50.

Ministers have canvassed the idea of allowing people to access their superannuation to buy their first homes; however, sources within the government say it is unlikely to proceed given that Turnbull has previously dismissed the proposal.

The special Newspollwhich surveyed 1,686 voters in all Australian states on 20-23 Aprilfound that 49% opposed the idea of accessing super to fund first-home purchases, while 42% were in favour. Fifty-one percent of Coalition voters opposed the idea, as did 50% of Labor voters and 51% of Green voters.

Related stories:

Government Rolls Out New Housing Affordability Package

Will There Be A Crackdown On Capital Gains Tax Concessions?
Cairo: Pope Francis on Saturday said that a third country should try to step in to reconcile the growing tension between North Korea and the US, adding, this heated up situation risked the world of a devastating war.

As per the reports of the Guardian, Francis added that a good part of humanity would be destroyed in any widespread war.

"I call on, and will call on, all leaders, as I have called on leaders of various places, to work to seek a solution to problems through the path of diplomacy," he said onboard the plane taking him back to Rome from Cairo.

Francis' statement came after North Korea's attempt to launch a ballistic missile in the early hours of Saturday, which apparently failed.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the international community to increase pressure on North Korea, saying that failing to do so would bring 'catastrophic consequences'.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has invited his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte to the White House, an official statement announced.

"President Trump enjoyed the conversation and said that he is looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November," the statement said on Saturday, adding that Trump invited Duterte to the White House "to discuss the importance of the US-Philippines alliance."

The White House statement noted that Trump and Duterte discussed the country's war on drugs, The Hill magazine reported.

"They also discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries throughout the world," it added.

Duterte made headlines last year when he told former President Barack Obama to "go to hell" after he criticised the Philippine leader's drug war.

"I am the President of a sovereign country, and I am not answerable to anyone except the Filipino people. Son of a b***h, I will swear at you," Duterte said.

Since he took office last year, Duterte has encouraged the extrajudicial killings of thousands of citizens accused of dealing or using drugs, reports the magazine.

He also compared his campaign to kill criminals to the Holocaust.

The Filipino leader also compared himself to Trump earlier this month, praising the US President as "a realistic and a pragmatic thinker" and saying of his approach to tackling illegal drug trade "he will really kill you".
Washington: US President Donald Trump skipped the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night and instead held a campaign-style rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with the aim of reminding some of his most ardent supporters that he has kept his campaign promises.

Amid increasingly hostile relations between Trump and the media, Trump announced in February that he would not attend the annual black-tie dinner on his 100th day in office, CNN reported.

Minutes into Trump's Harrisburg speech, he told the crowd just how much he preferred spending the evening with supporters than the Washington media.

"A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's capital right now," he said.

"They are gathered together for the White House correspondents' dinner without the President. And I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from the Washington swamp spending my evening with all of you and with a much, much larger crowd and much better people," Trump added.

Hours before the dinner, Trump had tweeted that the "FAKE media" failed to trumpet his accomplishments.

"Mainstream (FAKE) media refuses to state our long list of achievements, including 28 legislative signings, strong borders & great optimism!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

The last time Trump attended the dinner was in 2011, when he was a New York real estate mogul and reality-TV star who had just jumped into politics by getting involved in the "birther" movement, calling for President Barack Obama to release his birth certificate.
London: A British Airways flight from London to Delhi on Saturday returned to the Heathrow airport after air pressure inside the cabin dropped midair.

Masks were deployed on the flight as the plane returned to the airport, following which the flight landed normally.

The British Airways later said it was looking after customers on ground even as they organised a new aircraft to enable passengers to depart for Delhi.
Islamabad: Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday visited the Line of Control and said his country would continue to support the "political struggle" of the Kashmiris for the right of "self-determination".



Bajwa, who toured the areas in the Haji Pir sector, was briefed about the alleged "ceasefire violation" by the Indian troops and the state of preparedness of the army to face any aggression.

The army chief said Pakistan would continue to support the struggle of the Kashmiris.



"We will always stand by their (Kashmiris) rightful political struggle for the right of self-determination and recourse to basic human rights," Bajwa said in an interaction with troops.

He accused India of "state-sponsored" terrorism in Kashmir.



Bajwa alleged that India was not only involved in aggression against the people in Kashmir but also against the people living on the Pakistani side of the LoC and the Working Boundary.

India has repeatedly rejected Pakistan's allegations of rights violations in Kashmir.
New Delhi: Pakistani authorities on Sunday extended the period of house arrest for JuD chief Hafiz Saeed by 90 days, an official said.

"The government has decided in principle to extend the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Abid for another 90 days" under preventive detention, an official of the Punjab government's Home Department told PTI.

The official said a consultative meeting on Saeed's detention has already been held under Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar in which a decision to extend the house arrest has been taken.

Last week, the Pakistani Interior Ministry had conveyed to the Lahore High Court that no laws were violated in issuance of the detention orders against Jamaat-ud- Dawa chief and his aides.

In a written reply to the court on April 20, the ministry defended their detention, saying the orders were issued under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

It further said the JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) had been kept under observation on the basis of a report sent by the foreign ministry.

The ministry observed that JuD and FIF were engaged in activities which could be prejudicial to peace and security and in violation of Pakistan's obligation to the UN Security Council resolution.

Besides Saeed, others who are in detention include Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Ubaid.

Saeed has been under house arrest since January 31, 2017.

The United States had declared JuD as a foreign terrorist organisation in June 2014.

The JuD chief also carries a US reward of $10 million for his role in terror activities.

According to media reports, the Nawaz Sharif government had detained Saeed after the Trump administration, which had just taken over, had told Pakistan that it may face sanctions if it did not act against JuD and its chief.

Saeed, along with his four aides, have filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging his detention through senior advocate A K Dogar.
Karachi [Pakistan]: Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Saturday said that the notification regarding the Dawn Leaks would be released by his ministry, which will be in line with the recommendations made by the inquiry committee.

He said the Interior Ministry was supposed to issue a formal notification in this regard and not the Prime Minister's Office.

"It was only a reference issued in lieu of the briefing given to the prime minister. A notification on the issue is yet to be issued by the interior ministry," The Express Tribune quoted Nisar, as saying, while referring to an executive order issued earlier today by the PMO.

"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. It's poisonous for the democracy," he added.

In what seems to be an apparent reference to a tweet by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Nisar said it was unfortunate that tweets were being used by state institutions to handle key matters.

"I believe that these tweets are like poison for Pakistan's democracy. It is unfortunate that we handle these matters through tweets," he said.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Army rejected the federal government's notification on Dawn leaks inquiry, saying that it was incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board.

"Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected," Director General, Inter-Services Public Relations ( ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted.

The tweet came minutes after the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) government released a notification stating that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had approved the recommendations of the Dawn Leak inquiry committee.

Sharif also 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.
New Delhi: The Central government may hand over the Sukma Naxal attack case to the National Investigation Agency, a top official on said Sunday requesting anonymity.

In of the deadliest attacks on security forces this year, 25 CRPF personnel were killed in a Naxal ambush in Chhattisgarh's restive Sukma district last Monday.

"We are contemplating handing over the probe into the Sukma incident to the NIA," ANI quoted A senior Home Ministry functionary as saying.

The NIA is mandated to probe terror attacks anywhere in the country. The government considers the CPI (Maoists), which perpetrated the violence, as a terrorist organisation.
New Delhi: A paper to select junior staff in central government departments was leaked on Monday prompting the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to order re-examination of the test for select candidates only.

Due to a very large number of applications, the SSC is conducting tests daily in shifts-- morning and afternoon--to select the Multi Tasking Staff (MTS).

The SSC has taken a decision to cancel the Paper-I (afternoon shift) of the MTS (Non-Technical) Examination, 2016 held on April 30, 2017, because the said paper was found to be compromised, a release issued by the Personnel Ministry said.

The re-examination for only those candidates who appeared in this shift will be held in due course and they would be suitably informed accordingly, it said.
Brussels: 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".

Francois 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".
London: The outcome of the Brexit vote could have been predicted by analysing tweets during the five months preceding the historic vote, a first-of-its-kind study has found.

Researchers from the University of Surrey in the UK examined 18,000 tweets posted by the three main campaign groups, 'Stronger In', 'Vote Leave' and 'Leave.EU'.

'Vote Leave' focused on economic arguments against the European Union, while 'Leave.EU' highlighted immigration- related issues.

"The outcome of the Brexit vote on June 22, 2016 would not have been as shocking had more attention been paid to what was happening on Twitter," said Simon Usherwood from the University of Surrey.

Researchers discovered that the Leave campaign (Vote Leave and Leave.EU) continually outperformed their rival in disseminating their online messages and presenting themselves as agenda setters compared to the official Remain campaign (Stronger In) which delivered a sporadic, inflexible online strategy.

They found that the Remain campaign was marginally more likely to make negative comments about its opponents.

This confused approach is further reinforced when examining the language used in the tweets.

The most commonly used word used in Stronger In's campaign was 'leaving', well in excess of its use by either Leave group.

Similarly the term 'Brexit' was mentioned more by Stronger In than the official Leave campaign (Vote Leave).

This highlights the extent to which the campaign was fought on Leave's terms, rather than building a different set of references to frame the debate, researchers said.

The examination of Twitter also showed that Stronger In was disadvantaged by the then UK Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to try and avoid becoming the central figure of the campaign.

While the official Remain campaign rarely mentioned him, both Leave campaigns made much of his words and actions, calling into question his competence and ability and reminding voters that a Leave vote would also hurt his government.

The Leave groups were able to capitalise on an established social media network of anti-EU campaigners helping to publicise its messages to a wider audience, which undoubtedly disadvantaged Stronger In, researchers said.

During the Brexit campaign, both Leave groups attracted substantially more Twitter followers than the official Remain campaign.

For example, on the polling day Leave.EU had nearly 50,000 more Twitter followers than Stronger In, while Vote Leave had 20,000 more.

Although the Leave campaign had a significant advantage in being able to mobilise an already extensive social media network, Stronger In's failure to build as extensive an online following showcases the shortcomings in attracting new followers and successfully spreading its message on Twitter.
New Delhi: A resident of Kerala's Palghat, who was suspected to have joined Al Qaeda, was killed in Syria in an attack by the U.S.

Abu Tahir, who went for Umrah in 2013 did not come back and was suspected to have join Al Qaeda.

Tahir's relative, who lives in Sharja received the message that he was killed on April 4.

Earlier a Kerala youth, who was later found to have joined the ISIS, was killed in the mega airstrike conducted by the United States in the Achin district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

The U.S. military had dropped its most powerful non-nuclear bomb to target the Islamic State tunnels and personnel.

Earlier in February, another youth from the same group was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan.

At least four out of the 21 individuals, who belong to Christian and Hindu families, had converted to Islam over a year ago, reports state.

Two of the individuals had reportedly sent text and voice messages to their families confirming that they have moved to a remote location.

Earlier, the NIA had arrested two people in connection with the criminal conspiracy hatched within and outside India, with the intention of furthering the objectives of the Islamic State(IS) and for joining and supporting the organization.

The investigation revealed that the conspiracy had been in operation since the month of July, 2015
New Delhi: The Election Commission will soon ask the government to disqualify for up to 5 years candidates listed in chargesheets for bribing voters, a move which comes after it found that "innovative ways" were used for luring electors in a Tamil Nadu bypoll.

The poll watchdog has decided to write to the Law Ministry seeking changes in the Representation of the People Act to ensure that candidates contesting Lok Sabha and assembly polls are disqualified for up to five years once they are chargesheeted by a court, sources in the poll panel said.

Earlier this month, the commission had indefinitely cancelled the RK Nagar Assembly bypoll after it found that money power was used to influence voters.

The bypoll was to be held on April 12. It was necessitated following the demise of J Jayalalithaa.

In its lengthy order, the Commission had pointed out that political parties and their top leaders used "innovative ways" in bribing voters in the RK Nagar Assembly seat to outwit law enforcement authorities mandated with keeping an eye on poll expenditure.

Many complaints were received by the commission on possibilities of inducement of electors by distributing cash and gifts in innovative forms like tokens, prepaid phone recharge coupons, newspaper subscription, milk tokens, money transfer in no-frill accounts in banks and even mobile wallet payment to mobile numbers.

Earlier, the poll panel had asked the government to give it power under the election law to countermand an election where money power is used. At present, the EC can countermand an election following use of muscle power.

It can use its constitutional powers under Article 324 to countermand a poll over use of money power, but it wants the power to be vested to it under law. The logic is that it does not want to use its constitutional powers too frequently.
New Delhi: The Indian Navy chief and senior commanders will come together to discuss the navy`s activities of the last six months at a Naval Commanders` Conference here during May 2-5, said an official release.



According to the release, Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba "with the Commanders-in-Chief will review major operational, training and administrative activities undertaken in the last six months and deliberate the way ahead on important activities and initiatives in the near future".



On the opening day of the conference, which is held bi-annually, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley will address and interact with the naval commanders.



During the conference, the naval top brass will interact with the senior government officials and also with the other two service chiefs.



The four-day event will be chaired by Admiral Lanba and focus on the Navy`s plans for sustained operational effectiveness, combat readiness and improved maintenance philosophy to carry out its roles and missions.



After the recent spur in terrorist attacks on military camps and the prevailing security scenario, the conference is expected to review the security of naval installations and assets and readiness of units to effectively deal with any kind of threat.



The commanders will also discuss ways to strengthen maritime security.



The last naval commanders` conference took place from October 25 to 27 last year.


PANAMA CITY (April 29, 2017)  Today, the Disney Wonder transited the Panama Canal as the first passenger vessel to go through the canals new set of locks, marking a milestone for the cruise industry. The Disney Cruise Line 2,713-passenger ship was transformed in late 2016, expanding the length of the Disney Wonder to 984 feet.

Headlining the ships enhancements are new imaginative spaces for children  including areas themed to the Marvel Universe and Disneys Frozen  a jazzy restaurant inspired by Disneys Princess and the Frog, and an authentic neighborhood English pub with subtle nods to classic Disney films. The Disney Wonder Panama Canal crossing is part of a 14-night voyage from Port Canaveral, Fla., to San Diego, where the ship will sail cruises to Baja, Mexico, before a summer season from Vancouver to Alaska.

Post a Comment
Hyderabad: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday asserted that triple talaq is not a religious issue as it has no sanction in Shariat amid a raging debate on the issue.

He also hit out at the Congress for keeping "silence" on the matter for past several years.

"Triple Talaq is not a religious issue as it has no sanction in Shariat. It is a matter of right of equality and right to live with dignity of Muslim women along with other women.

"Why this discrimination...This must be put to an end and it should not be politicised," Naidu, who holds the portfolio of Information and Broadcasting, told reporters here.

On senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mallikarjun Kharge charging Prime Minister Narendra Modi with politicising the triple talaq issue to gain political mileage, Naidu said, "What the PM said yesterday is that the Muslim society should think on this."

"You (Congress) say you are champions of minorities. You don't have concern for women among the minorities. It is a question of inequality and discrimination against the women on the basis of religion. Why you kept silent for all these years. They should answer this," he said.

To another query, he said the prime minister has already spoken against self-styled cow vigilantes.

"Some political leaders have selective amnesia and keep on speaking anything," he said.

Accusing the Opposition of pursuing an "obstructionist" agenda, the minister claimed that they are pursuing a disinformation campaign on each and every issue.

"They (Opposition parties) are not able to digest the mandate of the people. Come out with an alternative agenda. It is an obstructive and negative agenda that's where the people are worried."

"While India is getting connected in this way under PM Modi, some Opposition parties are not able to digest this and are indulging in a negative disinformation campaign on issues and non-issues as well," he alleged.

He said the common challenge before the people and the political class is to make a New India that can realise its true potential by which aspirations of all sections and particularly, the poor and the youth could be met.

"Our nation cannot afford negative politics. Recent election results have highlighted this message," he said.

The BJP leader appealed to all political parties to take a resolve to put an end to this "negative" politics and join constructive and positive politics so that the energies of the country and the people could be put to better use.
New Delhi: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday on a two-day visit to India.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has directed security agencies to ensure that he be provided the highest security cover in the wake of threats from ISIS.

The IB has even demanded that his aircraft be guarded at all times during his stay in the capital.

A special request to allow officers deployed for his personal security to carry weapons has also been placed.

He will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Hamid Ansari.

After ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday, the President Erdogan will also lay Wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, MEA sources said here.

Among his official engagement include call on by Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.

He will also attend a Business Event and interact with industry captains.

During his stay, there will be also a Conferment of the Honorary Degree on President Erdogan by the Jamia Milia Islamia University.

Erdogan had visited India in 2008, when he was prime minister. After eleven years as Prime Minister, he was elected President in 2014.

This will be his first visit to India as President.
New Delhi: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived here on Sunday and will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow on key bilateral and regional issues, including India's NSG membership bid and ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and trade.

This is Erdogan's first foreign visit after winning a controversial referendum on April 16 that further consolidated his executive powers.

Apart from his wife Emine Erdogan, the Turkish President is accompanied by senior cabinet ministers and a 150-member business delegation that will take part in a meeting of the India-Turkey Business Forum.

Ahead of his visit, India had played down proximity between Turkey and Pakistan as well as Ankara's statements on Jammu and Kashmir, saying the government is aware that Turkey has a very close relationship with Pakistan and it is their bilateral matter.

"We have always emphasised that India-Turkey relations stand on their own footing and, we believe, the Turkish side reciprocates our sentiment," Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, said, adding that India's position on the state of J&K is very well known that it is an integral part of the country.

However, she did not respond when asked if India will raise the issue.

With Turkey being a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the issue of India's membership bid for the elite group is likely to figure during the talks between the two leaders.

"We remain engaged with Turkey," she had said when asked if the Indian side will raise the country's NSG bid during talks.

Turkey is not directly opposed to India's NSG membership but has been maintaining that the powerful bloc should come out with a system to consider the entry of the countries which are not signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as also supporting Pakistan's case, diplomatic sources said.

The two sides were also expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism during the presidential visit here.

After a failed coup in July last year to topple Erdogan, Turkey had blamed Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO) for it and said the outfit has "infiltrated" India. Turkey had also asked India to take action against the organisation.

Asked about the action taken by India so far, she said Turkey had raised it with the government, which has noted their concern.

Calling the FETO a "secretive transnational criminal network" with presence around the world, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, during a visit here last year, had said, "Unfortunately, the FETO has also infiltrated India through associations and schools."

Issues relating to regional security, situation in the Middle East, particularly Syria, are likely to figure during talks between Modi and Erdogan.
New Delhi: Condemning National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah's remark on Kupwara attack, the National Panthers Party (NPP) on Sunday held the former and his party responsible for the prevailing 'nuisance' situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"He is the one who creates all the nuisance in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah has been getting all the benefit of time, right from whatever his father did or the people of Kashmir sacrificed for. How he became the Member of Parliament today, nobody talks about it. He didn't even get 3.5 percent votes. He can speak anything he likes," NPP leader Bhim Singh told ANI.

Singh also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the growing tension in the state, asking, why till now the situation has not been controlled.

"He (Farooq Abdullah) and his party are one among, those who is responsible for creating the present situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The credit goes to Prime Minister Modi as it was his responsibility to amend the Article 370 and integrate the state of Jammu and Kashmir. What happened now, the entire Parliament is with him and the entire country is with him, what happened now?" he said.

Earlier on Saturday, 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: With former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah raking a row with through his 'Kupwara attack was aimed to spread hatred against Muslims' remark, the Centre has reiterated that senior politicians should refrain from making statement that lower the morale of the security forces.

"There is a clan which indulges in selective condemnation of violent incidents and makes a hue and cry on such acts, but turns a blind eye when the security forces attain martyrdom.

A soldier who sacrifices his live for the nation is supreme," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh told the media here.

Earlier on Saturday, 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."

"Nowadays, 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.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that her government would first restore normalcy in the Valley before initiating talks with the separatists.

She made the comments during her meeting with BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav here.

"In a period of two-three months, you will see a changed Jammu and Kashmir. Next few months are really crucial for us.

We will first restore the normalcy, than we will talk. This issue is as old as 70 years," Mufti said.

She also said that the Centre must reach out to the disillusioned youth to restore peace.

"We must start from where Vajpayee ji left... Modi ji has repeatedly said that he would follow the footsteps of Vajpayee ji, whose policy was of reconciliation, not confrontation, she said.

Madhav on Saturday slammed the separatists for using Kashmiri youth as guinea pigsduring protests. He said there won't be talks with separatists till they stop violence.
Bengaluru: Cracking down on the feuding factions of the party's Karnataka unit, the BJP central leadership has relieved two office bearers each from the state President BS Yeddyurappa and senior leader KS Eshwarappa camps, of their charges.

It also barred party members from participating in the activities of Rayanna Brigade, an apolitical forum of Dalits and backward classes floated by Eshwarappa in an apparent show of strength, and also asked them not to talk about party's internal affairs in public and in media.

The crackdown comes following a series of meetings held by BJP national general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Muralidhar Rao with party leaders here yesterday and on Sunday.

The party's factional feud had intensified on April 27 with Eshwarappa holding a convention to "save" the organisation in defiance of the warnings by Yeddyurappa's camp against it.

In a late night move, state BJP general secretary N Ravi Kumar announced that the state unit vice presidents, Bhanuprakash and Nirmal Kumar Surana, Raitha Morcha vice president MP Renukacharya and spokesperson G Madhusudhan have been relieved of their responsibilities to the party with immediate effect.

While Bhanuprakash and Surana had shared the stage with Eshwarappa at the convention, Renukacharya and G Madhusudhan considered close to Yeddyurappa had made public statements targeting national joint general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh.

Yeddyurappa has earlier too blamed Santhosh, perceived to hold significant sway over the party affairs in the state, for scripting dissidence activities.

After meetings with Muralidhar Rao, another BJP state general secretary Aravinda Limbavali today said the party's central leadership was closely observing the recent happenings in Karnataka unit.

Clarifying that there was no link or relationship between the BJP and the Rayanna Brigade, he said in a statement that the BJP office bearers, leaders and workers are strictly barred from participating in the Rayanna Brigade's activities.

The party's central leadership has instructed the functionaries not to organise any activity connected with any brigade or other kind of organisations, he added.

Also stating that airing views on party's internal affairs in public and in media has been prohibited, Limbavali warned that 'strict disciplinary' action will be taken in the event of anyone violating these instructions.

Meanwhile, the party sources said Eshwarappa, who was scheduled to meet Muralidhar Rao today, has decided to skip the meeting.

Speaking to the reporters in Tumkuru, Eshwarappa, the leader of the opposition in the legislative council, ruled out the possibility of the party taking any action against him.

The senior leader said he was deeply pained by the action against Bhanuprakash and Surana, noting that they have served the organisation for years.

"What is there to seek report about me from Muralidhar Rao? There is nothing, someone is creating such things... Everyone at the centre knows about my contribution to the BJP organisation since the beginning...," he said in reply to a question.

Reminding that he had served as party's state and yuva morcha presidents, Eshwarappa said, When Yeddyurappa quit the party and formed the KJP, I resigned as the power minister on the directions of the party and took over as the party's state president.

"So I don't think there is any question of taking action against me.

"Why will they take action against workers who have toiled to build the organisation he asked.

The resentment has been brewing within the party over Yeddyurappa's alleged 'unilateral' style of functioning after the appointment of party office-bearers and "ignoring" loyal workers and the old guard of the party.

The fissures within the Karnataka unit have been causing concern among the central leadership which has been hoping for the revival of party's fortunes in the assembly polls early next year and to see the BJP return to power.

Forming the first-ever government in the south, the BJP had ruled the state from 2008 to 2013 which saw three chief ministers taking over the reign one after another amid factional wars and corruption charges, eventually leading to the Congress' return to power.
New Delhi: Indian stand-up comedy has really come of age and Vir Das believes now is the time to take it to international audiences.

His show "Abroad Understanding" is now available on Netflix, the streaming website, that is home to celebrated international comedians like Amy Schummer and Aziz Ansari.

Das' Netflix Originals show talks about his personal journey and Indian sense of humour.

"What I'm looking forward to is sending Indian comedy to the world. People in China have never seen an Indian comedian. People in Africa have never seen an Indian comedian.

"Netflix is this big platform that is known to work with the best comedians in the world. All the comedians that I've idolised are there. So, I'm just a struggler and that's very exciting. I feel very young and fresh for the first time," Das told PTI.

Das says he is happy with the way stand-up comedy is flourishing in India and people are taking it up as a profession.

Das started his career as a comedian when there were hardly any stand-up comics in the country but he says artistes like Johnny Lever and Anupam Kher always inspired him.

"There are so many people I admire. In India, there are Johnny Lever and Anupam Kher, while in the West, it is Chris Rock. These people write very well. They're all humble and very likeable on stage."

His comic timing is something which has made him favourite among fans but Das' acting and music talent is equally popular in the country.

When asked what comes naturally to him, Das jokes, "Sleep comes naturally to me. I'm a way better napper than I'm a comedian or an actor. But out of all the things that I do, I enjoy music a lot.

"Because when you're doing a film there are many crores that are dependent on you. Also, when you're doing a stand-up comedy show, there are thousands of people, who are dependent on you. But when you're playing music with a band, you're just dependent on five people and you can have a good time."

Das has a comedy-rock band Alien Chutney, which consists of Sidd Coutto, Johan Pais, Kaizad Gherda and Apurv Issac. The group is known for composing witty and edgy songs.

"We're writing right now. We're going to make a new album. We decided to throw out all of our old songs and write 12 brand new songs. So, we're working on that," Das says about the current status of his band.
Chandigarh: Actress Preity Zinta on Sunday hailed the steps taken by the government to end the VIP culture in India.

The 42-year-old actress praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his intent is to make difference to the lives of ordinary citizens.

"For our prime minister every person is important and he means it. I think we are lucky to have a prime minister, who not only is thinking about taking the country forward, but he is also thinking about taking each citizen forward," Zinta told PTI here.

She also praised the initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaigns.

"I also like the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign. As a woman, safety and education, these things are important. I am an army kid and it's nice to see him (PM) talking about patriotism and our soldiers. I am happy," she said.

Asked about her upcoming Bollywood projects, Zinta said, "My next film will release soon. I might be signing a new film also".

Zinta is also working on a women's safety project.

"I have the biggest project of my life, which is a big project on women's safety, I have been working on it for five years and finally it's going to come out this year, so I have my hands full," she added.
New Delhi: The new Congress president should be appointed through consensus and not election as it helps to bind the party and Rahul Gandhi is certainly up to it, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Sunday.

He also said that it was up to Sonia Gandhi whether she will continue as party chief for another term and the party will be happy if she decides so.

Amarinder, however, favoured projection of regional leaders in Congress and making them the party's face in each state ahead of assembly elections.

"Elections are always bitter and consensus keeps the party together. There should be a consensus on the party president.

"You don't have any bad blood. It is all happening in a happy way," he told PTI in an interview.

The organisational election process within the Congress party is underway and the new party chief has to be elected by October 15.

On Sonia Gandhi, he said it will be entirely her call on whether to continue for another term till 2019.

"She has worked very hard. If she wants to stay, I think the party will be too happy. If she wants to go, I think Rahul is in a position to take over... . As party Vice President, I have been dealing with him for 2-3 years, I find that he is certainly up to it," he said.

He, however, said his impression is that she feels she has done enough.

She has not had time off for the last 20 years, which is a long time, ever since she took over as party chief in 2017, Amarinder said.

Asked whether he prefers someone other that a member of the Gandhi family to lead the party, he said traditionally the Congress has been headed by a member of the Nehru Gandhi family.

From Motilal Nehru to Jawaharlal Nehru and then Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, except for some leaders in between, he said.

"I am going to vote for Rahul. Who else do we have," he said.

Asked what is holding Rahul back from taking over, the Punjab leader said he is already going through the process.

"I think one must not write off Rahul. People are trying to write him off. They are trying to fob him off, calling him childish names. That is unnecessary. I think he is very perceptive and very decisive," he said.

On promoting regional talent within the party, Amarinder said every state has regional leaders unlike in the past and the Congress has to project them ahead of elections, as people these days vote for a face.

He said all states have regional parties and regional leaders and everyone knows if they win, who will be the chief minister. This was not the case earlier when it was Jan Sangh or Congress.

"So you should have to have a face. Congress must come down to this point. If Himachal is tomorrow, then who is the face. This is very important today," he said and cited his own case.

Singh was named the CM candidate by the party ahead of the Punjab assembly election, in a departure from tradition.

"You must project a leader in advance. Look at me, the whole campaign was focused on me. Projection is important," he said, adding that the Congress has no dearth of young leaders in every state and cited some names too.

"You cannot write off Congress like this. I am sure other states must be having leaders also," he said.

On the current state of affairs in the Congress, which has lost one election after another except Punjab, the state chief minister said he is not worried about the situation as the country moved in a cycle, which will soon reverse.

"Today there may be an upswing for BJP, but who knows two years hence," he said.

Amarinder said India has so many problems and people are hoping for somebody who does better and if one does not deliver, they choose the other the next time.

He also cited Arvind Kejriwala's example, whose party was rejected by voters in the civic polls in Delhi.

"You see Mr Kejriwal being pushed out. Because they feel he has not delivered. So delivery is important," he said.

Having spent around five decades in politics, the Punjab chief minister said he has seen ups and downs including the time when the Congress "won only one state and one seat in the whole of North India of Karan Singh".

"This was when Indira Gandhi lost, Sanjay Gandhi and I also lost. Then suddenly in two years we bounced back again. I am not worried about this. This is a cycle that happens in this country," he said, recollecting times when Indira Gandhi was at the helm.

Amarinder, who also holds the post of Punjab Congress chief, has also asked Rahul Gandhi to relieve him from the party post saying he will not be able to do justice to the job.
New Delhi: Delhi's ISBT model may soon be replicated in UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's home town Gorakhpur.

Sources in the Delhi transport department said the UP Transport Minister Swatantra Dev Singh will soon visit the Maharana Pratap ISBT, an inter-state bus terminus here, to study the model.

A senior official said the Uttar Pradesh government wants to build a multi-facility ISBT in Gorakhpur district from where Adityanath has been a five-time Member of Parliament.

Special Commissioner (transport) KK Dahiya confirmed the move but refused to divulge further details.

The Maharana Pratap ISBT had recently been renovated. According to the Delhi Transport department, the inter-state bus terminus has facilities on par with an airport.

The ISBT cater to buses going towards Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana.

It has an air-conditioned waiting lounge, a food court, glass lifts, separate AC lounge for women passengers, hotels to cater to visitors, a smooth integration with the neighbouring Metro station and a dedicated city bus network (DTC depot).

Apart from this, the ISBT has separate section for the parking of air-conditioned buses going outside Delhi. As per the plan, Delhi government will install GPS-enabled machine meant for informing the timing of departure of buses.
Meerut (UP): A huge cache of cash, weapons and meat has been recovered in a raid conducted at a colonel's residence in UP's Meerut.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Saturday conducted raids at a Colonel (retd.) Devendra Singh's residence in which one crore cash, animal skin, animal organs and around 40 rifles and pistols were recovered.

The team of the DRI conducted the 16 hour-long raid on the basis of confidential information following which about 50,000 cartridges, including 40 rifles and pistols, about one crore rupees of cash and wild animals skulls, horns, leopard skins, have been recovered.

Meerut: DRI raids at residence of retd Colonel, banned wild animal body parts, 1 cr cash & arms recovered, his son is national level shooter pic.twitter.com/3JKScjZX0B  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 30, 2017

Not only this, a stash of 117 kilos of meat was also recovered in a huge container.

"The raid was done in the morning and foreign arms, rifles and pistols were recovered. Licenses of arms were not found. At the same time the team interrogated the Retired Colonel and asked about his national level shooter son Prashant Bishnoi, who is absconding but he did not tell the police," said Manoj Kumar (Senior Intelligence Officer).

No arrest has been made in this case yet as the police team is looking for Prashant Bishnoi. Meanwhile, forces have been deployed outside his house.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh ministers will meet the public and BJP workers in the state to redress their grievances and ensure coordination between the government and the party organisation.

This mechanism will come into effect from May 1 with state agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi meeting people and party workers at the BJP headquarters here.

"This will establish direct conversation between the state government and the people. It will also ensure better synergy and coordination between the party organisation and the government.

The UP BJP headquarters will be the venue of this meeting," BJP's state unit spokesperson Shalabh Mani Tripathi said.

He also said this will help people in avoiding making repeated rounds of the government's various departments to redress their grievances.
Rome: Former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi was on Sunday poised to win the leadership of Italy`s ruling Democratic Party (PD) in a primary election, propelling him back to the forefront of the national political scene.

Renzi, 42, resigned as prime minister in December after Italians overwhelmingly rejected a constitutional referendum.

A centrepiece of his political platform, the reform had aimed to streamline Italy`s parliamentary system.

In the aftermath of the December vote defeat and facing a rebellion from the left wing of his centre-left party, Renzi in February stepped down as party leader with the aim of regaining legitimacy in a future vote.

On Sunday he was up against two candidates considered further to the left: Justice Minister Andrea Orlando and Michele Emiliano, who heads the southern Puglia region.

An internal vote conducted by the party earlier this month suggested a clear Renzi victory after he scored 66.7 percent, with 25.3 percent for Orlando and eight percent for Emiliano.

When he first took over the leadership in December 2013, Renzi won the backing of close on 68 percent of 2.8 million voters.

Similar figures would underpin the winner`s legitimacy --but Emiliano warned the election will be a flop if less people vote this time, while Orlando said that less than two million cast ballots would signal a failure.

Renzi set the bar much lower -- at one million.

Voting booths, mainly stands on the streets, opened at 8:00 am (0600 GMT) and were to close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT).

The vote was open to all Italians over 16 years old, EU citizens residing in Italy and non-EU foreigners with valid residency permits -- on condition of paying a donation of at least two euros.

Lorenzo De Sio, a professor of political sociology at the Luiss University in Rome said the turnout would be crucial in determining Renzi`s legitimacy.

"Rather than a competition, we`re looking at a process of legitimisation, a sort of crowning of Renzi as leader of the PD. We can expect a huge Renzi victory but with weak voter turnout. People on the left do not seem to be mobilised," he says.

"If participation rates are around a million people or less, Renzi`s legitimisation won`t be strong, if it is between 1.5 and two million, he will wind up in a stronger position," he adds.

The winner of the vote will lead the party during legislative elections slated for spring 2018 unless parliamentarians come to an agreement on electoral reform before then and call for early elections.

During the only televised debate between Renzi and his two competitors, the former prime minister said he would do "everything to bring back energy, momentum and vigour to the country", and railed against "stagnation that seems to be blocking political and institutional life" since the referendum.

In addition to the contrasting styles, with Orlando and Emiliano generally more reserved than the exuberant Renzi, the debate laid bare key differences over national politics.

Renzi disagrees with his two challengers on a wealth tax, which he opposes.

If the spring election outcome requires the formation of a coalition following the legislative elections, Orlando and Emiliano have said they would seek to govern with left wing defectors or other parties on the left.

Renzi, meanwhile, has not ruled out forming an alliance with centre-right leader and former premier Silvio Berlusconi.
Berlin [Germany]: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday said that she has developed a good working relationship with the United States President Donald Trump, despite having a frosty start.

"President Trump and I have developed a good working relationship, which doesn't rule out having different points of view," Merkel told to a local German newspaper.

Merkel further said that USA's strong involvement is needed to resolve different "problems."

"If we want to resolve these problems, if we want to help people, we need strong involvement from the United States," she said.

Citing examples of the "problems," she said, "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."

Recently, even Trump praised the chemistry between the German Chancellor and him.

Earlier in March, in a photo op after their Oval Office, the two leaders sat next to each other in separate chairs. Merkel then appeared to ask the President if he wanted to shake hands, which is customary in photo ops, but Trump simply did not respond. He barely even looked at his German counterpart while quickly answering a few questions from the press.

When asked to shake hands by reporters and photographers, Trump and Merkel remained stationary.

It wasn't clear if the two heard the request, and the two had shaken hands when Merkel arrived at the White House and they shook hands again after a White House news conference.
Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday his country may take further action against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria and insisted US support for such groups "must come to an end."

The US moved troops and armored vehicles through several Syrian cities and towns on Friday and yesterday in a show of force apparently intended to dissuade Turkey and Syrian Kurdish forces from attacking each other.

Kurdish officials described the US troop movement as a "buffer" between them and Turkey.

The US has provided air cover and other support to Kurdish forces battling the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

In Syria, it is working with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units, or YPG, but also includes Arab fighters.

Video from northern Syria shows the US patrols parked alongside Kurdish units flying the YPG flag.

Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organization and an extension of the Kurdish militants who have been waging a three-decade-long insurgency. It launched airstrikes against the YPG last week, killing 20 fighters and media activists.

"We will be forced to continue (our offensives)," Erdogan said. "We won't provide a date and time for when we'll come. But they will know that the Turkish military can come."

Erdogan said he would discuss the issue at a meeting with US President Donald Trump next month.


Young people who left Southern European countries to find work in Europes North are unlikely to move back home anytime soon.

Thousands of young people moved north after an economic crisis hit their countries a few years ago. Unemployment rates in countries such as Spain, Greece, and Italy remain high -- between 25 and 45 percent.

Roberta Damore left her home in Italy in 2010. After completing her university education, it took her months to find a full-time job. Yet the job paid her only 500 euros a month. It provided no health care or other work-related benefits, like employer donations to a retirement plan.

Damore now works for an employment agency in Luxembourg. She has no plans to move back to Italy anytime soon.

Every time I go back the situation is worse when it comes to work opportunities, she said. It makes me sad that my country is not able to offer the young generation to start a life. If the situation would improve I could at least think about opportunities and go back.

Many of the unemployed youth from southern Europe move to major economies like Britain and Germany. Others go to smaller countries like the Netherlands and Belgium.

Portuguese software engineer Jorge Lima says he moved to England because of the language.

There was little work in Portugal in my field and the work projects I get to work on here are much more interesting," he said. "Also the salary is more than twice as much. Most of my friends from Portugal have moved away to find better jobs.

Forced movement?

Only three percent of Europeans live in a European Union (EU) member state different from their country of birth. Studies suggest the main reason is language barriers.

For years, the EU has tried to ease restrictions on movement, but many young people going north feel their mobility is forced. More than four-million European youth were unemployed in 2016.

A program called the EU Youth Guarantee was established to help Europeans under the age of 25 with employment and education. Yet a new report says the program falls short of the initial expectations raised.

The Court of Auditors reported the findings.

Matthias Busse works as a researcher at the Center for European Policy Studies. He says the Youth Guarantee had a good effect. But he believes the total number of unemployed youth remains too large.

The European Youth Forum works with the EU and policymakers in support of young people on issues such as employment. The forum represents 100 youth organizations. They like the idea of the Youth Guarantee. But they also believe that more financial aid and less government involvement is needed to make such programs successful.

Seeking reform

Allan Pall of the European Youth Forum says the current situation could lead to what he calls a lost generation if no reforms are made.

We see that young people are more likely to work in precarious jobs, unpaid, or zero-hour contracts or sometimes not even having contracts, Pall said. We are now seeing that countries like the United Kingdom and Greece have legitimized paying young people below the minimum wage, just because they are young.

One Spanish job seeker in Brussels spoke with VOA, but asked that his name not be identified in this report. He feels Belgian businesses are more likely to offer employment to the countrys citizens than foreigners.

The college graduate says he faces several issues, such as how to negotiate in his new cultural environment and not being able to speak the local language.

He feels that even if he cannot find a job within his field, he will stay in Belgium.

This is something that I discussed with my family before coming here, there is a chance I dont find anything, he says. But its more worth it to being a Belgian waiter with a better salary and better conditions than being one at home. And that is a very sad thing to say.

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium assisted hundreds of Spanish people looking for work in Belgium and surrounding countries in recent years. Almost all were under 35 years old and 85 percent of them have a university education.

Ramon Lopez of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce says it will be difficult to get these young people to return home.

In Spain, there were many qualified people for few jobs so the wages were quite low, Lopez said. When the people from Spain come here (Belgium), they are just happy with having a fair salary.

He adds the loss of educated, skilled youth means that the government now has to use public money to interest them in returning home.

Im Lucija Millonig.

Marthe Van Der Wolf reported on this story for VOA News. George Grow adapted her report for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

benefit  n. something that produces good effects; financial help; a service provided by an employer in addition to wages

opportunity  n. a good chance for progress or forward movement

salary  n. a fixed payment for services; wages

initial  adj. of or related to the beginning of something

precarious  adj. depending on the will or decision of another

contract  n. a business agreement

minimum  adj. the least amount of something; the lowest number

graduate  n. someone who has successfully completed a study program

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
5 Causes of Nursing Home Resident Anxiety Unfortunately, for many reasons anxiety happens more often by long-term care residents than by those who live in
A new generation of young Somali-Canadians is looking to raise both money and awareness of the looming disaster in their parents' homeland  and hope the international community will act before it's too late.

Samiya Abdi, a member of Fight The Famine Toronto, says she's part of a wave of young activists and educated professionals who are hoping to prevent a disaster rather than react to it.

"Only when there's so much death and destruction then people are interested in making a difference," she said.

The region's normal peak rainfall is in April. But since November there has been no significant rainfall and the water that's left is not drinkable.

'A real opportunity'

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs there have been 2,984 new cholera cases and 34 deaths from April 10th to 16th alone.

Just six years ago this same region was hit by a famine that killed more than 250,000 people.

Abdi says this time around something can be done to save lives.

"Unlike in 2011, in 2017 we have the real opportunity to avert famine. Famine has not been declared yet, however there is severe drought that has caused the loss of 80 per cent of livestock," she said.

Abdi says her group is a youth-led initiative linked to a global movement of young people upset at the world's silence and the slow response six years ago.

Anyone in community will know someone affected, activist says

And many are children of the Somali diaspora people who fled war and natural disaster and emigrated to Canada as refugees and asylum seekers.

"A lot of us either grew up outside of Somalia or were born outside of Somalia. Only a few of us have even visited," Abdi said.

She says the impact of the drought is widespread, affecting half the country's 6.3 million people population.

"So if you speak to anyone in the Somali-Canadian community, they will have a relative who has been affected by it," said Abdi.

Story continues

'They have nothing'

Hidaya Hassan, 25, is a student at Wilfred Laurier University studying human rights and criminology. She has family still in Somalia and visits once a year, most recently in January.

"I visited a town and they were selling a goat for three dollars. That was their everything and they were selling it," she said, adding she feels the international community usually doesn't pay attention until people start dying.

The UN says the total number of displaced people within the country has jumped to 615,000 since November 2016.

"Roads are literally littered with dead animals," said Ahmed. "People are walking five to ten days to get to the next village to look for water. Not just for themselves, but their livestock. To try and save their lifesavings. Now because of a natural disaster they have nothing."

'It affects everyone'

Muse Mohammed, 28, is a Canadian photojournalist based in Geneva, Switzerland. He is originally from Mississauga and his father is Somali and his mother is from Chile.

He recently returned from a month long assignment in Somalia with the UN International Organization for Migration where he covered the worsening drought and food crisis.

"On the ground there I met many from the Somali Diaspora  from Finland, the United States, Sweden and other Canadians," Mohammed said. "They are there to do their part."

Mohammed travelled through drought stricken areas of the country and visited the village his father originally came from for the first time.

"This drought does not discriminate. It affects everyone. It doesn't matter what clan what your affiliation," he says, adding that areas held by the armed militant group Al Shabaab have also been hard hit.

"Most of them are just leaving their homes and their livelihood behind," said Mohammed. "Some have lost all their animals in some cases hundreds of camels, donkeys and goats. And these are more than just animals. It's their way of life."

Abdi says because the people are still largely nomadic or semi-nomadic  goats, sheep, camels and cattle  from their main economy.

"My uncle has lost over 200 camels. So imagine losing your house or $200,000 dollars. It's people losing all the wealth they've spent a lifetime to accumulate."

Agencies are on the ground in the region, but they are struggling to avert what could be the third full-scale famine in 25 years.

Fight The Famine will be held Sunday, April 30, at the Daniels Spectrum Cultural Centre in Toronto and finance minister Bill Morneau will be its keynote speaker. All donations will go to famine relief, says Abdi.
A group of about 50 combat engineers based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown were deployed to Latvia on Saturday as part of Operation Reassurance.

The operation is part the Canadian Armed Forces' three-year commitment to NATO to promote security and stability in central and eastern Europe.

The soldiers of 4 Engineer Support Regiment, who specialize in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure used during military operations, will be helping to build what commanding officer Lt.-Col. Chris Cotton says is a small town for the 500 soldiers that will be based there during the operation.

It will have "everything you would expect in a small town  from its kitchen to its quarters, its electrical distribution system, water distribution system, internet, gym facilities  that would allow people to survive over the long term in Latvia," he said.

Training in Bathurst

The largest group left CFB Gagetown on Saturday to join the initial group already in Latvia doing design work for the camp.

Cotton said those deployed were part of a training exercise in Bathurst last year, Ex Nihilo Sapper 2016.

"The Bathurst training event was a training opportunity to practise some of the exact same skill sets that they are now translating into actual effect in Latvia," he said.
An Ontario woman is missing in Belize along with her American boyfriend, a friend says, and search crews have so far failed to turn up any clues indicating where they may be.

Francesca Matus, 52, and her boyfriend, Drew De Voursney, 36, were last seen leaving a bar called Scotty's near Matus's beachfront home in Corozal, about 130 kilometres north of the country's capital.

Matus's friend, Nancy Rifenbark, confirmed to CBC Toronto that she was with Matus and De Voursney at Scotty's, a neighbourhood bar, until about 10:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Matus was scheduled to fly to Canada on Wednesday morning, Rifenbark said. Matus lives in the Greater Toronto Area, but Rifenbark couldn't say exactly where.

But when another of their friends, Joe Milholen, went to Matus's home to drive her to the airport, she wasn't there.

"It's a huge mystery," Rifenbark said.

A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada would only confirm that the federal department is aware of reports that a Canadian citizen is missing in Belize, but would not confirm Matus's identity, citing privacy considerations.

"Consular officials are providing consular assistance to the family and remain in regular contact with local authorities to gather additional information," Natasha Nystrom told CBC News Saturday in an email.

Pair 'well-liked'

According to Milholen, he arrived at Matus's home at 8:30 a.m. local time Wednesday to take her to the airport for her flight back to Canada.

"When I arrived there to pick her up, the gate was closed and the car was gone. And so, she wasn't there."

De Voursney's motorcycle was in the driveway, he said. Milholen waited 30 minutes and kept dialling Matus's cellphone. She didn't pick up.

He started calling friends of the couple to find out if anyone had heard from them. Milholen also tried calling the airline, but officials there weren't forthcoming with information, he said.

Story continues

In the end, Matus's brother told him that the airline confirmed she checked in online on Tuesday night, but did not get on the flight.

"The biggest thing is if we can find the vehicle," Milholen told CBC Toronto. "That will tell us a lot."

Friends of De Voursney have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money "to use every resource necessary for their safe return."

The page describes De Voursney as a former Marine who served two tours in Iraq and then worked as a contractor in Afghanistan.

As of mid-afternoon Saturday, the campaign had raised more than $1,700.

'Never felt a threat like this'

According to Rifenbark, police have been conducting an extensive air and ground search, but there's been no sign of the missing couple or of Matus's car, which she was last seen driving as she left the bar.

"It is a lot of jungle and bush and so it's not that easy," Rifenbark said. "So we're hoping to get maybe a helicopter or more plane activity."

She said Matus's and De Voursney's brothers are expected to travel to Belize soon to help with the search.

Meanwhile, Milholen said it's his phone number on flyers he has been putting around the area to receive tips from the public. He's had several calls, but none has produced a solid lead.

About 50 people are searching through the local bush, he said.

Rifenbark said she has never felt unsafe in Corozal, where she has lived for eight years. Matus has had her home there for four years, she said.

"Things happen just like they do everywhere else," she said. "It is a Third World country. But I drive around at night and I've never felt a threat like this."

She described Matus and De Voursney as "well-liked" and said they have lots of local friends. Matus lives part of the year at her property in Corozal and part of the year in Canada, Rifenbark said. Matus is also a mother of twin boys, she said.

Friends were posting on a Facebook page belonging to Matus, offering prayers that she be found safe.

"Can't believe this is happening  I hope you are safe," Susan Zecchino posted on Saturday.

"We are praying you return home safe and sound!" wrote Ryah Lynn Lopizzo. "Be strong whereever you are!"
Kenneth Williams

The execution of Kenneth Williams in the US state of Arkansas on Thursday (27 April) has stirred a controversy after his lawyers called for an inquiry alleging that the lethal injection procedure was "horrifying".





The development came after witnesses of the procedure said that the 38-year-old convulsed and groaned as he was being executed, the BBC reported.





Media persons who witnessed the procedure said that the convicted murderer coughed, trembled, lurched and jerked about 15 times after he received the first of three lethal injections.





He was pronounced dead at 23.05 local time (05.05 BST), which "resulted in disturbing signs of distress on the part of the prisoner", reports said.





Williams' last words were "I humbly extend my apologies to those families I have senselessly wronged".





The Republican governor of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, has dismissed the allegations and said, "I see no reason for any investigation other than the routine review that is done after every execution."





The governor's spokesman also said Williams' movements were "an involuntary muscular reaction", to be expected with midazolam  a sedative used in lethal injections.





Republican state senator Trent Garner, who was present during the execution, also came out in support and said Williams did not "seem in pain".





"It was not cruel, unusual, botched or torture," he tweeted.





But Shawn Nolan, a legal adviser for Williams, said the execution was a disturbing one and accused the governor's spokesman of "trying to whitewash the reality of what happened".





"Press reports state that within three minutes into the execution, our client began coughing, convulsing, jerking and lurching with sound that was audible even with the microphone turned off," Nolan added.





The execution of Williams came after Jack Jones and Marcel Williams were executed using lethal injections on 24 April.





The first person to be put to death after 12 years without a single execution in the state was Ledell Lee, who was injected on 20 April.





All the four executions were carried out within a week because the state's supply of midazolam was set to expire at the end of April.





On Friday, the United Nations condemned Arkansas' execution plan and said it violates prisoners' rights.





"Our concern is really the fact that these executions were scheduled because of the expiration date of the drug, and you are absolutely right that adds to the arbitrariness and cruelty of the whole process," the spokeswoman of the UN Liz Throssell said.





The European Union also condemned the execution as "an unacceptable denial of human rights".



America's 'botched' executions: Witnesses describe the effects of 'problem drug' as Arkansas dismisses calls for probe

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.





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.





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.





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.





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.





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.





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.





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.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE!

Source: International Business Times, Divya Kishore, April 29, 2017Source: Mail Online , April 29, 2017
- Recent reports circulating indicate husband of Mercy Aigbe, Lanre Gentry is under investigation for alleged battering of the actress

- Reports of their marriage crashing over domestic violence surfaced recently

- Lanre Gentry has come out to debunk the allegations while his wife keeps mum over it

- However, Mercy is said to have dragged the case to Lagos Ministry Women Affairs for proper investigation

On recent allegations of domestic violence Nollwood actress, Mercy Aigbe's hotelier husband, Lanre Gentry is said to be under investigation for beating up his wife. The couple have been together as husband and wife for seven years and this is the second time Lanre is being accused of battering his wife, Mercy.

READ ALSO: More about Opemititi, the woman said to be responsible for Mercy Aigbe's breakup

Reports gathered that the gorgeous actress has dragged her husband, Gentry, to the Lagos Ministry of Women Affairs (LMWA) for investigation and prosecution over alleged battery and assault. As investigation is on-going, Lanre has been denying the allegations on social media.

Legit.ng earlier reported Lanre's shared statement where he boldly mentioned his love for his wife and that he will never hit the mother of his kids.

Mercy Aigbe and husband before and after abuse

According to reports, a top official with LMWA who pleaded animosity, revealed that the case has been brought to the attention of the body. He added that it required urgent attention following the mandate from the Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode to curb issues of domestic violence especially against women. He said: I am commenting on this based on your manner of approach, so please Id like my privacy to be respected. Truly, the case is with us here."

READ ALSO: See this stunning Asian bride in traditional Edo attire

"It was reported here by the victim herself, and because of the governors zero tolerance for domestic violence, we are as a matter of urgency investigating the whole drama. It is a good thing that it has also been brought to the public eye."

He further mentioned: "Were still very much on top of the matter and well get it to its logical conclusion.

Mercy Aigbe before and after

Recall that Mercy shared a post on her Instagram which indicated the presence of abuse. In the post, she advised people should say no to domestic violence. In what seemed like a response, her husband, Lanre also shared a post warning that people say no to promiscuous and irresponsible women.

Although Mercy has been quiet about the whole issue and even posted photos of how she was spending her Sunday going to church, the photos and reports prove all is not well.

READ ALSO: NaijWeddings: Precious and John OJ's sweet 10 year anniversary photoshoot

Here's what Naija celebs are saying about the whistle blowing trend brought to you by Legit.ng TV. Watch below:

Source: Legit.ng
SAO PAULO, April 19 (Reuters) - A judge in the Dominican Republic has approved terms of a $184 million fine on Odebrecht SA, which sought a plea deal after admitting to bribing officials to win contracts in the Caribbean nation.

A Sao Paulo-based spokesman for Odebrecht told Reuters on Wednesday that the Brazilian engineering group had been notified of Judge Danilo Quevedo's decision to ratify plea deal terms with Dominican authorities. The accord is the first of about 10 that Odebrecht wants to settle across Latin America and Africa.

Reuters reported earlier in the day that Brazilian prosecutors will submit criminal evidence that their Dominican counterparts need to continue their investigation of Odebrecht.

In December, Odebrecht and petrochemical subsidiary Braskem SA settled with Brazilian, U.S. and Swiss authorities a record fine of $3.5 billion. Odebrecht admitted to bribing officials in 12 countries, mostly Latin America, to help secure lucrative contracts.

Speeding up negotiations across Latin America is crucial to Odebrecht, which is trying to prevent upcoming elections across the region from slowing planned asset sales and refinancing 76 billion reais ($24 billion) of debt. Prosecutors from 10 Latin American countries formed a task force to investigate the scheme.

Odebrecht and prosecutors in Panama, Colombia and Peru have made significant progress on the elaboration of plea deals, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. The countries have for years been relevant clients of Odebrecht's civil construction unit.

($1 = 3.1491 reais) (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer; Editing by Guillermo Parra-Bernal and Bill Trott)




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
FILE PHOTO: A woman walks past a sign bearing the logo of United Parcel Service (UPS) at a job fair in Chicago, Illinois, October 18, 2014. REUTERS/Jim Young

By Luciana Lopez

(Reuters) - A union representing 1,200 U.S. air maintenance workers at United Parcel Service Inc (UPS.N) turned up pressure on the company on Sunday to settle a three-year contract dispute, saying it would seek clearance to strike.

The union is taking its grievances directly to UPS shareholders, running as an advertisement an open letter to David Abney, the companys chief executive, ahead of a Thursday shareholders meeting.

The letter, which has been delivered to board members, was signed by nearly 78 percent of members of Local 2727 of the Teamsters union, asking the company to maintain air mechanics current health plan and not demand other concessions.

Were not willing to back off of this and we will strike over it, said Tim Boyle, the local president.

The company said that it continues to negotiate in good faith with the union.

"Talks continue under the control of the National Mediation Board, which has scheduled sessions several months out," said Mike Mangeot, a spokesman for UPS Airlines, in a statement.

"The unions talk about a job action is simply posturing and a common union tactic designed to pressure talks. Our mechanics are good people who do a good job of keeping our aircraft flying safely and reliably, and UPS continues to negotiate in good faith for an agreement thats good for them, the company and our stakeholders."

Union members will also protest at the UPS shareholders meeting on Thursday in Wilmington, Delaware, with protests outside the meeting and, for union members who are also shareholders, questions to company officials inside.

The local plans additional protests on Tuesday in Atlanta, where the company is headquartered.

The union already voted in November to strike, but saw that request denied by federal authorities. The air maintenance workers are governed by the U.S. Railway Labor Act, which only allows strikes after it finds negotiations and mediation have failed.

But if the company does not agree to keep members health plans intact at the next bargaining session, on May 11 and May 12, Boyle said the union would ask again for permission to strike.

Story continues

Even if the board grants permission, though, a strike would take at least another 30 days because of other procedural hurdles.

A strike could ground the package delivery companys airplanes and disrupt packages sent by air, even as UPS and its rivals grapple with higher costs for surging e-commerce business.

(Reporting by Luciana Lopez in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Nick Zieminski)
LAWRENCE, Kan., April 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brent Crandon, O.D., has been dedicated to humanitarian efforts by bringing needed eye care services and eyewear to those who need it most around the world. He has received a VOSH award and was inducted into the Franklin Harms Society, an honor reserved for those who have completed a minimum of 10 volunteer trips with Volunteer Optometric Services (VOSH). As part of the honor, Brent Crandon, O.D. of Crandon & Crandon Optometry, has been recognized on the VOSH website and was presented with a plaque. Dr. Crandon completed his 10th trip in the spring of 2016 and has been a part of humanitarian missions to Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.



The award presented to Brent Crandon, O.D. was named after Dr. Franklin Harms, a fellow Kansas native. Dr. Harms founded VOSH in the early 70s. The first of many VOSH missions to follow was completed in Montemorelos, Mexico in 1972. Since that time, VOSH has gone on to serve more than one million people in need. Many more people continue to need care as a vision crisis affects 680 million people worldwide. In addition to those who volunteer their services and donate eyewear, individuals can make donations as small as $10 to help give the gift of sight to the underserved.

Patients and area residents have continued to assist Dr. Crandon and VOSH. Crandon & Crandon Optometry continues to accept donations of used glasses in good condition to take to the people served on these missions. Dr. Crandon is planning a future trip, potentially to be scheduled in the spring of 2018.

I am honored to receive the award from VOSH for my continued efforts to assist in VOSH missions and bring needed eyewear and eye services to third world countries, said Brent Crandon, O.D. I appreciate that our patients and area residents continue, during past and upcoming missions, to donate gently-used glasses that will go on and help others see better and improve their quality of life. I am grateful to receive the VOSH award and will continue to support their cause as I prepare to participate in a future mission.

Brent Crandon, O.D. and Elizabeth Crandon, OD, FCOVD of Crandon & Crandon Optometry serve the vision needs of residents of Lawrence and the surrounding areas. Their vision team is committed to providing high-quality eye care and eyewear for patients of all ages. Services available at Crandon & Crandon Optometry include complete eye exams, vision therapy, contact lenses and fitting, glasses, eyewear repairs, diagnosis and treatment of eye health problems, and pre- and post-operative care for LASIK.

Call (785) 843-3844 to speak with a knowledgeable associate about the VOSH award, to inquire about donating a pair of gently-used glasses, or to schedule an appointment. Visit http://crandonoptometry.com/ for additional details.




Company announcement 5/2017



European Energy A/S today signed an agreement for the sale of a wind farm in Denmark to a fund managed by Aquila Capital.

The wind farm has a gross capacity of 25.05MW and consists of 6 Vestas V117, 3.6MW turbines and 1 Vestas V126, 3.45MW turbine. The wind farm is located at Kappel in the municipality of Lolland.

The sale is conditioned upon a number of customary conditions precedent including issuance of take over certificates for the turbines and closing of non-recourse project financing.

Completion of the sale will contribute positively to European Energy A/S' financial position.

Contact information:

European Energy A/S

Jens-Peter Zink, chairman of the board

jpz@europeanenergy.dk

ph. + 45 2047 8220

This announcement has been made in accordance with the market abuse regulation (regulation (EU) no. 596/2014 on market abuse).
Official Explanation

FAQ: What is the function of the dashes ()?

FAQ: I thought its OK for verb tenses to vary when theyre in parallel structure.

3:2 splitA good way to attack sentence is to notice that we need the auk close to the verb was, in the non-underlined part. Only (C) and (D) have auk close to the verb was, so we can use a 3:2 split by looking at the very end of each answer choice. The original sentence creates too much distance between auk and was, (B) creates a nonsensical meaning.(A) The original sentence is a little bit awkward since the "it repeats the auk. The GMAT would never write a correct answer in such a way. Instead, the auk should be doing the verb. Here the verb is very far away, after the unnecessary succession of its.(B) makes it sound like the docile nature was driven to extinction. As reputed by also creates a different meaning.(C) The second phrase, it did not run from humans changes the tense from the original. Also docile is defined as not running from humans."(D) Correct for something very subtle. Docile nature is defined as not running from humans. Therefore, we do not want to imply that docile nature and not running from humans are two separate things. By using em-dashes, (D) defines docile nature.(E) Combines an independent clause with the verb was.A: These are called em dashes. They can serve as commas, parentheses, or colons. Em dashes have multiple uses, the most common one is to "interrupt" part of a sentence, often explaining or defining something just said. That's what we have here:...docile natureit typically will not run from humansThe part between the " " defines "docile nature."A: In some cases, verb tense can differ in a parallel structure for the GMAT. However, that does not mean that verb tense can differ in a way that disregards the respective temporal frames or references in question. That is, verb tense still must always agree with the temporal reference in question.Lets take a look at the verb tenses in answer choice C.Because it exhibits a docile nature, it did not run away from humans, and it provided delicious meat, reputed by 19th century poachers to be delicious, the auk was nearly driven to extinction, its numbers, at one point, down to a mere thousand.The key reason why the verb tenses cannot differ is that all of the bolded verbs refer to the same time period! Therefore, all of the verb tenses must be the same also, for the parallel structure to be maintained. If, however, we changed "exhibits" to "exhibited," then all of the verb tenses would be in agreement and, as far as parallel structure is concerned, this answer would work.So parallelism can be maintained even when verb tenses differ. But for that to work, the verb tenses must still refer accurately to their respective time periods._________________
- A Sharia court has forcefully married a young Christian lady to her Muslim boss in Niger state

- The forceful marriage had sparked an outrage from the parents of the young lady who have vowed to bring the Sharia court to justice

A Young Nigerian lady, Janet Habila, has been forced to marry her Muslim boss by a Sharia court in Niger state.

The young lady who was forced into a marriage without her parents consent is an apprentice to her tailor boss who was simply identified as, Nasiru.

She was enrolled into Nasius tailoring institute in 2016 to learn the trade by her father after she refused to further her education.

Christian girl allegedly forced to marry Muslim boss in Sharia court

Legit.ng gathered that Nasiru had approached the Sharia court to join him and Janet in marriage without asking her parents for permission to wed their daughter.

A source revealed that Nasiru had organized some Muslim men and women in the area to stand in as the girls parents in court in other for the marriage to take place.

Her parents were shocked to receive a notification of Janets marriage through the Sharia court in Erena. They vowed to put a stop to the decision of the court.

READ ALSO: Woman left to die on "Punishment Island" at age of 12 for getting pregnant

According to the SunNews, Janets father, Habila Gambo, is a devoted church leader with the United Mountain of Grace in Shundna village. It was also gathered that Janet herself was the leader of the Sabo Rayi (new life) group in the same church

Gambo expressed that if the court does not reverse the marriage there would be a religious crisis in Erena, Niger state. He said: it will eventually lead to a possible religious crisis in Erena.

The 16-year-old girls father explained that he had only taken his daughter to a place where she can learn a trade for herself but she was forced to get married without his consent.

He said: Sometime in 2016, I enrolled my daughter, Janet in Nasirus tailoring institute as an apprentice to learn fashion design since she refused to continue with her education. She never disclosed to me that Nasiru was asking for her hand in marriage.

But to my surprise, on March 16, 2017, I came back home and met a court summon, asking me to report at the Sharia Court, Erena. On getting to the court, I was told that my daughter had converted to Islam and that her marriage had been fixed for 2:00pm that same day.

I told the Sharia court judge that as a father of Janet, I was not aware of such arrangement because my daughter never discussed anything like that with me. Therefore, I was not going to accept it and I would not be part of it.

But to my surprise the judge told me that the court only wanted to inform me and that was all. He said that the marriage would go on as planned even without my consent.

My daughter had never told me that she wanted to convert to Islam not to talk of marrying a Muslim, I paid a lot of money to train her and I would not allow this to happen while I am alive.

Gambo reported the incident to the Niger state police through a formal letter and Nasiru was arrested and detained at the station.

READ ALSO: Pregnant Nigerian lady dies after allegedly using the TOILET (photos)

When Janet was asked to narrate what happened she expressed that she could not recall what really happened. She added that she always did everything Nasiru instructed.

Janet said: I was confused, I didnt know what happened, but I was taking every instruction from him (Nasiru). I was afraid to let my parents know because of the consequences and I was equally afraid to turn down Nasirus love advances even though inside me I didnt like the idea.

The police handed Janet over to her parents and told them to come back in five days but on getting there five days later Janet changed her mind and said she wanted to go home with Nasiru.

After the young lady went with Nasiru, her mother, Asabe Gambo, went to visit her but she was beaten mercilessly by Nasirus relatives who described her as an unbeliever.

She said: I only wanted see my daughter when the women in the house gathered and started beating me and calling me unbeliever who should not be welcomed into the house.

They told me that my daughter was now a Muslim and, therefore, did not need any unbeliever around her. They didnt allow me to even sight my daughter with my eyes. I am seriously in pain, as a mother who carried her pregnancy for nine months.

I want God to take my life instead of experiencing this kind of situation as a mother. This is quite unfortunate, I dont want to believe that this is happening to me. My daughters sudden change of attitude is not ordinary. As a Christian, I strongly believe that God will surely pass his judgement over this unfortunate experience. My daughter will surely regain her senses and return back home.

So sad! What do you think really happened?

Legit.ng Relationship: Can you marry someone who is 10 years older than you?

Source: Legit.ng
- A mother shaved her head to show support for her daughter with a rare disease

- The 6-year old suffers from Progeria

- A side effect is that she lost all her hair

Happy moment

A mother made a special act of love in order to support her child who has a rare disease.

6-year old Adalia Rose suffers from Progeria. This condition causes her body to age much faster than normal. Additionally, she only weighs 14 pounds, and lost all her hair, which is a side effect from the disease.

READ ALSO: RCCG Pastor Dele Taiwo weds beautiful bride in Abuja (photos)

Adalia with her family.

Her mother, Nalalia Amozurrutia, decided to shave her head in order to show her devotion for Adalia. She shares images of herself with her daughter on her Facebook page, showing family, friends, and fans how they both deal with Progeria in their everyday lives.

Mother and daughter

READ ALSO: Woman, 24, gives birth to baby at 3 weeks early at zoo (photos, video)

This special story has warmed the hearts of people from all over the world, and her Facebook page has more than seven millions fans.

Amozurrutis gesture has shown her daughter that she is not alone in her ordeal.

Watch the video about 5 signs you may get a heart attack:

Source: Legit.ng
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
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
Onyx makes eReaders and other devices with E Ink screens. For the most part, the companys products are Kindle-sized. But Onyx also has a 9.7 inch model called the Prometheus, and last year the company launched a 13.3 inch eReader called the Onyx Boox Max.

Now theres an updated large-screen mode. The Onyx Boox Max Carta is virtually identical to the original Max in most respects, but it has one key new feature: a higher-resolution display.

While the original Onyx Boox Max has a 1600 x 1200 pixel E Ink Mobius display, the new version has an E Ink Carta 2200 x 1650 pixel display.

In other words, the Max has about 150 pixels per inch. The Max Carta has more than 200 pixels per inch, which should make text and graphics look sharper.

There arent a lot of 13.3 inch E Ink devices on the market. Sony has a new one, and last year eBook blog Good e-Reader launched one through a crowdfunding campaign.

And with scarcity comes a high price tag. There are only a few places to buy an Onyx Boox Max Carta right now. German retailer eReader Store is selling it for  669 ($728) before tax. And Chinese gadget store Banggood is currently selling the Onyx Boox Max Carta for $679 but thats a promotional price that ends on May 10th.

You could buy a lot of Kindles for that kind of money. But you wouldnt be able to view large, high-res PDFs as well on their 6 inch displays. Fans of big-screen devices like this often cite their utility for viewing blueprints, textbooks, and other content that was originally formatted for larger screens.

The Onyx Boox Max Carta has a touchscreen and supports stylus input for handwritten notes and annotations.

Other features include a 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, an Android 4.0-based operating system, a 4,100 mAh battery, 802.11b/g/ WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, a headset jack a micro USB 2.0 port, and a microSD card reader.

While it requires different software, Onyx has also shown that its possible to use the same hardware as a secondary screen for a computer:


Electron micrographs of hepatitis C virus purified from cell culture. Scale bar is 50 nanometers. Credit: Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University.

Ten patients at Penn Medicine have been cured of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) following lifesaving kidney transplants from deceased donors who were infected with the disease. The findings point to new strategies for increasing the supply of organs for the nation's more than 97,000 patients who are awaiting kidney transplants - often for as many as five or more years.

In 2016, Penn Medicine launched an innovative clinical trial to test the effect of transplanting kidneys from donors with HCV into patients currently on the kidney transplant waitlist who do not have the virus, and who opt in to receive these otherwise unused organs. Recipients were then treated with an antiviral therapy in an effort to cure the virus. Early data from the study were presented today by David S. Goldberg, MD, MSCE, an assistant professor of Medicine and Epidemiology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, at the 2017 American Transplant Congress in Chicago, and were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"We started this trial in the hopes that, if successful, we could open up an entirely new pool of donor organs, and effectively transplant hundreds, if not thousands, more patients who are awaiting a lifesaving organ," Goldberg said. "Historically, Hepatitis C-infected kidneys were often discarded, and were thought to be damaged or too 'high-risk.' Our pilot data demonstrate the ability to cure the contracted virus following transplantation in this patient population. If future studies are successful, this may be a viable option for patients who may otherwise never see a transplant."

Goldberg, who co-led the study with Peter Reese, MD, MSCE, an assistant professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Penn and chair of the Ethics Committee for the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS), approached and enrolled participants who relied on dialysis treatments to stand in for their damaged kidneys. Participants were between 40 and 65 years of age and had been waiting for a transplant for at least a year and a half. A three-step process of education and consent was used during pre-enrollment to ensure patients, and their loved ones were provided with a comprehensive understanding of the risks. Once enrolled, and as organs became available, the team performed HCV donor genotyping during the allocation process, selecting only kidneys that were considered "high quality."

In the first phase of the study, to date, 10 patients have received transplants using the protocol. On average, patients received a transplant 58 days after enrolling in the trialsome in as quickly as 11 days, while others waited for over 100 days. At three days after surgery, patients were tested for HCV, and all 10 tested positive for the disease. Next, the participants were treated with the standard 12-week course of elbasvir/grazoprevir, commonly known as Zepatier, a recently-approved and highly effective oral medication prescribed to eradicate HCV. All 10 patients have been cured of their contracted HCV.

"For so long, HCV was a virus with a very negative stigma associated with it, especially among physicians. So it was interesting to see that patients were quick to jump at the chance to get this transplant, despite the possibility that they could get Hepatitis C permanently," Reese said. "Going into the study, we knew it was a possibility that some or all of the patients would contract HCV, and that they could have the disease for the rest of their lives if we were unsuccessful. But for these patients, getting off of dialysis and getting back to their normal lives was very much worth the risk."

Following the early positive results, the research team was granted an extension of their study, which will allow them to transplant and treat an additional 10 patients20 patients in total.

The research team is designing a new clinical trial that will study this same approach in patients who are heart transplant recipients, and in the future they hope to examine the efficacy of this approach in liver and lung transplants. Researchers note there is a need for longer and larger trials to continue evaluating the effectiveness of HCV-positive to HCV-negative transplantation followed by antiviral therapy in a broader population.
Fikile Mbalula, the new Minister of Police, plans to launch an age of e-policing, he told the Sunday Times.

This will not only help raise the public perception of the South African Police Service, but also help stamp out corruption.

To start, Mbalula wants IT infrastructure put in place to deal with the backlog of cases to digitise the reporting of crime.

He also wants the police to develop an application to encourage the anonymous reporting of crimes.

This will release the majority of SAPS members to do the real duty of arrest, and bring professionalism in the recording of cases, said Mbalula.

The statement follows Mbalula urging the public to download an app by well-known radio personality Tbo Touch to help with fighting crime.

Now read: Mbalula urges public to download Tbo Touch app to fight crime
YEREVAN. - Former deputy of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Khachik Manukyan, will in the near future join the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP).

Manukyan himself confirmed the aforementioned information to Armenian News  NEWS.am.

During the parliamentary election he ran as a deputy candidate from Tsarukyan bloc in Aragatsotn province and came first as a result of the voting.

He is considered as an elected deputy but doesnt yet speak about it, since the party leadership hasnt made a decision.

Asked why Manukyan decided to join PAP, he noted: The programs of PAP are very close to the entire nation. This concerns specific matters, specific programs and specific performers. Besides, specific tasks and precise terms for their implementation have been presented.

Responding to the question as to whether he chose to join PAP, since RPA failed to implement its programs, Manukyan said: There is no movement forward. The condition of the people has worsened. The condition of the economic operators hasnt improved either.

To the question how Manukyan sees himself in the role of opposition MP in the parliament when he represented the ruling party for many years, he stressed: Regardless of whether this is opposition or something else, we will tell only the truth. Does it really matter who will improve this country? I want to be a citizen of a normal country, with my rights and capacities.
President pays tribute to martyrs of 3rd Artsakh war

Australian pedophile sentenced to 129 years in Philippines

Japan says North Korea launches alleged ballistic missile

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

Copper falls in price

Karabakh FM: Azerbaijan has become more aggressive, brazen with Turkeys support

MOD: Artsakh army units did not open fire towards Azerbaijan positions

Oil prices go down

Armenia Security Council chief briefs Poland Senate vice-speaker on regional developments

Azerbaijan fires at Armenia positions

Gold prices go down

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

India's Supreme Court releases men sentenced to death for rape and murder

Global South needs $2 trillion year to fight climate crisis

McDonald's releases chair for gamers with burger stand

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
In the beginning of this week, the website of Foreign Policy magazine told about the intention of the Trump administration to cut down the foreign aid provided to the developing countries.

Foreign Policy referred to a 15-page document on the Budget of the State Department. The reduction of the aid, which also refers to Armenia and other post-Soviet countries, is planned for fiscal year 2018.

Even critics of the current U.S. aid program such as Richard Sokolsky, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, are shocked by this decision, The Christian Science Monitor writes.

In his words, this is the wrong approach, since nobody is asking the right questions about how resources are related to our objectives.

The funding of the State Departments Policy, Planning, and Learning office, which monitors and evaluates aid projects, will be reduced by 44.2 percent, the article says.

The State Department refused to comment on the leaked figures, but The Christian Science Monitor cites the words of a former State Department official, according to whom some people in the Trump administration see foreign aid as a charity giveaway, thinking that the U.S. gets nothing from it and that it is a waste of money.

However, the planned cuts would not make much difference to the nations overall budget, since the foreign aid, including military aid, makes up only 1 percent of the total US budget, and the cuts would save about 0.15 percent of overall US government spending.

Apart from this, the authors of the article note that foreign aid has traditionally been seen as one of the three pillars of Washingtons international presence, along with defense and diplomacy.

Back in 2013, Defense Secretary James Mattis, then chief of US Central Command, noted in the Congress that if you dont fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition.

According to the leaked figures, the U.S. Government is going to take money away from USAID programs and sometimes replace it  at least partially  with Economic Support Funds (ESF) managed by the State Department. The difference is that while USAID channels most of its money through non-governmental organizations working on development goals such as boosting agricultural output, or improving health and education and governance, ESF goes mainly to recipient governments that do what they like with it.

ESF objectives are driven by [US] strategic considerations, not poverty reduction, which is a convenient way to keep friendly governments onside in important parts of the world, says Scott Morris, an analyst at the Center for Global Development.

Foreign aid advocates are hoping that Congress will not easily give the administration such large amounts of unaccountable money, and that it will restore at least some of the development aid.
STEPANAKERT.  The adversary violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces over 35 times, from late Saturday night to early Sunday morning.

During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired around 630 shots toward the position-holders of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) Defense Army, and with different-caliber rifle weapons, the defense army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In addition, the adversary fired two mortar shells from a 60 mm mortar, in a southerly direction of the line of contact.

But the Artsakh defense army units control the operational strategic situation and they continue confidently carrying out their military watch.
Back in February, Travel + Leisure published an article claiming to chronicle "The Best Cheap Eats in Every State." It was recirculated this weekend by fellow Conde Nast mag, Food & Wine.

I happened to come across it while doing a bit of relaxing weekend reading, and it piqued my curiosity.

Its a big task, being sufficiently well traveled  let alone sampling enough restaurants in each state  to make recommendations for the "best" anything across 50 states. But hey, I thought, maybe a publication like Travel + Leisure has the bandwidth to actually do a good job with the topic.

Pieces like this also tend to catch my interest, in part because  despite increased media coverage of the states food scene  Wisconsin still has a tendency to be a fly-over zone when it comes to accurate, well-informed dining recommendations.

This article was no exception.

In fact, the recommendation from Ali Khan, food blogger and host of Cooking Channel series "Cheap Eats," was downright unenlightened.

According to the article, Khan has sampled eats in far flung states like Alaska and Hawaii. Hes also tromped through restaurants in states including Arkansas, Iowa and Idaho. He has fond memories of his first Italian beef sandwich, which he ate in Chicago (a mere hop away from Milwaukee, I might add).

And yet, for whatever reason, hes never set foot inside the borders of Wisconsin ... which means his pick for what to eat here is just as about as good as throwing the food dice in a Google search.

Unsurprisingly, his pick for "best cheap eats" reflects that, along with a tiring  and stereotypical  pick for what hed choose to eat here.

"Bratwurst was the first sausage I ever loved and though I have yet to travel to Wisconsin, Sheboygan would be my first stop in the Dairy State," Khan said. Here, he'd be sure to stop at Al and Al's Steinhaus, which specializes in German cuisine and has been in operation for more than 56 years. For just $6.95, you can get a double bratwurst sandwiched between a Sheboygan hard roll.

An audible sigh escaped my lips as I read yet another prosaic recommendation about our fair state.

Certainly, we boast a proud German heritage here in Wisconsin. And family-owned spots like Al and Als Steinhaus are mainstays among quirky one-of-a-kind spots throughout the state that seem to hail from another era. And bratwurst, well, its delicious.

But isnt it about time to dig a bit deeper into Wisconsin cuisine?

The fact is, until members of the mainstream media can get past the idea that Wisconsin is all about bratwurst and beer, the scope of our states burgeoning dining scene has little chance of being recognized for being much more than an irksome Midwestern cliche.
Ukrainians remember the Chernobyl nuclear disaster well, but atomic energy is still their country's energy backbone

Ukraine is still suffering from the trauma of the world's worst civil nuclear accident at Chernobyl but has nonetheless turned the hazardous fuel into the backbone of its energy portfolio.

The crisis-torn country now uses atomic power for more than half of its electricity needs as it struggles through a coal shortage sparked by a three-year war against Russian-backed insurgents in the separatist east.

And that figure shot up to nearly three-quarters of all power consumed during natural gas price disputes with its eastern arch foe and energy superpower Russia from 2014 to 2016.

Ukraine Wednesday marked 31 years since the disaster in which thousands died with the country extending the lifespan of its communist-era nuclear reactors and turning atomic power into a workhorse that will be around for generations to come.

The Chernobyl plant's fourth reactor in the north of former Soviet Ukraine exploded in 1986 after a safety test went horribly wrong at 1:23 am on April 26.

Some Ukrainians remain worried that a similar catastrophe could hit their country again.

"The main risk in using nuclear energy in Ukraine is associated with reactors that have exhausted their lifespans," says Iryna Golovko of the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine's energy projects department.

"Today six of Ukraine's 15 operating reactors have surpassed their designed service lives," she told AFP. "And by 2020, there will be 12 of them."

Coal crunch

Ukraine enjoys abundant coal reserves that happen to lie mostly in regions controlled by Russian insurgents.

Kiev spent nearly three years in the uncomfortable position of fighting the rebels while enriching them by buying their anthracite coal to keep its thermal power plants pumping.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko bowed to public pressure and banned all trade with the separatist east on March 15.

Energy Minister Igor Nasalyk said shortly after Poroshenko's decision that nuclear power's share of total electricity production had jumped to 62 from around 55 percent.

It had stood at 46 percent before Ukraine was riven by war and economic crises in 2013.

The government has since allowed regional power companies to impose blackouts in case of weather-related surges in demand.

Ukraine is also negotiating a coal purchase agreement with the United States that Kiev hopes could fulfil two-thirds of its annual needs.

But energy analyst Viktor Logatskiy of the Razumkov Centre research institute still thinks that the service lives of all 15 of Ukraine's existing reactors will be extended by 2030 as a long-term power source backup.

Gas wars

Ukraine's Energoatom state nuclear power provider has brushed off any fears about the safety repercussions of the extra burden being put on the country's four atomic power plantsone of which is Europe's largest.

Energoatom argues that times when Ukraine was either cut off from or not purchasing Russian gas because of price and geopolitical considerations saw nuclear power account for as much as 70 percent of electricity production.

It also says that reactors whose lifespans is extended are safer because they have been retrofitted with all the latest equipment and operating technologies.

Logatskiy thinks that Ukraine's atomic power plants even have room to grow because they are not operating at their full capacity.

"Despite heightened energy production, Ukraine's nuclear power plants are being used safely and pose no accident threat," Logatskiy said.

Tricky math

Yet Ukraine's official statistics on nuclear power show that actual production has risen only slightly since the year before the Russian-backed insurgency began.

Energoatom data provided to AFP show it had pumped out 23.84 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in the first four months of the year.

That figure was only 2.5 percent greater than the 23.25 billion kWh generated over the same period of 2013.

Some analysts attribute the discrepancy between the small rise in energy production and the much bigger jump in nuclear power's share of the market to two years of economic recession that have dampened industry's power demands.

They also point to Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and effective loss of a part of the separatist industrial east.

"Our thermal power plants that use coal are simply producing less electricity," Golovko said.

 2017 AFP
Mobile Payments Conference  August 28th  30th 2017

The 2017 Mobile Payments Conference will be held at the Swissotel

Chicago, IL, August 28  August 30, 2017. This years agenda will

provide attendees with the necessary guidance to navigate a landscape

in constant flux. Keynote presentations and breakout sessions will

address the many new mobile commerce platforms, services, solutions,

and standards that impact every facet of this exploding market. For

Retailers, Financial Institutions, ISO, Merchant Services and Vendors,

the 2017 Mobile Payments Conference is the must-attend event for

industry exposure, business development, market intelligence, and

networking!

As the industrys leading global forum, The Mobile Payments Conference

tracks the evolution of the mobile commerce ecosystem, technological

innovations and regulatory shifts. Year after year, the Mobile

Payments Conference draws executives worldwide from banking,

government, retail, and technology. Attendees benefit from unfettered

access to the worlds foremost experts in emerging payments and

commerce; blockchain and digital currencies; mobility; cybersecurity

and consumer privacy; Artificial Intelligence; customer experience

and loyalty; and engagement and marketing.

The Mobile Payments Conference is more than mobile payments, it is an

invitation into a growing elite group of professionals who are holding

a conversation that never ends. The conference is the pivotal

intersection between end users, operations, marketing, finance and

technology where we will discuss and answer all of your questions.

Where other events just talk and present products, The Mobile Payments

Conference is an experience through which youll emerge with the

knowledge, resources and relationships to thrive in a

hyper-competitive market.

Sponsored by Mobile Marketing & Technology Magazine, Mobile Payments

Conference attracts an executive level audience from all parts of the

mobile commerce ecosystem which includes retailers and bankers. This

year, 2017, marks the tenth Mobile Payments Conference that Mobile

Marketing & Technology will produce. Customer Engagement  Mobilizing

Your Business will be our broad theme for the 2017 Mobile Payments

Conference. The conference will feature the industrys leading experts

who will educate attendees about the latest mobile payments and mobile

wallet solutions, services, standards and implementation strategies.

MPC website: https://mobilepaymentconference.com/

More Articles 
By Neil Jerome Morales MANILA (Reuters) - 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". 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 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." (Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Ros Russell)
This photo of Earth between Saturns icy rings is absolutely spectacular

Nerding out about space stuff is a regular thing around these parts, so were super excited to share this wonderful new photo of Earth between Saturns rings. As digg reports, NASAs Cassini orbiter recently shot the stunning image at a mind-boggling distance of 870 million miles from Earth, which can be seen floating between two of Saturns mysterious icy rings.

Unlike the glorious new photo of Earth from space that Space X recently shared, Cassinis spectacular shot displays our lovely planet with considerably less detail. In the image, Earth appears as an illuminated speck because, ya know, those are the exceptional views you experience when youre capable of traveling nearly a billion miles away from home.

Take a look at the beautiful image below, where Earth can be seen nestled between Saturns Ring A (pictured on top) and the planets illuminated Ring F (bottom).

If you blink too fast, you could easily mistake the barely visible dot to Earths left as a piece of inconsequential space matter, but lo and behold, its the moon.

Incredible. Much like the view of Earth from Mars, NASAs newest photo is extremely humbling. With the programs ongoing space exploration ventures, we look forward to having all of the galactic views of Earth mapped out in the near future.

But for now, well continue to bask in the beauty of the Cassinis Saturn photo, which is not only one of the spacecrafts most thrilling, but also one of its last. As NASA previously reported, Cassini is set to bring its 20-year mission to an end when it plummets into Saturns atmosphere in September.
By Philip Pullella ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Saturday a third country, such as Norway, should try to mediate the dispute between North Korea and Washington, to cool a situation that had become "too hot" and posed the risk of nuclear devastation. 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 U.S. 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". "I call on, and will call on, all leaders, as I have called on leaders of various places, to work to seek a solution to problems through the path of diplomacy," he said about the North Korea crisis. Representatives for the White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Francis spoke after 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". "There are so many facilitators in the world, there are mediators who offer themselves, such as Norway for example," he said in his customary freewheeling news conference with reporters at the end of each trip. "It (Norway) is always ready to help. That is just one but there are many. But the path is the path of negotiations, of a diplomatic solution," he said in the discussion, which lasted about 30 minutes. Norway secretly negotiated an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians known as the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s. The pope expressed his deep concern over the crisis, saying: "This question of missiles in (North) Korea has been brewing for more than a year but now it seems the situation has become has become too hot." He said: "We are talking about the future of humanity. Today, a widespread war would destroy -- I would not say half of humanity -- but a good part of humanity, and of culture, everything, everything. "It would be terrible. I don't think that humanity today would be able to withstand it." Trump is due in Sicily on May 26-27 for a meeting of the heads of the world's richest nations. The White House has not yet said if he would be stopping in Rome to meet the pope, which would be an unusual omission for a visiting head of state. Asked if he would be meeting Trump, the pope said he had not yet been informed if a request had been made, but added: "I receive every head of state who asks for an audience". (Additional reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Mary Milliken)
LONDON (Reuters) - President Hassan Rouhani told Iranians on Saturday they could face greater authoritarianism if they replace him with a hardline rival in May's election. Rouhani was the surprise winner of the last presidential vote, in 2013, after eight years of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad whose re-election for a second term in 2009 caused mass protests and a severe security crackdown. He now faces serious competition from hardliners, some of whom are close to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has criticised Rouhani's economic record, saying his detente with the West and concessions on Iran's nuclear work had yet to yield economic benefits. "We will not let them bring the security and police atmosphere back to the country," Rouhani told a rally in the city of Yazd, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "Iranians will prove to the world at the May 19 election that the era of violence, extremism and pressures in our country is over and Iran is pursuing the path of reason." Among Rouhani's challengers are Ebrahim Raisi, an influential cleric with decades of experience in the hardline judiciary, and conservative Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guards commander. Raisi, a close ally of Khamenei, was one of four judges who oversaw the execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. Rouhani still retains considerable support, especially among Iran's large bloc of young, urban voters attracted to his vision of greater social freedoms and an end to Islamic clerical interference in their personal lives, analysts say. However, human rights activists say his administration has achieved little on personal freedoms or freeing political prisoners and has been more focused on reducing Iran's international isolation. Rouhani said in a televised speech that "freedom is the most important issue for the Iranians" and that he had ordered the intelligence ministry not to "interfere in people's privacy". (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Sri Lanka's coastguard Sunday detained an Indian boat which had illegally entered the island's territorial waters and rescued 30 Rohingya refugees including 16 children who were on board, an official said. The dhow operated by two Indians had entered Sri Lanka's northern waters after crossing the sea border, said navy spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge. "The coastguard noticed that there were very small children on board and escorted the dhow to a port and provided them with emergency assistance," Walakuluge told AFP. He said seven men, seven women and 16 children were on board, in addition to the two-man Indian crew who had been detained pending investigations. "There was a 15-day-old baby and a four-month-old child on board," Walakuluge said. "We have taken them to port and provided food and medical attention." He said it appeared that the passengers had left India, where they had lived for about four years as refugees. They were handed over to local authorities to decide further action. Investigators suspect that the crew were trying to bring the Rohingya to Sri Lanka. The Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine are denied citizenship and face brutal discrimination in the Buddhist-majority country. Thousands have sought refuge in other countries in the region. Four years ago Sri Lanka's navy rescued 138 refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar whose boat had been drifting off Sri Lanka for over 10 days. The United Nations Human Rights Council last month agreed to send a fact-finding mission to Myanmar to investigate claims that police and soldiers carried out a bloody crackdown on the Rohingya in Rakhine. More than 120,000 Rohingya have languished in grim displacement camps ever since bouts of religious violence between Muslims and Buddhists ripped through the state in 2012. Most are not allowed to leave the squalid encampments, where they live in dilapidated shelters with little access to food, education and health care.
BEIRUT (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)
US President Donald Trump invited his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte to Washington in a "friendly" call in which the leaders discussed the "threat" of North Korea, the White House said. The announcement comes amid rising tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs following its latest test-fire, as well international criticism of Duterte's drug crackdown that has claimed thousands of lives. "It was a very friendly conversation, in which the two leaders discussed the concerns of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding regional security, including the threat posed by North Korea," the statement said. The leaders also "discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries throughout the world." The Philippine president 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 last year branded then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticizing the drug war, and more recently called European lawmakers "crazies" for issuing a statement condemning the killings. The White House said Trump "enjoyed the conversation" and looks forward to attending the key US-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the Philippines in November. "President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction." There has been concern about Duterte's efforts to loosen the Philippines' long-standing alliance with the United States as he looks to court China. Vice President Mike Pence had announced earlier this month that Trump would attend the Asian meetings as a sign of "unwavering commitment" to the region.
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 Agency/Handout via Reuters/Files (Reuters)

By Ju-min Park and James Pearson

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea said the United States had reaffirmed it would shoulder the cost of deploying the THAAD anti-missile system, days after President Donald Trump said Seoul should pay for the $1-billion battery designed to defend against North Korea.

In a telephone call on Sunday, Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, reassured his South Korean counterpart, Kim Kwan-jin, that the U.S. alliance with South Korea was its top priority in the Asia-Pacific region, the South's presidential office said.

The conversation followed another North Korean missile test-launch on Saturday which Washington and Seoul said was unsuccessful, but which drew widespread international condemnation.

Trump, asked about his message to North Korea after the latest missile test, told reporters: "You'll soon find out", but did not elaborate on what the U.S. response would be.

Trump is stepping up outreach to allies in Asia to discuss the North Korean nuclear threat and make sure all are "on the same page" if action was needed, a top White House official said. The U.S. president will discuss North Korea with the leaders of Thailand and Singapore on Sunday after speaking with the Philippines' president on Saturday.

"There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea," White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told ABC's "This Week."

Trump's comments in an interview with Reuters on Thursday that he wanted Seoul to pay for the THAAD deployment perplexed South Koreans and raised questions about his commitment to the two countries' alliance.

South Korean officials responded that the cost was for Washington to bear, under the bilateral agreement.

"National security adviser H.R. McMaster explained that the recent statements by President Trump were made in a general context, in line with the U.S. public expectations on defence cost burden-sharing with allies," South Korea's Blue House said in a statement, adding that McMaster requested the call.

Story continues

Major elements of the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system were moved into the planned site in Seonjgu, in the south of the country, this week.

The deployment has drawn protests from China, which says the powerful radar which can penetrate its territory will undermine regional security, and from local residents worried they will be a target for North Korean missiles.

About 300 residents rallied on Sunday as two U.S. Army lorries tried to enter the THAAD deployment site. Video provided by villagers showed protesters blocking the road with a car and chanting slogans such as Dont lie to us! Go back to your country!

Police said they had sent about 800 officers to the site and two residents were injured during clashes with them.

South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of THAAD is to guard against North Korean missiles.

Vice President Mike Pence reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to South Korea's security but said on NBC that Trump would "continue to call on the prosperous nations that the United States provides security and protection for to do more in their own defense.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

The United States is seeking more help from China, the North's major ally, to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development. Trump, in the Reuters interview, praised Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping as a "good man".

TENSIONS HIGH

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.

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.

Trump discussed the threat posed by North Korea in a telephone call with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, the White House said.

In an address to a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Saturday, Duterte 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".

Two-month long U.S.-South Korean joint military drills were due to conclude on Sunday, U.S. and South Korean officials said.

The exercise, called Foal Eagle, was repeatedly denounced by North Korea, which saw it as a rehearsal for war.

In a further show of force, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived in waters near the Korean peninsula and began exercises with the South Korean navy late on Saturday. The South Korean navy declined to say when the exercises would be completed.

The dispatch of the Carl Vinson was 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.

The carrier group has just completed drills with the Japanese navy.

Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada, in an apparent show of solidarity with Washington, has ordered the Izumo, Japan's biggest warship, to protect a U.S. navy ship that might be going to help supply the USS Carl Vinson, the Asahi newspaper said.

(Additional reporting by Yuna Kim and Minwoo Park in SEOUL, Nobuhiro Kubo, Linda Sieg in TOKYO and Jason Lange and Doina Chiacu in WASHINGTON; Editing by Andrew Hay and Mary Milliken)
Back in 2012, Converse Cons shipped off Polar Skate Co. main man Pontus Alv and the then recently acquired Polar pro Jerome Campbell to Beirut, Lebanon.

The pair were joined by Neil Chester on filming duties with Sam Ashley taking care of photography across the trip, which took in a public demo at a park in the city, along with plenty of exploration of the Beiruts street architecture.

Revisit the edit from the mission now
Usefulness Content Freshness Just 48 hours could be all that stands between you and your next startup. In "48-Hour Start-up: From idea to Launch inWeekend", Frances Doherty MBE, provides the story and practical advice that allowed him to launch several businesses including SuperJam, a 100% fruit jam inspired by his grandmother's recipes. In the book, Doherty refined those confusing first years as an entrepreneur into an advice-filled guide to turning ideas into a potential pathway to financial freedom.

If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

As the business world encounters technology, the barriers keeping many entrepreneurs out are slowly disappearing. Previously, you needed a huge investment of cash, good connections, a 50-page business plan, and a prayer. Now you just need a laptop and seven days. Actually, with 48 Hour Start-up: From Idea to Launch in 1 Weekend you might only need two.

What is 48 Hour Start-Up About?

The book 48 Hour Start-up is actually what it sounds like. Serial entrepreneur Fraser Doherty MBE wants to help prospective entrepreneurs discover and refine a launchable idea in just two days. Dohertys reasoning behind his 48-hour deadline is simple. He argues that prospective entrepreneurs (aka wantrepreneurs) spend too much time and energy obsessing over the perfect idea. The time they waste waiting for the perfect idea is time that could be used refining and adapting that business idea for the customers who will actually use it.

48 Hour Start-up was designed to be a hacked version of the business-creating method developed since the start of Dohertys first business. As Doherty readily admits, he had no idea what he was doing.He just knew that he liked money, liked selling things and liked connecting with people. That business is still running to this day, in part, because of the principles Doherty learned through either a mentor, experience (one of his first positions was bacon boy in Scotland), or by stumbling across it. In 48 Hour Start-up, he shares advice on how to find and shape a viable business idea that is ready to launch in two days.

Doherty is an entrepreneur, business owner and author from Scotland. Dohertys first business as a teenager, SuperJam, featured an all-fruit jam that was inspired by his grandmothers recipes. The incredible success of SuperJam earned Doherty the honor of becoming the youngest ever supplier to work with a retail chain and a spot in the National Museum of Scotland. Doherty is also the co-founder of Beer 52, a craft beer subscription service. In 2014, he became a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

What Was Best About 48 Hour Start-Up?

There are two key aspects of 48 Hour Start-up, the authors transparency and his approach. In many startup advice books, authors are afraid to share their mistakes. In his book Doherty is very transparent about the trials he faced as an entrepreneur. These anecdotes are brief. They show his thinking process at the time, which is a theme throughout the entire book. Following its own philosophy that entrepreneurs need to leverage speed, the book doesnt get stalled with fancy charts (there arent any) or financial projections, For those readers wanting a down-to-Earth business advice book, 48 Hour Start-up might be a welcome read.

What Could Have Been Done Differently?

48 Hour Start-up is extremely helpful when it comes to the initial decisions for entrepreneurs to consider when starting a business. The book continually reinforces the theme that entrepreneurship doesnt have to involve complicated financial projections, elaborate presentations or extraordinary innovation. It is just a simple idea executed well. One area that could use more attention, though, concerns strategy and market research. The book doesnt provide a lot of focus or direction on what strategies to consider after the 48-hour experiment is over or how to conduct more detailed research to maintain a business in the future.

Why Read 48 Hour Start-Up?

48 Hour Start-up is designed for entrepreneurs who have gone through a couple of business ideas but havent made that initial step to get started. It is also for serial entrepreneurs seeking to improve their thinking process in preparation for a new venture. For beginners, the book is a chance to brainstorm a business idea within the books deadline of two days. For serial entrepreneurs, the book is a jargon-free guide to refining the principles of business idea creation. If a serial entrepreneur cant think of a good business idea, 48 Hour Start-up will provide practical advice with the inspirational real-life story of a businessman who started an empire right from his grandmothers kitchen.

Get discounts and special offers on new and classic business books with an Audible Premium Plus membership. Learn more and sign up for an account today.
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureaus survey of small business owners, there are 2.52 million veteran majority-owned businesses in the U.S.

The data comes from a report by the U.S. Small Business Administrations Office of Advocacy (PDF) which shows 99.9% of these businesses are classified as small businesses. This is not to say these businesses dont contribute to the economy in a big way.

In the same report the, SBA reveals veteran owned small businesses employ more than 5 million people in the U.S. Additionally, they generated revenue of $1.14 trillion, an annual payroll of $195 billion and they represent 9.15% of all U.S. businesses.

Veteran Owned Business Stats

When it comes to individual states, the top states by the number of firms and sales are:

California (252,377) ($135.1 billion),

Texas (213,590) ($109.9 billion),

Florida (185,756) ($57.7 billion),

New York (137,532) ($55.8 billion), and

Pennsylvania (97,969) ($50.3 billion).

Even though the numbers are impressive, there are a few industries that dominate the businesses veterans own. Close to 30% of all these businesses are in two industry groups: construction and the professional, scientific and technical services group.

The biggest share goes to finance and insurance at 13.2%, followed by transportation and warehousing 12.1%, and construction at 11.4%. The remaining segments are wholesale trade 22.9%, retail trade 19.5%, and manufacturing at 12.3%.

As to how veterans are starting their business, they initiate their enterprise by themselves. And more often than not, when they do so, 57% of them are home-based businesses, which is around 5% higher than the rest of the population.

In terms of employment, the majority of veteran-owned employer firms are small with 54.5% having one to four employees. Only 9% have 20 or more employees and 3.2% have more than fifty workers in their company.

Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs

The good news is veterans get support from public and private organizations when it comes to encouraging their entrepreneurial journey. This is not to say they cant use more resources, because they can.

If you are a veteran looking to start or grow your business, there are many resources available to you. The SBAs Boots to Business program, is one such resource.

The program is offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) with introductory courses and follow-on support. It is particularly helpful because it provides the necessary resources as vets transfer to civilian life.

Another great resource for vet entrepreneurs is SCORE. On its site, you will find everything from mentors, which is what the organization is known for, to funding options entrepreneurship resources and much more.

As a vet, you should get started with a mentor on SCORE. These are volunteers who want nothing but the best for you as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey. Even if your business has been up and running for some time, you can find mentors to help you.

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)

The VBOC is an all-around resource center for vets and their spouses who are looking to start a business. It provides business training, counseling and mentoring services for vets who want to launch, buy or grow their businesses.

You can find the nearest VBOC to you here.

The good news is you have many resources available to you as a vet. Before you jump directly to opening a business, find out what is available to you because of the service to your country.

Take your time, find out what benefits you qualify for and then use these resources to better ensure the success of your small business.

If you are a vet, thank you for serving and good luck on all your future entrepreneurial ventures.

Get the latest headlines from Small Business Trends. Follow us on Google News.
Three students from the Technical University Kosice (TUKE) found a job in the firm via personnel leasing.

Font size: A - | A +

The main objective of the business support centres of international companies is to prepare students for their future job in order to make the transition from school to work smoother. This is also the aim of the Global Business Support (GBS) centre of Embraco in Kosice.

Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement

Three students from the Technical University Kosice (TUKE) found a job there via personnel leasing. They got the part-time job at the centres financial department, the TASR newswire reported.

In this way they prepare for a full-time job in our centre after graduation, said Adriana Risko Stankiewicz, leader of HR at Embracos GBS centre, as quoted by TASR.

Another popular tool for students are tours. Students are given the possibility to visit the GBS centre during the school year and try working with the SAP system, various databases and special programmes.

Students learn more about work at individual departments at which they can imagine working in the future, Risko Stankiewicz said, as quoted by TASR.

A total of four groups of 20 students each visit GBS during the school year, with two of them being from TUKE and the remaining two from the University of Economics at Bratislavas Faculty of Business Economics with a seat in Kosice.
Bahrain-based wholesale Islamic Investment bank, Ibdar Bank, has announced the appointment of Ayman Sejiny as chief executive officer (CEO) of the bank following Board of Directors approval.



Sejiny brings over 24 years of Investment and corporate banking experience, having held senior roles in a number of leading local, regional and international financial institutions such as Barclays, CITI Bank and ABN Amro.



Previous to his appointment with Ibdar, Sejiny was the Group CEO of Bahrain based Bank Alkhair, which has a presence in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey and Malaysia.



He is also the chairman of Bahrain Financing Company Group (BFC), holds positions on various boards regionally and internationally, and has spoken at numerous banking and finance conferences in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK and the US.



Chairman of Ibdar Bank, Tareq Sadeq said: I am pleased to welcome Ayman Sejiny as Chief Executive Officer of Ibdar Bank. Ibdar is building a fresh thinking, world class management team, and the appointment of Sejiny to the helm of the Bank is aligned with that vision. Ayman has demonstrated strong business and financial talent and a proven track record of investment and management experience that will further strengthen our capabilities and support strategic success.



It is an honour to join the Ibdar team. Ibdar is built on strong foundations, a unique approach and high standards of excellence, and I look forward to strengthening the Banks footprint in the Islamic banking and investment domain, Sejiny said.



My focus will be to further hone the investment strategy, and spearhead efforts to develop the Debt Capital Market (DCM), Equity Capital Market (ECM), Private Equity, Asset Management and Treasury and Capital Market business lines. Building on Ibdars track record and execution platform, we are well placed to deliver the right opportunities to our investors, and ensure the Bank continues to build its reputation as one of the regions most ethical, innovative and results-driven Islamic institutions.



It is an exciting time for Ibdar Bank. Under the acting CEO, Ahmed AlRayes, the banks investment engine gathered momentum with enhanced activities in 2016. We are now well positioned to do more deals as we have sufficient liquidity and a strong balance sheet, having addressed legacy issues, and have a clear strategy to move forward, Sadeq added.  TradeArabia News Service
The French Pavilion at the Seamless Middle East 2017, opening in Dubai tomorrow (May 1), will host 10 French exhibitors specialising in financial technology (fintech) sector, smartcards and retail.



Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, is organising the French Pavilion at the event, in partnership with French Tech Dubai UAE.



The event dedicated to payment methods, retail and e-commerce in the Middle East will take place in Dubai on May 1 and 2 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.



More than 10,000 visitors are expected from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia and 300 exhibitors will be present at the show.



Several French start-ups will be part of the tradeshow to present their innovations. The sectors covered by these companies relate to innovative payment methods, identification/authentication solutions, data management, CRM and e-commerce platform.



The FinTech phenomenon gained pace in France at the start of 2010 with the distribution of new technologies, the rapid growth in e-commerce, the boom in collaborative consumption, etc. The real boost was provided by French legislature, which encouraged competition via the creation of streamlined statutes.



With almost 80 million in investments in FinTechs in 2015, France is one of the most investor-friendly countries in Europe, Business France said.



We were keen to offer French exhibitors a made-to-measure programme to support them throughout their development in the Gulf, said Marc Cagnard, Middle East director at Business France. Our know-how will help them meet new clients and thus develop close ties with local decision-makers.



France has the benefit of a dynamic ecosystem marked by several public and private initiatives to encourage the rapid development of FinTechs. Incubators launched by major banks and insurance companies, not to mention the creation of a one-stop shop dedicated to FinTechs professionals, in a regulatory framework that is particularly favorable to start-ups in banking and finance, Cagnard added.



In addition, in 2015, FinTechs rose to be one of the five leading sectors that are the most attractive for venture capital investments in France (after Internet services, software, technologies, and biotechnology and life sciences).



French pavilion will be located at Stand D60 - Hall D4.  TradeArabia News Service


Emirates Digital Wallet, a unique platform established by 16 of the UAEs leading banks, will be formally launched at the Seamless Middle East conference on Dubai, UAE on May 1 and 2.



Emirates Digital Wallet paves the way for cashless spending, transfer and storage of money for everyone living and working in the UAE. It brings together best practice from a wide variety of payment systems around the world, and provides a unique solution tuned in to the needs and characteristics of the UAEs local environment.



The new system, to be rolled out as an app from the last quarter of this year, provides a free to use, highly convenient, safe and efficient way of making payments without the use of physical cash. It responds to the UAEs smart government initiative by providing a simple to use and interconnected payments platform using smartphones and other handheld digital devices.



Emirates Digital Wallet has been developed over the past two years under the umbrella of the UAE Banks Federation, which created a special committee for its member banks to contribute ideas and suggestions to and formulate the ideal solution for the United Arab Emirates. The UAE Central Bank has also played a crucial role in providing advice and guidance on how the platform should be constructed and operated to meet the highest regulatory standards.



Maki Vekinis, general manager of the Emirates Digital Wallet, said: This is an exciting and ground breaking project for the UAE. While there are many payments solutions using new technology out there, none have the buy-in of leading national banks, none have been constructed from the ground up in co-ordination with government, and none allow instant transfer of cash to vendors.



What we are creating is a new cash for the 21stcentury, cash that does not need a visit to an ATM, or cash that does not fill your pocket or wallet. This is a new movement both to reduce and ultimately eliminate cash from the system, and to allow even those without bank accounts to enjoy the convenience, security and peace of mind of having cash without the physical frustration and risks it often entails.



Emirates Digital Wallet has been incorporated as a company and has a nine-member Board of Directors representing its shareholder banks. Its chairman is Mohammed Al Jayyash, chief service officer of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. It is working with EDC (Electronic Documents Centre  EDC, a joint venture between Emirates Post Group and ABBA Electronics) who has partnered with Master Card to deliver the service.



Vekinis added: We have selected Seamless Middle East as a milestone for the roll out of the Emirates Digital Wallet because of its focus on payments, ecommerce and retail in the region. This conference provides a very fertile environment for us to introduce the system to many of our key stakeholders and partners of the future.



The trading brand for Emirates Digital Wallet will be announced in the near future, a statement said.  TradeArabia News Service
China-based Mingyuan Holdings Group Company, a leading petrochemical company, plans to set up a major methanol-to-olefins (MTO) plant alongside a giant greenfield methanol scheme at the China-Oman Industrial Park, in the sultanate.



The plant will be set up will with an investment of around $2.3 billion, said the Oman Daily Observer.



The China-Oman Industrial Park was set up following an agreement with a group of Chinese investors in the sultanates southern port of Duqm and hopes to attract billions of dollars of investment.



The integrated methanol and MTO scheme, envisaging a capacity of 10 million tonnes, will rank among the largest petrochemical schemes in the region, it said.



Development of the venture is planned in stages, with the promoters looking at a capacity of 1.8 million tonnes of gas-to-methanol and methanol-to-olefins in the first phase.



Natural gas will be used as feedstock in the production of methanol, with polyethylene and polypropylene also envisioned as end products along with methanol and MTO, added the report.
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), a special economic zone on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, has awarded a SR49-million ($13.3 million) contract to IHCC, a design-and-build turnkey solution provider, to develop the third phase of the internationally accredited school The World Academy (TWA).



The new facilities will propel TWA to the forefront of education in Saudi Arabia, said a statement from KAEC.



The World Academy is a standout educational facility that places KAEC at the center of human capital development for Vision 2030, remarked Fahd Al Rasheed, the CEO and managing director of KAEC Group.



The school is an essential pillar of the community, providing children with a first-class education and parents with a unique level of involvement and participation in student life, he added.



The new extensions will add additional classrooms to increase the student capacity of the school from 750 to 2,000 students by September 2017. Currently the number of students is 533, said the statement from KAEC.



The current number of classrooms is 31 plus three labs for chemistry, biology, and design and technology, it added.



The new development will provide a wide array of innovative facilities to equip students with essential life skills for the future, including an entrepreneurship centre, a college for grades 9 to 12 and a robotics lab for the schools design and technology centre.



Also there will be amphitheatres for large group events, marketplaces providing classrooms with a communal meeting place and a forum to exchange ideas and experiences, dedicated facilities to enhance cultural awareness, and an achievement center to help students prepare for key examinations and aptitude tests such as SATs.



An important feature is the widespread use of natural light which has been shown to enhance productivity and learning.



The interiors have been designed by Innocad, an internationally renowned architect and designer headquartered in Graz, Austria.



On the contract win, IHCC chief executive Sultan Batterjee said: "IHCC has always been a believer and a partner in KAEC, its purpose, vision and strategy. Innovative projects like TWA school are the birth of an inspired new generation."



IHCC, a specialist in health care, education and mixed use projects, has had a major presence in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region for more than 21 years, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Petrofac has secured a series of contract awards worth more than $70 million for engineering, operations and maintenance services in Iraq.



Petrofacs Engineering and Production Services (EPS) East business secured the awards during the first quarter of 2017 with two major International Oil Companies and South Oil Company.



Petrofac has been providing services in Iraq since 2010 and has developed a significant track record for helping our clients to unlock value from their onshore and offshore operations. Featuring prominently in the mix are awards in region for operations and maintenance and a new brownfield scope for engineering and procurement services.



In addition, the company has been awarded new scopes from South Oil Company. This includes the installation of offtake facilities and a mooring system for an additional Single Point Mooring. This additional scope builds on the companys six-year tenure as the provider of operations and maintenance for the offshore international crude oil export expansion production facility.



Mani Rajapathy, managing director, Engineering & Production Services East, said: Were delighted to have made such a positive start to 2017, securing important awards with key clients in one of our core countries.



There has recently been a considerable shift in the wider regions market dynamics and consequently I believe these awards reflect our clients continued confidence in our ability to deliver cost-effectively and in line with their quality requirements.



Over the coming months we will focus on effective deployment of our operations, engineering and projects activities across the contracts to enable our clients to unlock maximum value from their oil and gas assets, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Four GEMS Education schools were recently honoured for performance of their students in international assessments at an award ceremony organised by the Supreme Council of Education, UAE Ministry of Education and Higher Education.



The ceremony was held at Dubai Mens College and attended by senior UAE Ministry of Education, KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) and ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council) officials.



The GEMS schools include Dubai American Academy, GEMS Modern Academy and Jumeirah College, who were honoured for being among the highest performing UAE schools in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 results.



GEMS Wellington International School was also recognised for being the second highest scoring school next to Dubai College in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015 results.



PISA is an international survey conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) every three years, which evaluates education systems worldwide by testing 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics and science. TIMSS  administered by The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievements (IEA)  assess grade 4 and 8 students and is designed to help countries improve student learning in mathematics and science.



On the occasion of being felicitated by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dino Varkey, chief executive officer, GEMS Education, said: The UAE National Agenda 2021 emphasises the improvement of PISA and TIMSS results for UAE schools.



Our schools, while non-selective, are among the top in the UAE that are already achieving beyond the vision goals. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, parents and students towards achieving the UAE Vision 2021 goals, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain-based Youth Pioneer Society has been recognised in a global competition designed to generate ideas for youth empowerment and create positive social impact.



The MiSK NGO Award for Innovation in Youth Empowerment, organized by the Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation (MiSK), will be presented as part of the Unesco NGO Global Forum taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May 3-4.



Hosted by MiSK, the forum will see more than 400 NGOs from around the world gather together for two days of discussion, learning and brainstorming on how civil society can accelerate youth empowerment to create positive social impact. A number of other Bahraini organizations are attending the forum, including the Environment Friends Society and the Youth & Technology Society.



The competition received over 70 entries from NGOs around the world, and the five finalists will now have the opportunity to win a $30,000 prize fund to be used as seed capital that will put the winning project into practice to help young people effect positive social change.



Youth Pioneer Societys idea was the Youth Parliamentarian program, designed to bring together both youth and Bahraini parliamentarians together in an open forum. The program, which targets participants  both male and female  between the ages of 18 and 25, aims to unite decision makers, stakeholders and public officials in charge of youth welfare programs, as well as the youth themselves, in order to organize constructive dialogue. The end result, it hopes, will be independent youth leaders, and active citizens capable of informed decision-making.



Commenting ahead of the forum, Bader Alasaker, MiSK secretary general, said: With over 1,600 delegates from around the world attending, we know that they will bring boundless passion and expertise to keep the sessions at the forum focused on achieving practical, effective outcomes which empower youth.



Governments can legislate and regulate but it is imperative that civil society and NGOs effect change. This event shows that there is a strong desire for people to want to make a difference, and it is our hope that the ideas borne out of the competition bear tangible fruit in the near future.



The NGOs and delegates present at the conference will be joined by a host of renowned speakers  including Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, as well as nine-time Olympic Gold medallist Carl Lewis. Speakers and delegates will be leading a number of workshops and sessions that aim to tackle issues such as sustainability, culture and technology.



The MiSK Foundation was founded by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman with a mission to empower, nurture and inspire Saudi Arabias youth to become active participants in the global economy. It is a non-profit organisation which works to develop a knowledge-based economy by promoting practical schemes to support young people in developing the right entrepreneurial and cognitive skills. - TradeArabia News Service


Jordan-based Siniora Food Industries Company, a market leader in the manufacture and sale of processed meat, is set to distribute 28.2 per cent of the company's paid-up capital, six per cent as cash dividends amounting to JD1.08 million ($1.51 million) and 22.2 per cent as four million bonus shares to its shareholders, said a senior official.



With this, its paid-up capital has risen to JD22 million ($31 million), said Siniora CEO Majdi Al Sharif.



He was speaking at the company's recent general assembly held under the chairmanship of Tarek Aggad, which ratified the dividend distribution.



Aggad pointed out that 2016 was full achievements for Siniora despite the constant regional challenges.



Most notable was Siniora's acquisition of Diamond Meat Processing Company in the UAE in a deal worth $17 million, with Siniora's share amounting to $12 million, or 70 per cent.



This acquisition comes in line with Siniora's expansion and development strategy to target new markets, and is expected to increase its share in regional markets and, more specifically, in the Gulf, said the company in a statement.



Siniora also launched a new line of frozen meat products at its factory in Jordan, which includes a line-up of more than 35 products, while new frozen products were also launched in Jordanian and Saudi markets, it added.



Al Sharif said Siniora achieved JD47.85 million in revenues in 2016, up 14.3 per cent compared to 2015.



Export sales represented 31 per cent of Sinioras net sales outside the Jordanian and Palestinian markets. However, Siniora's net profit dropped last year compared to 2015, and amounted to JD2.361 million in 2016 due to one-time extraordinary additional expenses for new investments and products that affected the results by JD2 million.



A market leader in the manufacture and sale of branded Siniora Al Quds and Unium processed meat, Siniora, was founded in Jerusalem, Palestine, in 1920. The company later established its factory in Jordan in 1992.



Since Siniora Jordan established a factory for its new line of frozen meats in 2015, it has been awarded the Food Safety System Certificate (FSSC 22000) and ISO 9001 certifications for quality and food control safety, in addition to the Palestinian Standard Certificate in Palestine and Halal Certificate issued by Jordanian Standards.



Siniora factories in Jordan and Palestine have been maintaining the international certifications for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems OHSAS 18001:2007 and Environmental Management Systems ISO14001:2004 since 2014.



The company markets its products through mass merchandisers, grocery stores, high-frequency stores and department stores in Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well as in ten other countries in the Middle East.



Siniora also has distribution units in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and a dedicated export department covering the Gulf and the Levant.-TradeArabia News Service
German pavilion, with double digit growth, will lead the international charge of 25 country pavilions at the Middle East and Africas largest automotive aftermarket trade show next month.



Taking place from May 7 to 9 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Automechanika Dubai will feature 1,935 exhibitors from 57 countries, with approximately 90 per cent coming from outside of the UAE.



According to organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, more than 1,300 exhibitors will participate across 25 country pavilions, with Germany leading the way in both exhibitor numbers and exhibition space covered.



A total of 116 leading German aftermarket brands will occupy 6,000 sq m, a 15 per cent increase over the previous year, while 107 of these will be part of a government-backed German Pavilion spanning four of the shows six sections of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Accessories & Customising; Tyres & Batteries; Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning; and Repair & Maintenance.



The biggest names in the aftermarket business will bring the reputed power, performance and precision of German engineering this year, spearheaded by the likes of Karcher, Liqui Moly, Mapco, Mahle, Mipa, Schaeffler, Weicon, and Wilhelm Schwenker, said a statement.



Mahle is one of the worlds leading international suppliers of original equipment to the automotive industry, with annual sales revenue of 11.5 billion and more than 170 production locations.



The powerhouses Aftermarket business unit will be out in force at Automechanika Dubai 2017, where it will shine the spotlight on its entire range of spare parts, from filters and engine parts to turbochargers, mechatronics and thermostats, as well as workshop equipment.



Liqui Moly is another leading German brand ubiquitous in service stations and auto workshops across the Middle East. The engine oil and additive producer has exhibited at Automechanika Dubai for several years, and has reaped the benefits of persevering in the vast Middle East market.



Elsewhere, Weicon is a long-standing exhibitor at Automechanika Dubai, and a producer of special adhesives, sealants, technical sprays and high-performance assembly pastes and greases for all industry applications.



The Muenster-headquartered company will showcase its range of adhesives and technical sprays that are widely used for automotive manufacturing, repair and maintenance.



Country pavilions joining Germany on the double-digit growth path at Automechanika Dubai 2017 include Netherlands, which has increased in size by 87 per cent; and Japan, which debuted at the show in 2016, and returns this year with a 32 per cent increase in size. Poland (13 per cent growth), and Morocco (12 per cent growth), also have impressive year-on-year growth.



Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: The Middle East and Africa continues to power ahead as a leading market for auto parts and services, and top global companies choose to increase their impact by building on the considerable networking and business development opportunities generated at Automechanika Dubai.



The strong German presence underlines the countrys leading position as a key provider of automotive parts, accessories and services and the good reputation that German brands enjoy across the world.



Other country pavilions at the 15th edition of Automechanika Dubai include Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA, and for the first time, Viet Nam.



Its global influence is underlined by the presence of 36 international trade associations, while 51 per cent of the 30,000-plus trade visitors are expected to come from outside of the UAE, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service
UK-based Flintstone Technology, a production technology company for the global energy industry, has developed a new subsea tensioned mooring system that will be officially launched tomorrow (May 1) at the Offshore Technology Conference, in the US.



The four-day event will run until May 4, at the NRG Park, in Houston, Texas.



The new system provides simple connection and disconnection - allowing mooring lines to be replaced in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods - along with the ability to tension at the seabed or mid-line, whereas traditional mooring line designed for floating production vessels relies on winches and fairleads mounted on the hull, said a statement from the company.



The companys new system, which can work in both shallow and deep waters, allows significant weight and cost savings, as well as reduced maintenance and improved safety  one system provided a weight saving of 1,600 tonnes on the vessels hull, it said.



Flintstone, which was recently majority acquired by MacGregor Norway, developed the subsea tensioned mooring system after a client required a simple method to be able to change out mooring lines.



Andrew Clayson, managing director, Flintstone Technology, said: By taking into account all aspects of a system - from installation and re-tensioning in-service, to the need to change mooring lines - we have been able to substantially reduce both the capital expenditure and the systems ongoing running costs.



Since it was established in 2012, Flintstone has worked to challenge, improve and deliver innovative technology that delivers capabilities far beyond what was previously thought possible.



Clayson added: We are a small but ambitious and smart team with very competent and innovative engineers. Working on projects, we always strive to find ways to add value for customers.



This can often involve challenging existing solutions and looking for ways to improve, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Simon Bowthorpe, managing director of UM Qatar, has been promoted to managing director UM Qatar & Kuwait & FP7/KWI.



In his new role Simon will continue to oversee the UM media operation in Qatar as well as take on responsibility for both the creative and media businesses in Kuwait. His key area of focus will be driving the digital transformation of the operation in Kuwait by improving the integration of strategy and social media into the agencys overall product offering.



The increasing importance of the region in the global economy is demonstrated by UM Menas commitment to building strong, digitally integrated offices to ensure that our clients are able to optimise their investments and grow their businesses. My time in Qatar has given me extensive experience in developing UMs product offering, as well as improving our creative potential, he said.



Im confident that both our current clients and future prospects will be impressed as we further expand the capabilities of our office in the Kuwaiti market.



Simon has been with the group since May 2013, when he joined as GM UM Qatar, before being promoted to MD of both UM and FP7 Qatar in December of the same year. Due to the rapid growth of UMs digital offering in the Qatar market, Simon passed on the management of FP7 Qatar to concentrate on managing UM Qatar at the end of 2015.  TradeArabia News Service
The UAE has launched the Soft Power Council, which will define a comprehensive strategy to reinforce the countrys position and consolidate its values of respect and appreciation with governments and citizens worldwide, a report said.



Launched by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Soft Power Council will report directly to the UAE Cabinet, and will introduce an integrated national strategy that consolidates the roles of both the public and private sectors in achieving soft power and conveying the nations history in a new way, reported WAM, the Emirates official news agency.



It will also develop a soft power strategy for the state, including the science, culture, technology, humanitarian and economic sectors, in order to establish relationships at the grassroots level with partners both in the Arab region and globally.



The Council will review all legislation and policies that affect the UAEs status and reputation, and will develop a strategy to reinforce the countrys reputation between the grassroots in all the strategic countries, for the UAE Cabinet to review in the coming months.



Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stressed that the UAE has military and economic power and will now develop its soft power in order to solidify its reputation, and serve the interests of its people in the long term, establishing relationships across various sectors including the economic, tourism and investment sectors.



"His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has succeeded in establishing a strong and unprecedented position for the UAE on a regional and global scale. We must build strong diplomatic relationships and systems in order to pursue his vision of making the UAE a global example of prestige and excellence," he added.



Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid continued, "The UAE holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people around the world; we want to build on that and elevate it. We have the economic, cultural components to achieve this swiftly."



"We have been celebrating milestones such as national days and co-operating on development initiatives with our brothers and sisters in the Gulf and Arab World; now we want to develop a different strategy to introduce our culture and values to all people across the world. We want to utilise new tools and methods in order to reach more people, and share our knowledge, culture and history with the world. The UAE Soft Power Council is a stepping stone to achieving this vision, and promoting our country through successful public diplomacy to many people from various backgrounds," he said.



Mohammed Abdullah Al-Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, was named the Chairman of the UAE Soft Power Council.



The Council will develop a general soft power strategy for the UAE to reinforce its reputation and status regionally and globally, instigate cooperation between public and private sector entities within the country through soft power initiatives and projects, and submit reports periodically to the UAE Cabinet on the all progress and implementation of the strategy.



The UAE Soft Power Council will be an authoritative body, providing counsel and reference on soft power initiatives, and protecting and highlighting the countrys achievements and the UAEs ambition and accomplishments contribute to science, culture, arts, tourism, trade, humanitarianism and other sectors both in the region and across the world. The Council will develop new tools to tell story, share uniqueness of the vision of the leadership for the UAE to be the best country in the world.



The Public Diplomacy Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future will prepare the soft power strategy, in coordination with the concerned authorities to provide technical and administrative support to the UAE Soft Power Council.
The UAE Ministry of Economy has signed new cooperation agreement with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (Kipo) aimed towards improving the UAEs patent system.



The agreement falls within the framework of completion and implementation of the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two parties in October of last year, which looks to enhance the patent system in the UAE.



The agreement was signed during the UAE  Korean Bilateral Meeting that was held recently in Seoul by Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs of the UAE Ministry of Economy, and Choi Dong Yu, general commissioner of Kipo.



Under the terms of the agreement, highly qualified technical experts and patent examination experts from Korea will be assigned to the International Center for Patent Registration to see how they can consolidate and reinforce the UAE's intellectual property infrastructure while also providing consultation and training services to further update legislative and regulatory frameworks--thereby helping in the move to support the UAE's strategy on intellectual property.



Al Shehhi said that the UAE has implemented a successful series of steps towards the further development of its intellectual property environment over the last few years and has taken a leading role in protecting the rights of inventors and creators, which enhances the UAEs competitiveness in this dynamic area and contributes to establishing a stimulating environment for research, development and innovation in the UAE.



The newly signed agreement with Kipo will contribute to providing the International Center for Patent Registration in the Ministry of Economy with key benefits and advantages like addressing the need for expertise and technical inspection personnel required to develop its performance and work standards and guidelines; meet the requirements for training national competencies and qualifying them for excellence in patent examination and registration; preparing a complete guide on how to submit international applications for patents; develop a roadmap for appointing the Center as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) in line with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) under the umbrella of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Al Shehhi added.  TradeArabia News Service


Hyundais all- new Azera is set to be a game-changer in the Middle Easts large sedan market when it launches in the region next month, the company said.

The sedan builds on more than 30 years experience to set new standards in a highly competitive segment.

The new Azera is the sixth generation for the model, also called the Grandeur in Korea, since its launch in 1986 as the Hyundai brands original premium car. Each generation has offered high levels of comfort and equipment, generous interior space for driver and passengers, and progressively more sophisticated engineering, it said.

The outgoing generation has sold strongly in the Middle East, and the latest version represents a bold step forward in the models evolution. Hyundais increasing commitment to leading the market in terms of design and technology is clear in every detail.

The new Azera clearly sets its own path in terms of design, said Mike Song, Hyundais head of operations for Africa and the Middle East, during preparations for the models regional launch.

The styling is very balanced, very refined. Flowing lines make a strong statement, yet it also forms part of Hyundais evolving design language, which brings a sense of cohesion across our model range. It is innovative, sophisticated, and built on more than three decades of experience in understanding what our customers want.

The design of the large sedan is distinguished by infinitely flowing lines, with simple, sensuous shapes representing a comprehensive refresh of Hyundais key visual themes. The front of the car carries the largest version yet of Hyundais latest signature design element, the Cascading Grille, which makes a confident new statement for the Hyundai brand.

The sophisticated styling is already winning praise, and awards. In April, the new Azera won a prestigious Red Dot award for high design quality.

As Hyundais new top-of-the-range offering, the all-new Azera matches its distinctive, sporty looks with all the latest comfort, convenience and safety technologies that premium buyers expect. Advanced technologies include wireless charging for mobile devices, power trunk, and premium Nappa leather seats. A seven-inch display houses the Around View Monitor and fronts an audio system loaded with Android Auto and Apple Car Play  included as standard in global markets. Additionally, a memory seat and a panoramic sunroof further enhance the Azeras comfort and convenience.



The premium sedan is equipped with a host of new safety features, boosting the Azeras technological edge. It boasts Hyundai Smart Sense, a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System tuned for driver safety, which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Detection, Driver Attention Alert, Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitor.

All of this will be matched to a powerful engine, ensuring the new Hyundai Azera has the performance to match its exceptional design. For the Middle East, Hyundai will offer a 3.5 liter V6 producing 240HP. It is a specification unique to this region and a demonstration of the confidence the company has in the new cars market potential.

The new-generation Hyundai Azera will have its Middle East launch during May, with deliveries to selected markets to follow soon after.  TradeArabia News Service


Apple has opened its newest store in the Middle East in Dubai at the Dubai Mall.



With a 186-foot curved storefront and balcony overlooking Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, the store is envisioned as a space for the community to gather, learn and be entertained.



Apple Dubai Mall will serve as a venue to watch the spectacular evening fountain shows and host Apples new global in-store experience, "Today at Apple".



We view our stores as a modern-day town square, where visitors come to shop, be inspired, learn or connect with others in their community, said Angela Ahrendts, Apples senior vice president of Retail. And what better place to come together than overlooking Dubais epicenter, where the Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall meet. We are so honoured to have a home at one of the worlds most incredible and dynamic intersections.



At the heart of every Apple Store is the drive to educate and inspire. Today at Apple will launch at Apple Dubai Mall and in all 495 Apple Stores next month with new sessions across photo and video, music, coding, art and design, and more, led by highly-trained team members.



Apple Dubai Mall will also host high-profile events including live music, intimate conversations with film-makers and photographers, and live workshops with some of the worlds top talent. Events on opening day include Live Art with Myneandyours, and Artist Duos with musician Hamdan Al Abri and artist Sultan Al Ramahi.



New Creative Pros, the liberal arts equivalent to Apples technical Geniuses, will teach Today at Apple sessions and offer individual advice and training to help customers take their creative skills to the next level. All of the stores 148 employees are ready to welcome customers from around the world and speak a collective 45 languages.



Like many of Apples other significant stores, Apple Dubai Mall aims to be open and transparent, blurring the barriers between inside and out, to erase the boundaries between the store and the community. To mitigate Dubais climate, Foster + Partners designed eighteen 37.5-ft-high motorised Solar Wings that respond to the ever-changing environmental conditions. When the sun is at its hottest they cool the store, and in the evenings they open to welcome everyone to the public terrace.



Inspired by the traditional Arabic Mashrabiya, each Solar Wing is locally fabricated from 340 carbon fiber reinforced polymer rods, and at 180 ft wide, the 18 panels make up one of the worlds largest kinetic art installations.



Apples first two stores in the UAE have welcomed more than 4 million visitors since opening in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 18 months ago. Apple will reach even more visitors from around the world at Dubai Mall, Emaars flagship mega-project and the worlds most-visited retail and lifestyle destination, welcoming over 80 million visitors for the past three consecutive years. Apples location overlooking the lake will stay open as late as midnight to everyone exploring the area.



Apple revolutionised personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apples four software platforms  iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS  provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apples more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it. - TradeArabia News Service
Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has appointed Aboudi Asali as its new chief executive officer (CEO).



Asali joins HMH with over 20 years of hospitality experience, starting at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. After several years in operations, Asali joined Arthur Andersen as a real estate and hospitality consultant in Bahrain and then London. He came back to the Middle East in 2002 as the vice president international lodging development for Marriott International where, during his tenure he signed more than 40 hotels across the region. In 2012 Asali established a company to guide hotel operators and owners in the Middle East and Africa region and negotiated a number of contracts with Hilton, IHG, and Starwood.



Asalis last position was the senior vice president development at Jumeirah Group where he was responsible for the expansion of both the Jumeirah and the Venu lifestyle brand, in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Europe.



Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi, chairman and chief executive, Manafa, and vice chairman, HMH, said: Asali will be a key member of our management team with a clear mandate for identifying growth opportunities for the expansion of HMHs portfolio in the hospitality sector fulfilling our strategic vision. Asalis extensive experience in the region and successful history in development and attaining both management and franchise agreements will surely be a recipe for success. - TradeArabia News Service


Royal Rose Abu Dhabi, a five-star flagship property managed by City Seasons Hotels, was recently awarded the most coveted title of Best Family Hotel in the Region for 2017 by The Arab Center for Tourism Media.



Nominees from the hospitality industry are selected within 23 different categories covering various windows of the hospitality among which are service, quality of stay, promotions, branding and Food & Beverage. The panel consists of members from different media like print media, online platforms, travel bloggers and a group of top journalists and editors across the region. Public votes are added to the referendum and this years results reached a staggering 925,000 individual votes from 18 Arab countries.



Royal Rose Abu Dhabi was awarded the title after proving successful with visiting families who acclaimed the added facilities for young children covering special kids menu that come with fun activities, the recreation areas that have been designed with youngsters in mind. The room amenities offer an array of tools and facilities to entertain the kids with less hassle for parents, which makes the stay a more comfortable and relaxed one for the whole family.



Moreover the hotel offers free shuttle to and from the beach, the shopping malls and other points of interest in the capital, so parents and children can share the pleasure of being on holidays without any of the stress related to organizing and moving around.



We are really proud to be awarded one of the most prestigious title in the region, said George Demitry, group general manager for City Seasons Hotels and General Manager of Royal Rose.



"Our guests are mainly families from GCC countries who regularly travel with young children and for whom the hotel is the most important part of the whole trip. They need to stay where their kids are entertained while being safe.



Royal Rose Abu Dhabi has gone the extra mile with providing children activities and recreational areas to suit all ages. Moreover every single effort has been made to provide the right culinary choices as well as the right amenities for the pleasure and comfort of all the family members, added Demitry.



Royal Rose Abu Dhabi is the second Hotel of City Seasons Group to receive the Best Family Award after its sister hotel, City Seasons Muscat received the same accolade two years ago. - TradeArabia News Service
David Scowsill has stepped down from his role as President at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) after six years at the helm of the organisation, siad a report.



Scowsill, who has been president of WTTC since October 2010, has taken the organization to new heights, championing the private sector views in high level governmental discussions and promoting the sustainable growth of tourism, said a report in Caribbean News Digital.



It has been a privilege to lead WTTC, representing the global interests of the private sector of tourism, through advocacy with governments around the world.



The membership of the organisation has doubled in the last period, but more significant has been the work with governments at all levels on the key strategic issues for the sector, said Scowsill.



By making this announcement now, the executive committee has time to identify a successor and to work through a smooth transition in leadership.



Among the highlights of his time, the public/private partnership with UNWTO has produced 84 meetings with presidents and prime ministers, where messages about the importance of the sector have been directed to these key leaders.



As founder and chairman of The Global Travel Association Coalition, he ensured that the travel industry spoke to governments with one voice on the key issues  from travel facilitation and terrorism, to infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.



Under his leadership and vision, WTTC is clearly positioned as the private sector authority on tourism, reflected in the caliber and geographic diversity of the membership group. During this transition period, it will be business as usual, as the Executive Committee works to identify a successor," said Gerald Lawless, chairman, WTTC.
The Cotentin Peninsula  also known as the Cherbourg Peninsula - in the Normandy region of France, will soon see its many tourism boards undergo a major restructuring in the next few months.



By June this year, 11 local tourism boards will have merged into one big entity and renamed Cotentin Tourist office making it, arguably, one of the most powerful tourism board in the country with an annual budget of 4 million ($4.35 million). Out of this budget, up to 1 million ($1.08 million) will be kept aside to promote Cotentin worldwide; of which India, Middle East and China will be important focus markets.



Speaking to Guillaume Hamel, the current director of Cherbourg Tourisme and top man in the running to head up the new entity, one gets the feeling that this change will breathe some new life into the French tourism industry.



Currently, France does not have a Ministry of Tourism despite it being the biggest tourist destination in the world.



It is how it is and were still the top tourist destination in the world, said Hamel. But, having said that, there is a lot more we can do and once the new structure is in place, we hope to bring in more tourists to the Cotentin Peninsula and showcase the wild and untouched landscapes and beaches we have here.



So far Normandy has mainly been promoted as a historical war destination focusing on the D-Day Landing beaches, war-cemeteries and World-War Museums. But Hamel wants to widen his pool of tourist attractions and include the preserved natural beauty of the peninsula with its protected heritage sites, middle-aged castles and unique food culture.



Yes, Cotentin is undeniably steeped in amazing war history; theres no doubt about that and were fiercely proud of it , explained Hamel. But it is just one aspect of what we have to offer. For example, we would like tourists to experience Cotentins famous Blue Lobster or oysters among other fresh seafood thanks to one of the longest coastlines in France or Calvados  an apple brandy with apple sorbet that is to be had in the middle of ones dinner. These are all experiences that you wont get anywhere else in the world except here in Cotentin.



Apart from being a gastronomical treat, tourists can also look forward to getting the chance to step inside an actual nuclear submarine at the Cite De La Mer  a maritime museum built to showcase Cherbourgs nautical prowess. Hamel said he wants to put Cotentin back on the cruise map and promote the region as a hiking destination too.



The cruise industry is getting bigger and bigger in Europe, said Hamel. Cherbourg-en-Cotentin has a long history since the 1900s when we were a transatlantic port. The port of Cherbourg used to receive almost 1000 calls a year, which works out to almost three ships a day going to various places in the world  New York, Buenos Aires, you name it. Currently, we have 65,000 passengers a year and 40 cruise calls. This is one of the main aspects we are going to work on. We also have a fantastic range of premium shore excursions available from Cherbourg on a cruise ship for the day, he said. - TradeArabia News Service
Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubais second airport, welcomed Himalaya Airlines inaugural flight from the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu on April 28.



The airline will operate three weekly flights from Tribhuvan International Airport to DWC offering eight business class seats and 150 economy class seats on its Airbus A320-214 aircraft.



Himalaya Airlines arrival at DWC increases the number of passenger carriers serving the airport to 19 and the average number of weekly flights to 106. - TradeArabia News Service
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced its latest offering of memorable, sophisticated authentic luxury travel experiences for its guests.

Curated Experiences by InterContinental will be introduced across select InterContinental Hotels and Resorts in the Middle East and Africa region to meet the increasing demand of tourists looking for authentic and immersive travel experiences.



Comprised of the adventure, culture, heritage, wellness and spa and cruise tourism segments, experiential travel has become a growing travel trend and luxury, experiential tourism is no exception. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts introduced seven specially curated moments to inspire travelers to explore the wonder of travel through rich experiences that combine understated service with insider knowledge across Asia, Middle East and Africa.



Commenting on the new offering, Bruce Ryde, head of brand marketing Luxury and Lifestyle, IHG Asia, Middle East & Africa, said: Today, travel is driven by a demand for experiential living. More specifically, luxury travel is shifting away from acquiring expensive tokens towards a desire for indulging in unique, enriching and impactful experiences. The most memorable travel experiences are not just those unique to the culture, history and traditions of a destination. Rather, memorable experiences are shaped by the surprises that are found in the most unexpected places.



Moreover, they each offer a unique and immersive look into the culture, heritage and art surrounding the InterContinental Hotels across the Middle East and Africa.



1. InterContinental Le Vendome Beirut  Souk El Tayeb Street Food

A trip to Beiruts open-air weekly farmers market, Souk El Tayeb alongside the hotels Executive Chef will give guests the chance to witness the nostalgic sights and sounds of Beiruts culturally charged streets. While there, visitors will attend a live cooking session with authentic Lebanese cuisine and capture their experience using the hotel-provided Polaroid camera to create lasting memoirs.



2. InterContinental Aqaba Resort  The Martian Experience

Unbeknownst to many, Jordans Wadi Rum is home to the location for the blockbuster movie The Martian. To give movie buffs and adventurous guests a chance to walk the red earth, InterContinental Aqaba Resort is offering an excursion to Wadi Rum with a Bedouin guide and camel ride before heading back to the hotel for a traditional oriental dinner cooked to the guests tastes specifically, overlooking the resorts sandy beaches.



3. InterContinental Cairo Citystars  Time travel to Korba

For guests keen to travel back in time to the early 20th century, InterContinental Cairo Citystars will offer a tour of Korba district, Cairos internationally renowned neighborhood known for its unique, Egyptian architectural design. Guests can feel like a native and wear the traditional headdress while traveling in a vintage car accompanied by a local guide and even stop at a traditional Egyptian bread baker and a local falafel restaurant that has been serving the classic street fare for several decades.





4. InterContinental Amman  Visit Grandmothers home in the heart of Jordan

No one leaves grandmas house with an empty belly. Knowing this, the InterContinental Amman offers guests a trip to Beit Sitti or grandmas house where they enjoy the authentic Levant cuisine cooked with grandmas special touch. This is followed by a visit to Jordans historical Jabal Al Weibdeh and Darat Al Funun where art and culture come together marrying past and present.





5. InterContinental Dubai Festival City - Couture Connoisseur

Guests staying at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City will embark on bespoke fashion experience starting with a High Tea at Choix Patisserie & Restaurant par Pierre Gagnaire with a renowned Dubai-based personal stylist. After discussing their shopping requirements, the two will set out to conquer Dubai Festival City Malls 500+ retail stores including the all-new Robinsons department store  the largest of its kind in the region. The purchased items will be delivered to the rooms where guests can try on their latest purchases with hair and makeup styling to complete their new look.





6. InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut  See where time stops at Beit Chabab

Beit Chabab is a mountain top Lebanese village where time stopped 200 years ago. After a scenic ride, guests can ring the infamous bells in the village with the Lebanese family still producing the only church bells that are made in the Middle East. Guests can also try a sculpting class to create a special Lebanese souvenir and try a Saj Burger at Marios  a popular Lebanese treat.





7. InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo  Transient experiential travel

For transient guests looking to make the most of their layover, the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo guests can try the only African brewery at the airport itself.



Complete with a tour of the Airport Craft brewery located at the O.R. Tambo Airport itself, guests can also enjoy a beer tasting and food pairing with tapas. This tour will be available to InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo guests only for 2017.



These experiential travel packages can be customised and booked directly via the concierge upon check-in and are available based on seasonality or for a limited period. Additional experiences and/or prices may be furnished upon request. - TradeArabia News Service


SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's Christian Democrat party voted on Saturday to skip primaries and go straight to the first round of the presidential election in November, rupturing the centre-left governing coalition and likely boosting the chances of a victory for the right. Delegates at the Christian Democrats' national assembly voted with a 63 percent majority for their party's candidate, 44-year-old Carolina Goic, to compete directly in November's election rather than pitting herself against other candidates from the Nueva Mayoria coalition. The Nueva Mayoria, the coalition of ruling President Michelle Bachelet, is an ideologically diverse bloc that runs from radical left Communists to the centrist Christian Democrats and has dominated Chilean politics since the country's 1990 return to democracy. The bloc's inability to agree on a single candidate gives a clearer run to election frontrunner Sebastian Pinera, a former president who has the backing of most of the more unified right-wing coalition. The Christian Democrats are one of the country's largest parties, controlling some 16 percent of both houses of Congress. But a survey last week by poll aggregator Tresquintos showed Pinera with 41 percent of intended votes and Goic with less than 3 percent. The second most popular candidate is Alejandro Guillier, a leftist senator who is relatively new to politics but has a similar political bent to Bachelet and has won over the support of much of the rest of the Nueva Mayoria. The Christian Democrats "agree on the idea of a centre-left bloc, but not at any price," Goic told the assembly, according to local media. "Comrades, a party on its knees cannot aspire to lead anything," she said. The Nueva Mayoria has struggled to remain united as differences have opened up within the coalition over approaches to a government reform drive, including changes to the labour code and attempted reform of Chile's strict abortion laws. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Sam Holmes)
Donald Tusk , the president of the European Council talks to the press prior to the European Summit on Art. 50 , Brexit at European Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on 29.04.2017

LONDON  The leaders of 27 EU nations agreed the bloc's Brexit negotiating position at a summit on Saturday.

"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 EU's governing council says in a statement released around Saturday lunchtime.

The document contains few surprises, with European Council President Donald Tusk publically outlining his top priorities ahead of the summit. However, the statement provides a detailed look at the thinking of the EU and how it views Brexit.

SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE FULL DOCUMENT

The EU says it wants a "phased approach" to Brexit to ensure an "orderly withdrawal" that will avoid uncertainty and instability for both the UK and remaining EU nations. The 27 nations have agreed that the EU must "maintain its unity and act as one" in negotiations.

A deal would be in the best interest of both sides but the EU warns it will "prepare itself to be able to handle the situation also if the negotiations were to fail." British Prime Minister Theresa May has made a similar threat, saying that no deal is better than a bad deal for Britain.

The 10-page document also sets out the EU's so-called "red lines"  principles it will not budge on  and its priorities in negotiations. They include:

"A non-member of the Union... cannot have the same rights and enjoy the same benefits as a member." The UK government can't "cherry pick" parts of the EU it likes and will not be allowed to negotiation deals to that apply only to specific sectors;

The Brexit deal will be a single package. Issues can't be settled separately and the whole deal must be agreed before anything is signed. Britain can only negotiate with the EU too, not with individual members;

The EU will seek a beneficial transitional arrangement that will take effect once Britain officially leaves the EU;

Agreeing the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in Europe will be the first priority of negotiations;

EU citizens in the UK should have "the right to acquire permanent residence after a continuous period of five years of legal residence" through a " smooth and simple administrative procedures";

The EU wants a single financial settlement  dubbed a "divorce bill"  from Britain. The figure is not mentioned by the EU has previously said it will ask for 60 billion;

The question of the UK's future relationship with Ireland and Cyprus is a top priority;

The European Court of Justice will remain the arbiter of any disputes between the UK and EU;

"The European Council stands ready to initiate work towards an agreement on trade, to be finalised and concluded once the United Kingdom is no longer a Member State," but any trade deal can't be as good as Single Market membership;

The EU will also work with the UK on issues such as anti-terrorism coordination post-Brexit.

Story continues

Here's the full text of the EU's guidelines for negotiating with the UK:

I. CORE PRINCIPLES

1. The European Council will continue to base itself on the principles set out in the statement of Heads of State or Government and of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission on 29 June 2016. It reiterates its wish to have the United Kingdom as a close partner in the future. It further reiterates that any agreement with the United Kingdom will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations, and ensure a level playing field.

Preserving the integrity of the Single Market excludes participation based on a sector-by sector approach. A non-member of the Union, 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. In this context, the European Council welcomes the recognition by the British Government that the four freedoms of the Single Market are indivisible and that there can be no "cherry picking". The Union will preserve its autonomy as regards its decision-making as well as the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

2. Negotiations under Article 50 TEU will be conducted in transparency and as a single package. In accordance with the principle that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, individual items cannot be settled separately. The Union will approach the negotiations with unified positions, and will engage with the United Kingdom exclusively through the channels set out in these guidelines and in the negotiating directives. So as not to undercut the position of the Union, there will be no separate negotiations between individual Member States and the United Kingdom on matters pertaining to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union.

3. The core principles set out above should apply equally to the negotiations on an orderly withdrawal, to any preliminary and preparatory discussions on the framework for a future relationship, and to any form of transitional arrangements.

II. A PHASED APPROACH TO NEGOTIATIONS

4. On the date of withdrawal, the Treaties will cease to apply to the United Kingdom, to those of its overseas countries and territories currently associated to the Union, and to territories for whose external relations the United Kingdom is responsible. The main purpose of the negotiations will be to ensure the United Kingdom's orderly withdrawal so as to reduce uncertainty and, to the extent possible, minimise disruption caused by this abrupt change.

To that effect, the first phase of negotiations will aim to:

 provide as much clarity and legal certainty as possible to citizens, businesses, stakeholders and international partners on the immediate effects of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the Union;

 settle the disentanglement of the United Kingdom from the Union and from all the rights and obligations the United Kingdom derives from commitments undertaken as Member State.

The European Council will monitor progress closely and determine when sufficient progress has been achieved to allow negotiations to proceed to the next phase.

5. While an agreement on a future relationship between the Union and the United Kingdom as such can only be finalised and concluded once the United Kingdom has become a third country, Article 50 TEU requires to take account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union in the arrangements for withdrawal. To this end, an overall understanding on the framework for the future relationship should be identified during a second phase of the negotiations under Article 50 TEU. We stand ready to engage in preliminary and preparatory discussions to this end in the context of negotiations under Article 50 TEU, as soon as the European Council decides that sufficient progress has been made in the first phase towards reaching a satisfactory agreement on the arrangements for an orderly withdrawal.

6. To the extent necessary and legally possible, the negotiations may also seek to determine transitional arrangements which are in the interest of the Union and, as appropriate, to provide for bridges towards the foreseeable framework for the future relationship in the light of the progress made. Any such transitional arrangements must be clearly defined, limited in time, and subject to effective enforcement mechanisms. Should a time-limited prolongation of Union acquis be considered, this would require existing Union regulatory, budgetary, supervisory, judiciary and enforcement instruments and structures to apply.

7. The two-year time frame set out in Article 50 TEU ends on 29 March 2019.

III. AGREEMENT ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR AN ORDERLY WITHDRAWAL

8. The right for every EU citizen, and of his or her family members, to live, to work or to study in any EU Member State is a fundamental aspect of the European Union. Along with other rights provided under EU law, it has shaped the lives and choices of millions of people.Agreeing reciprocal guarantees to safeguard the status and rights derived from EU law at the

Agreeing reciprocal guarantees to safeguard the status and rights derived from EU law at the date of withdrawal of EU and UK citizens, and their families, affected by the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the Union will be the first priority for the negotiations. Such guarantees must be effective, enforceable, non-discriminatory and comprehensive, including the right to acquire permanent residence after a continuous period of five years of legal residence. Citizens should be able to exercise their rights through smooth and simple administrative procedures.

9. Also, the United Kingdom leaving the Union will impact EU businesses trading with and operating in the United Kingdom and UK businesses trading with and operating in the Union. Similarly, it may affect those who have entered into contracts and business arrangements or take part in EU-funded programmes based on the assumption of continued British EU membership. Negotiations should seek to prevent a legal vacuum once the Treaties cease to apply to the United Kingdom and, to the extent possible, address uncertainties.

10. A single financial settlement - including issues resulting from the MFF as well as those related to the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Development Fund (EDF) and the European Central Bank (ECB) - should ensure that the Union and the United Kingdom both respect the obligations resulting from the whole period of the UK membership in the Union. The settlement should cover all commitments as well as liabilities, including contingent liabilities.

11. The Union has consistently supported the goal of peace and reconciliation enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, and continuing to support and protect the achievements, benefits and commitments of the Peace Process will remain of paramount importance. In view of the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, flexible and imaginative solutions will be required, including with the aim of avoiding a hard border, while respecting the integrity of the Union legal order. In this context, the Union should also recognise existing bilateral agreements and arrangements between the United Kingdom and Ireland which are compatible with EU law.

12. The Union should agree with the United Kingdom on arrangements as regards the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom in Cyprus and recognise in that respect bilateral agreements and arrangements between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom which are compatible with EU law, in particular as regards safeguarding rights and interests of those EU citizens resident or working in the Sovereign Base Areas.

13. Following the withdrawal, the United Kingdom will no longer be covered by agreements concluded by the Union or by Member States acting on its behalf or by the Union and its Member States acting jointly. The Union will continue to have its rights and obligations in relation to international agreements. In this respect, the European Council expects the United Kingdom to honour its share of all international commitments contracted in the context of its EU membership. In such instances, a constructive dialogue with the United Kingdom on a possible common approach towards third country partners, international organisations and conventions concerned should be engaged.

14. The withdrawal agreement would also need to address potential issues arising from the withdrawal in other areas of cooperation, including judicial cooperation, law enforcement and security.

15. While the future location of the seats of EU agencies and facilities located in the United Kingdom is a matter for the 27 Member States to settle rapidly, arrangements should be found to facilitate their transfer.

16. Arrangements ensuring legal certainty and equal treatment should be found for all court procedures pending before the Court of Justice of the European Union upon the date of withdrawal that involve the United Kingdom or natural or legal persons in the United Kingdom. The Court of Justice of the European Union should remain competent to adjudicate in these procedures. Similarly, arrangements should be found for administrative procedures pending before the European Commission and Union agencies upon the date of the withdrawal that involve the United Kingdom or natural or legal persons in the United Kingdom. In addition, arrangements should be foreseen for the possibility of administrative or court proceedings to be initiated post-exit for facts that have occurred before the withdrawal date.

17. The withdrawal agreement should include appropriate dispute settlement and enforcement mechanisms regarding the application and interpretation of the withdrawal agreement, as well as duly circumscribed institutional arrangements allowing for the adoption of measures necessary to deal with situations not foreseen in the withdrawal agreement. This should be done bearing in mind the Union's interest to effectively protect its autonomy and its legal order, including the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

IV. PRELIMINARY AND PREPARATORY DISCUSSIONS ON A FRAMEWORK FOR THE UNION - UNITED KINGDOM FUTURE RELATIONSHIP

18. The European Council welcomes and shares the United Kingdom's desire to establish a close partnership between the Union and the United Kingdom after its departure. While a relationship between the Union and a non Member State cannot offer the same benefits as Union membership, strong and constructive ties will remain in both sides' interest and should encompass more than just trade.

19. The British government has indicated that it will not seek to remain in the Single Market, but would like to pursue an ambitious free trade agreement with the European Union. Based on the Union's interests, the European Council stands ready to initiate work towards an agreement on trade, to be finalised and concluded once the United Kingdom is no longer a Member State.

20. Any free trade agreement should be balanced, ambitious and wide-ranging. It cannot, however, amount to participation in the Single Market or parts thereof, as this would undermine its integrity and proper functioning. It must ensure a level playing field, notably in terms of competition and state aid, and in this regard encompass safeguards against unfair competitive advantages through, inter alia, tax, social, environmental and regulatory measures and practices.

21. Any future framework should safeguard financial stability in the Union and respect its regulatory and supervisory regime and standards and their application.

22. The EU stands ready to establish partnerships in areas unrelated to trade, in particular the fight against terrorism and international crime, as well as security, defence and foreign policy.

23. The future partnership must include appropriate enforcement and dispute settlement mechanisms that do not affect the Union's autonomy, in particular its decision-making procedures.

24. After the United Kingdom leaves the Union, no agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom may apply to the territory of Gibraltar without the agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom.

V. PRINCIPLE OF SINCERE COOPERATION

25. Until it leaves the Union, the United Kingdom remains a full Member of the European Union, subject to all rights and obligations set out in the Treaties and under EU law, including the principle of sincere cooperation.

26. The European Council recognises the need, in the international context, to take into account the specificities of the United Kingdom as a withdrawing Member State, provided it respects its obligations and remains loyal to the Union's interests while still a Member. Similarly the Union expects the United Kingdom to recognise the need of the 27 Member States to meet and discuss matters related to the situation after the withdrawal of the United Kingdom.

27. While the United Kingdom is still a member, all ongoing EU business must continue to proceed as smoothly as possible at 28. The European Council remains committed to drive forward with ambition the priorities the Union has set itself. Negotiations with the United Kingdom will be kept separate from ongoing Union business, and shall not interfere with its progress.

VI. PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEGOTIATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 50

28. The European Council endorses the arrangements set out in the statement of 27 Heads of State or Government on 15 December 2016

NOW WATCH: This video shows all of the US presidents in order of height

See Also:

SEE ALSO: EU President Donald Tusk: UK needs to sort out 'people, money and Ireland' before Brexit trade talks

DON'T MISS: German finance minister on Brexit: 'There is no free lunch'

NEXT UP: The EU wants to add another unexpected charge to Britain's Brexit divorce bill
By Alastair Macdonald and Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (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)
Groom Cesar Abregu gives a bath to one of the horses being trained by Dale Romans following his morning workout at Churchill Downs, Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in Louisville, Ky. Acevedo, an immigrant from Guatemala, is in the United States on an H-2B visa. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)





LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- The backside of Churchill Downs hums with activity as workers clean stalls, bathe horses and lead the muscular animals on strolls to cool them down after workouts. The quiet is broken when they speak to each other and the horses  in Spanish.

Though they do their work a world away from the grandstand and Millionaire's Row, where fans will sip mint juleps, don fancy hats and cheer for their Kentucky Derby favorites on the first Saturday in May, immigrants have become indispensable at Churchill Downs and other tracks, people in the industry say. Now, fear is spreading that a Trump administration crackdown on immigration will be a calamity both for the tracks and for many of their workers.

While there's widespread acknowledgement that some jobs go to undocumented workers, many trainers rely on the H-2B visa program to supply immigrant workers legally, and the tightening of that program has contributed to a worker shortage.

Some argue that the presence of foreign workers has a downward drag on everybody else's income. But Dale Romans, the second-winningest trainer in Churchill's history, says he can't find American workers to do the jobs.

"This is definitely a business that survives on an immigrant workforce," Romans said. "Without it, I don't know what we would do."

The apprehension on the backside has been stoked by the election of Donald Trump, who staked out a role as an immigration hard-liner during the campaign and referred to some Mexican immigrants as rapists and murderers.

"I wouldn't say it's an extreme fear, but there is nervousness" among Churchill's immigrant workers, track chaplain Joseph del Rosario said. "There's fear they're going to get kicked out just because they're not citizens."

Said one 53-year-old backside hand who has worked at racetracks across the country: "I'm scared. Because one day, I don't know, they catch me and send me to Mexico."

Story continues

The man, who agreed to an interview only on the condition his name not be used because he fears being exposed to immigration authorities, said his visa expired a couple of years ago but he has kept working, moving up the ranks in the barns where he works. His family has made a life in the United States; if he had to return to Mexico, he said, he'd probably toil in the avocado fields.

Even workers here legally on visas worry about the threat of immigration crackdowns.

"A lot of people here, they're scared," said Cesar Abrego, a 46-year-old groom who came from Guatemala on an H-2B visa. "With the president coming, everybody says, 'Be careful.'"

Like many of the immigrant workers, Abrego dutifully sends money back home. He has three children to support, and worries the visa program that sustains his family will be cut. He could find construction or roofing work in Guatemala, but believes his approximately $450-per-week take-home pay as a groom would be cut more than half.

It's a complicated, time-consuming process for horsemen to get visa workers to their barns. Trainers typically hire immigration attorneys to handle the paperwork.

The H-2B program is capped at 66,000 visas per year, and horse racing competes with many other industries for the coveted slots. Applications for the visas far outpace available slots. The crunch worsened when the program's "returning worker" exemption expired last September.

Congress has not reauthorized the exemption, which allowed existing H-2B visa holders to keep returning on the same visas, which weren't counted against the cap. Immigration lawyers and members of horsemen's groups have been meeting with lawmakers in hopes of getting the exemption reinstated.

"The shortage of workers on the backside is severe," said Will Velie, an Oklahoma-based immigration attorney. Trainers unable to secure enough H-2B workers "have a choice between turning away work or breaking the law if they can find people that are here undocumented."

At Barn 4 on the backside of Churchill, Romans' crew was down about 15 workers for the spring racing season at Keeneland in nearby Lexington, as the trainer prepared for the upcoming meet at Churchill. Romans' latest Kentucky Derby contender is J Boys Echo, winner of the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.

The staffing shortage was more dire for trainer Gary Patrick, who races mostly at tracks in Indiana and Florida. The 70-year-old Patrick had to wield a pitchfork to clean 20 stalls each morning as he waited for visas to be approved for more immigrant workers he wanted to hire.

"I'm in a trap," said Patrick, who is in his 50th year as a trainer. "I don't have any help and I'm killing myself. It's a bad situation for a trainer to be in. And I'm not the only one."

Patrick has tried to hire local help. He rarely gets a response, and those that show interest don't last long. "Two of them did show up and I got about three days out of them," he said.

Not everyone at the track believes there is no alternative to hiring immigrants. Longtime Churchill backside worker Marc Olinsky sees them as the reason wages aren't higher.

"The trainers hired these guys for nothing, and they ran anybody who earned a salary out of here," Olinsky said, while helping a farrier shoe a horse. "I think immigrant workers that come here legally should do whatever they want to do in this country. And those that are illegal should get put in jail until they're sent home, period."

Velie noted that visa workers are paid above minimum wage. A groom makes about $15 an hour, twice the federal minimum wage, he said.

"The H-2B program isn't used by the horsemen as a way to lower wages or to get around hiring Americans," he said. "It's a vehicle of last resort."

Baldemar Bahena's journey toward the American dream started as a teenager on the backside of tracks. When he left Mexico on a visa, he spoke a little English but had a knack with horses.

More than 30 years later, Bahena oversees dozens of workers as Romans' top assistant. Bahena and his wife became U.S. citizens and they settled into a four-bedroom home in Louisville. Their two teenage children are college bound.

"He's a great American success story," Romans said of his friend.

But Bahena, 49, worries the door of opportunity may be closing behind him for other immigrant workers toiling at racetracks in search of a better life for their families.

"They're good people," he said. "They're working hard all the time. They're kind of scared.

Bahena voted for Trump because of the Republican's business background, and said he holds out hope the new president will make things better.

"I tell everybody, just chill out a little bit and I think in another year or something, it'll be all right," he said. "I think he's going to change his mind because he's a real, real good businessman, and he's going to figure it out that these people are good people."

Related Video:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.
By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin LONDON (Reuters) - Iranians should not thank Hassan Rouhani's policy of detente with the West for any reduction in the threat of war, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday, stepping up his criticisms of the president as elections approach. In comments that appeared to favour hardline candidates in the May 19 vote, Khamenei played down the benefits of Rouhani's landmark agreement to curb Iran's nuclear activities in return for a lifting of international sanctions. "Some say since they took office the shadow of war has been faded away. This is not correct," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state media. "It's been people's presence in the political scene that has removed the shadow of war from the country." Khamenei and his hardline supporters have also criticised the nuclear deal -- which stifled talk by Washington of possible military action against Iran -- for failing to deliver promised economic benefits. But speaking at the opening of a refinery that Iran says will make it self-sufficient in oil products, Rouhani defended his position. "The nuclear deal was a national achievement. We should make use of its advantages. But some have started a fight over it," Rouhani said. He cited the new refinery, in the Gulf port city of Bandar Abbas, as a result of the deal and "interaction with the world". One of Rouhani's main challengers, Ebrahim Raisi, an influential cleric with decades of experience in the hardline judiciary, said Iran had no need of foreign help to improve the economy and could always defend itself. "We should not warn our people of wars and crises. We have full security in the country," Raisi said in a recorded address on state television. "This approach, that we should wait for foreign investment and for foreigners to resolve our issues, is wrong. "This is wrong, to wait years and years for foreign investors to come ... We should resolve issues by relying on domestic capabilities," Raisi said in comments that echoed those previously made by Khamenei, Iran's highest authority. Rouhani has said Iran needs foreign capital to modernize its oil and gas, transportation and telecommunication sectors after decades of international isolation. However, foreign investors are still cautious about trading with or investing in Iran, fearing penalties from remaining unilateral U.S. sanctions and President Donald Trump's tough rhetoric on the Islamic Republic. This has caused long delays in contracts that Iran seeks with international firms to develop its oil and gas fields. (Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
By Petar Komnenic PODGORICA (Reuters) - Montenegro's parliament ratified the membership agreement with NATO on Friday, taking the former Yugoslav republic a step closer to becoming the 29th member of the alliance despite protests over its 1999 bombing campaign. Outside the parliament, where 46 of 81 deputies voted in favour of the agreement, several hundred anti-NATO supporters burned the NATO flag and demand a referendum on membership. Montenegro's accession would mark the first expansion of NATO ranks into ex-Communist eastern Europe since its neighbours Albania and Croatia joined in 2009, and the first since relations between Russia and the West hit a post-Cold War low with the outbreak of war in Ukraine. "NATO membership will provide a safer and better life for all citizens in Montenegro," Prime Minister Dusko Markovic told the parliament session, held in the town of Cetinje, the royal seat of the mediaeval state. The population remains deeply divided over membership, with many angry over the alliance's 1999 bombing of Serbia to halt the killing and expulsion of ethnic Albanians in Serbia's then southern province of Kosovo. NATO planes also bombed Montenegro, then part of a rump Yugoslavia with Serbia, arguing its targets were part of the war machine. Former president Momir Bulatovic, once a close ally of Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic, said Friday was "a sad day." Bulatovic told protesters: "I feel humiliated as this decision has been taken on my behalf." All but two of the NATO allies have now ratified the accord, which is strongly opposed by Russia, which has strong historical and cultural ties to Montenegro. Podgorica hopes to formally join NATO at a summit next month. Montenegro has a population of 650,000 and a military of only 2,000, but it is strategically positioned along the Adriatic coast and surrounded by NATO members or hopefuls, except Serbia which maintains military neutrality. Russias foreign ministry said in a statement: "Given the potential of Montenegro, the North Atlantic alliance is unlikely to receive any significant 'added value'. "But in Moscow we cannot ignore the strategic consequences of this step. Therefore, we reserve the right to take such decisions, which are intended at protecting our interests and national security." (Additional reporting by Jack Stubbs in Moscow; Writing by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
By Doina Chiacu and Jason Lange WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday stepped up outreach to allies in Asia to secure their cooperation to pressure North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs. Trump spoke to the prime ministers of Thailand and Singapore in separate phone calls about the North Korean threat and invited both of them to Washington, U.S. officials said. "They discussed ways to maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea," one U.S. official said of the calls, speaking on condition of anonymity. Trump's calls to the two Asian leaders came two days after North Korea test-launched another missile that Washington and Seoul said was unsuccessful but which drew widespread international condemnation. Trump talked on Saturday night with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who was also invited to the White House. Duterte has been criticized by human rights groups for an anti-drug campaign in which more than 8,000 people have died. A week ago, Trump spoke with the leaders of China and Japan on the North Korea issue. "We need cooperation at some level with as many partners in the area as we can get to make sure that we have our ducks in a row," White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told ABC's "This Week" earlier on Sunday. "So if something does happen in North Korea, that we have everyone in line backing up a plan of action that may need to be put together with our partners in the area, he said. "We have got to be on the same page." Priebus said the conversations were prompted by the "potential for nuclear and massive destruction in Asia" and eventually in the United States. The U.S. president, who warned in an interview with Reuters that a "major, major conflict" with North Korea was possible, did not elaborate on any U.S. response to the test. "You'll soon find out," he said on Saturday. Trump has stressed he would not broadcast military options to preserve an element of surprise. His secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, said on Friday all options remained on the table. Pyongyang's missile 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. Priebus said Trump was in regular contact with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and that the president had become "very close" to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump, for whom China was a virtual punching bag during the 2016 presidential campaign over trade, told CBS that any trade disputes with the Asian economic giant took a back seat to securing its cooperation on North Korea. China, North Korea's only major ally and its largest trading partner, has expressed increasing concern about Pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles in violation of U.N. resolutions. But it has warned against escalation. "Trade is very important. But massive warfare with millions, potentially millions of people being killed? That, as we would say, trumps trade," Trump said in the "Face the Nation" interview. Similarly, concerns over human rights in the Philippines, where critics cite extrajudicial killings in Duterte's war on drugs, take a back seat to possible confrontation in Asia. "There is nothing right now facing this country and facing the region that is a bigger threat than what is happening in North Korea," Priebus said in the ABC interview. Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former general, heads a military-dominated government that took power in a 2014 coup. His government had strained relations with Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama. H.R. McMaster, Trump's national security adviser, was asked if Washington must respond to the latest test, especially after Vice President Mike Pence told allies during a trip to Asia this month that the "era of strategic patience is over." "Well, yes, we do have to do something," McMaster said on "Fox News Sunday." He said that may mean ratcheting up U.N. sanctions and also being prepared for military operations. AMERICA-FIRST TRUMP GOES MULTILATERAL It was unclear whether the consultations meant Washington was preparing imminent action against Pyongyang. The United States may just be lining up the largest coalition possible in the region to present a united front against North Korea, said professor Jens David Ohlin, an international law expert at Cornell Law School. "It's the only option on the ground - to do this multilaterally rather than try to solve it on our own," he said. Adam M. Smith, a Treasury Department sanctions expert in former President Barack Obama's administration, said the lesson from trying to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions was that the more multilateral the pressure, the more effective it was. He said it was notable that Trump was talking to the money centers in Asia - Singapore and Japan - and reaching out to some countries in the region, including the Philippines, that have been unwilling to go beyond what was required by U.N. sanctions. "It makes a lot of sense, I think, to try to expand the net, and not just rely on Bejiing," Smith said. "I think this is sort of a good start on multilateralisation." Senator John McCain, a leading Republican on foreign policy, said he did not believe Trump was considering a pre-emptive strike on North Korea. That would put U.S. ally South Korea in immediate danger, he said on CNN's "State of the Union." "But to say you absolutely rule out that option, of course, would be foolish. But it has to be the ultimate last option," McCain said. (Reporting by Jason Lange and Doina Chiacu; Additional reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir, Matt Spetalnick and Yasmeen Abutaleb; Editing by Andrew Hay and Peter Cooney)
Frida Kahlos paintings mixed torment with a magical realism rooted in her subconsciousness.

Somewhere between her own myth-making and her self-portraits lies an ever-shifting identity. Slipping from a Native queen to a wounded deer, she was both nursing infant and bedridden bride.

She was also the most photographed woman of her era.

Opening on Saturday, May 6, at Santa Fes Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, Mirror, Mirror  Photographs of Frida Kahlo traces the artists life through 56 images by some of the finest photographers of her lifetime, including Carl Van Vechten, Lola and Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Imogen Cunningham and Nickolas Muray.

Kahlo learned the power of photography as a teenager assisting her father, a well-known photographer, in the darkroom. She posed, manipulated and used the camera to record her passion for her husband, the muralist Diego Rivera,, her agonizing physical decline, her love of animals and Native culture.

She created herself as an expression of Mexican nationality, said the museums guest curator, Penelope Hunter-Stiebel.

In Carl Van Vechtens 1933 portrait, the artist wears a gourd on her head, her ears dangling silver hoops, her neck circled in chunky jade necklaces. Van Vechnten took the photograph when Rivera was painting his famous mural at Rockefeller Center  one that was destroyed because it contained a portrait of Vladimir Lenin. The gourd reflects a tradition of indigenous Mexican women, who used them as a means of transport, Hunter-Stiebel said.

This was completely new in the U.S., and she got a lot of attention, she continued. She wrote to her mother, The papers just love it when I appear on the street. She emerged from his shadow to the point when (photographers) were assigned to photograph him, they photographed her.

Heroine of pain

The look was practical, as well. The long, full skirts concealed a leg deformed from childhood polio. When she was 18, a wooden bus she was riding in collided with a streetcar. An iron handrail impaled her pelvis, fracturing the bone. She never fully recovered, enduring 30 operations throughout her life.

In Mexico, she is called the heroine of pain, Hunter-Stiebel said.

Painting became a way to explore her identity. When she was bedridden, her caretakers installed a mirror above her easel so that she could paint herself, a process she continued as her body disintegrated.

Kahlo and Rivera married in 1932. Her parents described the union as a marriage between an elephant and a dove.

Devastated by Riveras infidelities, including an affair with her own sister, Kahlo eventually embarked on her own. The couple divorced in 1939. They remarried in 1940 with the stipulation that they would retain independent lives.

The photographer Nickolas Muray portrayed her in a carefully choreographed color portrait in 1939.

Of all of her lovers, he was the longest-lasting, Hunter-Stiebel said. They had a passionate physical affair that lasted 10 years.

Kahlo adorned herself in the traditional dress of women living on the Isthmus of Mexico, otherwise known as the Tehuana style.

Her mother was half Tehuana, Hunter-Stiebel said.

A machine-embroidered blouse, floral headpiece and long skirt defined Tehuana dress.

Closer look

Muray also shot her outdoors petting a fawn during the divorce, one of the many animals in her menagerie.

Shes giving a lot of her devotion and affection to animals, Hunter-Stiebel said. She identified with deer; the defenseless, helpless animal. She has monkeys, she has these strange, ancient dogs. She has parrots; she has doves. She tried to deflect the attention she had lavished on Diego.

Muray also captured her painting one of her most famous canvases: The Two Fridas. An artery links the pre-Diego Victorian Frida with her Tehuana-draped self. The double portrait expresses the desperation and loneliness she felt at their separation.

Kahlo died in 1954. To this day, her death remains a mystery. Her biographer Hayden Herrera maintains it may have been a suicide. No autopsy was performed.

So little is confirmable because she and Diego were the biggest liars in the world, Hunter-Stiebel said. She changed her birthday to coincide with the start of the Mexican Revolution. She also said her father was Jewish because she wanted to be identified with the oppressed. His lineage has been traced to a line of Mormons. They were great storytellers.

After her death, the whole feminist movement adopted her.

If you go

WHAT: Mirror, Mirror  Photographs of Frida Kahlo

WHEN: Saturday, May 6, through Oct. 29

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

WHERE: Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, 750 Camino Lejo, Museum Hill, Santa Fe

HOW MUCH: $10; under 16 free; Sundays free to New Mexico residents; call 505-982-2226 or ticketssantafe.org
A Delta Air Lines pilot hit a passenger as she and two other women fought on the floor of a boarding ramp in Atlanta last week, according to a video released by TMZ.

Although the incident happened April 21, the video rocketed around the Internet on Saturday  another heated altercation as airlines are under scrutiny for mistreating people following a United Airlines passengers bloody, forced removal from a flight earlier this month.

The Delta video, apparently taken using a cellphone, shows three people cursing at each other, then fighting on the Jetway as shocked passengers watch or scramble to get out of the way.

At one point, one of the fighters takes the other woman to the ground, then wraps her legs around her neck and head in an apparently choke hold. Thats when the pilot, clad in his white shirt and pilots cap, walks over and tries to intervene. He grabs the womans wrist and strikes her, though its unclear whether he does it with an open or closed fist.

According to TMZ, the women had gotten into a skirmish earlier, on the airplane, and they knew each other.

No one was charged in the incident, including the pilot.

In a statement emailed to The Washington Post, Delta Spokesman Brian Kruse said the pilot was trying to de-escalate an ongoing fight.

We became aware of this incident and a video last week and immediately removed the pilot from duty while we completed a thorough investigation, Kruse said. Local law enforcement was called to respond at the time of the incident. The pilot has since been returned to work as our investigation found that his actions de-escalated an altercation between passengers on the Jetway floor during deplaning.

But Kruse said he wasnt authorized to give other details, including what airline personnel are instructed to do in those types of situations.

The Delta incident happened less than two weeks after the United passengers removal made international headlines and sparked a public-relations nightmare for United Airlines.

In that incident, a United official told passengers that they needed four passengers to give up their seats to accommodate off-duty crew members. When no one volunteered, the airline randomly selected four people. Three left without incident, but David Dao wouldnt budge.

He later told one of the officers, Im not leaving this flight that I paid money for. I dont care if I get arrested, according to a police report.

In the ensuing struggle with officers, Dao fell and hit his mouth on a seats armrest. His lawyer said he broke his nose and lost two teeth. He went limp and the video captured him bleeding from the mouth as officers dragged him off the plane.

According to The Washington Posts Lori Aratani and Kristine Phillips:

  

United chief executive Oscar Munoz, who in March received the 2017 Communicator of the Year award from PRWeek magazine, was blasted for his subsequent tone-deaf statement, in which he apologized for having to reaccommodate these customers. Though Munoz would eventually issue a deeper apology two days later, by then the damage to the airlines brand was palpable. United stock prices had fallen and the incident had made the airline the butt of numerous memes online.

The incident prompted United to change its policies regarding bumped passengers, requiring airline crews to check in at least an hour before a flights departure. Two other major national airlines also announced changes: Delta Air Lines said it would offer passengers up to $9,950 to give up their seats on overbooked flights.

  

In another incident April 21, an American Airlines employee was accused of upsetting a woman carrying a baby to the point of tears, then getting involved in a heated exchange with a man who came to her defense, according to The Posts Amy B Wang.

You cant use violence with (a) baby, the female passenger says, through tears, toward the plane door where some passengers were still boarding. Just give me back my stroller, please.

A male passenger gets up and demands to know the name of the flight attendant who reduced the woman to tears. And the two men yell at each other when the flight attendant gets back on the plane.

You do that to me, and Ill knock you flat, the man tells the flight attendant.

Hit me, the flight attendant replies, motioning with his hands. Come on, hit me!
Our public lands, comprised of 600 million acres of mountains, forests, rivers and plains held in trust by all Americans, are under threat. Last month President Trump issued an executive order opening millions of acres of public lands to coal mining, and earlier this year the House of Representatives proposed selling off 3 million acres of federal lands in Western states including New Mexico. The proposal was withdrawn amid public outcry, but the threat to sell our public lands to the highest bidder remains. Another proposal introduced in Congress would transfer management of 2 million acres of pristine national forests to the states for timber production, and in New Mexico, we continue to see proposals to transfer federal lands to state control.

The sale or transfer of our public lands for use by private corporations is only one of many threats, including threats posed by fossil fuel extraction and climate change. Most of our public lands are already open to oil and gas drilling, even while this drilling has been shown to negatively impact public health, wildlife, and the surrounding environment. In our own community, access to land that the Navajo have used to collect firewood, their primary source of heat, has now been closed due to fracking. The increased traffic from heavy vehicles carrying oil and gas has also severely damaged dirt roads that are the main access points for people to get in and out of their homes and which are critical to their ability to get medical care.

Additionally, the EPA warns of the impact of a warming climate on national wildlife refuges and national forests. In New Mexico, temperatures in the Jemez Mountains have risen faster during the 20th century than in any other place in the state, leading to massive forest fires and a severe drought that killed nearly all mature pinon pines.

When considering the challenges posed to our national forests and wildlife refuges, as a pastor at Tokahookaadi Church of the Brethren and director of Lybrook Community Ministries, I am guided by my faith and by my experience ministering to the Navajo for the past three and a half years. The Bible teaches that human beings are stewards of the earth, called by God to care for creation. Indeed, the land belongs not to us, but to God; the Psalms declare that The earth is the Lords and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). Our public lands system honors these sacred principles, ensuring that millions of acres are preserved and protected for all who call this land home, including thousands of animal species.

As someone who ministers to Native Americans, I am also deeply aware of the important role public lands play in preserving their cultural heritage. Just last year President Obama established Bears Ears National Monument in response to requests from a coalition of 30 Native American tribes and their allies to protect sacred sites and ancestral lands that are still being used by local tribes for hunting and gathering. The 2014 designation of the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces as a national monument protects lands of great significance to the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe.

In addition to protecting sites sacred to Native Americans, our public lands are a source of endless wonder and spiritual rejuvenation for all people. Our national forests are critical to fighting global warming by capturing carbon, and our wildlife refuges protect endangered species by safeguarding critical habitat. As Scripture teaches, we must be good stewards of these lands, caring for what God has called good. Now is not the time to open our public lands to new development but rather to strengthen protections for our shared wild places so that future generations can enjoy their beauty and bounty. (The nation just marked) National Parks Week, April 15-23. I encourage you to contact your state and federal representatives and urge them to safeguard our shared wild places today and for future generations.
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.

Flynns 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 hes under investigation by the Pentagons 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. Theyve been living inside super-secret units that resemble a closed family circle. They dont understand the rules of public behavior. Theyre not good at being normal. And they often pay a severe price.

There are numerous examples of this transition problem. James J. Angleton, the CIAs legendary counterintelligence chief, was secretive to the point of paranoia when he was at the agency. But when he left in the 1970s, he couldnt 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 Flynns 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 governments 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 Trumps election and Flynns selection as national security adviser.

Its 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 nations 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, its 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 dont register what the law says.

Email: davidignatius@washpost.com. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group
The Albuquerque Police Departments decision to use its official Facebook page and the citys website to release selective crime information, criticize judges and chastise the media seriously damages the departments credibility.

At the same time, it undermines the public trust police have been trying to rebuild for nearly three years.

And perhaps most inexcusable of all it incites divisive and vicious comments among members of the public.

APDs Facebook followers have posted comments including, I would most definitely punch this judge in the face and I hope the next victim is a member of the judges family.

APDs response? It left the comments up, turning a blind eye to threats of the kind of violence APD combats every day.

The reason for using social media in such an inappropriate way?

We have to tell the whole story of whats happening in our community, says APD spokeswoman Celina Espinoza. There are a lot of fingers pointed at APD, APD, APD, crime rates, crime rates, statistics, statistics, data. What is the entire encompassing story behind all of those things?

APD Police Chief Gorden Eden has yet to speak out against his departments misuse of social media.

And he publicly admits he is ready to second-guess judges, telling an innkeepers association recently, I know it sounds like Im blaming (the rising crime rate) all on the judges. Because I am. Eden then blamed negative media coverage for his difficulties in hiring police officers.

Maybe Eden should take a look in the mirror. A reminder:

 His officers shot 37 people  24 of them fatally  from 2010 through 2014.

 An ensuing U.S. Department of Justice investigation found systemic problems within the department, including a pattern and practice of excessive force and a culture of aggression.

 Edens departments officer-involved shootings have cost the city, i.e., taxpayers, nearly $20 million in settlements over a five-year period. Victims have included a suicidal military veteran, a mentally ill man in his parents backyard and a homeless schizophrenic camper.

 An APD lieutenant shot an APD detective multiple times in a botched drug sting, resulting in a $6.5 million settlement.

 The city recently settled one of its largest cases ever against a then-APD off-duty officer involved in a fatal accident after speeding through a red light.

The DOJ credited Journal coverage for shining a light on APDs problems and paving the way for the investigation and agreement. Since then, APD has instituted reforms, established training protocols, forged a working relationship with the new district attorney and appeared much more responsive to those it is entrusted with serving and protecting.

So why is it now limiting constructive discussion of departmental actions, pointing fingers, passively condoning violence, second-guessing judges and bullying the media for reporting its actions?

Those responsible for allowing the departments tacit approval of gutter-level internet trolls need to be held accountable.

Posting limited information via Facebook enables APD to avoid pesky questions from reporters. Answering questions and taking criticism isnt fun, but its law enforcements responsibility to address public concerns and establish trust with the community  things its leadership was told to do under the DOJ agreement.

And so far Mayor Richard Berry, who hired and can fire Eden, has been silent. A Journal request for comment from his office on APDs use of social media was directed to another APD spokesman, who admitted in one particular case that our staff used social media in an editorial manner. This is not the highest and best use of social media and we understand that.

Granted, everyone is frustrated when they see a repeat offender out of jail and walking the streets. Last year the city announced a plan to have volunteers monitor court hearings to highlight repeat offenders for judges and prosecutors.

A periodic news conference releasing the results of such observations would be a professional way to deal with this concern.

Not this use of social media as a vehicle to attack.

APD has spent more than three years rebuilding public trust along with a better department and a better system.

It would be a crime to see it sacrifice its many steps forward with this destructively juvenile step back.

On the attack  APDs Facebook page linked to a news release it posted on the city website that took a local judge to task for refusing a prosecutors request to hold a woman without bail for shooting and wounding her husband. It reads: This is not the person that we want on the streets of Albuquerque or to be around children. Detectives  show frustration when violent offenders like this are released from custody. The Facebook post didnt mention that the victim filed an affidavit saying the shooting was unintentional; the wife has been her husbands primary caretaker the nine months since the shooting; the courts Pretrial Services recommended she be released on her own recognizance or that CYFD is planning to reunite the couple with their children.  APD used its Facebook page to take KOB-TV to task after a reporter obtained video from a nearby business showing the tragic April 17 collision between an APD officers cruiser and a minivan carrying a mother and her two young children  one of whom died. APD claimed KOB refused to provide a copy of the video and was irresponsible. KOBs news director said APD never asked for the video and, if it had, it would have been provided. APDs inaccurate post was followed by more than 100 comments condemning KOB, calling it and other local media vermin and claiming reporters should be charged with crimes. APD eventually took the post down after meeting with KOB.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  The election of Republican Donald Trump  oddly enough  may help Democrats reclaim the Governors Office in New Mexico, national and local analysts say.

A few national publications, in fact, have already flagged the Roundhouse as ripe for a change in party control when Republican Susana Martinez wraps up her second term as governor next year.

State elections are often shaped by the political environment across the country  and that could favor a Democratic candidate, local experts say. Presidents, for example, frequently face a backlash at elections held in the middle of their four-year terms.

Local analysts say the pingpong effect  the tendency of Democrats and Republicans to trade off occupancy of the fourth floor of New Mexicos Capitol  could also be at work next year.

Were not a one-party state, said Lonna Atkeson, a professor at the University of New Mexico and director of the UNM Center for the Study of Voting, Elections, and Democracy. We tend to pingpong in response to (party fatigue) and in response to public mood.

Its been 35 years since a New Mexico governor has handed the office over to someone of the same party. In 1982, Democrat Toney Anaya won election to succeed fellow Democrat Bruce King.

And whats happening in D.C. has an impact on state elections.

Brian Sanderoff of Research & Polling Inc., which does scientific surveys for the Journal, said Republicans, for example, flipped a dozen districts in the New Mexico House of Representatives at one point during the tenure of then-President Barack Obama, a Democrat. Republicans turned a 20-seat deficit in the 70-member House into a four-seat advantage, he said.

Whereas the Republicans were the beneficiaries of this phenomenon in two election cycles, Sanderoff said, now its the Democrats who in all likelihood will have an advantage if Donald Trumps approval ratings (remain low) both nationally and in New Mexico.

Trump lost New Mexico by 8 percentage points in last years election. He lost the national popular vote by 2 percentage points. (Trump took office by winning enough swing states to secure a decisive majority in the Electoral College.)

Real Clear Politics, which averages numerous national polls, estimated Trumps approval rating at 43 percent last week. Thats about 20 percentage points lower than the average for other newly elected presidents in their first quarter, according to a historical comparison by Gallup Inc., the national polling company.

Inside Elections, a company run by nonpartisan political analyst Nathan Gonzales, rated New Mexico recently as leaning toward a Democrat in next years race. And writers at the University of Virginia Center for Politics and the Cook Political Report describe the state as a toss-up or without a favorite at this point.

Dems optimistic

Republicans have dominated statehouses across the country: They occupy 33 of the 50 governorships.

New Mexico is one of 38 states that will elect governors this year or next.

And its one of the states identified by Democrats as a potential pickup opportunity, national analysts say. For one thing, the race is wide open, with no incumbent, and for another, the state has increasingly voted Democratic at the federal level.

The state Constitution prohibits Martinez from seeking a third consecutive term.

Democrats believe this is one of their best pickup opportunities anywhere in the country, the recent article posted to Inside Politics with Nathan L. Gonzales proclaimed.

The state Democratic Party immediately shared the news with local reporters and supporters.

Other analysts have also identified New Mexico as a state to watch.

In January, Kyle Kondik of Sabatos Crystal Ball  part of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia  described New Jersey, Illinois, Nevada and New Mexico as among the four best pickup opportunities for Democrats.

Republicans start the 2017-2018 gubernatorial cycle in an impressive but vulnerable position, Kondik wrote. The governorships being contested over the next two years combined with the tendency for the presidents party to lose ground in midterms suggests that the Democrats are positioned to start 2019 with more governorships than they hold right now, but nothing is guaranteed.

In December, the Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan newsletter, rated New Mexico as a toss-up but noted that it might move into the lean Democrat category depending on who gets into the race.

Nonetheless, there are some potential factors that could neutralize Democrats expected advantage, said Sanderoff, the New Mexico political analyst. If Trumps popularity climbs nationally and in New Mexico, for example, that could help Republicans, he said.

The quality of the candidates themselves and the debate over local issues also influence the race.

Candidates

The field of candidates hasnt fully taken shape yet.

U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat whose district covers Albuquerque, is the only major candidate to announce a campaign so far.

Other potential candidates in the Democratic primary include state Attorney General Hector Balderas, Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales, state Sen. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces, media executive Jeff Apodaca and Santa Fe businessman Alan Webber.

The field is less clear on the Republican side, but potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, whose district covers southern New Mexico; Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry and Lt. Gov. John Sanchez.

Voters in each party will pick the nominees in June next year. The general election is in November.

The Republican candidate, whoever it is, will be fighting recent history in New Mexico. Voters have opted to change the party in control of the Governors Office  sometimes after one term, sometimes after two  for more than 30 years.

Some party fatigue sets in among voters, and theres often a desire to balance power, said Atkeson, the UNM professor.

In particular, Sanderoff said, the party occupying the New Mexico Governors Office tends to face blame for the states problems and challenges.

In 2010, for example, Martinez repeatedly took aim at Democratic incumbent Bill Richardson, describing him as the leader of a failed administration that hadnt delivered on the economy, education and ethics.

Next year, it will be a Democrat touting his or her ideas for disrupting the status quo and addressing New Mexicos consistently poor rankings in educational quality, unemployment and child well-being.

This time the tables are turned, Sanderoff said.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST  Wildlife biologist Fernando Clemente steers a six-man ATV over a gravel road that cuts through golden grasslands and shrub forest, over the dry beds of rivers that run only after monsoon storms. Mountains in Mexico ring the horizon.

I understand that homeland security is important for everybody, says Clemente, whose New Mexico Wildlife Services educates ranchers on both sides of the border in range management that benefits wildlife, the desert ecosystem and cattle grazing.

The problem is, he says, a wall will stop everything except a person.

Wild and unwalled, much of the landscape of New Mexicos Bootheel extends seamlessly into Mexico. Wildlife experts say the Trump administrations promise to build a big, beautiful wall on the border poses a special risk to plant and animal life in this region, home to one of the most biologically diverse corridors in North America.

It is the land that time forgot, right there where the border is, said Garrett VeneKlasen, executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, which represents more than 80,000 sportsmen statewide. That is one of the most complex and significant wildlife corridors in all of North America. On the border, there are big gaps and holes  thank God  to allow that wildlife movement back and forth.

But the regions security challenges are evident in a sign near a Coronado National Forest entrance cautioning, Smuggling and illegal immigration may be encountered in this area.

Clemente is driving a group that includes Deming Public Schools assistant superintendent and avid sportsman Ray Trejo; Gabe Vasquez, southern New Mexico coordinator for the Wildlife Federation; and Zen Khan, a Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine student who hopes to practice wilderness medicine.

Clemente is carrying a sidearm for a reason.

The Bootheel is a known route for drug mules trekking north to Interstate 10 with 60-pound sacks of marijuana on their backs. The corridor is also used, less often, by economic migrants entering the country illegally. With only a few rough roads, no cellular service and an understaffed station, the Bootheel has long been a challenging area for Border Patrol.

President Donald Trump wants to wall along the southern border, he has said, to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Touting the accomplishments of the first 100 days, the administration said last week in a statement that it has received hundreds of bids in response to two requests for proposals, one to build a solid concrete border wall and the other for prototypes for a physically imposing barrier.

Illegal immigration has dropped by more than 60 percent since January. Noting the decline, Trump said Friday at a National Rifle Association forum, By the way, we will build the wall no matter how low this number gets, or how this goes.

Trumps proposed budget to Congress asks for $2.6 billion to pay for tactical infrastructure on the border, including for technology and money to design and start building the wall. Total estimates for a border wall have ranged from $8 billion to $21 billion.

Wildlife experts say a physical barrier  concrete, steel or otherwise  that cuts this landscape could devastate both plant and animal life by reducing or isolating habitats, blocking migration routes, enabling predation of fragile species and even potentially changing wind patterns, which could alter the ecosystem.

Clemente stops the ATV in a cloud of dust. Riding in the back, Trejo focuses binoculars on a tree in the distance.

A Coues deer, Trejo says, handing off the binoculars. Can you see it?

A subspecies of white-tailed deer, Coues arent endangered but their habitat is limited to parts of New Mexico and Arizona, stretching into Mexico.

A short list of other endangered, threatened or habitat-constrained species native to this region: bighorn sheep, Goulds turkey, pronghorn antelope, white-sided jackrabbit, ridge-nosed rattlesnake, Bairds sparrow and three species of quail.

Clemente is taking a route through the publicly accessible Coronado National Forest, which runs along the border from the foothills of the Peloncillos in New Mexico to the peaks of the Chiricahuas in Arizona. Beyond the boundaries of the national forest, the southwestern corner of the state is dominated by a patchwork of large family ranches, many of them committed to wildlife conservation, Clemente says.

Jaguars, wolves

A jaguar and Mexican gray wolf were recently seen in this borderlands region, just over the state line in Arizona. Although neither species has naturally repopulated the New Mexico or Arizona borderlands after near extinction decades ago, reintroduction efforts by the U.S. and Mexican governments have stoked advocates hopes that the jaguar and wolf populations in Mexico will eventually extend into the U.S. Southwest.

If we block the border further, and especially if we do complete and total obstacles in these mountainous regions, then that population cant repopulate naturally, said Bryan Bird, Southwest program director for the nonprofit advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife. We want those animals to migrate up from northern Mexico. These animals want to disperse and need to disperse.

Although many ranchers support wildlife conservation, many also oppose the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf, which has been known to hunt cattle.

In desert ecosystems, wild animals often need wide, open land so they can move where there is water, VeneKlasen said.

It is so critical in desert ecosystems, he said. A little localized rain and the desert bighorn need to move out of one mountain range into another. Habitat doesnt hold big numbers of wildlife in any one area.

Pronghorn antelope graze the kind of grasslands that have been fast disappearing in the Chihuahuan Desert. Herds roam the Diamond A Ranch just outside of the Coronado National Forest. Pronghorn can run up to 60 mph for extended periods, making them the fastest long-distance mammal in North America  but they typically wont jump walls or fences.

They prefer flat country where they can see for miles, and theyll steer clear of any barrier that blocks their vision, Clemente says.

The hard-to-spot Mearns quail, with its harlequin-patterned feathers, and the red-headed Goulds turkey also wont approach infrastructure that could put them at disadvantage to predators. Theyll avoid fences and sometimes roads, Trejo says. The Goulds turkeys only natural habitat is cornered in New Mexicos Bootheel and parts of northern Mexico.

Advocates say these and many other animals depend on their connection to herds, dens, flocks and families in Mexico for their genetic diversity and long-term survival.

Most environmental organizations are concerned that we keep these populations genetically united and not fragmented and that we create some passageways that are safe for wildlife, for them to cross the border without creating problems for the Border Patrol, said Diana Hadley, president of the Northern Jaguar Project, a reserve in northern Mexico that supports jaguar habitat. And that can be done.

Game-friendly

As it stands today, the wall along the Mexican border refers to a range of infrastructure: barbed-wire ranch fences, low vehicle barriers of crisscrossed steel beams; 18-foot steel columns, wire mesh or panels.

In the Bootheel, the border is mostly divided by barbed-wire ranch fences and low vehicle barriers where the land is flat and no fence at all where mountain ranges rise.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of the Border Patrol, has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on previous border infrastructure projects to develop environmental best management practices, which are implemented during project design and construction to reduce potential impacts on wildlife, Border Patrol spokesman Ramiro Cordero said in an emailed response to questions.

Cordero points to the design of a game-friendly panel that was installed in the crisscrossed vehicle barrier in the Bootheel to keep cattle from moving north-south but allowing deer and other large ungulates safe unimpeded passage in key movement corridors.

Remote beauty

What worries Clemente, Trejo and Vasquez, is that so few people know the beauty of the remote, rugged Bootheel that there wont be enough voices raised to prevent a wall from being built.

Hidalgo County, which encompasses the southwestern corner of the state, touts a population statistic on its website: more than 3,445 square miles of territory with just 1.4 people per square mile.

The three men call the border home and spend more time in the Bootheel than most: Clemente lives in Sunland Park, Trejo in Deming and Vasquez in Las Cruces. They regularly work, hunt, hike and camp out here.

People think this is a desert full of trash, Vasquez said. People who dont live here think of it that way. I tell them, think about a wall going through your favorite place, your favorite forest. What if there was an 18-foot concrete wall going through it? Thats what this feels like.

Back at their trucks, the men set up camp under a canopy of tall trees and spend the rest of the evening around a campfire. They talk of hunting, the border, politics.

Later, Trejo says, Theres a whole country of people making decisions about what happens here, and theyve never been here.

A gibbous moon rises above the trees. To the east, a meteor falls slowly, leaving a momentary trail of light.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

In February, voters chose four new members of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education. The winning candidates all had something in common  an endorsement and cash support from the districts teachers union.

Their election means that six of the seven current APS board members are union backed.

In the most recent election, the Albuquerque Teachers Federation contributed $5,000 to each of its favorites  Elizabeth Armijo, Lorenzo Garcia, Candy Patterson and David Peercy  helping make them the best-funded candidates in the race.

During the 2015 board race, Analee Maestas received $1,000 from ATF  her single largest contribution. Barbara Petersen was supported by a dozen unions, including ATF, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the New Mexico Federation of Labor, collecting a total of $31,981 from all sources.

Currently, Peggy Muller-Aragon is the only APS board member who lacks union support. Elected in 2015, her campaign finance report is the simplest in that race: She received only one major contribution  $15,000 from Gov. Susana Martinezs political organization.

The former elementary school teacher is often out of step with the rest of the board, casting the lone no vote on a variety of policies.

I bring a different point of view  thank goodness for that, Muller-Aragon said. I dont feel beholden to the union. The only people I am beholden to are the children and the constituents.

Armijo stressed that she appreciates the unions support, but is not tied to its positions. The newly elected board member said she would oppose ATF if she felt it was in the districts best interest.

I think, first and foremost, I would make sure I always put forward the academic success of children in any decision I make regardless of the support of my constituents, friends, family or union organizations, she said. I do think that there will probably come a time where we might be faced with those decisions, all of us on the board, in reference to who supported us.

Union clout

In this years election, Armijo was the top fundraiser overall, collecting $21,204, according to campaign finance reports filed this month with the Secretary of States Office. Garcia came in second with $20,655, followed by Patterson at $18,877 and Peercy at $12,455.

No other candidate raised more than $10,000 and most collected less than $4,000.

Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc., said union support carries heavy weight in board races, particularly because voter participation is typically extremely low.

According to the Bernalillo County Clerks Office, about 18,000 people cast ballots in the last APS board election  6.6 percent turnout.

Those who do vote have more clout, and that includes a lot of APS employees, Sanderoff said. Teacher union backing is an asset for candidates, as we see in this election. It helps you raise money and get voters out.

While school board races are nonpartisan, the liberal-leaning unions do hope to impact policy by communicating with candidates and having clout with them, according to Sanderoff.

Besides the monetary contributions, during each school board race, the Albuquerque Teachers Federation organizes a team of volunteers to campaign for its favorites.

ATF President Ellen Bernstein estimated that about 120 people helped out before the Feb. 7 school board election, putting in long hours to contact constituents.

We worked really hard, she said. There were amazing numbers of volunteers. While we have a little bit of money to put into races, I think what mattered the most was having a lot of people knocking on doors and having conversations.

All for the kids

In the 2015 race, Muller-Aragon won her northwest Albuquerque district with 63 percent of the vote after a tough battle against incumbent Kathy Korte.

Over the past two years, Muller-Aragon has taken a number of controversial stands, for instance coming out against a union-backed high school schedule change last year, saying teachers who pushed for the lighter load may not be cut out for the profession.

During a Journal interview, Muller-Aragon called the current high school schedule a union initiative that doesnt make financial sense.

Last year, APS adopted a format that gives teachers two periods a day without students  one period for preparation and one for departmental planning groups called Professional Learning Communities.

The Albuquerque Teachers Federation repeatedly campaigned for that schedule, known as 7/5. The change cost APS roughly $4 million  money that went to hire about 70 additional teachers and staff.

On Friday, APS said the high school schedule will not change next year  a position the union pushed over the past few weeks.

Muller-Aragon believes a return to the old schedule, which cuts the period for Professional Learning Communities, would be financially prudent. She expressed frustration at the districts reluctance to do so.

Who is the superintendent? It is not Ellen Bernstein, but it seems like that is who it is, Muller-Aragon said.

In another break with ATF, Muller-Aragon voted no on Raquel Reedys appointment as permanent superintendent last April.

Reedy, a longtime APS administrator known for her calm demeanor and listening skills, had received the unions endorsement.

During the vote, Muller-Aragon said the public should have been more involved in the selection process. Again, she was the only opponent of the plan.

In the Journal interview, Muller-Aragon said she wonders why she doesnt have union backing.

I am so surprised that I am not (endorsed by the union) because I was a teacher, she said. Im all for the kids. I think teachers prepare our kids. They touch the future.

Bernstein, ATFs president, described the unions endorsement process as incredibly thorough.

Candidates must fill out a questionnaire stating their positions and complete an interview with a panel of people, who email follow-up questions.

Our focus is always on whether or not they are supportive of collective bargaining, public education and all the issues that are so complex and related to those categories, Bernstein said.
A district judge this past week chose to hold without bail a man accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend, according to court documents.

Judge Briana Zamora wrote in an order Tuesday that a criminal complaint against 32-year-old Scott Wade Bachicha presents a genuine question as to whether this death was accidental. Alternately, testimony a detective offered during hearings on Monday and a week ago, combined with other exhibits, Zamora said, suggested the shooting was intentional.

According to police, Bachicha shot and killed Mindy Stuart, 30, at the couples home on Madeira NE. The criminal complaint says Bachicha was messing around with his shotgun, when it suddenly discharged and hit Stuart. During the detention hearing, divided across two days, detective Andrea Ortiz testified that Stuart was shot on the right side of her neck, Zamora said. At least two witnesses reported hearing screaming or arguing at the home.

Zamora wrote in her order that the state did not offer facts to support a probable cause finding on the first-degree murder charge, but said evidence presented at the detention hearing supported a second-degree murder charge.

Raymond Maestas, Bachichas defense attorney, said in a statement that Zamoras finding about probable cause applies only to the detention hearing. He said Ortiz, whom he called to testify, said in the hearing that she has no specific evidence that this was a planned, calculated killing nor that the shooting was the result of careful thought. He said the defense will ask the grand jury to consider that testimony.

The District Attorneys Office, in a statement, said the significance of Zamoras probable cause finding was unclear but concerning. The statement said that Bachichas is a pretty clear case for probable cause and detention.

Zamoras finding comes as the state court system is adjusting to a new constitutional amendment that allows violent defendants to be held without bail pending trial. But Zamora said in her order that the state attempted to hold Bachicha under an older constitutional provision that allows bail to be denied to defendants facing a capital offense when the proof is evident and the presumption great.

She said she would not consider the states request to hold Bachicha under that provision because the state did not show sufficient facts to support a probable cause finding on a first-degree murder charge.

Instead, Zamora detained Bachicha under the new amendment, finding that other conditions of release would not ensure community safety.

Zamora cited Bachichas poor history on court-ordered supervision in ordering that he be held without bail pending trial. She also noted that the felon was not legally allowed to have a gun, and that Bachicha has been charged in three prior domestic violence cases involving Stuart and has five times been issued warrants for failing to appear in court.
A model of the clamshell handset called the Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 has passed the FCC certification process, possibly pointing to a release in the United States soon. While the phone is modeled after an old-school flip phone, the smartphone packs the features necessary for the device to be useful in the current times like wireless data connectivity and multimedia features. According to the FCC test report, the Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 Dual-SIM model is capable of GSM and WCDMA connectivity as well as LTE-FDD connectivity over bands 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8. In addition, the FCC document stated that the dual-SIM variant of the Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and additional features like FM radio and GPS.

The Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 is designed to appeal to a niche yet commercially viable market of people enamored with the retro appeal of the flip phones. However, despite its old-school appeal, its internals and feature set make it a serviceable device for certain use cases. The Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 is powered by an unidentified quad-core chip with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal flash storage, with the option to expand the internal storage using a microSD card. Being a flip phone, its 3.8-inch 800 x 480 TFT LCD display is more on the small side, but its hardware keys allow for the full use of the display even when typing on messaging apps. The rear camera has an 8-megapixel sensor capable of 1080p video recording while the front camera has a 5-megapixel shooter. Samsung also included an impressive suite of connectivity features to the Samsung Galaxy Folder 2, with the phone capable of VoLTE, Wi-Fi (b/g/n) at 2.4 GHz, GPS, and Bluetooth 4.2, most of which were mentioned in the FCC document. Also mentioned was the dual-SIM capabilities of the phone, so you can connect to two networks simultaneously. When the phone was released, the phone is running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with a TouchWiz skin on top.

The Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 was released in China last September 2016, with previous reports stating that it would be sold for around $250. While it took around eight months for Samsung to get the FCC certification process, its current features will still be sufficient for people who are in love with the flip phones retro charm but still want a serviceable phone within the clamshell interior.
YEREVAN, APRIL 26, ARMENPRESS. The level of relations between Armenia and the Czech Republic is quite high, Tigran Seyranyan  Armenias Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Czech Republic and Slovakia told Armenpress, talking about the bilateral diplomatic relations.

Armenia and the Czech Republic have established diplomatic relations on January 5, 1993 immediately after the peaceful divorce of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The level of relations between our countries is quite high, the heads of our states are regularly holding a political dialogue, the inter-parliamentary, cultural, educational ties are very active, an economic activity is also realized in recent periods. Mutual visits of high-ranking officials of the two states have been held since 2010, including also the official visits of the Presidents. There had been numerous mutual visits at the Foreign Ministers level, the Ambassador said who represents Armenia in Slovakia since 2013 with which as well warm relations exist.

Ambassador Seyranyan said the Armenian community of the Czech Republic is mainly post-Soviet, although there are reports on Armenians presence in the country since late 17th century. In 20s of the last century a large number of Armenian young students studied in the Czech Republic. The number of Armenians in the country is not so big, 6.000-7.000, 2.000 out of which are citizens of Armenia.

The following Armenian structures are officially registered in the Czech Republic: the Armenian Apostolic Church, Orer (Days) magazine, Armenian Saturday school, a number of unions, as well as the recently established Youth Union. There are a number of famous Armenian businessmen, such as Gevorg Avetisyan, Aghasi Zavaryan, Karen Sargsyan, Armen Ananikyan, Ara Abajyan. We carry out works so that they will make investments in Armenia. There are more than 20 painters, many doctors, athletes, students and etc. We also have public servants. The Embassy-Community active cooperation is one of our major achievements, the Ambassador said.

He informed that in Slovakia as well several hundreds of Armenians live, there are several successful Armenian businessmen, artists, doctors.
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.
This development comes courtesy of Jon Ikeda, group vice president of Acura in the United States . Speaking to Wards Auto , the official let it slip that the CDX is a model that interests a lot of our people, so we have our R&D guys looking into the possibility. Whats keeping Acura from doing so right now?Other than adapting the Guangzhou, China-built CDX to U.S. regulatory requirements, its also worth remembering that competition is very stiff. Competitors include the Infiniti QX30, Mercedes GLA, and Audi Q3, and the CDX has a bit of a problem. And that problem can be found under the hood.You see, the compact luxury crossover comes exclusively with a 1.5-liter turbo, whereas its competitors all boast 2.0-liter mills. Given these circumstances, Acura might be interested in offering a different engine for the U.S.-spec CDX. However, can Acura make a case for such a change?The 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo in question develops 182 horsepower and 240 Nm (177 pound-feet) of torque, and as standard, its joined by a dual-clutch gifted with eight forward gears. Priced from 229,800 RMB ($33,330 at current exchange rates), the CDX is available with front- and all-wheel-drive.Measuring 4.49 meters (176.9 in) in length and boasting a wheelbase of 2.66 meters (104.7 in), the CDX is very close to the Honda CR-V in terms of size.In related news, Acura plans to introduce an all-new RDX next year. Similar to the CDX and refreshed MDX , the infamous beak will be gone. Underhood, its highly possible for a 2.0-liter turbo to be featured, with the rumor mill also suggesting that Acura might introduce a hybrid derivative as well.
The two-door model is based on the Forte , which will remain in the line-up of the South Korean brand. The news comes from Cars Direct , whose writers contacted the company' representatives to inquire about the 2017 model year of the Forte Koup.Apparently, its budget price is not enough to gather sufficient sales to justify continuing this body style in the range. A spokesperson of the automaker, James Hope, has stated that the company is ditching this model because it wants to align with customer purchasing trends.Currently, SUVs and crossovers are more popular than coupes, and it does not look like the situation will change anytime soon. The decision to discontinue the Koup came even after improved sales results in 2016 and 2017, the brand representative explained.It has an MSRP of $19,890 in the USA, but the last units will probably go for less due to rebates and other offers. If you are interested in the Koup before it departs the market, and nothing else suits your taste, inquire at a local dealer before it is too late.Unfortunately for the Korean brand, a rival product from Honda, in the form of the new Civic Coupe, comes with a fresh design and competitive prices.The Japanese model also gets better fuel economy and superior performance. The Civic is not the only competitor for the Forte Koup, but it is among the latest launches in the segment.The Forte Koup was not sold in all markets where Kia is active, as the European line-up offers different compact models , in the form of the Ceed range.On the Old Continent, consumer purchasing trends are similar to those in the USA, but the brand seems to apply a different strategy with its line-up, which means that the coupe derivative of the Ceed remains in production.
It seemed innocuous enoughan email from Nathan Richards, Ph.D., a reader of our sister publication, IFR magazine, asking if someone would be interested in flying a Learjet in-flight simulator as part of a project his employer, Barron Associates, was doing on upset recovery. I wasnt sure what an in-flight simulator was, but Ive been very interested in the research thats being conducted on in-flight loss of control and upset recovery and Ive had an abiding affection for 20-series Learjets ever since I spent a little time as a copilot freight dog in a 23 and 24B many years ago. When I found out that the Dr. Richards project was tied in with NASA (the first A stands for Aeronautics), my interest got even stronger. When I learned that the flight would be made at the nearly legendary Calspan operation, the idea of not going became intolerable.

A Little Background

What is now Calspan corporation was born during World War II as a part of the research lab at Curtiss-Wrights airplane divisionthink P-40 Tomahawk/Warhawk series and C-46 Commando transportto do cutting-edge aeronautical research. Following the war it was donated to Cornell University and became Cornell Aeronautical Laboratories. In the early 1970s it was reorganized as a for-profit corporation, but has not deviated from its mission to do aeronautical research. A few of its developments have been the crash-test dummy, the automotive seat belt, Doppler weather radar, terrain-following radar and something Id been reading about since I was a kidthe ability to make an airplane simulate the handling characteristics of another in flight. Calspan calls it Variable In-Flight Stability. One of the most notable was taking a Convair 340 (modified with turboprop engines) and hanging another nose and cockpit in front of and below the standard-issue nose and installing additional aerodynamic control surfaces so that the resulting airplane could simulate, in flight, the landing approach profile of the Space Shuttle.

Starting in 1979, Calspan stepped up its in-flight simulation chops by going to Learjet and purchasing a Lear 25B that had been a company test airplane. To shorten the story, that Learjet, and three others, now have a standard control system for the left seat but for the right seat pilot there is a fly-by-wire control system that, through appropriate computer integration, can duplicate the handling, stability and control and control response of nearly any jet transport category airplane. The Lear was chosen because its wing was originally used on a Swiss fighter, making it capable of handling fairly high accelerations in normal use.

Calspan now uses its Learjet in-flight simulator fleet for training pilots in upset recovery and supporting research into upset recovery and prevention.

Thats where Barron Associates enter the pictureDr. Nathan Richards and his team have developed upset recovery guidance software that (paraphrasing) gives a pictorial reference for a pilot that recommends appropriate yoke, rudder and power lever inputs to recover from any sort of inflight upset/loss of control event that may be experienced. While Barron Associates engineers have developed automatic upset recovery software that is used on UAVs and, it appears to me, would work on human-occupied airplanes, the cost of certificating such devices under FAR Part 23 and 25 is simply eye-watering. Accordingly, it is proceeding along the lines of an installation that would appear on the Primary Flight Display immediately upon the system becoming aware that an upset is imminent (think how fast airbags sense and deploy) and would provide avoidance and/or recovery guidance to the pilot. Sort of an Excuse me, I know youre really jammed up, things are rapidly going south with the airplane and youre appropriately terrified, but if youll do this with the controls, you can return to straight-and-level cruise with a minimum of fuss. Software that makes recommendations to pilots is far cheaper to certify that software that tells pilots what to do or takes over flying the airplane.

Barron teamed with Calspan to put the upset recovery guidance system into one of the Lears, sorted out the inevitable glitches and then sought evaluation pilots to see how they used the system and reacted to itlab rats to run the maze as it were.

The evaluation process thus far has consisted of a number of steps as Dr. Richards and his colleague scientist/engineer, Neha Gandhiwho was deeply involved in creating guidance and control algorithms for the systemobtained objective and subjective feedback from pilots flying it and progressively tweaked it. I also learned that there had been substantial interaction with NASAs technical representative to the overall program, Dr. Christine Belcastro, and an expert pilot-in-the-loop systems interaction team at Systems Technology, Inc. lead by David Klyde in the process of getting the speed of the guidance cues to be appropriate.

Evaluation Pilots

Testing the guidance system in as real world a manner as possible involved finding a spectrum of pilots who might be expected to fly it in service and then having them fly a profile involving upsets and unusual attitudes based on events that had lead bizjets and airliners to grief. Each profile would be flown twicerandomly selectedand recovery would be attempted with and without the guidance presentation. To make things as real as possible, the evaluation pilots would only be given a limited introduction to the systema few minutes in the airplane on the ground in simulator modeso as to not prep them for what was coming. The evaluation pilots were given an advance introduction to the Recovery Quality Rating Scalebased somewhat on the Cooper-Harper rating scale used by test pilots to quantify aircraft handling. The evaluation pilot would be required to turn her or his thoughts about how easy or difficult, and stressful, it was to recoveror notfrom an upset into a rating on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being excellent/highly desirable and 10 being unable to recover from the maneuver.

At the appointed time I presented myself at Calspans facility on the Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York airport and met Nathan Richards. He introduced me to Neha Gandhi and I learned that she and I had both gotten degrees from the same university, a few years apart, and spent a few moments in college town nostalgia. She explained that she would be in the jump seat watching and recording my response to each upset scenario and getting immediate verbal feedback from me on the Recovery Quality Rating Scale as well as my impression of such things as the rate/speed that the recovery guidance presentation called for control inputs, the ease of using the guidance, comparisons between the ease of recovery with and without guidance and any comments that came to mind in the heat of battle.

Calspan engineer/scientist Martin Koschel would be the flight test engineerin the cabin monitoring the proper functioning of the fly-by-wire inflight simulator control system and generally making sure that we who were up front wouldnt do anything foolish. Calspan VP and former Air Force F-16 pilot, Brian Ernisse, would be the pilot in command and in charge of the overall conduct of the flight. He would advise Gandhi and Koschel of each upcoming maneuver verbally, using a code so that I would not know what was coming. I was told that I would be wearing an instrument hood throughout the evaluation process and that some of the upsets would be created by the computer running the inflight simulator software and some would be traditional put-your-head-down-and-dont-peek-until-I-say-to-take-the-airplane unusual attitudes every pilot has done since primary training.

I was told that the default condition of the airplane would be level flight at 12,500 feet (wed be in a MOA over Lake Ontario) at 250 KIAS. Wed start each scenario from that condition and Id endeavor to return the airplane to it. The Lear had been modified and was subject to certain waivers/exemptions that allowed us to operate in a flight envelope that where we did the things we needed to do without violating FARs. However, there were parameters for each upset event and if I did not recovery the airplane before hitting one of themsuch as indicated airspeed, pitch or bank anglethe system (orErnisse) would shut off my controls and the airplane would revert to the normal Learjet control system that only Ernisse could operate. The system was set up so that when the right seat fly-by-wire controls were active he could not control the airplane and vice versa. Should Ernisse become incapacitated Gandhi, Koschel or I could activate the fly-by-wire system and I could land the airplane.

Because upset recovery may require large, rapid power lever movements, I expressed my concern about doing so as the maintenance in the Lear freighters I flew had been lousy and one of the first things drilled into my head was to move the power levers very slowly. I had slipped up once at altitude and flamed out an engine. There was laughter around the table and I was told that Calspan had very good maintenance and I could move the power levers as fast as I wanted. It turned out that they werent kidding.

It Happens Fast

I was told to expect to do poorly when attempting the upset recoveries. Even though I would know something bad was going to happen, there would very little time to work through the normal startle response, evaluate what was going on and do the right thing to get the airplane back to where it belonged and keep it there. Things happen fast in a jet and there may be damage that requires figuring out what ongoing control inputs are required to keep things under control.

The next step was to introduce me to the guidance system itself. Lear N102VS was in a corner of the Calspan hangar next to some impressive airplanes I agreed not to photograph or talk about. Plugged into ground power, its systems were alive and the in-flight simulator system was set up to duplicate the handling of a transport-category jet. On the Primary Flight Display the guidance system presented as a magenta/pink chevron that represented the desired position of my yoke, a magenta box represented the desired rudder position and a set of red guides represented the desired power lever position (it did not command splitting the power levers although doing so helped with some of the upset recoveries such as rudder and aileron hardovers). A blue chevron depicted the actual position of the yoke; a blue dot the actual position of the rudders and a green triangle the actual power lever position. In responding to information provided by the upset recovery guidance program, the idea is to fly position the yoke, rudders and power levers so that the green and blue indicators are kept in the magenta/pink chevron/box/guide. Heres a brief video of it in action.

I was told that most upset recovery training programs for jets call for the pilots feet to be left on the floor even though proper rudder input can and will increase the odds of successful recovery. The important word being proper, as it is not unusual for a pilot to apply too much rudder in the excitement of the momentwhich has lead to the loss of the vertical stabilizer and aircraft. I thought back to the November 2001 Airbus crash on Long Island in which the flying pilot applied too much rudder in response to a wake turbulence upset and removed the vertical stabilizer from the airplane.

When the rudder guidance was explained to me, I felt that the display was backwardscounterintuitive to me. Everything else made perfect sense.

I was given less than two minutes to get used to the PFD display, flying the Lear/transport-category jet in level flight, turns, climbs and descents. I was then presented with two or three upset scenarios and worked to position the controls to fit into the chevrons for the recoveries. Not wanting me to learn any more about the handling of the aircraft or the functioning of the guidance, the system was powered down and I learned that when the fly-by-wire system is off, the copilots controls truly are disconnected, they flop around like overcooked pasta.

The next step was a detailed safety briefing that started in the airplane and moved to a conference room. It was one of the most professional and complete Ive ever experienced. I was again told that the upset scenarios would reflect actual aircraft accidents and would include runaway trim nose up, autopilot runaway nose down, aileron and rudder hardover, icing and the classic pilot distraction eventsnose high with airspeed decreasing and nose low in a steep bank. There were moments of humorbecause every pilot who ever tried to squeeze juice out of a control yoke while flying instruments looks funny wearing an instrument hood, comments were made about the fact Id be wearing one. I was intrigued to find that the hood of choice was the $11.00 Jiffyhood, the type that I own because it works so well, doesnt interfere with your scan if you have bifocals and was rated the best instrument hood back in 2013 by our sister publication Aviation Consumer.

Flying It

In the airplane, we picked up our instrument clearance and blasted into the overcast (Surgeon Generals Health Warning: Learjet acceleration on takeoff is addictive and may lead to foolish behavior such as deciding to fly for a living). In moments we were well above the thin cloud layer, in the MOA with a block altitude clearance and I was donning the hood. Ernisse activated my flight controls and had me briefly make a couple of turns, a climb and descent, then started the exercise.

During the next hour (it felt like about 15 minutes) I experienced some upsets that made perfect sense and were easy, in my opinion, to recover from, and some that were fiendishly difficultand which I could not sort out in time to avoid blowing through the disarm that idiots controls parameters without having the guidance display on the PFD to help me rectify matters.

The easy ones included 25 degrees nose down and a vertical bankpower levers to idle, roll wings level while not letting the trim load up the gs as a rolling pull up doesnt win friends and positively influence airframes and then pull up at about 2.5 g to return to altitude and level cruise.

There was a subtle one that, without guidance, I couldnt figure out before things went down the slot. The scenario was slowing to 180 KIAS for downwind on a crummy weather but good enough to make a visual approach day. As I slowed through about 220 knots, the airplane began rolling left and right despite my best efforts to figure out why it was doing so and trying to stop the excursions with rudder and aileron. In a matter of seconds the system had decided that the airplane was departing controlled flight and returned control to Ernisse. As I answered Gandhis questions on the scenario and gave the recovery a rating of 10, I racked my brain trying to figure out what the heck it had been. Later I was told it was airframe ice and Id stalled the airplane. Sound of forehead smack. It suddenly made complete sense and I felt like a complete moroon for not getting the nose down and adding power. As the scenarios rolled around I got that one again with the guidance onrecovery was a piece of cake, I just pushed on the yoke until the blue chevron was within the magenta one and pushed the power levers up as recommend in the display.

I will solemnly state that an aileron or rudder hardover is quite a ride and recovery takes everything youve got. There were times that I had both hands on the yoke to apply full aileron and had to figure out how to let go briefly with my left hand to split the power levers to take advantage of asymmetrical thrust while wondering if I could do it fast enough because I wasnt sure whether the control forces would be too much to handle one handed. I could have called for the nonflying pilot to handle the power levers but I was simply curious to see if I could do it myself with the control forces involved.

Broken Airplanes Dont Fix Themselves

While I knew intellectually that an aileron or rudder hardover wouldnt fix itself once Id wrestled the airplane back into a semblance of level flight, my brain wouldnt accept itand I kept reducing the control input and having the airplane again start to roll and pitch down. Reading and thinking about an upset is no substitute for doing it for real. After the flight, as I was kicking myself for not keeping the needed control input in place, I realized that in all of my training and recurrent training over the yearsairplane or simulatoronce I got the airplane back to level flight the instructor stopped the exercise. I never had to try to continue to fly an airplane with a jammed control for any length of time. Thats something to consider when talking about the real world of unusual attitude recovery, where the airplane is probably intact, versus upset recovery, where the upset may have been caused by a control surface or trim tab that has moved and is going to stay moved. Upset recovery is more than finding level flight, its continuing to control an airplane that may be marginally controllable and get it onto a runway. I found the guidance software to help with that process a great deal. It recommended maintaining control inputs. When I did what it recommended, it helped me overcome my tendency to relax the inputs.

I found I had trouble with a nose up trim runaway event. Im a piston-engine pilot mostly, so I simply shoved on the yoke as hard as I could and called for secondary trim. That didnt work well. There is a high risk that the airplane will stall. Ernisse, who wore that Lear like a second skin, mentioned to me that jet training calls for immediately putting the airplane into a steep bankthat is the way to lower the nose. It also takes advantage of the nose up trimit puts you into a turnand youre less likely run out of airspeed. In my opinion, that needs to be taught in piston-engine courses. Im going to be talking with some CFI friends about the subject.

Way too soon the last upset scenario was complete and Id answered Gandhis questions about my reactions to it. Ernisse disabled my set of controls, advised ATC we were done and got a vector and descent to set up for the ILS into home plate.

Once the jet was in the chocks Dr. Richards met Ernisse, Gandhi, Koschel and me in a small conference room for the debrief. The purpose was to get any further input I had on the upset recovery guidance software and presentation. While I got some feedback on my flying and some suggestions, it was incidental to the remainder of the conversation. My conclusions on the guidance? I found it to be extremely helpful. The two (that I recall) upsets from which I was unable to recover within the parameters involved raw datano guidance. With the guidance on, and especially as I got more used to scanning it to see all three pieces of guidanceit took me a bit to include the power guidance in my scanI was able to recover from each upset within the parameters. I found the rate at which the guidance called for control inputs to be intuitiveIm guessing a lot of skull sweat had already gone into that issue. I still found the rudder guidance to be backward to how I think, so I had to spend some time making sure that I was making the correct rudder input before I could worry about the appropriate magnitude.

Being a lab rat in these circumstances was a heck of lot of fun and educational for the rat, although theres the sense of wishing I could have done better than I didwhy couldnt I figure out and recover from all of the events within the parameters? Intellectually, I know that the upsets being duplicated killed peoplethats why theyre being duplicatedsome good pilots couldnt recover and died. Emotionally, I wanted to be perfect. After all, every pilot wants to ace every checkride. I came away wiser and with even firmer opinions about upset recovery training.

Make Upset Training Realistic

Ive done upsets and unusual attitude recovery for decades in just about every type of ground-based simulator made as well as many different aerobatic airplanes. Simulators are great, but they have the shortcoming of not being able to instill the level of startle and what the devil is happening? of a sudden change in g load and yaw that occurs in the airplane in flight. Further, most aerobatic airplanes simply do not duplicate the need for massive, continued control deflection that takes a fair amount of physical effort that is required in transport airplanes when things get ugly. In most akro birds its a flick of the wrist to restore level flightalthough the closest thing Ive flown to duplicating whats involved in recovering from an upset in a transport category airplane after Calspans Lear is the modest Cessna 150 Aerobatbecause it requires very large and prolonged control inputs. After my session in Calspans Lear Im even more convinced that upset recovery training should start in the simulator and then move into something that closely resembles the handling of the airplane the pilot regularly flies.

Im also excited about the potential for upset recovery guidance presentations such as Barron Associates is developing. Once in the Ohmigawdweregonnadie moment as an upset violently begins and your head smacks the side of the cockpit, having a display suddenly appear that you know is telling you where to put the yoke, rudders and power levers would, in my opinion, be a major confidence builder that will improve the odds of getting the airplane collected and safely returned to the planet at the location the pilot desires. I hope that this project becomes reality and that it trickles down to the piston general aviation world.

Finally, I came away having once again experienced the sheer pleasure of working with scientists and engineers. In a world suddenly peppered with alternative facts, I was reminded that scientists and engineers cannot afford the luxury of making things upthey take nothing for granted, test everything and then test again to assure that the results they achieve are accurate and can be duplicated. They live in a world of hard, exacting work and small steps toward certainty. Thank you Dr. Nathan Richards, Neha Gandhi, Martin Koschel, Brian Ernisse, Barron Associates and Calspan for the opportunity to be a lab rat for a while. I hope someday I can say that I had a tiny little something to do with a successful upset recovery guidance system that is in widespread use.

Rick Durden is a CFII and holds an ATP with type ratings in the Douglas DC-3 and Cessna Citation. He is the author of The Thinking Pilots Flight Manual or, How to Survive Flying Little Airplanes and Have a Ball Doing It, Vols. 1 & 2.
20 April 2017 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Energy-rich Turkmenistan intends to export electricity to the Caucasus countries through the Iranian territory, Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported.

To increase electricity export volumes, the Central Asian country plans to construct high-voltage transmission lines Mary-Sarakhs-Mashhad (Iran) and Balkanabat-Gonbad (Iran).

The commissioning of these lines will enable to increase the export of electricity to Iran, as well as to transmit it through the Iranian energy system to Turkey and other countries of the Caucasus region, according to the article.

There are also plans to build a power line along the route of the transnational Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, also known as Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline, which has been building since December 2015.

In future, supplies to Tajikistan and Pakistan and expansion of exports to Afghanistan are envisaged.

The electricity production in Turkmenistan by 2020 will amount to more than 26 billion kwh, while its export will reach almost 6.1 billion kwh, and investments in the development of the industry will exceed $5 billion, the article says.

Currently, the power system of Turkmenistan includes 13 power plants with a total installed capacity of 5,432 megawatts, on which 14 steam turbine and 32 gas turbine units operate, as well as 3 hydroturbines at the Hindukush hydroelectric power station.

All thermal power plants operate on natural gas from the nearest gas fields of the country, and fuel oil and diesel fuel of oil refineries are used as reserve fuels.

By the end of 2016, Turkmenistan produced more than 24 billion kwh of electricity, which is 5 percent higher than in 2015.

Turkmenistan is investing into electric power industry as this may allow the country to increase its export potential. This is also a part of the countrys general policy of diversifying its energy export routes in the region.

The concept of development of power industry of Turkmenistan for 2013-2020 envisages the construction of 14 gas turbine power plants, power transmission systems, and distribution stations.

Currently, Turkmenistan supplies electricity to Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan that has been buying it at a reduced price for the past twenty years.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
23 April 2017 11:20 (UTC+04:00)

By TREND

Turkmenistans Turkmengas State Concern is inviting consulting companies to partake in the construction project of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, said the countrys Oil and Gas Complex in a message Apr. 22.

Construction of the Turkmen section of TAPI was launched on Dec. 13, 2015. The pipelines annual capacity will be 33 billion cubic meters. TAPIs total length will be 1,814 kilometers.

The Turkmengas State Concern is recalling that previously, the Turkmen government earlier applied for loans of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in order to pay the cost of construction of TAPIs Turkmen section (214 km) and auxiliary facilities, and intends to use a part of these funds to make payments under the contract for consulting services.

The services include construction supervision and professional technical supervision over the construction of facilities during the entire period of construction of the TAPI gas pipelines Turkmen section.

Bidders must submit a package of information about the company, the main type of its activities and seniority in business, financial opportunities and reserve capacities, organizational structure, general qualifications and the number of key personnel.

The company must have experience in providing similar services, including in the Central Asian region (supervision practice, technical and managerial capabilities, detailed description of similar tasks, experience in similar conditions, brochures).

Bids should be sent until May 20, 2017, to: Oil and Gas Complex of Turkmenistan, 56 Archabil Avenue, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 744036.

Phone: +993 12 403 201, +993 12 403 260.

Fax: +993 12 403 254.

E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
By Gary Mauris, Special to CMT

Today is a sad day. Today is the day that CMT says goodbye to its long-time editor, Robert McLister.

Canadian Mortgage Trends started many years ago with very humble beginnings. This brainchild of Robs was created when very few people really understood the power of blogs, the influence they could have and the loyal followings they would create.

In the early days I remember thinking it wouldnt last and questioned who this so-called authority of the Canadian mortgage industry was. At the beginning I was a skeptic and read it occasionally.

Little did I know that this author truly would become an authority in our space and that CMT would become the definitive mortgage destination for all things related to the Canadian mortgage industry.

Looking back it shouldnt have been a surprise. The product that Rob put out was always a cut above, always carefully researched, and always articulated incredibly well.

Robs work is thorough. His love for our industry is obvious and his desire to serve Canadians by delivering a smorgasbord of information, facts, helpful hints and advice is amazing.

I, for one, have an immense amount of respect for this man. He has served our industry well, really well. I have called him many times over the years at 11 p.m. PT expecting to get a voicemail or auto responder. I am always blown away that at 2 or 3 a.m. he responds as he is up late doing research on another breaking story.

These will be hard shoes to fill. He has fairly and accurately given our industry, our brokers and lenders a voice and a forum for genuine dialogue. There are so many regular posters that are going to miss you Rob! What is my good friend Ron Butler going to do without you? Ron, my vote is for you as our next editor!

Anyway friend, on behalf of the DLC Group of companies and the industry as a whole, thank you for being part of our daily lives.



I know you will still be a guest writer occasionally and have some exciting things in store and we wish you nothing but joy, happiness and success!! Happy trails
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals, and other products and services. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications comprising x-ray contrast media, polarizing films for LCD and LED, antiseptics, biocides and disinfectants, pharmaceutical synthesis, electronics, pigments, and dye components. In addition, the company offers lithium carbonates for various applications that include electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals, and lithium derivatives, as well as ingredient in manufacturing of gunpowder. Further, it supplies lithium hydroxide for the lubricating greases industry, as well as cathodes for batteries. Additionally, it offers potassium chloride and potassium sulfate for various crops, including corn, rice, sugar, soybean, and wheat; industrial chemicals, including sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, and solar salts; and other fertilizers and blends. The company operates in Chile, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Asia, and internationally. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. was incorporated in 1968 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
Challenge to CofE as GAFCON Anglicans appoint 'missionary bishop'

The Global Anglican Futures Conference  GAFCON  is to appoint a 'missionary bishop' for conservative Christians in Europe, bypassing Anglican Churches in England and Scotland.

The move was announced in a communique yesterday from GAFCON'S meeting of conservative primates in Lagos, Nigeria. Made up of nine Anglican provinces and five 'branches', the organisation claims to represent the majority of the world's Anglicans. It was set up in alarm at what founders saw as the increasing acceptance of homosexuality among Western, more liberal Churches, and is adamantly opposed to any compromise on the issue.

Its statement said: 'During our meeting, we considered how best to respond to the voice of faithful Anglicans in some parts of the Global North who are in need of biblically faithful episcopal leadership.

'Of immediate concern is the reality that on 8th June 2017 the Scottish Episcopal Church is likely to formalize their rejection of Jesus' teaching on marriage. If this were to happen, faithful Anglicans in Scotland will need appropriate pastoral care.

It referred to churches in England planted outside the CofE by the conservative Anglican Mission in England (AMiE), saying: 'These churches are growing, and are in need of episcopal leadership. Therefore, we have decided to consecrate a missionary bishop who will be tasked with providing episcopal leadership for those who are outside the structures of any Anglican province, especially in Europe.'

AMiE said in a statement it was 'delighted' by the move: 'We thank God that the number of AMiE churches is growing and that an increasing number of individuals are exploring ordination with us. As a result, we have an urgent need for more episcopal leadership.' It said the consecration of a missionary bishop will help it 'achieve our gospel ambition of planting 25 healthy Anglican churches by 2025 and 250 by 2050'.

In an apparent attempt to reassure conservative members of the Church of England, the GAFCON statement said: 'We are aware that some Christians within these provinces who are contending for the faith may at first perceive the news of a missionary bishop as a threat to their hopes for reform from within.

'We believe that the complexity of the current situation in Europe does not admit of a single solution. Faithful Christians may be called to different courses of action. We bless those whose context and conscience have led them to remain and contend for the faith within the current structures. If you are successful, you will not need a missionary bishop; if you are not successful, an alternative is at hand. The only true failure would be to waste time through inaction.'

The Church of England's General Synod saw a bitter row in February over a House of Bishops report on gay marriage recommending that the Church did not change its traditionalist position. A highly effective lobbying campaign saw the report rejected in a blow to the bishops' authority. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York subsequently called for a 'radical new Christian inclusion' in what was seen as an indication that the Church's position might be liberalised.

The GAFCON statement appears to warn that if the CofE does accept gay marriage it will have a parallel Church waiting for disaffected members to join.

The move is a direct challenge to the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury and Archbishop David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. It underlines the extreme difficulty of maintaining the Anglican Communion as a cohesive body in the face of extreme theological tensions.

It is not known who the 'missionary bishop' might be or how many Anglican congregations might secede from their Churches and come under his authority.
ISIS militants killed by stampeding wild boars in Iraq

In an ironic twist of fate, at least three Islamic State (ISIS) militants were killed by a herd of stampeding boars while the militants were setting up an ambush in northern Iraq.

A boar and a pig are very similar animals belonging to the same species. Muslims are known to be averse to pigs since the consumption of pork, or the meat of the pig, is prohibited in Islam.

On Sunday, a band of ISIS fighters had an unusual encounter with a herd of animals they despise the most while they were hiding on the edge of a field about 50 miles southwest of Kirkuk, The Times reported.

Sheikh Anwar al-Assi, a chief of the local Ubaid tribe and supervisor of anti-ISIS forces, told the British news outlet that the ISIS fighters were poised to attack a band of local tribesmen who had fled to nearby mountains when the rampaging boars caught them by surprise.

Aside from killing three ISIS militants, the boars also injured five other jihadis, al-Assi said.

"It is likely their movement disturbed a herd of wild pigs, which inhabit the area as well as the nearby cornfields," he said.

Three days before the boars attacked, the ISIS militants had summarily executed 25 people attempting to flee the ISIS-ruled town of Hawija.

The incident drew sharp and satirical public reaction. USA Today gathered some notable quips from its readers:

"As Morpheus from 'The Matrix' said, 'Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony'," says reader Paul Jarosz.

"Let's round up the thousands of wild hogs festering in our Southern states and airlift them to Iraq and Syria. If terrorists are killed by a hog, they won't meet Allah and get their 72 virgins. A win for the pigs  and the virgins," says Larry Walker.

"Ode to the wild boars of Kirkuk: They gave up their lives, fighting and humiliating ISIS. And proving that heroes can come in quite unlikely guises!," says Kimberly Genereux.

"Air drop as many wild boars that have not been fed and unleash them on ISIS strongholds, and watch the pigs clean house and take down these terrorists. Very fitting and cheaper than having American soldiers on the ground and spending taxpayer dollars on militia," says Jeff Gute.

"It was a MOAB! Mother of all boars," says Dan Smith.
In this era of anti-Trump resistance, many progressives see California as a model of enlightenment. The Golden States post-2010 recovery has won plaudits in the progressive press from the New York Timess Paul Krugman, among others. Yet if one looks at the effects of the states policies on key Democratic constituencies millennials, minorities, and the poorthe picture is dismal. A recent United Way study found that close to one-third of state residents can barely pay their bills, largely due to housing costs. When adjusted for these costs, California leads all stateseven historically poor Mississippiin the percentage of its people living in poverty.

California is home to 77 of the countrys 297 most economically challenged cities, based on poverty and unemployment levels. The population of these cities totals more than 12 million. In his new book on the nations urban crisis, author Richard Florida ranks three California metropolitan areasLos Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego among the five most unequal in the nation. California, with housing prices 230 percent above the national average, is home to many of the nations most unaffordable urban areas, including not only the predictably expensive large metros but also smaller cities such as Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Unsurprisingly, the states middle class is disappearing the fastest of any state.

Californias young population is particularly challenged. As we spell out in our new report from Chapman University and the California Association of Realtors, California has the third-lowest percentage of people aged 25 to 34 who own their own homesonly New York and Hawaiis are lower. In San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, the 25-to-34 homeownership rates range from 19.6 percent to 22.6 percent40 percent or more below the national average.

No big surprise, then, that Californias millennials are more likely to stay at home with Mom and Dad into their thirties. Approximately 47 percent of Americans aged 18 to 34 lived with parents or other relatives in 2015, according to the American Community Surveybut in California, the figure is 54 percent. Californias younger generation, particularly in the cities, seems increasingly destined to live as renters.

The biggest losers from Californias housing crisis are, ironically, the very people whom progressives claim to care about most: the poor and minorities, who also constitute most millennials. Hispanics, now approaching a majority of the states population, account for 43 percent of the 25-to-34 cohort. Rates of homeownership for African-American and Hispanic Californians have dropped at four times the rate of Asians and non-Hispanic whites in the last 10 years, while minority homeownership in the Golden State now lags most of the country, notably Texas and the southeast.

Much of this can be traced to Californias long-standing bias against suburban development. Reducing greenhouse-gas emissions remains an obsession. But unless the rest of the country (or the world) adopts Californias strict emissions rules, the states regulations are likely to have little or no impact on climate change. Recently passed legislation will make things worse by imposing even more stringent regulations on greenhouse gases, mandating a 40 percent cut from 1990 levels by 2030. This represents the ratcheting up of a regulatory regime that will slow Californias already-torpid rate of issuing building permits, which is well below the national average.

Californias housing policies pose a profound long-term threat to the states social stability and economic viability. The state has seen a net loss of about 1.7 million domestic migrants since 2000. After slowing during the Great Recession and its aftermath, out-migration is again growing, even in the booming Bay Area. Some 29,000 more people left the Bay Area than arrived in 2016. The San Francisco metropolitan area saw net migration plunge from plus-15,000 in 2013 to minus-12,000 three years later.

Contrary to some reports, the people leaving California are not predominantly poor and uneducated. IRS data show that Californias outmigration between 2013 and 2014 was concentrated among middle-aged people with higher average incomes than households that stayed in California or moved there. This trend contrasts dramatically with Texas, arguably the states strongest economic competitor.

Here again, new policies will only make things worse. The Bay Areas 2040 regional plan calls for concentrating 75 percent of new housing development on barely 5 percent of the regions developed land mass. One alternative plan assumes that 78 percent of new housing in the Bay Area would be multi-family and 22 percent single-family (detached and attached). The regional Air Quality Agency has drawn up intrusive plans, seeking to levy tolls on all freeways, ban gas stoves, and urge less meat consumption.

Young people overwhelmingly prefer single-family houses, which represent 80 percent of home purchases nationwide for people under 35. If millennials continue their current rate of savings, notes one study, they would need 28 years to qualify for a median-priced house in San Franciscobut only five years in Charlotte and just three in Atlanta. This may be one reason, notes a recent ULI report, why 74 percent of Bay Area millennials are considering moving out in the next five years.

Regional planners and commercial chambers should indeed look to California as a modelof exactly what not to do. The states large metro areas are no longer hot growth spots for millennials, who are flocking to suburbs and exurbs elsewhere. Since 2010, the biggest gains in millennial residents have been in low-density, comparatively affordable cities such as Orlando, Austin, and Nashville. Ultimately, the battle for Californias futureand much of Blue Americaswill turn on how these regions meet the challenge of providing housing and opportunities to a new generation of workers and young families. A California that works only for the wealthy and well-established is not sustainable.

Americas youth culture was invented, more or less, in California in the 1960s, from the surfing spots of L.A. and Orange County to the countercultural hotbeds of the Bay Area. But today, California is turning on its young, with policies that ensure that most millennials will never fully launch, leaving many destined either to move elsewhere or become wards of an ever-expanding welfare state. The Golden State can still create an environment for growth and family formationbut only if it reclaims its historical role as the nations beacon of opportunity and youthful enthusiasm.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Allianz Global Assistance has released the findings of a survey that show that a year since the U.S. governments easing of travel restrictions to Cuba Americans are less interested in taking a trip to the country than in 2016.

The 2017 survey showed that 40 percent of Americans would be interested in taking a trip to Cuba (two percent fewer than in 2016) while the easing of travel restrictions made just 26 percent of Americans more interested in visiting the country (nine percent fewer than 2016). Seventy-six percent reported being unlikely to plan a trip to Cuba (six percent more than 2016).

While safety concerns and fear of communist government were major anxieties for Americans in 2016, those worries appear to be weakening this year. Instead, lack of information on Cubas travel experiences, travel infrastructure and internet/mobile connectivity are the factors making Americans less interested and likely to travel to Cuba.

Resorts and beaches remain the hot ticket items that would make Americans most interested and likely to travel to Cuba. That is still ahead of Cubas cultural attractions, Cuban food and rum, the Cuban people, classic 1950s American cars, Cuban cigars and family and friends.

The annual survey also measured sentiment and discovered that 34 percent of Americans think Cuba has changed for the better because of as a result of the U.S. having eased travel restrictions to the country.

Our survey found that merely 2 percent of Americans think they will go to Cuba in the next six months, 2 percent believe they will make it there by the end of 2017 and 10 percent think they will go sometime in 2018, said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. Airlines continue to change their services to Cuba, while cruise lines are revving up sailings to the island. It will be interesting to see how this affects visitors interest. It may be having initial effects as Allianzs cruise survey from earlier in the year showed that 17 percent of Americans felt the recent announcements of cruise lines adding sailings to Cuba made them more interested in visiting the country.

The survey also found that 15 percent of Americans believe the peace of mind of having travel insurance would make them more interested in traveling to Cuba.

And, offering travel insurance, Allianz added unsurprisingly that the survey also found that 15 percent of Americans believe the peace of mind of having travel insurance would make them more interested in traveling to Cuba.
MS Society of Canada Urges Members of Parliament to Act to Improve #LifeWithMS

Published: 2017-04-30

Author: MS Society of Canada | Contact: mssociety.ca

Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A

Additional References: Library of Canada Disability News Publications

Synopsis: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and members of MS community to launch MS Awareness Month in Ottawa with focus on getting government to take action to improve Life With MS. From May 1-3, 2017 representatives from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and members of the MS community will meet with parliamentarians in Ottawa to launch MS Awareness Month (May). The meetings will focus on getting the government to take action to improve #LifeWithMS.

advertisements

Main Digest

From May 1-3, 2017 representatives from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and members of the MS community will meet with parliamentarians in Ottawa to launch MS Awareness Month (May). The meetings will focus on getting the government to take action to improve #LifeWithMS.

Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world, making advocacy and action related to MS a top concern for Canadians.

Priority topics include policy changes regarding access for people living with MS (implementation of accessibility legislation; affordable treatments; and delivery of home care, supportive housing and age-appropriate/function-appropriate long-term care) and secure employment (flexible employment for those with MS and other episodic disabilities; and improved income and disability supports for those living with MS).

The often unpredictable and episodic nature of MS makes it particularly challenging in maintaining an adequate quality of life. This, along with the challenges of living with a disability, which has both visible and invisible symptoms and the barriers in support programs across all levels of governments, creates immense challenges for Canadian families.

"Every day my life and the lives of countless other Canadians are impacted by multiple sclerosis," says Marilyn Lenzen, who lives with relapsing remitting MS. "There can be a lot holding us back. Many of us living with MS don't have the option of benefiting from new MS treatments, which could slow down the progression of our disease due to a lack of government funded drug coverage. As our MS progresses, our independence is lost. Without sufficient home care options, we're forced to leave our homes for non-age-appropriate long-term care facilities. Our government has the power to improve the current situation by increasing access to treatments, investing in comprehensive home care, and enhancing access through accessibility legislation."

Throughout MS Awareness Month and leading up to World MS Day (May 31), the MS Society also advocates for the importance of accelerating research in the MS community, which continues to lead us to new treatments, better quality of life and one day, a cure.

Parliamentarians are invited to a reception on the evening of Monday, May 1 (5:30pm; Commonwealth Room, House of Commons), to learn more about how the MS Society is accelerating research to improve #LifeWithMS.

At 1pm on Wednesday, May 3, the annual Carnation Pinning Ceremony will take place in the House of Commons foyer where MS Society representatives, members of the MS community and party representatives Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre), Kerry Diotte (Edmonton Griesbach) and Kennedy Stewart (Burnaby South) will present carnations, as a symbol of solidarity with Canadians affected by MS, to MPs as they enter the day's session.

Following the ceremony, MPs involved in the ceremony will present members' statements calling for support for the cause from fellow parliamentarians.

Disabled World is an independent disability community established in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative news, reviews, sports, stories and how-tos. You can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disabled World on our about us page.

advertisements

Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Financial support is derived from advertisements or referral programs, where indicated. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.

 Cite This Page (APA): MS Society of Canada. (2017, April 30). MS Society of Canada Urges Members of Parliament to Act to Improve #LifeWithMS. Disabled World. Retrieved November 9, 2022 from www.disabled-world.com/news/canada/lifewithms.php



 Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/news/canada/lifewithms.php">MS Society of Canada Urges Members of Parliament to Act to Improve #LifeWithMS</a>
CHICAGO -- Ten patients at Penn Medicine have been cured of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) following lifesaving kidney transplants from deceased donors who were infected with the disease. The findings point to new strategies for increasing the supply of organs for the nation's more than 97,000 patients who are awaiting kidney transplants - often for as many as five or more years.

In 2016, Penn Medicine launched an innovative clinical trial to test the effect of transplanting kidneys from donors with HCV into patients currently on the kidney transplant waitlist who do not have the virus, and who opt in to receive these otherwise unused organs. Recipients were then treated with an antiviral therapy in an effort to cure the virus. Early data from the study were presented today by David S. Goldberg, MD, MSCE, an assistant professor of Medicine and Epidemiology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, at the 2017 American Transplant Congress in Chicago, and were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"We started this trial in the hopes that, if successful, we could open up an entirely new pool of donor organs, and effectively transplant hundreds, if not thousands, more patients who are awaiting a lifesaving organ," Goldberg said. "Historically, Hepatitis C-infected kidneys were often discarded, and were thought to be damaged or too 'high-risk.' Our pilot data demonstrate the ability to cure the contracted virus following transplantation in this patient population. If future studies are successful, this may be a viable option for patients who may otherwise never see a transplant."

Goldberg, who co-led the study with Peter Reese, MD, MSCE, an assistant professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Penn and chair of the Ethics Committee for the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS), approached and enrolled participants who relied on dialysis treatments to stand in for their damaged kidneys. Participants were between 40 and 65 years of age and had been waiting for a transplant for at least a year and a half. A three-step process of education and consent was used during pre-enrollment to ensure patients, and their loved ones were provided with a comprehensive understanding of the risks. Once enrolled, and as organs became available, the team performed HCV donor genotyping during the allocation process, selecting only kidneys that were considered "high quality."

In the first phase of the study, to date, 10 patients have received transplants using the protocol. On average, patients received a transplant 58 days after enrolling in the trial--some in as quickly as 11 days, while others waited for over 100 days. At three days after surgery, patients were tested for HCV, and all 10 tested positive for the disease. Next, the participants were treated with the standard 12-week course of elbasvir/grazoprevir, commonly known as Zepatier, a recently-approved and highly effective oral medication prescribed to eradicate HCV. All 10 patients have been cured of their contracted HCV.

"For so long, HCV was a virus with a very negative stigma associated with it, especially among physicians. So it was interesting to see that patients were quick to jump at the chance to get this transplant, despite the possibility that they could get Hepatitis C permanently," Reese said. "Going into the study, we knew it was a possibility that some or all of the patients would contract HCV, and that they could have the disease for the rest of their lives if we were unsuccessful. But for these patients, getting off of dialysis and getting back to their normal lives was very much worth the risk."

Following the early positive results, the research team was granted an extension of their study, which will allow them to transplant and treat an additional 10 patients--20 patients in total.

The research team is designing a new clinical trial that will study this same approach in patients who are heart transplant recipients, and in the future they hope to examine the efficacy of this approach in liver and lung transplants. Researchers note there is a need for longer and larger trials to continue evaluating the effectiveness of HCV-positive to HCV-negative transplantation followed by antiviral therapy in a broader population.

###

Additional Penn Medicine experts involved in this study span disciplines including infectious diseases, transplantation surgery, gastroenterology, hepatology, and pathology and laboratory medicine, including Deirdre Sawinski, Roy Bloom, Raj Reddy, Emily Blumberg, Jennifer Trofe-Clark, Vivianna Van Deerlin, Midhat Farooqi, Peter Abt, Matthew Levine, Paige Porrett, Susanna Nazarian, Ali Naji, Maureen McCauley, and Anna Sicilia. The study is supported by a research grant from the Merck Investigator Initiated Studies Program, and Merck supplied the antiviral drugs used in the study.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $6.7 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $392 million awarded in the 2016 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2016, Penn Medicine provided $393 million to benefit our community.
Place Your Advert

Register or sign in to advertise your job
Imports of lamb into the United Kingdom are down substantially so far this year, helping to boost British producers.

AHDB reports that the volume of sheep meat imported into the UK in February was down 36 per cent compared with the same period last year.

February imports amounted to 5,800 tonnes, and was the lowest level for February since 2012 and the second month in a row that import volumes were down.

In the first two months of the year, imports to the United Kingdom fell by 26 per cent compared with 2016. The total volume for January and February was 12,100 tonnes.

'Perfect set of circumstances'

Peter Hardwick, head of exports at AHDB said that the fall in imports was the result of a "perfect set of circumstances" that included weaker Sterling driving up the price of imports, lower production in New Zealand and a larger volume of lamb in the UK.

"It has been good news for UK farmers," said Mr Herdwick, who said that exchange rates had made British lamb more competitive, securing more exports as well as extra sales at home.

While imports declined during February, exports rose by 10 per cent on the previous year to 5,600 tonnes. This increase came despite a decline in volumes going to France, which is the UKs largest export market.

French shipments were down seven per cent, but AHDB says that his has been more than offset by large increases in sales to other markets, such as Germany, where exports were up by 34 per cent, Ireland, which took 62 per cent more British lamb and Belgium, where exports increased by six per cent.

Peter Hardwick, head of exports at AHDB

Average export prices were also up slightly, meaning that the overall value of exports was up by 11 per cent to 23 million, says AHDB.

Decline in New Zealand lamb

February is usually a month when imports begin to rise, but there was a 43 per cent decline in shipments from New Zealand.

Exports to the United Kingdom from New Zealand amounted to 4,200 tonnes. The weak pound meant that New Zealand lamb could not remain as competitive on the UK market.

New Zealand is the largest competitor to UK lamb on the domestic market

Volumes coming from other major suppliers, such as Australia and Ireland, were also lower. Imports from Australia were down by 13 per cent and Irish exports to the UK fell by four per cent.

The average import price was up by 14 per cent, meaning that the overall value of imports was down 27 per cent to 26.7 million.

Peter Hardwick said that the greater availability of domestic lamb helped to reduce imports. He said there had been an increased number of lambs carried over from last year in the UK.

There was an increase of seven per cent in the number of lambs on farm, which coincided with a fall in production in New Zealand. The New Zealand lamb crop hit its lowest level for 60 years in 2016.

Looking to China

Mr Hardwick said that whilst the exchange rate had made New Zealand's exports to the UK more expensive, the country's sheep producers had other markets it could sell to and China, in particular, was one market to which it was increasing sales.

An AHDB report said that during the first two months of this year New Zealand had made large gains in exports to China, the country's largest market.

Volumes going there were 24 per cent higher, at 35,800 tonnes, as trade took off for the Chinese New Year celebrations.

There were increases in exports to the United States - up by 22 per cent - and sales to Malaysia more than doubled.

Lamb production in New Zealand had begun to fall again in March, said the report.

"The currency situation remains in a similar state to that seen in the previous two months and production in the UK is thought to have remained at a high level.

"These factors would suggest that the pressure on New Zealand shipments to the UK has continued in March, when much of the exports for Easter will have taken place."

Whether volumes coming to the UK for the Easter period had fallen remained to be seen, it said. However there would continue to be severe pressure on margins of producers and processors, said the report.

Largest UK competitor

New Zealand is the largest competitor to UK lamb on the domestic market.

Shortly before the dissolution of Parliament, MP Neil Parish, the chairman of the Parliamentary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, wrote to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) calling for retailers to support British lamb.

"I trust that you are calling on UK supermarket retailers and the rest of the supply chain to champion British products at home and overseas, supporting those who work in the British lamb sector," he said in the letter.

"I would welcome assurances from you that UK retailers are supporting and promoting British lamb with consumers and ensuring that British lamb products are not undercut by cheaper imported products or promotions."

His letter was addressed to the chief executive of the BRC, Helen Dickinson.
A Lincolnshire farmer had to be freed from his tractor after he became trapped inside when he dislocated his hip.

Firefighters were called to the scene by paramedics from the East Midlands Ambulance Service to help a man who was trapped in his tractor.

Crews from Gainsborough, Saxilby and a rescue support unit from Lincoln North attended to the man in Padmoor Lane in Upton, near Gainsborough.

The man was freed safely by the firefighters where he then became under the care of paramedics for his dislocated hip.

The rescue happened just after 8pm on Saturday, April 29.
Another Ford Motor Co. (F 0.15%) earnings conference call, and another day of confused and volatile trading!

The market has generally had a tough time digesting Ford's results recently in light of peak auto sales, one-time charges, and other one-off events. Thursday's first-quarter report was no different: In pre-market trading, the stock rose about 2.5% after its initial results topped estimates, then promptly gave back those gains and then some. Here's what's going on with Ford, and some important factors for investors to remember.

One reason for confusion

While investors and analysts were skimming Ford's results, the company's adjusted earnings per share hitting $0.39 looked like a solid beat, given that analysts' estimates had called for $0.35 per share. And it especially looked strong compared to the previous guidance from CFO Bob Shanks, which projected Ford's EPS would check in between $0.30 and $0.35 for the quarter.

However, after the market opened and Ford's management team went through the conference call, it was noted that the result was influenced by timing of certain costs as well as by wholesale volume; this means that those better-than-expected Q1 earnings won't result in a material difference for the full year. That turned Ford's "strong beat" into a "what we expected" type of quarter, which is still good, but partially explains the fluctuation in Ford's share price between the earnings release and conference call.

Why the massive decline?

Also helping to confuse some investors were headlines calling out massive declines without necessary context. Yes, it's true that Ford's pre-tax automotive segment earnings were down 43% compared to last year, but there are some factors to consider. First, last year was Ford's best-ever first-quarter results, when pre-tax hit a staggering $3.46 billion. Second, we have to recognize some cost implications.

Looking at that pre-tax walk, it's pretty easy to pick out the culprits that offset the positives. On the positive side of things, Ford's product mix, which is increasingly heavy on SUVs and trucks, provided much stronger profitability. And while those larger vehicles also drove average top-line prices higher, that was mostly a wash after factoring in the increases in incentive and discounts. The largest negative factor outside of incentives was warranty, due to costs from the two recalls during Q1. Higher costs related to steel and other materials also weighed on the bottom line. What investors need to know, however, is that this will be the worst quarter of 2017 for these cost issues.

The big picture

"This quarter was an investment in Ford's future. 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," said Ford President and CEO Mark Fields in a press release.

In a way, you can't blame investors for being apprehensive about major automakers at the moment. This is a capital-intensive industry, and while we cheer and enjoy stories when Ford touts intriguing and optimistic plans such as its $4.3 billion investment in electric vehicles, investors hate seeing the real cost impacts each quarter.

In my opinion, automakers will shock many with their discipline and more-sustainable profitability during the next downturn. Unfortunately, until that happens, and until these major investments start to bear fruit, investors in general appear too apprehensive to buy into Ford's future. The company remains a long-term story: Invest accordingly.
A variety of policy proposals dominated the week in solar, just ahead of the beginning of earnings season. There's a lot to get to, so here are the highlights of the week.

Trump's tax proposal and solar

The Trump Administration released the outline of tax reform this week, and it's worth highlighting how it could affect the solar industry. Although it's just a proposal, Trump wants to cut the highest federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 15%, which could have a big affect on the solar industry.

The solar investment tax credit of 30% allows companies with taxable profits in the U.S. to buy tax equity stakes in solar projects to reduce their tax bills. If a company's tax bill goes down, there would be less tax equity available.

We don't know if any tax reform will pass, or what it will look like, but it's worth understanding that tax equity is a key portion of a solar project's financing, covering 40% to 50% of a project's cost. If the availability of tax equity goes down, or investors require higher rates of return, it will be a negative for the solar industry and could make some contracts that have already been signed less economical in the future.

Bankrupt solar manufacturer wants to ruin U.S. solar industry

U.S. solar companies have been in a strange tug of war over what tariffs on Chinese solar imports should look like. Regulators slapped tariffs on companies subsidized by the Chinese government, but those were easy to get around, and right now, the solar industry is just taking the benefits of cheap solar panels on the open market.

The bankruptcy of Suniva threw a wrench in the relative peace when it used a rarely used Section 201 request to ask for a minimum price of imported solar panels of $0.78 per watt and a minimum price for cells of $0.40 per watt. That's about double the price on the open market and would potentially kill the economics of solar projects large and small.

The Solar Energy Industries Association already came out against the proposed pricing scheme, but this will be a filing worth watching with an administration more inclined to protectionist trade policies.

Countries expanding solar in 2017

According to a new report from the International Energy Agency, solar energy now provides 1.8% of the electricity demand in the world. That's incredible progress from 1.2% at the end of 2015 and almost nothing a decade ago. But the solar boom may just be beginning.

Mercom Capital expects India to be a 10 GW solar market this year, which would be about one in every eight solar panels installed worldwide. The country has a goal of 100 GW of solar by 2022, and with just 12.8 GW installed, it has to pick up the pace. By the end of the year, India could be the second biggest solar market behind China, making it a key place for solar companies to keep an eye on.

France announced winners of another 150 MW of rooftop solar projects this week, part of a 1,450 MW in rooftop tariffs the country is assigning. France has become another growing solar market, and with high electricity prices and abundant sun in the southern part of the country, it should have a lot of growth ahead of it.

The Philippines advanced 162 MW of solar and 30 MW of battery energy storage this week, according to Enerdata. This will add to 903 MW of previously installed solar capacity in the country. Indonesia has also adopted a new solar policy scheme for its 17,500 islands. The feed-in tariff will be capped based on the supply cost of traditional electricity, which could allow for more renewables. Solar and energy storage are going to be economical first on island countries, where burning oil for electricity is commonplace, so growth in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia could be a leading indicator of how the solar and energy storage industry will provide solutions to other parts of the world.

News and notes

Here are a few other notable items from the industry this week.

NRG Energy NRG -2.12% ) Cisco . This was NRG's 12th solar project in California alone, giving it a leading position in the market and a key line to the important corporate renewables market.

. This was NRG's 12th solar project in California alone, giving it a leading position in the market and a key line to the important corporate renewables market. NextEra Energy NEE 1.27% )

Canadian Solar CSIQ 6.75% )

Next week starts solar earnings season, so check back on Fool.com to see where the industry's key players are headed.
I don't have a van to park near the river, but I have a yacht to park on the lake. My wife and I don't want to plunk down first, last, and deposit on a new place in Lake Chelan until our housecloses. Just getting into a year-round rental up there can easily demand $4K - $5K up front because it's a resort town. With this dilemma, we have discussed the possibility of the need to live on the boat for up to a month. The slip space with power would run close to $600 per month, which is cheaper than the seediest apartment in that region. That would be so cool to live on a boat in early summer on Lake Chelan.BUT FIRST.... I need to move all my stuff into storage up there. It sure would be nice if I didn't have to move "Al" up there, which I intend to get rid of anyway. For those who don't remember, AL is a complete OBS 7.3L that I acquired and set aside... before grabbing "Frank" and upgradingone.
The Sochi stewards have decided to take no further action over the first-lap incident that eliminated Renault's Jolyon Palmer and Haas's Romain Grosjean from Sundays race in Russia.

The duo came together whilst negotiating Turn 2, with Grosjeans car becoming airbourne before hitting the barriers and Palmers also sustaining significant damage.

As the safety car was deployed, the stewards announced that they would investigate the incident after the race, but having considered video evidence and spoken to both drivers, they determined that neither was wholly or predominantly to blame for the collision.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Palmer, who also crashed out of qualifying, had pointed the finger of blame squarely at his rivals door.

I had a decent-enough start then heading down to Turn 2 there was a Sauber on my outside then Romain made a very ambitious move over the kerbs on the inside from behind, the Briton explained.

There was no space for me to go because of the Sauber, so maybe Romain wasnt aware of that, but he kept it in, hit me, then we were both out of the race.

For his part, Grosjean indicated that Palmer had closed the door on him going around the right hander.

We had a great start and I was on the inside of Palmer under braking, said the Frenchman.

I dont know why he turned in. I was there and then he turned in. I tried to get as much as I could on the apex, but he just hit me, spun and came back and hit me again. The car was badly damaged and our race was over.

Both Palmer and Grosjean have retired from two of the four races this season.
Towns side with city in water war

When they voted to seek legislation putting the Hendersonvilles water system under the control of state regulators, Henderson County commissioners were told that towns in Henderson County were afraid to bring up problems with the city water system for fear of higher rates.



A different picture emerged last week during a meeting of the Local Government Committee for Cooperative Action. Representatives of Fletcher, Laurel Park and Flat Rock all said they had a good working relationship with the city and that they saw no reason for state control of the city water system.

Up to this point Ive not seen a problem, Fletcher Town Councilman Bob Davy said. What do they see that I dont see?

Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Edney had not yet arrived at the meeting so Flat Rock Vice Mayor Nick Weedman invited County Manager Steve Wyatt to explain the commissioners thinking.

No sir, Wyatt said.

Weedman said, We voted to support the city of Hendersonville in their efforts to maintain an independent water system.

Laurel Park does not see a problem with the system, Laurel Park Mayor Carey OCain said. We have an extremely good relationship with the water department and we have continued to have that relationship for almost 100 years. Laurel Park had the original reservoir for the city of Hendersonville up on our mountain and that was established in the first referendum in 1889.

Hendersonville City Manager John Connet took the opportunity to respond to what he called bad information the county had been spreading.

Were not sending money to the general fund to buy fire trucks, to buy police cars, he said. Thats the biggest misnomer that keeps getting reported or said in this room. We run it as an enterprise. We dont send it to the general fund. Thats bad information. Its not supplementing the general fund.

If anything, he said, the citys figures show the general fund is supporting the water system by almost $2 million a year. The water system cost $12,277,504 and brought in $10,420,522, for a loss of $1,856,982. The sewer system was in the black by $476,505  with $4,521,764 in expenses and $4,998,269 in revenue.
'Immigrants in crisis' call legal aid agency for help

Pisgah Legal Services attorney Shoshana Fried speaks during a forum on immigration.

Calls for help from immigrants in crisis have skyrocketed amid fear and confusion over Trump administration immigration policies, Pisgah Legal Services officials say.

Related Stories



The nonprofit agency has seen requests for legal aid spike by 253 percent this year. One was from a young mother whom the agency had helped to secure temporary legal status to continue her job in health care. She supports two young children, who are U.S. citizens, and her elderly parents. Shes afraid that under Trump administration immigration policies she will lose her status and be deported.

The one area where calls have dropped is reporting on domestic violence because undocumented residents are fearful that even reporting a crime could get them deported, the legal aid agencys director said.

Theyve just about stopped coming to us for help in domestic violence and other crimes because theyre afraid if they come to us theyll be deported, Jim Barrett, executive director of Pisgah Legal Services, told an audience of 70 that came to the lunch and learn program. People are scared.

Barrett, Pisgah Legal immigration attorney Shoshana Fried, legal assistant Thalia Hoy and agriculture business leader Bert Lemkes spoke during a panel on immigration last week at Grace Lutheran Church.

The agency is seeing many mothers and fathers who want help setting up a power of attorney letters and arranging custody for their children in case they get deported. The parents dont want the state to place their children in foster care; instead, theyre making arrangements to place their children with close friends or relatives.

Were trying to help them know the difference between trusting law enforcement, who are there to serve and protect, vs. ICE, Barrett said. We want them to be helping law enforcement catch the bad guys, if you will.

The fear is so great now that its disrupting family life in many ways.

We see clients who are not letting their children out of the house, he said. Theyre not letting them go to school.

The agency became aware of one child whose mother was late to pick him up from school.

The kid became hysterical because he thought she might have been deported, Barrett said.

The immigrants that seek help from Pisgah Legal Services are primarily from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemela, said Fried, the staff attorney.

In Henderson County particularly a lot of our families have lived in the United States for a long time, she said. Many of them have U.S. citizen children, so its a different group of immigrants than border towns and other places.

The legal aid agency has always dealt with clients who face deportation, Fried added. Never before has there been so much confusion about what might lead to deportation. Under the Obama administration, illegal immigrants were deported when they were convicted of a violent crime and in some other cases but not for minor arrests.

The nice thing about those priorities is that they were very clear, Fried said. So when someone came into our office I could say with a fair amount of certainty that you were a priority to be deported or not. The problem with the new priorities is theyre not as clear.

The new priorities cast a much wider net. They subject undocumented residents who have been charged or convicted of a crime or who have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense, has made a willful misrepresentation in official documents, has abused any program offering public benefits like Food Stamps or Medicaid or in the judgment of an immigration officer otherwise poses a risk to public safety or national security.

We dont know if driving without a license is a criminal offense, she said.

Bert Lemkes, general manager of Tri-Hishtil, a Mills River plant grafting company, said uncertainty threatens farmers ability to find labor.

The only real solution to really take care of the fear of the unknown is to find a long-term permanent solution for our immigration system, Lemkes said. Overall, that solution is not at the local level and not at the state level. Its at the federal level.  What we are concerned about is our current workforce. They are dedicated, they work hard and we need them. You can talk to any serious farmer in the United States and he knows that his labor force is just as important as the equipment he can buy.

Deporting undocumented workers wont result in farm jobs for U.S. citizens, Lemkes said.

Your fruits and vegetables will be picked by foreign hands either inside or outside (the U.S.). Take your pick, he said.
Kimberly kindergarten registration May 1

KIMBERLY  The Kimberly Elementary School will hold kindergarten registration for the 2017-18 school year.

Registration will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 1 in the elementary school cafeteria. Enter through the west doors of the primary building facing Oak Street.

To register, children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1. Registration will not be completed without proof of residency, the childs birth certificate and up-to-date immunization record.

All steps of registration must be completed before your child will be put on a class list. There will be an immunization clinic at the school that evening to assist in bringing your child up to date. Charges may apply.

A current and state-required immunization record includes five doses for DTAP, four for polio, two for MMR, two for Hepatitis A, three for Hepatitis B and two for varicella.

For information call 208-423-4170, ext. 6.

Minidoka Fairboard seeking artwork

The Minidoka County Fair will be July 31- August 5, 2017.

The Fairboard is seeking artwork for the 2017 Fair Book cover. The theme is country pride...county wide This contest is open to every one of all ages.

Rules:

Artwork must be done on white paper with black ink. Any design not done in black ink will NOT BE JUDGED. Computer designs will be accepted, but must show originality.

Design MUST be done portrait or vertical.

Whole design cannot measure more than 7 wide and 9  lengthwise.

Design must include Minidoka County Fair, fair date (July 31- August 5, 2017), theme COUNTRY PRIDECOUNTY WIDE and should be neatly signed at the bottom in very small letters.

On a separate piece of paper list your name, address, phone#, and age.

Deadline May 2.

The grand prize will be $25 and the artwork will be printed on the front cover of the Fair Book. There will be two $10 prizes for the two runner-ups.

Bring entries to either the Minidoka County Extension Office or the Fair Board Office both located at 85 East Baseline or mail to the Fairboard at PO Box 151, Rupert, Idaho 83350.

Arbor Day Celebration

The Twin Falls County Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor an Arbor Day Celebration Thursday, May 4, from 11 to 1 at the Twin Falls County Historical Society Museum. Twin Falls County Commissioners, Tree Board Members, Parks and Recreation Employees, Master Gardner program members, home school students and parents will be attending and the public is invited. The museum is located near Curry Crossing and hot dogs and other refreshments are provided. Best of all, everything is free!

Twin Falls Senior Center plans 5K Fun Run

TWIN FALLS  The Twin Falls Senior Centers second annual 5K Fun Run will start at 9 a.m. May 6 at the Rock Creek Canyon Parkway trailhead near the Twin Falls City Parks and Recreation office, 136 Maxwell St.

Pre-registration is $20 a person or $50 for a family of four or more. Race-day registration is $25 a person or $65 per family of four. All proceeds will benefit the senior center.

To pre-register or for information, call 208-734-5084 or email Jeanette Roe at info@tfseniorcenter.com.

Cache Peak Back Country Horsemen plan meeting

BURLEY  The Cache Peak Back Country Horsemen chapter will meet Tuesday, May 9, at Connors Cafe in Burley. Dinner will start at 6 p.m., followed by a meeting.

The public is welcome. Information: 208-430-0243.

Nominations Now Open for Teacher of the Year

Burley  Teacher of the Year nominations are now being accepted by Young Dodge Fiat of Burley. The winner will win a 1-year lease of a new Fiat 500c. Nominations for any K-12 teacher in Cassia or Minidoka County can be submitted by parents, students, or other faculty members in person at Young Dodge Fiat at 259 Overland Avenue in Burley, Idaho, and are due by May 13, by 5 p.m. Nominations should include: teachers name, school, subject, and the reason the teacher stands out amongst his or her peers in 1000 words or less. Eight finalists will be selected by a community committee on May 15. The winner will be randomly selected from the finalists, and announced on Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m. on the Young Automotive of Burley Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/youngautoidaho/

Shoshone School District Registration

SHOSHONE  Shoshone School District Kindergarten Registration for 2017-2018 school year will be held at Shoshone Elementary, 61 East Highway 24, Shoshone, Idaho on Thursday, May 18, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Parents, please bring your child to registration along with their official state birth certificate and current immunization records. Registration will take approximately 45 minutes.

Shoshone School District Pre-School screening

SHOSHONE  Shoshone School District Pre-School eligibility screening for all Shoshone resident 3-5 year old children 3-5 will be held at Shoshone Elementary, 61 East Highway 24, Shoshone, Idaho on Thursday, May 28, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Please call the elementary at 886-2381 ext. 138 to set up an appointment. To be eligible for screening child must turn 3 before May 18, 2017. Screening will take approximately 45 minutes.

Youth conservation camp to be held

CASCADE  If you have a child 10 to 12 years old who wants to learn outdoor skills, become certified in hunter and bowhunter education, and experience a wide variety of other fun outdoor activities, register them for the Youth Conservation Camp, August 7-11, at Trinity Pines Camp and Conference Center in Cascade.

Campers participate in hands-on learning activities in firearm safety and shooting, wildlife conservation and identification, fishing techniques, archery fundamentals, introduction to trapping, and much more in a scenic outdoor setting. The camp also includes a float down the Payette River.

Idahos Youth Conservation Camp is sponsored and directed by the Idaho Conservation Officers Association and Idaho Fish and Gamethe same people who manage Idahos fish and wildlife.

Registration is first come first served to the first 45 youth. Cost per camper is $275.00; which includes food, lodging and equipment for the week.

To learn more or to register, visit the Idaho Conservation Officer Associations Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/idahoconservationofficersassociation/, or contact your nearest Fish and Game office.
TWIN FALLS  For Porter Buckley, the flag symbolizes freedom and sacrifice for all who call America home.

The 13-year-old will hold a community flag ceremony at 7 p.m. May 9 outside the College of Southern Idaho Refugee Center. Porter installed a flag pole in front of the center and his Boy Scout troop will raise the American flag for the first time. This event is open to the public.

I would like all refugees to see the American flag and feel those same feelings of freedom and sacrifice in their new country, Porter said.

Porter attends Kimberly Middle School is a member of the Rangers, Troop 43. The flag pole is a part of his Eagle Scout service project. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

Porter said his family donates to the Refugee Center and he knows a family who mentors families, but this is the first time he has donated to the program himself.

I would like to see public support for the refugee center and refugees in our area, he said.

Near the flag pole is a small monument with a quote from George Washington: Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. The project cost $500 and Porter gathered donations from individuals and companies.

On May 9, there will be a short ceremony with the singing of the national anthem.

Im trying to get the word out about the ceremony to the community and refugees who would like to attend, he said.
Karachi : 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 on Saturday.

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 districts 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.

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 temples 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.

Source : Zee News
Employee engagement is increasingly important for strengthening reputations and building thought leadership, and socially engaged executives can strengthen a brands leadership team. Employee engagement is increasingly important for strengthening reputations and building thought leadership, and socially engaged women executives can strengthen a brands leadership team.

Social media engagement enhances the reputation of executives, increases transparency and accessibility, and instills confidence in the leadership team and the brand.

Social media engagement enhances the reputation of executives, increases transparency and accessibility, and instills confidence in the leadership team and the brand.

Key take aways: participation in social media leads to better leadership.
Venezuela Presents Human Rights Development Program by Lucifox Deppler

In a televised speech held at Caracas Oil Well Security Headquarters in front of operators, researchers, managers, emergency personnel, foreign embassy staff and officials concerned, Venezuelan President Maduro on Friday presented a 2x23mn barrel development aid program projected to improve the human rights situation under the Trump administration in Unitedstates. The package is directed at specific recipients in the political backyard of alternative-left impeachment succession candidate Sanders; thereby aiming to break the chains of commercial domination over the political process in the multiplier breeding state.

Maduro said in the speech that his intent was to help emancipate his countrys Northern brethren in order to achieve an appropriate unification of the two half-continents under the banner of independent socialism and form an united regional group in the world body through the achievement of complete denuclearisation of the Western hemisphere. The Venezuelan president emphasised his intent to be all alternative forces closest ally within the notorious oil cartel, of which some commentators say its strongest members treat their Unitedstates counterparts like dissidents there are used to. While Venezuela currently is experiencing an oil crisis with the cartel attempting to dump its most emancipated member out of the world market, Unitedstates society due to its currency and military abuses is still at large part living in an oil bubble, with even alternative forces remaining largely unaware of their government being turned into a janissary stooge.



In front of a long row of drilling site, port, refinery, stock exchange floor, international and foreign institution footage watch screens, Maduro said that he had taken samples of watching North American grass roots dissidents on some of the countless national video broadcast channels and found an educational need that could not be fulfilled by the ender generation there, because Unitedstates is a broken nation where inter-generational balance is limited to only a few families with no political balance upon them. Specifically, its post-nuclear generation, which never got to know anything better than meltdown news and agency presidencies, at large part appears helpless against the colonialist state ideology which likes to see a bite in any lion and a butcher in any communist, while itself pursuing a policy of throwing dissidents to the lions of the twenty-first century.



He stressed that the South was vitally interested in a healthy North, which would mean for the latter to overcome its moronic exceptionalism issue and find itself as one in many through the ideology of socialism in the spirit of the great late Fidel Castro, who helped his neighbour Eisenhower to face down his military-industrial complex, and the iconic Southern leader Ernesto Guevara who got martyred in SOA war crime. One example of the political illiteracy there that might explain some of the turbulences currently visible on the scene, Maduro said, is for example that this generation has largely forgotten of the war crimes its parents committed with chemical weapons, and therefore fails to see the mortal sins in Unitedstates making chemical accusations in international organisations, as well as to properly fulfil its dissident role. Maduro said that the development aid would take the form of advertising time purchased into video broadcasts in North America, and that the time would be filled with educational micro-clips of unaltered oil market footage selected by his OPEC handling department.



The Venezuelan president then emphasised to the crowd that this would fix two hooks with one screw  in a day and age when one multinational corporation swallowing another was bigger news than a statue of Lenin getting damaged in a fascist coup, political illiteracy required to be rolled back where it was most necessary, and the non-aligned sector in oil would obtain a stronger voice to expose the inner workings of the cartel to an interested public. For the sake of coherence of argument and policy, the amount of aid would not be defined in currency but in raw oil, to be sold with revenues funnelled into the educational advertising use. The president emphasised that in order to not bring about a geopolitical imbalance, the same amount would be given to sovereign Korea in raw material, to respect needs and capabilities in giving to both sides in their respective kind.



He argued that being familiar with the death toll of oil from the time before anti-communist hatred infected the North of the double continent, his country understood that at least some in the younger generation have begun to grasp that e. g. Palestinian tunnels are not Nazi autobahns, and that any assassination policy going for low-hanging fruit first is pre-configured to leave its pursuers with an enemy of butchers through hostile selection, whatever the matter of conflict may be. He said that having suffered the woes of the oil market for three generations in a row, including assassination policies, there was triple awareness thereof, while other members of OPEC did not even have oil-aware grandfathers, a key fact unknown to many younger observers.



Nicolas Maduro mentioned in detail one case in which a dissident was held hostage in the basement of a camera preacher, left with little more opportunity of learning about the real world outside the oil bubble than getting ever more sophisticated in parroting his fathers style. For these oil orphans, he said, all the heritage from their European line is little more than brand names they attach to whatever fits the cost, without any awareness of history and its development. Whenever these kids asked their parents to make a change, they were told by all their professionals that nothing fundamental would change for another two-hundred years at least. Well, that is how long their evil empire has lasted so far. Now the fossil markets such as oil, gas and coal are the first places where it becomes evident that this is not true, and people are beginning to think about which changes could make sense, and may get to the point of figuring out which of the latter might work.



Maduro stressed that in accordance with the principle of non-interference, the Venezuelan state would not dictate any specific lessons, but instead provide working materials of the described kind that could be useful to substantiate any possible lesson with facts necessary to achieve inter-generational awareness of underlying real world problems such as the existence of an oil cartel. He added that development aid ought not reinforce or bring about dependency, and therefore only be applied in a form which respects the recipients full sovereignty, though no illusionary excesses thereof, elaborating that directly sponsoring forces which could become parts of a development towards more human rights recognition there was too much association, and ignoring them in search of fully aware ones too little, while the educational hiring of advertising time allowed for transparency of both revenues and content.



He also elaborated in front of an ecological training room freshly put together to upgrade the skills and knowledge of officials, that although the content thereof was open even to foreign tourists, his government would not engage in ecological education but only provide advertising viewers with the professionally selected segments of raw footage already used for the training of Venezuelan oil managers. He joked that his officials could use the content sharing as a benchmark that their choices were not out of context or off the mark. He then added with a serious face that all such content would be marked accordingly to give it a transparent association at the first glance.



Sitting in the departments empty conference room with the flags of other oil-exploiting nations standing on the table, Maduro said that the new program also was meant as a compensation and reparation effort with regard to the crack Cocaine abuse vehemently pushed by the Unitedstates assassination policy as a means of discrediting witnesses and preparing some of the heavier war crimes. Among others, Unitedstates has deprived the people in the hemisphere and beyond of the indigenous Coca leaf, leaving them with inferior extracts of the powerful plants complex substance mix or even substantially unrelated nomenclature surrogates, and made it a pretext in its assassination campaign.



Maduro stressed that while availability of the native species was a matter of international politics beyond oil, unlike other sacred herbs for that one an extract would always not only be worse than the whole thing but even worse than nothing, yet the human rights development aid might be able to bolster these elements of society that would otherwise be quenched by the collateral damage. He argued that chemical extracts of pharmaceutical plants of the described kind could be regarded like energy-saving light bulbs in comparison to classic glow-bulbs, providing only a part of the natural spectrum and leaving the rest to guessing, good enough for the toothbrush but not for the dinner table; and electromagnetically as active as a loose cathode ray-gun when kept too close to the human brain, while the glow-bulb despite using electricity is no more dangerous than a piece of charcoal even when it breaks.



He said due to the limited understandings of most of the members of the boom generation, fresh dissent in the Northern half-continent existed largely in a currency bubble, and in the worst case unaware of its scripted abuse by government agencies worse than any element of the oil industry in terms of compensating their inefficiency with cost excesses that would spoil the entire sense of appropriateness among officials. Leaving the national flags, he said that he was worried for his country to get a bit too deeply drawn into an abyss of violent competition, and in the true spirit of socialism, like Karl Marx did it in the book, would like to leave the last word to someone else. The man then closed his appearance with the international hand-gesture known as the Smiling Buddha, holding t



Sunday, Apr 30th 2017


VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 28, 2017) - Scorpio Gold Corporation ("Scorpio Gold" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:SGN) announces its operating results for the first quarter ("Q1") of 2017 at its 70% owned Mineral Ridge project, located in Nevada.

Gold and silver production in Q1 2017 totalled 5,741 ounces and 2,854 ounces, respectively. The lower metal production in Q1 2017 is attributed to fewer tons being mined and processed from the existing pits, due to higher strip ratios that constrain how quickly benches can be mined.

Brian Lock, interim CEO, reports, "The first quarter production at Mineral Ridge was affected by a slowdown in mining and processing while the project awaits approval of the amendment to its revised Plan of Operations, which is pending from applicable regulatory authorities. The Custer pit and other areas for which permitting is outstanding, will be evaluated for economics of associated mining timelines when permits are received."

Production in 2017 is scheduled from the Mary LC pit and from the Bluelite and Brodie satellite pits.

Key Operating Statistics Q1 2017 Q1 2016 % Change Mining operations Mary LC pit Ore tonnes mined 130,446 146,872 -11.2% Waste tonnes mined 927,786 703,030 32.0% Total mined 1,058,232 849,902 24.5% Strip Ratio 7.1 4.8 47.9% Satellite pits Ore tonnes mined 7,255 103,252 -93.0% Waste tonnes mined 67,208 227,056 -70.4% Total mined 74,463 330,308 -77.5% Strip Ratio 9.3 2.2 322.7% Total producing pits Ore tonnes mined 137,701 250,124 -44.9% Waste tonnes mined 994,994 930,086 7.0% Total mined 1,132,695 1,180,210 -4.0% Strip Ratio 7.2 3.7 94.6% Pits under development Ore tonnes mined 178 - 100.0% Waste tonnes mined 212,595 55,622 282.2% Total mined 212,773 55,622 282.5% Total mining operations Ore tonnes mined 137,879 250,124 -44.9% Waste tonnes mined 1,207,589 985,708 22.5% Total mined 1,345,468 1,235,832 8.9% Processing Tonnes processed 138,392 251,587 -45.0% Gold head grade (g/t) 1.70 1.65 3.0% Ounces produced Gold 5,741 8,508 -32.5% Silver 2,854 3,921 -27.2% Recoverable(1) gold ounces placed on pad 5,175 9,032 -42.7%

(1) A weighted average metallurgical recovery factor has been applied to the estimated contained ounces crushed and placed on the leach pad, based on the pit from which the ore was mined.

About Scorpio Gold

Scorpio Gold holds a 70% interest in the producing Mineral Ridge gold mining operation located in Esmeralda County, Nevada with joint venture partner Elevon, LLC (30%). Mineral Ridge is a conventional open pit mining and heap leach operation. The Mineral Ridge property is host to multiple gold-bearing structures, veins and lenses at exploration, development and production stages. Scorpio Gold also holds a 100% interest in the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge property in Manhattan, Nevada with a fully permitted underground mine and 400 ton per day mill facility. The Goldwedge mill facility has been placed on a care and maintenance basis and can be restarted on short notice.

Scorpio Gold's Chairman, Peter J. Hawley, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the content of this release.
Patricia Lee Rudd, 81, of Jerome, died February 2, 2017. Arrangements are under the direction of Farnsworth Mortuary, Jerome.

Russell Earl Philbrick, 83, of Twin Falls passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at his home in Twin Falls. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.

Helen McMurray, 96, of Burley, died Friday, April 28, 2017 at Sandy Health & Rehabilitation, in Sandy, Utah. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.

Elva Elizabeth Quigley, 88, of Jerome, died Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at a Twin Falls hospital. Cremation is under the direction of Farnsworth Mortuary, Jerome.

James Requa, 88, of Twin Falls, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017 at his home. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.

Esther Keppner, 91, of Twin Falls, passed away April 28, 2017 at Woodstone Nursing Center. Services are pending and will be announced by Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.

Hallie Dickard, 91, of Twin Falls, passed away in her home on May 28, 2017. Arrangements are pending under the direction of Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.

Edwin Neil Ballerstein, 84, of Gooding, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the North Canyon Medical Center in Gooding. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Demaray Funeral ServiceGooding Chapel.

Rodney Dean Carter, 62, of Burley, died Saturday, April 29, 2017, at his home. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.

Jose Jesus Miramontes, 40, of Boise, died Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Cassia Regional Hospital. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
Participants of the "2017 Seoul Debates" pose for a photo at the Hotel President in Seoul on April 20. /Courtesy of Ministry of Gender Equality and Family





By Rachel Lee

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Seoul Policy Center opened the "2017 Seoul Debates" on April 20 to discuss ways to tackle gender-based violence (GBV).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family organized the two-day event at the Hotel President in Seoul. More than 100 government representatives, practitioners and society leaders from around world attended.

"Close partnerships are the key to achieving the elimination of GBV by 2030 and creating societies where women and girls are fully respected," Gender Equality and Family Minister Kang Eun-hee said.

About a third of women worldwide have experienced violence, according to the World Health Organization. GBV is specifically dealt with in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly.

The Sustainable Development Goals include a target to end GBV by 2030. Reducing GBV is seen as a catalytic driver for the achievement of peace, economic productivity, rights, justice and social cohesion.

Choi Jong-moon, deputy Minister for multilateral and global affairs, said the government, working with the "strong Korean civil society  has sought to introduce robust legal and institutional measures, combined with social education efforts, in fighting and preventing GBV in the country."

"To be sure, there are rich lessons that have been learned out of Korea's own experience in dealing with this challenge," Choi said. "Nevertheless, there is much to be improved in getting to zero' on GBV in Korean society."

The meeting covered several aspects of Korea's experience in tackling GBV, including: legislation and policy work; enhancement of GBV case handling by the judiciary and police; mechanisms to support victims of GBV, including the Sunflower Center; the civil society movement and advocacy, and prevention efforts through capacity-building and public awareness-raising.

Through dedicated sessions, the Seoul Debates also highlighted the special importance of fighting GBV against children and people with disabilities, and GBV in the context of forced migration and sex trafficking.

"The ambitious agenda reflects the richness of this meeting in terms of participants as well as the complexity of addressing GBV," said Balazs Horvath, UNDP Seoul Policy Center director. "While there is no such thing as a magic bullet' in solving such complex and deep-rooted problems as GBV, we believe in the power and value of knowledge sharing and partnerships in addressing this issue."

After almost five decades, the UNDP closed its country office in 2009 as Korea joined the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and became an official donor.

With this changed status of Korea, the "UNDP Seoul Policy Center for Global Development Partnerships" was established in 2011, with the objective of brokering new partnerships between Korea and the developing world through UNDP's global network in some 170 countries and territories.

The Seoul Debates is a flagship biennial event organized by the UNDP Seoul Policy Center as a means to fulfill its mandate to share Korea's experiences with partner countries on strategic development issues.
San Francisco, CA Next time the restaurant tacks on a service charge you might want to ask whose getting that money. If you think its a Next time the restaurant tacks on a service charge you might want to ask whose getting that money. If you think its a big tip for your waiter you could be very wrong  especially if youve just had dinner at the Hilton Hotel in San Franciscos Union Square.

Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan represents a group of unionized food and beverage workers that have been in a major legal row going back almost four years over who gets the service charge money.That is a common scenario in the hotel industry. Service charges are added to the bill and customers think the gratuity is included in that charge and they dont have to add anything else. That is just another way that the worker gets hurt by this kind of situation, Shannon Liss-Riordan from the San Francisco firm of Lichten & Liss-Riordan.The workers argued that under California law the 20 percent service charge that is typically tacked on to the bill are actually tips that belong to them.The San Francisco Hilton argues it has a right to a substantial portion of the money and then shares out the remaining 25 percent to staff management and servers.The hotel also argued that because the workers were unionized they had no right to bring a private action against the hotel.That was the whole point of the Ninth circuit decision because they have the protection of a union they dont need to bring a private action in court, says Liss-Riordan. We succeeded in persuading the Ninth Circuit that that is not the law. A union contract does not pre-empt other types of wage claims that they might bring that are independent of the contract.Liss-Riordan recently managed to turn that argument around before the Ninth Circuit arguing that service charges in other states like Hawaii and New York go directly to servers. Shes been duelling with hotel chains across the US for 20 years.Most of those legal challenges has been issues over tips."I have represented many hotel workers in a number of different states, Massachusetts, Hawaii, New York, Florida, says Liss-Riordan. Ive dealt with Hilton, Marriot, Four Seasons, Ritz and lots of others.There is big money in tips and all businesses are always looking for ways to improve their revenues. In businesses where there is gratuity money employers often look for ways to access that cash before it gets into the hands of workers.Its pretty amazing how far reaching this is. Its just a big area where employers can skim something off the top and it actually happens quite a lot.The Hilton servers in San Francisco want the Hilton to turn over all service fees they charged over the last four years to them.
The United States is closely watching a recent increase in piracy off the coast of Somalia, a senior U.S. military official said on Sunday as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited an important military base in Djibouti.

The rise in piracy attacks has at least partially been driven by famine and drought in the region, the top U.S. military commander overseeing troops in Africa said during Mattis' visit as part of a week-long trip to the Middle East and Africa.

The United States uses the base in Djibouti, a tiny country the size of Wales at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, as a launch pad for operations in Yemen and Somalia.

The sudden string of attacks by Somali pirates comes after years without a reported incident. Attacks peaked with 237 in 2011 but then declined steeply after ship owners improved security measures and international naval forces stepped up patrols.

This month has seen a new rash of attacks, with two ships captured and a third rescued by Indian and Chinese forces after the crew radioed for help and locked themselves in a safe room.

"The bottom line is there have been a half dozen or so(incidents)," Marine General Thomas Waldhauser said at a press conference standing alongside Mattis.

"We're not ready to say there is a trend there yet but we'll continue to watch," he said, adding one reason for the increase was famine and droughts in the region since some vessels targeted were carrying food and oil.

According to the U.N. World Food Programme more than 20 million people from Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen are at risk of dying from starvation within the next six months.

In South Sudan alone, more than 100,000 people are suffering from famine with a further million on the brink of starvation.

Mattis added that while the situation was being watched, he did not expect a U.S. military response to the surge in piracy.

A U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said international shipping companies had started to become complacent about their security, which could also help explain the rise in piracy incidents.

Militancy in the Region

Djibouti is strategically important as it is on the route to the Suez Canal. The barren nation, sandwiched between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, also hosts Japanese and French bases.

The U.S. base, which has about 4,000 personnel, is located just miles from a Chinese one, still under construction, which has caused concern to some U.S. officials.

Mattis' visit to the base comes as the United States has been increasing pressure on militant groups such as al Shabaab in the region.

The White House recently granted the U.S. military broader authority to strike al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants in Somalia.

Waldhauser told reporters that he had not yet used the new authorities given to him by the White House.

Al Shabaab has been able to carry out deadly bombings despite losing most of its territory to African Union peacekeepers supporting the Somali government.

On Sunday, a military vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Somalia's semi autonomous Puntland region on Sunday, killing at least six soldiers and injuring another eight.

The United States recently sent a few dozen troops to Somalia to help train members of the Somali National Army.

It is also carrying out strikes in Yemen against al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

AQAP boasts one of the world's most feared bomb makers, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, and it has been a persistent concern to the U.S. government ever since a 2009 attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; editing by Clelia Oziel)
Domestic prices in Chinas key Tangshan market have fluctuated during the week, which prompted Chinese traders to lower or increase their export offers to overseas customers accordingly, market participants told Metal Bulletin.

Prices ended the week at 2,970 yuan ($431) per tonne including VAT on Friday April 28, a big jump of 140 yuan ($20) per tonne from Thursday and up by 190 yuan ($28) per tonne from the previous Friday.

Looking ahead, several market participants were still unconvinced about the sustainability of this latest pricing rally in China.

Customers are not accepting this price increase from China, one trader in Indonesia said. Personally, I dont accept it either.

Southeast Asia

Only two bookings were heard last week in Southeast Asia, the first of which was around $395 per tonne cfr in Indonesia late on April 25, for a total of 35,000 tonnes of Chinese billet in different sizes and specifications.

Most of the other offers that the buyer received, however, were above $400 per tonne cfr, as prices in China on Tuesday were moving up amid rumours about possible production cuts in Hebei province.

On April 27, a small booking of 5,000 tonnes of Q275-grade, 120mm billet was heard at $400 per tonne cfr Manila in the Philippines.

Offers to Filipino customers varied widely throughout the week, however, from as low as $400 per tonne cfr up to $425-430 per tonne cfr.

If the traders keep changing prices that much, there will be no bookings here, one Manila-based trader said on Friday.

CIS, Middle East-North Africa

In the CIS market, prices were also mixed because of the fluctuations in China.

Most Russian mills remained out of the market to the end of the week, with a few offer prices around $375-385 per tonne fob Black Sea, unchanged from earlier in the week.

The higher prices from China, however, did prompt some traders to offer higher numbers, at around $390 per tonne fob, for material from both Russian and Ukrainian mills.

One deal for Russian material was heard on April 26 at $388 per tonne cfr Turkey, with the cost of freight estimated around $15 per tonne.

Bids from Turkey were heard hovering around $380-385 per tonne cfr, equivalent to $365-370 per tonne Black Sea.

Turkish mills got some lower scrap offers from Europe and they do not want to pay higher for billet, a Turkish source said.

No bookings were heard in Egypt or the UAE.

Vlada Novokreshchenova in Dnepr contributed to this report.
TrueBlue, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides specialized workforce solutions in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It operates through three segments: PeopleReady, PeopleManagement, and PeopleScout. The PeopleReady segment offers contingent staffing solutions for blue-collar, on-demand, and skilled labor in construction, manufacturing and logistics, warehousing and distribution, waste and recycling, energy, retail, hospitality, and general labor industries. The PeopleManagement segment provides contingent labor and outsourced industrial workforce solutions. This segment also offers on-site management and recruitment for the contingent industrial workforce of manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution facilities; and recruitment and management of contingent and dedicated commercial drivers to the transportation and distribution industries under the Staff Management, SIMOS Insourcing Solutions, and Centerline Drivers brands. The PeopleScout segment offers permanent employee recruitment process outsourcing services; and manages clients' contingent labor programs comprising vendor selection, performance management, compliance monitoring, and risk management. The company was formerly known as Labor Ready, Inc. and changed its name to TrueBlue, Inc. in December 2007. TrueBlue, Inc. was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington.
AutoZone, Inc. retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps, as well as tire repairs. In addition, the company offers maintenance products, such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluids; brake drums, rotors, shoes, and pads; brake and power steering fluids, and oil and fuel additives; oil and transmission fluids; oil, cabin, air, fuel, and transmission filters; oxygen sensors; paints and accessories; refrigerants and accessories; shock absorbers and struts; spark plugs and wires; and windshield wipers. Further, it provides air fresheners, cell phone accessories, drinks and snacks, floor mats and seat covers, interior and exterior accessories, mirrors, performance products, protectants and cleaners, sealants and adhesives, steering wheel covers, stereos and radios, tools, and wash and wax products, as well as towing services. Additionally, the company provides a sales program that offers commercial credit and delivery of parts and other products; sells automotive diagnostic and repair software under the ALLDATA brand through alldata.com; and automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products through autozone.com. As of August 27, 2022, it operated 6,168 stores in the United States; 703 stores in Mexico; and 72 stores in Brazil. The company was founded in 1979 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee.
June 12, 1975  April 17, 2017

MERIDIAN  Gabriel Gabe Gene Kleinkopf, age 41, passed away at Intermountain Medical Center in SLC, UT on April 17, 2017 from acute heart related complications.

The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.Mark Twain

Gabe was born June 12, 1975 to his parents, Karl and Sally Kleinkopf. On April 23, 1999, Gabe married his soul mate, Shelly Jean Wells in Twin Falls, Idaho. They were married for 17 years at the time of his death and have two brilliant and beautiful daughters. Gabe graduated from Twin Falls High School (1993), CSI, and obtained his Masters Degree from ISU. Gabe and his family resided in Twin Falls until July 2016, when they relocated to Meridian, Idaho.

Gabe is survived by his beautiful wife Shelly; two adorable daughters; Kassidy and Payten; His parents, Karl and Sally Kleinkopf; two sisters, Kami Korsen (Mike Sallee) and Kelsey OLeary (Pat); Father-in-law, Lynn Wells; Mother-in-law, Connie Halstead; Brother-in-laws, Chad Wells and Jeramy Wells; Sister-in-law Shauna Eastman (Jeff); three nieces and three nephews; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; and a beloved Golden Retriever, Redlin.

Growing up in Twin Falls, Gabe enjoyed white water rafting, kayaking, years of family camping trips and cherished the times hunting and fishing with his dad. Those childhood joys carried over into his later years after he became a loving husband and father. Gabe created his own family adventures by introducing the outdoors at a young age to Kassidy and Payten. Adventures that included long camping weekends, four-wheeling, road trips all over Idaho and enjoying a spontaneous bike ride with Shelly wherever the road decided to take them. Gabe even taught his two daughters to safely target shoot in the event there was a Zombie Apocalypse.

Most people knew Gabe as a movie lover, but his family would like to think of him as a movie critic and fanatic. His love of movies and cinema were both intense and infectious to those who entertained a conversation with him about movies, theatre and cinema. Gabe had a passion and love for both reading and writing. His love of philosophical research, poetry and history lead him to read and study works by Nietzsche; the Koran; the Bible; E.E. Cummings and hundreds of other historical, religious and philosophical books.

Gabe was fearless in his life. It was this respected quality that lead him to have lifelong friends that stem from childhood, to social media outlets and even more the CSI, where he was considered a precious friend, colleague, patient teacher and loyal ally to everyone he adored and respected. He loved to debate for the underdog and enjoyed his noon luncheons trading brain teasers with his professors.

Gabe touched everyone with his brilliant soul that was admired and respected for the endearing and authentic way he lived his lifewith humor, kindness, generosity and un-ironically, big heart.

Donations can be made to First Federal Savings branches in the Magic Valley to the Gabe Kleinkopf Memorial Fund.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Canyon Crest Event Center, 330 Canyon Crest Dr, Twin Falls, Idaho. Informal attire is requested. Cremation was under the direction of Serenity Funeral Chapel Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services of Idaho, Twin Falls. Condolences may be shared at www.serenityfuneralchapel.com.
Enbridge Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company. The company operates through five segments: Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution and Storage, Renewable Power Generation, and Energy Services. The Liquids Pipelines segment operates pipelines and related terminals to transport various grades of crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons in Canada and the United States. The Gas Transmission and Midstream segment invests in natural gas pipelines, and gathering and processing facilities in Canada and the United States. The Gas Distribution and Storage segment is involved in natural gas utility operations serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Ontario, as well as natural gas distribution and energy transportation activities in Quebec. The Renewable Power Generation segment operates power generating assets, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and waste heat recovery facilities; and transmission assets in North America and Europe. The Energy Services segment provides energy marketing services to refiners, producers, and other customers; and physical commodity marketing and logistical services in Canada and the United States. The company was formerly known as IPL Energy Inc. and changed its name to Enbridge Inc. in October 1998. Enbridge Inc. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Consolidated Edison, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,555 customers in parts of Manhattan. The company also supplies electricity to approximately 0.3 million customers in southeastern New York and northern New Jersey; and gas to approximately 0.1 million customers in southeastern New York. In addition, it operates 533 circuit miles of transmission lines; 15 transmission substations; 64 distribution substations; 87,564 in-service line transformers; 3,924 pole miles of overhead distribution lines; and 2,291 miles of underground distribution lines, as well as 4,350 miles of mains and 377,971 service lines for natural gas distribution. Further, the company owns, operates, and develops renewable and energy infrastructure projects; and provides energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers, as well as invests in electric and gas transmission projects. It primarily sells electricity to industrial, commercial, residential, and government customers. The company was founded in 1823 and is based in New York, New York.
Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. The Consumer Banking and Lending segment offers diversified financial products and services for consumers and small businesses. Its financial products and services include checking and savings accounts, and credit and debit cards, as well as home, auto, personal, and small business lending services. The Commercial Banking segment provides financial solutions to private, family owned, and certain public companies. Its products and services include banking and credit products across various industry sectors and municipalities, secured lending and lease products, and treasury management services. The Corporate and Investment Banking segment offers a suite of capital markets, banking, and financial products and services to corporate, commercial real estate, government, and institutional clients. Its products and services comprise corporate banking, investment banking, treasury management, commercial real estate lending and servicing, equity, and fixed income solutions, as well as sales, trading, and research capabilities services. The Wealth and Investment Management segment provides personalized wealth management, brokerage, financial planning, lending, private banking, and trust and fiduciary products and services to affluent, high-net worth, and ultra-high-net worth clients. It also operates through financial advisors. Wells Fargo & Company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company's Instrumentation segment offers monitoring and control instruments for marine, environmental, industrial, and other applications, as well as electronic test and measurement equipment; and power and communications connectivity devices for distributed instrumentation systems and sensor networks. Its Digital Imaging segment provides visible spectrum sensors and digital cameras for industrial machine vision and automated quality control, as well as for medical, research, and scientific applications; and infrared and X-ray spectra for use in industrial, government, and medical applications, as well as micro electromechanical systems and semiconductors, including analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters. This segment also offers thermal imaging systems, visible-light imaging systems, locater systems, measurement and diagnostic systems, and threat-detection solutions. The company's Aerospace and Defense Electronics segment provides electronic components and subsystems, as well as communications products, such as defense electronics, environment interconnects, data acquisition and communications equipment for aircraft, components and subsystems for wireless and satellite communications, and general aviation batteries. Its Engineered Systems segment offers systems engineering and integration, technology development, and manufacturing solutions for defense, space, environmental, and energy applications; and designs and manufactures electrochemical energy systems and electronics for military applications. The company markets and sells its products and services through a direct internal sales force, as well as third-party sales representatives and distributors. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California.
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer and distributor of professional beauty supplies. The company operates through two segments, Sally Beauty Supply and Beauty Systems Group. The Sally Beauty Supply segment offers beauty products, including hair color and care products, skin and nail care products, styling tools, and other beauty products for retail customers, salons, and salon professionals. This segment also provides products under third-party brands, such as Wella, Clairol, OPI, Conair, and L'Oreal, as well as exclusive-label brand merchandise. The Beauty Systems Group segment offers professional beauty products, such as hair color and care products, skin and nail care products, styling tools, and other beauty items directly to salons and salon professionals through its professional-only stores, e-commerce platforms, and sales force, as well as through franchised stores under the Armstrong McCall store name. This segment also sells products under third-party brands, such as Paul Mitchell, Wella, Matrix, Schwarzkopf, Kenra, Goldwell, Joico, and Olaplex. As of September 30, 2021, the company operated 4,777 stores, including 134 franchised units in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. It also distributes its products through full-service/exclusive distributors, open-line distributors, direct sales, and mega-salon stores. Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Denton, Texas.
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. Ltd., Priority Air Express UK Limited, Priority Air Holdings Corp, Priority Solutions International, Promedica Pty Limited, Proxeon, Proxeon Biosystems ApS, Qiagen, REP GBP I-B Blocker Inc., Raymond A Lamb Limited, Remel Europe Limited, Remel Inc., Richard-Allan Scientific Company, Robbins Scientific LLC, Robocon Labor- und Industrieroboter Gesellschaft m.b.H, Rupprecht and Patashnick, Rupprecht and Patashnick (R&P), Russell pH Limited, S.C.I. du 10 rue Dugay Trouin, SCI Inno 92, STC Bio Manufacturing Inc., Samco Scientific (Monterrey) LLC, Samco Scientific LLC, Saroph Sweden AB, Schantz Road LLC, Seradyn Inc., Shanghai Life Technologies Biotechnology Co. Limited, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (C-I) Trading Co. Ltd, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (S) Trading Co. Ltd, Southern Trials (Pty) Ltd., Specialty (SMI) Inc., Spectra-Physics AB, Spectra-Physics Holdings Limited, Spectra-Physics Holdings USA LLC, Spectronex, Staten Island Cogeneration Corporation, Sterilin Limited, Stokes Bio Ltd., Sweden DIA (Sweden) AB, SwissAnalytic Group GmbH, Systems Manufacturing Corporation, TFLP LLC, TFS Breda B.V., TFS LLC, TFS Singapore HK Limited, TFSL Financing GP LLC, TFSL Senior GP Holdings 2 LLC, TK Partnership, TKA Wasseraufbereitungssysteme, TMOI Inc., TPI Real Estate Holdings LLC, TSP Holdings I LLC, TWX LLC, Technology Design Solutions Pty Ltd, Thermedics Detection de Argentina S.R.L, Thermo Allen Coding Limited, Thermo Asset Management Services Inc., Thermo BioAnalysis LLC, Thermo BioAnalysis Limited, Thermo BioSciences Holdings LLC, Thermo CIDTEC, Thermo CRS Holdings Ltd., Thermo CRS Ltd., Thermo Cambridge Limited, Thermo Cayman Holdings Ltd., Thermo Corporation, Thermo DMA Inc., Thermo Detection de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Dutch Holdings Limited Partnership, Thermo EGS Gauging LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings I LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings II LLC, Thermo Eberline LLC, Thermo Electron (Calgary) Limited, Thermo Electron (Chile) S.p.A., Thermo Electron (Karlsruhe) GmbH, Thermo Electron (Management Services) Limited, Thermo Electron (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Electron A/S, Thermo Electron Australia Pty Limited, Thermo Electron Export Inc., Thermo Electron Holdings SAS, Thermo Electron Industries, Thermo Electron LED GmbH, Thermo Electron LED S.A.S., Thermo Electron Limited, Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited, Thermo Electron Metallurgical Services Inc., Thermo Electron North America LLC, Thermo Electron Pension Trust GmbH, Thermo Electron Puerto Rico Inc., Thermo Electron SAS, Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC, Thermo Electron Sweden AB, Thermo Electron Sweden Forvaltning AB, Thermo Electron Weighing & Inspection Limited, Thermo Elemental Limited, Thermo Environmental Instruments LLC, Thermo Fast U.K. Limited, Thermo Finland Holdings LLC, Thermo Finland Holdings MT1 B.V., Thermo Finland Holdings MT2 B.V., Thermo Finnigan LLC, Thermo Finnigan Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Malta Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN-I) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (CN-II) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings I Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings II Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings 2) LLC, Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) II Limited, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Heysham) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Kandel) GmbH, Thermo Fisher CHK Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust II, Thermo Fisher Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Thermo Fisher Cyprus Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Detection Mexico LLC, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics (Ireland) Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AB, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AG, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Aps, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Austria GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics B.V., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics K.K., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics NV, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.L.U., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.p.A. , Thermo Fisher Diagnostics SAS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Thermo Fisher Eurobonds Ltd., Thermo Fisher Financial Services Inc., Thermo Fisher GP LLC, Thermo Fisher German Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Germany B.V., Thermo Fisher India Divestco Private Limited, Thermo Fisher India Holding B.V., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Thermo Fisher Israel Ltd., Thermo Fisher Production et Services SAS, Thermo Fisher Project Cyprus LLC, Thermo Fisher Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Australia) C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Barbados) Holdings Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Breda) Holding BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (CN) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China-HK) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (DE) Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Ecublens) SARL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance II) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Fuji) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Holding II) B.V. & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Johannesburg) (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mexico City) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Milwaukee) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mississauga) Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Monterrey) S. De R.L. De C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (NK) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) Austria Holding GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-I) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-II) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN1) UK Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) Dutch LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Praha) s.r.o., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) GmbH & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Schweiz) AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Instruments Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Suzhou) Instruments Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific AL-1 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific AU II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Aquasensors LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V.B.A., Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (I) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (II) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics UAB, Thermo Fisher Scientific Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Biosciences Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brahms LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Instrumentos de Processo Ltda., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Servicos de Logistica Ltda, Thermo Fisher Scientific C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cayman Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific China (C-I) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China (S) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings IV B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings Aps, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus IV C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus V C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Denmark Senior Holdings ApS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie 1 Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Europe GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC Finance C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSUKHCO Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Falcon Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Finance Company BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific GENEART GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Germany BV & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific HR Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) I, Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) II , Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings Europe Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific IT Services GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Malta) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments Malta (Sweden Financing) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Invitrogen Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., Thermo Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific LSI Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments III S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments IV S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life NL Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Netherlands Holding C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Switzerland Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Tech Korea Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Enterprise Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investments Holding LP, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Luxembourg Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Enterprise Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg German Holdings S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Life Technologies UK Holding S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings I S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings II S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malta Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Messtechnik GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Mexico City S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Middle East Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Milano Srl, Thermo Fisher Scientific NHK Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Holdings, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway Holdings AS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway US Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Operating Company LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 C.V, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Panama I Cayman Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Peru S.R.L., Thermo Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific SL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Financing LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Holdings Australia LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific South Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific SpA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg I S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Investments Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Switzerland Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific TR Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Taiwan Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific West Palm Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Wissenschaftliche Gerate GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Worldwide Investments (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific eCommerce Solutions LLC , Thermo Fisher Senior Canada Holdings LLC, Thermo Foundation Inc., Thermo Gamma-Metrics Holdings Pty Ltd., Thermo Gamma-Metrics LLC, Thermo Gamma-Metrics Pty Ltd, Thermo Holding European Operations LLC, Thermo Hypersil Ltd, Thermo Hypersil-Keystone LLC, Thermo Informatics Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., Thermo Instrument Controls de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Thermo Kevex X-Ray LLC, Thermo Keytek LLC, Thermo LabSystems Inc., Thermo LabSystems S.A., Thermo Life Science International Trading (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Thermo Life Sciences AB, Thermo Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo MF Physics LLC, Thermo Measurement Ltd, Thermo Measuretech Canada Inc., Thermo Neslab LLC, Thermo Nicolet Limited, Thermo Onix Limited, Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd., Thermo Optek Limited, Thermo Optek S.A., Thermo Orion Inc., Thermo Portable Holdings LLC, Thermo Power Corporation, Thermo Process Instruments GP LLC, Thermo Process Instruments L.P., Thermo Projects Limited, Thermo Quest S.A., Thermo Radiometrie Limited, Thermo Ramsey Italia S.r.l., Thermo Ramsey LLC, Thermo Ramsey S.A., Thermo Re Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Pte Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Sdn Bhd, Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc., Thermo Scientific Services Inc., Thermo Securities Corporation, Thermo Sentron Canada Inc., Thermo Sentron Limited, Thermo Shandon Inc., Thermo Shandon Limited, Thermo Suomi Holding B.V., Thermo TLH (UK) Limited, Thermo TLH L.P., Thermo Trace Pty Ltd., Thermo-Fisher Biochemical Product (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ThermoLase LLC, ThermoSpectra Limited, Trek Diagnostic Systems LLC, Trek Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Trek Holding Company II Ltd., Trek Holding Company Ltd., Trex Medical Corporation, USB Corporation, Union Lab Supplies Limited, United Diagnostics Inc., VG Systems Limited, Westover Scientific Inc., ZAO PE Biosystems, eBioscience GmbH, eBioscience Ltd, eBioscience SAS, and picoSpin LLC.

Read More
28.04.2017 LISTEN

Chiefs and people of the Gomoa East District of the Central Region have accepted President's Nominee Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo for the position of District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area.

They started jubilations minutes after the announcement that Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo had been nominated as the Gomoa East District Chief.

According to them the announcement was long overdue as they had been expecting it from the Presidency.

Reacting to news at separate locations, they contended that Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo performed creditably in his capacity as the Chairman of the Gomoa Central constituency branch of the NPP leading to its dual victory in the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Mr. Andy Kobina Odoom, a native of Gomoa Postin expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo for the nomination.

" Am highly delighted that Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo had been picked to lead Gomoa East District and to ensure it's total development.

Am extremely hopeful that our great district would gain its lost image and glory. Gomoa East District has been deprived over the past 8 years.

Poverty, illiteracy, poor infrastructure as well as unemployment has been the order of the day. This has compelled the people especially the youth trooping to urban and city centers to seek for greener pastures "

Mr. Andy Kobina Odoom noted that with the change of government and subsequent appointment of Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo things were going to change for the betterment of the people in all the over 56 communities in the Gomoa East District.

The Assembly Member for Gomoa Benso Electoral Area, Hon. Kweku Nyarko Koomson in an interview with newsmen noted that the Assembly Members were ready to confirm the President's nominee to enhance the development of the district.

He pledged the support of the Assembly Member to the nominee adding that his confirmation would be one of the smoothest in the history of the Gomoa East District.

" Being Assistant Secretary for the NPP in the Gomoa East constituency and having worked with Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo, I wasn't surprised when everybody jumped into jubilations when his name was announced.

The entire executives in Gomoa Central and East constituencies have expressed their appreciation to H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo for the nomination "

Later in an interview, the NPP Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Hon. Naana Eyiah Quansah commended the vetting committees at the various levels for their high sense of maturity in picking the applicants.

She also lauded constituency executives in the district for exhibing unity and coexistence in the run up the nomination of the DCE for the Gomoa East, Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo.

" Today has become one of my happiest moment. This day has confirmed that hard work really pays and we should all emunate the selfless contribution of Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo towards society and our political party.

Am also happy that all the Assembly Members, elected and appointees are in a hurry to confirm him to spearhead development and to implement all the policies of H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo led NPP government for the Gomoa East District. "

Street jams and jubilations were held in almost all the communities in the District especially at Gomoa Aboso where Mr. Benjamin Kojo Otoo hails from amidst drumming and dancing.
Dr. J.B, Danquah did not fold his arms about matters he thought required correction by President Kwame Nkrumah as evidenced by a number of letters he wrote to him. These letters did not however helped matters as they appeared to have unnerved an already suspicious President who went ahead to have him arrested and detained.

In subsequent editions I would present some of these correspondences with a view to having us consider same in our assessment of the conditions which led the President to regard Dr. J.B Danquah as a man whose freedom did not inure to the interest of his government and the state.

The following letter dated as in the headline is as interesting as it is revealing.

Dear Dr. Nkrumah,

I have been wanting to write to you about the falsification of certain facts of our countrys history in certain sections of our newspaper press, but the repetition of the bomb explosion, followed by the natural upsurge of public indignation, compelled me to restrain my hands from a belief that you and your staff might be undergoing a severe strain, either of labour or of emotion, and that you must be spared the extra expenditure of energy to look into such matters closely.

Judging, however, from the strong terms of the demarche issued by the Presidents Office following recent complaints by Embassies and other organisations regarding articles appearing in some Ghanaian newspapers and commentaries on the Ghana Radio, and following also the emphatic statement of the view that the Ghana Government does not control the day-to-day operations of publicity media, whose freedom to publicise their views is recognised as a fundamental corner-stone of the peoples liberty, it has become clear to me that your Office and Staff are likely to be interested in, and, indeed, concerned with, any of such newspaper articles which tend to jeopardise the national interest, or to infringe the sacred boundaries of the facts constituting our nations history.

The accompanying letter dated 4th September, 1962, and addressed to Your Excellency, is now being signed and dispatched because I have come across a repetition of the same kind of objectionable and disturbing matter in the Ghanaian Times of September 21, 1962, in which this time those insulted are not the special national leaders of our past, and the people in general, but our farmers in particular.

The person responsible for the article, who writes on the subject, Period of Bliss under the Leader, signs it with the name Willie Donkor.

At page 9 of the said newspaper, Willie Donkor writes: Ghanas independence has been a relief to our farmers, for before then, the farmers were cheated most of all . It was our colonial masters who decided what price they wanted to pay for their crops. The poor farmers had no mouth to protest against the offer even if the price was meager, for there was no second person to compete with the 'masters.' It was a trade monopoly in the strictest sense.

What do we see now? The nation has established a centralised corporation which handles all crops in the country and fixes reasonable prices for the respective crops.

This statement not only falsified our countrys proud history of successive achievements from the early course taken by the national intelligence to shape our liberation from economic and other forms of imperialism, but it actually makes it appear as if until independence, no one in Ghana, or the Gold Coast as it was then, had any guts(or mouth) to meet and resist oppression or economic deprivation.

What, however, are the facts? One instance of what the facts are in respect of the cocoa hold up and boycott of European goods,is succinctly set forth at pages 70 to 72 of Dr F.M. Bourret's outstanding monograph on our country entitled The Gold Coast, published in 1949 by the Stanford University Press and a second edition of which has since been issued.

African accused him of favouring the opposite side, (rootnote .1..0; J. D. Danquah, Liberty of the Subject, pages 9-24. This pamphlet gives an interesting account of the holdup by an African writer).

It is common place knowledge to any assiduous student of Ghanaian history (at least I thought so) that this great incident of the third decade of the century led eventually to the appointment of the Nowell Commission, and the Commissions Report led to the establishment of the Cocoa Marketing Board in its original form, namely, with a right in the farmers to appoint their own

representatives on the Board and to help fix the buying price.

The establishment of the Board led to a steady improvement in the methods of marketing cocoa and it led also to a rise in the price from what it was in 1937 (44 a ton) to what it became in 1951-52, namely 4 per head-load of 60 lb. or 149 6s. 8d. per ton the highest paid since the institution of the Gold Coast Marketing Board in 1947. (My italics: ECONOMIC SURVEY 1952, page 15 paragraph 52).

I do not dwell at length on the other political consequences of the decision taken by the farmers at that important meeting which was held at Suhum to reject the Pool Agreement, but it is a fact that but for the revolutionary action of the farmers in 1937, backed by the Chiefs and the intelligentsia, there would not have been nearly enough money saved in Ghanas national finances at home and abroad for the independence of the country to have been launched on a buoyant financial basis 20 years later in 1957, or on the assumption of self-government in 1951.

I think, Sir, that we in this country often neglected to count our blessings and we abuse our ex-oppressors, the imperialists, much more than we praise our own ancestors for the good they did for us.

I personally do not think we do ourselves any good to let our young people believe that for centuries our own people were incapable of helping themselves in any way, while the so-called imperialists were capable of fooling or cheating them all the time.

The painful thing is that these facts about the cocoa hold-up must be known to the Editor of the Ghanaian Times and his intelligent and able staff, some of whom, such as Mr. R. B. Wuta Ofei, played a worthy part with the newspaper campaign of the time for the farmers and against the Pool. It seems to me that with such staff and advisers available, the nation

ought to be spared these grating upsets of the countrys mile-posts in history by writers who would not care to verify their facts.

However, the reason by which I write to you about Mr. Willie Donkors article is not to pray that Your Excellency may take any particular step in the matter. I mention it here to fortify my hands in bringing Mr. Cecil Fordes article in an earlier issue of the same paper to your Excellencys particular notice, because, in regard to that, I believe that really effective action can only be taken at the highest national level, namely, by the President of Ghana calling upon Mr Forde, his employee, to apologise to the nation for the insults he offers to our country and to the builders of our nations history.

In another part of the same issue of the Ghanaian Times, actually in the editorial of September 21, 1962, a similar false picture is given of our nations history to the effect that In the mining areas and in other trading stores, offices and establishments throughout the country, wages were as low as 9d., Is. 3d. and Is. 6d. a day, for the toiling and intimidated masses who suffered

a ruthless exploitation from the colonialist vampires.

The Editor suggests that this was the position when you, Sir, came to power as the government of the land. The same tale is given classic statement at page 11, paragraph 40 of Work and Happiness, a document issued under the signature of the Party in power, the Convention Peoples Party, but printed by the Governments Press. It is stated categorically in the Partys Draft

Programme that When the Party (i.e. the Convention Peoples Party) came into power (in February 1951) wages were as low as 9d. per day.

The truth, of course, is that quite apart from the general rise in salary scales brought about by the Revised Conditions of Service for the Civil Service, (Sessional Paper No. 1 of 1947), the Korsah Committee, composed of Mr. Justice (now Sir) K. A. Korsah, Mr. L. A. Northcroft and Nana Kwame Fori II, did in Sessional Paper No.5 of 1947, raised wages generally from Is. 4d.

to 2s. 9d. in Accra, Sekondi-Takoradi, Kumasi and Railway centres; and from Is. to 2s. 6d. in the Southern Section, and from 6d. to 2s. in the Northern Section.

In the same year, by reason of claims by the Trade Union for higher wages in the mines, the William Gorman Arbitration was appointed on which men like G. E. Moore and W. E. G. Sekyi and ONeil Cromwell served.

The Gorman Award, issued in 1947, was very nearly in accord with the demands made by Mr. J. N. Same, General President of the Gold Coast Mines Employees Union. .

The wages awarded ranged from 2s. minimum, 2s. 6d. maximum for miscellaneous surface labourers, 2s. 6d. minimum and 3s. maximum for mines labourers; for carpenters, masons, painters and blacksmiths 4s. minimum! and 6s. 6d. maximum; and for stenographers 6s. 6d. minimum, 10s. maximum- per day.

I am not saying that these wages were high. They may have been adequate. in relation to the cost of living at the time. What I am saying is that it is historically inaccurate and misleading for the Editor of a newspaper, or the writer of a responsible or serious Party publication, to state that wages in force in 1951 were 9d., or Is. 3d. or Is. 6d. a day, when the public evidence of the actual position in the matter is something quite the contrary.

I think, Sir, that we in Ghana have a big job of work to do, and that if we build our foundations on the basis of facts or truth we are likely to go far, but we will encounter enormous difficulties and misplaced repercussions if the new generation of young and adolescent people are not led to see matters in their true colours.

With this said, I stop here, to direct your specific attention to my letter written early this month, and which I now have the honour to submit to you for most serious consideration to save the nations name and our ancestors record from undue blemishes.

With my warm regard and best wishes for your safety I remain,

Yours very sincerely,

By AR Gomda
In Ghana and all over the world, Muslim leaders such as Imams and Islamic Scholars have begun preparing the minds of Muslims through preaching in mosques to take part in the Ramadan Fast expected to begin in the coming days. The National Chief Imam of Ghana Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu Federation of Muslim Councils of Ghana (FMC) will activate a body known as Hilal Committee to provide advice on how to take part in the coming Ramada Fast

Ramadan Fast

Fasting the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars upon which Islam is built. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Islam is built upon [the following] five pillars: testifying that there is no God except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, the establishment of the prayer, the giving of zakah, the fast of Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Makkah. [1]

Ramadan 1438 AH:

Saturday, 27 May 2017,

The first day of Ramadan 1438 is expected to fall on. First Qiyaam al-layl (Tarawih prayer) will accordingly be on Friday night 26 May 2017, InshaAllah. [2] Muslims are encouraged to look for the crescent of the moon of Ramadan from 25 May 2017 (29 Shaban 1438).

Ramadan  month of obligatory fasting: Allah says:

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), s/he must observe Sawm (fast) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fast) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Greatest)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him. [al-Baqarah 2:185]

How to Prepare for Ramadan?

The Sahaaba used to prepare for Ramadan six months in advance. They used to pray to Allah for six months that they would live until Ramadan (with a strong religious commitment and good physical/mental health). So, if you really wish to make the best of this Ramadan then prepare for it in advance. If you have not yet started, you may consider starting now!

In preparation for Ramadan, the following are recommended:

Take stock of ourselves and reflect on our individual/collective strengths and shortcomings. Make sincere repentance from sins between you and your Lord, and between you and other human beings by giving them their rights , and seek forgiveness. Ask Allah to let you live until Ramadan with a strong religious commitment and good physical/mental health.

III. Discharge the duty of any outstanding obligatory fasts from the previous Ramadan (if any).

IV. Seek knowledge (e.g. by reading the Quran, its tafseer/commentary, [3] and books on fasting) so that you will be able to understand and follow/apply correctly the Islamic teachings including those applicable to fasting and the virtues of Ramadan. Prepare your family members for Ramadan.

Strive to apply the commands that you read in the Quran.

VI. Hasten to complete any tasks that may distract you from observing, or concentrating to the maximum extent possible on, acts of worship before Ramadan begins.

Fast some days of the month of Shaban (corresponding to most of May 2017) in preparation for fasting Ramadan.

It was narrated that Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast until we said: He will not break his fast, and he used not to fast until we said: He will not fast. And I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) complete a month of fasting except Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more in any month than in Shaban. [4]

May Allah:

enable us live until Ramadan, perfect for us the blessing of Ramadan, help us fast the month of Ramadan, pray qiyaam (taraaweeh/tahajud with humility and focus, pondering the meanings of what is recited) throughout Ramadan, spend more generously on the poor and the needy (including those in detention);

(b) enable us refrain consistently from doing bad deeds; and

(c) accept our righteous words and good deeds (acts of worship), forgive us our shortcomings, and help us to be sincere in secret and in public.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

Al Islam

2 Shaban 1438 (28 April 2017)
Accra, April 28, GNA - Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Chairman of the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) Volta Region Caucus in Parliament, has affirmed the determination of the caucus to rally members and party faithful for the re-organisation of the NDC as it prepares for Election 2020.

Describing the Krachi East Constituency, which lost the constituency seat to the majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2016 elections as 'orphaned,' Mr Bedzrah said the caucus was working very hard to regain the parliamentary seat.

Speaking to journalists, at the Parliament House in Accra, Mr Bedzrah said the caucus would strive to provide resources to keep the party active in the region and to reclaim the Krachi East Constituency in Election 2020.

'I will make sure we get the constituencies back,' Mr Bedzrah assured.

He corroborated an earlier interview with Mr James Avedzi, MP for Ketu North and Deputy Minority Leader that the caucus meant to give the constituencies in the region hope, and that all was not lost after the party lost its majority and the presidency to the NPP in the last elections.

Consequently, the caucus divided itself into four groups, which visited and interacted with party members and voters in the constituencies.

They assured them that the caucus would not leave them to their fate but would visit them every quarter and provide them with resources to keep party and hope alive.

In the case of the Krachi East Constituency, Mr Bedzrah said the loss of the seat demanded that party provided it with leadership and direction; hence the caucus would be in constant touch with the executives of NDC in the area.

It would also ensure that it kept the majority on it toes for a fair share of resources and development projects from the central government in the interest of the Krachi East Constituency.

Mr Bedzrah, who is also the Ranking Member of the Government Assurances Committee said some of the constituencies the groups visited were Ho Central, Ho West South Dayi, Krachi East, Krachi West and Agotime-Ziope Constituencies.

'We were the people, as a group, to give an account of our presence in Parliament, since January 7, and we told them on what we have been doing in the last 100 days,' Mr Bedzrah said.

He said the constituents were happy to see the MPs as a group, and not just one MP addressing them; and they were reporting back to them.

'We told them that all was not lost, and despite being in the Minority, we have been doing our best to keep the Government on its toes. We'll also ensure that the Government does what is best for the Volta Region.'

Mr Bedzrah said the caucus would soon organise a 'thank you tour' in Krachi East Constituency, during which it would engage in reconciliation moves to patch up differences that occurred among some party members during the last general elections.

He underlined the need for the party structures to be in constant touch with the grassroots and address seeming or real problem as part of the reconciliation process.

Also, there is the need to respect the executives of the party, and give them what is due, rather than all attention being focused on the youth, explaining that the two must complement each other to ensure the best for the NDC.

Mr Daniel Kwasi Ashiameh, MP for Buem, a member of the caucus, said the group explained issues about the party to the constituents, and 'we also allowed them to speak their minds'.

He said: 'We do not like being in opposition, and we are calling attention for all to work together for the benefit of the party.'

He advised all NDC MPs to work very hard, and partnering all stakeholders to retain their seats in 2020.

GNA
29.04.2017 LISTEN

Accra, April 29, GNA- Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, the Behavioural Change Communication Specialist of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has observed that there is a remarkable reduction in malaria cases in terms of prevalence rate.

He said Ghana, which was now in a hyper transmission area had a major decline in malaria cases and deaths with a significant reduction from 50 per cent in 2002 to 20.4 per cent in 2006.

'Out of every 100 children admitted, under five malaria death cases dropped from 14.4 per cent in 2000 to 0.32 per cent in 2016,' he said.

Mr Dzudzorli Gakpey made the observation in Accra on Saturday at the Infanta Community Outreach Programme for market people in Accra.

The outreach programme which was organised by the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, Chaired by Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady, was a collaborative initiative between the GHS, leaders of the Tema Station Market, Transportation Unions, Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the National Malaria Control Programme.

He said even though, suspected malaria cases increased by 6.9 per cent in 2016 as compared with the previous year, admission and deaths attributed to the disease however decreased by 6.3 per cent in 2015 and 24.6 per cent in 2016.

Mr Dzudzorli Gakpey noted that all age's cases reduced from 3, 882 in 2000 to 1, 264 in 2016 translating in 4.2 per cent reduction in all ages in the country.

On pregnant women, he observed that unlike previously, pregnant women were now being protected with not more than five per cent dying from the epidemic.

He therefore advised the citizenry to protect themselves against malaria by sleeping under treated mosquito nets as well as the usage of repellents.

Mrs Ruth Nylander, the Deputy Administrative Director of Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said the outreach programme was part of activities marking this year's World Malaria Day in Ghana.

She said Infanta had being doing the community outreach programme for the past 12 years now and so 'Today's engagement is a build on with the GHS to help our women, men, children, head potters and vulnerable in society on ways to control the epidemic', she said.

Mr Iddris Buabeng, the Technical Advisor of Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, speaking on the Global theme: 'End Malaria for Good,' advised the public to sleep under treated mosquito nets, get tested and be treated.

On the location, Mr Buabeng explained that the control of malaria was about awareness and the market was a strategic place that would help the organisers to share knowledge with beneficiaries of the free health screening on the measure to adopt in controlling the plaque.

The beneficiaries who comprised women, men, children, head potters, market patrons and the public as a whole had the opportunity to be tested, with those who were negative being served with malaria treatment while a treated mosquito net was given everyone who partook in the screening.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed happiness about the programme and called for it to be done regularly.

Madam Emelia Agyei, a trader said the initiative was laudable especially when market women hardly had time for health check-ups and so having this at their door step was a timely intervention for them.

She however called for it to be a regular activity adding that 'If we can have this every three months we will be grateful as it will help us to make informed decisions about our health'. GNA

By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, Feb. 29, GNA - The residents of La in Accra, have been sensitised on 'Get a Decent Toilet at Half Price', being implemented by the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area-Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA-SWP).

The GAMA-SWP is providing improved water supply and toilet facilities at half price for households and schools in low income communities in the 11 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region.

The project, under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is being sponsored by the World Bank with a grant of 150 million dollars.

It was aimed at preventing open defecation and diseases such as cholera.

Alhaji Haruna Salam, the La Municipal Coordinating Director at a forum at the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) told the people that it was an opportune time for them to own a household toilet through the half price project to save money.

He said the first thing landlords should have in mind when putting up a house is a toilet facility and cautioned those who were converting theirs into rooms to stop.

He expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for nominating Madam Gladys Mann Dedey to become the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for LaDMA.

Alhaji Salam appealed to the assembly members to give the nominee whom he described as 'our own,' a resounding vote during her election to become the MCE to enable her to advance the progress of the area.

Nii Anyetei Anokware Nsuro I, the Abesse Adoten Dzaasetse of La in Accra said: 'Ghana being rated 7th in open defaecation in the world and 2nd in Africa while La becoming first as cholera plague community in the country some years back did not speak well of us as humans and therefore we should endeavour to make it a thing of the past.'

He called for the establishment of sanitation brigade whose members would go round the communities to take pictures of insanitary scenes with their smart phones and send them to the assembly for offenders to be summon.

He said fines that might be accrued from the summons part could be paid to the reporter and by so doing they would be creating jobs and worth for themselves as well as helping to keep the environment safe.

Mr Ignatius Dordoe, the Planning Officer of LaDMA took participants through the components of the GAMA project and so far 43 of the toilets had been completed in households while 16 schools projects were ongoing at La. GNA
Accra, April 28, GNA - The United States government has collaborated with some tourism sector stakeholders to enhance the capacity of operators in the hospitality industry in Ghana with the aim of increasing tourism outflow in the country.

Mr Daniel Fennell, the Counselor for the Public Affairs Department of the United States embassy in Ghana said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the sidelines of the maiden Tourism Booster seminar that his country was committed to developing the tourism industry in Ghana.

The Tourism Booster Seminar was organised by Nasoa Services Limited, an event management company in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ghana Tourism Federation, the Musician Union of Ghana and with sponsorship from the United States of America.

Mr Fennell said inasmuch as the American embassy had an interest in ensuring strong political institutions in Ghana, it also had the commitment of ensuring that the economy of Ghana was robust for mutual benefits.

He said the strong economy of Ghana would be a benefit to both Ghanaians and the United States as a trade partner, adding that tourism could be exploited to contribute even larger to the Gross Domestic Product of Ghana.

Mr Fennell said the United States anticipated that its citizens were those who were going to be the largest group of international tourists to benefit from the tourism facilities in the country and therefore supporting the event was in a right direction.

He said 'we have a keen interest here, in making West Africa stable and prosperous because we take that in our interest as well' adding that the collaboration was going to give them a mutual benefit.

On his part, Mr Akwasi Agyemang the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority said they were happy about the initiative saying 'I am happy this training is being led by the private sector.

Mr Agyeman said: 'Tourism is primarily a private sector driven initiative because hotels, restaurants, attraction sites are owned by the private sector and so if the private sector takes up that proactive step, then it behooves on us as an authority to support them.'

He said it was a good collaborative programme and that it tackled two of the core mandates of the authority in building capacity as well as providing collaboration and partnership opportunities within the industry.

Ms Nana Serwaa Osbourne, the Director of Nasoa service said the event sought to build the capacity of various operators in the Ghanaian tourism industry to enhance the service delivery.

According to her, the training had taken place in Elmina, Kumasi and finally in Accra drawing people from the hotel industry, car rentals, tour guides, chefs and stakeholders all over the regions in attendance to help them create a synergy in the value chain of the tourism industry.

Ms Osbourne said this training would become an annual event to help raise the standard of the Ghanaian tourism industry.

In an interview with the GNA, Ms Anna Berrera, a Sustainable Tourism and hospitality Services consultant, who co-facilitated the training said, 'Ghana has a robust hospitality industry but there are not enough tourism packages that brings together, the types of attraction seen across the country.'

Ms Berrera said there was the need to intensify the packaging of tourism products saying, 'tourism is one of the many opportunities for development that competes with a lot of other export industries and so often it is not the number one priority'.

She said in Ghana, where the government's budget allocated only one per cent to the industry's development, it was prudent for the private sector to be organised to meet government half way.

On his part, Mr Yuri Horowitz, a tourism partner and a co-facilitator said the training helped the participants to understand the trend in the industry that tourist now want experiential tourism.

Mr Horowitz said the training also sought to help them appreciate how the individuals in the value chain could work together to achieve a common goal of marketing the industry appropriately.

GNA

By Julius K. Satsi, GNA
Scientists have used a smartphone to control the activity of the living cells inside an animal.

The fusion of biology and technology was used to control blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes.

The idea, described in Science Translational Medicine, could be applied to a wide range of diseases and drug treatments.

And the Chinese researchers say the approach could pave the way for a new era in medicine.

The first step was to turn normal cells into living factories.

They were genetically engineered to manufacture drugs that control blood sugar levels such as insulin  but only in response to light.

The technology is called optogenetics and these cells would kick into gear when exposed to specific wavelengths of red light.

Then comes the tech  a set of wirelessly powered LEDs and a smartphone app to control them.

Researchers at East China Normal University in Shanghai implanted the system into mice and were able to control diabetes with the tap of a touchscreen. Image copyright J SHAO

Image caption The device was implanted under the skin

The team said the findings could pave the way for a new era of personalised, digitalised and globalised precision medicine.

The scientists needed to take tiny drops of blood to know how high the blood sugar levels were so they could calculate how much drug to release inside the animal.

Their ultimate goal is a fully automated system that both detects sugar levels and then releases the right amount of therapeutic chemicals.

This idea is clearly at an early stage, but it is not limited to diabetes. Cells could be engineered to manufacture a wide range of drugs.

Prof Mark Gomelsky, a molecular biologist from the University of Wyoming, said the study was an exciting accomplishment.

He added: How soon should we expect to see people on the street wearing fashionable LED wristbands that irradiate implanted cells engineered to produce genetically encoded drugs under the control of a smartphone?

Not just yet, but the work provides us with an exciting glimpse into the future of smart cell-based therapeutics.


There was an apparent gaffe at the Flagstaff House on Friday, April 28, 2017, when the President Nana Akufo-Addo sat for a photo op with the visiting President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow after bilateral talks.

The Pan-African red, gold and green Ghana flag, was pictured turned upside down, in what appears to be an oversight on the part of the protocol office. The Gambias national flag was however represented correctly with its traditional red, blue and green, separated by white stripes.

Indeed, a Foreign Affairs Minister under the John Mahama government, Hanna Tetteh, pointed out this oversight on Twitter, and attributed it the possible distraction of the protocol office.

This isnt known to be a common occurrence in Ghana, but in 2015, when Charlotte Osei was sworn in as the Electoral Commission Chairperson, she was pictured with the Ghana flag colors upside down, and some onlookers on social media took note.

Hanging a flag upside down in the United States is known to be an officially recognized signal of distress.

However, in places like Hong Kong, it is considered an act of desecration with activist, Cheng Chung-tai, notably arrested and charged with desecrating the national and SAR flags in 2016, after he turned several small flags upside down as an act of protest against China.

Demonstrators hold a Venezuelan flag upside down

However, it is common to see protesters resort to turning flags upside down to voice their displeasure with a particular situation.

Most recently this April, demonstrators in Venezuela have paraded their national flag upside down in protests against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Tripoli (AFP) - Libya has seized two foreign-flagged oil tankers and detained their crews for allegedly smuggling fuel after an hours-long gunbattle off the west coast, authorities said.

Oil is Libya's main natural resource, with reserves estimated at 48 billion barrels, the largest in Africa.

Libya had an output capacity of about 1.6 million barrels per day before the 2011 armed uprising, but production has since slumped as rival forces battle for control of its oil facilities.

The coastguard spotted the vessels on Thursday night two kilometres (1.2 miles) off Sidi Said near Zuwara, a town on the central coast, the authorities said.

"The Libyan coastguard boarded the two tankers, one flying the Ukrainian flag, the Ruta, and the other, the Stark, flying the Congolese flag," said General Ayoub Qassem.

"The coastguards had monitored them from afar and waited until Friday morning to act," he told AFP.

Qassem said the oil traffickers were heavily armed and were supported by small boats.

They had put up fierce resistance, but the tankers were eventually seized by the Libyan authorities, "after more than three hours of exchange of fire".

On several occasions, "boats with armed men were returned... and opened fire on the coastguards" using Kalashnikovs and heavy machineguns, he said.

After they were overpowered, the two tankers and their crews were taken back to the capital Tripoli.

Among them were 14 Ukrainians from the Ruta and four Turks and two Georgians who were on the Stark, said Qassem.

Another three crew members from the Stark were in Zuwara, he said, without giving their nationality.

At the time of the seizure, the Ruta had around 3,330 tonnes of oil in its tanks, while the Stark, which can carry 1,236 tonnes, was about to be loaded with fuel when the coastguard arrived.

The crews of the two vessels were taken to Tripoli where they are to face prosecution.

Libya has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with dozens of armed factions battling for control of the oil-rich country.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has directed all banks to strictly comply with its recommendations from a recent Asset Quality Review (AQR) exercise conducted by the bank.

The findings which have been dispatched to the banks pointed out specific risk exposure of all banks and measures that must be employed to minimize their effect on the financial sector.

Speaking at the 10 Anniversary Ball of Fidelity bank in Accra, the Second Deputy Speaker of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama disclosed that the AQR exercise highlighted impairment in banks' loan books, capital deficiencies, credit concentration in the energy sector and some latent vulnerability in the banking industry.

The Bank of Ghana prescribed remedial measures both general and specific to the risk exposure of each bank to help consolidate the existing resilience of the industry and restore the affected banks, he explained.

We have subsequently issued Supervisory Letters to this effect, with strict timelines for compliance by all. Banks are thus required to reclassify all downgraded facilities and book the appropriate provisions, he added.

Dr. Asiama took the opportunity to remind banks that went beyond their single obligor limits to provide plans of restoring their capital adequacy level.

Banks which suffered capital erosion leading to breaches insolvency and single obligor limits, are required to furnish the Bank of Ghana with an acceptable capital plan that would restore them to the prescribed capital adequacy benchmark and/or plans to wean them off exposure limit breaches, he stressed.

Touching on the credit infrastructure development of banks, Dr. Asiama pointed out that the central bank is working in consultation with the Ghana Association of Bankers, to review the existing Base Rate model.

As you will recall, the idea behind the model was to bring transparency to base rate setting and hence lending rates in the economy; and also to promote uniformity in the definition of determinants of the Base Rate in the industry generally. The Committee has completed its work, and hence a draft notice would be issued soon for implementation, he said.

He added that another key effort is underway to increase the effectiveness of the Collateral Registry and the Credit Reference Bureaux.

In this direction, the Bank of Ghana is developing a central Data Hub for use by data providers to ease their data submission to credit bureaus. Also, proposed amendments to the Borrowers and Lenders Act, Act 773 have been drafted with the aim of strengthening the Secured Transaction Regime in the creation, perfection, priority and enforcement of security interests on both movable and immovable property, he announced.

It is our hope that the availability of information on the credit history of borrowers will have a positive impact on the pricing of credit products across the financial sector. These developments will further deepen financial inclusion in the country, he said.



By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
Accra April 30, GNA - The Ghana Employers' Association (GEA) has commended Organised Labour and all workers of Ghana for their immense and invaluable contribution towards the promotion, sustenance and development of the socio-economic wellbeing of the Ghanaian.

'The monumental sacrifices made by the working people of Ghana towards nation building and national progress are highly commended.

A statement signed by Mr Alex Frimpong, the Chief Executive Officer of GEA and copied to the Ghana News Agency has indicated.

The statement said the theme 'Ghana @ 60: Mobilising Ghana's Future through the creation of Decent Jobs'' could not have been chosen at a better time when the clarion call by Ghanaians was about creating jobs for the growing number of unemployed citizens especially the youth.

'Unemployment is increasingly that sustainable, pragmatic and realistic policies that would be adopted and implemented to create the needed jobs.

'It is the firm belief of GEA that employment creation and by extension economic development cannot be successful in an atmosphere of industrial unrest, disagreements and misunderstanding at both the enterprise and national levels.

The social partners therefore have to deepen the culture of dialogue and consultations in our collective desire to build a harmonious industrial relations environment which is a prerequisite for investment attraction into the country.

'There must be mutual respect for the rights of workers and employers thorough education and sensitisation of the social partners'', the statement said.

It said employers are equally of the conviction that the Ghanaian workplace 60 years ago had seen significant transformation due to a host of factors including; demographic changes, technological developments as well as changing consumer needs, tastes and preferences.

'The new workplace would therefore require a new orientation, new attitude and a renewal of our minds to complement efforts of employers to improve productivity, human resource development, national competitiveness and prosperity.

'Once again on behalf of all employers in Ghana, the GEA would like to express its sincerest appreciation to the gallant workers of Ghana for their unflinching support for enterprise sustainability, national socio-economic development, the building of a resilient national economy and robust democratic culture that would rekindle hope for a prosperous Ghana'', the statement said

GNA
Four persons, including the Chief of Sayeegu, have been confirmed dead in a renewed land dispute between the Sayeegu and Sambiluk communities, near Nakpanduri Township in the Bunkprugu/Yunyoo district of the Northern Region.

Chairman of the Northern Regional Security Council and Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed, confirmed the situation to citifmonline.com.

A teacher, the Sayeegu chiefs brother, and the chiefs son, are the other deceased, who died in the early hours of Sunday April 30, 2017.

They were killed on their farmland over a parcel of land which has been a bone of contention between two rival Bimoba clans in the Nakpanduri enclave.

According to the Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed, the Regional Security Council has rapidly responded to the situation by sending reinforcement to the area to avert any spillover.

He called for a ceasefire and urged the combatants to adopt dialogue as the panacea to resolve their grievances.

Just a week ago, the Jamong and Jafog Bimoba clans in Bunkprugu Township celebrated the first Anniversary of the Blood Burial ceremony which was initiated as a permanent ceasefire to similar deadly clashes in the past.



By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
- 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
Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward of Watergate fame argued Saturday night that good journalism is more crucial to a free society than ever in a climate of increasing hostility between the White House and the press.

The speeches from the revered journalists came on the occasion of the first White House correspondents' dinner since 1981 in which the sitting president did not attend. Ronald Reagan missed the dinner that year while recovering from an assassination attempt, but delivered remarks by phone. Before that, Richard Nixon was the last president to skip the dinner.

Bernstein, a CNN contributor, led the remarks by saying that Nixon targeted the media in an attempt to divert attention from his own misconduct and that of his administration's officials.

"Richard Nixon tried to make the conduct of the press more the issue in Watergate instead of the conduct of the President and his men," Bernstein said, speaking to a sold-out crowd in the nation's capital. "We tried to avoid the noise and let the reporting speak."

Bernstein also addressed lying and secrecy in the Nixon White House, but stopped short of drawing a direct parallel to President Donald Trump's administration.

"Almost inevitably, unreasonable government secrecy is the enemy and usually the giveaway about what the real story might be," Bernstein said to applause. "(W)hen lying is combined with secrecy, there is usually a pretty good road map in front of us."

He added, "Yes, follow the money but also follow the lies."

Woodward offered a critical reflection on the state of the mainstream media in 2017, but also emphasized its key role in American democracy.

"Our reporting needs to get both fact and tones right," he said. "(T)he effort today to get the best obtainable version of the truth is largely made in good faith."

Speaking to the absent Trump, he said, "Mr. President, the media is not fake news. Let's take that off the table as we proceed. ...

"Whatever the climate, whether the media is revered or reviled, we should and must persist, and I believe we will," he said. "Any relaxation by the press will be extremely costly to democracy."
- New details have emerged on why the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu snubbed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at a public function recently

- The incident involving the two traditional rulers may not be unconnected to past business encounter between the two of them

- Sources say there was an unpleasant engagement between the Ooni and Oba Akiolu, before the former became the Ife monarch

A report by Thisday indicates that the incident involving the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi might have been due to past business encounter between the duo.

A source quoted in the report, who is said to be a close friend and business associate of the Ooni, said there was an unpleasant engagement between the Ooni and Oba Akiolu, before Oba Ogunwusi became the Ife monarch.

As a businessman and property developer, the source said, Ooni had bought a large expanse of land on the Island for a certain project, a deal said to have been sealed and delivered with those concerned, including all the financial commitments resolved.

Oba Ogunwusi was a very successful man before he became the Ife monarch

READ ALSO: Police parade 6 people arrested over assassination attempt on Senator Dino Melaye

Oba Akiolu was said to have gotten wind of the deal later and allegedly stopped the development even when Ooni had invested hugely in it. Ooni was said to have sought audience with the Lagos Oba and pleaded with him, reeling out details of how far he had come with the project.

But the Oba of Lagos, the source further said, declined all entreaties and insisted that for any development to continue on the property, Ooni must pay royalty, which was said to be running into several millions of naira.

He therefore sought Oba Akiolus understanding and pleaded for a reduction, which Akiolu allegedly declined to grant, insisting he either pays the sum or forgets about the development.

Thus, the Ooni, the source said, quickly rallied some of his dependable friends for assistance before he came up with the money. But as fate would have it, a few months after this encounter, Ogunwusi became the Ooni of Ife.

His words: That is the truth of this bitterness, at least, what we can link this to. The Oba of Lagos hasnt completely gotten over the emergence of Yeye and against the backdrop of how he treated him.

We were always at the palace in Idugaran nearly every day, prostrating for Akiolu with Yeye, just for him to relax his stand a bit, but he was adamant as if his sole aim was to jeopardise the project. Yeye was at the palace for many days, only going to beg and plead with the Oba to reduce what he was asking for and not to dissuade him from asking for what was due to him. But all fell on deaf ears.

Yeye was forced to raise that money because a lot was at stake. But even if Yeye had not become Ooni, he still has his respect for age and the throne as a child born into royalty, who was also raised with strict adherence to tradition. I mean, apart from that, Yeye has never had any untoward interaction with Oba Akiolu that would warrant snubbing him in public the way he did.

READ ALSO: Sheikh Gumi disagrees with Emir of Kano's recent pronouncements

The monarchs were seen at public functions together before the incident

Meanwhile, the Laroka of Wanikin-Ife, Oba Kole Ojutalayo, has said Oba Ogunwusi has forgiven Oba Akiolu.

Oba Ojutalayo, who is also the Chairman of 40 New Dawn Oba in Ile Ife, said Oba Akiolu would be given a warm embrace anytime he visited the Ooni in his palace.

Ojutalayo told The Punch that sthe Ooni was interested in the success of his unity project than any battle of supremacy, adding that Ogunwusi would not stop respecting Akiolu in spite of the incident.

His words: There has been so much said about what happened between Oba Akiolu and our father, the Ooni of Ife. We must look at it from the standpoint of the Ooni, who is holding in his hand the mantle of peace and in word and deed, he remains a man of peace. I am sure in his heart, he has already forgiven Oba Akiolu.

This is another history and it is always in the making, but there is nothing sweeter than having peace and at the end of the day, when the Oba of Lagos comes to Ife, it will be with warm embrace from the magnanimous heart of the Ooni.

Source: Legit.ng
- Five northern governors at the weekend brokered peace between the Kano state government and Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II

- The governor and the emir have been embroiled in a proxy war in recent times

- The governor was said to be upset over the emir's consistent criticism of his administration

A report by Daily Trust indicates that five northern governors have brokered peace between the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido and Governor Abdulahi Ganduje of Kano state.

The governor and the emir have been embroiled in a proxy war in recent times, especially since the emir's consistent criticism ofthe Kano state government.

The governors who organised the meeting are Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna, Kashim Shettima of Borno, Aminu Masari of Katsina and Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger.

The governor and the emir have been having a running battle

READ ALSO: Northern elders react to Tinubu's failure to emerge VP in 2015

The meeting held at the Government House in Kaduna and was first attended by the emir and the governors before they were joined by some senior officials from the Kano state government and the Emirate Council.

Legit.ng gathered that Governors Tambuwal, Shettima and El-Rufai had earlier met with Ganduje in Abuja on Thursday, April 27 night before resolving to invite the Emir to Kaduna the following day.

Sources said Governor Tambuwal was the one that first identified governors with close relationships to both the Emir and Ganduje and he mobilized the two meetings even though all the governors, particularly El-Rufai and Shettima showed keen interest in resolving the matter given their individual friendship with the emir.

During the first meeting in Abuja, Ganduje opened up to his colleagues on what he described as the emirs clear disrespect for his office as governor of Kano state.

He said the Emir was behaving as if he was independent of the state government whereas he is an appointee of the government who is answerable to a commissioner, not even to the governor. The governor, it was learnt, vented his frustration with the emir and said he was determined to remind him that he had limits.

Emir Sanusi's recent comments have riled up the largely conservative elements in the north

The three governors were said to have strongly urged Ganduje to forgive the emir in the interest of stability in Kano, which they said is the heartbeat of Northern Nigeria,

At the Kaduna meeting, Emir Sanusi was said to have accepted his faults after the five governors reminded him that he was an appointee of the governor and his palace was being funded with public funds approved by the governor.

READ ALSO: Christian girl allegedly forced to marry Muslim boss in Sharia court (photo)

Meanwhile, popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has added his voice to the recent pronoucements by the emir.

Gumi stated that the Emir's statement was unfair to millions of unmarried women who are jobless. He was reacting to the emir's comments that he would introduce laws in the state assembly that would bar people who are incapable of sustaining two wives from doing so.

Source: Legit.ng
- Saraki wants Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari

- The Senate president also urged Nigerians to pray for other leaders in the country

- He says Nigerians must continue to pray for peace and prosperity in the country

Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders in the country.

Saraki made this known on Saturday, April 29, at the 31st Annual Mawlid of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, Nigerian Tribune reports.

The Senate president also urged Nigerians to continue to pray for peace and prosperity in the country.

Saraki urges Nigerians to pray for Buhari

READ ALSO: Ohanaeze to meet with Nnamdi Kanu over plan to dump Biafra agitation

All of us, irrespective of tribe and religious affiliations, should work for progress of the country, he said.

According to Saraki, prayers by all Nigerians would bring about the desired peaceful co-existence and engender growth of the nation in the face of global economic down-turn and insecurity.

He identified dialogue as the legal means of conflict resolution as he commended the organizers of the Mawlid event, thanking God for making it hitch-free and without any security challenge.

READ ALSO: Buhari healthy enough for a second term, says Rotimi Amaechi

The Mawlid event, which was organized worldwide by the Majmahu Ahbab Shiekh Ibrahim Niass with members of Tijaniyah group movement across Nigeria and other Africa countries in attendance, witnessed complete shutdown of the entire city of Ilorin as vehicular movement was restricted due to influx of participants.

President Buhari has not been seen in public for almost two weeks. He has also been absent from the last couple of Federal Executive Council meetings held at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.

Similarly, Legit.ng reported that the president was also missing at the Jumaat prayer at Aso Villa mosque on Friday, April 28.

But according to Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state, it is not compulsory for President Muhammadu Buhari to preside over the FEC meeting.

Watch celebration that occurred in Daura, Buhari home town in Katsina, after he returned from London after 49 days medical leave

Source: Legit.ng
Canadians living in Belize have formed search parties to scour roads, trails and bush near the home of Francesca Matus, 52. The Keswick woman vanished last week along with her US companion, Drew De Voursney, 36, after they said goodbye to friends at a bar and began a drive to a home owned there by Matus. The two have not been heard from since. Most ominous is the information from friend Joe Milholena who was scheduled to drive Matus to the airport the next morning. He found her car gone but her packed bags by the bed with passport and cash nearby. Toronto area woman and US friend missing in Belize

Related
- Lawyer Ogungbeje says the court should stop forfeiture of N13bn found in Lagos to government

- The activist says the court should tell EFCC to provide reports of its preliminary investigations into the case

- He also wants EFCC, ICPC and the police to begin investigation into the discovery

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been sued over the N13billion that it discovered at Osbourne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos state.

According to The Punch, the EFCC was dragged before a Federal High Court in Lagos by an activist lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje.

Ogungbeje wants the court to suspend action on the forfeiture application filed by the anti-corruption agency until the EFCC has found out the owner of the money.

READ ALSO: Police arrest ex-PDP governor Sule Lamido

Ogungbeje is praying that the court order the EFCC to provide a report of its preliminary or final investigation on ownership of the monies and how the funds got into the building.

snapshots of the N13bn found in Apartment 7B at Osbourne Towers in Ikoyi

He also urged the court to order the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) as well as the police force to start a thorough investigation of the recovered funds.

Ogungbeje said: This honourable court has the inherent jurisdiction under Section 6 (6)(b) of the Constitution to order and direct thorough investigation of the sources of the monies, their owners, the owners of the Osborne Towers where the monies were found and how they got into the building.

READ ALSO: You are wrong - Omokri faults Jonathan over claims of conspiracy in 2015 elections

A thorough and transparent investigation of the monies will strengthen the anti-corruption crusade.

Nigerians are interested in the sources, owners of the monies, owners of the building and how the monies got into Osborne Residential apartment.

Recall that Legit.ng had earlier reported that a court in Lagos state ordered that the $43,449,947, 27,800 and N23,218,000 recovered by the EFCC from an apartment in the Ikoyi area of the state be temporarily forfeited to the Nigerian government.

In a ruling on Thursday, April 13 afternoon, Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered that the funds be handed over to the Federal Government for now.

The judge then adjourned the matter till May 5, 2017 for anyone who wants to claim the funds and give reasons why it should not be permanently forfeited to the government to show up before him.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video of former NNPC group managing director Andrew Yakubu being arraigned in court by the EFCC over fraud allegations

Source: Legit.ng
- Over 400 Fulani Christian converts were reportedly part of a 3-day Church conference in Plateau state

- The converts were urged to preach the gospel of peace to their kindred in order to reduce the prevailing crises in the country

- Seven of the Fulani people were ordained as Reverends

Over 400 persons of Fulani ethnicity across the country have converted to Christianity, NAN reports.

This was disclosed in a sermon by Reverend Copper Sebok of COCIN Church Panyam, Plateau state, on Sunday, April 30, at the end of a 3-day conference organised for all Fulani converts of all denominations nationwide.

Rev. Sebok urged the converts to preach the gospel of peace to their kindred in order to reduce the prevailing crises in the country.

Over 400 Fulani across Nigeria convert to Christianity, 7 ordained as Reverends

READ ALSO: I am a Biafran - Iwuanyanwu declares

He said: The conference is also a re-union service for all Fulani converts regardless of their denominations and to share experiences and encourage one another in the propagation of the gospel of peace.

It is a concept of COCIN 43 years ago, and to debunk the notion that Fulanis are nomadic and cant be reached with the gospel of Christ.

According to him, man must have compassion on the unsaved to draw them to Christ for eternal salvation.

Rev. Sebok decried the level of crisis in Nigeria which usually resulted to loss of lives and property, adding that Nigerians must embrace peace for the progress and development of the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the converts, Rev. Hassan Mohammed expressed gratitude to God for giving them a new lease of life as Christians.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Police found documents in Senator Gojes home concerning Sheikh Jaafars murder

He disclosed that the conference was an eye opener for them to go and proclaim the gospel not only to their kindred but to all nations.

He said: We have a total of seven Fulani people ordained Reverends beside other Pastors and Evangelists and we are doing our best to enlighten our brothers and sisters about Christianity."

Earlier, Legit.ng had reported that Muhammad Musa Bello, minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), urged Christians of the territory to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and for the well-being, peace and prosperity of Nigeria as a country.

Meanwhile, watch video of man saying he may be forced to steal if the hardship in Nigeria continues.

Source: Legit.ng
- Police arrest Modu Mustapha, the man who supplies food, fuel to Boko Haram terrorists

- The suspect was arrested after a tip-off by members of the public

- Police also arrested three men who specialized in adulterating grind-pepper, mixing it with sawdust and flower waste, then selling same to public as pepper

The Police Command in Borno state on Sunday, April 30, said that it had arrested a driver, Modu Mustapha, suspected to be purchasing fuel and food items for Boko Haram insurgents.

Damian Chukwu, the Commissioner of Police in the state, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, adding that the suspect was arrested after a tip-off by members of the public.

He said: The police have received information that one Modu Mustapha of Jumptilo village was a terrorists collaborator, who buys fuel and food for them, at Alagarno and other hideout.

The police descended on the suspect, who has confessed to the crime.

Police arrest driver who buys food, fuel for Boko Haram

READ ALSO: Over 400 Fulani across Nigeria convert to Christianity, 7 ordained as Reverends

Chukwu said that the driver usually fetched firewood in the bush, from where he was suspected to have met the terrorists.

The police commissioner said: He said that he had been buying things for the insurgent group.

We recovered N10, 000 from the suspect, which the terrorists gave him to buy bicycle spare parts for them.

Chukwu said the suspect also named 15 other firewood vehicle drivers, who engaged in similar crime.

According to him, the police are yet to establish the motive of the driver buying things for the insurgents.

We have not been able to establish his reasons for buying things for them, whether he is under the influence of spell, coerced into doing it, or doing it willingly as their collaborator, said Chukwu

He said that because of the nature of the alleged crime, it would be transferred to the military for further action.

READ ALSO: I am a Biafran - Iwuanyanwu declares

Meanwhile, Legit.ng also gathered that the police arrested three men who specialised in adulterating grind-pepper, mixing it with sawdust and flower waste and selling same to public as pepper.

Those arrested included Bukar Masona, Babakura Umar and Ali Muhammad.

The adulterated pepper they sell to the public is poisonous and unfit for human consumption, he said.

The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be handed over to NAFDAC for further investigation.

In the video below, Legit.ng brings you the 3 years anniversary of the kidnapped Chibok school girls.

Source: Legit.ng
A few people in Connecticut thought they would be able to meet the stars of a popular house-flipping show on HGTV after signing up for their seminar on how to profit in real estate.

The invite may have popped up on a Facebook feed or in a residents mailbox: hundreds of invitations with Christina and Tarek El Moussas photos on them.

NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters decided to attend one of the sessions. Some attendees left disappointed, while others ponied up thousands of dollars to learn more.

From the beginning of the Success Path presentation, that included posters of Flip or Flop stars Christina and Tarek El Moussa and handouts explaining how to get started in their real estate education program, we were told no photography. However, NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters took video outside the meeting room at the East Hartford hotel where the seminar took place.

Inside, an expert from Success Path, the company the TV stars created, made it clear Christina and Tarek were not attending and gave a presentation about how to make money in real estate without having a real estate license, or buying property. If someone signed up for three more days of intensive training, the cost would be another $2,000.

That didnt sit well with Donna Gagnon of Farmington.

Im a big fan of Christina and Tarek and I watch the show all the time. I came here expecting to see them, Gagon said.

Gagnons friend who also attended said they did not like the presenter because, he was a fast talker.

Of the 40 or so attendees, about a quarter ponied up cash for the three day seminar.

NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters reached out to Christina and Tareks publicists to learn more and were soon contacted by an attorney representing Success Path. He said over the past year Success Path has made improvements and said, in part:

All marketing and other materials convey team members will be there to teach the class

When asked on social media, and on a frequently asked questions page success path says it makes it clear that Christina and Tarek do not attend every event and they have partnered with real estate experts that teach success path strategies on their behalf

When NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters registered for the seminar, we received three follow up emails and a pair of texts. The first email said, Weve hand selected trusted real estate partners to teach our strategies on our behalf. Success path adds Christina and Tarek, who are in the middle of a divorce, do show up at some seminars, like recently in Maui and Las Vegas, and, when that happens, It is explicitly stated.

Gagnon said, I was reading that they did a seminar in Las Vegas, and they were there. And I figured it was the same seminar.

For sure, Success Path has taken steps to notify people Christina and Tarek may not attend with precise wording and caveats that NBC Connecticut recognized, but may not be clear to all fans, like Gagon who said, I was disappointed.

Success Path adds All of our Success Path team members are trained and qualified to perform their jobs at a high level, and it is this combination of experience and recognition that we promote when marketing our programs. We continue to refine and update the marketing and delivery of our programs to ensure a positive customer experience.

Success Path materials state the real estate seminars are not in any way affiliated with HGTV, or Scripps Networks, which broadcast the El Moussas' house flipping program.

Here are the full comments from the attorney representing Success Path:

Response to complaints about Tarek and Christina not being present:

All marketing materials convey that Team members will be there to teach the class. Nowhere in the marketing materials is it stated that Tarek and Christina will be live at the event unless they are scheduled to do so beforehand.

All follow-up correspondence after a client registers for an event uses the Team terminology.

Tarek and Christina even state that Their Team will be teaching the material when promoting the events on their social media channels.

All social media responses prepopulate to say that that Tarek and Christina cannot attend every event and that we will specify when they will be live in attendance.

Every ad specifies Tarek and Christinas Team will be at the location, and there is even an asterisk clarifying that Tarek and Christina may not attend the event.

Our FAQ page clearly states that they do not attend every event and explains that they have partnered with real estate experts that teach Success Path strategies on their behalf.

Every registration page states that Tarek and Christinas Team will be teaching at the event. There is also a video on every registration page that talks about the trainers that will be teaching at the events.

When Tarek and/or Christina are going to attend an event live, it is explicitly stated. This most recently occurred when Christina taught at the Maui Success Path seminar.

Tarek and Christina were in Las Vegas last Friday for a Success Path seminar.

All of our Success Path team members are trained and qualified to perform their jobs at a high level, and it is this combination of experience and recognition that we promote when marketing our programs. We continue to refine and update the marketing and delivery of our programs to ensure a positive customer experience. Even though the El Moussas do attend events in person or via Skype when their schedules allow, our marketing materials do not promise that the El Moussas will be live at any specific event. Our materials focus instead on the content the recipient will receive at the program or seminar.

All of our instructors are active real estate investors and are highly trained and qualified. The Association for Talent Development, which is a certified partner of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, trains and certifies all of our instructors. These are highly regarded educational accrediting agencies, and we are unique in our industry in this insistence on outside certification.

Our collective goal is to ensure that program attendees have a positive experience, and the El Moussas have taken steps personally to make sure that our team delivers on that.
WASHINGTON  Forget alternative facts  Samantha Bee is pioneering the alternative dinner. And even though luminaries from the media and Hollywood were on hand to schmooze and talk politics, it was Not The White House Correspondents Dinner.

The event was billed as a tribute to journalism, but it was also an opportunity for Ms. Bee and her guests to mock President Trump at every turn.

You continue to fact-check the president as if he might someday get embarrassed, Ms. Bee, who hosts the weekly talk show Full Frontal With Samantha Bee on TBS, told the crowd of 2,600 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington on Saturday afternoon. Tonight is for you.

Hundreds of journalists, including CNNs Jake Tapper, attended the event billed as an alternative to the official White House Correspondents Association dinner, which took place later on Saturday. Proceeds from Ms. Bees event were to benefit the Committee to Protect Journalists.
CALAIS, France  The clang of giant weaving looms ricocheted across a cavernous factory one recent afternoon at Desseilles Laces, one of the oldest lace makers in France. A handful of workers flitted among the machines, guiding gossamer threads into a floral confection destined for luxury lingerie and couture dresses.

The halls here, and at hundreds of lace factories around Calais, were once thick with employees. But as competition from countries with cheaper labor costs buffeted France, waves of layoffs swept through this working-class town on the edge of the English Channel.

Today, fewer than 300 employees remain at just three factories  Desseilles, Noyon Dentelle and Codentel  a fraction of the 30,000 whose livelihood depended on lace less than two generations ago. Around Calais, the hulking brick skeletons of abandoned lace factories cast shadows over modest, low-slung houses. And Desseilles was recently taken over by a Chinese investor, drawing laments that a crown jewel of the industry had fallen into foreign hands.
ARTS & LEISURE

An article last Sunday about films inspired by President Trumps proposed border wall with Mexico referred incorrectly to the filmmaker Ale Damiani. He was born in Uruguay; he is not Argentine.



An article last Sunday about a new television series based on Margaret Atwoods 1985 novel The Handmaids Tale misstated the novels opening line. It is We slept in what had once been the gymnasium  not A chair, a table, a lamp. (That is the first sentence of the second chapter.)

REAL ESTATE

The Living In column last Sunday, about Fort George in Manhattan, misstated the location of Fort Tryon Park. It is in nearby Hudson Heights, not Fort George.



A listing on the On the Market page last Sunday misstated the asking price for a loft in the financial district. It is listed at $1,950,000, not $2,176,000.
Now we are forced to catch juvenile fish, which is like going into a house and killing all the children. If you do that, the family will eventually disappear.

DABA MBAYE, a Senegalese worker, describing the competition from abroad decimating fishermens catch.
Christina Swarns, the litigation director of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, who had filed a brief in support of the plaintiffs, called it a shot across the bow to other metropolitan areas.

Robert Soard, an assistant county attorney for Harris County, said the county was reviewing the courts decision and had not decided whether to appeal.

The practice of demanding money as bail is standard in the majority of jurisdictions in the United States. But a series of lawsuits and a growing body of research has led to questions about its efficacy and potential disparities based on race and income. In January, New Jersey dropped its money bail system for minor crimes, and Colorado has changed its bail systems. The discussion has been percolating in other states, as well.

The challenge in Harris County has drawn the support of the new sheriff, Ed Gonzalez, a Democrat, and one of the 16 criminal court judges who are defendants in the case, Darrell Jordan, also a Democrat. The other 15 judges, all Republicans, continue to oppose it, a spokesman said. The county has retained Charles J. Cooper, a high-profile conservative litigator, to help in its defense.

Lawyers for Harris County have pointed out that it has already started making substantial changes to its bail system, including a planned switch to more sophisticated method of setting bail that takes into account how likely an arrestee is to flee or commit a new crime. And they have argued that the countys policies adhere to Texas laws on criminal procedure law, that they do not violate the Constitution and that they are not intended to needlessly detain arrestees.

The order issued on Friday takes effect on May 15. People arrested on misdemeanors charges are to be interviewed about their financial conditions for an affidavit. Those who have been deemed eligible for release at a hearing will have the option of being released within 24 hours of their arrest, regardless of whether they can afford bail.
WASHINGTON  An American service member was killed in an explosion on Saturday near Mosul, Iraq, the Pentagon said, as part of the battle to drive Islamic State fighters out of their last major stronghold in the country.

The United States Central Command did not identify the service member, pending notification of the family. A Central Command statement said that a U.S. service member died from wounds sustained in an explosive device blast outside of Mosul, Iraq.

American service members have been getting closer to the fighting in Iraq as Iraqi security forces have been engaged in urban warfare in West Mosul, where Islamic State fighters have had almost three years to dig into entrenched positions.

Iraqi civilians and soldiers, as well as militants, have suffered a number of deaths and injuries from mines and roadside bombs in East Mosul and West Mosul.
HANOI, Vietnam  As strips of tofu sizzle beside her in a vat of oil, Nguyen Thu Hong listens for police sirens.

Police raids on sidewalk vendors have escalated sharply in downtown Hanoi since March, she said, and officers fine her about $9, or two days earnings, for the crime of selling bun dau mam tom  vermicelli rice noodles with tofu and fermented shrimp paste  from a plastic table beside an empty storefront.

Most Vietnamese live by what they do on the sidewalk, so you cant just take that away, she said. More regulations would be fine, but what the cops are doing now feels too extreme.

Southeast Asia is famous for its street food, delighting tourists and locals alike with tasty, inexpensive dishes like spicy som tam (green papaya salad) in Bangkok or sizzling banh xeo crepes in Ho Chi Minh City. But major cities in three countries are strengthening campaigns to clear the sidewalks, driving thousands of food vendors into the shadows and threatening a culinary tradition.
Brooklyns time may have come. But what of the Brooklyn Museums?

With art enthusiasts and donors increasingly enamored by contemporary art, and the borough now officially hot, the Brooklyn Museum is struggling to preserve and promote its identity as a serious encyclopedic institution that spans thousands of years. As leaders there are finding, it isnt easy to attract paying customers with historic collections.

While many museums with comprehensive collections face similar challenges in keeping up with trends, the Brooklyn Museum is also facing serious financial pressures. To deal with a budget deficit of about $3 million, the museum has undergone two rounds of buyouts and halted acquisitions.

The museums board seems to have bet on a contemporary emphasis by choosing a new director with a background in that field, Anne Pasternak. Yet she needs to find her own balance between recent art and the museums vast holdings in pre-20th-century work.

Ms. Pasternak says she favors contemporary thinking, not contemporary exhibitions, but that approach  along with a notably accelerated effort to rethink the museums presentation of its American, Egyptian and European collections  has inevitably required some internal adjustment.
American Gods brings Neil Gaimans acclaimed novel to television and finds unexpected relevancy. And the songwriter known as Poo Bear cracks a window onto his life.

Whats on TV

AMERICAN GODS 9 p.m. on Starz. Neil Gaimans beloved 2001 novel comes to the screen, bringing with it a melting pot of themes and music, deities old and new, and the humans  like Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), an ex-con who hits the road with the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane)  who stand in for them. Its bloody, hazy and somewhat bewildering, particularly for those who havent read Mr. Gaimans book. If youre willing to wait for the story to take shape, there are compensations, Mike Hale wrote in The New York Times. The action hums along, even if you cant tell where its going, and theres a welcome edge of humor (not abundant in this genre), especially in the performances of Mr. McShane and Pablo Schreiber as a tall Irishman who calls himself a leprechaun. Not to be missed: Gillian Anderson shows up, delightfully, as one of the new gods, who takes the form of Lucy Ricardo in I Love Lucy and speaks to Shadow from a display of flat-screen TVs.
The surprising thing was, during my research I went to the LaSalle County Historical Museum in Illinois, which had a terrific collection of radium girls letters. Im leafing through this file in the back of this tiny museum, and I find not only letters between the girls, but also, one of the most moving things: Pearl Payne, who was clearly a very intelligent woman, though she had to leave school when she was 13, had written  for posterity, really  what happened to her, detailing fully her medical conditions. She had problems with her wounds, so she bled a lot. She talked about bleeding for 87 days straight and the doctors didnt know what was wrong with her. I was sitting there with tears streaming down my cheeks, reading it aloud. I dont know if it was surprising, but it was just heartbreaking and special, to discover this treasure trove of material and to know I could use it to bring these girls to life.

Image Credit... Patricia Wall/The New York Times

In what way is the book you wrote different from the book you set out to write?

Its a lot longer. And a lot more detailed. When I pitched it, I didnt know what I was going to find when I started researching: the girls voices, in court transcripts and diaries and letters. When I first pitched it, I had no idea these things existed. I sensed that material might be available, but the other authors hadnt quoted it to the full extent. As part of my research, I interviewed family members as well. I focused on a lot more individual women than I probably planned to originally. With these kinds of books, theres normally one heroine you follow, but the thing about this story is that each girl contributed. So I obviously had to bring to life several of them, because they all played a part in this fight for justice and in proving radium wasnt this beneficial substance everyone thought it was.

Who is a creative person (not a writer) who has influenced you and your work?

My husband, Duncan Moore, who is an exceptional theater director. Ive learned so much from him as a writer and a director and just as a creator. His attention to the tiniest detail in his productions, his insight in encouraging people to uncover the truth of their characters  which is often several layers deep in a play  and the way he inspires people to embrace his vision, is something Ive tried to emulate and take on.

Hes also, as is the case with many writers, my first reader. Weve both lived with this story for a long time. He read the first chapter, and said: This isnt what you do. This isnt the accessible narrative with the girls at the center of it. I think you need to scrap it and start again. So I did.
Two of Chinas highest-profile financial liberalization projects involve Hong Kong. In 2014, it introduced the Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect, which allows a total of $3.4 billion to flow between the two markets each day. In December, China doubled down and began another $3.4 billion-a-day program connecting Hong Kong to the stock market in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

Because Hong Kong, a former British colony, operates outside Chinas limits on cross-border money flows and has long been a capital of global finance, the programs offered many Chinese investors their first chance to invest in global stock markets.

Money can flow the other way, too. But the stock market crash in China two years ago and worries that its currency could fall in value have turned many overseas investors away from mainland stocks. Rather, the programs are drawing Chinese investors like Alex Nie, who says the mainlands stock market lacks bargains.

Shanghai and Shenzhen shares are overvalued, said Mr. Nie, 37, an employee in the advertising industry in Beijing who has been buying Hong Kong stocks for the last two years and who says he is a long-term investor. Many are not worth their prices, he said of mainland valuations.

Many other Chinese stock investors bring a shorter-term mind-set. While private pension funds and mutual funds often steer stock markets in places like the United States, markets in China are more often swayed by amateur investors and well-heeled individuals willing to take big risks.

What China has brought to the Hong Kong stock market is very much a herd mentality, said Andrew Clarke, the head of trading in Hong Kong at the Mirabaud Group.
These boards have become the new censors, said Wesley Hottot, an Institute for Justice lawyer who is representing Mr. Jarlstrom. They think that the First Amendment does not apply to them.

Eric Engelson, communications coordinator for the Oregon board, said the board would not comment since the litigation was pending. The board, a semi-independent panel whose members are appointed by the governor, funds itself through licensing and registration fees.

Mr. Jarlstrom does not have an engineering license issued by the state board. He is a self-employed consultant who tests audio products and repairs, upgrades and calibrates test instruments. But he did earn a bachelors degree in electronics engineering in Sweden, where he was born. He has also spent a couple of years researching traffic light timing intervals, which included consulting with one of authors of the original 1959 mathematical formula used as a basis for programming traffic light signals.

Nonetheless, the Oregon board, after a nearly two-year investigation, assessed a $500 civil penalty because Mr. Jarlstrom called himself an excellent engineer in one of several emails to the board and informed the Washington County sheriff that he invented and publicly released a new extended solution to the problem of yellow lights in traffic flow.

The board explained it had opened a law enforcement case against Mr. Jarlstrom for the unlicensed practice of engineering, and cited his attempts to publicize his review, critique and recalculations of the current formulas in use.

This is a broad pattern of this board, Mr. Hottot said, adding that he has seen similar actions other states.

Last year, for example, the Oregon board opened an investigation into Allen Alley, the Republican candidate for governor, because a political ad stated: Im an engineer and a problem solver. Although Mr. Alley has a mechanical engineering degree from Purdue University and worked as an engineer for Ford and Boeing, the board said that he was not registered in Oregon as a professional engineer.
WASHINGTON  Toward the end of his comic opus on the press, politics and President Trump, the Daily Show comedian Hasan Minhaj looked out at the hundreds of journalists gathered in a subterranean hotel ballroom here on Saturday night and declared, This has been one of the strangest events I have ever done in my life.

The lengthy laughter and applause that followed made clear that he was not the only one who thought that way.

No one knew quite what to expect at this years edition of the White House Correspondents Association dinner, the chummy Washington ritual that became a flash point over press freedom in a year when the relationship between the White House and its correspondents is anything but friendly. The president skipped the event. Celebrities stayed away. Comedians turned down the gig.

But even as Mr. Trump heckled the proceedings in real time  joking at a Pennsylvania rally about reporters consoling each other in a Washington ballroom  attendees said the often-frivolous dinner felt oddly profound. Part pep rally, part therapy session, the event became a moment of catharsis for a political press corps that has faced months of unrelenting strain.
Alison Sara Goldman, the daughter of Dr. Barbara A. Edelstein and Dr. Kenneth N. Goldman of New York, was married April 29 to Kelly Bader Brewster, the son of Stephanie T. Bader and Eric S. Brewster, also of New York. Rabbi Richard Chapin led the ceremony at the Pierre hotel in New York.

Mrs. Brewster, 30, is a manager of global product marketing for the La Mer brand at Estee Lauder in New York. She graduated from Columbia, from which she also received an M.B.A. The brides father is the chief executive at Stockton Partners, a venture capital firm in New York specializing in medical devices. Her mother, a diagnostic radiologist specializing in women's imaging, is the founder and owner of Women's Radiology in New York.

Mr. Brewster, 31, is a member of the client strategies team at Stone Ridge Asset Management in New York. He graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse.

The grooms mother retired as a bilingual special-education teacher from Public School 98 in New York. His father retired as the vice president for strategic alliances responsible for business development and collaborations at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown, N.Y. He is on the boards of the Metropolis Ensemble, a contemporary chamber orchestra in New York, and the New York Theater Ballet, a chamber ballet ensemble.
Jennifer Leigh Hoguet and Peter Jay Sneider were married April 29 by Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass at the Museum of the City of New York.

Ms. Hoguet, 31, works in New York as a theater consultant. She graduated from Northwestern and received a masters degree in theater management and producing from Columbia. In 2015, she received the T. Fellowship, which supports the development of emerging creative producers.

She is a daughter of Karen Meisel Hoguet and David D. Hoguet of Cincinnati. Her father is the executive director of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati. He retired as the chairman and the chief executive of Globe Business Resources, a furniture rental and corporate housing company there. He is on the board of Grad Cincinnati, a nonprofit that helps students graduate from high school and succeed in college. Her mother is the chief financial officer at Macys, based in New York and Cincinnati. She is on the board of Hebrew Union College.

Mr. Sneider, 33, is a buyer in cosmetics at Bloomingdales in New York. He graduated from the University of Michigan.
Mira Hannah Emmett, the daughter of Rachel K. Emmett and Dr. Michael Emmett of Dallas, was married April 29 to Michael Scott Rothman, a son of Betsy Schiffman of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Kalman D. Rothman of Suffern, N.Y. The groom's father, who was ordained a Universal Life minister for the event, officiated at Sammys Roumanian Steakhouse in Manhattan.

Ms. Emmett, 45, is a lawyer. She works in Atlanta for the employment litigation division of the Transportation Security Administration. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and received a law degree from Emory. Her father, an internist and nephrologist, is the chief of internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, where he is also a professor of medicine at Texas A&M School of Medicine and at the University of Texas Southwestern. The brides mother retired as a travel agent, also in Dallas.

Mr. Rothman, 48, works in Atlanta. He is a technology analyst and the president of Securosis, a cybersecurity consulting company based in Phoenix. He graduated from Cornell.

His mother retired as a pharmacist in Lake Worth, Fla. His father is a lawyer in Nanuet, N.Y. The groom is also a stepson of Roberta B. Cappel and Robert L. Schiffman. Ms. Cappel is the chief executive of Dorval Trading, a candy importing company in Nanuet. Mr. Schiffman was an owner and manager, from 1960 to 1974, of the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Robert Michael Zakem and Richard John DeFeo Jr. were married April 29 at the Estate, a mansion in Atlanta. The Rev. Anna George Traynham, a Presbyterian minister, officiated.

Mr. Zakem (left), 59, is a managing director in the financial services advisory practice at Deloitte & Touche in Atlanta. He graduated cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy, and received a Doctor of Law degree, also cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

He is the son of the late Adeline M. Zakem and the late Caisar Zakem, who lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. His parents retired as owners of Pilot House, a restaurant in Detroit.

Mr. DeFeo, 58, is a licensed social worker and the vice chairman of the board of directors of the Care and Counseling Center of Georgia, a mental health, family counseling and pastoral health care training agency in Decatur, Ga. He graduated from Virginia Tech and received a law degree from Notre Dame. He also received a masters degree in social work at Hunter College.
Sarah Beth King and Zachary Adam Friedman were married April 29 at St. Patricks Cathedral in New York. Msgr. Robert T. Ritchie, the rector of St. Patricks and a Roman Catholic priest, performed the ceremony.

Mrs. Friedman, 33, is a lawyer in private practice in New York. She is also the founder of Loudist, a news media website based there. She graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse and received a law degree magna cum laude from the University of Miami.

The bride is a direct descendant of Edward Doty, a passenger on the Mayflower and a signer of the Mayflower Compact.

She is the daughter of Barbara L. King and Lawrence J. King of Ogdensburg, N.Y. The brides father is a recreation program leader at Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. Her mother retired as an elementary schoolteacher at John F. Kennedy School, also in Ogdensburg.
A few years ago, the New York Public Library played host to a panel discussion called Dead From the NYPL: The Perverse Pleasures of Obituaries. It drew an overflow, enthralled crowd, of which I was a member. As the evening wore on, it occurred to me for the first time that the writing of obituaries  my job at The Times since 2008  might be a glamorous occupation with an enthusiastic fan base.

The feeling returned not long after Vanessa Gould, a documentary producer, showed up at our Midtown Manhattan offices in 2012 to make a film about the newspapers obituary department. Titled Obit, it is now open in limited release.

Movie cameras are not unprecedented at The Times. In 2011, the paper was the subject of Page One: Inside The New York Times, a fly-on-the-wall documentary that focused on the media desk and, powerless to resist, allowed the columnist David Carr to steal the picture.

But that was media. Media is a sizzling subject, pulsating with the here and now. Obituaries, by definition, stare fixedly in the rearview mirror. Worse, they begin, as they must, with the bleakest of all possible announcements: Someone has died.
Mr. Ponte does not appear to have left much of an impression on his neighbors around Wiscasset. But he had built a reputation for driving reforms in the prison as the commissioner of the states Department of Corrections, gaining the support of prisoner rights advocates and others who praised him for being accessible and hard-working.

His work in Maine led him to be recruited by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014 in an effort to overhaul the Correction Department in New York. During his time as commissioner, the agency has had some successes, including expanding education and therapeutic programs and ending solitary confinement for inmates younger than 22.

But the report on the Department of Investigations inquiry, which was released last week, reprimanded Mr. Ponte for the misuse of his city vehicle on trips that led to frequent absences during a time of upheaval at the Rikers Island jail complex. The mayor has defended Mr. Ponte, saying that he maintained his faith in the commissioner and that Mr. Ponte had been acting on incorrect guidance.

Officials said he had put about 18,500 miles of out-of-state travel on the vehicle, costing less than $1,800 in gas and tolls. Officials and investigators declined to elaborate on where he had gone on those trips, and it is unclear how he spent his time in Maine.
When Steve Stollman talks about the energy that once pulsed around the intersection of Houston and Mulberry Streets, he is not indulging some touchy-feely sensibility (even if he did make a living in the 1960s distributing hippie-friendly underground newspapers). Hes being literal.

In the late 19th century, before this neighborhood in Manhattan was called NoLIta, Nikola Tesla had a laboratory on Houston Street, where he conducted experiments on electricity that challenged his onetime employer, Thomas Alva Edison.

Granted, Mr. Stollman is partial to rebels who upset the status quo, a sentiment that guided the activities in his storefront at 49 East Houston Street, which he occupied from 1974 until selling it to developers in 2008. He advocated for and built newsstands for blind and disabled veterans. He amassed a collection of old issues of Puck magazine, the satirical publication that was published in the area and took on the corrupt politicians and corporate monopolies of the Gilded Age. And he let bike groups and other activists use his ramshackle space for meetings and as a gathering point for group rides (that were often monitored by dozens of police officers).

In homage to that spirit, he has plastered portraits and cartoons on the blue fence that guards the empty lot where his building once stood. The display honors Tesla and his friend Mark Twain; Joseph Keppler, the immigrant who founded Puck magazine; Jacob Riis, the crusading photographer; and Theodore Roosevelt, who as police commissioner had his office a few blocks away. Some of them knew each other, but each in his own way challenged the status quo.
The candidates for governor in the New Jersey Democratic primary pack impressive resumes: There is a former ambassador to Germany, a former under secretary of the Treasury, a state assemblyman with two decades of experience and a state senator with nearly four decades in Trenton.

Voters, however, have so far been underwhelmed, so the contest is off to a decidedly sleepy start.

Philip D. Murphy, the former ambassador, has emerged as the clear party favorite, having announced his candidacy nearly a year ago and locked up every county line and nearly every union endorsement in the state. Yet the most recent poll from Quinnipiac University, released in mid-March, shows him with the support of 23 percent of registered Democrats, trailing dont know, which was chosen by 57 percent of those surveyed.

The lack of enthusiasm among voters, even though New Jersey is only one of two states to hold statewide elections this year, is a curious conundrum facing the candidates jockeying to replace Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican. The candidates are trying to inspire an electorate seemingly angry and desperate for change after the 2016 election, while also battling exhaustion and an extended hangover from the outcome.

Its unusual, John Weingart, the associate director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, said, referring to voter apathy. Voter fatigue is one possibility, but Mr. Weingart added, The other reason is I think, whether or not its justified, theres been a sense of inevitability of Phil Murphy.
This is the latest edition of the Race/Related newsletter. To get it in your inbox weekly, sign up here. Tell your friends and share your stories.

Last weeks exploration of peoples reactions to their DNA makeup prompted readers to share what they learned when their test results came in. Adoptees wrote in about the relief they felt in making a discovery about their roots. Others expressed delight when the outcome confirmed their beliefs. Some questioned the tests accuracy. A few unearthed family secrets  that a parent was not theirs, or that brothers and sisters were actually half-siblings. The hunger to learn more about ethnic origins is pushing many to delve deeper.

So will we. Were planning more coverage on ancestry and origins, but this issue is devoted to your stories. We selected a few from hundreds, and edited them for clarity and space.

Sara Norvell

I had my DNA tested about five years ago to determine my ethnic genetic background. Earlier, I had found evidence from the National Archives that my great-grandfather was a member of the United States Colored Troops, and on that record it listed his prior slave owner. After the test results came in, I matched as fourth cousins with a woman in Charleston, S.C., who was a direct descendant of the slave owner. Thus, my great-great grandfather was a slave owner who owned my great-grandfather but was also his father.
At least five people were killed in Texas on Saturday afternoon when a series of tornadoes tore through rural counties east of Dallas, the authorities said.

The tornadoes touched down around 5 p.m. and left a broad trail of damage, tossing cars, knocking down trees and power lines, and flattening homes. The city of Canton and the surrounding area in Van Zandt County, about 60 miles east of Dallas, appeared to be the hardest hit.
Eons agoyes, way back before Jan. 20I urged the American press to scrutinize, not normalize the actions of the new administration.

Given the unusual background of President Donald Trump, and his campaign pledges to tear down government as we know it, that seemed a necessity.

Now, as the presidents first 100 days are being evaluated, its fair to ask: What about the news medias first 100 days?

Granted, its a ridiculous question in some ways, because the media is hard to define or generalize about. (Are we talking about BuzzFeed or Breitbart News? The New York Times or Fox News or the Arizona Republic?)

But because the answer matters, Ill take a shot at it here, with the help of some expert media observers. We considered the mainstream media: the cable and broadcast TV networks, national newspapers, and some significant digital outlets, and to a smaller extent, local news organizations.

Overall, the coverage since Jan. 20 has been better than what we saw before Nov. 8. (While lifted by some excellent work, that pre-election coverage was indelibly marred by Acela Corridor insularity, hideous gobs of false equivalency, and a fatal addiction to hype over substance.)

On election night, I called the news medias performance an epic fail on grounds of cluelessness alone. And last fall, when asked by Poynter Institute to grade campaign coverage, I handed out a D for early coverage and a C as the election neared. I wont offer a grade this time, but maybe a handwritten note: Shows improvement.

Weve scrutinized and normalized in almost equal proportion. For every great scoop, theres been an embarrassing moment of declaring the president statesmanlike for giving a speech without a history-making gaffe.

The best of it

Despite the presidents enemy of the people labeling, with its autocratic overtones, and chief strategist Stephen K. Bannons insistence that the press is the opposition party, most reporters have simply dug in and done their jobs.

To a large degree, the press has responded to the aggressive, combative and sometimes abusive tone of the president with more resolve than weve seen in yearsprobably since [President Richard] Nixons second term, said Tom Rosenstiel, executive director of the American Press Institute. If the tone of the reporting seems alarmed, he said, thats probably less about the reporters and more about the sources who are leaking to themthe Washington establishment, many of whom are Republicans.

On background and off the record, these people are in something of a state of panic, he said. They are frightened and alarmed by what they perceive to real questions of competence in the Trump administration and to a lesser extent ideological extremism. And these sources are leaking to reporters at a volume I have never seen and with a candor that is striking even to the reporters.

Russian meddling in the election, and Russian connections to Trump associates, are prevailing media topics. A Washington Post story on national security adviser Michael Flynns talks with the Russian ambassador about lifting sanctions led to his dismissal in February, and the Post, with others, has continued to unearth the Russian connections.

The New York Times, collaborating with investigative nonprofit ProPublica, provided an in-depth look at hundreds of appointments across the federal bureaucracy, noting that the list is striking for how many former lobbyists it contains. HuffPosts crowdsourced project revealed an error-ridden donor report by Trumps Inaugural Committee to the Federal Election Commission.

Fact-checking also has thrived, said George Washington Universitys Nikki Usher.

Institutional mediaand CNN in particularis doing a really good job making it obvious when Trump lies, often with the use of chyrons, she said. (The Post Fact Checker has a 100 Days compilation of Trumps false and misleading statements.)

Countering the deserved rap that journalism was out of touch with the heartland, news organizations have made some adjustmentsstaffing up bureaus, forming new desks and sending reporters out to do stories in places they undercovered before.

Usher again: Theres been a fairly genuine attempt to figure out the blind spots that missed the rise of Trump.

BuzzFeed (whose publication of the dirty dossier on Trump remains a defining post-election media moment) has broken ground since on the rise of a left-wing conspiracy media.

And the Times had a standout report from Lebanon on the U.S.s increasing footprint in the Middle East, under Trump, noting the lack of any clear endgame.

Local newspapers such as the St. Louis Post Dispatch did a good job of bringing home to readers the likely negative impact of the Republican health-care proposal. And USA Todays network illuminated pocketbook issues, as in its report on how a new Trump tax plan would affect households.

The worst of it

President Trumps missile strike on Syria after a horrible chemical weapons attack was roundly seen as a sign of American strengthespecially on cable TVbut the fulsome pundit praise was cringeworthy.

Similar televised effusivenesswithout in-depth follow-up about broader foreign-policy implicationscame after the dropping of the Mother of All Bombs in Afghanistan.

By contrast, a Trump-ordered drone strike in Yemen that killed civilians got relatively little scrutiny.

Rave responses (this was the moment Donald Trump became president) also followed Trumps first speech to Congress. The heralded feel-good moment was immediately swept away by Trumps unfounded claim that President Obama had wiretapped him.

TV news analyst Andrew Tyndall says that this dominated coverage for weeks; on the domestic front, it ranked second only to Trumps only legislative initiative: the failed health-care proposal.

And speaking of normalizing, he told me that very little broadcast time was devoted to explaining Trumps through-the-looking-glass Cabinet appointments, men and women who aim to dismantle the very agencies they run.

Broadcast coverage of Trump often lacks substance, Tyndall saidmaybe because he really hasnt done much.

Whats being covered is the shock to the system, which gives a misleading impression of action, he said.

No doubt, news media has been highly distractible, falling victim to shiny-object syndrome, especially by over-responding to Trumps every tweet.

As Usher puts it: In the quest for 24/7 news, whats novel is more important than what matters. Context and nuance are lost.

While strong on breaking news, the ever-paradoxical CNN still disappoints regularly by giving airtime to paid partisans such as Jeffrey Lord and continuing to use its ossified panel format.

MSNBC had a scoop, of sorts, with David Cay Johnstons look at a leaked Trump tax return, though Rachel Maddow presented it badly.

And Fox News? With a few exceptionsmost notably, the tough-minded Chris Wallaceit has become even more of a partisan cheering section, very close to being Trumps house organ.

Searching for a bright spot there, Im glad that Sean Hannity doesnt call himself a journalist.

Dan Gillmor of Arizona State University offers a dim view of press coverage overall, though he admits that there has been some astoundingly good reporting since the electionmuch more than before Nov. 8.

But, he adds, there has been a lot of normalizing too. Its human nature to want some sense of normality, and journalists especially crave a sense of balance, but these arent normal times.
The anonymous email arrived on a Saturday afternoon, its message jumbled, misspelled, in capital letters. It was not addressed to a specific individual at the Birmingham Islamic Society. Rather, its hateful message was directed at African-Americans, Mexicans and Muslims in general.

Three words stood out: run or die.

About 10 miles away, the telephones on the campus of the Levite Jewish Community Center rang four times in six weeks with bomb threats, the third call resulting in the evacuation of children just after morning prayer at the day school.

The interfaith threats were enough to prompt the introduction of a bill in the Legislature expanding Alabamas hate crime law to include threats against religious institutions and schools.

We know the story of threats and fear, said Rodger Smitherman, the Democratic lawmaker who sponsored the bill and whose wife was friends with one of the four girls killed during the 1963 church bombing there. No one should have to live with being afraid.
The fear among immigrants was exacerbated by a case in El Paso, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a woman in February moments after she received a protective order against the man she said had abused her. The United States Commission on Civil Rights, a bipartisan independent agency, urged federal officials this past week to reconsider their courthouse arrest tactics. The agency said the Texas case and other courthouse arrests were having a chilling effect on immigrants throughout the country.

The Department of Justice declined to comment on the concerns about increased fear among immigrants.

Lauras House, which helps hundreds of victims of domestic violence in Orange County each year, routinely asks clients about their immigration status so it can help them apply for visa protections if necessary. Under what is known as a U visa, victims of certain crimes receive permission to stay in the United State if they assist the police  and the promise of the visa often persuades victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to come forward.

Previously, nearly half of the more than 70 new cases that Lauras House received each month came from undocumented immigrants. In the last three months, that number has dropped to less than one a week.

Many women share the concerns of April, 23, who waited for years before pressing charges against the father of her children and who asked that her full name not be used.

I would call the police and use another name or make a neighbor call, said April, who came across the border from Mexico when she was about 8 and lives in Orange County. When he came after me, hed say that I would get sent back to Mexico and never see my kids again. I believed him for a long time.
WASHINGTON  On his 100th day in office, President Trump offered familiar misleading defenses and boasts about his early progress, his setbacks and his predecessor.

Mr. Trump began his Saturday night rally in Pennsylvania with attacks on the news media, before giving himself oversize credit for accomplishments. He followed a similar pattern in an interview with CBSs Face the Nation that aired Sunday morning.

Heres an assessment.

Mr. Trump said he will be making a big decision on the Paris agreement, which he characterized as unfair.

The United States pays billions of dollars while China, Russia and India have contributed and will contribute nothing.

This needs context. In his 100-day plan, Mr. Trump vowed to cancel payments to the United Nations Green Climate Fund, a financial program intended to help poorer countries mitigate the effects of climate change. His budget blueprint includes eliminating U.S. funding related to the Green Climate Fund, but the proposal has yet to be enacted.

While Mr. Trump is right that the United States has said it would add $3 billion to the fund, it is among 43 contributing countries, many of them with advanced economies like Japan ($1.5 billion), the United Kingdom ($1.2 billion) and France ($1 billion). The United States ranked 11th in the world in terms of amount per capita, according to J. Timmons Roberts, a professor of environmental studies at Brown University.
In a letter to Floridas top Medicaid official in May 2015, the Obama administration said: Coverage is the best way to secure affordable access to health care for low-income individuals. Uncompensated care pool funding should not pay for costs that would be paid for in a Medicaid expansion.

Florida is one of 19 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. In a report last week, the Urban Institute estimated that 730,000 to 900,000 people would gain coverage if it did. Of the 20 million people insured as a result of the Affordable Care Act, more than half have gained coverage through the expansion of Medicaid.

The Trump administration supports a House Republican bill that would repeal major provisions of the 2010 health law and eliminate funds for the expansion of Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the House repeal bill would reduce Medicaid spending by $839 billion in the coming decade, compared with the amount that would be spent under current law. Fourteen million fewer people would be covered by Medicaid, the office says.

Tom Price, the secretary of health and human services, has said that Medicaid has real problems, asserting, for instance, that one-third of doctors in the United States do not take Medicaid patients. At a recent town hall forum on CNN, Mr. Price was confronted by a cancer survivor who said he was alive because of the expansion of Medicaid. Mr. Price said the mans experience was not necessarily true for everybody.

Brian Blase, a special assistant to President Trump for health care policy, has cataloged the Medicaid problems in several recent essays. In states that expanded Medicaid, he said, enrollment has substantially exceeded expectations, and spending for the new beneficiaries is significantly above projections.

Expanding Medicaid was an unwise policy decision made by the drafters of the A.C.A., Mr. Blase wrote in Forbes in November. The program needed reform, not expansion.

Medicaid covers care for low-income people. The federal government and states have historically shared the costs, with the federal share averaging 57 percent. But the federal government pays a much larger share  at least 90 percent of the costs  for adults who qualify for Medicaid because of the expansion of eligibility under the Affordable Care Act.
WASHINGTON  When President Trump called President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines on Saturday, White House officials saw it as part of a routine diplomatic outreach to Southeast Asian leaders. Mr. Trump, characteristically, had his own ideas.

During their very friendly conversation, the administration said in a late-night statement, Mr. Trump invited Mr. Duterte, an authoritarian leader accused of ordering extrajudicial killings of drug suspects in the Philippines, to visit him at the White House.

Now, the administration is bracing for an avalanche of criticism from human rights groups. Two senior officials said they expected the State Department and the National Security Council, both of which were caught off guard by the invitation, to raise objections internally.

The White House disclosed the news on a day when Mr. Trump fired up his supporters at a campaign-style rally in Harrisburg, Pa. The timing of the announcement  after a speech that was a grievance-filled jeremiad  encapsulated this president after 100 days in office: still ready to say and do things that leave people, even on his staff, slack-jawed.
WASHINGTON  President Trump on Saturday invited the president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, to the White House, embracing an authoritarian leader who is accused of ordering extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and who crudely disparaged Mr. Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama.

Mr. Trump had a very friendly conversation with Mr. Duterte, according to a statement issued by the White House late Saturday. It said that the two leaders discussed the fact that the Philippines is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs.

In fact, Mr. Dutertes war on drugs has resulted in the deaths of several thousand people suspected of using or selling narcotics, as well as others who may have had no involvement with drugs. Human rights groups and many Western governments have condemned Mr. Duterte for the bloody campaign.

A spokesman for Mr. Duterte, Ernesto Abella, confirmed the White House invitation, saying that Mr. Trump had expressed his understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippine president, especially on the matter of drugs.
I just hope we Methodists can find common ground and prevent a schism from happening.

Scott Faldon, 49, Fort Smith, Ark.

Member of Goddard United Methodist Church

My great-grandfather was a Methodist preacher, my mother helped found a couple of Methodist churches, and Ive been a Methodist all my life. A schism has been brewing for a bit now, and this might be the proverbial straw breaking the camels back. I just hope we Methodists can find common ground and prevent it from happening.

I feel this is very generational. Younger people, and my generation, I dont think we have that much of a problem with it. But the older generation, the baby boomers, who are still in power in church leadership, they tend to. There are so many churches that skew so much older.

For the entire time that Ive grown up in the church, there have been homosexual members serving in various roles, whether as music leader or Sunday school teacher, or something. So its just a matter of admitting that theyve been a part of the church for decades. Theres no shame in it. They love the Lord and want to serve the Lord and serve their communities.

_____

Image Stacey Sarnicola

Its holding us back to be still fighting this.

Stacey Sarnicola, 52, Brooklyn

Member of Park Slope United Methodist Church

The United States and other liberal-minded countries need to split from the African and Asian churches. That is the only resolution I can see. The people in my church have a committee thats just about going to church conferences and trying to change the policy. Every year they come back disappointed.

Theyve been fighting this for the 20 years Ive been there. Our country is progressing. Most Americans agree with marriage equality and gay rights. So its holding us back to be still fighting this. If the United Methodist Church is dwindling in the U.S., thats why.

_____
But China, with its enormous population, growing wealth to buy seafood and the worlds largest fleet of deep-sea fishing vessels, is having an outsize impact on the globes oceans.

Having depleted the seas close to home, Chinese fishermen are sailing farther to exploit the waters of other countries, their journeys often subsidized by a government more concerned with domestic unemployment and food security than the health of the worlds oceans and the countries that depend on them.

Increasingly, Chinas growing armada of distant-water fishing vessels is heading to the waters of West Africa, drawn by corruption and weak enforcement by local governments. West Africa, experts say, now provides the vast majority of the fish caught by Chinas distant-water fleet. And by some estimates, as many as two-thirds of those boats engage in fishing that contravenes international or national laws.

Chinas distant-water fishing fleet has grown to nearly 2,600 vessels (the United States has fewer than one-tenth as many), with 400 boats coming into service between 2014 and 2016 alone. Most of the Chinese ships are so large that they scoop up as many fish in one week as Senegalese boats catch in a year, costing West African economies $2 billion a year, according to a new study published by the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.
SEOUL, South Korea  The Trump administration has reaffirmed that the United States will pay for a missile defense battery it is deploying in South Korea, despite President Trumps recent statement that he wanted Seoul to cover the cost, officials here said Sunday.

Mr. Trump caused alarm here on Thursday when he told Reuters that he wanted South Korea to pay for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, known as Thaad, which is being installed as a defense against North Korean missiles. According to South Korea, the two allies had agreed that the Americans would pay for the system and its operation and maintenance, with Seoul providing land and supporting infrastructure.

On Sunday, the White House national security adviser, Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, called his South Korean counterpart, Kim Kwan-jin, and the two reconfirmed what has already been agreed about the systems costs, Mr. Kims office said in a statement.

General McMaster explained that the recent statements by President Trump were made in a general context in line with the U.S. public expectations on burden sharing with allies, Mr. Kims office said.
Unofficial market activity has flourished, too: people making and selling shoes, clothing, sweets and bread from their homes; traditional agricultural markets that appear in rural towns every 10 days; smugglers who peddle black-market goods like Hollywood movies, South Korean television dramas and smartphones that can be used near the Chinese border.

At least 40 percent of the population in North Korea is now engaged in some form of private enterprise, a level comparable to that of Hungary and Poland shortly after the fall of the Soviet bloc, the director of South Koreas intelligence service, Lee Byung-ho, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing in February.

This market activity is driven in part by frustration with the states inefficient and rigid planned economy. North Koreans once worked only in state farms and factories, receiving salaries and ration coupons to buy food and other necessities in state stores. But that system crumbled in the 1990s, and now many state workers earn barely a dollar a month. Economists estimate the cost of living in North Korea to be $60 per month.

If you are an ordinary North Korean today, and if you dont make money through markets, you are likely to die of hunger, said Kim Nam-chol, 46, a defector from Hoeryong, a town near the Chinese border. Its that simple.

Competition Is Everywhere

Before fleeing in 2014, Mr. Kim survived as a smuggler in North Korea. He bought goods such as dried seafood, ginseng, antiques and even methamphetamine, and he carried them across the border to sell in China. There, he used his earnings to buy grain, saccharin, socks and plastic bags and took it back to sell in North Korean markets.

He said he had paid off border guards and security officers to slip back and forth, often by offering them cigarette packs stuffed with rolled-up $100 or 10,000-yen bills.

I came to believe I could get away with anything in North Korea with bribes, he said, except the crime of criticizing the ruling Kim family.
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 Donald 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 personWho 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 Trumpnot 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 professionalmaybe 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.
KATHMANDU, Nepal  Ueli Steck, a renowned mountain climber nicknamed the Swiss Machine for his rapid ascents of some of the worlds most imposing peaks, died in an accident on Sunday at a camp near Mount Everest, Nepali officials said.

At the time of his death, Mr. Steck, 40, was trying to climb the 25,791-foot Himalayan peak of Nuptse in preparation for an ambitious ascent of Everest, said Dinesh Bhattarai, the director general of the Nepal Department of Tourism.

A message on Mr. Stecks website said that the exact circumstances of his death were unknown, and that his family was infinitely sad. His was the first recorded death of the Everest climbing season, Mr. Bhattarai said.

Mr. Steck said in a video published on YouTube earlier in April that after scaling Nuptse he would follow part of a route up Everest pioneered by the American mountaineers Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld in 1963, which had yet to be successfully repeated. He was then planning to traverse peaks, from Everest, the worlds highest mountain, to Lhotse, its fourth highest. That transfer had been completed only once before.
In 1884, the Canadian government outlawed potlatches, the public ceremonies that formed the basis of the Haida legal and political system. Because totem poles were intricately tied to potlatches, the ban essentially spelled the end of poles. The ban was finally lifted, and in 1969 the first new monumental totem pole in almost a century was raised ceremoniously in Haida Gwaii.

Since then, a dozen free-standing poles have gone up around the Haida reserve of Old Massett. The interesting thing about them is that they are not recreations of old poles or commemorative pieces remembering the height of Haida culture. They are modern tributes that recognize recent events, like the inauguration of a new hereditary chief or the opening of a new building.

During my visit to the village, I heard that Mr. White, a well-known argillite carver, was working on a new totem pole  his fifth. When I dropped by his work shed, his son Vernon was chipping away at it.
With an abstention rate of 38 percent including blank ballots in contrast to 23.5 percent nationwide in the first round of the presidential election, Stains reflects a particularly high degree of disillusionment. A community of about 38,000 inhabitants on the outskirts of Paris, it voted overwhelmingly for Mr. Melenchon, a former Trotskyite, who finished fourth. With Mr. Melenchon out, many people see the race, as expressed in an old French saying, as a choice between la peste et le cholera (the plague and the cholera).

To many people here, the policy proposals of both candidates are unattractive: Ms. Le Pen proposes a law-and-order program that would place binational Muslims at higher risk of expulsion from the country if they are considered even remotely connected to those suspected of having terrorist links. She also has inveighed against wearing a head scarf in public.

Mr. Macron, a former banker, is seen as close to the moneyed elite. He is disparaged for his support for Uber, which employs many people at low wages and often under poor conditions. He worked as a minister to the Socialist president Francois Hollande, who promised improvements that never arrived.

Sociologists and political scientists who study Frances poorer suburbs with substantial minority populations, known here as banlieues, said neither candidate had given people much reason to vote for him or her.

They are really tired of people talking about the banlieues but not doing anything, said Julien Talpin, a researcher in political science at the University of Lille. Macron in the banlieues is a kind of big failure. He appears to be an embodiment of the establishment, of the elite, and people can tell hes not one of them.

Mr. Macron received 22 percent of the vote in Stains.

Thomas Kirszbaum, a sociologist, says the demographics and voting patterns of the poorer suburbs are far more complex than is widely understood. Living together are people of immigrant background, who vote on the far left or not at all, and some longtime residents, usually white, but also some immigrants, who vote on the extreme right. In Stains, nearly 15 percent of voters favored Ms. Le Pen.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia  The pair of budding corruption fighters paused outside Slovakias presidential palace, trying to decide how long to give the government to capitulate to their demands. They wanted the resignations of the interior minister and the national police chief, as well as full and transparent investigations of a parade of recent corruption scandals. And that was just a start  the demonstration they had organized on Facebook was only a few hours away.

What do you think, seven days? asked David Straka, considering the memorandum he had put together with his partner, Karolina Farska.



She wasnt sure. We forgot to put in a deadline, she said sheepishly, her face framed by a flowery headband. This is the first time weve done anything like this.

The oversight could be forgiven. They were, after all, just 18.

Corruption has been a stubborn problem in many of the former Communist countries of Eastern Europe. Things have grown so bad that some analysts now speak in terms of state capture  where all major state institutions are effectively in the hands of corrupt politicians and untouchable oligarchs. The problem is entering an even more critical stage, as authoritarian-minded leaders leverage the rise of nationalism and populism to consolidate power.
ISTANBUL  The Turkish government expanded its crackdown on dissent and free expression over the weekend, purging nearly 4,000 more public officials, blocking access to Wikipedia and banning television matchmaking shows.

A total of 3,974 civil servants were fired on Saturday from several ministries and judicial bodies, and 45 civil society groups and health clinics were shut down, according to a decree published in Turkeys official gazette.

Turkish internet users also woke up on Saturday to find that they no longer had access to Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia written by volunteers.

The dismissals mean that an estimated 140,000 people have now been purged from the state and private sectors, and more than 1,500 civil groups closed, since a failed coup last year.
Two decades after Tony Blair swept to power in a landslide victory to become prime minister of Britain, his brand of centrist, pro-European politics seems a distant memory in a divided country that has now voted to leave the European Union.

But as the anniversary of that victory approached, Mr. Blair tried to bolster the sagging center ground of British politics, while predicting that voters might think again about the economically damaging hard break with the European Union that he believes is looming.

Britons will vote on June 8 in a general election called by Prime Minister Theresa May, a Conservative, who wants a larger parliamentary majority behind her to negotiate the withdrawal from the European Union required by a referendum last year.

Mr. Blair, in an hourlong conversation with the international news media, urged Europes left not to reject globalization, while warning that Mrs. May would probably lead Britain to a sharp break with the European Union, or a hard Brexit. Yet he also argued that once the shape of any departure deal becomes clear, Britons may have second thoughts.
President Donald Trump managed to get elected without a popular-vote majority and without positive favorable ratings because he successfully stoked Clinton Derangement Syndrome. In retrospect, its stunning that he managed to convince voters that Hillary Clinton was the more corrupt, dishonest and unprincipled of the two. Without Clinton as a foil, however, voters have been able to focus more or less exclusively on Trump (although he periodically drags Clinton back into the conversation for no other reason than to argue that a Clinton administration would have been worse than the current circus, a proposition that becomes more far-fetched with each Trump controversy and misstep).

According to the latest Quinnipiac poll, voters are dismayed by what they see. For example, 58-37 percent [say] that he is not honest, compared to 61-34 percent April 4; 55-40 percent that he does not have good leadership skills, unchanged; 57-42 percent that he does not care about average Americans, little change; 63-33 percent that he is not level-headed, compared to 66-29 percent; 61-36 percent that he is a strong person, compared to 64-33 percent; 58-38 percent that he is intelligent, compared to 60-35 percent; 61-35 percent that he does not share their values, virtually unchanged. The pollster concludes, With only a slight bombing bump, President Donald Trump stays mired in miserable numbers. The first 100 days draw to a close with character flaws overwhelming his strongest traits, intelligence and strength as a person.

The intensity of Trumps critics (50 percent strongly disapprove, 28 percent strongly approve) is striking, as is his disapproval rating among nonwhite voters (67 percent say they strongly disapprove). Without older, male and white voters, his approval numbers would be atrocious. There is overwhelming disapproval of his performance among young people, women, college-educated voters and minority voters.

On individual issues, he gets the worst ratings on immigration (58 percent disapprove/39 percent approve), the environment (61 percent disapprove/31 percent approve) and foreign policy (56 percent disapprove/40 percent approve) in spite of his two best-received actions (striking Syria, dropping the mega-bomb in Afghanistan). Trump still gets relatively high marks from Republicans, but interestingly, he gets the least support on the environment  15 to 20 points lower than he does on other issues. Perhaps even Republicans are squeamish about climate-change denial.

With no major legislative accomplishment, a failed travel ban and raging scandals over his campaigns possible collusion with Russia and his familys lax financial ethics, these numbers might not seem all that surprising. As my colleague Glenn Kessler finds, Its rather silly for any president to suggest that his first 100 days somehow topped Roosevelts achievement. Lyndon B. Johnson, Ronald Reagan and Obama are credited with significant legislative achievements early in their first terms, but much of their success generally came after the first 100 days. Trump would be well advised to not make such a big deal about this because the available evidence shows that he in no way comes close to matching FDRs record.

Despite Trumps insistence that his first 100 days have been a triumph, neither the facts nor public perception supports that interpretation.

The bigger problem for Trump and the GOP may be that this is the high-water mark for his accomplishments. Unless one thinks he will succeed on the second go-round on health care, come upon a tax reform plan after months of delay, devise coherent policies on Syria and North Korea to follow up on chest-thumping and come out of the Russia investigations smelling like a rose, there is reason to believe things will get worse, not better.
By Dave Lindorff



Forget Waldo -- where in the world is the USS Carl Vinson?

(Image by ThisCantBeHappening!) Details DMCA



An optimistic perspective on a scary crisis:

No US War on North Korea

By Dave Lindorff

North Korea is threatening to destroy the US with its thus far largely undeliverable and sometimes unexplodable nuclear weapons, while the US, after an embarrassing navigational "mishap" that saw it steaming in the opposite direction, has successfully dispatched the USS Carl Vinson carrier battle group to a position reportedly within "strike range" of North Korea (albeit actually still in the South China Sea near the Philippines, some 1200 miles distant from North Korea). Now President Trump is threatening a possible attack on that country if it won't halt its nuclear weapons program.

So is the Korean War, which never really ended, going to be reactivated, as scare stories are now warning?

While I often find myself the pessimist in these kinds of crises, given the penchant for US presidents to turn to war as a default foreign policy option, I'm guessing that won't happen in this case, and for the same reason I don't think we will see US troops confronting the determined ethnic Russian secessionists in eastern Ukraine.

It's clear that for years the imperialist policy of the US government, under both Republican and Democratic presidents, has been to create chaos in regions of the world from the Middle East to Africa and Latin America, the better to control uppity countries like Libya, Syria, Venezuela, Bolivia and Brazil, whose leaders try to buck or stand up to US dictates. But it's one thing to overthrow a government and decapitate its leadership in a place like Libya or Syria, where no powerful state is located nearby to defend that country. It's altogether another to take on a country that lies right on the border of another nuclear power, as does Ukraine and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

There was nobody to come to Col. Gaddafi's aid when US-led NATO forces attacked his government, backing rebels seeking his overthrow, and left the country a chaotic mess, which it has remained now for six years. And until Russia stepped in, the same was true of US backing for Islamic rebels seeking to overthrow Syrian President Basher Al-Assad. Ukraine was something of an exception, with the US backing a coup in 2014 that ousted the country's elected pro-Russian president, installing in his place a pro-US regime, despite its bordering Russia. My sense is that US warmongers still thought Russia was a backwards mess in 2014, incapable of standing up and with a dysfunctional military. When Russia acted, though, and made it clear, with the annexation of Crimea and with material support of ethnic Russians in breakaway Lugansk and Donetsk, that it would brook no departure of Ukraine into NATO's fold, the US backed off, despite plenty of bluster from the Obama White House and its laughably inept Secretary of State John Kerry.

Korea. The Trump administration may threaten to attack, but the bottom line is that a US attack on North Korea, or even a so-called surgical strike on its nuclear weapons development facility or a special forces attack on its leader, Kim Jong-un, would be viewed by China's government as a mortal threat to their country's national security, just as Russia views any effort to turn Ukraine into a US puppet and NATO member as a mortal threat to itself.

Actually, there are a number of good reasons to doubt that the US will attack North Korea, nuke test or no nuke test. The first is that China, which is reportedly already moving crack Peoples Liberation Army troops and equipment up to the North Korean border, will not allow the US to conquer and occupy North Korea, the first being that such a move would put US military forces right up on China's border. The second is that US policymakers, even those neo-conservatives who might like the idea of challenging China in principle, know they really have no idea how the North Korean people would react to a US occupation, following an air attack. It's not common knowledge in the US, but the reality is that during the Korean War, US bombers dropped, over a period of a couple of years, a tonnage of bombs on North Korea equal to all the bombs dropped in the Pacific Theater during WWII, killing a third of the country's population. Virtually every North Korean has at least one family member who was killed by American bombers during the brutal onslaught, which was so intense that towards the end US pilots were reportedly dumping their bombs in the ocean before returning to base so they could land safely, because they could find no more targets to hit in the North.

Given that history, and the generations of anti-US propaganda since then in the country, no one could say for certain that American soldiers fighting their way into North Korea today would be viewed purely, or even by some people, as "liberators." (In that sense, the experience in both Afghanistan and Iraq is probably still in the minds of the Pentagon brass, if not in the minds of the armchair generals at the White House.)

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Watch webinar recording: http://bit.ly/asthma17-recording

Listen or download podcast: http://bit.ly/asthma17-podcast

Our governments have committed to reduce premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases (including asthma) by one-third by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs). The National Health Policy 2017 of India also promises to "reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases by 25% by 2025".

Asthma is the commonest respiratory non-communicable disease but still so neglected with over 30 million (3 crores) people with asthma in India, and 300 million globally (1 in 20). Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be treated and controlled. Good asthma control means no, or very minimal, symptoms, and a low risk of asthma attacks or other poor outcomes. More importantly, good asthma control means, a person can live life normally!

Noted lung health expert Dr Kevin Mortimer of Respiratory Medicine Department of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine rightly said that despite alarming disease burden of asthma, we do not even have a definitive diagnostics.

In Canada, researchers found that one-third of adults treated for asthma did not actually had this airway disorder. Earlier a news reported that half a million children with asthma in the UK did not had the disease. A NHS watchdog agency had earlier warned that a million people with asthma in the UK may not have the condition.

There is no doubt that for accurate definitive diagnosis of asthma, research has to be boosted so that an easy-to-use, accessible and affordable, and highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test, that can be used in real life urban-rural situations in low- and middle-income countries, can become a reality.

"Every wheezing is not asthma. Sometimes, symptoms of asthma mimic those of other chronic respiratory diseases" warned Professor (Dr) Surya Kant Tripathi, Head of Respiratory Medicine at King George's Medical University (KGMU) and President of Indian Chest Society. While other evidence-based diagnostic algorithms should be used as per guidelines, research for better definitive diagnostics for asthma is indeed becoming a compelling priority.

Prof Surya Kant pointed out that poor management of asthma often forces patients to end up with emergency hospitalization which could have been avoided if proper care and basic effective treatment was accessible to all those in need. The Government of India's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) includes medicines used in inhalers but availability of these is grossly inadequate forcing an alarming number of people with asthma to end up being hospitalized, and even, losing their life to an avoidable cause had effective treatment been within their reach.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
More than half a century ago, Congress passed the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Since mid-April, US president Donald Trump has twice invoked one of the laws nearly forgotten provisions, ordering Commerce secretary Wilbur Ross to investigate the possibility that steel and aluminum imports "threaten to impair the national security."

If Ross says they do and Trump agrees, the law empowers him to "take such action, and for such time, as he deems necessary to adjust the imports of such article and its derivatives so that such imports will not so threaten to impair the national security."

Keep in mind that when a president orders "investigations" of this sort it's not for the purpose of arriving at the truth of the matter, but rather for the purpose of getting the answers he wants to hear so that he can claim justification for doing the things he wants to do.

For that reason, I can confidently predict that in the near future we'll see restrictions on the importation of aluminum and steel, in the name of, but not actually for the purpose of, enhancing "national security." In fact, those restrictions will have exactly the opposite effect.

Trade is one of the best guarantors of peace. Economist Otto T. Mallery perhaps overstated it a bit in saying that, "when goods don't cross borders, armies will." But it should at least be obvious that when goods DO cross borders, armies are less likely to cross those same borders. Merchants and customers who are happy with each other don't look for fights with each other.

If "national security" is just an excuse, what is the real reason? Why does Trump want to ban -- or at least drastically reduce -- steel and aluminum imports?

If you have to ask why, the answer is usually "money." In this case, it's "money and votes."

Trump's narrow victory in last year's presidential election came down to a few tens of thousands of votes from Rust Belt workers who believed he would "bring the jobs back." He wants to keep his promise -- or, at least, he wants to keep their votes for his party in 2018 and himself in 2020. He also wants the financial and political support of American companies benefiting from captive steel and aluminum markets.

But of course there's a catch. If American companies don't have to compete with foreign steel and aluminum producers, they can raise prices. Let's play a little game invented by 19th century French economist Frederic Bastiat. It's called "That Which is Seen, and that Which is Not Seen."

Seen: More workers, with more jobs, making more money in the steel and aluminum industries.

Not seen: The things you won't be able to buy because you're paying more for products made of steel and aluminum.

Donald Trump is buying the votes and support of American steel and aluminum (and timber -- he just slapped a tariff on the Canadian lumber that constitutes 1/3 of the American market) workers and employers. And he's buying those things with your money.
Im writing to set the record straight with regard to the history of the city of Burleys proposed road along the back of our store at Third and Overland. This project has a long history that led to the City Councils April 4 passage of a resolution to move ahead with the taking of our private property  a clear abuse of the citys eminent domain powers.

Franklin Building Supply has had a retail store in Burley for decades, first under the name of Volco, and under the current name for the last 18 years. City officials are now publicly stating that my company has not responded to its efforts to negotiate or discuss the eminent domain, so I am compelled to offer our side of the story. First and foremost, these claims by the city are not true.

We first heard rumors that the city wanted to put an exit road across the back of our property nearly 10 years ago. I cant pin down the exact time because the outreach from the city was always verbal and made to local store managers, not me. At first, the idea was floated in a friendly way, but our gut response was what any Idahoan would expect when a government agency tells you they want to take away your private property rights so they can build a road: No way. But because we strive to be good citizens and neighbors, we were respectful and listened to what they had to say.

Since no construction was imminent, and we didnt want the road anyway, we waited for the city to approach us. Conversations continued to happen periodically over time, with city representatives saying they needed another exit for the Walmart in order to handle future traffic needs. It was always casual and friendly.

Then, in 2010, we received a letter from the city that included a formal offer for the land needed for the road. We still did not want to sell our land, but we talked over the citys offer and replied in writing with a counter proposal, which they rejected. We waited to see what they would do next and began to study how the proposal would negatively impact our daily business.

About once a year since the 2010 letter, our manager would hear from someone from the city, again always casually. Then, in 2015, the tone changed and it became clear they wanted to move forward with the road. I scheduled a meeting in October 2015 at City Hall that included myself, another executive from our company, our companys attorney, the city administrator, mayor, city attorney, and city engineer. Franklin laid out our objections, and we suggested solutions. In our view, making Third Street a through-way would bring a steady stream of traffic to the traffic light, essentially blocking the main entrance into our yard  terrible for our customers and vendors. Wed become essentially inaccessible to the public. The second problem was that the Third Street intersection would become considerably less safe for the public, with semi-trucks stacking up, waiting on Overland to turn right onto Third Street.

The city listened respectfully, and I came away feeling like we had a good discussion. They said they would go to work on the issues we raised and get back to us, including possibly widening the Third Street entrance and moving our main yard entrance to decrease potential blockage. Even though we still felt putting in the Walmart driveway was a bad idea, we were still trying to be good, cooperative citizens.

Ten months later, we finally heard from the city in a letter stating that they did not agree with our solutions. The letter included documents to sign to turn over our land, and they increased their purchase offer by $9,000. The letter explained our rights when the government uses eminent domain to take away private property.

We were shocked. We didnt want to sell. We didnt want this road because of the harm it would cause our business. Yet the city was essentially saying, Too bad, we are moving ahead. Despite years of conversation, this ultimatum seemed final, so we stopped communicating with them. For the city to imply that we have never responded to their outreach is disingenuous at best.

At the April 4 City Council meeting, one of the councilors mentioned that he had promised D.L. Evans Bank that they would put in this road. In our nearly 10 years of discussions with the city, we never heard any mention that D.L. Evans Bank wanted this road. Had I ever heard this, I would have called the banks President John Evans to talk. Franklin prides itself on being great neighbors. When the bank needed help from us during the construction of their headquarters next door to our lumberyard, we were more than willing to help them out with space in our parking lot for construction activities. When they accidentally built over the lot line, we accommodated them with an easement.

In any case, Burley residents deserve better from their city government. You deserve to know the truth because which business might be next? Private property rights are sacred in Idaho. When they are taken away involuntarily through a less-than-forthright process, we all should be concerned and hold elected officials accountable.
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"The world is seemingly full of disconnected crises, but Rob Kall begs to differ. An exceptional pattern thinker, he connects a range of contemporary challenges through a framework of bottom-up solutions in a world dominated by top-down thinking. Mining extensive interviews with thought leaders and exploring an eclectic mix of leading-edge ideas, Bottom-Up describes a variety of latent and emergent characteristics of an evolutionary paradigm shift that's changing the world. Whether your focus is in business, leadership, activism, or organizations, Kall offers a practical conceptual map and toolset to engage the planetary evolution taking place all around us. If you want to make a difference and need inspiration for how to participate in this global transformation, there is plenty in this book to draw from."



Antonio Lopez, author of The Media Ecosystem
The Great Wall of Donald Trump: ""When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean--neither more nor less." "The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many different things." "The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be master--that's all."

Here is what zerohedge said during the campaign about Trump's "globalism".....

".....even the New York Times uses the term globalists to describe these elitists.

At one time you would have been considered a conspiracy theorist if you spoke of globalists, but at this point the elite are not even trying to put up a facade any longer.

Donald Trump made opposition to globalism one of the central themes of his campaign, and it really struck a chord all across America. As Dr. Jim Garlow noted in an article that went viral just before the election, Trump's opposition to globalism was one of the key things that set him apart from Hillary Clinton"

"Trump opposes globalism. Hillary thrives on it. Globalism is far more than geographical or eliminating national borders and boundaries. It is spiritual and demonic at its core. Few--very few--understand this. This is quite likely one of the main reasons why Trump is hated." Below are headlines that highlighted his fight against globalism. Trump vs. Hillary Is Nationalism vs. Globalism, 2016/nationalinterest.org.

"Hey, I'm a nationalist and a globalist," President Trump said. "I'm both. And I'm the only one who makes the decision, believe me."

Like Bush II, who called himself the decider (and yet was controlled by Cheney and others), Trump is The Decider, a word that invokes The Dictator.

For a man who has businesses in 22 nations using slave labor in China, Bangladesh, Honduras, etc and who has loans from Turkey, China, and other nations, this is an admission that should surprise no one. Nor is his denial that his decisions to reverse course on NAFTA, NATO, and other issues shocking for a man who has talked out of both sides of his mouth all his life.

And why should we not believe a man who ran a campaign based on lies, such as that our most law-abiding population (undocumented immigrants, with a 99.9% lower murder rate than US citizens) is composed of criminals and rapists, that he could be believed because "I am self-funding (90% of his general election funding was from outside sources, including huge contributions by billionaires that led to position reversals (e.g. Adelson on Israel)).

Donald Trump has surprised us so many times we are bored by his surprises.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Quicklink Not Found

Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them.



To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here.
I know most of my fellow progressives won't like to hear this, but I predict Marine Le Pen will win the French election for president in just 10 days, and I'm not the only one. See conservative commentator Bill Still's short video on recent polling here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkRekgA_4nA



Now, I haven't been following the French elections as closely as I did the American elections when I correctly predicted a Trump victory in the primaries in August, 2015 on Opednews, and polls are not as trustworthy as they used to be for a variety of reasons, but those reasons generally favor populists like Le Pen anyway:

- A lot of people, even in France, have abandoned traditional land lines in favor of cell phones, making it harder to conduct fair polls, particularly among...

- The young, the working class (who can't afford both and would rather have a phone to them then to their house), including...

- People who don't like to respond to pollsters, which includes those who feel disenfranchised, who are generally...

Le Pen supporters. And this is before factoring in the increasingly bought-and-paid-for results of biased polling by the corporatist media. The media's mantra branding of Le Pen as "far-right" or "ultra-right" has become background noise and isn't even really supported by her policies towards French-borns, at least. She is pro-worker rights, pro-French privileges and policies...while denying them to immigrants. Macron, on the other hand, says corporations cannot be prohibited from firing people...which is hardly a Leftist answer to the threats to the working and middle classes.

Emmanuel Macron, though young, has old, stale, ideas. He's easily branded as part of the failed globalist elites who want to subjugate French citizens under a combination of banker and foreign rule. Bankers, writ large, are part of the global elites, accountable to no one, especially in the E.U. The mass media, also funded by that same elite class, underestimates the resentment of the common folk against this cabal, and the enthusiasm for change and restoration of real or imagined French sovereignty and prosperity. In some ways, Le Pen is more qualified to come off as a real populist than Trump, because she doesn't carry the excess baggage of being a member of billionaire .01% herself and she can campaign as an outsider.

Macron doesn't do well in debates and he's easily ambushed, as happened a few days ago when he confronted a union rally after meeting behind closed doors with union leaders at a Whirlpool factory where they were striking: https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-04-26/le-pen-ambushes-macron-with-french-plant-trip-to-attack-on-trade

and this was in his home town!

What about the obvious, Le Pen's party ties to racists and even Nazis? Well, she has made some purges of the most extreme members and even booted her own father out. In a time when there is a very real Muslim refugee integration problem - even if the cause is correctly identified by Macron as being from Western-led Middle East wars (will he change France's participation in them? That's unclear...) - what are the Centerists, like Macron, answers to this? The competition, and sheer fear, experienced by the French man or woman on the street cannot be over-emphasized, even if it is statistically an exaggeration, or even more the result of the gender and age demographic of the refugees rather than their religion. Young men everywhere are more responsible for social upheaval, good or bad, than any other group, and this is the most dominant demographic of the migration, and particularly obvious in EU countries like France, which otherwise skew old and white. Even if Muslims comprise only 7.5% of the French population (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/19/5-facts-about-the-muslim-population-in-europe/), they are easily recognizable by their offsetting style of dress - which has been the target of French laws recently (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/24/french-police-make-woman-remove-burkini-on-nice-beach) - and easily blamed for whatever ails France, a more complex issue than recent refugee influxes, but not unrelated either.

But French voters aren't much concerned with nuances, though not as oblivious as American voters, who can isolate themselves from most of the world behind two oceans and relatively friendly north and south neighbors, while still imagining the worst of foreign peoples. They see their country slipping both at home and internationally, and see Le Pen offering...something, while Macron is branded as failed president Hollande, part deux. His endorsement of Macron will only hurt the candidate.

American President Trump has been officially neutral on the French elections, which is smart politics since in France he is widely disrespected. But that doesn't mean his commonality with Le Pen on issues of nationality and historic culture don't resonate as much, or even more, in Europe, where identity is defined much more by culture than geography. The globalists have no coherent answer to this.

So, what will a Le Pen victory mean for the E.U?

Bill Still predicts withdrawal from the E.U., which Le Pen supports, and even a subjugation of France's central bank to the Treasury, which is less obviously supported by Le Pen, though there are some recent statements in that direction. The first measure - a Frexit - will probably mean the end of the E.U., or at the very least, the rebranding of it as a Germany-dominant organization. If two of the largest economies in Europe - Britain and France - choose to withdraw at the same time, it's hard to see how the E.U. can survive in any recognizable form, let alone stop a tide of copycats abandoning a sinking ship. And the retributions of the E.U., such as trying to impose unpayable debts on departing members, will only make it clearer who's really in charge there. This could get ugly, and faster than most people expect. I don't predict economic disengagement could lead to war between nations - there is too much anti-war feeling in the sources of both World Wars for that - but it can't be ruled out either.

One thing is clear, two weeks from now, a potential President Le Pen will have her hands full. Viva La France...but it won't be easy.
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.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).


Copyrighted Image? DMCA



By Ethan Indigo Smith and Andy Whiteley

Contributing Writer and Co-Founder of Wake Up World

The climate change/carbon emissions debate is over. It's a redundant distraction to the broader actuality of humanity's blatantly destructive environmental practices . The question at the core of the 'climate' discussion is not if the planet is warming, or whether carbon levels are to blame, the question is whether our current way of life on planet earth is sustainable. Yet this supposedly "scientific" debate has deteriorated to narrow, ill-informed political rhetoric that keeps us debating the details, not the central issue.

Is human activity negatively affecting our planet's health, and risking humanity's future? -- Yes. Are our current practices sustainable? -- No. Are carbon emissions altering our environment such that it is causing global temperatures to increase? -- Inconsequential to the broader matter at hand.

Whatever the temperature may be, or how wild the storms, it is only a symptom of our collective disconnection from Mother Nature. Living a lifestyle that is incompatible with nature, we have allowed our atmosphere, water, soil and food supplies all to be ruined by ever-increasing environmental, industrial and agricultural poisons. And now, with unprecedented rates of disease affecting 'developed' nations, our increasingly toxic reality -- changing climate or not -- is reason enough to end this narrow 'carbon' rhetoric and initiate the many systemic reforms we know are now essential to our survival.

But the science of the 'climate change' paradigm, just like modern medicine,focusses aimlessly on the understanding the symptoms, but never the cause. It's the scientific equivalent of crapping the bed and then focusing on how best to cover up the smell". Meanwhile, it seems government officials are deliberately dragging their feet, gambling with our future to further an increasingly blatant commercial agenda.

Faulty Science of 'Climate Change'

Let's get real here. The debate of 'climate change' has not been a real debate for many years now. It was and remains a political distraction, not a scientific discourse. The complex question of our changing ecosystem has been reduced in our collective language (through media and political manipulation) to a simplistic notion of "carbon emissions".

And so, while our focus remains only on carbon, no action is being taken to reform the dirty industrial systems we already know are yesterday's news. Clearly, this unending debate is staged in favor of those who profit the most, drawing focus away from the broader environmental issues -- and solutions -- and impeding necessary reform.

Our society is dependent on energy from operations plagued by gas leaks, oil spills and radioactive meltdowns; our food supply is increasingly tainted by "FDA Approved" agricultural poisons, our atmosphere is being sprayed with toxic cocktails in an arrogant attempt to control the planet's weather, while our carbon-absorbing oceans and forests are being further decimated by short-sighted commercial practice with each passing day. And what of the effects of radioactive pollution?EMF radiation? Airborne toxins from petrol technologies? Agricultural poisons in air rain and soil? And what of other factors we can't yet understand?

Only a politician or a corporate spin-doctor would argue against replacing destructive technologies like fossil fuel, poison-dependent agriculture and nuclear energy/weapons experimentation, with sustainable systems that will serve us today, and for seven generations to come.

Conveniently, the "scientists" advocating the official carbon rhetoric have ignored countless significant (but politically inconvenient) influences on our natural environment in order to reach a position of advocacy, making the worst mistake a scientist can make -- omitting to consider information that is already well known. Such information includes:

Ignoring not one by all of these factors, the "scientists" propping up the climate/carbon debate compound the first mistake by making the second worst mistake a scientist could make: omitting the potential of other factors, known or unknown, that may influence their considerations, results and predictions of environmental changes.

Is carbon really our biggest concern? No, it's just one of our least tangible concerns -- the perfect political diversion from any discussion of tangible systemic reform. When we view this situation with our eyes wide open, suggesting that putting a price and/or "cap" on carbon is the mechanism that will "save our planet" is ridiculous. But it sure does make people feel better.

Reality Check

Humanity is living an unsustainable life here on earth. Our days like today are numbered. There are countless factors that are putting our natural ecosystem under pressure, yet with public debate carefully steered by corporate-government and their media, the entire discourse of our environmental future has been co-opted; reduced to a dangerous theatre of popularist politics that is rooted in polarized, dualistic thinking -- the opposition of two competing ideas, two parties, left and right, neither one a complete solution"


poster

(Image by davidswanson.org) Details DMCA



Most countries on earth burn less fossil fuel than does the U.S. military.

And that's without even calculating how much worse for the climate jet fuel is than other fossil fuels.

And it's without even considering the fossil fuel consumption of the world's leading weapons makers, or the pollution caused by the use of those weapons all over the world.

The U.S. is the top weapons dealer to the world, and has weapons on multiple sides of most wars.

The U.S. military created 69% of super fund environmental disaster sites and is the third leading polluter of U.S. waterways.

When the British first developed an obsession with the Middle East, passed along to the United States, the desire was to fuel the British Navy.

What came first? The wars or the oil? It was the wars.

Wars and the preparations for more wars consume a huge amount of oil.

But the wars are indeed fought for control of oil. So-called foreign intervention in civil wars is, according to comprehensive studies, 100 times more likely -- not where there is suffering, not where there is cruelty, not where there is a threat to the world, but where the country at war has large reserves of oil or the intervener has a high demand for oil.

We need to learn to say

No More Wars for Oil

and

No More Oil for Wars

You know who agrees with that? Pre-presidential campaign Donald Trump. On December 6, 2009, on page 8 of the New York Times a letter to President Obama printed as an advertisement and signed by Trump called climate change an immediate challenge. "Please don't postpone the earth," it said. "If we fail to act now, it is scientifically irrefutable that there will be catastrophic and irreversible consequences for humanity and our planet."

In fact, Trump is now acting to speed up those consequences, an action prosecutable as a crime against humanity by the International Criminal Court -- at least if Trump were African.

It's also a crime impeachable by the United States Congress -- at least if there's some way to involve sex in it.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
22-year-old Adelaide woman Cassandra Sainsbury is facing up to 25 years in a Colombian prison after nearly six kilograms of cocaine were found stashed in her luggage.

Sainsbury was detained in Bogota on April 11, just before boarding her flight back home. Its alleged that 5.8 kilograms of the illicit substance were discovered in fifteen sets of headphones she was bringing home as gifts.

She is currently being held at El Buen Pastor prison as she awaits trial, which could be up to two months away. Her family in Australia has set up a fundraising page to assist with legal costs.

A lawyer is asking Sainsbury to consider a guilty plea to dodge the maximum sentence. Writing on the fundraising page, sister Khala Sainsbury said our hearts break, because we know she is innocent, but stands little chance of proving it in such a corrupt country.

Khala told The Advertiser that Cassandra had been travelling with someone who told her he could provide the headphones for a discounted price. Sainsbury got them handed to her Wednesday morning before she left. She just put them straight into her suitcase, Khala said.

Well update this story as it develops.

Source: The Age / The Advertiser.

Photo: Fundrazr.
The political misguided decisions to partition a country (and culture) has seldom brought about an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence of the populace.

Some examples are after World War II: East and West Germany, North and South Vietnam, North and South Korea. After all the sacrifice of blood and treasure, our politicians were complicit in giving in to the enemy or special interests. Later, JFK committed us to the Vietnam War and never took the heat. Then Lyndon Johnson proceeded to ineptly micromanage the war. Today there is a remarkable situation of memory loss and lack of appreciation by two major powers: Russia and China. Were it not for the U.S., the Russians would probably be speaking German and the Chinese would be speaking Japanese.

After World War II, the U.S. complacently let down its guard. The attack by North Korea on South Korea came as a surprise and to compound the disaster, the intervention by China was also a rude awakening. The U.S. and the United Nations responded using equipment mostly left over from World War II: Old B-29s, B-26, F-84, F-51, Corsairs, AD-1, and T-6 to name a few. The F9F, F7F, Meteors, F82 and later the F-86 appeared. The Russian provided MIG 15 aircraft in support of North Korea was a formidable aircraft but the F-86 achieved air superiority. The Russians also provided the North Koreans with radar-controlled anti-aircraft guns, which were quite effective even at night. (Seems like Russia always sticks its beak into our conflicts). Also, the North enjoyed logistical support in the form of massive amounts of trucks. We attacked them at every opportunity, made road and rail cuts, even at night under aerial flare illumination. And, typical of our politicians, the North Koreans and Chinese enjoyed privileged sanctuary (we were not allowed to cross the Yalu River on the Northern border).

It is noted that at this time neither China or Russia had a nuclear delivery capability to reach the U.S. On the ground our troops faced hordes of North Koreans and Chinese. Initially our ground forces were almost overwhelmed. It was a cold, dirty war and our sacrifices were of monumental proportions The U.S. Navy provided outstanding logistical and tactical support throughout the conflict. We did not win the conflict, but when the freedom and success of South Korea is considered and compared to the grim realities of North Korea, it was not a completely lost cause. Finally, we forced the belligerent North to the negotiation table. As truce negotiations proceeded, I recall the looks of exasperation of our negotiators as they tried to reason with the hard-core Communists (they will never be confused by fact)! A look at some of the old RKO news film bear witness to the difficulty.

In summary, we were surprised twice by the Communists. We cannot afford another surprise relevant to North Korea. The unhinged leadership of North Korea is unpredictable and dangerous! Most of the meager national wealth is pumped into weaponry that is unnecessary while the people are starving. Kim Jong-un does not necessarily need a long-range missile to inflict damage on the U.S.

A nuclear armed rogue North Korean submarine at close range can easily make a statement! The only solution to the fragile situation in Korea is a major regime change and, hopefully, a uniting of North and South. Otherwise it will continue to be a dangerous situation.
It's amazing how excited people become about dropper posts, after all, they simply move your bike's saddle up and down. But, every time a new dropper is launched it garners swathes of attention, especially posts that promise more drop than the competition. Canadian brand, 9Point8, have a 200mm dropper, but now there's European competition.



Vecnum launched their post a few years ago, and took many pre-orders. After manufacturing issues in Asia, they grabbed the bull by the horns and committed, buying their own machines and taking the task into their own hands. The posts are now made in Germany and original orders have been fulfilled with the new version.



Vecnum moveLOC 2 Details:



 140mm, 170mm and 200mm options

 460g / 525g / 560g

 Dual side lever or trigger style lever

 Air spring

 Patented locking system

 Four riding positions

 30.9mm, 31.6mm and 34.9mm options

 Made in Germany

 369 (approx. $402 USD)

 vecnum.com

 140mm, 170mm and 200mm options 460g / 525g / 560g Dual side lever or trigger style lever Air spring Patented locking system Four riding positions 30.9mm, 31.6mm and 34.9mm options Made in Germany 369

External, fixed cable routing only.

This classic remote lever can be used on either side of the bar. Vecnum's new trigger lever will be ready to ship in June.

Vecnum also have a 'fork dropper' called the LevelLOC

There are options to suit common frame sizes and there are three options of drop travel: 140mm, 170mm and 200mm. Adjustment is not infinite but defined by four positions. For the 200mm post in question, this is at 0mm, 40mm, 100mm, and 200mm. This extra long post weighs in at 560g, which is on par, or lighter than much of the shorter competition.Cable routing is external only and mounted on the fixed part of the post. This is becoming a more popular option over internal routing for many riders due to ease of maintenance, also, it might be your only option with the increased total length of the post, dependent upon frame design. The external routing system also features a 'FailSafe Button', which means if you snap a cable, or even destroy the remote lever on the trail, the button can be depressed by hand to actuate the post.The current lever can be used on either side of the handlebar and has a narrow clamp that should be friendly to fit in with other handlebar controls. Their new lever will be available in June, and is a one-by drivetrain specific lever that can only be mounted on the left underside of the bar.Vecnum's other product on display was their LevelLOC, which could almost be described as a dropper for your forks. Probably not the kind of thing the average PB reader is interested in, but if all you have to ride is a monster road climb, followed by a big descent, this 80-gram unit could be useful.
One of the secrets to making a good album is creating a setting that fosters creation.

Just look at Justin Vernon's prolonged sessions in the forests of Wisconsin to make Bon Iver's debut. Philadelphia-based multi-instrumentalist Andy Moholt was listening; his latest release under solo project Laser Background, Dark Nuclear Bogs, was recorded in an isolated Georgia lake house with Carlos Hernandez and Julian Fader of fuzzed-out indie rock band Ava Luna. With a name like that, it would be easy to expect heavy synthesizer; more often than not, the psych pop project edges toward dreamy guitar and indie pop flourishes married with psych rock vocal distortions. Think Tame Impala by way of field trip. Moholt is currently on tour, having just finished a New York City show at Ridgewood venue Trans Pecos.

We caught up with Moholt via email to talk about isolating himself to make a record, touring, and the frameworks of life and death that structured Dark Nuclear Bogs.

You mentioned in a press release that the album concerns the journey of life, framed by an opening track representing life and a final track representing death. How do you think the album's sound was affected with this framework?



I like to structure albums with a loose concept and not focus too hard on it while writing. I do think that we intentionally ended up sequencing the album front-loaded with some more exciting tracks and then putting some darker, more downer tracks towards the end to try to achieve a linear downward slope. I like the idea also of like "everything is fucked and crashing, but also that's totally okay." Pretty much, as soon as we are born, we start dying.

I believe very strongly that death is overly-stigmatized in Western culture, especially considering that besides being born it's the only thing that's definitely going to happen to all of us. Unless we live long enough to witness the singularity or upload our consciousness to the cloud, but that's another conversation that you can (and will) have with me if we hang out at 3 AM.

The album was recorded mostly in a lake house that you rented. How do you see this hyper-focused retreat into music reflected in the sound?

We spent two weeks in March 2016 at my friend Brandon Jones family's lake house in rural Georgia. The primary structure of the record was recorded there, but I did a lot of overdubs later. The lake house session was done on a Tascam 388, and most of the overdubs were done on a 488 mkii. Anyway; making a "destination" record was amazing! I never want to record any other way ever again. I think waking up every day & going to "work" on the task at hand helped us get really lost in the process. Not having much of our regular lives to contend with really allowed us to fully focus on the material, and the mental state that we were in at different times definitely affected the outcome of the songs. For instance, on "Slubberdegullion" we intentionally recorded the song super late at night while we were all very drunk. I wanted the song to be be both sludgy and manic, so we waited until we were in that state to track it.

Describe a normal day in the house.

Carlos, Julian & I would usually wake up around 10 or 11 AM every day. Julian would often go for a run. We would all binge on a copious amount of coffee each morning, and I'd usually make some kind of eggy breakfast. Then we'd get to work: either listening through whatever we completed the night before, or jumping right into whatever the next song was on our list. At night, we had a favorite shitty faux-Mexican place that we found nearby that we'd get margaritas at. Occasionally we'd have friends pop by, sometimes for a few days, which was nice. I recall that session as a very idyllic two weeks with a few close friends that I really care about.

You've just kicked off your tour; how is it going so far? Why start in New York?

Tour is great so far. As I write this, we are at a campground chilling and eating snacks, listening to tapes and getting a lil' work done. I got a tiny camper-trailer recently, and it has totally changed my tour life. We started at Bard College because a) I really like playing there, and b) putting a couple college shows at the beginning of a tour can help fund the whole tour sometimes. Really excited because in the next few days we are playing with some amazing bands!

What was your favorite track to write for Dark Nuclear Bogs?

Favorite track to write specifically was probably "Mostly Water," because that one was written at 6 AM after staying up all night as I was finally falling asleep. If you can't tell, I stay up all night most nights. I was actually really mad, because I was holding the guitar in my hands as I was drifting off and when I realized the riff I wrote was good, then I had to get up and make a demo, meaning I didn't actually fall asleep until 9 AM or so. As a result, the song itself ended up being lyrically informed by staying up all night.

What was it like recording with members of Ava Luna?

I absolutely LOVE working with Carlos & Julian. They aren't afraid to challenge my ideas, but also understand my sensibility and our opinions usually align quite well. This is the second LP I've made with them, the first being Correct. Will almost certainly be working with them again in the future.

The album is soon to be released into the world. Are you excited to finally get this out there?

Sure, I'm looking forward to it. I sat on the last record for over a year (it was mastered in November 2014 and I didn't release it until May 2016), so I decided to do the reverse with this one and release it almost instantly.



As this project continues to grow, where do you hope to take it?



I just want to keep making music that excites me.

Follow Lazer Background on Facebook and Twitter. Stream Dark Nuclear Bogs below.
Attorney David Lujan doesnt believe there is any conflict with him representing former Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority legal counsel Mark Smith in his upcoming federal case for allegedly illegally receiving Section 8 housing allowance payments.

The defense attorney filed an opposition to the governments motion for his disqualification.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marvic David moved for Lujans disqualification saying he would likely be called as a witness in the trial because he previously represented GHURA from 2003 to 2011.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

David argued that Lujans prior representation of the agency is substantially related to the instant case and raises serious questions about whether counsels loyalty and duty to represent each client will be impaired.

Lujan asked the court to deny the motion saying the government failed to show how prior representation of GHURA creates a conflict.

It is curious that the government indicts Mr. Smith and now wants to select or de-select Mr. Smiths defense counsel, Lujan wrote in the opposition motion.

He maintains that the U.S. Attorneys Office has failed to show any facts that would show that a conflict exists and accused the office of attempting to create a conflict by having him testify before the grand jury on March 14 about being a Section 8 landlord and other non-sense.

Lujan believes the governments true concern is that Smith will have an attorney that will vigorously defend against the baseless charges filed against his client.

Smith allegedly devised a scheme to continue receiving Section 8 housing allowance payments while he was GHURAs legal counsel and a landlord for Section 8 tenants. The government alleges Smith violated the conflict of interest provisions and laundered the payments with co-defendant Glenn Wong.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Gas Leak Detectors Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.

Gas Leak Detectors Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-17 09:13:51

Press Information

Future Market Insights

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,



Valley Cottage, NY 10989,



United States



T: +1-347-918-3531



F: +1-845-579-5705



Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com



Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com









email





Published by

Abhishek Budholiya

+1-347-918-3531

e-mail

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com







# 686 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

A gas leak detector is a piece of equipment or a device that senses and detects the existence of gases in a particular area. These devices are used as a part of safety systems installed in factories, homes and commercial complexes. A gas leak detector system detects the gas leaked and generates a signal to take proper action. Industrially, gas detector systems are fitted with a sound alarm to evacuate the area in case of toxic gas leakage. The popularity of such devices is growing due to the influx of new chemical facilities across the world. Further, the growing gas storage facility network across the globe has deployed a significant number of gas leak detectors for safety systems.Due to their design modifications, gas detectors are broadly categorised on the basis of technology as electrochemical, infrared imaging, infrared point, ultrasonic, semiconductor and holographic. On the basis of product type, the global gas detectors market is bifurcated into portable gas detectors and fixed gas detectors.Portable gas detectors are widely used in lab application whereas fixed detectors find their maximum application in gas extraction and processing fields. Fixed gas detectors can also be used for residential applications such as using itin a bedroom. Further, industrial fixed type gas detector application includes SCADA monitoring.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-67 Gas detectors are used in applications such as gas turbines, building and construction, health care, food and beverages, water treatment, oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, underground gas storage facilities, and others. The segments for refineries and chemical plants applications dominate the global market at present. Nevertheless, gas detectors are widely used in underground gas storage. The growing gas supply network is spurring the demand in this segment.One of the major driving factors for gas leak detectors market is the ever growing oil & gas industry. The increasing number of gas field explorations and widening gas supply network has been fuelling the demand for gas leak detectors. In addition, active government organizations have been imposing safety regulations on the industries. This, in turn, has propelled the demand for gas leak detectors. Further, Asia Pacific is likely to lead the league in terms of growth of the industrial sector, mining sector, medicine and healthcare sector, and construction sector. This is likely to create opportunities for the growth of theglobal gas leak detectors market. However, the market is facing strong competition due to the influx of new players in the market and frequent product launches.Multi-gas detector coupled with an analyzer system is one of the emerging trends in the global leaked gas detector market. This kind of detector is gaining popularity due to its compact designs and better features as compared to conventional gas leak detectors. It is expected that the after sales market is likely to develop further in future and a number of market participants will enter this segment. It is also expected that the gas leak detector manufacturers will expand their business to aftermarket sales through forward integration and strategic alliances.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-67 A number of product launches can be seen in the global gas leak detectors market. For instance, market participants such as Scott Safety, GE and RAE Systems recently launched a few new gas leak detectors. The global gas leak detectors market has also been witnessing strategic alliances such as that between Cbiss and Old Man Partner. To expand the business globally, a number of gas leaked detectors manufacturers have acquired other companies such as the acquisition of Edinburgh Instruments Ltd by Techcomp Group Ltd., the acquisition of RAE Systems by Honeywell International Inc. and the acquisition ofGroveley Detection Ltd by Emerson.Some of the prominent players in global gas leak detectors market are City Technology Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Mine Safety Appliances Co., Dragerwerk AG & Co., KGAA, Testo AG, ABB Ltd, Industrial Scientific Corporation, California Analytical Instruments Inc., Figaro Engineering Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Hitech Instruments Ltd, Ametek Inc., Emerson Electric Co.,Halma Plc, Trolex Ltd,GE Measurement & Control, Gasmet Technologies OY, Enerac Inc., Xtralis Pty. Ltd, Horiba Ltd and others.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Fuel Cell Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.

Fuel Cell Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-17 09:12:25

Press Information

Future Market Insights

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,



Valley Cottage, NY 10989,



United States



T: +1-347-918-3531



F: +1-845-579-5705



Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com



Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com









email





Published by

Abhishek Budholiya

+1-347-918-3531

e-mail

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com







# 696 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Fuel cells convert electrical energy sourced from chemical energy, through an electromechanical reaction with oxygen or other oxidizing agents. Primarily, a fuel cell functions as a battery, but is different in the way that in a fuel cell, fuel is supplied from an external source and fuel is converted to electricity without any involvement of a burning process. The demand for alternative energy sources is growing at a global level, which in turn propels the development of associated products. The first commercial application of fuel cells happened with NASAs space programs. Fuel cells were used for application in probes, satellites and space capsules. Generally, fuel cells utilize oxygen and hydrogen during the electrochemical reaction process and generate electricity, heat and water. These cells are used where continuous flow of electricity is required. The cells provide continuous flow of electricity as long as source fuel is supplied. As fuel cells are carbon-free due to their non-burning nature, environmental norms support the development of this market.At a global level, various fuel cell design modifications are available. This includes solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), proton exchange membrane (PEM), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) and a few others. Furthermore, the fuel cell market can be categorized on the basis of source type as hydrogen powered, methanol powered, biogas powered, natural gas powered and hydrocarbons powered. Fuel cell technology finds application in stationary power, portable power and transportation power, and specialty vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, auxiliary power units and material handling equipments. Fuel cell technology has become one of the dominant technologies in the power generation industry owing to its carbon-free, non-burning nature and safe energy source.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-65 Rising environmental concerns along with stringent regulations, especially in North America and Europe to reduce carbon emission, is likely to fuel the demand for fuel cell systems over the forecast period. Furthermore, various other factors such as consistently declining fuel cell cost due to technological advancement and uncertainty of the source of fuel cell are likely to spur growth of the fuel cell market.. Such factors limit the application of fuel cells to a narrower spectrum. Depletion of global oil and gas reserves coupled with the demand for clean energy are fuelling the global fuel cell market. Moreover, companies and governments worldwide promote the shift in focus towards renewable energy generation options.In the past few years, fuel cell market has witnessed different levels of developments, especially occurring in North American and European countries. FMI also analyzed MEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific as potential markets for the fuel cell technology. In addition, Asia Pacific has become hub for consumer electronics; where electronic goods are produced at relatively lesser cost. Fuel cell market is likely to take advantage of such factors and is expected to witness increment in the penetration in Asia Pacific.Institutional organizations such as Sandia National Laboratories and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHV) are constantly conducting extensive research in order to improve the efficiency of fuel cells. Key players (manufacturers) in the industry adopt strategies such alliances and partnerships to expand their product lines. Furthermore, strategic alliances are helping market players to penetrate into relatively newer application areas. Fuel cell manufacturers are also involved in enhancement of product offerings. For example, Ballard Power Systems, Inc. and Plug Power, Inc. signed an agreement to supply fuel cell stacks to Plug Power, Inc. for three years to be used in forklift trucks. Fuel cell manufacturers are also involved in the operational expansion through the setting up of new plants. Recently, Daimler AG and The Linde Group entered into strategic alliance to build hydrogen fuelling stations in Germany. Such initiatives are helpful to commercialize fuel cell application in the transportation sector. Furthermore, fuel cell-powered vehicles require hydrogen filling stations, and with such initiatives, it is possible to commercialize fuel cell-powered automobiles.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-65 Dominant market participants in the fuel cell market are Toshiba Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Hydrogenics Corporation, Kyocera, AFC Energy, Ballard Power Systems, Inc., Ceres Power Holdings PLC, Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited and Doosan Corporation.
For two years now, no issue has received more headlines or created more tension in the Magic Valley than debate over refugee resettlement and the role immigrants and others play in our community. Its important, to be sure, because the dialogue is shaping our community ethos as we grow into a new economy and collective identity.

What we do now will create the Twin Falls for our children and grandchildren. Were building a New West. But what does that mean, and who gets to decide?

For far too long, weve allowed outside elements  particularly people and groups from the far-right whod probably never heard of Twin Falls two years ago, let alone given a rip about what happens here  to shape that narrative.

Were at a turning point, and Twin Falls is finally fighting back. For the first time in two years, the story isnt about whats wrong in Twin Falls. Its about whats right.

Lets take stock:

Fawnbrook: The sexual assault case of a 5-year-old girl in the Fawnbrook Apartments in June has finally been resolved  with felony convictions. Inaccurate reports about the incident were truly fake news before anyone had ever heard the term. Conspiracy websites fueled cockamamie accusations that local officials (and this newspaper) were covering up the crime. Refugee opponents issued a clarion call for justice for the victim. They got it, because the system worked like its supposed to and police and prosecutors kept their cool.

Colley: Local shock-jock Bill Colley has poured a lot of gas on the refugee fire with inflammatory rhetoric on his NewsRadio 1310 show. But earlier this month, he wrote a column for this newspaper condemning the extreme elements in the local Republican Party, particularly what he called  the Hayden Lake goose-stepping crowd  being revived in Twin Falls who dont represent the libertarian-minded conservatism thats long been the cornerstone of Twin Falls politics. Hes right: Republicans here are fair-minded conservatives, not loony militant nuts. Its about time somebody in the party stepped forward and said so instead of empowering the partys more radical elements.

The New York Times: National media have been almost as interested in the local refugee debate as Magic Valley residents, with major mainstream outlets filing story after story about our local turmoil. Earlier this month, the New York Times took a different approach: It took a deep look at our economy. Turns out, the story concluded, Twin Falls is the posterchild for a rural region doing things right. Thats the kind of press that thrills local economic development leaders who prefer our success story  not infighting about refugees  to be at the top of a Google search for workers or companies considering our community.

State of the City: A little more than two weeks ago, Mayor Shawn Barigar delivered the annual State of the City address and didnt shy away from the elephant in the room. Twin Falls, he said, has found ourselves as a community painted with a brush by artists who are not in Twin Falls. And he planned to do something about it. In an impressive speech, the mayor got straight to the heart of the matter, tracking our collective mettle over the generations up to the present day. Throughout our history, weve always been a community that welcomed others and stepped up to support our neighbors, regardless of their creeds or beliefs. It truly was a remarkable moment, the first time since the refugee debate began that a local public official or business leader was so explicit about reclaiming our story.

Chobani: What a month for the yogurt company. First, Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya appeared on 60 Minutes to echo many of the mayors sentiments. Days later, Ulukaya was named to TIMEs list of the worlds 100 most influential people. And then just days after that, the company filed a defamation suit against slime bag and conspiracy peddler Alex Jones and his InfoWars website, one of the chief hawkers of fake news surrounding the Fawnbrook incident and refugee resettlement in the Magic Valley. The gloves are finally off, and the truth is on Chobanis side.

Welcoming City: Perhaps sensing the change in the air, the Twin Falls City Council is finally doing something proactive in this debate, unanimously voting to pursue a resolution stating that Twin Falls is a welcoming community. Sure, perhaps its just a symbolic gesture  no, the resolution doesnt mean were a sanctuary city  but at long last the city is no longer passively standing by and praying this all goes away before they have to get involved. Its about time the city drew a line in the sand and stopped trying to straddle the fence. Its OK for our elected leaders to say that hate and bigotry have no place here  in fact, as community leaders, its their responsibility.

Despite this months progress, this battle is far from over. Now is the time for resolve, to build on this months momentum and finally reclaim our right to define ourselves. Well be extremely disappointed if the Welcoming City resolution stalls, or if Republican leaders dont continue to call out extremists when they see them. Or if business leaders suddenly back down. The truth is on their side  keep it going.

Its our moment. Now, lets seize it.
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.




HITN will become the first Spanish-language network in the UA to air Top Gear, as of May.

Hosted by the famously irreverent Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, Top Gear showcases super vehicles, extreme stunts and challenges on wheels along with exclusive celebrity interviews and critiques of the latest car models. Across the country, fans of all things motorised will be able to enjoy seasons 14 to 16 of the show in English with Spanish subtitles.HITN is proving once again that it fills a gap in US Hispanic television by becoming the first Spanish-language network in the country to offer Top Gear, one of the worlds best-known and established automotive series, said Erika Vogt Lowell, programming and acquisitions director at HITN We are confident that the series will captivate Hispanic viewers, allowing us to continue our rapid audience growth in response to the quality and variety of our programming.HITN will launch a major campaign to promote the series as well, organising events in different cities.
HBO Asias first Mandarin original series The Teenage Psychic will air its final two episodes back to back on 30 April, following strong ratings and positive reviews.

Developed with Taiwanese broadcaster Public Television Service (PTS) and Singaporean production company InFocus Asia (IFA), the six part coming of age drama was shot entirely on location in Taiwan with a cast of Taiwanese actors.The story revolves around Xiao Zhen, played by Kuo Shu Yau, who struggles to balance the pressures of teenage life and meet the demands of her temple duties as a medium. The fourth episode saw Xiao Zhen and Ah Les relationship deepening after Ah Le (played by Kent Tsai) confides in her about his fathers absence and disappearance. The broadcaster promises an unexpected twist, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, for the finale.HBO Asia Originals have always been produced to tell a good story that will resonate across all our territories. We are very encouraged by the great feedback received so far for The Teenage Psychic, which has exceeded our expectations on a story that is uniquely Taiwan and yet comes with a universal appeal, said Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO AsiaAsia The director, Chen Ho-Yu, did a fantastic job co-writing the scripts and in directing his first television series. The success of the series was a result of great teamwork from the production crew and cast in Taiwan.The Teenage Psychic is HBO Asias second original production this year after the second season of Halfworlds, the dark fantasy drama series set in Bangkok that premiered in January. Sent, a new comedy series set in Singapore, will also air later this year.
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."


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 Montenegros 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.

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
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.
I am a retired French teacher and an avowed Francophile. I also follow the news. It appears that Bill Colleys sympathy for French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen comes mainly from a program he heard on the radio while driving to Boise. From that program, he has become a staunch Le Pen defender.

Le Pen will be facing the political centrist Emmanuel Macron, 39, in a run-off election for president of France in early May. She is the daughter of Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was founder of the alt-right National Front Party. He, Jean-Marie, had for years espoused sending any person who was not of Gallic heritage back to their native countries, even though that person had been born and raised in France. Furthermore, he has been convicted under French law for inciting hatred among Jews and denying the Holocaust.

Marine, 48, has picked up the standard from her father. She trades on white supremacist themes and has been praised by former Klan leader David Duke. She showed her avid support for Vladmir Putin a few weeks ago by traveling to Moscow to meet with him. (She was the only one of 11 presidential candidates to do so). This was a natural, since her political party, the National Front, has been supported in part by Russian banks. She has called for: France to pull out of NATO and the European Union, for the French borders to be closed, and for the economic sanctions on Russia (for its annexation of Crimea) to end, since they are unfair and silly. French mainstream political support is coalescing around Macron. Well see....
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.


North Korea has defied the United States and other world powers by test-firing a ballistic missile early on April 29.

U.S. and South Korean officials said the launch from an area north of the capital, Pyongyang, appeared to have failed, as did other recent attempts.

South Korean officials said the missile disintegrated within minutes of being launched and did not leave North Korean territory.

The test-firing came amid U.S. efforts to harness global support to dissuade Pyongyang from carrying out such launches.

After being told about the missile launch at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a tweet that North Korea had "disrespected the wishes of China and its highly respected president," a reference to recent warnings by China to North Korea that any further nuclear arms tests would lead Beijing to impose more sanctions.

China's official Xinhua news agency said in a commentary on April 29 that both North Korea and the United States should be cautious in their actions.

"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," it wrote.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe the the missile test-fire was "absolutely unacceptable" and a "grave threat to our country."

Abe, speaking during an official visit to Britain, called upon the international community and China in particular, to "show solidarity" in responding to North Korea.

The launch came hours after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the United Nations that the threat of a North Korean nuclear strike on Seoul or Tokyo "is real" and that any failure to act may bring "catastrophic consequences."

In a speech to the UN Security Council on April 28, Tillerson called on UN members to strengthen financial sanctions against North Korea or downgrade their diplomatic relations with Pyongyang in response to the regime's nuclear and ballistic-weapons programs.

He said North Korea has undertaken a "dangerous" course of action for years and that it is time for "us to retake control of the situation."

"For the past 20 years, well-intentioned diplomatic efforts to halt these [weapons] programs have failed," Tillerson told the Security Council.

"In light of the growing threat, the time has come for all of us to put new pressure on North Korea to abandon its dangerous path," he said.

Tillerson called on UN members to live up to their commitments related to sanctions against North Korea, as well as to increase the country's financial isolation by imposing new sanctions and tightening those already in place.

He said diplomatic efforts are preferred, but he also expressed the willingness of the United States to take military action, if necessary, to counter North Korean aggression.

All options to respond to "further provocations must remain on the table," Tillerson said.

The U.S. secretary of state also called on China, Pyongyangs main ally, to assist in efforts to keep North Koreas weapons program in check, saying, "We look forward to further actions to what China has already done."

On April 27, Tillerson said that China had threatened to impose sanctions on North Korea if it conducts further nuclear tests.

He said China was "in communication with the regime in Pyongyang" and had "confirmed to us that they had requested the regime conduct no further nuclear tests."

Tillerson said Beijing also told Washington it had informed North Korea that "if they did conduct further nuclear tests, China would be taking sanctions actions on their own."

But Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the UN meeting on April 28 that "the key to solving the nuclear issue on the peninsula does not lie in the hands of the Chinese side."

The North Korean missile test also comes as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group arrived near the Korean Peninsula, where it joined a U.S. submarine, the USS Michigan, which is docked in a South Korean port.

North Korea's official newspaper of the country's ruling Workers Party, the Rodong Sinmun, said the arrival of the aircraft carrier group was a "reckless action of the war maniacs aimed at an extremely dangerous nuclear war."

The paper's commentary included a threat that intercontinental ballistic rockets will "fly into the United States if [Washington]...shows any slight sign of provocation."

The USS Carl Vinson had just completed an exercise with the Japanese Navy in the channel between North Korea and Japan.

Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs have been banned by the United Nations.

Tensions have risen on the Korean Peninsula with harsh words between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said after Tillerson's speech on April 28 that increased rhetoric and "reckless muscle-flexing" regarding North Korea could lead to missteps and "frightening consequences."

In a briefing with U.S. senators on April 26, senior officials in Trump's administration said their goal was to push North Korea into dismantling its weapons programs through tougher international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
Researchers at the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) in Japan have demonstrated an on/off switching behaviour in a coordination polymer crystal.

Coordination polymer crystals are inorganic and organic hybrid materials. They are known for their structural and functional diversity and their ability to conduct protons.

Proton conduction is a form of electrical conduction in which positive hydrogen ions (H+) carry the charge instead of electrons. It plays a key role in powering photosynthesis in plants and could be used to develop better fuel cells.

A team of researchers led by Satoshi Horike and Susumu Kitagawa synthesized a coordination polymer (CP) by reacting zinc oxide, phosphoric acid and imidazole in ethyl alcohol at room temperature. The CP was then melted and triflic acid was added. The resultant mixture was then cooled and recrystallized. This 'acid doping' of the CP significantly enhanced its proton conductivity.

The team melted their original CP again and instead added the 'photoacid' pyranine. Photoacids are molecules that become more acidic upon absorption of light. After cooling the material, its now recrystallized form was exposed to light and its proton conductivity improved. When the light was turned off, its conductivity decreased and returned to its original state. This change could be switched on and off over several consecutive cycles of light exposure.

Acid doping of the CP resulted in minimal structural change with overall enhancement of proton conductivity. Doping the CP with photoacid gave the researchers on-demand external control of the ionic current in the material.

"This is the first demonstration of utilization of the melting state for CP functionalization," conclude the researchers in their study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie. Their melt-doping strategy could potentially be extended to synthesize a new class of proton-conducting solids that can be used in non-volatile memory technologies, ionics-based transistors, and light-induced ionic/electric current circuits.

The Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) at Kyoto University in Japan aims to advance the integration of cell and material sciences, both traditionally strong fields at the university, in a uniquely innovative global research environment. iCeMS combines the biosciences, chemistry, materials science and physics to create materials for mesoscopic cell control and cell-inspired materials. Such developments hold promise for significant advances in medicine, pharmaceutical studies, the environment and industry.
Affordable gas sensor setup developed by Tohoku University team monitors trace levels of health-indicating chemicals, paving the way for future non-invasive studies.

Using hollow-core optical fibre as a sensitive gas cell, researchers in Japan have devised a relatively simple and affordable sensor for monitoring biomarkers in human breath at low concentrations. Trace amounts of gases exhaled through the nose and mouth offer clues to respiratory conditions such as asthma, as well as other easy-to-administer health screening opportunities.

Tohoku University scientists explained how their device works in the journal Sensors, using isoprene as an example. Isoprene is a known indicator of cholesterol synthesis and could offer valuable insights into a patient's metabolism. Breath measurements taken from volunteers throughout the day allowed researchers to track changes in isoprene levels following activities such as exercise or eating.

Breath analysis has attracted much attention because it is non-invasive and has the potential to inform users on a range of health topics. However, detecting biomarkers present at low-concentrations often requires bulky and expensive laboratory systems. The Japanese scientists believe their sensor paves the way for a more portable and affordable solution.

Key to the success of the group's apparatus is a 3-meter-long, hollow-core optical fibre, which is coated on the inside with a reflective film. Participants breathe into a connecting tube that guides the exhaled gases into the fibre's core, where the contents are exposed to laser-driven ultraviolet light. A detector placed at the end of the optical path highlights any portions of the light signal that are absorbed as the ultraviolet emission passes through the gas sample. And this series of so-called 'absorption peaks' forms a chemical signature that reveal which molecules are present. The combination of a long beam-path and high-intensity emission enhances the measurement, so even chemicals present at parts-per-billion levels can be detected.
For more than 100 years, May Day has symbolized the common struggles of workers around the globe. Why is it largely ignored in North America? The answer lies in part  Watch video 

For more than 100 years, May Day has symbolized the common struggles of workers around the globe. Why is it largely ignored in North America? The answer lies in part in American labours long repression of its own radical past, out of which international May Day was actually born a century ago.

The seeds were sown in the campaign for the eight-hour work day. On May 1, 1886, hundreds of thousands of North American workers mobilized to strike. In Chicago, the demonstration spilled over into support for workers at a major farm-implements factory whod been locked out for union activities. On May 3, during a pitched battle between picketers and scabs, police shot two workers. At a protest rally in Haymarket Square the next day, a bomb was tossed into the police ranks and police directed their fire indiscriminately at the crowd. Eight anarchist leaders were arrested, tried and sentenced to death (three were later pardoned).

These events triggered international protests, and in 1889, the first congress of the new socialist parties associated with the Second International (the successor to the First International organized by Karl Marx in the 1860s) called on workers everywhere to join in an annual one-day strike on May 1  not so much to demand specific reforms as an annual demonstration of labour solidarity and working-class power. May Day was both a product of, and an element in, the rapid growth of new mass working-class parties of Europe  which soon forced official recognition by employers and governments of this workers holiday.

Leo Panitch, What you need to know about May Day.

Eric Hobsbawm, Birth of a Holiday: The First of May.
Idahos largest single day of giving  Idaho Gives  is coming up on Thursday, May 4, and I want to challenge the Magic Valley community to come together and support local causes that are doing amazing work right here in our own backyards.

Idaho Gives is the only single day of online giving across the state where any nonprofit that has signed up to participate can receive donations. And the goal this year is big  really big. The Idaho Nonprofit Center has set out to raise $1.2 million for Idaho causes! Thats $1 for every adult Idahoan in our state.

This is a chance for nonprofits to increase their donor base, raise awareness for their causes, and most importantly, raise critical funds to continue their work in our communities. And its an opportunity for donors like me to make a major impact.

Many people are familiar with Idaho Gives, but may not understand the crucial services provided by Idaho nonprofits and how those services affect our community. Idaho has over 7,000 registered nonprofit organizations that bring over $5 billion in revenue to our state. And they employ over 50,000 Idaho jobs.

These organizations support kids, families, seniors, animals, the arts, education, the environment and so much more. Think about concerts or plays youve attended recently, or education services provided to your kids, or a 5K you may have participated in  these are all nonprofit organizations locally that are working to make an impact and bring immeasurable value to our community and we must work together to support these organizations and the work they do.

Visit IdahoGives.org and browse the list of participating causes, or search for your favorite Magic Valley nonprofit organization. The simple online giving form will guide you through the process  with proceeds going directly to the organization you choose.

I hope you will join us on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Twin Falls Visitor Center for some fun and food. You will have a chance to visit with many of our local nonprofits and be part of something big. So please join me in supporting all the great nonprofit work done in Idaho during Idaho Gives 2017. Lets show the rest of the state how strong we are here in the Magic Valley!

Bill Maikranz, president & CEO, United Way of South Central Idaho

Board member, Idaho Nonprofit Center
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. owns and leases freight railroads. It operates through three segments: North American Operations, Australian Operations, and U.K./European Operations. The company transports various commodities, including agricultural products, autos and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, coal and coke, food and kindred products, lumber and forest products, metallic ores, metals, minerals and stone, petroleum products, pulp and paper, waste, and other commodities. It owns or leases 122 freight railroads, including 105 short line railroads and 2 regional freight railroads located in the United States, 8 short line railroads located in Canada, 3 railroads located in Australia, 1 railroad located in the United Kingdom, 1 railroad in Poland and Germany, and 2 railroads in the Netherlands with a total of approximately 16,200 miles of track. The company also operates 6,200 additional miles of track that is owned or leased by others. In addition, it operates deep sea maritime containers and provides bulk haulage, including coal, aggregates, cement, and infrastructure services. Further, the company provides rail service at approximately 40 ports; rail-ferry service in North America, Australia, and Europe; and contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Darien, Connecticut.
Some time in 2015, Donald Trump made a calculation. If he refused to release his tax returns to the public like every other presidential nominee and president in the past four decades, hed get criticism from his opponents and the media, but that criticism would be more tolerable than allowing whatever was in those returns to become public. He could take the hit without fundamentally harming his chances of winning and eventually the issue would fade away.

It turned out that he was rightexcept for the part about the issue fading away. If anything, its getting more important, even undermining Republican unity and threatening the partys chances of passing tax reform.

For that, you have to give liberals some credit. Who would have imagined that they could get tens of thousands of Americans to turn out at protests all over the country to demand the release of Trumps returns? Its not what you might consider a sexy issue. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats have signaled that a demand for Trumps returns will be a centerpiece of their argument against whatever form of tax reform Republicans come up with.

All of this is going to put Republicans in Congress in an uncomfortable position. They desperately want to pass tax reform, or at the very least a big tax cut, even if they dont do a total overhaul of the system. But the politics of it will already be tricky. Their top tax priorities are cutting individual taxes at the top end and cutting corporate taxes. It just happens that this puts them in a diametrically opposed position to the American public, whose top two complaints about the tax system, according to the Pew Research Center, are that corporations and the wealthy dont pay their fair share.

Trumps personal taxes therefore offer Democrats a way to take an abstract and wonky debate and make it more compelling and personalboth for voters and for the news media, which loves to frame stories in terms of personalities, none more so than the presidents. A debate in which every Republican proposal is met with, How much money is that going to put in Donald Trumps pocket? We need to know! is not the one Republicans would prefer to have, particularly when three-quarters of the public says Trump should release his returns.

Its already having an effect. As the New York Times reported this week:

More than a dozen Republicansfrom recognizable names like Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa and Representative Mark Sanford of South Carolina to backbenchers like Representatives David Young of Iowa, Matt Gaetz of Florida, Walter B. Jones of North Carolina, Ted Yoho of Florida, Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey and Justin Amash of Michiganhave agreed that Mr. Trump should release his returns.

Thats a modest number at the moment, but thats only because most Republican members probably havent been forced to take a position on the question. But the more Democrats manage to keep it a central part of the tax-reform debate, the more Republicans will have to say where they stand. And while their default reaction is always to get behind their president, in this case his position is practically indefensible. (Note that Sen. Tom Cotton, Ark., got booed by his constituents for parroting Trumps utterly bogus line that he cant release his returns while hes being audited, which of course he can.)

But its one thing to say that Trump should release his returns, while its something else entirely to try to force him to do so. While Republicans could theoretically insert a provision into a bill (on taxes or anything else) requiring the president to make his returns public, then pass that bill through both houses and force Trump to veto it, the chances of that happening are close to zero. Your average Republican member of Congress would like to stand up for transparency by saying that he himself believes Trump should release the returns, but that member of Congress would also like the returns never to become public, because they might cause a scandal that would engulf the whole party. So dont expect Congress to actually force the issue, so long as it remains in Republican hands.

So if your member of Congress says I believe that the president ought to release his tax returns, you might want to ask: Okay, what are you going to do about it?

If the Democrats can take back the House in 2018, were probably going to see Trumps returns.

Why? Two words: Subpoena power. If and when the subpoenas arrived, Trump would sue to quash them. It would ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, and he might win. But he might not. And then the real investigation would begin.

If and when those subpoenas arrive, Trump would sue to quash them. It would ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, and he might win. But he might not. And then the real investigation would begin.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on residents to help those affected by an deadly outbreak of tornadoes. He described the extent of the damage, which includes more than five thousand structures.
David Bootess voice began to tremble over the phone.

The Star called him out of the blue last week with some unusual news  a museum in France had located a 101-year-old bugle that belonged to his grandfather, a soldier who fought in the First World War.

And staff asked for help to send the artifact to the soldiers next of kin, if the Star could help find them.

Those are the types of things that happen to other people  I was rather taken aback, Bootes, 68, said in a later interview. It is part of my heritage, and I didnt know (it existed).

The news was emotional, Bootes said, because his grandfather, Sgt. Albert George Bootes, died four years before he was born. His father, aunts and uncles  who have all passed away  rarely spoke about their father, Bootes said, and the little he does know about his grandfather was gleaned from snippets of conversation he overheard as a child.

He was a very nice person, and he was in the war  thats all I knew. I didnt know what or where or any particulars, Bootes said. I have absolutely nothing of my grandfathers, not even a picture. I wish I did.

Bootes said he didnt even know his grandfather was buried in Toronto.

But it was a record of the soldiers final resting place at Prospect Cemetery that narrowed down the hunt for his family, according to Thiepval Visitor Centre employee Celine Jasiak. The centre, about 170 kilometres north of Paris, is a museum dedicated to the Battle of the Somme and sits next to the Thiepval Memorial, which commemorates 72,246 soldiers from the U.K. and South Africa who died in the battle but have no known grave.

Jasiak said a resident of Le Havre, in Normandy, contacted the centre about a month ago saying hed found the bugle, made in London by the now-defunct company Hawkes & Son in 1916, in his parents home and asked for help.

He said, If you can find somebody who is family, I want to give them the bugle, Jasiak said in a phone interview from Thiepval.  And I said, I can try.

With a British colleague, Jasiak was able to link the battalion number and name  misspelled Boots  stamped on the bugle to records for a Canadian soldier who returned home after the war, died in 1944 and was buried in Prospect Cemetery, near St. Clair Ave. W. and Caledonia Rd.

She then reached out to the Star on Facebook, asking for help with finding next of kin.

Jasiak said the centre received the bugle from the Le Havre man on Thursday and will be mailing it to Bootes shortly. Its unclear how the mans parents came to have it in the first place; according to Jasiak, he told her it had belonged to his father, who died in 1993, who kept it as an antique.

We suppose somebody gave it to them and theyve kept it for a long time  We dont really know why (it was in their home), she said. Its moving for us, too, to find the name on the bugle and then find the family.

This isnt the first time someone has contacted the centre asking for help reuniting a soldiers lost item with his family, Jasiak added. A woman once came in with a soldiers fork, which the centre also managed to return.

According to enlistment records, Albert George Bootes was born in Greenwich, England, on Aug. 4, 1878. He was five feet five-and-a-half inches tall and had blue eyes with black hair. A blacksmith by trade, he was married to a woman named Alice and enlisted in Gananoque, Ont., on Feb. 9, 1916. The senior Bootes had a son with the same name who also fought in the war, but didnt make it home; hes buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium.

David Bootes said the bugle will be his first concrete connection to his grandfather.

Other than the odd little bit of memory, theres nothing, nothing that I have first-hand, he said, his voice wavering. Everything has been what my mother mentioned, or dad mentioned in passing. There was nothing that I know one on one thats concrete, but this will be concrete.

He has a simple plan for the bugle once its in his possession.

Im going to display it, he said. Theres a mantel its going to be put on, (and Ill) probably make a nice case for it. It will be displayed.

SHARE:
The single most crippling result of decades of poor transit planning is the average citizen now expects more of the same.

Residents tell pollsters they support a particular transit proposal and they dont believe it will deliver the benefits touted, and they anticipate the costs will rise  maybe even double, and it will take much longer to complete than forecasts promise.

Around here, commuters discount much of what they hear about transit promises, clinging to scant hope that the traveling experience will improve, even imperceptibly.

At a time when the Toronto region has embarked on an historic spending arc for transit, more money than ever before is at risk of being flushed away.

Everyone can point to a culprit: the idiot politician, in search of votes, who promises subways where improved bus service is appropriate; deceptive planners and their false forecasts; deluded citizens who argue they are owed a subway just because others have one, and the twin devils of deception: the politician-bureaucrat combo boldly arguing the transit equivalent of the Earth is flat.

David Crowley is a retired planner. He used to work for the TTC before he launched out into his own consulting business, which saw him do demand forecasting for several of projects.

He has regaled me recently with tales of woe on the state of transit planning.

Sometimes it descends to self-flagellation. Too often forecasted demand falls far short of reality. Too often  as is the case with his experience with the Sheppard subway  his skepticism wasnt appreciated by his masters.

Now, he watches and weeps and drowns his sorrows with the likes of transit planning legends Dick Soberman and Ed Levy.

Even where they do it right, there are problems, and you can never get totally away from political influence, he writes.

My main consulting activity over the last decade or so of working was peer-reviewing demand forecasts based on benchmarking these forecasts against real world experience.

The big thing that is lacking in all of this is common sense.

Everything presented as fact should be assessed against what has been observed in the real world.

People take model-based results too seriously, especially the professionals.

So, even the planners are doubting themselves.

They are apoplectic when they talk about political interference  something thats nearly impossible to avoid.

And they are wisely unsure about solutions that will work.

My sense is that this sort of wasteful decision should cause average folks, including the taxpayers who will have to pay the bills, to rise up and throw the bums out, Crowley says of the one-stop subway.

Thanks David, but if that were going to happen the politicians wouldnt be peddling subways.

The UP Express, the Spadina subway extension, Sheppard subway and the current one-stop Scarborough wonder are examples of how not to build transit.

Looking over the list I have to take some responsibility for the Sorbara line, in that I did a lot of work in support of that idea for Vaughan and York Region and also the UpExpress (which I was involved in from 2002 to 2014, not that anyone really read and understood what our reports said.) However, we humans are supposed to learn from our mistakes, especially now that we can look back with some objectivity, he said.

Soberman, for his part, proposes the lesser of two evils as the best source of transit planning, in light of the fact that the politicians are never going to vacate the field.

With one notable exception, namely converting the Scarborough LRT to RT midway through construction at three times the price, provincial decisions about transit in the GTA have, on the whole been more or less sensible, Soberman says.

By province, he does not mean boards of political friends, who, he says, contribute nothing to decision-making, but have a great time doing so.

Most productive are the few people, generally very professional deputy ministers who advise the minister and the government, often with good staff and/or consultants, but, admittedly, not always.

No boards built the first GO service to Pickering; a few smart guys did by convincing the minister of the day.

When all is said and done, I think the only hope for improvement is to take all capital investment decisions for transit away from municipal bodies and left to the minister(s).

In other words, dont participate in joint funding led by municipal hacks.

Of course, that doesnt mean all decisions (like building a very expensive tunnel for low capacity transit) will be sensible, but we know that the batting average for GO/Province has been a helluva lot better than weve seen or will ever see from the boys and girls of City Hall.

Arguable, but worth considering.

SHARE:
Toronto police are asking for the publics help in locating a dog they believe was stolen.

Mary, a white and brown Jack Russell terrier, escaped from her leash at around noon on Apr. 14. She was near her home at Greenwood Ave. and Gerrard St. E.

Police say she was later picked up by a woman driving a white Toyota in the Pape Ave. and Danforth Ave. area.

Mary is a rescue dog, and will run if shes chased, police say.

Last Sunday, another Toronto dog, Kobe, was reunited with his owner after police say he was stolen from outside a McDonalds.

Anyone with information on Marys whereabouts is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500.

SHARE:
Fifteen years before scandal engulfed the Hospital for Sick Childrens Motherisk lab, SickKids, by its own acknowledgment, had every right to fire the doctor in the middle of it all.

In late 1999, Dr. Gideon Koren was identified as the author of poison pen letters sent to SickKids doctors and the media during a heated dispute with a whistleblower colleague, Dr. Nancy Olivieri. For months, Koren had denied writing the anonymous letters that disparaged Olivieri and her four supporters as a group of pigs, among other insults. He confessed only after DNA testing provided irrefutable proof.

Your actions constitute gross misconduct and provide sufficient grounds for dismissal, the former presidents of SickKids and the University of Toronto wrote in an April 2000 decision following a disciplinary hearing on Koren, whom they upbraided for repeatedly lying and showing a reckless dereliction of duty.

But, citing his research achievements and the many young doctors he supervised, who they said would be disproportionately disadvantaged if Koren were fired, they instead docked him two months pay, fined him $35,000 and continued his suspension until June 1, 2000.

Koren remained head of the Motherisk Program he founded in 1985.

The Motherisk scandal has cast doubt over thousands of child protection decisions across Canada that relied on the hair-testing labs flawed drug and alcohol tests, and prompted a re-examination of some of the programs influential research on drug safety in pregnancy.

It has also raised questions about the hospitals decision to stand by Koren, which suggests the institution valued image over the safety of patients, said SickKids doctor Brenda Gallie, who was among Olivieris defenders.

Read more

Whats ailing SickKids? How Torontos world-class childrens hospital missed the warning signs

James Turk, a Ryerson University professor and former head of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, which led an extensive investigation into the Olivieri affair, said the Motherisk crisis makes clear there is a fundamental institutional problem that needs to be addressed.

(SickKids has) to detail what they did wrong in the past. Unless they can show they understand the problems they caused, theres no reason to think that their solutions are going to solve those problems, he said. You cant just say, let bygones be bygones.

Koren is currently under investigation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, after SickKids sent the medical regulator findings from its internal investigation of Motherisks operations. Koren retired from SickKids in 2015 when the hospital closed the Motherisk lab and reassigned leadership of the Motherisk Program. He did not respond to requests for comment.

In an interview, SickKids CEO Michael Apkon detailed the steps the hospital has taken to prevent a repeat of the events at Motherisk, including new guidelines for expert evidence, and creating an externally supported whistleblower hotline. The hospital has also revised its conflict-of-interest policies in light of concerns the public has raised about Dr. Korens research funding, he said.

However, Apkon, who was appointed CEO in January 2014, would not discuss the Olivieri affair, saying, I really cant speak to the time prior to me being here.

Rose Patten, the chair of the hospitals governing board of trustees, also declined to comment. The keen interest in the possibility of common themes across events of the past is appreciated and understandable. However, we find it really hard and inappropriate to speculate on actions or decisions that were taken on past events by others, she said.

The faculties of pharmacy and medicine at the University of Toronto, where Koren held cross-appointments with SickKids, did not address questions about Korens past in an email response to queries from the Star.

Toronto criminal lawyer James Lockyer, who played a key role in exposing the Motherisk hair-testing scandal, said the silence is ridiculous in these circumstances.

A clinical toxicologist and pharmacologist, Koren published more than 1,500 articles over 40 years, according to SickKids. He rose to prominence in the hospitals clinical toxicology department in the 1980s with his creation of the pioneering Motherisk Program.

U of T estimates Koren supervised up to a dozen students per year. Many did placements in the Motherisk lab and its popular call centre, which is still operational.

In the mid-90s, Olivieri, a blood diseases specialist, was spearheading efforts to find an oral treatment for children with thalassemia, a serious disorder that requires frequent blood transfusions, which can lead to a dangerous buildup of iron. At the time, the leading treatment to remove the excess iron was an infusion administered overnight.

Hoping to find a replacement in deferiprone, Olivieri had designed a clinical trial, which she was running at SickKids with Koren, when they received partial funding from the drug maker Apotex.

When Olivieri began to voice concerns about the efficacy of the drug, which Koren did not share, Apotex alleged she was violating a confidentiality agreement, a claim she denied. The company threatened legal action.

The ensuing battle attracted significant media attention and divided doctors within SickKids, culminating with the infamous poison pen letters.

Koren told the Globe and Mail in 2000 that sending the letters was inappropriate and unbecoming  but when you are attacked savagely by five people over three years, you may do these things.

In its 2001 Olivieri Report, the Canadian Association of University Teachers found that Koren, along with another doctor, had submitted false testimony in an earlier probe commissioned by the hospital. It sharply criticized SickKids and U of T for their treatment of Olivieri, and for failing to defend her academic freedom in the face of patient safety concerns. The report also said Olivieris supporters defended her at great personal cost.

Among those defenders was Gallie, Olivieris supervisor at the time, who received an ultimatum from her boss in late 1998.

You apparently believe that your moral duty overrides your accountability to me  and to the formal leadership of this institution, said the letter, published in the Olivieri Report. The choices are clear: Since you believe that your conscience compels you to denigrate this institution and its leadership, then you cannot at the same time be part of that leadership.

Gallie continued to treat patients at SickKids but moved her lab, which does pioneering research in retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer in young children, to Princess Margaret Hospital in 2000. She is currently an affiliate scientist at the University Health Network, and still treats patients at SickKids.

The controversy came just as U of T was negotiating with Apotex for a $20-million donation toward a research centre.

Arthur Schafer, founding director of the University of Manitobas Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics, said the hospitals long-standing support of Koren is directly tied to hubristic ambition.

Olivieri was seen as more than an inconvenience; she was seen as standing in the way of this ambition to make SickKids world class, he said.

In 2003, the College of Physicians and Surgeons reprimanded and fined Koren $2,500 for his conduct, describing his behaviour as childish, vindictive and dishonest. The college said it supported an earlier finding of research misconduct against Koren by U of T for publishing research from the trial without Olivieris knowledge.

In publishing this research, Koren also failed to mention Olivieris concerns or to declare that his work was funded by Apotex, which used the publications in communications with Health Canada to counter Dr. Olivieris adverse findings on its drug, according to the Olivieri Report.

Apotex has always rejected concerns about the efficacy of deferiprone.

The $20-million funding with U of T never came to pass. In 2000 it was announced that Apotex had made a smaller multimillion-dollar donation to the university, the Olivieri Report said.

Apotex and Olivieri settled in 2014, Turk said. Olivieri moved her work to Toronto General Hospital, where she is currently a senior scientist.

In an email, she told the Star it was agonizing  to learn of the families destroyed by the tragedy of Motherisk.

She recalled her shock at the way U of Ts former dean of medicine enthused about Korens exemplary record and his publication output when announcing the research misconduct finding to faculty, and at Western Universitys 2004 decision to give Koren an endowed chair.

All this begs the question: does the number of publications a scientist accumulates confer a diminished responsibility for repeated misconduct? said Olivieri, who also runs Hemoglobal, a charity that treats children with blood diseases in Asia.

Dr. Michael Rieder, a pediatrics and pharmacology professor at Western University who said he is a longtime friend of Koren, was on the selection committee that gave him the endowed chair in 2004.

Rieder said it was not an idle or inconsequential decision, and that it was made after due diligence and lengthy discussion with Koren about the reprehensible act for which he had been disciplined.

We agreed that given  some assurances that had been put in place, he would be a good hire, Rieder said, citing Westerns conflict-of-interest policies and the fact that researchers dont work in isolation. The chair did very well and published a high volume of quality work, none of which was ever questioned.

Koren still holds professor emeritus status at Western, a designation that the spokesperson for the school of medicine and dentistry said allows him to access library and facilities but not to conduct research or teaching, neither of which he is currently engaged in.

Research related to Motherisk was wholly conducted at another institution, she said.

Dr. Bhushan Kapur, who started working with Koren at SickKids in the 90s, said, At the Olivieri time, SickKids was divided into two parts: there was one section which hated him and the other section that supported him.

Kapur, who supervised the Motherisk lab from 2009 to 2015, when he left SickKids, said he stuck by Koren because hes a very brilliant scientist and was a superb sounding board.

Koren is currently living and working in Israel. He is listed as a professor in the big data team at Maccabitech, the business development arm of the health-care company Maccabi Group. He is named on the faculty/speaker list of the 4th World Congress on Controversies in Pediatrics, which was held in Amsterdam earlier this spring.

Motherisks hair tests came under scrutiny in late 2014, following a Star investigation. At first, SickKids publicly defended the Motherisk lab and supported Korens position that the tests were reliable.

In a recent interview, Apkon said that when questions about the hair tests surfaced, the hospital consulted a variety of internal sources  familiar with lab operations and with lab science.

We not only spoke to Dr. Koren, he said.

Justice Susan Lang, who was appointed by the province to review Motherisks hair-strand drug and alcohol tests, concluded in December 2015 that SickKids had failed to provide meaningful oversight of the lab, whose hair tests, used in thousands of child protection cases, fell woefully short of the standards required of evidence presented in legal cases.

Langs review also identified incorrect statements about Motherisks hair testing methods in several scientific journal articles co-authored by Koren. One of those journals, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, recently told the Star it is investigating 90 articles that dealt with potential Motherisk data or were published by Koren in light of ongoing concerns and investigations of Dr. Korens work.

Koren was replaced as head of the Motherisk Program in spring 2015 after the Star raised questions about the failure to disclose financial support from Quebec-based Duchesnay, the maker of Diclectin, in a booklet on the Motherisk website that Koren co-authored, which promoted the use of the morning sickness drug. (SickKids subsequently added disclosures.)

The results of an internal hospital investigation confirmed Korens undisclosed conflicts of interest related to Duchesnay, as well as flaws in an influential 1997 meta-study that Koren co-authored on Diclectin.

SickKids also identified a significant privacy breach in the Motherisk call centre in which 1,400 call records over more than a decade were accessed for research-related purposes, without first going through our established process for research approval.

In an email to the Star, SickKids said it acknowledged questions regarding Dr. Korens relationship with Duchesnay  may raise concerns for members of the public, but stressed that drug safety advice dispatched in the call centre is not solely dependent on Motherisk research.

Rachel Mendleson can be reached at rmendleson@thestar.ca .

Read more about:

SHARE:
Beth Nowosad started feeling anxious and suffering panic attacks in Grade 8. A counsellor at her elementary school was no help. In high school there were absolutely no resources, and by Grade 10 she was self-harming.

Before her 18th birthday, she tried to kill herself and ended up in hospital.

Unfortunately, the funding isnt there to help kids, said Nowosad, now 24, who only started getting proper treatment when she enrolled in a college program to become a child and youth worker and learned about resources in the community.

There are so many youth that are waiting so long  there are so many  the government needs to fill the gaps.

For children with mental health troubles, wait lists are the norm  when problems arise, they typically cant get help for a year and a half and end up in hospital, only to be discharged to find they have to wait yet again for services in the community.

Advocates had been hoping for additional funds in the Ontario budget, released Thursday, saying $118 million is needed immediately to expand treatment and make sure it is available early on.

They say the system is in crisis, and new data to be released Monday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), obtained by the Star, indicates the growing problem: Between 2006 and 2016, emergency department visits by children and youth seeking mental health or substance abuse help went up 63 per cent, and hospitalizations 67 per cent, while at the same time, hospital stays for all other health issues fell by almost 20 per cent.

This data signals that our current mental health system is not working optimally and is not meeting the needs of children, youth and families in Ontario, said Childrens Mental Health Ontario, which represents more than 100 treatment and support centres.

CEO Kim Moran said the money is needed to ensure children have access to treatment within 30 days, as well as to open more care centres, improve referral services and add staff.

There are 12,000 kids waiting for therapy or intensive treatment, Moran said, noting one in five kids is affected.

Morans own daughter suffered anxiety and suicidal thoughts starting at age 11, and she knows another mother whose 15-year-old committed suicide waiting for treatment.

The costs of not getting therapy means kids clog wait lists in schools and at college and university  when those services are really meant for those with mild issues, she said.

In the past 25 years, childrens mental health has only received two boosts in funding at a time when demand has grown, and when you are getting zero increases, the funding erodes, she added.

Financially, it makes sense, she added, with community treatment costing up to $800 a day, and hospital stays more than $2,300. Children who end up in emergency departments are typically re-admitted at least three more times, she added.

The government is just not making this a priority, she said. It gets forgotten.

Michael Coteau, minister of children and youth services, said in a statement to the Star that he is committed to transforming the way we deliver mental health supports to young people in this province. This starts, first and foremost with improving service delivery and simplifying points of access for young people with care that is close to home.

He said the government has a Moving on Mental Health strategy that will improve the experience for children and youth with mental health challenges and their families so that, regardless of where they live in Ontario, they will know what mental health services are available in their communities and how to access them.

In total, he added Ontario provides more than $3.7 billion in ongoing funding for mental health and addiction services. While there is still more work to be done, supporting mental health initiatives for children and youth across Ontario is a major priority of our government.

For Nowosad, the anxiety first surfaced after her parents divorced, and she was hospitalized in York Region years later, when she was 17.

But because she was close to turning 18, staff there would not put her on a wait-list for youth services. But she wasnt old enough for adult resources, so she waited in limbo, seeing a private social worker for $120 a session for a few months.

Those gaps need to be addressed, she said.

When Nowosad moved to attend college, it was only through my professional life in Kingston I was able to find really great resources on my own.

While she still suffers, she has become a youth advocate to push for more funding and less stigma . . . I definitely see the stigma decreasing.

In Canada, an estimated 70 per cent of adults who suffer mental health issues first saw signs of trouble in their childhood. Youth suicide here is the third highest among industrialized nations.

Childrens Mental Health Ontario estimates the $118 million the system needs annually could save $1 billion in the long run.

Currently, about 120,000 Ontario children and youth are being treated for mental illness.

While pleased the government announced pharmacare up to age 24, I dont want to take away from the fact that many kids will benefit from medications, but medication alone wont yield the results we need, said Moran.

Marjory Phillips, a director at the Child Development Institute in Toronto, said youth there needing intensive services cant get it for 10 to 12 months. Right now, 37 families are on its wait list.

While the institute used to provide residential care for children under 12 with serious, disruptive behaviours, it abandoned that after seeing studies that show kids do much better if they remain at home. So now child and youth workers are dispatched out to provide service.

It also keeps kids out of foster care, and prevents them from being pulled out of their home, she added.

Children with less intensive needs can wait up to two years.

Its tough (on families), Phillips said. They are desperate . . . families go to walk-in (mental health) clinics, and it just doesnt cut it. They need someone to really figure out whats going on with their kid.

SHARE:
ISTANBULTensions rose Saturday along the Turkish-Syrian border as both Turkey and the U.S. moved armoured vehicles to the region and Turkeys 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, Washingtons main ally in combating Daesh 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.

Read more:

Turkey blocks access to Wikipedia as opposition decries censorship'

U.S. troops deploy along Syria-Turkish border: reports

Turkey gave 20 minutes notice before airstrikes in Syria, U.S. officials say

But Turkey views Syrias Kurdish Peoples 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 whos 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 kilometres from Syrias 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 Turkeys 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 armoured 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 groups expansion along its borders.

The issue has been a source of tension between Ankara and Washington that threatens to hamper the fight against Daesh. 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 Daesh.

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 Daesh, Erdogan said: Let us, huge America, all these coalition powers and Turkey, let us join hands and turn Raqqa to Daeshs grave.

The YPG forms the backbone of the U.S-backed Syria Democratic Forces.

Redur Khalil, the spokesperson 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 dont 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.

Read more about:

SHARE:
MANILA, PHILIPPINESU.S. President Donald Trump has called Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte and expressed Washingtons commitment to their treaty alliance and his interest in developing a warm, working relationship, a Philippine official said Sunday.

Presidential spokesperson Ernie Abella said Trump mentioned he was looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November to attend an East Asia summit that Duterte will host with several world leaders and that Trump invited Duterte to visit the White House.

The discussion that transpired between the presidents was warm, with President Trump expressing his understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippine president, especially on the matter of dangerous drugs, Abella said in a statement.

Trumps chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said the friendlier ties are needed even with concerns about Dutertes human rights record, which includes extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users as part of the governments drug war. Priebus cited the military threat of North Korea.

The purpose of this call is all about North Korea, Priebus told ABCs This Week on Sunday. It doesnt mean that human rights dont matter.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

A White House statement described late Saturdays call as very friendly and said the U.S.-Philippine alliance is now heading in a very positive direction.

Abellas remarks reflect the friendlier attitude Duterte has taken with Trump versus the antagonistic stance he had toward president Barack Obama, who he once asked to go to hell for criticizing the Philippine leaders bloody anti-drug crackdown. During Obamas final months in office, the Philippine president moved to build closer economic ties with China and Russia while repeatedly threatening to end his nations long-standing military alliance with the U.S.

Dutertes apparent dislike for Obama began when the U.S. State Department expressed concern over his drug war  which has left thousands of suspects dead  and asked Philippine government officials to take steps to stop extrajudicial killings.

At one point Duterte suggested he may even move to abrogate a 2014 defence agreement that allows U.S. military access to five Philippine military camps.

He has walked back most of those threats but has proceeded with his efforts to align closer with China.

On Sunday, three Chinese navy ships, including a guided-missile destroyer and a guided-missile frigate, were welcomed in Davao city, Dutertes southern hometown, by officials, including presidential daughter and city Mayor Sarah Duterte, military officials said.

Read more:

I might go down in history as the butcher: The making of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte isnt threatened by impeachment complaint alleging bribery, corruption

Asked if the rare Chinese naval visits were a sign that Duterte was backing away from Washington, Department of National Defence spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said: We are not veering away from the U.S. but rather we are expanding our relations with our fellow nations in the global community.

Abella said without elaborating that concern over North Korea also came up in Trumps talk with Duterte.

Duterte suggested in a news conference Saturday that the Trump administration should back away from an intensifying standoff with North Korea, not in surrender, but to avoid risking a nuclear holocaust that could smother Asia.

It would be good for America to just restrain a little bit and if I were President Trump, Ill just back out, not really in surrender and retreat, but just to let the guy realize that, Ah, please do not do it. Duterte said.

Washington, he said, should not play into provocations of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

It behooves upon America, who wields the biggest stick, just to really be prudent and patient. We know that we are playing with somebody who relishes letting go of his missiles and everything, Duterte said.

Read more about:

SHARE:
Its often small signals that reveal massive changes taking place just beneath the surface in a community. On a whirlwind trip to China, several cues to developing trends stopped me in my tracks. Having been a visitor for almost 35 years, I have had my nose to the glass at Chinas transformation from impoverished agricultural police state to global economic superstar on many occasions.

On this trip three things hit me.

The interplay of forces in politics, the economy, and the role of the Chinese citizen is far more nuanced and hopeful than the silly Cold War rhetoric of some Canadian journalists would lead one to believe.

The transformation from copycat cheap-labour polluting industrial giant to 21st century innovation leader is accelerating.

The sophistication of Chinas evolving role on the global stage and in its bilateral relations with G20 nations cannot fail to impress in terms of pure self-interested statesmanship.

Canadas relationship with this always-confounding people and culture is rapidly evolving, but we are struggling to keep up with the changes.

On China as an innovation leader my cue was, strangely, the Shanghai Auto show. Chinese manufacturers presented 56 concept cars  all electric and many self-driving. A decade ago there were a few laughable Chinese efforts. China is an emerging world leader in electric autonomous vehicles.

Historically, Chinas service reputation has been closer to that of the U.K.  that is, the customer is always wrong  than to the rest of Asia. Today, the animated digital maps, flawless English announcements, and helpful staff on the Beijing and Shanghai subway systems would make a TTC executive blush.

Chinas mobile payments infrastructure is growing faster than any in the world  consumers search, pay for and track delivery of everything from food to major appliance purchases in the local version of Twitter by the tens of millions daily. The service is reportedly impeccable.

Those journalists who see China through a 1960s Cold War lens on policing, law, and civil society have either never seen a real Stalinist police state up close, or are merely promoting an agenda. Those who dismiss and sneer at Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus romantic engagement with the worlds emerging superpower are similarly just fools.

No, China is not a democracy. Yes, Chinas approach to rights and to the sovereignty of the individual citizen are often deeply troubling, and certainly not ours. But the private, social, and civic space for the ordinary Chinese citizen is greater today than at any time in its history, and expanding. That is surely the more relevant test of progress than whether they have arrived at our level of expectations of rights and freedoms.

Trudeau is surely right in recognizing that the Canada/China relationship is the quintessential challenge for our childrens economic prosperity.

We must keep our focus on building deeper and broader connections with China. Canadas economic ties to China tomorrow must be as dense and interwoven as are ours with the U.S. today, if we are to secure prosperity. More Canadian institutions are moving faster to ensure that than ever: academic exchange, research partnerships, investment in the domestic markets of each country by businesses from the other, and a dizzying round of high level ministerial and trade missions.

Our new ambassador last month  his first  hosted a premier, two federal and half a dozen provincial ministers, each with China-focused business and academic delegations. He has already raised Canadas profile at the official level. He will be a star in the Chinese media. John McCallum is funny, unassuming, and has a teenagers enthusiasm for his career-capping gig. He makes it clear that half his job is pushing Canadians to understand the essential place China has in our future.

To those in the Canadian academy and the media who think the best way to seize attention and to sell newspapers is hyperventilating about all the things that China does not get right, give your head a shake. Yes, we will continue to push our vision of rights and the rule of law. But no, we will not allow a relationship important to both countries to be derailed by endless public finger wagging.

Sadly, Canadians who want a more honest portrayal of the fascinating changes taking place in China, and tales of the rapidly growing partnerships with Canadians, will need to find those stories beyond the mainstream Canadian media.

Robin V. Sears, a principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group and a Broadbent Institute leadership fellow, was an NDP strategist for 20 years.

Read more about:

SHARE:
Winnebago Industries, Inc. manufactures and sells recreation vehicles and marine products primarily for use in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The company operates in six segments: Grand Design Towables, Winnebago Towables, Winnebago Motorhomes, Newmar motorhomes, Chris-Craft Marine, and Winnebago Specialty Vehicles. It provides towable products that are non-motorized vehicles to be towed by automobiles, pickup trucks, SUVs, or vans for use as temporary living quarters for recreational travel, such as conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels, folding camper trailers, and truck campers under the Winnebago and Grand Design brand names. The company also offers motorhomes, which are self-propelled mobile dwellings used primarily as temporary living quarters during vacation and camping trips, or to support active and mobile lifestyles under the Winnebago and Newmar brand names. In addition, it offers other specialty commercial vehicles for law enforcement command centers, mobile medical clinics, and mobile office spaces; commercial vehicles as bare shells to third-party up fitters; and boats in the recreational powerboat industry under the Chris-Craft and Barletta brand names. Further, the company is involved in the original equipment manufacturing of parts for other manufacturers and commercial vehicles. The company sells its products primarily through independent dealers in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Winnebago Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1958 and is based in Forest City, Iowa.
The following companies are subsidiares of Centene: AT Learning Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, AT Medics Holdings LLP an English and Welsh LLP, AT Medics Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, AT Technology (Private) Ltd. a Pakistan private company, AT Technology Services Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, AWC of Syracuse Inc. a New York corporation, Absolute Total Care Inc. a South Carolina corporation, AcariaHealth Inc. a Delaware corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #11 Inc. a Texas corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #12 Inc. a New York corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #13 Inc. a California corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #14 Inc. a California corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #26 Inc. a Delaware corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy Inc. a California corporation, AcariaHealth Solutions Inc. a Delaware corporation, Access Medical Acquisition LLC a Delaware LLC, Access Medical Group of Florida City LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Hialeah LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Lakeland LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Miami LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of North Miami Beach LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Opa-Locka LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Perrine LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa II LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa III LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Westchester LLC a Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition Direct Contracting LLC a Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Chesapeake LLC a Maryland LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Community Health Centers II LLC a Texas LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Community Health Centers LLC a Texas LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers II LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers III LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers IV LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers LLC a Hawaii LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers V LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers VII LLC an Arizona LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Florida Partners LLC a Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Georgia LLC a Georgia LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Maryland LLC a Maryland LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Maryland Primary Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of New Jersey Inc. a New Jersey corporation, Accountable Care Coalition of North Texas LLC a Texas LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northeast Georgia LLC a Georgia LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northeast Partners LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northwest Florida LLC a Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Prime Health LLC an Oregon LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health II LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health III LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health LLC an Oregon LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Partners LLC a Georgia LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Physician Partners LLC a South Carolina LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin LLC a Wisconsin LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Tennessee LLC a Tennessee LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Agate Resources Inc. an Oregon corporation, AirLogix, Ambetter of Magnolia Inc. a Mississippi corporation, Ambetter of North Carolina Inc. a North Carolina corporation, Ambetter of Peach State Inc. a Georgia corporation, America's 1st Choice California Holdings LLC a Florida corporation, American Progressive Life and Health Insurance Company of New York a New York corporation, Apixio, Apixio Inc a Delaware corporation, Arch Personalized Medicine Initiative LLC a Missouri LLC, Arkansas Health & Wellness Health Plan Inc. an Arkansas corporation, Arkansas Total Care Holding Company LLC a Delaware LLC, Arkansas Total Care Inc. an Arkansas corporation, B2B Gestion Integra S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., B2B Salud S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., BMI Healthcare Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, BMI Hospital Decontamination Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, BMI Imaging Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, BMI Southend Private Hospital Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, BMI Syon Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Bankers Reserve Life Insurance Company of Wisconsin a Wisconsin corporation, Bishopswood SPV Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Bridgeway Health Solutions LLC a Delaware LLC, Bridgeway Health Solutions of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Buckeye Community Health Plan Inc. an Ohio corporation, Buckeye Health Plan Community Solutions Inc. an Ohio corporation, CCTX Holdings LLC a Texas LLC, CEF Holding Company Limited a limited liability Malta company, CMC Real Estate Company LLC a Delaware LLC, CT Poprad s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., CT Presov s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., California Health and Wellness Plan a California corporation, Cantina Laredo Clayton LP a Delaware limited partnership, Cardium Health Services, Care 1st Health Plan of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Care1st Health Plan Administrative Services Inc. an Arizona corporation, Carolina Complete Health Holding Company Partnership a Delaware partnership, Carolina Complete Health Inc. a North Carolina corporation, CeltiCare Health Plan Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts Inc. a Massachusetts corporation, Celtic Group Inc., Celtic Group Inc. a Delaware corporation, Celtic Insurance Company an Illinois corporation, Cenpatico Behavioral Health LLC a California LLC, Centene Center I LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Center II LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Center LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Company of Texas LP a Texas limited partnership, Centene Europe Finance Company Limited a limited liability Malta company, Centene Health Plan Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Centene Institute for Advanced Health Education LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene International Financing Company Limited a limited liability Malta company, Centene International Ventures LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Management Company LLC a Wisconsin LLC, Centene Technology Europe S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Centene Technology UK Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Centene Venture Company Alabama Health Plan Inc. an Alabama corporation, Centene Venture Company Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Centene Venture Company Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, Centene Venture Company Indiana Inc. an Indiana corporation, Centene Venture Company Kansas Inc. a Kansas corporation, Centene Venture Company Michigan Inc. a Michigan corporation, Centene Venture Company Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Centene Venture Insurance Company Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Centro Inmunologocia De La Comunidad Valenciana S.L. a Spanish S.L., Centurion Correctional Healthcare of New Mexico LLC a New Mexico LLC, Centurion Detention Health Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Arizona LLC an Arizona LLC, Centurion of Delaware LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Florida LLC a Florida LLC, Centurion of Indiana LLC an Indiana LLC, Centurion of Kansas LLC a Kansas LLC, Centurion of Minnesota LLC a Minnesota LLC, Centurion of Mississippi LLC a Mississippi LLC, Centurion of New Hampshire LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Pennsylvania LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Centurion of Tennessee LLC a Tennessee LLC, Centurion of Vermont LLC a Vermont LLC, Centurion of West Virginia LLC a West Virginia LLC, Centurion of Wyoming LLC a Wyoming LLC, Chrysalis Medical Services LLC a New Jersey LLC, Circle Birmingham Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Clinical Services Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Harmony Health Ltd. a Hong Kong private company, Circle Health 1 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 2 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 3 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 4 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Holdings Ltd. a Jersey private company, Circle Hospital (Reading) Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle International an English and Welsh PLC, Circle Nottingham Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Rehabilitation Services Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Clinica Santo Domingo De Lugo S.L. a Spanish S.L., Collaborative Health Systems IPA LLC a Florida LLC, Collaborative Health Systems LLC a New York LLC, Collaborative Health Systems of Maryland LLC a Maryland LLC, Collaborative Health Systems of Virginia LLC a Virginia LLC, Community Medical Group, Community Medical Holdings Corporation a Delaware corporation, Comprehensive Health Management Inc. a Florida corporation, Coordinated Care Corporation an Indiana corporation, Coordinated Care of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, DELMARVA Collaborative Care LLC a Delaware LLC, Discare CZ a.s. a Czech Republic A.S., District Community Care Inc. a Washington D.C. corporation, Dr Magnet s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Elche-Crevillente Salud a Spanish S.A., Envolve Benefits Options Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Dental IPA of New York Inc. a New York corporation, Envolve Dental Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Dental of Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Envolve Dental of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Envolve Health, Envolve Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Optical Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve PeopleCare Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Pharmacy IPA LLC a New York LLC, Envolve Pharmacy Solutions Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Total Vision Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision Benefits Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision IPA of New York Inc. a New York corporation, Envolve Vision Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision of Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Envolve Vision of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Essential Care Partners LLC a Texas LLC, Fidelis Care, Forensic Health Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Foundation Care LLC a Missouri LLC, GHG (DB) Pension Trustees Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Healthcare Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Intermediate Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Leasing Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Mount Alvernia Hospital Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Group Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Holdings 2 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Holdings 3 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Generale de Sante International Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Golden Triangle Physician Alliance a Texas not-for-profit corporation, Granite State Health Plan Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, HHS Texas Management Inc. a Texas corporation, HHS Texas Management LP a Texas limited partnership, HLM Strategic Investment Fund L.P. a Delaware limited partnership, Hallmark Life Insurance Company an Arizona corporation, Harmony Health Management Inc. a New Jersey corporation, Harmony Health Plan Inc. an Illinois corporation, Harmony Health Systems Inc. a New Jersey corporation, Health Care Enterprises LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Access Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net Community Solutions Inc. a California corporation, Health Net Community Solutions of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net Federal Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Health Plan of Oregon Inc. an Oregon corporation, Health Net LLC, Health Net LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Life Insurance Company a California corporation, Health Net Life Reinsurance Company a Cayman Islands corporation, Health Net of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net of California Inc. a California corporation, Health Plan Real Estate Holdings Inc. a Missouri corporation, HealthSmart Benefit Solutions Inc. an Illinois corporation, HealthSmart Benefits Management LLC a Texas LLC, HealthSmart Care Management Solutions LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Information Systems Inc. a Texas corporation, HealthSmart Preferred Care II LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Preferred Network II Inc. a Delaware corporation, HealthSmart Primary Care Clinics LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Rx Solutions Inc. an Ohio corporation, Healthy Louisiana Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC , Healthy Missouri Holdings Inc. a Missouri corporation, Healthy Washington Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Heritage Health Systems Inc. a Texas corporation, Heritage Health Systems of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Heritage Physician Networks a Texas not-for-profit corporation, Home State Health Plan Inc. a Missouri corporation, HomeScripts.com LLC a Michigan LLC, Hospinet S.L. a Spanish S.L., Hospital Polusa S.A. a Spanish S.A., Hospital Povisa S.A. a Spanish S.A., Illinois Health Practice Alliance LLC a Delaware corporation, Infraestructuras y Servicios de Alzira S. L. a Spanish S.L., Integrated Mental Health Services a Texas corporation, Interpreta Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Interpreta Inc. a Delaware corporation, Iowa Total Care Inc. an Iowa corporation, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan Inc. a Kentucky corporation , LifeShare Management Group LLC, LifeShare Management Group LLC a New Hampshire LLC, Louisiana Healthcare Connections Inc. a Louisiana corporation , MH Services International Holdings (UK) Limited an English and Welsh private company, MHM, MHM Correctional Services LLC a Delaware LLC, MHM Health Professionals LLC a Delaware LLC, MHM Services Inc. a Delaware corporation, MHM Services of California LLC a California LLC, MHM Solutions LLC a Delaware LLC, MHN Government Services LLC a Delaware LLC, MHN Services LLC a California LLC, MHS Consulting International Inc. a Delaware corporation, MHS Travel & Charter Inc. a Wisconsin corporation, MR Centrum Melnick s.r.o. a Czech Republic S.R.O., MR Poprad s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., MR Zilina s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Magellan Health Inc, Magnolia Health Plan Inc. a Mississippi corporation, Managed Health Network LLC a Delaware LLC, Managed Health Network a California corporation, Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation a Wisconsin corporation, Marina Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Maryland Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Maryland Collaborative Care Transformation Organization Inc. a Delaware corporation, Mauli Ola Health and Wellness Inc. a Hawaii corporation, Medicina NZ spol s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Meriden Hospital Advanced Imaging Centre Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, Meridian Health Plan of Michigan Inc. a Michigan corporation, Meridian Management Company LLC (a/k/a Meridian Administration Company LLC) a Michigan LLC, Meridian Network Services LLC a Michigan LLC, MeridianRx IPA LLC a New York LLC, MeridianRx LLC a Michigan LLC, MeridianRx of Indiana LLC a Michigan LLC, Michigan Complete Health a Michigan corporation, Mid-Atlantic Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Mount Alvernia PET CT Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Nations Healthcare Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Nebraska Total Care Inc. a Nebraska corporation, Network Providers LLC a Delaware LLC, New York Quality Healthcare Corporation a New York corporation, Next Door Neighbors Inc. a Delaware corporation, Next Door Neighbors LLC. a Delaware LLC, North West Cancer Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Northern Maryland Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Novasys Health Inc. a Delaware corporation, OB Care a Czech Republic S.R.O., OB Klinika a.s. a Czech Republic A.S., Ohana Health Plan Inc. a Hawaii corporation, Oklahoma Complete Health Holding Company LLC a Delaware LLC, Oklahoma Complete Health Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, One Care by Care 1st Health Plans of Arizona Inc an Arizona corporation, Operose Health (Group) Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Operose Health (Group) UK Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Operose Health Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, OptiCare Health Systems - Managed Vision Business, PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy, PRIMEROSALUD S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Panther Pass Co LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Panther Specialty Holding Co LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Pantherx Access Services LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Pantherx Specialty LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Parker LP LLC a Nevada LLC, Peach State Health Plan Inc. a Georgia corporation, Penn Marketing America LLC a Delaware LLC, Pennsylvania Health and Wellness Inc. a Pennsylvania corporation, Preamed s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Premier Marketing Group LLC a Delaware LLC, Primary Care Partners Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Pro Diagnostic Group A.S. a Slovakia A.S., Pro Magnet CZ s.r.o. a Czech Republic S.R.O., Pro Magnet s.r.o a Slovakia S.R.O., Pro Nuclear a.s. a Slovakia A.S., Pro RTG s.r.o a Slovakia S.R.O., Progress Medical A.S. a Czech Republic A.S., Prowl Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, QCA Healthplan Inc. an Arkansas corporation, Qualchoice Life and Health Insurance Company and Arkansas company, Quincy Coverage Corporation a New York corporation, Rhythm Health Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Ribera Diagnostics S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Healthcare S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Lab S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Management S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Salud II a Spanish UTE, Ribera Salud Proyectos S.L. a Spanish S.L., Ribera Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Ribera Salud Tecnologias S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Slaud Infraestructuras S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera-Quilpro UTE a Spanish UTE, Runnymeade SPV Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Salus Administrative Services Inc. a New York corporation, Salus IPA LLC a New York LLC, Secure Capital Solutions 2000 S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., SelectCare Health Plans Inc. a Texas corporation, SelectCare of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Servicios De Mantenimiento Prevencor S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Shanghai Circle Harmony Hospital Management Limited a Chinese private company, SilverSummit Healthplan Inc. a Nevada corporation, Social Health Bridge LLC a Delaware LLC, Social Health Bridge Trust a Delaware trust, Specialty Therapeutic Care GP LLC a Texas LLC, Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings, Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, Specialty Therapeutic Care LP a Texas limited partnership, Sunflower State Health Plan Inc. a Kansas corporation, Sunshine Health Community Solutions Inc. a Florida corporation, Sunshine Health Holding LLC a Florida LLC, Sunshine State Health Plan Inc. a Florida corporation, Superior Health Management Advisors LLC, Superior HealthPlan Community Solutions Inc. a Texas corporation, Superior HealthPlan Inc. a Texas corporation, TKH Holding Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Terapias Medicas Domiciliarias S.L. a Spanish S.L., The Pavilion Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, The Practice Properties Limited an English and Welsh private company, The WellCare Management Group Inc. a New York corporation, Three Shires Hospital LP an English and Welsh limited partnership, Torrejon Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Torrevieja Salud S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Torrevieja Salud UTE a Spanish UTE, Transplant Health Solutions IPA Inc. a New York corporation, Trillium Community Health Plan Inc. an Oregon corporation, UAM Agent Services Corp. an Iowa corporation, US Script, Universal American Corp. a Delaware corporation, Universal American Financial Services Inc. a Delaware corporation, Universal American Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, Vivamed s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., WCG Health Management Inc. a Delaware corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of America an Arkansas corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Kentucky Inc. a Kentucky corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Louisiana Inc. a Louisiana corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Nevada Inc. a Nevada corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of New Hampshire Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of New Jersey Inc. a New Jersey corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Oklahoma Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Connecticut Inc. a Connecticut corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Hawaii Inc. a Hawaii corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of New York Inc. a New York corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of North Carolina Inc. a North Carolina corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Southwest Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, WellCare Health Plans, WellCare Health Plans Inc. a Delaware corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky Inc. a Kentucky corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Massachusetts Inc. a Massachusetts corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Missouri Inc. a Missouri corporation, WellCare Health Plans of New Jersey Inc. a New Jersey corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Rhode Island Inc. a Rhode Island corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Vermont Inc. a Vermont corporation, WellCare National Health Insurance Company a Texas corporation, WellCare Prescription Insurance Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare of Alabama Inc. an Alabama corporation, WellCare of Arkansas Inc. an Arkansas corporation, WellCare of California Inc. a California corporation, WellCare of Connecticut Inc. a Connecticut corporation, WellCare of Georgia Inc. a Georgia corporation, WellCare of Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, WellCare of Indiana Inc. an Indiana corporation, WellCare of Maine Inc. a Maine corporation, WellCare of Michigan Holding Company a Michigan corporation, WellCare of Mississippi Inc. a Mississippi corporation, WellCare of Missouri Health Insurance Company Inc. a Missouri corporation, WellCare of New Hampshire Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, WellCare of New York Inc. a New York corporation, WellCare of North Carolina Inc. a North Carolina corporation, WellCare of Ohio Inc. an Ohio corporation, WellCare of Oklahoma Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, WellCare of Pennsylvania Inc. a Pennsylvania corporation, WellCare of South Carolina Inc. a South Carolina corporation, WellCare of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, WellCare of Virginia Inc. a Virginia corporation, WellCare of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, Western Sky Community Care Inc. a New Mexico corporation, Windsor Health Group Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Winning Security S.L. a Spanish S.L., and Worlco Management Services Inc. a New York corporation.

Read More
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets household, personal care, and specialty products. It operates through three segments: Consumer Domestic, Consumer International, and Specialty Products Division. The company offers cat litters, carpet deodorizers, laundry detergents, and baking soda, as well as other baking soda based products under the ARM & HAMMER brand; condoms, lubricants, and vibrators under the TROJAN brand; stain removers, cleaning solutions, laundry detergents, and bleach alternatives under the OXICLEAN brand; battery-operated and manual toothbrushes under the SPINBRUSH brand; home pregnancy and ovulation test kits under the FIRST RESPONSE brand; depilatories under the NAIR brand; oral analgesics under the ORAJEL brand; laundry detergents under the XTRA brand; gummy dietary supplements under the L'IL CRITTERS and VITAFUSION brands; dry shampoos under the BATISTE brand; water flossers and replacement showerheads under the WATERPIK brand; FLAWLESS products; cold shortening and relief products under the ZICAM brand; and oral care products under the THERABREATH brand. Its specialty products include animal productivity products, such as MEGALAC rumen bypass fat, a supplement that enables cows to maintain energy levels during the period of high milk production; BIO-CHLOR and FERMENTEN, which are used to reduce health issues associated with calving, as well as provides needed protein; and CELMANAX refined functional carbohydrate, a yeast-based prebiotic. The company offers sodium bicarbonate; and cleaning and deodorizing products. It sells its consumer products through supermarkets, mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs, drugstores, convenience stores, home stores, dollar and other discount stores, pet and other specialty stores, and websites and other e-commerce channels; and specialty products to industrial customers and livestock producers through distributors. The company was founded in 1846 and is headquartered in Ewing, New Jersey.
Omans US dollar peg remains challenged by the large but narrowing twin deficits, said the Global Economic Weekly report published by Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML).



Delivering on budget targets is critical. This is particularly the case as the supply pipeline remains robust and as S&P could downgrade the rating to non-investment grade in May, weakening technical support for the bonds. We see no sign of imminent GCC support. Positively, political succession uncertainty could be easing, said Mena economist Jean Michel-Saliba.



Sustained external issuance needed to support the USD peg



Gross foreign assets of the CBO stood at RO7.2 billion ($17.8 billion) in February, down from RO7.8 billion ($20.3 billion) in December. FX reserves may have been impacted by the early repayment of the $1 billion Chinese loan that was due to expire in May 2017. FX reserves are likely to have been boosted in March by the proceeds of the $5 billion external sovereign bond issuance. RO0.5 billion ($1.3 billion) has already been withdrawn from the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) for deficit financing purposes this year.



The CBO suggests that net reserves hover around $11 billion. This would exclude $5.5 billion in Iranian three-year sovereign deposits (non-usable due to restrictions) and $2 billion in deposits by the SGRF placed at the CBO in 2016 to support FX reserves. We expect the Iranian deposits to be fully redeemed over the coming years, thus likely increasing external financing needs. The potential merger between the SGRF and the Oman Investment Fund (OIF) is unlikely to lead to much in the way of investment synergies as the OIF's foreign assets are nearly depleted.



Authorities expect to tap the market for a $1-1.5 billion international sukuk by end-1H17. Authorities are mulling offering guarantees to facilitate external borrowing by Government-Related Entities (GREs). GREs are being encouraged to leverage up their balance sheets, while studies are in the preparatory stage for a potential listing of Oman Oil or its subsidiaries. In December 2016, the OIF acquired from the MoF a 51 per cent stake in Omantel for RO287 million, with RO-denominated proceeds earmarked for budget deficit financing. Further privatizations are being studied.



Our impression is that the authorities remain committed to the D peg given its costs and benefits. Our impression is that they also recognize that, beyond the debate, robust measures are needed to support the FX arrangement in the absence of a sustained and material increase in oil prices. Deposit dollarization in conventional banks remains in check at 11.7 per cent, but the large fiscal deficit continues to drive the external imbalances as the high FX leakages keep the current account deficit wide.



Fiscal could see improvement but in search of policy credibility



We expect the fiscal deficit to narrow this year on the back of higher oil prices, but it is critical that authorities deliver on expenditure targets. Publication of a credible and well-articulated medium-term fiscal strategy could be helpful in this regard. Continued fiscal slippage is likely to negatively impact market access, particularly as the supply pipeline remains robust and the investment grade rating comes under pressure. We expect S&P to downgrade the rating to non-investment grade on 12 May, said Michel-Saliba.



For now, authorities suggest that the consolidation focus is to remain on the current spending side (partly through some wage bill control thanks to a public sector hiring freeze, and the halt of all perks beyond regular payroll). A capex spending review is ongoing, but our impression is that sharp adjustments are unlikely so as to avoid a severe slowdown in the non-oil sector.



Part of the overspending in 2016 appears to be linked to payment of investment capex dues (RO225 million; $0.6 billion or 0.9 per cent of GDP) while there could be scope for further RO100 million ($0.3 billion or 0.4 per cent of GDP) in settlements this year. The disappointing non-oil revenue performance in 2016 was linked in part to the delay in enacting the legislation relevant to planned fiscal reforms. Authorities are guiding for the full year impact of the increase in the corporate tax rate from 12 per cent to 15 per cent to stand at RO100 million ($0.3 billion or 0.4 per cent of GDP).



However, the impact is more likely to appear in 2018 outturns when corporates settle taxes for tax year 2017. Authorities expect annual proceeds from implementation of the VAT from 1Q18 to stand at RO250-300 million ($0.8 billion or 1.1 per cent of GDP). A further RO400 million ($1.0 billion or 1.5 per cent of GDP) in additional revenues could accrue through various excise taxes, expat levies, real estate registration fee and municipality fees hikes. The municipality fee for all the tenancy agreements has been increased from 3 per cent to 5 per cent in February 2016 but there do not appear to be imminent plans to hike it further this year. OPEC cuts are already reflected in the 2017 budget.



An expat levy appears unlikely to be imposed for now, in our view. A proposal was floated in April 2016 to replace expatriates' visa renewal fees with a 3 per cent tax on income. However, authorities subsequently confirmed that there are no current plans for imposing expatriate income taxation or levying fees on expatriate outward remittances at the moment. Expatriate remittance fees are regressive in nature and may impact on private sector competitiveness. Also, they may encourage financial disintermediation and may conflict with compliance with the IMF Articles of Agreement stipulating that no restrictions be imposed on transfers and payments classified as current international transactions. An income tax on expatriate workers might reduce the country's attractiveness for labour migrants, especially with respect to other GCC countries.



Fiscal data for the first two months of 2017 show that the fiscal deficit stood at RO1.0 billion ($1.4 billion), compared to a full-year target of 2017 (excluding net grants) of RO3.0 billion ($7.8 billion and 11.9 per cent of GDP). Although revenues are showing early signs of improvement, there are no clear signs emerging yet of restraint on the expenditure side, in our view. Current spending has been boosted by defence and national security spending (up c40 per cent yoy) despite the budget guiding for lower defence spending. Investment spending is lower year-on-year but can be volatile month-on-month.



No imminent GCC support



The signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Bank of Iran and the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), as well as the receipt of Iranian financial support, continues to weaken the chances of major GCC financial support, in our view. We are sceptical of the near-term success of any bailout talks in the absence of political concessions. Our impression is that Omani political authorities are also reluctant to go much further down this route despite some recent overtures towards Saudi Arabia. Still, Iranian promises of FDI appear to have disappointed.



That being said, we note that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has disbursed over the past two years a total of $1.2 billion in project support to Oman. This was part of the GCC $10 billion development fund set up after the Arab Spring and was disbursed directly to contractors. There have not been to date disbursements from the other countries that pledged support (Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar).



Political succession uncertainty eases



A front-runner to succeed Sultan Qaboos may have emerged. In early March, Sultan Qaboos's 63-year old cousin, Asaad bin Tariq, was appointed as deputy prime minister for international relations and cooperation affairs, in addition to his role as the sultan's special representative. He went on since then to represent Oman at the Arab League Summit in Jordan. Asaad bin Tariq is now the second deputy prime minister, after Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs of Oman Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, who has been in his post since June 1970.



While this could help reduce uncertainty about political succession, economic reforms are unlikely to be the main priority of a new sultan as he attempts to consolidate power in the early part of his reign. There is a risk of fiscal slippage after a transition, potentially through bonus wage payments. - TradeArabia News Service
National Geographic has a good, but disturbing, interactive map showing what 216 feet of sea level rise will do to coastlines around the world.

The maps here show the world as it is now, with only one difference: All the ice on land has melted and drained into the sea, raising it 216 feet and creating new shorelines for our continents and inland seas.

There are more than five million cubic miles of ice on Earth, and some scientists say it would take more than 5,000 years to melt it all. If we continue adding carbon to the atmosphere, well very likely create an ice-free planet, with an average temperature of perhaps 80 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the current 58.

Even Some Ice Melting Will Have Serious Repercussions

Of course, it's not necessary for all of the ice to melt for us to experience devastating effects of sea level rise. Just from the current sea level rise caused by melting ice and thermal expansion, we're already seeing destruction from higher water. Right now, Alaskan villages are worrying about what to do as melting ice threatens to erode their village out from underneath their feet. In the Pacific, low-lying islands face existential questions such as if a country is underwater, is it still a nation-state?

With Arctic temperatures at their highest in 44,000 years, ice cover has hit record lows and scientists report that sea level is rising faster than anticipated. Just six feet of sea level rise would be enough to ruin South Florida and experts warn that we've already "baked in" approximately 70 feet of sea level rise.

Maps Like This Should Be a Wakeup Call

This shouldn't be taken to mean it's too late to act, but illustrations like this can serve as a useful reality check that unless we act now to stop greenhouse gas emissions, we're going to see worse and worse effects as time goes on.

This adds some context, this is all the water on Earth if it was in the same place. On the scale of the planet, the oceans aren't that deep, so it doesn't take that much of a change to affect coastlines.

USGS/Public Domain
SW Idaho mans request to withdraw guilty plea rejected

CALDWELL (AP)  An Idaho man who pleaded guilty to a shooting that seriously wounded a 10-year-old girl will not be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea.

KTVB-TV reports a judge earlier this week rejected the request by 20-year-old Mario Garza.

Garza and Ezri Garcia were charged after a June 2016 shootout at a Nampa Walmart where families had gathered to watch a fireworks show.

The girl was struck in the shoulder, and surgeons were unable to remove the bullet due to possible nerve damage.

Garza pleaded guilty in November to aggravated assault with a weapons enhancement and felony riot with a gang enhancement. He asked to withdraw his plea in February.

He faces up to 18 years in prison at his sentencing next month.

Garcia pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 19 years in prison.

Man in custody following fatal shooting in SW Idaho home

NAMPA (AP)  One man is dead and another is in custody following a shooting in a southwest Idaho home.

Police in Nampa arrested 38-year-old Phillip Cabrera on Friday after being called to the home by a woman who reported her estranged husband was trying to break in.

Police say Cabrera made it into the home before officers arrived.

Police say officers heard shots fired in the home when they got to the scene and that Cabrera fired at officers.

Police say officers didnt fire their weapons. Cabrera was taken into custody shortly after.

Police found another man dead with gunshot wounds to the head and torso. His name hasnt been released.

A woman and two children were found safe in the home.

Cabrera is being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.

Wilder superintendent to run for Idaho schools chief

BOISE (AP)  Wilder School Superintendent Jeff Dillon has filed to run for state superintendent of public instruction in 2018.

Dillon, a Republican, is the first candidate to file for the position after current Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced she would also be seeking re-election.

Dillon has worked as Wilders superintendent since 2012. Previously, he was an elementary school principal, and a middle school science and reading teacher.

In 2014, the schools chief race attracted a wide range of candidates with mostly educator backgrounds and almost no political experience. Ybarra narrowly won the election despite facing a rocky campaign and raising little funds.
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.
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."
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.
Poland's Foreign Ministry has suspended an honorary consul in the United States who allegedly posted on Facebook an altered picture of European Council President Donald Tusk dressed as a Nazi.

Maria Szonert-Binienda headed Polands honorary consulate in Akron, Ohio. She denies the charges.

Szonert-Binienda told the Associated Press someone hacked her Facebook account.

"I did not make a photo of Donald Tusk as an SS man. I am against promoting SS symbols and ideologies. I am against using words like 'fascism' in the public political discourse today. I am against comparing our politicians to Hitler," she said.

Tusk is a former Polish prime minister.

Szonert-Binienda's husband is a member of the ruling conservative government commission that is re-investigating the 2010 plane crash that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski.

Kaczynski's twin brother, Jaroslaw, is leader of the ruling Law and Justice Party, and a fierce political rival of Tusk.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski had accused Tusk of leading an incomplete investigation into the crash.
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.


Clockwise from top left: Hasan Minhaj performs at the dinner; Lester Bowser, Christopher Metzler and April Ryan at the MSNBC after-party; Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein at the dinner; and the crowd at the dinner. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters; Kate Patterson for The Washington Post; Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post; Marvin Joseph)

His voters sent him to Washington to break stuff, and this weekend Donald Trump tried to break the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents Association. As with some of his business ventures, he was not wholly successful.

Theyre trapped at the dinner, the president boomed at a rally in Harrisburg, Pa., celebrating his first 100 days in office. Which will be very, very boring.

Instead, it was just fine. It happened. Theres an inertia to these Washington traditions, and a determination to soldier on in the face of  whatever it is were facing. Everyone survived this weekend without the president, or without the crush of Hollywood celebrities who for years had been decorating the dinner in ever-increasing density, until now.

(Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post)

It was a bit like an off-year high school reunion: diminished numbers and fewer crazy stories but still no shortage of hors doeuvres and dancing and gossip. Everyone settled for sightings of Michael Steele and Debbie Dingell instead of Jon Hamm or a Kardashian. In past years, virtually the entire cast of Modern Family would come to the dinner; this year, United Talent Agency only secured the kid who plays Luke.

[We are not fake news: At a Trump-free correspondents dinner, White House press has its say.]

This is the way it used to be, way back when, said veteran PR maven Janet Donovan at a Saturday morning brunch held under a white tent at the Georgetown home of hotelier Connie Milstein. This year there was actually room to mingle without toppling a stick-thin starlet. There were no Silicon Valley entrepreneurs monologuing at the bloody mary bar.



A coterie of Fox journalists pose for a group shot on arriving. The red carpet, typically filled by Hollywood celebrities, was ceded to broadcast news stars this year. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Was it only a year ago that Barack Obama dropped the mic, literally, at his final correspondents dinner, as if to put an exclamation point on eight years of media savvy and pop-culture propaganda? He knew his role in this circus. It was Obamas yearly chance to inspire a meme, rib a rival, come off as folksy royalty, remind the public that the media was not the enemy. His cool factor iced out the haters, smudged away red lines, papered over unkept promises. Afterward, the French ambassadors mansion would swell with swells  both conservatives and liberals, all buddy-buddy in private, united by the daytime charade they pulled off together on TV.

Things are a bit different now. Trump knows how to entertain but he has developed his own traditions, and it involves relentlessly mocking the media, not laughing with it, not even for a one-night black-tie cease-fire.

A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now, the president told about 7,000 fans at the not-quite-full arena in Harrisburg.

This was only two-thirds true. There were vanishingly few Hollywood actors at the dinner in the basement of the Washington Hilton (Matthew Modine! Alan Ruck!) but the press was indeed settling for a consolation prize. Journalists communed with journalists in a stalwart and tipsy celebration of the First Amendment  and, of course, themselves.

The guest list suffered not because Trump sent his regrets but, more likely, because of the chance he might attend; he remains dauntingly unpopular with the New York and Hollywood A-list that he had long aspired to join. The pre-dinner receptions, hosted by outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, were staid and perfunctory, absent the usual angling for a sighting of a Game of Thrones star.



The crowd mingling at an after-party sponsored by NBC and MSNBC at the Organization of American States. (Kate Patterson/for The Washington Post)

The thirst for starpower was so intense that the rumor of a Leonardo DiCaprio appearance spread like bird flu. (Yes, he was spotted in town for the Climate March protest earlier in the day, but he was spotted again, hours before the dinner, headed for the next plane out of town.)

Madeleine Albright, in a red gown pinned with a typewriter brooch, ended up being the closest thing to a bona fide star, dominating all the selfies of media-political Washingtons Twitter feed.

Tickets for the occasion, in other words, were unusually within the realm of obtainability.

This is the first time in 20 years Ive found parking in the hotel, said columnist Clarence Page.

I think the guys from the mailroom are here, said one network producer.

[Last years White House Correspondents after-party scene: Its not a party without Joe Biden]

The dinner itself featured a dutiful pep talk by Watergate legends Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

Mr. President, the media is not fake news, Woodward said from the dais, and the media elite applauded.

CNN and MSNBC are fake news, Trump said in Pennsylvania, and some of the 97 percent who say theyd still vote for him applauded.

Two worlds, talking past each other, from 100 miles apart. The latest prime-time iteration of POTUS vs. Beltway.

But look! There was one emissary of Trumps inner circle hitting the circuit in Washington, and a Cabinet member at that. On Friday evening, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis mingled under a poolside tent at the home of Atlantic owner David Bradley. On the menu: beef tenderloin and North Koreas latest ballistic missile test.



Nicolle Wallace, Noah Oppenheim, and Chris Matthews at the NBC- MSNBC party. (Kate Patterson/for The Washington Post)

From left, journalists Jon Decker and Will Rabbe with comedian Seth Herzog at the same event. (Kate Patterson/for The Washington Post)

Some advice to people at dinner, Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg told the crowd as the news of the test spread. If Jim Mattis leaves suddenly, were gonna move the party to the basement.

While Trump headed out of town, his opponents retrenched. Tens of thousands of protesters had clogged Pennsylvania Avenue in the disgusting midday heat to raise alarm about global warming. Comedian Samantha Bee, one of Trumps fiercest critics, staged a rogue event for the younger crowd at DAR Constitution Hall titled Not the White House Correspondents Dinner.

As much as I love poking at the media, Bee said, addressing journalists, I know your job has never been harder: You basically get paid to stand in a cage while a geriatric orangutan gets to scream at you. Its like a reverse zoo.

After Bees event, an elite slice of her audience took over the rooftop of the W Hotel, with its clear view of the snipers atop the White House, and ate brie sliders and creme-brulee doughnuts. Trump is like a flashlight shining into dark corners and all the cockroaches are coming out, said actress Chloe Bennett, of the ABC series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

[Hasan Minhajs harshest burns at the White House correspondents dinner]

A few poor souls held signs supporting the media outside the Hilton. Keep up the good work, said one. Inside, after Woodward and Bernsteins civics lesson on the free press, Daily Show correspondent Hasan Minhaj did not spare the absentee president in his keynote roast.

The leader of our country is not here, Minhaj said. Thats because he lives in Moscow. Its a very long flight. . . . As for the other guy, I think hes in Pennsylvania, because he cant take a joke.



What counted for starpower this year: Actor Matthew Modine. . . (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

. . . and former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

BuzzFeeds party at a U Street bar that reeked of onions and tequila, was not showing the dinner on television. Guests instead guzzled Spicey margaritas with blue curacao and stumbled to Daft Punk and Bruno Mars. No one seemed to be over 40, and no one seemed to care what was happening at the Hilton.

We are not fake news, reiterated Jeff Mason, president of the White House Correspondents Association, as BuzzFeed capitalized on that very epithet by giving away Failing Pile of Garbage T-shirts  a reference to a Trump put-down.

[The single best joke told by every president, from Obama to Washington]

As Saturday turned into Sunday, TV journalists and professional pundits began to ascend a grand staircase to the gorgeous salon of the Organization of American States on 17th Street near the Mall. This was NBC and MSNBCs after-party, so the boldfaced names were almost exclusively on-air talent: Dana Bash, Don Lemon, Chris Matthews, Thomas Roberts, Nicolle Wallace. Crystal chandeliers hung over arching palm trees and white-jacketed servers passed iceberg salad bites and tiny takeout boxes of General Tsos chicken.

Back at the Hilton, though, a less-exclusive after-party, sponsored by Thomson-Reuters, was packed to the gills and vibrating with energy, without a single famous face. It was vintage Nerd Prom  couples awkwardly dancing to Wham! while juggling their martini glasses. Journalism survived to drink another day, and so did this party, for now anyway.

Staff writers Emily Heil, Elahe Izadi, Maura Judkis, Ellen McCarthy, Lavanya Ramanathan, Roxanne Roberts, Margaret Sullivan and Ben Terris contributed to this report.
Forget for a moment Washingtons so-called swamp and those who talk of draining it. The city has a big stink, and on Monday, the District government will begin its annual effort to squelch it.

The putrid odor comes from the fruit, or seed pod, of the ginkgo tree  much admired for the brilliant color of its fan-shaped leaves in autumn.

But autumn is also when the female ginkgo drops its fruit on the ground. Burst open or trodden underfoot, the fruit releases an odor that has little parallel in the annals of urban noxiousness.

For years, the District Department of Transportation, which has jurisdiction over street-side trees, has used spraying to curb the ginkgos assault on the olfactory senses.

Trees must be sprayed within a narrow window each spring to stop development of the fruit that will foul streets in fall.

As it has for 20 years, the department will spray a chemical called Shield-3EC 24(C), which it described as a mild pesticide.

During the treatment period, weather permitting, the spraying will be conducted over several nights from 9 p.m. through 6 a.m., the department said Friday.

Spraying will start Monday in Ward 5 and go on to Wards 4, 3, 2, 1 and 6, the department said. No female ginkgos are in Wards 7 and 8, according to the department.

Yet, the city acknowledged, not everyone finds spraying satisfactory. It said the treatment does not always work and is sometimes difficult to finish in the time allotted. Some residents also object to pesticide use.

To meet objections, the city said it has a procedure for residents to petition for removal of unwanted ginkgo trees.


Sophomore Paige James, foreground, talks to students admitted to George Washington University and their parents on a tour of the Northwest Washington campus on April 26. (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post)

It was late April, but Molly Gibbs still wasnt quite sure.

I think Ill be okay, either way, with whatever school I go with, Gibbs said. And I think Ill find the school thats right for me. But its just, Id like to find the best school for me. And its such a stressful decision.

Gibbs, 19, from Bethlehem, Pa., was trying to decide between Syracuse University in Upstate New York and George Washington University, nestled in Foggy Bottom in the District, where she was visiting that day. They are very different schools, offering two very different experiences. And Gibbs, who intends to study photojournalism, was torn.

I have no clue, said Gibbs, when asked which way she was leaning. I thought I was going to go to Syracuse, and now I could toss a coin. Which I might do.

For college-bound teenagers across the country, this might sound familiar. Students spend months  years, even  working to present the best version of themselves to colleges. And in the spring of their senior year of high school, things change. They know where they are accepted. They know the options available to them. Now, they just have to pick one by Monday, the deadline for sending a deposit to secure a seat in most selective schools.

Weve made our choice, said Costas Solomou, GWUs dean of admissions. Now its their turn to make their choice.

For some, that is harder than it sounds.

[What does a full ride to GWU look like? This.]

This is the closing stretch for colleges and universities, too, a time when some try to showcase what they offer. GWU holds events for admitted students such as Gibbs, welcoming them and their families to campus.

The private university, with about 11,100 undergraduates, gives admitted students a chance to scope out its urban campus, meet with members of student organizations and sit through lectures. School officials say their goal isnt to convince kids to attend GWU. Its to give an authentic representation, so students can make a good choice.

Students admitted to GWU and their parents check out the campus in the Foggy Bottom area. (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post)

I wouldnt call it a pitch, right? Because I think, this isnt a sales experience, said Laurie Koehler, the universitys vice provost for enrollment management and retention. This is students making decisions that are really important in their lives. And so what we try to do is present a lot of different aspects of life at GW to help them assess whether it feels right to them.

The stakes are high for colleges as they wait to see whether offers of admission lead to enrollment deposits. At GWU, federal data show that 28 percent of students offered admission in 2015 accepted a slot. That is known as the yield rate. In 2011, GWUs yield was higher: 35 percent.

Asked why the universitys yield declined, Koehler said the university is recruiting stronger and more diverse groups of students these days. She also said that college-bound students nationwide are applying to many schools. When students have more offers, the yield will drop.

They are key drivers of what appears to be a decline in the percentage of students accepting our offers, Koehler said. Now, would I love it if we had all those things going on and our yield was going up? Absolutely. I think our focus has been on making sure were presenting an authentic representation of GW to prospective students and their families and the world.

She said the yield dip was absolutely something that I pay attention to, and Im aware of.

The federal data show that the yield rate has declined at other schools, too: Reed Colleges yield fell from 31 percent in 2011 to 22 percent in 2015, and the yield at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill fell from 52 percent to 43 percent yield in that time.

In recent years, GWU has surveyed admitted students and found that a growing share are applying to 10 or more schools.

Thats a trend nationally also: students applying to more schools, Koehler said. So were seeing it in the real world, and what impact does that have on predicting yield, predicting behavior? Because you dont know if youre number one on their list or number 10 on their list. So thats always a challenge.

More than 27,000 students applied to GWU to join its freshman class in the fall, the university said. As of March 31, 11,000 had been admitted. The target size for the class of 2021 was between 2,500 to 2,600 students. In April, about 2,000 students attended programs for those offered admission.

[A college-admissions edge for the wealthy: Early decision]

When high school juniors visit a campus, colleges are trying to introduce themselves and hope that the students will apply. But when admitted students visit, the calculations change. Colleges know that they are in the running. They want students to find the best fit  and maybe that will happen on their campus.

And so there is a level of pressure, Koehler said. You pray for good weather, all the things you cant control. So I think that does exacerbate the level of pressure we feel. But also, its really fun.

At these events, admissions officers get to meet students whose names and stories they recognize from files they had pored over. When students say they are ready to make a deposit, thats really exciting, Koehler said.

During these events, GWU tries to encourage the admitted students to meet with current students and with faculty. Parents peel off so that their children can feel comfortable asking questions without Mom or Dad hovering. That helps the parents, too. They can raise any concerns without embarrassing their kids.

We want them engaged in ways they can see themselves doing research, being in the classroom, engaging their peers, Solomou said. We want them to have that experience.

[Inside the admissions process at GWU]

One April morning, that experience included a lecture on Senate filibusters from Sarah A. Binder, a political-science professor.

Binder played a clip from Frank Capras Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and footage of the late Sen. Paul D. Wellstone (D-Minn.). She asked questions, and the teens, who were paying attention to the presentation, answered.

I have a pretty good idea that I do want to go to this school, said Robert Carter, an 18-year-old in the audience who was wearing a tie. So Im just looking to have that confirmed and be confident that, yes, this is where I want to go.

Carter, from Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., said he also had been accepted at the University of Florida. He plans to major in criminal justice  not politics, an obvious selling point for GWU  but said he loved the lecture. He thought the school had great programs and could help him find employment after he graduated.

Reached by phone a few days later, Carter said that he had submitted a deposit and was definitely going to GWU.

In fact, he said he had submitted the deposit before going to the event. The day on campus clinched it for him. I was just trying to make sure, you know? I had a good idea I was going there, so I put in the deposit. I just wanted to make sure.
Piper(13704/1167) is a female hound mix who was found as a stray. She is 5 to 7 years old. (Prince William County SPCA)

Piper (13704/1167) is a female hound mix who was found as a stray. She is 5 to 7 years old. Cumin (13738/1199) is a female guinea pig who was surrendered by her owner with another guinea pig. She is 8 to 10 months old. Mist (13486/965) is a male domestic shorthair who was found as a stray. He is 8 to 12 months old.

The Prince William County Animal Shelter, 14807 Bristow Rd., Manassas, makes animals available for adoption by residents of Manassas and Manassas Park and Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier and Stafford counties. If the animal is spayed or neutered, adopters may live outside these areas. Additional animals can be seen at pwcshelter.petfinder.com. Viewing and adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The shelter is closed Mondays and holidays. Adoptions end a half-hour before closing. For information, call 703-792-6465.

Mist (13486/965) is a male domestic shorthair who was found as a stray. He is 8 to 12 months old. (Prince William County SPCA)
Volunteers needed to remove invasive plants

Volunteers are needed to remove invasive plants at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Organized by the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, volunteers will target garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate), which can overtake forest floors and choke out native flowers and grasses that provide food for wildlife, officials say.

Volunteers will meet in the main parking lot at 14050 Dawson Beach Rd., Woodbridge. Supplies will be provided.

For information, call 703-490-4979.

Leader training for wellness program

Project Mend-A-House needs volunteer leaders for its Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management and Diabetes Self-Management programs.

The four-day Live Well Virginia leader training is designed to provide the skills and information necessary to successfully lead a workshop. Previous teaching or health-care experience is not required. Training participants are provided with a manual and the book Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions. Training begins in May at 9500 Technology Dr., Suite 100, Manassas.

For information or to register, contact programs manager Jodie Houser at jodie@pmahweb.org or 571-494-5577.

Detention center gets grant for therapists

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors recently voted to accept a $410,898 grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to hire two mental-health therapists to work with the female population at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center.

The detention center submitted a concept paper to the justice department to establish a pilot program to provide services to mentally ill female offenders in the hopes of reducing recidivism.

A full-time therapist will provide programs to change criminal behavior and train staff members on mental-health issues. A part-time employee will help with reentry services for people returning to the community. The center has three full-time therapists who focus on mental health assessments and crisis stabilization, center Superintendent Pete Meletis told the board.
TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Man dies in apartment fire in Woodbridge

Simeon Saplan Lim, 54, of Manassas was found dead Monday night in an apartment fire in the 3500 block of Sherbrooke Circle in Woodbridge.

Officials said the homicide unit and the county fire marshals office would investigate the incident.

DeVos visits Va. school to talk military matters

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, whose support of charter schools, private-school vouchers and other alternatives to traditional public schools has made her controversial, arrived at Ashland Elementary in Manassas on Tuesday to learn about the schools programs to help military families, since nearly half the students come from such families.

The visit coincided with the Month of the Military Child. Educators and school leaders also hoped the visit would drive home the importance of investment in traditional public schools.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

Breast-feeding mother asked to relocate

Annie Peguero of Dumfries was trying to calm her agitated 19-month-old daughter in church this past Sunday by nursing her. A woman asked her to move to a private room.

Peguero declined and was later told that the church does not allow breast-feeding without a cover because it could make men, teenagers or new churchgoers uncomfortable, she said.

The mother of two took to Facebook to urge women to stand up for breast-feeding. Peguero and an attorney are pressing church leaders to issue a statement and reverse the policy.

16-year-old charged in Manassas killing

A male 16-year-old from Chantilly was arrested Tuesday in connection with the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Wilfredo Guardado-Huezo on April 17 in the 9000 block of Centreville Road in Manassas.

Denis Alexander Sanchez, 20, of Manassas, was arrested in connection with the shooting earlier this month.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

Stewart spars with celebrities on Twitter

Corey Stewart, the Confederate memorial-defending Republican running for Virginia governor, got into a Twitter fight this week with  among others  musician John Legend, crime novelist Laura Lippman and David Simon, creator of the HBO series The Wire.

Stewart, the chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, kicked off the fracas Monday, when he criticized the removal of the Battle of Liberty Place monument in New Orleans, which honored members of the Crescent City White League who died trying to overthrow the citys government after the Civil War.

In the Twitter war that raged last week, many critics of Stewart noted that his defense of Southern heritage was disingenuous, given his roots as a native of Minnesota.
Tom Perriello, left, shakes hands with Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam at the start of the first debate of Virginia's Democratic candidates for governor at Lanier Middle School in Fairfax. (Sarah L. Voisin/AP)

Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and former congressman Tom Perriello, locked in a neck-and-neck battle for the Democratic nomination to be Virginias governor, saved their harshest words for President Trump over the weekend, making their first primary debate a largely positive, gentlemanly affair.

Northam and Perriello generally agreed on policy and exchanged only a few, gentle jabs during the hour-long forum moderated by NBC4 reporter Tom Sherwood. Saturdays debate, the first of five, was held in Fairfax County  important territory in voter-rich Northern Virginia.

Offered a chance to rebut Northams assertion that Virginians should have greater priority in admission to public colleges and universities, compared with out-of-state students, Perriello said, I would just take 30 seconds back to agree.

[Shades of blue: Two Democrats in race for Va gov differ more on style than substance]

Perriello, who upset Virginias Democratic establishment with his unexpected entry into the race in January, took pains to several times praise term-limited Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), who is backing Northam.

I think McAuliffe has done a tremendous job, Perriello said in response to a question about whether this is a change election.

Yet Perriello also suggested he would do more to address the states opioid crisis, revamp its regressive criminal code, and raise the minimum wage, which he called a poverty wage in pricey Northern Virginia.

So, no, Im not satisfied with the status quo, he said.

Sometimes knocked as too low-key, Northam was loose and lively. He left his spot on the stage at one point, after Sherwood forgot to give him a crack at a question, to playfully mark up the moderators notes as a teacher might correct a students paper.

While amiable all night, the lieutenant governor still asserted his liberal bona fides  and questioned Perriellos with a few digs about the former congressmans receipt of dark money from a political group that does not identify most of its donors, his past support for the National Rifle Association and his mixed record on abortion rights.

[Dark money vs. corporate cash in Democratic primary race for Va gov]

I am the only statewide elected official over the years that has been outspoken against offshore drilling, Northam said. I have opposed fracking. . . . I have been against uranium mining.

Sherwood gave each candidate the opportunity to ask the other a question  something Perriello said caught him off guard. He went first, with a softball: The question I would ask is: What do you think you have learned most from your great service as lieutenant governor?

When Northam was up, he lobbed something harder. He asked Perriello why he took campaign contributions from the NRA while in Congress, noting that it was after the 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech.

Perriello, who got an A rating from the NRA when he ran for Congress, noted he is no longer in the groups good graces. I called them a nut-job, extremist organization and compared them to the John Birch Society, he said. I dont imagine those checks are in the mail.

Northam, 57, is a pediatric neurologist from the Eastern Shore who graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and, as an Army major, treated wounded soldiers during Operation Desert Storm. He said that he grew up with an appreciation of hunting but that, after treating toddlers injured by guns, he knew that assault weapons have no place on our streets.

He also spoke about taking on the tobacco industry as a legislator when he pushed through the states ban on smoking in restaurants, and how he skewered Republican efforts to require women to get a transvaginal ultrasound before obtaining an abortion.

Perriello, 42, grew up outside Charlottesville and got his undergraduate and law degrees from Yale. He won election to Congress in 2008. During his single term, he won stature within the party for supporting the Affordable Care Act despite his conservative district. He lost reelection in the tea party wave of 2010, in part because of his support for the health-care law  something that endeared him to President Obama.

But Perriello also has drawn fire from liberals for advocating an amendment to the ACA that would have prevented federal subsidies for insurance plans that cover abortion. Asked by Sherwood about abortion, Perriello made no mention of his past. Instead, he presented himself as a strong advocate for abortion rights and also said abortion services should be made more accessible, noting some places around the state lack clinics.

Perriello has sworn off donations from Dominion Power  the states largest utility and largest political donor  and opposes two oil and natural gas pipelines planned for rural Virginia. Northam has not taken a position on the pipelines, which McAuliffe has touted as a source of jobs, but says they must be subjected to strict environmental review.

One of the sharpest exchanges of the night came after Northam said he had sent letter to state environmental officials, pressing them to make the pipeline review process more transparent. Perriello asked Northam if he had discussed the letter beforehand with Dominion.

Im not going to stand here on the witness stand, Northam replied. Its not a yes or no, or us versus them.

Perriello repeated his call for publicly financed campaigns. Northam said he favors comprehensive campaign finance reform.

[Dark money vs. corporate cash: Va. Democratic rivals clash over funding]

The debate did not dwell on Trump, but Perriello framed his bid as a means of resisting the president in a closing statement so fiery that Sherwood responded with, Pass the collection plate.

Just a few months ago, most of us were busy crying, Perriello said to laughs. We were paralyzed. We didnt know what had become of a country that had elected a person who had run the most overtly racist campaign of my lifetime. . . . But all of you, and millions of others across the country, decided to get up off our couch and organize and resist.

He continued: I have pledged to, within the limits of the law, to have noncompliance with any acts of the Trump administration that are unconstitutional and unconscionable in nature.

Northam, while vowing to stand up to the narcissistic maniac on the other side of the Potomac, mostly went for the soft sell.

As a pediatrician, I have held a lot of babies in my arms, he said. And when you look into the eyes of a baby, you know, you dont see the hatred and the bigotry that we so often see in society. And our question  as a society, as Virginians  is, what are these babies going to grow up to be? . . . Are they going to have access to a world-class education system? Are they going to have access to affordable health care? And are they going to live in environments where the air and the water are clean?

There was no real discussion of the three Republicans running for governor, but Perriello criticized the front-runner, former Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie, for not speaking out against Trumps entry ban on travelers from predominantly Muslim countries.

Gillespie faces Prince William County Supervisors Chairman Corey A. Stewart and state Sen. Frank W. Wagner (Virginia Beach) in the GOPs June 13 primary. The general election takes place Nov. 7.
Anything can happen while youre performing karaoke at a dive bar in Scotland. As Lauren Marks found out 10 years ago at age 27, that includes having an aneurysm rupture in your brain.

After being rushed to the hospital, the American actress/writer underwent emergency surgery that saved her life. But she lost two things that night: a single black high heel and much of her ability to use language. A Stitch of Time, her memoir that focuses on the year that followed, offers a deeply personal  and often surprising  perspective on aphasia, the medical term for this kind of communication disorder.

The initial sensation, which Marks describes as The Quiet, was pleasurable. The smallest of activities would enthrall me, she writes. Dressing myself, I was awed by the orbital distance between cloth and flesh. Brushing my teeth, I was enchanted by the stiffness of the bristles and the sponginess of my gums. The Quiet, she explains, was what temporarily replaced her inner monologue. It was as muted as her external speech, which was initially limited to about 40 words.

Beginning soon after she was stricken, Marks kept a journal, which she describes as initially this confetti of fractured words. Today, Marks cant imagine what compelled her to scribble down cathrene prussia horse-donk. On the same page, she also wrote speshul, Tibet and chorus.

Her recovery  which, Marks soon learned, is not an easy term to define when it comes to aphasia  helped her grasp how much language had shaped her memories, emotions and relationships. Even once she could hold conversations and write complex sentences again, Marks viewed herself as a separate person from The Girl I Used to Be.

Theres continued medical intrigue, particularly when, after six months, it turns out that she needs a second surgery. This one is even riskier than her first. Markss approach is to explain not just what was happening in her brain but also what was on her mind. (And its no longer The Quiet.)

[Read more]

[A mans persistent headache proves hard to diagnose and harder to treat]

[Roald Dahl was fascinated by medicine, partly because of his wifes stroke]
Getty photographer Mario Tama rode along with NASA scientists to record the state of glaciers in Greenland. This trip was part of an overall project, called Ice Bridge, documenting the state of ice sheets over the North and South poles. See the full photo essay here: Arctic Ice  The Unprecedented Retreat Seen in Photos.

March 29, 2017 Sea ice is seen from NASAs Operation IceBridge research aircraft above Ellesmere Island, Canada. Mario Tama/Getty Images
Barbara Nickles, of Selden, N.Y., had a double mastectomy after she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ  a condition that some doctors consider pre-cancer and others view as the disease itself. (Jackie Molloy)

Barbara Nickles and Ligia Toro de Stefani are both women in their early 60s who were diagnosed with abnormal cells in a breast, or Stage 0 breast cancer, as its sometimes labeled. Nickles decided to have a double mastectomy. Toro de Stefani opted for active surveillance and a twice-yearly battery of tests.

I wish I had breasts, but I am also happy they are gone so that I dont have to worry so much about breast cancer, says Nickles, whose grandmother had the disease.

Quality of life is the most important thing to me, says Toro de Stefani, an avid traveler and scuba diver.

The two illustrate the vexing questions facing the 60,000 women a year diagnosed in this country with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a condition in which cancerous-looking cells are found in the breast duct. What exactly is it  a pre-cancer, cancer or more a risk factor? How much treatment is too much? Too little? Which women can safely skip surgery? What about those who want more treatment than their doctors recommend?

The DCIS conundrum is sparking increasingly heated debate among physicians as well. Most say the condition, while not cancer, needs aggressive treatment because 20 percent to 30 percent of cases will spread to surrounding tissue and become invasive cancer if left alone. To date, that has meant surgery for DCIS patients; most have lumpectomies, often followed by radiation, but some undergo mastectomies. Some women also end up taking an anti-cancer drug  such as tamoxifen  for several years.

Breast surgeon Shelley Hwang of the Duke Cancer Center is leading a new natioductal carcinoma in situ. (Shawn Rocco/Duke Health)

But a growing group of oncologists, worried about overtreatment, is stepping up efforts to add another approach  active surveillance  to the anti-DCIS arsenal. Proponents are launching COMET, the nations first prospective, randomized clinical trial to test whether such close monitoring is safe and effective for many women.

If the answer is yes, backers say, it could spare thousands the pain, trauma and cost of intrusive therapies.

This is a trial whose time has come, said Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. Many of us have felt for two decades that this study needed to be done, but we needed to get doctors and patients to the right point emotionally where it could go forward.

About 255,200 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, with about 1 in 4 of those with DCIS  a condition that was rarely identified before mammograms became widespread in the 1980s. Almost all women with DCIS survive over the long term, regardless of whether they get lumpectomies or mastectomies, studies have shown.

[You just learned you have breast cancer. Whats next?]

The opening of the new trial parallels greater interest in surveillance for a variety of pre- and early-stage cancers. In recent years, the proportion of U.S. men with low-risk prostate cancers being monitored rather than removed has surged to more than 40 percent. Last fall, a study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York found that active surveillance may be a suitable approach for some thyroid cancer patients.

Shelley Hwang, chief of breast surgery at the Duke Cancer Institute, said COMET reflects the growing realization that DCIS, like breast cancer itself, represents a range of subtypes of abnormal cells and that treatments need to be tailored to individual risks. High-grade DCIS has a fast rate of cell division and is more likely to become invasive cancer, for example, while the low-grade kind has a slower proliferation rate and is much less risky.

Barbara Nickles inside her home. (Jackie Molloy/for The Washington Post)

But current screening cant differentiate between harmless and worrisome cases.

You are going to catch both the sharks and the minnows with the wide net of screening, said Hwang, the principal investigator of the trial. We are working to identify and treat just the sharks.

Only women who are at least 40 years old and have low-risk DCIS are eligible for COMET. Patients have to agree to be randomly assigned to either active surveillance or standard therapy, including surgery. Women in the surveillance group will see their doctors and get mammograms every six months. Those who develop invasive cancer will be able to switch immediately to the treatment group for surgery and other therapy  which should assure them a high chance of complete recovery, Hwang said.

Both groups will be offered tamoxifen or other drugs to reduce the risk of recurrence.

A key aspect of the trial, which aims to enroll 900 participants at 100 medical centers nationwide, will focus on psychological factors: Do women in the surveillance group experience more anxiety because they arent moving forcefully against their DCIS? Or do they benefit from a restrained approach?

The impulse to reduce overtreatment is part of a longer-term effort by physicians to first, do no harm, said Steven Katz, an internist at the University of Michigan who researches how medical decisions are made. And from the reduced use of antibiotics to the dialing back of radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer, theres a sea change going on.

[Many high-risk patients with breast cancer arent getting genetic testing. Heres why.]

Yet while physicians and breast surgeons generally support testing surveillance in a trial, many say that, in practice, the approach has a long way to go. In about 20 percent of DCIS cases, biopsies miss invasive cancers that are found only when surgeons remove the entire affected area.

Part of the problem is that doctors dont know enough about DCIS to predict when it will remain indolent or become invasive. If we knew which DCIS was purely DCIS and would stay DCIS, we would never have to treat it, said Monica Morrow, chief of breast surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Understanding the biology is the fundamental issue, but that remains elusive.

A far bigger overtreatment issue, she argues, is the sharp increase in women requesting double mastectomies when they have DCIS or early-stage cancer in one breast. They say, We want it anyway for peace of mind. 

COMET supporters say the trial could offer a way to discourage such surgeries. If we can get to the point where we say, This is not cancer, but a marker of risk, maybe we can reduce that number, said Deanna Attai, a breast surgeon at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Fewer than 2,000 women with DCIS are getting active surveillance in the United States, according to cancer experts. Most physicians dont offer it because they say there is not enough data to support it and because the current standard of care is so successful. However, some doctors will oversee surveillance if a patient has already decided against surgery.

In Toro de Stefanis case, she was coming to me for affirmation that this was a good alternative for her, said Alastair Thompson, a COMET co-principal investigator at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, along with Ann Partridge at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Toro de Stefani, 62, sees Thompson twice a year when she drives the six hours from her home in South Texas for her next mammogram and round of testing. And while confident of the course she chose after her 2016 diagnosis, the retired cardiovascular researcher also is prepared to take more aggressive action if needed.

Im not going to die of this, she declared.

[Extending anti-estrogen therapy to 10 years reduces breast-cancer recurrence, new cancers]

In Selden, N.Y., Nickles faced several challenges when she was diagnosed in 2013. Her doctor said she needed a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy because her DCIS was diffuse  spread throughout the milk ducts of her right breast.

Moreover, because she had large breasts, her doctor said the plastic surgeon would have to operate on her healthy one to reduce its size as part of the reconstruction procedure. Nickles, who administers echocardiograms at local health facilities, instead chose to have a double mastectomy, followed by reconstruction with implants.

It was a no-brainer, said Nickles, 61, who responded to a Washington Post inquiry placed through the health-care social network Inspire.

She was relieved that she would no longer have to worry about her familys history of cancer, but she didnt bargain for the ensuing complications. In late January, more than three years after her reconstructive surgery, she began having night sweats and fevers. Within days, her right breast had swollen to twice its normal size because of fluid buildup. She ultimately had both implants removed.

Even so, Nickles said she wouldnt have chosen active surveillance: Im still feeling relieved that my cancer was removed and doesnt require ongoing vigilance.

Desiree Basila, a math and science teacher in San Francisco, had a different reaction a decade ago after learning she had DCIS. When she met with her first surgeon, the doctor slapped down her imaging scans, brusquely said she had cancer and immediately talked about doing a mastectomy the following week.

Basila ended up seeing Hwang, who was then at the University of California at San Francisco and working closely with Laura Esserman, a longtime proponent of active surveillance. After Hwang ran through the standard surgical treatments, Basila responded, What if I decided to just do nothing?

She entered a small clinical trial testing whether tamoxifen could shrink tumors before breast surgery, later deciding she didnt want the drug or the operation. She has since been followed through active surveillance and now, at 62, is working as a patient advocate for the COMET trial.

People hear active surveillance, and they tend to think it means the patients are doing nothing, Basila said. But it isnt doing nothing. Its a real commitment by patients and physicians to watch carefully. I dont think doing these brutally aggressive treatments are necessarily whats needed to have the longest and happiest lives. Its driven by blind fear.

It will probably take six to 10 years to get definitive answers from COMET, which stands for Comparison of Operative to Medical Endocrine Therapy. At some point, the findings will likely be combined with those of two European trials, called LORIS and LORD. All will be collecting and assessing tissue, blood and imaging results to determine which characteristics make DCIS mild or menacing.

Hwang thinks the long wait will be time well spent. Only hard data will bring about the treatment changes she believes will help many women.

People are very anxious about embarking on a de-escalation of treatment, she said. Thats the problem with our intervention-focused culture. Taking something away is very scary, and we will need evidence to bring about change.
Working as a volunteer, Barbara Corprew looks for and tries to resolve problems at a nursing home in Washington. (COURTESY OF BARBARA CORPREW )

Since retiring four years ago, Barbara Corprew has visited Paris, traveled to a North Carolina film festival and taken Pilates classes, focusing on  as she puts it  just doing things for me. Now the former Justice Department lawyer, who worked on white-collar crime cases, is devoting time to something completely different: She visits nursing homes every week.

Corprew is a volunteer in the Districts Long-Term Care Ombudsmans Office, a government-funded advocacy agency for nursing home and assisted-living residents.

The ombudsmens offices, which operate under federal law in all 50 states and the District, investigated 200,000 complaints in 2015, according to the Administration on Aging, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services. Of those, almost 117,000 were reported to have been resolved in a way that satisfied the person who made the complaint, and about 30,000 were partially resolved. At the top of the list were problems concerning care, residents rights, physical environment, admissions and discharges, and abuse and neglect.

[These new rules give nursing home residents more power]

The volunteers have permission to enter any nursing home, assisted-living or other long-term-care facility anytime, unannounced, talk to any resident and go wherever they want. They respond to issues raised by residents and their families and can bring up problems they discover. All complaints are handled confidentially, even kept from family members, unless residents allow the ombudsman to reveal their identities.

I know how important it is to find people who care and give good quality care, said Corprew, who was an advocate for her parents when they became ill. Her mother was in and out of the hospital and a nursing home during her last years of life. So when she received a letter about the need for volunteer ombudsmen, the appeal hit home. This was an opportunity to give back to the community and feel as if I was making a difference by representing people who didnt have a voice.

[I put my father in a nursing home at age 98. Then I brought him home.]

She is assigned to a nursing home in Northwest Washington. She wears sturdy lace-up shoes for the trek through the hallways, knocking on doors to speak with residents in their rooms. She has handled problems involving call bells that dont work or are out of reach, noisy roommates and procedures for bathing a resident.

She distributes brochures about residents rights and how to contact the ombudsman, writing her name on the front. And she uses all five senses on her rounds: When coming across a chair that smelled of urine, she recalled, the nose tells you a lot.

Most ombudsmen programs depend on volunteers. After completing two days of classroom sessions and field training and passing a criminal-background check, District volunteer ombudsmen spend about three hours a week at their assigned facilities and attend monthly update meetings for at least a year. Some stay in the program much longer. The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program includes people who have been volunteering for 17 years, including one woman who is nearly 90, said coordinator Lisa Callahan.

Medical or legal experience is not required. Volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds and careers, but they seem to have one thing in common: an abundance of compassion.

Gwendolyn Devore, another District volunteer, remembers a forlorn woman sitting in a hallway at the nursing home where her aunt lived. When she asked a staff member about the woman, the only reply was an angry look that unmistakably said, Its none of your business, Devore recalled as she explained her interest in becoming a volunteer. Now no one will be able to say its none of my business.

Many nursing home residents have some degree of dementia or other disabilities that make it difficult for them to be their own advocates, while others dont know whom to approach and how. Many dont have relatives or friends nearby. An ombudsman can help fill that gap.

The volunteers are supervised by staff ombudsmen who can take over when a complaint cant be resolved informally. Although ombudsmen cannot force facility management to follow state and federal laws, we know the rules inside and out, said Eileen Bennett, program director of the ombudsman program in Marylands Montgomery County. When persuasion fails, ombudsmen can call in reinforcements by reporting problems to state health inspectors, fire departments, police or other agencies that can compel action.

The ombudsman programs in the Washington area differ in some ways, especially personnel and funding. Montgomery County has five full-time ombudsmen, one part-timer and 40 to 50 volunteers for 34 nursing homes, 35 large assisted-living centers and 175 group homes for seniors.

The Northern Virginia ombudsmans roughly 50 volunteers and seven employees cover 29 nursing and 84 assisted-living facilities in four counties. We try to place our volunteers at our highest-need facilities, Callahan said.

The District has 40 volunteers and 10 employees for its 18 nursing homes, 13 assisted-living centers, and 104 group homes. Its ombudsman program spent an average of $94 per bed in 2015, compared with Marylands $50 and Virginias $32, which is also the national average. The programs receive federal funding under the Older Americans Act, often supplemented by state and local governments.

Ombudsmen also differ in their responsibilities. In addition to investigating and trying to resolve complaints, the Districts ombudsmen can help families choose a nursing home or assisted-living center, although they dont make recommendations. District staff ombudsmen will also field complaints from people who receive Medicaid-funded health care in their own homes, as does Virginias ombudsmen. Maryland does not.

Some volunteers drop out quickly, having discovered that spending time in a nursing home wasnt what they expected. But the experience has only made Corprew more committed.

We all need people to care for us when we cant care for ourselves, she said. I may be in this same situation . . . and hopefully there will be other people who will care about me and will come see me and will be my advocate.

 Kaiser Health News

Kaiser Health News is a national health policy news service that is part of the nonpartisan Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

[Read more]

[Meet the youngsters helping solve Japans caregiving crisis. Like Kunio Odaira, 72.]

[A lot of our plaintiffs have died waiting to get out of the nursing home . ]

[Americas other drug problem: Giving the elderly too many prescriptions]
A Border Patrol agent on duty at the fence between the United States and Mexico in San Ysidro, Calif., in mid-April. Apprehensions of people trying to enter the United States illegally along the southern border have plummeted, according to federal data. (Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

In many ways, President Trumps attempts to implement his hard-line immigration policies have not gone very well in his first three months. His travel ban aimed at some Muslim-majority countries has been blocked by the courts, his U.S.-Mexico border wall has gone nowhere in Congress, and he has retreated, at least for now, on his vow to target illegal immigrants brought here as children.

But one strategy that seems to be working well is fear. The number of migrants, legal and illegal, crossing into the United States has dropped markedly since Trump took office, while recent declines in the number of deportations have been reversed.

Many experts on both sides of the immigration debate attribute at least part of this shift to the use of sharp, unwelcoming rhetoric by Trump and his aides, as well as the administrations showy use of enforcement raids and public spotlighting of crimes committed by immigrants. The tactics were aimed at sending a political message to those in the country illegally or those thinking about trying to come.

The world is getting the message, Trump said last week during a speech at the National Rifle Association leadership forum in Atlanta. They know our border is no longer open to illegal immigration, and if they try to break in youll be caught and youll be returned to your home. Youre not staying any longer. If you keep coming back illegally after deportation, youll be arrested and prosecuted and put behind bars. Otherwise it will never end.

The most vivid evidence that Trumps tactics have had an effect has come at the southern border with Mexico, where the number of apprehensions made by Customs and Border Patrol agents plummeted from more than 40,000 per month at the end of 2016 to just 12,193 in March, according to federal data.

(Zoeann Murphy/The Washington Post)

[Blame game: Trump casts immigrants as dangerous criminals, but the evidence shows otherwise]

Immigrant rights advocates and restrictionist groups said there is little doubt that the Trump administrations tough talk has had impact.

The bottom line is that they have entirely changed the narrative around immigration, said Doris Meissner, who served as the commissioner of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service in the Clinton administration. The result of that is that, yes, you can call it words and rhetoric, and it certainly is, but it is changing behavior. It is changing the way the United States is viewed around the world, as well as the way were talking about and reacting to immigration within the country.

Experts emphasized that it is still early and that the initial success the administration has had in slashing illegal border crossings could be reversed if it fails to follow through on more aggressive enforcement actions that will require more than just rhetorical bombast.

Many of the other initiatives Trump has called for  including additional detention centers and thousands of new Border Patrol officers and immigration agents  are costly. Others, such as his vow to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities that protect immigrants, are facing legal challenges.

Yet unlike areas such as trade, health care or foreign policy, where Trump has moderated his extreme campaign positions or failed to advance his agenda, the administration has systematically sought to check off the presidents immigration promises.

Most notably, Trump signed an executive order during his first week in office that, among other things, vastly expanded the pool of the nations 11 million illegal immigrants who are deemed priorities for deportation.

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.

Deportations had fallen sharply in the final years of the Obama administration as the former president tightened enforcement guidelines to focus on hardened criminals. But under Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun to ramp up the number of immigrants who are being placed in removal proceedings.

Federal agents arrested 21,362 immigrants, mostly convicted criminals, from January through mid-March, compared with 16,104 during the same period last year, according to federal data. Arrests of immigrants with no criminal records more than doubled, to 5,441 in that period.

This is the Trump era. Progress is being made daily, and it will continue, declared Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has begun to reorganize the Justice Department to prosecute more immigration cases. This will be the administration that fully enforces our nations immigration laws.

Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for lower immigration levels, called Trumps first few months a mixed picture, but he said the administration has clearly made some progress.

The decline at the border is not something that happened on its own  its a reaction to concerns Trump is going to restore the enforcement of immigration laws, Krikorian said. It wont last if that fear isnt realized, but if it is, if Trump follows through, were likely to see a sustained reduction in border crossings.

The question is how successfully the administration can translate the tougher talk into sustainable policies.

[Trump administration moving quickly to build up nationwide deportation force]

Internal planning documents from the Department of Homeland Security leaked recently showed that the agency is preparing to significantly ramp up the nationwide deportation force that Trump promised on the campaign trail.

The agency has secured 33,000 additional detention beds and is considering waiving some requirements, including a polygraph exam and a physical fitness test, to speed up the hiring of more immigration agents. ICE and CBP also are working with dozens of local police departments interested in being more deeply involved in immigration enforcement.

But the administrations boldest actions have been blocked by the courts, including Trumps attempted temporary freeze on the nations refugee program, the entry ban targeting majority-Muslim countries and the administrations attempts to withhold some federal funds from sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

And like President Barack Obama before him, Trump has struggled to deport some foreign-born criminals whose home countries refuse to take them back.

The administration is doing a good job signaling to the rest of the world they will be cracking down on abuses of the illegal immigration system, said Leon Fresco, an immigration attorney who previously served in the Obama Justice Department and as an aide to Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). That should be the point without needing to create the excesses of the travel ban. There is a balance that can be reached if this administration simply signals it will be enforcing immigration law that does not need to be unduly draconian in a way that is not permitted by law.

Immigrant rights advocates point to the lessons learned from legal battles in recent years in several states, including Arizona and Alabama, that enacted laws granting local police broad powers to arrest and imprison immigrants. Most of those laws were gutted or struck down by federal courts.

What theyve done is to export the failed enforcement strategy from the state level that was anti-immigrant to the national level, said Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center.

The goal is to make life so impossible and difficult for people that they would self-deport, Hincapie said. Thats not the case. People just went underground. Here, a big part of the strategy is to instill fear and create a chilling effect.

Trump is unlikely to back off from his approach, and the administration has found ways to slow the flow of immigrants despite legal setbacks. The number of refugees entering the United States has plummeted from nearly 10,000 last October to fewer than 2,500 in April.

Immigration hawks have also continued to press the White House to do more, including overturning a deferred action program started under Obama that has granted work visas to more than 700,000 dreamers who arrived illegally when they were children. Although he promised to overturn the program on Day One, Trump has yet to end it.

But just over three months into Trumps tenure, the frame of the political debate over immigration policy has begun to shift.

One thing this administration has done that the Democrats message has to recalibrate for is that its not credible to the American people to say enforcement plays no role in [reducing] the numbers of immigrants coming illegally, Fresco said. Some have tried to perpetuate a myth that it is not linked. To the extent the numbers stay low, one thing the Trump administration has been able to say that is a correct statement is that enforcement does factor into the calculus.

Devlin Barrett contributed to this report.
One of the most influential Cuban Americans in Congress announced that she will retire next year rather than seek reelection in an evolving South Florida district that once helped launch prominent Florida Republicans but is now moving toward Democrats.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R), the first Hispanic woman and the first Cuban American elected to Congress, will end a 30-year run on Capitol Hill next year as one of her partys leading moderate voices on social issues. She will leave behind a district that President Trump lost by 20 percentage points, the most Democratic-leaning district held by a Republican based on last years presidential contest.

Part of her partys wing that opposed Trumps candidacy, even during the general election, Ros-Lehtinen told the Miami Herald that she was not retiring because of her differences with Trump or her prospects of a difficult reelection bid. Instead, she said it was the right time after nearly four decades in local and federal office.

Its been such a delight and a high honor to serve our community for so many years and help constituents every day of the week, she told the Herald on Sunday. We just said, Its time to take a new step. 

She burst onto the scene in 1988 with her first congressional victory, heralding the power of Cuban emigres and their children in South Floridas politics. For years now, three House districts in South Florida have been held by Cuban Americans, almost all Republicans. They have formed a vocal opposition to the Castro regime in Cuba and also delivered votes for GOP candidates who also pledged to fight the dictator.

Democrats Trump-era House map starts in diverse South

Her first campaign manager, a young Jeb Bush, launched a new flank of the family political dynasty from that part of Florida, becoming governor and then basing his 2016 presidential campaign in that region. Ros-Lehtinen was a staunch Bush supporter, only to see his bid to become the third Bush to win the presidency fail amid a relentless assault of personal insults from Trump during the Republican primary contest.

Democrats pounced on the news of Ros-Lehtinens retirement, rejecting her denials that it had anything to do with Trump or the floundering legislative effort during the first 100 days of his presidency and unified GOP control of Congress.

This is first of many retirements, Meredith Kelly, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), predicted on Twitter. Kelly said that many Republicans will not want to defend the embarrassment of GOP DC and will instead choose to retire.

Starting earlier than expected, Kelly said of Ros-Lehtinens decision.

Although she was a staunch conservative on most foreign policy matters, Ros-Lehtinen steered clear of the partys increasingly conservative views on social matters, particularly gay rights. In recent years, her son, Rodrigo Lehtinen, who is transgender, took on a prominent role among Floridas gay rights community.

The Miami-based district, which includes South Beach and Key Biscayne, has increasingly turned away from national Republican politics, particularly as the more recent generations of Cuban Americans expanded their political viewpoints beyond policy toward Cuba.

Floridas 27th Congressional District voted for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the 2008 presidential election, 51 percent to 49 percent, but four years later, Ros-Lehtinens district supported President Barack Obama, 53 percent to 47 percent, over Republican Mitt Romney.

Then Trumps nationalist campaign, with rhetoric that liberal Latino activists used to increase turnout, turned the district solidly blue: Democrat Hillary Clinton won there by 19.7 percentage points.

Despite Trump, Ros-Lehtinen remained popular in South Florida. She won reelection last year by almost 10 percentage points, and she would have been a formidable opponent in 2018. Still, last year marked a more difficult campaign than her usual previous victories of more than 20 percentage points, and she was going to need to raise millions of dollars to fight again next year.

There was no epiphany. There was no moment, nothing that has happened that Ive said, Ive got to move on,  said Ros-Lehtinen, 64.

Three Democrats had already declared for the 2018 contest, but the DCCCs recruiting range may now expand because it will be an open seat rather than a challenge against a well-known institution of Florida politics.
Laureen Riedesel is closing the book on another decade of running the Beatrice Public Library, marking 40 years as its director.

In the last four decades, Riedesel has worked from two buildings, transitioned from stamping library cards to electronic scanning and witnessed firsthand the phenomenon of several book crazes.

Riedesel said she was very lucky and very blessed to find her dream career, which was apparent to her at a young age.

Ive wanted to be a librarian since I was a child, she said. Ive always loved books. I went to school and was disappointed they didnt teach me everything about reading on day one.

Riedesel moved to Beatrice from Kennett, Mo. for several reasons in addition to the job she started May 1, 1977.

A Nebraska native, she spent much of her childhood in Peru and wanted to move back to the area. Her sister had a child, and the three siblings in the family made a pact that when one had a child, the others would move near.

Riedesels father, who lived in Omaha at the time, had taken ill, and she decided to move within 100 miles from him. She said that from her front door in Beatrice to her parents home was exactly 100 miles on the car odometer.

Specific to Beatrice, the Homestead National Monument of America and the Carnegie building on North Fifth Street  which was the public library at the time  were driving factors.

I was really excited about the fact that this was the town that had Homestead National Monument, she recalled. Anybody who knows me knows I come from this family of homesteaders. That was a big deal. Then, Id always wanted to work in a Carnegie and Beatrice has the most beautiful Carnegie building in the state of Nebraska, as far as I was concerned then and as far as Im concerned now.

Despite her love for the building designed by Andrew Carnegie, who built nearly 70 libraries in Nebraska from 1899-1917, it became apparent the building couldnt meet the librarys needs.

We had done everything we could legally do to remain in the Carnegie building, Riedesel said. Between the (accessibility) and technology, that building just could not keep up with what was happening to us at that time. Of course there was no such thing as wireless, so everything was taking outlets and more and more electrical wiring.

This prompted what Riedesel said was the most exciting time of her career, when plans formed to build a new library in 1988.

Plans came to fruition in 1991 when the current library at 100 N. 16th St. was opened.

The location was once home to a mansion, and was then an empty lot for around 25 years after plans for a grocery store fell through.

The building was carefully designed to meet the librarys needs, complete with meeting rooms accessible when the library is closed and a full basement, which was recently renovated.

The current location was also built to welcome the computer age, and Riedesel said technology revolutionized the library just as it has every other aspect of 21st century life.

There was a time some of my colleagues were very threatened by that, she recalled. I think about elections, for example. It used to be so hard to get the information people would ask for. Whats that candidates record? Sometimes I would spend the whole election season trying to track down and get ahold of information someone would ask me about. In that way I really welcome what has happened, that theres so much more public information that is so much more transparent.

However, she added the drawback has been that fake news spreads rapidly in the digital age, when verifying three independent sources for every fact  traditional library science  isnt the case

Today, people take any rumor that sweeps along and we see misinformation spread at rates most of us could never have dreamed were possible, she said. The challenge for most people is to make that distinction.

While the Internet has been a revolutionary resource, Riedesel said there are many instances when turning to microfilm or a book is the only way to find what youre looking for.

This is especially true for researching a familys genealogy, hunting for history that past generations may not have deemed worthy to document, or may have gone out of their way to hide.

This was apparent early in Riedesels career, which began around the same time as the Roots phenomenon.

The 1976 novel and 1977 miniseries told the story of an 18th century man sold into slavery and several generations of his descendants, prompting people to look into their own histories.

To have this story unfold, an African brought here as a slave, and what happened to him in terms of genealogy, it just changed the world, Riedesel said. People who had been told their family wasnt important all of a sudden were seeing a slave who managed to track down and find his roots.

They thought, If that could happen for a slave, surely theres some records out there about my family, too. All of a sudden people wanted to learn about their genealogy.

Roots was one of the first phenomenon Riedesel witnessed as the library director in Beatrice, but was far from her last.

The wizard world of the "Harry Potter" book and film series also had a massive impact, from bringing fantasy to the mainstream to inspiring a generation to pick up a book.

Harry Potter was interesting on levels people didnt expect, Riedesel said. The perception at that point was that kids dont read anymore. Suddenly we had kids on an international basis  because that book was a relatively obscure British book  recommending books to other kids outside of libraries and school, on their own. Of course, the rest is history.

With 40 years under her belt, Riedesel isnt slowing down anytime soon. Shes currently planning a celebration for a library milestone next year, the 145th year Beatrice has had a library and the 125th year its been operated by the city.

I didnt plan to stay this long, but on the other hand its never been the same day twice, Riedesel said. When you look at what the library was in 1977 and now, you also realize Im not working in the same library. Not just literally, but what the library is 40 years later is not what it was in 1977.
(George Frey/Getty Images/DNC Chairman Tom Perez speaks April 21 to a crowd of supporters at a Democratic unity rally in Salt Lake City. He and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) are holding several rallies to unify the Democratic Party)

Before fighting the latest Republican attempt to undo the Affordable Care Act, progressive Democrats had a tiff with former president Barack Obama and the ethics of his two $400,000 paid speeches, including one at a health-care conference put on by the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald.

It just speaks to the power of Wall Street and the influence of big money in the political process, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said in an interview with Bloomberg News.

I was troubled by that, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said in a radio interview. The influence of dollars on this place is what scares me.

Locked out of power in Washington and most states, Democrats have shaken off the stupor of their 2016 defeat. Theyve fought Republicans to a stalemate on some of President Trumps campaign pledges. In special elections, theyve turned out voters and forced the GOP to spend millions of dollars defending once-safe seats. Their most vulnerable senators, facing a daunting 2018 map, have broken their fundraising records.

But like Republicans after Obamas victories, Democrats are in a state of constant tension. An energized left-wing base is waging and winning arguments about messaging and strategy. Like the tea party in 2009 and 2010, that base quickly determined the congressional partys style of opposition; like the tea party, it sees messy public fights as the way out of the doldrums.

Democrats have to have an argument, said Robert Borosage, a progressive organizer whose Campaign for Americas Future merged last year into the new group Peoples Action. What Sanders has made clear is that there be a real debate on the left about what our agenda is, and as we debate, we drive that into the Democratic Party.

The Obama speaking gigs were bound to start a fight. Hillary Clintons fees for speeches between her State Department career and presidential bid were a point of contention throughout the 2016 campaign, fueling the primary with Sanders and letting Trump portray his opponent as a corporate puppet. In defending Obamas speeches, the former presidents team used language that had not worked for Clinton.

Regardless of venue or sponsor, President Obama will be true to his values, his vision, and his record, Obama spokesman Eric Schultz said in a statement Wednesday evening. In 2008, Barack Obama raised more money from Wall Street than any candidate in history  and still went on to successfully pass and implement the toughest reforms on Wall Street since FDR.

With few Trump victories to celebrate, Republicans are highlighting intra-Democratic spats over abortion, accusing the party of being run by its fringe, and taking solace in its lack of leadership. As Trump and congressional Republicans punted on their health-care bill, the Republican National Committee and several party surrogates insisted that it was the Democrats  fresh off a Democratic National Committee unity tour with Sanders and DNC Chairman Tom Perez  who were listless.

I have no idea who the leader of the Democratic Party is, scoffed White House counselor Kellyanne Conway this past week, on the Trump-friendly morning show Fox and Friends. Is it Tom Perez . . . who was booed routinely through his profanity-laced appearances last week on his disunity tour? Is it Bernie Sanders who won 22 states last year in the Democratic Primary but refuses to call himself a Democrat?

To Democrats, the mockery sounds like projection. Trump won 46 percent of the popular vote last year; according to CNNs polling, House Speaker Paul D. Ryans favorable rating has fallen from 46 percent to 38 percent since the start of the year.

But Democrats have not gained much from the contrast. A Washington Post/ABC News poll released last week found that just 28 percent of Americans say that the Democrats were in touch with the concerns of most people, 10 points below the number who thought that of Americas wealthiest president. Three years ago, 48 percent of Americans thought the party was in touch.

The Democrats messaging problems were visible throughout last week, when leaders in Congress held meandering news conferences to attack Trump on his broken promises. The muddle started with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who used a Meet the Press interview about the use of her image in Republican attack ads to haltingly set up the Democrats campaign against Ryan (R-Wis.).

I think its really important for the voters in those districts to know who the candidates will be voting with, she said. Will they be voting with Paul Ryan, who wants to eliminate the guarantee of Medicare, who has voted to privatize Social Security, whos there to dismantle Medicaid?

The rest of the weeks messaging events made few headlines, apart from an intraparty argument about whether to demand health-care money in the resolution to fund the government. Yet as Republicans had done for years, Democrats in the first 100 days lost faith that mainstream media and Washington news cycles could be fair or worth winning.

Ultimately I just dont believe a voter in a competitive district is going to be turned out by a leader in Washington that they dont see on the news, said Guy Cecil, the chief strategist of the Democratic super PAC Priorities USA.

Boxed out of the national headlines by Trump, Democrats have grown more concerned with what animates their base. Republicans had a field day mocking the Perez-Sanders speaking tour, with cable networks playing footage of Perez being booed by loud minorities of audience members, and abortion rights groups coaxing an apologetic statement out of Perez after Sanders campaigned with an antiabortion candidate for mayor of Omaha.

But Democrats spent much of 2016 watching a Republican Party that looked hopelessly divided, hyping every instance of a Republican criticizing Trump.

Sometimes things get bumpy, said Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), who narrowly lost the DNC chairs race to Perez despite being backed by Sanders.

Todays energy, however, comes from a left that continues to challenge the Democrats to move. Last Tuesday, Connecticut Democrats, who had nearly lost control of their state senate during the Obama presidency, watched a member of the progressive Working Families Party take a safe blue seat. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said he was hiring staffers not just for his 2018 reelection, but also to work with the progressive resistance groups springing up around the state.

For the most part, Democrats spent the first months of Trumps presidency responding. Republicans hoped that eight red-state Democrats would feel pressure to confirm Neil M. Gorsuch to the Supreme Court; just three did. Smatterings of House Democrats have voted with Republicans to roll back regulations unpopular in their districts; no other Trump agenda item has won bipartisan support.

To the extent that Democrats have a competing agenda, its driven by the left. Last week, while Trump announced his tax priorities, Sanders held a rally with Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.) to introduce the Raise the Wage Act of 2017, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024. It was sponsored by 22 Democrats and no Republicans.

As Sanders criticized Obamas speaking fees, the academic and left-wing activist Cornel West was asking Sanders, in a column, to build on the ruins of a dying Democratic party and start his own third party. West specifically endorsed a Peoples Party that a few veterans of the Sanders campaign are trying to launch, using every Democratic misstep to make the pitch.

Even while criticizing Democrats, and while refusing to join the party, Sanders has refused to abandon the party. If there are places in this country where somebody wants to run as an independent, go for it, he said. But right now, whats absolutely imperative is that the Democratic Party be completely reformed.

Read more at PowerPost
An Iranian-born TV mogul who had run afoul of Irans government was fatally shot Saturday night by masked gunmen in Istanbul, media reports said.

The identities of the assailants were unknown. But Saeed Karimian, the director of GEM Group, a Persian-language media conglomerate, was reported killed along with his Kuwaiti business partner, whose name was withheld.

The two business executives were driving in a luxury sedan in an upscale district of Istanbul when another vehicle blocked their path, allowing the gunmen to spray Karimians car with bullets, according to Turkish media reports. A car that police suspect belonged to the assailants was found torched outside the city.

Turkish media outlets said police are investigating, but there was no official statement on Karimians death. The 45-year-old businessman, who was also a British national, was reported dead at the scene. His business partner died at the hospital, reports said.

It was a brazen assault in a major cosmopolitan city and raised questions about both the safety of Iranian news professionals abroad and law and order in Turkeys largest metropolis.

Turkey and Iran are neighbors and major trade partners, but relations have recently been strained. The two are regional rivals and have backed opposing sides in the Syrian civil war.

Reporters Without Borders, a press freedom watchdog, ranks Iran as one of the worst oppressors of journalists in the world. The motive behind the killings, however, remains unclear.

Karimians media empire included at least 20 satellite channels, broadcasting in Farsi, Arabic and Azeri. The group had offices in London, Istanbul and Dubai, and it often dubbed foreign, including Western, programs in Farsi to be broadcast in Iran.

Those efforts put Karimian in authorities crosshairs, and officials frequently criticized the programs as having a corrupting influence. Last year, a court in the Iranian capital, Tehran, sentenced Karimian to six years in absentia for spreading propaganda.

The BBC reported that Karimians family said that the Iranian government had threatened him in recent months and that he had planned to leave Istanbul for London.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran, an antigovernment group linked to the opposition Mujahideen-e Khalq, or Peoples Mujahideen of Iran, released a statement Sunday condemning the attack, which it blamed on the government.

Karimian had long been the target of propaganda and smears by media outlets linked to Iranian security services, the statement said.

Read more

Post reporter to write memoir about his 18 months in an Iranian prison

The nuclear deal takes center stage as Irans election campaign gets underway

Syria deal draws Iran into alliance with Russia and Turkey

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
In a frame taken from video, U.S. forces patrol Friday on a rural road in northern Syria. (APTV/AP)

Tensions rose Saturday along the Turkish-Syrian border as both Turkey and the United States moved armored vehicles to the region and Turkeys leader once again demanded that the United States stop supporting Syrian Kurdish militants there.

The relocation of Turkish troops to the area came 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, the United States main ally in combating Islamic State militants in Syria.

More U.S. troops were seen Saturday in armored vehicles in Syria in Kurdish areas. Kurdish officials described U.S. troop movements as a buffer between them and Turkey.

But Turkey views Syrias Kurdish Peoples Protection group, 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 whos supporting them, is attacking us with mortars. But we will make those places their grave, there is no stopping, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Footage shot Friday night showed a long line of Turkish trucks and military vehicles driving to the border area. The private Ihlas news agency reported that the convoy was heading to southeastern Sanliurfa province from Kilis in the west. The base is 30 miles from Syrias Tal Abyad, a town controlled by the Kurdish militia.

Just before the troop location, the agency said, Turkish officials announced the completion of a phase of Turkeys 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 last week when Turkey conducted airstrikes against YPG bases in Syria and Iraq on Tuesday. The Turkish military said that it killed at least 90 militants and wounded scores more. The Kurdish group in Syria said that 20 of its fighters and media activists were killed in the strike, which was followed by cross-border clashes.

Erdogan hinted that his country was also ready to repeat its attacks in Sinjar, Iraq, to prevent it from turning into a base for the Kurdish militia.

Kurdish officials said that 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 the town of Qamishli, 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 U.S.-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 groups expansion along its borders.

The issue has been a source of tension between Ankara and Washington that threatens to hamper the fight against the Islamic State. Instead of working with the Syrian Kurds, Turkey is pressing the United States to let its army join the campaign for Raqqa, the self-proclaimed capital of the Islamic State.

Erdogan is due in Washington on May 16 for his first meeting with President Trump.

Claiming that his country is leading the most effective campaign against the Islamic State, Erdogan said: Let us, huge America, all these coalition powers and Turkey, let us join hands and turn Raqqa to Daeshs grave, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State.

The YPG forms the backbone of the U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces.

Redur Khalil, spokesman for the YPG in Syria, said that Turkey is reinforcing its border posts opposite Tal Abyad as well as others.

We hope that this military mobilization is not meant to provoke our forces or for another purpose linked to entering Syrian territories. We dont want any military confrontation between us, since our priority is to fight Daesh in Raqqa and Tabqa, Khalil told the Associated Press in cellphone text messages.

Khalil said that his forces were not building up in the area.
Massachusetts police recognized a 6-year-old boy and his father after they turned in $2,000 in cash.

Arlington Police awarded first-grader Jasper Dopman an Outstanding Citizens Award after he turned in the bank bag that belonged to a family-owned restaurant in the city.

Read: 8-Year-Old Daughter of Slain Police Officer Treats Another Cop to Dinner: 'We're Part of Her Life'

Police said Jasper was walking with his father, Erik Dopman, on April 18 when he spotted the bag on the ground and pointed it out to his dad.

Inside the bag was $2,000 and deposit slips from a local bank, police said.

Dopman called the Arlington Police Department and turned the bag in.

"This situation shows the very definition of good citizenship," Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan said. "Jasper and his dad, Erik, demonstrated what it means to be part of a community by returning missing money to its rightful owner."

Bank officials led Arlington Police to Guadalupe Alvarez, an employee at Tenoch Mexican Food Corp., who confirmed that she had lost the bag earlier.

Read: Police Officer Steps In to Help Young Boy Tie His Tie: 'That's What We Are All About'

Jasper and his dad visited the Arlington Police Department on April 27 and were introduced to Alvarez and restaurant owner Alvaro Sandoval.

"Erik imparted an extremely valuable lesson on his son," Chief Ryan said. "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."

Watch: Beloved Police Horse Honored with Memorial Service

Related Articles:
By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - Having a family history of prostate cancer doesnt make it more risky for men with a new diagnosis of the disease to initially hold off on active treatment in favor of monitoring with periodic lab tests, a research review suggests. Its becoming more common for doctors to skip aggressive treatments like surgery or radiation for men with low-risk prostate tumors in favor of doing periodic tests to see if tumors grow, a practice known as active surveillance. But research to date has offered a mixed verdict on whether this approach is safe for certain men with a higher risk, including black patients and people with a family history of prostate tumors. For the current study, researchers analyzed data from six previously published studies and found that active surveillance wasnt linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer progressing for men with a family history. One study did, however, find that family history increased the risk of cancer progression in black men. The current findings can help doctors reassure patients that having a family history of prostate cancer should not automatically exclude them from being considered for active surveillance, although more research needs to be done for African American men, said senior study author Dr. James Dupree, a urology researcher at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Most men with prostate cancer are diagnosed with low-risk tumors that havent spread to other parts of the body. Often, doctors and patients struggle to choose the best course of action because it's hard to tell which tumors will grow fast enough to be life-threatening and which ones might never get big enough to cause problems. Just because a cancer is found, it does not automatically mean it needs to get treated right away, Dupree said by email. In some cases, cancer should be treated, but in other cases it may not need immediate treatment and can be managed with active surveillance. For example, Dupree and colleagues reviewed one study of 200 patients that didnt detect a meaningful difference in high-risk tumors based on whether or not men had a family history. In men who did have a family history, this study also didnt find a difference in risk based on the number of relatives with prostate cancer. Two other studies in the review looked at biomarkers for prostate tumors, including results from prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests that are commonly used to look for these malignancies. Neither study found family history to be a meaningful predictor of aggressive prostate cancer. In another study, family history wasnt a good predictor of aggressive tumors for most men, but it did signal an increased risk for black men. One limitation of the research review is that it included only six studies, the authors note in BJU International. Still, the findings should reassure men with a family history of prostate cancer that active surveillance may be a reasonable option in some cases, said Dr. Behfar Ehdaie, a urologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York who wasnt involved in the study. Screening for prostate cancer saves lives, Ehdaie said by email. However, the decisions after prostate cancer is detected may lead to overtreatment. To strike the right balance, doctors can screen men at a young age with a PSA blood test to help determine a patients future risk, then recommend an appropriate treatment after a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, Ehdaie added. Incorporating active surveillance to treat men with low risk prostate cancer reduces the harms of overtreatment associated with both surgery and radiation therapy, Ehdaie said. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2pq43YX BJU International, online April 6, 2017.
Crowds of nationalist protesters stormed Macedonias parliament building on April after the election of an ethnic Albanian, Talat Xhaferi, as speaker. Leaders of opposition parties were reportedly injured.

Among those reported injured was Zijadin Sela, leader of the Albanian Alliance, and Social Democratic leader Zoran Zaev, seen with blood on his face in live televised broadcasts. Their two parties had formed a coalition pact with another ethnic Albanian party, backing Xhaferi for the post. Zaev is seen in the first video wearing a light blue shirt.

Radmila Sekerinska, deputy leader of the Social Democrats, was also attacked. She is the blonde woman seen in the first video having her hair yanked.

The position of speaker had been left unfilled for weeks as parliamentary parties, none of which had been able to form a government since elections in December, remained deadlocked in debates.

The vote was condemned by the former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevskis conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, which received the most votes in Decembers elections, but not enough to form a government. Zaevs Social Democratic Union of Macedonia party attempted to form a coalition government, securing 69 of the 120 parliamentary seats with another another ethnic Albanian party, but was refused a mandate by President Gjorge Ivanov, a member of VMRO-DPMNE.

Ethnic Albanians make up about a quarter of the population of Macedonia. However, tensions remain following a 2001 insurgency led by the ethnic Albanian National Liberation Army (NLA) militant group. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful
Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - A controversial meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad led Europe's foremost human rights group to say it had no confidence Friday in its Spanish president as he had tarnished his office.

Pedro Agramunt, president of the Council of Europe's parliamentary assembly, visited Damascus last month.

The 65-year-old Spanish senator has now been forbidden to travel or speak on behalf of the Council's assembly after its members "resolved that it has no confidence" in him, said a statement.

The decision came after Agramunt refused to resign. However, the assembly does not have the power to dismiss him.

The Council of Europe, comprised of more than 300 members of national parliaments across the continent, meets four times a year for one week in Strasbourg to discuss the defence of human rights, promotion of the rule of law and efforts to fight corruption.

"Standards and principles of the parliamentary assembly are more important than any individual member, and the integrity of our assembly must be upheld," said Britain's Sir Roger Gale, its senior vice-president, after chairing the meeting that censured Agramunt.

The motion of no confidence follows the Spanish politician's visit last month to the Syrian capital, arranged by Russia's government, in which he met and was pictured with Assad.

"It is sickening to see that the president of this assembly has been photographed with someone who has gassed his own population," said Ukraine's Oleksil Goncharenko, an assembly member, alluding to allegations of chemical weapons attacks on civilians attributed to Assad's regime.

Agramunt, who recently apologised for being in Damascus, did not attend Friday's hearing and was not immediately available for comment.

He was also accused of inaction over a corruption scandal dating back to 2013 dubbed "Caviargate", in which assembly members are accused of being "bought" by Azerbaijan's government.

Story continues

They are said to have received gifts including carpets, caviar and luxury hotel accommodation in Baku in exchange for not approving a report criticising the situation of political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

An Italian lawmaker, Luca Volonte, no longer a member of the assembly, is suspected of having accepted nearly 2.4 million euros ($2.61-million) from Baku, resulting in legal proceedings in Italy.

The Council's assembly this week approved the nomination of three independent experts to investigate the Caviargate scandal.

Agramunt, who has visited Baku on numerous occasions as an election observer, was frequently said to have blocked such a probe.
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - 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 hosted 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.

An official of the U.S. State Department said it was aware of the deportation.

"The United States welcomes her home," said the official, who did not want to be identified by name.

Negotiations to secure the release of 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.

Story continues

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, said Phan-Gillis had been detained on "baseless" charges.

"Today, she is released and free again. This is a day of great celebration for her family and all Texans," Cruz said in a statement, which applauded the State Department and Trump for securing Phan-Gillis' release.

(Reporting by John Ruwitch in Shanghai; additional reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Sandra Maler)

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.
An American woman held for more than two years by China has been deported to the United States after being convicted of espionage, the US State Department confirmed on Sunday.

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 Wednesday to three and a half years in prison and deportation.

We are aware that Chinese authorities deported Ms. Phan-Gillis back to the United States," a State Department official said. "The United States welcomes her home."

A human rights group based in San Francisco, Dui Hua, said Phan-Gillis was deported on Friday and arrived home the same day in Los Angeles.

"She was met upon arrival by her husband and members of her family," the 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 that first face-to-face meeting, the two presidents "have been in constant touch with each other," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Friday.

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.

Story continues

Phan-Gillis was held for six months at a secret location and later at a detention center 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 archived version of the site, Phan-Gillis has family origins in southern China but was born in Vietnam.

She left that country in the late 1970s as part of the exodus of "boat people" who fled Communist rule.
An Arizona father was arrested after allegedly using a Taser on his son for failing to finish his homework, according to reports.

Darryl Ingram, 49, was charged with child abuse after staff at the 11-year-old boys school noticed scattered spot-like abrasions, on his shoulder, according to reports.

Read: Parents Blasted for Screaming at Their Crying Children in Prank Video: 'You Just Got Owned'

Ingrams son reportedly told police that his father began using a Taser to discipline him more than a year ago.

The boy also told police that his father used the weapon anytime he didnt do his homework or was doing things he wasnt supposed to.

According to reports, the child was given the option of being whooped, smacked 40 times, or shocked.

After he was arrested, Ingram reportedly told police he did not own a Taser and that he was using a fake Taser phone app on his son, but police later found the weapon in his car, according to reports.

Read: Mom Burned Son With Hot Iron Because He Was Forgetful: Cops

I was telling him this is a toy compared to what police use, Ingram told KNXV. "If your behavior and the way youre doing things continues on, somewhere down the line, this is something that is going to be used on you. You have to be obedient.

The boy has since been placed in the custody of his mother, according to reports.

Watch: Teacher Charged With Child Sex Abuse After Being Impregnated By Student

Related Articles:
By John Irish CHATELLERAULT, France (Reuters) - French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron launched a scathing attack on Friday 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 runoff 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 back him, Macron began his rally in Chatelleraut, central France, on the defensive. "I hear some saying they are preparing for the legislative elections ... they have not understood. The National Front is not a party like any other. Those people are not only making an error, but a deep and serious mistake," he told a rally of about 3,000 flag-waving supporters. Macron was referring not only to Melenchon, who garnered one in five first-round votes, but also to France's two main traditional political groupings, conservatives on the center-right, and the Socialist party on the left. Both were blown away by a first round vote that catapulted Le Pen, backed by her anti-immigrant National Front party, and the 39 year-old independent with his En Marche! political movement, into the run-off for the presidency. "That I hear some political leaders comparing us to the National Front, shows that the country has weakened morally. We cannot accept that," he said. The pro-Europe, pro-business Macron, a minister in the outgoing Socialist government until last summer but who has never held elected office, is still expected to beat the anti-globalisation, anti-EU Le Pen on May 7. But having see his poll lead narrow in recent days to show him winning with 60 percent of the vote or less, he attacked Melenchon's stance. Melenchon's 'France Unbowed' movement has a similar anti-globalisation, pro-worker protection message to Le Pen's, but is sharply opposed to her position that immigration and radical Islam are at the root of France's problems. "We share one thing, and that is to be attached to debating our disagreements within a republican framework, and that is our main difference with the National Front and he has forgotten that," he said. "I will not leave France to this Right." RURAL VOTE Though only a fraction of the population still works in the farm sector, voters remain attached to the country's agrarian roots, making the agricultural heartlands a key battleground. Key to victory for 39 year-old ex-investment banker Macron will be getting support from across the political spectrum after an election race that has alienated millions of voters. In Chatelleraut, a town of about 35,000 with an industrial base but surrounded by fields, Macron came out top in the April 23 first round of voting, but only just. Nationally, the four top candidates were also close, fewer than five percentage points from each other. After years of crisis in agriculture and perceived indifference from other candidates, Le Pen's anti-EU, anti-globalisation rhetoric strikes a chord with many farmers, once faithful voters for mainstream conservatives. A Cevipof poll for Le Monde newspaper in February showed that 35 percent of voting farmers would back Le Pen. By contrast, Macron was on only 20 percent. The same poll also showed 51 percent of 300 farmers surveyed saying they would not vote. With his detractors accusing him of being the candidate of wealthy France, Macron shot back. "I hear that France is divided into the France of the cities that supports me, and the France of the heartlands that supports Mrs Le Pen. Thank you for being here to prove the opposite," he said to cheers. (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Andrew Callus)
By Nobuhiro Kubo SASEBO (Reuters) - 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 programs. The Mistral will lead exercises next month near Guam, along with forces from Japan, the United States and Britain, practicing 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 U.S. ally that has Asia's second-strongest navy after China. 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 U.S. 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 May 5. This month China launched its first domestically-built aircraft carrier. 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. "We did not expect the start of our visit to coincide with a North Korean missile launch, France's ambassador to Japan Thierry Dana said on the Mistral's bridge. "Cooperation between our four nations in upholding laws, peace and stability in the region will display our readiness to deal with North Korea," he added. 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. (Reporting by Nobuhiro Kubo; Writing by Tim Kelly; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - The new leadership of Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas will be announced in the coming days, officials said Sunday, while it also prepared to unveil a new version of its charter.

Ismail Haniya, until recently head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, said the results of internal elections will be announced "in the coming days".

A high-ranking Hamas official told AFP that the new leadership will be announced before May 15.

The official said Haniya is likely to be named the new head of the movement, replacing Khaled Meshaal who lives in Doha in exile and has completed the maximum two terms in office.

Hamas runs the Gaza Strip, while the Palestinian Authority dominated by president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party controls the occupied West Bank.

On Monday in Qatar, Hamas will unveil a supplementary charter that will formally accept the idea of a state in the territories occupied by Israel in the Six-Day War of 1967.

Some analysts say the move is a bid to ease Hamas's international isolation.

The original 1988 charter will not be dropped, just supplemented, and there will be no recognition of Israel, as demanded by the international community.
Brussels (AFP) - 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 Saturday.

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.

- Anti-EU campaign 'unacceptable' -

Story continues

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.
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.
Tehran (AFP) - 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.

"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.

Story continues

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.
Rome (AFP) - 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.
By William James and Guy Faulconbridge LONDON (Reuters) - 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, calling on the United States and China to keep up pressure on Pyongyang. 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 programs 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, speaking through a translator in London. U.S. President Donald Trump has said a major conflict with North Korea was possible and that military options remain on the table. Russia and China have warned against the use of military force. Abe said further provocation by North Korea was "fully conceivable", calling for solidarity from the international community. "We'd like to maintain a close coordination with the United States, our ally, to maintain a high state of alert. We'd like to be water-tight to ensure safety for our citizens," he said. Trump has praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for his role in trying to calm the situation in North Korea. Abe welcomed Trump's engagement with Xi and said the role of China was extremely important. "As prime minister I am focusing on China's response," he said. "China, I hope, will play a constructive role ... it is my high expectations that China will perform its role properly." (Additional reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Monrovia (AFP) - Liberia said Friday that samples from people struck down by a mystery illness are being tested abroad after 11 unexplained deaths, though Ebola has been ruled out.

The unidentified illness has affected 19 people in Greenville, southeastern Liberia, who began showing symptoms on April 24, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed.

Eleven people died in the community and five more have been hospitalised since then, the WHO said in Geneva, with the rest discharged.

Liberia's health ministry and the WHO have confirmed the disease is not Ebola, the hemorrhagic fever that killed thousands in a recent west African epidemic, despite some similar symptoms.

"We have taken blood samples, and what we are going to do is to send this sample out of the country to determine what is really wrong with them," health ministry spokesman Sorbor George told AFP.

George was only able to confirm nine deaths.

"We are under pressure from the families who want to know what is wrong," he added. "What we did first was to run the Ebola test. All were negative. So we are sure that it is not Ebola."

A WHO briefing in Geneva said the illness caused fever, vomiting, headache and diarrhoea, and a rapid response team has been deployed to investigate a potential link among the cases who attended the funeral of a religious leader.

The police are assisting with investigations, the spokesman said.

The outbreak of Ebola in west Africa began in December 2013 and of three countries affected it hit Liberia hardest. More than 29,000 were infected, estimates said, and a third of those died.

Many Ebola survivors continue to suffer high levels of shame and discrimination, exacerbated by findings that the virus can stay in some parts of the body for at least nine months after a patient has recovered.
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.

Read more

Cannabis supper clubs: The fine-dining trend sweeping Los Angeles

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."

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
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has revealed the reason behind her now-infamous side-eye during Donald Trumps inauguration: She was holding back tears.

I didnt want to have tears in my eyes because people would swear I was crying because of the new president, Ms Obama told an audience at the American Institute of Architects convention in Orlando.

In her first speech since Mr Trump took office, Ms Obama said she had grown emotional at the thought of leaving her White House staff. But she also made it clear she had no intentions of returning to Pennsylvania Avenue.

Video not available for syndication

Michelle Obama makes emotional final speech as first lady

Read more

This is what the Obamas have been up to since Trump

"I wouldn't ask my children to do this again because, when you run for higher office, it's not just you, it's your whole family," she said, rebuffing rumours of a possible White House run. "Plus, there's so much more we can do outside of the office, because we won't have the burden of political baggage."

Among the freedoms the Obama family now enjoys are the ability to open their windows at night and travel without a motorcade. Mr Trump recently lamented his own inability to go for a drive by himself.

"You're really into your own little cocoon, because you have such massive protection that you really can't go anywhere," the current President told Reuters.

Ms Obamas appearance marked her and her husbands entry into the post-presidency, paid-speaking circuit. Just like the Clintons before them, the Obamas are facing criticism for receiving hundreds of thousands in speakers fees. Mr Obama is slated to receive $400,000 for a speech at a health-care conference sponsored by investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald in September.

But reporters said Ms Obama seemed relaxed and unconcerned in her speech on Thursday.

So far, so good, she said of her new, private life. It hasnt been that long, really. Its been less than 100 days. I think everybodys counting 100 days. Were counting, too.

Story continues

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.
A mom was extremely grateful after a flight attendant was able to calm down her 4-month-old daughter during a flight.

Whitney Poyntz said she was traveling from Palm Springs to Calgary earlier this month when her daughter, Kennedi, awoke on the WestJest flight as the captain started speaking over the intercom.

Read: Dad Thanks Stranger Who Held His 8-Month-Old Son on Flight: It Was 'The Power of Boobies'

Our daughter was asleep when we boarded so we figured it would be an easy peasy flight. Man, were we wrong, Poyntz wrote on her post thanking the airline.

Thirty minutes into the flight, Poyntz said Kennedi began crying nonstop and thats when a flight attendant named Ashley offered to help.

Ashley came up to us and asked if she could take her and walk up and down the aisle, Poyntz said. First I thought in my head was, 'Umm a stranger wants to walk my screaming child up and down the aisle? But she did and got her calmed down.

Read: American Airlines Apologizes After Worker Allegedly Hit Passenger: 'We Are Deeply Sorry'

Poyntz said she was shocked that anyone would take the time to do what the flight attendant did.

Ashley I would like to thank you for the over and above customer service (baby whispering) that you gave..., Poyntz wrote.

Watch: American Airlines Apologizes To Mom Who Was Allegedly Hit With Baby Stroller

Related Articles:
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Health insurers seeking regulatory approval for 2018 individual insurance plans can file two sets of premium rates as a way to deal with market uncertainty created by Republicans' promise to repeal and replace Obamacare, a California state insurance regulator said on Friday. California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones told insurers in a letter made public on Friday that they can file a set of lower rates based on the continued enforcement of the Affordable Care Act, Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature legislation, and the continuation of government subsidies next year. Insurers can also file rates that reflect uncertainty over the continuation of Obama-era policies, he said, by specifying the costs associated with losing the government funding for cost-sharing subsidies that members use to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and the requirement that all Americans have insurance. Jones said that the move would enable insurers to file lower rates as well as the higher rates he expects them to submit. The California Department of Insurance said rates are due on May 1 for individual insurance. The state is one of about a dozen that run its own online exchange where residents can buy these subsidized plans. Other states use the federal HealthCare.gov system and rates are due in June. Insurers have warned that they need more certainty to file 2018 rates this spring. Anthem Inc Chief Executive Joseph Swedish said on Wednesday that he was telling states that he may raise rates by more than 20 percent or pull out of markets for 2018 if he does not have more information by June. Molina Healthcare Inc CEO Mario Molina said in a letter to Congress on Thursday that he was ready to pull out of the market altogether and drop up to 700,000 customers as soon as this year. (Reporting by Caroline Humer; Editing by Bill Rigby)
From Popular Mechanics

The head of U.S. Pacific Command warned that American missile defenses that protect Hawaii and other U.S. territories could be insufficient to stopping a North Korean missile attack. He worries there simply are not enough interceptors to stop a determined attack by Pyongyang's Strategic Force.

Pacific Command is the sprawling joint headquarters that commands all U.S. Forces in the Asia-Pacific region. Admiral Harry Harris is its head. "I believe that our ballistic missile architecture is sufficient to protect Hawaii today, but it can be overwhelmed," Harris told the House Armed Services Committee.

North Korea is currently developing long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to threaten the United States, which in theory would deter Washington from conventional and nuclear strikes against the regime of leader Kim Jong-un. The North Korean ICBM, known to U.S. intelligence and arms control experts as the KN-08, first appeared in a parade 2012. The missiles have not yet been flight tested but may be as early as this year. At this point, they are not operational and there almost certainly no way North Korean missiles could hit U.S. territory east of Guam.

But an operational KN-08 would change that. While the United States has a variety of missile defenses, only the Ground Based Midcourse Defense missile has a chance of stopping an ICBM. The longer a missile's ranger, the higher and faster it flies against its target. While other missiles such as Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD can intercept short- to intermediate-range missiles, only GBMD has the performance to whack an ICBM.

There are 36 GBMDs in silos at Fort Greely, Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. But that doesn't mean the U.S. could shoot down 36 North Korean ICBMs. U.S. planners assume each GBMD has a 50/50 chance of downing an incoming ICBM warhead. While that may be pretty good odds considering the technological challenges involved, it's still pretty low. To make up for that, the U.S. plans to allocate five GBMDs per incoming warhead, the assumption being that the odds of a hit are pretty good if take five shots that each have a 50/50 chance. At the rate,the current stock of GBMDs can stop seven missiles at the most.

Story continues

Adding more missiles GBMDs to the mix would fix things, but it also gets into the classic trap of ballistic missile defense: the attacking side can always add more missiles. For every one missile North Korea builds, the U.S. would have to add five GBMDs.

Furthermore, adding more GBMDs could have unintended consequences for our relationships with Russia and China, both of whom are wary of the U.S. ballistic missile shield. While the U.S. shield was primarily designed to stop accidental missile launches or attacks by smaller nations such as North Korea, both Moscow and Beijing are worried that, if it were scaled up, the shield could become effective enough to destroy a good portion of their own missiles in a nuclear war. This would lessen the deterrent value of those nuclear arsenals and could cause both countries to build more nukes. Arms control agreements might suddenly become much more difficult to negotiate.

Source: Defensetech

You Might Also Like
Last weekend science enthusiasts worldwide took to the streets for the March for Science. It coincided with Earth Day and while people showed up for all kinds of science from medicine to space exploration, climate change seemed to be an overarching cause.

This Saturday, April 29, the Peoples Climate March will happen in cities worldwide on the 100th day of President Donald Trumps Presidency. So how are the March for Science and the Peoples Climate March different?

Read: Climate Change Effects: 10 Ways Global Warming Is Hurting The Environment

The March for Science was a march in support of science in general. There was a large rally and march in Washington, D.C. that ended in front of the Capitol as well as sister rallies and marches. People showed up in the thousands with signs supporting medicine, research, the climate and just plain old facts.

The Peoples Climate March is a little different, mainly because it solely focuses on climate science and climate change. It started in 2014 during the United Nations Climate Summit. Hundreds of thousands of people traveled to New York City where the summit was being held to march through the streets to demand action on climate change.

What is the UN Climate Summit?:

Every year the United Nations hosts a climate conference during which leaders from around the world come together to discuss climate change. The most well-known climate summit was COP21, the 2015 summit in Paris where the Paris Agreement to fight climate change was signed. The 133 countries worldwide that have signed the agreement did so to affirm their pledge to reduce carbon emissions and keep climate change to below 2 degrees Celsius, thats about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. President Donald Trump has said he may want to rescind the United States participation in the agreement, but he has yet to do so.

The Peoples Climate March is a leaderless and diverse action group that demands change each year from a local level up to an international level. During the 2016 elections the group developed a platform that was strong enough to articulate the issue of climate change and take on a Trump administration, according to their website.

Story continues

That platform includes this message:

"In the context of the Trump Administrations climate change denying and a Congress controlled by the right-wing it is clear we all must both protect the gains made in recent years, even if those have been limited gains, while we articulate and demand initiatives to move our nation to a new, clean energy economy."

The goal of the march is to push against the Trump administration while pushing forward for a more environmentally friendly world, according to the group.

The Washington D.C. march has three components to it: build, resist and rise. The first of the three stages of the march will begin at the Capitol building at 11 a.m. and the group will begin marching an hour and a half later at 12:30 p.m. The plan is to the march to the White House and surround it to loudly demand climate justice (this is the resist part of the march). Then the rise part of the march will happen when the group marches to the Washington Monument to come together as a community of environmentally concerned citizens. There will be music, art, socializing and group activities at this point in the day.

The group has even planned out different areas for those marching to meet up and line up so that they can march in groups of specialties. The groups include, Protectors of Justice, Creators of Sanctuary, Builders of Democracy and more.

A list of sister marches, including Climate March New York City, San Francisco and more, can be found here.

Related Articles
Protesters carry signs during the Peoples Climate March at the White House in Washington. (Photo: Ben Adler for Yahoo News)

WASHINGTON  Although these are dark days for environmentalists, the Peoples Climate March had a cheerful air Saturday afternoon as it took over the streets surrounding the federal government in Washington, D.C.

According to the events organizers, more than 200,000 people came from across the country to gather in the swamps humidity. (Apropos of the days event, the temperature soared past 90F.) More than 400 official buses brought attendees to D.C., and there were some 300 satellite marches around the country.

Marchers started in front of the Capitol Building, filled out the length of Pennsylvania Avenue, and marched down to the White House. There they split in two, symbolically surrounding the White House and the longtime climate-science denier who occupies it. Then they filtered down to the National Mall. Splayed in front of the Washington Monument, they listened to speeches from front-line environmental justice activists hailing from Brooklyn to San Francisco and points halfway in between, such as the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in South Dakota.

Giant orbs rolled along representing Earth, and lighthearted signs made reference to the planet with slogans such as Respect your mother. Some posters mocked President Trump with slightly dark wisecracks such as Mar-a-Lago elevation: 3 feet. Its not all bad. Some, such as those warning that There is no Planet B, were darker still. Others were meant to inspire with slogans such as The seas are rising but so are we.

The number of comedic political T-shirts rivaled sincere ones. Yahoo News spotted only one Hillary 2016 shirt, but three representing joke candidates for 2020: Stewart/Colbert, the Big Lebowski and Kanye West.

A scene from the Peoples Climate March in Washington. (Photo: Ben Adler for Yahoo News)

Slideshow: Peoples Climate March across the U.S. >>>

Borrowing from the playbook of conservative Tea Party activists, Harold Fuller-Bennett of Takoma Park, Md., dressed up in Revolutionary War garb. Standing along Pennsylvania Avenue blowing his horn, Fuller-Bennett explained that he was Paul Revere, there to warn the citizens about climate change. His sign helpfully hinted at Reveres famous ride with the phrase One if by land, two if by sea, and Fuller-Bennett consistently issued two honks of the horn to reference the rising seas.

Story continues

Compared to the March for Science a week earlier, Saturdays demonstration was more overtly political. When marchers passed the Trump International D.C. hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, they started shouting, Shame, shame and Check out. Many had posters and even puppets depicting Trump in various evil poses, such as holding the Earth on a string like a yo-yo.

Only a small number of the messages called for specific policy decisions, but this is perhaps unsurprising given Trumps hostility toward climate science and environmental regulation. The massive cuts in Trumps proposed budget to environmental regulation and scientific research did come up, though. And a former Environmental Protection Agency official spoke at the rally on the importance of the bureaus work. Some marchers chanted Save the EPA, No Keystone, and carried anti-Trump signs such as Keep your tiny hands off NASAs climate research.

Rather than attracting stereotypical gray-ponytailed Birkenstock-shod tree-huggers, this event reflecting the organizers emphasis on diversity and environmental and economic justice. Participants were racially diverse, often quite young, with contingents hailing from across the coalition that co-sponsors the Peoples Climate Movement, which includes a range of labor unions, social and racial justice groups, and environmental advocacy organizations.

But the political context for these activists is daunting. Just the day before, Trump issued an executive order to the Department of Interior that may result in opening up parts of the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans to offshore oil and gas drilling. In March, Trump began the process of repealing the Clean Power Plan that would have limited carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. And the world anxiously awaits the Trump administrations decision on whether it will pull the U.S., the worlds largest cumulative greenhouse-gas emitter and largest economy, out of the Paris climate agreement.

Protesters carry signs during the Peoples Climate March at the White House in Washington. (Photo: Ben Adler for Yahoo News)

This is dramatically different from the conditions surrounding the previous Peoples Climate March, held in New York City in September 2014, which brought hundreds of thousands of people to pressure then-President Barack Obama and other world leaders in advance of that years United Nations Climate Summit. In that case, they were pushing a friendly administration, and the march was followed by Obama ramping up domestic climate action and international climate diplomacy, laying the groundwork for successful climate negotiations in Paris the next year.

Unlike the past week, when Trump felt compelled to issue statements in response to the science march, the president did not tweet or issue a statement on the climate march. (During a Saturday night rally in Harrisburg, Pa., Trump attacked the Paris accord and declared that hed be making a big decision about it within two weeks.)

But swaying the White House into bold action was not a goal for Saturdays event.

Organizers said that this time, their goals are more modest: largely, to build connections between activists of different backgrounds and focuses on varied issues, and to boost to their enthusiasm for defending the Obama administrations climate policies while making incremental progress at the state and local levels. This was a sentiment echoed by rank-and-file march attendees. Jim Lively, a local environmental activist from northern Michigan, took a 14-hour bus ride to D.C. with 54 others from his community, with no expectation of effecting immediate policy changes. Its not about Trump, said Lively. Its about us: to be with each other, find people to connect with and energize.

Others marchers suggested that seeing news of such a large turnout might inspire apathetic liberals. If I was young and I saw this on TV, Id think this is cool, said D.J. Fernandez, 26, of Rockville, Md. (Apparently, 26 no longer counts as young.)

Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., echoed that sentiment. We have to show people who didnt vote why it matters, he said. If we can get millennials to vote, then we can win elections even if we dont convert Republicans.

Read more from Yahoo News coverage of Trumps first 100 days:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a moderate Republican from South Florida who has been critical of President Donald Trump, plans to retire when her term is up next year, according to an interview she gave on Sunday to the Miami Herald. The decision by Ros-Lehtinen not to seek re-election could give Democrats a chance to pick up a seat in the 2018 congressional election. Her district has increasingly leaned Democratic, and Democrat Hillary Clinton, Trump's opponent, won it by 20 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Ros-Lehtinen, 64, declined to endorse Trump during the White House race and differed with him on issues such as immigration. She balked at supporting the proposed Obamacare replacement legislation that the president backed. Ros-Lehtinen, who was born in Havana, became the first Cuban-American and the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress in 1989. The veteran Republican congresswoman had fended off a challenge in 2016 from Democrat Scott Fuhrman. Fuhrman has said he plans to run again for the seat in 2018, when all of the members of the House of Representatives and one-third of the U.S. Senate will face re-election. Trump's Republicans currently control both the House and Senate. After the Miami Herald article was published, Fuhrman tweeted that he wished Ros-Lehtinen "all the best in retirement" and thanked her for "decades of public service" to the community. Ros-Lehtinen told the newspaper that her decision was motivated by a desire to seek new challenges in her life and did not stem from concern that she would not be re-elected. "There was no epiphany," she said. "There was no moment, nothing that has happened that I've said, 'I've got to move on.'" The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the campaign arm for Democrats in the House of Representatives, said in a statement that Ros-Lehtinen's plans to retire were a recognition that she was vulnerable. It is "all but guaranteed" that the seat will go to a Democrat when she leaves, the committee said. (Reporting by Caren Bohan; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
Skopje (AFP) - Macedonia's rival political parties traded blame Friday for an eruption of violence in the unstable Balkan country's parliament which left about 100 people injured.

The chaos in Skopje broke out on Thursday evening, with dozens of nationalist demonstrators -- including a group of masked men -- breaking a police cordon and storming parliament in anger over a vote for a new speaker, an ethnic Albanian.

The riots, which came after two years of political crisis, drew widespread condemnation, with NATO and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan echoing the worries expressed by the European Union and Washington.

"Acts of violence like those we saw yesterday must not be allowed to happen again," said NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

Footage from the scene showed chairs being thrown as fistfights broke out in the parliamentary press room, while Zoran Zaev, leader of the opposition Social Democrats (SDSM), was among the bloodied MPs.

An early election in December was supposed to end Macedonia's turmoil, but its inconclusive result only deepened the uncertainty and has led to nightly protests by nationalist demonstrators, who support the conservative VMRO-DPMNE party of former premier Nikola Gruevski.

They oppose a proposed coalition between the SDSM and ethnic Albanian parties, which they perceive as a threat to national unity.

The storming of parliament was sparked by a vote by the SDSM and Albanian groups for a new parliamentary speaker, Talat Xhaferi.

While the EU said it took "positive note" of Xhaferi's election, the protesters considered the vote unlawful, taking place after the former speaker had closed the day's session.

- 'Policy of hatred and division' -

Condemning the violence on Friday, Gruevski said the SDSM and their allies had "knowingly decided to violate the law and the constitution, which directly caused the event that ensued".

The SDSM said the speaker's election was "a major step" in the democratic process and blamed the violence on "a policy of conflict, hatred and division" brought on by the rule of Gruevski, who served as premier for a decade until last year.

Story continues

Although the SDSM reached a post-election deal with Albanian parties to form a coalition, President Gjorge Ivanov has denied Zaev a mandate, alleging national sovereignty would be undermined by a demand that Albanian be made a nationwide official language.

Ethnic Albanians make up around a quarter of Macedonia's two million people.

Ivanov, an ally of Gruevski, on Thursday appealed for calm and invited party leaders to his office on Friday, but the meeting did not go ahead after the SDSM and Albanian groups refused to attend.

Ethnic Albanian party BESA said the interior ministry had "allowed VMRO-DPMNE hooligans to attack the highest legislative institution".

- New protests -

Police eventually took control of the parliament late Thursday, using stun grenades to clear out the protesters, but fresh street demonstrations began on Friday evening.

Eight people were detained for questioning over the violence that led to MPs, journalists and police officers being injured, according to officials.

Most of the injured deputies were from the SDSM party, but ethnic Albanian MP Ziadin Sela appeared to be one of the most badly wounded.

"They were kicking him and hitting him with wooden batons. When they hit him in the face I screamed, 'You'll kill the man!' and they hit me in the arm after that," journalist Dusica Mrgja from TV 24 News told AFP.

The political crisis in Macedonia, which aspires to join both the EU and NATO, erupted in 2015 when Zaev released tapes that appeared to show mass government wiretapping under Gruevski, along with top-level corruption.

Gruevski denies the allegations but his rivals accuse him of using the ethnic card in a bid to stay in power.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - A U.S. deployment of ballistic missile defense systems in Romania and plans to place more defense systems in Poland violate an existing arms treaty, Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday. The United States switched on an $800 million missile shield in Romania nearly a year ago and was planning to create another site in Poland, seeing it as vital to defend itself and Europe from so-called rogue states. In 2016, the Kremlin said it was aimed at blunting its own nuclear arsenal. The foreign ministry said on Saturday the plans violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force Treaty (INFT), signed by Washington and the Soviet Union in late 1980s in an attempt to eliminate nuclear and conventional short-and intermediate range missiles. "The undeniable fact is that this is a gross violation of the INFT obligations," the ministry said on its website. (Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh; Editing by Ros Russell)
Trolling is mostly dumb, but sometimes it's an art.

President Donald Trump held a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday and, as he was speaking, someone tossed a bunch of tiny Russian flags, confetti-style, in front of the cameras streaming his speech to news networks.

SEE ALSO: Russian refugees read powerful testimonials of gay men who escaped Chechnya

As far as protests go, it certainly earns points for creativity.

The Trump campaign and administration officials have had a lot of unexplained contact with Russian officials, much of which is currently under investigation. A former campaign manager allegedly laundered money for a Ukrainian political party with ties to the Russian government. The FBI got a surveillance court order in the summer of 2016 to watch a Trump adviser because of an investigation into links between the Kremlin and the current president's campaign. And if you're looking for more...oddities...they're not hard to find.

The FBI is currently investigating the administration's ties to Russia, as are multiple bodies in Congress. Maybe this particular troll just wanted to remind us of that.

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

WATCH: In stunning exchange, Trump refuses to answer question from CNN reporter
Samantha Bee hosting Not the White House Correspondents Dinner. (Photo: TBS)

WASHINGTON  When comedian Samantha Bee announced in late January that she would be holding an alternative White House Correspondents Dinner, it was not yet clear that President Trump would not attend the actual dinner itself. That made her event  details TBD at the time  look like a calculated critique of the presss sometimes too cozy relationship with power. It also gave liberals of all stripes an opportunity to participate in the annual weekend of events in the post-Obama era without at the same time seeming to fete a new president they loathe.

By the time the weekend rolled around, though, Trumps decision not to attend the official event  coupled with the White House Correspondents Associations aggressive reorientation of their dinner around the groups role as a defender of the First Amendment and grantor of scholarships to student journalists  gave Bees Not the White House Correspondents Dinner a different flavor.

Related: Yahoo TVs Ken Tucker reviews Bees performance

The TBS stars midafternoon black-tie cocktail party and taping of the special episode of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee was held at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall near the Washington Mall on Saturday. The event emerged as the big, entertaining Hollywood moment during a weekend that stars by and large shied away from. Most of the attendees Yahoo News spoke with had never seen a full episode of Bees show, making her presence in Washington a profile-raising gig before an audience of influential members of the press, advocacy groups and at least one U.S. senator.

Bee at once skewered media outlets  CNN and Fox came under some especially biting satire  cast herself as a defender of press freedoms and mocked President Trump during the show. Tickets at tables in the front of the room were sold to raise money for the Committee to Protect Journalists and brought in nearly $200,000, Bee announced during the taping. A number of tables were purchased by liberal Washington advocacy groups to host donors and board members.

Story continues

Guests were served mini taco bowls (a sly reference to Trumps infamous Cinco de Mayo tweet with a photo of him eating a taco bowl) and other fancy-ass finger food at a setup designed to mimic the tables at the official dinner that would be held later that night at the Washington Hilton.

Bee welcomed the the dregs of a free society to the dinner and declared, Without a free press, we wouldnt have a functioning democracy.

Pretaped skits featured an all-star cast that included George Takei, Allison Janney (reprising her West Wing role as press secretary C.J. Cregg), and CNN anchor Jake Tapper. Musician Peaches performed with a band wearing Free Press T-shirts  shirts later distributed to attendees  and a special mystery guest flagged at the start of the show turned out to be Will Ferrell in a reprise of his famed performance as former President George W. Bush.

How do you like me now? Ferrell opened, to uproarious applause. The prodigal son has returned.

Historys proven to be kinder to me than many of you thought, he joked, riffing that thanks to Trump, Bush was no longer seen as Americas worst president ever, but instead the second worst.

For the longest time, I was considered the worst president of all time. That has changed  and it only took 100 days. I needed eight years, a catastrophic flood, a war built on a lie, an economic disaster. The new guy needed 100 days, Ferrell said as Bush.

It was all in good satire  until Sunday morning, when House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi told ABC News Jonathan Karl of Bush, I never thought Id pray for the day that you were president again.

2017: You just cant make it up.

Read more from Yahoo News coverage of Trumps first 100 days:
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".

Story continues

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.
By Dustin Volz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. National Security Agency said on Friday it had stopped a form of surveillance that allowed it to collect without a warrant the digital communications of Americans who mentioned a foreign intelligence target in their messages, marking an unexpected triumph for privacy advocates long critical of the practice. The decision to stop the once-secret activity, which involved messages sent to or received from people believed to be living overseas, came despite the insistence of U.S. officials in recent years that it was both lawful and vital to national security. The halt is among the most substantial changes to U.S. surveillance policy in years and comes as digital privacy remains a contentious issue across the globe following the 2013 disclosures of broad NSA spying activity by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden. "NSA will no longer collect certain internet communications that merely mention a foreign intelligence target," the agency said in a statement. "Instead, NSA will limit such collection to internet communications that are sent directly to or from a foreign target." NSA also said it would delete the "vast majority" of internet data collected under the surveillance program "to further protect the privacy of U.S. person communications." The decision is an effort to remedy privacy compliance issues raised in 2011 by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, a secret tribunal that rules on the legality of intelligence operations, sources familiar with the matter said. The court recently approved the changes, NSA said in its statement. The NSA is not permitted to conduct surveillance within the United States. The so-called "about" collection went after messages that mentioned a surveillance target, even if the message was neither to nor from that person. That type of collection sometimes resulted in surveillance of emails, texts and other communications that were wholly domestic. The NSA will continue to collect communications directly involving intelligence targets. Friday's announcement came as a surprise to privacy advocates who have long argued that "about" collection was overly broad and ran afoul of the U.S. Constitution's protections against unreasonable searches. Julian Sanchez, a privacy and surveillance expert with the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, called the decision "very significant" and among the top priorities of surveillance reform among civil liberties groups. "Usually you identify a specific individual to scrutinize their content; this was scrutinizing everyone's content to find mentions of an individual," Sanchez said. Other privacy advocates seized on the change to advocate for additional reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The part of the law under which the banned surveillance occurred, known as Section 702, is due to expire at the end of the year unless Congress reauthorizes it. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden said in a statement he would introduce legislation "banning this kind of collection in the future." A U.S. government official familiar with the matter said the change was motivated in part to ensure that Section 702 is renewed before it sunsets on Dec. 31, 2017. FISA has come under increased scrutiny in recent months amid unsubstantiated claims by President Donald Trump and other Republicans that the Obama White House improperly spied on Trump or his associates. Pieces of differing bits of digital traffic are often packaged together as they travel across the internet. Part of the issue with "about" collection stemmed from how an entire packet of information would be vacuumed up if one part of it contained information, such as an email address or phone number, connected to a foreign target. NSA told the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board as recently as last year that changes to "about" collection were not "practical at this time," according to a report from the government watchdog. News of the surveillance activity being halted was first reported on Friday by The New York Times, which first revealed its existence in 2013, two months after Snowden leaked intelligence documents to journalists. (Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball; writing by Eric Beech; editing by Tim Ahmann, Leslie Adler and Bill Rigby)
The daughter of Tad Cummins is standing by him, despite allegations that he kidnapped a 15-year-old student and spent more than a month on the run while traveling across America.

Read: Tad Cummins' Wife: He Told Me He Slept With Teenage Student, Asked for Forgiveness

Cummins' daughter Ashley, 26, is fully supporting her mom, Jill, as well as her dad.

He was the definition of what a good father should be and he still is," Ashley told Inside Edition. "I believe that. He needs to at least know that everybody's not against him."

Ashley says she will even visit her father in jail, which is a bitter pill for her mother to swallow.

I have to let them have a relationship with him," Jill Cummins told Inside Edition. "I have to understand that. But they know he did wrong too and they're standing by me 100 percent."

Ashley and her sister, Erica, are also there for their mom, which Jill appreciates.

They're wonderful, wonderful girls and their daddy would be proud of them for them stepping up and being there when he wasn't, Jill said.

Jill, who married Tad Cummins on her 18th birthday, filed for divorce after he took off with 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas in March.

Now she says she may never speak to him again, but she hasn't stopped loving him.

You can't not love him, but its different now, she said. I don't trust him anymore and we'll never have what we had before.

When asked if she hates him, she said, "No. Just what he did.

She's somehow found a silver lining in the heartbreak.

Read: Man Who Cracked Missing Student and Teacher Case Says Teen 'Looked Depressed'

A lot of women go through their husbands having affairs and they don't have the support of the nation but I do and that's a blessing in this, she said.

Tad Cummins vanished with Thomas on March 13. After five weeks, they were found at a remote cabin in Cecilville, Calif., after a tipster recognized them and called authorities.

Story continues

Elizabeth was reunited with her family while Cummins was arrested. He appeared in court in Sacramento on Monday. He faces one federal count of transporting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity across state lines.

He has not entered a plea. He's expected to be transported to federal court in Tennessee.

He faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, if convicted.

Watch: Jill Cummins Reads Note That Tad Left Her Before Disappearing With Student

Related Articles:
Jill Cummins, the wife of Tad Cummins, who is accused of kidnapping his ex-student Elizabeth Thomas, admitted Saturday that her husband exploited and brainwashed the 15-year-old Tennessee student. Tad and Elizabeth, both of who disappeared in March, were found mid-April in Northern Californias remote Siskiyou County, where they were living in a cabin.

In an interview with Inside Edition, Jill Cummins said she felt betrayed by the teenager for getting romantically involved with her husband. Elizabeth visited the couple several times and they were helping the teen through some tough times and thought of her as another daughter, Jill said. While Jill did not suspect an affair between her husband and his student, she did warn him to stay away from her when she noticed him getting a little too friendly with Elizabeth.

"He was getting really close to her," Jill said. "A father-daughter close, a friendship close, and I knew that. I discussed that with him. And explained to him, 'She's your student, you can't be so close to her.'"

Read: Teen Allegedly Kidnapped By Ex-Teacher Gets Counseling After Being Found

But she added: "Never did I think there was a romantic thing between the two of them. There were no signs of that."

Jill filed for divorce from Tad when he disappeared with the teenager in March. After their disappearance, Tennessees law enforcement officials suspected Tad played a role, and issued a warrant against him for kidnapping and having sexual contact with a minor.

"I feel slightly betrayed by her because she knew me," Jill added. "I don't really want to talk to her. It's not the right time. Maybe one day."

Suspicions over the relationship between Tad and Elizabeth were raised after an unidentified student reported seeing the two kissing in his classroom.

Tad's wife also assisted police with the investigation with every clue she could.

"They would send me pictures from surveillance cameras to get my opinion whether or not it was him," she claimed.

Story continues

Tad and Elizabeth were found after being in the hiding for over five weeks. According to the criminal complaint filed against Tad, Jill told investigators the 50-year-old was prescribed Cialis, an erectile dysfunction drug, and that he took two refills of the drug before disappearing.

After receiving the information, police asked pharmacy employees to be on the lookout for Tad and Elizabeth.

The 15-year-old was reunited with her family and is currently receiving counseling at an undisclosed location while her alleged abductor has been arrested. Among other charges, Tad faces one federal count of transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, he could face a minimum 10 years of prison sentence and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Last week, Tad appeared in court in Sacramento, California, where a federal judge approved a request to transfer him to Tennessee to face charges.

In another interview with Inside Edition, Jill revealed the details about her conversation with Tad after his April 20 arrest.

"I said, 'Well, did you sleep with her?' And he said, 'Yes I did,'" Jill said, in the interview. "And I didn't want any details, but I knew the truth. I just wanted to hear it from him to me."

Jill also said Cummins asked her for forgiveness and said he loved her.

"It was very hard to hear his voice after all this time not knowing if I was going to hear it again," she said. "But he told me he was sorry. He told me he loved me and to please forgive him.

Related Articles
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 president said replacement for the Affordable Care Act would guarantee insurance coverage for those with pre-existing medical conditions

Donald Trump appears on stage at a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

In a wide-ranging interview that aired as he passed his 100th day in office, Donald Trump blamed a wide array of domestic setbacks on Democratic obstruction and the media but promised to pursue policies that would make the US a very wealthy country again.

Among such policies, he said, would be a popular replacement for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that would guarantee insurance coverage for those with pre-existing medical conditions  a promise seemingly at odds with his partys current proposal.

Sitting down on CBSs Face the Nation, Trump told host Jon Dickerson the foremost lesson he had learned since becoming president was how dishonest the media is.

Ive done things that are, I think, very good, he added.

The first attempt to repeal the ACA having failed to reach a vote due to internal party division, Republicans in Congress are now moving to weaken protections for sick Americans seeking insurance. This week, in an attempt to win support from hardline conservatives, House Republicans approved an amendment that would permit states to waive the ACAs ban on charging sick people more for insurance than healthy people.

Nonetheless, Trump said: Pre-existing conditions are in the bill. And I mandate it. I said, Has to be.

Trump reinforced his point in a tweet, writing on Sunday morning: New healthcare plan is on its way. Will have much lower premiums & deductibles while at the same time taking care of pre-existing conditions!

It is not clear how many states would follow through on the power to make the sick pay more. Critics, however, have said any such change could make insurance prohibitively expensive for those with pre-existing conditions. The AARP, the national lobby group for older people, said creating high-risk pools to insure sick people could force some to pay annual premiums as high as $25,000.



Story continues

On CBS, Trump said the opposite would happen. We actually have a clause that guarantees coverage for pre-existing conditions, he said. Weve set up a pool for the pre-existing conditions so that the premiums can be allowed to fall  We cover it beautifully.

Trump also reiterated his promise not to make changes to Medicare, the nations health insurance for older and disabled people which many Republicans would target for cuts.

Im not going to touch it, he said, because I said it. He then quickly backtracked, saying he would alter parts of Medicare that allowed waste, fraud or abuse.

There are certain provisions in Medicare that are horrible and abusive and theres been terrible things happening, he said, not naming such parts of the programs. So that kind of stuff, I will absolutely touch.

The president also showed his usual defiance in the face of demands to make public his tax returns, which even some members of his party feel he should do as he prepares to attempt to push a host of tax cuts through Congress. Democratic leaders have said they will refuse to support any tax proposals until they know how such policies would impact the billionaire personally.

Blaming Democrats for the slow pace at which he has assembled his administration, Trump said: The Democrats are extremely obstructionist. All they do is obstruct. All they do is delay  and you know what thats hurting? Its hurting the country.

Trump suggested, as he has since beginning his run for the White House, that he will release his own tax returns after the Internal Revenue Service has completed an audit, a condition which does not legally preclude the release of such returns. That contradicted a recent statement by the treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who said the president has no intention of releasing his tax returns.

Trump suggested, without offering proof, that his tax returns had come under extra scrutiny from the IRS because of his personal fame.

I have been under audit almost, like, since I became famous, OK? Trump said. Not just political. I have been under audit, Ill bet you 12 or 13 or 14 years in a row. Now, I have friends that are wealthy people. Theyve never been audited. And I think its very unfair.

Trump promised that the budget deficit his tax proposals are projected to create would be balanced by changes to trade deals with foreign nations.

Were going to fix all of our trade deals, he said.

The president declined to outline how his administration planned to confront the growing nuclear threat posed by North Korea, though he did not rule out pre-emptive military action. He also said he was willing to sacrifice more favorable trade deals with China in return for help.

If China can help us with North Korea, and can solve that problem, thats worth making not as good a trade deal for the United States, excuse me, right? he said.

At the same time, he bragged of single-handedly causing China to cease its practice of currency manipulation.

I did say I would call China, if they were, a currency manipulator, early in my tenure, he said. And then I get there. Number one, they  as soon as I got elected, they stopped.

Trump rejected Dickersons assertion that China stopped the practice before Trump won the presidency, saying: I would say that I was the one that got them to stop. But forget that.

Trump also claimed the media had failed to accurately portray his positive interactions on the world stage. Ive set great foundations with foreign leaders, he said.

Pressed on the belief among US intelligence agencies that Russia attempted to influence the outcome of the 2016 election in his favour, Trump once again refused to accept such conclusions.
Amongst the chaos and the tweets, some of the more reassuring steps of the first 100 days of the Donald Trump presidency were the appointments of Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster  the so-called axis of adults  to the three most consequential national security positions in the U.S. government. It is easy to grade their performance on a curve and just be thankful our security is not in the hands of Michael Flynn, John Bolton, and Rudy Giuliani (contemplate that for a moment). But we should not fall into that trap. Instead, we should evaluate their performance based on the traditional standard we have come to expect from officials serving in these immensely important roles. Based on that standard, Mattis is off to a strong start, though could use improvement in some areas. Tillerson has established a strong rapport with Trump, but is failing quite badly as the leader of the Sate Department. And McMaster has done okay in seizing control of the process, but that has yet to translate into effective coordination across the U.S. government  his primary responsibility.

Positive reviews at the Pentagon

Overall, Mattis is off to a strong start. He was one of the few Trump nominees to breeze through the confirmation process, bringing him into the job in a politically strong position as perhaps the most politically indispensable cabinet official in the administration. He has used that leverage to act independently in conducting well-reviewed trips to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, providing a vital message of reassurance while the administration was still getting its sea legs in the early weeks. Perhaps his most important moment came after the chemical weapons attack in Syria earlier this month, after which the Pentagon was quickly able to provide the president with a clear set of military options that led to a well-executed operation.

Mattis has also received high marks for his management of the department. Like all agency heads, he has struggled with a lack of senior staff, due to a dysfunctional vetting for loyalty process being managed out of the White House. He has responded by engaging more directly with the experts in the department. There are stories of action officers getting phone calls from the secretary asking them about a paper they wrote. He has been known to wander into an office to engage with a specific subject matter expert or author of a memo. This is unusual and sometimes unnerving for Pentagon staff (imagine being the junior desk officer who was working out at the gym and came back to a voicemail from the secretary of defense). But it is appreciated, and is clearly a signal that as a retired four-star general, the man knows how to utilize a large staff and take advantage of the expertise at this disposal.

Still, there are two areas where Mattis should strive to improve. The first has to do with maintaining civilian authority over his commanders. Mattis as a retired general is keenly aware of the need to give his commanders the freedom to make the necessary calls on the battlefield. But on a number of occasions, we have seen this freedom go too far. The most striking example was the decision by U.S. Pacific Command to announce that the Carl Vinson strike group was heading towards the Korean Peninsula in the midst of escalating tensions. Regardless of the series of missteps that came afterwards regarding the precise position of the Vinson, one of the biggest problems was that military commanders were under the impression they could take this strategic step at a highly political and sensitive moment without checking with the civilian leadership. Another example was the deployment of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast in Afghanistan against Islamic State targets, again without consultation with civilian leadership, despite the fact that it clearly became another example of strategic signaling. This does not mean that in some cases further delegation down is not merited. But the pendulum has swung too far, and Mattis would be wise to pull back the reins.

The other challenge for Mattis is that his front office staff  the people who directly surround him and ultimately make decisions and recommendations about what papers he sees, meetings he takes, and officials he hires  are all from a military background. They understand how the military works, but not necessarily how a civilian agency does. And certainly his immediate staff has not been equipped to handle the highly political environment in Washington. He and his staff for example have engaged with a parade of never-Trumpers, and in some cases democrats, on potential positions, only to have wasted a lot of time and have them all scuttled at the White House. In the most high-profile example, Mattis reportedly pushed for Anne Patterson to take the number three position at the Pentagon, as the undersecretary of defense for policy. Patterson is a highly capable diplomat and an excellent choice, but she had also been through a bruising fight with Republicans over her willingness to engage with the Muslim Brotherhood when she was ambassador to Egypt in 2012. It was quite obvious to any outside observer who understood the politics of Washington that this would be a problem for a president who has spoken out so forcefully against Islam. Mattis needs to bring in at least one senior staffer who gets the politics of Washington and the civilian side and can help him avoid some of these missteps.

Despondency at the State Department

Tillerson is not doing nearly as well as Mattis. His biggest success has been in gaining the trust of the president, who he now meets or dines with multiple times a week. This is critical, especially for the secretary of state. The Pentagon has a massive budget and military resources, which allow Mattis to exercise his bureaucratic strength and influence over foreign policy independently. But for the State Department, the options are much more limited. The secretary of state draws his international credibility from his ability to speak for the president. And it was clear early in the administration that Tillerson did not have that relationship. This has clearly changed and is a good thing.

But shockingly, the former CEO of one of the worlds largest companies has performed disastrously as a manager of the State Department. As opposed to Mattis who has mined the bureaucracys expertise to make himself a more effective secretary, Tillerson has kept himself in a bubble. No one at the department seems to know what is happening on the seventh floor and he and his team are not reaching out. The result has been a series of rookie mistakes that could easily have been avoided. Most notable was Tillersons initial decision to not go to the NATO ministerial summit in early April, which sent shockwaves through the alliance, as it was interpreted as an unprecedented pullback. The problem was the overlap with Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to Trumps Mar-o-Lago estate, and the NATO ministerial summit was eventually rescheduled. But this could have been easily avoided with a regular senior staff meeting where the overlap could have been flagged weeks earlier and alternative arrangements made. Tillersons decision not to take press with him to Asia was another unnecessary mistake. When he spent more time with the Japanese than the Koreans, the Koreans spun it in the local press as him being fatigued. And without the U.S. press corps there, he had no way to respond. Being open to more advice from experienced diplomats could have helped him avoid these mistakes.

Now comes word that Tillerson plans to keep key senior State Department positions vacant until 2018 while he undertakes a listening tour and proposes reforms for the department. If that was the plan all along, why did he spend his first 100 days holed up on the seventh floor? The listening tour should have started much earlier. No one believes that the State Department does not have problems and need reform, but the answer is not to starve it of money. Indeed, many of the sources of the departments problems result from years of chronic underfunding. Moreover, there are some critical posts that we know need to be filled regardless of the reform process. The under secretary of state for political affairs is the number three in the department and a crucial force multiplier for the secretary, able to go places and represent him when he is unavailable. And the assistant secretaries of state for key regions  the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe  are crucial for providing advice and conducting diplomacy in the areas of the world where Americas interests are most engaged. It is hard to imagine that a review would end with senior officials not responsible for these regions. He should nominate them now.

Incomplete for McMaster

H.R. McCMaster has been on the job for less time than either Mattis or TIllerson, and given the challenging conditions under which he came in, he deserves to be given more time. Most positively, he has succeeded in seizing control of the interagency process. Getting White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon off of the National Security Council principals committee and sidelining the alternative foreign policy operation he was developing out of the West Wing was a critical bureaucratic move. And getting K.T. McFarland out of the deputy national security advisor role  perhaps the single most important position for coordinating decision-making across the U.S. government  was another important step.

However, in terms of results, McMaster has yet to deliver. The most important thing the national security advisor does is bringing the key players in the interagency together to form a cohesive, coherent, and consistent foreign policy. He is the one ultimately charged with supervising all the policy reviews the administration is currently running. But on one policy after another, there is still no coherence. In the aftermath of the missile strikes on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, confusion about whether the United States would insist on his removal reigned supreme. U.N. Ambassador Nicki Haley was out calling for regime change at the U.N. while Tillerson and McMaster were much more circumspect. On North Korea, the administration has made a big show of pursuing an entirely new strategy, but aside from some tougher rhetoric, there seems to be no apparent plan to back that strategy up.

In fairness to McMaster, it is hard to maintain message discipline and run a tight process with a president who is so unpredictable. And McMasters job is not to make the key decisions, but to tee them up for the president. Ultimately, that is the biggest challenge the axis of adults will continue to face. The buck stops at the Oval Office, and no matter how much positive work Trumps national security team does, 100 days in it appears this president simply does not have the discipline or temperament to be the steward of U.S. national security.

Photo credits: ALEX WONG/Getty Images, NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images, JONATHAN ERNST/Pool/Getty Images
On his 100th day in office, President Trump sat down with CBS Face the Nation for a wide-ranging interview that aired on Sunday. And Trump was asked by host John Dickerson to reflect on what he wished he had known about the job before entering the Oval Office.

One of the things that Ive learned is how dishonest the media is, really, Trump said. Ive done things that are I think very good.

The president pointed to what he said was unfair coverage of his decision not to terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement as he had promised during the campaign.

I was going to terminate it, but I got a very nice call from a man I like, the president of Mexico, Trump explained. I got a very nice call from Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada.  I was all set to do it. In fact, I was going to do it today. I was going to do as were sitting here. I wouldve had to delay you. I was going to do it today. I was going to terminate NAFTA. But they called up and they said, Would you negotiate? And I said, Yes, I will negotiate.'

Related: President Trump celebrates 100-day mark by railing against the media

Trump, who last week referred to the show as Deface the Nation, complained to host Dickerson that he wasnt given credit for his trade negotiations with China  a country he had previously called a currency manipulator.

I love your show, Trump told Dickerson. I call it Deface the Nation. But, you know, your show is sometimes not exactly correct. But when they talk about currency manipulation, and I did say I would call China, if they were, a currency manipulator, early in my tenure. And then I get there. No. 1, they  as soon as I got elected, they stopped. Theyre not  its not going down anymore, their currency.

Trump said he wouldve been criticized for sticking with that line while attempting to get Chinese President Xi Jinping to work with the United States on its response to North Koreas nuclear provocations.

Story continues

Can you imagine if I say, Hey, by the way, how are you doing with North Korea? Also, were going to announce that youre a currency manipulator tomorrow,' Trump said. So the mainstream media never talks about that. They never say that. And thats, you know, unfortunate.

Trump said getting North Korea to cease its ballistic missile tests outweighs the importance of a trade deal with China.

I think that, frankly, North Korea is maybe more important than trade, he said. Trade is very important. But massive warfare with millions, potentially millions of people being killed? That, as we would say, trumps trade.

Trump continued, If China can help us with North Korea and can solve that problem, thats worth making not as good a trade deal for the United States, excuse me, right?

The president then reiterated some of his eye-opening comments about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

A lot of people dont like when I say it, but he was a young man of 26 or 27 when he took over from his father, when his father died, Trump said. Hes dealing with obviously very tough people, in particular the generals and others. And at a very young age, he was able to assume power. A lot of people, Im sure, tried to take that power away, whether it was his uncle or anybody else. And he was able to do it. So obviously, hes a pretty smart cookie.

But Trump also would not rule anything out when it comes to military action in North Korea.

If [North Korea] does a nuclear test, I will not be happy, the president said. And I can tell you also, I dont believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either.

Not happy mean military action? Dickerson asked.

I dont know, Trump replied. I mean, well see.

When asked about the investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 presidential election, Trump floated the idea that China could have been behind the hacking of emails that U.S. intelligence officials have concluded was the work of the Kremlin.

If you dont catch a hacker, okay, in the act, its very hard to say who did the hacking, Trump said. Could have been China, could have been a lot of different groups.

During a long exchange about the Republican bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, Trump reluctantly said the GOP health care plan would have a clause that guarantees coverage for those with preexisting conditions  something previous iterations did not.

The president also said he will make a decision on releasing his tax returns after hes no longer under audit, which he claimed could happen soon.

Trump was also asked about his assertion in a recent Reuters interview that he thought the job of being president would be easier.

Well, its a tough job, he said. But Ive had a lot of tough jobs. Ive had things that were tougher, although Ill let you know that better at the end of eight years. Perhaps eight years. Hopefully, eight years. But Ill let you know later on.

Still, Trump insisted he loves being president.

I love doing it, he said. Im, you know, thoroughly enjoying it. Its always a challenge, like life itself is a challenge. But its something that I really love, and I think Ive done a very good job at it.

Read more from Yahoo News coverage of Trumps first 100 days:
Two US special operations forces soldiers killed in eastern Afghanistan may have been struck by friendly fire in an operation targeting the emir of Islamic State militants in Afghanistan, the Pentagon has said.

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.

A target of raid in which 2 @USArmy Rangers died in #Afghanistan (perhaps by friendly fire) was emir of ISIS-K, according to @USFOR_A. pic.twitter.com/8NU1MSOXFF  Steve Herman (@W7VOA) April 28, 2017

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 on Wednesday.

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 10.30pm local time on Wednesday and within minutes the 50 US Army Rangers along with 40 Afghan commandos came under fire from multiple direction.

Video not available for syndication

US drops 'Mother Of All Bombs' on Islamic State cave system in Afghanistan

Story continues

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 on 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 neighboring 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.

Reuters
By Patrick Markey and Samia Errazzouki ALGIERS/RABAT (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council unanimously backed attempts to restart talks between Morocco and the Polisario independence movement over the Western Sahara conflict, and extended its peacekeeping mission there for another year. The resolution came after the U.N. mission confirmed the Polisario had withdrawn troops from the Guerguerat area of the territory, a vast swath of desert bordering the Atlantic Ocean that has been contested since 1975. They had faced off in Guerguerat since 2016 with Morocco, which pulled its forces back earlier this year. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier this month called for Morocco and the Polisario Front, which fought a war over the region until a 1991 ceasefire, to enter new negotiations that would include proposals from both sides. "This action should improve the prospects of creating an environment that will facilitate early implementation of Mr. Guterres's determination to relaunch the negotiating process," the U.N. spokesman said in a statement noting Morocco's early pullback and confirming Polisario's withdrawal. Morocco claimed Western Sahara after colonial Spain left, but Polisario fought a guerrilla war for independence for the Sahrawi people there until the U.N.-backed ceasefire. U.N. talks have long failed to broker an agreement on how to decide on self-determination. Morocco wants an autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. But Polisario wants a U.N.-backed referendum including on the question of independence. The U.N. resolution on Friday extended the U.N. peacekeeping mission, known as MINURSO, until April 30, 2018 and called on the parties to resume a fifth round of talks. Against a backdrop of decades of past political failures and mistrust, the resolution noted Morocco's 2007 autonomy proposal and welcomed Rabat's "serious" efforts to progress. It also emphasized Polisario's 2007 proposal, which calls for a referendum between independence, integration with Morocco and self-governance. Past attempts to broker a deal have been fallen apart over details mostly on referendum terms, including who should be allowed to vote. REGIONAL HOPES Morocco's foreign ministry said in a statement the kingdom was satisfied with the resolution, and hoped for a "real process" toward a solution, which it said should be the autonomy initiative. Morocco also called for neighboring Mauritania as well as Algeria, which backs Polisario and maintains tense relations with Rabat, to be involved in negotiations. "All parties must assume their responsibilities, Algeria must assume its responsibility," Foreign Minister Nacer Bourita told reporters in Rabat. "Algeria is the missing key." That position has in the past been rejected by Polisario which sees the conflict only between itself and Rabat. Algeria's Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra on Saturday called the resolution a victory for the Sahrawi cause that put the process "back on track", according to the APS state news agency. The dispute also reflect splits in the security council. France backs former colony Morocco, and Polisario's self-declared Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic has been supported by some non-permanent council members and South Africa. Friday's UN resolution noted the need for more support for Sahrawi refugees who fled the conflict and have since lived in camps in the south of Algeria. Since the 1991 ceasefire, the region has effectively been split by an earthen wall separating an area controlled by Morocco that it claims as its southern provinces, and territory controlled by the Polisario with a U.N.-mandated buffer zone between them. U.N. peacekeepers intervened in a standoff last year after Moroccan forces crossed beyond the earthen wall in Guerguerat near the Mauritania border and Polisario responded by dispatching troops to the area. (Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Toby Chopra and John Stonestreet)
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.

Video not available for syndication

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.

Read more

Ex-MI6 agent's frustration as FBI sat on Trump file for months

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.

Story continues

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.
By William James and Alastair Macdonald LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May expects divorce talks with the European Union to be tough, she said on Sunday after EU leaders agreed stiff terms and voiced alarm at "illusions" in London that may wreck a deal. "What this shows, and what some of the other comments we've seen coming from European leaders shows, is that there are going to be times when these negotiations are going to be tough," May told the BBC a day after her EU peers agreed on demands they want met to avoid chaos when Britain leaves the bloc in 2019. At Saturday's Brussels summit of the 27 other EU states, EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker accused unnamed pro-Brexit figures of underestimating the complexity of the task and German Chancellor Angela Merkel repeated her concern that London still harbored "illusions" about negotiating a quick free-trade pact. May, who has called an election for June 8 in the hope of strengthening her position, repeated her insistence that no deal would be better than a bad deal -- a position many in Brussels view as bluff, arguing that the legal void that would dawn on March 30, 2019, would hurt Britain much more than the others. But Juncker, quoted on Sunday by Germany's FAS newspaper, highlighted growing fears that the two sides are talking past each other, raising a significant risk of negotiations collapsing. "Im leaving Downing Street 10 times more skeptical than I was before," the Frankfurt paper quoted the European Commission president as saying after he and chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier met May in London over dinner on Wednesday. Juncker had arrived hefting two weighty EU treaties -- last year's 1,600-page CETA free-trade pact with Canada and the 2012 EU accession of the bloc's newest member, Croatia (population 4.2 million). They were props to convince May of the complexity of unwinding 46 years of EU membership and keeping trade open. So alarmed was he at what he said on Saturday were British officials who "underestimate the technical difficulties" that he alerted Merkel, the EU's main power broker, in an early morning call to Berlin on Thursday. She then used a speech in parliament to warn against British "illusions" that it could retain much of the benefits of EU membership after Brexit. READY OR NOT? Brussels is also concerned about the level of preparedness in London for talks that are due to start after the June 8 vote and which Barnier says need to be essentially wound up within 16 months to ensure ratification ahead of Brexit in March 2019. Barnier briefed leaders on his concerns, Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern told reporters. "The Commission and Barnier ... have really done their homework well," Kern said. "One can say that the British have not done so with the same intensity." EU officials said they were still unsure who would conduct the negotiations with Barnier's team, saying that May had told Juncker that she herself would be in charge. That, EU officials said, left it unclear who would actually be taking the many decisions required during months of day-in, day-out talks in Brussels over the coming two years. British Brexit Secretary David Davis has been expected to take a lead. Asked about her insistence that no deal would be better than a bad one, May told ITV television: "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't believe that." She added: "With the right strong hand in negotiations, we can get a good deal for the UK." May, who came to power after Britons decided last year to leave the EU, called the election to win a public mandate and a bigger majority to help to execute her plan to leave the EU's single market and pursue a free-trade deal with the bloc. EU leaders took only minutes to approve a negotiating mandate for Barnier that includes a readiness to walk away from a deal and emphasizes the unity of the 27 as an absolute priority. The Belgian prime minister warned colleagues against falling into a "trap" set by British negotiators trying to divide them, while others cautioned May that it was in Britain's interests, too, to avoid that, since a disunited 27 might mean no deal. Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, however, struck a note of realism when he conceded that Saturday's harmonious mood would not survive in the long run. "When the negotiations start and detailed, more complex discussions have to take place, obviously some countries will assign bigger priorities to different issues," Kenny said. "So," he added with a smile of understatement, "it won't all be as calm and as measured as today." (Editing by Elizabeth Piper and David Goodman)
The time has come for this years White House Correspondents Dinner, a century-old tradition sometimes known as the nerd prom. While the industrys leading journalists will be in attendance, conspicuously absent will be President Donald Trump, who planned to skip the event.

The White House Correspondents Dinner was set to be held at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., Saturday at 9:30 p.m. EDT. The event can be live streamed from C-SPAN here.

Trump never gave a reason for his lack of attendance, though many speculated it was a result of his tenuous relationship with the media, an industry the president has often denounced. Trump will be the first president since Ronald Reagan, who was recovering from an assassination attempt at the time, not to attend the event.

I will not be attending the White House Correspondents Association Dinner this year. Please wish everyone well and have a great evening! the president tweeted in February.

Additional White House staffers planned to skip the event in solidarity with the president.

Hasan Minhaj, senior correspondent for the Daily Show, was scheduled to host the event. Minhaj, a Muslim and proponent of immigrant rights, has a history of poking fun at Trump during his time on television.

RTXFBRK

Photo: Reuters

Many celebrities, normally staples at the event, planned to skip the event this year. In response to Trumps bashing of the media, Vanity Fair and Bloomberg planned to cancel their after party, while the New Yorker canceled its pre-party.

This years dinner aimed to emphasize funding scholarships for up and coming journalists and focusing on the accomplishments of those covering the presidency.

The event was set to be a more serious one than the joke-fueled dinners of the years past, according to reports.

We look forward to shining a spotlight at the dinner on some of the best political journalism of the past year and recognizing the promising students who represent the next generation of our profession, Jeff Mason, president of the White House Correspondents Association, said in a statement.

Related Articles
How do you hold the White House Correspondents Dinner, a long-running tradition of roasting the president, when the president is so famously bad at taking a joke?

With Donald Trump declining to attend this year's event, host Hasan Minhaj of The Daily Show was apparently asked by organisers not to poke fun of the president (via Page Six), with the president of the White House Correspondents' Association Jeff Mason stating: "I was not looking for someone to roast the president in absentia."

"Its a very different dinner without the president there. We will be focused on the First Amendment and journalism and the importance of a free press... That doesnt mean there cant be some jokes about the president, but just that there should be some jokes on the press."

Read more

Baldwin is lobbying to stand in for Trump at White House press dinner

Thankfully, it's a warning Minhaj paid absolutely no mind to, exercising his own press freedom by ripping straight into the heart of Trump for the majority of his hilarious opening speech.

"Welcome to the series finale of the White House Correspondents' Dinner," he began with. "My name is Hasan Minhaj, or as I'll be known in a few weeks, number 830287."

No one wanted to do this, so of course it landed in the hands of an immigrant, Minhaj joked about the fact hosting a president-less Correspondents Dinner wasn't exactly the hottest gig in town, before re-iterating the idea he'd been told not to go after the Trump administration.

"We've got to address the elephant thats not in the room. The leader of our country is not here. And thats because he lives in Moscow," he later stated, adding that Trump was probably, "in Pennsylvania, because he can't take a joke."



"Historically the president usually performs at the White House Correspondents Dinner, but I think I speak for all of us when I say, hes done far too much bombing this month," he continued

Story continues

He later joked that Trump, who is sober, would only continually tweet at 3am because, "that's 10 a.m. in Russia, that's business hours." He added that, "The news coming out of the White House is so stressful, I have been watching House of Cards just to relax."

The absence of Trump was the first since Ronald Reagan skipped the event in 1981, missing the gathering after his infamous assassination attempt, though he still gave his regards via telephone.

Trump or no Trump, the dinner still sold out.
The White House Correspondents Dinner is usually an event of good will: the president is roasted, the president roasts back.

However, Donald Trump's near-unprecedented absence from this year's gathering threw an uncomfortable air over the whole evening; how does one celebrate the relationship between press and president when it has been nothing but hostile in the light of Trump's ascendancy?

An opportunity, then, for the press to take a stand against the administration who has done its best to destroy them, as White House Correspondents Association head Jeff Mason told attendees: "We cannot ignore the rhetoric that has been employed by the president about who we are and what we do. We are not fake news. We are not failing news organisations. And we are not the enemy of the American people."

Read more

Watch the White House Correspondents Dinner host tear into Trump

Trump's absence marked the first president-less Correspondents Dinner since Reagan skipped the event in 1981, missing the gathering after his infamous assassination attempt, though he still gave his regards via telephone.

It appears Trump's only reason not to attend this year is, as host Hasan Minhaj joked, the fact he "can't take a joke"; Minhaj still liberally lambasted Trump, but elsewhere the evening's tone shifted to a wider celebration of journalism itself.

"We are here to celebrate the press, not the presidency," Mason continued. In reference to speculation Trump's absence would impact interest in the gathering, he added, I am happy to report for anyone whos interested that this dinner is sold out.

Video not available for syndication

Host Hasan Minhaj roasts Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

Similar sentiments were expressed by journalist Bob Woodward, known for breaking the Watergate scandal during Nixon's presidency, who stated: "The press, especially the so-called mainstream media, comes under regular attack. Mr. President, the media is not fake news. Lets take that off the table as we proceed."

The event saw host Hasan Minhaj, of The Daily Show, tear into Donald Trump and his administration, despite apparently being asked not to.
Police in New York have revealed that a woman shot at close range during an robbery survived after a bullet was slowed down by her purse.

Officers said a man ran up to the 39-year-old woman on a street in Brooklyn and demanded that he hand over her car keys. When she fought back, the man fired at her with a pistol.

The Daily News said the bullet passed through the womans purse, wallet and clothes, but stopped short of hitting her body. The man than attacked her with the handgun and stole her car.

Purse saves woman shot at point-blank range in Brooklyn: police https://t.co/rZCUkFowTe pic.twitter.com/lgkrnXZhK3  PIX11 News (@PIX11News) April 28, 2017

Police later found him nearby in the vehicle and arrested him on attempted murder charges. He has been named as 52-year-old Victor Walker, who has been released on bail.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment after the shooting this week.
The program had been used to scoop up large numbers of digital communications, including those belonging to Americans, "about" targets of foreign surveillance.

The National Security Agency announced on Friday it will be halting one facet of a highly controversial intelligence program that allowed the spy agency to scoop up large quantities of electronic messages, including those of Americans to and from the United States.

Colloquially known as about the target collection, the program allowed the NSA to sift through emails and text messages leaving from and arriving in the United States mentioning information such as names, emails, and phone numbers associated with terrorist groups or foreign spies. A program long criticized by civil liberties advocates, such collection and searching authorities allowed the agency to identify individuals thought to have a connection to terrorist groups or foreign spy agencies.

The New York Times first reported the programs halt earlier Friday.

NSA officials briefed congressional officials about the halt on Wednesday, saying the program had been shut down as a result of problems in complying with the court-ordered rules that govern many of the agencys programs, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Annually, the intelligence community needs to secure court permission to continue its foreign intelligence collection without seeking individual warrants for each target. That permission was not granted in 2016, the sources said. The court granted a temporary extension, and the NSA has been working to adjust its procedures for querying its databases to minimize access to American data.

In 2011, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court put in place rules meant to protect the communications of Americans swept up by the program  but those restrictions, including limiting the amount of time analysts could access the data, were cumbersome and didnt prevent a large amount of user error, congressional officials told Foreign Policy.

According to the Times, the agency struggled to comply with those rules because of how information is transmitted on the internet. Telecommunications companies will frequently package a number of communications into packets to be sent across the fiber optic cables that crisscross the world and make up the backbone of the global internet. Agency computers would scan those packets, and when a targeted email or phone number was spotted, the computers would sweep up the entire packet.

Story continues

In doing so, NSA computers could also sweep up messages belonging to Americans that were bundled in the same packet.

Analysts searching the database of communications collected under the program reportedly accessed such bundled messages in a way that did not comply with the 2011 rules and allowed inappropriate access to communications belonging to U.S. persons, according to the Times.

A congressional aide told Foreign Policy that NSA officials promptly informed Congress of the problem and are trying to correct it. Complying with the rules is a complicated challenge, the official said, and the intelligence community insists analysts didnt break them intentionally.

Theyre moving at a pace Ive never seen the intelligence community move before, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the agencys operation. The new minimization procedures being developed by the NSA will likely be public by the end of May, the official said, citing a briefing of the ODNIs timeline.

Its unclear how the NSA will address the legal problems with the program  or how theyll accomplish the necessary changes technically.

Even though NSA does not have the ability at this time to stop collecting about information without losing some other important data, the Agency will stop the practice to reduce the chance that it would acquire communications of U.S. persons or others who are not in direct contact with a foreign intelligence target, the NSA wrote in the statement.

The potential options might include adjusting the way upstream collection works, to prevent vacuuming up American data or restrict its access, or immediately purging the information upon receipt. The NSA will likely litigate the option to petition the court to maintain access to the same data in emergency situations, the official said.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board have previously stated that preventing this type of collection would create massive holes in foreign intelligence collection. The legal authority to collect digital information overseas  the program the intelligence community has described as the crown jewel of their capabilities  is currently up for debate in Congress, to be adjusted or reauthorized by the end of 2017. The ODNI has said maintaining those authorities is its top legislative priority in 2017.

Civil liberties advocates immediately hailed the programs suspension as a major victory in curtailing the NSAs spying authorities. This change ends a practice that allowed Americans communications to be collected without a warrant merely for mentioning a foreign target, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) told the Times.

.@charlie_savage This is likely the most substantive of the post-2013 NSA reforms, if the principle is applied to all other programs. https://t.co/j4Mir6GoYA  Edward Snowden (@Snowden) April 28, 2017

Photo credit: PAUL J RICHARDS/Getty Images
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a powerful device as it comes with 4GB RAM. But there is an even more powerful version with 6GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage.

Read: 5G Capable AT&T Samsung Galaxy S8 Will Have The Fastest Mobile Internet Speeds

However, it is not available in the U.S. The locked version of the device will be sold only in select markets such as South Korea and Hong Kong, so it might not be easy to source it out in the States. But that doesnt mean that you wont be able to get your hands on it if you desire the device that is around 50 percent more powerful than a regular Galaxy S8.

Samsung said at an event in Hong Kong Friday that an unlocked 6GB version of the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus will be available in Hong Kong. This means that users interested in procuring the powerful device will be able to get an unlocked version if they want to bear the cost of importing it from Hong Kong and use it anywhere they want.

The company also stated that the Galaxy S8 devices sold in Hong Kong would not be locked to carriers. While the company has not yet revealed how much the device would cost, it has said that it will be launching it at an event in Hong Kong on May 25.

If you want the smartphone but dont want to bother importing it, you can wait for the device to emerge on reselling sites such as eBay.

The 6GB Samsung Galaxy S8 had been rumored for long, but Samsung confirmed its existence on April 18 in an official listing on Samsung South Koreas website.

Samsung is also offering the DeX accessory free with 6GB Galaxy S8 Plus. According to SamMobile, the device might cost upwards of $1,000.

Samsung launched the Galaxy S8 at an event in New York on March 29 and the Galaxy S8 Plus, with a 6.2-inch display and a 2,960 x 1,440p Super AMOLED edge-to-edge display, is the larger of the two devices. The U.S. version of the device has a Snapdragon 835 processor, while the international variant of the device is expected to have an Exynos 8895 processor.

Story continues

Both the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus come with Android 7.0 out-of-the-box and pack a 3,500-mAh battery.

Read: Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus: New Security Update Improves Facial Recognition

In case you are willing to wait for a more powerful device, Samsung has a Galaxy Note 8 device, which is expected to release in the U.S. around September and might probably come with 6GB RAM, a more powerful processor, or a higher-spec version of the Snapdragon 835. It is also expected to come with a 5.7-inch edge-to-edge Super AMOLED display, an improved S-Pen stylus, and Android O. The device is expected to reinvigorate the Note series and rebuild the company's image damaged by the Note 7 fiasco.

Related Articles
The UN Security Council has called for the resumption of the political process regarding the Western Sahara to resolve one of the longest-standing issues on its agenda.

The Councils support for resuming the political process was unambiguously expressed in Resolution 2351 it adopted on Friday, sending a strong signal that the time had come to resume negotiations, which had been at a standstill for far too long.

The 15-member Council actually called on the parties to the Western Sahara conflict to resume negotiations under the auspices of the Secretary-General without preconditions and in good faith, in order to facilitate a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution. Emphasizing the importance of the parties commitment to continuing the preparations for a fifth round of negotiations, the Council called upon them to demonstrate the political will to work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue in order to resume negotiations, and to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions.

It also underlined the important role of neighboring countries (mainly Algeria, which is backing the separatist Polisario Front, and Mauritania) in making contributions to the political process, and finding a solution to the territorial dispute.

As stated in the resolution, the Council reiterates its call upon the parties and the neighboring states to cooperate more fully with the United Nations and with each other and to strengthen their involvement to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution. It also recognizes that achieving a political solution to this long-standing dispute and enhanced cooperation between the Member States of the Maghreb Arab Union would contribute to stability and security in the Sahel region.

The Security Council also extended the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 30 April 2018 and called on the parties to cooperate fully with the operations of MINURSO, and to take the necessary steps to ensure unhindered movement for United Nations and associated personnel in carrying out their mandate.

Reaffirming the need to respect fully military agreements reached with MINURSO on the ceasefire and calls for full adherence to those accords, the Council recognized that the recent crisis in the Guerguerat buffer strip raised fundamental questions about the ceasefire and related agreements.

The resolution also states that the Security Council takes note of the Moroccan proposal (autonomy plan) presented on 11 April 2007 to the Secretary-General and welcomes serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards resolution.

Following the vote, delegates of the council member states hailed the resolution as a real opportunity to revive the political process in Western Sahara and called on all parties to rise to their shared responsibility, and to refrain from actions that may undermine the ceasefire agreement.

Morocco takes note with satisfaction of the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of its resolution 2351, said the Moroccan Foreign Ministry in a statement released Saturday.

This Security Council resolution extends for one year the mandate of Minurso, within the strict framework of its current prerogatives, and clearly reaffirms the parameters of the political process as defined since 2007, reads the statement. This political process must take into account the pre-eminence of the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, and the Security Council once again welcomes the serious and credible efforts that have underpinned the proposal, the statement notes.

The resolution reiterates the regional dimension of the artificial dispute around the Moroccan Sahara and clarifies the responsibility of neighboring countries, and particularly Algeria, the statement adds, renewing Moroccos commitment to work towards a definitive solution within the framework of the autonomy initiative.
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.
@NewsbySmiley and @PatriciaMazzei

Ileana Ros-Lehtinens announcement Sunday that she won't seek another reelection means a congressional seat that has essentially been locked up for three decades for the Republican Party will now be up for grabs in November of 2018.

Several Democrats have already declared their interest by filing to run for the congresswoman's District 27 seat. Rumors abound of likely candidates on both sides of the aisle.

Here's a working list of known and possible candidates that will be updated throughout the day.

Who's in:

Scott Fuhrman, a Democrat who ran against Ros-Lehtinen in November after District 27 was redrawn to lean Democratic and lost 45 - 55. Furhman has said he will run for the seat again in 2018.

Kristen Rosen Gonzalez: A Miami Beach Commissioner and Miami Dade College professor finishing her PhD on leadership in higher education administration at Barry University. A Democrat, she filed campaign papers this month.

Michael A. Hepburn: A senior academic advisor for the School of Business at the University of Miami who lost a primary campaign against Daphne Campbell for the state House in 2014. He is a Democrat, and serves on the Allapattah Neighborhood Association and the Miami Dade Democratic Executive Committee.

Mark Anthony Person, a Democrat, has filed to run with the state Division of Elections.

Maybes:

Bruno Barreiro: A Republican County Commissioner, Barreiro says "I've always eyed this district. I would never have run against Ileana. She's a friend and I support her. We're going to miss a lot her incredible leadership."

Anitere Flores: The term-limited state senators name (R-Miami) is out there as someone considering a run. She hasnt responded to a request for comment.

Jose Felix Diaz: Already in the running to become South Florida's top federal prosecutor and considering a run for Frank Artiles' vacated Senate seat, the Republican State Representative from Miami isn't ruling out a run for Ros-Lehtinen's seat. "There are a lot of options out there right now. I have one week left in session after which I can sit down and see which, if any, of these opportunities would make sense for me and my family. Right now, I think today is about celebrating Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and her decades of distinguished service."

Rene Garcia: The term-limited Republican State. Sen from Hialeah (and former Ros-Lehtinen intern) says he's thinking about it. "Is it something I would consider? Absolutely. I'll think about it, but right now my mind is on the budget and trying to deliver for my constituents."

Matt Haggman: A Democrat and former Miami Herald reporter and Miami Program Director for The Knight Foundation, Haggman said Sunday that he's considering a run for District 27. "It's something I've been actively thinking about for a while now," he said.

Carlos Lopez-Cantera: "Ileana is leaving big shoes to fill," Florida's Republican lieutenant governor told the Miami Herald Sunday. "Her service to South Florida has been exceptional. I'm humbled by the outpouring of support that is already coming in. I'm going to spend the next few days discussing it with my family and go from there."

Jimmy Morales: Miami Beach's Democratic city manager says he's "still processing. I am sure there will be many people on both sides looking at the seat." (No kidding.)

Raquel Regalado: The Republican former Miami-Dade School Board member says she's strongly considering a run after her phone blew up Sunday.

David Richardson: The Democratic State Rep. (D-Miami Beach) says he's definitely thinking about a run. "Over the next few days I'll be talking with constituents, friends and supporters on how I can continue to best serve and represent my community.

Jose Javier Rodriguez: The junior State Senator from Miami said in a text that he will give a campaign a hard look after the legislative session is over.

Ken Russell: The Democratic Miami District 2 Commissioner didn't rule out a run when asked Sunday if he's considering a campaign for Congress. "I have received calls urging me to run for Congress. I can only say that up to now I had not considered it, and that we should use this time to thank Ileana for her many years of service to her constituents."

Marc Sarnoff: A Democrat and former Miami city commissioner, Sarnoff said hes looking carefully at Ros-Lehtinens seat and will consult with his family.

Out:

Manny Diaz:His name has been floated. Is Miami's former mayor interested in returning to the limelight in D-27? "No."

Miguel Diaz de la Portilla: The Republican former state senator says "I thank Ileana for her many years of service. A run for congress is not in my immediate plans."

Philip Levine: Miami Beach's Democratic Mayor, currently mulling a run for governor, said he's "focused on traveling the state and talking with residents about the future of Florida."

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
HAMILTON  There was a time when Mike Campbell thought he wanted to become a bio-chemist.

That thought didnt last long.

I think I went to school for that field for a quarter, Campbell. I quit that and began to cook.

Deep down in his heart, Campbell knew all along that he was meant to be a chef.

That love for preparing fine food allowed him to travel from Alaska to San Francisco to Salt Lake City. Along the way, hes had the opportunity to serve royalty, design kitchens for large corporate restaurants and teach the masses some of the finer points of cooking on television.

But, perhaps most important for him and his family, that love for everything culinary led them to the small town of Darby where theyve built a restaurant that Campbell likes to say has developed its own cult-like following.

During the busy summer months, customers often have to wait to get into the Little Blue Joint Restaurant on the towns Main Street.

Its kind of become like a cult restaurant for some, Mike Campbell said. We still meet people who want to keep this quiet. They tell us, This is our restaurant. We dont want to tell anyone else about it. 

The small restaurant, with its even smaller kitchen, has kept Campbells inner chef somewhat confined to a menu of pizza, hamburgers and Mexican food.

Thats all about to change.

Mike Campbell and his wife, Monica, recently purchased the historic building next door that currently houses the towns iconic Sawmill Saloon.

They are in the middle of a major construction project to add to the back of their restaurant to nearly triple their seating and the size of the kitchen.

That additional space is going to allow Campbell to once again unlock his inner chef.

We will be able to do some finer dining, Campbell said. We will have steak and seafood on the menu. Ill have my own personal chef station where Ill be able to prepare dishes like butter soaked scallops.

When theyre done sometime toward the end of May, the restaurant will be able to seat about 78. Currently, theres room for about 28.

I know that were going to be able to fill it, Campbell said. There are nights when we have a line going down the sidewalk. Some people just arent willing to wait that long to eat.

But as big a project as tripling the size of a restaurant might be, the Campbells arent stopping there. While one crew of craftsmen is working to complete the restaurant expansion, another is busy renovating the rooms above the Sawmill Saloon.

When theyre done, visitors to the town will have another option for lodging that will include a fine meal in the morning at the couples new bed and breakfast.

Right now, there are really not many places to stay here, Monica Campbell said. In the summer, there are motorcyclists, bicyclists and tourists coming through here constantly. Were going to be able to offer them a really nice room and a wonderful breakfast.

The couples two children plan to help them operate their growing business.

They grew up in the restaurant business, Mike Campbell said. They dont even know what the word stress is. They just know how to get things done.

For those who love to relax under the ancient collection of well-used chainsaws that decorate the Sawmill Saloons rafters, the Campbells are quick to say the bar will remain the same.

Its everyones local watering hole, Mike Campbell said. Its one of those places that you find in every small American town. Were not going to change a thing. The town would probably revolt if we tried.

The brick building that houses the Sawmill Saloon was originally constructed in 1903 as a bank. The two walk-in safes from that era are still in use to protect the bars liquor supply and other items.

We close the doors every night, Mike Campbell said.

In 1933, the building became a bar and a hotel. Some say there was a period that the upstairs was a house of ill repute.

Originally, the bar was decorated in a style popular back in the 1940s.

It was kind of like this gangster-looking place, Mike Campbell said. Sometime in the 1960s, it was redone in logger motif. That was back when the mills were running strong.

Darby is in the midst of another change to meet the times that are coming.

We know this town is going to grow, Mike Campbell said. There are so many good things happening here right now. We love this town. Theres really no other place that we would rather be.

I think Montana seduces you, Monica Campbell said. Its really beautiful, plus the bears and mosquitoes are much smaller than they are in Alaska.
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  canvasses 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 last 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 songwriters in that program 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 that 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 Rocky Mountain Front, an area sacred to the Blackfeet Tribe and important for wildlife, should be off limits to oil and gas developers 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 agrees is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases including from coal-fired 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 1 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.
In mid-April, the U.S. Marshals Service found one of Missoulas most wanted in Arizona, where he was living in a motor home since going on the run last summer.

Chad Earl Williams is being held in the Yavapai County jail while the Missoula County Sheriffs Office works through the paperwork involved in taking him back across the country to face his charges.

Since Williams cut off a GPS monitor and disappeared in August, theres been a $1 million arrest warrant out for him.

Originally convicted in 1996 of attempted deliberate homicide for shooting a Missoula man in the head during a robbery, Williams had been in and out of custody last year for various violations of his release on probation.

In June, he was involved in a seven-hour standoff in Bozeman because of an outstanding arrest warrant. Williams eventually was taken into custody, brought back to Missoula and posted a new bail. Weeks later, he cut off his monitoring bracelet and fled days before he was set to be sentenced for probation violations, including methamphetamine use and possession of weapons.

Transporting a fugitive across the country is quite a process, one thats even more complicated when the inmate in question is a high-risk, violent offender like Williams.

For most of the fugitives arrested on warrants in other states, Missoula takes advantage of its membership in a multi-state cooperative program commonly called the Northwest Shuttle to have them brought back to town, said sheriffs office senior criminal justice clerk Becky DeVos, who handles the agencies extradition warrants.

Northwest Shuttle, which uses vans, was started in Washington in the late 1970s to save money by coordinating trips involving inmates from opposite sides of the state. Over the years, the agreement has expanded to cover most states in the western United States. The goal is to be able to extradite more fugitives and save money through collaboration.

No formal rules govern law enforcement agencies' participation in the shuttle service, only an agreement that they reciprocate by helping to move or house inmates when needed. Montanas leg of the shuttle system is operated by the Department of Corrections, which meets other states systems each week at designated hubs, including Wallace, Idaho, and Rapid City, South Dakota, to exchange inmates.

I think its a great system, DeVos said.

But Northwest Shuttle doesnt transport juveniles or inmates with serious charges, and each inmate has to get a health screening and be given a risk and safety classification before being approved.

There are other criteria. They have to be medically fit, they have to be able to board the transport van and get off without assistance, so theres no wheelchairs, theres no pregnant women. That disqualifies them, DeVos said.

Because Williams wont qualify for the shuttle system due to his charges, DeVos said an alternate arrangement has to be made, which means either contracting a private company or sending deputies down in a patrol car to Arizona to get him themselves.

When Missoulas own officers leave the state to get someone, DeVos helps coordinate with local jails along the route to make sure that on a multi-day trip, deputies have a place to drop an inmate off for a night.

"Most jails are really helpful in making sure they have an opening to hold an inmate for a night," DeVos said.

DeVos is in the process of gathering bids from private transport companies and pulling together an estimate of what it would cost deputies to drive or fly down to get Williams.

Those must be approved by the governors office because the state is providing reimbursement for the money the county will (pay) up front for it, she said.
GREAT FALLS  Greg Gianforte, the Republican running to fill Montanas empty U.S. House seat, would support taking away funding for Planned Parenthood, and his Democrat opponent Rob Quist supports the legalization of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use.

Those issues and many others were the topics of a Great Falls debate between the men vying to be Montanas next congressman.

Over the past week, the two faced off several times, including editorial board meetings held by the Independent Record, Montana Standard and Billings Gazette, some of which were livestreamed on Facebook. Quist and Gianforte were joined by Libertarian candidate Mark Wicks, an Inverness rancher, in a televised debate Saturday night.

On May 25, a Thursday, voters will decide who will fill a position vacated by Ryan Zinke, who left his U.S. House seat after President Donald Trump selected him to be Secretary of the Interior.

Gianforte is a wealthy former businessman who started a high-tech company in Bozeman that he later sold to Oracle for $1.5 billion. Quist, from Creston, is a musician and poet who was a part of the popular Mission Mountain Wood Band.

Quist, who kept on his trademark cowboy hat for the debate, has been criticized the last few weeks for past performances at a nudist colony and his financial history, which includes a 16-year trail of debt and a lawsuit over an unpaid loan and liens filed to collect delinquent taxes.

Gianforte has been scrutinized for financial ties to Russia; he owns shares in two index funds that include interests in Russian companies under U.S. sanctions. A gopher hunt with Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., also brought negative attention.

Ties to Russia came up at the Saturday debate, though not through a direct question.

When asked about escalating tensions with North Korea, Quist pivoted to Russia. Earlier in the day media outlets around the state ran stories about Gianforte's investment in the index funds. A financial services expert told The Billings Gazette on Saturday it was a stretch to suggest the funds linked Gianforte to the companies in any meaningful way.

Gianforte responded by saying:

We have a broad range of investments. Anyone who invests in emerging markets around the world has investments in Russia. This is a tiny portion of our portfolio.

He also added state and university system employees would have similar connections if the retirement money invested on their behalf included funds built around emerging markets.

Acknowledging his significant wealth, Gianforte vowed to remove himself from any direct involvement with his finances if elected.

Gianfortes response to a debate question about whether he supports de-funding Planned Parenthood  a nonprofit that provides reproductive health care to women, as well as abortions in some clinics  mirrored the answer he gave during a joint appearance with Quist at the Independent Records editorial board meeting Friday.

I dont think that  tax dollars should be used to pay for abortion.  I dont believe that organization has been a particularly good steward of resources, so yes I would, he said at the editorial board meeting.

Gianforte said the only time abortion should be allowed is when a womans life is in jeopardy. I dont think the government should get in between that. But thats the only exception I would make.

Quist, on the other hand, said there needs to be a resistance to the assault on womens reproductive rights.

I think those decisions are between a woman and her faith and her doctor and no one else. No one else has the right to know.

The candidates were also asked about Trumps recent executive order to review any national monuments created since 1996 that are at least 100,000 acres. That includes the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument in north-central Montana.

Quist said he views Trumps move as a way to make the lands available for private development.

People have worked on these monuments and some of these wilderness areas for years at a time and theyre great economic boons for the areas that have them. I really have deep concerns about this process and I think the people of America are going to stand up against it.

Gianforte characterized Trumps order as an initial review.

What were asking for is local input from the people. This review process allows local input to occur.

Gianforte said he is a supporter of natural resource development, but said there are places where he thinks its not appropriate. I think you can develop natural resources and protect the environment, but not every place is the right place for a mine.

Wicks agreed with Gianforte in saying the monuments were created with little public input. He also criticized former President Barack Obama's action to create a new monument in Utah at the end of his presidency.

"Congress hasn't done its job keeping the president in check, keeping the judges in check."

Through the debate Saturday, Gianforte worked to align himself with Trump, as well as more conservative values. Quist tried to play up his long history in the state, referencing his childhood near the Rocky Mountain Front. Wicks said he would be a different voice for Montana, who he said for too long has sent either Republicans or Democrats to Washington, D.C., without results.

The candidates were also asked about their positions on marijuana use, both medicinal and recreational. In 2004 Montana voters legalized medical marijuana, but the 2011 Legislature imposed strict limitations on access. Last fall a ballot initiative to lift some of those restrictions was approved by voters.

Gianforte said medical marijuana should be available to people in chronic pain, under the care of a doctor. He does not support recreational marijuana, saying the state has problems with drug addiction.

I think we have other states doing experiments with it and we should let them carry on with that.

Quist said he supports the legalization of marijuana.

To me the war on drugs has been an abject failure, he said. I think the majority of Montanans and Americans agree they would like to see the decriminalization go forward and not criminalize people for something that should not be criminal.
William N. Finley IV/@WNFIV(NEW YORK) -- Fyre Festival organizers are still trying to explain what happened around their luxury concert event that was planned for this weekend in the Bahamas but postponed amid a storm of complaints posted on social media.



The festival, tickets for which cost up to thousands of dollars, erupted into what the island nation's tourism office called "total disorganization and chaos" after hundreds of prospective concertgoers landed in the Bahamas. The planned lineup included performances by Ja Rule, Daya and Tyga.



In a previous statement released Friday, Fyre Festival said, "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."



On Saturday, the organizers of what was to be the festival's first year promised in a statement posted to its website that "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 years festival," the statement read.

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 N. Finley IV (@WNFIV) April 27, 2017

The statement also said that the Fyre Festival was created by rapper Ja Rule and technology entrepreneur Billy McFarland after a "partnership over 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," the statement continued. "They simply werent ready for what happened next, or how big this thing would get."



The statement then explained that interest in the festival quickly went viral. Festival organizers experienced what they called "roadblocks" after realizing that the island of Great Exuma didn't have the infrastructure needed for the event.



"So, we decided to literally attempt to build a city," the statement read. "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."



The Fyre Festival said that they plan to hold a festival in 2018 but "at a United States beach venue."

Ja Rule spoke out Friday via social media, saying he was "heartbroken" about what happened in the Bahamas. He also maintained that it was not his fault but he is "taking responsibility" and is "deeply sorry to everyone who was inconvenienced by this."

For his part, McFarland, 25, admitted to Rolling Stone that his team was "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 weren't experienced enough to keep up."



The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in a statement Friday said it was "extremely disappointed" with how events unfolded around the festival. "Hundreds of visitors to Exuma were met with total disorganization and chaos. The event organizers 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."



Hallie Wilson, one attendee who along with her friends spent $4,000 to celebrate a friend's bachelorette party, told ABC News on Friday that she and more than 100 others landed back in Miami after spending hours trying to fly back in.



"It's been the longest 24 hours of our lives," she added.



Another attendee Trevor DeHass told ABC News that despite the Fyre Festival being promoted as an all-inclusive upscale weekend, he said that he and his friends were served two slices of bread, a slice of cheese and a small salad for dinner Thursday.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The United States Supreme Court: Above. photo by Stan Deatherage

On April 7, 2017, the United States Senate set an awesome precedent in using former Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's Nuclear Option to shut down any proposed Democrat filibuster, which, heretofore, needed 60 votes to end, and then appointed President Trump's selection, Neil Gorsuch , for the vacant seat of Antonin Scalia.The Nuclear Option, originated by Leftist Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on November 21, 2013, when the Democrats last had a majority in the U.S. Senate, was designed to end the possible filibuster of Republicans, who would and did block confirmation if Judicial Activist federal judges appointed by Obama. The Nuclear Option was a process begun by the Democrats to end the Senate as the more deliberative body in congress, which was sure to become the first and final move to drive a stake into the bosom of the filibuster; a 60 member legislative tool to stall or end any vote on terrible legislative initiatives. It was was an impregnable door that Harry Reid forced open, and then Republican Senators in the majority, used the Justice Neil Gorsuch confirmation to, with great blunt force, to explode that door opened by Harry Reid , right off its hinges.What do you think the chances are that the Nuclear Option will be employed again, and possibly soon, when the next President Trump appointment to the Supreme Court needs U.S. Senate confirmation?If Justice Gorsuch was an everyman Originalist for another unapologetic Conservative Originalist, the late, great Justice Antonin Scalia, and should there be a second President Trump nomination to the highest court in the land, don't expect them to be anything other than an unabridged Conservative Originalist. If Justice Neal Gorsuch is Justice Scalia "Lite", the next appointment will be a more "Full-bodied" Justice Scalia, with no apologies to the Progressive Socialists . Remarkably, I predict the nation will be ready for it, with the same or more Democrat Senators (3 Democrats) voting to confirm.It is politics, and it is a simple analogy built on the the building premise that Americans are tiring of the Democrat political blunder, put in place by a vacating Barack Hussein Obama , to obstruct, delay, resist and most importantly delegitimize the Trump Administration, real Americans are wanting real change in America, and they are getting it in small doses from the new President. The more they witness Socialist Liberals, all organized and many paid to be there, violently protest that their Democrat Media has not had the opportunity to pore over then Candidate Trump's personal Tax returns, and a winsome "collusion with Russia" scheme, which appears to be mostly a Democrat / Democrat Media fantasy, there are larger issues afoot; have been for years, and will continue until solved.While core Democrats reel from chronic Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), I am encouraged that the adults are back in charge in our nation's capitol. Socialist Snowflakes , by the day as they grpple with TDS, are being discovered for the shallow, self-absorbed, intellectually pathetic cry babies that they surely are, and it ain't a pretty sight for the rest of we normal folk, we that actually care about our Republic in its entire unified form.When the premise of your political ambition continues to be the unveiled ambition to sell out American values, the best of them, to welcome every disparate faction that abhors those values, good Americans, and many who originally rejected the bombastic Candidate /President Trump, who economically struggle and still strain to pull the American wagon forward will find these Democrat Progressive Socialists abhorrent, and, furthermore, counterproductive to solving real problems that plague real Americans and the free World.The Justice Gorsuch confirmation process, as a failed rallying point for obstructionist Socialists that are the core of today's Democrat party, was the poorly planned first step down a path that may well be the undoing of what is Left of the Democrat Party.
Important changes are happening in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which has struggled for years to provide even minimally adequate care to the growing number of our nations veterans.

These changes will directly affect the lives of thousands of Montana veterans who receive care through the VA. And hopefully, long overdue improvements at the federal level will provide Montana with the tools it needs to expand access and encourage thousands more eligible veterans to get the care they deserve through the VA Montana Health Care System.

Nearly 1 in 10 Montanans is a veteran, one of the highest rates of service per capita in the nation. Yet at last count, the Montana VA had an enrollment list of only 47,132 veterans, out of nearly 74,000 veterans who are eligible. Those numbers mean that less than two-thirds of eligible veterans are enrolled in the Montana VA health system.

Closing that gap means providing better care, which means making it more accessible, timely and navigable.

Unfortunately, the federal agency has stumbled on all three counts, leaving veterans to wade through an unnecessarily complex system with lengthy backlogs in appointments  while dozens of veterans died waiting for care.

Americas veterans earned their health care and other benefits when they agreed to put their lives on the line in service to their country. That sacrifice should entitle them to the best health services our nation has to offer. The reality, however, is that the United States has fallen far short of meeting its responsibility.

Multiple attempts at reforming the VA system have been hard fought but resulted in only slight improvements. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, has been on the front lines of these battles as a ranking member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

Earlier this month, Tester notched another victory for reform with the passage of a bill aimed at fixing the three-year-old Veterans Choice program, a key method of connecting veterans to health care in rural states like Montana. Nationally, the Choice program accounts for about 25 percent of community care.

Essentially, the program was supposed to allow veterans who live more than 40 miles from VA health clinics and hospitals to receive care at medical providers in their own communities. The problem was that it relied on a private contractor to schedule appointments and pay bills, which added yet another hurdle for veterans to overcome and did nothing to shorten the waiting time for an appointment.

In response, Tester cosponsored legislation, signed by President Trump this month, that ends the reliance on third-party contractors and re-establishes the VA as the direct payer of medical bills.

Of course, the Veterans Choice Improvement Act will only live up to its name if the VA does a better job scheduling appointments and paying bills in a timely manner. In this it faces challenges, but has little excuses, given that it is one of very few federal agency to receive a significant increase in President Trumps proposed budget. If Congress continues to demonstrate broad, bipartisan support for veterans and keeps this increase, the VAs budget will expand by 6 percent, for a total of $78.9 billion.

In the meantime, Trump has promised a major and much-needed overhaul of the veterans agency. Although the presidents transition team had originally called for greater involvement from private businesses, the troubles experienced with private contractors in the Choice program may have dampened the enthusiasm for public-private partnerships.

Instead, Tester is focusing reform efforts on the Veterans Crisis Hotline, which currently cannot handle roughly one-fourth of its incoming calls, according to a recent report from the Inspector General. As Testers office recently pointed out, Despite agreeing with all of the Inspector Generals recommendations from last year to remedy these problems, the VA has not successfully implemented any of those recommendations or even written any policies for the hotlines operation. This foot-dragging is inexcusable.

Fortunately, it is unlikely to continue if the latest VA reform is as successful as intended. This past Thursday, Tester joined new VA Secretary David Shulkin and President Trump at the signing of an executive order creating an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the VA.

The office, which has not yet named a director, will be primarily charged with locating and eliminating the obstacles that make it difficult to move or fire poorly performing employees. It will also ensure that employees who report deficient conduct are not subject to retaliation.

Much more remains to be done. The VA still counts thousands of unfilled positions, and the Montana VA faces a slew of challenges in recruiting providers to our rural state, where the suicide rate among veterans is 2.5 times the national average.

Veterans in Montana have a listening ear and powerful congressional advocate in Senator Tester. They and their families should make sure to tell him all about their experiences with the Montana VA, so that he make sure to steer the federal department in the right direction as it undergoes critical transformation.
Rob Quist has this beat-up old Winchester 30.30 and shoots a hole through an old-fashioned TV while billionaire Gianforte has all the best camo clothes money can buy, a shotgun that probably cost more than your monthly mortgage payment, and then shoots a hole through a flat-screen TV. Of course it would be a flat screen; what reputable hunter would shoot a crappy old TV? Then of course, you see Gianforte hunting with all his buddies and they all have the best guns and clothes money can buy.
Gov. Steve Bullock should veto Montana Senate Bill 337. The legislation would get rid of our states Board of Environmental Review, which was created in 1995 to help protect air and water quality, ensure reclamation of mined lands, and to give citizens a voice in state decisions about our land and water instead of putting all of the power in the hands of bureaucrats and state officials.

As a recreationist, I know the value of our outdoors. Theyre a big part of who we are as Montanans, and a $6 billion annual boost to our economy. I choose to live here over anywhere else because of our blue-ribbon trout streams, and Im far from alone in that.

Clean water and citizen input in state decision-making are values we all share. SB 337 is a threat to both.

Jennene Lyda,

St. Ignatius
Have you noticed how politicians have been using our congressional seat as a stepping stone? Here we have the largest congressional district in the nation, and the most populous one too, so it is a huge responsibility to represent all of Montana. But our representatives have been eager to move on to what they regard as more worthy careers - in the Senate or in the administration.

Rob Quist is a refreshing break from this pattern. He is a Montanan who wants to be a voice for us in Congress. He grew up in Cut Bank and he honors our Montana values. He values public land and strongly believes in access, not fences and locked gates.

Quist is not from New Jersey. He is not a billionaire, obviously, since he could not pay his medical bills in the years before the Affordable Care Act. Quist isn't shopping around for a political position that gives him status, or a route to higher office.

It's about time that we had a congressman who wants to represent us in Washington. On or before May 25, vote for Rob Quist for Congress.

Polly Cunningham,

Choteau
I have read with sadness the letters in support of Greg Gianforte for Congress. Give him credit for his achievements; yet the fear of what Rob Quist would bring fed by mean-spirited outside interests is wicked.

What does higher taxes to pay for entitlements really mean? It fundamentally means that we take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Can we really believe Gianforte will fight on the side of Montana, where nearly 20,000 live below the poverty line? When he tells Sally Mauk of Montana Public Radio that Donald Trump has achieved much of what he promised? Outside of the Supreme Court justice, would he please point to action that would survive scrutiny?

As for my husband and me, we pay 50 percent more than our house payment for health insurance. Is that difficult? You bet it is. But we chalk it up to our part in taking care of those who would be unable to pay otherwise.

It boils down to who we can trust. Not a multi-millionaire. Not an elitist.

Rob Quist has the spirit and heart to stand up for Montana. Both sides of the House will be watching him. I have faith that his presence will teach a new priority from the current agenda.

I pray that others will follow.

Nancy T. Glueckert,

Polson
BILLINGS  Democratic House candidate Rob Quist is accusing opponent Greg Gianforte of having secret Russian ties, based on Russian stocks in the Republican House candidates stock portfolio.

Gianforte reported the index funds to the U.S. House in March shortly after becoming the Republican candidate to replace Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke as Montanas only representative. His Democratic opponent in the Thursday, May 25 election is Rob Quist. Mark Wicks is the Libertarian candidate. The financial disclosure statements are required of U.S. House candidates.

The Quist campaign, in an emailed statement, said the index funds are shady Russian investments Gianforte should have exited because of Russian aggression.

Montana voters deserved to know why Greg Gianforte held onto his shady Russian investments after repeated Russian aggression against the United States and why he kept his Russian ties secret during his failed run for governor.

Reporting the investments wasnt a requirement to run for governor.

The Gianforte campaign said the high-tech entrepreneur who employed hundreds of people at RightNow Technologies in Bozeman filed detailed investment information with the U.S. House to be as transparent as possible. The report listed his net worth in a range of $65 million to $315 million.

"Montanans know that Greg can't be bought. Greg has already promised Montanans that, if elected, he will place his assets into a blind trust to guarantee there is never any conflict of interest, said Brock Lowrance, campaign manager. Greg will take those actions to provide a guarantee that his investments will not influence his decision making. Montanans are the ones who influence his decision making.

An index fund is a bucket of investments in a number of companies. Because an investors share is spread over several companies, losses in any particular company doesnt sink the entire fund.

The funds are managed by someone other than the investor, which is important in understanding the relationship between someone like Gianforte and businesses in the fund, said Ed Ulledalen, of Raymond James financial services.

Gianfortes investments include $92,400 in IShared MSCF Russia ETF Fund and $150,000 in VanEck Vectors Russia ETF. Included are Russian energy companies like Gazprom and Rosneft, which have been under U.S.-backed international sanctions since 2014 and the Russian invasion of Ukrainian Crimea.

Ulledalen told The Gazette its a stretch to suggest index fund investors have ties the companies included in the index. Investors dont have a say in index decisions made at the discretion of a professional manager and probably arent aware of what companies are involved.

Its pointless to bring it up, Ulledalen said. If its a discretionary managed account, he would not able to make changes. Hes not going to be calling up a guy like me, hey, Ed, what do you think of the energy markets? 

Index funds focused on Russian companies arent uncommon in portfolios of investors big and small. Ulledalen said the retirement accounts for thousands of Montana public employees as well as state university faculty would probably have investments in Russian companies.

The Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration includes Russian investments in a Developing Markets Fund managed by Oppenheimer Funds. Among the listed companies targeted by the 2014 international sanctions are Sperbank of Russia and Magnit PJSC, which has a supermarket chain. Magnit PJSC is also part of the Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund, another funding source for state employee retirement funds.

The Montana University System Retirement Program includes the TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Fund, which lists Sberbank Russia among it's top 10 holdings.

Democrats first began emailing the Gazette regarding the Russian stocks issue in early April. It wasnt until Friday afternoon that The Guardian, a British daily newspaper, first reported the story, which the Quist campaign circulated about an hour later.

The Guardian headline read Republican candidate for Congress has ties to U.S.-sanctioned Russian companies. In the article Richard Nephew, a Brookings Institute foreign policy program senior fellow specializing in sanctions, said of Gianfortes investments: Theres definitely a question here, but my initial reaction is that this is not something to freak out about.

Nephew, who worked in the State Department during the Barack Obama presidency, went on to say that index funds are excluded from a sanctions perspective because the ownership stake per person is incredibly small. Nephew called "betting on Russias economy" problematic for a U.S. representative.
Provisions expanding self-distribution removed from legislation

Rep. Chuck McGrady, R, Henderson, tried hard to smile this week while presenting the plundered remnants of House Bill 500 The bill, which at first carried much hope and optimism for beer brewers, ended looking much like a Kmart toy aisle on the last day of a going-out-of-business sale.All the good stuff was gone.said McGrady, a primary sponsor.The House voted 95-25 Wednesday night to approve the watered-down plan, which heads to the Senate.McGrady said Tuesday in an Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee hearing.Call it what you will, but reality says the brewers were simply outmanned and outgunned, disheartened by a process that often enriches only lawyers and lobbyists and leaves entrepreneurs on the outside of the debate, disappointed and pessimistic.North Carolina's brewers can produce no more than 25,000 barrels of beer before they must procure a distributor, a move brewers close to that threshold say unfairly inhibits growth, compromises their brand, and runs counter to the core tenets of a free market.H.B. 500 would have raised that cap to 200,000 barrels, but the state's distributors - who said the increase would place their own businesses in jeopardy - along with religious objectors who see alcohol as morally abhorrent - persuaded lawmakers to eliminate the provision.said John Marrino, who owns Olde Mecklenburg brewery in Charlotte and has purchased a $3 million property in Cornelius, where he plans to build a second brewery.The scant remains of the bill includes provisions that authorize tastings during brewery tours, gives brewery taprooms the option to sell other alcoholic beverages, and lets "farm breweries" in dry counties or cities sell their products on the premises. Farm breweries are breweries on agricultural land that use some of the grains or fruits grown on the property in their beer or cider.One lawmaker even tried to kill that provision, Section 10 of the bill, which mirrors the rules letting wineries offer tastings and glasses in dry counties.Rep. Pat Hurley, R-Randolph, tried a couple of times to push through an amendment removing the farm brewery provision, which calls for a public hearing before a local board can approve sales and tastings in a dry county.she said Tuesday, referring to local referendums and residents' choice of elected representatives in Raleigh."I think the vote of the people is still very important in North Carolina."The Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, routinely rails against any legislation that he perceives promotes the use of alcohol.he asked lawmakers Tuesday.Fellow lawmakers pointed out the local boards and council are, too, elected by the people.For now, brewers are disappointed, yet there's little sense of despair. They haven't conceded the issue and show no intention of giving in.Policy, said NoDa brewing's Todd Ford, will prevail over crony politics.And, toward that end, a lawsuit over the barrel provision is a near certainty.
A cow moose took a leisurely tour through Deer Lodge  nearly joining a track meet in session  before officials safely herded her out of town by about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

It was a big cow, said Powell County Sheriffs Office Dispatcher Jen Lee. She was beating feet through town and was all fluttered. We had two police officers and a deputy rounding her up.

Startled residents called Lee, giving a running color commentary on the moose's whereabouts, tracking the moose as it breezed through town.

Lee took four calls, including from a guy playing ball at the American Legion field on the north side of town, where the moose was first spotted.

The animal made tracks south to the corner of Fifth Street and California, where she paid quick fly-by respects to the Community Church of Christ.

She then continued south on Fifth, then east past Powell County High School.

We were afraid she was going to participate in the junior high track meet going on, laughed Lee.

Minus a calf or any like companions, the moose headed southward to a south frontage road, she reported.

Then once out of the city, the officers let her go, Lee said. They just kept an eye on her to make sure she didnt run over any children or dogs. She ended up going (east) up to Interstate 90, which she crossed safely.

It was the most excitement Lee has had in the office for a long time.

Were not super-super busy during the day for that kind of thing, said Lee, gleefully, liberally using the phrase moose on the loose throughout the day.

It was funny. It was the highlight of my day. I rarely get phone calls, you know.
Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading.

Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy
BILLINGS  The recent bankruptcy filing by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings was the best and only way it could meet its obligations to all victims with sexual abuse claims and continue its ministry, church officials said.

The bankruptcy filing is part of mediation talks in mid-March in Seattle between attorneys representing 72 people with abuse claims, the diocese and its liability insurance carrier.

The bankruptcy is likely to be complicated and take time. How it could affect the dioceses operations, along with parishes, schools, and other church programs, is not yet clear.

But church officials and attorneys for the victims say they are working to reach a fair and equitable settlement for all claims and avoid fighting in costly and time-consuming jury trials.

On Monday, Montana's U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Benjamin Hursh disqualified himself from hearing the case. The case has been assigned to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jim Pappas of Idaho.

Hursh, who was appointed to the bench on Feb. 1, said in a court order that a reasonable person would likely question his impartiality in matters in which his prior law firm, Crowley Fleck, provided assistance. In addition, Hursh said he was obligated to recuse himself because a lawyer he previously practiced with provided assistance on a matter that may be before the court.

Fulfilling obligations

In filing for bankruptcy on March 31, Bishop Michael Warfel issued a statement in which he expressed his profound sorrow and sincere apologies to anyone who was abused by a priest, a sister or a lay church worker.

Warfel also said none of those who have been credibly accused was active in parish ministry and nearly all had died.

Bankruptcy was the best and only way to fairly and equitably fulfill the Dioceses obligations to all victims, creditors and other parties in interest and represents the only method by which the Diocese may maintain its worship, outreach, educational and charitable services to the community, said Darren Eultgen, non-ordained and chancellor of the diocese, in court records.

The Diocese did not seek (bankruptcy) to shirk any responsibility regarding sexual misconduct by clergy or any mistakes made by the Dioceses administration. The Diocese is not attempting to deny victims their day in court or hide the truth, Eultgen said.

Rather, the diocese is committed to pursuing the truth, addressing the wrongs perpetrated against children and other parishioners, and fairly compensating victims, Eultgen said.

Through the mediation, attorneys for the victims agreed to vacate a July 10 jury trial set for the first two cases, said Milton Datsopoulos, a Missoula attorney who represents a group of victims. He also has represented abuse victims in the bankruptcy of the Diocese of Helena, which was settled in 2015.

The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings has two sexual abuse lawsuits filed against it, one filed in 2012 and the second in 2013. The diocese is defending the civil cases in court and efforts to settle them have been unsuccessful, he said.

Verdicts in similar sex abuse cases across the country have ranged into the millions of dollars, and the diocese has insurance coverage available for only a limited number of claims, Eultgen said.

The pending litigation and lack of insurance coverage for many of the claims has placed significant strain on the diocese, Eultgen said.

Any judgement against the diocese would likely leave it without enough assets to fairly compensate other victims and creditors and result in a disproportionate allocation of the limited funds available to the diocese, Eultgen said.

'Major progress'

Datsopoulos said mediation provided major progress and a good faith commitment by the diocese to resolve the claims. Without the churchs commitment, he wouldnt have agreed to set aside the jury trial, he added.

The progress included that the diocese file for bankruptcy, Datsopoulos said. And the diocese is going to have to make significant contributions if this is going to have any chance of success. The diocese has the capacity to do that, he said.

Although there has been no agreement on settlement numbers, the diocese has said it and its insurance carrier both would contribute toward a fund to compensate victims and set aside money for additional and unknown victims.

The mediator helped design a process that makes it more probable there will be some type of global settlement. Were not near that yet, but we are committed to meet again, and again if necessary, Datsopoulos said.

The dioceses 57-page bankruptcy petition details its assets and liabilities, debtors and creditors.

In general, parishes and schools will continue operations as normal, Eultgen said in an interview. The claimants are filing their lawsuits against the bishop, as head of the diocese, and not against individual parishes, he said.

Canon law

While the petition identifies assets of the diocese that are included in the bankruptcy estate, it also identifies assets  like parishes, schools and some bank accounts and investments  that it says are excluded under Catholic canon law.

Canon law guides and directs the churchs administration and operations. Under canon law, each entity within the diocese is a separate entity within the church, the filing said. The diocese may have title to the property held for the benefit of those separate entities.

The filing identifies properties the diocese says is held for the benefit of the parishes and institutions of the diocese and is not property of the estate.

Canon law has come under scrutiny across the country as other dioceses have sought bankruptcy protection to settle sexual abuse claims.

They (the church) have been challenged, and they will continue to be challenged, Datsopoulos said.

There are areas where canon law and the laws of Montana and the country are inconsistent with each other, but the litigation is occurring outside of the church, Datsopoulos said.

Were governed by the laws of this country, even if were Catholics, Datsopoulos said.

His view, Datsopoulos said, is that assets being excluded under canon law will be a part of the settlement negotiation. Although some of the assets are off limits, the analysis is very technical, he said.

Its clearly a point of contention and a difficult problem, Datsopoulos said.

Ethically and legally, our total commitment is making sure our clients get treated as fairly as possible within whats available and practical. Were not interested in destroying the diocese or the Catholic Church, Datsopoulos added.

The petition lists the dioceses assets as totaling about $20.7 million in real and personal property, cash and investments. Liabilities total about $14.8 million in unsecured claims.

The diocese has about $71 million in real property, including individual parishes and schools, $2.5 million in bank accounts and $15 million in investments, that are not part of the estate under canon law, the petition said.

The diocese holds about $13.8 million in real property that is considered part of the estate. Included in those holdings are five parcels, totaling about $1.2 million, in Billings. Four of the properties are identified as a future church site, while the fifth is Holy Cross Cemetery.

Eultgen said the $1.2 million value was based on tax assessments although the church doesnt pay property taxes.

The bishop owns those properties, which people sometimes donate to the church as surplus property or the bishop has purchased over time, Eultgen said. One of those surplus properties is a 20-acre site in Briarwood, he said.

Surplus properties potentially could be liquidated in the bankruptcy, Eultgen said.

The petition also identified about $5.8 million in payments to creditors within 90 days of the bankruptcy. Those payments included $1.1 million to the Billings Catholic Schools for a construction loan draw and $25,000 in a grant funding pass through to Mary Queen of Peace in Billings.

Catholic school construction

Billings Catholic Schools is building an estimated $15.1 million, K-8 school at Colton Boulevard and Woody Drive. The school is being funded through private money and is set to open in the fall.

A spokeswoman for the Billings Catholic Schools Foundation referred questions to the chancellor.

Eultgen said the foundation gets loans from the diocese and repays the money through pledges. Meanwhile, the diocese makes payments so contractors can be paid, he said.

Another local building project planned is a new church at 2715 11th Ave. S. for Mary Queen of Peace Parish. The parish is the result of the consolidation a few years ago of Holy Rosary, Little Flower and Our Lady of Guadalupe churches. Last month, the city of Billings issued a building permit to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Great Falls for the project.

Father Jose Marquez said the chancellor has advised the parish to proceed with its building plans.

While there still are uncertainties, Marquez said the parish will carry on as normal and will be praying for all that is going on.

The bankruptcy filing prompted a handful of people to talk to him about the action. They were just concerned, Marquez said.

Cutting costs

For the past three years, the diocese has cut costs to reduce its budget by about 20 percent prior to filing for bankruptcy to work toward a balanced budget and to ensure that the diocese would continue to have the ability to fairly compensate the alleged victims and to maintain its core functions and missions, Eultgen said in court records.

The dioceses gross revenue for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2016, was about $6.2 million, with revenue coming primarily from donations and parish assessments, Eultgen said.

The gross revenue for the prior fiscal year, ending June 30, 2015, was about $9.4 million, the petition said.

In addition, the filing said the diocese has paid about $122,000 to a law firm in Coeur dAlene for its representation and about another $102,000 to a Los Angeles law firm, which is a consultant for the victims, as reimbursement for analyzing draft bankruptcy schedules and church financial information.

Helena case

The diocese is the second Montana diocese and the 15th U.S. diocese to file for bankruptcy to settle abuse claims.

In March 2015, a U.S. bankruptcy judge approved a $20 million payment plan to settle the reorganization of the Diocese of Helena. The diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2014 to resolve abuse claims that prompted lawsuits in state courts from two groups of victims in 2011.

The settlement addressed more than 360 abuse claims and created a trust fund for victims who come forward in the future.

Insurers for the diocese contributed $14.4 million to set up a trust for payments to victims, while the diocese took out a $3.5 million loan to help fund the trust and cover administrative expenses.

The settlement also required the church to take non-economic actions, including posting on its website the names of all known past and present alleged perpetrators of the diocese who were identified in complaints, providing a hotline system for reporting abuse and conducting background checks and psychological evaluations for seminarians.

Great Falls-Billings

The claims against Diocese of Great Falls-Billings bankruptcy are from 72 persons who were sexually abused, mostly by priests, when they were eight to 12 years old, Datsopoulos said.

Most of the victims are now in their 60s and still live in Montana. Many of them come from rural Montana and a significant number are American Indians, he said.

Attorneys for the victims assert the abuse caused deep trauma and damaged lives to where the victims have trouble developing stable relationships, have suffered extreme depression, anxiety and psychological problems and in many cases turned to substance abuse, Datsopoulos said.

The attorneys also maintain the diocese did not act in any reasonably prudent manner to protect the children after learning of the abuse and instead, moved priests to other parishes, Datsopoulos said.

Prior to the bankruptcy filing, diocese leaders and attorneys met twice with all of the priests to brief them on the situation and to answer questions, Eultgen said.

The first meeting was on Jan. 19, with all of the priests coming to St. Bernards Parish in Billings, Eultgen said. The second meeting was a conference call on March 30, on the eve of the petition filing.
Budget cuts to close 3 Job Service offices

LIVINGSTON (AP)  Montana is closing Job Service offices in Glasgow, Livingston and Shelby due to budget cuts.

Department of Labor and Industry spokesman Jake Troyer said Friday the lease for the Shelby office expires on May 31 while the Glasgow and Livingston offices will close on June 30.

Job Service offices assist employers looking for workers and workers looking for jobs.

Troyer says the department has offered the eight staffers in those offices other opportunities within the Labor Department or the option to retire early. The closures will save the state just over $700,000 a year.

The Livingston Enterprise reports the Department of Labor's federal funding has fallen from $32.8 million in 2002 to $15.3 million in 2016 and more federal cuts are expected this year.

New bureau to handle aquatic invasive species

KALISPELL (AP)  Montana officials have created a new bureau that will be responsible for preventing, detecting and controlling aquatic invasive species.

The Flathead Beacon reports the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Park has hired former Idaho Aquatic Program Manager Thomas Woolf to lead the bureau. FWP spokesman Greg Lemon says Woolf will begin working by the middle of May.

Wildlife officials found invasive mussel larvae in Tiber Reservoir last fall. They suspect there are more larvae at Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Montana lawmakers have approved increased funding for preventative efforts.

Reports say Woolf has had extensive experience with invasive species throughout his career. He holds a master's degree with an emphasis on invasive species from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Convicted man charged with carjacking

GREAT FALLS (AP)  A 27-year-old Montana man who is serving a 100-year sentence in the state prison for killing a person he believed was an informant in a drug case has pleaded not guilty to a federal carjacking charge.

Branden Conrad Miesmer entered his plea on April 18. His trial is set for June 5 before U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell in Great Falls.

Prosecutors say Miesmer took a car by force north of Helena in September 2015 as he was fleeing officers seeking to arrest him for the shooting death of 26-year-old Cody Bruyere in Great Falls. The car he had been driving was disabled after it hit a raccoon.

Miesmer soon abandoned the second car and was the subject of a three-day manhunt in the hills north of Helena.

Man pleads no contest to his part in killing

KALISPELL (AP)  The last of four people accused of killing 35-year-old Wade Rautio in Montana has admitted he would most likely be found guilty if the prosecution took their evidence to trial.

Reports say 21-year-old David Toman has been convicted of accountability to deliberate homicide in Flathead County District Court.

Toman pleaded no contest to his part in the killing. His sentencing has been scheduled for July 13.

Toman's attorney is expected to request a 30-year prison sentence with 15 years suspended as part of a plea agreement with the state.

The plea agreement is binding. So if the judge decides not to follow it, Toman would have the option to withdraw his plea and go to trial.

Wyoming wolf hunt off to a slow start

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP)  Wyoming wildlife officials say hunters have not killed any wolves since the legal wolf hunt began.

The Jackson Hole and News Guide reports Wyoming Game and Fish Department officials say they have not received a report of a hunter-killed wolf as of Friday.

The first legal wolf hunt in the state in more than two years began on Tuesday. Successful wolf hunters have 10 days to report their kills.

Sporting goods store owner and hunting guide Robb Wiley says bad weather may be a factor for the slow start.

When wolves were taken off the endangered species list five years ago, only 23 of the 2,153 hunters that purchased the license killed a wolf.
A new film series debuting this week seeks to bring Muscatine history to life with vibrant drama and color.

The Muscatine History Film Series has been in the works for almost two years and will begin filming Tuesday at the Muscatine Community College studios. Max Churchill, historian and historical impersonator, will talk at length about the area impact of well-known figures Norman Baker and Mark Twain.

Were excited to get it started, said producer and grant writer Laura Liegois. Muscatine has such a colorful history and so many interesting characters and were excited to be able to present this to local residents.

Norman Baker was a perfect choice to start because hes a great example, Liegois said. He was born and raised in Muscatine. He was an entrepreneur; he started the radio station; he started  rather infamously  Baker Hospital, where he was trying to cure cancer; he was in the calliope business. Hes a very interesting person, and here he is someone with such strong ties to Muscatine. And a lot of people arent even aware of him.

What we would like to do is shed light on more of these characters, Liegois said. Thats why were putting this together.

While the show starts this week, each subsequent Tuesday, the hosts, local video journalist Chad Bishop and historian Paul Carroll, will interview a Muscatine historian for the program. The uncut interviews air on Muscatine digital TV access channel 9 and full documentaries, including those interviews, will be put in production with an eye toward debuting them at the Muscatine Independent Film Festival annually, starting in 2018.

I remember when I was growing up and studying history, when we would have to do a paper on local history, it was always interesting to see all of these characters, Liegois said. I remember Max Churchill coming to my school dressed as Mark Twain and Norman Baker and talking about them, and it was so interesting. You dont see that as much anymore. I think thats missing in a whole new generation  kids are missing out on that interesting local history. So were doing this series and itll be geared toward that. Were hoping that these films will be shown in local middle schools and high schools and kids will really get a feel for all of the rich history right here in our hometown.

Possible video subjects include the Weed Family of Muscatine, the Stein family/Oatmeal Gal, the Barry brothers, Joseph Bennett and the wheat millers, the Abraham Smalley family, farm equipment manufacturers starting with the Ament family, the Musser family, Norman Baker, Max Stanley, the jewelry store murder scandal (current home of Creations by Oz), and the button companies and Pearl Button history, and more.

The ultimate purpose is to do the interviews for the documentaries, Bishop said. The (Norman Baker) script is near finalized and we are submitting grants to the Iowa Cultural Grant (through Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs), and the Iowa Humanities Grant (through the University of Iowa). Pending the results of these grants we will then start producing the short films with a budget of over $20,000.

There are a lot of neat things that have happened here  a lot of great characters that people might be aware of," Liegois said. "This is a way to preserve these stories and present them to people in a new and exciting way. Its a great project.
MUSCATINE  Nearly a year of contention between the Muscatine City Council and the Muscatine mayor move into its next phase Tuesday, May 2, at 4 p.m., when written briefs and proposed decisions are due from the prosecutor and Mayor Diana Broderson's lawyer.

Following two special hearings, prosecutor John Nahra and lawyer William Sueppel will have a final chance to present their cases to the council. After reviewing the submissions, the council will likely vote on whether it will remove Broderson from office, according to City Administrator Gregg Mandsager. The vote requires a two-thirds majority.

Charges for Removal

In the city of Muscatine's Written Charges of Removal, City Attorney Matthew Brick said while serving as mayor, Broderson has violated the city's code of ethics, "taken actions outside the limited scope of her powers, neglected her duties, engaged in misconduct or maladministration" and misused her power and office.

Brick listed nearly 40 incidents, since the mayor took office on Jan. 1, 2016, where Broderson made "baseless" complaints and claims about council members, city staff and members of the public, misused campaign funds and neglected to perform her duties in office.

She also allegedly cost the city as much as $100,000 in legal fees and staff time, after requesting investigations into whether she had been discriminated against on the basis of her gender and into actions of city staff that were later determined to be unfounded.
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 []
About 100 people rallied for the planet Saturday afternoon on the Yellowstone County Courthouse lawn in Billings.

They brought signs, statistics and enthusiasm to the gathering held in conjunction with the People's Climate March in Washington, D.C.

One person held a sign that read, Wind Power to the People. Another carried a more whimsical placard: Save our planet. Its the only one that has chocolate.

The group gathered in a circle to hear a pair of talks. Then they lined up along North 27th Street to share their message with passing motorists.

Some drivers honked their horns in the support. Others extended their middle finger, and at least one man accelerated his pickup, leaving a plume of diesel exhaust in his wake.

The climate supporters chanted to the beat of a bongo phrases such as: Hey hey, ho ho, clean environment its time to go. And when one person called out what do you want? they said climate justice, then to the question when do you want it? they replied now.

The planet is hurting, its sick, said Amaya Garcia Costas, a microbiologist and the event's organizer, who addressed the crowd first. She cited statistics to back her claim:

 The five hottest years on record occurred in the last decade.

 Ocean levels are rising.

 Fire seasons in the West are lengthening.

 Plants that benefit from high CO2 levels but are lower in nutrients and minerals are overtaking other plants, changing ecosystems and food chains and decreasing biodiversity.

Scientists have been taking the planets vitals for decades, and the diagnosis is clear, Costas said, speaking into a megaphone.

Climate changing is happening, she said. Climate change is real. Climate change is not a hoax.

Every year, the growing population uses up 1.5 Earths worth of resources, Costas said. Its like spending more money than you make.

We are taking a loan from future generations, she said. We are leaving them with nothing. We inherited this beautiful planet and we are leaving it trashed.

On the plus said, Costas said, solar power is growing at breakneck speed and creates one out of 50 jobs in the United States. But bipartisan House Bill 504, the Solar Jobs and Freedom Energy Act, was tabled in committee due to the influence of NorthWestern Energy, she said.

We need to remind our elected leaders that they work for us, not for the special interests, Costas said.

In two years, the House Energy Committee must be told that while the rest of the country was going solar, they put Montana behind and increased the mess for our children, she said.

Forty years ago, Republican President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency, Costas said. "And we need to protect it."

Kate French, chairwoman of the Northern Plains Resource Council, told the crowd that activists are rallying for the climate, as well as for jobs and justice.

We need more voices and we need more people involved in this work, she said. Thats our challenge going forward. We cant just keep talking to the same people in the same ways.

Much of the NPRCs focus is on agriculture, and many techniques help promote sustainable agriculture, she said. That includes sequestering carbon in the ground and using clean energy, which is now cost competitive with other traditional forms of energy production.

Its time to remind elected officials that climate change is real, French said. Its time to demand change, to use sustainable practices and to change the way we do business so its no longer just driven by profit without a care for the impact on our land, water communities and the future of our planet, she said.

Its time to move away from politics driven by big money, French said, and move toward politics that represent people and public interests.

Lets enjoy this beautiful planet, but in a thoughtful way and not at the expense of our children, she said.

Doreen Shewmaker, who stood on North 27th waving an American flag, said climate change, clean energy and a love of the planet drew her to Saturdays rally.

I enjoy being outside, she said. I want it to stay this way. I dont want pollution to block my view.

The country needs the EPA, Shewmaker said, and she fears the alternations to the federal agency by the Trump administration.

We need all the past changes the presidents have given us, she said. They dont need to go away. They cant. We need to keep Gods planet clean.

Mary Fitzpatrick, a member of the NPRC and the Citizens Climate Lobby, worries the effects of pollution especially on people in poor and low-lying countries. Global warming is leading to more extreme weather, she said, adding it must be confronted, not ignored.

Fitzpatrick was glad for the number of people who turned out in Billings and elsewhere on Saturday.

We want this to double and double again and keep doubling until our elected officials have to take us seriously, she said.
Dr. Steven Fawls lifelong journey from wanting to do chemistry at the age of 7 to writing the definitive college chemistry textbook at age 62, is the stuff of legend.

After teaching chemistry for nearly 40 years, including 32 at Napa Valley College, Fawl decided that it was about time that he put his years of experience down on paper.

To that end, he wrote an 800-page textbook. It took just three years to write, a feat that takes most authors 10 years or more to accomplish.

What makes the text notable is that he not only wrote the words but he also created all of the artwork. He drew nearly 2,000 images and graphics, including some that have never before been seen or conceived in any previous textbook.

The book, Insights in Chemistry, is receiving rave reviews from college chemistry educators who say Fawl is breaking new ground in a subject that has been around for approximately 24 centuries.

Fawl is already putting together a more concise, and even more graphically appealing, revised edition, due to be published in August.

I like chemistry because it answers the question, Why? said Fawl, who said he acquired an appreciation of art from his mother and a passion for writing from his father.

Fawl always had an aptitude for math and science but also had a strong interest in art.

In his senior year of high school he received a full-ride scholarship to art school, but turned it down in order to study chemistry.

I remember sitting down with my father to discuss my choices. He told me that if I went into chemistry, that I could still do my art, so now I do both.

So, throughout his teaching career Fawl has used art to explain chemistry.

There are topics in chemistry where we tell students that something happens and we never tell them why, he said.

Most of the time this happens because neither the books nor the instructors understand the topic well enough to explain it themselves. But when you use art, chemistry becomes real.

Through my art I have created images of things that have never been seen before. You understand it when you see it, and I have discovered ways of explaining these concepts through my art.

While his publisher had been happy to print several of Fawls lab manuals, more was expected of the longtime educator.

They asked me if I was working on anything else that might interest them and I told them that I had written the beginning of a chemistry textbook. They told me that they couldnt afford to publish a chemistry book because of the cost of the artwork. I smiled and told them, But I am going to do all the artwork, and they gave me the go-ahead.

As a result, I have created many images that have never been seen before  and in some cases  never conceived before. I am lucky because I dont have to depend on someone else to interpret my words in order to draw my pictures. I draw exactly what I see in my mind. If I hadnt been an artist, my students would never have seen the most important images in my book.

Through his art, Fawl has achieved an unprecedented insight into subjects that most instructors do not understand, especially in the area of quantum mechanics.

Quantum mechanics is hard, Fawl explains, but not because the topic is that difficult, I just think that it is taught poorly. For example, most instructors have little or no understanding of the shapes of atomic orbitals, but in my book, I explain exactly how and why these shapes are made.

This past year, Fawl was asked to give a presentation to a group of students who teach in NVCs Supplemental Instructor program.

Using his art background, Fawl gave these students jars of Play-Doh and some kitchen knives and a simple set of rules.

Following those rules, the students were able to create accurate 3D models of atomic orbitals that have never been drawn in any book. The technique is said to be groundbreaking.

Richard Thompson-Bremer, Emeritus Professor of English at NVC and one of Fawls mentors, complemented Fawl for writing a chemistry book that even he could understand.

The book has revelatory 3-D images, said Bremer.

Dr. Fawl offers leading-edge thinking, presenting concepts and methods not addressed in prior textbooks. His students are privileged to learn with a mentor who models critical and creative thinking.

Dr. Steven Farmer, chemistry professor at Sonoma State University, agreed.

This is easily the most proficient teaching textbook Ive ever seen, said Farmer. It contains several new methods for explaining general chemistry concepts.

NVC chemistry professor Josh Hanson said his students are reading the textbook because they enjoy it.

They can just open it up and start reading and learning, said Hanson, who taught at Woodland College, Cosumnes River College and UC Davis before coming to NVC this year.

The book presents an alternate way of looking at things, different than the way I learned and taught chemistry. I come from a different background, so its interesting to see students doing something I never taught them, and doing it well.

Hanson said he would not be surprised to see other college chemistry programs using the book.

I would like to see the book in more places because it is instructional instead of encyclopedic. Steve has a background in art and he uses that in his chemistry, Hanson said.

One of Fawls former students, Dr. Robert Cattolica, biology instructor at Chabot College, credits his academic and professional success to Fawls rigorous academic standards, coupled with highly effective and engaging teaching techniques.

Several of Fawls students, after they completed the chemistry series at Napa Valley College, moved on to UC Davis. Some, like James Carter, became tutors there.

Under Dr. Fawls apprenticeship I fell in love with chemistry, said Carter, who is studying for his doctorate at UNLV. When he applied to Davis, he wanted to become a tutor in organic chemistry but the school was reluctant to accept a community college as a prerequisite, said Carter.

They were not certain that any community college would be comparable or adequate, so they required me to take a placement exam. When I scored over the 90th percentile, they told me my education was good enough, and they offered me a position as an instructional aide, a tutor, doing academic workshops.
The future of marijuana in Napa  where the drug can be sold and grown  will be up for the City Councils debate Tuesday night.

With California poised to regulate the production and sale of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, council members are slated to grapple with what local limits it can set on the location and hours of future sellers.

In a report, city staff said it will recommend steering dispensaries into industrial areas or among medical offices in north Napa, and will seek to limit home cultivation to the six-plant maximum  all indoors  included in the Proposition 64 initiative California voters passed last November legalizing recreational pot.

After hearing from the council, Napa staff will craft a marijuana ordinance that will go before the Planning Commission and council members later this year.

In a memo last week to the council, City Manager Mike Parness and Community Development Director Rick Tooker opposed allowing a dispensary to sell marijuana for recreational use  a restriction that cities are allowed to impose under the new state laws. However, staff called for allowing medicinal sales in areas zoned for industry, such as parts of California Boulevard, Walnut Street or the Napa Valley Commons, or in neighborhoods on and near Trancas Street already marked off for medical offices.

Commercial warehouses, distributorships and laboratories for cannabis would remain illegal in Napa, as would commercial growing.

The Napa proposal would not require a minimum separation of dispensaries from schools, parks and youth-oriented centers beyond Californias 600-foot standard, but would block a cannabis seller from doing business next to or across the street from homes or residentially zoned land. A 1,000-foot buffer council members discussed last year would leave too few sites available for a dispensary, Tooker wrote.

Sellers could operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and would be allowed to deliver their products to customers in Napa or other towns where deliveries are not banned.

Such rules may set the stage for a second attempt at opening Napas first marijuana dispensary, following a 2010 city ordinance the council repealed three years later amid the threat of a crackdown by a federal government that still classifies pot as an illegal drug of abuse. City officials revived talk of allowing a cannabis seller after October 2015, when California passed the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act to set statewide rules for growing, manufacturing and sales.

Marijuana growing by residents would be limited to the amount guaranteed by Prop. 64, up to a half-dozen plants per residence. For safety reasons, Napa can cap the growing area within a home to 25 square feet, limit grow lighting to 1,200 total watts, and outlaw the use of butane or other gases to extract highly potent hash oil from cannabis  a process blamed by public safety agencies for fires and explosions.
The U.S. vows to ramp up the war in Vietnam and Napa plays host to a mass gathering of elected officials from the California League of Cities.
College is still a few years down the road for the middle schoolers participating in Napa Valley Colleges SciTech Girls program, but the women of WISE believe its never too early to get young girls thinking about their futures.

Members of the WISE (Women In STEM Empowerment) club hosted a series of workshops on Saturday in hopes of inspiring girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

We want to give young girls the opportunity to talk with female students who are taking these classes right now and give them hands on activities to show them how science and math can be fun, said Patricia Posada, faculty advisor for WISE. We want these girls to know that they shouldnt believe anyone who tells them they cant pursue STEM careers just because they are girls. We hope to empower these girls and inspire them so that if they like math and science, they know they can make it their career.

Before breaking up into small groups to rotate to the various workshops, the girls introduced themselves and discussed what they are interested in. The 20 girls participating in the event already seemed to be drawn to the STEM fields. Shayla Caoile, an eighth-grader at American Canyon Middle School, wants to be involved in the environmental sciences; Heidi Gadas, a sixth-grader at River Middle School in Napa, wants to be the CEO of a bank; Natalie Haag, an eighth-grader at Redwood Middle School in Napa, wants to study astronomy; and Neela Young, a seventh-grader at Vacaville Christian School, wants to be a neurosurgeon when she grows up.

I wish there had been something like this when I was their age, said Napa Valley College student Kimmy Ferry, who was running the chemistry workshop at the SciTech girls event.

Ferry is a biological engineering major who was recently accepted into the UC Berkeley Transfer to Excellence summer program. But if she could go back and talk to her middle school self, the younger Kimmy wouldnt have believed shed end up studying the sciences in college.

I never even had a chance to take a chemistry class in high school, Ferry said. I decided to take chem here and get it out of the way as part of my general education plan, but that class changed everything. I took chemistry, and I felt like I was put under a spell. I know that sounds kind of dramatic, but that is how impactful it was to me. The experience opened my eyes to things Id never considered. I fell in love with it. The work is hard, but I love it.

Over at the robotics demonstration, Vanessa Corona, the lone female in the NVC robotics club, shared her story about taking STEM classes and persevering in classes even as one of the only girls in the room.

If a guy tells you that you cant be an engineer, you cant be a chemist, tell him no, said Corona, a mathematics major. Tell that dude that you can study and pursue whatever you want. If that (a STEM career) is what you truly want for yourself and your future, dont let anything hold you back. If its your passion, go for it. Nothing should stop you.

Corona made the point that STEM classes can be challenging, but thats no reason for girls to be afraid of taking the classes. She told the girls they would be challenged in their studies but encouraged them to focus on achieving their goals.

Corona was joined by fellow robotics club member Juan Martinez to demonstrate a competition robot theyve been working on. Martinez also took a moment to encourage the girls to follow their dreams.

If it is your passion, dont be afraid to challenge yourself, he said. The work can be hard, but its hard for everyone who chooses that path. Dont let anyone tell you that you arent smart enough. If its what you want, you need to go get it.

During the lunch break, Angie Garcia was sitting with new friends, talking about some of the workshops theyd been to. She said she was having fun at the event, which she didnt expect out of the experience when she originally signed up. She said she expected to be overloaded with complex content that may have gone over her head, but she was relieved to see that science can be fun.

WISE president Angie Dobson, a pre-med student who will transfer in the fall, said she was pleased to see the girls having a good time at the workshops where they learned about computer coding and DNA extraction. The girls also had the chance to learn about anatomy and cyst removal using an experiment that involved extracting a gumball from a cup of Jell-O.

I took the AP science classes in high school and I struggled, Dobson said. I thought maybe I wasnt cut out for it, so when I came to NVC, I started out as a political science major, but my heart just wasnt in, so I came back to science, and I realized that science is what I really love. Its a lot of work, but the journey is so satisfying. I hope these girls leave her feeling empowered to go after their dreams. 

After the workshops, the girls had the opportunity to meet with women with careers in the STEM field and hear about the real life applications of STEM studies out in the world.

Dobson said she and the WISE members plan to stay in contact with Saturdays participants to offer advice and encouragement to the girls who want to know more about STEM careers. To learn about WISE and future WISE events, email wise@napavalley.edu.
France sees itself as playing a unique role in the world as a "beacon for humanity," as former president Jacques Chirac put it. Yet, that role is not always one it finds easy to fulfill. France's past and present reveal a complex saga of aspirations and disappointed hopes, from the revolution of 1789 to the present morosite (a despairing, very French species of gloom) gripping the land that gave the world la joie de vivre. These contradictions may help explain the persistent myths surrounding the nation and people of France, among them these five.

MYTH NO. 1: French unions are extremely powerful.

In a Washington Post column about the rise of Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential campaign, commentator Fareed Zakaria noted Macron's success in a "country often defined by its strong labor unions." Indeed, France is commonly conceived of this way: In 2014, the Economist endeavored to explain "why French trade unions are so strong," a perception perhaps related to the frequent demonstrations carried out by unions in the nation's streets.

French unions are certainly noisy: Their protests are famous for shutting down cities and even, on occasion, winning concessions from politicians. But despite their penchant for public displays, French unions are rather weak and show no signs of growth. In France, less than 8 percent of workers are unionized - a lower rate than in the United States, Britain or Germany. In addition, French unions are divided into three main competing factions, and the political parties associated with them - the Communists and the Socialists - are in decline, with Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon earning only 6.4 percent of the vote in the recent election. While French unions once had quite a bit of pull thanks to membership numbers and affiliations with strong political parties, both of those sources of power are on the downslide.

MYTH NO. 2: The French tend to surrender in conflicts.

"Since World War II," Britain's Daily Mail tabloid proclaimed in 2009, France "and its army have been seen by many as standard-bearers for surrender, cowardice and military ineptitude." In 2015, the Spectator's Toby Young chastised the French for their alleged "reliance on British and American men to protect them from murderous fascists." And "The Simpsons" famously labeled them "cheese-eating surrender monkeys. "

But while the French may choose their battles carefully, they're no cowards: Recently, for example, French forces have been deeply involved in fighting extremists in Africa and the Middle East. In 2012, French troops went into Mali to hold back an Islamist advance there, followed by operations in Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad. France has also been the Western nation most involved in combating the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. It has intervened to try to bring stability in the Central African Republic and took a leading role in the intervention in Libya, where its special forces are still fighting terrorism. Likewise, the French Foreign Legion - renowned for its strength and bravery - is still active globally.

France began air actions against the Islamic State in Iraq in 2014, followed by missions in Syria. In fact, President Francois Hollande was ready to launch strikes against Bashar Assad's regime in Syria after its use of chemical weapons in 2013 - but was held back by the refusal of the Obama administration to do so.

MYTH NO. 3: France is succumbing to far-right nationalism.

This month, Vox warned that Macron, a liberal centrist, is "France's best hope against a far-right takeover," and the Los Angeles Times wondered whether France would be "the next domino to fall in the far right populist movement." The Nation likewise worried that Brexit would empower France's far-right National Front. Most of these concerns were based on the alarming popularity of National Front presidential candidate Marine Le Pen. Those worries now look overblown though Le Pen's rise has undoubtedly changed the political landscape.

In the first round of the election, on April 23, Le Pen won 21 percent of the vote, well down from her opinion poll standing of 28 percent at the start of the year. Now, Le Pen seems bound to be defeated by Macron in the second round of balloting. Meanwhile, her party has only two of the 577 seats in the National Assembly, and it failed to gain control of any of the regional councils in elections in 2015. Le Pen has made the National Front a major player in French politics, but thus far that does not mean the country of the revolution of 1789 is being swept away by right-wing nationalism. Rather, it simply suggests that a lot of French citizens are unhappy and are looking for standard-bearers for radical change.

MYTH NO. 4: The French are not obese.

All across the Web, articles promise the secret to French slenderness. One guide discloses "how French women eat rich and stay slim"; an article on WebMD offers the down-low on "how the French stay slim"; another, on a beauty and fashion site, explains "how French women stay slim without even trying." The French are ranked by the World Health Organization as the 122nd fattest nation in the world.

But they are getting heavier. The latest statistics show that 25 percent of French adults have a body mass index of 30 or greater, more than in Germany and Italy (20 and 21 percent respectively) but behind the United States and Britain (34 and 28 percent). The same data showed that the incidence of obesity in French women in 2014 was 24 percent and almost as much among men.

How to explain expanding French waistlines? Nutritionists blame fast food and the spread of sedentary office work. More and more, food is prepared in factories or industrial kitchens rather than being carefully made at home. Snacks with fattening ingredients are increasingly common, and the tradition of the leisurely lunch, with time to digest and perhaps a walk afterward, has given way to sandwiches at the desk for many office workers. In 2013, fast-food purchases accounted for 54 percent of all restaurant sales in France, overtaking traditional restaurant sales for the first time. The government has claimed some success in a campaign against obesity in children, which researchers have linked to poverty and inequality.

MYTH NO. 5: The French drink a lot of alcohol.

France can lay claim to some of the finest wines in the world - and equally to a reputation for copious imbibing. "The French tradition," as author Herbert Fingarette described it, is "drinking frequently throughout the day, always remaining somewhat under the influence but rarely becoming visibly drunk." The same notion appears to have made Food & Wine's wine editor, Lettie Teague, imagine that her habit of drinking between two glasses and a half-bottle of wine per night would make her "a lightweight" compared with the French.

Yet in recent decades, young French people have been switching to soft drinks instead of wine and spirits. Wine consumption has plummeted in the past 40 years. In 1980, more than half of French adults were consuming wine on a near-daily basis. By the beginning of this decade, that figure had fallen to 17 percent, while 38 percent did not drink wine at all. The acreage of vineyards is now greater in China than in France, though France remains ahead in actual production. It ranks 18th in the world in alcohol consumption per inhabitant - pretty modest, compared to its reputation.




The Government of New Zealand intends to use these defense articles and services to continue its Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) capability, following retirement of its P-3K maritime patrol aircraft.



New Zealand has procured and operated U.S. produced P-3 MSA for over 40 years, providing critical capabilities to NATO and coalition maritime operations. New Zealand has maintained a close MSA acquisition and sustainment relationship with the U.S. Navy over this period. The proposed sale will allow New Zealand to recapitalize, modernize and sustain its MSA capability for the next 30 years. As a long-time P-3 operator, New Zealand will have no difficulty transitioning its MSA force to the P-8A and absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.



New Zealand signed New Zealand has requested the potential sale of up to four (4) P-8A Patrol Aircraft. Each includes: commercial engines, Tactical Open Mission Software (TOMS), Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) MX-20HD, AN/AAQ-2(V)1 Acoustic System, AN/APY-10 Radar, ALQ-240 Electronic Support Measures. Also included are eight (8) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS); five (5) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA) for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; five (5) System Processors for AN/AAQ-24(V)N; thirty (30) AN/AAR-54 Missile Warning Sensors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; ten (10) LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigations Systems (EGIs); support equipment; operation support systems; maintenance trainer/classrooms; publications; software, engineering, and logistics technical assistance; foreign Liaison officer support, contractor engineering technical services; repair and return; transportation; aircraft ferry; and other associated training, support equipment and services. The total estimated cost is $1.46 billion.The Government of New Zealand intends to use these defense articles and services to continue its Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) capability, following retirement of its P-3K maritime patrol aircraft.New Zealand has procured and operated U.S. produced P-3 MSA for over 40 years, providing critical capabilities to NATO and coalition maritime operations. New Zealand has maintained a close MSA acquisition and sustainment relationship with the U.S. Navy over this period. The proposed sale will allow New Zealand to recapitalize, modernize and sustain its MSA capability for the next 30 years. As a long-time P-3 operator, New Zealand will have no difficulty transitioning its MSA force to the P-8A and absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.New Zealand signed a contract with Boeing last year to modernize its six P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft operated by No. 5 Squadron RNZAF. The Squadron is equipped with a total of six Orion aircraft, each having undergone various airframe and mission system upgrades. The P-3K2 provides airborne surveillance and reconnaissance of New Zealands areas of economic interest, exclusive economic zone, the South Pacific, and the Southern Ocean including Antarctica in support of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
The Nepal government on Sunday registered an impeachment motion against Chief Justice Sushila Karki, leading to the automatic suspension of the first woman to hold the top legal post. A total 249 lawmakers from the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre have accused Karki of interfering in the jurisdiction of the executive and failing to issue verdicts without being prejudiced. The recent dispute between the government and the Supreme Court over the appointment of the police chief is believed to have been the tipping point. However, apparently protesting the decision which came a fortnight before the crucial local body elections, Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi announced his resignation. Nidhi, who holds the key Home portfolio, leads the Nepali Congress (NC), the largest constituent of the current ruling coalition. Attorney General Raman Shrestha said it was necessary to impeach CJ Karki for she tampered with the work performance evaluation of the Inspectors General of Police candidates during the recent controversy over the promotion of Nepal Police chief. Karki, who is slated to retire next month, has also been accused of breaching the sanctity of the court and separation of power, propping up groups and nepotism in the court, failed to execute fair justice and putting unnecessary pressure in the court and his fellow colleagues, among others. As soon as the Prachanda-led government appointed Jay Bahadur Chand as the new police chief, his competitor Nawaraj Silwal had knocked the door of the Supreme Court claiming he was senior. Later, the court ruled that Silwal be appointed as per merit and seniority. After the dispute, the government had appointed Prakash Aryal as the new IGP of Nepal Police. Silwal again moved the court last week and fearing that the court, which is due to deliver its verdict on Monday, may rule in favour of Silwal, the two ruling parties decided to register the impeachment motion. Meanwhile, with Nidhi's quitting, questions have risen over the fate of Nepal's local elections on May 14 and June 14. Nidhi, who was leading the party in the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government, was dissatisfied since long due to protocol-related issues with his party boss, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and PM Prachanda. "The appointment of the police chief comes under my ministry. I was not aware about the impeachment motion registered in Parliament," he said, adding that the impeachment motion is related to the IGP's appointment and "I am not consulted". Nidhi said he has serious reservations over the move to register the impeachment motion against CJ Karki without his knowledge. --IANS giri/vd/dg ( 438 Words) 2017-04-30-20:18:08 (IANS)
Ace actress Poonam Dhillon, who shot to fame with 1979 flick 'Noorie,' is quite lucky for people! Recently, the actress, while speaking to ANI at an event, stated that if she launches anything for anyone, it becomes a good omen for the person. "I am not sure whether I am lucky for myself, but yes, I am lucky for others. So, I always believe that if I launch or inaugurate anybody's new thing, it becomes a good omen for that person. People have been telling this to me for 20 to 30 years now," she said here, on the second day of India Runway Week (IRW) Spring/Summer, season 8. Dhillon walked the ramp for newbie designer Neha Choudhary, in a grey-and-white saree, justifying the latter's idea of establishing 'Monochromatic Feminism.' Speaking about her outfit, the veteran actress said, "When I first saw the outfit, I was a little skeptical. I was like, I am not sure whether grey and black are my colours or not. But after draping it, I was really happy and pleased. It is a very dignified and stylish combination." Start-up designer Neha Choudhary's collection mainly draws inspiration from the idea of a woman's capability, strength and self-confidence, so much as to be labeled as a legend. (ANI)
With the countdown to the battle for Raisina Hill having already started, leaders of "secular" parties are making a beeline to 10, Janpath, to discuss ways to counter the Modi-Shah juggernaut through a consensus candidate for India's top constitutional post when President Pranab Mukherjee's term ends in July. The parleys are still in a preliminary stage and it is too early for anyone to pinpoint a candidate, but according to informed sources the regional parties are keen on a candidate from among them, instead of from the Congress. Earlier this week, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar called on Congress President Sonia Gandhi to discuss a joint opposition candidate for the presidential election. Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) President Nitish Kumar, JD-U leader Sharad Yadav, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja and Communist Party of India- Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury have all met Gandhi. In fact, it all started after Nitish Kumar met Sonia Gandhi last week and asked her to take the lead in identifying a consensus candidate for the Presidential elections, which need to be held before July 25, the day when Mukherjee's term expires. "There is no other way out (but finding a common candidate). India's Constitution is in danger, its Preamble's ideals are being attacked. If a Sangh Parivar member becomes India's Constitutional head, the Constitution itself will likely be reviewed, which will not be good for Indian democracy," JD-U Spokesman K.C. Tyagi told IANS. He said parties may reach a consensus by the end of May. They would, of course, not open their cards at this stage, though a few names including those of Sharad Pawar and Sharad Yadav are alreay doing the rounds. "Soniaji telephoned me and I went to meet her. We discussed putting up a common candidate for Presidential elections. But no names were discussed," Raja told IANS. "The candidate has to be a consensus candidate," he added. However, cobbling a grand alliance -- for the immediate challenge of Presidential elections and for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls -- will not be easy given the disenchantment of some regional satraps with the Congress' knack of playing big brother in all situations. "The problem is wherever the Congress is big it is not willing to take the smaller parties along. And in the places where it is small, it seeks the lion's share from the bigger parties," a senior leader of a big regional party who did not wish to be named told IANS. Citing a recent example, the leader said that in the Karnataka by-elections recently the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) helped the Congress by not fielding candidates and the Congress candidates won. "But the Congress said it has won on its own. It refused to acknowledge the help it got from the JD-S," he added. "Some secular parties are maintaining a false arrogance. Until they touch down with practicality and reality, it will not be easy to defeat the BJP," another opposition leader said. However, Raja said: "I don't know what others say about the Congress because all said and done, the Congress is the largest opposition party and so it should take the lead." But he added in the same breath that the Congress cannot unilaterally decide the presidential candidate. Add to this enchantment the ambition of some of the regional satraps who at the fag end of their careers are wishing to enjoy a leisurely sunset sitting in the sprawling lawns of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan, and you know they are in no mood to listen to the terms of engagement to be dictated by the big brother. Also, the fight is close, with scales not tilting clearly to any one side. "It will be an interesting contest. Including all non-NDA parties, we have around 35,000 more votes as compared to NDA, but there would be disruptions (tor-phor). Amit Shah and Modi are expert in tor-phor," Tyagi said. "We want to fight this election as the saviours of the Constitution and the idea of India versus the vidhvansak (destroyer)," he said. (Mohd Asim Khan can be contacted on mohd.a@ians.in) --IANS mak/vm/sac ( 701 Words) 2017-04-30-11:56:08 (IANS)
The Union Minister took to Twitter to applaud Rajamouli and his team for the brilliant sequel.

"I have just watched 'Bahubali 2-The Conclusion'. It is a great visual treat giving the experience of legendary Hollywoood films like 'Ben-Hur' and 'Ten Commandments'," he tweeted.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/baahubali2?src=hash">#baahubali2</a> has taken Indian Cinema to entirely new level and coming from regional language (Telugu) team is all the more praiseworthy.</p> M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu/status/858335772306317312">April 29, 2017</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/ssrajamouli">@ssrajamouli</a> has decisively broken the barriers of Indian Cinema. As I&B Minister, I compliment him, the producers and the entire team.</p> M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu/status/858342981316694016">April 29, 2017</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the film continues to receive superb responses from across the nation and numbers of celebrities are sending congratulatory messages to the team of Baahubali 2.

The S.S. Rajamouli directed magnum opus has become the first Indian film in history to cross 100 crore net on the very first day of its release.

The movie stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sathyaraj in pivotal roles. (ANI)
Talking to reporters here, Mr Naidu, who had watched the movie, said " I am amazed by the canvass of the film, courage of its Director Rajamouli, characterisation, commitment to ensure quality of production and the fine blend of emotion with technology in dishing out such a global quality film.

This film has taken Indian Cinema to entirely 'new level' and coming from regional language (Telugu) team is all the more praiseworthy.

Rajamouli has decisively broken the 'barriers of Indian cinema 'and has demonstrated what grand vision, planning and execution coupled with courage and ambition could do to Indian cinema, he said..

He complimented the Director, the producers and the entire team for the wonderful Bahubali sequel and said "We feel proud of you".UNI KNR CS 1321

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0137-874593.Xml
There stood a man amongst the crowd which had come to see "The Life of Christ" in 1910 who after seeing the flick decided the direction of his life and within a span of two months went through all the films released in Mumbai and vowed that how he would do nothing else but film making.He was none other than father of Indian Cinema Dada Saheb Phalke.Today, the country is celebrating the "pioneer" of Indian cinema's 147th birth anniversary and with great reverence, the nation recalls his great contribution to Indian cinema that catapulted it to dizzying heights in the struggling era of early 20th century.Dada Saheb Phalke's real name was Dhundiraj Govind Phalke. He was born in Nasik in Maharashtra near Trayambakeshwar on April 30 in 1870. His father Daji Shastri Phalke was a Sanskrit Scholar. After some years, his family migrated to Mumbai in search of better life.Since childhood, Dada was inclined towards art and wished to make it his career. He took admission in JJ College of Art in 1885. He studied arts at the famous Kalabhavan in Baroda also.He also worked as a painter in a drama company. In the year 1903, he started working as a photographer in the archaeology department of the company.Dissatisfied with photography, he decided to venture into film making full time.To realise his ambition, he headed to London in 1912 on borrowed money from his friend. After studying the nuances of film making for two weeks in London, he returned to Mumbai along with film making instruments. More UNI SY AE SNU 1615 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0093-874706.Xml
No amount of pleading or arm-twisting could wrest 67 votes for state and local infrastructure out of the Montana House last week. The Legislature adjourned Friday after failing to muster votes needed for $43 million in borrowing for regional water projects and $80 million in facilities projects including university and K-12 buildings and a veterans nursing home.

Senate Bill 367 fell three votes short at 9 a.m. and again at 10 a.m., as the majority of House members struggled to gain approval for the bill backed by Gov. Steve Bullock and the Montana Senate.

Yellowstone County lawmakers who voted no effectively killed the bill that would have provided $5 million toward the Montana State University science building expansion and renovation; along with money for Billings Senior High, Lockwood, Park City, Lavina, Miles City schools and others to replace roofs and upgrade heating systems.

Yellowstone votes

Seven Yellowstone County lawmakers didnt vote for SB367 on the final attempt, accounting for more than the three-vote margin of defeat. Voting no were Don Jones, Dennis Lenz, Vince Ricci, Adam Rosendale and Peggy Webb  all Republicans. Republicans Dale Mortensen and Daniel Zolnikov were absent, but previously had voted against the bill.

Voting with the majority to invest in local and state infrastructure were Democrats Virginia Court, Jessica Karjala, Kathy Kelker, Kelly McCarthy and Sharon Stewart-Peregoy and Republicans Geraldine Custer, Jeff Essmann, Jimmy Patelis, Barry Usher and Sue Vinton. Thanks to all these lawmakers.

The House amended SB372 earlier in the week, cutting it by more than $10 million, but the smaller price tag still didnt win the support of the two-thirds majority required to incur state debt.

The bill passed the Senate with sponsorship that included Sens. Eric Moore of Miles City, Duane Ankney of Colstrip; and Margie MacDonald, Mary McNally and Tom Richmond, all of Billings.

Laurel flood relief

An appropriation to reimburse the city of Laurel for most of its costs on a new water system intake on the Yellowstone River was approved earlier in House Bill 586, sponsored by Dennis Lenz. That bill, appropriating $2.5 million in state funds, will soon arrive on Bullocks desk. We urge him to sign it, and provide the state aid appropriate for the flood damage to Laurels drinking water system.

House Bill 8, sponsored by Rep. Jim Keane, D-Butte, at the request of the Department of Natural Resources, proposed to provide the local match for six rural water projects covering large areas of Montana. The bill also included $13.6 million for the Huntley Irrigation Districts tunnel and canal system. The bill proposed repaying the bonds for these projects with interest from the state coal severance trust fund. Tapping the trust requires consent of three-fourths of the members of each legislative chamber.

Dems lose package

On the final House vote, HB8 garnered only 53 votes, falling 22 short of the needed super-majority. House Minority Leader Jenny Eck, D-Helena, said Friday that HB8 and SB367 should be "packaged," but that idea resulted in both failing. Most Democrats, including Keane, voted against HB8 Friday. Not enough Democrats voted for HB8, not enough Republicans voted for SB367. Everybody lost.

Face-to-face meetings between Bullock and Republican leaders didnt muster the super-majorities needed.

Republican House leaders were quick to point out that the 2017 Legislature passed other legislation for infrastructure. We point out that the Legislature has approved nothing for K-12 school facilities since 2013. Most of the 50 K-12 projects on the SB367 list have been needed for years. The urgency increases continually for replacing leaky roofs and aging, inefficient boilers.

If Yellowstone County voters want representatives who will support investment in our local infrastructure, theyve got to elect people who will vote for it in Helena.
Condemning the incident, wherein the car of a professor was vandalised in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), another professor of the university Prof. Ashwin said the team of the institution was in the hands of few anarchists. "Unfortunately, the JNU team is in the hands of few anarchists and is more concerned about the government policies. It is interested more in what is happening in Delhi University," Prof. Ashwin said. "I saw a silence for the first time over such incident against violence and that too against a teacher. The JNU is supposed to protect and promote interests in the teaching community. Even if it is small, it is a case of violence and breach of freedom of speech," he added. Earlier, an assistant professor at JNU, Prof. Buddha Singh, alleged that his car was vandalised and stones were thrown at his house by unknown attackers for organising an event on the university campus to condole the death of jawans in Sukma and Kupwara. (ANI)
The White House press corps gathered for its annual black-tie dinner, a toned-down affair this year after Donald Trump snubbed the event, becoming the first incumbent US president to bow out in 36 years.Without Trump, who scheduled a rally instead to mark his 100th day in office, the usually celebrity-filled soiree hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association took a more sober turn, even as it pulled in top journalists and Washington insiders.Most of Trump's administration also skipped the event in solidarity with the president, who has repeatedly accused the press of mistreatment. The president used his campaign-style gathering to again lambaste the media."I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away," he told a crowd in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, calling out The New York Times, CNN and MSNBC by name.In Washington, WHCA President Jeff Mason defended press freedom even as he acknowledged this year's dinner had a different feel, saying attempts to undermine the media was dangerous for democracy."We are not fake news, we are not failing news organizations and we are not the enemy of the American people," said Mason, a Reuters correspondent.Instead of the typical roasts - presidents of both parties have delivered their own zingers for years - the event returned to its traditional roots of recognizing reporters' work and handing out student scholarships as famed journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein presented awards."That's not Donald Trump's style," NBC News' Andrea Mitchell told MSNBC, referring to the self-deprecating jokes presidents in the past have made despite tensions with the press.Instead, the humor fell to headline comedian Hasan Minhaj."Welcome to the series finale of the White House correspondents' dinner," Minhaj, who plays a correspondent on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" program, told the crowd.He also joked about Trump, despite organizers' wishes, saying he did so to honor US constitutional protection of free speech: "Only in America can a first-generation, Indian-American Muslim kid get on this stage and make fun of the president."In a video message, actor Alec Baldwin, who has raised Trump's ire playing him on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" program also encouraged attendees.Few other celebrities graced the red carpet, although some well-known Washingtonians, such as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California, appeared.Trump attended in 2011, when then-President Barack Obama made jokes at the expense of the New York real estate developer and reality television show host.In an interview with Reuters this week, Trump said he decided against attending as president because he felt he had been treated unfairly by the media, adding: "I would come next year, absolutely."In Pennsylvania, Trump told supporters the media dinner would be boring but was noncommittal on whether he would go in 2018 or hold another rally.Late night television show host Samantha Bee also hosted a competing event - "Not the White House Correspondents' Dinner" - that she said would honor journalists, rather than skewer Trump.REUTERS SV 0918 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-874404.Xml
Citing the White House statement, CNN reported that Trump and President Duterte had a "friendly discussion" on Saturday that also addressed regional security in Southeast Asia and the Philippines' drug war.

Trump has invited Duterte to discuss the US-Philippines alliance.

However, the White House gave no details on when or if Duterte would visit the U.S. but said that Trump is looking forward to visit Philippines in November to attend an East Asia summit that Duterte will host with several world leaders.

"They also discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries throughout the world," the official statement said.

Duterte had earlier urged the U.S. to be patient and practice restraint towards North Korea saying that the two sides are "playing with their dangerous toys". (ANI)
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called a special meeting of close aides in Lahore on Sunday to discuss the prevailing national political situation including the Dawn Leaks inquiry report. "Issues related to the Dawn Leaks inquiry report will also be discussed in the meeting apparently called out of the controversy over the report," Geo News quoted sources, as saying. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan will be attending the meeting, chaired by Sharif. Nisar on Saturday said that the notification regarding the Dawn Leaks would be released by the Interior Ministry, which will be in line with the recommendations made by the inquiry committee. He said the Interior Ministry was supposed to issue a formal notification in this regard and not the Prime Minister's Office. "It was only a reference issued in lieu of the briefing given to the Prime Minister. A notification on the matter is yet to be issued by the Interior Ministry," The Express Tribune quoted Nisar, as saying, while referring to an executive order issued earlier today by the PMO. In what seems to be an apparent reference to a tweet by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Nisar said it was unfortunate that tweets were being used by state institutions to handle key matters. "I believe that these tweets are like poison for Pakistan's democracy. It is unfortunate that we handle these matters through tweets," he said. Earlier, the Pakistan Army rejected the federal government's notification on Dawn leaks inquiry, saying that it was incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. "Notification on Dawn Leak is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected," Director General, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted. The tweet came minutes after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government released a notification stating that Sharif had approved the recommendations of the Dawn Leaks inquiry committee. Sharif also 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. (ANI)
UKPNP's exiled chairman and Jammu and Kashmir International People`s Alliance (JKIPA) secretary general Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri was the chief guest of the convention and seminar under the title 'Save Gilgit-Baltistan - Preventing annexation of Gilgit-Baltistan and further division of Jammu and Kashmir: The way forward'.

Sardar Rashid Yousaf, President, UKPNP North America, Sardar Zahid Hussain, former chief organiser, UKPNP North America from Canada, Sardar Sikander Abbass former vice-president, UKPNP Europe Zone from Belgium, Comrade Rizwan Khan from Middle East attended the meeting in Leeds.

Party delegates from different European countries and across United Kingdom were also in attendance.

Members Parliament of the U.K. and Councillors were the key guests in the seminar.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri and other party leaders briefed to Members Parliament, Councillors, electronic and print media persons, regarding Pakistan's designs to annex strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province.

Other issues related to Jammu and Kashmir dispute, exploitation of national resources and construction of mega projects in disputed Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, restriction on press and media, growing terror phenomenon in the South Asian region, social unrest, violence unleashed against women, religious minorities and ethnic groups were highlighted. (ANI)
U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on April 12, 2017. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his administration won't label China as currency manipulator, and complained that the U.S. dollar is too strong. In an interview with Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, Trump said "they (China) are not currency manipulators," according to the report. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

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 said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-29 20:43:12|Editor: ying

Video Player Close

MOSCOW, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The air defense in Russia's Far East region has been put on "high alert" after the latest missile test carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), a Russian senior lawmaker said Saturday.

"Russia closely follows the developments" in Pyongyang, and "controls the airspace ... of the Russian air forces," Victor Ozerov, chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Committee on Defense and Security, was quoted by Sputnik as saying.

The DPRK reportedly test-fired a ballistic missile from a site north of its capital at about 5:30 a.m local time on Saturday (2100 GMT on Friday), which was estimated to have failed as the missile exploded shortly after liftoff.

While noting that although Russia is not targeted by Pyongyang's missile launches, he added that the country "will do everything to prevent missiles from accidentally landing on the territory of Russia in the case of an extraordinary situation."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 07:01:32|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Huge crowds took to the streets in Washington, D.C. and at over 370 sister marches across the United States on Saturday in mass protests against President Donald Trump's climate policies.

The People's Climate March, timed to coincide with the 100th day of the Trump administration, followed a series of presidential executive orders that aimed to loosen restrictions on the fossil fuel industry as well as proposed deep cuts in funding to the country's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other related agencies.

The main event in Washington D.C., started at 10:30 a.m. at Union Square, near the U.S. Capitol.

Nearly a dozen speakers, including a nurse affected by Hurricane Sandy, an indigenous community leader from the Gulf Coast and a student activist from Las Vegas, spoke about the impact that climate change and pollution were already having on their lives, calling for a clean economy that leaves no one behind.

"We come today to say the effects of climate change are real and causes of climate change are clear," one of the speakers, Judith Howell, member and political Organizer of SEIU 32BJ, a labor union, told the crowd.

"Mr. President, it's time to put the health and welfare of our communities before polluters' profits."

At 12:30 p.m., protestors, against the scorching sun, began marching west along the Pennsylvania Avenue, carrying signs as "End the Fossil Fuel Age," "Save the EPA" "Conserve Now or Swim Later," "Thinks of the Polar Bears," "Climate Change = Real Terror," and "Make Earth Green Again."

About one and a half hours later, when the march fully surrounded the White House, some of the protestors sat down for 100 seconds to symbolize the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

Then, they rose and resumed their march to the Washington Monument for music and art.

Ellen Connolly, a software company manager, was one of the marchers under stifling heat as the temperature rose to as high as 32 degrees Celsius.

"I have a seven-month-old granddaughter and I would like to see she has a decent place to live as she grows up," Connolly told Xinhua.

"He (Trump) doesn't really have climate polices as if climate change does not exist. He doesn't care about environment."

Gale Harvey, 78, a physicist who retired from the U.S. space agency NASA's Langley Research Center, echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Trump administration of promoting "a lot of lies" such as downplaying the certainty of climate change science.

"Much of his points he said is outright lies, if not outright lies, (they are) very bad, and destructive distortions of actual truths," Harvey said.

"I'm very, very concerned about the devastating decrease in funding for science agencies and even more concerned about the gag orders that seems to be quietly going out so that the scientists can not publicize their results."

Organizers said the march in the U.S. capital topped 200,000 people at its peak, far outpacing the National Park Service's permitted space for 100,000 people. Meanwhile, there are tens of thousands more taking part at over 370 sister marches across the country.

Sister marches also took place on Saturday across the world including in Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, Uganda, Kenya, Germany, Greece, United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica, the organizers said.

"We're blown away by the numbers," Paul Getsos, the People's Climate Movement National Coordinator, said in a statement.

"We like to say 'to change everything, we need everyone' and everyone is showing up. This movement for climate, jobs and justice will only grow stronger."
Nationally, 33,000 Americans died in 2015 from an opioid overdose. That's close to the number of casualties caused by car accidents. Montana has seen a 475-percent increase in heroin found during arrests since 2013, and meth usage is rising again.

Patients who struggle with substance abuse and mental illnesses rely heavily on mental health care, often to survive. In 2015, Montana had the third highest suicide rate in the nation. Based on Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services information, 65 percent of suicides between January 2014 and March 2016 had multiple substances in the body (such as opioids and alcohol). We must continue to address mental health needs if we want to reduce substance abuse and suicide rates.

This year, the Montana Legislature stepped up and provided protections for those in need of mental health care. House Bill 142, the Montana Mental Health Parity Act, will require insurance companies to cover mental health services on par with physical health. This means deductibles, co-payments, and out of pocket costs for mental health must be equal to those for physical health. For instance, if a patient requires a prescription for bipolar depression, the insurance company must cover the drug as it would blood pressure medicine. Access to mental and behavioral health care can save lives, and this legislation can help Montanans struggling receive critical care.

The impact of the House Bill 142 can seem small at first blush. This new Montana law reflects the practice that should already be taking place under the Affordable Care Act. However, in the last few months, congressional efforts to repeal and replace the ACA are jeopardizing mental health parity, making the need for a Montana solution that takes care of Montanans more relevant than ever.

While the Legislature is passing this key piece of legislation to address mental health and substance use disorders, congressional leadership in Washington in D.C. continues to threaten another critical element that assures access to mental health care: Medicaid expansion. In Montana, more than 71,000 low-income adults have gained coverage through Medicaid expansion. They now join the 52,473 Montanans who have purchased coverage through the marketplace with the help of the ACAs tax credits and subsidies.

The recently failed ACA repeal bill would have ended Montanas Medicaid expansion and shifted $3 billion in costs to Montana over the next 10 years. This would put our state-level expansion on the chopping block and cause thousands of Montanans to lose their health care coverage. Without this assistance, thousands would go unserved. Without this assistance, low-income workers would struggle even more to pay for addiction treatment and mental health services on their own.

Montana should be proud of the bipartisan work done to address mental health and expand access to health care, including life-saving substance use disorder treatment.

Our work is not yet done. We must hold Congress accountable and demand that they protect health coverage for tens of thousands of Montanans. With an opioid epidemic destroying lives and a mental health crisis ripping apart families, it is essential people receive the care they need. Too many lives are at stake for us to stand idly by and risk going backwards.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 07:01:32|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

ANKARA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 3,974 public staff were dismissed over suspected links to Gulen Movement, as part of an ongoing probe into the July 15 coup attempt in 2016, the Turkish Official Gazette announced late Saturday.

According to the decree, 18 foundations, 14 associations and 13 healthcare organizations having links to the Gulenists were closed, while five associations will continue their activities.

The dismissed civil servants include employees from the Turkish Parliament, Supreme Court, Supreme Election Board, Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors, Directorate of Religious Affairs, the ministries of justice, energy, interior and other state institutions.

Television dating shows were also banned in a separate decree issued on the same day, a move already signalled by the government months ago.

Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based preacher, is accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating the 2016 failed coup attempt, which left at least 241 killed and over 2,000 injured.

The Turkish government launched a massive crackdown on Gulen's supporters in the aftermath of the coup attempt. Tens of thousands of public officials were dismissed or suspended from their jobs while many others remain under investigation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 07:01:32|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

BOGOTA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a collapsed building that was under construction in Cartagena, Colombia continued to climb as rescue workers sifted through the rubble.

On Saturday, City Hall issued its latest tally of victims, including 18 dead and 23 injured, with a total of 41 people rescued.

Some 16 of the injured remained hospitalized, Mayor Manuel Duque told local media.

All of the victims in Thursday's tragic accident were construction workers, several of them of Venezuelan nationality.

Arrest warrants have been issued for the developers, identified as the siblings Mayra, Eduardo and Wilfran Quiroz, who had apparently forged the building permits.

"They did not have permits to build. It was a fake permit to dupe the people and the city," said Duque.

Colombian prosecutors said the Quiroz siblings, who have not been located, were currently considered to be fugitives.

Officials were also reviewing other developments built by the siblings' company, Constructores & Quiroz.

Colombia's Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation into several city officials suspected of corruption in the case.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 07:01:33|Editor: xuxin

Policemen guard at the site of a demonstration against President Donald Trump's climate policies in Los Angeles, the United States, April 29, 2017. Huge crowds took to the streets in Washington D.C. and at over 370 sister marches across the United States on Saturday in mass protests against President Donald Trump's climate policies. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong)

WASHINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Huge crowds took to the streets in Washington, D.C. and at over 350 sister marches across the United States on Saturday in mass protests against President Donald Trump's climate policies.

The People's Climate March, timed to coincide with the 100th day of Trump's first 100 days in office, followed a series of presidential executive orders that aimed to loosen restrictions on the fossil fuel industry.

Organizers said over 150,000 people have joined the event in the U.S. capital, a number far exceeding their expectations, as the National Park Service granted a permit only for 100,000 people.

"We're blown away by the numbers," said Paul Getsos, the People's Climate Movement National Coordinator.

"We like to say 'to change everything, we need everyone' and everyone is showing up. This movement for climate, jobs and justice will only grow stronger."

The nationwide marches came as the Trump administration is debating whether the United States should continue to stay in the 2015 Paris Agreement on tackling global warming.
Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Feb. 13, 2017 shows a test firing of a surface-to-surface medium- and long-range ballistic missile Pukguksong-2 on Feb. 12, 2017. (Xinhua/KCNA)

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| 2017-04-30 08:01:15|Editor: Liangyu

Video Player Close

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Lazio are preparing an offer to sign highly rated Brazilian defender Emerson Santos, according to media reports.

The 21-year-old has impressed the Italian club's scouts with his performances at both center-back and right-back for the Rio de Janeiro outfit.

Santos is currently contracted to Botafogo until the end of 2017 but he his free to sign a pre-contract with another team in June.

A product of Botafogo's youth academy, Santos has made 50 first team appearances for the club since his first-team debut in 2015.

Lazio are currently fourth in the Italian Serie A standings, 20 points behind leaders Juventus.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 08:06:17|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

SAN FRANCISCO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A new study supports the idea that analysis considering a range of flood scenarios, as opposed to a single 100-year threshold, could be more robust and accurate about vulnerability of bridges.

Current risk assessments in the United States generally assume that bridges may collapse when a 100-year flood, namely 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, according to authors of a paper published in the Journal of Infrastructure Systems, because it fails to capture the full range of stream flow conditions that can cause bridge collapse.

In their analysis, the researchers considered the full variability of floods that could cause collapse, as opposed to the 100-year approach, thus identifying a greater sensitivity to changes in the underlying frequency of flooding.

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.

Last month, the American Society for Civil Engineering gave U.S. bridges a C+, estimating that 123 billion U.S. dollars is needed to clear the maintenance backlog; and that an additional 140-250 billion dollars 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 study came at a time when the current U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, is considering a 1 trillion dollars budget proposal to update infrastructure, including bridges.

"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," said Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of Earth system science at Stanford University.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 10:06:36|Editor: Liu

Video Player Close

U.S. President Donald Trump (Front) delivers a speech during a rally marking his first 100 days in office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the United States, April 29, 2017. (Xinhua/Yan Liang)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- In his first 100 days in office, U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy has been tough, but lacking an overall strategy, U.S. experts have said.

Experts said Trump's election marks a new era for U.S. foreign policy, as he is more willing to use military force and bomb adversaries.

Critics have blasted Trump's predecessor Barack Obama as an ivory tower intellectual who was paralyzed by fear of escalation in some areas and therefore took no real action on pressing foreign policy matters.

By contrast, Trump has shown that he spends less time deliberating and is quicker to take action in certain areas.

Since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump has gotten tough on both Syria and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in what experts see as a break from the previous administration's more diplomatic approach to foreign policy.

Indeed, earlier this month, Trump ordered a surprise missile strike against Syria to send a warning to the Syrian government after a reported chemical weapons attack.

He also ordered the U.S. military to drop the "mother of all bombs" -- the most powerful non-nuclear bomb -- in Afghanistan, in a bid to send a message that he means business.

At the same time, Trump has declared the end of the so-called "strategic patience" policy over DPRK's nuclear and missile programs, while putting all options, including a military strike, on the table. He even ordered a U.S. carrier strike group to the waters near the Korean Peninsula.

"I think that the crises to date have been managed okay," Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

MISSING THE MARK ON SYRIA AND ISLAMIC STATE

While some experts said that Trump is faring well in terms of foreign policy overall, others said his recent moves in Syria have backfired, and have been detrimental to U.S. interests.

"Trump's anti-chemical weapons missile strike against Syrian (government) forces caused the Syrians to redouble their conventional bombing of pro-U.S. rebels in non-IS areas of Syria," Wayne White, former deputy director of the State Department's Middle East Intelligence Office, told Xinhua.

On the war against the IS, White said the Trump administration is doing nothing different than Obama.

"Despite promises to crush IS, Trump has done practically nothing different than his predecessor so far," White said.

"A small U.S. troop reinforcement, something the Obama administration already was doing in stages for over 2 years, plus an aerial bombardment mostly unmodified," he added.

Consequently, the situation remains largely unchanged: gradual Iraqi progress against remaining IS forces in Mosul and limited gains by U.S.-backed anti-IS forces around the IS capital of Raqqa, he said.

Trump's modest reinforcement of anti-IS Syrian forces with more U.S. personnel helps, but has not yet resulted in a swifter advance on Raqqa, he said.

TURNING ATTENTION TO DPRK ISSUE

The DPRK has been a focal point of Trump's foreign policy during his first 100 days, and it will likely continue to be so going forward, experts said.

Indeed, Trump has been ratcheting up pressure on the DPRK recently in the hope of coercing the Asian nation to give up its nuclear and missile programs.

On Wednesday, all U.S. Senators were invited to a highly unusual meeting at the White House to hear briefings by U.S. diplomatic, defense and intelligence officials on the DPRK situation. One day later, the Senate held a special hearing on the issue.

Experts said Trump is pursuing a DPRK policy somewhat like his predecessor, though a more direct one, with heightened rhetoric and pressure against Pyongyang.

Trump has in recent weeks re-directed a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to the area in a bid to send a signal both to Pyongyang and to U.S. allies in the region, after the DPRK's recent missile test launch.

Michael Auslin, director of Japan Studies and resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, told Xinhua that Trump is pursuing an "Obama-plus" strategy on the DPRK issue, which encompasses the same approach of reassuring allies and maintaining military assets in the region, but uses heightened rhetoric and more direct threats.

Troy Stangarone, senior director at the Korea Economic Institute, told Xinhua the movement of the carrier strike group was done in a bid to reassure South Korea and to send a signal to the DPRK that there are limits to what Washington views as provocations.

Still, while the military option remains on the table, Trump has few options beyond those available to Obama, and is expected to pursue a policy of increasing pressure on the DPRK through sanctions and diplomatic isolation, Stangarone said.

Some experts said that so far, Trump's foreign policy encompasses tactical responses to specific issues, but lacks an overall, long-term global vision and doctrine to tie everything together.

Others pointed out that the new president has only been in office around three months, and there is still time to put together a Trump doctrine on foreign policy.

"The solid performances in the first 100 days shouldn't be over-interpreted, because there are still 1,400 days to go more or less, and because the big decisions on major policies haven't yet been made," O'Hanlon said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 10:21:47|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

MANILA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Southeast Asian leaders have urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to seriously comply with its international obligations during their summit on Saturday, voicing concerns over Pyongyang's test-firing of mid-range ballistic missiles.

The 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held their 30th annual summit and retreat in Manila on Saturday.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose country holds the rotating chair of ASEAN this year, officially released the chairman's statement on Sunday.

"We discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula and are gravely concerned about recent developments, including (DPRK's) two nuclear tests in 2016 and subsequent launches using ballistic missile technology like the submarine-launched ballistic missile," the ASEAN leaders said in a chairman's statement issued at the end of their summit.

"We urged (the DPRK) to immediately cease all actions that violate its international obligations and contravene U.N. Security Council resolutions," the leaders said.

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of compliance with international law and the full implementation of all relevant UN security Council resolutions.

The leaders also reiterated their support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and "for the concerned parties to exercise restraint in order to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

"We strongly urged (the DPRK) to comply with these resolutions and acknowledged the importance to exercise self-restraint and called on all parties to exert collective efforts in the interest of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and the world," the leaders said.

The ASEAN, which groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 10:21:48|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

ALGIERS, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Saturday visited a section of a highway in Algeria which is being constructed by a Chinese company, and praised the efficiency of the project.

The section being constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) is the entrance of the North-South Trans-Saharan Highway.

The 53-km-long entrance section links the towns of Chiffa and Berrouaghia in northern Algeria. It is regarded as the most difficult and complicated part of the whole highway due to the mountainous terrain.

Sellal expressed satisfaction with the project's high quality and the scientific management of construction. He also praised the Chinese workers for overcoming difficulties while working in mountainous areas and working hard day and night.

The prime minister said the North-South highway, linking the North African nation to Nigeria over a distance of more than 3,000 km, is vital for boosting the economies of Algeria and other African countries along the way.

He said he hoped the Algerian and Chinese sides can strengthen cooperation and complete the landmark project with a high standard.

The CSCEC has to build 14 bridges and two tunnels with each having a length of 2.4 km. The construction projects are due to be finished in 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 10:21:49|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

MANILA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have welcomed the progress made in negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during their summit, saying the giant free trade pact will boost global trade.

Southeast Asian leaders gathered here Saturday to exchange views on how to strengthen the bloc so as to meet the challenges facing it.

"We emphasized that the sluggish economic environment and trends towards protection increase the need to achieve a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial RCEP Agreement, which has the potential to boost global economic growth, deepen regional economic integration and facilitate equitable economic development for all RCEP participating countries," the ASEAN leaders said in a statement issued by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the end of their summit on Saturday.

The chairman's statement was officially released on Sunday.

The Philippines holds the rotating chair of ASEAN this year.

ASEAN leaders instructed their ministers and negotiators "to redouble efforts building on the good momentum achieved thus far" in the negotiations on RCEP, the statement read.

Moreover, the leaders reiterated the commitment of ASEAN states "to working together in a cooperative manner in line with the Guiding Principles and Objectives for Negotiating the RCEP towards the swift conclusion of the RCEP negotiations".

The Philippines has committed to fast tracking RCEP, a free trade pact that aims to tie together ASEAN's free trade agreements with each of its trading partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has said his country would push for the "substantial conclusion" of RCEP that will expand the ASEAN market from 600 million people to 3.5 billion by the year end.

The ASEAN, which groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
Are You Kidding? Just in case you happen to see the absurd ad in the Sunday, April 23, Billings Gazette, apparently written by Dr. W. David Herbert, who insists on over-simplifying a major historical event by dragging up possible confrontations from nearly 50 years ago concerning Rob Quist and the Vietnam War, I would like to remind him that not all veterans were proud of their service in 1969. In fact, many intelligent young men were confused, depressed and angered by the entire event.

Eventually, Americans all over the country became increasingly repulsed by the nightly death counts, climbing fatalities and the graphic nature of war, which was transmitted, for the first time, directly into American living rooms. Overlooking the 58,000 American deaths in the Vietnam War (and for what cause?), many of the returning soldiers fought exposure to Agent Orange, drug addiction and the heartbreak of the My Lai Massacre, in which up to 500 innocent South Vietnam civilians, including women and children, were massacred by American troops.

With all due respect, Dr. Herbert, you might like to review your understanding of the Vietnam War and what America gained from the experience. Unfortunate as it may have been, when it comes to voting in the upcoming election, I will not be voting retrospective of some Vietnam vets being spit on almost 50 years ago. I will, however, be looking to the future by voting for a man who does not think that the world was created 6,000 years ago and that humans roamed the earth with the dinosaurs. Personally, I have chosen to vote for the candidate that will not subsidize the ludicrous nature of this current administration. Give me a break.

Gerald D. Cole

Livingston
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 10:41:53|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

HAVANA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- In a bid to build bridges through music, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will celebrate International Jazz Day on April 30 with a global concert that will stream live from the host city of Havana, Cuba.

The day celebrates "the international art form of jazz and its power to promote dialogue among cultures, to make the most of diversity, to deepen respect for human rights and all forms of expression," said UNESCO's director general, Irina Bokova, who traveled to Havana to promote this year's event.

"For us jazz is not only a beautiful genre, it is more of an intercultural dialogue, music for human dignity, human rights and modern times," Bokova told reporters at a press conference.

Cuba's capital was chosen to host the 6th edition of the celebration in part because of its many great musicians and Latin jazz heritage, said Bokova, who was accompanied by jazz greats Chucho Valdes and Herbie Hancock.

"Havana is a natural city of music and cultural heritage, and we also chose to celebrate it here because Cuba this year marks the 70th anniversary of establishing relations with UNESCO," she added.

Jazz has become a universal language the world really needs due to today's many social and economic conflicts, she said.

UNESCO has partnered once again with the U.S.-based Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, as well as with the Cuban Ministry of Culture, in organizing the event.

In the past three decades, the ties of cooperation between UNESCO and Cuba have grown "deep roots," said the UN official.

"Our regional office for all of Latin America and the Caribbean is in Cuba and this nation has a commitment to developing cultural diversity, protecting and conserving cultural heritage ... and the celebration of this day here is a proof of our strong ties," she said.

"Our elder and younger jazz musicians are living in a good era (for jazz) and the opportunity to celebrate International Jazz Day in Cuba is a really good accomplishment," Valdes said.

Valdes, along with Hancock, a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, will serve as artistic directors of what is being touted as an All-Star Global Concert at Havana's Alicia Alonso Grand Theater.

Hancock said it would be an honor to once again host International Jazz Day, especially in a "musical" country like Cuba, where there is "amazing talent."

"International Jazz Day has such significance because it points out the fact that music does not just belong to Americans or Cubans, this is a music that belongs to everyone all over the planet because it really reflects something much deeper than any particular culture," he said.

"This year's focus on Cuba is a testament to the power of jazz as we bring women and men together around shared values and aspirations," he added.

The concert will feature jazz talent from around the world, including Ambrose Akinmusire from the United States, Marc Antoine from France, Till Bronner from Germany, China's A Bu, Igor Butman from Russia, Ivan Lins from Brazil and others.

Apart from Valdes, Cuban musicians Bobby Carcasses, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Cesar Lopez, Ruy Lopez-Nussa, Orlando Valle and others will join their international counterparts.

Orlando Vistel, president of the Cuban Music Institute, said the concert will showcase Cuba's best jazz musicians and their "enormous" talent alongside "world-class" musicians.

"In jazz we have found a cultural meeting point not only with the U.S. but also with the world, because it has become a universal musical language. In the essence of jazz, we can find the spirit of Cuban music," he said.

In the lead up to the concert, acclaimed musicians and teachers from Cuba and around the world participated this week in free jazz performances, master classes, workshops, jam sessions and community outreach initiatives across Cuba.
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hold hands for a family photo during the opening ceremony of the 30th ASEAN Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, the Philippines, April 29, 2017. (Xinhua/POOL)

MANILA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have welcomed the progress made in negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during their summit, saying the giant free trade pact will boost global trade.

Southeast Asian leaders gathered here Saturday to exchange views on how to strengthen the bloc so as to meet the challenges facing it.

"We emphasized that the sluggish economic environment and trends towards protection increase the need to achieve a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial RCEP Agreement, which has the potential to boost global economic growth, deepen regional economic integration and facilitate equitable economic development for all RCEP participating countries," the ASEAN leaders said in a statement issued by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the end of their summit on Saturday.

The chairman's statement was officially released on Sunday.

The Philippines holds the rotating chair of ASEAN this year.

ASEAN leaders instructed their ministers and negotiators "to redouble efforts building on the good momentum achieved thus far" in the negotiations on RCEP, the statement read.

Moreover, the leaders reiterated the commitment of ASEAN states "to working together in a cooperative manner in line with the Guiding Principles and Objectives for Negotiating the RCEP towards the swift conclusion of the RCEP negotiations".

The Philippines has committed to fast tracking RCEP, a free trade pact that aims to tie together ASEAN's free trade agreements with each of its trading partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has said his country would push for the "substantial conclusion" of RCEP that will expand the ASEAN market from 600 million people to 3.5 billion by the year end.

The ASEAN, which groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
Visitors try coffee at the Vietnam International Cafe Show 2017 in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, March 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Hoang Thi Huong)

by Tao Jun, Dong Hua

HO CHI MINH CITY, April 28 (Xinhua) -- "We are striving to make King Coffee one of world's top five coffee brands and to make Vietnam a global coffee powerhouse," the wife of Vietnam's coffee king told Xinhua.

Le Hoang Diep Thao is the chief executive officer of Ho Chi Minh City-based Trung Nguyen International Corporation (TNI), part of the Trung Nguyen Group (TNG).

Her husband, Dang Le Nguyen Vu, who has been recognized as Vietnam's coffee king by Forbes Asia and National Geographic Traveler, is the co-founder and co-owner of TNG, a leading coffee firm in Vietnam, specializing in instant coffee, roasted and ground coffee, cafe trading and coffee export.

After the couple successfully brought the G7 coffee brand to more than 60 countries in the world, Thao launched TNI KingCoffee and is aiming to conquer the hearts of coffee lovers all over the world, including over 1.3 billion Chinese consumers who are used to drinking tea.

"In the last 20 years, we have focused on the coffee business only. We provide full services, from coffee bean plantation to blending and roasting," Thao said.

"TNI's coffee beans are finely chosen from the best coffee beans in Buon Ma Thuot (the capital city of Dak Lak central highland province, Vietnam's coffee kingdom).

Combined with advanced technology, production equipment imported from Europe, and the secret recipe from Trung Nguyen, TNIcoffee is distinctive," the graceful woman, wearing a long, red traditional dress explained.

In late April, Thao put into operation a big TNI King Coffee factory, with an initial capacity of churning out 9,000 tons of roasted coffee beans and 19,800 tons of instant coffee a year, in the southern province of Binh Duong.

King Coffee has been exported to many countries in the world, including the United States, Australia, Russia, China, India, South Korea and Singapore, and is expected to be available in 129 other markets in the future.

"King Coffee for the king market," Thao said, implying that China is world's biggest coffee consumer. In China, King Coffeehas advanced to become one of the four best-selling brands on T-Mall Supermarket, one of three key e-commerce websites of online trade platform Alibaba.

In March, at the 96th China Food and Drink Fair held in the Chinese city of Chengdu, Thao announced that TNI will strive to meet its sales target of 1 billion U.S. dollars from the Chinese market in the next few years.

"More and more Chinese young people like to drink coffee and regard it as a casual lifestyle," Thao stated.

Peter Tsang, Trung Nguyen's general manager in charge of the Chinese mainland, echoed Thao's statement, saying the Chinese market's potentiality is huge and cafes are mushrooming there and becoming indispensable for Chinese youths.

Staff members make coffee to visitors at the Vietnam International Cafe Show 2017 in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, March 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Hoang Thi Huong)

"Most of China's population is used to drinking tea, but many Chinese people, especially youngsters, like to drink coffee," he said, adding that Vietnamese coffee exported to China enjoys preferential treatment, including tax incentives.

There are three key factors leading to the success of Trung Nguyen coffee in China, namely Vietnam's fine coffee beans, the firm's know-how, and the use of European machines and technologies, Tsang stated.

"We hope that we will attain the sales target of 1 billion U.S dollars in the Chinese market by 2020," he said.

Now, over 1,000 Trung Nguyen cafes are set up home and abroad.

However, two decades ago, Vu, born in 1971, was a medical student with poor parents. Motivated by the aspiration to make a fortune for himself and his country by selling processed coffee, Vu, in 1996, opened a coffee roasting facility in Dak Lak, with a total workforce of only four, including himself and three of his friends.

Having practically no money or experience, Vu struggled to make his business survive while still having to attend classes. Time went by, and so did the money Vu invested in his small production base. His parents had to sell their own house to contribute capital to the base.

According to local media, Vu, burdened with financial difficulties but wanting to realize his dream, met Thao, a 20-year-old lady, who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth (her father is a gold jewelry tycoon in Buon Ma Thuot), and agreed to marry.

Vietnam, the world's second biggest coffee exporter after Brazil, shipped 467,000 tons of coffee worth nearly 1.1 billion U.S. dollars overseas in the first quarter of this year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Thao expressed her strong belief that TNI King Coffee will be a huge success, especially in international markets, like the previous brand G7.

"My greatest vision is expanding the Vietnamese brand all over the world, and for it to be able to compete with multinational companies in the coffee industry," she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 14:07:21|Editor: Yamei

Video Player Close

GUANGZHOU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Academic fraud in some Chinese research papers has led to calls for a new system of academic evaluation that is less reliant on published papers.

The medical journal "Tumor Biology" published by Springer Nature, last week retracted 107 Chinese papers after an investigation found the peer review process had been compromised with fabricated email address of reviewers.

The action came as no surprise to Li Lin (alias), a stomatologist who has worked in Guangzhou for five years.

Under the current occupational evaluation system, he needs to publish two papers and a research project in order to become an associate chief physician.

"It is like a mission impossible. As a clinician, I work five days a week from dawn to dusk. This is a public hospital and I always work overtime. It would be extremely difficult for me to write papers," he said.

He admits that many of his peers somehow find the time, but he doubts the value of their papers. Papers with meaningless figures and insubstantial lab research are useless in clinical practice.

"The academic evaluation system is not practical. It is like asking a chef to develop a new strain of rice or to come up with a new edible oil to prove he can cook," Li said.

He suggests academic authorities separate the evaluation of clinicians from that of medical school professors.

"Published papers should only be one factor in occupational promotion, not a hard target to evaluate an academic level," he said.

According to the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China, the number of Chinese papers listed on the Science Citation Index (SCI), which includes leading science and technology journals, has ranked second for seven years. In 2015, China has just under 300,000 SCI papers, 10 percent of which were on clinical medicine, topping the list.

SCI papers are crucial to promotion in China's health sector, which is part of the reason why fraud occurs most frequently in the medical field. This produces a system whereby doctors who are good writers get promoted faster than doctors who are good doctors.

"There is no excuse in any circumstances for academic fraud. Academic misconduct should be severely dealt with," said Zhao Zijian, an expert working for China's Medium- and Long-term Talent Development Plan (2010-2020) or China's national "Thousand Talent" program.

Xiao Haipeng, head of Zhongshan University No. 1 Hospital in south China's Guangdong Province, described how, in Western countries, it usually takes a research team several years to work up a report that can be published on a SCI journal. In China, a single doctor may write more than one a year.

"Under the evaluation system, some doctors find it more worthwhile to keep lab rats than do clinical training," Xiao said. However, doctors who can only do clinical work are mere "craftsmen," he added. Good doctors should use their experience from clinical work to develop new solutions through analysis. New research should in turn be applicable to clinical work.

Language is another issue. Liang Zonghui, a radiologist with Jing'an District Center Hospital in Shanghai, said that "translation agencies" help medical workers to get their papers published in SCI journals.

"It is not easy for most Chinese medical practitioners to write papers in English. There are translation agencies specialized in 'assisting' them, even acting on their behalf to find foreign publishers", he said.

Public support will give an extra push to plans to shake up the academic evaluation system.

The authorities of Guangdong province have begun by allowing research personnel to use patents or new technology in the place of SCI papers, and SCI papers are no longer a prerequisite to evaluation, the first of such changes to the rules in China.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 14:07:21|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

KABUL, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Nine members of Haqqani militant group were killed in two separate airstrikes within the last 24 hours, the Afghan Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

In one attack, four militants were killed after warplanes of Afghan air forces struck their position in Baraspari village, Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province, the ministry said in a statement.

Five Haqqani fighters lost their lives in an air raid in Chak district of neighboring Wardak province, according to the statement.

As a Taliban-linked group of militants, the Haqqani network, mainly operating in eastern provinces and capital Kabul, has been responsible for many high-profile attacks on security forces.

The group, which was designated as terrorist group by the United States in 2012, has yet to make comments.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 14:37:26|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

CANBERRA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has revealed a new plan it would offer prospective first-home buyers tax breaks worth thousands of dollars.

Just nine days before Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Treasurer Scott Morrison release the federal budget, the pair have approved the plan that would allow buyers to direct some of their pre-tax income into a savings account.

Housing affordability is expected to be a key feature of the budget with the country embroiled in an affordability crisis.

A report released in April found that the median house price in Melbourne had more than doubled in the last 10 years.

The proposal would significantly cut the time it takes to save to buy a house by slashing the amount of income tax prospective buyers are paying.

A similar system introduced by former Prim Minister Kevin Rudd was abolished by the current government in 2015 due to a lack of participation.

An anonymous government source told News Limited on Sunday that the new scheme would be "more generous and less complicated" than Rudd's system with annual and overall caps introduced to avoid flooding the market with new buyers.

However, John Daley from the Grattan Institute warned against introducing any savings scheme.

"The fundamental problem is that the scheme would either be small and have an irrelevant impact or be too large and counter-productive," Daley told News Limited on Sunday.

The proposal has been supported by advocacy group Home Buyers Australia, which has been campaigning for a similar scheme whereby buyers could salary-sacrifice income for a deposit.

The group said creating a more flexible version of Rudd's system would make it more attractive to buyers.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 15:37:32|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

KABUL, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Forty-three armed militants were killed during the latest military operation in different Afghan provinces, the country's Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

"In the past 24 hours, Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched eight counter-terrorism operations in Kunar, Wardak, Nangarhar, Zabul, Logar and Kunduz provinces. As a result, 43 armed militants were killed and eight others wounded," the ministry said in a statement.

Among the killed militants, there were 17 fighters of the Islamic State (IS) group, the statement added.

The security forces found and seized weapons, the statement said, without adding if there were any casualties on the side of security forces.

The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants recently as spring and summer known as fighting seasons are drawing near in the Central Asian country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 18:02:55|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

COPENHAGEN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said that his forthcoming visit to China will boost the close China-Denmark relations to a new high.

"This will be the first official visit by a Danish Head of Government to China since 2008, and we will now take our bilateral relationship to a new high," Rasmussen told Chinese media in a written interview ahead of his visit to China on May 2-5 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang will meet or hold talks with Rasmussen during the visit. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang while announcing the visit on April 25.

BILATERAL TRADE GROWTH

Rasmussen said China is Denmark's largest trading partner in Asia. Bilateral ties in politics and trade and between the two peoples have been promoted since Denmark became the first in 2008 and so far the only Nordic country to sign an agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

"That partnership has given a strong boost to our bilateral relations," Rasmussen said.

According to the prime minister, bilateral trade has increased remarkably to more than 110 billion Danish kroner (around 16.11 billion U.S. dollars) a year at present, citing data from the country's statistical authorities.

"Danish companies have strongholds in the fields that China values more and more these years, such as environment, energy, health care, pharmaceuticals, food and agricultural products, design and logistical services," Rasmussen said.

A TRIP TO BE FRUITFUL

Rasmussen said a wide range of new agreements will be signed between the two countries during his visit.

"The new agreements will strengthen our economic and trade cooperation," he said.

According to the prime minister, Denmark and China will launch a Chinese-Danish Food and Drug Regulatory Cooperation Center that will help facilitate knowledge-sharing between public authorities in the two countries.

"This will serve the benefit of consumers with faster and smoother access to high-quality products," he said.

In terms of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Rasmussen said the two countries will sign a bilateral film agreement that allows China and Denmark to work on co-productions in the film industry.

"Danish movies and TV-series have gained international acclaim, and I personally feel that Denmark has a lot to offer in this area," he said.

During his visit, China and Denmark will launch the first "Joint Work Program," which contains 58 concrete joint cooperation areas between 80 Chinese and Danish state institutions. "This will take the cooperation between our institutions one important step further," Rasmussen said.

INTENSIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Rasmussen said Denmark and China enjoy close cooperation on international issues, as the two countries have been trading nations and strong supporters of free trade and global cooperation.

He noted that Denmark is one of the co-founders of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and one of the first Western countries to declare support for the multilateral development bank, which he said would stimulate development and infrastructure construction in Asia.

On global climate issues, Rasmussen said China had taken a leading role in addressing these challenges.

"We applaud any engagement that helps address this serious threat. We believe that Danish experiences -- with an economic model that does not depend on increasing energy usage -- can serve as inspiration," he said.

Rasmussen noted that China is currently the second-largest economy in the world and is set to become the largest in the next decade.

"Anything that China does will have an effect not only on Asia but also on the rest of the world. We wish to join China on this trip."

BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE -- A DYNAMO

Rasmussen said China's Belt and Road Initiative is a very interesting diplomatic strategy.

"Further connecting Europe and Asia firmly through trade and bilateral cooperation can hopefully be a future dynamo for growth and prosperity for both continents," said the prime minister.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was brought up by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

In the interview, Rasmussen said the initiative can hopefully provide economic stability and development for Central and South Asia -- gateways between East Asia and Europe.

"This will be crucial for trade between the two biggest concentrations of economic power," he said, adding that Denmark, as one of the world's foremost shipping nations, has already been engaged in linking the continents for centuries.

Denmark has been invited to participate in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held on May 14-15 in Beijing.

"We will attend and be happy to contribute positively on both political and company levels during the conference," Rasmussen said.

CHINA-DENMARK TOURISM YEAR

Earlier this year, the two countries jointly launched the China-Denmark Tourism Year 2017 in Beijing. Rasmussen said he hopes to see more Danes visiting China as well as more Chinese visiting Denmark.

"Tourism is a very important part of improving people-to-people exchanges and this was why I first launched the idea with your president Xi Jinping in 2016. Now it has become a reality and it has created a momentum for the relevant national tourism authorities as well as private companies to further explore opportunities for citizens in our two countries to travel abroad," Rasmussen said.

The prime minister said the Danish government has recently streamlined visa procedures for Chinese tourists to Denmark, and would make it easier for designated travelling companies in China to offer interesting trips to Denmark.

"We are very fond of this development, and look forward to receiving many more Chinese visitors to Denmark," he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping and Zimbabwean Minister of Industry and Commerce Mike Bimha drive the Grand Tiger pickup truck in Harare, Zimbabwe, March 27, 2017. A joint venture of Chinese and Zimbabwean auto companies on Monday launched a top-of-the-range pickup truck, the Grand Tiger, in Zimbabwe. (Xinhua)

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe has called on Chinese firms to take advantage of the vast business opportunities there and intensify investment in the southern African country.

Ambassador Huang Ping told Xinhua at the annual 2017 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Zimbabwe's second largest city Bulawayo that Chinese firms should invest not only in agriculture, the backbone of Zimbabwe's economy, but in the industrial sector to help speed up economic development in the country.

This year's ZITF ran from April 25-29 under the theme: "Harnessing Linkages for Industrial Development".

He said the embassy was enhancing information dissemination about the business opportunities in Zimbabwe to the Chinese business sector so as to attract investment.

"We are bringing more Chinese business delegations to Zimbabwe to explore the potential of future cooperation. The opportunities are plenty but we need to do more to let the people back in China know the opportunities," he added.

He commended one of the Chinese companies in Zimbabwe, Inspur, saying it was playing a part in the development of Zimbabwe's economy.

Inspur is a state-owned Chinese firm that provides integrated information and communication technology (ICT) services. It began operations in Zimbabwe in 2011 and is one of the several Chinese companies that are exhibiting at this year's ZITF.

"Inspur is doing very good business here and in the meantime it is helping Zimbabwe to develop by providing advanced technology and expertise and this is a good example and I hope more companies in China will come to Zimbabwe to intensify cooperation, create business and help Zimbabwe's economy to develop," Huang said.

An official at Inspur, Joseph Qiu said they were using Zimbabwe's premier trade showcase, ZITF, to market their products to Zimbabweans customers.

"The main purpose of our exhibition here is to let government ministries and other customers to get familiar with our products," Qiu said.

The firm has been exhibiting at the trade event for the past four years. Qiu said Zimbabwe's fairly developed ICT sector, when compared to other countries in southern Africa, offered good business opportunities for the Chinese firm.

A cement manufacturing firm recently set up in Zimbabwe, LiveTouch Investments, exhibited for the first time at this year's ZIFT where it sought to market its products to the Zimbabwean market.

Chief executive officer Wang Dongming told Xinhua that the Zimbabwean market was promising given the vast infrastructure projects planned that include upgrading of major highways and rehabilitation of city roads and other infrastructure that were damaged by heavy rains this year.

"We are a relevant small-scale cement factory and our advantage is that we offer acceptable price and the best quality," Wang said.

A Chinese automotive company Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd (BAIC Group) that recently formed a joint venture with two Zimbabwean companies to form Beiqi Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd also exhibited at the ZITF this year.

Its local partners are the government owned Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries (which had not been operational for more than four years) and automotive and spare parts dealer Astol Motors who jointly own 49 percent of shares in the joint venture.

Beiqi Zimbabwe is involved in the importation of whole vehicles, knocked down kits, distribution, services and finance management.

An official of the joint venture automotive firm Peter Makowa said they had sold 25 top of the range pick-up trucks - the Grand Tiger - which they launched on March 27 this year at a competitive price of 33,000 U.S. dollars.
Amphibious aircraft AG600 rolls off a production line in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, July 23, 2016. The aircraft, which has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes and a maximum flight range of 4,500 km, will be used to fight forest fires and perform marine rescue missions. The AG600 is by far the world's largest amphibian aircraft, about the size of a Boeing 737. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

Hi, here is what's not to miss about China for the last 24 hours.

GUANGZHOU -- China's large amphibious aircraft AG600 on Saturday successfully conducted its first glide test in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai as it is preparing for its maiden flight.

Other tests and check-ups are under way, according to the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd.

----

BEIJING-- China's stock market regulator approved 10 IPO applications in the past week.

The companies will be allowed to raise up to 5.8 billion yuan (about 840 million U.S. dollars), according to the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

----

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.

----

MOSCOW -- 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.

----

MANILA -- Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have welcomed the progress made in negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during their summit, saying the giant free trade pact will boost global trade.

Southeast Asian leaders gathered here Saturday to exchange views on how to strengthen the bloc so as to meet the challenges facing it.
The United States was attacked by Russia in 2016.

The exact date, location and time of the attack were not confirmed by the White House, even though our intelligence agencies uniformly acknowledged the Russian incursion. This attack did not result in destruction of skyscrapers and battleships, or American casualties. The American public was not aware of the extent of Russian influence until after the 2016 election. As a consequence, there was no outrage.

The intrusion was covert and effective, using masking tactics in accordance with the Russian practice of "maskirovka." The Russians relied on deception and focused overwhelming force at the most vulnerable point. For America, it was our cyber system.

Deceptive measures were used by the Russians in World War II and incorporated into their doctrine to undermine Western political and economic systems. Its modern application employed anonymous hackers and coordinated disinformation from multiple fake news sources in a "silent war."

By unleashing massive attacks of disinformation, the Russians created doubt and confusion in our election. Our election and public discourse were affected without a shot being fired. America's democratic institutions and social fabric were the real casualties.

Belatedly, an investigation was started by the FBI and Congress.

Openness and transparency must occur for our republic to survive. Partisanship will prevent the unmasking of the truth. Americans should support the formation of a bipartisan commission  similar to the 911 Commission  and the appointment of a special prosecutor. Call your legislators. This must not happen again.

Robert M. Pumphrey

Billings
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 18:58:03|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

DHAKA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's mobile phone operator Robi Axiata Limited and Swedish telecom giant Ericsson completed the trial of LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology on Sunday in the capital of Dhaka.

The trial was conducted to demonstrate the Bangladeshi operator's readiness for introducing LTE services in the country.

The trial was successfully performed using the latest commercial end-user device and combined carrier of 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz bands, said the mobile phone operator.

Robi Axiata Limited is a joint venture of Axiata Group Berhad (Malaysia), Bharti Airtel Limited (India) and NTT DoCoMo Inc. (Japan).

This is a milestone-achievement for Ericsson Bangladesh and a sign of the growing readiness of the Bangladesh telecom market to adopt LTE technology, it said in a statement.

The LTE technology trial showcased how a common user may experience the high-speed mobile broadband of 90 Mbps and above. Ericsson and Robi are going to run similar trials in other cities of Bangladesh.

In addition to ensuring readiness for the launch of 4G services, the trials are being conducted to demonstrate, how this technology can facilitate the end user in experiencing broadband applications such as High Definition (HD) TV and video conferencing services.

Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, managing director and CEO of Robi Axiata, said, "Although there are some barriers to the adoption of 4G/LTE technology such as low penetration of compatible smartphones, we recognize and appreciate our customers' growing demand for high-speed internet which can only be served using this technology."

"We hope the government will kindly consider revising the licensing framework to make it more enabling for 4G business," he said.

According to an Ericsson Mobility Report, the number of smartphone subscriptions in Bangladesh will more than double from 2015 to 2021. This growth will power the need for high-speed mobile download, upload and multiple high-bandwidth mobile applications, which is not possible with current mobile broadband speeds, it said.

The LTE technology will help the business community to experience more efficiency and help them to optimize their cost structures by centralized storage, enhanced processing capabilities and efficient use of the existing bandwidth.

Rajendra Pangrekar, head of Ericsson Bangladesh, said, "The trial confirms our long-term partnership with Robi and Ericsson's technology leadership in the LTE domain."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 19:28:11|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

JAKARTA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed and 47 injured in a road accident involving a bus, three cars and four motorbikes in West Java of Indonesia on Sunday.

West Java Police spokesman Yusri Yunus said the incident occurred when a tour bus heading to Cianjur from Jakarta allegedly had a brake malfunction and hit several vehicles before plunging into a 15-meter ravine.

He said eight people died on the spot, including the bus driver, adding that all the injured were rushed to Cimacan Hospital.

The collision has disrupted trafficking flows in surrounding recreation area which is often packed with vehicles at weekends.

The accident comes one week after another one happened not far from the scene, where four people were killed in a collision involving a bus, seven cars and five motorcycles.

Police said they were investigating both incidents.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 19:38:13|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

JAKARTA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Flash floods in Central Java province of western Indonesia killed 10 people and two others were missing, a disaster agency official said on Sunday.

Heavy downpours triggered the disaster in five villages in Magelang district, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster management agency, said.

Four villagers were also suffering from serious injuries, and all of the wounded had been treated in a nearby hospital, he added.

Some 170 people had taken shelters in a mosque as the floods destroyed 71 houses, the spokesman said.

Search for the two missing people was underway, he told Xinhua via phonehe.

Over 1,500 soldiers, police and personel from local search and rescue office and disaster agency took part in the relief efforts.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 19:43:15|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

COLOMBO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Sunday arrested 32 Myanmar nationals who were suspected to have fled from India by boat.

Navy Spokesman Lieutenant Commander Chandima Walakuluge told Xinhua that the Myanmar nationals were believed to be minority Muslims who had sought refuge in India four years ago.

He said the Myanmar nationals and two Indians were arrested when their boat reached Sri Lankan waters in the north of the country.

"The coast guard detected the boat and when investigating they found women and children among those on the boat," he said.

The Navy spokesman said the boat was brought ashore and it was found that there were seven women, as well as 16 children below the age of nine, including a 15-day-old child and a four-month-old child.

He said further investigations revealed the Myanmar nationals had obtained temporary asylum in India and their asylum period was due to expire in June.

It is believed the Myanmar nationals fled India with the hope of obtaining asylum in another country.

The Navy said it provided immediate assistance to the families on the boat, including food and medical care, while investigations were underway.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 19:58:16|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

by Xinhua writer Yang Shilong

NEW YORK, April 30 (Xinhua) -- From the deep-blue city of New York to one of the reddest states of Tennessee in the southeastern region of the United States, supporters for U.S. President Donald Trump still pin high hopes on him to "Make America Great Again" as his administration welcomed its first 100-day mark.

"We are here to make our voices heard. I believe President Trump can deliver real changes to America," Jack Jia, head of the New York branch of a U.S. group named Chinese Americans for Trump, told Xinhua at a rally near the Times Square on Saturday afternoon.

The 50-odd-year old Jia, who has lived in New York for 17 years, was among dozens of Chinese Americans wearing red T-shirts and holding banners of "Make America Great Again," and "Support Trump's 100-day action plan, welcome to the Trump era!"

Jia, a jeweler originally from Dalian of Liaoning Province in northeastern China, said that their grassroots volunteer group was officially registered to support Trump during the heated election campaign last year.

"Trump's policies including stress on law and order and tax cuts are appealing to me and many Chinese Americans across the country," Jia said."We are legal immigrants. We work hard and we make contributions to this country. We Chinese do not want to be bullied. We have to be united to take part in the politics."

During the election, many Chinese Americans were angry about the Democratic Party's support for an affirmative action that allows more people from underprivileged backgrounds to get a place at university. Some students with Asian backgrounds say it has unfairly undermined their efforts to get accepted by a college, even if they have higher grades.

A couple of non-Chinese Americans also showed up in the Trump-supporting rally, rarely seen in a city where over 90 percent of people voted for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

"He (Trump) has the potential to be the greatest president in U.S. history, if he is able to revive the American system," said Daniel Burke, New York representative of The LaRouche movement, which calls for a reform of the world financial system to encourage investment in the real economy and curb financial speculation.

"I disagree that the Americans are divided (out of the election). Americans are unified ... They want real economic development in the U.S. They are against speculations in Wall Street ... I am confident in him (Trump)."

"We have to rebuild our nation massively," added Asuka Saito Burke, "Now super left and super right are together. They are talking about the impeachment of President Trump. We have to come forward and speak out."

A senior white old man, clapping his hands, walked slowly to the crowd to show his support, while some of the spectators booed and shouted anti-Trump slogans.

"Trump will beat his opponents. He will be a successful president as my experiences told me," the old man told the spectators.

After 100 days in office, the young Trump administration continues to have staunch supporters and determined opposition.

Also on Saturday, hundreds of New Yorkers gathered in front of Trump's Fifth Avenue home to proclaim that he is a failure as president.

Yet just like Jia and his partners, Trump's supporters during the campaign remain largely by his side.

A new poll by the University of Virginia Center for Politics shows Trump's approval rating at 93 percent with these voters, among which 42 percent "strongly approve" while 51 percent "somewhat approve."

"He (Trump) is completely different from any of the politician(s), he is the kind of president who has not been here for a while," a middle-aged Uber driver told Xinhua when asked about Trump's first hundred days.

The apparent Trump supporter, who did not identify himself, said that except a few isolated cities including Nashville, capital of the southeastern state of Tennessee, people in the state overwhelmingly support Trump.

"Obama has not shown a lot of force. America was weak under his administration. Obama just sat there, did nothing in Syria ... That is terrible. So people are just tired of politicians just talking (but) not doing, People want change," he said, "You see what Trump did. They drop that bomb in Afghanistan. They make maneuvers to North Korea (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) to show force."

"This guy is a businessman," the driver added. "He knows how to negotiate. He might not know everything, but he surrounds him with capable men ... He would make the best deal for America. People are excited. He is to cut the tax. Then he is to do the infrastructure. It is exciting."

"Frustrations. We need change, some change, but not radical, unreasonable ones," said Marilyn, 85-year-old owner of the Kurtz Restaurant in Bardstown of the state of Kentucky in the southeastern region of the United States.

The elegantly dressed senior lady, who has run an old-fashioned eatery serving homestyle southern meals and classic cocktails since 1937, said she has some frustrations with not only politics, but also the broader social sentiment in the country.

"The whole country has changed. People vote according to their attitude and personality ... The country we are leaving my children is much worse than the country my parents left me. They taught me how to work. We are not teaching our children now ... I hope they learn to give and love," she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 20:43:22|Editor: Yamei

Video Player Close

KATHMANDU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Nepal has been ready to accept the presence of branches of Chinese banks in the country irrespective of their size, provided they fulfill required criteria set by the central bank, a senior official of the Nepal Ratra Bank (NRB) said.

Senior officials of the central bank had recently discussed whether to accept any smaller Chinese financial institutions to open branches here.

"We reached a conclusion that the presence of Chinese banks has been necessary in the country and we should welcome branches of Chinese banks irrespective of their size in China," Chintamani Siwakoti, deputy governor of the NRB, told Xinhua on Sunday.

He said despite increased inquires from the Chinese side, the Nepalese central bank is yet to receive any official proposal from any Chinese bank.

Foreign banks and financial institutions can enter Nepal's banking sector either by partnering with Nepalese investors under joint venture arrangement or by opening their own exclusive branches.

Nepal's law allows foreign banks and financial institutions to hold up to 80 percent of stake in joint venture banks and such banks are allowed to provide all types of banking services in Nepal.

But foreign banks that open their exclusive branches in Nepal are required to assign capital of at least 20 million U.S. dollars. Scope of banking for such branches is also limited as they cannot be involved in retail banking.

"Once the Chinese banks' branches are opened in Nepal, the transactions of goods in Chinese yuan will rise and it will also save cost of carrying U.S. dollar to China for Nepalese traders," said Bishnu Bahadur Khatri, president of Nepal Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association, a body involved in trade with China.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 20:43:23|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

AMMAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Jordan and Palestine on Sunday stressed the need to relaunch peace talks between Palestine and Israel, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

At a meeting between King Abdullah II of Jordan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman, the two sides said any peace talks to be launched should focus on the two-state solution, which is the sole solution to address the Palestinian issue and one that should results in the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

The meeting between King Abdullah and Abbas comes ahead of a visit by the Palestinian president to the U.S., where he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and discuss peacemaking efforts.

During the Amman meeting, Abbas and King Abdullah said the 2002 Arab peace initiative was fundamental for peacemaking.

The initiative offers Israel normal ties with the Arab and Islamic states in return for withdrawal from territories it occupied in 1967.

The two leaders said the initiative was the most comprehensive framework to attain peace in the Middle East.

The two sides also stressed their rejection of unilateral Israeli measures to alter the status quo in Jerusalem.

They also stressed on the need for efforts to preserve the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 20:43:25|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

DUBAI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A senior Microsoft official said here on Sunday that despite economic headwinds, the digital age, also called the fourth industrial revolution, spurs demand for ICT services in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Samer Abu Ltaif, the regional President of Middle East and Africa (MEA) of Microsoft, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the Dubai government-sponsored "Dubai Font" event.

He said that the MEA region remains an outperformer in relation to information and communications technology (ICT).

Asked if the slump in oil prices in the last two and half years has not weighed on sector growth, Abu Ltaif said "the digital transformation of public and private entities in MEA offers sufficient opportunities for more growth in the region."

Digital transformation includes the internet of things, the increase of the virtual connectivity of firms and company branches through cloud computing, the usage of drones and robots in daily business processes and the usage of smart phones by employees and consumers to pass e-security barriers and to process payments and document transfer.

Earlier in the month, Microsoft nevertheless admitted that they were challenges. The firm said in an e-mailed statement on April 13, that 37 percent of respondents of a survey in the Middle East and Africa region cited a skills gap as the main barrier to cloud adoption.

In addition, "By 2020, more than one in three IT positions worldwide will be cloud related and the cloud-readiness of professionals will start to have a significant impact on operations," the statement said.

According to global research firm IDC, revenues for big data and analytics in MEA totaled 1.98 billion U.S. dollars in 2016.

In terms of industries, the government sector was the largest spender on BDA solutions in MEA in 2016, accounting for 20.4 percent of spending.

"We will continue to work with the Dubai government to help Dubai to become the smartest city in the world in relation to digital governance," said Abu Ltaif.

Dubai Font is the latest result of a cooperation agreement between Microsoft and the Dubai government.

The Dubai font reflects "the style of Dubai as an open city and is available in 23 languages on MS word applications and social media channels like twitter or instagram, among German, English, French, Arabic, Urdu, but not yet in Mandarin.

"More languages will be added of the Dubai government decides to do so," said Abu Ltaif.

IDC expects the region to see year-on-year growth of 11 percent in 2017 to reach 2.2 billion dollars.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 20:48:27|Editor: Mengjie

The body of famous Swiss climber Ueli Steck known as "Swiss Machine" is carried towards hospital after transported from a helicopter at Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal on April 30, 2017. Famous Swiss climber Ueli Steck, popularly known as "Swiss Machine," died on Sunday as he fell to the foot of Mount Nuptse, Nepalese officials and expedition organizing company said. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma)

KATHMANDU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Famous Swiss climber Ueli Steck, popularly known as "Swiss Machine," died on Sunday as he fell to the foot of Mount Nuptse, Nepalese officials and expedition organizing company said.

It is the first death in this spring season in the Qomolangma region, according to officials of Nepal's Department of Tourism (DoT) which gives permit for mountain climbing.

Steck, 40, was heading toward camp 2 from camp 1 of Mt. Qomolangma, also known as Mt. Everest. The camp also serves as a base for climbing the 7,855-meter high Nuptse as he slipped 1,000 meter down to the foot of the mountain, Khem Raj Aryal, an official at the mountaineering division of the DoT told Xinhua.

The incident took place at the altitude of 6,400 meters from the sea level at around 8 a.m. local time (0215 GMT), according to the Seven Summits Treks company that organized Steck's expedition.

After the incident, his body was brought to Lukla airport and latter to Kathmandu by helicopter.

"His body now has been kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for the postmortem," Nivesh Karki, manager of the Seven Summits Treks, told Xinhua.

According to the DoT, Steck who had received permit to climb the Nuptse on April 13 had headed to the mountain on the same day. He had gone there with 14 other members of an expedition team. There were two Swiss climbers including Steck and Nepalese Sherpa guides, according to the Seven Summits Treks.

Steck, who is famous for his speed records, had won multiple awards for his rapid ascents. The climber had reached the summit of Qomolangma in 2012 without oxygen and in 2015 climbed all 82 Alpine peaks over 4,000 meters in 62 days.

The Swiss climber, who vowed never to return to Mt. Qomolangma after a brawl with local Sherpa guides in 2012, was back in Nepal in 2013 to scale the 8,091-meter Mt. Annapurna.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 21:23:32|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

TRIPOLI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan government has confirmed full support and necessary assistance for the anti-oil smuggling operations by sea and land until this phenomenon is eliminated, the government said in a statement on Saturday.

Two oil tankers have been seized off the Libyan city of Zwara on Friday, suspected of smuggling oil following hours of gun firing, Libyan naval spokesman said in details.

Ayoub Qassem, the spokesman of the Libyan navy, said the two vessels were seized two km off the coast of Zwara in western Libya after a gun battle that lasted for three hours.

Qassem said that one of the vessels carried Ukrainian flag named Routa, with 14 crew members and 3,330 tons of diesel on board. The other one carried the flag Congo, named Stark, with nine crew members and 1,236 tons of diesel.

The UN-backed government of national accord in Tripoli has praised the seizure of the two vessels.

"The presidential council of the government of national accord praises the operation carried out by the naval forces on Friday off the coast of Zwara," the government said in a statement on Saturday.

Smugglers take advantage of the state's chaos in Libya to smuggle oil and arms, as well as thousands of migrants.

Libya has been suffering anarchy and escalating violence since the uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.
Greg Gianforte, the Republican running to fill Montanas empty U.S. House seat, would support taking away funding for Planned Parenthood, and his Democrat opponent Rob Quist supports the legalization of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use.

Those issues and many others were the topics of a Great Falls debate between the men vying to be Montanas next congressman.

Over the past week, the two faced off several times, including editorial board meetings held by the Independent Record, Montana Standard and Billings Gazette, some of which were livestreamed on Facebook. Quist and Gianforte were joined by Libertarian candidate Mark Wicks, an Inverness rancher, in a televised debate Saturday night.

On May 25, a Thursday, voters will decide who will fill a position vacated by Ryan Zinke, who left his U.S. House seat after President Donald Trump selected him to be Secretary of the Interior.

Gianforte is a wealthy former businessman who started a high-tech company in Bozeman that he later sold to Oracle for $1.5 billion. Quist, from Creston, is a musician and poet who was a part of the popular Mission Mountain Wood Band.

Quist, who kept on his trademark cowboy hat for the debate, has been criticized the last few weeks for past performances at a nudist colony and his financial history, which includes a 16-year trail of debt and a lawsuit over an unpaid loan and liens filed to collect delinquent taxes.

Gianforte has been scrutinized for financial ties to Russia; he owns shares in two index funds that include interests in Russian companies under U.S. sanctions. A gopher hunt with Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., also brought negative attention.

Ties to Russia came up at the Saturday debate, though not through a direct question.

When asked about escalating tensions with North Korea, Quist pivoted to Russia. Earlier in the day media outlets around the state ran stories about Gianforte's investment in the index funds. A financial services expert told The Billings Gazette on Saturday it was a stretch to suggest the funds linked Gianforte to the companies in any meaningful way.

Gianforte responded by saying, We have a broad range of investments. Anyone who invests in emerging markets around the world has investments in Russia. This is a tiny portion of our portfolio.

He also added state and university system employees would have similar connections if the retirement money invested on their behalf included funds built around emerging markets.

Acknowledging his significant wealth, Gianforte vowed to remove himself from any direct involvement with his finances if elected.

Gianfortes response to a debate question about whether he supports de-funding Planned Parenthood -- a nonprofit that provides reproductive health care to women, as well as abortions in some clinics -- mirrored the answer he gave during a joint appearance with Quist at the Independent Records editorial board meeting Friday.

I dont think that  tax dollars should be used to pay for abortion.  I dont believe that organization has been a particularly good steward of resources, so yes I would, he said at the editorial board meeting.

Gianforte said the only time abortion should be allowed is when a womans life is in jeopardy. I dont think the government should get in between that. But thats the only exception I would make.

Quist, on the other hand, said there needs to be a resistance to the assault on womens reproductive rights.

I think those decisions are between a woman and her faith and her doctor and no one else. No one else has the right to know.

The candidates were also asked about Trumps recent executive order to review any national monuments created since 1996 that are at least 100,000 acres. That includes the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument in north-central Montana.

Quist said he views Trumps move as a way to make the lands available for private development.

People have worked on these monuments and some of these wilderness areas for years at a time and theyre great economic boons for the areas that have them. I really have deep concerns about this process and I think the people of America are going to stand up against it.

Gianforte characterized Trumps order as an initial review.

What were asking for is local input from the people. This review process allows local input to occur.

Gianforte said he is a supporter of natural resource development, but said there are places where he thinks its not appropriate. I think you can develop natural resources and protect the environment, but not every place is the right place for a mine.

Wicks agreed with Gianforte in saying the monuments were created with little public input. He also criticized former President Barack Obama's action to create a new monument in Utah at the end of his presidency.

"Congress hasn't done its job keeping the president in check, keeping the judges in check."

Through the debate Saturday, Gianforte worked to align himself with Trump, as well as more conservative values. Quist tried to play up his long history in the state, referencing his childhood near the Rocky Mountain Front. Wicks said he would be a different voice for Montana, who he said for too long has sent either Republicans or Democrats to Washington, D.C., without results.

The candidates were also asked about their positions on marijuana use, both medicinal and recreational. In 2004 Montana voters legalized medical marijuana, but the 2011 Legislature imposed strict limitations on access. Last fall a ballot initiative to lift some of those restrictions was approved by voters.

Gianforte said medical marijuana should be available to people in chronic pain, under the care of a doctor. He does not support recreational marijuana, saying the state has problems with drug addiction.

I think we have other states doing experiments with it and we should let them carry on with that.

Quist said he supports the legalization of marijuana.

To me the war on drugs has been an abject failure, he said. I think the majority of Montanans and Americans agree they would like to see the decriminalization go forward and not criminalize people for something that should not be criminal.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 21:38:37|Editor: xuxin

Video Player Close

KATHMANDU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Chief Justice at the Nepal Supreme Court Sushila Karki was suspended from her duty on Sunday after the ruling party lodged an impeachment motion against her at the Parliament.

The chief justice was accused of interfering in government's decisions through verdicts.

Altogether 259 parliamentarians from the ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) moved the House against Karki, Min Bahadur Biswakarma, a parliamentarian from the ruling Nepali Congress party, told the media.

"The chief justice interfered with the executive including in the appointment of Nepal Police's chief, and failed to fulfill her duties in judiciary effectively," Biswakarma said.

A month ago, a full bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Karki, had issued a verdict scrapping the government's decision to appoint Jay Bahadur Chand as the Nepal police chief - calling it arbitrary, flawed, unjust. Following the verdict, the ruling parties had accused the supreme court and the chief justice for interfering the rights of government.

Karki, 64, started her stint as the first female chief justice of the Supreme Court in April 2016.

This is the first time in the Himalayan country that a serving chief justice is facing an impeachment motion, observers said.

"With the registration of this motion, Karki has been automatically barred from working in her capacity as the chief of the apex court until the issue is duly resolved by the Parliament," a senior official at the Nepal's Parliament told Xinhua.

The Parliament Secretariat has written a letter to President Bidya Devi Bhandari regarding the impeachment motion on Sunday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 21:53:41|Editor: Yamei

Video Player Close

HOHHOT, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of firefighters are battling a fire that has engulfed a primeval forest in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to local authorities.

The fire broke out at around 5 p.m. Sunday in the woods near the China-Russia border, in the northern Greater Hinggan Mountains.

Heavy smoke billowing from the dense woods impeded an airplane to check the situation.

The temperature in Inner Mongolia this spring is 1 to 2 degrees Celsius higher than in previous years, posing a higher fire risk for the region's primeval forests.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 22:33:47|Editor: Tian Shaohui

Video Player Close

Photo taken on April 11, 2017 shows military vehicles during the U.S.-South Korea joint Exercise Operation Pacific Reach in Pohang, South Korea. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho)

PYONGYANG, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said on Sunday that the U.S.-South Korea joint exercises and U.S. buildup of nuclear assets on the Korean Peninsula are the root cause of high tension here.

Explaining the situation on the Korean Peninsula to Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora, DPRK Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Han Song Ryol said the DPRK will "steadily take measures to bolster up its nuclear deterrence in order to defend the sovereignty and vital rights of the country and peace on the peninsula from the U.S. nuclear war threat."

The Russian side expressed its understanding of the stand of the DPRK and hoped the tension on the Korean Peninsula would be defused as soon as possible, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

Tension has remained very high over the past two months between the United States and the DPRK over the former's threat to stage military attack upon Pyongyang for its nuclear and missile programs.

The United States and South Korea also held their largest ever joint military exercises in the past two months, while the USS Carl Vinson nuclear aircraft carrier task group has arrived in the waters off the peninsula for joint drills with the South Korean military.

Related:

DPRK accuses South Korea of increasing intrusions into territorial waters

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.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 22:38:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan

Video Player Close

KATHMANDU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi, who is also minister of home affairs, resigned from the post on Sunday, his key aide told the media.

Biswas Bikram, personal aide of the home minister, said Nidhi submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

"The home minister was not happy with the impeachment motion filed against Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki by the ruling party parliamentarians," Bikram told reporters.

Earlier on Sunday, the female chief justice of the Supreme Court was suspended after parliamentarians from the ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) filed an impeachment motion against her at the House, accusing her of interfering in the government's decision through a verdict.

The home minister is the leader of the Nepali Congress, the largest party in the parliament.

Resignation of the home minister came at a time when the government was planning to hold local elections on May 14 and June 14.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 23:18:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan

Video Player Close

ANKARA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's referendum victory for the constitutional amendments granting him executive powers, he will this week return and take the helm of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in an extraordinary convention on May 21.

Erdogan is also expected to implement major changes in the party's administration and the cabinet this month.

With the new constitutional changes, Erdogan is able to officially reestablish his ties with the AKP from which he resigned in August 2014 after he was elected as president, according to the constitutional requirement at that time.

The first step will be taken on Monday as the AKP will convene its Central Executive Board, the party's top executive bodies, and then the central-decision making body, in order to invite Erdogan to reestablish links with his political party.

In addition, Erdogan will deliberate on the extraordinary convention on May 21 during these meetings as well as register his party on Tuesday at a parliamentary group meeting.

"We happily invite our president back to our party. There is nothing stopping him from becoming its chairman. However, the first step is to readmit him once more as a member of our party," Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said last week.

Ahead of the May 21 party meeting, a cabinet reshuffle is expected as Erdogan wants to shift departing ministers to different posts in the party's administration.

Although Erdogan said on Sunday that he was not in charge of the cabinet reshuffle decision which is the prime minister's responsibility, the president has obviously remained the de facto determining leader for party affairs since officially leaving the AKP after the 2014 presidential elections.

"Injecting fresh blood into the cabinet is a democratic necessity. We'll do this in consultation with our president," Yildirim added.

Several other new appointments are expected for party cadres in the extraordinary congress.

Current chairman and Prime Minister Yildirim will resign his post as President Erdogan is expected to become the sole candidate for the party's chairmanship.

Erdogan previously chaired the AKP for 13 years from 2001 but had to step aside when elected president in August 2014.

Presently, he will once more be able to head the ruling AKP while concurrently serving as president, thereby legitimizing the de facto situation without violating the constitution.

As such, the Turkish president will be in a position to maintain a tight grip over his party and parliament since the AKP holds majority seats in parliament.

Erdogan is one of the ruling AKP co-founders.

Turkish nationals voted "yes" on April 16 for the 18-article constitutional package paving the way for a transition from a parliamentary government model toward a presidential system, with limited checks and balances among governing authorities.

The referendum paved the way for Erdogan to potentially rule until 2029.

The "yes" camp garnered 51.4 percent of the votes, while the "no" camp received 48.6 percent of the votes.

The majority of constitutional amendments will be put into effect through general and presidential elections to be simultaneously held in 2019.

However, three articles will immediately come into effect, namely, the president's party membership, the reorganization of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors as well as abolishing military tribunals.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 23:28:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

Video Player Close

ISTANBUL, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Saeed Karimian, an Iranian British and owner of Gem TV, was shot dead along with a Kuwaiti business partner in Istanbul, Turkish media reported on Sunday.

The pair were travelling in a luxury car in Istanbul's upscale Maslak neighborhood in the district of Sariyer on Saturday night, when a jeep blocked their path and two masked attackers got out and opened fire, the Hurriyet daily news said.

Karimian died on the scene, while his Kuwaiti partner succumbed to his injures later in hospital, Hurriyet said.

The assailants reportedly managed to flee the scene after the attack, and the vehicle used in the assassination was later found burnt out in the city's Kemerburgaz neighborhood, press reports said.

Police have launched an investigation by collecting footage from surveillance and security cameras near the scene, the reports added.

According to press reports, Karimian's satellite channels are broadcasting in Farsi, Azeri and Arabic. Gem TV has offices in London, Istanbul and Dubai.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-30 23:59:01|Editor: Mu Xuequan

Video Player Close

TEHRAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Vice-chairman of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines and his Swiss counterpart called for broadening of economic relations, specially in the field of banking, semi-official Fars news agency reported on Sunday.

During the meeting in the Iranian capital on Saturday, the Iranian official, Pedram Soltani, pointed to the areas of cooperation as banking, tourism, technology and pharmaceuticals, saying that to this end both sides can set up joint Iran-Switzerland council.

The two countries' private sectors should pave the way for banking relations as one of the main prerequisites for economic ties, Soltani was quoted as saying.

Describing the current Iran-Switzerland cooperation as unsatisfactory, he stressed that the two countries could collaborate to boost cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

For his part, Passalia pointed to the areas like energy, steel, and banking cooperation, and said that "Big agreements will be signed between the two countries in the foreseeable future."

In April, Swiss Ambassador to Tehran Giulio Haas voiced his country's willingness to broaden economic and trade relations with Iran.

"Switzerland is ready to expand all-out cooperation, specially in the field of economic and trade fields, with Iran," Haas said.

The Swiss envoy said that the volume of investment by Swiss businessmen in Iran has doubled in recent years.

Also he said that "During the past four years, the number of Swiss tourists, who have visited Iran, has increased from 5,000 to 15,000," he said, adding, "The two countries enjoy cordial relations in the fields of tourism industry."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-01 00:14:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan

Video Player Close

RIYADH, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Interior Ministry said on Sunday that it has arrested 46 Islamic State (IS) militants suspected to be behind a deadly suicide bombing attack on the Prophet's Mosque in the holy city of Medina in the summer of 2016, Al Arabiya local news reported.

The suspects, 32 Saudis and 14 foreigners of Pakistani, Yemeni, Afghan, Egyptian, Jordanian and Sudanese nationalities, were detained in the western port city of Jeddah, according to a spokesman of the ministry.

He said they were suspected of being involved in the attack that targeted worshipers at the Prophet's Mosque last summer.

They were also found to participate in a terrorist attack in the courtyard of Suleiman Fakih Hospital in Jeddah last year, he added.
TIRANA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The newly-elected President of Albania Ilir Meta Sunday called on opposition parties to give up the policy of ultimatums and cooperate in order to resolve the political stalemate.

Meta, former chairman of the ruling Socialist Movement for Integration (SMI), said the opposition should assume responsibility and end the parliamentary boycott.

Boycott is not a solution, said Meta while speaking at SMIs National Leading Board.

During this meeting, Meta also announced his resignation from the post of the chairman of SMI, a post that was handed over to current Minister of Justice Petrit Vasili.

Meanwhile, he confirmed that he would remain Speaker of Parliament until July 24 when he takes oath and assumes his new presidential duties.

Meta was elected president of Albania on Friday by the Albanian Parliament with 87 out of 89 votes of the majority.

But opposition MPs boycotted the voting session following their two month protest and boycott asking for the stepdown of the prime minister.

But the election of the president without the participation of the opposition has deepened the rift between the two political camps.

The chairman of the Democratic Party Lulzim Basha Sunday appealed to citizens for civil disobedience beginning from June 19, a day after the general elections of June 18.
BANGKOK, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Over 20,000 migrant workers returned to Thailand from Myanmar on Sunday after they spent a two-week holiday in their home country, said a senior Thai official.

A large number of Myanmar migrants scrambled to return to Thailand via a border checkpoint in Mae Sot, about 480 km northwest of Bangkok, as it was the last day for each of them to be given exemption from the 1,000-baht (27.7-U.S. dollar) re-entry fee, said Pol. Col. Somchai Detpae, superintendent at Mae Sot immigration office.

Mae Sot is a major district of Tak province in northern Thailand which borders Myanmar.

An estimated 100,000 migrant workers had left for their native Myanmar to celebrate Songkran festival earlier this month. Given the exemption from the re-entry fee, an average of 8,000 migrants have returned daily since the last two weeks, the immigration official said.

However, the Sunday deadline for the exemption to the re-entry fee has seen more than 20,000 Myanmar migrants swarming around Mae Sot immigration office, Pol. Col. Somchai said.

Those who may return on Monday or at a later date is legally obliged to pay the 1,000-baht re-entry fee at Mae Sot border checkpoint.

Most Myanmar migrants have been employed in fishing industry and at manufacturing factories in Bangkok and Samut Sakhon, one of the Thai capital's outlying provinces.

Some labor-intensive factories will not open until Tuesday as the May Day, which falls on Monday, is also a holiday for laborers nationwide.
iStock/Thinkstock(JESSUP, Md.) -- The ground search for an escaped inmate convicted in the attempted murder of a Delaware cop was called off Saturday, police said.



David M. Watson, 28, escaped Friday morning from a van that had been driven from the Wicomico County Corrections Center to the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup, Maryland, according to Howard County Police Department spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn.



The ground search was suspended after police had exhausted "all search efforts in the immediate area," Howard County police said this afternoon. They are still investigating in an attempt to locate him, the police statement said.



The escape happened on the edges of the hospital grounds Friday around 9:40 a.m. local time, Llewellyn said. When a guard opened the door to the van, Watson pushed the guard down and ran into the woods, Llewellyn said.



Authorities believe Watson somehow got out of his handcuffs and waist chain while in the van.



Llewellyn told ABC News on Saturday that police officers have been "working around the clock" to find Watson since he escaped. Police searched the area around Clifton T. Perkins hospital in Jessup with bloodhounds, K-9 units and helicopters with heat-seeking technology throughout the day Friday, overnight and into Saturday morning, the Howard County PD statement said.



"Investigators are not releasing specific details about the search area or the number of officers for investigative reasons. We also have been conducting investigations in Delaware and Wicomico County, as the suspect has ties to both areas," she told ABC News.



Llewellyn said there have been no confirmed reports of sightings of Watson, who was sentenced of more than 100 years in Delaware for attempted murder. He reportedly shot at a Delaware police officer's house.

The Howard County Police Department has released several pictures of Watson, showing him with and without glasses as well as his numerous tattoos, in an effort to help the public identify the fugitive.

Police release photos of escaped prisoner David M. Watson's tattoos. If you see him, call 911. pic.twitter.com/mQ7NVUPirD  Howard County Police (@HCPDNews) April 28, 2017

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

Watson is also facing charges in Wicomico County, Maryland, for multiple counts of attempted murder.



A Maryland judge reportedly found Watson not competent in 2014 to face trial on the attempted murder charges in Wicomico County. He was being transported to the hospital to undergo a regular six-month psychiatric evaluation as a condition set by the judge, according to the Baltimore Sun.



Wicomico County correctional officers had reportedly picked up Watson in Delaware on Thursday.



Police do not know whether Watson has any outside help or whether he has left the area. Authorities lost sight of him as he ran into the woods but they were able to pick up a canine trail, so they know in which direction he was headed, Llewellyn said.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The recent bankruptcy filing by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings was the best and only way it could meet its obligations to all victims with sexual abuse claims and continue its ministry, church officials said.

The bankruptcy filing is part of mediation talks in mid-March in Seattle between attorneys representing 72 people with abuse claims, the diocese and its liability insurance carrier.

The bankruptcy is likely to be complicated and take time. How it could affect the dioceses operations, along with parishes, schools and other church programs, is not yet clear.

But church officials and attorneys for the victims say they are working to reach a fair and equitable settlement for all claims and avoid fighting in costly and time-consuming jury trials.

On Monday, Montana's U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Benjamin Hursh disqualified himself from hearing the case. The case has been assigned to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jim Pappas of Idaho.

Hursh, who was appointed to the bench on Feb. 1, said in a court order that a reasonable person would likely question his impartiality in matters in which his prior law firm, Crowley Fleck, provided assistance. In addition, Hursh said he was obligated to recuse himself because a lawyer he previously practiced with provided assistance on a matter that may be before the court.

Fulfilling obligations

In filing for bankruptcy on March 31, Bishop Michael Warfel issued a statement in which he expressed his profound sorrow and sincere apologies to anyone who was abused by a priest, a sister or a lay church worker.

Warfel also said none of those who have been credibly accused was active in parish ministry and nearly all had died.

Bankruptcy was the best and only way to fairly and equitably fulfill the Dioceses obligations to all victims, creditors and other parties in interest and represents the only method by which the Diocese may maintain its worship, outreach, educational and charitable services to the community, said Darren Eultgen, non-ordained and chancellor of the diocese, in court records.

The Diocese did not seek (bankruptcy) to shirk any responsibility regarding sexual misconduct by clergy or any mistakes made by the Dioceses administration. The Diocese is not attempting to deny victims their day in court or hide the truth, Eultgen said.

Rather, the diocese is committed to pursuing the truth, addressing the wrongs perpetrated against children and other parishioners, and fairly compensating victims, Eultgen said.

Through the mediation, attorneys for the victims agreed to vacate a July 10 jury trial set for the first two cases, said Milton Datsopoulos, a Missoula attorney who represents a group of victims. He also has represented abuse victims in the bankruptcy of the Diocese of Helena, which was settled in 2015.

The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings has two sexual abuse lawsuits filed against it, one filed in 2012 and the second in 2013. The diocese is defending the civil cases in court and efforts to settle them have been unsuccessful, he said.

Verdicts in similar sex abuse cases across the country have ranged into the millions of dollars, and the diocese has insurance coverage available for only a limited number of claims, Eultgen said.

The pending litigation and lack of insurance coverage for many of the claims has placed significant strain on the diocese, Eultgen said.

Any judgement against the diocese would likely leave it without enough assets to fairly compensate other victims and creditors and result in a disproportionate allocation of the limited funds available to the diocese, Eultgen said.

'Major progress'

Datsopoulos said mediation provided major progress and a good faith commitment by the diocese to resolve the claims. Without the churchs commitment, he wouldnt have agreed to set aside the jury trial, he added.

The progress included that the diocese file for bankruptcy, Datsopoulos said. And the diocese is going to have to make significant contributions if this is going to have any chance of success. The diocese has the capacity to do that, he said.

Although there has been no agreement on settlement numbers, the diocese has said it and its insurance carrier both would contribute toward a fund to compensate victims and set aside money for additional and unknown victims.

The mediator helped design a process that makes it more probable there will be some type of global settlement. Were not near that yet, but we are committed to meet again, and again if necessary, Datsopoulos said.

The dioceses 57-page bankruptcy petition details its assets and liabilities, debtors and creditors.

In general, parishes and schools will continue operations as normal, Eultgen said in an interview. The claimants are filing their lawsuits against the bishop, as head of the diocese, and not against individual parishes, he said.

Canon law

While the petition identifies assets of the diocese that are included in the bankruptcy estate, it also identifies assets  like parishes, schools and some bank accounts and investments  that it says are excluded under Catholic canon law.

Canon law guides and directs the churchs administration and operations. Under canon law, each entity within the diocese is a separate entity within the church, the filing said. The diocese may have title to the property held for the benefit of those separate entities.

The filing identifies properties the diocese says is held for the benefit of the parishes and institutions of the diocese and is not property of the estate.

Canon law has come under scrutiny across the country as other dioceses have sought bankruptcy protection to settle sexual abuse claims.

They (the church) have been challenged, and they will continue to be challenged, Datsopoulos said.

There are areas where canon law and the laws of Montana and the country are inconsistent with each other, but the litigation is occurring outside of the church, Datsopoulos said.

Were governed by the laws of this country, even if were Catholics, Datsopoulos said.

His view, Datsopoulos said, is that assets being excluded under canon law will be a part of the settlement negotiation. Although some of the assets are off limits, the analysis is very technical, he said.

Its clearly a point of contention and a difficult problem, Datsopoulos said.

Ethically and legally, our total commitment is making sure our clients get treated as fairly as possible within whats available and practical. Were not interested in destroying the diocese or the Catholic Church, Datsopoulos added.

The petition lists the dioceses assets as totaling about $20.7 million in real and personal property, cash and investments. Liabilities total about $14.8 million in unsecured claims.

The diocese has about $71 million in real property, including individual parishes and schools, $2.5 million in bank accounts and $15 million in investments, that are not part of the estate under canon law, the petition said.

The diocese holds about $13.8 million in real property that is considered part of the estate. Included in those holdings are five parcels, totaling about $1.2 million, in Billings. Four of the properties are identified as a future church site, while the fifth is Holy Cross Cemetery.

Eultgen said the $1.2 million value was based on tax assessments although the church doesnt pay property taxes.

The bishop owns those properties, which people sometimes donate to the church as surplus property or the bishop has purchased over time, Eultgen said. One of those surplus properties is a 20-acre site in Briarwood, he said.

Surplus properties potentially could be liquidated in the bankruptcy, Eultgen said.

The petition also identified about $5.8 million in payments to creditors within 90 days of the bankruptcy. Those payments included $1.1 million to the Billings Catholic Schools for a construction loan draw and $25,000 in a grant funding pass through to Mary Queen of Peace in Billings.

Catholic school construction

Billings Catholic Schools is building an estimated $15.1 million, K-8 school at Colton Boulevard and Woody Drive. The school is being funded through private money and is set to open in the fall.

A spokeswoman for the Billings Catholic Schools Foundation referred questions to the chancellor.

Eultgen said the foundation gets loans from the diocese and repays the money through pledges. Meanwhile, the diocese makes payments so contractors can be paid, he said.

Another local building project planned is a new church at 2715 11th Ave. S. for Mary Queen of Peace Parish. The parish is the result of the consolidation a few years ago of Holy Rosary, Little Flower and Our Lady of Guadalupe churches. Last month, the city of Billings issued a building permit to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Great Falls for the project.

Father Jose Marquez said the chancellor has advised the parish to proceed with its building plans.

While there still are uncertainties, Marquez said the parish will carry on as normal and will be praying for all that is going on.

The bankruptcy filing prompted a handful of people to talk to him about the action. They were just concerned, Marquez said.

Cutting costs

For the past three years, the diocese has cut costs to reduce its budget by about 20 percent prior to filing for bankruptcy to work toward a balanced budget and to ensure that the diocese would continue to have the ability to fairly compensate the alleged victims and to maintain its core functions and missions, Eultgen said in court records.

The dioceses gross revenue for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2016, was about $6.2 million, with revenue coming primarily from donations and parish assessments, Eultgen said.

The gross revenue for the prior fiscal year, ending June 30, 2015, was about $9.4 million, the petition said.

In addition, the filing said the diocese has paid about $122,000 to a law firm in Coeur dAlene for its representation and about another $102,000 to a Los Angeles law firm, which is a consultant for the victims, as reimbursement for analyzing draft bankruptcy schedules and church financial information.

Helena case

The diocese is the second Montana diocese and the 15th U.S. diocese to file for bankruptcy to settle abuse claims.

In March 2015, a U.S. bankruptcy judge approved a $20 million payment plan to settle the reorganization of the Diocese of Helena. The diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2014 to resolve abuse claims that prompted lawsuits in state courts from two groups of victims in 2011.

The settlement addressed more than 360 abuse claims and created a trust fund for victims who come forward in the future.

Insurers for the diocese contributed $14.4 million to set up a trust for payments to victims, while the diocese took out a $3.5 million loan to help fund the trust and cover administrative expenses.

The settlement also required the church to take non-economic actions, including posting on its website the names of all known past and present alleged perpetrators of the diocese who were identified in complaints, providing a hotline system for reporting abuse and conducting background checks and psychological evaluations for seminarians.

Great Falls-Billings

The claims against Diocese of Great Falls-Billings bankruptcy are from 72 people who were sexually abused, mostly by priests, when they were 8 to 12 years old, Datsopoulos said.

Most of the victims are now in their 60s and still live in Montana. Many of them come from rural Montana and a significant number are American Indians, he said.

Attorneys for the victims assert the abuse caused deep trauma and damaged lives to where the victims have trouble developing stable relationships, have suffered extreme depression, anxiety and psychological problems and in many cases turned to substance abuse, Datsopoulos said.

The attorneys also maintain the diocese did not act in any reasonably prudent manner to protect the children after learning of the abuse and instead, moved priests to other parishes, Datsopoulos said.

Prior to the bankruptcy filing, diocese leaders and attorneys met twice with all of the priests to brief them on the situation and to answer questions, Eultgen said.

The first meeting was on Jan. 19, with all of the priests coming to St. Bernards Parish in Billings, Eultgen said. The second meeting was a conference call on March 30, on the eve of the petition filing.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-01 00:59:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan

Video Player Close

KATHMANDU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA), a Chinese NGO, started rebuilding a quake-damaged school in Nepal on Sunday.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the Mahendra Adarsha Vidyashram public school was held in Nepal's Lalitpur district with the presence of Chinese delegates, local leaders, students and their parents.

The school is being rebuilt by the CFPA under the financial support from He Daofeng and his wife Angela He. He is the former executive vice president of the CFPA.

The program is expected to provide a safe study space for almost 1,000 students.

"This school is for common people and families. It can provide opportunity of quality education and vocational training to needy. I always want to help the people who need it the most," He told Xinhua.

Mahendra Adarsha Vidyashram, founded in 1958, is a well-known public secondary school in the Valley. Out of two buildings damaged during the devastating earthquake in 2015, one building is being constructed under the Chinese support while the school management committee will construct another one.

The construction of the new two-storey building is expected to be completed within a year.

The Chinese delegates also distributed bags and stationery items to the students.

Expressing appreciation to the Chinese organization for helping the education sector of quake-hit Nepal, the school officials said such assistance will strengthen the people-to-people ties.

Pampha Bhusal, chairman of the school committee, said "We are very happy to get this support. We were in dire need of school building and the support came from people of our neighboring country, so we are very thankful to them."

In addition, the foundation also handed over a computer lab donated by the South South Education Foundation to enable students to have more access to information and advanced education.

The CFPA, which has been focusing on education and health sector of Nepal right after the 2015 disaster, is investing 2.7 million yuan (390,000 U.S. dollars) for reconstruction of two school buildings in Kathmandu valley.

It has carried out more than 15 projects in the sectors like disaster relief, food, water and sanitation, disinfection treatment, health care and materials distribution.
CAIRO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hailed workers in all fields and urges more production in a statement on Sunday during a celebration organized by the Egyptian Trade Union Federation to mark the Labor Day.

"It is the day of every honorable Egyptian who works hard and does their best to reconstruct their nation and benefit the people," said the Egyptian president during a speech aired on the state TV.

"I remind you that our dear Egypt is expecting a lot from you to establish together the pillars of future for us and for the coming generations," he added.

During the celebration, Sisi honored 12 veteran hardworking members of labor unions and ordered to provide 100 million Egyptian pounds (5.5 million U.S. dollars) of labor's emergency fund from state-run "Long Live Egypt" fund.

Egypt has been suffering economic recession over the past few years as a result of political turmoil and relevant security issues that affected the country's tourism and foreign investment, which pressed the government to adopt a strict three-year economic reform program including austerity measures and energy subsidy cuts.

The Egyptian president urged the Egyptian workers, both in public and private sectors, to work harder and multiply production to support their nation in overcoming current economic challenges.

"Over the past few years, Egypt like most countries of the region suffered serious challenges with economic, social and political dimensions and I believe you know that hard and continuous work is the only way out of them," Sisi told the crowd during the celebration.

Egypt has been suffering a growing wave of terrorism since the military removed former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, which was followed by a massive security crackdown on his supporters, and blacklisted his Muslim Brotherhood group as a terrorist organization.

In the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, terror attacks have left hundreds of police and military personnel dead and eventually expanded to churches in Cairo, leaving dozens of people dead and injured.

Most of the terrorist attacks nationwide has been claimed by a Sinai-based group loyal to the regional Islamic State militia.

"Terrorism is on top of the challenges we are facing and Egypt was among the first states that warned the world against it," Sisi said during the ceremony.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-01 01:59:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

Video Player Close

TEHRAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The historic 2015 Iranian nuclear program deal paved the way for increased cooperation between Iran and the European Union (EU), said visiting European Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete on Sunday.

Canete commenced the high-Level Conference on Climate Change in the capital Tehran on Sunday, bringing together Iranian and European policymakers as well as representatives from International organizations, reported the semi-official Fars news agency.

The conference's aim is to review progress as per the Paris Agreement and discuss the role of clean energy during the transition to a low-carbon economy and the urgent actions required to adapt to climate change consequences.

Following the nuclear deal, "we established a dynamic energy partnership. Now we want to take this success story one step further," Canete was quoted as saying.

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, placing Iran on the path of international and western sanctions' relief but with stricter limits on nuclear programs.

"The energy sector will feature prominently in our future relations and we are committed to fully tap into its economic and social potential while contributing to achieve our climate commitments," he said.

The EU is ready to transfer energy-efficient and CO2 emission-reduction technologies to Iran, he said according to the report by the semi-official Meher news agency on Sunday.

Since 2016, the EU has invested 11 billion U.S. dollars in Iran's oil and gas industry and it is ready to assist Iran in reaching economic prosperity, he added.

The European commissioner also said Iran and the EU have reached common grounds in energy security and increased their consumption of clean energies hoping that the path is paved for reinvigorating cooperation between both sides.

Iran's exports to the EU have increased threefold following the nuclear deal, Canete said on Saturday.

Iran's exports to the EU stood at 5.494 billion euros in 2016 compared to 1.235 billion euros in 2015 due to the EU's resumption of oil imports from Iran following the nuclear deal.

Canete's remarks were made during the opening ceremony of the first Iran-EU sustainable energy Business Forum on Saturday, bringing together over 50 European companies and business associations and some 40 Iranian energy companies.

The forum aims to provide a platform for investors and businesses to seek out investment opportunities for clean energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation actions in Iran.

Canete expressed the EU's readiness to transfer their experience in developing clean energy to Iran so that Tehran would 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 European firms to increase their investments in Iran.

Iran announced on Saturday that it will start building an advanced nuclear safety center in cooperation with the EU in the near future, reported Press TV.

The nuclear safety center would extend services to regional countries as well, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in a joint press conference with Canete.

On April 18, Iran and the European Commission signed the 2.5 million euro (2.73 million dollars) project, aiming to improve the capabilities of the Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority by preparing a feasibility study for the nuclear safety center.

According to Salehi, three rounds of talks with the EU commissioner have been held since 2015 with "very good results" reached.

Iran and the EU also plan to set up a roadmap based on The European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and use its facilities in nuclear research and development, he said.

Euratom is an international organization founded in 1957 with the purpose of creating a nuclear power specialized market in Europe, to develop nuclear energy and distribute it to its member states while selling its surplus to non-member states.

Iran and the EU will draw up a five-year plan for bilateral cooperation, Salehi said, adding that the bloc will "most likely" supply 20 million euros of credit for projects to be carried out in Iran.

Also on Saturday, the fourth Iran-Europe Banking and Business Forum kicked off, reported the official IRNA news agency.

Various issues including opening Iranian banks in Europe, fighting money laundering and maintaining international standards are among the topics to be discussed during the event, president of Iran's Monetary and Banking Research Institute Ali Divandarri said at the event.

The forum is held twice a year, one hosted by Iran and the other by Germany.
Photo taken on April 17, 2017 shows the clay manuscripts in the University of Mosulin Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi security forces found clay manuscripts and antique potteries in the University of Mosul on Monday. Local security officials speculated that these antiques were stolen from the Mosul Museum by the Islamic State group and hidden in the University of Mosul. (Xinhua Photo)

MOSUL, Iraq, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi paramilitary units, known as Hashd Shaabi, pushed further in southwest of Mosul and cleared five villages from Islamic State (IS) militants on Sunday, while fierce clashes continued in the IS-held neighborhoods in the western side of Mosul, the Iraqi military said.

In the early morning hours, the Hashd Shaabi fighters advanced in three routes in northwest of the newly-freed town of Hatra, some 100 km southwest of Mosul and freed the villages which scattered in the vast rugged land that extends to the Iraqi-Syrian border, the media office of the predominantly Shiite Hashd Shaabi said in a statement.

The paramilitary fighters, backed by helicopter gunships, fought sporadic clashes against IS militants, leaving at least 20 militants killed and four car bomb destroyed along with destroying a truck carrying heavy machine gun, the statement said.

Three days ago, the paramilitary units dislodged the IS militant from their desert stronghold in the town of Hatra, which bears the same name as the nearby damaged ancient city of Hatra.

The new push of the predominantly Shiite-paramilitary units after recapturing Hatra is aimed at securing the border areas between Iraq and IS-held areas in neighboring Syria, as well as cutting off the IS supply routes in the open land between the IS-held Hawijah, which located in east of Hatra, and the IS strongholds in western Mosul.

Also in the day, the federal police and interior ministry special forces, known as Rapid Response, continued heavy forth and back battles against IS militants at the edges of the densely-populated old city center, where roughly 400,000 residents are believed to still be trapped under IS rule, a security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"The battles concentrated during the day in the areas of Bab al-Toub, Bab al-Baidh, Qadheeb al-Ban and Bab al-Jadid, in addition to the area at the bank of the Tigris River," the source said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced the start of an offensive on February 19 to drive extremist militants out of the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of the Tigris River which bisects the city.

Late in January, Abadi declared the liberation of Mosul's eastern side, or the left bank of Tigris, after over 100 days of fighting IS militants.

However, the western part of Mosul, with its narrow streets and heavily populated neighborhoods, appears to be a bigger challenge to the Iraqi forces.

Mosul, 400 km north of Iraqi capital Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned their posts and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-01 02:44:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

Video Player Close

JERUSALEM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Israel came to a standstill on Sunday evening, marking its annual Day of Remembrance of Fallen Soldiers and Terror Victims.

The Day of Remembrance pays tribute to the soldiers killed during their military service and wars, as well as the civilian victims of attacks.

The day kicked off on Sunday afternoon with an official ceremony at the Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin.

During the ceremony, a new 400-seat memorial hall was inaugurated there. The 18-meter-high monument contains over 23,000 bricks, each engraved with the name of a fallen soldier and the date of his death.

Various additional memorials will be held across the country in the upcoming 24 hours, from late Sunday to Monday evening.

Sirens were activated on Sunday at 8 p.m. local time (GMT 0600) for one minute of silence and will be on Monday at 11 a.m. (GMT 0900) for two minutes of silence.

Shops and businesses were shut down on Sunday evening, with TV channels airing films about bereaved families and the stories of fallen soldiers and radio stations playing melancholic tunes.

At the main ceremony, held in the evening at the West Wall in East Jerusalem's Old City, a territory seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East War, Rivlin said Israel must strive for peace.

"We must do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our soldiers, not to engage in preventing the next war, but rather to prevent (all of the) future wars with all the tools and channels available to us," he said.

According to official figures, 23,544 soldiers and 4,128 civilians have been killed since 1860, the year in which Jews first established a new neighborhood in Jerusalem.

The commemoration of the Day of Remembrance of Fallen Soldiers is marked a week after the Memorial Holocaust Remembrance Day, and precedes the celebrations of the Israeli Independence Day, which begins on Monday evening and continues throughout Tuesday.
Syrian men walk past destroyed buildings in the mountainous city of Zabadani, in the western countryside of Damascus, capital of Syria, on April 25, 2017. The towns of Madaya, Zabadani and nearby Buqain, Serghaya, Bludan, and Eastern Mountain, in the western countryside of Damascus, are now free of any rebel presence, with last busses evacuating rebels and their families left the towns on April 19. (Xinhua Photo)

DAMASCUS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 rebels are believed to have been killed during a three-day infighting over control of territory east of the capital Damascus, a monitor group reported Sunday.

The infighting started on Friday, when the Jaish al-Islam, or Islam Army, unleashed a wide-scale offensive against the Front for Liberating the Levant, previously known as the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, in the Eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The UK-based watchdog said the aim of the attack by the Saudi-backed Islam Army is to strip the Qatari-backed Nusra Front of areas in Ghouta.

The Observatory said at least five civilians were killed during the infighting.

Meanwhile, about 3,000 people protested on Sunday in Eastern Ghouta, demanding an end to the rebel-on-rebel battles, said the Observatory, adding that the Islam Army opened fire at the protestors to disperse them.

The Islam Army issued a statement later on Sunday, saying it "apologizes" for the shooting on civilians by its fighters during the protests, calling it a "wrong conduct."

The Eastern Ghouta, a sprawling, largely-agricultural land, has been long out of the government control and dominated by foreign-backed jihadi factions.

In recent months, the Syrian army and allied fighters succeeded to lay a kind of siege on that part of the capital, prompting the rebels to launch a surprise attack last month against the government-controlled east of Damascus, but they failed to make any breakthrough during two waves of attacks.

Observers believe that the infighting reflects the conflicting interests of regional backers, as each group wants to have the stronger foot on ground east of the capital.

The Nusra Front, or the Front for Liberating the Levant, has been branded by the UN and the international community as a terrorist group, and the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition has been targeting its leaders in Idlib Province in northwestern Syria.

The infighting in the Ghouta area plays into the hands of the government, whose troops fought intense battles when the rebels launched their major offensive from that part against the capital last month.
BUTTE  A cow moose took a leisurely tour through Deer Lodge  nearly joining a track meet in session  before officials safely herded her out of town by about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

It was a big cow, said Powell County Sheriffs Office Dispatcher Jen Lee. She was beating feet through town and was all fluttered. We had two police officers and a deputy rounding her up.

Startled residents called Lee, giving a running color commentary on the moose's whereabouts, tracking the moose as it breezed through town.

Lee took four calls, including from a guy playing ball at the American Legion field on the north side of town, where the moose was first spotted.

The animal made tracks south to the corner of Fifth Street and California, where she paid quick fly-by respects to the Community Church of Christ.

She then continued south on Fifth, then east past Powell County High School.

We were afraid she was going to participate in the junior high track meet going on, laughed Lee.

Minus a calf or any like companions, the moose headed southward to a south frontage road, she reported.

Then once out of the city, the officers let her go, Lee said. They just kept an eye on her to make sure she didnt run over any children or dogs. She ended up going (east) up to Interstate 90, which she crossed safely.

It was the most excitement Lee has had in the office for a long time.

Were not super-super busy during the day for that kind of thing, said Lee, gleefully, liberally using the phrase moose on the loose throughout the day.

It was funny. It was the highlight of my day. I rarely get phone calls, you know.
Saleesha, dads murders an inside job

This was the consensus among residents of Mamoral still reeling from the brutal murder of the little girl and her father.

An inside job was how one resident described the killings. How they know where to find him (Solomon)? He wasnt supposed to be there and the child Saleesha was supposed to sleep with her great-grandmother, so how they know he there? he asked with tears in his eyes.

Police reports state that sometime between Thursday night and early Friday morning, the murderers shot Saleesha in her neck while her father was shot twice in his stomach as they slept in the two room wooden house at Leekham Road in Mamoral. The childs body was then turned face down on the bed where she was sleeping.

Their bodies were found at about 3.30 am after the girls mother tried calling Solomons cellphone for him to pick her up from work at a casino. When he failed to answer, she called relatives who lived nearby to check on him. It was then the gruesome discovery was made.

Saleesha, also called Mama, was a first-year student at Caparo Roman Catholic School and lived with her mother Kernisha Bissoon, 22. Residents spoke in hushed tones yesterday, preferring not to reveal their identities for fear of reprisals. A group of elderly men expressed outrage that someone would dare to murder an innocent child and some declared it was the worst thing that had ever happened in quiet, rural agricultural community.

Others spoke lovingly of the child, describing her as beautiful and saying she had gone to be with God.  I couldnt function for the whole day when I see they bring out her body, said a resident. I cried that someone would do that to a child. A relative said one month ago, Bissoon lost her mother and to now face this double tragedy is very hard on the family.

The sad thing is nothing will come out of this because we are poor people, she cried.

At Leekham Road yesterday, no one was at home and the house remained opened, a scene of desolation.

Relatives say Bissoon had gone to make funeral arrangements.

Police say a drug lord in Enterprise is being linked to the killings as they continue in
CT scanners working again

In March, it was revealed that none of the scanners at Portof- Spain General Hospital, San Fernando General Hospital and Sangre Grande Hospital were functional, and only emergency cases were being facilitated at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC) in Mt Hope. Responding to a question posed by Opposition Senator Wade Mark at the House of Representatives, Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh explained there was a problem with the internal power supply for the machine at Portof- Spain; that the San Fernando machine needed a new tube; and the machine at Sangre Grande needed to be replaced.

The Ministry of Health told Sunday Newsday all of the malfunctioning CT scanners at Port-of-Spain and Sangre Grande were repaired and at San Fernando, one scanner was functional while a part was being procured for the other.

Because so many of the nations CT scanners were inoperable simultaneously, the idea of sabotage was briefly entertained.

However, the Ministry stated that, upon investigation into the cause of the breakdowns, it was found the causes included mechanical wear and tear of internal components, power spikes and failure of a computerized part of the machine.
Local films can make billion$

Sunday Newsday chatted with three of the directors of the non-profit organisation last week: Dion Boucaud, Lesley-Anne Macfarlane and Danielle Dieffenthaller.

The organisations fourth director, Mariel Brown, was absent.

Boucaud explained FILMCO arose from an exercise they had with a local television station that wanted to rebrand as total local.

He said they met with the station weekly to show how to provide profitable and sustainable programmes with local content. He recalled the station managers were amazed at how much foreign exchange they would be able to save.

However, in 2016 there was a change in the stations leadership which cancelled the entire process.

Boucaud said, rather than cry and gnash their teeth, they decided to get together and do it on our own.

Boucaud explained the relationship between filmmakers and local stations is one-sided because stations charge for the content to be aired and the filmmakers also have to get their own advertising.

Its tiresome, its unsustainable, its hostile, it needs to change. Boucaud said broadcasters seek cheap foreign programming and just sell commercials.

Macfarlane said one of the main goals of FILMCO, which was incorporated last week, is to aid in the creation of a sustainable system for local film and television and will do this through sustainable models, workshops and training. He said a main issue was that there was single body that could speak on behalf of filmmakers.As a result, they will bring filmmakers together as a group to approach broadcasters and Government. Boucaud said feedback on FILMCO has been positive since they launched their Facebook page in January.

It is something that has been needed and wanted. Boucaud said the film industry was booming at a point partly because of the TT Film Company (TTFC), for which he served as a consultant at one point. With the film company, he said decisions were immediate and the managers listened to industry players.

However, the film industry was at a standstill, after the previous administration implemented CreativeTT in 2013 and made film a subsidiary along with music and fashion. Boucaud said with this structure the new FilmTT has a board made up of filmmakers but they cannot make any decision without first going through the CreativeTT board. Therefore, decisions that took a week before now take a month.

The whole film structure started to crumble. He said the fruits of the TTFC can be seen in films such as Bazodee, The Cutlass and Play the Devil but now there is little momentum, noting many filmmakers lost their motivation and some left the country to find work elsewhere.

Now, FILMCO is creating a process where dialogue can take place and said they have engaged FilmTT which has been supportive.

Boucaud said to build the industry incentives are needed such as tax credits and duty free allowance on equipment.

Dieffenthaller governments do not understand the power they hold as creative people, adding there is a lot of lip service about supporting the film industry.

Macfarlane also observed students graduating from the film programme at the University of the West Indies find there is nothing for them, and older filmmakers cannot help them as they are struggling themselves.

We all struggling, Dieffenthaller added. Boucaud said government should remain involved in a national television station to preserve our culture, (our) moral values, tell our stories, (and) educate the population on why they need to invest in the country. Dieffenthaller said many people do not care about the country and that is why they can allow it to look like a rubbish heap, The only time they see themselves is when they biting concrete.

The majority of people. Or in handcuffs, or dead on the front page or your mother raped. I mean, really, how are we selling this country? Get us back to understand who we are. We dont know who we are. Dieffenthaller said FILMCO is not asking for handouts but for investment.

FILMCO will have their first meet and greet on May 5.
Lunch hour boosts a childs health

NPSPA said the move would mean a shortened school day, allowing teachers to get home earlier, students to take part in extra curricular activities, and that it would help reduce indiscipline and injuries at school.

However, paediatrician Dr David Bratt told Sunday Newsday even adults need a break after sitting and concentrating for several hours. He said the break was not only to fuel the body, but also to relax the mind and burn off energy so that children could focus better.

He said not being able to run around, use up some of their energy, and burn off some calories has repercussions on the childrens future as well as for the country. That (shortening the lunch break) has repercussions as far as obesity is concerned.

The probability is that if they do that, obesity would get worse and more obesity means more non-communicable diseases as adults - more diabetes, more high blood pressure, more heart attacks, more strokes. And already we know the government is spending $6 billion annually to take care of non-communicable diseases. This is pro-obesity.

There is no other way of putting it. Bratt added that children needed to play as it made them happier and healthier in the long run.

He said it was how they learned to deal with life, to handle other people, solve problems, stand up for themselves, cooperate, and learned to take falls. This is just as important as learning their ABCs. The education system has to be holistic, not only learning academics but they have to learn how to behave in society. Youre not going to learn that in the classroom. Noting that one of NPSPAs reasons for suggesting that the lunch break be reduced, was to lessen occupancies of bullying and violence, Bratt said bullying had always been a fact of life. In fact, he said a certain amount of bullying is good but stressed that there were teachers, family members, and others to help the victim deal with the problem.

If you have a child who is being bullied you deal with it in the school. You do not have to deal with it at a national level by cutting down the amount of time children have out of the classroom.

They want to punish the children to try to solve a problem which is the responsibility as a teacher or as a principal to solve? he asked.

Paediatrician Dr Beni Balkaran agreed that in general, more physical activity in children should be promoted. Therefore, he said, rather than reducing their lunch time by half hour, dedicated times for physical activity should be set.

In addition, he said the longer a person takes to eat, the healthier it was for them. However, he admitted that if a child wolfed down their food in ten minutes, no amount of extra time would make them slow down.

When it came to the rationale of less time equals less violence, Balkaran said it was common sense that reducing the lunch hour would not reduce incidences of bullying and violence and here was no evidence to support that view.

There has to be a better reason for reducing the length of their lunch time. Childrens attention spans are not very long so they need a break between the morning and afternoon sessions, he said.

Clinical psychologist, Lena Jogie, went so far as to call the move counterproductive. She recalled a study in Finland where the number of breaks the students received throughout the day was increased. It was found that the childrens attention span increased, there was less fidgeting, and they were able to focus and learn more.

I do assessments and one of the things we request for some kids is that they get longer breaks, or short breaks in between their schoolwork. When they take a break from the work that could be difficult for them, they are able to come back and focus on the work. So I would say if they want to reduce the time for lunch, they should actually increase the number of breaks. With respect to indiscipline and violence, she suggested that the breaks have structured activities instead of allowing the children to just run around. However, she said unstructured, free play was more beneficial for children as it had physical benefits and improved their social skills.

In addition, she said if school were to finish half-an-hour earlier, there was no guarantee the children would engage in extra- curricular activities at all. Instead they may just return home to an unhealthy environment.

If the children have issues at home, you basically are telling the children to go home earlier to that situation. For the children to engage in extra curricular activities, the school would have to organise these activities and encourage the students to participate.
Garcia: San Juan schools on our agenda

That school(s) is one that is high on our agenda and we are going to move as quickly as possible, Garcia said in a text message reply to Sunday Newsday yesterday.

He was responding to questions raised by parents and Barataria/San Juan MP Dr Fuad Khan about delays in renovating the schools which share the same compound.

In February 2012, the boys school was closed due to infrastructural problems. In March of that year, the students were temporarily relocated to the St George East district office building in Tunapuna, the same building where students of Febeau Government Primary School were housed for more than a year. The next year, students of the girls school were also relocated to the building.

Renovations were scheduled to be completed in 2016, but work stopped in 2015 and has yet to resume.

On Friday, parents protested outside the abandoned schools, calling on the authorities to complete repairs and to give them an update on the renovations.

A representative of the parents, Joel Scott, said since 2012 buses were provided to shuttle students from San Juan to Tunapuna. However, the schedule of the buses, and the shorter school days meant the children were subjected to shorter hours of school time, no play time, and transportation safety and security challenges. In addition, for the school term so far, fewer buses were sent for the children, resulting in overcrowding in the buses.

Contacted on what he has done to help his constituents, Khan said he sent letters to Garcia, and met with him on several occasions, asking him to address the matter, but was not satisfied with the response.

The end result of everything is that he (Garcia) did not know when they were going to start, there is a problem with the contractor, and he assured me that things would be done. I asked for a time limit but didnt get any, Khan said.

Khan said he will continue to lobby Garcia on the matter.

I keep the process going but thats about all I could do, he said.
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.

Butch's has a reputation for being a rough biker bar, but he didn't expect any problems. Other Out in Wyoming events have been well-received, and a longtime patron who's 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.

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 Equality's website at http://bit.ly/2oTphMI.
Nick Herringer claps along with a metronome. He draws lines on a big screen, repeating patterns drawn by the computer. He identifies icons of cars when they flash before his eyes. This is the 22-year-olds speech and cognitive therapy, which he has been doing at least twice a week. Every wee
Hired, promoted

Ten people have been hired by Kupper Chevrolet-Subaru and one employee has been promoted.

Gerard Leingang, Mandan, has been promoted to manager in the Kupper Chevrolet Quick Lube department.

Jason Ronsberg, Minot, has joined the staff as digital sales manager.

Doug Hinkel is new at Kupper Auto Body & Glass as an estimator.

Dennis Helbling is an adviser in Quick Lube.

Zach Ronning, Ward Sayler and Luke Beasley are sales and leasing consultants at Kupper Chevrolet.

Jonah Larson joined Kupper Automotive as dealership photographer/lot assistant.

New at Kupper Subaru are Austin Berger, sales and leasing consultant; Ryan Tysver, service adviser; and Zachary Dixon, service technician.

Leader in volume

Ann Andre was the top agent for closed and written volume during March at Keller Williams Inspire Realty Bismarck.

Stillwell elected

Melanie Stillwell, CEO at Western Cooperative Credit Union, Williston, was elected to represent N.D. Division A on the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas board and will serve as second vice chair.

Joel Metz, director at Prairie Federal Credit Union, Minot, was re-elected to represent N.D. Division B and will serve as first vice chair on the Mid-America Service Corp. board.

Elections were held at the CUAD annual business meeting April 12 in Deadwood, S.D.

Stein achieves MDRT

Michael Stein, of Charterpoint Wealth Strategies, Bismarck, has achieved membership in the Million Dollar Round Table - The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, based on client service, ethics and professionalism.

Stein is a six-year member of MDRT.

Jeske with bank

Julie Jeske has joined American Bank Center in Bismarck as a private banker.

Jeske has years of executive leadership and business development experience, most recently at CHI St. Alexius Health as the vice president of community services.

Originally from Jamestown, Jeske earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Jamestown and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Mary.

Meyer certified

Linnea Meyer, a two-year employee of Dakota Eye Institute, Bismarck, recently completed the American Board of Opticianry certification.

New at St. Gabriels

Melyssa Cordova and Sue Amundson-Leupp are new employees at St. Gabriels Community, Bismarck.

Cordova is director of marketing and sales. She has a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from the University of La Verne in La Verne, Calif.

She previously was sales director and life enrichment coordinator at a retirement community in Bismarck.

Amundson-Leupp is director of nursing for housing services. She has a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of North Dakota and 30 years of industry experience. She has been a director of admissions at St. Gabriels and director of nursing at a facility in Garrison.

Two join Sanford

Micheal Henke and Sarah Kucera recently joined Sanford Seventh & Thayer Clinic in Bismarck as physician assistants.

Henke graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and received his physician assistant degree from the University of Nebraska Medical School in Omaha.

Kucera graduated from University of Mary and received her physician assistant degree from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn.

Both are board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Awards from LEC

Among those receiving awards during the Lignite Energy Councils recent annual meeting in Bismarck were:

 Lignite Public Service Award: David Glatt, chief of the Environmental Section of the North Dakota Department of Health for his efforts to gain public input about the Clean Power Plan. Maggie Olson, an assistant attorney general in the North Dakota Office of Attorney General, also received an award for her work there in defending the state against the Clean Power Plan.

 Distinguished Service Award-Research and Development Program: Employees Terrence Schmidt, North American Coal; Troy Leingang, The Coteau Properties Co.; Jeremy Eckroth, The Falkirk Mining Co.; Sarah Flath, The Coyote Creek Mining Co.; and Jay Volk, BNI Coals Center Mine.

 Distinguished Service Award-Government Action Program: Nine companies were honored for their efforts regarding the Clean Power Plan. Representatives of the companies are Mark Thoma, Otter Tail Power Co.; Daniel Whitley, Dakota Gasification Co.; Mike Paul, Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Wade Boeshans, BNI Energy; Mary Jo Roth, Great River Energy; Mike Cashin, Minnesota Power; Joe Friedlander, North American Coal Corp.; Craig Bleth, Minnkota Power Cooperative; and Abbie Krebsbach, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.

 Distinguished Service Award-Public Relations: Environmental Services President and CEO Perrie Schafer, for his efforts to inform both policymakers and the public about the environmental stewardship of the lignite industry both at the plants and the mining companies.

 Distinguished Service Award - Education: Jessica Unruh, environmental specialist at The Coteau Properties Freedom Mine, for her years of presenting coal mining and reclamation information to teachers.

 Distinguished Service Award-Government Action Program: Great River Energys Al Christianson for chairing the LEC government affairs committee.

 Ambassador of Lignite Award: Jim Knox of BNI Coal, Jude Reilly of Industrial Contractors Inc., John Graves of Minnkota Power Cooperative and John Weeda of Great River Energy for many years of service and expertise to the lignite industry.

Four on co-op staff

Four people recently were hired by Capital Electric Cooperative.

Jared NyGaard was hired as an energy services technician to work with co-op members on energy-related issues.

Sean Kiesz is an engineering technician focused on the automated meter reading system.

Josh Bartsch is a line worker based in Bismarck.

Ryan Koenig is a line worker at the Wing outpost.
Encouraging better pipeline construction is just one initiative for the man who will oversee North Dakota's new environmental regulatory agency.

Dave Glatt, chief of the North Dakota Department of Health Environmental Health Section, said, becoming its own agency, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, will allow it to set its own priorities. And as the head of this transition, he brings a philosophy of openness and cooperation in service to the public interest.

Glatt said, years ago, environmental health and public health issues went hand in hand.

The environmental movement has really exploded over the years; its really changed, he said.

While operating under the umbrella of the state Health Department, Environmental Health often has found itself in competition with medical matters for funding. And, until the oil boom, Environmental Health often took lower priority, according to Glatt.

Glatt sees it as an opportunity to be more visible, and more accountable in some cases, to the public.

I got the sense the public really didnt know what we did, he said. Were open now, but I got the sense people want more.

The Environmental Health Section collects a lot of data, including air quality measurements from electronic monitors around the state. Glatt said he hopes to improve the availability of that data and its interpretation.

For example, he is aiming to tackle the state database of oil industry spills to make it more reader friendly. Right now, to get the full information on spills, people have to click on each report one at a time.

Glatt also brings his own take on regulation.

Regulation, in and of itself, is not bad, said Glatt, adding he favors regulating in a way that prioritizes working with industry to find solutions. Hell strive to maintain and enhance employee presence in the field, not necessarily in an enforcement capacity, but to build understanding and help solve problems.

Glatt said he can come to an industry, saying something is a problem. How do we fix it? In his experience, industry has stepped up to the plate. And without constraints on how to address an issue, they often come up with better, more creative solutions.

We want protection but freedom on how to get there, Glatt said.

One area he is setting his sights on is pipeline monitoring, encouraging companies to increase their efforts to build in places with less environmental impact and putting more importance on monitoring systems to improve leak response and control.

Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, said he expects the creation of the new department to be one of the more influential changes made my lawmakers this legislative session  a change which he expects is for the better.

Funding threats

In the more immediate future, Glatt is facing a possibly drastic funding change. Fifty percent of the Environmental Health Section budget is derived from federal money, which the Trump administration proposes to cut significantly.

"I believe you can find efficiencies in every budget," said Glatt, pointing out that indiscriminate across-the-board cuts would hurt programs on which states rely.

Glatt will begin the process of changing to an independent agency by taking public input. He indicated the department has essentially been operating separately from the Department of Health for many years, so day-to-day activities aren't likely to change.
The march in action. Photo: Astrid Riecken/Getty Images

Tens of thousands of demonstrators assembled in Washington, D.C. on Saturday afternoon to participate in the Peoples Climate March, a protest which sought to draw attention to the threat of human-driven climate change, as well as rally against the anti-environment policies of the new Trump administration. The total crowd size is still not clear  event organizers claim more than 200,000 attended in D.C.  but it looked pretty massive, based on television and social-media coverage of the event:

Wow: enormous crowd for the Climate March today, just a week after the March for Science. People are fired up.pic.twitter.com/oz9PtdgpK3  Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) April 29, 2017

Time-lapse, bird's-eye video shows thousands of protesters marching toward White House for action on climate change https://t.co/yoYEIbNWAO pic.twitter.com/jNpi7WceZi  CNN (@CNN) April 29, 2017

There was also record-setting heat in the U.S. capital region, with temperatures in D.C. matching the highest-recorded temperature ever in the city for April 29, 91 degrees. At Dulles Airport, a new high-temperature record of 88 degrees was set. In addition, the overnight temperature in D.C. also broke a record, by never dropping below 70 degrees for the first time ever in April.

Though the Washington march is expected to be the largest, other climate marches were planned on Saturday in dozens of additional U.S. cities, as well as around the world  370 marches in all, according to event organizers.

And they're on the move! Atmosphere is just like a parade #climatemarch pic.twitter.com/Ddi5GgvP0e  Nathalie Baptiste (@nhbaptiste) April 29, 2017

"The D.C. #ClimateMarch is going to be huge." "Traffic is going to be snarled." I was skeptical. But they were right, this is a big crowd pic.twitter.com/PAKVsPPLWg  Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) April 29, 2017

Folks start chanting "shame" as the March moves past Trump's hotel #climatemarch pic.twitter.com/ToFS9L94rf  Nathalie Baptiste (@nhbaptiste) April 29, 2017

And as was the case with the previous weekends March for Science, some protesters got extra-creative with their sign game, albeit with a more confrontational tone toward the Trump administration (see below).

President Trump, like many in his administration and in the Republican Party, doesnt believe that the accelerating change of the planets climate is being driven by human activity, despite the fact that this is the consensus conclusion of the scientific community and most world governments. Indeed, in his first 100 days in office, President Trump and his allies have sought to undo as many of President Obamas efforts to combat climate change as they could, and Trumps choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, is a longtime denier of human-driven climate change who has spent much of his political career fighting EPA efforts to regulate fossil-fuel emissions. (He also doesnt believe carbon dioxide is a primary driver of global warming.)

Pruitt and Trump were the target of many protesters on Saturday. Here are some of the scenes and signs:

AFGE #EPA union members at #peoplesclimate march, chanting "EPA is here to stay," some wearing "silenced" masks. Most couldn't give names. pic.twitter.com/TPC5UyGLFP  Emily Holden (@emilyhholden) April 29, 2017

And so the puns begin. @nhbaptiste and I are out and about covering the DC climate march for @MotherJones today. pic.twitter.com/jzuuODpmrL  Rebecca Leber (@rebleber) April 29, 2017

I walked up to a chart and found @BillNye there. pic.twitter.com/sZn467sfYu  Rebecca Leber (@rebleber) April 29, 2017

I think I found the best sign pic.twitter.com/QVXYqtfNR3  Bill McKibben (@billmckibben) April 29, 2017

This is the best sign from the Climate March. #climatemarch pic.twitter.com/2NxgnEVPes  Denizcan James (@MrFilmkritik) April 29, 2017

And beyond D.C.:

.@IndivisibleTeam Sign from the #ClimateMarchChi #chicago. 45 is underwater & over his head! Change the pres not the climate!!! pic.twitter.com/uWHPIh8eiW  Indivisible Lakeview + Lincoln Park (@IndivLakeviewLP) April 29, 2017

snow in denver, sweltering heat in DC #climatemarch pic.twitter.com/s1Pr21SLZL  David Mack (@davidmackau) April 29, 2017

This post has been updated throughout.
President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images

President Donald Trump invited the controversial populist president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, to the White House during a very friendly phone call on Saturday. Duterte has become internationally notorious for his use of state-sanctioned death squads and vigilantism as part of the Philippines war on drugs  a widely condemned extrajudicial campaign which has resulted in the murders of thousands of drug suspects in less than a year. Duterte also called former president Barack Obama a son of a whore and told him to go to hell last year after Obama raised questions about the anti-drug bloodshed, prompting the Obama administration to cancel a planned meeting between the two leaders during Obamas trip to Asia in September. Now, thanks to Trump, Duterte has an official invitation to the White House.

During the phone call, Trump and Duterte discussed the fact that the Philippines is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs; the North Korea crisis; and the importance of the United StatesPhilippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction, according to the White House. Trump apparently enjoyed the conversation and offered to host Duterte at the White House at some undetermined point in the future. Trump also told Duterte that he looked forward to visiting the Philippines in November during a planned trip to Asia.

On Sunday, the New York Times reported that Trumps invitation was news to both his National Security Council and the State Department, where officials are now preparing for an onslaught of criticism from human-rights groups. In other words, once again, Trump seems to have made a decision with complicated diplomatic consequences without first consulting the people in his administration who understand foreign affairs and whose job it is to advise him. The Times also reports that two administration officials  unnamed, as always  expect both the State Department and the NSC to raise objections internally, though it remains to be seen if they will have an effect on Trumps decision after the fact.

Trumps call with Duterte was apparently one of several arranged in order to reconnect with Southeast Asian leaders who were feeling neglected while the Trump administration has remained focused on the North Korea crisis. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, appearing on ABCs This Week on Sunday, said that the burgeoning relationship with Duterte was more about cooperating against North Korea than an indication that the Trump administration does not care about human rights. Priebus additionally claimed that the issue of human rights stands very high at the top of the list of the White Houses priorities, citing President Trumps recent military retaliation against the Assad regime in Syria over its use of chemical weapons as an example of that commitment. On the other hand, if Duterte werent a head of state, its possible he wouldnt even be granted a visa to enter the U.S., on account of the accusations of human-rights abuses made against him.

Trump, who has repeatedly shown an affinity for authoritarian world leaders, spoke with Duterte once before, in December. Trump reportedly praised Dutertes war on drugs at that time, telling him that he thought Duterte was dealing with the problem in the right way and wishing the campaign continued success. Trump apparently offered a White House invitation then as well, but his transition team confirmed neither the invite nor Trumps praise of Dutertes drug-war tactics. Now they have, from Saturdays call.

The son of an alleged drug user, crying in front of his fathers casket minutes before the burial, in Malolos, Bulacan, north of Manila. His father was gunned down by unidentified men. Photo: Noel Celis/AFP/Getty Images

Dutertes use of extrajudicial violence has been condemned by human-rights groups and many world governments. More than an estimated 7,600 people have been killed by police and vigilantes in the Philippines as a result of Dutertes brutal campaign against drug use, which he put in place after taking office last May. The dead include suspected drug dealers as well as an unknown number of innocent, mostly poor Filipinos, who have either been mistaken for criminals or simply caught up in the bloodshed. Duterte has also claimed that he himself has partaken in the killing of drug criminals, and has declared that he would be happy to slaughter the millions of drug addicts in the country  in an apparent endorsement of the tactics Hitler used in the Holocaust. (He later apologized to Jews for the Hitler reference.) In February, Duterte also said he was going to try to widen the drug wars scope by lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 9 years old, meaning more children could be targeted by the violence if Dutertes plan is approved the countrys congress.

Although the traits of his personality likely make it impossible, Trump should be ashamed of himself, John Sifton, the Asia advocacy director of Human Rights Watch, remarked to the Times regarding Dutertes White House invitation. Sifton said that Trump is now morally complicit in the leaders future crimes.

This post has been updated to include the news that Trump seems to not have consulted his advisers before offering the invitation, as well as Priebuss remarks on Sunday.
Trump approved of the crowds approval. Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP

President Donald Trump emerged from behind a blue curtain with a wave and a clap of his hands at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and Expo Center in Harrisburg on Saturday night, beneath a sign that read, PROMISES MADE  PROMISES KEPT.

He wanted, he said, to commemorate his first 100 days in office with the Pennsylvania voters who had helped put him there. But he also made clear that he intended to provide counterprogramming to the events taking place back in the swamp: the White House Correspondents Dinner and the constellation of related events wherein the fake-news media and the rest of the Washington elite dress up and schmooze, from cocktail hour on Friday until hangover brunch on Sunday.

Vice-President Pence greets the crowd. Photo: Olivia Nuzzi

I hope they have a good dinner, Trump told the press just before the rally. But ours is going to be much more exciting, I think. We have a big crowd. We sold thousands and thousands of tickets.

It was definitely something. Entering a Trump rally in the year 2017 would require you to suspend your critical faculties to a degree, since the people there (the president, most of all) seemed to be under the impression that the campaign was ongoing, that Hillary Clinton remained Trumps most formidable foe, and that they were united against the creatures of a swamp controlled by  someone else. Its not clear who. Several times Saturday night, the crowd chanted, LOCK HER UP, seemingly unaware that Clinton retreated long ago into the woods of Chappaqua.

Trump rally attendees. Photo: Olivia Nuzzi

In a less surreal time, the president of the United States would be at the dinner, which supports the White House Correspondents Association. He would deliver his own comedic monologue, and then he would endure a stand-up routine at his expense. Trump has attended this affair in the past; this includes, most memorably, the dinner in 2011 at which Barack Obama, having just released his birth certificate following a months-long campaign by Trump to imply that he was not born in America and thus not a legitimate president, roasted him  a night some say was the impetus for Trumps 2016 campaign.

Not showing up, then, was both a fuck-you to the media that Trump publicly pretends to hate, and a thank-you to his fans who still believe he is a different sort of politician. One man walked around the floor of the stadium holding a sign that read, MY PRESIDENT SKIPPED THE DINNER TO GIVE US OUR DESSERT. He proudly stopped before the press pen to ensure the journalists all got a good look.

Photo: Olivia Nuzzi

As you may know, theres another big gathering taking place tonight in Washington, D.C.  did you hear about that? Trump asked the crowd. They booed in response, and he dramatically threw up his hands.

A large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nations capital right now. They are gathered together for the White House Correspondents Dinner  he lowered his voice mockingly  without the president.

As the crowd erupted in cheers and whistles, Trump smiled.

And I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washingtons swamp, spending my evening with all of you and with a much, much, larger crowd and much better people, right? Right?

The Harrisburg space holds more than 7,000, but tickets for the event  as for all Trump rallies during his campaign  werent for sale. Instead, they were offered for free on DonaldJTrump.com, and they werent required for admission. And while the crowd was substantial, it didnt fill the room. Seats remained open in the stands, and space remained available on the floor.

More from the Trump rally crowd. Photo: Olivia Nuzzi

But the people who were in attendance were excited. One man, sporting a long ponytail and a leather vest, turned to the person next to him when Trump started talking; I love him, he said. And they provided a stark contrast to the scene back in Washington, where people were dressed in gowns and tuxes and pretending to like each other. Studding the crowd were rather menacing-looking members of Keystone United (previously KSS, or Keystone State Skinheads), which the Southern Poverty Law Center characterizes as a white-supremacist hate group. Bald and heavily tattooed, they wore black T-shirts that read Keystone State Central PA and featured their logo, a black-and-white rendering of a dog. (The White House press office didnt respond when asked to comment on the skinheads at the rally.) Outside, a man who said he was named Jeff Thomas wore a green Pepe the Frog mask  a symbol of the alt-right  and waved the fictitious flag of the Peoples Republic of Kekistan. He was there, he told me, because the normies took my meme.

A man wearing a Pepe the Frog mask, a symbol of the alt-right. Photo: Olivia Nuzzi

And while the crowd was animated by Trumps claims about his accomplishments  executive orders hes signed, the Supreme Court justice he got confirmed  they seemed to take the most delight in feeling, finally, a sense of superiority. (They also chanted build the wall! although there is no concrete plan to do so.) Look at the media back there! Trump said, They would actually rather be here, I have to tell you. Thats right. The crowd booed, and then broke into a chant: CNN sucks! CNN sucks!

Media outlets like CNN and MSNBC are fake news, fake news, Trump continued. And theyre sitting and theyre wishing in Washington  theyre watching right now, theyre watching, theyre watching  and they would love to be with us, right here, tonight. But theyre trapped at the dinner which will be very, very boring.
15 Side Characters In Movies And TV... That Should Have Been The Leads - https://t.co/P0jzbCuLSK pic.twitter.com/7ybhZpo32u  Screen Rant (@screenrant) 29 april 2017





5. AURORA LANE (JENNIFER LAWRENCE) IN PASSENGERS

: The spaceship, Starship Avalon, in its 120-year voyage to a distant colony planet known as the "Homestead Colony" and transporting 5,258 people has a malfunction in one of its sleep chambers. As a result one hibernation pod opens prematurely and the one person that awakes, Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) is stranded on the spaceship, still 90 years from his destination.





4. SHOSANNA DREYFUS (MELANIE LAURENT) IN INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

: "Inglourious Basterds" begins in German-occupied France, where Shosanna Dreyfus witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. Shosanna narrowly escapes and flees to Paris, where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema. Elsewhere in Europe, Lieutenant Aldo Raine organizes a group of Jewish soldiers to engage in targeted acts of retribution. Known to their enemy as "The Basterds," Raine's squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget Von Hammersmark on a mission to take down the leaders of The Third Reich. Fates converge under a cinema marquee, where Shosanna is poised to carry out a revenge plan of her own.





3. JOE BRODY (BRYAN CRANSTON) IN GODZILLA (2014)

: In 1999, the Janjira nuclear plant was mysteriously destroyed with most hands lost including supervisor Joe Brody's colleague and wife, Sandra. Years later, Joe's son, Ford, a US Navy ordnance disposal officer, must go to Japan to help his estranged father who obsessively searches for the truth of the incident. In doing so, father and son discover the disaster's secret cause on the wreck's very grounds. This enables them to witness the reawakening of a terrible threat to all of Humanity, which is made all the worse with a second secret revival elsewhere. Against this cataclysm, the only hope for the world may be Godzilla, but the challenge for the King of the Monsters will be great even as Humanity struggles to understand the destructive ally they have.





2. CAMERON (ALAN RUCK) IN FERRIS BUELLERS DAY OFF

: High school student Ferris Bueller wants a day off from school and he's developed an incredibly sophisticated plan to pull it off. He talks his friend Cameron into taking his father's prized Ferrari and with his girlfriend Sloane head into Chicago for the day. While they are taking in what the city has to offer school principal Ed Rooney is convinced that Ferris is, not for the first time, playing hooky for the day and is hell bent to catch him out. Ferris has anticipated that, much to Rooney's chagrin.





1. CREDENCE BAREBONE (EZRA MILLER) IN FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

: This spin-off of the Harry Potter franchise jumps back in time to explore the wizarding world of 1926 New York, which is being threatened by both mystical acts of destruction and a group of extremist No-Majs (the American term for Muggles, i.e. those unable to use magic). Author Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in the city as part of a global study of fantastic beasts, but he gets caught up in this conflict when some of the magical creatures in his care are accidentally released. what supporting character in a tv-show/movie do you think should have been the lead??
rip him to shreds

Reply

Thread

Link

I've been trying to avoid all of the earlier spoilers online.



I love how Trump had to hold a rally to feed his pathetic ego and whined about Hollywood. You know it kills him inside he's hated.

Reply

Thread

Link

So when will hasan actually start? 10? Then I can switch back to the anti red carpet. Definitely looking forward to both.

Reply

Thread

Link





Sam Bee is a tone deaf symphony pic.twitter.com/I83j6xKT3K  WORLD IS A FUCK (@RIPMarkusJ) April 27, 2017

she's really been showing her ass:

Reply

Thread

Link

white women....

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I don't typically jump on the "shes clearly just joking" train but how people are missing this here idk

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

So much reaching...

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

MTE.



Like I get that people hate Dunham and Bee now, but she was clearly being hyperbolic.



I feel like I'm missing something?

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

ikr. I just chalk stuff like this up to "she's famous/successful, so I have to find a reason to hate her." (Especially if it's a woman, lbr.)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

ikr? people need real problems if this offends them.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

yass queen Rikers Retreats should become the next big thing for wealthy white women

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

and her stupid husband...

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

What's the problem here? ONTD ~problematique~ experts, help a sister here.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I find her annoying and not funny but idg the outrage

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This is on my list of things to watch!! agh.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I'm watching some Schitt's Creek right this very second! :O

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

All of your gifs of this show are making me want to watch it! Plus Francois Arnaud is in an episode so that's reason enough for me lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i'd watch sam bee's but i love hasan

Reply

Thread

Link

Still can't believe this dumbass won't be there. I was really looking forward to that after the election results.

Reply

Thread

Link

are you surprised tho? he's a thin skinned dummy. agent cheeto puff is super sensitive.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Honestly it didn't even cross my mind! EVERYONE has gone. I figured he would have to. :( You're right, I suppose I'm not too surprised now that it's happened.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

his skin and hair are the only things thin about him

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

this fool really held a rally. spoiler alert: you won the presidency.

Reply

Thread

Link





One P.S. 452 parent speaking out against the move is comedian and former Daily Show correspondent Jason Jones, whos married to Samantha Bee. "To portray any opposition as classist or racist is as bad as it can get," Jones told WNYC. And elsewhere: "We are not divided, he said at a public hearing about the proposal, we are absolutely united in wanting what's best for our children," then encouraged fellow parents not to talk to the press about the controversy.



http://www.slate.com/blogs/schooled/2016/06/17/the_upper_west_side_is_new_york_s_latest_school_integration_battleground.html i can't take samantha bee seriously after both she and her husband were exposed as gentrifiers

Reply

Thread

Link

Rightfully so, she's fake

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

wait why does the youtube link say it's not on until tomorrow night??

Reply

Thread

Link

My guide on TV says it's tonight....

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

yeah it definitely is, maybe theyre just putting it up on that youtube link till tomorrow idk

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I kind of want a diverse bunch of US citizens to get up there and roast him instead.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Cops are too busy taking other protesters out to handle new ones. So trump supporters are holding protesters against walls while they wait.  Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) April 30, 2017

Reply

Thread

Link

I don't feel bad for them. their children maybe.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This tweet confuses me. Maybe I'm just tired.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yikes. WHCA is a wasteland. Like the only "celebs" are the TV journalists.





Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

lol i like my legislators tho! Well mostly. Feinstein needs to retire.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

YES SHE DOES

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Also, those of you with GOP Representatives, pls sober dial them on Monday to voice your objection to the AHCA! 18 Republicans have already gone on record for voting 'no'. We need 4 more to stop the bill.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link
The first quarter of the year saw record-high oil and gas M&A activity in the U.S., with the value of deals topping US$73 billion  a whopping 160-percent annual increase and a record high. Thats what PwC reported, adding that most of these were in the upstream segment and that 20 of the 53 M&A deals were made in the Permian, cementing the plays status as star performer of the U.S. oil patch.

The revival of M&A activity was a direct result of OPECs decision to start cutting production at the end of last year, but PwC also notes that the majority of deals were in fact asset sales, rather than corporate acquisitions. This means, according to the consultancy, that energy companies are being smart about optimizing the value of their production assets rather than just seeking to expand these as much as they can. And it seems that most of them are flocking to the Permian or expanding their existent footprint there.

One cant help but wonder when the play will get crowded. In March alone, for example, the Texas Railroad Commission issued 1,310 new drilling permits. Most of these were for the Permian. The number is up more than twice from a year earlier, when the number of new permits was 511.

It seems obvious that the new administrations markedly pro-energy business agenda has boosted optimism across the board, increasing risk appetite amid falling production costs and relatively stable international prices. Related: Russia Hits 100% Compliance With OPEC Cut

Private equity is also back in the oil game, spending US$19.8 billion on new ventures in the oil and gas industry  a threefold increase on an annual basis, according to data from Preqin. Again, the Permian has attracted a lot of this investment. Some analysts, quoted by Reuters, believe that the big reason for this renewed investment drive has more to do with production prices than with international benchmarks, but not everyone in the industry shares this belief.

PwC analysts belong in the first camp: in their report on M&A in U.S. oil and gas, they noted that breakeven prices in the Permian are dropping so steadily that right now drillers there are generating the same margins as they were before the oil price crash. At the same time, oilfield service providers are in hiring mode and are raising prices. The Houston Chronicle reports that a third of service providers are already charging more for the work they provide.

Then there are the IPOs  three in the first quarter, of which one is a company focused on the Permian, Jagged Peak Energy, and two are oilfield service providers, Keane Group Inc., and ProPetro Holding, the latter also based in the Permian.

All this looks very good for the industry, but there are signs that this rush of activity is set for a slowdown through the rest of the year. For starters, as PwC notes, sellers of assets are starting to have greater expectations from potential buyers as the overall industry environment improves.

More importantly, however, some oil industry insiders are worrying that the shale oil recovery in the U.S. is happening too fast  something that Continental Resources Harold Hamm warned about a couple months ago at CERAWeek. If the rate of production building continues, it may very well offset any attempts on the part of OPEC to slim down global supplies to prop up prices, something we saw in the first quarter.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Speaking this week at the Bloomberg New Energy Finance conference in New York, Total SAs chief energy economist, Joel Couse, forecasted that EVs will make up 15 to 30 percent of global new vehicle sales by 2030.

Oil demand for transportation fuel see its demand will flatten out, after 2030, Couse said. Maybe even decline.

Colin McKerracher, head of advanced transport analysis at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, sees Couses forecast as the highest EV sales margin yet to be forecasted by a major company in the oil sector.

Thats big, McKerracher said. Thats by far the most aggressive weve seen by any of the majors."

Royal Dutch Shell Plc sees a similar trend with oil demand in transportation flattening out in the near future. Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden said in March that oil demand may peak in the late 2020s. In November during an interview, Shell CFO Simon Henry said that demand is expected to peak in about five years. Related: Is The Market Running Out Of Patience With OPEC

Shell and Total SA have been looking to diversify their energy assets through hydrogen as a transport fuel. In January, both companies joined a global hydrogen council that included Toyota, Liquide SA, and Linde AG. The companies will be investing about $10.7 billion in hydrogen products over the next five years.

Like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles have major walls to climb to find mass adoption in vehicle sales and infrastructure. One barrier is the cost of owning an electric vehicle versus a cheaper, comparable gasoline-engine vehicle. The battery pack in an EV can be quite expensive, making up half the cost of the car, according to BNEF.

Backers of EVs point to two trends fast approaching the market; with one being the longer range, 200-plus-miles per charge EVs coming to market like the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3. The higher-priced versions of the Tesla Model S and Model X are thought to be a sign of it, with consumers willing to finance or lease one of these EVs to gain access to more power and longer range.

Automaker are feeling pressed by strict emissions reduction rules in Europe and China, with other markets like the U.S., Japan, and South Korea having similar standards.

Auto Shanghai has been a showcase for existing and startup automakers launching several EVs to the China market, with some of them ending up overseas. Related: Australian Government Just Shocked The Natural Gas Markets

Its helping that lithium ion battery prices are dropping about 20 percent year, as automakers spend billions on electrifying their vehicle lineups. Volkswagen wants to see at least 25 percent of its vehicles sold in 2025 to be EVs. Toyota is moving toward selling zero fossil-fuel powered vehicles by 2050.

Another sign that the Total SA report carries some weight is the diverse and broad portfolio of EVs that automakers till be rolling out on the market soon.

By 2020 there will be over 120 different models of EV across the spectrum, said Michael Liebreich, founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance. These are great cars. They will make the internal combustion equivalent look old fashioned.

Electric cars only make up about 1 percent of global vehicle sales, so making it to 30 percent in the short-term future would be a huge leap. Analysts point to a few market forces that need to be addressed before that technology takes off in sales. Among those issues are pre-incentive prices coming down, distance per charge going up beyond 300 miles, and the fast charging infrastructure becoming pervasive and cost competitive to gas pumps.

By Jon LeSage for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Harold John Van Heuvelen, known as "Van" to his friends, was a musician, acclaimed music educator, retired U.S. Army Colonel and World War II veteran, and lay preacher. He passed away on April 26, 2017, in Kalamazoo, Mich., at the age of 98.

Van was born in Yakima, Wash., on March 30, 1919, to Rev. Bernard (Ben) Van Heuvelen and Carrie Catherine De Feyter, who came from families of Dutch emigres and homesteaders. They soon settled in Huron, S.D., where Ben, a preacher, became a classical missionary for the Reformed Church in America. Carrie was a talented painter and art teacher who inspired her children to appreciate the arts.

Van's life-long love of music began at the age of seven, when he started piano lessons. At 10, he took up the violin. Discovering that he had a natural talent for the instrument, he played in the orchestra at Huron High School and continued making music at Hope College, in Holland, Mich., earning a Bachelor of Music degree.

In July 1939 he met Frances Irvine, of Park River, N.D., while working a summer job at the Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone National Park. Van would later recall those days by singing a song titled "Rotten Logging," which colorfully describes a favorite pastime of young couples in Yellowstone who find themselves sitting on a log together under the moonlight. Fran and Van married on Feb. 20, 1943.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Van entered the U.S. Army, where he served as an instructor in the Officer Candidate School at New Orleans Army Airbase. In the spring of 1945, during a period of uncertain calm -- after Germany surrendered, as soldiers were awaiting a potential deployment to Japan -- Van filled his idle time by composing a symphony.

For a time, he pursued a career as a professional musician. After the war, he returned to his studies at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Arts in Solo Violin Performance in 1948. In 1952, he spent the summer at the Berkshire Music Festival, studying conducting and musical composition under Leonard Bernstein.

Ultimately, he and Fran settled in Bismarck, where Van became Chairman of the Music and Fine Arts Department of the Bismarck Public Schools. In his 40-year career as an educator, Van brought music instruction to the elementary, middle and high school levels in Bismarck, teaching thousands of students of all ages to play and appreciate music. Van conducted the Bismarck High School Symphony Orchestra, and was also involved with the Bismarck Symphony and the Bismarck Messiah Orchestra. He and Fran raised two sons, John and Bob.

In 1970, Van became a Lay Preacher with the First Presbyterian Church. He would later characterize his religious service as "the most valuable of all my undertakings." He also served 33 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, reaching the rank of Colonel.

Upon his retirement from teaching, Van and Fran moved to Red Lodge, Mont., on the edge of Yellowstone Park.

After Fran's death, in 2003, Van rekindled a relationship with Alma Viswat (nee Weeldreyer), who had played the piano as his accompanist during their undergraduate studies together at Hope College. They were married on Nov. 18, 2007 -- 70 years after they had first met -- settling together in Alma's hometown of Kalamazoo, Mich. They made music for friends, family, and fellow churchgoers, and performed at the weddings of two of Van's grandchildren.

On Nov. 4, 2012, Van's Symphony No. 1, which he had begun composing 67 years earlier, was premiered by the U.S. Army Band at Fort Myer, Va. Van said the symphony was inspired by an era of war, telling a story that begins with "wandering and searching" and escalates into struggle and conflict. The final movement evokes a "glorious peace."

"I have a lot of beautiful music in that movement," Van said. "It's my favorite part."

Surviving Van are his two sons, John, of Denver, Colo., and Bob, of Washington, D.C.; three step-daughters, Mary Honeysett Kuipers, Jane Fette, and Margery Latchaw; four grandchildren, Susan, Ben, Elizabeth, and Will Van Heuvelen; and five great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were Fran, his wife of 60 years, and Alma, his wife of eight years.

A service to celebrate Van's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, Mich., on May 6 at 11 a.m. His remains will be buried alongside Fran's at the Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland, Mich. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in memory of Van to Hope College.
Despite the recent flight of investment from the west Canadian tar sands, Canada hasnt deviated from its course and continues to embrace major energy projects, particularly the ones designed to facilitate exports to the United States. And while U.S. President Donald Trump slaps tariffs on imported Canadian wood and threatens economic warfare with the single largest U.S. trade partner, energy links between the United States and Canada are solidifying.

According to an EIA report, owners of the Alliance pipeline, a 2400-mile natural gas line carrying unprocessed natural gas from production sites in Alberta and British Columbia to extraction and fractionation plants near Chicago, are planning an expansion. They hope to add 0.5 bcf/d of capacity to the line, which at the moment has a capacity of 1.6 bcf/d, for a total throughput of over 2 bcf/d by November 2020.

The demand for natural gas plant liquids (NGPL) derived from wet natural gas is low in Western Canada, particularly now that tar sands activity looks to be falling off, so Alliance is betting on greater demand in the United States. From its plants near Chicago, Alliance can send products to the Alliance Chicago Exchange and thence to other pipelines accessing other markets. If interest from investors is sufficient for the pipeline expansion, Alliance will accept bids in fall 2017, though it is not yet known how much the project will cost.

On April 20, Calgary-based electricity provider TransAlta announced it would be phasing out eight coal-fired power centers and converting six of them to natural gas by 2023. The transition would cost around $CA300 million and cut emission between 30 and 40 percent per megawatt hour, but the principal reasons for the transition are economic and political. Alberta announced a mandatory phase-out of coal-fired power plants in 2015, mandating the existing plants would be shut down or transitioned by 2030. Coal has also become uncompetitive compared to natural gas and renewables, further encouraging the transition.

A significant amount of Canadas natural gas production, roughly one-third by one estimate, is used to produce oil from the tar sands. That sector has seen its fortunes dip in recent years, as high costs and low prices push out major companies. In the last year, five major companies have sold off assets worth $25 billion, with ConocoPhillips joining the exodus in March: the company sold off $13.3 billion in assets to Cenovus.

Now BP is considering a departure, as it shifts money away from non-core businesses. The British energy company owns stakes in three different tar sands plays and is considering shifting its attention towards more profitable areas, such as the Permian Basin in the U.S., according to Reuters.

Consequently, the re-investment rate into tar sands projects has fallen to nearly 50 percent, though optimists see signs of a resurgence ahead. Tar sands oil production has come under more intense political pressure in Canada, as environmental concerns and public discomfort with major investments into energy production has caused support for the project to dwindle. That, combined with the high cost of tar sands production relative to other North American areas, particularly the Permian Basin, has fueled the recent exodus.

Yet most of the companies buying up the assets for sale are Canadian firms, looking to replace the majors. While there are impediments to further tar sands production for now, the area still represents the third-largest energy reserve in the world, after the oil fields of Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. The smaller Canadian firms replacing ConocoPhillips, Shell and other major companies are hoping that higher prices and renewed interest will allow a resurgence in tars sand production further down the road.

Diminishing expectations in the tar sands shouldnt distract from the fact that Canada will be the fifth-largest producer of crude oil in the world in 2017. The complex industry in the western provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, where pipelines crisscross the country and heavy crude is interspersed with lighter blends, has only expanded in size. Despite outages last year, oil sands production reached 2.4 million bpd in 2016, much of it bitumen and light-synthetic crude.

From total Canadian production, roughly 3.8 million bpd is exported south to the United States, which imports more oil from Canada than any other nation. Canada accounts for nearly 40 percent of total U.S. oil imports. Increasing U.S. production may cause that number to slip, but the demand for heavier Canadian crude blends is likely to remain high, particularly if excess US production is prepared for export rather than fed into domestic consumption. Canada imports about 865,000 bpd from the United States, down from nearly 1 million bpd in 2015.

Theres little reason to expect the energy links between Canada and the U.S. to disappear any-time soon. As each country expands its energy profile and embraces new production both for domestic consumption and export, bonds will grow tighter, even if political roadblocks occasionally appear.

By Gregory Brew for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Indonesia is ambitiously planning to bring in $200 billion in new oil investment as local production declines and demand grows. As part of the plan, Bloomberg reports, Jakarta will allow foreign energy companies to bid for 14 oil and gas blocks, all untapped, sweetening the deal with incentives such as tax-free imports of equipment and technology.

Indonesia is currently producing some 800,000 barrels of crude daily  about half of what it consumes  but this is expected to climb to over 1 million bpd, to reduce the countrys dependence on imports, which this month are estimated to have reached 8.4 million barrels. Over the first quarter, Indonesias average monthly import rate was 10.55 million barrels.

Indonesia, like China, has been suffering from the depletion of domestic fields as well as from insufficient investments over the last few years. As a result, state-owned energy major Pertamina is looking for production boosts abroad.

Since 2014, the company has grown its overseas production capacity to 150,000 barrels of oil equivalent daily through acquisitions and partnerships. The latest acquisition, of French energy company Maurel & Prom, added 30,000 bpd to its capacity. To date, the company has exposure to nine oil-producing countries, including Algeria, Iraq, Tanzania, and Nigeria and is negotiating the acquisition of two oil fields in Russia. Related: New Oil Discoveries Slump To 2.4 Billion Barrels In 2016

Last year, Rosneft and Pertamina struck a preliminary deal for the Indonesian company to buy into the Chayvo and Russkoye fields, but talks have stalled, apparently, and the finalization of the acquisitions is uncertain.

Pertamina is also interested in producing assets in Iran that hold combined reserves in excess of 5 million barrels of crude. The company is already engaged in feasibility studies at two of these fields, whose combined daily production is 74,500 barrels of oil.

At the moment, Indonesia consumes some 1.6 million bpd of crude oil and Pertamina produces 308,000 bpd of this. The company recently announced plans to boost its output by 42 percent this year, up to 438,000 bpd, but this is still well below what the country consumes, so external help would certainly come in handy.

At the same time, as Indonesias Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan told Bloomberg, that both upstream and downstream are important for the government, so efforts are also being directed at expanding the countrys refining capacity. Related: Is The Market Running Out Of Patience With OPEC?

Here, Pertamina is working with Rosneft and Aramco. With Rosneft, the Indonesian company will build the Tuban refinery, with a capacity of 300,000 bpd, with the Russian major planning to take a 45-percent interest in the venture.

With Aramco, Pertamina signed a JV for the expansion of the countrys largest refinery, in Central Java, which will boost daily maximum runs from 348,000 barrels to 400,000 barrels. The foreign partner will again receive a 45-percent stake in the venture, which is valued at $5 billion.

Indonesia is one of OPECs minor producers, which actually left the cartel last November before the production cut deal was reached, because it couldnt afford to cut its already low output. Indonesia is also one of the countries where demand for crude substantially exceeds output. The global drive to reduce dependence on oil imports despite much more affordable prices has evidently not passed it by and we will be hearing more from Jakarta in the coming months and years.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
On April 6, Italys Lazio Regional Administrative Court (LRAC) suspended the environmental impact permit for the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which would have allowed for the relocation of olive trees that obstruct the planned path of the pipeline in the Puglia region town of Melendugno (Italianinsider.it, April 7). TAP, the culminating major link of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) now under construction, is initially expected to deliver 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Azerbaijani natural gas to Italy, via Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea.

TAPs implementation was initially stalled in Melendugno when locals came out to protest the relocation of olive tree groves located within the construction area. Melendugnos local communities had demanded to reroute the pipeline further north to pass through the city of Brindisi. But the Italian Council of State (a legal-administrative consultative body that ensures the legality of public administration) rejected the appeals of Puglias local authorities and approved the transplantation of the trees at the construction site in Meledugno (Tap-ag.com, March 27; EurActiv, March 29; Thegreatmiddleeast.com, March 28). Under the Italian constitution, the regions retain rights to the use of their lands for the construction of energy infrastructure. The December 2016 constitutional referendum was held to determine the division of legislative competences between the state and the regions on land-use, but it ultimately failed in favor of the regions (see EDM, December 16, 2016).

The TAP consortium has said it has complied with all the necessary regulations to safely relocate the olive trees, in cooperation with the relevant regional authorities. The trees were to be temporarily moved, specially cared for, and then replanted in their original location upon the completion of the pipelines construction. However, the April 6 LRAC ruling had blocked the preliminary transplantation works. After re-examining the request of Puglias authorities, on April 20 the court revoked its order to halt construction. TAP now has all its required authorizations, and the project designs have been completed; but the environmental authorizations have been delayed so long that they now single-handedly endanger the projects successful realization. The construction has been postponed by a year already, and if the olive trees are not moved promptly, the process will be at a standstill again (Oliveoiltimes.com, April 11, March 10; Naturalgasworld.com, April 10; Tap-ag.com March 27; Reuters, March 7, April 20; EurActiv, October 4, 2016). Related: Australian Government Just Shocked The Natural Gas Markets

Vitaly Baylarbayov, the deputy vice president of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), has asserted that TAPs environmental impact is minimal because the pipeline will cross onto Italian soil through an underground offshore/onshore micro-tunnel, rendering the pipe invisible, and further stretch to the pipeline-receiving-terminal. The olive trees will be moved and replanted using special machines under the supervision of scientists, and all damages will be repaired and compensated. The land allocated for the micro-tunnel, which was temporarily legally acquired by the TAP consortium, will be returned to the local landowners once construction on the pipeline has finished. The consortium has also been engaging with local authorities and communities in Puglia to address their concerns over the projects environmental footprint. Polls conducted within the communities living there indicate that more than 60 percent of local respondents support TAP and reject the arguments against its construction as groundless (EurActiv, October 4, 2016; Tap-ag.com, March 27).

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev, meanwhile, has suggested that certain forces want to delay work on TAP and the SGC more broadly under the pretext of environmental concerns. Azerbaijan had previously faced similar stumbling blocks when certain groups, particularly the Armenian lobby, sought to attack the BakuTbilisiCeyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, President Aliyev recalled. These efforts delayed the assistance to the BTC pipeline from international financial institutions, but despite this, BakuTbilisiCeyhan was opened, he pointed out (APA, April 11). Energy Minister Natig Aliyev echoed the presidents remarks (Naturalgasworld.com, April 10). In the 1990s, the BTC pipeline was opposed by major regional oil suppliers, and there were attempts to hinder the negotiations over the Contract of Century (as the agreement over the BTC is popularly known), which has allowed for the flow of Azerbaijani oil to global markets. The SGC, which is designed to ease Southeastern Europes dependence on Russian gas, appears to have come under similar negative pressure (Azeridaily.com, September 10, 2016; see EDM, March 24).

SOCAR Vice President Elshad Nassirov told Italian LEspresso, in October 2014, that Azerbaijans modest, 10 bcm expansion of annual exports of gas to Europe is irritating certain third suppliers (alluding to Russia), despite their huge market share therein. Nasirov said that Beppe Grillo, the leader of the Italian anti-establishment Five-Star Movement party, was interviewed by a Russian newspaper and promised that he would do everything to decrease SOCARs market presence in Italy. Grillo had also earlier called for a referendum over TAP. Italys Lower House ratified the international agreement on the TAP project in December 2013; but during the vote, delegates of the more marginal rightist and leftist partiesNorthern League, Brothers of Italy, Left Ecology Freedom and the Five-Star Movementall opposed the ratification of the pipeline (LEspresso, October 20, 2014; Reuters, December 21, 2014; Viniciopeluffo.it, December 6, 2013). Related: World Bank Maintains Oil Price Forecast At $55

Earlier in 2014, thensecretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Anders Fogh Rasmussen, was even more direct. He accused Russian intelligence agencies of carrying out sophisticated disinformation operations and actively working with environment-focused non-governmental organizations to oppose shale gas exploration in Europe. The security concern for the Alliance is that Moscow is obstructing alternative energy projects in order to maintain many European countries dependence on Russia as a single or most important hydrocarbon supplier, thus making it easier for Moscow to put economic and political pressure on them (Forsal.pl, June 20, 2014). Likewise, the SGCof which TAP is a key partaims to deliver non-Russian gas along a non-Russian transit route, which opens this strategic project up to attempts to derail it by its opponents.

Given Italys rising gas dependence on Russia and the declining import of Algerian and Libyan gas over the past several years, TAP will offer new opportunities for Italy in terms of security of supplies, diversification of sources, and increased competition. Caspian-basin gas delivered by TAP will make Italy less dependent on coal and ease its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Azertag.az, April 8; Platts.com, April 7; The Telegraph, March 29). But the Italian government worries that a failure to legally secure TAPs landfall point could push the consortium to reroute the Italian segment of this pipeline to the Western Balkans, via the planned Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline (Reuters, March 7).

By Jamestown Foundation

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Only those who believe in Pakistan can be allowed to do politics here: Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan

KARACHI: Declaring that there was no room for those who did not believe in Pakistan and its Constitution to do politics in the country, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Saturday that the federal government was committed to continuing executing and supporting the ongoing operation to restore peace to Karachi until its logical end.



There were reports in the media claiming that operations in Karachi have slowed down. I have got a briefing over the operations and say with confidence that there is no let-up in our resolve; though there are certain bottlenecks, the operations are not slow as being reported, said the minister at a press conference at the Governor House after conclusion of his two-day visit to the city.



He said he would recommend to the prime minister to pay another visit of the city and preside over a meeting with civilian and military officials  both from Islamabad and Sindh  to energise the momentum vis-a-vis the operation in Karachi.



We have to take this effort to its logical end, it is really important, said Mr Nisar.



Just three years ago, there was a man who had taken Pakistans largest city hostage. The city would get shut on his order and people were virtually at his mercy. Now, the situation is much better and the city and its people are free, he said.



He said Altaf Hussain and his companions did not believe in Pakistan and its Constitution and sought support from India, then how could they be brought into mainstream politics.



He said they should first declare that they believed in Pakistan and its Constitution and then they would be allowed to do politics in the country. Only those who believe in Pakistan can be allowed to do politics here.



He, however, said there was a spike in street crimes, land grabbing and China cutting and all the authorities should make their best efforts to eradicate them.



He said the federal government had increased fund allocation for Sindh Rangers from Rs7 billion to Rs12bn in the past three years. Similarly, he added, Islamabad was spending heavily on raising new civil armed forces and had spent Rs88bn in less than two years in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this regard.



He said the government had strengthened the security of the countrys borders, adding that not a single person could pass the Torkham border with Afghanistan without a valid passport, while up to 50,000 people would pass without documents daily from that border three years ago.



He said the coastguards had effectively secured the coastline of the country, which was earlier being abused for rampant smuggling, human trafficking, etc.



He said similar security arrangements  fencing and installation of gates  were being made along other borders with Afghanistan and Iran.



Regarding disappearance of three close aides to former president Asif Zardari, he said two of them had gone missing from Sindh and the provincial government was responsible for the law and order. How can I know when the Sindh government said it had no clue about them?



He said his party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, had earlier held a meeting with the PML-Functional, and would meet other parties in Sindh in the coming weeks in a bid to offer an alternative to the people of the province who were being ruled by a single party since a decade.



Sindh deserves better than what it is suffering now.



He said every district in the country would have a passport office after May 31. He said there were just 95 such offices till 2013 and his government had opened 72 new ones.



He said there were 14,000 post offices and there was a plan to open offices of the National Database and Registration Authority on the same pattern across the country.
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...
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.

Featured Video
We have high quality wood pellet made from Acacia (babool) tree. They are cleanest solid fuel and heating capacities from 8000 to 90000 Btu per hour.



Acacia wood pellets specifications:

Diameter: 6.330.19 mm

Length:20.44.52 mm

Mass: 0.595 0.16 g

Particle density:923.6142.2 kg/m3

Moisture content: 7.560.14% wb

Mechanical durability: 86.00.8 %



Product Available: 100 ton per month

Capacity: 1000 ton

Price: $125 or 114 Euros [per ton]
The Legislature ground to a close last week, dashing the hopes of legislative leaders of banking a number of days in case a special session becomes necessary. Instead, they went home with three days left in the bag.

Legislators knew it was going to be a tough session with the states revenue shortfall requiring major budget cuts. Just about everyone felt the pain, as they should, as the budget was balanced. It wasnt a pleasant task after the oil boom years allowed the Legislature to spend on infrastructure and be generous while funding other programs. Overall, they tried to be fair. Many at the states universities and colleges are unhappy.

There were times when the legislators motives were questioned. Their decision to rework Measure 5, the medical marijuana measure easily approved by voters, was criticized throughout the session. The final bill eased most concerns, but the marijuana bill and other actions seemed to reflect the dislike of many legislators of the initiated measure and referral process. They also voted to abolish BreatheND and send the programs back to the Department of Health. Legislators argued BreatheND duplicated health department programs and was unnecessary. Though resentment seemed to linger from voters having approved BreatheND and requiring the Legislature to fund it for seven years.

The Legislature also approved a bill creating a commission to study the initiative and referendum process and decide whether to recommend changes. The Tribune Editorial Board doesnt disagree that improvements are possible, but the commissions actions need to be closely monitored. We shouldnt tinker too much with the peoples ability to generate change when they feel the Legislature or the state is slow to act.

It wasnt the most friendly Legislature for the publics right to know. Senate Bill 2152 closes the hiring process for all public jobs in every public entity across the state. The names of applicants wont be released until finalists are selected and only finalists are made public. The Legislature also extended the wait time before autopsy reports are released and they made Title IX complaints confidential. Those complaints involve issues like sexual harassment or unwanted sexual imposition. Newpapers routinely dont release the names of victims but do print those accused.

There also was fallout from the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, with legislators tightening laws. House Majority Leader Al Carlson introduced a bill to allow state-run casinos, though he denied the bill was in response to the protests. The bill failed.

The slowdown in oil activity didnt result in a shortage of oil-related bills. Senate Bill 2134 clarifies that the state doesnt own minerals under Lake Sakakawea. Its passage means about $187 million in bonus, rent and royalty payments will be returned to the mineral owners. Studies of natural gas royalty payments and tribal taxation issues are planned. Senate Bill 2013 provides $500 million from oil tax revenue to western North Dakota communities and $16 million to townships across the state.

Gov. Doug Burgum did use his veto power. He rejected a bill limiting the size of bonuses the governor could dole out and the Senate failed to override him. He also vetoed the auditors office budget because it mandated what position needed to be eliminated in the auditors office. We agree with the governor. While the Legislature controls the pursestrings they shouldnt try to micromanage every office. They can mandate how much each office needs to cut in salaries but it should be up to the department head to decide how to reach that goal. The department head should understand the needs of the department better than anyone else.

Finally, why did it take the Legislature longer than expected after leadership took action from the beginning to the session to save days? Part of it relates to the major budget bills that often take more time than expected to resolve. Leadership also played a role, with Carlson pushing his changes in PERS, an issue that has tied up the Legislature in the past. Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardners last-minute efforts to provide additional funds to his hometown Dickinson State University also slowed the Legislature.

As noted earlier, the Legislature had a tough task in dealing with the revenue shortfall. They managed to achieve their goal without touching the Legacy Fund, protecting it for the future. Some will argue dipping into the fund would make life easier for all involved. Theres a good argument for biting the bullet, getting everything in order and building on it in the future.

The final verdict on the 65th Legislative Assembly will be up to the voters. They will decide how well their representatives did.
Our company based in Slovakia can supply high volume of wood pellets with EN plus certificate. If you would contact us, we could discuss the details. I am looking forward hearing from you
Students show art

in juried exhibition

ONEONTA  Artwork by 73 students is featured in SUNY Oneontas 2017 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, on display through May 13 at the Martin-Mullen Art Gallery in the colleges Fine Arts Center.

The exhibition features more than 100 works by student artists, including Madison Blodgett of Gansevoort and Hannah Smith of Queensbury.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, during special events and by appointment while classes are in session. More information is available from Gallery Director Tim Sheesley at 607-436-3456 and on the Martin-Mullen Art Gallery website.

Student selected for art honorary society

CANTON  Shelby L. Burkhardt of Warrensburg has been selected for membership in the Art and Art History honorary society at St. Lawrence University in Canton. Burkhardt is a member of the Class of 2017 majoring in art and art history and psychology. Burkhardt attended Warrensburg Central School.

The society offers membership to students who maintain a 3.0 overall grade point average and have taken four art and art history courses with a 3.5 grade point average, or who have a 3.0 overall grade point average and have taken six art and art history courses with a 3.25 average. Applications are solicited twice during the academic year and an induction ceremony takes place in the spring semester.

Students complete online programs

LENEXA, Kan.  Grantham University announced its March graduates of the universitys online degree and certificate programs. Given the flexibility of the 100 percent online universitys course schedule, Grantham students finish their programs and graduate each week of the year. Local graduates include:

Timothy Hutchings of Argyle;

Brendon Emery of Corinth;

Sean Early of Fort Edward;

Kevin Brown of Glens Falls;

Jeremy Fregeau of Glens Falls;

Cortland Catellier of Hudson Falls;

Ronda Snyder of Moriah;

Arthur Coon of Queensbury;

Jeffrey Dorvee of Queensbury;

Denise Sherman of Round Lake; and

Melanie Groff of Schuylerville.

Student honored at Oswego convocation

OSWEGO  Noelle LeRoy of Schuylerville, a graduate student majoring in human-computer interaction at SUNY Oswego, received the Distinguished Cognitive Science Senior Award at the colleges 2017 Honors Convocation. The formal ceremony, complete with a procession of faculty and college officers in full academic regalia, is sponsored each spring at Oswego by Vega, the womens honor society. The audience included faculty, staff, students and students family members.

Alvernia student earns fellowship

READING, Pa.  Cameron Coons of Gansevoort earned the OPake Undergraduate Fellowship in Leadership from Alvernia Universitys OPake Institute for Ethics, Leadership and Public Service, during the 2017 Honors Convocation on April 23. Coons is studying sport management at Alvernia.

Oneonta student is studying abroad

ONEONTA  Annie Botch of Queensbury, a junior majoring in environmental sustainability, will study at the American College of Greece in Greece. Botch was selected to receive the Dr. Warren and Mrs. Rita Wellman Scholarship, one of seven scholarships established by the SUNY Oneonta College Foundation to support students who might otherwise not have the financial means to study abroad. Made possible through gifts from alumni, faculty, staff and community members, these scholarships are available to qualifying students each semester.

A total of 60 SUNY Oneonta students are studying abroad this spring through semester-long and academic-year programs in 15 countries.

Oneonta student receives art award

ONEONTA  Madison Blodgett of Gansevoort received the Jean Parish Art on Campus Award for an oil on canvas piece titled All Dressed Up, during an opening reception for SUNY Oneontas Annual Juried Art Exhibit on April 13.

On display through May 13 at the Martin-Mullen Art Gallery in the colleges Fine Arts Center, the exhibition features more than 100 works by student artists. Featured artworks were chosen from an open-jury process and works entered by the art faculty. Painting, drawing, sculpture, digital print, digital video and an assortment of mixed media make up this years offerings.

The cash awards are supported by gifts made to the College at Oneonta Foundation for the student awards.

Student inducted into health society

ONEONTA  Anne Swift of Gansevoort has earned membership in SUNY Oneontas chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the National Health Preprofessional Honor Society.

Alpha Epsilon Delta is dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in preprofessional health scholarship. The honor society welcomes all students engaged in the pursuit of professional development, provides a forum for students with common interests and extends a program of service to benefit the college community.

Potential members must have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of health preprofessional studies work with an overall cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.20 on a 4.0 scale.

They must also maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 in the sciences  biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Students inducted into SALUTE society

CASTLETON, Vt.  Eric Baurle of Queensbury and Tina Bennett of Clemons were inducted into the Castleton University chapter of the SALUTE Veterans Honor Society.

SALUTE is the only national honor society highlighting the achievements of student veterans. SALUTE membership recognizes their commitment to academic excellence, high principles and superior achievements throughout their lifetimes and is dedicated to service, academics, leadership, unity, tribute and excellence.
HARTFORD  Dale LaPoint and the other members of the First Baptist Church of Hartford are planning a major event for Friday, and it wasnt even their idea.

This is not something we generated, said LaPoint, who is the chairman of the church trustees and the church historian. Jeff Faggart got in touch with us about a year ago, because he was doing research, and now he and his group are coming up, and they are going to unveil a 7-foot tall monument.

The event celebrates 229 years of the First Baptist Church, as well as its famous members, and is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

The text on the monument describes the 1788 founding of the church and the 33-year ministry of the initial minister, Rev. Amasa Brown, according to Faggart, who is from the North Carolina-based Baptist Preservation History Society.

Also honored on the monument are notable church members who began their journey in Hartford and served the larger global Baptist family: Johnathon Wade, missionary; Noah Barrell Pastor and author and John Baudin, pastor.

The mission of the Baptist History Preservation Society is to preserve and propagate the heritage of the Baptists, and Brown is well-known in Baptist circles. He was very active politically during his time and founded seven churches, including one in Ira, Vermont which the Baptist group is visiting just before coming to Hartford.

That was back when you had preachers who were circuit-riders, LaPoint said. They would have a home church, but they would ride to visit the outlying churches as well.

The society is dedicated to placing monuments at Baptist sites across the nation, commissioning paintings which depict historic Baptist scenes, acquiring and preserving books, manuscripts, ephemera and artifacts related to the Baptists, assisting in the restoration and maintenance of historic Baptist sites and conducting Baptist history conferences.

It sponsors tours of different parts of the country every year, and New England and eastern New York are this years focus.

The Baptist Church and Old Baptist Cemetery, are the last stop of the week-long tour of historically significant sites in New England and New York to be visited by the members on a tour of Baptist sites. The Baptist History Preservation Society is a ministry of the Harvest Baptist Church in Rockwell, North Carolina. Since 1997, and its focus is to preserve the heritage of the Baptists.

The First Baptist Church of Hartford was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 for its unique history and architectural features.

The church is located at 56 Hartford Main St.in Hartford next to the Old Baptist Cemetery, where Brown is buried.

For more information on the First Baptist Church of Hartford, contact Dale La-Point, Trustee at 518-791-6116 or for information on the historical society, contact Faggart at bhps@ctc.net.
HUDSON FALLS  Brian Burnett just wants a little peace and quiet, and he will visit the Village Board as often as he has to in order to get it.

Burnett, who lives at 5 LaCross St., has brought the issue up for more than a year and has been at multiple Village Board meetings, with notes and other documentation chronicling what he contends is excessive noise from Dimensional Mills, a wood pallet-production company roughly across the street from his house.

Ross Cortese, the village zoning enforcement officer, said the company received a variance in 1999, and at the time, the area was a mixed-use zone, rather than being a residential zone. The condition was the time frame they would be working, that they would not start before 7 a.m.

Burnett contends the company has added equipment and does more work at the site than it did when the variance was allowed in 1999.

Village Board members, including Mayor John Barton, said the complaints have been thoroughly investigated by both Cortese and Police Chief Randy Diamond, but have not found serious noise issues.

We know the police went door-to-door, and there was no one else who complained about it, Barton said at a recent meeting. Theres really not anything we can do but ask you to keep track of the situation.

Village Attorney William Nikas told Burnett at a meeting last month that the next step will be for him to contract with the noise monitoring company and bring the results back to the Village Board. There really isnt anything else we can do.

In a March meeting, Nikas said the complaints do not rise to actionable levels, because the neighbors are not supporting the complaints, and code enforcement and police have not been able to verify them.

Burnett said he has contacted one sound-monitoring company and is in touch with another. He said it is difficult, because he is expected to pay for the monitoring himself.

The sawmill, which includes a storage area for logs and a number of machines, is on Route 4, right at the edge on the residential area, which is to its south.

To the north is a commercial area with a variety of businesses, offices and stores.

Burnett said there are times the company begins work as early at 5:47 a.m. He said the noise issue gets better at times, but that it usually deteriorates again.

At another meeting, he said the company has worked on Saturday mornings and left one of the machines idling for 30 minutes. He also said the dust collector resonates and he can feel the vibrations in his house.

Burnett remains very critical of the villages response and said at the most recent meeting that he is giving his documentation directly to the mayor, because he is not comfortable in dealing with Cortese.

The noise from this business is unacceptable and destroys our quality of life, Burnett said. You hear it over your TV with the windows and doors closed.You could be ticketed for a dog barking but the village ignores repeated complaints.
As the Legislature leaves Bismarck, we are returning home with a balanced budget and no tax increases.

This session has proven the importance of exercising fiscal responsibility and saving for lean times. Despite facing one of the largest declines in revenue in state history, we were able to fund our priorities and balance our budget through a combination of smart reductions and using some reserves.

Early in the session, we passed legislation responding to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, focusing on the safety of our citizens and law enforcement. Months later, the pipeline has been completed and our state's economy has seen an increase in oil and gas production.

We also responded to budget constraints with an inventive approach to making government more efficient. Legislators brought forward proposals to streamline state agencies and eliminate duplicative services, and we redoubled our efforts to use technology to simplify government services and save taxpayer money.

Our top priority, as always, was investing in our state's greatest asset: our young people. Although most areas of state government were trimmed to balance the budget, we ensured that our students and teachers were not subject to those reductions. We also prioritized caring for our most vulnerable, restoring funding for long-term care that had been targeted for cuts.

We responded to North Dakota's addiction crisis by increasing access to behavioral health services. We passed several criminal justice reform bills that go hand-in-hand with these behavioral health efforts. By rethinking punishments for lower-level offenses, we can steer people toward the treatment they need while fixing our prison overcrowding problem.

One of our major legislative accomplishments was the state takeover of county social services funding. This plan will eliminate 20 mills of levy authority in every county, resulting in permanent property tax reform. With this bill's passage, the state of North Dakota is now contributing over $1.36 billion toward local property tax relief, or 39.1 percent of what would have been the responsibility of North Dakota property owners.

Through the hard work of legislators from all across the state, we are leaving the Capitol with a positive framework for the future of our state.
GLENS FALLS  The sun peeked in and out of clouds on a particularly warm spring morning as hundreds advocating for safeguarding the worlds natural resources gathered in City Park off Glen Street before marching about a mile to Crandall Park.

As the sign-bearing marchers  Give the earth a chance; When the Oceans Die, We all Die; Save the Planet; No Jobs on a Dead Planet  seamlessly moved along Glen Street, passing motorists honked and cheered with approval. And as the crowd rounded the last short block of the walking journey together, the Glens Falls Area Drum Circle chants grew louder as if keeping pace with the marchers steps.

The drummers and marchers chanted:

We are the world, we are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So, lets start giving

Theres a choice were making  

It took nearly 30 minutes for the triple-deep line that snaked along more than half a mile to pass the drum circle and just after 11 a.m., the slated speakers began sharing insights and challenges with the crowd.

Together, united, we cannot be defeated.

Together, united, we cannot be defeated.

Together, united, we cannot be defeated.

The Glens Falls Peoples Climate March, coinciding with more than 600 Peoples Climate Marches around the world on Saturday, was organized by TriCounty NY Transition, a grass-roots group dedicated to protecting and appreciating the earth.

Founder Bernice Mennis said it is a critical time and the march is for our future and the future generations of families, communities and our earth.

National Peoples Climate March organizers intentionally scheduled the march on President Donald Trumps 100th day in office to draw attention to the peril ahead if the president and his administration move forward with the reversal of environmental and climate safeguards.

It is such bad timing to have the Trump administration in office now, said Judith Enck, an Environmental Protection Agency official in former President Barack Obamas administration, in an interview at the march shortly after she addressed the crowd.

Enck, a former New York EPA regional director who is now a visiting scholar at Pace Universitys Haub Law School, said the current EPA head, Scott Pruitt, is a national embarrassment, referring to his close ties to the oil and gas industries.

He is a whollyowned subsidiary of oil and gas, she said.

In recent weeks, Pruitt has promoted what he calls a back to basics agenda that rolls back a number of Obama-era regulations, including the Clean Power Plan, designed to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from the nations power plants.

And like the president, Pruitt has expressed doubts about global warming and carbon emissions.

According to the Associated Press, the EPA removed the climate science pages from its website late Friday, citing updates are underway that will make the information more in line with the current administration.

To kick off the event, once marchers were settled in at Crandall Park, Sarah Rice and the Glens Falls Area Drum Circle, led the crowd in a call and response chant for Mother Earth.

Rice sang the Kundalini sacred healing chant, Ra (sun) Ma (moon) Da (earth) Sa (infinity); Sa say so hung, followed by the crowds repetition. And with each chant, a new drum, bells or cymbal would be added until the chant was complete.

Former oceanographer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, Dr. Stephen Danna, dean of the SUNY Plattsburgh Queensbury campus asked the marchers, What do we want?

Climate justice, they responded.

When?

Now.

We march for our children  we march for ourselves, we are stewards of this planet, Danna said during his presentation. We march for our beautiful Adirondack park  were going to push for change, it is our moral obligation.

Before turning the podium over to Enck, Danna challenged the crowd.

What are you going to do differently?

Referring to Trump and Pruitt, Enck first talked about the dangers of rolling back important environmental regulations.

Big oil and big gas are running Washington, she said, adding that if important safeguards are gone, we will get, dirty drinking water, more pesticides  coastal flooding.

Last March was the second hottest March on record, she said. If this trend continues, the Adirondacks will have the same environment as West Virginia. Good-bye ski areas.

She asked where Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, stands.

We need her to be a real leader, Enck said. (We need her) to get the Republican Party to stop being the party of pollution ... Call member of Congress every day. Phone calls make a difference. We the people need to step up.

Then Enck asked the crowd several times, Are you going to sit back or fight back?

Sit back or fight back?

Fight back, they responded.

Area children recited poems and limericks and musicians encouraged the crowd to join in with songs related to saving the earth. The event wrapped up in the early afternoon.
EASTON  The seventh annual Winter Raptor Fest, now firmly established as a spring event at the Washington County Fairgrounds, will include new exhibits this year, including a new living exhibit, a birding by horse-drawn wagon activity and a lot more hands-on activities for children.

The event, sponsored by Friends of the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14.

There will be live owls, hawks, falcons in their natural habitat and visits by a live fisher, red fox, wolf and other animals.

Live Bird of Prey programs and flight demos by master falconers will highlight the aerial agility of some of the birds.

Winter Raptor Fest is such a terrific event that most people dont realize its also a fundraiser for Friends of the IBAs work, said Laurie LaFond, president of the FIBA. We used the funds to acquire and permanently protect critical habitat for New Yorks endangered short-eared owls and other at risk grassland birds. The more support we get the more land we can save.

Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $6 for ages 7-12, and free for ages 6. For members, there is a $2 discound for adults and a $1 discount for children.

For more information, go to www.winterraptorfest.com.
Maybe the thing I like most about this proposed law is the name.

Senate Bill 26 is named the Tax Returns Uniformly Made Public act, or the TRUMP act.

When you are a member of the New York State Legislature and just killing time after the budget passes in April, you have time to be creative.

Sponsored by Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan state senator, the TRUMP act would require the state Tax Department to publicly release the state tax returns of the president, vice president and statewide elected officials on an annual basis. Of course, the vice president would not have a state tax return, but the president would.

The second thing I like so much about the TRUMP act is that it is really clever.

It provides an end run around the president and federal law that forbids the release of the tax returns of any private citizens.

That would not change.

What this law would do is mandate that state Tax and Finance officials release five years of state returns  which has pretty much the same information as federal returns  from the president, vice president, governor, attorney general, comptroller and U.S. senators.

Of course, all the other state elected officials have already done that.

Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy of Albany has sponsored the companion legislation in the Democrat-controlled Assembly  A-4072  where it is expected to be passed sometime in the next month.

That leaves it up to the Republican-controlled Senate, where its future is murkier since control and passage is dependent on a small group of Democrats who vote with the Republicans.

Hoylmans Senate bill currently sits in the Investigations and Government Operations Committee where five Republicans and four Democrats preside.

In case you wanted to drop them a line, the Republicans include Martin J. Golden from Brooklyn, Andrew J. Lanza from Staten Island, Terrence Murphy from Dutchess County, Thomas F. OMara from the Finger Lakes and Elaine Phillips from Long Island. They all can be found online.

Surely one of them wants to know exactly how filthy rich the president is, and if the newly minted tax plan he proposed will help the president and his family.

I know I do.

If the New York lawmakers needed any further motivation, that tax plan proposed by the president would eliminate deductions for New Yorkers who pay state and local income and property taxes. That makes me a little nervous because I have a big property tax bill.

The Legislature has that rare opportunity to make it relative on a national issue.

I hope it doesnt let the opportunity slip away.
WEST FARGO  A powerful synthetic opioid appears to be to blame in the death of a 19-year-old man at a West Fargo apartment, the latest in a growing number of drug-related deaths in the area, authorities say.

The fentanyl police suspect killed 19-year-old Alexander Hirn is so dangerous, it took a crew of firefighters wearing hazardous material suits to clean up the fentanyl spilled in the home where Hirn died.

About 5:20 p.m. Thursday police were dispatched to the apartment where they found two unresponsive males, Interim Police Chief Jerry Boyer said Friday, April 28, at a news conference at City Hall.

Hirn, of West Fargo, was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders were unable to revive him using CPR and Narcan, a drug that fights the effects of opioid overdoses, Boyer said.

It appears at this time that fentanyl was the cause of the death, Boyer said. This is a horrible loss for our entire community.

The other unresponsive person, who Boyer declined to identify by name or age, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. His condition was unknown, Boyer said Friday afternoon.

A friend of at least one of two males called 911, and police responded within minutes, Boyer said. He declined to provide further information on the incident, saying it remains under investigation.

Dr. John Baird, health officer for Fargo-Cass Public Health, said the Cass County coroners office recorded 30 overdose deaths in 2016. While not all of those deaths involved people from the Fargo-Moorhead area, at least 19 opioid overdoses occurred in the metro area.

Baird said fentanyl is a dangerous drug about 100 times more powerful than morphine, and it is difficult to determine correct dosages.

Because fentanyl was involved, West Fargo firefighters were called about 7:05 p.m. to decontaminate the scene.

West Fargo Fire Chief Dan Fuller said an unknown quantity of fentanyl had been mixed with a liquid and then was spilled. Fuller said it was unknown whether Hirn and the other men were exposed to the drug as a result of the spill, or if they had intentionally ingested it first.

Fuller said a large area of a mattress, clothing and carpeting was saturated with the liquid mixture. Because some forms of Fentanyl are powerful enough to kill a human with a dose as small as 3 milligrams, three firefighters wore Level B hazardous materials suits, with respirators and portable oxygen tanks, to clean the scene.

The mattress, clothing and carpeting then were triple-bagged and sealed with chemical tape and taken to the Fargo landfill where it was buried in coordination with the North Dakota Department of Health, he said.

The material removed from the home is no longer a threat, Fuller said.

The firefighters that had been in the apartment were then decontaminated with a solution of Simple Green, bleach and water, and their hazmat suits were discarded, Fuller said.

Baird said opioids are highly addictive and the withdrawal symptoms are severe.

Its not so much that theyre trying to get high, Baird said of addicts, but that theyre just trying to avoid going into withdrawal. It takes over their lives.

Because opioids suppress breathing, Baird said victims often need both CPR and Narcan. Survival of an overdose is not guaranteed by the use of Narcan, and speedy aid to a stricken person is vital, Baird said.

Ruth Roman, the director of Fargo-Cass Public Health, urged families and friends to persevere in trying to get loved ones who are addicted to opioids into treatment.

Addiction is treatable, Roman said.

North Dakota has a Good Samaritan law that grants criminal immunity to drug users who call authorities to report an overdose. Boyer urged those who witness an overdose to call 911 and remain on the scene to answer the questions of first responders, so proper treatment can be quickly administered.

We will respond. We will help you, Boyer said.

An overdose is a life or death emergency  If you know someone has a problem, get help, Boyer said.
President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office have given the public plenty to talk about. But is he doing a good job?

It depends on who you ask. According to political leaders from North Dakota and Minnesota, the answer varies from an A to a B to disappointment in Trumps ineffective start.

Dan Myers, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Minnesota, declined to use a letter grade. He pointed to two stumbles so far: Trumps court-blocked travel ban of people from majority-Muslim countries and the lack of planning behind its rollout; and the implosion of a Republican push to repeal and replace Obamacare.

But Myers put the situation in context. Rating a presidents first 100 days is a strange artifact of Franklin Delano Roosevelts presidency, during which a flurry of activity reshaped Depression-era America.

Its early in the term, a student is late on a big assignment. If they asked me what their grade was at that point, I would say its an incomplete, Myers said. I think Trump is demonstrating for all of us and hopefully finding out himself that governing is really difficult. I think the question for the rest of his term is if hes internalized the lesson -- and what does he do with that?

Heres a look at how political leaders from North Dakota and Minnesota scored Trumps first 100 days.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

Grade: I for Incomplete

Im willing to work with anyone to stand up for North Dakotans, and President Trump has made a commitment to fight for workers and our economy. Thats a good thing. Heitkamp said in an emailed statement. But he has to show that hes more focused on rural America. That certainly wasnt clear from his budget, which would rip apart the fabric of rural communities like those across our state. During almost every meeting Ive had with members of the presidents cabinet, I made sure they understood that my priority has been and will continue to be making sure this Administration fights for rural American economies, families, and communities as hard as I do.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.

Grade: B

Id say, generally, hes doing alright at this point. I think (hes) made good progress in some areas, but theres clearly more to do, Hoeven said in a phone interview, praising Trumps moves on regulatory relief, the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and support for increased military spending.

There have been some things that havent gone as well -- the initial rollout of the executive order on refugees, he said, referring to the travel ban. He said Trumps speech is less measured than the norm. (But) I think hes becoming more presidential, if you will, in the role.

Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.

Grade: A

When I stack him up in terms of accomplishments, Cramer said, breaking off to run down a list of praise, including the optimism hes created in the job-creation world.

Like Hoeven, Cramer pointed to relaxed regulations and Gorsuchs Supreme Court appointment as positive moves. He defended Trump despite the House of Representatives not taking a vote on a Republican health plan in late March.

Donald Trump in business knows that not every deal works as quickly as you wish it would, but if you stay with it, youll succeed, and the same is true in legislating, Cramer said.
Trump, seeming to break from House Republicans' latest proposal that covering pre-existing conditions would be left up to the states, told CBS' John Dikerson on "Face the Nation" that congressional leaders were making changes to the newest bill to provide for nationwide pre-existing conditions coverage.

Trump's first replacement bill included that provision, but it was pulled from the floor of the House before it could come to a vote after it became clear the bill did not have enough support to pass, largely because the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus said it did not go far enough to repeal Obamacare in its entirety.

In order to bring members of the Freedom Caucus on board, leader of the Tuesday Group, NJ Rep. Tom MacArthur, introduced an amendment on Tuesday that would allow states to opt out of the two largest Obamacare provisions.

In addition to allowing states to waive coverage for essential health benefits  like maternity care and emergency-room visits  the amendment also allows states to waive parts of the community rating. Community-rating rules under the Affordable Care Act prohibit insurance companies from charging higher premiums to those with pre-existing conditions.

Under MacArthur's proposal, states would have the option of waiving that requirement, meaning insurance companies could ostensibly charge higher premiums to sicker people. States would be eligible to apply for a waiver if they
The warning was given by the Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Asiamah.

"The growing threat of cyberattacks has never been more pressing...Recent instances of payment fraud demonstrate the necessity for industry-wide collaboration to fight against threats", he said.

At all time, the BoG acknowledges that each bank has its own risk evaluation profile and that each would have to make the required adjustments to its business profile and unique operation characteristics. However, the security of the industry as a whole is a shared responsibility, he added.

Mr Asiamah made the call at an industry workshop organised to educate bankers about cyber attacks and its countermeasures.
They are the Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Philomena Kwayie and an eye specialist Dr Patience Fletcher.

Both died on the spot while the Medical director of the hospital Dr Baidu sustained injuries and he is receiving treatment the hospital.

The Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of health Dr Akwasi Adjei Yeboah who confirmed the accident to radio Ghana said the victims were travelling from Kumasi to the Eastern Region for the final funeral rites of Dr Kofi Nsiah Asare who also died through road accident about a month ago.

The driver of the mini bus with registration number GT 4921-15 was said to have lost control as a result of break failure and rammed into a Toyota Fortuner with registration number GT 6284 belonging to the Kumasi South Hospital, according to a Daily Graphic report.
He said Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta has attempted to promote a private or personal interest for himself or for some family members and business associates, and the promotion of the private interest has resulted in, or was intended to result in, or appears to have resulted in, or has the potential to result in an interference with the objective exercise of his duties and an improper benefit or an advantage by virtue of his position.

In the petition, Mr Gyamfi want CHRAJ to establish: Was a substantial portion of the bond purchased by Franklin Templeton Investments. If so, how much?; Is Trevor G. Trefgarne a Director of Franklin Templeton Investments? Is Trevor G. Trefgarne the Chairman/Director of Enterprise Group Ltd?; and Are Dr Mrs Angela Ofori-Atta, Mr Keli Gadzekpo, Hon. Gloria Akuffo and Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta Directors of the Board of Enterprise Group Ltd?

If not, he continued: Were they Directors of the Board in the immediate past? Does Databank Ltd own part of Enterprise Group Ltd or any of its affiliates? Does Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta have any shares or business interest in Databank Ltd; or did he have any shares or business interest in the immediate past?

He also want CHRAJ to establish if the Ken Ofori Atta adhered to the 1992 Constitution, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers of Ghana, CHRAJs guidelines on conflict of interest for public officers, and other relevant rules and laws pertaining to conflict of interest and issues of corruption.

Should the Minister for Finance resign or be removed from office? Did the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice adhere to the 1992 Constitution, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers of Ghana, CHRAJs guidelines on conflict of interest for public officers, and other relevant rules and laws pertaining to conflict of interest and issues of corruption? Should the Attorney-General resign or be removed from office?

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee last week, the Second Deputy Governor of the central bank, Dr Johnson Asiamah, said the bond was issued in a rather transparent manner.
The judge, in giving the order, said the case is a serious one which requires that he and his other accomplice, are well represented.

Daniel Asiedu, 19, aka Sexy Don Don, also told the court that he has lost contact with his relatives since his transfer from police custody to the Nsawam Prisons.

He had at an earlier trial requested the court to permit him to see his newly born baby.

Asiedu was arrested at the time his girlfriend was reported to be pregnant.

Background

Daniel Asiedu was arrested few days after the murder of JB Danquah who was the member of parliament for the Abuakwa North constituency in his residence at Shiashie in Accra.

He was charged with murder when arraigned after his arrest and allegedly confessed to stabbing the late MP in his residence which led to his death.

Despite his confessions, another suspect was arrested later as an accomplice.

But the teenager said he entered the MPs house to steal but not to kill.
ABCNews.com(WASHINGTON) -- The Office of Government Ethics has sent a letter to the White House and all executive branch agency heads asking for copies of any waivers that the Trump administration may have granted to appointees exempting them from ethics rules.



The letter requests any waivers granted by the White House to appointees be provided to the government ethics office, an independent government agency, by June 1.



The administration has the authority to grant ethics waivers to appointees.



The Office of Government Ethics director, Walter Shaub, said in an interview that the Obama administration similarly granted waivers. But he said the prior administration's waivers were given under a narrow set of circumstances and were posted publicly on the Office of Government Ethics website.



The ethics office is an independent watchdog overseeing compliance of ethics rules inside the executive branch, and early on was a thorn in the side of the White House after raising alarm over President Trump's refusal to divest from his business empire.



Since then, the OGE has been tasked with assisting the Trump Administration's officials address any potential conflicts of interest so they're able to serve in positions without creating the appearance of using public office for private gain.



But the New York Times reported in mid-April that in at least two instances, the Trump administration "secretly issued" waivers exempting officials from ethics rules. One case, as the New York Times reported, involved Trump's top energy adviser Michael Catanzaro, who worked as a lobbyist on behalf of oil and gas companies until late last year before taking his current post where he advises on issues that would have a direct implication on his former clients.



The White House did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described the U.S. border with Mexico as a war zone last year when she sent dozens of state National Guard troops there. Noem said theyd be on the front lines of stopping drug smugglers and human traffickers. But newly released records from the National Guard show that in their two-month deployment, the South Dakota troops didnt seize any drugs and sometimes went days without encountering any migrants at all. Noem justified the deployment and a widely criticized private donation to fund as a state emergency because of drugs making their way across the southern border to South Dakota. But the records cast doubt on whether the deployment was effective in addressing that.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the IGP said the police is not against people voicing rejection for the president's appointments but said it must be done through peaceful and lawful means.

He hailed groups who held press conferences and peaceful demonstrations to drum home their displeasure about the president's appointments.

The IGP commended personnel of the Ghana Police Service in the affected areas for the swift manner in which they dealt with the disturbances, Daily Graphic reported.

The IGP said the Police Administration was solidly behind the personnel and urged them to continue to discharge their duties with professionalism, according to the report.

Despite the pocket of resistance, the IGP said the nominees were generally received.

The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development has also said on multiple media platforms that the president's appointments have been generally received.

According to her, they excepted some resistance in some of the districts and municipalities.
She said the labourers in the gold value chain are destroying the nation's river bodies and cocoa farms because they want to make a living.

According to her, many of the labourers engage in galamsey are not from the mining areas. She said some are foreigners while others come from different parts of the country.

Mrs Aryee told TV3's "Hot Issues" that the government must take a serious view on the issuance of mining license and monitoring.

What it will be is to get the Minerals Commission to take the whole issue of licensing and monitoring very seriously, she said.

She also said mining cannot be banned because almost every gadget found in homes and offices are products of mining, stressing that 'the business cannot be stopped.'
The vice president likened his boss to the uncle of Prophet Mohammad, Abu Talib, who never accepted Islam but was helpful to the Prophet.

"We all know Nana Akufo-Addo, yes he is not a Muslim but he is so helpful to Muslims. When I talked to him about the Zongo Development Fund he said yes let us do it and we have done it.

"When we talked about bringing arabic to make sure that JHS (Junior High School) and SHS (Senior High School) exams are written in this country, he said yes let us do it and we are going to do it," he said.

The event was organised to recognised the contributions of Muslims to the socioeconomic development of Ghana.

The National Chief Imam and some Zongo leaders graced the occassion.

Over 30 persons were awarded for their various roles in Ghana's development.
The flag colours -- red, gold and green-- was turned upside-down to green, gold and red.

In a pointed tweet, the NDC said: "That the Ghana flag is turned upside down is yet another manifestation of the chaos in government."

Some Twitter users replied the NDC with a photo tweet capturing former president Mahama in a discussion with a diplomat with the Ghana flag also turned upside-down to make the point that it was an oversight.

Others accused the party of engaging in trivialities.

The flag gaffe was first flagged by Ghana's former Foreign Minister, Hanna Tetteh.
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
While North Korea can still learn a lot from a failed missile test and use those lessons to advance their program, they've failed to demonstrate capability with missile types the US perfected in the 1970s  and cyber espionage may be to blame.

Asked about North Korea's unsuccessful missile test by CBS' John Dickerson on "Face the Nation" on Sunday, President Donald Trump refused to address whether or not the US had anything to do with the rogue nation's missile failures.

"I'd rather not discuss it. But perhaps they're just not very good missiles," said Trump. Pressed further on possible US sabotage of North Korea's missiles, Trump did not deny it. "

Indeed North Korea lacks the missile manufacturing infrastructure of a world power like Russia or the US, but a recent New York Times report uncovered a secret operation to derail North Korea's nuclear-missile program that has been raging for three years.

But to those in the know, the campaign against North Korea came as no surprise. Dr. Ken Geers, a cybersecurity expert for Comodo with experience in the NSA, told Business Insider that cyberoperations like the one against North Korea were actually the norm.

While the fact that the US hacked another country's missile program may be shocking to some, "within military intelligence spaces this is what they do," Geers said. "If you think that war is possible with a given state, you're going to be trying to prepare the battle space for conflict. In the internet age, that means hacking."
According to the reports, the suspect alleged that the deceased blocked his path with the fuel tanker he was working with.

An eyewitness reportedly disclosed to Daily Post that the suspect brought his Sienna mini bus to the car wash to be cleaned and waxed.

Upon the completion of the wash, the killer reportedly approached one of the workers at the car wash to look for the tanker driver to remove the tanker from where it was parked.

The fuel tanker with registration number TTD 456 XA and inscription NIPCO was also at the car wash center for washing and was parked opposite the centre awaiting its turn.

Daily Post reports that the tanker driver had taken a stroll within the vicinity when the suspect approached the man sitting inside the truck.

According to the reports, the man identified simply as Aro was reportedly pleading with the suspect when he pulled out a gun and shot him at close range.

Aro reportedly died on the spot.

Pandemonium was unleashed in the area and as people took to their heels, the suspect made away with his vehicle.

The Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, has said that the command has commenced forensic investigation into the murder.

It is true, the Commissioner of Police has ordered that forensic investigation is carried out. He has also directed that homicide section of the state investigation and intelligence department should take over the case for proper investigation with the view of bringing the culprit to justice, Mr. Oyeyemi stated.
Before the video surfaced, the trending rulers were Ooni of Ife for his globe-trotting ways and Emir of Kano for his political views. Now, the public discourse is about traditional rulers.

In 2017, do we really need traditional rulers and how important are they? Nigeria is one of the most multi-ethnic countries in the world. There are at least 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria and 526 different languages. Most ethnic groups have a traditional ruler who is a custodian of culture and tradition.

Before colonialism, traditional rulers were the sole authority. They had the power structure. Emirs, Sultans, Obas and Obis were the kings who ruled. They influenced, created laws, rules and customs for people to follow.

Colonialism broke the power monopoly of traditional rulers. The British brought their own political machinery. Traditional rulers were retained in this new set up and depending on their region had substantial influence.

As the decades have gone by with Nigeria moving from colonial rule, the parliamentary system of government to democracy, traditional rulers have taken the back seat to politicians.

In this era, traditional rulers are symbolic leaders who are custodians of our culture, history and tradition. Palaces are basically tourist attractions.

However, while traditional rulers no longer have political power they can influence political decisions. Depending on the status, a traditional ruler can be influential in local, state or federal politics.

Beside politics, traditional rulers act as peacemakers whenever there are clashes in the community. In March 2017, the Ooni of Ife called on indigenes and non-indigenes to continue to live in peace and avoid any act that could threaten the peace of Ife kingdom in Osun state.

This was during the Yoruba-Hausa clash which left five people dead. The Ile-Ife monarch was said to have intervened in the matter and urged security officials to restore peace.

Many traditional rulers play this role but some still question the relevance of monarchs. Some Nigerians feel they are part of the corrupt political process and a lot of money is spent on their upkeep.
Mijinyawa, in a statement Saturday signed by the Assembly Public Relations Officer, Mr Yahaya Daji, described the story as baseless, false, unfounded and malicious aimed at denting his image.

Mijinyawa said that 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, Mr Othman Abubakar, had said that the police was investigating the matter.

Abubakar said that there was allegations that the speaker beats 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, Alhaji Musa Mahmud, has also denied mob action against him and some lawmakers who went for an investigation at the Yola North Metropolitan Council secretariat.

Mahmud said that 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, Mahmud said.

He said that 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 union made the request in a communique issued Sunday at the end of the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held in Gombe.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on April 16, some unidentified gunmen had killed Giobaro, a staff of Bayelsa-owned Glory FM 97.1, in his residence at INEC Road, Kpasia in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The attackers neither stole anything, nor attacked other occupants of the house, triggering speculations the killing could have been premeditated.

The union is also demanding that the case files of all slain journalists be re-opened, including those of late Dele Giwa and Bagauda Kaltho.

The communique further condemned in strong terms, the withdrawal of a Punch reporter, Olalekan Adedayo, from the State House and urged Presidency to reprimand the Chief Security Officer responsible for the act.

The union challenged the Federal Government to sanction state governments that failed to properly utilise the first batch of the Paris Club refund.

The communique further commended the anti-corruption war of the present administration and also called on the National Assembly to ensure quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, to stabilise the sector.
62-year-old Adeleke passed on a week ago.

Following his death, violent scenes became a common sight across Osun, with certain persons alleging that he was poisoned on account of his governorship ambition.

In a statement sent to Pulse, the Osun State government said the violence and brigandage that trailed Adeleke's death has left it with no choice.

The statement is reproduced in full below:

We are still in shock and great pain over the transition of our friend, associate and brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. He was a prominent son of our state and its first democratically elected Governor.

Until his death, he was the senator representing Osun West in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was an astute and colourful politician and a generous personality. He was gregarious, enthusiastic and full of life and zest. His death is therefore shocking and totally unexpected.

The State Government of Osun had intended to give him a befitting state burial which he rightly deserved and which the state had prepared to undertake.

Regrettably however, the enemies of the state, through brigandage, violence and evil machinations, created an atmosphere of fear and terror in the minds of our citizenry and friends throughout the federation.

Immediately the news of his demise filtered in, a band of vagabonds, crying more than the bereaved, took to the streets, looting and wreaking havoc. Journalists were roughened and their equipment damaged. Important dignitaries that came for the burial were equally molested by these thugs.

Senator Adeleke was a man of peace. He preached peace and lived it through his life. He left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he could not stand violence. This was after he was beaten up by some leaders of the PDP during a meeting in a hotel in Osogbo.

It is a profound irony and most unfortunate therefore that a few disgruntled elements purporting to protest his death desecrated his funeral with violence and attacks on innocent persons.

They dishonoured him and did his memory a great disservice by keeping his friends, political associates and well-wishers away from his burial. The best we could do in the circumstance was to declare three days of mourning throughout the state and fly national, state and our partys flags at half-mast in his honour.

In the light of this, the State Government of Osun, using the instrumentality of the law, is setting up an inquest to unravel the circumstances of this unfortunate and sad incident, in order to put the record straight on his death.
Peterside said this at the 2017 Ist Quarterly Dinner of Kings College Old Boys Association Abuja branch (KCOBA) in a paper entitled Evolving Economy, Good Governance and Repositioning Nigeria.

He said that relative stability achieved in Niger-Delta through Vice-President Yemi Osinbajos interventions should be consolidated for lasting peace and economic development.

The Federal Government should urgently pursue high-powered negotiations which should be brokered by persons with a healthy track-record in this activity and the ancillary pipeline protection business.

In the longer term, I favour a constitutional amendment that reserves a one per cent royalty payment to immediate host communities on all mining producing activity including limestone, oil, precious stones among others.

The good news is that significant progress has been achieved here following the mature and level-headed diplomatic initiatives led by the vice-president in recent months.

The Federal Government should remember that appeasing militants is necessary in the short term, but the long-term solution is to embrace the constitutional amendment I refer to above, he said.

Peterside said that some other impediments to economic recovery are multiple exchange rates and ineffective deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector.

Others included bloated civil service, infrastructural deficit, disobedience to court orders and dysfunctional legal system.

ALSO READ: Militants threaten to resume bombing of pipelines

He said that restoring the confidence of investors should be the primary concern guiding every statement by public officers.

Earlier in his speech, Mr Miebaka Adoki, Chairman of KCOBA, said that the primary objective of government was to better the welfare of the people.

He said that the current economic challenges in the country had re-engineered the spirit of togetherness among the old boys of Kings College.
The associations position is contained in a communique issued by Dr Mike Ogirima, President of NMA, on Sunday at the end of the 57th Annual General Meeting and Delegate Conference of the association, held in Calabar, from April 24 to 29 .

NMA said though health workers faced many hazards in the discharge of their duties, their output could not be compared to doctors who performed the bulk of the medical services.

There is an attempt to harmonise the salaries and the Federal Ministry of Health is at the lead of that attempt, which is currently causing a lot of disharmony in the health sector.

Medical doctors are highly skilled and few in the country; the cut-off mark for medical students now is 280 and above. Everybody wants to accept that title of doctor in the medical set up; we are not against that.

What we are against is the fact that everybody cannot be equated to be equal. In the animal kingdom, all animals are equal; but some are more equal than others, it said.

The association said that it was not against moves to enhance the welfare of other health workers, but insisted that relativity should be maintained.

We are not saying that the welfare of other medical workers should not be taken care of, but that relativity should be maintained when we talk of salaries of health workers in the hospitals.

The NMA is calling on government to evaluate different professionals in the health sector and audit the output they put at work.

With that, there will be more objective data and statistics to buttress our point, asking for maintenance of the relativity, it added.

ALSO READ:Bayelsa NUT threatens strike over 10 months salary arrears

The communique also lamented the deteriorating state of infrastructures in public health institutions across the country and called on governments at all levels, to place premium on developing the sector.

It called on the Federal Government to be proactive by having a strong rapid emergency response team to handle outbreak of diseases, just as it stressed the need to resume local production of vaccines in the country.

On the outbreak of Cerebral Spinal Meningitis across the country, the NMA condemned the poor handling of the outbreak of the disease in some states.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu made the call at an investment forum organised in New York by his ministry for Nigerians in the U.S.

Onu explained that various investment opportunities currently existed and were waiting for them at home, challenging them to take it before they were given to foreigners.

The former Governor of Abia from 1992 to 1993, informed the Diaspora Nigerians that various research products with opportunities to yield billions of naira, were waiting for them at home.

We are asking you to come and be billionaires. That is what we are asking you, not millionaires. Come and make billions.

We will give you products of research at nothing or little cost to you because it would be nice for the agency that has done this research to get some little returns.

It would also be nice for the scientists, engineers who were involved in doing this research just to get something, thats all but it would be very small.

So we give it (research products) to you, knowing that you will keep the money in Nigeria, you will help employ Nigerians and you will help to grow our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

That is our interest; that is the reason why we are here, the minister said.

Onu, who was the National Chairman of the defunct ANPP, explained that the agencies under the ministry had already developed the research products through various stages of tests and trials.

According to him, we are asking Nigerians in the Diaspora that think home, come and take the researches that we have done

.We have taken them to a level where you can now immediately convert them into products, make money out of it; that is the message," he added.

The minister, who returned to Nigeria from the U.S. in 1981, said as a policy, researchers would not be involved in the commercialisation of the research products to enable them concentrate on innovation rather than money.

We are working on a cure for epilepsy; there is a drug that one of our agencies is working on, it is being tested now.

And we know that epilepsy is a disease that is worldwide and this agency will not on its own commercialise this drug.

For NAFDAC to give its approval, there are so many stages of trials and tests that the drug has to pass through.

But at the time that it must have satisfied all these conditions, we dont want our researchers to go into commercialisation.

Because if we do that, they would no longer continue with research; everybody would prefer to go and make money, he said.
Onu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the sidelines of the ministrys Investment Forum in New York that one of such measures was the emphasis on science and technology-based economy.

Our economy, since independence, has relied on commodities; our economy has been resource-based and the problem with that is that we have relied so much on commodities.

Yet as a nation, we cant determine the price of these commodities. So what it means is if there is a sharp drop with the price of commodity, then your economy will suffer adversely.

And this is what has been creating problems for us in the country.

Whenever there is price drop in the price of commodities, then immediately, we feel the adverse effect, we enter into a recession; and we believe that this should not have happened.

President Muhammadu Buhari is determined that the nation must move away from having an economy that is resource-based to having an economy that is knowledge-based and innovation driven

And this is where Science and Technology can play and is playing very important role," he said.

According to him, the Federal Government has already prepared the ground for the economy to now take off.

He said We have done a number of things to prepare the grounds for Nigeria to take-off from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy.

The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy of the Federal Government came into existence in 1986.

But for 30 years, the lead organ  the National Research and Innovation Council, which the President is Chairman, that lead organ never met for once in 30 years.

It took the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari January of last year for this Council to meet for the first time in 30 years.

And last year we met three times and this year we already met once. But it is not the Council meeting that is really our goal.

But just to tell you that if you have a body and there is no head can the body move, it cant move; you need the head to control even body movement and other things.

Today, we are working to institutionalize this council and we are also working to make sure that there is a National Research and Innovation Fund.

He said no nation fund Science, Technology, Research and Innovation through budgetary provision alone but through extra-budgetary means, to meet the at least one per cent GDP-recommendation by AU.
The undergraduates in question are up for expulsion for demonstrating against the hike in school fees of the institution.

In a statement signed by the Registrar, J. U Nnabuihe, the school authorities decided to dismiss the students on the grounds of gross misconduct and flouting the regulations of the institution.

The expelled students are Collins Ogbonna (Fishery and Aquaculture Technology department), Elvis Onuoha (Animal Science Technology), Ebuka Odunze (Computer Science), Kenneth Megwa, (Prosthetics and Orthotics department) and Nnamdi Madu and Collins Ugwu (Optometry).

The National Public Relations Officer of ANSA, Majekodunmi Patrick, while addressing journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, said the group would mobilize Nigerian students across the country to shutdown FUTO on May 8, 2017, if the management fails to comply with their request by restoring the students.

He said, We have met with the organized labor in Imo State and with the Academic Staff Union of Universities. We have told them that we do not accept the unjust expulsion of the six students. We demand that they are restated and the grievances that led to the protest addressed.
"The coastguard noticed that there were very small children on board and escorted the dhow to a port and provided them with emergency assistance," Walakuluge told AFP.

He said seven men, seven women and 16 children were on board, in addition to the two-man Indian crew who had been detained pending investigations.

"There was a 15-day-old baby and a four-month-old child on board," Walakuluge said. "We have taken them to port and provided food and medical attention."

He said it appeared that the passengers had left India, where they had lived for about four years as refugees. They were handed over to local authorities to decide further action.

Investigators suspect that the crew were trying to bring the Rohingya to Sri Lanka.

The Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine are denied citizenship and face brutal discrimination in the Buddhist-majority country.

Thousands have sought refuge in other countries in the region.

Four years ago Sri Lanka's navy rescued 138 refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar whose boat had been drifting off Sri Lanka for over 10 days.

The United Nations Human Rights Council last month agreed to send a fact-finding mission to Myanmar to investigate claims that police and soldiers carried out a bloody crackdown on the Rohingya in Rakhine.

More than 120,000 Rohingya have languished in grim displacement camps ever since bouts of religious violence between Muslims and Buddhists ripped through the state in 2012.
Ankara says the fighters of the YPG are merely the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), who have waged an insurgency since 1984 inside Turkey that has left tens of thousands dead.

Turkish forces last week carried out air strikes on YPG positions in Syria, angering the United States and sparking days of border clashes with the Kurdish fighters.

The US sent military vehicles with American flags to the Syrian side of the frontier accompanied by YPG fighters to carry out patrols, in an apparent bid to prevent further fighting.

"Unfortunately... the presence of an American flag along with the (insignia) of a terror organisation called YPG in a convoy has seriously saddened us," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul before heading on a trip to India.

The difference of opinion over the YPG has cast a shadow over US-Turkish relations for some time and Erdogan is hoping for a drastic change in US policy when he meets President Donald Trump next month.

"We will bring this up when we meet Mr President on May 16," said Erdogan.

He expressed regret that the US-YPG cooperation -- which began under the former Barack Obama administration -- was being continued under the new president.

"This needs to be stopped right now," said Erdogan. "Otherwise it will continue to be a bother in the region and for us."

"It will also bother us as two NATO countries and strategic partners," he said.

Erdogan reaffirmed that Turkey could again bomb the YPG positions at any time it wanted.

"I said yesterday: 'We can come unexpectedly in the night'. I really meant that. We are not going to tip off the terror groups and the Turkish Armed Forces could come at any moment."
"We took note of concerns expressed by some leaders over recent developments in the area," said the 25-page statement without any mention of what these issues were, which countries were thought to be responsible, and which heads of state raised them.

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 on them.

ASEAN members Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also claim parts of the sea, but China insists it has sovereign rights over nearly all of it.

Throughout the summit Duterte said the Philippines and other nations were helpless to stop the island building, so there was no point discussing it at diplomatic events such as Saturday's meeting.

China is not a member of the 10-nation ASEAN, but its ambassador to Manila worked hard to influence the tenor and content of the chairman's statement, diplomats earlier told AFP.

Analysts agreed the bland statement was a result of Chinese pressure.

"This reflects the Cambodianisation of Philippine foreign policy. We're starting to behave like Cambodia, which is extremely sensitive to China's strategic interests," said Renato de Castro, international studies professor at Manila's De La Salle University.

At an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting last year in Laos, Cambodia -- which has strong economic ties to Beijing -- controversially blocked a proposed joint communique referring to the international tribunal's ruling against China.

Duterte has vowed not to "taunt or flaunt" the tribunal ruling while pushing closer ties with China in the hopes of attracting billions of dollars in Chinese investment.

His predecessor Benigno Aquino had pushed hard at ASEAN summits for the bloc to voice its strong opposition to Chinese expansionism, and official statements at those events often reflected that.

Aquino also filed the case at the international tribunal. But the ruling against China came after Duterte took power last year.

"On the ground, there is no hindrance to China achieving absolute dominance in the South China Sea, whether in military or civilian terms, regardless of parameters set by international law," said Jay Batongbacal, from the University of the Philippines.

The statement "makes it more difficult for ASEAN to agree soonest on a consistent and unified basis for dealing with China and the maritime disputes," he said.

An earlier draft of the chairman's statement seen by AFP cited a reference to "respect for legal and diplomatic processes".

Another version also contained a call, championed by Vietnam according to diplomats, to cease "land reclamation and militarisation" of the sea.
The European People's Party (EPP) said after a meeting in Brussels between its top officials and Orban that he agreed to quickly meet EU rights demands over the education law.

Orban, whose ruling right-wing Fidesz party is part of the EPP group, was summoned to the meeting to discuss the law as well as a national questionnaire campaign called "Let's stop Brussels!" that the European Commission said contains "false" statements" about the bloc.

The commission, the executive of the 28-nation EU, on Wednesday launched so-called infringement action against Hungary over the education law, alleging it targets the university and breaches fundamental EU free-market laws as well as the right of academic freedom.

It gave Budapest one month to comply or face being taken to court.

EPP President Joseph Daul said in a statement after the meeting that the party had "sent a clear message to (Orban) and to (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."

Speaking to reporters later however Orban said the issue of "the university of George Soros, which is called Central European University, is proceeding at its own legal pace".

"On this, no agreement has been reached. Hungary and the Commission will discuss this in the coming months. The legal dispute will have an end result, and this end result will be implemented," he said.

The university should not "enjoy special privileges" even if his government is ready to cooperate with the commission and says it does not wish to close the institution, Orban's press office said in a statement to the Hungarian newswire MTI.

Anti-EU campaign 'unacceptable'

The powerful EPP -- which is associated with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker -- has insisted that the Central European University (CEU) remain open and that all action against it be withdrawn.

Hungary can be taken to the European Court of Justice if it fails to comply with the Commission's requests and the court could impose stiff financial penalties.

In Budapest, the US-registered 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.

The EPP said it also told the Orban government it was "unacceptable" for it to post the "Let's stop Brussels!" questionnaires to households nationwide asking them how to deal with EU policies that Budapest says threaten their independence and security.

Despite the EPP's objections, the latest phase of the "Let's stop Brussels!" campaign, a public information message broadcast on television, was launched later Saturday.
Two Davenport men are facing charges in connection with a methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking operation.

Jose Manuel Vega, 51, and Julian Guerra, 26, both of 2623 N. Main St., are charged with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver more than five grams of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to deliver no more than 100 grams of cocaine and two counts each of failing to affix an Iowa drug tax stamp.

The charge involving methamphetamine is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of up to 25 years. The charge involving cocaine is a Class C felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Each of the drug tax stamp charges is a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of up to five years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by agents of the Davenport Police Departments Tactical Operations Bureau, officers served a search warrant Friday night at the home of Vega and Guerra.

Officers seized 217.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine, or ICE, and 60.95 grams of powder cocaine, two digital scales and packaging materials, police said.

Both Vega and Guerra were booked Friday night into the Scott County Jail. Both men were being held there Saturday night on $50,000 bond each.
Transportation runs Dennis Platts life.

Every weekday evening, the 59-year-old Davenport resident rides his bicycle to work in Rock Island, about 7 miles. He then drives a semi overnight to Indiana and back, about a 450-mile round trip. The next morning, within 12 hours of his takeoff, he finishes his commute with a 7-mile bike ride home.

Its something I always had wanted to do, said Platt, referring to his commute on two wheels and his truck-driving lifestyle.

Last Thursday, however, he took a night off. Instead of following his normal routine, Platt used a vacation day to lead an organized night ride through the streets of Rock Island in hopes of educating cyclists and motorists about safely sharing the road.

We just want people to see how it should be done, he said, noting recent bike-vehicle accidents in the Quad-Cities, including one last year that resulted in the high-profile death of Robert Moldenhauer, aka The Can Man. "We want to be exposed to the traffic."

In Iowa and Illinois, Platt stressed, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

None of this is inherently dangerous if youre properly lit and following laws, he said, sporting a neon vest and reflective gear.

Platt began commuting to work in the summer of 2015 after his move from Camanche, Iowa. He rides a Surly Long Haul Trucker touring bike, fully loaded with bright lights, a speaker for music and a tail camera that records traffic behind him.

Passing laws

Platt's first Q-C Thursday Nite Ride drew about 10 people, including two Rock Island police officers.

Participants, whose bicycles were equipped with lights, pedaled slowly along a 7-mile route that began at Schwiebert Riverfront Park, meandered through Sunset Marina and ended back downtown.

Moline resident Mark Hendricks, who helped Platt organize the event, brought 30 years of commuting wisdom to the outing.

"If you're dressed up like a clown and lit up like a circus tent, nobody's going to miss you," said Hendricks, who rides about 30 miles every workday.

When one cyclist pedaled too close to the curb, he chimed in, offering a bit of experienced advice.

"The problem with hugging the curb is that youre giving drivers the impression that its OK to pass you in your lane," Hendricks said.

Last month, a bill in Iowa requiring rear-facing bicycle lights to be used at night failed to advance in the House during the Legislature's 2017 session. The proposed law also would have required motorists to change lanes to pass a bicycle.

Rock Island Police Lt. Dan Knittle said bicyclists should stick to the right side of the road but can ride between four and six feet away from the curb if they need to.

When passing a cyclist in traffic in Illinois, motorists are required to leave at least 3 feet of space between their vehicle and the bicycle until they safely overtake the bicyclist.

Great policing tool

Prior to last years fatal accident in Moline, Rock Island County had its last fatal bike-car accident in 2013, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Scott County has not seen a fatal bike-car accident since 2004, according to the Iowa DOT and other published reports.

Bicycle fatalities in the U.S. increased by 12 percent from 2014 to 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.

Knittle said bike-car accidents primarily occur when bicyclists do not follow the rules of the road. Issues frequently arise when bicyclists ride against traffic, he said.

Although he no longer rides, Knittle sent a couple officers on his afternoon/evening shift to last weeks ride, which he called awesome.

He said several Rock Island officers have received professional training from the International Police Mountain Bike Association and said bikes are a great community policing tool.

It gets the officers off the roadway, into yards and talking to neighbors, he said. We really love it.

May is National Bike Month

If nothing else, Platt hopes his monthly Thursday night ride, which he plans to lead the next five months, inspires Quad-Citians to simply get out and ride.

"We're not going to disturb anybody," said Platt, who got the idea from other cities that host regular group rides at night, including Cleveland, Detroit and Kansas City. "It's our intention to properly negotiate all of the traffic and intersections and make this a positive experience."

The next Q-C Thursday Nite Ride will take place on May 25 in Davenport.

May marks the beginning of National Bike Month, which the League of American Bicyclists promotes to encourage people to hop on their bikes and ride to work, school or the grocery store.

Beginning Monday, AAA will offer free bicycle services to its members in Iowa.

The auto club said its technicians will assist members whose bicycles break down along a regularly traveled road or street. They will secure the member's bicycle to a service vehicle and transport it to a safe location within the member's coverage, officials said.

Mechanical repairs and bicycle lock services will not be included.

National Bike to Work Week is May 15-19, and National Bike to School Day is Wednesday, May 10.
A woman who says she got mauled by a buffalo while driving by a South Dakota ranch on her motorcycle is suing the ranch and its owners for negligence.

Marisol Heidrich, of Minot, N.D., says the ranch and its owners failed to take steps that would have prevented her injuries despite knowing the danger the buffalo posed. She is asking for more than $75,000 in compensation from the Mickelson Ranch, in northern Meade County, and its father-and-son owners, Sam and Travis Mickelson.

On Aug. 1, 2014, Heidrich and her husband were traveling on their motorcycles to the Sturgis rally when they came across four buffaloes grazing along U.S. Highway 212, said Heidrichs lawyer, John Dorsey.

The buffaloes were owned by the Mickelsons, whose ranch services include guided buffalo hunts, Dorsey said. The ranch is between the town of Faith and the unincorporated community of Mud Butte, about 65 miles northeast of Sturgis.

The buffaloes, the lawyer said, had earlier escaped their enclosure and had been left unattended by the road in the middle of the day.

Dorsey said the buffalo attack unfolded this way: The Heidrich couple slowed their motorcycles to about 25 mph, and the husband drove past the animals first. When Heidrichs turn came to drive through, a buffalo cow charged her.

The buffalo hit the right rear of her Harley-Davidson, knocking her off, and stomped on her head. This resulted in fractures around Heidrichs nose and left eye, facial lacerations and loose teeth.

The biker was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital, where she stayed for two days, Dorsey said in an interview Thursday. She has undergone plastic surgery to repair the damage on her face.

Heidrich, a truck driver, accumulated medical bills of $39,000, the lawyer said.

The compensation she is requesting is to cover her medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and permanent impairment, Dorsey said. The exact amount will be determined by a jury if it goes to trial.

The Mickelsons and the ranch, meanwhile, deny any negligence related to Heidrichs injuries and asked the court to dismiss her complaint.

Their lawyer, Cassidy Stalley, cited three defenses: contributory negligence by Heidrich, the risk she undertook when she chose to ride a motorcycle into a herd of buffalo, as well as her failure to mitigate damages, such as unnecessary medical and other related expenses.

In court filings and at a Rapid City federal court hearing on Thursday, Stalley emphasized that Heidrich has not provided evidence that the buffalo had dangerous propensities and that the Mickelsons knew of these.

She cited legal precedent that said in personal injury cases arising from collisions between vehicles and domestic animals, the suing party has the burden of proving that defendants had knowledge of the animals vicious propensities.

Heidrich also has not identified the particular buffalo that charged her, which is important in establishing the facts, Stalley and her colleague Thomas Fritz said in an interview.

At the Thursday hearing, Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann said Heidrich had not obtained the buffalos tag number or name.

Wollmann quickly added with a smile, I guess the buffalo doesnt have a name.

When asked by the Journal how Heidrich had been contributorily negligent, Fritz said the defense would prefer to present the information in court.

The Heidrich couple and the Mickelsons are now preparing for depositions in May, when they will give sworn testimonies that are taken before a trial.

But Fritz underscored that both parties are interested in reaching an out-of-court settlement.

The accused buffalo, meanwhile, is long gone.

Fritz said the animal had been put down because of injuries it suffered in the biker incident.

Dorsey showed the Journal a photograph of the dead animal, taken in mid-August 2014, where it is seen lying on its side in a field. It had noticeably distinct horns, with one curving downward.
SIOUX FALLS | Rapid City students, entrepreneurs and business owners had a strong showing last week during a statewide awards ceremony.

Carol Rae of Rapid City was named entrepreneur of the year for 2017. She is founder, chairwoman and chief executive officer for ImmutriX Therapeutics, based in Rapid City and with office space also in Sioux Falls.

ImmutriX has developed a medical device to remove toxins resulting from medical treatments, drug overdoses or other conditions. Currently there is no method of treatment for some of these conditions, the Governors Office of Economic Development news release said.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard and David Owen, president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, distributed the awards Wednesday at the annual Governors Office of Economic Development banquet in Sioux Falls.

The Giant Vision awards also were presented to businesses and students during the conference.

Winning first place and $20,000 in the business division was NP Systems Integration of Rapid City, headed by Daniel Stanton.

University researchers helped start the tech company, whose research partner is The Center for Security Printing and Anti-Counterfeiting Technology. Together NPSI and SPACT created an anti-counterfeiting platform that will be marketed under the brand name SecureMarking.

Second place and $10,000 in the business division went to Primary Manufacturing of Humboldt, a plastic-parts maker owned by Ladd McCluskey.

Third place and $4,000 apiece went to two companies. They are Ease, a senior citizen-oriented hardware and software notification company owned by Travis Kiefer in Aberdeen; and XpressRules of Yankton, a speech-based document-modification company owned by Lanny Turner and Ron Turner.

The fifth-place prize of $2,000 was received by Sioux Falls-based Health Workforce USA, doing business as Connect US Health, owned by Krista Marx and Sandy Williams. It is a national data platform that connects health-care students and practicing professionals with opportunities for jobs and education.

In the Giant Vision student division, there was a tie for first place.

The two student winners are Ellen Schlechter, from Faulkton High School, who developed The Calving Book app that allows cattle producers to keep track of their production; and Henry Wegehaupt, from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, whose Parkston-based Provender Technologies offers automated feed bunks for cattle.

The South Dakota Refinery Co. project at Mitchell, and its student developers from Mines, who are Scyller Borglum and J. Zack Malone, took third place and $3,000.

Receiving fourth place and $2,000 were University of South Dakota students Sam Hummel and Tyler Frank for their e-commerce platform called The Knak. Fifth place and $1,000 went to 305 Bucking Stock, based in Brookings and owned by Jack Stark of South Dakota State University.

The four remaining business finalists and six remaining student finalists received $500 apiece toward travel expenses.

Brad Wheeler of Lemmon, president of Wheeler Manufacturing, chaired the Giant Vision panel of entrepreneurs who served as judges.

This is an exciting day with high energy people working hard to share in the American dream, Wheeler said in the chambers news release.

Fort Pierre received the 2017 Community of the Year award.

Fort Pierre has undergone some of the biggest transformations the community has seen in a long time, Daugaard said.

He specifically mentioned a new elementary school building, the new My Place hotel and a new riverfront restaurant and event space called Drifters Bar & Grille.

While theres still work to be done, Fort Pierres visionaries have successfully begun to modernize their community while maintaining its Western rural charm, Daugaard said.

The excellence in economic development award went to Rodney Fouberg, an Aberdeen banker and a longtime member of the state Transportation Commission.

The award recognizes dedication and commitment of eight South Dakotans, including Gov. George S. Mickelson. They died April 19, 1993, when the state MU-2 airplane crashed in Iowa as they returned from Cincinnati.
In a quiet courtyard outside a local church, a covered coat rack beckons people to come closer.

"If you need a coat, please take one. If you have a coat, please leave one," reads a sign tucked just inside the homemade plastic cover that fits snugly around the coat rack. It's nestled inside a corner of the courtyard of First Presbyterian Church, at 710 Kansas City St. near the heart of downtown Rapid City.

On Monday, church members and volunteers said the coat rack was empty, so they put out a call for more donations. Just in time: On Tuesday, nearly 3 inches of snow fell in Rapid City, and temperatures remained in the 40s for most of the week.

By Saturday, hints of green, yellow and purple flashed through the clear cover of the rack, which boasted a healthy selection of coats and jackets.

A release from the church says the coat rack was inspired by member Madi Reister. Other members supported the idea with donations of coats, sweatshirts and the coat rack; a member also donated her time to make the cover that protects the clothes from the elements.

Items can be added to the coat rack at any time. If it is full, donations can be dropped off at the office during regular office hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday.

Meals on new wheels

Meals on Wheels christened its new truck on Thursday with a delivery to a Rapid City resident.

Linn Evans, president and chief operating officer of Black Hills Energy, and George Larson, executive director of Meals on Wheels for Western South Dakota, made the new Meals on Wheels truck's first delivery. The new truck has compartments for heated and chilled meals and is capable of holding 3,000 meals at full capacity.

The previous truck was more than a decade old and had delivered more than 1 million meals. The new truck will serve the 19 dining sites in Rapid City and more than 20 communities an hour outside of Rapid City, including Keystone, Hermosa and Tilford.

Rapid City projects granted $7K

The South Dakota Humanities Council has awarded $7,000 for three projects with ties to Rapid City, according to a release from the organization.

Two of the grants with Rapid City ties relate to the council's 2017 Race and Civility Initiative, which the release said promotes programming that addresses persistent social, economic, cultural and racial issues that divide our communities.

Lakota Language Consortium received $2,500 for the Lakota Childrens Book Project, which will publish five Lakota children's books to increase youth literacy on South Dakota's Native American reservations. The books will be presented Oct. 5-7 at the Lakota Dakota Nakota Language Summit in Rapid City.

The Shamus Project/Hopa Mountain Foundation received $2,000 to help fund the inaugural Indigenous Book Writers Book Festival on June 24 in Rapid City.

With an emphasis on building community relations through understanding, the book festival will feature presentations, readings, panel discussions and book signings.

Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City received $2,468 for a project called The History of Zephyr Rencontre, which includes a book and film on the history of Rencontre, who was a South Dakota guide and fur trader in the 1800s.

According to the release, the council's board of directors approved a total of 13 major grants for a total of $30,000 at its April 6 board meeting. Eight of the 13 grants relate to the Race and Civility Initiative.

Other grants awarded include:

 Crazy Horse School, $2,000 for Lakota Culture Week, a weeklong celebration of Lakota culture from May 1-5 in Wanblee.

 Dakota Western Heritage Festival in Fort Pierre, $2,000 for its annual event in Fort Pierre, which this year will be Sept. 15-17 at the Stanley County Fairgrounds.

 South Dakota Discovery Center, $1,000 for SD History Adventures: Fort Pierre Bicentennial Edition, celebrating the historic river citys 200-year anniversary.

Mines donates $2,000 to Girls Inc.

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Women in Science & Engineering and Alpha Omega Epsilon sorority donated more than $2,000 to a local youth organization.

A release from the School of Mines says the students presented a giant check for $2,185 on April 18 to Youth & Family Services' Girls Inc.

The funds were raised from WiSEs and AOEs recent STEMinist Glow Run, according to the release, which had 104 participants and 23 volunteers.
Bruce Sailer's experiences in the U.S. Army and National Guard are ones that he will never forget.

"It's just interesting," Sailer said of his peacetime career. "(I was) a small-town North Dakota boy seeing the world. The good and the bad."

Sailer, a native of Pick City, was one of 15 children  four girls and 11 boys. In 1970, when he had just turned 18, he went to Fargo, took a physical exam and jumped on a train to Fort Lewis in Washington for basic training.

"There wasn't much for a poor family (in Pick City)," Sailer recalls.

Pick City was platted in 1946 and organized as a village in 1948, according to the town's website. People flocked to the North Dakota boomtown during that time because of the construction of Garrison Dam.

So, joining the Army was "one of the things you could do," said Sailer, adding that the perks included training and three square meals a day.

After a grueling several weeks of training  during which his bunkmate attending basic training died while taking a physical fitness test  Sailer went to Europe for three years, serving as a member of a logistical support group that delivered mail and payroll to the soldiers. He calls his job a "glorified mailman."

I remember sitting in the back of the truck with a .45 by my side and sitting right on top of a pile of mail," he said.

Sailer was stationed at three different bases in Germany. He also traveled to Paris, the Alps and Switzerland.

"You met some wonderful people; most of them were really nice. They would take you into their homes," Sailer said.

He also became a Christian while overseas.

Sailer was in Germany for 18 months before earning some vacation time. He went home for a month then finished his tour. He volunteered to go to Vietnam, but did not have to go. So, he returned to North Dakota and attended Devils Lake Junior College to get a two-year degree in construction.

He moved to Texas in 1978 and joined the National Guard. As a member of an airborne infantry group, called the Texas Army National Guard 36th Airborne Division, Sailer located bridges and mine. He spent quite a bit of time jumping from Huey and Chinook helicopters.

"Ive seen people hit cattle," Sailer said, as well as fences and trees.

Sailer said there's nothing like seeing a couple hundred singing airborne troops, lined up and entering C-130 planes when the sun's coming up. And then being part of a jump, wearing full gear, looking across the sky and seeing all the 'chutes coming down.

"It's quite a sight," he said.

Sailer later left the National Guard and worked for the National Park Service. He's worked as a facility manager across the country, including Utah and Kansas. He retired early and returned to North Dakota.

"My service was good, but the real heroes are those veterans who I got to rub shoulders with, including my brothers and my two sons," Sailer said.

The Sailers are a veteran family. He and his wife, Marilyn, have two sons and a daughter, Heidi, who is a registered nurse in Bismarck. Sailer's older son, Wade Fischer, was in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed for three years in Fort Mead, outside of Washington, D.C., at an intelligence gathering organization.

Sailer's late son Kasey, also joined the Air Force, and for seven years he was stationed in Qatar, Iraq, and South Korea. In December 2011, Kasey died of complications due to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sailer said he'd like to see more support in the community for veterans with PTSD.

"Its just hard to adjust to civilian life in a lot of ways, he said. (People with PTSD) avoid other people a lot of times, so you dont see it unless something happens.

In reality, (the community) doesnt see it, and then they wonder if there are things we can do to be more compassionate or understanding before it gets bad," said Sailer, who is the post adjutant at American Legion Post #12 in Washburn. He said there are 124 members, and they're hoping to get more younger veterans involved in the organization.

A lot of these young men and women, some of them have been over there six times, and weve never had that before in our history," Sailer said. "They need our support."
PIERRE | Gov. Dennis Daugaard has chosen another magistrate judge for another circuit judge vacancy in South Dakotas state court system.

The governor selected Gordon Swanson of Mitchell as a new Fourth Circuit judge.

The circuit covers Butte, Corson, Dewey, Harding, Lawrence, Meade, Perkins and Ziebach counties in northwestern South Dakota.

Swanson said in a statement that he looks forward to returning to the Black Hills region. He will fill the vacancy that will result from the June retirement of Circuit Judge Randall Macy.

Daugaard made the announcement Friday. It marked the second time in less than one week that the governor promoted a magistrate to circuit judge for the Fourth Circuit.

The governor chose Magistrate Judge Eric Strawn of Spearfish on Thursday to succeed retiring Circuit Judge Jerome Eckrich.

Swanson, currently based in Mitchell, has operated the First Circuits James Valley drug court since 2013. Strawn, meanwhile, ran the Fourth Circuits drunken-driving court since 2013.

Swanson, after his 1992 graduation from the University of South Dakota law school, clerked for U.S. District Andrew Bogue. Swanson next spent seven years in private practice in Sturgis.

He served as Meade County states attorney in 2001 through 2003 and was Minnehaha County chief deputy states attorney from 2003 through 2013. He was appointed a magistrate for the First Circuit in 2013.

Swanson, who grew up in Brandon, is a 1984 graduate from South Dakota State University in Brookings. He served three years in the U.S. Army and then went to law school.

He and his wife, Lesli, have three adult children and one grandchild.
What is Trumpism?

One hundred days into President Donald Trump's time in office, the answer seems less clear than ever.

Despite fueling intense partisan rancor and torqueing up the divisions his candidacy helped lay bare, Trump never tethered himself to the kind of coherent ideological framework that most presidential candidates vow to never abandon. And at the first mile marker of his presidency, he has shown no signs of fitting into an ideological box or reconciling the political inconsistencies of his administration.

Instead, Trump has held up his "flexibility" as a virtue and continued to regard deal-making as the ultimate achievement -- no matter the cost.

Within hours of scrapping a scheduled House vote to repeal and replace Obamacare, Trump cast aside the conservative-minded reform efforts and said he'd be willing to instead cut a deal with Democrats.

On the world stage, Trump's foreign policy actions have been inconsistent. He's broken with the anti-interventionist views of his campaign by launching a strike against the Syrian regime while affirming that he doesn't see a role for the US in Libya.

And while he's taken a series of executive actions to implement the populist trade agenda at the core of his campaign, he's held back on delivering the biggest blows to the free trade economy he has so vigorously demonized -- from taking major action against Chinese trade abuses to renegotiating or withdrawing from NAFTA.

Trump has yet to formally launch the process to restart talks with Canada and Mexico over NAFTA and presented this week with the option of making a bold declaration of his intention to withdraw from the trade deal altogether, Trump retreated.

It was a moment that highlighted the ideological inconsistencies within the rungs of his top advisers -- a mix of nationalists and globalists, conservatives and moderates -- and the influence of those advisers on a president who prides himself on pragmatism more than ideology.

But rather than shirking away from the contradictions, Trump is embracing them.

"I'm a nationalist and a globalist," he told the Wall Street Journal in an interview on Thursday. "I'm both."

Trump has touted himself as a conservative time and again, but he's often taken action to support conservative causes more out of political obligation than deep-rooted belief.

'Practical conservative'

But after 100 days of Trump, Republicans also can't seem to agree what Trumpism means and what ideology he is most closely aligned with.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an ally of Trump's, rattled off a list of positions he felt best described Trump's ideology when asked.

"Anti-left, anti-PC, anti-stupidity and very passionately American," Gingrich said. "And he operates within that model all the time."

"Philosophically, he is an entrepreneur," Gingrich added.

Matt Schlapp, the chairman of the American Conservative Union, said he would call Trump a "practical conservative."

Schlapp insisted Trump is guided by a core set of principles -- for example, that US economic interests and national security interests are interconnected -- but conceded that Trump is not ideologically driven.

"I just don't think he's someone that approaches things by saying what 's our philosophical basis. I think he's someone that approaches policy issues and says, 'What's going to work? What's going to work for the American people?' " Schlapp said.

And Trump made clear during the campaign that that is how he would operate.

Assailed by his campaign rivals for lacking an ideological core, Trump responded by holding up his pragmatism and lack of ideological grounding as an asset.

"The word compromise is not a bad word to me," Trump said during his presidential campaign.

'Impulsivity'

But many of those who cried out that Trump lacked the conservative bona fides to lead the Republican Party have not let up. After 100 days, they remain convinced Trump has no ideological -- let alone conservative -- core.

Beyond "impulsivity" and "deal-making," the Republican strategist Rick Wilson, a vocal Trump critic, argued there is no ideology driving Trump's presidency -- and it has hurt him as he's approached a Republican caucus rife with key conservative players.

"There's no discernible ideological consistency to what he's doing," Wilson said. "He believes he can approach every problem like a real estate deal and I think that was one of the shocking things for him."

That was a core complaint of conservative members of Congress who argued that Trump failed to dive into their policy concerns as he sought to win them over during the initial health care reform push, instead encouraging them to vote for the bill for politics' sake.

But it's on foreign policy where Trump has been most scattershot.

He pledged during the campaign to focus on the fight against ISIS in Syria without getting bogged down in the country's civil war by targeting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But a chemical weapons attack on civilians by Assad prompted Trump to strike a Syrian air base with 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The decision flew not only in the face of his desire to keep the US laser-focused on ISIS, but also against his desire to work with Russia, the primary sponsor of the Syrian regime, to target ISIS and tackle a range of diplomatic issues.

'Enormous inconsistency'

Joseph Nye, an expert on US foreign policy at Harvard University, said while it's still too early to judge Trump's ideological moorings on foreign policy, so far "there's enormous inconsistency."

"He moves back and forth on ideological positions," he said.

Rather, Nye said Trump appears to be taking a case-by-case approach to foreign policy decisions. It presents concerns of a lack of broader strategy, but Nye said Trump's more pragmatic approach to global affairs could be a boon.

"There doesn't seem to be a solid ideological core there. Maybe that's a good thing," Nye said.

Trump's top aides concede the Trump Doctrine is not yet fully formed, but insist that there are general principles to US foreign policy in the Trump era.

Reince Priebus, Trump's chief of staff, said Trump has set "certain lines of where we're not going to allow people like (Assad) to go, but at the same time making it clear that we're not interested in the long term, you know, ground wars in the Middle East, but obviously focusing in on ISIS."

Another senior administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity said the administration is "working on" crafting broader strategic goals, but said Trump has already demonstrated that while he is weighing the risk of action, "what he's also done in these first few weeks is he's weighed the risk of inaction."

But the official made one point clear. While a more fleshed out Trump Doctrine may emerge, the outlines of one already have.

"The other thing I would say, though, about the Trump doctrine, is it's not doctrinaire at all," the official said. "It's very pragmatic."

CNN's Jeremy Diamond contributed to this report.
Sparks flew Saturday evening on a CNN "Newsroom" panel as contributors clashed over President Trump's accomplishments in the first 100 days and over remarks he had just delivered at a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
PIERRE | I am a newspaperman. My reputation precedes me. And what that reputation is, depends, greatly, on you.

To some, I am to be avoided. Among others, I am welcomed. For many, I matter less and less. For those who dont care, I am nothing.

This week, my range of reality expanded.

We  my wife, Ellen, and I  received good news from my brain doctors at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The MRI on Monday showed space between my skull and my brain. The black gap wasnt there on my previous MRI, taken March 16.

That day, the eve of St. Patricks Day, a Mayo neurosurgeon, originally from Italy, named Dr. Giuseppe Linzano, removed two large tumors crowding the front of my brain.

The three of us met again Monday, in the later afternoon. He came fresh off a new surgery, white doctors coat over blue scrubs, blue cap tight on his head.

Dr. Linzano scrolled through the two MRIs, side by side. We talked about my brain aneurysm. He said there was a 1 percent  one  chance of it bursting. He recommended against surgery.

As for the tumors, we learned the next morning that Dr. Linzano was modest: He had found  and removed  much more material than originally expected.

We  again, Ellen and I  met Tuesday with my Mayo neurologist, Dr. Joon Uhm. Dressed in a nicely cut dark suit, Dr. Uhm explained the situation as akin to a subway car, with more and more and more passengers crammed in.

Back on Dec. 8, when I passed out in the Hughes County courthouse after the Initiated Measure 22 hearing by Circuit Judge Mark Barnett, I had reached the point where my subway car couldnt fit many more passengers.

Dr. Linzano did very good work on my brain, Dr. Uhm said.

He wasnt surprised that Dr. Linzano recommended returning for further surgery, but with the caveat of waiting at least three more months. Dr. Linzano wanted more time for my brain to recover from the March 16 operation.

Dr. Uhm said I was entering the age bracket  I am 58 years old  for gamma-knife radiation: Shooting lasers from multiple directions at the same time, at one spot.

Dr. Uhm planned to confer with one of the three Mayo doctors who perform gamma-knife operations. For three smaller tumors that are left, he said, I could choose traditional surgery, or gamma knife.

He said I also could wait to see whether the tumors continued to grow, and if so, how fast. He would write a letter to me, so I could get the next MRI in Pierre in the coming months.

We drove back to South Dakota immediately afterward. We ran into rain just south of Rochester. We hit the first downpour just west of the Interstate 90 junction.

It rained, blinding at times, much of the way to Sioux Falls. We took a break to eat supper there with our son, Mac. East of Vivian we picked up flurries, then snow and fog, as dusk slid into darkness.

None of it mattered. I was happy. Oh, so very happy.
Signs of trouble preceded the latest shooting in Paris, which left one police officer dead and wounded two bystanders before police killed the gunman, later identified as French national Karim Cheurfi, a known criminal. According to police, a note praising ISIS fell out of Cheurfi's pocket when he fell.

Cheurfi was of Algerian descent, born in a Paris suburb. His rap sheet included four arrests and convictions since 2003. He had spent nearly 14 years in prison for crimes that included burglary, theft and attempted murder.

When Cheurfi attempted to buy weapons French authorities took notice, especially when he made statements about wishing to kill police officers. After he traveled to Algeria this year, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said Cheurfi was interviewed, but a judge refused to revoke his probation.

French and other European politicians immediately expressed concern over what effect the shooting and the terrorist attacks that preceded it might have on France's choice of a new president. Rightist candidates immediately tried to exploit the issue, but it has been a subject on the minds of French voters, particularly in Paris, where a major enclave of immigrants from Muslim countries continue to be seen by many as a threat to the French way of life.

Cheurfi should have been back in jail for parole violations. Given his record, his statements and the trip to Algeria, enough red flags were raised to warrant action.

A side note. While Algeria has not been a main source of terrorism in the world, the human rights agency Algeria Watch has noted: "Although Algerian nationals were not among the suicide bombers of 11 September 2001, they have featured prominently in subsequent investigations into al-Qaida activities in North America and Europe. In the UK, where an Algerian community has grown as a largely unknown minority in recent years, several dozen Algerians have been arrested since mid-2001 in localities as widely spread as Leicester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Arrests in London in January 2003 uncovered a cell producing ricin, while in Manchester, one of the Algerian detainees, 27-year-old Kamel Bourgass, was responsible for killing a police officer  the first victim in the UK's post-11 September anti-terrorist campaign."

In the United States and other countries in the West, most often someone has to break the law before they can be arrested. Given the tactics of terrorists, it might be worth discussing whether to invoke a doctrine of pre-emption, which is sometimes employed when an enemy nation appears to be an imminent threat. If that is an option to prevent death and destruction from countries, why can't we impose something similar for people who have violent criminal records and who openly state, as Cheurfi did, that he intends to kill police?

Western reluctance to adapt such a practice shows there is one force more powerful than the uniformed police. It is the "PC police." These are people who care more about how they feel than for the innocent people gunned down in our streets.

Don't innocents have the right to be protected from fanatics who claim to be doing God's work? With ongoing investigations by the Department of Homeland Security into radical terrorists in every state, it's long past time to get them before they get any more of us.
Blog Archive November 2022 (16) October 2022 (61) September 2022 (60) August 2022 (63) July 2022 (65) June 2022 (68) May 2022 (67) April 2022 (62) March 2022 (68) February 2022 (54) January 2022 (61) December 2021 (70) November 2021 (72) October 2021 (67) September 2021 (59) August 2021 (56) July 2021 (57) June 2021 (66) May 2021 (63) April 2021 (75) March 2021 (73) February 2021 (61) January 2021 (69) December 2020 (62) November 2020 (62) October 2020 (70) September 2020 (51) August 2020 (52) July 2020 (60) June 2020 (57) May 2020 (79) April 2020 (56) March 2020 (52) February 2020 (50) January 2020 (69) December 2019 (58) November 2019 (64) October 2019 (44) September 2019 (49) August 2019 (71) July 2019 (71) June 2019 (71) May 2019 (67) April 2019 (74) March 2019 (85) February 2019 (64) January 2019 (73) December 2018 (66) November 2018 (81) October 2018 (87) September 2018 (66) August 2018 (76) July 2018 (84) June 2018 (86) May 2018 (64) April 2018 (83) March 2018 (78) February 2018 (69) January 2018 (69) December 2017 (82) November 2017 (87) October 2017 (89) September 2017 (77) August 2017 (75) July 2017 (76) June 2017 (90) May 2017 (86) April 2017 (59) March 2017 (61) February 2017 (82) January 2017 (91) December 2016 (90) November 2016 (80) October 2016 (75) September 2016 (95) August 2016 (104) July 2016 (93) June 2016 (96) May 2016 (98) April 2016 (99) March 2016 (113) February 2016 (82) January 2016 (98) December 2015 (113) November 2015 (94) October 2015 (93) September 2015 (98) August 2015 (97) July 2015 (105) June 2015 (103) May 2015 (95) April 2015 (100) March 2015 (102) February 2015 (93) January 2015 (114) December 2014 (110) November 2014 (103) October 2014 (105) September 2014 (96) August 2014 (96) July 2014 (112) June 2014 (119) May 2014 (109) April 2014 (116) March 2014 (117) February 2014 (109) January 2014 (116) December 2013 (117) November 2013 (121) October 2013 (125) September 2013 (93) August 2013 (115) July 2013 (110) June 2013 (102) May 2013 (115) April 2013 (113) March 2013 (119) February 2013 (108) January 2013 (119) December 2012 (132) November 2012 (115) October 2012 (121) September 2012 (115) August 2012 (124) July 2012 (102) June 2012 (121) May 2012 (121) April 2012 (127) March 2012 (130) February 2012 (112) January 2012 (131) December 2011 (129) November 2011 (118) October 2011 (118) September 2011 (110) August 2011 (138) July 2011 (146) June 2011 (139) May 2011 (144) April 2011 (127) March 2011 (140) February 2011 (116) January 2011 (134) December 2010 (133) November 2010 (136) October 2010 (148) September 2010 (128) August 2010 (155) July 2010 (129) June 2010 (138) May 2010 (152) April 2010 (161) March 2010 (119) February 2010 (149) January 2010 (155) December 2009 (177) November 2009 (171) October 2009 (176) September 2009 (159) August 2009 (156) July 2009 (170) June 2009 (157) May 2009 (185) April 2009 (179) March 2009 (183) February 2009 (170) January 2009 (181) December 2008 (189) November 2008 (183) October 2008 (164) September 2008 (164) August 2008 (177) July 2008 (179) June 2008 (170) May 2008 (191) April 2008 (175) March 2008 (195) February 2008 (162) January 2008 (188) December 2007 (187) November 2007 (189) October 2007 (194) September 2007 (156) August 2007 (194) July 2007 (163) June 2007 (176) May 2007 (190) April 2007 (177) March 2007 (192) February 2007 (165) January 2007 (170) December 2006 (182) November 2006 (177) October 2006 (185) September 2006 (180) August 2006 (156) July 2006 (160) June 2006 (177) May 2006 (173) April 2006 (157) March 2006 (158) February 2006 (146) January 2006 (144) December 2005 (135) November 2005 (138) October 2005 (128) September 2005 (141) August 2005 (136) July 2005 (133) June 2005 (119) May 2005 (143) April 2005 (52)
Guwahati, April 29 : Ahead of polls of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council ( KAAC), several civil and students organizations in Assam's hills district Karbi Anglong demanded a high level probe into the multi crore rupees scam under the council and against the present Chief Executive Member of the council.

The organizations also sought an intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal into the scam as several members of the council siphoning off most of development money.

The organizations said that, the council members led by present CEM Tuliram Ronghang had allegedly siphoned off most of development money of the council without implementing development schemes.

In last year, most of council members including CEM Tuliram Ronghang, who were elected to the council on Congress tickets had joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the saffron party formed its first government in Assam.

"If BJP will again favour them then it will be given license them to loot public money again. People of Karbi Anglong have deprived from development in past couple of decades and now want only development," a leader of a farmer group in Karbi Anglong said.

A farmer group Krishak Sramik Kalyan Parishad had filed a case against the council Chief Tuliram Ronghang in Assam police CID for allegedly siphoned off crore of rupees in the name of implementing irrigation projects in the hills district, who was in-charge of the irrigation department.

The farmer leader said that, all projects are in exists only on paper and we demanded to conduct a high level probe.

The organizations have asked the people of the hills district to choose right person to the council this time.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati, April 29 : Assam CID on Saturday had 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)
Guwahati, April 29 : Security forces on Saturday morning had arrested a six-member poacher gang and illegal wildlife trader with a rhino horn from central Assam's Nagaon district, officials said.

Based on intelligence input provided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, a team of Nagaon police led by DSP Samiran Baishya had launched operation at by-pass road near Nagaon town and arrested the poacher gang and illegal wildlife trader from a roadside dhaba.

Police also seized a rhino horn weighing around a kilogram and two motor cycles, mobile handsets, drugs in possession from them.

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 said that, two poachers Arun Saikia and Ranjan Jyoti Saikia hailed from Upper Assam's Jorhat district 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 in the state in past a decade which were poached in different parts of the state.

An official of the state forest department said that, per kilogram horn has sold in international market up to worth of Rs 2-2.5 crore.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
WARNING for European visitors European Union laws require you to give European Union visitors information about cookies used on your blog. In many cases, these laws also require you to obtain consent.

As a courtesy, we have added a notice on your blog to explain Google's use of certain Blogger and Google cookies, including use of Google Analytics and AdSense cookies.
Human Rights Watch - April 27, 2017

(New York) a Indian authorities should promptly investigate and prosecute self-appointed acow protectorsa who have committed brutal attacks against Muslims and Dalits over rumors that they sold, bought, or killed cows for beef, Human Rights Watch said today. 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.

Many Hindus consider the cow to be a holy animal, and slaughter is forbidden in most parts of Hindu-majority India. Since May 2015, a violent vigilante campaign against beef consumption has led to the killing of at least 10 Muslims, including a 12-year-old boy, in seven separate incidents of mob violence. In July 2016, in Gujarat, vigilantes stripped four Dalit men, tied them to a car, and beat them with sticks and belts over suspicions of cow slaughter. In a number of cases, the attackers have also robbed their victims of cash and cellphones, and damaged their property.

aSelf-appointed acow protectorsa driven by irresponsible populism are killing people and terrorizing minority communities,a said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director. aThe government should condemn this violence and take prompt action against those responsible for these attacks or face allegations of complicity.a

In one recent case, on April 21, 2017, in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir state, a mob brutally attacked five members of a nomad cattle-herding family, including a 9-year-old girl, on suspicion that they were taking their cows for slaughter. A video posted on social media showed a group of men chanting slogans commonly used by BJP supporters, breaking down the familyas shelter, beating an elderly man with rods and sticks even as women begged for mercy, and finally setting the shelter on fire. Several policemen can be seen in the video while the mob carries out the attack, but they appeared to be outnumbered and stay back when the mob pushes them back. Police have arrested 11 people for the assault.

On April 22, in New Delhi, purported animal rights activists allegedly belonging to People for Animals, which is led by a BJP official, beat up three men in a truck for transporting buffaloes. Initially, the police failed to arrest anyone for the assault or investigate the role of People for Animals, which denied involvement in the attack. Instead, the police arrested the three victims under a law preventing cruelty to animals after the injured victims were taken to a hospital. The men were released on bail a day later. Two days after the incident, the police arrested a Delhi resident who claimed to be a member of People for Animals. The police were informed of the incident by another member of People for Animals who was allegedly part of a araid teama that regularly stops vehicles to see whether they contain cattle. People for Animals, which started as an animal rights group, said that since 2014 it has shut down some of its city units, including in Delhi, due to allegations of vigilantism and extortion against its members.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was chief minister of Gujarat state and during the 2014 national election campaign, repeatedly called for the protection of cows, raising the specter of a apink revolutiona by the previous government that he claimed had endangered cows and other cattle to export meat. 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. In the period leading up to the Uttar Pradesh state elections in 2017, a BJP lawmaker, Yogi Adityanath, the current chief minister, raised fears of a Hindu exodus in western Uttar Pradesh, which has the largest concentration of Muslims in the state.

The government should condemn this violence and take prompt action against those responsible for these attacks or face allegations of complicity. Meenakshi Ganguly South Asia Director

Since the BJP came to power in May 2014, extremist Hindu groups supporting Modi and his party have led vigilante mob attacks across the country to enforce anationalism.a Senior BJP leaders, including elected officials and leaders of various groups who claim to promote Hindu rights, have instigated hate crimes. Self-appointed cow protectors are increasingly conducting raids and attacks, claiming the police donat 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 auntouchables,a are equally vulnerable as they traditionally carry out jobs to dispose of cattle carcasses and skin them for commercial purposes.

Among the largest cow protection networks is the Bharatiya Gau Raksha Dal (aIndia Cow Protection Groupa ), an umbrella organization registered in 2012. Its leader, Pawan Pandit, told Human Rights Watch that the network is affiliated with about 50 groups across the country and that their 10,000 volunteers have a presence in nearly every state. aNow the entire India is a cow protection group because people are angered by such cruelty to animals,a Pandit said, adding that even the BJP government was not strong enough on cow protection. He denied allegations of violence by his members, saying those were spontaneous acts by local residents angered by the ill-treatment and slaughter of cows.

aThe mild admonitions from BJP leaders when Muslims and Dalits are lynched over cows sends a message that the BJP supports this violence,a Ganguly said. aInstead of a government that took office on the promise of universal development, it now appears to be one unwilling to protect those most vulnerable.a

Recent aCow Protectiona Cases and Concerns

Government Silence and Denial

On April 1, 2017, a mob in the northwestern state of Rajasthan brutally assaulted a 55-year-old dairy farmer, Pehlu Khan, and four others with sticks and belts. Khan died two days later from his injuries. Three of the six accused have been arrested. The stateas BJP-led government did not condemn the killing, and its minister for parliamentary affairs denied that the attack occurred. Rajasthanas home minister sought to defend the so-called cow protectors by blaming the victims: aPeople know cow trafficking is illegal, but they do it. Gau bhakts [Cow worshippers] try to stop them. Thereas nothing wrong with that but itas a crime to take the law in their hands.a

Instead of filing a complaint against the attackers, the police first registered a complaint against Khan and the other victims under the Rajasthan Bovine Animal (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 1995, for exporting cattle and showing cruelty to the animals, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The police waited two hours before filing a complaint against the unidentified mob. Khanas son alleged that the police filed the case against the family even though they had receipts showing that they purchased the cattle legitimately in Rajasthan. Mohammed Yusuf, the brother of one of those injured in the attack, told Human Rights Watch that the attackers also stole 35,000 rupees (US$540) his brother was carrying, his cellphone, and three cows worth 75,000 rupees (US$1,150). He no longer wants to be part of the dairy business. aWe have decided that we are not going to have anything more to do with cattle,a he said. aIf we canat keep milk cows, if we now need permission to drink milk, why should we keep cows?a

On April 23, several former civil service officers wrote to the stateas chief minister demanding that all the accused members of the mob be immediately arrested, saying that failure to take prompt action would be a amockery of good governance, causing minorities to lose faith in the governmentas ability to protect their rights.a Two days later, the chief minister finally broke her silence and said, asuch activities wonat be tolerated in Rajasthan.a

States Prompting Cow Protections

Even as BJP leaders failed to condemn attacks on Muslims and other minorities, they have announced new policies for cow welfare and made strong statements about the need to protect cows. Their policies and statements have facilitated abuses by cow protection groups in BJP-ruled states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

In March 2017, the Gujarat government made slaughtering a cow punishable by life in prison. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP chief minister said, aWe will hang those who kill cows.a In 2016, the Haryana government decided to give licenses to some cow protection groups to help the police keep a check on alleged cow smuggling. Group members are often seen patrolling the streets, especially highways, at night, stopping vehicles, checking them for cattle, intimidating drivers, and reacting with violence if they find cows. These vigilantes have also physically assaulted legitimate cattle transporters even when they are transporting other animals, such as buffaloes.

There have been reports in the media of cow protectors allegedly assaulting Muslim men and women in trains and railway stations in Madhya Pradesh, stripping and beating Dalit men in Gujarat, force feeding cow dung and urine to two men in Haryana, raiding a Muslim hotel in Jaipur, aiding police in checking roadside food stalls and restaurants for beef in Haryana ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid, and an alleged gang rape and murder in Haryana of people the attackers claimed were eating beef at home.

The Haryana government has set up a 24-hour helpline for citizens to report cow slaughter and smuggling and appointed police task forces to respond to the complaints. Rajasthanas government has had a dedicated department for ensuring the welfare of cows since 2013. In April 2017, the state government imposed additional taxes for aconservation and propagation of cow and its progeny.a

Soon after the BJP appointed Adityanath, a Hindu cleric, as chief minister of Indiaas largest state of Uttar Pradesh in March, he cracked down on slaughterhouses and meat shops, mostly run by Muslims. He contended that he was shutting down illegal establishments, but the businesses said they were forced to close without notice or due process. Cow protectors and members of an extremist Hindu group, Hindu Yuva Vahini, founded by Adityanath in 2002, aided the police in some of these operations.

Several members of the group, including Adityanath, face criminal charges for inciting violence, attempt to murder, rioting, carrying deadly weapons, and promoting enmity between two religious groups. The group has used violence, threats, and intimidation to shut down meat businesses, news reports say. But the stateas deputy chief minister and BJP state party president told Reuters that members of Adityanathas organization were acting as responsible citizens and rejected allegations that they were acting aas a parallel administration.a

The authorities have largely ignored the young men roaming streets and beating up Muslims and Dalits in the name of protecting cows, and have targeted instead the peaceful critics of such actions. At least seven people a including a poet, a filmmaker, and a student a have been booked on criminal charges for criticizing Adityanath on social media. The charges range from hurting the religious sentiments of a community to promoting enmity between groups.

On April 22, members of the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, groups affiliated with the BJP, attacked two police stations in Uttar Pradesh to protest the arrest of their colleagues for allegedly beating up and robbing a Muslim man. The police said that the men, from Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, threw stones at the police stations, beat up a policeman, set fire to his motorcycle, and took his service revolver. A senior police officer told the media that men from Hindu Yuva Vahini were also part of the mob that attacked the stations.

Inadequate Response to Killings over Cows

Prior to Pehlu Khanas murder on April 1, at least nine other people were fatally beaten or lynched by Hindu mobs over suspicions that they were trading or killing cows for beef.

Rajasthan, May 2015

Abdul Ghaffar Qureshi, 60, who ran a meat shop in Birloka village in Nagaur district, was beaten brutally by a mob with sticks and iron rods on May 30, 2015. He died the following day. The mob also vandalized his home and shop. Two years after the incident, the police have filed murder charges against three accused in the attack, while six are yet to be arrested. The case is pending in court.

Uttar Pradesh, August 2015

A mob beat to death three men suspected of being cattle thieves a Anaf, Arif, and Nazim a in the Kaimrala village of Dadri town on August 2, 2015. The mob also set their truck on fire after they found two buffaloes in it. A farmer who witnessed the incident told Frontline magazine that the police arrived after the men were already dead. He said, aWhen a cow is killed, passions get ignited and these things can happen.a

The police filed a case against the dead men for theft, trespass, and attempted murder, alleging that they opened fire first. The superintendent of police did not respond to questions from Human Rights Watch about whether there was any case against the villagers for killing the men.

Uttar Pradesh, September 2015

On September 28, 2015, a mob in Bishara village in Dadri town beat to death Mohammad Akhlaq, 50, with bricks and critically injured his 22-year-old son. The attack came after an announcement at a nearby Hindu temple that Akhlaq had slaughtered a calf. The police arrested six people but also seized the meat from Akhlaqas home and sent it for a forensic exam to determine whether it was beef. The villagers protested the arrests by damaging vehicles, including a police van, and setting a motorcycle on fire.

The Uttar Pradesh government, then led by the Samajwadi party, announced compensation of 10 lakh rupees (US$15,500) to Akhlaqas family and the chief minister ordered district officials and police to provide full protection to his family. However, a senior BJP leader and minister in the central government called Akhlaqas killing an aaccident.a

Another BJP legislator from the state, Sangeet Som, already facing charges for allegedly inciting communal riots, visited Dadri following Akhlaqas killing to show solidarity with the accused, one of whom is the son of a local BJP leader. Som did not condemn Akhlaqas murder and instead criticized the state government for not taking legal action against Akhlaqas family. In Haryana, the neighboring state, the chief minister, from BJP, called Akhlaqas killing a asimple misunderstandinga and said, aMuslims can continue to live in this country, but they will have to give up eating beef.a

In December 2015, the Uttar Pradesh police filed charges against 18 people. Nearly a score of hearings have been held since then, but there has been little progress in the case. Meanwhile, Akhlaqas family relocated to Delhi because of concerns for their safety.

Jammu and Kashmir, October 2015

On October 9, 2015, a right-wing Hindu mob in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir allegedly threw gasoline bombs at a truck driven by Zahid Bhat, an 18-year-old trucker, because they suspected him a wrongly a of transporting beef. He died of his injuries at a hospital 10 days later. Two others traveling with him were also injured. Bhat was found to be transporting coal in his truck.

His death led to violent clashes between protesters and security forces in a south Kashmir village where he had lived. The stateas chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of the Peopleas Democratic Party, condemned the killing and announced compensation but the family refused to accept any money, saying they wanted justice.

Five people were arrested for murder, rioting, conspiracy, and use of explosives.

Himachal Pradesh, October 2015

A Hindu mob at Sarahan, a village near Simla, allegedly beat to death Noman, 22, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, on October 14, 2015, over suspicions that he was smuggling cows. The mob also beat up four other occupants of the truck. Police immediately arrested the four occupants, booking them under laws banning cow slaughter and preventing cruelty to animals.

Later, police also registered a case of murder and said they would investigate whether members of Hindu militant group Bajrang Dal were behind the attack.

Jharkhand, March 2016

A Muslim cattle trader, Mohammed Mazlum Ansari, 35, and a 12-year-old boy, Mohammed Imteyaz Khan, were found hanging from a tree in Jharkhand on March 18, 2016. Their hands were tied behind their backs and their bodies bore signs of mistreatment. The police arrested eight men, including a couple linked to a local cow protection group. The case is still pending in court.

Ansarias brother, who runs a small shop in the village, told Human Rights Watch he had already spent 200,000 rupees (US$3,100) on the case and was determined to see it to the end but was not hopeful. aI donat think we will receive justice,a he said. aThe government is theirs. They are rich, they are powerful, the police is also theirs.a
You have permission to edit this html.

Edit Close
It takes huge balls to make a film like Side A Side B. Frankly, I'm surprised that writer/director Sudhish Kamath can sit comfortably with what he must be packing between his legs in order to have conceived this little adventure of his. An eighty minute romantic musical, shot over the course of a forty-four train ride from Guwahati in India's northeast to Mumbai in the west, with 8 songs, all shot live with live sound on the train and only two performers and six crew, at most, to capture the whole thing, on two mobile phones.

Impossible, you say? Well, I thought so, too. But I'll be damned if the thing isn't absolutely charming, and a bit too relatable to anyone who has ever been in love.

Joel Gogoi (Rahul Rajkhowa) and Shivi (Shivranjani Singh) are school sweethearts who have been together for years, living up in the hills of northeastern India. This region is remote and of little concern to the rest of the country most of the time, and Shivi, having felt trapped for a while, has landed herself an internship at a company in big city Mumbai. Being the kind and doting boyfriend he is, Joel has arranged for them to take the train, a forty four hour journey, to Mumbai under the prestense that this way they could spend a few last hours together, and with their cat, the film's third cast member.

Before too long it becomes clear that the couple have very different ideas about what this new and unfamiliar separation means for their relationship. One thinks it's a chance to see what else is out there, not necessarily in terms of romance, but in terms of life experience; while the other sees it as a temporary disruption. This is the kind of couple who have been together long enough that they are able to not only finish each other's sentences, but to even predict the sentence before it's even left their partners lips. This predictablilty frightens Shivi, who wonders if this is all there is, but comforts Joel, who feels like his path is set.

The one thing they can agree on is that music is their way forward in the world, and as a result, much of their story is told through song. No, these aren't choreographed, spontaneous Bolylwood outbursts, instead, it's more like being privvy to private jam sessions where Joel and Shivi bare their souls to one another. The music tells a story, if sometimes only by its tone, and the fact that it was all recorded live on a moving train is almost too strange a thought to entertain, because it sounds great.

The songs aren't your typical Bollywood fare. There is no elaborate instrumentation, almost no percussion apart from the odd cajon tossed in, and no theatrics. It's just Joel, Shivi, and a guitar. I'd liken it more to the kind of music that populates films like John Carney's Once. The music sets a tone, the music tells the story, the characters serve the story, the music writes the characters.

While it would be easy to marvel at Side A Side B as an impressive achievement based on the intentional hardships under which it was made, I think their is more to be said for this film than that. Yes, it's amazing ot think that a film was shot under these conditions in less than two days with mobile phones. That's definitely impressive. However, if the movie sucks, no one is going to care. It just becomes another in a long line of dumb ideas that led to shitty films. Thankfully, Side A Side B is much more that just the means by which it was made, it's a real movie, it has real characters with real emotions, and by the end we feel that we've seen their journeys, both emotional and literal, and we're glad to have been there with them, even if it was a little bit painful sometimes.

Kamath put a lot of faith in his small team, starting with Rajkhowa and Singh as the leads and only two characters with dialogue in the entire film. Both performers are relative newcomers to acting, but they have a great rapport and their interactions feel very real. When you're the only two characters in the film and you have no choice but to be on camera for the entire runtime, you'd better be on your game, and these two definitely are.

Also worthy of praise is the team behind the music. Rahul and Shivranjani did their own performing in the film, but the songs were written by Sudeep Swaroop with lyrics by Kamath and film critic/filmmaker Raja Sen. The songs, though sometimes a bit overly silly, punctuate and complement the dialogue beautifully. Each is well thought out and expresses a particular emotion without being too obvious about its intentions, they're quite clever that way.

As I mentioned above, all the gusto and enthusiasm in the world doesn't necessarily make for a solid film, but in this case, Kamath comes out on top. Side A Side B is a charming story told by a solid script, confident but relaxed performers, and a set of balls most likely bigger than his brains for even attempting it. But I'm glad he did, Side A Side B is a winner, a film that takes place in a world and relationship that feels lived in, and that's no easy task even with a hundred days to shoot. I am impressed.
The first edition of the Overlook Film Festival will never be faulted for not swinging for the fences with a lineup that includes something for all possible tastes; even if that taste happens to run all the way to the sewer. To be sure, such is the lowbrow intent of director Bhin Banloerit, who sets his sights on little more than visual vulgarity, slapstick and flatulence humor aplenty.

One can only imagine what the pitching session must have been like, since The Dwarves Must Be Crazy is centered on little people whose hunger gets the better of them, eat poisonous insects and become disembodied heads floating around with the gastrointestinal tract still attached, dangling underneath (think Chinese lanterns, only far more bewildering). Oh, and did I mention they also develop an appetite for ass-licking/ arse-eating?

Suffice it to say The Dwarves Must Be Crazy is geared towards genre enthusiasts looking for something decidedly outre. Seated among likeminded audience members of a midnight screening, perhaps, more could be forgiven; especially if the audience happens to take greater pleasure in laughing at rather than with a film. Take away the charm and camaraderie of such a setting, however, and one can only judge the work as is: a juvenile effort that takes forever to go nowhere and grows more asinine by the minute.

The wacky premise checks political correctness at the door with aplomb yet never develops into a story with any feel for pacing or any sense of structure that builds towards a climax. Rather than focusing on the threat of zombie-like infection (and, you know, actual ass-munching) we are treated to endless bits of the titular little people horsing around or going about their daily lives in a community of stilt houses. The monks pay tribute to spirits while others forage the local forest, fish, and perform the occasional song and dance about genitalia and whatnot (as one does). The floating heads armada is suspiciously absent throughout a film that lacks both urgency and purpose.

Characters can scarcely be distinguished from one another since they have no distinct personalities and the film fails to generate any momentum, mostly spewing trivial dialogue thats neither here nor there, which wouldnt be a problem if any of it were actually funny. Granted, humor is a tricky thing with each of us having different funny bones but so much of this feels vapid, inconsequential and boorishly uninspired. None of it should be taken seriously, fair enough, but shouldnt some of it at least be chuckle-worthy?

Driven by improvisational whimsy, there is plenty of room for nutty skits involving fermented bird shit, human pyramids, or loincloths tied together to fabricate a sort of tent to protect the dwarves from the arse-eating heads. (Hows that for a sentence you thought you would never read?) Even in its more vulgar instances, while always ridiculous, The Dwarves Must Be Crazy is never raunchy enough to become stomach-turning, either.

Aided by a soundtrack full of comical cues that would feel at home in a Looney Tunes cartoon, modest laughs are wrung from scenes that feel like a Thai stab at Three Stooges tomfoolery, but creative zaniness remains well out of reach. With poop and fart jokes galore and some shitty CGI effects thrown in for good measure the films one-note premise gets stretched too thin, which causes tedium to set in sooner rather than later.

Dont be fooled by the bonkers concept that promises a film unlike anything youve ever seen. Ironically enough, despite spending so much of its runtime being gassy, The Dwarves Must Be Crazy runs out of steam awfully quick.
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran raised a few eyebrows when she said in a recent interview the sprawling Gulf Park Estates subdivision "has nothing to do with Ocean Springs."

Here's the background on her comment: The travel website roadsnacks.net published a list last year of the "10 Snobbiest Places in Mississippi" -- one of those less-than-scientific lists often thrown together by websites. Included in its list, at #8, was Gulf Park Estates, located just outside Ocean Springs' eastern city limits.

Gulf Park Estates covers some 2.8 square miles and has a population of between 4,700 and 6,000, depending on the source. The 2000 census found that 44 percent of the families living in GPE had children under the age of 18 and those children go to Ocean Springs schools. Gulf Park Estates students, in fact, make up 22.1 percent of the total K-12 enrollment in the Ocean Springs School District.

While they are not citizens of the City of Ocean Springs and thus do not pay city taxes, residents in the subdivision do pay school taxes, which represent well in excess of 70 percent of the total ad valorem taxes collected by the City each year. The residents there shop, eat, recreate and in some cases work in Ocean Springs.

While the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and volunteer fire departments have jurisdiction in GPE, the Ocean Springs Police and Fire Departments provide assistance with calls in the subdivision.

Veteran reporter Billy Watkins of Jackson's The Clarion-Leger -- the state's largest newspaper -- obviously came across the roadsnacks.net list and decided to find out what the mayors of the places on the list thought of their inclusion.

In his column, published Saturday, Watkins wrote he had never heard of Gulf Park Estates, but was told it was a subdivision in Ocean Springs, so he called Moran for her reaction. Here's what the three-term mayor had to say:

"Gulf Park Esates has nothing to with Ocean Springs. It's probably five miles from downtown Ocean Springs. It's outside the city limits.

"It's just an area of the county and it's a real mixed bag. Some really nice houses on waterfront property, but also a lot of rental property and mobile homes. It has no sidewalks and they have pit bulls running loose. Having said that, the residents are known as salt-of-the-earth people.

Watkins wrote that in speaking with Moran, she sounded as if she wished roadsnacks.net had included Ocean Springs on the list.

"It think maybe the list-makers meant to pick Ocean Springs," she said. "We have one of the highest per capita incomes between Tallahassee and Baton Rouge. We have a thriving downtown. Since Katrina, we've rebuilt a town that is invited to all ages."

In his column, Watkins also noted Ocean Springs was selected to a Smithsonian magazine list of "20 Best Small Towns to Visit" and has won a Great American Mainstreet Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

"It seems Ocean Springs has snobby potential," Watkins wrote. "Maybe it can give (#1) Madison a run for its money next time."

For the record, behind Madison on the list were Flowood, Kosciusko, Diamondhead, Brandon, Clinton, Hernando, Gulf Park Estates, Long Beach and Florence.
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 83F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 67F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
 Illinois Law Review creates big online symposium to mark Prez Trump's first 100 Days | Main | Should an offender's citizenship status impact prosecutorial charging decisions and how? 

April 29, 2017

"Is the death penalty un-Christian?"

The question in the title of this post is the headline of this recent commentary authored by Mathew Schmalz, ans Associate Professor of Religion at the College of the Holy Cross and published in The Conversation. Here are excerpts:

As a Catholic scholar who writes about religion, politics and policy, I understand how Christians struggle with the death penalty -- there are those who cannot endure the idea and there are others who support its use. Some Christian theologians have also observed that capital punishment could lead to the conversion of criminals who might repent of their crimes when faced with the finality of death. Is the death penalty anti-Christian? In its early centuries, Christianity was seen with suspicion by authorities. Writing in defense of Christians who were unfairly charged with crimes in second-century Rome, philosopher Anthenagoras of Athens condemned the death penalty when he wrote that Christians cannot endure even to see a man put to death, though justly. But as Christianity became more connected with state power, European Christian monarchs and governments regularly carried out the death penalty until its abolition in the 1950s through the European Convention on Human Rights.... In the Hebrew Bible, Exodus 21:12 states that whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death. In Matthews Gospel, Jesus, however, rejects the notion of retribution when he says if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. While it is true that the Hebrew Bible prescribes capital punishment for a variety of offenses, it is also true that later Jewish jurists set out rigorous standards for the death penalty so that it could be used only in rare circumstances. At issue in Christian considerations of the death penalty is whether the government or the state has the obligation to punish criminals and defend its citizens. Saint Paul, an early Christian evangelist, wrote in his letter to the Romans that a ruler acts as an avenger who carries out Gods wrath on the wrongdoer. The Middle Ages in Europe saw thousands of murderers, witches and heretics put to death. While church courts of this period generally did not apply capital punishment, the church did turn criminals over to secular authorities for execution. Thirteenth-century Catholic philosopher Thomas Aquinas argued that the death penalty could be justified for the greater welfare of society. Later Protestant reformers also supported the right of the state to impose capital punishment. John Calvin, a Protestant theologian and reformer, for example, argued that Christian forgiveness did not mean overturning established laws.... Among Christian leaders, Pope Francis has been at the forefront of arguing against the death penalty. Saint John Paul II also maintained that capital punishment should be reserved only for absolute necessity. Pope Francis observes that the death penalty is no longer relevant because modern prisons prevent criminals from doing further harm. Pope Francis speaks of a larger ethic of forgiveness. He emphasizes social justice for all citizens as well as the opportunity for those who harm society to make amends through acts that affirm life, not death. For many, the debate is about the relationship between Christs call for forgiveness and the legitimate powers of the state. Those Christians who support capital punishment argue that Jesus was talking about heavenly realities, not the earthly matters that governments have to deal with. Christians who oppose the death penalty say that being Christian means bringing heavenly realities to the here and now. This debate is not just about capital punishment, but about what it means to be a Christian.

April 29, 2017 at 11:48 PM | Permalink

Comments

http://hotair.com/archives/2017/04/29/baltimore-warns-prosecutors-think-twice-charging-illegal-immigrants/

pretty amazing---thoughts Doug?

Posted by: federalist | Apr 30, 2017 8:21:15 AM

There is no real argument as to whether Christianity allows for capital punishment (it does). The argument is between actual Christians who add their own beliefs into the equation. There is not a single line of scripture that condemns the practice and many that support it. Jesus's teachings were for individuals, not government. When Jesus speaks against retribution, he is speaking to me the individual, not government, which is tasked with providing an emotionless judgment of justice, not revenge. Neither the judge, juries, lawyers, nor prosecutors were personally harmed by the defendant.

In other words, those quoting scripture in support of abolition are twisting it to fit their beliefs instead of changing their beliefs to fit scripture.

This is strongly supported by the fact that the only Church which has been there since Pentecost (the RCC) has never condemned the practice. Although the most recent two popes have a personal animus to the DP, they have never infallibly condemned it to their flock "ex cathedra" (nor could they). As a Catholic, I am free to agree or disagree with their opinions on this matter, just as I am free to disagree with Pope Francis if he gives me a stock tip.

As a Catholic, the reason I choose to disagree with the current Pope is because he is absolutely clueless as to what happens in a prison. It does not "prevent criminals from doing further harm" as he claims. This is clearly demonstrated by Craig Wissink, who last week bashed and killed a female corrections sergeant with the fire extinguisher she was using to put out a fire he likely started. He was obviously able to do "further harm" after his 2004 first degree murder prosecution for shooting a man in the chest with a shotgun while committing a home invasion robbery.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Apr 30, 2017 9:59:02 AM

"Jesus's teachings were for individuals, not government."

Show me a government absent its individuals and I'll show you an illusion.

Posted by: Daniel | Apr 30, 2017 11:21:31 AM

"There is no real argument as to whether Christianity allows for capital punishment (it does)."

Yes, all those Christians who argue it don't have "real" arguments.

See also, abortion, gay rights, the trinity etc.

Posted by: Joe | Apr 30, 2017 11:31:30 AM

Mark Osler's (former federal prosecutor*) book "Jesus on Death Row: The Trial of Jesus and American Capital Punishment" was pretty good. I have not read his "Prosecuting Jesus." Books with different perspectives surely can be cited.



----

* And, guest blogged: "Guest posting from Prof Mark Osler with advice to US Sentencing Commission on revising drug sentencing guidelines."

Posted by: Joe | Apr 30, 2017 11:43:28 AM

I am not criticizing the author, an expert in religious studies. I just remind him that this is a secular nation. The views of any religion are illegal if they enter into sentencing law and policy.

He also forgets a few things.

1) Death by incineration by government was used by the Inquisition, the Dominican Order of the Catholic Church, to enforce their nutty orthodoxy. For example, they put people on trial for claiming the earth was round, even though that fact was self evident to anyone with eyes. Never mind, if one believed the earth revolved around the sun, rather than the opposite. Beyond that enforcement method, they used death penalty in plea bargains, and seized the assets of middle class merchants to finance the heavenly palaces of the Vatican. So shut the fuck up about any Pope, until they move out of those palaces funded by plea deals to avoid the stake.

2) As to the lawyers. Religion is a far more effective tool to help people comply with the rule of law. It explains to people with average intelligence or below, why they should be nice, caring, and productive. It explains why they should not live the Roman Orgy lifestyle everyday, and take a shortcut to feeling good by drugs and alcohol. It works. The law profession does not work.

3) As an effective competitor to the incompetent lawyer profession, the lawyer is coming after religion, hammer and tong. The lawyer is on a crusade, on a jihad against religion. It is attacking from all sides. It is defunding it by its litigation for child abuse. The number of pedophiles is the same as in the general population, and it was not part of pastoral duty to abuse children. There is no duty to report crime, as the lawyer claims. If a football team wants a minute of silence, it is beset by ruinous litigation, and dirty, filthy, low life reptile appellate judges (these are the lowest human beings in our lawyer besieged country, lower than traitors and serial rapists and killers of children), these subhumans will uphold the claims. The lawyer siege against religion can only be stopped by violence. Violence is supported by an absolute principal of formal logic.

4) Religious societies are rich societies because they are more ordered. So the attack on religion by the lawyer represents a hit to the economy of $trillion, at least. Compare the economic performance of our blacks, versus the economic performance of intact family, religious immigrants with pitch black skins. Their skin color and performance superior to that of whites completely rebuts the racism claims of lawyer race whores, and validates the effect of religion, and of traditional family values. Not only are they performing better, but they are supporting big fractions of villages back home. All the ones I have known, outside of doctors and scientists, have been very religious.

Posted by: David Behar | Apr 30, 2017 12:10:10 PM

All pro-criminal weasels must publish their home addresses. We want to move dozens of released criminals into the neighboring homes, rather than into poor neighborhoods.

Posted by: David Behar | Apr 30, 2017 12:25:49 PM

http://dailycaller.com/2017/04/23/nyt-tiptoes-around-feelings-of-people-who-mutilate-little-girls/

Posted by: federalist | Apr 30, 2017 1:22:25 PM

federalist, I just got up a new post on the topic you flagged in your first comment. The second comment, which seems to be about the word choice in a New York Times article, strikes me as perhaps more fitting on David's blog than this one.

Posted by: Doug B | Apr 30, 2017 1:35:17 PM

Doug. I like Fed's link. It is religiously relevant. I know of no benefit to the girl of such a procedure. So it is a religiously based form of child abuse. Why does the lawyer allow such a practice, and destroys a company allowing the use of the non-preferred but real pronoun of a transgender person? Money and hatred of our way of life. All PC is case, you will find after a brief search.

Fed is the only licensed lawyer speaking for substantive right of victims to not be victimized, here. He is a rare and precious commodity. Be nice.

I object to your use of the word "professor," in "Robert J. Watkins/Procter & Gamble Professor of Law." That word implies an educational intent, rather than an advocacy intent. In education, the duty is to inform users of the service of all sides of a subject. I support your freedom to express your preferred side, but only after being complete in your educational duty. This blog has a 1000 posts advocating going easy on the lawyer client, the criminal, to each one of the posts advocating going easy on crime victims. The latter generate no lawyer income.

Posted by: David Behar | Apr 30, 2017 2:10:29 PM

"So it is a religiously based form of child abuse."

This comment would have far more persuasive value if weren't uttered by someone who regularly engages in secular-based sanity abuse in his commentary on this blog.

Posted by: Daniel | Apr 30, 2017 3:40:37 PM

Doug, re: NYTimes and FGM, there is a sentencing issue . . . . ..

and if major papers are euphemizing the facts, then that impacts sentencing

wonder what Joe thinks of "cutting" vs. FGM

Posted by: federalist | Apr 30, 2017 4:44:58 PM

"...secular-based sanity abuse in his commentary on this blog."

English translation, please. By the way, Daniel, did I tell you that I like you?



Posted by: David Behar | Apr 30, 2017 6:31:33 PM

federalist, I am not aware of any cases in which the word "cutting" was used instead of

"mutilation" and that nomenclature impacted the sentencing of an offender. Are you aware of any such cases? Moreover, what does this semantic issue have to do with the substance of this post on Christianity and the death penalty?

Posted by: Doug B. | Apr 30, 2017 9:51:41 PM

Doug. Mutilation is a religiously based practice, and immunized in the countries where practiced. How is sicko Christian doctrine in any way any more acceptable. You believe in mind reading, in future forecasting, and that standards of care should be based on a fictitious character. Why fictitious? So the standards may be objective, of course. You did not even know the real name of this fictitious character. You did not even know the technical meaning of "reason" in Scholasticism, a Catholic Church based philosophical methodology. It has totally infected the mentality of your profession.

You have to explain why those sicko, wacked out, delusional Catholic doctrines are any more acceptable than the Sharia.

I have read the Sharia. I liked 90% of it, except for some barbaric customs, such as the genital mutilation of little girls. It addresses legal subject from admiralty to war crimes. Did you know that it contained most Geneva conventions a 1000 years ahead of the West. It is a far less procedural and effective basis of a legal system than the utter failure of your legal system, based on the Catechism, some parts being word for word.

You learned all this college, but it was brainwashed out in your Harvard Law indoctrination. What I cannot understand is how all Jewish and Protestant law students do not rise up and kick the asses of the professors forcing this Catholic shit down their throats.

Reason is the ability to perceive God, and the most reliable path to making moral decisions. Intellect is subject to the sinfulness inherent in all of us after the fall from Eden. And the best guide to reason is the New Testament. That is a book about one man, Jesus the Christ. That is why the reasonable person must remain unnamed. I learned this from the tightest and best written IRAC in history by St. Thomas Aquinas.

We are a secular nation. You knew this after Western Civ I freshman year of college. You did not know that after 1L of your Harvard indoctrination into the criminal cult enterprise that is your profession.

You need to start to disclose those facts to your criminal law students or else you will be just like Eugene Volokh and that other asshole, the prof that was murdered in Florida. And for your asshole readers who accused me of doing that, I wanted to debate him, not to murder him. I thought he was cute with his pompous but totally idiotic Harvard Law gibberish.

Posted by: David Behar | Apr 30, 2017 11:04:36 PM

Joe stated: "Yes, all those Christians who argue it don't have "real" arguments."

I note that you provided no quotes from scripture outlining arguments for abolitionism. That's fine, though. Neither do those making the argument. The closest I ever see is "Thou shalt not kill" which is actually a poor translation. We do not have a word matching its exact meaning, but the verb is actually closer to "shalt not murder/manslaughter."



Posted by: TarlsQtr | May 1, 2017 8:25:02 AM

Daniel stated: "Show me a government absent its individuals and I'll show you an illusion."

Tell that to Jesus. He was very clear about what is to be "rendered unto Caesar" and what is not.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | May 1, 2017 8:26:33 AM

TarlsQtr, my intent was not to try to find "the" answer on such questions, but if you wish, you can very well find people who cite scripture as part of their arguments against the death penalty. Not that a literal belief in an infallible scripture is the only way to be a "Christian."

But, if you wish, here is a brief look at the other question:

Mark 12:17 says "Then Jesus said to them, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him."

But, how does this erase that the government is made up of individuals?

The account has someone trying to trick Jesus with this question:

"They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?"

Thus, the overall principle that there are separate spheres. But, as some remind, there cannot really be a total separation. Individual believers are members of the government. One can treat taxpayers fairly.

Furthermore, Jesus' lessons need not simply be ignored once one is part of the government. There is overlap. Thus, religious leaders use Christian rhetoric to advise the appropriate governmental policy. Be it Martin Luther King Jr. or the current pope. Sometimes, the state does un-Christian things. Religious groups can challenge them. But, it's far from clear to me the death penalty is one of things the state has to do.

I'm not so sure finally the pope is unaware that people harm others in prison, where btw he has gone more than once, taking Jesus' words to heart. I find latching on to a single line or something and then using terms like "absolutely clueless" dubious.

The citation of people who kill in prison is noted. Of course, we don't actually limit executions to that narrow number of people. Perhaps, he is somewhat unclear about the conditions in our own prisons, being so much worse than those he might be more familiar with though. The death penalty as a whole doesn't seem to make us safer though. Compared to countries without one, our prisons also seem somewhat lacking.

Posted by: Joe | May 1, 2017 11:56:18 AM

Clearly the commandment in question amounts to "thou shall not murder" ... there are a list of capital crimes cited in the same book that cites that provision.

But, what "lawful homicide" might be in this day and age is unclear. Jesus, e.g., spoke of lust in one's heart as a form of adultery. There was a liberal test there at times.

An absolute safety test, as compared to a legal retribution rule, would make quite a few executions dubious. Applying the death penalty for the rest is complicated, various difficulties in application. Perhaps, this is why so many states and nations -- including those where people kill in prison -- decide not to have it.

I'll leave it to others to determine if this is also "Christian."

Posted by: Joe | May 1, 2017 12:02:45 PM

Joe. The question of the Sixth Commandment has been settled on this blog. One commentator stated, all supporters are going to hell because of that mortal sin.

However, the original Hebrew says otherwise. It prohibits murder, not killing.

Brief review.

http://forward.com/articles/6091/on-language/

Posted by: David Behar | May 1, 2017 6:43:36 PM

Whatever the rules in the centuries before the common era among a tribal people, the application of the commandments in today world, the "meaning" of them, is something of a different question now as compared to then. There is also the repeated point that as applied, Jewish law as applied to capital punishment provides enough rules that there was a ready method open to leave it technically in place, but nearly never applied.

Sounds a bit familiar.

Posted by: Joe | May 2, 2017 10:26:21 AM

Post a comment
125 Years Ago

Park improvements: The Driving Park Association expects to commence work on a number of improvements to Evans Park. The track is to be almost entirely reconstructed and will be raised above its present level to afford better drainage. The fences and stables will be rebuilt. The work should be completed before the June races take place.

Fancy tea: Something novel even for Sioux City was given Wednesday by Mrs. C. H. Milversted in a studio tea. About 150 ladies were invited. Her friend, Mrs. Ralph Van Vechten of Cedar Rapids, displayed about 125 pieces of the china painting she and her class did. Light refreshments were served.

Charge dismissed: Maggie Olson, the notorious Norwegian Mag, was discharged in police court. Judge Neilan said a person cannot be fined or imprisoned under a city ordinance for keeping a house of prostitution.

100 Years Ago

Plotters foiled: An attempt by plotters to destroy the Omaha railroad bridge across the Missouri river was frustrated early Sunday morning after shots were fired by sentries of the Nebraska guard company detailed to protect the structure. One of the men was captured after he had been wounded. The plotter, from Jacksonville, Florida, was being held in Dakota County Jail until he can be taken to Omaha for arraignment.

Bread shortage: Sioux City faces a bread shortage as a result of a strike by union bakers after master bakers refused to grant them a wage increase and their demand to place a union label on every loaf. There are 20 bakeries in the city, who also supply bread to surrounding towns.

Hens hide booze: Four brood hens in a chicken house and a quantity of potatoes in the cellar of Ben Hawkins of South Sioux City served as a screen for the largest liquor haul to be uncovered by Dakota County officials since the new dry law went into effect earlier this week in Nebraska. They uncovered 50 cases of beer under the chicken house and 25 cases of beer and a dozen gallons of whiskey under the potatoes.

50 Years Ago

Lots of steaks: The 13th annual Sioux City Steak Dinner drew more than 140 members of Congress and government dignitaries to the Willard Hotel Wednesday night in Washington. Sen. Jack Miller and Rep. Wiley Mayne, both of Sioux City, co-hosted the event. Officials feasted on USDA prime Iowa corn-fed New York strip sirloins, weighing 16 ounces apiece, supplied by Needham Packing.

Scout time: Scouting Rounds a Guy Out is the theme of the 1967 Scout-O-Rama this weekend at the Municipal Auditorium. A grant entry with the nations flag will launch the scouts into a portrayal of how scouting rounds out the scouts.

Dog show: A total of 206 dogs competed in the Sioux Valley Kennel Clubs annual spring dog show and obedience trails Sunday at Atokad Park. Best adult dog was Dandy Dan of Blackmore, a Gordon setter owned by Charles LaMere of Jackson, Neb. Best puppy was a Standard Poodle, Ridge Road Nosh, owned by Dr. R. R. Billiar of South Sioux City.

25 Years Ago

Ammonia released: A cloud of anhydrous ammonia vapor hospitalized one man Wednesday after the toxic gas was released from a tanker truck at Nutra-Flo in Sioux City. Assistant Fire Chief Everett Meier said a broken valve on a tanker holding 40,000 pounds of ammonia caused the leak. The cloud blew two blocks and injured a security guard at the John Morrell meatpacking plant. He complained of felling nauseous.

In the news: Morningside College honored professor John Lawrence with its Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award during commencement exercises. Terry L. Smith, Sioux City, has been elected president-elect of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association. The Sioux City Gospel Mission was awarded the Sioux City Rotary Clubs Service Above Self Award.

Name change: Inspiration Resources Corp. has changed its name to Terry Industries Inc. Company officials said the firms name change will underscore a restructuring that emphasizes the Fortune 500 companys interest in agriculture.

These items were published in The Journal April 30-May 6, 1892, 1917, 1967 and 1992.
SIOUX CITY  More than a dozen entrepreneurs from around Siouxland attended the University of Iowas Venture School program recently.

The entrepreneurs that graduated Venture School represent the following Siouxland businesses:

 Qneo, a couponing app for small businesses.

 Humble Landings, a custom handmade card e-commerce site.

 Ella, an electronic vault to access and store personal healthcare information.

 Lumin Therapy, a business that combines physical therapy and yoga to relieve pain and improve quality of life.

 Heartland Coffee & Gnosh, a traveling coffee and food vendor.

Two of those businesses were selected to represent Siouxland in a recent contest at the University of Iowa's Surge Summit in Iowa City.

Qneo and Humble Landings were chosen by a panel of senior executives as the first place teams, while Lumin Therapy and Ella were selected as runners up. Lloyd Lee of Qneo and Kim Norby of Ella represented Siouxland in Iowa City in a final pitch competition of Venture School entrepreneurs from across the state.

Over six weeks, these entrepreneurs met weekly to present aspects of their businesses, receive guidance from experienced mentors and University of Iowa faculty, and to interview dozens of prospective customers - all while learning the Lean Startup Methodology.

This years cohort was sponsored by several businesses, including Ho-Chunk Inc., Security National Bank, FiberCom, Knowledge Capital Consulting, Sunny Radio, and best-selling author Hal Shelton. Each of the teams and mentors received a copy of his best-selling book "Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan."
Wikipedia Blocked In Turkey For 'Not Removing Content'





Free online encyclopedia website Wikipedia gets blocked in Turkey.

According to report , site has been blocked under a provisional administrative measure without a court order, but Turkey blocks says an order is expected in the coming days.Turkey's communications ministry said Wikipedia was attempting to run a "smear campaign" against Turkey, saying some articles purported that Ankara was coordinating with militant groups, state-run Anadolu news agency reported."Instead of coordinating against terrorism, it has become part of an information source which is running a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena," Anadolu quoted the ministry as saying in a statement.The ban would be lifted if Wikipedia met the government's demands, Anadolu said.The loss of availability is consistent with internet filters used to censor content in the country, the monitor said.Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales react on Twitter,
ORANGE CITY, Iowa | Dr. Terry Chi, assistant professor of psychology at Northwestern College, and 2015 graduate Allison Klabo presented at the annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association in Chicago April 2022.

Their poster presentation, Do Interoceptive Deficits Explain the Body ImageUnhealthy Eating Association? was based on a study about how interoception may mediate body image and the likelihood of developing an eating disorder.

Prior to joining Northwesterns faculty in 2011, Chi was an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He has also served as a member of research staffs at the University of Southern California and the University of California at Berkeley and Irvine.

Klabo will complete her masters degree in mental health counseling this May at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
An ongoing recognition program, the club recognizes mortgage originators who meet an outstanding level of loan volume of at least $20 million or 130 units of residential loan volume in 2016. The members of the 2016 Presidents Club were honored at the IMA Convention on March 28 at the associations spring conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
LOS ANGELES | The first day on the set of The Son, 13-year-old Sydney Lucas discovered the big difference between Broadway and television.

Broadway is very loudand you have to enunciate, the Tony nominee says. On television, youve got to be subtle. It was a rough transition.

Starring in Fun Home, the musical about illustrator Alison Bechdel and her family, Lucas won the kind of acclaim actresses three and four times her age havent gotten. She played Bechdel as a young girl, first discovering her feelings for another female.

Lucas sang on the Tony Awards show and drew attention from producers of The Son who were looking for someone to play Pierce Brosnans granddaughter.

She sent an audition tape, they really liked it, and gave her the part.

On set, Lucas says, she paid close attention to the work being done by Brosnan and Henry Garrett, the actor who plays her father.

They talked very softly but they were intense, she says. Just watching them, I realized I had to tone it down.

Because the western is set in another era, she also had to learn how to ride a horse. Id never been on a horse before. Its just amazing, she says. Hopefully, in the future, I may get to shoot a gun.

In the series, Brosnan plays an outgoing family man who changes when he loses everything and has to rebuild. As he becomes wealthy, that charisma fades and he turns into a calculating killer. His eldest son (played by Garrett) struggles to live in his shadow. Lucas character, however, isnt afraid to stand up to anyone and rejects the idea that shes destined to marry and bear children.

Depending on how well she ages, Lucas figures she can be with the series for some time. The more I grow, the more I get to play Jeannie, she says with a smile.

Currently in the eighth grade (Im focused on school, but Im trying to go faster through it), Lucas wants to attend Yale, touch up on other skills like writing and directing and stay in the business.

Acting was something she wanted to do since she was 4. She appeared in commercials and films, then landed the role in Fun Home.

For her work, she was nominated for every award Broadway organizations bestow. The experience was magical, she says. When youre on Broadway, youre in a mindset for the whole showand then you can relax. On TV, you have to be in it when they shoot, and then you can relax. If they want you to do it again, you do it again.

Broadway is obviously very hardbut it was the best experience of my life.

After each performance, Lucas says, she talked with theatergoers who said the show gave them the courage to come out to their families.

I learned a lot, she says. If you have love, it doesnt matter what your race or sexual orientation is.

The other cast members became like a family  were still in touch  and were sad to see her go when she had outgrown the role.

Interestingly, Lucas never saw the musical until someone replaced her. I finally got to feel those emotions for the whole show. It was amazing.

Even though she didnt win, Tony night was the best night of my life. I was so tired, but I was happy to be there.

Now, she has a new family  The Son family  and, yes, shes familiar with Brosnan.

I knew him from Mrs. Doubtfire, the Georgia native explains. And James Bond. Of course, James Bond.
AKRON, Iowa | Kevin and Amy Linder find themselves in an old church jamming on a spring night in April, putting the final touches on a Christian contemporary music program planned for Sunday.

It's exactly where they wish to be.

"Isn't this great?" Kevin Linder asks while directing a visitor to steps leading into a full-body baptismal font that served the Church of Christ in Akron from its construction here in 1918 through its closing two years ago. "Check out the painting of the River Jordan."

Baptism signifies a new life in Christ for Christians. The Linders, who operate the Birdie & Carol Harris School for Performing Arts here, represent new life for this stately old church.

"The congregation at the end was very small," Kevin Linder says. "They worshipped downstairs. We bought it, cleaned it up and had a final service here in October 2015, I think. We took possession with the intent to do a performing arts academy named for Amy's grandmother and mother, who were dedicated to the arts throughout their lives here."

As Kevin conducts his tour of the basement kitchen and his office, piano student Sam Philips works with Amy on the piano in the main sanctuary, an area to be named soon for Kevin's daughter, Karen Linder, who was killed in a traffic accident in 2006. Karen Linder was a student at Hope College in Michigan at the time.

"We want to teach kids, not just from Akron, but from the area," says Kevin, a former high school band instructor who now teaches various music disciplines at Augustana College and Dordt College, in addition to his work with high school jazz bands across the region. "We want to teach them in the performing arts, whether it's music lessons or acting."

The members of the Church of Christ were adamant their old church be used for children in some manner once it changed hands. That desire meshed with the mission of the Linders, who have hosted a few performances in this structure already. They collaborated with others in presenting "Song of Singapore" in 2016. Amy Linder then wrote and directed "Once in a Blue Moon," which was staged two months ago.

"We did three shows for 60-plus people each time," Kevin says. "It was a lot of fun."

The Linders then quickly transitioned into their roles for "Fiddler on the Roof," which was staged at the Akron Opera House earlier this month. Kevin Linder, reprising the lead role from his high school days in Manning, Iowa, 40 years ago, played Tevye. Amy directed music for the production, a task she helped with as a prep accompanist when the local high school performed "Fiddler" in 1979.

"We are an inter-generational facility," Kevin says. "We seek to work with kids and adults of all ages. We want to work in partnership with the Akron Opera House and to be used as another resource by our local schools."

Kevin Linder laughs as he walks toward the furnace room of the old church, disclosing with some anguish how three furnaces quit on the same day, not long after he and Amy made the purchase. The roof will also need some attention soon.

"Still, for a 100-year-old building, it's in excellent shape," he says.

Amy, who helps lead the Praise Team for contemporary worship services at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Sioux City, pilots Believe, a group that operates much like a praise band, offering "music with a message." Using her office just off the main sanctuary, she writes contemporary Christian music that she'll join others in performing during an hour-long show at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Birdie & Carol Harris School for Performing Arts.

"We have all volunteer musicians," says Amy, who also serves as accompanist at Augustana College and Dordt College. "I'll play piano and sing and we'll have a freewill offering."

Funds raised will help Akron's "Spa" (shorthand for School of Performing Arts) continue its mission of reaching and teaching those interested in the arts around Akron.
SIOUX CITY | After four decades of teaching, Holly Mead and Penny Neswick aren't having a retirement party. They aren't taking a cruise, a trip or a shopping spree.

They're starting a scholarship fund.

The story begins with that premise: Simple, yet far-fetched.

"They always have retirement bashes for teachers," said Mead, a fifth-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School. "Our social committee wanted a party, but Penny and I said that's not our style."

Actually, the story began 44 years ago, in Sioux City, at the "little college on the hill."

Mead, the former Holly Rummel, came to Briar Cliff when it was a college, in 1973, having graduated from West Sioux High School in Hawarden, Iowa. Neswick, the former Penny Smith, was graduated from Storm Lake (Iowa) High School in 1973 and joined her classmate in Alverno Hall. They lived across the hall from one another.

Briar Cliff had a profound impact on them. The school, founded in 1930 by the Sisters of Saint Francis, of Dubuque, Iowa, maintains a commitment to the Catholic Franciscan traditions of service, caring and openness. Franciscans are called to life of simplicity and respect for all, especially the poorest among us.

In wrapping up careers of 40 and 39 years, respectively, Mead and Neswick agreed that a party didn't align with their spirit. They met with Carolyn Ellwanger, director of philanthropy at Briar Cliff, and decided to establish a Grateful Teachers Scholarship.

"We want to pay it forward with a scholarship that can help a student in education," Mead said. "And we hope it begins something more. We're kind of challenging other Briar Cliff alums who are grateful students."

The scholarship information can be found on the Briar Cliff website (www.briarcliff.edu/GiveOnline) under the heading "BCU Alumni-Grateful Teachers Scholarship."

Neswick enjoyed her experiences as an undergraduate and, in addition, relished mentoring several BCU student-teachers that entered her classroom through the years.

Mead had designs on a career in audiology or speech pathology until her student-teaching experience, a requirement of those enrolled in any education tract. "I did my student-teaching and fell in love with this career," she said.

"I student-taught at Bryant School and I knew, too," said Neswick, who studied social work as a freshman and sophomore.

Mead, who also earned a Master's at BCU, began her career at Sacred Heart in Sioux City, teaching first grade in the fall of 1977. Neswick began one year later, educating third-graders at Sacred Heart. Mead would serve Sacred Heart for 12 years before going to Everett Elementary School. Neswick was at Sacred Heart for seven years. She then served as a substitute teacher for one year and then began at Everett.

Additional teaching stops at Emerson, Irving and River View schools would follow. Mead's last stop ended up being at Riverside Elementary, where she began 16 years ago. Neswick came to Riverside at Mead's request in 2012.

The pair have had adjoining rooms the past couple of years; Mead directing 24 students while Neswick commands a classroom of 22.

Talking about leaving the classroom stymied both of them a bit. While both have reached Iowa's "Rule of 88" for retirement with full benefits, it isn't easy to walk away from an educational system, one in which they've been a part of since they were 5 years old. Each noted they've taught three generations of some families, tenures that officially come to a close when students depart their classrooms for the last time on May 31.

"I'm having a real hard time giving items away from my classroom," Mead said, noting how there's a sense of finality with each teachable figure she sends home with a child this spring.

"What a wonderful career!" she added as a few tears formed in her eyes.

"We teach," Neswick concluded, "but in reality, students teach us."

After a pause, the two returned to thoughts about their scholarship offer, noting how blessed they've been to come from Briar Cliff and to work with so many dedicated teachers and eager learners in Sioux City. That commitment showed just a day after they told fellow staff members they'd forgo the retirement party in an effort to help tomorrow's students.

Mead and Neswick hadn't yet made THEIR scholarship contributions when a coworker beat them to it.

"I received a $200 check for this scholarship fund before we even made it official," said Mead, disclosing how Kris Moser, a district librarian, gave $100 in both Mead's and Neswick's name. "Those moments of humility overwhelm me."

Said Neswick: "It makes me feel good about retirement, as the giving lives on."
Kim Weaver is not the Democratic nominee for Iowas 4th Congressional District seat in 2018. However, she is acting as though she already is, collecting contributions from out-of-district citizens infuriated with the most recent outrageous comment incumbent Steve King predictably makes.

For the record, the filing deadline for the Democratic nomination is not until March 20, 2018. There is plenty of time for other candidates to express an interest in the seat, which includes such diverse communities as Sioux City, Spencer, Fort Dodge, Mason City and Ames.

To prematurely anoint Weaver as the partys nominee would be a huge mistake, essentially writing off any chance Democrats would have to win the seat in an election cycle where an inevitable backlash is certain after Republicans have assumed political domination on both the state and federal levels.

I have nothing personal against Kim Weaver. Employed as a nursing home ombudsman for the state of Iowa, Weaver obviously cares about people. And, my hat's off to anyone who puts forward the time and energy to run for office.

But lets get real. In 2016 Weaver got shellacked by King, losing 61 to 39 percent. While thats not all on Weaver since it was a horrible election cycle for Democrats, you would be hard-pressed to find any positive from her unsuccessful bid. Most insiders would describe her campaign as dysfunctional. Weaver was a failure at raising money, fought with the Iowa Democratic Party and went through more than one campaign manager. She was unsuccessful in bringing King out of hiding. Why would Democrats again nominate someone who ran such a failed campaign?

The 2018 election cycle is a huge opportunity for the Democratic Party and there is no reason not to believe that, with the right candidate, King could be beaten.

For the first time King, a politician who has made a career being against everything, will now be on the defensive and accountable. Republicans control everything and after six years of promising repeal and replace of Obamacare, congressional Republicans couldnt get it done. Kings position on health care is even worse. His position is repeal and dont replace, which would force even more people to lose insurance than the 24 million under the House plan. Many of these are Kings constituents and he doesnt even have the guts to have a town hall meeting to listen to them.

During the next election cycle, there will be backlash to the presidency of Donald Trump whose approval ratings, already low, will be even worse when people realize the forgotten man Trump really represents is Wall Street and billionaires.

There will also be backlash from what the Republicans have done to working people in the Iowa Legislature, gutting Iowas collective bargaining law, stacking the deck even more against injured workers and taking away minimum wage increases from Iowa counties that passed them.

One of the biggest problems Democrats have is themselves. Too many write the 4th District off as not winnable even though there are many Democratic counties in the sprawling 39-county district which has a substantial independent registration. My first political job was in 1976 as a Morningside College student working for Democrat Berkley Bedells re-election at the same time Democrat Tom Harkin represented southwest Iowa. This district is winnable.

Who else besides Weaver? My favorite would be Democratic State Rep. Chris Hall of Sioux City who's made quite a name for himself as the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee. Other possibilities might be State Senators Amanda Ragan (Cerro Gordo) and Herman Quirmbach (Story) or State Reps. Helen Miller (Webster) and Sharon Steckman (Cerro Gordo).

The message needs to be sent loud and clear - Kim Weaver is not the presumptive Democratic nominee of the 4th Congressional District and we welcome others who might be interested.

Next week: Linda Holub

A Sioux City resident and local attorney, Al Sturgeon is a former Democratic state representative and senator. He is the father of six children.
Editor's note: The Iowa Legislature adjourned for the year on April 22. In the view of The Journal editorial board, here (in no specific order) is the top 10 list of accomplishments and bottom five list of disappointments from the session.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Texting while driving

We do not believe a $30 fine is sufficient deterrent or punishment, but raising texting while driving from a secondary to a primary offense was a positive step by the Legislature toward safer roads in our state.

Next year, we encourage Iowa lawmakers to go one step further and ban use of a hand-held cellphone while driving.

School elections

No useful purpose exists for holding Iowa school board elections on any day other than general election day in November (we, in fact, advocate for moving all special elections to general election day).

As a result of the Legislature moving school elections from September to the same day we elect candidates for all other public offices at all levels of government, including municipal offices, not only will counties in Iowa save money, but important decisions about who serves on school boards across the state will involve more citizens because voter turnout will be higher.

Voter ID

As an additional layer of protection for the integrity of elections in this state, we long have supported a requirement that voters show some form of identification.

Under a bill passed by the Legislature, voters will need to show an acceptable form of government-issued ID before casting a ballot at polling places. If a voter doesn't have one of the acceptable forms of ID, the state will issue him or her a voter-verification card, free of charge. A request for an absentee ballot will need to include an acceptable personal identification number, as well.

Collective bargaining

Our view of the collective bargaining bill passed by the Legislature this year was mixed (for example, limiting bargaining to only wages struck us as over the top and we did not support exempting public safety unions from the legislation), but we included the bill in our list of accomplishments because we welcomed this overdue discussion and believed some changes to Chapter 20 were warranted.

In our view, the old system of collective bargaining wasn't sustainable over the long term because public-sector wages and benefits eventually would outgrow the ability of state and local governments (translation: taxpayers) to pay for them. To this end, we supported changes involving, for example, the process of arbitration. We do not believe it unreasonable to ease limits on what an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators can consider in reaching decisions.

As we have said before, we do not view this bill as the end to this discussion within state government. Dialogue on this issue should continue. For example, we believe a study of public employment health care reform is wise.

Minimum wage

We see no value for the state as a whole in having a patchwork of minimum wages. To this end, we supported a bill passed by the Legislature to prevent local governments from setting their own minimum wage in order to unify the minimum wage across Iowa.

We do not have a position on a minimum-wage increase for the state today, but we are open-minded to a discussion of the issue during next year's legislative session.

Medical cannabis

Iowa's Legislature was right in 2014 to pass a bill through which patients afflicted by epilepsy can legally possess an anti-seizure medicine derived from cannabis.

This year, the Legislature was right to create a framework for production and distribution of cannabis oil within Iowa and expand the number of illnesses for which Iowans can use cannabidiol.

24/7

This program, approved for use in Iowa by the Legislature, monitors abstinence from alcohol and drug use by convicted alcohol-related offenders, who are approved for enrollment in 24/7 by a judge, through a variety of tests conducted every 12 hours as an alternative to incarceration. Participants are required to cover the costs of their tests. If an offender fails or skips a test, he or she faces punishment, likely jail.

The self-sustaining program promotes abstention from alcohol in effective fashion and reduces alcohol-related crime. A valuable byproduct of 24/7 is reduced jail population, something of particular importance here in Woodbury County where the jail is near capacity.

Liquor laws

House File 607, which we supported, streamlines and modernizes Iowa's patchwork liquor laws.

For example, the bill will allow Iowas distilleries the privilege of selling drinks of their liquors to customers in an on-site tasting room. Thats a change long sought by the states distilleries and grants them privileges similar to those enjoyed by Iowas breweries and wineries.

Public Information Board

The Legislature approved a $323,198 Public Information Board budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, an increase over the current $273,198.

The Journal editorial board believes in the value to citizens in our state of this board and supports its important work. We are pleased state lawmakers share this view.

Fireworks

It wasn't among our priorities for this year's Iowa legislative session, but a bill to make the sale, purchase and use of fireworks legal in Iowa wasn't something we opposed, so long as the legislation embraced limits aimed at safety and respect for all Iowans.

We include it among session accomplishments for two primary reasons: 1) We acknowledge strong support for long-discussed legalized fireworks among Iowans. (A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll conducted in February 2016 showed 66 percent of Iowans favored legalizing fireworks.) 2) We appreciate the economic benefits of capturing part of a business Iowa loses to border states (including Nebraska and South Dakota) each year.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Bullying

After three sessions of discussion and near-passage in 2015 of a bill to strengthen state anti-bullying law, the Legislature in 2016 and again this year virtually ignored the issue.

Our hope for this year was passage of a stronger anti-bullying law, similar to a 2015 proposal passed in overwhelming fashion by the Senate but denied a floor vote in the House, and state money for the Governor's Office for Bullying Prevention.

Neither happened.

School infrastructure sales tax

We wanted an extension of the one-cent sales tax for school infrastructure, which sunsets in 2029.

The benefits of this tax speak for themselves in the form of school improvements across the state. For purposes of planning and bonding for future infrastructure projects, school districts need an end to uncertainty about the tax's future.

Guns

We advocated in this space for removal from a package of gun-related proposals passed by the Legislature a provision allowing firearms in the Iowa Capitol and we opposed a provision of the bill stating an Iowan can sue any city, county or township that passes a firearm ban if the individual believes he or she is adversely affected by it.

In our view, including those provisions in the bill will result in less-safe public buildings in our state.

Water quality

For a second consecutive session, providing more money for water quality initiatives was discussed, but pushed off to the next year.

Traffic cameras

We hoped this session would mark the last time we heard and read about traffic camera debate in the Iowa Statehouse. It won't be.

This year, the Senate passed what in our view was a reasonable compromise on these divisive devices (after first rejecting a ban on them). The Senate bill kept traffic cameras in place, but required local officials to justify placement of cameras on state and local roads and allowed the equipment only in high-risk and high-crash areas. Under the bill, money generated from traffic fines would have to be spent on road construction projects or public safety.

In the end, however, the session produced no legislation related to traffic cameras, meaning this obsessive discussion will steal valuable time from the Legislature again next year.
Wow: enormous crowd for the Climate March today, just a week after the March for Science. People are fired up. pic.twitter.com/oz9PtdgpK3 April 29, 2017

Climate chaos is a healthcare crisis - does Anthony want a health care crisis?

Green jobs not dirty coal - Anthony prefers dirty coal to jobs, and clean air and water

There is no Planet B - has Anthony got another planet he's planning to move to?

We (America) should be a leader in clean energy development - Anthony doesn't want America to be great. He is happy to let China take the lead in clean energy development.

Presidenting ain't easy, acknowledging climate change is - Anthony finds it very hard to acknowledge climate change, or maybe he disagrees with Donald Trump

In the name of humanity we refuse to accept a fascist America - Anthony thinks it's crazy to not accept a fascist America.

Separate oil and state - Anthony wants the fossil fuel sector to run the USA.

System change not climate change - Anthony wants the world to be harmed by climate change. He likes the Trump/Pruitt system that is polluting streams, "disappearing" climate information, and wrecking the environment.

President Trump climate denier - I don't know why he thinks this sign is crazy. Anthony is a climate science denier and President Trump has denied it too. I thought he'd like that particular sign.

Racial Justice - Climate Justice - That's easy. Anthony is against both racial justice and climate justice.

350 or bust - Anthony thinks it's crazy to want to mitigate climate change.





There are more signs of Anthony Watts' "crazy" at WUWT. One has to ask who is "crazy". The person who wants the world to burn or the people who don't?







I know that the anti-environment lobby group, CFACT, called for people to take photos at the climate marches. If these were the best they got, then they got no evidence of "madness", just a lot of people sensibly wanting to mitigate global warming. Craig Rucker wrote a plea for help at the climate marches. He wants to retain the politicisation of climate change:

CFACT will be on hand, and we need your help.



Earlier this week, I told you about our efforts to go right into the midst of these crowds  just like we did for last weekends March for Science  to chronicle the madness, conduct on-scene reporting, and provide desperately needed facts to the media, onlookers, and even the marchers themselves that refute the propaganda and slogans of the Green Climate-Left.



Its critical we dont cede the battleground to angry, ill-informed radicals. Americans must hear the other side.







From the WUWT comments

HotScot wouldn't wear 'open toed sandals', even when it's

April 29, 2017 at 8:51 am

Complete with the uniform of the ecoloons, open toed sandals.

wouldn't wear 'open toed sandals', even when it's a record-tying 91 F , like it was in Washington for the climate march. He's scared he'd be mistaken for someone who cares about the environment on which we rely to survive. I guess he favours close toed sandals (is there any such thing?) to go with his closed mind.

Writing Observer thinks George Soros has been very busy. Writing Observer has a serious case of confirmation bias, because he thinks "just about every one"

April 29, 2017 at 9:33 am

Just about every one of them with expensive four-color printing, too  lots of Soros cash going into this astroturf. thinks George Soros has been very busy. Writing Observer has a serious case of confirmation bias, because he thinks "just about every one" of these signs were made with "expensive four-color printing".





April 29, 2017 at 8:55 am

A parade of profoundly ignorant people are dangerous to society.

April 29, 2017 at 10:59 am

Does the majority of the US population view these protesters as loonies or concerned citizens with a valid platform?

April 29, 2017 at 11:09 am

Science was invented by white men. Any use of the Scientific method or discussion of scientific issues by, people of color, women, or the LGBTQASDFJKL community is:

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION!











Anthony Watts runs a climate conspiracy blog. He specialises in pseudo-science and dark conspiracy theories for the wackos on the internet. Today he's put up some photos from the various climate marches, which attracted huge numbers of people from all over America, and called them "crazy".[I'm relieved that the weird slogans didn't put people off going to the march. (Who the heck thought them up? An activist from the 1960s? No, activists weren't that bad back then. A subversive wanting to mock the march, perhaps?)]Many of Anthony's photos (archived here ) are underexposed so it's hard to read the writing on the posters. It's not really hard to read the signals that Anthony Watts is sending, though. He's a fossil fuel advocate who wants his fans to end civilisation as soon as possible. Here is some of what Anthony Watts thinks is "crazy", with my comment in italics.Do Craig Rucker and other disinformers at CFACT really and truly believe that global warming would stop if only there were no people left in the world who understood what was happening? I don't think so. I think it's just as likely that he is just doing what he's paid to do . (Same as Anthony Watts is just doing what his fans want him to do.)might be one of the profoundly ignorant people. Or maybe he's a disinformer like Anthony Watts and others at WUWT.asks a reasonable question. Is it WUWT that's "loony" or is it the 99.9999% (everyone else in the real world) that's crazy?I'm guessing thatis a white male supremacist, that is, a real Nazi sympathiser. (KKK material?)
The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Petersburg Products International" LLC, "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, 1837 LLC, Agile Pursuits Franchising Inc., Agile Pursuits Inc., Ambi Pur, Arbora & Ausonia, Arbora & Ausonia S.L.U., Avon - Giorgio Beverly Hills, Billie, Braun GmbH, Braun Shanghai Co. Ltd., Celtic Insurance Company Inc., Charlie Banana USA LLC, Corporativo Procter & Gamble S. de R.L. de C.V., DDFSkincare, Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery Shanghai Co. Ltd., Fameccanica North America Inc., Farmacy Beauty, Fater Central Europe SRL, Fater Eastern Europe LLC, Fater Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Fater S.p.A., Fater Temizlik Urunleri Ltd STI, First Aid Beauty, First Aid Beauty Limited, Folgers Coffee, Fountain Square Music Publishing Co. Inc., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette China Limited, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Shanghai Ltd., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay S.A., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, Inversiones Plaza LLC, LLC "Procter & Gamble - Novomoskovsk", LLC "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", LLC Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, Laboratoire Mediflor S.A.S., Laboratorios Vicks S.L.U., Lamberts Healthcare Ltd., Liberty Street Music Publishing Company Inc., Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones C.A., Merck Consumer Healthcare, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, Native, Nature's Best Health Products Ltd., New Chapter Canada Inc., New Chapter Inc., Nioxin Research Laboratories, Noxell Corporation, OUAI, Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Consumer Health Germany GmbH, P&G Distribution East Africa Limited, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding Inc., P&G Health Austria GmbH & Co. OG, P&G Health France S.A.S., P&G Health Germany GmbH, P&G Healthcare Zhejiang Limited, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Investment Management Ltd., P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G Japan G.K., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G South African Trading Pty. Ltd., P&G-Clairol, PG13 Launchpad Alpha Inc., PG13 Launchpad Beta Inc., PG13 Launchpad Gamma Inc., PGT Healthcare LLP, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Pressbox, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chengdu Ltd., Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble China Ltd., Procter & Gamble China Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent Beijing Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deutschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distributing Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Distribution Company Europe BV, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe LLC, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana S.A.U., Procter & Gamble Far East Inc., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finance U.K. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble Ghana Trading Limited, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Ltd., Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Technology Innovation Co. LTD., Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care LLC, Procter & Gamble Health & Beauty Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Health Belgium BV, Procter & Gamble Health Limited, Procter & Gamble Health Ltd., Procter & Gamble Health Poland Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Hellas Single Member Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holding Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Holdings UK Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Honduras S de RL, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership KKT, Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings Inc., Procter & Gamble Indochina Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica Limitada, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala Limitada, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama S. de R.L., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International Sarl, Procter & Gamble Investment Company UK Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Italia S.p.A., Procter & Gamble Jiangsu Ltd., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea Inc., Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble L&CP Limited, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA Pty Ltd, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Tianjin Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Mataro S.L.U., Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Philippines Business Services Inc., Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo Higiene e Saude S.A., Procter & Gamble Product Supply U.K. Limited, Procter & Gamble Productions Inc., Procter & Gamble RHD Inc., Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services Sarl, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Switzerland SA, Procter & Gamble Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology Beijing Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Trading Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Vietnam Company Limited, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil Ltda., Procter & Gamble do Brazil LLC, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble doo Beograd, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Procter and Gamble Lanka Private Limited, Procter and Gamble SA Pty Ltd., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Recovery Engineering, Redmond Products Inc., Richardson-Vicks, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Riverfront Music Publishing Co. Inc., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Series Acquisition B.V., Seven Seas Limited, Shulton Inc., Snowberry, Snowberry New Zealand Limited, Sunflower Distributing LLC, TAOS - FL LLC, TAOS Retail LLC, THIS IS L, TULA, Tambrands, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving, The Art of Shaving - FL LLC, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Iams Company Inc., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company LLC, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., This is L. Inc., Thomas Hedley Co, US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon Shanghai Academy, VitaminHaus Pty Ltd, Walker & Co. Brands Inc., Walker & Company Brands, Wella AG, Zenlen Inc., Zirh, and iMFLUX Inc..

Read More
ABCNews.com(HARRISBURG, Pa.) -- President Trump marked his 100th day in office with a campaign rally in Pennsylvania this evening, assailing one of his favorite targets from the electoral cycle, the media, as he skipped the White House Correspondents' Dinner.



He also revisited many other themes from his campaign: building a border wall, repealing and replacing Obamacare, ensuring border security and assailing the Obama administration and Democrats as weak leaders while touting "100 days of devotion hard work and love for our country."



Trump's remarks were interrupted by several protesters, and as had been the case during some campaign rallies, he paused his speech and told security officials to "get 'em out."



"There's no place I'd rather be than right here in Pennsylvania," Trump told the crowd in Harrisburg.



"As you may know there's another big gathering taking place tonight in Washington D.C.," Trump added. "Did you hear about that? A large group of Hollywood actors, and Washington media are consoling each other in a hotel ballroom in our nation's Capitol right now.



"They are gathered together for the White House Correspondent's Dinner -- without the president. And I could not possibly be more thrilled than to be more than 100 miles away from Washington's swamp, spending my evening with all of you."



He went on to call the media "a disgrace" and "incompetent."



Trump said that many journalists are "trapped at the dinner, which will be very, very boring," but he suggested that he could "make it more interesting" next year by showing up.



He praised the work that he and his administration have done on a series of issues, from immigration and border security to bringing back jobs, making specific references to coal mining jobs in Pennsylvania.



"We have ended the war on beautiful, clean coal and we are putting our miners back to work. We love our miners," Trump said.



"We are keeping one promise after another and frankly the people are really happy about it. They see what's happening, but to understand the historic progress we have made we must speak honestly about the situation we and I inherited, because -- believe me -- the previous administration gave us a mess," he said.



Tonight's rally was reminiscent of many of Trump's campaign rallies, with him pausing to enjoy chants from the crowd, commenting on posters -- including one that read "Blacks for Trump" -- and reading a poem called "The Snake" that was a regular feature of his campaign events.



He was introduced by Vice President Mike Pence, who touted the administration's accomplishments.



"In just 100 days, President Trump has turned America around and he's just getting started," Pence said.



The rally ended with the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" -- a song that typically ended Trump's rallies.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Cody Hollister

Arkansas' Cody Hollister, center, carries after a catch on a screen play during the second quarter of the NCAA football game against Alcorn St. on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in Little Rock, AR. Arkansas beat Alcorn St., 52-10. (AP Photo/Chris Brashers)

(Chris Brashers)

FOXBOROUGH -- The New England Patriots must sign about 20 undrafted free agents to round out their roster.

They knocked out two with one family.

Cody Hollister and Jacob Hollister, fraternal twin pass catchers hailing from Bend, Oregon, signed with the Patriots shortly after the draft, according to Arkansas beat writer Danny West.

Jacob Hollister, a 6-foot-3, 243-pound tight end, played at Wyoming. He posted 515 receiving yards on 15.1 yards per reception a year ago. His twin brother Cody, a 6-foot-4, 209-pound receiver, caught 27 passes for 342 yards in his three-year career at Arkansas. Cody also played special teams for the Razorbacks.

The Hollisters began their college careers together at Nevada, then transferred to Arizona Western Community College in 2013. The following year, they went their separate ways.

Now, they'll be reunited in Foxborough.

"We've always just been 'the twins,'" Cody Hollister said in an ESPN story this past week. "That's what people called us, because were always together, on the same teams, playing the same sports. Jacob always had a little more hair going - I always had the buzz cut - but we have the same dream and the same belief we can do it."

Check out the full ESPN story here.
As trains trundled by the Port of Kalama on Saturday morning, a crowd of about 100 people gathered on the shores of the Columbia River, many wearing red and carrying signs.

More floated serenely in fishing boats and Cowlitz tribal canoes just off shore. Drums throbbed as Cowlitz tribal members sang songs; children ran barefoot in and out of the river while parents kept an eye on them from nearby.

Attendees from Cowlitz County and beyond (some from as far as Hillsboro, Corvallis and Astoria) were there to participate in their own local Peoples Climate March, one of thousands of marches taking place across the nation.

Social media posts online showed tens of thousands of protesters thronged around the White House for the Washington D.C. gathering.

Resistance is here to stay, welcome to your 100th day, protesters chanted in a video posted to Twitter from New York Times reporter Nicholas Fandos. Saturday was President Trumps 100th day in office.

The message of Kalamas march was more localized: many attendees carried signs showing opposition to Northwest Innovation Works proposed methanol refinery and Millennium Bulk Terminals coal project.

I think the biggest thing I always want to share with people is what is written on our shirt here in the Cowlitz language, said Cowlitz tribal member Teri Graves, pointing to her garments.  Water is the first medicine. If our medicine is dirty then were dirty  We give our issues (and) our problems to the water. We have to make sure our water is taken care of in a good way.

The march was organized by nonprofit environmental organization Columbia Riverkeeper and citizen activist groups. Several members of the Cowlitz Tribe, along with members of group, addressed the crowd, which continued to grow over the course of the morning. Several Kalama police officers drove up and down a nearby access road while monitoring the event.

Toby Joseph, who said his own family was relocated to Tacoma from Colorado during the last of the governments Indian relocation efforts, spoke of the methanol projects failure in his hometown.

As sure as Im standing here, this plant was stopped because the Puyallup tribe stepped in, Joseph told the crowd.

Northwest Innovation Works halted the development of its methanol project in Tacoma last year, citing the length of the environmental review process, remaining pollution on the proposed site and political uncertainty.

Representatives from Northwest Innovation Works declined to comment on the march Saturday. Representatives from the Port of Kalama could not be reached.

After the march, those interested headed over to Kalamas Community Building for lunch and an afternoon of workshops. Senior Organizer for Columbia Riverkeeper Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky said the workshops would focus mainly on how to give effective public testimony and how to foster productive community engagement.

Other climate marches took place across Southwest Washington and Northern Oregon Saturday. Marchers met in Vancouvers Marshall Park, Cathlamets Strong Park and even on the rim of Mount St. Helens, according to the Peoples Climate March website.
The Toledo School Districts facilities advisory committee is considering several options for fixing up the towns schools in wake of the failure of its most recent bond election in February.

A committee comprised of both old and new facilities members has met three times since the February results to discuss alternative bond scenarios.

In addition to inviting all community members to participate, I reached out to members of our community who were most critical of the February bond measure, said Superintendent Chris Rust in a press release. Many of these folks have accepted the invitation and are working diligently to examine options.

Several ideas have been tossed around, according to a press release, including the option of consolidating the middle school and high school, consolidating with another school district and even placing the same measure on the ballot again.

There is no current timeline for when the district might go back for another bond election.

The Toledo schools facilities committee will reconvene 6 p.m. May 9 in the high schools library. All members of the public are invited to attend and participate.
PTI

India embarks on space diplomacy like never before. For the first time, New Delhi is flexing its prowess of space technology by embarking on an unprecedented and un- chartered stratospheric diplomacy through a special Rs 450 crore gift for south Asians. India is carving a very unique place in the universe, this week New Delhi will gift a heavyweight bird in the sky to its neighbours through the South Asia Satellite.

India is opening its heart out to its neighbours, explains External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay, adding "neighbourhood first is now being extended beyond the stratosphere". It seems this gift of a communications satellite for use by neighbours at no cost has no parallels in the space- faring world, all other current regional consortia are commercial for-profit enterprises.

So it seems Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is a known visionary space buff, is placing the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in a new orbit by providing this space- based platform that would cost the participating nations almost USD 1,500 million over the 12-year life of the satellite.

Prashant Agarwal, an IIT Kanpur-trained engineer and the point-person in the Ministry of External Affairs piloting the project, says, "Prime Minister Modi has actually extended his slogan Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas to Indias neighbourhood essentially to service the needs of the poor in South Asia."

On 5 May, the skies above the island of Sriharikota on the coast of the Bay of Bengal will be lit up as the Geo- synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) also called the naughty boy of Isro on its 11th mission will carry a message of peace like never before. The nearly 50-m-tall rocket that weighs about 412 tons will carry what is now dubbed as the South Asia Satellite or what the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) still prefers to call GSAT-9.

The 2230-kg satellite has been fabricated in three years and is purely a communications satellite costing Rs 235 crore. The uniqueness of this satellite is that it will have a footprint that extends all over South Asia and India is gifting this heavenly messenger to its neighbours who according to Indias assessment could be helped in better utilising these space based technologies.

The South Asia Satellite has 12 Ku band transponders which Indias neighbours can utilise to increase communications. Each country will get access to at least one transponder through which they could beam their own programming and there could be common south Asian programing as well.

Each country has to develop its own ground infrastructure though India is willing to extend assistance and know-how.

According to the government. the satellite will "enable a full range of applications and services to our neighbours in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting applications viz. television, direct-to-home (DTH), very small aperture terminals (VSATs), tele-education, telemedicine and disaster management support".

The satellite also has the capability to provide secure hot lines among the participating nations in addition since the region is highly prone to earthquakes, cyclones, floods, tsunamis, it may help in providing critical communication links in times of disasters. In this unusual message of peace, Indias most hostile neighbour Pakistan has fully opted out. Rest of the seven nations part of the South Asian Association for Regional Co- operation (SAARC) are already on-board with Afghanistan still to ink the deal with some minor technical details still to be fixed in Kabul.

Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have agreed to be part of this mission, confirms Baglay. When Prime Minister Modi was just a fresher and just four weeks into his new position on June 30, 2014, he surprised the world while speaking to the scientists at Isro in Sriharikota as he asked "the space community to take up the challenge of developing a SAARC satellite that we can dedicate to our neighbourhood as a gift from India".

The proposal emerged directly from Modi and the leadership at Isro was stunned into silence not knowing what this space animal will look like. A highly-impassioned Modi, who had just witnessed a successful launch, said "I believe that the fight against the poverty of the countries of SAARC is the fight against illiteracy, the fight against superstitions, the challenge of moving forward in the scientific field is the possibility of providing opportunities to young people of SAARC countries.

"Our dream of this SAARC Satellite will work in the welfare of all our neighbouring countries. And thats why I have proposed in front of you today that we offer a valuable gift to our SAARC countries through a SAARC Satellite launch so that we also become partners in their welfare."

Modi reinforced this idea five months later when speaking in Kathmandu at the SAARC Summit on November 26, 2014.

He said, "Indias gift of a satellite for the SAARC region will benefit us all in areas like education, telemedicine, disaster response, resource management, weather forecasting and communication. "We will also host a conference in India for all South Asian partners next year, to strengthen our collective ability to apply space technology in economic development and governance. And, we plan to launch our satellite by the SAARC Day in 2016."

Modi's sincere efforts got a jolt when even after participating in the planning meeting on June 22, 2015, Pakistan decided to opt out from the proposed SAARC satellite suggesting that Pakistan has its own space program. So the project was renamed to South Asia Satellite but sources say Pakistan was not allowed to veto the development project. Meanwhile frequency co-ordination activities took longer than expected and the launch got postponed by almost six months.

Among Indias neighbours, three nations already possess full-fledged communication satellites with Pakistan and Sri Lanka having been helped by China; Afghanistan also has a communication satellite actually an old India-made satellite acquired from Europe. Bangladesh is likely to have its first bird in the sky later this year made with help from Thales.

Essentially, it is the tiny nations of Bhutan and Maldives that may benefit in the long run. Incidentally, Nepal has already floated a tender to acquire two communications satellites. Experts say "Pakistan has missed an opportunity" since its own space program is currently in a primitive stage as compared to Indias. This is despite the fact that Pakistan actually launched its first rocket five years ahead of India and its space agency Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is older than Isro.

Pakistan has had five satellites in space but today lacks heavy duty launchers and satellite fabrication facilities. But will Indias strident regional space diplomacy yield results? There is no doubt that through the South Asia Satellite India is actively trying to counter Chinas growing influence on its neighbours. But in the 21st-century Asian space race, China already has the first mover advantage.

Better late than never is prevailing mood and for this unique space diplomacy it is almost certain that India is likely to get applauded by the worlds powers for this one of a kind friendly confidence building measure. Hopefully friendly skies can result in reduced hostilities on Earth.
IANS

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.
hidden

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.

Reuters
PTI

A scientist has developed a mathematical model for a viable time machine - an advance that could bring stuff of popular science-fiction closer to reality. Using math and physics, Ben Tippett, from University of British Columbia in Canada, has created a formula that describes a method for time travel.

"People think of time travel as something as fiction. And we tend to think its not possible because we dont actually do it. But, mathematically, it is possible," said Tippett. Ever since HG Wells published his book Time Machine in 1885, people have been curious about time travel - and scientists have worked to solve or disprove the theory.

In 1915, German scientist Albert Einstein announced his theory of general relativity, stating that gravitational fields are caused by distortions in the fabric of space and time. More than 100 years later, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration - an international team of physics institutes and research groups - announced the detection of gravitational waves generated by colliding black holes billions of lightyears away, confirming Einsteins theory.

The division of space into three dimensions, with time in a separate dimension by itself, is incorrect, said Tippett. The four dimensions should be imagined simultaneously, where different directions are connected, as a space-time continuum. Using Einsteins theory, Tippett said that the curvature of space-time accounts for the curved orbits of the planets. In "flat" space-time, planets and stars would move in straight lines.

In the vicinity of a massive star, space-time geometry becomes curved and the straight trajectories of nearby planets will follow the curvature and bend around 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," said Tippett.

"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," he said. While it is possible to describe this type of time travel using a mathematical equation, Tippett doubts that anyone will ever build a machine to make it work.

"HG Wells popularised the term time machine and he left people with the thought that an explorer would need a machine or special box to actually accomplish time travel," Tippett said. "While is it mathematically feasible, it is not yet possible to build a space-time machine because we need materials - which we call exotic matter - to bend space-time in these impossible ways, but they have yet to be discovered," he said.

The research was published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity.
Pope urges global mediation over North Korea crisis

AP, London :

Pope Francis has called for international mediation to ease escalating tensions over North Korea's nuclear activity, the media reported on Sunday.

Speaking to the media on Saturday aboard his plane after a visit to Egypt, Pope Francis said: "There are so many facilitators in the world, there are mediators who offer themselves, such as Norway for example," the BBC reported.

He warned that the situation had become "too hot" and said: the "path is the path of negotiations, of a diplomatic solution".
JHENAIDAH: Abdul Hye MP speaking at a discussion meeting on combating militancy arranged by Islamic Foundation, Jhenaidah as Chief Guest on Saturday.
It's not every day that you get to kick back to a movie by a certain director and are surprised by their range and ability. Jee-woon Kim has been on the Korean film scene for awhile now gracing cinema screens with an eclectic and energetic assortment of flicks like I Saw The Devil, A Tale of Two Sisters, The Good The Bad The Weird, and he even helped relaunch Schwarzenegger's film career with the playfully hyper-violent The Last Stand. Likewise, Jee-woon Kim brings his talents to the historic period thriller The Age of Shadows with splendid results.

Japan has taken control of Korea. As the Japanese strangle control of the country, a gang of resistance fighters has emerged in Seoul to fight a guerrilla campaign against the occupying forces. Korean police captain Jung-chool Lee (Kang-ho Song) has been tasked with rooting out these resistance fighters. As Jung-chool soon learns, these men are former comrades making his connection to the resistance and his Japanese superiors alto personal.

When the leader of the resistance Chae-san Jeong (Byung-hun Lee) emerges to turn Jung-chool to their side, Jung-chool's sadistic Japanese counterpart Hashimoto (Tae-goo Um) ratchets up his campaign of cruelty. Soon, Jung-chool's loyalties to his own people and his loyalties to duty are put to the ultimate test. Will he turn over the resistance? Or will he become a freedom fighter and help them carry out their gorilla campaign?

Going into The Age of Shadows, I expected a film that was far more hyper-violent with swirling camera angles and a gratuitous amount of bloodletting. If you've only ever seen a couple of Jee-woon Kim's previous films, that would be a natural expectation. What I wasn't ready for was the director's decidedly restrained and mature approach. While it is playing up the historical angle and can feel a bit neo-patriotic at times, the film's heart is in the right place and wisely focuses on character development rather than becoming a rote and routine actioner - which is honestly what I was expecting. So color me impressed!

The film hangs on the interactions Kang-ho Song's Jung-chool has with the people that surround him. As a police captain, he believes in the rule of law and order and considers the actions of the resistance dishonorable. However, he has utmost disdain for Hashimoto's brutal tactics and those of the occupying Japanese forces. He's a man torn between two minds and two countries and Song pulls it off perfectly. While his appearance amounts to a prolonged cameo, I do have to give a shoutout to Byung-hun Lee as the resistance leader Chae-san. His Chae-san and Tae-goo Um's Hashimoto are the perfect Devil and Angel wrestling for Jung-chool's conscience.

Those familiar with 2015's Assassination from director Dong-hoon Choi will no doubt sniff out some distinct story similarities. Both wrestle with the ideas of honor, loyalty, and duty. Both films take place in the same mid-late 1920s era of Korean history. However, I give The Age of Shadows the edge as I felt that Assassination was hung up due to some misguided story structure issues. The Age of Shadows keeps things far simpler without the need to jump around the timeline of historic events the way Assassination did.

Taken as a whole, The Age of Shadows is a fine, by-the-numbers thriller. There really aren't too many story surprises as the tale itself is a bit on the familiar side. However, I can't deny that the rich production design, the terrific performances from its central cast, and the restrained and mature direction of Jee-woon Kim keeps the film floating well above average. It may not have too many surprises, but what it does have is well worth watching.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

The Age of Shadows arrives on Blu-ray in a two-disc Blu-ray + DVD package from CJ Entertainment. Pressed onto a Region A BD-50 disc, the disc is housed in a sturdy two-disc snapper Blu-ray case with identical slipcover artwork. The disc loads to trailers for other CJ Entertainment releases before arriving at an animated main menu with traditional navigation options.
KISHOREGANJ: Md Abdul Mannan, Additional Secretary , Ministry of Commerce addressing the 29th AGM of Kishoreganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Chief Guest at a local Community Centre on Saturday.
Remove hazardous child labour

Dr. Md. Shairul Mashreque and M Abul Kashem Mozumder :

May day is also called international labor day. Workers all over the globe observe 1st May as May Day as an expression of solidarity of the workers. They are united to thwart any move of the employers to ride roughshod over their rights. 'International Labour Day is a celebration of labourers and the working classes, promoted by the international labour movements socialists, and communists. It takes place every year on May 1 which also matches with the Celtic spring festival. The theme of the International Labour Day of 2016 is 'Celebrating the International Labour Movement'. The significance of International Labour Day includes the following points:

The day has its origins in the labour union movement, particularly the eight-hour day movement, which supports eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest May Day has long been a crucial point for demonstrations by various socialist, communist and anarchist groups.

May Day has been an important official holiday in countries such as the People's Republic of China, North Korea, Cuba, and the former Soviet Union. May Day celebrations typically feature elaborate popular and military parades in these countries During the Cold War, May Day became intermittent for large military parades in Red Square by the Soviet Union and was attended by the top leaders of the Kremlin, especially the Politburo, atop Lenin's Tomb. It became an enduring symbol of that period.

Seminal events in connection with May Day:

In Chicago, on May 4, 1886, a bomb blast killed seven police officers and four civilians The dynamite blast was a reply to the killings of peaceful demonstrators by police the day before After the bombing, eight anarchists were convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to death The case shaped international headlines because the indication suggested that none of those eight men had thrown the bomb.

Three years later, a French socialist party created an international day to honour the labour movement and marked May 1 in commemoration of the Haymarket Massacre.

The workers constituting a 'disadvantaged locus' revolted against oppressive regime for the establishment of their rights. The disgruntled workers resorted to violent means to overthrow the regime that continued to ride roughshod over their rights. The onslaught of uprisings swept king or dictators out of power. The working class mainly consisting of peasants and industrial labour organized into a countervailing force against the deluge of labour exploitation contributed to political change replacing old regime. Yet their expectations for a change in a seemingly new political environment have not been fulfilled.

Historically the ordinary working masses were subject to the ruthless process of exploitation. The process started in the twilight of primitive civilization. Slavery, advocated by Aristotle as an institution, emerged rather as a highly exploitative mechanism torturing the workers. Class conflict was in an embryonic stage with the advent of slavery as a pervasive phenomenon.

Slaves, though not organized with any ambition and awareness, were compelled to become extremely agitated as they suffered manifold torture and persecution at the hands of their cruel masters. This was an expression of anguish over inhuman torture. This otherwise was not an organized movement for economic emancipation and revolutionary changeover. The slaves lacked consciousness about class struggle. Nevertheless sporadic movement weakened power base of the power as exploiters. In the long run slavery was replaced by a new form of exploitation like feudalism ruling the roost in Europe and America.

1886 was a turning point in the history struggle against labour exploitation. . It was the saga of movement for fair field and congenial work conditions. In May, 1886 the industrial workers observed strike in Chicago demanding 8 hour work time. The police fired upon processions killing many among the Processionists. Later on the front-line organizer was hanged to death. The episode centering on the uprisings stirred the whole world to its depth. In due respect to the martyrs of Chicago movement the second international labour conference at Paris in 14 July 1889 decided to declare 1st May as international solidarity and rights day.

We pay homage to those workers but for whose supreme sacrifice it would have been impossible to bring labour rights under legal institutional framework, policy-fold in other words. Now several laws are there to protect the rights of the workers. Factory law, 1985 industrial relations laws 1969, workers' compensation act 1923, the minimum wage ordinance 1961, the fatal accident act 1938, dock Workers act, 1924 .

We may better observe the day if we could conduct advocacy against hazardous child labour . This is the most cruest form of labour exploitation. We see child labour in ship breaking industries suffering a lot leadind sub-human life. Child labour is a multi-dimensional and complex issue: it is symptomatic of economic vulnerability, an inadequate legislative framework and labour laws, institutional barriers, cultural and social inequities and an inaccessible, low-quality educational system, including inadequate provision of technical and vocational education (TVE).The incidence of child labour in Bangladesh is high. Bangladesh is a low-income country. In 2003 the per capita gross domestic product was estimated at USD 489 (ADB, 2008 and from 1997-2006, 36% of the population lived below the poverty line with an income less than $1 USD per day (UNDP, 2005). It should be noted that nearly 83% of the population had an income less than $2 USD (UNDP, 2005). Research has shown that in countries with a per capita income of $500 USD or less, the child labour force participation is extremely high at 30-60% (ILO, 2006). Children either drop out or become irregular attendees at school, to work to augment the family income.

In Bangladesh like in other underdeveloped countries poor children grow up on the margins of society in a state of neglect and deprivation, without educations, affection, care and guidance. Their involvement in works holds manifold hazards and risks. The main problems about their life include difficulty in getting job, or even if the job is found, the dissatisfaction at job, misbehavior from the employers, scarcity of money when they are ill and have to buy medicine or when they need doctor, only one dress to wear in the school and no time to play in the afternoon when, all others play.

The burden of works for a meager wage compels them to sacrifice rights to education. The ILO convention states that a job that contradicts with right to education is not approved for a 12 years old child. In 2003 'Global March' seminar (Brazil) proclaimed right of children to education, end of child exploitation, removing obstacles to child development and stopping child labour

(Dr. Md. Shairul Mashreque, Professor, Department of Public Administration and Dr. Abul Kashem Mozumder, Member, PSC)
May Day must mean productive partnership, not class struggle

TODAY is the historic 'May Day' to remember the sacrifice of workers who laid down their lives in Chicago city in the USA in 1986 in demand for 8-hour daily work and protesting cruelty of wealthy employers. It is now observed all over the world every year as International Workers Day from that occasion.



Bangladesh is observing the event with various trade union bodies and workers rights groups holding discussions on conditions of workers in public and private mills and factories, shops and services and other informal sectors. They are holding rallies and human chain in capital Dhaka and other industrial belts taking new pledge to make their workplaces safe and improve the living condition. It is a day for reflection also for employers to treat workers properly in the light of domestic laws and international labour standards.



Safety at workplace in Bangladesh is not quite satisfactory, particularly at garment factories, fish processing and such other labour intensive industries. Two industrial incidents - fire at Tazreen Fashions killing many workers and collapse of Rana Plaza in April 2013 killing over 1100 workers and injuring twice as many were the worst reminders how work. places were and are insecured in Bangladesh. It is true that Bangladesh has improved the situation a lot over the past four years modernizing factories and improving their fire fighting system. But nonetheless a lot more needs to be done to improve the standard of workers at all levels.



We have many laws and regulations on paper to protect workers' rights and their minimum financial interest but they are still severely exploited by powerful employers. Particularly workers' rights to trade union in Export Processing Zones is yet to be fully implemented inviting pressure from international bodies. But Bangladesh has made significant stride so far to eliminate child labour from garment industry although their presence is still noticeable in other informal sectors.



What is more important to note today is that workers' rights are still largely neglected in the country as it is evident from the long maneuvering to delay the trial of the accused of Rana Plaza accident largely because they are ruling party men and government officials. Political influence is stalling the trial of factory owners while government refusal to give permission to bring charges against accused officials are denying justice to victims' families. Neglect to rehabilitation of the injured is also highly repugnant to administration of justice. The call of the May Day will go unheeded so long victims will not get fair justice including full compensation and rehabilitation.



The idea of May Day must change from class war relationship to partnership relationship.






President reaches Germany for treatment



President Abdul Hamid reached Germany from London on Saturday for medical treatment.

The President along with his entourage arrived at Frankfurt Airport at 5:55 pm (local time), President's deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad told UNB.

He said Abdul Hamid will undergo a medical checkup at a hospital in Germany, and he is scheduled to leave Frankfurt for London on May 1.

Earlier on April 24, the President left Dhaka for London for the medical checkup.

He is expected to return home on May 4.
Meat traders call off strike

Staff Reporter :

Meat traders on Sunday called off their pre-announced strike which was scheduled to begin from the first day of the Holy month of Ramzan, after Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed assured them of meeting their demands soon.

In the morning of the same day, the meat traders announced that they would enforce strike, if their demands were not met within next 15 days.

But within an hour of the announcement, the meat sellers withdrew their decision of strike. It was taken to protest extortion and excessive taxes in the cattle market. "Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed has assured us of addressing our demands shortly. As such, we will not go for work abstention," said Rabiul Alam, Secretary General of Dhaka Metropolitan Meat Traders Association.

He said that the Minister talked with us at his Ministry.

"We demanded an end to our problems within four to five days when we were holding talks with Mayors of Dhaka North and South City Corporations," Rabiul Alam said.

The meat traders earlier threatened that they would go for work abstention from the first day of Ramzan if the government did not meet their demands including establishment of a permanent cattle market in Dhaka South City Corporation.

The sale of meat had fallen due to high price, said Rabiul.

As a result, half of the meat shops have already been shut down, he added.

At the press conference, Robiul Alam pointed out many problems they were facing and also placed their demands including building of a number of modern slaughterhouses, stopping of extortion and reduction of taxes.

Earlier, the traders observed a six-day countrywide strike from February 13 to 18 to press home the four point demands which contributed to increase the price.
Target quality education UGC signs deal with 17 varsities

Staff Reporter :

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Sunday signed an agreement with 17 universities -16 public and one private- to implement 38 sub-projects for ensuring quality higher education.

The Commission and the representatives of the Universities signed the agreement at the UGC auditorium.

The sub-projects involving Tk 57.62 crore will be implemented under the Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project (HEQEP).

UGC Chairman Professor Abdul Mannan was present at the agreement signing ceremony as the chief guest.

The universities are: Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh

University of Engineering and Technology, Chittagong University, Jahangirnagar University, Khulna University, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Jessore University of Science and Technology, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Moulana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Bangladesh University of Business and Technology.

Professor Abdul Mannan hoped that the quality in higher education would be ensured if the agreements were implemented properly. He also requested all the Vice-Chancellors of the universities to give attention to fulfil the UGC's demand.
May Day today

Amid a growing demand for a new salary structure for workers and ensuring their justified rights, the historic May Day is going to be observed in the country today (Monday).

Trade unions and Readymade Garment (RMG) workers organisations have taken out elaborate programmes to mark the day and press home their demands. The day will also be observed across the globe with a pledge to establish the rights of workers.

May Day, also known as International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in Chicago, USA at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday.

The day is a public holiday.

Garment Workers Trade Union Centre president advocate Mantu Ghos and its general secretary Joly Talukdar in a statement said this year's May Day will turn into a day for intensifying the movement for raising workers' wages.

They called upon the workers to strengthen their movement to force the government to announce the national minimum basic wage of Tk 10,000 for the workers while Tk 10,000 as minimum basic wage and minimum total salary of Tk 16,000 for the RMG workers.

They alleged that most workers still cannot enjoy holiday with salary on May Day while their various facilities and rights are being snatched. The platform will arrange separate rallies at Paltan and Tejgaon of the capital and in different industrial areas, including Kanchpur, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Ashulia, Narsingdi and Chittagong, and other parts of the country on the day and thus press home their demand for a new salary structure.

Talking to UNB, Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation (SGSF) President Nazma Akhter said they, on the occasion of May Day, urged the government to ensure a six-month maternity leave for the RMG workers and announce a new wage board for them.

She also called upon the government to ensure the RMG workers' right to form trade union at every factory to protect their rights and interests.

Bangladesh National Garments Workers Employees League (BNGWEL) president Sirajul Islam Rony said, "We want the new salary structure for workers to enhance their dignity."

He also urged the government to strongly monitor whether the rules of the labour law are being enforced properly.

Besides, other trade unions and professional groups and socio-political organisations have taken up various programmes to observe the day and press for improving the working conditions with better wages and security for the workers. The programmes include discussions, rallies and processions.

Newspapers will publish supplements while radio and television channels air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the working class people of the country and wishing their overall welfare. They also wished a success of all the May Day programmes.

In his message, the President described the May Day as a unique and magnificent day in the history of establishing rights of working class people.

He hoped that both the owners and workers will put in their best efforts to implement the 'Vision 2021' and 'Vision 2041' announced by the government.

Hamid said there is no alternative to producing world-class products maintaining good relations between the workers and owners to cope with open market economy in this competitive globalised world.

The Prime Minister, in her message, paid profound homage to the people who embraced martyrdom to establish the basic rights of the working people in Chicago in 1886.

She hoped that the workers and employers will devote themselves to enhancing the production of their factories and mills through maintaining warm relations imbued with the spirit of the historic May Day.

On May 1, 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fine on a demonstration in the US city of Chicago near Hay Market demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift. On the height of agitation, the authorities had to accept the workers' demand and the eight-hour day has been introduced universally.

On July 14, 1889 in Paris, an international workers' rally declared May 1 as the International Workers Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers' sacrifice and achievement and since 1890, the day has been observed globally as the International Workers Solidarity Day.
Pack up by May 10

106 hotels from St Martin's asked to go: Island's biodiversity threatened, warns DoE

Staff Reporter :

The Department of Environment has asked the owners of 106 residential hotels to remove their structures built illegally from the country's lone coral island St Martin by May 10.

Mohammad Mubinul Islam, Inspector, Department of Environment in Cox's Bazar district, told journalists that they have on Saturday issued letters to the owners asking them to remove their structure on their own.

Talking to local reporters Md. Masud Karim, Director, Department of Environment (Chittagong), said as they (owners) built the hotels there illegally, they have now been asked to remove the structures at their own cost.

"If they don't follow the instruction and remove the structures within the deadline, legal action would be taken against them," he said. He said the biodiversity of St Martin's is being destroyed in many ways including businesses related to tourism and illegal infrastructure.

"To meet the growing demand for tourists, a large number of unplanned infrastructures have been constructed there. Thousands of tourists always pour in there every day. As a result the island is facing a serious existential crisis," Masud Karim, said. Earlier on April 21, the Department of Environment asked the authorities concerned to demolish a total of 38 residential hotels from Saint Martin by May 20.

A total of 104 hotels found illegal built there. And their list has also been prepared.

Earlier on March 21, the High Court issued a rule against eleven persons including four secretaries asking why contempt of court charges should not be brought against them over neglecting court order given for protecting the Saint Martin's. At least seven ships daily carry over 5000 tourists there. Many are regularly disturbing turtle's habitat in bushes; they buy coral and throw non-biodegradable trash and debris in the sea. The government had implemented a five-year project named "Biodiversity Protection and Eco-Tourism" in the island that ended in 2001.

There is however, no such work in the island for long since then. The Ministry declared St. Martin's island as ecologically critical area and tourist sensitive zone in 1999, but yet to give any guideline for tourists and the inhabitants there.

The government even did not take any major initiative to make the declaration effective.

High population density, huge illegal infrastructure built in an unplanned manner, destruction of mangrove plants and bushes, collection of sea shells and stones, visit by a huge number of tourists, and dumping of garbage were among many causes that are threatening the island.

The St Martin's Island is separated from Shah Parir Dwip in Teknaf upazila of the mainland by an 8km channel. Around 7,500 people live in the 8-square kilometre island.
After giving writer/director Michael Mann's Heat a spin again for this Blu-ray review, I stand by my claim that if it isn't the greatest heist genre flick ever made, it easily ranks as one of the most entertaining action movies to come out of the nineties. Not only is the film infused with razor-sharp writing, a stellar cast, and stylish direction, to this very day it still delivers what is widely regarded as the best gunfight in cinematic history. This sequence really is a true marvel of modern filmmaking.

Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is a professional thief. He runs a very tight crew, which always includes his loyal best friend Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer), and he methodically plans out every job with tactical precision. Maintaining a cool head is the key to McCauley's success, and if he even senses a rise in temperature by a mere half a degree, he'll do whatever is necessary to avoid getting burnt. But as McCauley and his gang plunder the City of Angels and work their way towards the score of a lifetime, their trail is picked up by a skilled detective, Lt. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). Now with the police force hot on his trail, McCauley finds himself thrust into a citywide chess match with Hanna -- and neither man plans to be outwitted by his worthy opponent.

The casting for Heat is simply phenomenal. This was the first film to finally unite Al Pacino and Robert De Niro on screen together (they were in different timelines in The Godfather: Part II), and having them as opposing dominant forces is pure genius. Pacino is the more animated of the two, strutting around in his typical cocky persona with the occasional frantic outburst. Sure he milks it to the extreme, but in all fairness Hanna was originally meant to have a cocaine habit and that definitely seeps through on camera. De Niro, on the other hand, is just as fun to watch. McCauley works hard at trying to appear calm, cool, and collected, but it's really all a facade. This guy is a sociopath at the core and he doesn't always mask it as well as he thinks. Both men clearly have issues, and the actors' riveting performances complement each other brilliantly. Then there's the unprecedented list of colorful supporting roles: Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Natalie Portman, Ted Levine, Dennis Haysbert, Amy Brenneman, Wes Studi, Hank Azaria, Xander Berkeley, and Danny Trejo. Top that off with cameos by Henry Rollins, Ton Loc, and Jeremy Piven -- and pretty much every speaking part is a familiar face.

Clocking in at nearly three hours, it's impressive how Heat flows along at such a smooth and brisk pace. On the visual end, Mann makes excellent use of interesting locales, and he treats each scene with the respect it deserves. It also helps that the more leisurely interludes run on snappy dialogue that never feels forced at all. A number of lines and conversations were either ad-libbed or unrehearsed, too. This can often derail a film, but in this case, it gives the movie that extra bit of magic as it ramps up to the intense and thrilling action sequences.

Of course, this segues us into what has made Heat legendary -- the bank heist (inspiring Christopher Nolan's prologue in The Dark Knight) and the mother of all shootouts. Beethoven has his symphonies, Hendrix has his guitar riffs, and Michael Mann has his opus of three guys with full auto assault rifles laying waste to half the LAPD and an entire city block. I could watch this thing over and over, it's just too bad Warner doesn't have Universal's "My Scenes" -- as this would be the one time I'd actually use the feature.

In the years since its release, it's easy to see why Michael Mann's arguably best film has risen to become the ultimate fan favorite of crime dramas. The story is compelling, the characters are engaging, and the blazing action cooks up a storm -- and then some.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Heat returns to Blu-ray courtesy of 20th Century Fox in a two-disc Director's Definitive Edition. The region-free release arrives in a typical two-disc Blu-ray case with a stylish, jet black slip cover. The Blu-ray boots up directly to a Main Menu screen and most of the bonus features are included on the second disc. A digital copy of the film is also provided.
Candyce Perret rode the impact of ads attacking Susan Theall in the final two weeks of the campaign to win election to the eight remaining years of a term on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal.

Candyce Perret Photo by Robin May

Candyce Perret rode the power of two television ads attacking her opponent Susan Theall in the final two weeks of their runoff campaign to win election to the Third Circuit Court of Appeal seat vacated by now-Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Genovese.

Complete but unofficial returns from the Louisiana Secretary of State's website show Perret carried seven of the eight parishes in the district to defeat Theall by a 54-46 margin. Perret received 26,681 votes to Theall's 22,548, a margin of 4,133 votes. A total of 49,229 votes were case in the election, 12 percent of the 406,350 registered voters in the district.

Perret racked up better than 60-40 margins in Acadia, Allen, Evangeline and St. Landry parishes. She carried Iberia Parish by 54-46 and Vermilion Parish 59-41.

Theall carried Lafayette Parish by a 56-44 margin, but that was not enough to offset Perret's margins in the other parishes. A total of 25,161 votes were cast in the race in Lafayette Parish.

Perret attacked Theall with a television ad that began running the week of early voting in which an unidentified woman charged that Theall had ignored evidence of child abuse on the part of her estranged husband during their 2013 divorce case. Theall's name appeared on a document in the ad below a line which read "Stipulation." Theall responded to the ad on her website and social media saying that stipulations in cases represent agreements between the two parties that the judge verifies and ratifies. She said no claims of abuse were ever presented in her court on the matter.

The ad apparently got traction, particularly with voters outside of Lafayette. Turnout in several of the parishes was higher than in the March 25 primary election. For some voters, the ads might have been their first and only impressions of the candidates in the race. Turnout in Allen Parish on Saturday was 7.2 percent compared to 5.3 percent in the primary. Saturday's turnout in Evangeline Parish was 10.7 percent compared to 9.1 percent in the March 25 primary. St. Landry Parish turnout was 8.5 percent on Saturday, up from 7.6 percent in March.

Acadia, Evangeline and Lafayette parishes were the only parishes where turnout was higher than 10 percent.

Because this was a special election called to fill an unexpired term, Perret can likely be sworn in shortly after the votes are all promulgated on Tuesday. There are eight years remaining on the term.

Perret, 46, is a native of Marksville. She is married to Hunter Perret and is a partner in the Perret Group. The Independent has reported that there is an ongoing federal investigation into the business practices of Louisiana Specialty Institute, a company wholly owned by Hunter Perret. Candyce Perret worked as legal counsel for LSI for a time starting in 2013 while her husband was undergoing treatment for cancer.

In an article published in February, seven attorneys confirmed to The Independent that they have been interviewed by federal investigators in connection with the probe. At least one other attorney and a number of health care professionals have also been questioned in connection with the investigation.
The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option.
Royalton native Catherine Cosimi-Nevicosi joined Lawler Brown Law Firm in Marion as an associate.

SHe has been a practicing attorney for about 12 years, spending the past 10 years as an assistant state's attorney in Franklin and St. Clair counties. Before that, she was an associate in the practice areas of worker's compensation and personal injury, according to a news release.

"We are excited to bring Cathys experience in criminal law, personal injury and work comp to our firm to better serve our clients throughout Southern Illinois, managing partner Adam Lawler said in the release.

She is a 1997 graduate of Zeigler-Royalton High School, a 2001 graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a 2004 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law.

The law firms Marion office is at 1600 W. Main St. There are is also an office in Gallatin County, at 251 N. Lincoln Blvd West in Shawneetown.

 The Southern
HARRISBURG  An 18-year-old Indiana man was arrested Friday, charged with attempting to murder another man, according to a news release from the Harrisburg Police Department.

Investigators arrested 18-year-old Dalton G. Williams of Evansville, Indiana, after an investigation into the shooting of another person around 2:45 p.m. Friday.

The Harrisburg Police officers were alerted to a gunshot victim heading to the Harrisburg Medical Center, where they interviewed the victim, according to a news release.

While they were interviewing that gunshot victim, the Saline County Sheriff's Department received a call about a disturbance near the Southeastern Illinois College area. A deputy found Williams, suspected in the initial shooting, and detained him for questioning.

After questioning, Williams was charged with attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery with a firearm. He also had an arrest warrant for fleeing police, reckless driving and ID theft.

He is being held at the Saline County Jail without bond.

The man Williams is alleged to have shot was treated at the hospital and released, according to the news release.

In addition to the Harrisburg Police Department and the Saline County Sheriff's Department, the investigation was conducted by the Illinois State Police and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit.
News /

by Thobekile Zhou

MDC-T vice President Thokozani Khupe has begged the diaspora community not to return to the country to vote in 2018 watershed elections.Khupe was speaking in the United Kingdom on Saturday.She said the environment is not conducive at the moment but urged MDC-T members to instruct their relatives to vote for MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai."We must prepare for the morning after, people must see that we are a government in waiting."A government in waiting prepares."We are very clear, we know where we are going and know what we want and that winning 2018 elections."After winning the 2018 elections we want to turn around the economy."But let me tell you something guys, don't you ever think about coming back home now, things are not ok. I dont want to lie to you. We have 13 million people suffering in Zimbabwe right now."Time will come for you to come back home but for now i don't want to lie to you.." she said amid applause.However, she applauded the diaspora community for keeping the Zimbabwe economy ticking through their remittances."I appreciate that and i want to thank you...""We want your skills back when things change".Opposition parties have in the past been urging the diaspora community to return and vote.
CARBONDALE  The Illinois Humanities Association, in partnership with the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools, presented a community forum designed to promote discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing public schools in predominantly rural areas Thursday at Giant City School.

The Future of Rural Public Schools, included Egyptian High School Honor Student Daneesha Carthell, Decatur teacher Keith Creighton and Dr. Beth Purvis, the Illinois Secretary of Education. Moderator and former SIU Chancellor Sam Goldman facilitated a discussion that addressed the distinct challenges that confront rural educators and students, and tackled the topics of community adopted value systems and place-based education.

Purvis spoke at length about the state of Education in Illinois. Community members spoke about the unfair distribution of school funding between the school districts, and asked if Purvis thought that the state was fair to all its constituencies.

She said she would be shocked if she went anywhere that question didnt come up.

Purvis went on to suggest a history buff could go back to the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention and take the headlines from that time about our school funding formula and put it in any current newspaper in the state and they would be relevant today.

So are we fairly funding the schools? No. But that begs the question why arent we doing so? she said.

The secretary cited a high reliance on property tax as one of the problems.

In state rankings we finish near the bottom for the percentage of school funding that comes from the state," she said. "We have one of the largest gaps between what we spend in our wealthiest communities, and what we spend in our poorest communities.

We also have a state in which we have a lot of local control over school funding, and so we need something in the way of funding reform that allows those local communities to make their own decisions about their financing.

Purvis cited the findings of the Illinois School Funding Reform Commission (ISFRC) established by Gov. Bruce Rauner. She said that this administration has increased funding for Pre-K through 12th grade by $700 million in last few years.

This is the highest level of pre-K funding the state has ever had," she said. "The problem is that after the 2009-2015 proration, many districts have had to spend down their reserves. Add to that, the fact that right now, due to the budget crunch, mandated categoricals are not funded the way they should be, which is creating real problems for our schools.

The ISFRC, Purvis said, found that it was neither the equity-based models, not the evidence-based models of funding that were correct, but rather the solution to the funding dilemma lay somewhere between the two.

In addition, we also need to take into account local available wealth, and then we need to fill in the gap first in the schools that are the farthest away from equity," Purvis said.

Purvis said that the framework is there for needed reform in the form of three bills currently before the State Legislature.

The ISFRC is attempting to do what it has been asked to do in a bipartisan way," she said. "And the hope is that the funding agreement can anchor a larger funding agreement

Pruvis noted that to be in Carbondale and to not be very clear that we are in a beyond-crisis situation from the lack of a budget and its effect on higher education would be disingenuous of me. I acknowledge how difficult that is for everyone in post-secondary education in every post-secondary institution in the state, and how difficult it is for towns like Carbondale when the University is one of the primary employers and economic driver of the city.

Carbondale resident Barry Ancell questioned the Secretary as to how long this process was going to take.

We are getting to a point where its possible that a half-a-dozen schools in Southern Illinois, Ancell said.

Purcell acknowledged the communitys right to be angry in the face of fiscal famine and assured the community that the Governor was taking the funding of school systems very seriously.

This is not just about Madigan and Rauner, she said. It is important for people to understand the complexity of the issue. For instance, between 2000 and 2015 direct support for post-secondary education decreased by 35 per cent, which is a big hit. But during the same time the States University Retirement system increased 395 percent. So its not that the state hasnt been spending money, but where it has had to spend the money.

Other discussions focused on stopping the drain of students and teachers from rural areas. Ed Shoemate, superintendent of Cobden Unit District No. 17 Schools, said his district had found great success inviting the community into the school to celebrate their first annual kids day. He offered that the sharing of food from multiple cultural background stimulated conversation and a sense of belonging.

Lamar Houston, president of the Egyptian School Board of Education, described how place-based education brought new understanding to students in his district. When a flood occurred and the school was inundated, teachers used the experience as an opportunity to learn about the watershed in the southern part of the state.

Miriam Uribe, a bilingual and ESL teacher at Cobden Elementary School, spoke of challenging the educational and economic norms within the Hispanic community while retaining language to keep community members true to their roots.

Patrick Rice, director of the Illinois Association of School Boards, suggested that communities should define for themselves what their values should be, and that the outcome of such a discussion was not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Kay Ripplemeyer-Tippy, Illinois Humanities Program Liaison for Southern Illinois, said it was important to acknowledge the tensions that occurred in navigating rural school systems.

You want the school to be the best it can, and at the same time, you dont want your kids to go away to pursue their higher education," she said. "You want to keep your community together the best you can by celebrating its history, but you want to encourage diversity.
CARBONDALE  Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar will reflect on 20 years of Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute this week.

Edgar will deliver the keynote speech of the institutes spring 2017 event, at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 4, in the Student Center Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the institutes founding in 1997. Edgar, the 38th governor of Illinois, signed the documents creating the institute at SIU Carbondale on Sept. 18, 1995  prior to Simons retirement from the U.S. Senate in 1997. At the time, Edgar said of Simon and the institute: He will bring a strong commitment to public service, a thoughtful approach to confronting the vital issues of the day, a fundamental decency and unshakable integrity to this important, exciting venture.

Jak Tichenor, interim institute director, said it was only appropriate that Edgar be the keynote speaker. Edgar and Simon knew each other from their time in Springfield, and more importantly, both valued bipartisan consensus on tackling some of the tougher issues back in the day, Tichenor said.

Prior to serving as governor from 1991 to 1999, Edgar, a Republican from Charleston, was Illinois secretary of state from 1981 to 1991. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1976 and re-elected in 1978 but resigned in 1979 to serve as legislative liaison to then-Gov. Jim Thompson.

Tichenor said he anticipates Edgar will also discuss bipartisanship and consensus-building today in the state. Tichenor notes one important accomplishment early in the institutes history while Edgar was governor was passage in 1998 of the first significant campaign finance reform legislation in Illinois in more than 20 years. A bipartisan coalition was able to gain passage of a law prohibiting political fundraisers in Springfield on days the legislature was in session, Tichenor said.

When he became governor, Edgar inherited what at the time was the largest deficit in the states history, but was able to eliminate a backlog of $1 billion in unpaid health care bills. During his two terms, Edgar pushed through income tax relief provisions, property tax caps and adequate school funding. He was re-elected in 1994 by the widest plurality of any incumbent Illinois governor and won 101 of the states 102 counties, including Cook County. He left office in 1999 with $1.5 billion in the state coffers for his successor.

Edgar was one of the most popular Illinois governors in recent times, Tichenor said. Its obvious that a lot of people will be interested to hear what his thoughts are on the Simon Institutes work on public policy and student education.

After leaving office, Edgar was a resident fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He is a distinguished fellow at the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs, and spearheads the Edgar Fellows program. He is president emeritus of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards.
Editor's Note: The name of the victim has been changed to protect her identity.

When Jane was growing up in rural central Illinois, horseback riding was one of the few things that offered her peace of mind.

Horses are a very spiritual animal, she told The Southern in a recent phone interview. Theres that bond, I guess you could call it. And so whenever I was upset, I would always go to the barn, and spend time with my horses, and I would ride. If I was upset or mad or any emotion I had, I would practice.

That diligence led her to become an incredibly skilled rider; she went on to compete for world titles in the rodeo industry. But what really brought her to the barn throughout her girlhood was fear of the emotional and physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather.

Walking on eggshells

Janes story of abuse begins when her parents got divorced. She was only a small child, but she was later told that at one point during the split, her father pulled a gun on her mother, telling her hed kill her if she took his kids away.

Jane and her younger brother wound up in her fathers care in Indiana; their mother moved to Illinois.

I remember being locked up in a room with my brother, and we were fed through the door like dogs, she said. We had to go to the bathroom in our own bedroom.

Jane was in first grade at the time  or she should have been. Her father, who was an alcoholic, wasnt sending her to school, and DCFS had taken notice. Her mother swooped in just in time.

My mom was able to get my brother and I, but then it led to my stepfather, and thats where I guess all the damage was really done, she said.

In Illinois, Janes mother and stepfather did agricultural research and bred racehorses on the side. Her stepfather didnt have a drinking problem like her biological father did, but he was short-tempered and cruel.

Things that my stepfather said, from ever since I can remember, is that I was a worthless piece of s--- and that I was ugly and that no man would ever want to marry me, that I was never good enough, Jane said.

Little things that seemed completely arbitrary, like Jane drinking too much milk, would send him into rages.

I felt like I was walking on eggshells, and no matter what I said or did, I was always in the wrong or I was always going to get in trouble for something, she said.

Once, when Jane was in seventh grade and she was supposed to be up early to feed the horses, she awoke to a butter knife being thrown at her face.

The abuse was even more physical with her little brother, of whom Jane felt fiercely protective. They spent a lot of time cowering in closets, waiting for the storm to pass; shed do her best to soothe and quiet him, telling him it was going to be OK.

Throughout her childhood and her teenage years, she didnt tell a single friend about what was going on at home.

I never wanted to have any friends over at the house, because I was terrified for them to see what it was really like. So I would always stay the night at my friends house, and I never talked about it at school. No one knew about the things I was going through and the things that were said. If I had a bruise on me, well, it came from a horse or it happened in volleyball practice or it happened in cheerleading practice, Jane said.

She threw herself into extracurricular activities: student council, FCA, cheerleading, track and church.

And my horses  my horses were my everything. If I was home, I didnt want to be inside. I was in the barn, and I was always on the horse, she said.

Jane did confide in her mother about the abuse.

She would tell us to pray about it, or she would tell us to focus on something positive and not worry about the negative things. I think that she was scared of him too, but  I think my mom was just scared of being a single mother, wondering if she could provide for my brother and I, and she didnt want us to be taken from her. We were her world.

But rather than feeling betrayed, Jane usually felt protected by her mother, she said.

There would be times when he literally would scream that he was going to f------ kill us. And I think that if he could have, he would have. But my mom would get in the way, Jane said.

Moving forward

I couldnt get out of there fast enough, and when I was 18 I moved out, she said.

Jane got an apartment in Champaign and started working full time for a seed production company, while also going to college full time. She transferred to SIU on a full-ride scholarship, but left school to compete in a rodeo competition that took her all over the country. Now 29, she works in Southern Illinois and is saving up so she can finish her degree in agriculture.

Being born and raised in the ag industry, its not just a job, its a way of life. Its very important and something Im passionate about, and with the livestock and the horses, its always been something thats really close to my heart, she said.

Her husband works as a special education teacher. Jane said he knows about her history of abuse, but she tries not to dwell on it too much.

One of the things that we want to do someday is have a facility in Southern Illinois to help children who have gone through traumatic experiences, Jane said.

She said that when she thinks about her real father now, she mostly feels pity.

I think Ive turned out pretty well, and Ive done a lot, Ive accomplished a lot of things, and I still have a lot of goals I want to accomplish and Im working on. So I feel sorry for him. I wish he could have been there. I wish he could have been a part of things. But because of the alcohol and his choices, hes the one whos missed out.

Jane and her father dont talk all that often. Recently, an aunt told Jane that her that he had stopped drinking and had gotten help.

I hope thats true, she said.

Jane has never received formal counseling for her experiences, but she credits her healing with her faith in God and her relationships with her mentors.

The Bible that I have and that I read was my moms, and its highlighted and underlined and pages are bent and its worn out and used. So God was my strength and God was my comfort, Jane said.

Not too long ago, Jane spoke at a high school about her experiences with abuse.

There were a lot of kids who afterwards came up to me, and I could see it in their eyes. I could feel it in the way that they talked to me, that they were going through the same thing and they didnt know what to do, she said.

She and her stepfather have managed to repair their relationship.

He is more of a father now than I think that hes ever been. We have a stronger bond and more love for each other, and I have been able to forgive him for what hes done, and weve been able to work through things. Our way of communication has completely changed. He does not speak to me the way that he did then, nor will he ever, and he has a lot of love in his heart that he didnt have before, and I think that prayer has a lot to do with that, she said.

Forgiving herself sometimes isnt so easy. Her stepfathers disapproval and emotional abuse shaped her; she sees it in the way she goes above and beyond with everything she does to avoid feeling worthless, the way her stepfather made her feel every time she made a mistake.
To the Editor:

Thanks to the amazing generosity of the Carbondale community, the Carbondale Lions and Carbondale Lions Foundation were able to raise thousands for three special charities. The local JDRF (Type 1 Diabetes Foundation), Jackson Union County Habitat for Humanity and the Super Splash Park all benefited from the fundraiser.

We wish to thank the local businesses and individual donors who provided wonderful items for those who opened their check books to purchase.

The generosity of the businesses and people who donated as well as those who bought items shows the deep caring within this Southern Illinois community for those in need. Many children will benefit through the fundraiser in their health, housing, fitness and enjoyment.

As Lions, we take on projects to serve the community and the world. We were pleased to fund and sponsor this event and the Foundation will take all proceeds and split them among the charities. We also want to particularly thank University Mall for donating space for us to hold the event and also Diane Daugherty for donating her time and talent as our celebrity auctioneer.

A number of volunteers worked many hours planning, organizing, soliciting (or begging) donations, and then staffing the event. Many people volunteered but I especially want to thank Anita Hutton, Gary Metro, Gayla Borgognoni, Stephanie Reese and Barb Rester who were invaluable throughout the entire process.

Jim Dooley

Carbondale
Today marks the end of Child Abuse Awareness Month.

Throughout the month, the newspaper published stories each day as part of our Protecting the Innocent series to recognize the work being done in our region to stop the abuse.

Some of the stories tough to read. Some were downright tragic. Some were tough to write on our end, but those stories needed to be told.

They needed to be told because one way to prevent abuse is by talking about it and making readers aware that there is a problem.

We said in April that child abuse is a difficult subject to talk about, but its something that needs to be done.

And, this month, here in Southern Illinois, people are acknowledging it. Weve seen the blue silhouettes of children in yards. Weve seen the signs. Weve been to the events. The word is spreading.

But just because the calendar flips over to May, and Child Abuse Awareness Month ends, it doesnt mean we have to stop talking about it.

We said it before, but it bears repeating  the numbers show that child abuse is a real problem in Southern Illinois. Statewide, there are 9.7 incidents of abuse per 1,000 people. In Southern Illinois, every single countys rate is higher. Some counties clock double and almost triple the state rate.

Those numbers have to change, and each and every one of us can contribute.

If you see abuse, report it. If you see the signs of abuse, report it. If you have even one single inkling that a child is in danger, report it.

If you see anything at all  anything  report it. The Illinois Department of Children & Family Services said it best in a pamphlet we received at an event this month: Care enough to call the states child abuse hotline: 1-800-25-ABUSE.

We have an uphill battle to fight here. Theres a lot of work that needs to be done to fix the problem. It will take a lot of time and even more effort, but, it can be done.

Next year, when April rolls around, we want to report that the numbers in Southern Illinois  everywhere, for that matter -- have gone down. We want to report that Southern Illinois is at the forefront of stopping child abuse.

If weve learned anything this month, its that we have the leadership in the region to do it. There are advocates for children here who are fighting that fight.

While were at it, we need to urge our local lawmakers to finally pass a budget that gives funding to the services our community needs to combat the abuse we wrote and read about this month.

Here in Southern Illinois, we have a lot of agencies that are hurting financially without the state funding they need to survive. Without these services, children are in danger.

We realize that when a budget deal is reached, there are going to be casualties. And we also realize that some of those casualties are going to be for the services that we desperately need.

But, child abuse and awareness of the issue is a critical need. A budget deal in Springfield should not leave our children behind.

We all can help. Volunteer if you can. Donate if you can. Anything that can be done, we need to try to pitch in.

Were not going to stop reporting on it, and were not going to stop telling the stories that need to be told. We still have many stories to tell, we just ran out of time to run them in April.

Child Abuse Awareness Month is about to end. But the fight to stop abuse, and the steps to heal those affected, should never end.

Lets all do our part. Lets keep the awareness going strong all year long and keep working toward an end to this problem.
News /

by Thobekile Zhou

MDC-T vice President Thokozani Khupe on Saturday disclosed that she is in politics for money, Bulawayo24.com can reveal.Khupe was speaking in Slough, United Kingdom to party members."Lets be honest guys. We are in politics because we want money" said Khupe.She went on "I personally i love a better life but it can only be good if you have money."We are all here (UK) because we want money. Without money we can not go anywhere guys lets be honest with each other..." ."Once we have money we are able to send our children to school, pay our hospital bills and buy our houses.She claimed that all Zimbabweans under the age of 18 are selling tomatoes and juice cards in the streets.Zimbabwe is a failed state and 'that's not want we fought for'.Zimbabwe is a failed state because we have many crisis. The Mugabe government has introduced bond notes as way of trying to deal with the liquidity crisis."Bond notes are not going to resolve the liquidity crisis."What Zimbabwe requires right now is production, production and production."The manufacturing sector must produce and export. The agricultural sector must produce and export...This is what we need right now as a country and not these bond notes".
Dear Abby: Six years ago, not long after I announced to my family that I was going to be married, my parents decided to divorce because Dad had been cheating on Mom. Because I allowed him to walk me down the aisle, she didn't attend my wedding. I was extremely hurt by it, but decided to forgive and forget. Unfortunately, my mother could not do that.

For the last six years, she has ignored my phone calls and text messages. I have sent cards and gifts for birthdays, Christmas and Mother's Day and received no acknowledgment (although she does generally send me a generic birthday or Christmas card).

We were very close before all this started, and I have tried reaching out to her in every way I know how. What makes this even more awkward is that she lives a stone's throw away, and my teenage daughter is close with her. If I'm outside when she drops my daughter off, she hides her face or pulls up in front of a big tree in my yard so she can't see me.

Cutting family out of her life is a pattern for her. My mother hasn't spoken to her own father in almost 50 years, and out of her six siblings, she speaks to only one. She cut her own mother out of her life for years until Grandma was on her deathbed.

With Mom's birthday coming up, I'm at the point where I think I'm done sending cards and gifts to someone who can't acknowledge me and blatantly hides from me. What do you think?

-- Castoff in Illinois

Dear Castoff: Sending the greeting cards is a minimal way to maintain contact, and you could continue doing it. But if you're really done, you're done.

Dear Abby: After 34 years of marriage, I realized that I must "earn the right" to have sex. This morning I agreed to go to a particular movie my wife wants me to see with her in exchange for sex.

I now recognize that this trading started years ago, and I just let it slide. But now I realize that what I call "trading for favors" has entered other aspects of our relationship: "Do this for me, and I'll do that for you."

I have a pretty thick skin, but more and more, I'm concluding this is a game that I'd rather not play. Can you give me any advice as to where we can go for help? I have no problem involving her in any solution.

-- Must Earn The Right

Dear Must: I agree that your wife must be a part of the solution to your problem. Because the old "pay for play" no longer suits you, the place to seek help would be the office of a licensed marriage counselor. I wish you luck, because decades-old dynamics can be hard to change.

Dear Abby: My best friend "Jennifer's" mom recently passed away. I was with her through the entire process.

While cleaning out her mother's home, Jennifer asked to store some things in my garage. Of course I agreed. She's unable to store her mother's things because she lives in a small apartment.

It has been three weeks now. My question to you is, what is proper etiquette when asking a friend how long she wants me to store her mother's belongings?

-- Storage Etiquette

Dear Etiquette: If keeping Jennifer's belongings in your garage is creating a problem for you, this is a question you should have asked before agreeing she could move them in. Since you didn't, and I assume you will want your garage back at some point, set a deadline and tell your friend in plenty of time so she can make other arrangements for storing them. If you don't, you could find yourself holding them indefinitely.
News / Local

by Staff Reporter

Zanu PF commissar Saviour Kasukuwere who survived been chopped last week for allegedly plotting to topple veteran leader President Robert Mugabe has said God is protecting him.His predecessors, Border Gezi, Moven Mahachi and Elliot Manyika paid for the position with their lives.They all died in car accidents."Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me," Kaskukuwere is quoted saying by the Standard.Kasukuwere was also accused of creating parallel structures in Zanu PF.Mugabe sent a high-powered delegation led by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda to investigate the allegations in Bindura.Kasukuwere left Bindura in a celebratory mood after his accusers failed to provide evidence to back their allegations.Manyika died in a car accident under mysterious circumstances in 2008 enroute to Gwanda, Matabeleland South, where he was due to preside over elections for a new executive.The Mashonaland Central political kingpin died after his official Mercedes-Benz burst a tyre on the Zvishavane-Mbalabala road, resulting in the driver losing control.Manyika's predecessor Border Gezi  also from Mashonaland Central  also died in a car accident while travelling to a party restructuring meeting in Masvingo.Gezi's car skidded off the Harare-Masvingo road near Mvuma and crashed into a tree, killing him instantly.Mahachi, who was also Defence minister, died on May 26 2001 when his vehicle collided with another car as he travelled from Mutare to Nyanga after attending a Zanu PF Manicaland provincial meeting in his capacity as commissar.The commissar, according to political analyst Ibbo Mandaza, is the "heart of the party and a cog upon which its success or failure hedges on"."When the party succeeds, the glory is shared among its membership and when it fails, the commissariat, which is the heart and blood of the party, should take the blame," Mandaza said."In short, it is the blood that should drive the party."Mandaza said Kasukuwere, just like his predecessors, has become the target of former party members that were mercilessly fired for challenging Mugabe and his wife.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

This week, legislator Joseph Chinotimba courted the ire of many Zimbabweans who condemned his abuse of smart phones after he shared a video clip of a bed-ridden and ailing Chinx.Many probably felt that taking the video was in bad taste given Chinx's condition."Whoever taught Chinotimba how to use the camera function on his smart phone has done the nation a disservice as he is reckless," said one user on social media.Facebook sensation, entrepreneur, Primrose Nomathemba Ndebele said: "That video of Chinx at hospital recorded by Chinotimba is disrespectful to all war veterans and reverses the very reasons they went to war! Humanity!! Chinotimba was selfish and self serving when he recorded that clip."His reasons and motives are questionable and he owes Zimbabweans an apology and human rights lawyers should sue him on behalf of Chinx and family. Chinx like everyone else has a right to privacy."This is the general feeling among many Zimbabweans after the Buhera legislator on Wednesday visited Chinx in hospital and recorded him on his hospital bed before sharing the video clip which has gone viral. In the video, Chinoz is heard poking fun at a frail looking Chinx asking him if they are playing his music in hospital and if he is able to sing.The Roger Confirm hit-maker who has lost weight is captured trying to respond to Chinoz but is visibly in pain as he could barely speak. Chinx is said to be suffering from blood cancer and is admitted to West End Hospital in Harare.Zimbabweans have castigated Chinoz saying he should be ashamed of himself.According to the Patients Charter of Zimbabwe, all patients have a right to privacy which bars anyone from taking pictures and videos of them while in hospital. It seems Chinotimba is not aware of this charter and therefore needs to be educated.Some however supported Chinoz saying he had taken the video to prove to people that Chinx who had been rumoured dead was alive."People are otherwise taking this too seriously. Remember, Chinx had been rumoured to be dead so Chinoz was simply showing people that his fellow was still alive. To him, there was no better way to convey that message than taking the video," said a Facebook user.However, Chinoz's actions point to something that is wrong within society which seems to have developed a knack of taking pictures and videos of people involved in accidents and other calamities. Thereafter, the pictures and videos are shared on social media and sadly, some are bound to stumble upon clips and pictures of their loved ones injured or dead.Last month, 15 people from two families travelling in a commuter omnibus to a funeral in Masvingo died when a haulage truck collided with their vehicle near the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo. People who rushed to the accident scene started taking photos and videos of the bodies that were strewn all over the place. In no time the photos were already doing the rounds on social media before the next of kin were informed.When the Nandos Building collapsed two months ago, the same thing happened.Nomathemba Ndebele advised people to stop being overzealous by taking gory images and videos."I deplore such acts and if you are one of the people who take pictures of people in hospital, stop it. It's inhuman."
Shane M. Burroughs has been recognized by South Carolina Super Lawyers for 2017, according to Lanier & Burroughs LLC of Orangeburg.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of attorneys from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Each year, Super Lawyers creates a listing of attorneys to be honored as Super Lawyers for professional achievements. Only 5 percent of lawyers in South Carolina are named as Super Lawyers.

Shane is well deserving of this recognition by Super Lawyers, firm co-founder Lewis Lanier said. He has thoughtfully and passionately represented the people of Orangeburg and all across South Carolina for nearly 15 years, resulting in millions of dollars in recoveries.

Burroughs typically handles cases involving tractor-trailer accidents, motor vehicle collisions, vehicle rollovers, product liability, automotive defects, traumatic brain injury, wrongful death, premises liability, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, pharmaceutical/drug liability, personal injury, workers compensation, insurance bad faith and class-action litigation. He has received the highest possible rating for both legal and ethical standards by Martindale Hubbell.

Burroughs is active is multiple professional organizations and has served on the board of governors and executive committee of the South Carolina Association of Justice. He and his wife Angela are active members of the Orangeburg community and are members of First Presbyterian Church. They have four children.
WASHINGTON  Sonny Perdue was sworn in as the 31st U.S. secretary of agriculture on Tuesday and on the same day received instructions from President Donald Trump to target and eliminate regulations that inhibit farmers.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Perdue by an 87-11 vote on Monday evening. After Perdue took the oath of office, he addressed employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture before getting to work on his first day.

The only legacy that I seek is the only one that any grandparent or parent seeks  to be good stewards, and to hand off our nation, our home, our fields, our forests, and our farms to the next generation in better shape than we found it, Perdue said. Making sure that Americans who make their livelihoods in the agriculture industry have the ability to thrive will be one of my top priorities. I am committed to serving the customers of USDA, and I will be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.

Perdues said his policies as U.S. secretary of agriculture will be guided by four principles:

 Maximizing the ability of the men and women of Americas agriculture and agribusiness sector to create jobs, to produce and sell the foods and fiber that feed and clothe the world, and to reap the earned reward of their labor.

 Prioritizing customer service for American taxpayers and consumers.

 Ensuring the food Americans eat meets strict safety standards.

 Remembering that Americas agricultural bounty comes directly from the land and Americans are to be stewards of the land.

As secretary, I will champion the concerns of farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers, and will work tirelessly to solve the issues facing our farm families, Perdue said. I am proud to have been given this opportunity and look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work as we continue to move the USDA and our nation forward.

Later Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order that will direct Perdue to identify and eliminate what the president says are unnecessary regulations that hurt farmers and rural communities.

The order also establishes a new task force charged with reviewing policies, legislation and regulations that unnecessarily hinder agricultural and economic growth.

Trump says he's working to make life easier for working Americans. He was kicking off a round-table discussion with farmers at the White House Tuesday.

Perdue came by his knowledge of agriculture the old-fashioned way: He was born into a farming family in Bonaire, Georgia. From childhood, and through his life in business and elected office, Perdue has experienced the industry from every possible perspective: former farmer, agribusinessman, veterinarian, state legislator and governor of Georgia.
Dean Hutto comes from a long line of farmers.

The 28-year-old returned to his familys farm in Providence full time about six years ago to carry on the tradition with his father, Barry, and his brother, Richard.

Despite the fifth-generation farmers background, Hutto wasnt prepared for October 2015. Thats when moisture from a low-pressure system and an Atlantic hurricane combined to create a natural disaster.

The storm left Hutto's fields under 18 inches of water.

He lost all of his cotton and about 80 percent of his peanuts in the flood. About 20 percent of his soybean crop stayed in the field because of the water.

"I have been affected by natural disasters and I know how depressing and trying those times can be," he said.

Memories of the disaster prompted Hutto and seven other members of the S.C. Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Association to leave their loved ones for six nights. They traveled 2,800 miles across seven states to help their colleagues, whose property was devastated by historic March wildfires.

The South Carolina farmers departed in April for Kansas and Oklahoma to help reconstruct fences for ranchers.

Hutto said it was "a little overwhelming" when he arrived in Gate, Oklahoma.

"The fire was 15 miles wide, moving at 70 miles per hour. At one point it was burning 900 acres an hour, he said.

The fires burned nearly 2 million acres of farmland across four states.

The blazes were one of a series of fires fanned by high winds. They contributed to the deaths of seven people and forced thousands to evacuate.

The fires resulted in hundreds of thousands of acres being burned. Cattle and swine died in the tens of thousands.

The wildfires have been identified by ranchers as their Hurricane Katrina.

The men were able to stay at the home of a rancher near the state line in Englewood, Kansas.

"The rancher we helped lost his shed, the majority of his equipment and almost his house," Hutto said. "The fire was so hot and so close to his house that it melted the satellite wires on the side of his house and some of the siding."

Hutto said they started early in the day, with two work crews moving methodically through their work.

"One drove posts with a tool someone let us borrow and the other strung the barbed wire," he said. "We were pretty efficient and got four miles of fence up.

They also drove more posts for the locals to continue working with later.

Hutto said the crew had a hydraulic post driver, which was more efficient than what the locals had access to.

"It was cold. It rained one day and the wind was relentless out there," he said.

As a row crop farmer, Hutto had to learn what the process was.

"It didn't take long. It wasn't very hard work, just a lot of walking, he said.

He said the hilly terrain was a challenge, requiring time-consuming efforts to ensure the fencing was anchored appropriately.

Despite the challenges, he was glad to help.

"They were very gracious about what we were doing," Hutto said. "It reminded me of how thankful I am for the linemen who come in and help us restore power after a disaster. All the locals thanked us numerous times."

Hutto said he also felt called to go as a fellow farmer.

"It's just a brotherhood, so to speak," he said. "Lots of people think their meal grows in a grocery store and that food is a part of life that just appears on a plate."

"I don't think what I do is any more important than the teachers who shape the minds of our youth or the doctors and nurses who heal our bodies or police officers who keep us safe," he continued. "But I do know that we as farmers and ranchers only make up 1 percent of the population and we feed 100 percent of the world."

Hutto kept people abreast of his journey via Facebook.

On April 21, Hutto posted photos of fields far and wide, noting "Beautiful country."

On the 23rd Hutto posted "heading home from Oklahoma."

"Lots of fence built and lots of friends made. We only put a small dent in the destruction from the fire," he wrote. "There are still miles upon miles of fence that was destroyed that will have to be rebuilt. Please remember these ranchers as they try to rebuild the little piece of heaven on earth they call home."

Hutto said his wife of eight months, Sara, never batted an eye about him going to help.

"She knew it was something I felt like I needed to do and she supported that, he said.

For Hutto personally, the trip was just the right thing to do.

"We do the same thing in this community," Hutto said. "Mr. Walter and Bryan Dantzler helped me finish harvesting my peanuts the day before the hurricane last year.

I had so many of my friends from the Upstate call after the flood to offer help but there was nothing they could do."

The trip was made possible through a donation from the Executive Committee of the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation as well as donations from several county Farm Bureaus.

The Orangeburg County Farm Bureau helped with fuel costs for hay shipments for farmers who lost hay stockpiled for feed, Hutto said.

About $14,000 was raised by the various county Farm Bureaus over a 30-day period to make the trip possible. Donations of supplies also were made by individuals and companies.
Orangeburg County school board members may be divided on whether school districts should be merged, but agree parents should have a say first.

In Orangeburg Consolidated District 3 in the east, board Chair Betty Shuler said I think its probable and inevitable and it may be the very best for our children.

Shuler said, however, that the legislators should have spoken with the parents or held town hall meetings to gauge the responses.

She said at least one meeting should be held in each district where the people can voice their concerns.

The state Senate has approved legislation that would consolidated the countys three school districts to create the Orangeburg County School District effective July 1, 2019. It was introduced Tuesday by Sens John Matthews, D-Bowman, and Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg.

The bill now goes before the House of Representatives, where it could face delay if Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, maintains his stated opposition.

Matthews and Hutto have pushed consolidation as the answer to funding problems in the county. They contend consolidation will ensure that every school in the area is treated equally.

The State Department of Education has completed an efficiency study that concludes the county districts would benefit from consolidation through ways such as purchasing materials in bulk.

In the 2013-14 legislative session, the senators unsuccessfully put forth a similar bill that was met with plenty of negative feedback from the school boards and parents.

The new legislation is being met with the same.

Consolidated District 4 board Chairman Aaron Rudd said, We do not want consolidation.

Rudd said he will have to read over the bill as theres a lot of things that I dont understand.

The board will meet Tuesday evening to discuss the proposed consolidation.

District 4 Superintendent Tim Newman said senators did not discuss the bill with the various board members in the county's western district, so there are unknowns.

All details surrounding any legislation affecting our children and communities should be completely transparent, including all cost and all tax implications, he said. We need all the facts and we need transparency to be able to make the best decisions for our kids.

Board member Peggy Tyler agreed.

If this is going to be for the betterment of the children, then Im for it. But show me the hard facts.

If other districts have done this, then show us where this has been better for the district, Tyler said.

She said when the county school districts were consolidated from eight to three in 1996, it was thought the change was going to save the district money.

Evidently it didnt save the district any money, Tyler said.

She wishes the senators had spoken with the citizens to understand their thoughts on consolidation.

Let the parents have some input in this, she said. See what the people want.

Newman echoed her statements, saying conversations should be held with parents in the districts as they will be the ones directly impacted.

It should not be mandated from the top down, Newman said. It should collaboratively include the views of the parents in every community that will be affected and work its way up to the policy makers.

He hopes there will be a conversation with the lawmakers to discuss the matter.

Newman said, Any legislation that proposes rearranging our schools should always be focused on what is best for all of our kids.

OCSD3 Superintendent Jesulon Gibbs-Brown said there has been limited community engagement.

That limits our ability to really say a whole lot at this time, Gibbs-Brown said.

I want whats best for kids, she said.

Board member Vernell Goodwin said she is still reviewing the bill but believes it could make the district more diverse.

As with anything, it could have some pros and cons," she said.

If its going to benefit the students in a positive way, thats what its about, Goodwin said.

She believes any decisions made should be about opening doors for them.

Not about personal feelings, she said.

The only Consolidated School District 5 trustee who could be reached was Henry Jenkins, who said it is too early to comment on the issue.

The consolidation legislation would:

 Not immediately close any schools.

 Maintain current attendance zones until the 2021-22 school year, unless the federal court order regarding attendance zones is rescinded or amended during this period."

 Require two public hearings before an elementary or middle school could be closed. The district would have to consider the cost of closing the school and transporting students.

 Require in the attendance area to approve via referendum before a high school could be closed.

 Divide the county into nine single-member voting districts for electing school board members.
The reaction to legislative action aimed at fixing South Carolina roads and bridges reflects optimism, but there are many miles to go.

This past Thursday, the Senate approved a measure increasing the states gasoline tax, a step the upper chamber until this year had refused to take in providing a recurring source of revenue for highway infrastructure repairs.

On the surface, the action indicates the House and Senate are close to an agreement. And both houses approved their roads plans with veto-proof majorities, votes that may be needed if Gov. Henry McMaster stands by his vow to veto an increase in the nations lowest gasoline tax (16 cents a gallon).

The rub is getting the two legislative chambers to agree on a common version  and by margins sufficient enough to override McMaster.

It wont be easy.

The House plan is expected to raise roughly $530 million in additional revenue annually. It increases the state's gas tax by 10 cents over five years, and includes a jump in the vehicle sales tax cap to $500 and higher vehicle registration fees.

The Senate plan is projected to eventually generate $800 million annually above current collections. It includes raising the state's gasoline tax by 12 cents over six years and doubling the vehicle sales tax cap to $600.

But the Senate plan is loaded with question marks  and provisions that are unlikely to find favor in the House.

Tax cuts and rebates inserted during floor debate could eventually reduce revenue by more than $650 million annually, according to reports by The Associated Press.

The Senate plan expands tax credits to low-wage earners and married couples filing jointly, increases tuition tax credits for college students, cuts businesses' property taxes and allows South Carolinians to get a rebate for extra taxes paid at the pump and vehicle maintenance.

In the context of a debate over roads, lets just say the Senate plan has potholes that will make for a bumpy ride to becoming law.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey of Edgefield went so far as to call the measure bad policy.

And House Majority Leader Gary Simrill of Rock Hill, who has been out front on the issue of fixing roads, is right about the problem of the Senate tacking on provisions to undercut the revenue projections.

When the bottom line is money to fix roads and the gas tax is the best tool for raising the revenue on an annual basis, this is not the time for legislative games.

The House and Senate will now put negotiators to work seeking a compromise acceptable to both chambers. The House is likely to stick by its straightforward and simpler plan. Yet even if representatives concede to some of the Senate provisions, there is no guarantee anything but the upper chambers version will be able to survive efforts in the Senate to kill the compromise in the waning hours of the session.

For now, well echo the optimism of Bill Ross, the president of the S.C. Alliance to Fix Our Roads, a statewide organization made up of business leaders, associations, and chambers of commerce devoted to repairing the states roads and bridges:

"Finally. It's been three years of debate, and we are now one step closer to safer, more efficient roads. We commend the House and Senate for making this issue a legislative priority and passing a plan with bipartisan support. The goal of fixing our roads is now within sight, and we encourage lawmakers to continue championing the legislation. When it arrives on his desk, we implore Gov. McMaster to do the right thing and sign the roads bill into law."
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Long-suffering Zimbabweans have laid into President Robert Mugabe's misfiring government, warning that the country's dying economy, worsening cash shortages and rising poverty levels are "a ticking time bomb" that now requires emergency measures.This comes as the country's usually restrained church leaders have also waded into the cash crisis saga, saying that this is indicative of "a complete failure" by the broke Zanu-PF government to deliver on any of its 2013 electoral promises.It also comes as there are growing fears that the Zimbabwe's dying economy is hurtling towards the debilitating lows of 2008, as bond notes - which were meant to mitigate the country's cash crunch - are themselves fast disappearing from the market.United States dollars long vanished from the formal market - with the coveted greenbacks now only easily available in the thriving black market.On its part, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) recently ruled out injecting more bond notes into the economy, arguing that Zimbabwe's worsening cash crisis would only improve when the country's production and export performances improved.This has seen overstretched banks resorting to giving desperate depositors bags of inconvenient bond coins when they withdraw their money.The leader of radical pressure group Tajamuka/Sesijikile, Promise Mkwananzi, was among those who warned authorities in an interview with the Daily News on Sunday yesterday that the country's worsening economic woes and cash shortages were "a ticking time bomb"."We said it last year that the useless bond notes were not the solution. The current cash shortages are also evidence that President Mugabe and his government have failed."The people are very angry about the state of the economy and the fact that they are not getting their money. They are also angry at politicians who are externalising money."The only solution available to Zimbabweans now is a change of government, as the president no longer has the ability to lead this nation."The banks must also make sure that people are served and that they get their money. Where indeed is the people's money?" Mkwananzi said.The RBZ introduced bond notes at the end of last year to help ease the country's severe cash shortages, but so far this has failed to satisfy the market's cash needs.The acute cash shortages have seen banks limiting the amount of money both individuals and companies can withdraw, sometimes to as low as $20.So bad has the situation become that desperate customers are also now having to make do with sacks of coins when they withdraw their money."We don't have an economy to talk about. When these guys came up with bond notes they said it was to ease the cash shortages, but now the situation is even worse."The United States dollar has completely disappeared and even bond notes are also now disappearing and people are being given kilogrammes and kilogrammes of coins."By the time we get to the end of the year I can only imagine that the situation will have reached dire levels."I hope the people are watching and that they will vote wisely next year," forthright Zimbabwe Divine Destiny pastor, Ancelimo Magaya, told the Daily News on Sunday.Outspoken National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (Navuz) chairperson, Sten Zvorwadza, said the government should, in addition to apologising for its misrule, also consult the people on what to do to solve the country's worsening economic crisis."The people are not happy. In fact they are very angry. They entered into contracts with banks to get their money on demand, but are failing to do so ... and there has not been a proper explanation on where their money went."We need the government to consult the people on all this so that it comes up with lasting solutions," Zvorwadza said."I don't know how we will get to December if this continues. I can tell you that most vendors are now finding it difficult to trade, as they have not been able to access their money in the past few weeks."None of them have been able to get more them $50 from the banks. The bond notes were the biggest mistake this government ever made ... and without confidence, the economy will continue to crumble," he added.Last week economists also warned that the country was headed for a major crisis and that the disappearing bond notes were indicative of an economy "in deep distress"."The fact that it is so difficult to get money out of banks also makes people reluctant to put their money into their banks."With 10 million Zimbabweans each carrying a few bond notes in their pockets, wallets or handbags, 10 million times that number can easily add up the total amount of bond notes in issue," veteran economist, John Robertson, told our sister paper, the Daily News.Piers Pigou, senior consultant at the International Crisis Group, said bond notes were now also circulating in the informal sector."There is no market for bond notes outside Zimbabwe, so I can only imagine the notes are moving into and circulating within the informal economy of Zimbabwe."This would not be unusual given the scale of the informal economy," Pigou said - referring to a sector that has been burgeoning, with nearly six million micro, small and medium enterprises absorbing the bulk of the country's retrenched workers and unemployed graduates."It never seemed likely that bond notes could ever provide anything other than temporary relief. But like US dollars, they will seep out of the formal economy ... just not as rapidly as the Benjamins," he added.Last week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also noted that bond notes had failed to solve the country's deepening fiscal crisis, further calling for comprehensive reforms."Zimbabwe is in a very, very difficult situation, as you know. There is a limited amount of foreign exchange inflows coming in and no monetary policy tool."So, it's very important to have a more comprehensive policy package which also addresses a lot of the fiscal challenges that the country faces," IMF director for the African Department, Abebe Aemro Selassie, said.Zimbabwe is deep in the throes of a debilitating economic crisis which has led to horrendous company closures and the consequent loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs.At the same time, economists have said that poverty levels in the country are skyrocketing, with average incomes now at their lowest levels in more than 60 years - with more than 76 percent of the country's families now having to make do with pitiful incomes that are well below the poverty datum line.This comes as Zimbabwe has now been officially ranked as the poorest country in Africa.According to the Africa 2016 Wealth Report, Zimbabwe has been ranked as the country with the poorest people on the continent, with average wealth of $200 per person.In the report, AfrAsia - a Mauritius-domiciled financial institution which once operated in Zimbabwe after acquiring the now-defunct Kingdom Financial Holdings Limited - noted that back in 2000, Zimbabwe was one of the wealthiest countries in sub-Saharan Africa on a wealth per capita basis.It listed Mauritius as the country with the wealthiest people, with an average wealth of $25 700 per person.
Found here

29th April 2017"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." ~ Isaiah 2:3Brothers and Sisters in Christ,As your Primates, we met in Lagos, Nigeria from 24th -28th April 2017 to pray and work for the continued renewal of the Anglican Communion. We give thanks for the extraordinary hospitality of the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, the Archbishop of Lagos, and the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).We began our time together each day with prayer and the study of Gods Word. Aware that we are approaching the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we gave thanks for the faithful witness of those leaders who challenged the Church to recover the authority of the Scriptures. They were men and women who were willing to take costly action, and sealed that testimony with their own blood.Gafcon is a global family made up of 9 provinces and 5 branches representing the majority of the worlds Anglicans. Jerusalem 2018 will be the 10th anniversary of the founding of our movement. We are looking forward to acting as an instrument of unity in gathering our people together so that they can share the same joy in the Gospel that we experience when we are together.Our theme will be Proclaiming Christ Faithfully to the Nations and we are anticipating having over 1,700 delegates join in worship, teaching and pilgrimage. In the next few months, each province or branch will be issuing invitations among their membership. Please pray for the planning team as they attend to the many details of this event.Our meeting has also been an opportunity to share with one another our burdens and the suffering of our people. In particular, we discussed the ongoing civil war in South Sudan, and the challenges faced by the church in that province. This conflict has displaced millions, many of whom have found a temporary home in northern Uganda. The Anglican church there is caring for these refugees as best it can, but the regions resources are currently overwhelmed. We commissioned the Primates of Uganda and Kenya to visit the South Sudan to explore ways we can work with other ecumenical partners to offer mediation that might bring about an end to this conflict.Many in our African provinces are confronted by the dual threats of insurgent Islamism and drought. The targeting of Christians and churches in northern Nigeria has been in the news, and the daily dangers there and elsewhere continue to be real. Combined with drought conditions, there is the potential for widespread famine in our Sub-Saharan provinces.In our Global North provinces the challenges are different. With the increasing influence of materialism, secularism, and the loss of moral foundations, our people in these provinces face dangers that are subtle, but spiritually dangerous.Please keep each of these concerns in your prayers, and consider what God might be calling you to do in response. Our provinces have borders, but our Church does not, and the sharing of material and spiritual resources has never been more needed.During our meeting, we considered how best to respond to the voice of faithful Anglicans in some parts of the Global North who are in need of biblically faithful episcopal leadership. Of immediate concern is the reality that on 8th June 2017 the Scottish Episcopal Church is likely to formalize their rejection of Jesus teaching on marriage. If this were to happen, faithful Anglicans in Scotland will need appropriate pastoral care. In addition, within England there are churches that have, for reasons of conscience, been planted outside of the Church of England by the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE). These churches are growing, and are in need of episcopal leadership. Therefore, we have decided to consecrate a missionary bishop who will be tasked with providing episcopal leadership for those who are outside the structures of any Anglican province, especially in Europe.We wish to reassure all faithful Anglicans in European provinces that they also have our prayers and our support. We are aware that some Christians within these provinces who are contending for the faith may at first perceive the news of a missionary bishop as a threat to their hopes for reform from within.We believe that the complexity of the current situation in Europe does not admit of a single solution. Faithful Christians may be called to different courses of action. We bless those whose context and conscience have led them to remain and contend for the faith within the current structures. If you are successful, you will not need a missionary bishop; if you are not successful, an alternative is at hand. The only true failure would be to waste time through inaction.We also pray for those who are not yet clear about what faithfulness requires. May God give you the wisdom and courage of the Reformers to stand firm wherever the Lord calls you to stand.The launch of the Bishops Training Institute has been successful, drawing bishops from around the world for training and teaching in the unique role of leading a diocese. The Institute is based in Kenya, and led by the Rt Rev. Samson Mwaluda, assisted by the Rev. Paul Sampson. The next course will take place in May this year, and BTI 3 in November.We received updates from our established branches in Australia, New Zealand, Southern Africa, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. We also received encouraging reports about new Gafcon branches emerging in other parts of the Anglican world. We give thanks for the continued growth of this movement, and the opportunity we have to share in fellowship with those who are preaching the Gospel around the world both in season and out of season.We give thanks for the fellowship that we had last October with the Anglican Global South at the 6th Global South Anglican Conference in Cairo, Egypt. We affirm our desire to continue to work in close partnership, walking together in the truth of the Gospel.We are grateful for the leadership of our Chairman, the Most Rev. Dr Nicholas Okoh. As we look towards Jerusalem 2018, we ask for your continued prayers and support. Specifically, we ask that you would pray for the continued renewal of the Anglican Communion, and the spread of this reform movement. In all these things may Christ be glorified and his name proclaimed faithfully to the nations.
Wyoming wind could power all of California at peak demand five times over, but allowing companies to develop wind fleets in the Cowboy State is a contentious topic.

Exchanging a scene of sagebrush on a pale horizon for a viewscape of turbine blades is considered a bad deal by many in the state. But Wyoming is also plodding through an economic valley, and the states key revenue drivers  coal, gas and oil  are each depressed. Talk of diversification enters every discussion on Wyoming economics. That dialogue frequently turns to wind energy, but more often than not those conversations leave a wake of uncertainty and frustration behind them.

Are the gales that blow through the state at 50 miles an hour an economic benefit in this time of trouble? Or is the development of wind a liability that blights the landscape and challenges an already troubled coal sector?

Those are some of the questions the University of Wyomings Jonathan Naughton wanted to address in a lecture series at University of Wyoming in Casper on Thursday. To a handful of students, the director of UWs Wind Energy Research Center stressed that there are pros and cons to wind but that it represents an opportunity.

Wind development doesnt please everyone in Wyoming, the professor said. There is something particularly irksome to the human ear when wind blades whoosh through the air. Others dislike the look of 100-meter turbines on the hills, and many argue that wind doesnt offer the same payoff for development that a coal mine or drilling site does.

If Wyoming is going to continue developing its wind resources, it must be done with sensitivity to the downsides of wind farms, he said.

We have a history of doing that, of balancing, and we dont want to change that for wind, he said.

But though there are fair disagreements about the benefits and disadvantages of wind farms, there are a number of myths about development that Naughton criticized.

The assumption that wind is a direct threat to coal or that slowing wind development in Wyoming would alleviate coals troubles is inaccurate, he said.

Wyoming exports the vast majority of its coal, as well as the electricity produced from its coal. Demand in other parts of the country, from Texas to Illinois, determines coals value, not Wyoming policies, Naughton said.

We could shut down wind development tomorrow in Wyoming, he said. The Legislature just has to pass a couple of disincentives. But thats not going to stop wind development. They are going to develop it in Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa. The only result of us shutting it down is we are not going to benefit.

Wyoming is currently ranked 15th for wind capacity in the country, with almost 1,500 megawatts installed, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Texas has moved to the top of the list with more than 20,000 megawatts due to an all-of-the-above energy approach, while states like Iowa and Oklahoma have been on the wind development road for many years. Wyoming is ranked first for potential wind development. In short, the state has the best winds, Naughton said.

But though wind energy is growing nationwide, it hasnt been a major contributor to the decline in coal, he said. Natural gas has eaten up coals share of flatlined electricity demand in the U.S. in recent years, not the influx of renewables.

Wind production has grown exponentially as the cost of developing onshore wind farms has fallen, but it still provides as little as 6 percent of power. Natural gas recently became the number one fuel source for electricity, at a little over 30 percent, narrowly beating out coal.

Wind power accounted for one-third of new energy added to the grid in the last seven years. But it will take decades to develop into a key contributor to the electricity mix, he said.

The University of Wyomings wind studies are taking off in the meantime, thanks to a number of grants from both industry and the Department of Energy. Despite political disagreements, students are looking at the economics of wind in Wyoming and the technology that is driving wind growth.

At the heart of the wind centers research is building better wind fleets, understanding how wind moves and interacts with turbine blades and studying how the electricity grid will have to adapt to this new, intermittent source of power flowing onto the grid.

Wyoming will likely never take advantage of the full power of its wind, nor become one of the top contributors to the wind market, Naughton said. But it can be on the front lines, benefiting from a resource that is better in Wyoming than anywhere else in the country.
CLIMB hosts free CNA meeting

CLIMB Wyoming hosts an informational meeting for its free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training for single mothers from 5:30 to 7 p.m, on Tuesday at the Casper CLIMB office, 632 S. David St.

If you enjoy caring for others, the right fit for you might be in a high-demand occupation making $12 an hour. You must be available for shift work. You will receive support with CNA testing and licensing after the training is successfully completed. For more information, email casper@climbwyoming.org or call 237-2855.

Real Food starts

May 16

Its time to stop eating so many processed and packaged foods and start eating more whole foods! Join this five-week program and learn how to plan meals, shop, and cook using whole, natural ingredients. Also learn how to read labels and decipher ingredient lists. Real Food will meet Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 starting May 16 and finishing June 13. Classes will be held at the UW Extension office at 2011 Fairgrounds Road. Half of the class time will include hands-on healthy cooking in our foods lab. The cost is $30, which covers all materials, including food. For more information and to register, contact Karla Case, RD, at 235-9400 or kcase@natronacounty-wy.gov. Register soon as classes fill up quickly.

Buddhists meet

David Vaughn is a Buddhist living in Casper who finds himself feeling more and more isolated and wishing that he had someone to share his Buddhist interests with. But there are no Buddhist temples here; no place for people who wish to share stories of Dharma or Karma, no place to learn and exchange meditational techniques, no place to meet people of like minds for friendship, conversation, companionship, or even romantic interest.

So Vaughn has decided to take matters into his own hands and do something about it. He proposes to establish a Casper Buddhist Fellowship, and set up a common meeting place where the Buddhists of Casper can congregate at regular intervals to practice our Buddhist customs; where Buddhists can go to and feel safe, mingle with other Buddhists, and experience all of those most wonderful things that the Buddhist religion has to offer.

Vaughn invites all who are interested to contact him at davidvaughn991@yahoo.com so that a dialogue might begin.

Saturday watercolor sessions

The schedule for the Saturday Morning Watercolor Sessions from 10 a.m. to noon for April at Art 321 is below. These are coordinated by Ellen Black, 265-6783. $10 per session.

May 6, practice session; May 13, Matting and Framing Your Paintings; May 20, practice session; May 27, Techniques for Aerial Perspective.

June 3, practice session; June 10, Oriental Painting, Claudette Mowery; June 17, practice session; June 24, Big Brush Landscape.

DAV mobile van in Casper

The DAV Mobile Service Office Van will make a visit to Casper on May 4, parked at the Casper National Guard Armory, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One of the various services DAV provides at no cost to veterans is the Mobile Service Office (MSO) Program. These offices-on-wheels travel to under-served communities across the country to help veterans and their families obtain the services and benefits they have earned. Staffed by highly trained DAV National Service Officers, the MSOs provide professional support throughout the claims and appeals process. When you come to one of the MSO locations, please bring your identification, Social Security number, and any other pertinent documentation regarding your military service. DAV membership is not required to utilize these free services. For more information about MSO stops in the area, please call Leroy Kenner, NSO Supervisor at (307) 433-2752.

DAV info seminar

So many veterans feel confused about benefits and services theyve earned. Theres so much to know, and so many changes from one year to the next. Thats why local members of the nonprofit DAV (Disabled American Veterans) will present a veterans Information seminar from 6 to 9 p.m. May 3 at the Casper National Guard Armory, 5905 CY Ave. Like all DAV services, the seminar is free to all veterans and members of their families. In conjunction with the seminar, from 8 to 9 p.m., the NSOs will be providing claims assistance. For further information, please contact NSO Leroy Kenner Jr. at 307-433-2752.

McIntyre photo workshop May 5-6

If you love the photography of Suzette McIntyre now on display at Art 321 Gallery, you will be eager to sign up for her workshop coming in May. Convergent Photography is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, instructed by McIntyre. Participants need to bring a digital camera. Fee is $130 for members/ $170 non-members.

Job fair May 3

The Department of Workforce Services is holding a Youth Job & Career Fair with the intent of informing youth and young adults in Casper of job openings, career opportunities, and college or training options that are available to them in the Casper community.

Youth and young adults between ages 16 and 24 who want to jump-start their careers are encouraged to attend. Individuals should dress to impress and take copies of their resumes to the Agriculture Resources & Learning Center from 9 a.m. to noon on May 3.

The event aims to connect youth with a range of employment opportunities and help them explore the diversity of education and career options available to them in the future.

For more information, call 234-4591.

Smartphone buying guide

The Natrona County Library will offer a Smartphone Buying Guide class at 2 p.m., on Friday. A local cell phone company representative will talk about the latest smartphones and their various operating systems and features as well as help attendees pick the best smartphone for their needs.

Babysitting class at rec center

The next Babysitting 101 class for ages 11 to 14 will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6 at the Casper Recreation Center. Babysitting 101 is a fun, interactive class that trains the emergent babysitter in important topics such as: getting a business started, understanding the likes and dislikes of children and getting equipped with ideas for playing with kids of all ages. Students will learn solutions to the most common problems babysitters face and how to perform basic first aid. They also make and fill their own babysitting bag to use on the job and receive first aid information and a resource guide.

The cost of the class is $20 for those without a rec center pass and $18 for those with an annual rec center pass. Registration can be completed at www.activecasper.com, by calling 235-8383 with a credit card, or by stopping at the Rec Center at 1801 E. Fourth St.

Felt scarf workshop at Nic

A felt scarf workshop will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m. May 13 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum, instructed by Tatiana Lushnikova. Fees are $40 for members, 30 for students with valid student ID, and $55 for non-members. Please pre-register and pay by May 8. Bring a friend and save $10 on your class fee. This class is recommended for high school students and older.

In this class, students will learn the process of wet felting and produce their own piece of handmade fiber art.

For more information, contact Zhanna at zgallegos@thenic.org or call 235-5247.

Mindfulness workshop at UU

Everyone is invited to a free two-hour workshop facilitated by mindfulness instructor Tim Clark at 4 p.m. May 14 at the Unitarian Universalist Community of Casper, 1040 West 15th St.

Attendees will explore the what, why, and how of living in the present moment, how to develop mindfulness, how to use it to stay present, and where those efforts lead. The class will be mostly discussion with some meditation.

Clark has more than 25 years of experience with many different meditation traditions.

For more information, contact Laura at 259-4469 or info@uucasper.org.

Job fair in Douglas May 17

The Douglas Workforce Center is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, May 17, at the Eastern Wyoming College campus in Douglas. The event is open to veterans only from 10 to 10:30 a.m., and then welcomes the general public from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and dress for an interview. For more information call the Douglas Workforce Center at 307-358-2147.

Corporate team building with (theater) murder

Casper Theater Company will be teaching teambuilding workshops.

After determining areas of emphasis designed to a specific business, the workshop will be steered in that direction.

For more information, visit www.caspertheatercompany.net, or Casper Theater Company on Facebook or call Casie at 247-6167, or Donna at 267-7243 to set up a time.

Teen Challenge spring groups

Smart Step Families: Putting two families together is never easy. The Smart Step Families, led by a Christian couple, will give answers and encouragement. Thursday evenings starting in March. Call Pastor Mark or Linda at 259-1081.

Insight: Discovering the path to Christian character, especially in the midst of stress. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397. There are nine sessions to the class.

Professionals in Recovery: An ongoing Christian recovery group. For more information, call Gary at 267-7777.

Free to Grow: Helping people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. Starts in February and meets on Thursdays. For more information, call Jane at 797-7271 or Judy at 251-5644. There are 12 sessions to the class.

Peacemaking: In this world of division and conflict, its important for Christians to stay grounded in what the Bible teaches about resolving differences with others in a God- honoring way. Sunday at 4 p.m. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397. There are 12 sessions to the class.

Stepping into Freedom: A Christ-centered 12-step program that offers support for anyone struggling with a life controlling problem like drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction, gambling or workaholism. There are 12 sessions to the class.

New ministry at HPCC

Family Life Ministry at Highland Park Community Church is offering premarital, marriage enrichment, and parenting workshops, seminars, retreats and conferences, empowering families to thrive through Gods love. Please visit the website for more information or to register, http://hpcc.church/FLM.

Dementia caregiver support

Wyoming Dementia Care offers five Alzheimers Caregiver Support groups each month. Caregivers of those with dementia-related illnesses and the loved ones they care for are welcome at any of the group sessions. Professional staff from Intermountain Home Companions will be on hand to offer separate activities and snacks for those who need care. There is no charge for Wyoming Dementia Cares support groups or for the respite care provided during the approximately one-hour sessions.

The morning support group sessions meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at Central Wyoming Senior Services, 1831 E. Fourth St. The afternoon support groups meet at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Life Care Center of Casper, 4041 S. Poplar. The evening groups meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Meadow Wind Assisted Living, 3955 E. 12th St.

For information, email wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or call Dani Guerttman at 265-4678.

Family continues suicide support

Good Grief, Support will continue at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott, by request of attendees. Anyone who is grieving a suicide or death or considering suicide is encouraged to attend. Attendance, as well as the content, will be strictly confidential. The Fresh Start Cafe will be open, and you can eat during the meetings. This meeting place was offered by Dan Cantine of the 12-24 Club. You need not be a member to attend. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

New depression group begins

J.R.s Hunt for Life is offering See it Clearly, a free peer support group for people suffering from depression and other mental conditions that lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:45 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 500 South Wolcott in the conference room on the second floor, (12-24 Club). Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Parkinsons exercise

Rocky Mountain Therapy is offering a Parkinsons exercise program. Join us from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 E. Second St., Building 500. These classes are open to anyone with Parkinsons or caring for someone with Parkinsons.

Thursdays class is tailored for the individual with more advanced Parkinsons and focuses on improving endurance, safety and managing symptoms. We are open to all ages and can tailor the class to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. To RSVP, call 577-5204 and ask for Jerri or Shannon.

Celebrate Recovery every Friday

Celebrate Recovery meets at 5:30 p.m. every Friday at Highland Park Community Church, just south of Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital on East Second Street. A family meal starts the evening, followed by praise and worship. At 7 p.m., theres either a lesson from Celebrate Recoverys planned curriculum or a testimony by a person who has found recovery through Christ. Then, people go to gender-specific small groups until 8:30 p.m., when dessert and fellowship conclude the evening. Child care is available at no cost. For more information, contact Chris at 265-4073.

Here and Now: Dementia-focused monthly art class

Classes are every third Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no charge. Here and Now is a program made possible through a collaboration between Wyoming Dementia Care and the Nicolaysen Art Museum. It is designed to provide a supportive environment for people with dementia and Alzheimers and their loved ones.

To register, contact Dani with Wyoming Dementia Care 265-4678, ext. 106, or at wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or Zhanna Gallegos at 235-5247 or at zgallegos@thenic.org.
Connie Thompson was raised in Casper and has lived here more than 50 years.

Im a concerned citizen, and I was disappointed that we were losing so many buildings, she said.

She applied to be on the historic preservation commission for the city of Casper, waited a year and has now served on it for a decade or more.

Thompson is now the chairwoman.

Its just been awesome, she said. I have a passion for trying to preserve our buildings, our artwork, anything that has to do with Casper history.

What is the commission up to? We have quite a few projects in the works, and we are just trying to persevere and see how many we can get done.

What are some of the most interesting projects now? We are going to try to get Noland Feed on a register. At some point, we would like to make a historic local dedication for the Sandbar. We would like to expand next to the Wolcott District. There is a residential district on the east side of that that would include Grant Street Grocery. It was the first residential area in Casper. You can tell where it is because its the streets that are all at an angle.

May is Historic Preservation Month. What are your plans? There is a ribbon cutting this Thursday, May 4, at David and Second. Well block off the streets for about an hour, then tour the Turner-Cottman Building, where Goedickes is (120 W. 2nd). Around 6:30 p.m., or so, Dennis Lower is going to come out and make a talk about the tower at Wells Fargo and explain how they built that in the late 1960s. We want to bring notice to it. Ive been working with Wells Fargo not to take it down. It is one of our city icons, and it is grandfathered. If it comes down, another one cannot be built. A decision has not been made, so the talks are going well because we are still stalling. I will say that bungee jumping is not going to happen  its not an option.

And other activities? A lot of merchants do not know that we are now a National Historic District downtown. We are putting a display at Lou Tauberts that will show all kinds of old buildings and how weve developed. There is a passport to the past, 11 downtown merchants donating prizes, get your passport stamped, dropped off at Stateline Architects No. 7 and well have a drawing for prizes. There will be a photo contest for the month. We are just trying to make everybody aware that on Oct. 16, 2016, we became a National Historic District. It took two and a half years to resurvey it and get it all taken care of. Preservation Solutions of Boise, Idaho, helped us. We resurveyed close to 120 buildings and encompassed everything we could. The district is bordered by David, Midwest, Durbin and A streets. We will have maps out, also, so everybody can get an idea whats going on. The downtown merchants have developed a webpage. They will show some historic pictures and whats happening that month. Anybody should be able to access the webpage, even on their phone.
When President Trump released his budget, I wrote an article noting that he was asking Congress to eliminate funding for Community Development Block Grants, which provided a little under $300,000 for Casper projects last year.

Interim City Manager Liz Becher told City Council last week that the feds had told Casper to move forward with CDBG requests for the coming year until further notice.

But councilman Bob Hopkins wanted to know if Council could do anything to help.

You want us to write love letters to the administration so we get more money? he asked.

Send tweets, someone suggested.

I think thats more effective, said Vice Mayor Ray Pacheco.

(Council doesnt face the audience during work sessions and I missed who first brought up tweeting.)

***

Bump, bump.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization  a group of local municipalities in Natrona County  has been measuring traffic volume on around 100 city streets, something they do for about one-third of the street grid each year.

Thats done by placing some kind of small rubber tube across the road and electronically counting how many cars drive over it.

It makes a little sound when your tires hit the rubber.

Fun fact: Bill Gates of Microsoft fame first started a company called Traf-O-Data, which took the raw numbers from traffic counters and turned them into useful reports for traffic engineers.

Public Services Director Andrew Beamer said the count is useful for lots of reasons.

It could be used to justify some additional expenditures and take a closer look if additional traffic control are needed, he said. Its good for trends.

The count should be over by the time you read this.

***

Despite a no-confidence vote from the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, Caspers police chief seems looks to be remaining in the good graces of the city managers office.

Becher has said she doesnt expect to ask Jim Wetzel to resign and I saw him laughing with city staff before the work session last week.

While Mayor Kenyne Humphrey has strongly suggested  though not actually stated  that Wetzel should resign, Pacheco offered the chief a friendly tap on the knee as he passed by.

***

Wyoming Eclipse Festival Director Anna Wilcox told me that in order to let local business owners know about the eclipse and the upcoming rush of visitors, she and her staff handed out leaflets to every business in Casper. Thats a lot of shoe leather to burn through, though as someone who spends most of the day on the phone, I can confirm that showing up in person is the most surefire way to find people.

And, Wilcox said, it was worth it.

One of the biggest overall concerns would be  whether its members of the community or business community specifically  somehow missing the memo and being caught off guard, she said.

Speaking of: August 18 to 21. Casper. 35,000 tourists. A brief moment that Monday when the moon eclipses the sun and plunges the city into darkness. Got the memo?

***

Mostly because I wanted the appearance of this column to remain uninterrupted, I filed two Casper Notebooks while I was on vacation. Then  apologies, reader  I missed last week, when I was actually back in the office.

Isnt life grand?

I was busy working on the story about what is behind the current turmoil at City Hall, which involved me asking a lot of people about recently retired City Manager V.H. McDonalds predecessor John Patterson. Patterson was a controversial figure whom most officials I spoke with did not want to talk about on the record.

My favorite response when I brought up Patterson?

There is no way, one official, who will rename nameless, told me. Please God, no. No. No. No comment.